The King of Arguments

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Sports)

2012-01-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

"The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase: if you pursue happiness you'll never find it." - C.P. Snow.

With movies dominating the majority of 2011 on The King of Arguments something had to get left behind. Unfortunately, sports became the victim. It's been more than a year since I last posted about anything related to athletics at all. Some of my newer visitors have no idea that I started this blog so I could do just that ... write about sports.

Who knows if 2012 brings any more or any less sports-related posts. I can't predict the future (even though that's exactly what I attempt to do in this column). What I do know is that 2011 was the year my favorite teams (Irish, Browns, Bulls, Penguins, and Indians) were all on the pursuit of happiness.

Some came closer than others.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness - Sports Review

6) Cleveland Browns (4-12 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 6/6

2007 - 2/6

"This is my "depressed stance." When you're depressed, it makes a lot of difference how you stand. The worst thing you can do is straighten up and hold your head high because then you'll start to feel better. If you're going to get any joy out of being depressed, you've got to stand like this." - Charlie Brown.

The Cleveland Browns and Charlie Brown have a lot in common besides just their last name. They both are classic and habitual losers. They both are involved with dogs. And they both know how to effectively utilize the "depressed stance."

For as long as I can remember the Cleveland Browns were my favorite team, but a series of head-scratching moves and poor play have narrowed the gap between them and the Cleveland Indians. That process began when they completely mis-handled Brady Quinn and subsequently signed Jake Delhomme in 2010. It continued when they fired Eric Mangini and replaced him with Pat Shurmur. It reached a low point when they brought Colt McCoy back into the game with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past season after he had suffered a concussion three plays prior. Just this past weekend they hired Brad Childress as their offensive coordinator because apparently there weren't enough jokes already surrounding the Cleveland Browns organization.

And that's where the problem lies ... with the owner, with the president and with the general manager. These are the people who are picking players, picking coaches, and determining the fate of the Cleveland Browns. The owner, Randy Lerner, inherited the team from his father and has produced nothing but failure. The president of football operations, Mike Holmgren, has done the same. I would be in favor of dumping both of them but I will give them one opportunity to redeem themselves with the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

Thanks to the Browns annual unimpressive play, they have two first-round picks (4th and 22nd) at their disposal. The Browns, as has been the case since they originally returned to the league back in 1999 lack GOOD PLAYERS. They need to draft superstars, as they haven't had one since Eric Turner. They'll have a chance to grab one in this upcoming draft, and if they don't, then chances are the Browns will continue to be ... the Browns.

At the end of the day the 2012 NFL Draft is the most important event in determining the success of this organization and if they mess it up, it will set this team back even further than they have already fallen. I don't have a horse in the race, but I hope they pick the best player available and not be locked in to a certain position, because that will narrow the chances of picking that elusive superstar the Browns so desperately need.

Prediction for 2012:

Well, they can't get much worse can they? I honestly don't think Colt McCoy is the answer, but he's definitely not the problem either. With no playmakers on the offensive side of the ball it makes it rather difficult to score points, which last I checked, was how teams won in the NFL. I'd be fine with letting McCoy start in 2012 with a couple of new wide-outs to throw to, say Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd perhaps?

I'll take a wild stab at it and say the Browns take Blackmon and Floyd in the first round, keep McCoy, and go 6-10 the following year ... with one of those six wins coming against the Steelers.

5) Notre Dame Football (8-5 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 3/6

2007 - 6/6

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want." - Margaret Young.

Usually an 8-5 Notre Dame football season would score a lot higher on this list, but 2011 actually treated me quite well in regards to my favorite teams. And to be honest, I had higher expectations for this team, and an 8-5 season left a disappointing taste in my mouth (that's what she said).

Notre Dame entered 2011 with an easier than usual schedule, a 2nd year head coach starting to make his impression with the Irish program, and the return of a majority of players from an 8-5 year that included an impressive season-ending bowl victory over Miami (FL).

The 2011 season fell apart so quickly it was almost as if it never had a chance to be great.

On the opening possession of their first game of the year, against South Florida, the Irish marched right down the field and appeared to be ready to make it a routine day against the Bulls. It all took a turn for the worse when the Irish fumbled at South Florida's one-yard line. The Bulls took it all the way for a touchdown. Notre Dame went on to lose that game, their next one against Michigan (who scored the go-ahead touchdown with less than 10 seconds left), and were 0-2 before you had time to stop and think about what just happened.

Give credit to Brian Kelly however for stopping things before they got really out of hand. Notre Dame had a couple of solid victories in 2011, including against Michigan State and Pittsburgh. For the most part they beat the teams they were supposed to, and lost to the ones they should have lost to. This is what happens when you have a solid team coupled with a below-average quarterback. Dayne Crist started the year, but came down with Tim Couch Disease and never regained any semblance of mental stability after the South Florida disaster. Tommy Rees took over and played his heart out, but Tommy's athletic capability is tailored for the Special Olympics more so than the real deal. He tries hard and you can't help rooting for him, but you would rather have someone else leading the ship at the end of the day.

Brian Kelly's quarterback decision will be his biggest choice of the year and will determine how well or how poor his 2012 season will be. Just like with the Browns potential draft picks, I don't have a horse in this race, but I obviously hope he does a better job with the QB's than he did in 2011.

Prediction for 2012:

Notre Dame has a brutal schedule in 2012, including stops in Dublin, Ireland (vs. Navy), Soldier Field (vs. Miami), and Norman, Oklahoma (vs. Oklahoma). Throw in their regulars (Michigan, MSU, USC, and Stanford) and you have an amazingly difficult schedule. Ohio State President Gordon Gee almost passed out when he saw it.

In order for Kelly to have a successful season he should aim for at least nine wins, which I say he gets ... barely. The Irish will go 9-4 in 2012, with a season-ending bowl win.

4) Pittsburgh Penguins (49-25-8 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 1/6

2007 - 5/6

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Unknown.

While the Pittsburgh Penguins didn't catch a lot of happiness in 2011, they did catch the injury-bug, which they promptly held on to and refused to let go of.

The Penguins played the majority of the year without the services of their two best players, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby was knocked out of service thanks to a concussion he suffered during the Winter Classic contest in January, which held him out for the entire second half of the year. Malkin played into February until he tore his ACL and MCL, which is always great news for any athlete.

Just like with the Irish, give credit to head coach Dan Bylsma for not packing it in after losing both Sid and Geno. He was able to take the Penguins to a 1st place tie in the Atlantic Division and a 3-1 series lead in their 1st-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yes, the Penguins lost three in a row to Tampa, which was a tremendous disappointment, but it was a minor miracle to even be in that position in the first place.

Speaking of miracles, it may take a major one to make Sidney Crosby appear in a Penguins uniform any time soon. He missed the entire second half of the 2011 season, and has only been back for a couple of games here in 2012 before having to take a leave of absence a second time due to "concussion-like symptoms." The longer Crosby is absent, the more I begin to think he might never play again ... which would be one of the greater travesties in recent sports-history.

The trio of Crosby-Malkin-Jordan Staal have played so little together that I actually forgot they were all on the same team for a little while. Those three led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup Championship in 2009, and it seemed they were on the brink of a dynasty but things haven't quite gone as planned since that epic victory. Just goes to show how difficult it is to win a professional championship, and how precious those moments truly are.

Prediction for 2012:

More of the same from Pittsburgh. They will continue to tread water until Crosby comes back, if he does at all. Without Crosby they could potentially win a playoff series, but they won't be a championship-caliber team until he finally returns.

I say that doesn't happen in 2012 which will have me really nervous for his immediate future. As for the Penguins, they sneak into the playoffs, make someone nervous for a round or two, and then bow out gracefully.

3) Cleveland Indians (80-82 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 4/6

2007 - 1/6

"The happiness of most people is not ruined by great catastrophes or fatal errors, but by the repetition of slowly destructive little things." - Ernest Dimnet.

I wonder if Ernest Dimnet had the Cleveland Indians in mind when he wrote that beautiful line? I wonder if he was referencing trotting out Matt LaPorta every day, or Fausto Carmona for that matter? I wonder if he was thinking about Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore going down with injuries? Actually, on second thought, I bet he was talking about Travis Hafner ... in general.

At first glance there was nothing spectacular about the Cleveland Indians in 2011. They finished with a sub .500 record and were 15 games behind the Detroit Tigers. But that first glance wouldn't tell you how well the Tribe played the first half of the season, or that they were playing meaningful games in September for the first time in four years.

After dropping their opening two games against the White Sox, the Tribe ran off eight in a row, a hot streak that continued all the way until the end of May when they topped out at 30-15. Eventually the Tigers caught up to the Indians and passed them for good with a three game sweep in mid-August. But just like the Penguins, the collapse isn't what will be remembered from the 2011 season, it was the hot start, and the reality that this Indians team could compete ... something that was uncertain before the year started.

But wasn't it a nice feeling for the Indians to be semi-relevant again, at least for a little while? Wasn't it nice to be in the mix at the trade deadline, even pulling a move for Ubaldo Jiminez, which love it or hate it, certainly created a buzz? Wasn't it nice to have meaningful games being played in September, even though the elephant in the room was the fact that the Indians weren't going to catch the Tigers? I loved everything about the 2011 season, especially if the Tribe can parlay that success into 2012.

Prediction for 2012:

Rotation will be Masterson, Jiminez, Tomin, Lowe, and someone not named Fausto Carmona. It's not great, but it's not bad either. A lot of their success will depend on Jiminez's ability to pitch like it's 2010 and not 2011. Their bullpen will be solid, although Chris Perez scares me. It's not Joe Borowski/Bob Wickman-scary, but he's no Mike Jackson either.

The lineup should look something like this: Brantley, Cabrera, Choo, Santana, Hafner, Sizemore, Kipnis, First Base (Laporta/Kotchmann/Lee), and Chisenhall. Again, not a great lineup, but a solid one nonetheless.

Before the Tigers picked up Prince Fielder I thought the Tribe had a small window of getting past Detroit, but after that huge signing (pun intended), I think that window has been slammed shut. The best case scenario is Ubaldo pitches unbelievable, Grady Sizemore becomes Grady Sizemore, and Hafner starts juicing up again. If those three things happen, they could sneak into the playoffs. As it stands, I'll go for a reversal of their 2011 record and end up at 82-80.

2) Notre Dame Basketball (27-7, 14-4 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 2/6

2007 - 3/6

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called." - A.A. Milne.

There's a lot of truth in that quote by A.A. Milne, especially in regards to the NCAA tournament. The build-up right before the tournament starts might actually be the best moment of the entire event. Filling out brackets, thinking about potential match-ups, and discussing the tournament with friends all create an undeniable buzz that outweighs the actual games being played.

If you were to ask me which of my favorite teams has the worst shot of winning a championship I would answer with Notre Dame basketball for a plethora of reasons.

The odds are simply too big. There are too many NCAA teams with championship pedigree. It's hard to get kids to want to come to Notre Dame to play basketball. Even if you have a great team, the NCAA tournament can send you home with one bad game ... or one lucky shot. Either way, I'm fairly certain that I will never see Notre Dame win an NCAA championship in basketball, and I'm okay with that because I've accepted that as truth. But something funny happened last year, something bizarre, something strange.

Notre Dame had a legitimate chance of winning the NCAA men's basketball championship. To this day I'm still not sure how it happened.

Luke Harangody, one of the best Irish basketball players I had the pleasure of watching, graduated in 2010, creating a rather large void. Ben Hansbrough figured to take over the leadership roll, with Tim Abromaitis, Carleton Scott, Tyrone Nash, and Scott Martin playing significant minutes. Expectations heading into the season were small - be in consideration for the NCAA tournament - and honestly, I didn't even think that would happen.

But then Notre Dame won the Old Spice Classic, beating Georgia, California and Wisconsin in the process. And then they dismantled two top-ten teams (Georgetown and UCONN) in route to a 16-4 start. They took the "next-step" by beating #2 ranked Pittsburgh on the road, the first time Mike Brey had ever beaten Pittsburgh in Pitt. By finishing the season winning 11 of their last 12, Notre Dame wound up with a 25-5 record, including 14-4 in the Big East, and were on the precipice of a #1 seed for the NCAA tournament.

In the middle of this unprecedented season, Kevin and myself were constantly sending bewildered texts back-and-forth, because we also couldn't believe what was going on. We were watching the best Notre Dame basketball team either one of us had ever seen, and it had come out of absolute nowhere. The Final Four was a distinct possibility.

But then the bizarre bubble burst. Notre Dame failed to reach their first ever Big East Tournament final when they blew a large lead late against Louisville in the semi-finals. They limped into the NCAA tournament as a #2 seed where they were bounced by 14 against Florida State in a 2nd round game that wasn't even that close.

Despite their late season failings I will never forget this team. I will never forget how good Ben Hansbrough played, as he earned the Big East Player of The Year in the process. I will never forget a season that included road wins against UCONN and Pittsburgh - two places I never thought I'd see an Irish win. I will never forget listening to commentary discussing Notre Dame as a possible championship team. And for all of that I am truly thankful.

Prediction for 2012:

Doesn't look good for the Irish in 2012. They are starting an entire brand new five and have had trouble scoring thus far. They are inexperienced, undersized, and not athletic. Not a winning combination.

However, Mike Brey continues to impress as he has this team battling. They already have an impressive home victory over previously unbeaten and #1 ranked Syracuse. While I don't see them making it to the NCAA tournament, I could see them making a run into Madison Square Garden for the NIT. And if this is as bad as the Notre Dame basketball team can look, then not only is the future bright it may mean that unreachable championship is closer than I had originally thought.

1) Chicago Bulls (62-20 record)

Previous Rankings

2008 - 5/6

2007 - 4/6

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison.

I love to watch the NBA, in particular the Chicago Bulls, and in doing so I hope for an NBA championship. In my relentless pursuit for happiness in 2011, the Chicago Bulls came the closest to reaching it.

When I last wrote these year-end recaps in 2008 the Chicago Bulls had just lucked into the #1 draft pick and had selected Derrick Rose. In those short three years since, Derrick Rose has gone from #1 draft pick, to Rookie of The Year, to NBA All-Star, to NBA All-Star starter, to MVP. In other words, he hasn't been up to much.

Besides Derrick Rose making the leap from star to superstar status, the Chicago Bulls added depth to their squad with the additions of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Taj Gibson, Omer Asik, and CJ Watson. Luol Deng and Joakim Noah both made significant improvements in their game during the past three seasons which set the bar quite high for 2011. Perhaps the biggest addition to the Bulls was their new head coach, Tom Thibodeau. Thibs is a tough, defensive-minded, hard-nosed coach who instilled those qualities with Chicago.

