50 Movies to See Before you Die – The Shawshank Redemption

As Maximus has pointed out, we are starting our trek through the top 50 movies you have to see before you die.  These are in no certain order and are not to be confused with the best movies of all time, though there would be many similarities were you to compare the two lists.  The Shawshank Redemption is one that most certainly would be one of those similarities.  If I had to guess, I would guess this movie makes 90% of the top 10 movie lists that have been created.  It is an excellent story filled with explicit details of life in prison with all the brutality and comradery that goes into serving a life sentence.

This movie started as a Stephen King thriller.  Unlike most Stephen King books, there is nothing supernatural about it except the will of an innocent man to make a life for himself in prison and never give up hope.  Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is a framed banker whose wife was sleeping around and got shot while cheating on Andy.  Andy is such a distant type of person that he completely looks guilty and like a man devoid of emotions.  The movie continues on with narration by another inmate, Red, who is played by Morgan Freeman.  Without spoiling anything I will only continue by saying it follows Andy’s and Red’s interactions and hones in on an inmate’s chance at ultimate redemption.

I will be the first to say that I am not a Tim Robbins fan.  But I will also be the first to say that no one could have played this part better.  You never really like his character because he is distant and a little creepy but wow, do you feel sorry for the guy.  And even though he is not a character you would think to champion, you are totally rooting for him the by the middle and end of the movie.  Morgan Freeman, as we all know, has an excellent voice for narration.  Even though he is a character in the movie, he narrates at parts that are placed perfectly though out the movie because had it just been dialogue with the characters of the scene, it would not of had half of the impact that Morgan brings to you in his mellow voice while some horrific action is going to take place on screen. 

Not so well known Frank Darabont hit a home run directing this movie and was nominated for his Best Adapted Screenplay of the Stephen King novel.  He actually went on to Direct another Stephen King novel “The Green Mile” which was another excellent story which unfortunately didn’t make our top 50 list.  Composed by Thomas Newman, who was also nominated for Best Original Score, the score worked perfectly with the different emotions of the film.  Maximus mentions in his post about Saving Private Ryan that it was one of the biggest mistakes in Oscar history with it losing out to numerous different movies like Shakespeare in Love for Best Picture and Hanks to Benigni for Best Actor.  I completely agree with him.  But I do have to say that Hanks had a little redemption of his own back in 1994 with Forrest Gump as it dominated the Oscars the same year Shawshank was up for 7 different nominations.  Shawshank won none of them and Forrest Gump (which you will see later as it made the list) went on to win 6 including Best Picture and the Best Actor award for Tom Hanks.  If you were to put Shawshank in a different weaker year, I think it would have taken home at least a few awards.  But hey there is no shame losing to Forrest Gump in my opinion!

Alright, if you haven’t seen it, go watch it right now…I mean right now…what are you waiting for?  Now!!!!  If you have then share with us what you thought!

-Diomedes

50 Movies to See Before you Die- Saving Private Ryan

In the first entry of our 50 movies to see before you die series, I wanted to choose a film that really, really struck me, one that I never go long without thinking about, and one that made me appreciate film exponentially more than I did the day before seeing it. I chose Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Ed Burns, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, and Giovanni Ribisi. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg, and won the Best Directing Oscar. The film follows a squad of soldiers who just survived Dday (Hanks, Sizemore, Burns, Diesel, Pepper, Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies) who are sent on a mission to go retrieve a soldier deep in the heart of Germany. This soldier, a Private Ryan (Damon) is one of four sons, and his three brothers were killed in the war. The military wants to send him home alive so his parents can have one of their four sons come back. The film takes you on the search for Private Ryan, and also the search each member of the squad has internally, why does this man get to go home? Why are we risking our lives for one man when we also have parents wishing we would come home? As the squad goes from one dangerous situation to the next, losing some of their squad mates along the way, this struggle becomes even more evident.

Now that the main foundation of the film is set, lets talk about why its an absolute must see for everyone. War films have been around forever, and there have been amazing and brutal and realistic war films before this one. But with SPR, today's technology combined with Spielberg's amazing talent give you the most realistic and gut-wrenching portrayal of war we'll ever see. The opening sequence, taking place on the beaches of Normandy, is a heart breaking experience that will stick with you forever. The first time I saw the film, myself and a friend went with my Aunt, and I will never forget her sobbing and the way her nails dug into my arm as she tried to stomach the authenticity and brutality of what she was witnessing. Now, for some people, this is a reason not to see the movie, but like another Spielberg film that will be on this list, Schindler's List, sometimes you have to gut it out to witness something equal parts amazing and terrifying. The remainder of the film is not quite a shockingly violent, but it continues to crush your soul as you get to know the members of this squad and watch some of them die for their mission. One scene in particular, and this will be a mild spoiler, has Giovanni Ribisi's medic talking to Hanks' Captain, explaining a broken relationship with his mother, and how some nights she would work all day and come home, just wanting to talk to him, but he would pretend to be asleep, and he doesn't know why he did this. The next day when he is shot and knows there is nothing that can be done to save him, he screams "mama" while dying.

