We know him. We love him. Tom Hanks! Comedy, romance, drama and action, this guy has done it all. He's not "Hollywood Handsome", he's more of a guy-next-door type and we love him for it. Let's take a look at my Top 10 Tom Hanks films/roles, in order:
#10 - Turner and Hooch
Hanks plays Det. Scott Turner in this 1989 film where he takes on a dog as his only witness to a murder.
#9 - The Terminal
Hanks plays immigrant turned airport resident Viktor Navorski in this 2004 film.
#8 - Charlie Wilson's War
Hanks plays Texas congressman Charlie Wilson in this 2007 "based on a true story" film.
#7 - Cast Away
Hanks is brilliant as Chuck Noland who is stuck on a deserted island in this 2000 film.
#6 - You've Got Mail
Hanks plays opposite Meg Ryan for a second time as Joe Fox in this 1998 film.
#5 - Angels and Demons
Hanks returns as Robert Langdon in this 2009 film based on the novel by Dan Brown
#4 - The Da Vinci Code
Hanks is introduced for the first time as Robert Langdon in this 2006 film based on the novel by Dan Brown.
#3 - The Green Mile
Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, a guard on death row in this 1999 film based on a Steven King novel.
#2 - Big
Hanks plays child turned adult Josh Baskin in this 1988 film.
#1 - Forrest Gump
My all-time favorite Tom Hanks movie and performance goes to Forrest Gump. Hanks plays the endearing title role in this 1994 Oscar winner, the movie that always makes me feel better when I'm under the weather.
And that's a wrap. Did I miss any of your favorite Tom Hanks films? Let me know by adding a comment below. You can also check out my other blogs at http://onlinebooksclub.blogspot.com/ and http://writinganovelproject.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Angels and Demons: Movie Review
I went to the theater this weekend to see "Angels and Demons" and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. Now I did read the book, so I knew the basic plot before going in, but I have to admit that when you put Tom Hanks in a role taken from a book, he does an awesome job. There are very few novels that I've read, that have been turned into movies that I actually enjoyed, but 3 of them starred Tom Hanks: Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code and The Green Mile. I didn't read Forrest Gump before seeing the movie but it's one of my all time favorite flicks.
So back to "Angels and Demons", it had a little more gore than I expected and was definitely action-packed. The scenery is awesome, the Vatican, the churches, the art-work, it was all pretty amazing. It's worth seeing on the big screen.
This is also the type of movie you could watch with pretty much anyone except for young children (the violence), there's no romance, no sex scenes, and I don't even remember any swearing though it may have been there.
All in all, though I did enjoy the movie, the concept, the storyline and such... I felt it could have been... better I guess. That's how I felt about "The DaVinci Code" as well though. I'll attribute that feeling to my absolute adoration of the books, maybe nobody could have done a better job with the film... maybe...
So back to "Angels and Demons", it had a little more gore than I expected and was definitely action-packed. The scenery is awesome, the Vatican, the churches, the art-work, it was all pretty amazing. It's worth seeing on the big screen.
This is also the type of movie you could watch with pretty much anyone except for young children (the violence), there's no romance, no sex scenes, and I don't even remember any swearing though it may have been there.
All in all, though I did enjoy the movie, the concept, the storyline and such... I felt it could have been... better I guess. That's how I felt about "The DaVinci Code" as well though. I'll attribute that feeling to my absolute adoration of the books, maybe nobody could have done a better job with the film... maybe...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Top 10 - Guy movies for Girls
Are you and your honey trying to decide on a movie for the night and can’t quite agree? Well here is a list for you women who want to enjoy a movie and give your guys the feeling that you were thinking of just them. And guys? Here is a good list of movies that will keep you well leveled in that testosterone driven action you require while keep your favorite gal interested as well.
#1 - Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) starring: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
For the Guys: Action, suspense and Angelina Jolie looking super hot
For the Gals: Romance, witty banterish script and Brad Pitt looking super hot
#2 - True Romance (1993) starring: Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette
This is by far one of my favorite movies. Guys don’t let the name throw you off; this flick is written by Quentin Tarantino so you know it has all the violence and action you can handle. Gals this is an all-star cast, brilliant dialogue and a crazy kind of romance that will make you wish the movie never ended.
