10 Movies that Should Have Won Best Picture

I'm sure we'll be talking about Oscars 2k17 for a very, very long time. Poor Warren Beatty just looks at the camera like plz help me when given the wrong envelope & La La Land was announced instead of the rightful winner Moonlight. It's one of the most devastating, embarrassing and awkward moments on live tv that I've about ever seen. I had very strong opinions on both movies: I thought Moonlight was nothing special and I thought La La Land was very special. I appear to be in the minority on this, but you can fight me: I still think La La Land should have won. I don't think that Moonlight is an awful movie, I just think that there are more flaws than I'd consider for a best picture winner.

As I thought over how sad I was that the movie I wanted lost, I thought of ten other movies I wish had won in other years.

1994

What was nominated: Forrest Gump, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Pulp Fiction, Quiz Show, Shawshank Redemption

What won: Forrest Gump

What should have won: Shawshank Redemption

I cannot describe how strongly I feel about this. I have never been a huge fan of Forrest Gump (despite how much I like Tom Hanks) and this one tops the overrated charts for me especially when it's paired against Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction - two of the greatest films ever. I would still choose Shawshank as the number one slot for its incredible story.

1989

What was nominated: Born on the Fourth of July, Dead Poets Society, Driving Miss Daisy, Field of Dreams, My Left Foot

What won: Driving Miss Daisy

What should have won: Dead Poets Society

I'm going to pull the shelf life card on this one: Driving Miss Daisy was basically forgotten the second the awards were over. Dead Poets Society is deep, emotional, and inspirational. It will be a long time more before we are forgetting Robin Williams' "seize the day" attitude that changed us all.

1998

What was nominated: Elizabeth, Life is Beautiful, Saving Private Ryan, Shakespeare in Love, The Thin Red Line

What won: Shakespeare In Love

What should have won: Saving Private Ryan

I also feel very strongly about how much I hate Shakespeare in Love. It's just so lame. Saving Private Ryan may be the best war movie ever made and ain't nobody watching that without crying.

1982 

What was nominated: E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, Gandhi, Missing, Tootsie, The Verdict

What won: Gandhi

What should have won: E.T.

Have you seen Gandhi? Did you stay awake? It's a long, long drawn-out historical epic that has a very short shelf life after the Oscars. Of the movies nominated, I would have chosen literally any of the other movies but E.T. is and always will be my very favorite Spielberg. 

2005

What was nominated: Brokeback Mountain, Capote, Crash, Good Night and Good Luck, Munich

What won: Crash

What should have won: Brokeback Mountain

I feel like after Crash won people started to scrutinize the Academy a lot more because really, Crash is a solidly mediocre movie that pretty much no one cares about. There may have been a bunch of stars in it and its racially driven plot is sort of memorable but Brokeback Mountain was incredible on so many levels. Ang Lee's beautiful direction, a sweeping love story, and the unforgettable "I wish I knew how to quit you."

1995

What was nominated: Apollo 13, Babe, Braveheart, Il Postino, Sense and Sensibility

What won: Braveheart

What should have won: Apollo 13

Apollo 13 is a smart movie about a dramatic event in US History. It's an incredible story with excellent acting and writing. Braveheart is just really overrated.

2014

What was nominated: American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, Whiplash

What won: Birdman

What should have won: Boyhood

Twelve years. TWELVE. That's how much time and effort went into this perfectly realistic coming of age story. If nothing else, his hard work deserved a nomination but the finished product also equals the time spent. I've never been a huge fan of Birdman for no real reason. It's a good movie. Boyhood was just better.

2011

What was nominated: The Artist, The Descendants, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, Warhorse

What won: The Artist

What should have won: Midnight in Paris

I'm not as bitter about its Best Picture win as I am that Jean Dujardin won over George Clooney. But when all is said and done, I would watch Midnight in Paris 100 times over the Artist's single viewing.

1952

What was nominated: The Greatest Show on Earth, High Noon, Ivanhoe, Moulin Rouge, The Quiet Man

What won: The Greatest Show on Earth

What should have won: Singin' in the Rain

How sad is it that Singing in the Rain wasn't even nominated? 

1996

What was nominated: The English Patient, Fargo, Jerry Maguire, Secrets & Lies, Shine

What won: The English Patient

What should have won: Fargo

The English Patient is a good movie. Fargo is a better, more memorable movie with perfect performances from Francis McDormand and William H. Macy.

