Watching the Box

Emma, eh, inspired me for this blog (Okay I stole the idea). These are the programs I've watched either on DVD or Television this year and what I've thought...

• Newest Edition: Firefly. Oh wow. My work mate made me watch this and unlike, say most things he likes watching, I loved it! Not only could I now follow a conversation with him, I found a great character based western sci-fi. Heaps of fun. Made me laugh and was very entertaining. It's on the "DVD's To Buy" List.




• Bye, bye Sara. Bye, bye Prison Break. Seriously, what were the writer's thinking? Hey, I confess, like a lot of girls watching the show, I was checking out the serious eye candy on a regular basis *blush* but you can't kill of the flamin' female lead, especially when she's practically the only one in the show!? I hadn't actually watched much of Season 3 (Loved Season 2, thought it ended on a bit of a downer ending with them back in prison- *rolls eyes*) but when that happened, the show jumped the shark and that was curtains for me.




• Channel Ten this year has been surprisingly kind, letting the viewers watch Season 4 of House at the same time as the US so there was literally only a few weeks in between the two seasons here in Australia. It was awesome. Plus Season 3 came out on DVD so I could relive my favourite section of the show: the Wilson/House/Cuddy love-triangle ("Seriously?") at the end of the season. As long as there's witty banter between these three on the show, I don't care about the Ducklings/ Cottages/ Whatever you call House's lackies. Though if I could just have one more request writers... Bring Back Chase! Hell, I could talk about this show all day so I'll stop right here.




• I bought the Coupling (UK version) Seasons 1-3. I remember watching some episodes with my brother on telly and recently found it again on YouTube. Love "Remember This" and the whole story of Patrick and Sally. And hey, who doesn't like Jeff and his nudity buffer.




• I also watched Desperate Housewives and can't really remember too much about it since it was on at the start of the year. I think it's been affected by the Writers Strike too. It was okay this season. I do remember the whole Bree/ Orson storyline (Possibly my fav pairing in the series too) got pretty OTT. I used to like Susan (love her daughter) but now she's too much of a stereotype ditz. Let's see if it avoids the shark next season.




• Everyone has their vices for trying to numb pain. This year, I re-watched Stargate SG-1 (Seasons 1-8.) and remembered what a great show it used to be before Vala came on the show. And Jack got promoted. And Janet died. And General Hammond got promoted. And the new characters came on board. And the show focused way too much on Sam's love life. And they stopped using the flamin' Stargate. And they all died back in Eygpt 5000 years ago. Season 7 finale (The Lost City two-parter) is possibly the best and last good episode on the show. Oh yeah, and did I say that Vala coming on the show was a bad thing? I can't mention that enough.




• And of course, who could forget.... The Simpsons! This year we got the movie and another DVD set. A good year! I didn't watch enough of the new episodes on television to comment on the latest season but it still makes me laugh and smile. Oh gosh, and who could forget Spider Pig. :D

That's my television addiction for the year.

10 Sexiest Stars....oh my!

WARNING... excessive drooling may occur.


i)Joaquin Phoenix

ii)Sean Patrick Thomas

iii)Christian Bale
iv)Derek Luke
v)Jesse Spencer

i)Monica Bellucci
ii)Charlize Theron
iii)Marilyn Monroe
iv) Grace Kelly
v)Beyonce Knowles

Number 102....

And to finish our run...

102. Girl Interrupted (1999)
Music Therapy
I just love the look on Polly's face.

To End on a Funny Note (102 Film Moments con.)

Nearly completed folks.

91. The Castle (1997)
The Kerrigan Family
Couldn't find the slip where Dale and Wayne (?) are talking in jail "We could just talk for hours" but this shows you a bit of what this funny film is like. I love "Dale dug another hole".



92. A Bug's Life (1998)
I'm a Beautiful Butterfly
So cute!



93. Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit (2005)
Hutch as Wallace
"Goodnight Gromit". I was in tears!



94. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The Bridge of Death and the guy from Scene 24
It was hard just to pick one moment. Funnily enough my pastor referred to this scene in his sermon last Sunday. (And yes, that's all I can remember from it :D)



95. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This One Goes to Eleven
Need I say more?



96. Shrek (2001)
Do You Know The Muffin Man?
My favourite bit of the film



97. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Counting
Love it. I just love it.