Yes, the depth and the new coach were beneficial to the Bulls successes, but 2011 was Derrick Rose's season. He was absolutely incredible night in and night out. I realize I might be a tad biased, but he deserved the MVP award they gave him after the season was over. No one meant more to his team than Derrick Rose meant to the Bulls. Sometimes I think back to the 2008 NBA Draft when I wanted the Bulls to draft Michael Beasley and I laugh.

Led by Rose's efforts, the Bulls went 62-20 and earned home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. They got past both the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks before eventually being disposed by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a disappointing end to a great year, but at the end of the day, they weren't ready for the NBA Finals. They relied too heavily on Derrick Rose, didn't get enough scoring from their shooting guards, and received a failing performance from Carlos Boozer in the playoffs (shocking right?).

There were several memorable moments from the 2011 season, including sweeping Miami during the regular season, countless number of D-Rose highlights, Gibson's monster dunks during game one against the Heat, and attending game three of the Bulls-Pacers series where Derrick Rose hit the game winning layup. Even though it ended with a heartbreaking loss to the villains from Miami, the Bulls achieved much more happiness than sadness in 2011.

Prediction for 2012:

Can the Chicago Bulls win it all? The addition of Richard Hamilton should help in their inevitable playoff match-up against the Heat, but I just get the feeling that it's Miami's year. A shortened season, the addition of Shane Battier, and a revamped offense that's quicker and more determined to get to the rim than last year all benefit Miami.

I see the Bulls and Heat matching up in the Eastern Conference Finals again in 2012, and again, I see the Heat walking away victorious, although this time around it will go six or seven games. Much like Jordan struggled with the Pistons, Rose will have difficulties getting past the Heat for several years before he gets to the NBA Finals.

Well that wraps it up for my sports review. We have one more 2011 post before February hits and my annual Black History Month List begins.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Television Shows)

2012-01-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

When thinking about what 2011 brought me in terms of television programming, one word came to mind.

Strange.

For the first time in four years my favorite television show was no longer around (LOST). For the first time in four years I didn't have a must-see show. For the first time in four years I simply didn't have a television show. And it felt ... strange.

After LOST went off the air in May of 2010 I took a break from TV. It wouldn't have been fair to try and watch another show after riding such an emotional high LOST provided. The best way to move on, for better or worse, is a combination of distance and time. After enough of both had passed I decided it was time to dive back in to see what television had to offer.

Just like with my book review, these shows are ranked from worst to best.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness - T.V. Review

10) The Office (Seasons Seven-Eight)

At its' apex, very few shows could touch the comedic value offered by The Office. The first few seasons were absolutely hilarious and had me in pain from laughter. However at one point or another, the plot line began to tire out, the jokes lessened, and as a result, the show started to slowly decline.

Season seven saw The Office's main character, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), leave the show, which for me signaled the beginning of the end for this series. Yes, the episodes featuring Will Ferrell and Carell were mildly entertaining, and of course, the season seven finale that sent Scott off was memorable, but at the end of the day this show has run its' course for the foreseeable future.

9) Survivor (Redemption Island)

Not exactly sure how this happened as it had been quite some time since I watched an entire season of Survivor. After looking back at their previous seasons I can honestly say I haven't watched a season of Survivor from start to finish since the very first season during the summer of 2000.

Whatever the reasoning, Survivor proved to be an enjoyable experience for the residents of Britton Woods (Grothaus and Devin) on Wednesday nights. We sat back and watched Boston Rob brilliantly manipulate the contestants and play a nearly perfect season on his way to the one-million dollar first-place prize. I thoroughly enjoyed how Rob kept Phillip in the game, bounced Matt twice from his alliance, and put himself in a can't lose situation during the tribal council. It really was a dominating performance.

Not gonna lie, I haven't watched a single episode of Survivor since, but something tells me I'll be watching more of it down the road.

8) The Killing (Season One)

Ever since LOST ended I had a really strong desire to pick a brand new show and watch it from the very beginning. I wanted the show to echo various traits that LOST provided. I wanted it to be dramatic, to be character-driven, and to be well-acted. I realize I was asking for quite a bit, but when the previews for The Killing began appearing on AMC I thought I might have caught a break in my relentless search.

The Killing is centered around the mysterious death/murder of a young teenage girl, Rosie Larsen. The show tackles the murder from a couple different angles, including the police's search for the killer, the family's struggle with this surprising death, and the political ties this murder provokes.

What I loved about The Killing was the ever-changing plot-line. As the police found more clues, more strange developments took place. I found myself riveted by the potential this show had. But, potential is a dangerous tool to mess around with, especially when you fall short, which The Killing ultimately did ... at least for the first season.

Without going into too much detail, the show struggled making me care about any of the characters, which is central to The Killing's success, or lack thereof. I'm okay with the huge plot-twist that was dropped after season one (even though everyone else was extremely disappointed), but I'm not okay with my bland attitude towards the main characters. But despite all of this, I will be back watching in the spring of 2012 when Season Two returns.

Boy do I miss LOST.

7) It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (Season Seven)

One of my few regrets from 2011 was not watching every new episode of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Out of the 13 episodes season seven produced, I only watched three. Sad but true. But those three episodes were classic It's Always Sunny shows and had me laughing constantly.

What I find remarkable is how much my mother enjoys It's Always Sunny, a show I'm 100% sure I would not have been allowed to watch growing up on 80 Lindsay Ave. She is constantly telling me about episodes I missed and how I need to watch them. One of the few episodes I did watch this past season was "Thunder Gun Express" where the gang is attempting to make it to the movie theatre to watch a potential blockbuster. My mother was on the floor rolling in laughter when Frank got on the boat and gave a "tour" to the Chinese tourists. Not gonna lie it was an extremely funny scene, but I got even more enjoyment over seeing how much my mom was laughing.

And this is coming from the same mother who wouldn't let me watch Married With Children. Go figure.

6) Shameless (Season One)

Thanks to U-Verse on Demand I happened to stumble upon the first episode of Shameless and stuck around enough to watch a couple after that as well during the stretch run of 2011. It's a unique show but has several of the same characteristics that create great tv as well. It's funny, it's character-driven, and it tells a good story.

What makes Shameless unlike any other television show I've watched is its' premise. The main character is Frank Gallagher, a single father of six children. Frank doesn't work, is constantly drunk, and doesn't support his family at all. The house remains standing and the bills are paid thanks to the six children who all contribute their fair share. That's not to say the kids are outstanding citizens ... quite the opposite ... but they are a family in every sense of the word.

5) Modern Family (Seasons One-Three)

Speaking of "family," my new favorite ABC show has one absurd, quirky, and unique family at its' center and has had me rolling in laughter ever since my mother suggested I start watching it at the beginning of 2011.

Modern Family's ensemble cast is what makes this show such a huge hit. Ed O'Neill, Julia Bowen, Sofia Vergara, and Ty Burrell are just a few of the actors and actresses that headline this Emmy award winning program. Trying to describe the family-tree would be pointless to those who have never watched it. The best analogy I can think of as to why I love Modern Family would be that it combines the wacky family from Arrested Development with the sarcastic humor of The Office (early years). It can be a tad sentimental at times, but that's understandable as it is attempting to appeal to a broad audience.

I think anyone who watches Modern Family will relate to it somehow. Within the large family tree there are issues arising with relationships, raising children, being a grown-up - or on the flip-side - life as a kid. The long-term success of this show will rest solely with the writers, but so far so good.

4) The Wire (Seasons One-Four)

As a big fan of Bill Simmons it's nearly impossible to avoid his obsession with HBO's The Wire. He has gone on record multiple times saying it's the best television show he's ever seen. Since Billy hasn't let me down yet I thought 2011 was a good time to embark on the five season journey.

The Wire is set in Baltimore, Maryland and focuses on a different aspect of the city each season. Selling drugs on the street, the seaport system, city government, public education, and newspapers are the main themes of each respective season. After watching three and a half seasons I can say that it's one of the best written shows I've ever watched and it's one of the best acted shows I've seen as well.

Because every season has a different theme you get a cast of new characters every 13 or so episodes. However, the ones that stick around are for the most part ... epic. Stringer, Avon, McNulty, and Omar have provided some of the best moments and one-liners I've seen on a scripted television show. It's the closest thing to LOST I've encountered.

To be fair, I haven't viewed the entire series which is why it's not higher on this list. What I've seen so far is flat-out amazing, but I want to hold out complete judgment before I finish the show. The Wire was meant to be seen in its' entirety and until I do, I will hold off putting it near the top of my favorite television show list.

3) Parks and Recreation (Seasons Two-Four)

All credit for Parks and Recreation should go to two people. Michael Grothaus and Ron Swanson. Grothaus gets the shout-out because it was him who introduced me to this outstanding show. Ron Swanson deserves credit for simply being Ron Swanson.

I often wanted to rank my favorite television show characters because I thought it would be a challenging list from top-to-bottom. Well, after watching a couple episodes of Parks and Rec, the top of that list suddenly became much clearer as Ron Swanson (played brilliantly by Nick Offerman) slowly entered my life.

I've never laughed harder than I do when I watch Parks and Recreation. I can honestly say I've been in mild pain during an episode, especially when Ron Swanson is heavily involved. Don't get me wrong, this is not a one-person show, as Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) and Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) all have me laughing on a constant basis. But without Ron Swanson all would be lost.

2) Dexter (Seasons One-Two)

What made LOST so great were the complex set of characters interlaced with dramatic plot twists that kept you on the edge of your seat for the entire episode. While Dexter doesn't keep me anxiously awaiting each new scene it does have an excellent and well-told plot, is character-led, and is well-acted (for the most part).

Dexter is a first-person story told by the main character, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) who is a blood analyst for the Miami Police Department. When he's not helping capture murderers during the day he is hunting - and killing - them on his own by night. See, that's the interesting thing about Dexter ... he's a mass serial killer, but also considers himself the good guy as he only kills those who have killed others.

It was that insanely good plot-line that first got my attention, but it was the plot-development (key difference) that made me stick around. Dexter - like LOST - uses flashbacks to help define the characters we are presently watching. It helps us learn the reasoning behind their actions, and it creates depth, which is crucial for any successful show.

Michael C. Hall has won a SAG and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Dexter Morgan, and it's absolutely well-deserved. Even though he is surrounded by some shoddy acting in the first couple of seasons, Michael C. Hall absolutely kills it. Pun intended.

1) Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season Eight)

Larry David has always known what funny looked like. As a co-creator of Seinfeld it was obvious he knew how to create and write really funny shows. When he created Curb Your Enthusiasm he put himself in front of the screen and even though he's not an outstanding actor, after seven seasons of practice it all came together in season eight.

I've seen nearly all 80 episodes of Curb, and there's no debate that the most recent season was the show's best from start-to-finish. Whether it be Larry using performance enhancing drugs, eating Pinkberry, or getting into a fight with Michael J. Fox, season eight was the finest season of television I watched in 2011.

I'm not a big believer in organized religion for various reasons, but I will say that if I had to pick two people to "follow" in terms of their beliefs, it would be George Carlin and Larry David, both for their uncanny ability to observe the world, decipher through the bullshit, and spit back something intelligent and downright hilarious.

In season eight Larry David invents terms like "the social assassin," "pig-parker," "Koufaxing," and the "chat-and-cut." These are things that happen every day but no one seems to say anything. Well Larry doesn't live in that world and besides being really funny, I find it strangely inspiring.

After all that it somehow manages to come back to that word ... "strange." And yet, I think that perfectly describes my 2011 television experience.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Books)

2012-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

There's something about a good book that is unparalleled in terms of entertainment value. A good book at it's best is pure creation on two fronts. One on side there is the author, the original creator who put the pen to the paper and allowed the world a glimpse inside their mind. On the other is the reader, the receiver, who takes those words and creates their own images and ideas to coincide with the words they are digesting.

In 2011 I read eight new books which took me to different places - some good, some not so much - but all of which taught me something about myself. A book doesn't have to be good to teach a lesson.

I can fully admit that in past years I didn't read nearly much as I should have been. Growing up, I read all the time. Loved it. Couldn't get enough of it. Going to the library was a common - almost daily - occurrence and brought about as much joy as a Friday, after-school trip to McDonald's. Somewhere along the line the library trips were replaced with shopping mall visits and slowly but surely my reading habit faded.

College certainly didn't help either. Sure there were plenty of books, but nothing that excited me. Books were suddenly boring. However, after graduation - almost immediately - books entered my life without the boring pretext. I'm still not reading as much as I would like, but I'm challenging myself to read more and more.

Someone who is reading about as much as I would love to be is Jeff Hirz. If you did not know, Jeff quit his job several months back to become a full-time writer. It's inspiring stuff, and I think of him almost on a daily occurrence as I put on my tie, leave my room and go to work with several not-yet-read books sitting on my desk. Recently, Hirz wrote an excellent blog post on his favorite books of the past year, which served as an inspiration-of sorts for this current post.

Without further ado, here is my 2011 book club, ranked from least favorite to favorite for your reading enjoyment.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness - Book Review

8) Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Yes, I read the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. And yes, I'm completely okay with it. One summer day I saw my brother reading a book, asked him about it, thought the premise was pretty interesting and decided to give it a try. Despite the finale of this trilogy being a complete let down and by far the worst book I read this past year I'm glad I took the plunge.

As my good friend Katie put it, "Katniss became kind of a hot mess." Couldn't agree more. In fact, the whole series became kind of a hot mess. To be fair, concluding a book - especially a series - is harder than creating it. At the beginning, everyone is excited about the potential the show/book/movie has. That excitement creates expectations, and in my mind, Mockingjay falls way short of the expectations that were created in the first two books.

7) How To Succeed With Women - Ron Louis

All the credit for this enlightening book goes to Matt Barnes who gave me this for a Christmas present last year. It brought a lot of laughter upon opening and little in terms of actual insight after I started reading it.

The first half of the book is full of nothing but rambling about all the problems that guys have getting girls. After nearly 100 pages we are finally bestowed the knowledge that will help us find success with women. And the big answer that Ron Louis came up with in his years of travels ... "use common sense." Take care of yourself, have confidence, don't be afraid of rejection, be aware of your appearance, etc. Thanks a lot Ron.

If Ron Louis can publish books like this and make any sort of money, then there is absolutely zero doubt that guys like Jeff Hirz and myself will do the same. Thanks again Ron.

6) Under The Dome - Stephen King

My favorite book of all time is Stephen King's The Stand. It has a large group of characters, pits good vs. evil, and tells it an epic fashion. When I initially saw Under The Dome I thought King was trying to revitalize that winning formula he used with The Stand. I thought wrong.

King does have a large cast of characters, even if some of them are severely under-developed, and he does tell a story using an epic back-drop (in this case a mysterious dome encapsulates an entire town), but he fails to clearly develop sides in the good vs. evil battle.