Once you get past the authenticity and the film's true devotion to showing you what soldiers in WWII went through, you can really appreciate other parts of the film as well. The acting is top notch. All the actors mentioned already plus small parts from actors like Ted Danson and Paul Giamatti give fantastic performances. Spielberg films SPR with an eye that only he has, the editing, cinematography, and general look of the film are amazing. John Williams' brings his A game for the score, and delivers a score so poignant and perfect, just hearing it will allow you to picture what scene it was in.

Unfortunately, SPR was the victim of the biggest mistake in Oscar history, giving Best Picture to Shakespeare in Love over SPR, and Actor to Robert Benigni over Tom Hanks is quite a travesty on its own. SPR is not without fault. As its critics will tell you it has one, very large continuity error with the way the narration is framed, but there are many reasons for this, and I will not get into it specifically as to not spoil it.

Saving Private Ryan is a film experience you will never, ever forget. It is gripping, amazing, brutal, and honest, and is one of the absolute best films I have ever seen. Let us know your thoughts of SPR in the comments section, we would love to hear from people who had not seen SPR prior to reading this. Check back later this week for the first entry in this series from Diomedes.

-Maximus

The 50 Movies to See Before you Die

For a long time we have batted around the idea of doing a list of 50 films you have to see before you die, not the 50 greatest films ever, not our 50 favorite films, but the ones that everyone needs to see. Well we have finally been able to hammer out that list. Starting this week we will each be discussing one movie off our list per week. We would love to hear from you in the comments, do you agree with our choices? Are we insane? How could Citizen Kane not make this list? Just remember, these are the 50 films we feel you need to see, and more importantly experience, to really appreciate where cinema can take us. We hope you enjoy reading these discussions as much as we enjoy having them.

-Maximus

2014 Oscar Predictions Part 2

In Part 1 of our 2014 Oscar predictions, we broke down what movies we thought could be contenders. In this post, we'll make the actual predictions in the eight major categories. Let us know what you think in the comments section. My predicted winner will be marked with an *.

Original Screenplay

Gravity*: The film should be all dialogue, and if the movie is actually good, it will be a great achievement in screenwriting.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson is popular with the Academy.
Serena: Another film that seems like it will be bursting with intelligent and scathing dialogue based on the subject matter.
Inside Llewyn Davis: The Coen Brothers do very well in this category.
12 Years a Slave: You'll see a lot of love for this film in this article, and while not much has been released about it, I think director Steve McQueen and star Michael Fassbender have to get noticed when they work together at some point soon.

Screenplay is a tough category considering some more unique and Indie films get recognized here. I do like the above five, however could see Woody Allen sneaking in here with Blue Jasmine.

Adapted Screenplay

The Wolf of Wall Street*: I think this will be a contender for all the major awards.
August Osage County: See "The Wolf of Wall Street".
Foxcatcher: Another film that seems to be a prime candidate for making a good run. Director Bennett Miller does well with somewhat slower material.
The Fifth Estate: The screenplay will be the strongest part of this film if it is successful.
Saving Mr. Banks: I think this film will be the one that oozes Hollywood like the last few Best Picture winners, Argo and The Artist.

I think Oldboy could be a contender here if it gets the support I think it will, but I cannot in good conscious remove any of the above five films.

Best Supporting Actress

Julia Roberts-August: Osage County: She has been gone for a while, and this is a great chance, the Academy loves comebacks.
Cate Blanchett-The Monuments Men: Blanchett has a few films this year that could put her in this category for a great body of work.
Vanessa Redgrave-The Butler: This film is an actor's dream with no less than six men and four women playing notable historical figures. Some at least will be considered in the supporting categories.
Elizabeth Olsen*-Oldboy: Spike Lee has also been out of the game for a while, and I think this film could bring him back into the fold. Olsen has the best chance to snag an acting nomination.
Amy Adams-Untitled David O'Russell scam film: Amy Adams gets nominated a lot, and this should be no exception.

The acting categories are going to be loaded this year. There could be multiple nominees from one film or the same nominee from multiple films.