98. Ice Age (2002)
Scat
Acorn Love.



99. Men In Black (1997)
Edgar
Okay, again I prefer the scene where Agent J is being tested with the other potentials at MIB but this is still pretty funny.




100. Mars Attack! (1996)
We come in Peace!
Or not...




101. Death At A Funeral (2007)
Alan Tudyk as Simon Smith
Go Wash! I mean uh....

Something's Not Quite Right (102 Film Moments con.)

82. Fight Club (1999)
Support Groups
I know, most people remember the fights and the soap and the explosion but I just love the wacky idea of going to support groups for diseases you don't have to get hugs so you can sleep. Plus I love the observation:
"This chick Marla singer did not have testicular cancer. She was a liar."



83. Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Singing?
Apparently there was some scary shit in this film. Can't remember much except the opera singer. Even though they tell us what's going to happen it still blows me away...



84. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
The Unbirthday Party
What's not awesome about it?



85. Arizona Dreams (1993)
Boing!
I wish I could show you. It's the weirdest clip. This girl can't stand the fact that the boy of her dreams is doing her mother so she grabs some pantyhose and tries to hang herself with it. The stocking stretches and she ends up bouncing onto the ground several times.

86. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Puttin' on the Ritz
Yay! Fun times



87. The Cable Guy (1996)
Friends?
This movie is so painful to watch and the last part just seals the deal as he looks up at the guy who's rescuing him and asks him to be his friend-- Augh!!


88. Se7en (1995)
John Doe Entrance
While the ending has you on the edge of your seat, this point is where it starts. The killer "gives himself up" yet he continues to screw with their minds.


89. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Tunnel ride
What does this have to do with chocolate? Or a kids movie? Scary as hell.



90. Signs (2002)
Kid's Birthday Party
Hey, regardless of what you thought of the movie, tell me the alien didn't make you jump. Night does scary so well. Sorry about the commentary...




Next: Funny Stuff... part 2?

Personal Reflections (102 Film Moments con.)

*Spoilers!*

(and uni is finished, thank God)

74. Garden State (2004)
As they party on...
This is exactly how I feel at social events sometimes. Just watching everyone move around you feeling somewhat disconnected. Captured perfectly.



75. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Scratching the Walls
I'd love to do this when I'm mad...




76. Gulliver's Travels (1996)
Last days
(last section of clip- his summary in courtroom)
His views on humanity, while I don't always agree with him, have influenced my opinion of society.



77. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
The News
This sums up my opinion about the news: what's the point about knowing about something if you're going to do nothing about it?



78. The Constant Gardener (2005)
Saving the World
I believe that while you can't save everyone, you can at least make a difference for a few. I just want to be a positive influence in the lives of others.


79. United 93 (2006)
The Twin Towers
Every time I see this footage, it moves me. Such a slap in the face.



80. Super Size Me (2004)
Want fries with that?
It was a long time before I ate Macca's fries again. Even now I hardly ever eat chips from fast food places....



81.The Shadow (1994)
Dreams
Good. I'm not the only one who has dark, scary dreams.

I couldn't find the script so here's a summary of the scene:

The two leads are discussing their dreams. Margo talks about lying on a hot beach naked while The Shadow talks about his face rotting and falling off or something. She tells him, he's rather disturbed.
Here's the trailer just for a better sense.



Next: Unique. Just a little different... something's not quite right...

Still Trapped in No Blogging Film Land

Sorry. Still under uni's thumb...... :( Just a couple more weeks....

My life as of now

Sorry about the lack of posting but I have been immersed in... life; a life with little film. Yes, it is hard but bear with me. Film will come into my life again very soon as soon as I get all this study under wraps and have time to stop and breathe.

But in the meantime for your amusement....

America's Got Talent (damn they sure do)






Who cares if this isn't real? It looks awesome.

Top 25 People on the Silver Screen

Or: On the 'Love List'

(I have lists of people in the acting industry which include: Love List; Like List; Meh List; Ick List; No Way in Hell List and the What Picture Have I Seen Them In Before? List.)

1. Toni Collette (1972- )
   

Watch: The Sixth Sense, About A Boy and Little Miss Sunshine
Why?: She's an awesome Australian actress who has a real talent for bringing the reality out of her characters.

2. Reese Witherspoon (1976- )

Watch: Walk the Line, Legally Blonde and Election
Why?: She's a recent addition to this list since Walk the Line. A serious actress for strong female roles.