At the center of this huge novel (1074 pages) is the question of "why is the dome here?" Yes, you do get an answer to it, and no, it couldn't have been more disappointing. I love Stephen King, and I would much rather read the worst of King than the best of some other writers, but the conclusion of this book left a lot to be desired.

5) Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Book #2 of The Hunger Games series was a good - not great - addition. Suzanne Collins created a world where The Capitol rules over a dozen districts. Every year, The Hunger Games take place and each district sends a competitor into battle, where only one will come out alive.

The first book sees Katniss Everdeen - the main character - enter into The Hunger Games arena - and the second book tells a story about what happens when she gets out. There are a couple great twists in this book but as I was reading I began to get the feeling that Collins had already mapped out the plot-line for everyone, and instead of letting the book come to her, she forced the book - and the characters - to fit her needs.

Catching Fire focuses a lot on the three-way love triangle that centers around Katniss, and while I completely understand how a majority of readers are fascinated by this plot development, it completely deterred me from why I started reading the series in the first place.

4) What The Dog Saw - Malcolm Gladwell

My one and only non-fiction book of the year was written by one of my favorite authors - regardless of genre. Malcolm Gladwell has been in my good graces ever since I read Outliers, Blink, and The Tipping Point. Made perfect sense to ask for his new book when Christmas of '10 came near.

What The Dog Saw was not really a new book for die-hard Malcolm Gladwell fans as it was merely a collection of some of his old New Yorker columns, but as I hadn't read any of those, it was a brand new book for me.

I discovered Gladwell thanks to Bill Simmons from ESPN. Gladwell was on a couple of Simmons' podcasts and occasionally they traded e-mails back and forth. I found Gladwell to be thought-provoking, highly intelligent, and an excellent writer. His first three books didn't disappoint me in the least bit, and What The Dog Saw followed suit.

My favorite chapters were The Ketchup Conundrum, The Art of Failure, and The Talent Myth. Gladwell really opened my eyes to certain topics, such as the difference between choking and panicking, why there aren't more varieties of ketchup, and how Cesar Milan became The Dog Whisperer.

3) Have A Little Faith - Mitch Albom

My mother surprised me this Christmas and gave me a Kindle Fire. The first book I read on my new device was Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. It was free on Amazon's lending library and seeing how I just bought the book for one of my mom's Christmas presents.

I've been a pretty big Mitch Albom fan and have read several of his previous works (The Five People You Meet In Heaven, For One More Day, Fab Five) and always have enjoyed his work on The Sports Reporters. Have A Little Faith talks about Mitch's relationship with his childhood rabbi.

The rabbi wanted Mitch to give his eulogy when he passed away, which meant Mitch needed to get to know his rabbi a little bit more. The story seems similar to Tuesday's With Morrie, but since I never read that one I can't compare the two. What I can say is that Mitch uses this book to talk about important topics like faith, love, life, God, etc. It's a quick read and one everyone - no matter what religious background - should take the time to digest.

2) The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

As I mentioned earlier, I saw my brother reading this a couple months back, striked up a conversation with him regarding it, and that was it. Hunger Games is the first book in The Hunger Games trilogy and it's an absolute joy. It was probably the quickest book I read during the previous 12 months as I finished the whole thing in just one sitting.

By now you should know the general outline. Katniss Everdeen is her district's representative in The Hunger Games where she will battle with other competitors in an arena. There are more than 20 competitors that Katniss is facing, and in order to be victorious, Katniss needs to be the last one alive.

During the battle, sponsors can send gifts to the competitors such as medicine, food, armor, weaponry, etc. The battle can last one day or several months, depending on the climate and the competitors themselves. It's a page-turner in every sense of the word.

Am I excited for the upcoming feature film? Not really. As you can tell, each book was a little bit worse than the first which created a damper on the series as a whole. At the end of the day I will more than likely end up watching it just to see the visual images on screen and compare them to the ones I had in my head as I was reading.

1) On Writing - Stephen King

Without question, the most important book I read in 2011. It inspired me, it taught me an incredible amount, and like any good book, it entertained me from start to finish.

On Writing is a first-person account of Stephen King's career as an author. It talks about how he got his start, his early career, and tips for upcoming writers like myself. It's a book I've already re-read once and will probably read it again in 2012 as well. In my short time spent on Earth there hasn't been a better reference for aspiring writers.

Some of the advice is simple. Just like any other skill, the only way to hone it is to practice ... constantly. King reads and writes 6+ hours a day, and makes a conscious effort to write 2000 words each day, which pretty much sums up my ideal day. A day spent reading and writing.

What I liked most from the book is the early part of King's career, when he was struggling to make any money and working in a laundry facility. That's something that I can currently relate to. I also loved hearing him talk about that first phone call he received when Carrie was doing really well, and how he slowly began to realize he was going to make it.

If you are even thinking about writing for a living, or if you just want to become a better writer in general, then this is a book you should check out. You won't regret a minute you spend reading it.

Well that does it for my 2011 book review. I'll leave you with a quote from Jeff Hirz's blog, "that which we call destiny goes forth from within people, not from without into them." Amen.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Movies)

2012-01-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

As 2010 turned into 2011 there was one song that I was listening to more than any other. It was Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness." I thoroughly enjoyed the beat, Cudi's rap style, and the message surrounding the song. So, when it came time to slap on a label for 2011, I figured Cudi's tune would be a perfect fit.

It's been a while since I've done a year-in-review post. To be exact, it's been three long years. In the past I've recapped the seasons for my six favorite teams (Bulls, Browns, Indians, Penguins, and the Irish) and then given awards for my favorite movie, favorite sporting event, etc. This year we will do things a little different.

In separate posts, I will discuss 2011 from differing angles. This first one will be my look back at movies, with subsequent posts covering television shows, books, my personal life, and of course, my sporting teams. All will lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth look at 2011 and my pursuit of happiness.

Seems fitting that we start with my 2011 review of movies due to the fact that I spent the last seven months on this blog recapping my favorite 100 films, we might as well keep that movie momentum moving. Will any film released in 2011 crack my top-100? What was my favorite film of the year? Or my favorite individual performances? Only one way to find out.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness - Movie Review

Instead of recapping all the films I watched in 2011 we are simply going to hand out some hardware. Let's start with the best older film I watched for the first time in 2011.

It should be noted that in order to qualify for these awards I had to actually watch the film in 2011. These are not my Oscar predictions, but rather, the best movies and performances I watched during the past 12 months.

2011 OLDIE BUT GOODIE AWARD

Nominees:

Black Swan

Leon: The Professional

The King's Speech

Swingers

Million Dollar Baby

Adam

310 to Yuma

The Sting

Winner: Million Dollar Baby

Never watched Million Dollar Baby because I knew how it ended thanks to countless spoofs (including one on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia). However, I finally succumbed in 2011 and it's a good thing I did. The script is brilliant, the acting is outstanding, and the emotions it generates are riveting. After watching it I'm really glad that Matt Barnes found a spot for it on his top 100 list, and there's a good chance it will be on mine when I re-do it towards the end of 2012.

2011 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS AWARD

Nominees:

Octavia Spencer (The Help)

Jessica Chastain (The Help)

Evan Rachel Wood (The Ides of March)

Bryce Dallas Howard (50/50)

Winner: Jessica Chastain (The Help)

Close call between Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer, but in the end I had to give the nod to Chastain for her portrayal of Celia Foote in The Help. It would have been easy for Chastain to be lost behind Spencer and Viola Davis, but instead she shines and steals nearly every scene she is in. The Help had the best acting ensemble of the films I saw in 2011, and Chastain is a big reason behind that. Here's to hoping she is awarded with an Oscar nomination.

2011 BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR AWARD

Nominees:

Albert Brooks (Drive)

Patton Oswalt (Young Adult)

Armie Hammer (J. Edgar)

Seth Rogen (50/50)

Winner: Albert Brooks (Drive)

Despite a strong effort by the former Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer), this award has to go to Albert Brooks. He plays Ryan Gosling's antagonist in Drive and is terrific in that role. Brooks was born to play Bernie Rose and spit out lines like, "my partner is a belligerent asshole with his back up against a wall, and now, so am I." Brooks has already taken home an award from the New York Film Critics and I would be absolutely stunned if the Academy doesn't recognize him as well.

2011 BEST ACTRESS AWARD

Nominees:

Viola Davis (The Help)

Anna Kendrick (50/50)

Charlize Theron (Young Adult)

Carey Mulligan (Drive)

Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau)

Amy Ryan (Win Win)

Winner: Viola Davis (The Help)

The Help was a powerful film and it's made possible with powerful performances like the one Viola Davis gives. The only time I had previously seen Davis was in her brief appearance in Doubt, so it's safe to say she came out of nowhere this year. There's nothing not to like about her portrayal of Aibileen Clark. She is strong yet vulnerable. She is stoic yet shows a softer side at times. It certainly wasn't an easy role, and Davis absolutely knocked it out of the park.

2011 BEST ACTOR AWARD

Nominees:

Leonardo DiCaprio (J. Edgar)

Ryan Gosling (Drive)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50)

Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March)

Paul Giamatti (Win Win)

Matt Damon (The Adjustment Bureau)

Matthew McConaughey (The Lincoln Lawyer)

Winner: Ryan Gosling (Drive)

How does someone who doesn't have a name and barely speaks command an entire film? I have very little idea but that's exactly what Ryan Gosling was able to accomplish in Drive. It was - without question - the best performance I viewed in 2011. It immediately vaulted Gosling as a pretty good actor to one of my favorites. After the first time I watched Drive all I wanted to be for Halloween was Gosling's character. After the second time I watched it, I found myself wanting to be more like Gosling's character in my day-to-day life. All the accolades and recognition Gosling received in 2011 was well deserved, and an Oscar nomination would be a fitting end to a superb year.

2011 BEST PICTURE AWARD

Nominees:

The Help

The Ides of March

Drive

50/50

Win Win

The Adjustment Bureau

Winner: 50/50

This was the toughest call to make out of all the categories. It was between 50/50 and Drive but at the end of the day the hardware was swung in the favor of 50/50. Credit goes to 50/50's script which weaves it's way beautifully from comedy to drama throughout the entire film. It also has another great performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who has been on an absolute roll the last two years. Throw in great work by Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen and it all adds up to my favorite film of the year. A film so good that after watching it, I immediately sent a text to Barnes, "just got done watching a top-twenty movie." I still stand by that sentiment today.

2011 ADDITIONS TO MY TOP 100

As I prefaced with my top-100 movie list, it will be in constant flux, constant change. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that at least five films I viewed in 2011 will crack my revised list (due to be released in December of '12). Here they are, in order that they will appear.

1) 50/50

2) Drive

3) Shutter Island - watched this film in the theatre back in 2010, but once I re-watched it this past summer I realized I completely missed the ending the first time around, which made a tremendous difference in how much I enjoyed it.

4) Million Dollar Baby

5) Swingers

The following films COULD make an appearance.

1) Win Win

2) Adam

3) 310 to Yuma

4) The Help

Well, that will do it for my 2011 movie review. We will be back soon with my 2011 book review.

Until then, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Top Fifteen Trailers

2011-12-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

As soon as I finish one list I start another one, only this next one won't take six months to complete, although it did take that long to gather all the necessary information.

Now that I have posted more than 100 movie trailers over the last 24+ weeks it's time to rank the top fifteen. Granted, these probably aren't my favorite trailers of all-time, but they certainly are ones I always enjoy.

Before we get to the finalized list, I have to rank the last batch of trailers from my top-ten movies.

10) Love Actually

9) Gladiator

8) Rudy

7) Cool Runnings

6) 500 Days of Summer

5) Contact

4) Little Miss Sunshine

3) The Shawshank Redemption

2) As Good As It Gets

1) Inception

With that out of the way, we now have our finalized list of qualified candidates for the top fifteen. They are, in no particular order: Twister, Milk, Mission:Impossible, 12 Angry Men, The Terminal, The Town, The Departed, Inside Man, The Patriot, The Fighter, American History X, Superbad, Up, The Wrestler, Blood Diamond, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Old School, Mystic River, Ali, Signs, The Sixth Sense, Stranger Than Fiction, Apocalypto, The Truman Show, Crazy Heart, Gone Baby Gone, The Dark Knight, The Shawshank Redemption, As Good As It Gets, and Inception.

Instead of posting fifteen videos on one post, I'll share a link to the first twelve and then put the top three here for your viewing entertainment. I've learned a little in my previous blogging experiences, and a good rule of thumb is "less is more" when it comes to videos.

Here we go.

15) The Terminal

14) The Town

13) Inside Man

12) The Patriot

11) Mystic River

10) Up

9) Apocalypto

8) The Wrestler

7) Blood Diamond

6) Twister

5) The Sixth Sense

4) As Good As It Gets

3) The Truman Show

2) The Dark Knight

1) Inception

No surprise here that Christopher Nolan has the top two trailers because I can't remember being any more excited for a film's release than I was for The Dark Knight and Inception, which is the best way to determine a trailer's effectiveness. It really doesn't matter to me if I understand the plot after watching the trailer, what's important is if it's grabbed my attention, held it, and left me wanting more. Inception, The Dark Knight and The Truman Show accomplished that feat better than all the others.

Well, if Barnes ever fixes his computer and manages to finish his list I'll be back to recap his 100 movies, but if not, then consider the book closed on my 100 favorite films. Up next will be a series of posts titled, "2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness." I will also hand out my own Oscar Awards (still searching for a good name) before the year ends.

I'm also in the ongoing process of altering the Top 100 Movies on the right sidebar. Instead of the links going to the respective Amazon.com movie page, it will direct you to the post where I wrote about that film. Should make navigating a little bit easier in case there's a specific movie you want to read my thoughts on.

Until then, thank-you for coming with me on this ridiculous escapade the past several months. This movie list not only resurrected my blog, it resurrected my writing, which makes it the most important thing I've ever done here. Thanks.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: By The Numbers (Part Two)

2011-12-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

Now that you know what my favorite 100 movies are I thought it would be nice to showcase some statistics. Who is my favorite director? What about my favorite actor/actress? Do I favor dramas or comedies? What year had the most films represented on my list? How many Oscars did these films win?

What follows are answers to all of the questions and much more.

0 - Movies starring John Travolta.

0 - Movies starring Meryl Streep.

1 - Movies starring Bugs Bunny.

1 - Movies starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

I found this number to be staggering considering I regard him as one of my favorite actors. However I scrolled through his IMDB page just to make sure I didn't miss anything glaring ... and I didn't. One of those rare oddities I suppose.

5 - Movies produced before I was born (1985).

0 - Movies produced on the year I was born (1985).

Despite the fact that my birth year didn't contribute one single film to this list it should be noted that every year following had at least one movie present (1986-2010). Maybe it's just me, but I found that fact slightly remarkable.

62 - Number of dramatic films.

38 - Number of comedic films.

23 - Number of movies I own from the list.

