40. The Sound of Music

What it's about

Lovely lady looks after lots of children, there is singing and Nazis.

What I thought
I really liked this one, my mum and sisters were singing along. I loved the kids, especially the little girl.

What Mum thought
Mum had seen this one before. "Nazis, Julie Andrews, lots of memorable songs, good direction, story and great characters. May not be my number 1 musical, but it's definitely one of the best. Peter is a bit of a fan too, but doesn't want to admit it."

What Dad thought
Dad had seen this one before. "Nazis and nuns, where else are you going to get a film with both in with singing too. There are worse musicals."

39. Dr. Strangelove

Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

What it's about

A man starts a war.

What I thought
I liked the planes and the uniforms. I loved the music too!

What Mum thought
Mum had seen this one before. "Great performances from Sellers, Heydon and Scott. Over the top performances, which are hilarious and still manage to ring true. Absolutely timeless, brilliant direction, cinematography. Love it!"

What Dad thought
First time for Dad. "I LOVE this film. It's one on the list I've been looking forward to. I was a little nervous after my disappointment at Mr Smith, but this didn't just match my expectations it exceeded them The dialogue was superb, the exchanges such as -

'Okay. I'm gonna get your money for ya. But if you don't get the President of the United States on that phone, you know what's gonna happen to you?'
'What?'
'You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company.'

An excellent soundtrack, a brilliant premise and beautiful performances. This film really made my day."

A big plane like a '52... varrroom!

38. The Treasure of Sierra Madre

What it's about

Some men go looking for gold!

What I thought
Not much here for me to like, but the old man was funny.

What Mum thought
Mum had seen this one before. "Not more Bogart! Luckily, Huston completely steals the spotlight on this one. A wise old toothless codger who just kicks his heels up and has a good time. Apart from Huston and, of course, 'Badges? We ain't got no badges...' it drags."

What Dad thought
First time for Dad. "OMG this was long! While it's a competent film, I don't understand why it's on the AFI list. I found it predictable and whilst there are some snappy exchanges and excellent writing, it couldn't raise it to the level of classic for me."

37. The Best Years of Our Lives

What it's about

Some men come back from war and have to get used to living normal lives again.

What I thought
I really liked Homer, but I got a little bored.

What Mum thought
Mum had seen this one before. "I think the best praise of all for this came from Capra who said it deserved every award Wyler could get for it. This film beat It's a Wonderful Life, and although I love that film, I can see why this did so well. In particular, Harold Russell, who won two academy awards for his portrayal of Homer Parrish. Although quite slow paced, it is a well written and directed character-driven story."

What Dad thought
First time for Dad. "I quite enjoyed this film, although I agree it was slow. It was ambitious to show the ex-service men returning to normality after World War II. It expertly portrayed them returning to a life which had remained the same when they had changed so dramatically. Harold Russell stole the film with an excellent performance. A little disappointing that he didn't go on to do a lot more film. Overall a brave film."

Joe's Journey

We've been a bit behind with the film updates. Mum, Dad and I have watched a couple more of the AFI list, but we haven't gotten the photos done yet. I will get Mum to put up some more posts very, very soon.

While you wait, could you please go and visit this little boy's website. It's called Joe's Journey.

Joe is 4 years old and has Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy and uses a Kaye Walker and wheelchair to get around.  He finds getting around extra hard and gets upset he can't be like his sister and friends.

If you have any spare money to give, they have a special donate button. Or, if you live near to them or around the Midlands, keep an eye on the events page.

Thank you,

Dexter 

36. The Bridge On The River Kwai

 

 

 

What it's about

Some men make a bridge.

What I thought
I really liked the theme tune and Alec Guinness.

What Mum thought
Mum had seen this one before. "Great performances from Holden and Guinness, not forgetting Hayakawa. Beautifully filmed, its only flaw is to claim to be a portrayal of true events."

What Dad thought
Dad had seen this one before. "This is another awesome film! I've loved this film since i watched it as a child. Guinness performance is exemplary as the stiff upper lipped officer who bargains with nothing and wins concessions from the Japanese officer in charge of the camp.
Guinness's characters pride in the bridge grows as it becomes a symbol for one of the few things that he can actually control.
Great film, great acting and an awesome ending. "

35. Annie Hall

What it's about

It's a love story, kind of.

What I thought
Boring.

What Mum thought
Mum can't remember whether she has seen this one before. "This film has a lot of strengths. A few A list cameos, some cartoon work, some breaking of the fourth wall, interesting subtitles... Allen used every gimmick available to make this film unique, and it won him some Oscars. Having said that, I giggled a bit at a few of the jokes, but then, as I am often found doing with Woody Allen films, I got bored. The film may be one of the shortest on the list yet it felt like it went on forever. Keaton was very good, I just find Allen annoying, and his films kind of end up being mashed together into one for me, that's why I can't remember whether I've seen it before or not."

What Dad thought
First time for Dad. "I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I was wary of Woody Allen films as he's usually portrayed as a character of himself. I didn't know how much of the neurotic I could take but at just over 90 minutes, Annie Hall was just the right length.
I enjoyed the breaks in the fourth wall and the insane bits such as Snow White animation or when he was standing in line at the cinema.
Overall I thought this is a good romantic comedy."