3. Joaquin Phoenix (1974- )

Watch: Walk the Line, Hotel Rwanda and Signs
Why?: Incredibly passionate. I don't think I've seen him in a film where he isn't shaking from emotion.

4. Geoffrey Rush (1951- )

Watch: Shine, Les Miserables and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Why?: Have you seen Shine? Go and see it. Now!

5. Joan Cusack (1962- )

Watch: Addam's Family Values and Corrina, Corrina
Why?: Can't place it but whenever I see her in a movie I get this big smile on my face.

6. Emily Watson (1967- )

Watch: Equilibrium, Punch-Drunk Love and Angela's Ashes
Why?: She's just really really good.

7. Kate Winslet (1975- )

Watch: Finding Neverland, Quills and Sense and Sensibility
Why?: Her intelligence and inner strength plays out in all her characters. Plus she's an amazing role model for young women.

8. Anthony Hopkins (1937- )

Watch: The Silence of the Lambs and Remains of the Day
Why?: The amount of effort and dedication he puts into all his roles is amazing. Plus I love the way he talks.


9. Robin Williams (1951- )

Watch: Dead Poet's Society, Happy Feet and Aladdin
Why?: I grew up with this guy (on the screen!) so there's a bit of nostalgia. Must have seen Mrs Doubtfire a million times as a kid (younger kid!)


10. Sandra Bullock (1964- )

Watch: Crash, Speed and While You Where Sleeping
Why?: As with Mr Williams she was a familiar face on the screen. I love her in the fun loving films.


11. Emma Thompson (1959- )

Watch: Much Ado About Nothing, Sense and Sensibility, Re
Why?: She is the queen of dialogue. And does wit so well.


12. Viggo Mortensen (1958- )

Watch: Witness and Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Why?: Says so much while saying so little. Okay, I really can't explain it but he's just damn cool.



13. Morgan Freeman (1937- )

Watch: The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en and Unforgiven
Why?: He's the cool, calm guy in every film. More of a character actor, he plays the role so well. His voice makes for the perfect narration too.



14. Sam Neill (1947- )

Watch: Merlin (TV), The Piano and The Jungle Book
Why?: He just brings such a unique, comfortable performance to the screen.



15. Jodie Foster (1962- )

Watch: The Silence of the Lambs and Nell
Why?: She has an amazing screen presence.


16. James Stewart (1908- 1997)

Watch: It's a Wonderful Life, Rear Window and Vertigo
Why?: What's not to love?


17. Grace Kelly (1929- 1982)

Watch: Dial M for Murder and Rear Window
Why?: Just brings so much style and elegance to her roles. A true star.




18. Marilyn Monroe (1926- 1962)

Watch: Some Like It Hot
Why?: Yes, I must watch more of Miss Monroe's films. She plays the 'sweetie' so well (and apparently in a lot of takes too!)



19. Jet Li (1963- )

Watch: Hero and The Once Upon A Time In China Trilogy
Why?: Just awesome to watch. I think he's probably the main reason I like watching martial arts.


20. Christian Bale (1974- )

Watch: Equilibrium, The Prestige and Little Women
Why?: He's such a versatile actor. It's fantastic how he fits into the different roles.


21. Sean Penn (1960- )

Watch: 21 Grams, I Am Sam and Dead Man Walking
Why?: Likes to tackle the difficult roles and subjects. Gives great performances.



22. Alan Rickman (1946- )

Watch: Galaxy Quest, Love Actually and Sense and Sensibility
Why?: I just love his manner in all his films!


23. Natalie Portman (1981- )

Watch: Mars Attack!, Where the Heart Is and Garden State
Why?: Possibly one of the best young actresses around.



24. Denzel Washington (1956- )

Watch: Much Ado About Nothing, Man on Fire and Remember the Titans
Why?: A great character actor! And great with the one liners too!



25. Gene Wilder (1933- )

Watch: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein
Why?: Nobody does insanity like Mr Gene Wilder. It's all in the eyes folks!





This was hard! I love a lot of actors/actresses! And it seems I like Sense and Sensibility a lot too.

Classics (102 Film Moments Con.)

60. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
I Hope
One of the best endings to the best movie.



61. The Godfather (1972)
Opening Scene
"You come to me on my daughters wedding day.." Who hasn't imitated that line?


62. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Twist
The best ending! The revelation is great!


63. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Close Up
Brilliant style and acting in this famous last scene.