Honorable Mentions:

Citizen Kane (1941)

Psycho (1960)

The Graduate (1967)

Broadcast News (1987)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Goodfellas (1990)

The Social Network (2010)

films that defined us

I was asked by Marc from the awesome blog Go, See, Talk! to participate in this awesome blogathon: Films That Defined Us.  Man, these are the best things to think about.  Everyone remembers the movies that touched us as kids, movies that we could watch all day long on a Saturday, movies that we’ll always consider special.  My list plays directly off the word define.  I tried to choose movies that I not only enjoyed but movies that shaped the person I am today – or influenced future movie viewing habits.

8 genres, 8 movies.  Ready, set, go!

8. Drama: Apollo 13 (1995)This is one of the first “adult” movies I remember watching and I thought I was soooo cool to get to see it (I was probably 6 or 7…)  Being already fascinated with space travel (thanks to Star Wars) this raised it a whole ‘nother level – this baby actually happened, it’s history.  Still a favorite movie and a must-see – annnd I still think it should have won Best Picture… (sorry Braveheart).

7. Musical: Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
I grew up watching and loving musicals but this was my favorite.  Somewhere between tapping the Tapioca and quirky, kidnappin’, Chinese women I became obsessed with this nonsense.  Today, while it’s since been replaced by West Side Story as my fav, I still know every lyric, I still love Mary Tyler Moore and John Gavin, and it still makes me want to dance.  I would cite it as the biggest influence in my musical-loving life.

6. Animation: Mulan (1998)
I dare say that this movie “defines” me more than just about any other movie because I used to pretend to beMulan. It also inspired the martial arts side in me to come alive.  I now have a black belt and that passion began sometime while watching this Disney chick kick Hun-trash.  In the animation genre, I’d have to say that there are many that surpass (yeah, Pixar happened), but it’s still a lot of fun.

5. Thriller. Kind of: Rear Window (1954)
And so begins my Hitchcock obsession.  And a love for Jimmy Stewart.  I can’t even remember how old I was when I first saw it but it always stuck with me (and made me never want to watch Perry Mason…)

4. Adventure/Comedy/Romance/Everything: The Princess Bride (1987)
Man, what genre does this film fall under anyway?  It’s got “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles…” Anywho, this is where I learned to quote movies.  “Anybody want a peanut?” and “Have fun storming the castle!” I used on a daily basis.  It also gave birth to an undying admiration for sword fighting.  Whatever genre it may fall under, it’s made for every kid, teen, and adult.

3. Sports: Hoosiers (1986)
Favorite sports movie of all time.  Bball is also my favorite sport and every time I watched this, I’d want to get out and play.  So you could say it helped improve my ballin’ skills.  Basketball is still very important to me.  As for its genre, it’s simply the best out there.

2. Classic: On the Waterfront (1954)
This one came later on (as in just a few years ago), but has nonetheless made its mark on my life.  This is where I really got the whole classic-movie-gig.  Though I already wanted to marry Cary Grant, this movie made me want to watch absolutely anything made before 1960.  It has defined me by helping me discover the thrill of classics.

1: Sci-fi/Adventure: Star Wars (A New Hope) (1977)
There it is.  The king.  I must have watched the original trilogy of SW over 100 times in my childhood.  I used to pretend to fight with lightsabers and play with my brother’s toy Millenium Falcon.  I had no idea  a movie could be so wonderful and thought there was nothing parallel.  My perfect movie.

Thoughts?

movies (i'm ashamed to say) i've never seen

Please, don't shoot me.

Should you happen to read this post and the thought crosses your mind that someone who has not seen these movies is obviously under-qualified to write a movie blog… keep in mind that I’m only 18-years-old.  I’ve still got time.  This whole list thing is all very embarrassing, so give me kudos for admitting my shortcomings to the world.  It goes something like this:

30. Alien (1979)

This would be higher on the list, but I have seen a LOT of this movie.  The problem being, I can’t remember if it was Alien or Aliens… all I remember is Sigourney Weaver, violence, and aliens.  Which is basically common knowledge.  So I just need to sit down and watch the whole thing.

29. Bonnie & Clyde (1967)

A bank robbing couple?  I’m there!  Why haven’t I seen this movie again?