#3 - Con Air (1997) starring: Nicolas Cage and John Cusack
Guys: Convicts take over a plane and blow stuff up. Need I say more?
Gals: Another brilliant film, it’s got romance, a fine looking Nicolas Cage and some interesting plotlines with John Malcovich, John Cusack and Steve Buscemi.
#4 - The Mexican (2001) starring: Brad Pitt and Julia Rogers
Guys: It’s all about a gun. Action, comedy and violence, you’re good to go.
Gals: Its Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts! Enough said.
#5 - Gladiator (2000) starring: Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix
Guys: This is all about you guys, an action hero saves the day with tons on slaughter to boot.
Gals: It’s a period piece, there is some romance. Basically it’s just a brilliant movie with a lot of gore for your man to be satisfied. Russell Crowe looks pretty dang awesome in it.
#6 – Taken (2009) starring: Liam Neeson
I REALLY loved this movie. Probably because I was in the mood for an action movie, but really it was awesome. Liam Neeson plays an unexpected amazing action hero-type. Who woulda thought? I don’t really need to dissect this for guys or gals, it’s just a great movie, watch it! (but yes there is a lot of action guys)
#7 - The Usual Suspects (2005) starring: Gabriel Byrne and Kevin Spacey
THE most clever suspense ending to any movie I’ve seen (I guessed the “Sixth Sense” plot within about 10 minutes of the movie which is my “The Usual Suspects” wins this award). I was truly blown away at the end. The plot is so twisted it keeps you guessing all the way through.
Guys: Lots of action and yes they blow stuff up.
Gals: The movie is genius, once you’ve seen it you will be glad for it.
#8 - Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007) starring: George Clooney and Brad Pitt
Guys: Heists, twists and turns, revenge, and yes they blow stuff up.
Gals: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Julie Roberts. A beautiful cast in a fast-paced fun movie trilogy. You won’t be sorry.
#9 - The Boondock Saints (1999) starring: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus
Oh how I loved this movie. Ok gals, it’s a little brutal with lots of killing and blood and such and absolutely no romance whatsoever, but I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Guys you are looking at one of the best movies you NEED to see. There’s a little soul-searching, bonding and spirituality in it for you gals out there who, like myself, need some substance between the action scenes.
#10 - Shanghai Knights (2003) starring: Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson
This is just a really cute movie. The guys get their action, the gals get their romance and both can enjoy the comedic connection between Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan. Not a thinker of a movie at all, good for a Friday night after a long work week when you want to be entertained but don’t want to think.
So that’s a wrap. I hope the list helps you out in some way or another. If youc an think of any great Guy movies for Girls that I may have missed, please let me know as I’ll be making a part 2 list to this one eventually.
#1 - Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) starring: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
For the Guys: Action, suspense and Angelina Jolie looking super hot
For the Gals: Romance, witty banterish script and Brad Pitt looking super hot
#2 - True Romance (1993) starring: Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette
This is by far one of my favorite movies. Guys don’t let the name throw you off; this flick is written by Quentin Tarantino so you know it has all the violence and action you can handle. Gals this is an all-star cast, brilliant dialogue and a crazy kind of romance that will make you wish the movie never ended.
#3 - Con Air (1997) starring: Nicolas Cage and John Cusack
Guys: Convicts take over a plane and blow stuff up. Need I say more?
Gals: Another brilliant film, it’s got romance, a fine looking Nicolas Cage and some interesting plotlines with John Malcovich, John Cusack and Steve Buscemi.
#4 - The Mexican (2001) starring: Brad Pitt and Julia Rogers
Guys: It’s all about a gun. Action, comedy and violence, you’re good to go.
Gals: Its Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts! Enough said.
#5 - Gladiator (2000) starring: Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix
Guys: This is all about you guys, an action hero saves the day with tons on slaughter to boot.
Gals: It’s a period piece, there is some romance. Basically it’s just a brilliant movie with a lot of gore for your man to be satisfied. Russell Crowe looks pretty dang awesome in it.