31 - Movies with a "stock UP" rating.

33 - Movies with a "stock DOWN" rating.

37 - Movies currently "holding" their stock.

TOP YEARS

1) 2000 - Eight films.

2) 2006, 2008 - Seven films.

4) 1996, 2001, 2009 - Six films.

7) 1993, 2003, 2004 - Five films.

11 - Movies from the 1980s.

32 - Movies from the 1990s.

52 - Movies from the 2000s.

OSCARS

70 - Total Oscars won (35 from the bottom half of my list, and 35 from the top half).

244 - Total Oscar nominations (107 from the bottom half, and 137 from the top).

5 - Most Oscars won by one movie (Gladiator was the only movie in the top half, and it joins American Beauty, Silence of The Lambs and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest).

13 - Most Oscar nominations by one picture (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).

7 - Best Pictures won (Gladiator and Rain Man join A Beautiful Mind, The Departed, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, American Beauty and Silence of The Lambs).

22 - Best Pictures nominated.

5 - Best Director wins (Barry Levinson/Rain Man join J. Demme/Silence, M. Forman/Cuckoo's, M. Scorsese/Departed and R. Howard/Beautiful Mind).

16 - Best Director nominations.

13 - Best Actor wins (Sean Penn/Mystic River, Denzel Washington/Training Day, Jeff Bridges/Crazy Heart, Dustin Hoffman/Rain Main, Russell Crowe/Gladiator and Jack Nicholson/As Good As It Gets join A. Hopkins/Silence, K. Spacey/American Beauty, J. Nicholson/Cuckoo's, G. Peck/Mockingbird, S. Penn/Milk and T. Hanks/Philadelphia)

2 - Repeat Best Actors Wins (Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson).

28 - Best Actor nominations.

4 - Best Actress wins (Helen Hunt/As Good As It Gets join J. Foster/Silence, R. Witherspoon/WTL and L. Fletcher/Cuckoo's).

6 - Best Actress nominations.

5 - Supporting Actor wins (Tim Robbins/Mystic River, Robin Williams/Good Will Hunting, Heath Ledger/The Dark Knight and Alan Arkin/Little Miss Sunshine join Christian Bale/The Fighter).

18 - Supporting Actor nominations.

2 - Supporting Actress wins (None in the top half join J. Connelly/Beautiful Mind and M. Leo/Fighter).

11 - Best Writing wins (Dead Poet's Society, Rain Man, Good Will Hunting and Little Miss Sunshine join Milk, A Beautiful Mind, The Departed, To Kill A Mockingbird, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, American Beauty and Silence of the Lambs).

27 - Best Writing nominations.

FAVORITE ACTORS/ACTRESSES/DIRECTORS

I tweaked the system a little bit to include .25 points for an Oscar nomination, another .25 points for an Oscar win, and .25 points for an appearance in my top-ten. The following are the results under that scoring premise.

DIRECTOR

1) Christopher Nolan - 3.25

1) Clint Eastwood - 3.25

3) John Hughes - 3.00

4) Jonathan Demme - 2.50

4) Peter Weir - 2.50

4) Ron Howard - 2.50

This time around the numbers don't lie, specifically at the top. Nolan and Eastwood are without question two of my favorite directors with a slight nod in Nolan's favor.

ACTRESS

1) Helen Hunt - 3.75

1) Jodie Foster - 3.75

3) Jennifer Connelly - 3.50

4) Toni Collette - 2.50

5) Keira Knightley - 2.25

5) Maggie Gyllenhaal - 2.25

Honestly, I had no idea how this race was going to shake out, but once again the numbers speak the truth. Hunt and Foster are two of my favorite actresses and both deserve to be up at the top. The one that really surprised me is Jennifer Connelly, as prior to making this list probably couldn't name a single movie she was in. Now I find myself searching for films she stars in.

ACTOR

1) Tom Hanks - 5.75

2) Leonardo DiCaprio - 4.75

3) Denzel Washington - 4.50

3) Kevin Spacey - 4.50

5) Jack Nicholson - 4.25

5) Johnny Depp - 4.25

5) Matt Damon - 4.25

5) Sean Penn - 4.25

9) Russell Crowe - 4.00

10) Joaquin Phoenix - 3.75

10) Morgan Freeman - 3.75

10) Robin Williams - 3.75

13) Jeff Bridges - 3.50

13) Will Smith - 3.50

15) Brad Pitt - 3.25

15) Ed Harris - 3.25

15) John Candy - 3.25

15) Steve Carell - 3.25

19) Will Ferrell - 3.00

20) Greg Kinnear - 2.75

20) Tim Robbins - 2.75

Congrats to Tom Hanks for earning the top spot. He was the only actor who appeared in five different films which by itself would have been enough to be the king of this lofty mountain. However, something tells me that at this time next year he won't be sitting there when I recalculate these figures. Odds on favorite for 2012 leader has to be Leonardo DiCaprio. Only time will tell.

Well folks, that will do it for By The Numbers. Will be back on Thursday to put up my favorite twenty trailers from my list. Peace be the journey.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 1

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

On June 30th I mapped out my next major task for this blog with the introduction of a series of posts titled, "KOA's 100 Films." Over the course of the next six months I unveiled my 100 favorite movies. It was the largest list I've ever compiled and without question one of the most difficult tasks I've tackled here.

All of it has led to this last moment when I would finish this major endeavor. For those of you who have been following this blog since its' inception you know how rarely the word "finish" is used. I've started several adventures in the past and have failed to finish, but I refused to accept that notion when I started this adventure.

Fitting in so many ways that the word "finish" should arise by happenstance in my intro to my favorite film of all-time because the idea of "finishing" is a major theme in the movie.

And so here we go. It's been an epic encounter. Thanks for going on it with me. I made this list for myself, but like all great things in life, it can only be enjoyed with the presence of others.

1) Cool Runnings (1993)

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Starring: John Candy, Leon and Doug E. Doug

Plot: "Based on the true story of the First Jamacian bobsled team trying to make it to the Winter Olympics."

Stock: Holding

"Cool Runnings means Peace Be The Journey."

As long as I can remember, Cool Runnings has been my favorite movie of all-time. Before I watched it I can't think of what my favorite film was and even after all the thousand of movies I've watched since, nothing has topped it. Some have come close, but there is some mysterious, unspoken force holding Cool Runnings in my #1 spot.

Some people would call that force "destiny." Some people like me.

THE PLOT

After a horrible incident during the finals of the 100 meter race in the Jamaican Olympic Qualifiers, track star Derice Bannock (Leon) is determined to find a way to get to the Olympics. It appears however that he will have to wait another four years in order to get an opportunity.

Derice finds this unacceptable and through a stroke of luck and chance, he finds himself putting together a Jamaican bobsled team in order to compete in the Winter Olympics. Obviously this creates a lot of confusion due to the standard elements of bobsledding - ice, snow, cold - all being noticeably absent from Jamaica's natural climate.

Derice is able to convince a long-time bobsled star and current island inhabitant Irv Blitzer (John Candy) to become their coach and from there they embark on an incredible journey towards Calgary and the 1988 Winter Olympics.

MY REACTION

The day was October 9th, 1993 and my parents let me invite Kevin Hunt and Erik Huss over for a sleep-over to celebrate my upcoming 8th birthday. During the weekend festivities we went to the movies where we got the pleasure of watching - you guessed it - Cool Runnings.

My mom even let Kevin, Erik and myself sit all by ourselves, which for a eight-year-old is a huge step in the "becoming an adult" process. To this day I can still remember exactly where we sat to watch this incredible film. We laughed hysterically throughout and I walked away from it in tears of laughter. With my two best friends by my side life didn't get too much better for me at that moment. I'm sure many of you have experienced moments like that in your childhood. Moments so good that no matter how old or how removed you become from it they will never escape your memory.

The following week at school Kevin, Erik and myself talked exclusively in a Jamaican accent, which further propelled the pleasure Cool Runnings provided me. When it came out on VHS I watched it every Tuesday after school for a lengthy period of time. Don't know why I chose Tuesday, but I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed Tuesdays for quite some time.

As I got older my attitude towards Cool Runnings began to shift. It's a film I've watched more than any other - as clearly identified by my Tuesday viewing tradition - and one I can nearly recite line for line. At first, it was just a really funny movie that I enjoyed with my two best buds. Slowly, it became much more than just a comedy. It evolved into a meaningful, impactful, and lasting film.

WHY NUMBER ONE?

Cool Runnings touches on a plethora of subjects, including friendship, overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, redemption, staying true to thyself and willing yourself to succeed. You could - and I have seriously thought about - write an entire book on what Cool Runnings delves into. Every time I watch it, I find myself focusing on a different aspect and how it relates to a struggle I'm currently encountering. Every time I watch it, no matter what angle I view it, I leave inspired and a better person.

Let's not forget that this actually happened. This 1993 Disney movie is based off the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team and actual footage is used quite often. I'm a sucker for true stories, and even though Hollywood added several dramatic elements that are not 100% accurate, just the fact that a group of Jamaicans put together a bobsled team and made the Winter Olympics always leaves me in awe.

I'd also be remorseful if I wrote an entire column on the beauty of Cool Runnings and didn't write anything about John Candy. He's absolutely terrific in this film as Irv Blitzer, the Jamaican bobsled head coach. He provides non-stop comedy in his patented "John Candy way" but also has to battle some personal demons, which he does so successfully with the help of his new Jamaican friends. John tragically passed away soon after the release of Cool Runnings, and sadly, it's something that I'm always reminded of when I watch it.

The "chill-effect" has been mentioned several times the last couple of months. In summary, if I get chills while watching a movie it signifies to me that it means something more than just on a mere surface-level. Even though I've seriously watched Cool Runnings probably 100 times, I always - and I mean always - get chills during the last scene. It's inescapable.

Cool Runnings is a big part of me. I'm going to watch it with my future wife, I'll share it with my future children, and I'll grow old watching it as well. I'm extremely thankful that it's my #1 movie and hope to continue learning from it as the years pass on.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"Our Father, who art in Calgary, Bobsled be thy name. Thy kingdom come, gold medals won, on Earth as it is in Turn Seven. With Liberty and Justice for Jamaica and Haile Selassie. Amen." - Irv.

"What I am saying to you, is that you are the kind of club-toting, raw-meat-eating, Me-Tarzan-You-Jane-ing, big, bald bubblehead that can only count to ten if he's barefoot or wearing sandals." - Sanka.

Yul Brenner: How 'bout I beat your butt right now?
Sanka Coffie: How 'bout I draw a line down the middle of your head so it looks like a butt?

Derice Bannock: Sanka... you dead?
Sanka Coffie: Ya, mon.

Sanka Coffie: The key elements to a successful sled team are a steady driver, and three strong runners to push off down the ice... ICE? Ice!
Derice Bannock: Well, it's kind of a winter sport, you know.
Sanka Coffie: You mean winter, as in ice?
Derice Bannock: Possibly.
Sanka Coffie: You mean winter, as in Eskimos and igloos and penguins and ICE?
Derice Bannock: Maybe.
Sanka Coffie: See ya!

"All right, Derice. Let me lay out some difficulties for you. Snow: you don't have any. It's nine hundred degrees out there. Time: you don't have any. The Olympics are in three months. And me: you don't have me. As far as I'm concerned, the sport of bobsledding no longer exists. I don't want to do it, I don't want to coach it, and most of all, and I mean most of all, I don't want to be within two thousand miles of anybody who does. Now did you follow all that?" - Irv.

"Oh, yeah, just one little drawback to this delightful winter sport. The high-speed crash. Ooh! That hurt. Always remember, your bones will not break in a bobsled. No, no, no. They shatter." - Irv.

Sanka Coffie: I'm the driver.
Irv: You're not. You're the brakeman.
Sanka Coffie: You don't understand, I am Sanka Coffie, I am the best pushcart driver in all of Jamaica! I must drive! Do you dig where I'm coming from?
Irv: Yeah, I dig where you're coming from.
Sanka Coffie: Good.
Irv: Now dig where I'm coming from. I'm coming from two gold medals. I'm coming from nine world records in both the two- and four-man events. I'm coming from ten years of intense competition with the best athletes in the world.
Sanka Coffie: That's a hell of a place to be coming from!
Irv: You see Sanka, the driver has to work harder than anyone. He's the first to show up, and the last to leave. When his buddies are all out drinking beer, he's up in his room studying pictures of turns. You see, a driver must remain focused one hundred percent at all times. Not only is he responsible for knowing every inch of every course he races, he's also responsible for the lives of the other men in the sled. Now do you want that responsibility?
Sanka Coffie: I say we make Derice the driver.
Irv: So do I, Sanka. So do I.

Junior Bevill: Seemin' to you nobody likes us?
Yul Brenner: We're different. People are always afraid of what's different.

"Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you're not enough without it, you'll never be enough with it."

Yul Brenner: Look in the mirror, and tell me what you see!
Junior Bevill: I see Junior.
Yul Brenner: You see Junior? Well, let me tell you what I see. I see pride! I see power! I see a bad-ass mother who don't take no crap off of nobody!

British Official: We must also be concerned about the potential for embarrassment.
Irv: Oh, pardon me. I didn't realize that four black guys in a bobsled could make you blush.

"All I'm saying, mon, is if we walk Jamaican, talk Jamaican, and *is* Jamaican, then we sure as hell better bobsled Jamaican." - Sanka.

Irv Blitzer: Gentlemen, a bobsled is a simple thing.
Man: Yeah, so's a toilet!

"I am feeling very Olympic today, how about you?" - Sanka.

Derice Bannock: Hey, you can pee now.
Sanka Coffie: Um... too late.

"All he has to do is know what he wants and work hard for it. And if he wants it bad enough, he'll get it. Look, believe me, Sanka... the more Yul Brenners we got making it in this world... the better off this world will be, especially for Jamaicans. Go ahead, Yul Brenner. Go get your palace." - Junior.

Thank you for going on this journey with me. I owe you more than you will ever know. I've enjoyed every aspect of this epic experience and can honestly say it's the best thing this blog has done in the last five years. I've learned a tremendous amount about myself and about what I value. I plan on riding this momentum right on through 2011 and into 2012, which begs the question ... now what?

Well, I'm going to finish up the "KOA's 100 Films" with a "By The Numbers: Part Two" which will unveil my favorite actors, actresses, and directors according to pure statistics. Also, I will post my top twenty trailers taken from this list as well. Finally, I will host my own Oscar's for 2011 where I will give my own Best Picture, Best Actor, etc. according to the films I've seen the past 12 months.

Writing has always been a passion of mine and it wasn't until I started putting this list together how much I realized cinema is also a passion. Starting in 2012 I will be posting reviews for films I've recently viewed. Also starting in 2012 will be another list, this one covering my 50 favorite television shows of all-time. Somewhere in between all of this entertainment writing I will find time to talk about sports ... maybe.