28. The Usual Suspects (1995)

Despite my interest in Kevin Spacey, no dice.  I haven’t seen this one either.  Though, I must add, my interest in this film grew after I moved to Tahiti, so I haven’t really had a chance to see it.  See, now I’m making you feel pity, rather than disgust.

27. Harvey (1950)

I’ve seen….. roughly 80% of James Stewart’s movies.  Just not this one.  Ironically enough, I became more interested in seeing this after watching Donnie Darko.  You know, giant rabbits?

26. His Girl Friday (1940)

Basically the same thing as above.  I’m a hard core Cary Grant fan since birth, but I’ve never seen this one.

25. L.A. Confidential (1997)

Kevin Spacey.  Russell Crowe.  Guy Pearce.   David Straithairn.  Why haven’t I seen this yet?

24. The Big Lebowski (1998)

I really haven’t seen that many Jeff Bridges movies to be honest (and embarrass myself further) so I’m not sure why I’m choosing this one as the “one to see” but I’ve always had this off-hand interest in “The Dude.”

23. Shadowlands (1993)

Despite my love for C.S. Lewis and Anthony Hopkins…

22. Waiting for Guffman (1996)

Oh have I heard so much about this movie.  It’s Christopher Guest, after all, that can mean nothing but good.  It’s my kind of movie, and seems like my kind of humor.  I can’t wait to see it one of these days.

21. Capote (2005)

I’ve been dying to see this movie ever since it was released.  We even rented it, but for some reason I wasn’t able to watch, so my mom saw it by herself.  She raves about it, and I’m still dying to see it.

20. Twelve O’Clock High (1949)

Gregory Peck, how I love you.  I can’t believe I haven’t seen this movie of yours.

19. Spirited Away (2001)

I remember watching  the Oscars when Spirited Away won Best Animated feature.  I thought, (being  eleven) what the heck IS that?   Since then, I’ve heard nothing but critical acclaim and  I am now very anxious to cross this off my list.

18. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Best Actor win (classic film fans will hate me for saying that, ha) plus Director, Picture, and Screenplay wins… I should probably see this movie one of these days.  It’s a favorite of my parents.

17. The Hustler (1961)

Ever since I saw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid for the first time I’ve been in love with Paul Newman.  I’m pretty far behind on his filmography and this is the first on my list to see.  Plus I dig the poster.

16. The Great Dictator (1940)

I grew up with Charlie Chaplin, and Modern Times is one of my all-time favs.  I’ve yet to see this classic, though.

15. The Deer Hunter (1948)

These are getting kind of repetetive aren’t they?  Christopher Walken’s Oscar winning performance, Meryl Streep’s first nomination and Best Picture winner deserves (more likely than not) SEVERAL viewings, and I haven’t even seen it once? WTF?

14. The African Queen (1951)

My mom has raved about this movie, and I love me some Bogart.  Since its recent DVD release, hopefully I can check it off soon.

13. Schindler’s List (1993)

Yeah… like I said.  Don’t shoot me.  I know this is an excellent movie, I’ve seen several scenes, in fact.  I know I should see this pronto.

12. Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Honestly, I may have heard of this movie ages ago but I didn’t REALLY know about it until just a few years ago.  My interest piqued when I went through my Stanley Kubrick obsession phase and read absolutely anything I could get my hands on about him.

11. Out of Africa (1985)

Meryl Streep.  Robert Redford.  In the same movie.  I promise, I’ve seen SOME movies.

10. Annie Hall (1977)

The ultimate Woody Allen.  Ranked #4 in AFI’s 100 Laughs series.  Won the Oscar for Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Screenplay. This is a bad caption.

9. Sophie’s Choice (1982)

In case I haven’t made this clear, Meryl Streep is my favorite modern actress.  Someday I’ll do a post especially for her because I just love her so (and I’m still pulling for another Oscar!)  Sophie’s Choice won Meryl her Best Actress Academy Award and is, perhaps, her best film to date.  Or so I’m told.

8. Die Hard (1988)

Seriously?  I haven’t seen DIE HARD? Yeah, I know.  I suck.  I lurve Alan Rickman too, so it’s really a shame I haven’t seen it.

7. The Graduate (1967)

“Mrs. Robinson you’re trying to seduce me… aren’t you?”  Basically I already love this movie.  And I knoow I love Dustin Hoffman.  But, all I really know of it is Anne  Bancroft’s sexy legs.

