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This week, we watch the film that put the legendary director Ingmar Bergman on the map, which lead some of cinemas best works, and also some of its most pretentious. Known for its now famous image of a knight playing chess on a beach with death, this movie is worth watching more for the ideas it presents, and not necessarily for the craft or for entertainment. The Seventh Seal (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
This week, we watch a large cast of morons stumble their way through a series of crimes. The film debut of both Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, this low budget cockney masterpiece came from the hopes and hard work of the cast and crew, and also the pockets of their families. The film’s soundtrack was so good, Madonna married the director. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), directed by Guy Ritchie.
This week, we watch another animated masterpiece by Studio Ghibli. Packed with bird wizards, fire demons, cursed witches, enchanted scarecrows, war machines, tar monsters, walking castles, spirit creatures, and portal doors, Miyazaki outdoes himself in this tale of fantasy. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
This week, we watch one of the first films in history to marry sound with film, with a synchronized soundtrack, as well as the first audio cue jump scare. This movie remains surprisingly relevant despite being released over 90 years ago. Sunrise (1927), directed by F. W. Murnau.
This week, we watch the spiritual sequel to Goodfellas, when De Niro and Pesci move from New York to Vegas. Based on the true life story of Frank Rosenthal (who still claims no knowledge of the events depicted in this film), this movie is probably the most historically accurate film we have watched so far. Casino (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese.
BONUS EPISODE! Somehow this movie came up in about 10 episodes in a row, and while its not on the list, we felt it appropriate to watch this classic of 90’s cinema. Losers always whine about trying their best, and Nicholas Cage is no loser. Carla was the Prom Queen. The Rock (1995), directed by Michael Bay.
This week, we watch the classic Bergman movie that is Stanley Kubrick's second favorite film of all time. An isolated, accomplished older man reflects on his life choices as he nears death. The story unravels slowly and tells a simple tale, but one that we can all relate to. Wild Strawberries (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
This week, we watch the first silent movie on the list - Starring the legendary Buster Keaton. Based on the true Civil War story, this film is almost entirely a series of chases on trains. The General, directed by Buster Keaton.
This week, we watch the story of the man who suffered from an extremely unfortunate disease that made his appearance monstrous. This film focuses on the time during his life where he met Doctor Treves, played by Hannibal Lecter himself, Sir Anthony Hopkins. The Elephant Man (1980), directed by David Lynch.
This week, we watch the Rocky inspired sports drama, where Nick Nolte drunkenly rambles his way to an oscar nomination, and Tom Hardy muscles are doing their demo reel for The Dark Knight Rises. This film is not so much for the fans of the UFC, but for fans of family drama and The National. Warrior (2011), directed by Gavin O'Connor.
This week, we watch Episode VII, a fantastic entry to the Star Wars saga, where Darth Vader is now a moody teenager, R2D2 is round, and everyone is still making fun of the Millennium Falcon for some reason. We’re also glad to see the portly X-Wing fighter makes it this time around. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), directed by J.J. Abrams.
This week, we watch the modified story of actual trials that took place in Nuremberg, Germany, after the end of World War II. This film brings up the topic of where to place the guilt for war crimes, and how far down the blame should. Spencer Tracy comes up with some ideas. Judgement at Nuremberg (1961), directed by Stanley Kramer.
This week, we watch the "true" story of Jordan Belfort, the a-hole stock broker that took advantage of hundreds of people for millions of dollars, living it up the entire time, and only had to do two years in prison as a penalty. This movie is hilarious, but also glorifies stealing, drugs, and being a terrible person. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese.
This week, we watch the best picture winning film that tells a version of the story of John Nash, the real life Nobel Prize winning mathematician who struggled with schizophrenia. The film takes some liberties to make his story palatable to movie goers, but contains mostly accurate information on what is shown. A Beautiful Mind (2001), directed by Ron Howard.
This week, we watch the film that popularized the Guy Fawkes mask and gave birth to the symbol of the hacking organization, Anonymous. This film melds noir, science-fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and super-hero genres together in a bloody tale of power and fear. V for Vendetta (2005), directed by James McTeigue.
This week, we watch the film that was rated as the #1 best movie of all time by 358 of the biggest directors in the world (including Scorsese, Tarantino, Coppola, and many others). This film takes on the seemingly not so interesting topic of every day life, and uses its deliberate pacing (slow) to add weight to its topics in a way that we rarely see on the screen. Tokyo Story (1953), directed by Yasujiro Ozu.
This week, we watch the incredibly dark film that put the director of Arrival, Sicario, and Blade Runner 2049 on the map. Stellar acting by the lead characters draw you into a story that wouldn’t be believable otherwise, and the intense realism of the gun violence won’t be easily forgotten. Incendies (2010), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
100 Episodes! Top 5 favorite and Bottom 3 least favorite, personal picks from Denny, John, and TC. Also, special movie category awards (best movie dog, best action scene, best movie beverage, best asshole protagonist, and lots more).