I'll leave you with this quote from Ray Bradbury because it's absolutely fitting for what I just finished.

"Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for."

Amen.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 2

2011-12-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

All along I've been listing MY favorite movies without regard for anyone's opinions. The films have been ones that I've enjoyed and could care less whether or not anyone out there agreed with me or not. That mindset kind of changes as we hit my #2 favorite movie of all-time.

This film is one that I consider to be the greatest movie ever made. It's not my #1 movie because of certain personal reasons, but it is without question a piece of art that deserves all of the recognition it has received since it's release nearly two decades ago. What's sad is that it took the world nearly two years after it's opening weekend at the box office to realize how good it was. This film that many regard as the best ever, flopped horribly at the box office and initially didn't make enough money to simply cover production.

And look at it now.

2) The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Director: Frank Darabont

Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton

Academy Awards: Nominated seven times (including Best Picture, Best Actor/M.Freeman, Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Sound and Best Film Editing).

Plot: "Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency."

Stock: Holding

"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

As far as I know, Ted Turner and my mother never met, but they are both equally responsible for getting my attention with The Shawshank Redemption. My mom had mentioned that it was a pretty good movie and Ted Turner thought enough of it that he put it on TNT three times a week for nearly a decade.

It's one of those unique films that gets better every time you watch it.

THE PLOT

The Shawshank Redemption begins with the conviction and sentencing of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) for the murder of his wife and her lover. Dufresne is required to serve two life sentences at Shawshank prison. Once Andy is on the inside he begins to develop a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), another inmate.

In prison Andy makes the best of it as he develops a library, helps the warden launder money, fills tax-returns for the guards, and helps other inmates obtain their GED's. Though to get the idea that prison-life was nothing but pleasantries for Andy would be false, he had plenty of battles to fight as well.

I won't spoil the ending of the movie for the few of you out there who haven't seen it, but in typical Stephen King fashion (he wrote a short-story that Shawshank used to develop their script), there is a big reveal at the end which serves as the climax for the movie.

MY REACTION

While I certainly don't remember the first time I watched The Shawshank Redemption, I do recall thinking how awesome the ending was and how I didn't see it coming at all. As I've grown older I find myself taking more important things away from this film than just an "awesome ending."

First and foremost there is the bond that Andy and Red share. It starts as mere acquaintances, slowly turns into a friendship, and then ultimately they become best friends. As I look over my list I'm saddened by how few "best-friends" movies are on it, but Shawshank helps ease that sadness.

Then there is the superb acting by Tim Robbins (never thought I'd say that sentence) and of course by Morgan Freeman. Even though Andy is the main character/focus of the film, the story is told through Red's perspective. Morgan Freeman even narrates the entire movie, something he seemingly does in just about every movie he is in now-a-days. How Morgan Freeman did not take home the Oscar for Best Actor is beyond me. I think the Academy would like a do-over on that one. (I know Tom Hanks ended up winning for Forrest Gump, but Freeman was just as good and starred in a much better movie)

What I love most about The Shawshank Redemption is the story. That should come as no surprise considering Stephen King's involvement, but almost always the book is better than the movie. Well I've read King's book and while I did enjoy it, this time around, the movie is actually better.

Shawshank is chalk-full of messages of hope, redemption and perseverance. There are lots of universal themes found in this film, and each time you watch it you will take something different away from it. It's a legendary movie and one that I try to watch at least once or twice a year.

WHY TOP FIVE?

There's nothing not to like about The Shawshank Redemption. It has great acting, well developed characters, penetrating and resounding music, outstanding cinematography, and has a satisfying and suspenseful ending. What's not to love? It's a perfect film. There's a reason IMDB has it as the #1 movie of all-time.

And yet it didn't win any Oscars despite it's seven nominations, and it absolutely bombed at the theatre. How did that happen?

Well, it has a confusing name for one. If you knew nothing about the film you would read the title and probably scratch your head and then pronounce it incorrectly. Bill Simmons, who is a huge Shawshank fan, thinks that it is the all-time worst movie title ever, and it's hard to argue with him.

Secondly, The Shawshank Redemption came out during the same year as Forrest Gump, which absolutely blew everyone away and swept most of the major Oscar categories. I'm not taking anything away from Forrest Gump as I completely understand why a lot of people hold it in reverence, but there's no doubt in my mind if the Academy were to re-cast their votes right now, The Shawshank Redemption would have certainly won Best Picture if not a couple more. But as they say, hindsight is always 20/20.

Like I said in the intro, The Shawshank Redemption is the best movie ever made and came very close to being my favorite film as well. But just like how Andre Agassi was my #2 all-time athlete, I don't ever see either one of them moving from that spot, and I certainly don't view them as runner-ups to anything.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Andy Dufresne: You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific?
Red: No.
Andy Dufresne: They say it has no memory. That's where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory.

"There's not a day goes by I don't feel regret. Not because I'm in here, or because you think I should. I look back on the way I was then: a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I want to talk to him. I want to try and talk some sense to him, tell him the way things are. But I can't. That kid's long gone and this old man is all that's left. I got to live with that. Rehabilitated? It's just a bullshit word. So you go on and stamp your form, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth, I don't give a shit." - Red.

"How can you be so obtuse?" - Andy.

"Son, six wardens have been through here in my tenure, and I've learned one immutable, universal truth: Not one of them born whose asshole wouldn't pucker up tighter than a snare drum when you ask them for funds." - Brooks.

"I must admit I didn't think much of Andy first time I laid eyes on him; looked like a stiff breeze would blow him over. That was my first impression of the man." - Red (narrating).

"I believe in two things: discipline and the Bible. Here you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord; your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank." - Warden Norton.

"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." - Red.

"The first night's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in naked as the day you were born, skin burning and half blind from that delousing shit they throw on you, and when they put you in that cell... and those bars slam home... that's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it." - Red (narrating).

"I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a gray place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made those walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free." - Red (narrating).

"I understand you're a man who knows how to get things." - Andy.

"Bad luck, I guess. It floats around. It's got to land on somebody. It was my turn, that's all. I was in the path of the tornado. I just didn't expect the storm would last as long as it has." - Andy.

"Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Andy.

Well and just like that we are down to my final film. What an incredible journey. Thank you all for going on this ride with me.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 3

2011-12-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

Every once in a while a film comes along and changes things. It's innovating, ground-breaking, and revolutionizes the way movies are perceived. Strong words, yes, but accurate when describing this unbelievable film.

If LOST was condensed to a two-hour movie, it would look like this film ... just completely mind-blowing awesomeness.

3) Inception (2010)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy

Academy Awards (4): Won Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing (Nominated four more times, including Best Picture, Best Writing, Best Music and Best Art Direction).

Plot: "In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception."

Stock: Holding

"What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient... highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed - fully understood - that sticks; right in there somewhere."

I guess I should blame Christopher Nolan for sticking Inception into my brain. His film has - without question - been impossible to eradicate from my head since I watched it last summer.

All of the words I used to describe Inception in the intro are apt. And I'm about to embark on the difficult journey of explaining exactly why. Wish me luck.

THE PLOT

Ever since the top ten, I've managed to put together a semi-accurate recap of each film's plot. But I knew I would run into a problem with trying to describe Inception's story-line. I'll do my best to keep it as simple as possible.

Inception is built upon the assumption that people can enter your dreams. Once inside your dream, your deepest secrets are vulnerable and able to be stolen by those who are inside your head. Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is the best extractor in the world, and is able to steal unlike any other.

However, Cobb has been plagued by his past and it's effecting his work more and more with each passing day. In order to rectify that, Cobb is offered a job where instead of stealing an idea, he is asked to plant one. He is asked for inception. Cobb takes the offer, assembles his team, and the movie goes on from there.

MY REACTION

I watched this movie in Madison Wisconsin on an IMAX screen. Even though tickets were $16 a piece, I would have paid twice that much. It was an unforgettable experience.

Sitting there in a packed movie theater I had expected it to be noisy at times, but that wasn't the case at all. Once the movie started it garnered everyone's full attention. No screaming kids. No cell phones. No constant chatting. Inception did not allow for any distractions.

Inception has tremendous acting sequences which polarize the viewer. It has incredible visual effects which will leave you in awe. It has a script that challenges you, forces you to follow along, but also leaves you slightly confused - but in a good way. It has a unique sound that fits perfectly with the images presented. It's damn near perfect.

WHY TOP FIVE?

Inception was in the running for my favorite movie of all-time, but ultimately found it's home here at #3. I'm fairly certain that if you go back through my list you won't find me use the phrase, "a work of art," but that's how I feel about Inception. Inspiration just overwhelmed me when the end-credits rolled, which is something that very rarely happens when you are watching a movie.

Director Christopher Nolan deserves ALL of the credit for this master-piece. Sure the acting by Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tom Hardy are solid, but their performances are not exceptional. Rather, it's Nolan who shines with Inception.

Nolan directed and wrote the script for Inception. It's his baby. He created this world. He created the images. He created the story. In a world where old ideas tend to be recycled into something new, Nolan's work on Inception was refreshing, inspirational, and pure creation. It was an absolute travesty he was not nominated for Best Director, but something tells me that Nolan isn't losing any sleep over it.

A lot will be made with Inception's highly controversial ending. When I first watched it I thought it was an absolute perfect conclusion, and to tell you the truth, I still think it's the only way this film can end. I wish there was a better way I could explain the ending, but if you haven't seen Inception it wouldn't make any sense at all. Just do yourself a tremendous favor and watch it. Yes, it's a long film (150 minutes), but nothing is wasted and it moves so quickly you will be pleading for more.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"I'm going to improvise. Listen, there's something you should know about me... about inception. An idea is like a virus, resilient, highly contagious. The smallest seed of an idea can grow. It can grow to define or destroy you." - Cobb.

"Downwards is the only way forwards." - Cobb.

"Because building a dream from your memory is the easiest way to lose your grasp on what's real and what is a dream." - Cobb.

"No creeping doubts? Not feeling persecuted, Dom? Chased around the globe by anonymous corporations and police forces, the way the projections persecute the dreamer? Admit it: you don't believe in one reality anymore. So choose. Choose to be here. Choose me." - Mal.

"They say we only use a fraction of our brain's true potential. Now that's when we're awake. When we're asleep, we can do almost anything." - Cobb.

"Great. Thank you. So, now we're trapped in Fischer's mind battling his own private army, and if we get killed, we'll be lost in limbo till our brains turn to scrambled egg." - Eames.

"I guess I thought the dream-space would be all about the visual, but it's more about the feeling. My question is what happens when you start messing with the physics of it." - Ariadne.

"Couldn't somebody have dreamt up a goddamn beach?" - Fischer.

"No, 'cause I think positive emotion trumps negative emotion every time. We all yearn for reconciliation, for catharsis. We need Robert Fischer to have a positive emotional reaction to all this." - Cobb.

Mal: I'll tell you a riddle. You're waiting for a train. A train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you; but you don't know for sure. But it doesn't matter. How can it not matter to you where that train will take you?
Cobb: Because you'll be together.

"I'll come back and we'll be young men together again." - Cobb.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 4

2011-11-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

Love is a theme that Hollywood has been exploring for as long as anyone can remember. Often, it is portrayed as a fairy-tale where Prince Charming comes to sweep Cinderella off of her feet. Other times it follows a basic formula where two people meet, they fall in love, break-up, but get right back together at the end. There's nothing wrong with these characterizations of love, except that they are missing a taste of reality.

My #4 movie takes a unique turn from the prototypical Hollywood-love angle and tackles the topic with a fresh blend of real-life.

4) 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Geoffrey Arend

Plot: "An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her."

Stock: Holding

"You weren't wrong, Tom. You were just wrong about me."

I first watched 500 Days of Summer back in Madison, Wisconsin and immediately I knew I had just got done viewing one of my favorite films of all-time. It's funny, it's thought-provoking and it's real.

THE PLOT

500 Days of Summer features a narrator who occasionally interjects himself into the story. His first few sentences of the film sets up exactly what this movie is all about, so I'll allow him to summarize.

This is a story of boy meets girl. The boy, Tom Hansen of Margate, New Jersey, grew up believing that he'd never truly be happy until the day he met the one. This belief stemmed from early exposure to sad British pop music and a total mis-reading of the movie 'The Graduate'. The girl, Summer Finn of Shinnecock, Michigan, did not share this belief. Since the disintegration of her parent's marriage she'd only love two things. The first was her long dark hair. The second was how easily she could cut it off and not feel a thing. Tom meets Summer on January 8th. He knows almost immediately she is who he has been searching for. This is a story of boy meets girl, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story.

Tom falls for Summer and eventually they form a relationship. They have fun together, they enjoy each other, and they seem to be growing towards the future. But then Summer stops seeing Tom as a romantic interest and before you know it, Summer has dumped Tom and actually fallen in love with another guy. Tom's heartbroken and confused.

MY REACTION

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He was the lead actor in the film "10 Things I Hate About You." Kevin and I were in junior-high when it came out and we watched it at the theatre on a double-date. The next day at school we made a list (always making lists) titled, "10 Things We Hated About That Movie." Making a long story short, I've always resonated with JGL. He's close to my age, he kind of looks like me, and his movies tend to deal with the very same things I'm going through.

Having said that, I had high expectations for 500 Days of Summer. Needless to say, it delivered.

500 Days of Summer is different. It's original. It's fresh. It's real. It doesn't tell a fairy-tale and doesn't pretend to be something it's not. It's a film that provokes conversation, which is exactly what happened to after I watched it the first time.

I felt as if Summer played Tom and just carried him around until something better came along. The first time I watched it I found myself with a strong distaste for Summer. She told Tom time and time again that she didn't believe in love and that she didn't really want a boyfriend, and yet, she treated him like one. She told him things reserved for a boyfriend. She let him experience things that only a boyfriend would be allowed access to. Despite her best intentions, they were very much a couple.

I sided with Tom, JGL's character, throughout the entire movie. I am just like him when it comes to the belief of not being truly happy until he met "the one." I also empathize with Tom when his girlfriend breaks up with him, a move he did not see coming at all. Tom dealt with all the stages of an unexpected break-up: shock, grief, anger, sadness, depression, and eventually acceptance. Believe me, that last step is not an easy one to obtain.

I guess the main point I'm trying to get across is that this movie provides a great look into the modern relationship. It does so in a smart, funny, charming, and unique manner.

WHY TOP FIVE?

There's nothing not to like about 500 Days of Summer. It tells a great story but the way it skips back and forth within the 500 days makes the movie unpredictable. The cinematography is excellent as well as Marc Webb throws in a memorable dance sequence set to a classic Hall & Oates song. Webb also utilizes a terrific concept when he sets up a split-screen showing Tom's expectations of an event versus what actually happens. It's something that I do on a constant basis in my head and it was very cool to see it on screen.

