45. The September Issue (2008)- R.J. Cutler

The September Issue Trailer

Forget every preconceived notion that you previously had about the fashion industry. Down to the pair of socks that you are wearing, someone, probably named Anna Wintour, subconsciously influenced your decision when you picked them out this morning. This was an incredibly eye opening documentary about the most important issue of any magazine that is put out each year - the September issue of American Vogue, and the amazing amount of work and thought that goes into each edition. Within its 200 some pages, contains what Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington decide are going to be the hot trends for the next year. I would like to say that this film showed a more humane, nice side to Ms. Wintour, but it obviously didn't (it IS Anna Wintour we're talking about here). What it did show, however, was that whether we realize it or not, we are all merely subjects of Queen Wintour in this incredibly communist fashion society.

44. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)- Tom Stoppard

R&G Are Dead- Questions Tennis


So, last week my Shakespeare's Tragic Heroes class started reading, "Hamlet." Because of this stressful and overwhelming endeavor, and at the request of my mother, I decided to seek out some comic relief in this witty comedy/drama about the most important minor characters in Hamlet. This version of the story is focused on Rosencrantz (Gary Oldman) and Guildenstern (Tim Roth), and their role in the story of Hamlet, which is incredibly more important than they think, what with carrying his death sentence and all on their way to England and causing the confrontation between Hamlet and Claudius. They are transported back and forth between being in the actions of the real play, and trying to figure out why Hamlet is acting so strange. It is a very funny take on this tragedy. The two goons somehow manage to comment on important philosophical topics during their seemingly nonsensical rambling. Plus, this is the first time I'd ever seen a game of "Question tennis," and it was probably one of the funniest scenes in a movie- ever.

43. Animal house (1978)- John Landis

Animal House Trailer

So, after being offered a bid to an amazing sorority three weeks ago, my friends and I decided that we just had to watch this hilariously raunchy iconic film about fraternity life. This film follows the cluster-cuss that is the Delta Tau Chi fraternity, and Dean Wormer's efforts to shut them down. Whether it is the horrendously low grade point averages, having sex with younger women, drinking to a point of oblivion, throwing a "toga party," ridiculous nicknames "Bluto," or charmingly serenading women with guitars, this movie invented frat stereotypes and inspired many other movies and college parties over the years. The stellar cast, including John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, and Tim Matheson, to name a few, made this movie into more than a film about some insane, party obsessed college boys, to a legendary tale about sticking it to the man!

42. Moneyball (2011)- Bennett Miller

Moneyball Trailer

It is no surprise that this movie is nominated for not one, but six Academy Awards this year. The Academy loves sports movies based on a true story, and when actors who mainly do comedy switch and take on more dramatic roles (cough Jonah Hill). I thought the story was very interesting, and well documented. It showed the perfect amount of real baseball footage, old men talking about the "looks" of different players, and Billy Beane's (Brad Pitt) family life. I learned a lot about the behind the scenes aspect to baseball, the scouting, the empty promises, and all of the gambling that goes into running a team. It depicted a different kind of struggle than other sports movies, meaning that there wasn't the whole, "washed up has-been overcoming obstacles to get back into the game" plot, but rather the manager's struggle to create something out of nothing. It was really well made, and definitely deserving of all its nominations. Plus, Brad Pitt is still a super hottie...

41. Let Me In (2010) - Matt Reeves

Let Me In Trailer

This is so much more than a just a vampire movie. Yes, it is a movie about a young girl vampire, but it is so much more substantial than simply that. This quiet film is about a lonely, troubled young boy, Owen, who falls in love with the only person who seems to understand him, a young girl named Abby, who just happens to be a vampire. I don't even think of this as a "vampire movie," but rather, one that explores the idea of innocent friendship and love, without judgement. Yes, Abby does have a father who is a serial killer who murders people and drains their blood to keep her "alive," but that is all in the name of saving his daughter. Or was he also her childhood love and he grew up because he wasn't a vampire and she is? Anyway... visually, this movie is stunning, with a dark, neo-noir like color scheme, seeing as most of the movie takes place at night. It is based off of a Swedish movie called, "Let the Right One In," and it is virtually identical to the original. It is definitely worth seeing, and will probably turn into a cult classic. It was refreshing to see a horror film about vampires that actually had substance, and was scary without being gross. Well, I mean, it was gross what with the blood, but it was still a beautiful love story as well. 