Best Supporting Actor

Benedict Cumberbatch-Twelve Years a Slave: Cumberbatch could be nominated for Actor or Supporting Actor for about 4 movies this year. This is a toss up.
Bill Murray-The Monuments Men: A film with about 5 possibilities in this category. I'll go Murray over Craig, Dujardin, and Damon.
Colin Farrell*-Saving Mr. Banks: I am hearing a lot of good things about this performance. My only concern is that Emma Thompson will be the star in this film, and Hanks will actually be the main supporting actor, not the lead actor, which would hurt Farrell's chances.
Mark Ruffalo-Foxcatcher: I think Foxcatcher could do very well this year.
Alan Rickman-The Butler: Similar to what I wrote about the supporting actress race for this film. Pick an actor and hope you are right. Alan Rickman plays Ronald Reagan here.

Again, I am really out on a limb here, especially guessing which film Cumberbatch is recognized for and who is recognized from The Butler. Actors like Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender, and Jean Dujardin are in multiple films this year and could all get some nominations.


Best Actress

Naomi Watts-Diana: I doubt the film gets much support overall, but Watts is amazing and appreciated by her peers each year.
Nicole Kidman-Grace of Monaco: I think this is a contender for overrated performance of the year as Kidman has been overacting for about six years, but with Weinstein backing her....
Meryl Streep-August: Osage County: A no brainer.
Sandra Bullock*-Gravity: You are either all in or all out on this film based on the premise, I am all in.
Jennifer Lawrence-Serena: I wonder if there will be JLaw fatigue by this time next year though... Plus she may split votes with her other Bradley Cooper film this year. But Serena feels like just the perfect film for her.

This is a loaded category. I mean a complete powerhouse of some of the best women in the business. I feel very confident in these five.

Best Actor

Idris Elba-Mandela: Every year needs a bio performance. Idris Elba is one of my favorite actors, and I am hoping this really puts him on the map. Plus it has Weinstein's backing.
Steve Carell-Foxcatcher: A real wild card I know, but this film is going to really push Carell, there won't be any comedy here.
Leonardo DiCaprio-The Wolf of Wall Street: DiCaprio is usually overlooked by the Academy, and its hard to not give Clooney any acting nominations this year, but I am going for it. 
Tom Hanks-Captain Phillips: You would think him playing Walt Disney would be his nomination, but I am just not positive that performance will be in the lead category.
Benedict Cumberbatch*-The Fifth Estate: Yes, I am predicting the rare Actor/Supporting Actor dual nominations for Cumberbatch. With his four Oscar possible films this year plus Star Trek into Darkness and The Hobbit Part 2, we should all know Cumberbatch soon.

I originally had Clooney in here over DiCaprio. Both probably get in over Elba,  but sometimes you have to follow your heart and/or gut. I am also guess Captain Phillips is Hanks' film in this category despite Saving Mr. Banks getting more nominations. Carell is the real question mark. Also, some will be surprised I have Cumberbatch winning with all these men nominated, but I think it is his time.

Best Director

Martin Scorsese-The Wolf of Wall Street: The Academy loves Scorsese, and this film is right in it's wheelhouse.
George Clooney-The Monuments Men: I have him getting shut out in his two acting performances, but getting a directing nomination here.
Alfonso Cuaron*- Gravity: Again, all in on this film. If it works out, it will be quite the achievement all around.
Bennett Miller-Foxcatcher: Miller does well with quiet films, and I think this film will really get noticed.
Spike Lee-Oldboy: A bit of a wild card here with no screenplay nomination, but Lee hasn't done much lately and I think he is due.

I removed Steve McQueen here to put in Lee, both of their films could go away without a whimper, but I am thinking both make an impact. Suzanne Biers for Serena, John Wells for August: Osage County, and John Lee Hancock for Saving Mr. Banks area all possibilities here as well.

Best Picture

The Wolf of Wall Street: A tale of an investment banker gone wrong with an all star cast and one of the greatest living directors? Of course.
The Monuments Men: This film could end up not working, the premise is slightly out there. But with Clooney behind the camera and in front of it, joined by the entire A list, I think it will be enjoyed by many.
Foxcatcher: This is one of the films that really makes me nervous predicting this year, but I think its going to do well.
Twelve Years a Slave: This one could also fade away completely, but I think it does well.
Oldboy: See what I said about Spike Lee. If this film is half as good as the Chinese original, it will be here.
August: Osage County: May just be an acting juggernaut, but should sneak in here with Weinstein's backing.
Saving Mr. Banks: See what I wrote in screenplay, Hollywood loves Hollywood, and everyone loves Hanks and Walt Disney.
Serena: The right material for an Oscar film, should be around this time next year.
Gravity*: I am all in. And really, really excited for this film.