It's also a movie, depending on when you watch it, will evoke different emotions. Obviously the first time I was angry with Summer. Other times I find that Tom treats Summer a little unfairly by setting unrealistic expectations of the "perfect" girl. But, I always smile, I always laugh, and I always end up thinking about different things. It's certainly a film Jimmy V would approve.

I hold this film very close to my heart and am quite proud that it resides in my top five.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"People don't realize this, but loneliness is underrated." - Tom.

"The following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Especially you Jenny Beckman. Bitch." - Author's Note.

"Look, I know you think she was the one, but I don't. Now, I think you're just remembering the good stuff. Next time you look back, I, uh, I really think you should look again." - Rachel.

"Robin is better than the girl of my dreams. She's real." - Paul.

"You don't want to be named as anybody's girlfriend, and now you're someone's wife?" - Tom.

"Did you ever do this, you think back on all the times you've had with someone and you just replay it in your head over and over again and you look for those first signs of trouble?" - Tom.

"I love how she makes me feel, like anything's possible, or like life is worth it." - Tom.

"Tom walked to her apartment, intoxicated by the promise of the evening. He believed that this time his expectations would align with reality." - Narrator.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 5

2011-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

By: Luke Florence

Phew. Let's take a moment and collect ourselves.

In the past four months I've rehashed 95 of my 100 all-time favorite films. And now we are left with my top-five. Only five more to go.

For some - and by some I mean most - of you, my #1 movie will not be a surprise. If you've asked me in the last 15+ weeks then you already know. If you've followed this blog at all in the last 5+ years then you already know. If we've ever been friends in my 2+ decades of living then you already know. The real surprises will occur in the buildup to my #1.

Matt Barnes has already put four of my top five on his list, which leaves just one lonely film that hasn't appeared on our blogs.

That movie finds itself at #5 but within it you will find my all-time favorite movie quote. It comes in response to the question, "how do you write women so well?"

5) As Good As It Gets (1997)

Director: James L. Brooks

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Actor (J. Nicholson) and Best Actress (H. Hunt) (Nominated five more times including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor/G. Kinnear, Best Writing and Best Music).

Plot: "A single mother/waitress, a misanthropic author, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship."

Stock: Holding

"I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability."

It's my favorite quote from one of my favorite movies spoken by one of my favorite actors playing arguably my favorite movie character. That's almost as good as it gets.

THE PLOT

Meet Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson). To call him quirky would be an understatement. To call him rude would be the same. And to call him funny would be a disservice because he's much more than that. There isn't one word that can describe the essence of Melvin, especially when you watch him evolve as the film progresses.

Meet Carol Connelly (played by Helen Hunt). Or as Melvin calls her, "Carol the waitress." Carol waits on Melvin every day because no other waitress will. She puts up with his commentary and even dishes some of it back. Her life is centered around her sick child and her attempts to make sure he is getting decent health care.

Meet Simon Bishop (played by Greg Kinnear). Or as Melvin calls him, "Simon the fag." Simon is Melvin's neighbor who works as an artist. Simon, as with most everyone else in the world, doesn't get along with Melvin, but circumstances force them to get closer together when Simon is brutally attacked.

Melvin, Carol and Simon are the three main characters who start out merely as acquaintances and slowly turn into something else. Leave it to a dog named Verdell to bring them all together, but that's how it starts when Melvin starts looking after Simon's dog.

MY REACTION

These three main characters are just average people. They are a writer, a waitress, and a painter. They all have problems just like we do. Whether it be a disease, a sick child, or non-supportive parents, the fact is that problems exist everywhere in the world. What's so special about this movie is how memorable these characters become.

Much of the credit goes to the actors. They all delivered phenomenal performances. It's not too often that you see Oscar nominations for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor from the same film. I'd go as far as saying it's the best performances of their careers (with a slight understanding that I haven't seen all of Jack's work).

While this movie may have several dramatic moments, it's based in comedic action. This is one of the funniest films I've ever watched. It's full of great one-liners and always has me constantly laughing. Much of that credit should go to Jack Nicholson because if anyone else played Melvin Udall there's no way the audience would go along with all of the racist/homophobic things he says.

WHY TOP FIVE?

Besides the incredible acting, the script is really good as well. It allows for these three memorable characters to interact, react, and eventually grow as individuals. Some would argue that this movie doesn't do a good enough job of fully utilizing that potential for growth, but that would undermine the over-arching theme of reality that this film is based in.

As this list has continued on, we've seen a bunch of great individual performances which have produced several outstanding individual characters. One of my all-time favorite characters is Melvin Udall, and for that, all the credit should go to Jack Nicholson. He somehow manages to steal every scene he's in and despite his crude comments, my admiration for him does not waver a bit.

There is a great scene in As Good As It Gets where Melvin, Carol and Simon are all in a tiny convertible. The focus of the conversation shifts to a tragic moment in Simon's childhood. Carol gives her utmost sympathy while Melvin couldn't care less. That scene conveys everything I love about Melvin. He has this uncanny ability to say the worst thing at the worst possible time, but yet, at the end, he's almost impossible not to like.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"It's not true. Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you're that pissed that so many others had it good." - Melvin Udall.

"When you first entered the restaurant, I thought you were handsome... and then, of course, you spoke." - Carol Connelly.

"Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?" - Melvin Udall.

"Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City 'Sailor wanna hump-hump' bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here." - Melvin Udall.

"The best thing you have going for you is your willingness to humiliate yourself." - Simon Bishop.

"This is New York, pal. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!" - Melvin Udall.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 6

2011-10-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Here are five hints for my #6 favorite film of all-time.

1) If William Shakespeare and Steven Spielberg had a baby it would be this movie.

2) I really want to name my next dog after the lead character in this film.

3) Matt Barnes has only seen it once but it managed to safely reside in his top-100.

4) It was set in 180 AD.

5) This film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor ... good luck.

6) Gladiator (2000)

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Djimon Hounsou

Academy Awards (5): Won Best Picture, Best Actor (R. Crowe), Best Sound, Best Effects and Best Costume (Nominated seven more times including Best Director/R. Scott, Best Supporting Actor/J. Phoenix, Best Cinematography, Best Writing, and Best Music).

Plot: "When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge."

Stock: Holding

"At my signal, unleash hell."

Rarely do I use the word "epic." LOST certainly deserved the high praise "epic" brings with it. Stephen King's Dark Tower series had an "epic presence" to it. It's a hard thing to achieve, but Gladiator did just that. It's an epic movie with an epic story.

THE PLOT

Russell Crowe plays Maximus, an honorable Roman General. He consistently leads his troops into battle and comes away victorious. He is seen as a moral man as well as a ruthless fighter. Maximus develops a strong relationship with the Emperor of Rome, who decides that Maximus, not his son, will be the next leader of Rome. The dream is for Maximus to deliver Rome's power back to the Senate instead of just one person.

Before the Emperor can fulfill his promise to Maximus, the Emperor's son (Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix) finds out of his plans and kills his father, giving him Rome. From there, Maximus is cast as an outlaw and is forced to leave town. Commodus just doesn't stop there and has Maximus' son and wife killed.

As he is laying next to his murdered family, Maximus is picked up and eventually sold as a Gladiator where the only way he can survive is to kill. Maximus survives and finds himself face-to-face with Commodus.

MY REACTION

I used the William Shakespeare/Steven Spielberg combination in my hints because that's the best way I can describe this film to people who have never seen it. Shakespeare's plays dealt with families fighting for power, memorable characters, and told epic stories. Steven Spielberg's films do the same, but usually consist of terrific action sequences that leave you on the edge of your seat. Gladiator fits both bills.

Russell Crowe, who won the Oscar for Best Actor, puts on an amazing display in this Ridley Scott film. Sometimes the best way to compliment an actor is to simply say, he is Maximus. He captures Maximus' heart, his soul, his everything. It's an unbelievably good performance, one I'd put right up there with Heath Ledger's The Joker.

Music often gets overlooked in movies, but it plays a vital role in the production value of a film. Hans Zimmer is one of the best music composers out there and arguably delivers his best soundtrack for Gladiator. I know for a fact that Matt Barnes has yet to discuss a film that Zimmer won an Academy Award for. Stay tuned to find out which one it is.

WHY TOP TEN?

Even though Gladiator tells an epic story and has terrific action sequences, if it was not for the acting, this movie wouldn't made nearly the same impact. We've already touched on Russell Crowe, but he's not the only one giving incredible performances. Joaquin Phoenix, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, plays an excellent villain. It was after watching this movie that I really believed the sky was the limit for Joaquin, which is why it's a little disappointing for me to see how his career hasn't really come to fruition yet.

Rudy is an inspiring film that tells you to reach for your dreams. Gladiator is an equally inspiring movie, but on a completely different level. It inspires me to be more like Maximus. To be a man of honor. To believe in something. To put others in front of the individual. To be strong. To be true. So yes, when I get another dog you better believe I'll be naming it Maximus.

In a weird way I already feel bad for that dog, because Maximus is a tough name to live up to.

Gladiator is full of memorable quotes, moments and acting performances. It's an incredibly powerful film, one that everyone needs to watch.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness, courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but... there are many forms of courage. Devotion, to my family and to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son." - Commodus.

"You can help me. Whatever comes out of these gates, we've got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive." - Maximus

"Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the Emperor of Rome." - Lucilla.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." - Maximus.

"Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?" - Maximus.

"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." - Maximus.

"Quintus! Release my men. Senator Gracchus is to be reinstated. There was a dream that was Rome. It shall be realized. These are the wishes of Marcus Aurelius." - Maximus.

"The time for honoring yourself will soon be at an end." - Maximus.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 7

2011-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Football? Check. Underdogs? Check. True Story? Check. Inspiring? Of course. My number seven favorite movie of all-time has all the ingredients of a great film. And for those of you that know me, I don't think this selection will come off as a surprise at all.

Roger Ebert calls the last scene in this movie, "an emotional powerhouse, just the way it's supposed to be." Giddy up.

7) Rudy (1993)

Director: David Anspaugh

Starring: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau and Charles S. Dutton

Plot: "Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame."

Stock: Holding

"You were born to wear that jacket."

As big of a Notre Dame fan as I am and as much as I love a good underdog story, nobody should be shocked at all to see Rudy land comfortably in my top-ten. It's an emotionally gripping film, one that constantly has me reaching for a Kleenex.

THE PLOT

Rudy Ruettiger is by all standards a pretty average kid. In high school he played on the varsity football team and performed well enough academically to simply graduate. His entire life he has passionately followed Notre Dame and always dreamed to play football for the prestigious university. Unfortunately, he was not gifted with height, strength, or blazing speed, so the prospects of actually playing for Notre Dame were non-existent.

So, Rudy graduates high school and accepts the cards he's been dealt. He works in the local factory and looks at potential houses with his girlfriend. But when a tragic event takes place Rudy decides to go to South Bent and attempt to play football for Notre Dame. Rudy gets zero support from his girlfriend, his brother, or his dad, leaving Rudy to chase for his dreams on his own.

From there we watch as Rudy take the necessary steps to accomplish the unthinkable. He goes to Holy Cross, takes odd jobs, fights for every single thing. As with most underdog stories, the ending is fairly predictable, but the way it's executed will leave you in tears.

MY REACTION

My father took me to this movie soon after my eighth birthday and I walked away from the theatre thinking I had just seen one of the greatest movies of all-time. It made me fall even deeper in love with Notre Dame and to this day I still get chills whenever I hear Rudy's soundtrack.

I'm aware that Sean Astin is more well-known for his work in The Lord of The Rings trilogy, but he will always be Rudy to me. Astin did an outstanding job captivating the struggle that Rudy went through, and although he was not nominated for any major awards, I find it nearly impossible to envision someone else portraying the role.

Rudy, much like Notre Dame, fosters a love-hate relationship. People either really love the film, or they really hate it. Critics will say it's just a Notre Dame love-fest, or that Rudy was a just a lucky little guy. They may be right, but that's not the way I feel. Had the movie been entirely the same except it took place at Ohio State maybe it's not an all-time favorite film for yours truly. I can acknowledge that ... but, it did occur in South Bend, and it's based off a true story. Done and done.

WHY TOP TEN?

Few movies make such an emotional impact with me on a constant basis. Every single time I watch Rudy I tear up ... I can't help it. Something about watching an underdog survive and then ultimately thrive really resonates with me. I referenced the chill-factor a couple posts back, and make no mistake, I get plenty of goosebumps when I'm watching Rudy.

Rudy also teaches us that we can't do it alone. No one can. We need others to help us. Rudy received academic advice from his friend D-Bob and life advice from Father Cavanaugh. If it wasn't for his best-friend Pete convincing him he could go it, this film never happens. The biggest help probably came from Fortune, the janitor who gave Rudy a job, a place to live, and a swift kick-in-the-butt when it was needed.

Much like Love Actually, Rudy also has an unbelievably good soundtrack ... one that will give me chills whenever I happen to hear it.

It's highly motivational, inspirational, and just a great movie to enjoy. It might not be one of your favorites, but Rudy will more than likely have a spot in my top-ten for a long time.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"Son, in 35 years of religious study, I have only come up with two hard incontrovertible facts: there is a God, and I'm not Him." - Fr. Cavanaugh.

"Well, you know what my dad always said, having dreams is what makes life tolerable." - Pete.

"You're 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin', and you have barely a speck of athletic ability. And you hung in there with the best college football players in the land for 2 years. And you're gonna walk outta here with a degree from the University of Notre Dame. In this life, you don't have to prove nothin' to nobody but yourself. And after what you've gone through, if you haven't done that by now, it ain't gonna never happen. Now go on back." - Fortune.

"You're a Ruettiger! There's nothing in the world wrong with being a Ruettiger!" - Daniel.

"He's so little!" - D-Bob.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 8

2011-10-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

We all do crazy things for girls. I know I've done my fair share of stupid things all in the pursuit of love. One of them was watching the following film. Going into it I thought it would be the equivalent of The Notebook, a movie that wouldn't crack my top 100,000 favorite films.

Instead it turned into something better than I ever could have anticipated. It turned into one of my top-ten favorite movies of all-time.

8) Love Actually (2003)

Director: Richard Curtis

Starring: Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Colin Firth

Plot: "Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England."

Stock: Down

"Enough ... enough now."

If you've really been following this blog then this shouldn't come as a surprise to you at all. I've referenced Love Actually a couple times in the short five year history of The King of Arguments. In February of this year I mentioned it while talking about the movie Crash. More than two years ago when I celebrated my 100th post, I listed it as one of my guilty pleasures. Finally, back in January of 2007, I wrote a short review of it as I was recapping my favorite movies from the previous year.