40. Meet the Parents (2000) - Jay Roach

Meet the Parents Trailer

This movie is probably a manifestation of every man's worst nightmare. Gaylord "Greg" Focker  (Ben Stiller) wants nothing more than the approval of his girlfriend's parents, and to ask her father for his permission to marry his daughter. Unfortunately, her father (Robert DeNiro) is a suspicious, controlling, nanny cam using, ex-CIA hard ass. This movie is belly laugh funny every time you watch it, and even when thinking back on it. It also shows just how far a man in love is willing to go to win over the approval of her family. He buys rare plants, gets overly aggressive in a tragic water volleyball accident, breaks the urn of his girlfriend's grandmother, and even spray paints a cat's tail to look like Jinxy. It is a classic underdog story, that will make you uncomfortable from start to finish, but in a good way.

39. Romeo + Juliet (1996) - Baz Lurhmann

Romeo + Juliet Trailer

You knew it was going to be weird if it was directed by Baz Luhrmann (director of "Moulin Rouge). But you didn't know it was going to be that weird. Well, maybe you did. Anyway, this was an interesting modern take on Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," which is said to be THE defining example of love in the modern world. As strange and "artsy" as it is, I do enjoy this version anyway (most likely because Romeo is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and let's face it, he's a total stud). What I do think that the modernity of this movie shows, is that the story is just as relevant now, as it was when it was written in the mid 1590s. Forbidden love always has, and always will be an obstacle in relationships. This goes for feuding families, age differences, class issues, gay rights, interracial relationships...need I go on?

38. Harold and Maude (1971)- Hal Ashby

Harold and Maude Trailer

I'm doing you a favor by not telling you exactly what this movie is about. You just have to trust me on this one. All I am going to say is that it is about a boy in his early 20s, and the woman who saves his life. This beautiful love story gives me chills, tears, inappropriate laughter, and insight as to how I can be a better person, each time that I see it. It is about living life in love and like, despite all possible circumstances. Even though it was made in 1971, the wisdom that can be taken from this movie is timeless and important. After all, in the words of Dame Marjorie Chardin aka Maude, "Everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves, you just can't let the world judge you too much." To top it all off, the soundtrack was done by Cat Stevens and who doesn't love Cat Stevens?

37. 50/50 (2011)- Jonathan Levine

50/50 Trailer
How did someone manage to make a movie about cancer incredibly funny? This film, which was based on a true story, explores glimpses into what life is like for the main character, Adam (Joseph Gordon Levitt) after he is diagnosed with cancer, and the oddities he comes across in his fight to beat the disease. The screenplay was actually very funny, as awkward as that sounds. Whether it is smoking marijuana with two old men, kicking his disgusting girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard) off of his porch, or hitting on his therapist, Levitt provokes many different emotions from the viewer in his portrayal of Adam. The only problem that I had with this movie, was Seth Rogen as the deadbeat, yet loyal best friend. I just wonder how many times I can see him trying to play a ladies man who does drugs in a movie before I want to punch  myself in the face. I thought he detracted from the simplicity and believability of this lovely true story. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this movie despite Rogen's lack of diversity in his acting style.

