Movie #308 - Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark
1981 - Rated PG - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Alfred Molina

Just what I needed to break things up: an Indiana Jones marathon!

It's nice to watch movies again as an adult that you were familiar with in your childhood.  It's like watching them with a new set of eyes - more jokes make sense, more actors are familiar, and obviously, the plot lines make more sense.  This movie used to be "that movie where Han Solo has a whip" and as I've grown up, I've developed a new appreciation for this classic.

There's not much to say about this, just that it's a classic for a reason.  It's the perfect action/adventure movie, with a touch of romance for our main character.  Lots of witty lines, iconic moments, etc.  The only thing that bothers me is how easily Karen Allen gets herself in trouble.  You could play a drinking game: every time she gets trapped somewhere, drink.  Every time she gets kidnapped, drink. Every time she yells "Indy!", drink.  Those are the only rules you need to get hammered.

In any case, I love this one.  It's the first of a great trilogy and a good, strong introduction to our favorite adventuring professor!

Movie #295 - Identity

Identity
2003 - Rated R - 1 hr 30 min
Director: James Mangold
Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C McGinley, Jake Busey, Rebecca De Mornay

I really love this movie.  The early misdirection gets you looking the wrong way and just when you suspect something's up, they tell you what's going on.  They don't try to drag out the big twist too long.

And then of course, that ending just BAM.

I realize if you haven't seen this movie, you have no idea what I'm talking about.  But I can't really go any further into detail than that.  A group of strangers wind up at a motel on a rainy night and bad stuff starts happening.  What happens after that, I can't spoil.

Just be prepared for a some really unique story-telling and a great cast of characters.

Movie #151 - The DaVinci Code

The DaVinci Code
Columbia Pictures
2006 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 29 min
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno, Ian McKellan, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina

Finally the prequel movie (or sequel book) to Angels & Demons has come up on the way.  I know it's almost cliche these days, but I'm a fan of Robert Langdon and his adventures, as well as his token female adventure partner.  Actually, I like Sophie the most of the two of them.

So here we are on the hunt for DaVinci's clues across Europe, uncovering deep and dark Christian secrets, and blowing the lid of the life of Christ.  Interesting to think how much of this is true - which many speculated when the book first hit shelves, but that's long since died down.  Now, most people just enjoy it for the adventure and the mystery of it all. 

Some argue that the movie's too long. Maybe it is. But with book to movie adaptations, there's no pleasing everyone.  Overall, I think this captures the tone of the book, which is the part we all like, which makes this a good adaptation in my opinion.

Movie #107 - Chocolat

Chocolat
Miramax
2000 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 1 min
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin

Squee! Johnny Depp as a not-pirate, before his Pirate days. Oh joy!

This movie is full-on chick flick-tastic, if you haven't seen it, but God do I love it.  It's about chocolate, and repressed French people, and hot gypsies, and an invisible kangaroo. I love love love it and I don't care if you judge me.

The whole repressed village coping with the risque chocolatier plot line is predictable, and soooo overdone, but they still manage to keep it fresh and interesting enough that you don't mind.  Juliette Binoche is lots of fun to watch and sometimes I want to be her when I grow up. Especially if it means Johnny Depp will show up to "fix my squeaking door."

Anyway... just watch it and enjoy the decadence. And if you don't like it, I feel bad about that...but oh well, more for me!

Movie #34 - As You Like It

As You Like It

BBC Films / HBO Films

2006 - Rated PG - 2 hr 7 min

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Alfred Molina, Kevin Kline, Romola Garai

Shakespeare remakes with a twist are usually fun, and this version from Kenneth Branagh doesn't disappoint. I love Bryce Dallas Howard (in this and in basically everything) and she is the perfect Rosalind. Having just seen this staged last summer, watching the film in its Japanese setting is an interesting experience. I always enjoy watching these classic, well-known lines of dialogue spoken in new settings.

As another one of Shakespeare's gender bending plays, As You Like It is filled with mistaken identities, confusion, and miscommunications. It's a comedy, so you don't have to watch everyone die at the end, and of course - there's a marriage (or a few) to make everyone happy. Enjoy :)