But, I'm willing the bet that for the majority of you - including Barnes - had little to no idea that Love Actually would make my list, let alone crack the top ten. There's plenty of reasons why it ranks this high so if you read the rest of this post with an open mind perhaps you will actually walk away with an understanding of my love for this movie.

THE PLOT

Unlike most of the movies on my list, Love Actually doesn't have one main character. Instead it focuses on a multitude of people who are all on a search of love. Some are dealing with love lost. Others are finding it for the very first time. Some can't be with the one they desire, while others are trying to rekindle the fire with their spouse. This film does a remarkable job of touching on all aspects of love.

All of the characters in Love Actually are connected in some way, shape or form, which brings the entire movie to a fitting conclusion as we see all of our beloved characters at the same place at the same time.

All I Want for Christmas is You

Love Actually

— MOVIECLIPS.com

MY REACTION

All the credit in the world goes to Liz Vaccaro for introducing me to Love Actually. Liz and I met our freshman year of college in an English class. I happened to wear a Tiffin Calvert shirt one evening and Liz asked me if I knew who "Racquet Ball Paul" was. From there we started hanging out quite a bit as I soon found out she went to Mansfield St. Peters and was not only living in my dorm but on the same floor, just right around the corner.

Liz introduced me to a lot of different things including Gavin DeGraw, chamomile tea and The Notebook. As you can guess, some were certainly better than others. But perhaps the best thing she showed me was Love Actually.

During that first viewing I sat there with a feeling of contempt. I did not want to watch another "The Notebook" and fully expected the same kind of film. At some point however, it became more "real" than The Notebook and slowly began to differentiate itself from that horrible movie.

I use the word "real" because I feel "real" emotions every time I watch it. It's hard not to. Maybe I haven't been in the exact situations that some of the characters get themselves into, but I empathize with them. I can completely understand the range of emotions they are going through. Love is the most universally known feeling, and Love Actually taps into it again and again.

Jamie Proposes to Aurelia

Love Actually

— MOVIECLIPS.com

WHY TOP TEN?

First and foremost, Love Actually has a well-written script. It's clever and consistently funny. Hidden beneath all the talk about love, there is a story about family, about friends, and about the human connection. This is more than just a mushy "I love you" festival, it's about the lengths we go to for the pursuit of love. It's about a gut feeling, about taking a chance, and about not being afraid of failure.

The character I empathize with the most is Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln. Mark is in love with Juliet who is played by the beautiful Keira Knightley. Mark is afraid to tell Juliet this because Juliet is married to Mark's best friend. Therefore Mark is distant and cold towards Juliet, because as Mark puts it, "It's a self-preservation thing." Once Juliet finds out Mark's true feelings, Mark decides to finally express his love. It's one of my favorite movie scenes of all-time and ends with one of my favorite quotes as well. That scene alone made Love Actually one of my all-time favorite films. It's perfect.

Christmas Cards for Juliet

Love Actually

— MOVIECLIPS.com

Maybe this film resonates with me so much because deep down I'm a helpless romantic as well. I'm a big fan of love stories and a movie that is chalk-full of hilarious and powerful ones seems like a perfect fit for my top-ten ... even if most of you will hate it.

Even if you do hate this selection it's hard to argue how solid of a soundtrack it has. It's one of my favorite movie soundtracks and it should be one of yours as well.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around." - Prime Minister.

"I look quite pretty." - Juliet.

"But you know, the thing about romance is... people only get together right at the very end." - Sam.

"Life is full of interruptions and complications." - Karl.

"Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!" - Billy Mack.

"I love that word "relationship." Covers all manner of sins, doesn't it? I fear that this has become a bad relationship; a relationship based on the President taking exactly what he wants and casually ignoring all those things that really matter to, erm... Britain. We may be a small country, but we're a great one, too. The country of Shakespeare, Churchill, the Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter. David Beckham's right foot. David Beckham's left foot, come to that. And a friend who bullies us is no longer a friend. And since bullies only respond to strength, from now onward I will be prepared to be much stronger. And the President should be prepared for that." - Prime Minister.

"Let's go get the shit kicked out of us by love." - Sam.

"Alone again... Naturally." - Jamie.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 9

2011-10-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

"If you don't make mistakes, you don't make anything." A couple of weeks ago yours truly might have made a mistake when I said that The Hangover was my last truly "funny" film. If there were only two kinds of movies (comedies and dramas) in the world, then my #9 would certainly qualify in the former category.

Peter Travers from Rolling Stone calls my #9 movie "National Lampoon's Family Vacation with soul," and I couldn't have said it better myself.

9) Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Directors: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Supporting Actor (A. Arkin) and Best Writing. Nominated two more times (including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress/A. Breslin).

Plot: "A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus."

Stock: Down

It's hard to argue the value of family. It might be the most important thing. But then again, it's not really a "thing" as much as it's an "idea" or a "feeling." Family is unequivocally an ambiguous term. Fitting indeed for Little Miss Sunshine which features a bizarre family, but a family nonetheless.

Never has a movie had a more memorable ensemble. Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin and Paul Dano all create outstanding characters which as you would expect, produce outstanding moments.

THE PLOT

Unlike Contact, Little Miss Sunshine doesn't have a plot worth diving into details. The main focus is trying to get Olive (the youngest sibling) to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. The contest is approximately 1,000 miles away so the entire family makes the trip in a small VW bus.

The main focus of this film isn't how the plot develops but how the characters react along the way.

THE CHARACTERS

Greg Kinnear as Richard Hoover - Richard is a struggling and failing motivational speaker. He is all about winners and losers even though he would probably fall in the latter category. There is no doubt that he loves his family despite his ability to say cringe-inducing things.

Toni Collette as Sheryl Hoover - Sheryl is the lovable mother who does her best to keep the family together. She takes in her brother when he is at his lowest moment and despite all the chaos that surrounds the Hoover family, she does her best to make sure they stay just that ... a family.

Abigail Breslin as Olive Hoover - Olive is the youngest in the Hoover family. She receives an invitation to enter the Little Miss Sunshine contest which she is extremely excited for ... until she gets there. Upon arrival Olive begins to question how pretty she is but her performance at the end of the show reaffirms how special she really is. Olive is the heart of this movie.

Alan Arkin as Grandpa Hoover - Grandpa was kicked out of the retirement home for doing drugs, which he continues to do, only now in the bathroom of the Hoover residence. He is Olive's coach for the beauty pageant and everyone else's life coach. He has some outstanding one-liners and if Olive is the heart, then Grandpa is the soul of the film.

Steve Carell as Frank Ginsberg - Frank recently tried to commit suicide when Little Miss Sunshine picks up. He was upset when his partner (Frank is gay) broke up with him and went out with the #2 Proust Scholar ... oh by the way, Frank is the #1 Proust Scholar. Sheryl picks him up from the hospital and brings him to stay with the rest of the Hoovers.

Paul Dano as Dwayne Hoover - Dwayne is Olive's older brother who has taken up the vow of silence. He refuses to speak until he makes it to the Air Force. Dwayne doesn't really get along with his father (Richard) or anyone else for that matter. As the movie progresses you can tell just how much Dwayne cares for his family, even if he has a strange way of showing it.

MY REACTION

It's hard for me to explain just exactly why I love Little Miss Sunshine. The acting is incredible, the plot never hits a dull moment, and the movie will have you laughing from start to finish. But there's something more to LMS ... something you can't really explain until you watch it.

Little Miss Sunshine goes to great depths to showcase how strong a bond a family can create. Sure you might despise your parents from time-to-time and who hasn't needed some time away from a sibling. At the end of the day though, your family - if you're lucky - will always be there for you, no matter what.

There are a plethora of memorable moments in this movie. You can start with the dinner scene at the beginning of the film which sets the table (pun intended) for every character as well as the plot. The comedic happenings at the hospital are unforgettable and the talent portion of the beauty pageant will leave you shocked and in pain from laughter.

WHY TOP TEN?

People change all the time ... some more so than others. Some change by themselves and some change when circumstances force them to. Little Miss Sunshine is able to produce elements of both to show how the Hoover family - as individuals - manage to change and develop as the movie progresses. It's incredibly difficult to accomplish, but the writers who won the Oscar for best writing did a great job pulling it off.

There's no denying the greatness of Alan Arkin in this film. Even with this unbelievable cast he somehow manages to steal every scene he's in. He's outspoken, honest and a supporting grand-father. The scene with him and Olive in the hotel room is why he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

If any of my top ten was going to change on my second version of this list, Little Miss Sunshine would be the odd man out. Don't get me wrong, I love this movie but I find myself laughing just a little bit less each time I watch it.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

"There's two kinds of people in this world, there's winners and there's losers. Okay, you know what the difference is? Winners don't give up." - Richard Hoover.

"Oh my God, I'm getting pulled over. Everyone, just... pretend to be normal." - Richard Hoover.

"You know what? Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another. School, then college, then work... Fuck that. And fuck the Air Force Academy. If I want to fly, I'll find a way to fly. You do what you love, and fuck the rest." - Dwayne Hoover.

"Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don't even try." - Grandpa Hoover.

"Listen to me, I got no reason to lie to you, don't make the same mistakes I made when I was young. Fuck a lotta women kid, not just one woman, a lotta women." - Grandpa Hoover.

"Jesus, I'm tired. I'm so fucking tired. You know how tired I am? If a girl came up to me and begged me to fuck her, I couldn't do it. That's how tired I am." - Grandpa Hoover.

"Have I mentioned that I am the preeminent Proust scholar in the US?" - Frank Ginsberg.

Make sure to check back next week as I unveil my #8 selection. As always, go take a look at the recent picks Matt Barnes is posting on his blog.

Hint for #8: Tag-line for this 2003 film is, "all you need is love."

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 10

2011-09-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

The prestigious top-ten. This is where you will find my favorite movies of all-time ... my desert-island films. The ones I would gladly spend the rest of my life watching. I'm extremely protective of these ten films and it will only change on rare occurrences.

We start with a film directed by Robert Zemeckis, but not the one he's most known for.

#10) Contact (1997)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey and Tom Skerritt

Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Sound).

Plot: "Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine."

Stock: Up

"Small moves, Ellie, small moves."

Contact is one of those films that gets outstanding critical reviews yet doesn't really get recognition during awards season or make a huge hit at the box office. It was nominated for just one Academy Award (in a technical category nonetheless) and despite pulling in more than $170 million worldwide it's not a well-known film. Have you seen it? If not you are missing a terrific movie, one definitely worth all the positive reviews it received more than a decade ago.

THE PLOT

Dr. Ellie Arroway (played by Jodie Foster) is a scientist leading an investigation team called SETI (Search for ExtraTeresstial Intelligence). She spends most of her time listening to the sky hoping to hear something ... anything ... other than static. While static is all she gets from the skies, humiliation is all she gets from Earth as her bosses and even some of her colleagues feel she is wasting her time and talent.

While there is no questioning how smart and perceptive Dr. Arroway is, some would question her religious beliefs. She is a full fledged atheist, citing the lack of proof as her number one reason for not believing in a supreme being. Her beliefs come into focus because she has a quasi-relationship with a preacher played by Matthew McConaughey.

Soon her time and money run out and she is left with the sobering fact that her search for intelligent life is almost over. However late one night she hears a booming noise from the sky which inevitably changes not only her life but all of humankind as well.

The noise turns out to come from Vega, a star only 20+ light-years away. With some deciphering, Dr. Arroway and her team find out that what they are listening to is actually instuctions to build a machine that will supposedly act as a transport.

After much deliberation, the transport is built and to find out what happens next you are just going to have to watch for yourself. The final thirty minutes of Contact are emotionally gripping, polarizing, and thought-provoking. It's an ending that allows you to draw your own conclusions, which as a viewer you will appreciate.

MY REACTION

Jodie Foster does a terrific job playing the lead in this film. She wasn't nominated for any Oscars but I'm willing to bet she was on the short list of potential candidates. While I'm not the biggest Matthew McConaughey fan in the world, he does a decent job playing Jodie's love interest. Throw in good cameos by Tom Skerritt, William Fitchner and James Woods and you have a very good cast of characters.

Despite dealing with extraterrestial intelligence, Contact truly is a believable and realistic movie. If a situation like this ever occurred, it would play out just like in the film. Robert Zemeckis does an excellent job using media outlets like Jay Leno, Larry King and CNN to show how the world would react to such a fascinating development.

This was a big budget film but unlike most other "big budget" endeavors, Contact lets the story, the characters, and the ideas play center stage. The special effects serve the story, not the other way around. Movies like Independence Day and Men In Black are perfect examples of when the special effects often make up for a lack of story. This is not the case with Contact, making it a truly unique film.

What also makes it unique is the amount of discussion it creates. The battle between religion and science, destiny, mysteries of the universe, and morality are all topics this incredible film touches on. This is very much a movie that questions ... something that doesn't happen nearly enough these days. It just doesn't question the religious ideals, but the scientific ones as well. The final decision is ultimately left to you.

WHY TOP TEN?

If you've been paying attention from the beginning you know the emphasis I place on story. It's more important than the acting, the cinematography or the music. Without a strong story there's very little chance it will find my top-100. Well, Contact has good acting, good cinematogrpahy, very good music and an epic story. I don't use the word "epic" too often to describe anything, but it's fitting here.

The first couple of times I watched Contact I thought to myself how the script would make for an excellent book, so it's no surprise that it's actually based off of Carl Sagan's novel. I have not read Sagan's book but maybe it's time I fix that.

I debated whether or not to reveal the ending which would then allow me to fully discuss my thoughts and feelings on the subject. I eventually decided not to because if the shoe was on the other foot I would be upset the ending was spoiled. Besides, I can still share my feelings without giving away the finale.

Part of why the ending is go great is how much it changes Dr. Arroway. Her entire life she has questioned everything and used reasoning to find answers. She doesn't go the "faith route" because it can't be proved. However at the end of the film she is forced to rely on the one thing she always questioned ... faith. Call it irony, call it coincedence or call it happenstance, the fact that the script was switched on Dr. Arroway - and how it was switched - was a beautiful thing to witness.

Growing up I loved a good hoax. I was intrigued by UFO's, BigFoot, and the Abominable Snowman. It's a big reason why I question everything I see and hardly take anything for face value. Hidden in the dephts of Contact is a potential hoax which hovers above the movie much like an invisible UFO would.

Mr. Hadden is a man of substanial wealth who just so happens to bail Dr. Arroway out when she is in desperate need of money. He lingers in this film, only appearing every so often, usually when Dr. Arroway needs some help. At the end of the movie it's suggested that Mr. Hadden fooled the world and faked everything (the signal, the encoded directions, etc). While I'm certainly not in that camp, there are small clues scattered around this film that at the very least cause some concern.