36. The Vow (2012)- Michael Sucsy

The Vow Trailer


If this isn't based on a Nicholas Sparks book, it should be. The concept of the story was okay, I guess. It's about a super artsy couple who gets into a very bad car accident, and the wife has serious brain damage, to the point that she does not remember her husband at all. I think the problem with this movie is that, despite his ridiculously stunning good looks, Channing Tatum is simply not a good actor. I'd go as far as to say that he is horrendous. He is bland and plays the same character in every movie. Just put him in an army uniform and BAM! "Dear John." Also, I'm one hundred percent over Rachel McAdams being a bitch in movies. It has been way overdone and she needs to start accepting different kinds of roles. The film overall was interesting because I couldn't get past the fact that if I woke up from a coma with Channing Tatum standing over me telling me that he was my husband, I wouldn't act really strange and dismissive towards him. I would be psyched, let's be honest. Anyway, I can't recommend this movie at all. The trailer was intriguing, but showed the entire movie, and you don't have to pay to see the trailer. If you want a cheese ball love story, at least watch "The Notebook," which has some kind of substance. I'm not going to lie, I kind of wish it took a Quentin Tarantino approach, or something to spice it up.  This was a poor excuse for a love story, and just because it is "inspired by true events," doesn't mean it makes for a good movie.

35. The Making of Sgt. Pepper (1992)- Documentary

The Making of Sgt. Pepper (Documentary)

This semester I discovered that I have a gift. I am incredibly talented at making a kick ass schedule, and this is the reason why. I was browsing through our course catalogue and stumbled upon a class called Record and Allied Entertainment 400 "The Beatles." It is part of the Bandier Program we have at Syracuse, which includes a Music Industry Major. The class I am taking is taught by this amazing professor who is on the board of the Grammy's, David Rezak. Our class is all about the Beatles, from the technological aspect of recording to the creative process, to "Beatlemania" and its correlation to "Bieber fever." The class is sponsored by Apple Corps. Yes, you read that right. MY CLASS IS SPONSORED BY APPLE CORPS. Anyway, they sent us a documentary about the making of Sgt. Pepper, which was never released in the United States. It features interviews with George Martin who shares some of the original master tapes from the first recordings of various songs. It was absolutely amazing, and I think it should be mandatory for every human to watch. I mean who knew that Strawberry Fields was supposed to be on Sgt. Pepper?!?!

34. Beginners (2010)- Mike Mills

Beginners Trailer

No wonder Christopher Plummer is nominated for this year's Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars. He was lovable and charming as Ewan McGregor's terminally ill, recently openly gay father. He was believable in his enchanting way that he portrayed all of the stages of grief, from denial (by telling people that he's turning the corner), to acceptance (drinking wine in the hospital with his friends).
This movie is a beautiful work of art. It is told in flashback, almost as a mixed media, found footage film. Ewan McGregor is great as well, and even manages to make Freud look dreamy. This movie touches on life, death, acceptance, and love and answers the question that we're all thinking at all times, "what really goes through a dog's mind?"

33. Riding in Cars With Boys (2001)- Penny Marshall

Riding in Cars With Boys Trailer

As much as I love Drew Barrymore, she was just really, really...uh, bad, in this predictable comedy/drama. She always makes the same facial expression and always uses inflection in her voice to convey emotion. All of this is great, except she does it in every role.  I think the concept of this  movie was interesting. A Young girl in the 1950s with über conservative parents, who swears she won't get pregnant...until she does, all told in flashbacks. Brittany Murphy is pretty funny and charming as the slightly promiscuous best friend who should've gotten pregnant. I don't know what it is about this movie, but I can't recommend it. It tried too hard to be funny, sad, and real, but missed the mark.

32. Ice Princess (2005)- Tim Fywell

Ice Princess Trailer

Love me some super cheesy throw back Disney made for t.v. movies. But seriously, such a guilty pleasure. Especially after two long weekends of sorority rush! Anyway, as cheese ball as this movie is, I do have to say that it was entertaining. Especially if you're into the whole underdog overcoming obstacles to achieve their dreams thing. Also, Joan Cusack is really funny, as usual. She plays an über dorky, vegetarian, over protective mom. Basically, I recommend this movie for anyone stuck babysitting and doesn't want to watch Hannah Montana (or whatever kids these days watch), or when you're super tired sitting in your room with your best friends, eating sushi and drinking Japanese soda!