I chose nine nominees when ten easily could be an option with such a loaded year. Who knows, the up to ten rule might even get changed this year anyway.

I left many films without a major nomination, including The Great Gatsby, Fruitvale, Dallas Buyer's Club, Labor Day, The Counselor, Out of the Furnace, and Don Jon's Addiction. It was quite hard to make some decisions here, but that is a great sign for the year to come. Hopefully the Academy handles such a loaded year well.

-Maximus

2014 Oscar Predictions Part 1

Its time for the Movie Ninja's second annual way too far in advance Oscar preview. Last year I just did straight predictions, but this year, since there are so many contenders, I am breaking this post into two. The first will breakdown all the films I think could be contending next year, and the second will have my actual predictions. Last year's long term predictions were very successful, while many went wrong, I did correctly predict winners Christoph Waltz, Jennifer, Lawrence, and Daniel Day-Lewis. In Best Picture I also picked Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Argo, Django Unchained, and Lincoln. My biggest mistakes were having too much faith in The Hobbit, Lawless (formerly The Wettest County), and both Gangster Squad and The Great Gatsby which were delayed until this year. I have a feeling I'll be way farther off this year, as it appears to be an embarrassment of riches in the film department. So lets take a look at what we think we'll be talking about next January.

August: Osage County- The sophomore effort from director John Wells. Meryl Streep plays the alcoholic matriarch of a troubled family. The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, and Sam Shepard. The film is produced by George Clooney. Released 11/8.

Serena- The 2nd of 3 team ups between Bradley Cooper and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. The film is about a couple who owns a lumber company during the depression, and how it is complicated when they find out the wife cannot bear children. Toby Jones and Rhys Ifans co-star. Released 9/27.

The Monuments Men- A film by George Clooney about a team who goes into Nazi Germany during WWII to recover lost art. An amazing cast including George Clooney, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Daniel Craig, and Oscar winners Jean Dujardin, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett. Released 12/18.

The Great Gatsby- One that I thought would contend last year, although now its summer release date hurts its chances. Based on the classic story, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey McGuire, and Joel Edgerton. Directed by Baz Luhrman. Released 5/10.

World War Z- Another that got delayed from last Oscar season. A dramatic zombie moving starring Brad Pitt and directed by Finding Neverland's Marc Forster. Although the reason this one was delayed is because the studio apparently is not liking what they are seeing, and the chances of this one being a contender are slim. Released 6/21.

Saving Mr. Banks- The triumphant return of Tom Hanks. Here Hanks plays Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson plays Mary Poppins author PL Travers. Co-starring Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, and Jason Swartzman. Released 12/20.

Captain Phillips- Or is this the triumphant return? Here Hanks plays the ship Captain who was kidnapped by Somali pirates. Directed by Paul Greengrass and co-starring Catherine Keener. Released 10/11.

Grace of Monaco- Nicole Kidman plays a Princess, and its one of Harvey Weinstein's entries this year. Probably a contender for Acting awards only if I had to guess. Co-stars Tim Roth and Frank Langella. Released 12/27.

Wolf of Wall Street- Martin Scorsese's next film, and it re-teams him with his Aviator, Gangs of New York, and Departed star Leonardo DiCaprio. The story is about a Wall street banker who gets in over his head. Co-stars Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, and Jean Dujardin. Released 11/15.

Rush- A formula 1 racing film starring Chris Hemsworth. Normally wouldn't think about this one, but its directed by Ron Howard. Released 9/20.

Foxcatcher- Director Bennett Miller tells the true story of a mentally handicapped man (Steve Carrell) who works with the Olympic wrestling team, and the crime that followed. Co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum. Release date unknown.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug- Based off how mediocre part 1 was and how poorly it was received by the Academy, its doubtful this one makes much of an impact. Released 12/13.

Gravity- A very interesting film, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this long delayed film stars George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as two astronauts on a space walk when their ship is disabled and drifts away, leaving them stranded in the blackness of space. Released 10/4.

Fruitvale- The story of one man's journey on the last day of 2008. This one is making an Indie splash, so I felt it was worth noting here. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer has a supporting performance. Release date unknown.

The Grand Budapest Hotel- Wes Anderson's next film. These usually only get recognized in the Screenplay category, but this may be an exception, as the cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Jude Law, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, and Jason Swartzman. Release date unknown.