6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Jack Nicholson in a mental institution?  1 of 3 movies to take home the big five Oscars?  Man, I gotta get me some of this action.

5. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

One of Johnny Depp’s billions with Tim Burton.  Yeah, I can’t believe I haven’t seen this one either.  It’s totally my kind of movie.

4. The French Connection (1971)

The most famous chase scene of all-time.  One of my favorite actors, Gene Hackman.  Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, and Actor winner.  I cannot describe the anticipation I have to one day see this movie.

3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Another Hopkins.  And (like Cuckoo) 1 of 3 to win the big five Oscars.  (In case you’re wondering, the other is It Happened One Night. I’ve seen that one!)

2. Citizen Kane (1941)

Wow, this is really getting embarrassing now.  I’m pretty sure I’ve previously lied to people about this one.  See, my family and I were going through the AFI 100 movies list and we just… didn’t make it that high!   I’ve sort of had this two year hiatus of serious movie-watching through this whole Tahiti excursion, and seeing as I don’t have as much access to what I want, this one has had to wait.

1. The Godfather (1971)

It’s a sin, I know, not to have seen this movie.  Forgive me.  I want nothing more than to repent, and quickly.

Yeah.  I know I suck.  There are many more great movies I haven’t seen (I won’t name them, however, or NO ONE will read this blog!)  but these are just the ones that I, personally, can’t believe I haven’t seen.  Now go ahead.  You may mock me all you want.

2014 EDIT: I have since seen... most of these. All that remain:

-L.A. Confidential

-Shadowlands

-Twelve O'Clock High

-Spirited Away

-The Great Dictator

-The Deer Hunter

-The French Connection

Not bad, eh?

Happy Father’s Day!

Yeah, yeah.  I know Father’s Day was yesterday.  But in honor of the holiday (and my own wonderful father) I thought I’d post the top eleven (yes, eleven. don't worry about it, okay?) movies that remind me of my pops!

11. What About Bob? (1991) You want to get to know my dad real quick? Just watch What About Bob? with him. It's funny to watch the movie and even funnier to watch him watch it. Honestly, my dad is all over any Bill Murray comedy. 

10) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Every Christmas my mom and I have a Christmas movie/TV marathon with all of the Christmas movies and TV eps we can muster.  My dad is selective, he only tunes in for the good stuff.  We always save the best for last, and Dad has gotta be present for this classic. He loves this movie.

9) You’ve Got Mail (1998) This is a funny selection, but I chose this because my dad will always join us to watch (it’s one of my favorites) but will always, always complain.  He hates it, but he can't leave it alone. Key phrase: “It needs some editing.”

8) Galaxy Quest (1999) My dad introduced our family to this movie.  One day he randomly brought it home from the video rental store and I’ve watched it over a thousand times since.

7) Hoosiers (1986) My love of basketball comes from my brother’s and father’s love of basketball.  My dad has always loved this movie.

6) Freedom Writers (2007) I saw this in the theater with my dad.  I was fifteen, and my dad said, “Hey, let’s go on a daddy-daughter-date and see a movie.  I’ve heard of this one…”  I hadn’t even heard of the movie at the time, but we had a good time together.

5) Chariots of Fire (1981) This is another film that my Dad introduced me to.  My mom was out for the evening so he suggested we watch a movie together (if I do recall… I think I had other plans and I wasn't too excited about it. But I’m not one to argue).  I remember making a few snide remarks about the over-use of the theme song and how cheesy it had become only to be shot down with, “There’s nothing cheesy about this movie.”   Anyway, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t too into it that first time, but a few viewings later and I was sold.

4) Pride & Prejudice (2005) Yeah.  My dad watches Pride and Prejudice.  Does YOUR dad watch Pride and Prejudice?

3) The Guns of Navarone (1961) Generally if I ask my dad what his favorite movie is he’ll say, “Oh… maybeThe Guns of Navarone…”  I’m not sure if this is true or not.  But nevertheless, we own this movie because he likes it.  Jk, it’s a pretty awesome movie too.  Love Gregory Peck.

2) The Inlaws (1979) See, my dad can be kind of a serious guy.  And few of my friends know the “real him.”  This movie brings out the “Real Dad” and most importantly his “real laugh.”  Man, is this movie funny.  Alan Arkin is one of my favorite actors too, btw.

1) The Freshman (1990) This movie takes the cake.  My dad laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs.

Happy Father's Day!