#6 – Taken (2009) starring: Liam Neeson
I REALLY loved this movie. Probably because I was in the mood for an action movie, but really it was awesome. Liam Neeson plays an unexpected amazing action hero-type. Who woulda thought? I don’t really need to dissect this for guys or gals, it’s just a great movie, watch it! (but yes there is a lot of action guys)
#7 - The Usual Suspects (2005) starring: Gabriel Byrne and Kevin Spacey
THE most clever suspense ending to any movie I’ve seen (I guessed the “Sixth Sense” plot within about 10 minutes of the movie which is my “The Usual Suspects” wins this award). I was truly blown away at the end. The plot is so twisted it keeps you guessing all the way through.
Guys: Lots of action and yes they blow stuff up.
Gals: The movie is genius, once you’ve seen it you will be glad for it.
#8 - Ocean's Eleven (2001) and Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007) starring: George Clooney and Brad Pitt
Guys: Heists, twists and turns, revenge, and yes they blow stuff up.
Gals: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Julie Roberts. A beautiful cast in a fast-paced fun movie trilogy. You won’t be sorry.
#9 - The Boondock Saints (1999) starring: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus
Oh how I loved this movie. Ok gals, it’s a little brutal with lots of killing and blood and such and absolutely no romance whatsoever, but I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Guys you are looking at one of the best movies you NEED to see. There’s a little soul-searching, bonding and spirituality in it for you gals out there who, like myself, need some substance between the action scenes.
#10 - Shanghai Knights (2003) starring: Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson
This is just a really cute movie. The guys get their action, the gals get their romance and both can enjoy the comedic connection between Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan. Not a thinker of a movie at all, good for a Friday night after a long work week when you want to be entertained but don’t want to think.
So that’s a wrap. I hope the list helps you out in some way or another. If youc an think of any great Guy movies for Girls that I may have missed, please let me know as I’ll be making a part 2 list to this one eventually.
How the Company, the Mood and the Setting Effects Movie Watching
You’ll only get out of a movie what you put into it. I once had one of my best friends in the world tell me she hated “Forrest Gump”. FORREST GUMP! Who could possible hate such an endearing character in a touching, well-acted movie such as “Forrest Gump”? So I probed… I asked questions that might help her identify what could have possibly turned her off of the movie. The answer? She watched it alone, after a horrible break-up, in a living room packed with her ex’s boxes while waiting for said ex to call. Well DUH! And that’s when it really hit me how much can affect a movie’s impact on a person despite the brilliance (or idiocy) of a film. Let’s take a look at the environmental factors.
When and where you watch a movie makes a big difference. Watching a horror movie in broad daylight won’t have nearly the same affect as watching it at night. Seeing an action film is far more awesome on a big screen than on a small one or even watching it on blu-ray at home on a big screen sure beats watching it plain old 27inch. But for films such as “Pretty Woman” or “High Fidelity”, it might actually be more enjoyable to curl up on your own couch or bed, make your own popcorn and have the opportunity to use your washroom at your own discretion.
Who you chose to watch a movie with makes the biggest difference in my opinion. You don’t want to watch a completely feminine movie with your male mate. You can of course, but would the “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” have nearly the same effect if you watched it with a guy than if you watched it with a woman, or even alone? You wouldn’t want to sit through Zack and Miri Make a Porn with your parents or your teenager either. It affects the comfort level allowed to enjoy the film.
Mood, lighting, company, environment and general state of mind can all have a huge impact on your basic enjoyment of a movie. So keep these aspects in mind before you pick your next flick!
When and where you watch a movie makes a big difference. Watching a horror movie in broad daylight won’t have nearly the same affect as watching it at night. Seeing an action film is far more awesome on a big screen than on a small one or even watching it on blu-ray at home on a big screen sure beats watching it plain old 27inch. But for films such as “Pretty Woman” or “High Fidelity”, it might actually be more enjoyable to curl up on your own couch or bed, make your own popcorn and have the opportunity to use your washroom at your own discretion.
Who you chose to watch a movie with makes the biggest difference in my opinion. You don’t want to watch a completely feminine movie with your male mate. You can of course, but would the “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” have nearly the same effect if you watched it with a guy than if you watched it with a woman, or even alone? You wouldn’t want to sit through Zack and Miri Make a Porn with your parents or your teenager either. It affects the comfort level allowed to enjoy the film.
Mood, lighting, company, environment and general state of mind can all have a huge impact on your basic enjoyment of a movie. So keep these aspects in mind before you pick your next flick!
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