64. Psycho (1960)
I wouldn't hurt a fly
Yet another fantastic creepy as hell ending.


65. Modern Times (1936)
The tramp sings!
Fun for the whole family. Nice lil' ditty.


66. The Graduate (1967)
Are you trying to seduce me?
Apparently so. Do you want to be seduced?



67. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Walking home from the dance
Unfortunately I could only find this little excerpt but the whole scene is fantastic.


68. Back to the Future (1985)
Calvin Klein
Waking up with a younger mum? Now that's heavy!



69. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
First meeting
Clarice Starlings awesomely chilling interview with Dr Lecter (or should I say the other way round!). Anyone for lunch?


70. Rocky (1976)
Training
Eye of the Tiger is just the perfect track. Who does not feel like jogging every time they hear this song?


71. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Best way to approach a sword fight
Just watch!


72. Crocodile Dundee (1986)
That's a knife
Personally I prefer Dundee's entrance into the pub, but this scene's pretty classic.


73. The King and I (1956)
Shall We Dance?
One, Two, Three And?



Next Up: Those which I personally connect with for various reasons as you shall see....

Blood and Bullets (102 Film Moments con.)

**Possible Spoilers**

(And Violence! And Gore!)

50. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001)

The Nazgul

No blood or bullets to warm us up, but these guys sure gave me the shivers. Would not want to run into them on a dark night. Love the design and the horses give it that extra nice touch.

51. The Matrix (1999)

The Lobby Scene #1

Overkill of bullets! Or How to kill people in style!

52. Equilibrium (2002)

The Lobby Scene #2

Turns out, Bale can kick ass just as good as Reeves.

53. Hannibal (2001)

Dinner

A guy eats his own brains. Thought I might warn ya. While the rest of the movie wasn't brilliant, this ...is.

54. PhoneBooth (2002)

Shot

The only way to save him is to shot him. ...Awesome. Great tension on the scene all through the picture.

55. 300 (2006)

Slow Motion

I'm sorry did you need that leg? No worries, I'll just place this sword through your chest. Please grunt manly to improve the effect.

56.Casino Royale (2006)

Heart Stoppin'

The first time you try to start your own heart is always the hardest.

57. Roger and Me (1989)

How to Skin a Rabbit

To be honest I looked away during this sequence at uni but I certainly remembered it. Hey, I used to own rabbits, leave me alone! I love the start: "He's going to be eaten".

58. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Heart Stoppin #2

Drugs and bad, kids. Drugs are bad.

59. Quills (2000)

I found her!

So is erotic fiction in a mental institution according to this.

60. Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

Stake the heart!

And to end: Gallons of blood! Very similar scene in Sleepy Hollow but I saw this one first.

Next: Classic Classics

Visual Film Candy (102 Film Moments con.)

**Possible Spoilers**


35. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Opening scene
A classic fairy tale introduction.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IZaBeWgFqo

36. The Secret Garden (1993)
Mary and Dickons
Two's company, three's a crowd in this picturesque garden.






37. X2: Xmen United (2003)
Mutant Freedom
The effects are awesome!


38. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Intro credits
Sums up the first movie so well without any audio explanation and all of those pictures would make excellent posters.


39. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Paso Doble
The cinematography is spot on as Scott enters the floor.


40. Minority Report (2002)
Sypders
I love overhead shots (or birds eye) and this is my favourite. You'll need to mute it though cos the twit who put it on youtube put their own crappy audio on.


41. The Piano (1993)
On the beach
The long shot as the walk off is just beautiful.


42. The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994)
Top of the bus
No explanation needed!


43. Hero (2002)
A Hero Dies
Choice of colours is fantastic. A beautiful scene.


44. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
So long and thanks for all the fish!
Dolphins are cool!


45. Big Fish (2003)
Time Stops
If you ever want time to freeze, a circus is The place for it!


46. Children of Men (2006)
War Zone
Awesome tracking shot. This camera guy is my hero.


47. Schindler's List (1993)
Girl in Red
Great way to connect with one in the crowd. Later you see her body on a heap of piled corpses.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHkYkHnBN-A

48. Finding Neverland (2004)
Theatre
Awesome shot to connect the magic on the stage to Peter, the boy who inspired it.




49. Mary Poppins (1964)
Steppin Time!
Great choreography in a classic kids pic!


Next: Heart stoppin' scenes (sometimes literally!)