31. Remember the Titans (2000)- Boaz Yakin

Remember the Titans Trailer

Yes, this is a movie about football, but it is also about overcoming obstacles, race and friendship. The inspiring true story takes places in Virginia in the '70s, when segregation and racism were still running rampant. Denzel Washington stared as Coach Boone who was told that if he lost even one football game during the entire season, he would be fired. What is so magical about this movie, besides the amazing acting (Washington, a young Ryan Gosling and Kate Bosworth), was the fact that this was inspired by a true story. It is hard to think that not too long ago, the issues raised in this movie were so prevalent all across our country, and it is awesome to see a movie that addresses these problems, without making it too "preachy." Definitely a must see even if you don't like sports.

30. One Million Years B.C. (1966)- Don Chaffey

One Million Years B.C. Trailer

So this semester I decided to take a class entitled, "Archaeology at the Movies," where we watch movies portraying archaeology in popular culture and talk about how inaccurate they are. The only thing that was remotely accurate about this repulsively horrendous film is that there were people. Oh wait, modern humans didn't start to look like that until 200,000 years ago (sorry, my nerd is showing). Anyway, who cares if it is inaccurate because it has a great story and plot, right? Wrong. Ever so wrong. Basically it was a bunch of beautiful cavewomen splashing around in some body of water in the middle of the desert being attacked by really random gigantic creatures (giant turtle, spider, lizard, dinosaurs, etc.). Basically, the only reason someone could think that this could pass for an actual movie is if they a) had a seizure while watching it and thought it was actually Jurassic Park, or b) they think Raquel Welch is hot in a fur bikini. Besides that, for those of us who aren't phased by the fur bikini, all we had to look at were a bunch of ridiculously hairy, dirty, scraggily cave men grunting at each other. Awesome!

29. The Graduate (1967)- Mike Nichols

The Graduate Trailer

A Young Dustin Hoffman stars in this American classic comedy/drama as a recent college graduate, who doesn't really know what he wants to do with his life, and ends up having an affair with his father's business partner's wife, Mrs. Robinson. Part of the charm of this movie, is Dustin Hoffman's naive awkward demeanor when it comes to actually following through with his affair with the sultry, much older Mrs. Robinson. This culturally significant classic also helped to launch the career of Simon and Garfunkel into a new level of fame. The soundtrack, which featured three brand new S&G songs at the time, immediately blew up all of the music charts, mainly because of the song "Mrs. Robinson." The score is paired nicely overtop of great cinematography, including a shot (which is shown in the movie poster on the left) looking at Dustin Hoffman from the point of view of Mrs. Robinson, but from between her legs. Genius! This film is a must see for anyone around college age and older! Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!

28. Mean Girls (2004)- Mark Waters

Mean Girls Trailer

Without a doubt, THE defining movie of my generation, Mean Girls immediately became a classic as the new "Clueless." The screenplay, which was written by Tina Fay, is based off of a book ("Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman) that describes the social dynamic of high schools (cliques) and how it affects young girls. Anything written by Tina Fay, produced by Lorne Michaels, with a kick ass cast of some of SNL's greats (Tina Fay, Amy Poehler, Tim Meadows), and staring Lindsay Lohan before the coke years, was never going to suck. The best part of Mean Girls, besides the fact that I can literally recite the entire movie word for word, is that each time I watch it, I laugh hysterically because it is incredibly accurate in portraying how high school girls actually are. From the various different groups (Plastics, jocks, Asian nerds, etc.) to the constant desire for older boys to be interested in you, to competition over Spring Fling queen, to the "cool mom" who offers you alcohol, but only in the house, every aspect of the film is realistic, allowing the audience to be able to laugh at themselves, because it highlights the ridiculousness of it all. This brilliant film has had such an impact that there is even a "National Mean Girls Quote Day" on Facebook dedicated to paying homage to the over the top, yet belly laugh funny screenplay. I don't know anybody who doesn't name this as one of their favorite movies. It appeals to everybody, from the bitchy popular girls to the girls who want to be those girls, and the boys that complicate all of their lives. Everybody has a Regina George, and everybody is Cady Heron. But just remember, "none for Gretchen Weiners!"