Dallas Buyer's Club- This is the film Matthew McConaughey lost all the weight for. Here he plays a gay man with AIDS in the 1980's trying to smuggle banned prescription drugs across the border, along with his transvestite friend who is played by Jared Leto. Release date unknown.

Untitled David O'Russell Film- The next film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, re teaming with their Silver Lining's director David O'Russell. This one is about scam artists and their latest heist, co-stars Amy Adams and Christian Bale. Releae date unknown.

Diana- Naomi Watts plays Princess Diana in this biography film. Release date 8/29.

Labor Day- Director Jason Reitman's follow up to Up in the Air, starring Kate Winslet as a mother kidnapped along with her son by a mysterious stranger played by Josh Brolin. Release date unknown.

Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Bros return to the big screen in this film starring Oscar Isaac (Bourne Legacy) as the character surrounded by normal Coen Bros shenanigans. Co-stars John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, and Carey Mulligan. Released 12/4.

Nebraska- The Descendants director Alexander Payne returns with this film about a father and son reuniting on the fathers ranch. stars Bruce Dern and McGruber himself Will Forte. Release date unknown.

Twelve Years a Slave- Shame Director Steve McQueen re-teams with Michael Fassbender in this film along with Brad Pitt, Chiwetol Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, and Oscar Nominee Quvenzhane Wallis. Plot details are hard to come by but it does involve slavery. Release date unknown.

Out of the Furnace- This film is about two brothers who live in the depression era Midwest, when one is wrongfully sent to prison, the other must join a violent crime ring to try to free his brother. Stars Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, and Casey Affleck. Release date unknown.

The Fifth Estate- Director Bill Condon directs this film about the wiki leaks controversy. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Laura Linney. Release date 11/15.

The Bling Ring- Doesn't sound like normal Oscar material, but since Sophia Coppola has been quiet for a while, I felt her newest film should be included. Stars Emma Watson as the ring leader of the gang of young women who burglarized Hollywood homes in the 90's, based on a true story. Released 6/14.

The Counselor- Director Ridley Scott directs this star studded cast including Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz. The film is about a Lawyer who gets involved in drug trafficking. Release Date 11/15.

Blue Jasmine- Woody Allen will attempt again to fool everyone he is a good director in this film with no plot starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Saarsgard, Louis CK, and Michael Stuhlbarg. Released 7/26.

The Butler- Tells the true story of the butler (Forest Whitaker) who served for many years in the White House. Co-stars Oprah Winfrey, Alan Rickman, James Mardsen, John Cusack, Terrence Howard, Jane Fonda, Melissa Leo, Vanessa Redgrave, and Nelsan Ellis. Directed by Precious' Lee Daniels. Release date unknown.

A Place Beyond the Pines- Ryan Gosling reunites with his Blue Valentine director for this film about a stuntman who turns to robbery. Co-stars Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta. Released 3/29.

Only God Forgives- Ryan Gosling reunites with his Drive director for this film with an unknown plot, all we have received is a poster showing Gosling with a face mashed to pulp. Released 5/23.

Her- Directed by Spike Jonze, this film is about the power of women. Starring Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, and Joaquin Phoenix. Released 10/17.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby- Not sure what to make of this. This film is split into two parts, "His" and "Hers" telling the story of a relationship from both the husband and wives perspective. Stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Viola Davis. Release date(s) unknown.

Don Jon's Addiction- The directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this film stars Levitt as a porn obsessed sex addict trying to straighten his life out. Co-stars Julianne Moore and Scarlet Johannsson. Released 9/19.

Mandela- Another Weinstein produced film. This stars the fantastic Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela, and is about his long walk to freedom. Released 11/29.

42-The story of Jackie Robinson. Doubtful it draws the Academy's attention, but Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey might. Released 4/12.

To The Wonder- Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams star in this film by Terrence Malick, which means plot is optional. Release date 4/12.

Prisoners- This film stars Hugh Jackman as a man whose daughter is kidnapped. The man than kidnaps the person he suspects to be behind the kidnapping to try to learn the truth. Co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Paul Dano, and Terrence Howard. Released 9/20.

Old Boy- This remake of the classic Japanese film tells the story of a man (Josh Brolin) kidnapped and left alone in a room for 20 years until he is released without reason or warning. Directed by Spike Lee. Released 10/11.

Untitled Terrence Malick Film- Malick has another film scheduled this year, starring Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Christian Bale, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Benicio Del Toro, and Val Kilmer. Release date unknown.

Wow, that is a list. Many of these will flop and be out of mind quicky, but one of these films will be our Best Picture a year from now. Check back later for Part 2 where I will make my official predictions.

-Maximus