Raithe

I am almost tempted to get that subscription to Rolling Stones just to read that article now...

I suppose when you break it down that there's that list of films you consider great cinema and are on your lists of enjoyment that you re-watch, and then there's the list of films that are comfort entertainment that you just sheerly enjoy and re-watch again and again that just satisfy something in your soul. Case in point, Masters of the Universe is a dire film that's more about the humans from Earth, but Frank Langella's Skeletor was utterly divine and perfect and I want a film that was just him as the lead.

The Prestige gets the nod from me as favourite Nolan. Combination of multiple factors. The story, the way it's told, the balance of Jackman and Bale. Early Scarlett Johanssen, and above all else... Bowie as Tesla.

Inception is one of those high brow films that you do kind of expect from Nolan. It's got some amazing visuals, some great cinematography, good actors doing serious work with oomph. But it can tend to feel a bit more style over substance coated over some artistic philosophy. Also, not one that you'd go back and re-watch again and again.

If I was going to include Hong Kong cinema, then you'd have a plethora of those original John Woo films. Hard Boiled, The Killer, and a part of me fondly remembers A Better Tomorrow (and for the bloody cheese factor A Better Tomorrow II)... If we're going for evocative mood pieces with gorgeous cinematography and music alongside that fine balance of subtle acting and chewing the scenery, I am surprised no-ones mentioned Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon yet. Also, as we are having many classic 80's movies thrown around here... Highlander. The Queen soundtrack. Clancy Brown's Kurgan. Christopher Lambert's amazing accent and dirty chuckle. Swords. Trenchcoats, and a story that pulled you in and made you want to know about all the other stories going on in that world and immortals.

To be fair, Tarantino usually runs the silliness with the blood splatter effect. Plus, my Iaido club used to watch Kill Bill as a comedy, and run through the sword fight scenes with hysterics.

I would find it hard to make a simple 10 film list. So much depends on mood for what's going to float my cinematic boat. Sometimes tis the quirky, sometimes tis the classic. Yojimbo or Throne of Blood. Great Kurosawa moments. A Fistful of Dollars, helped define a genre. The Goonies is one of those key films of youth. Half of any Cary Grant collection. Casablanca for the ambience , some of that dialogue, and just the beginnings of a beautiful friendship. Raiders of the Lost Ark or Last Crusade.. both wonderfully encapsulated that pulp serial feel. Goldeneye probably sneaks in as my favourite Bond film. The well-defined bad guy (which is unusual in a Bond film) and runs through all the beats without feeling like it's a Bond-film checklist. The Thomas Crown Affair - both the original and the remake. The original was impeccably smooth as a mastermind with a cat and mouse game, the remake is a great example of how to re-do a well structured story in a fresh way, while keeping the soul of the story there. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzaii across the 8th Dimension - for that acid trip experience and wacky vibe, plus all those fresh performances before they were big. The Mummy (1999) - Because that's one that if you happen to flip channels and find it playing you always end up watching the rest of the film. I do have to admit in regards to Tarantino.. I can find his films entertaining, I can watch them and enjoy the little nods, winks, and homages in them, along with the style and ambience.. But I never find them genius and amazing that so many others seem to feel.

To go a little back then.... Kim Cattrall in leather breeches, riding boots, swashing a buckle and sword...

Further teases on the Trollocs and Myrdrall...

This also calls for the obligatory re-sharing of:

It's not really an 80's "action" movie... That was part of the intended comedy, or rather, that the viewpoint is from Jack Burton's perspective where he thinks he's the big brash American hero. When in fact he's actually just the comedy sidekick completely in over his head...

Maybe not strictly politics but still.... AR15-worshipping MAGA group purchases holy retreat in Tennessee (msn.com)

I was pretty much the same. I had heard his family is pretty set against any biopic of him at the moment, which added to the weirdness factor when I stumbled upon that.