Movie Meme

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.

-- Wendell Johnson

AngieW tagged me with her movie meme a couple of weeks ago, and this is my second attempt. :D Last film I watched: I wish I did this meme yesterday, but *sigh* I've just finished watching a Demi Moore film, Striptease, based on Carl Hiaasen's novel. Utterly crap. Five favorite films I either watch frequently or that mean a lot to me: This is very difficult because I have seen too many films. Well, take AFI Top 100 Greatest Films, for instance. Of all films listed, I haven't seen Dance With the Wolves and Singin' in the Rain [and have no intention to see them during my lifetime]. So I have seen quite a few films, which makes it a tough job, but I decided to create a criteria for this time: a) it has to be made in 1997 and/or 1998, b) it has to be American, and c) it has to be those I watch regularly. Here's my list in no particular order.

1. L.A. Confidential [1997] It's quite funny because I'm not keen on almost all actors in this film and its director, but they did well enough to make it highly watchable. Every time I stumbled across this on TV, I ended up watching it. A fabulous film.
2. The Fifth Element [1997] IMO, the best thing about The Fifth Element is film editor Sylvie Landra. Her work for this film seriously blew my mind. That opera/fight scene? Fanfuckingtastic. It's poetry in motion.
3. Eve's Bayou [1997] Perfect for a late Sunday afternoon viewing, especially during summer. I still can't believe that this is largely [and undeservedly] forgotten. I don't think I'd ever get tired of it.
4. Practical Magic [1998] I'm not a fan of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, but I decided to watch this film because I like Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing. Although it has its flaws, I liked it enough to watch it whenever I'm in the mood for an uplifting film.
5. Out of Sight [1998] In spite of its flaws, it's a well-written piece with rich black humour, punchy dialogue and great chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. I also think it's a good improvement on Elmore Leonard's novel.

Worst film you've ever had to endure: I have seen so many terrible films that I sometimes questioned my sanity for being part of this world, but I choose The Garbage Pail Kids Movie because it's the only film that managed to make me throw up. I'd vote 2001: A Space Odyssey in, but if I did, Will would divorce me on the spot as it's one of Will's all time favourite films. Every time I watched this film, my eyeballs threatened to pack their bags and leave while my ears bled and my teeth screamed for freedom. It's so achingly boring. Also, Forrest Gump. Favorite movie quote: "Attention! Attention! Ladies and gentlemen, attention! There is a herd of killer rabbits headed this way and we desperately need your help!"

-- Night of the Lepus

Favorite movie adapted from a book: *laugh* That's almost impossible as 80% of the entire film history are based on novels. :D OK, off my head: The Picture of Dorian Gray, based on Oscar Wilde's novel. Also, Smoke Signals, based on various short stories from Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Both are criminally underrated. One book I'd like to see made into a movie: I'm not convinced that a traditional romance novel can be made into a feature film. Novels of other genres, yes, but traditional romance novels? I don't think so. People to tag with this meme: Everyone and anyone listed in the sidebar on the right. :) Be good, be bad & be safe.