At the end of the day Contact is a great escape movie without being unreal. It's a difficult blend to accomplish, but Contact is able to do it with ease.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

David Drumlin: I know you must think this is all very unfair. Maybe that's an understatement. What you don't know is I agree. I wish the world was a place where fair was the bottom line, where the kind of idealism you showed at the hearing was rewarded, not taken advantage of. Unfortunately, we don't live in that world.
Ellie Arroway: Funny, I've always believed that the world is what we make of it.

"You wanna hear something really nutty? I heard of a couple guys who wanna build something called an "airplane," you know you get people to go in, and fly around like birds, it's ridiculous, right? And what about breaking the sound barrier, or rockets to the moon, or atomic energy, or a mission to Mars? Science fiction, right? Look, all I'm asking, is for you to just have the tiniest bit of vision. You know, to just sit back for one minute and look at the big picture. To take a chance on something that just might end up being the most profoundly impactful moment for humanity, for the history... of history." - Dr. Arroway

Palmer Joss: [Ellie challenges Palmer to prove the existence of God] Did you love your father?
Ellie Arroway: What?
Palmer Joss: Your dad. Did you love him?
Ellie Arroway: Yes, very much.
Palmer Joss: Prove it.

Young Ellie: Dad, do you think there's people on other planets?
Ted Arroway: I don't know, Sparks. But I guess I'd say if it is just us... seems like an awful waste of space.

"I'm not against technology, doctor. I'm against the men who deify it at the expense of human truth." - Palmer Joss.

"Ellie, still waiting for E.T. to call?" - Dr. Drumlin.

"So it turns out there's life on other planets. Boy, this is really going to change the Miss Universe contest, you know what I mean?" - Jay Leno.

"Some celestial event. No - no words. No words to describe it. Poetry! They should've sent a poet. So beautiful. So beautiful... I had no idea." - Dr. Arroway.

"You're an interesting species. An interesting mix. You're capable of such beautiful dreams, and such horrible nightmares. You feel so lost, so cut off, so alone, only you're not. See, in all our searching, the only thing we've found that makes the emptiness bearable, is each other." - Alien.

"So what's more likely? That an all-powerful, mysterious God created the Universe, and decided not to give any proof of his existence? Or, that He simply doesn't exist at all, and that we created Him, so that we wouldn't have to feel so small and alone?" - Dr. Arroway.

"Our job was to select someone to speak for everybody. And I just couldn't in good conscience vote for a person who doesn't believe in God. Someone who honestly thinks the other ninety five percent of us suffer from some form of mass delusion." - Palmer Joss.

So there you have it, a look at Contact, my #10 favorite movie. 91 down, only nine to go. We will be back next week with #9. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and check out Contact, it's free on YouTube.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Rapid Reaction to Barnes' 20-11

2011-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

It's been a bumpy ride at times, but now that we are down to the final twenty movies I'm expecting less surprise selections from Barnes. Seeing as this isn't the first time we've discussed our all-time favorite movies it's safe to assume I could probably guess 65-80% of his remaining twenty.

Let's see if Barnes is able to defy the odds.

RAPID REACTION TO MATT BARNES' MOVIES (20-11)

Barnes #20: Jack

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Count Jack as one of the movies I was expecting from Barnes. When Kevin, Barnes and myself made our initial movie list in 2005 I remember Jack being pretty high up on Barnes' list. What I find interesting is that Jack was pretty high up on my list as well, which begs the question ... what happened??

Jack is not on my top-100 and was never in serious consideration at any point. Chalk it up to me being a different person than 2005. Or, chalk it up to having a different taste of movies from six years ago. Or, maybe chalk it up to seeing a bunch of better films. Whatever the reason, Jack is not one of my all-time favorites.

I completely understand why Barnes loves it so much and I'm glad to see it find the top-20 of his list.

Barnes #19: Office Space

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Kind of surprised with this selection, but after reading his reaction of when I put Office Space on my list (#71) I figured it was going to make an appearance on Barnes' list at some point. Stunned that it's this high though. Mainly because I've never heard Barnes really quote/talk about Office Space before.

Happy it's here as it really is a great movie.

Barnes #18: Juno

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

I've only seen this movie once and while I certainly laughed throughout, nothing really stood out for me. Yes, Ellen Page was quite good and deserved the Oscar nomination she received. Yes, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner and Michael Cera round out a really solid cast. And yes, it takes a unique twist on teenage pregnancy, but I honestly don't remember too much from this movie.

Maybe I should watch it again ... it's probably not going to crack the top-100 but if Barnes has it this high on his list it's probably worth a second look.

Barnes #17: Coming To America

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Was anticipating Barnes putting this in his top-ten so I was a little surprised to see it land outside the top-15. This really is a hilarious movie and has you wondering whatever happened to Eddie Murphy.

Not really sure if it's a sell-out or not, but Eddie stopped doing these R-rated films and in my mind, stopped being funny. It's too bad because I don't think I've ever been excited for an Eddie Murphy movie and judging by his 80s material (which is terrific), that's a tremendous letdown.

Barnes #16: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Dodgeball is a funny movie filled with great quotes. Barnes is absolutely correct when he says it's full of great characters as well. It's one of those movies you can watch on a rainy day and keep yourself entertained.

Ben Stiller is the #1 reason why this movie is memorable as he plays Vince Vaughn's arch-nemesis. Didn't make my top-100 but would have been in the 110-125 range. Another solid pick by Barnes.

Barnes #15: The Hurt Locker

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Much like Dodgeball just missed out on my list, The Hurt Locker did the same. Loved every minute of it but just couldn't find room for it. As I've only seen it once there is a really good chance it would make it after a second viewing.

Jeremy Renner is amazing in this movie and after watching him in this and The Town, he became one of my favorite actors. Glad to see Barnes put it this high. Well done.

Barnes #14: Slumdog Millionaire

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

I like Slumdog and had no problem with it racking up eight Oscars because I could see why other people would consider it a "great" movie. But at the end of the day, it just wasn't in my "great" category.

It has a great script and does an outstanding job of using flashbacks (very LOST-like) to help us understand the story. I'm a little surprised to see Barnes have it this high on his list but he must be one of those who uses the word "great" when describing it.

Barnes #13: Sister Act II: Back In The Habit

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

It pained me to leave this movie off my list. It's seriously #101 and was the last movie I cut. Will it make version 2.0?? Only one way to find out.

I love the music, I love the story, I love the humor. I love it all. As I've gotten older I can appreciate different aspects than I did when I was nine and watching it for the first time. That's a sign of a great movie.

Knew this had to be showing up at some point on Barnes' list and he didn't let me down.

Barnes #12: The Boondock Saints

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND WANT TO

Barnes and I were talking this week during bowling about how we are going to make a post with the top ten or twenty movies we want to watch after our lists are complete. Well you can go ahead and put The Boondock Saints on my watch-list.

I'm a little disappointed in myself for not seeing this movie as I've heard nothing but good things about it. After reading Barnes' description I'm almost certain I will love this movie.

Barnes #11: Mrs. Doubtfire

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

This post is bookended by a pair of Robin Williams movies. I really hope Barnes tallies up his actors and actresses at the end of this list to see who appears the most. Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd and Ben Stiller all have to be up in the running.

See what I wrote for Jack and the same applies for Mrs. Doubtfire. Word for word. Except that it has Pierce Brosnan in it ... you lose a couple points for that.

RECAP

Can't find one reason to complain with these ten movies. They are all movies I like to watch and a couple nearly made my list. I'm really excited to see what Barnes has in store for his final ten. If I were ranking these movies here's what it would look like.

1) Office Space

2) Sister Act II: Back In The Habit

3) The Hurt Locker

4) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

5) Coming To America

6) Jack

7) Mrs. Doubtfire

8) Slumdog Millionaire

9) The Boondock Saints

10) Juno

It'll be more than a month until the next time I recap Barnes' movies. I'll do a recap after movies 10-6, and then my final one on his last five.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 20-11 Thursday Trailers

2011-09-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Since we have only posted five movies the past two weeks, we had a one-week absence from our trailers. While the quality of these films have gone up the same can be said for the trailers as well. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the majority of these trailers were. Sure there were a couple disappointments, but it's probably the strongest set I've put together yet.

Enjoy.

#10: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

#9: A Christmas Story

#8: Life Is Beautiful

#7: The Hangover

#6: Good Will Hunting

#5: Rain Man

#4: Mr. Holland's Opus

#3: Crazy Heart

#2: Gone Baby Gone

#1: The Dark Knight

It'll be November before I post another set of trailers as we will post just one movie a week for the next ten weeks. Be on the lookout for my recap of Barnes' most recent selections and my #10 pick on Monday.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 15-11

2011-09-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

I took a quick glance at my top-100 list last week and sat back in amazement. I couldn't believe how many movies I've talked about and posted the last couple of months. It's incredible that after tonight I'll have gotten through 90% of this massive venture.

These next five films were all in the running for the top-ten but ultimately just fell short. If I had to do it all over again (and I will) I still wouldn't put any of these in the prestigious final ten. But don't think for one second any of them would move down either. They are outstanding movies and ones that will be on my list forever.

Enjoy.

15) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Director: Adam McKay

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate and Steve Carell

Plot: "Ron Burgundy is San Diego's top rated newsman in the male dominated broadcasting of the 1970's, but that's all about to change when a new female employee with ambition to burn arrives in his office."

Stock: Holding

"I love poetry. And a glass of Scotch. And, of course, my friend Baxter here."

Kevin, myself and some girls were hanging out at Jared Rosenberger's graduation party. After getting some food and socializing a bit we decided to leave and go watch a movie. We were planning on seeing Spider Man 2 but when we got to the theatre we had a change of heart and settled on Anchorman. It's one of the best decisions of my young life.

I've never had a better time in a movie theatre. I've never laughed so much and so loud either. Watching that movie with Kevin had me in serious pain. When Baxter was punted off the bridge I fell out of my seat. The girl I was "seeing" had a dog very similar to Baxter and since the punt came out of nowhere I lost all control.

Anchorman found the top-20 when I reached Athens and found all the guys at WOUB (Mark Bruce, Keith Cawley, etc) were quoting the movie as much as Kevin and I were. I can vividly remember Bruce asking the entire newsroom, "What did Ron say after bark twice if you're in Milwaukee?" Of course Hunt had the answer right away, "Is this Wilt Chamberlain?" Anchorman resonated with me and my group of college friends so much because we were all in that profession. That and we all had a similar sense of humor.

The quotability of this film is what makes it so special. There's never been a film where almost every line is one you can recite and laugh at later. It's without a doubt the best Will Ferrell movie and performance I've seen but what's scary is I don't think he's the funniest character in it. That would go to Steve Carell as Brick Tamland, the dimwitted weatherman.

Ron Burgundy is also my favorite Will Ferrell character. He's got a lot of Robert Goulet in him and just enough of that obnoxious stereotypical anchorman. Everything he says or does I find funny. Even just a picture of Rob Burgundy will cause me to smile.

As you can imagine, they had so many outtakes from the making of this film that they actually had enough to literally make another movie. Which they did.

Anchorman is one of those unique films that will have me laughing just as hard the 100th time watching it as the first. Well except for when Baxter gets punted, now that I know it's coming I don't almost throw-up from laughter.

Memorable Quotes

"You've got a dirty whorish mouth." - Ron Burgundy.

"Ribs. I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this." - Ron Burgundy.

"I wanna say something. I'm gonna put it out there; if you like it, you can take it, if you don't, send it right back. I want to be on you." - Ron Burgundy.

"It's so damn hot... milk was a bad choice." - Ron Burgundy.

"I have no idea where he would have gotten a hold of German pornography. But you and I are mature adults; we've both seen our share of pornographic materials. Oh, you never have? Of course you haven't, how stupid of me. Neither have I. I was just speaking in generalities. Right. I'll stop by the school a little later, Sister Margaret. Bye." - Ed Harken.

"Where'd you get your clothes... from the... toilet store?" - Brick Tamland.

14) Good Will Hunting (1997)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Starring: Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Supporting Actor (R. Williams) and Best Writing. Nominated seven more times (including Best Picture, Best Director/G.V.Sant, Best Actor/M. Damon, Best Supporting Actress/M.Driver, and Best Music).

Plot: "Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT, has a gift for mathematics but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life."

Stock: Down

"I had to see about a girl."

Barnes put this movie at #38 which was a nice surprise because I had no idea he had seen this one. As for me, well as you can clearly see I liked it a little more than my list-maker partner-in-crime. Barnes hints that this movie is inspiring and he couldn't be more right.

It's a little ridiculous to think that this was Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's first crack at writing a screenplay. They did a phenomenal job as evidenced by the Oscar they took home for Best Writing.

The plot line on IMDB couldn't be more underwhelming. Yes it is a story about Will Hunting, a genius janitor who needs direction, but the movie is so much more than that. It's about relationships. It's about friendship. It's about suffering. It's about life. It encompasses more themes and issues than probably any film on this list. It's one every English or Psychology class should watch. You can learn a lot from Good Will Hunting.

Robin Williams won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Will's psychologist/friend. I was rooting for him to win because Robin is a great actor who is much more than an over-the-top comedian. His depth and range are both on display in this movie.

Good Will Hunting has more memorable scenes than just about any movie on this list as well. Scenes such as "How Did You Know," "Idiosyncracies," "How Bout Them Apples?" "Suffering," and "By The Park" are ones that will have trouble escaping your memory.

What I take away from Good Will Hunting is that life gives you both advantages and disadvantages. It's how you are able to mold your advantages and learn from your disadvantages that will determine your life's wealth. Will Hunting was an incredible genius, but he was a troubled kid. He had no direction. He was probably too smart for his own good. But, with some help, he got a new lease on life. In the end, he just had to see about a girl.

Memorable Quotes

"Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself." - Sean.

"You're legally allowed to drink now, so we figured the best thing for you was a car." - Billy.

"You're not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you've met, she's not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other." - Sean.

"Fuck you, you don't owe it to yourself man, you owe it to me. Cuz tomorrow I'm gonna wake up and I'll be 50, and I'll still be doin' this shit. And that's all right. That's fine. I mean, you're sittin' on a winnin' lottery ticket. And you're too much of a pussy to cash it in, and that's bullshit. 'Cause I'd do fuckin' anything to have what you got. So would any of these fuckin' guys. It'd be an insult to us if you're still here in 20 years. Hangin' around here is a fuckin' waste of your time." - Chuckie.

13) The Hangover (2009)

Director: Todd Phillips

Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms

Plot: "A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him."

Stock: Holding

"Well tell that to Rain Man, he practically bankrupt a casino and he was a re-tard."

Before watching The Hangover I had a slight suspicion it was going to be a really funny film, but I wasn't 100% sure. Went to the theatre with Woody, Katie and Hunt where Woody came up with the genius plan of bringing a flask just in case the movie wasn't that good. Turns out it wasn't good ... it was terrific.

As this list unfolds you will find that this is the last straight-up comedy. Which means that currently, The Hangover is my all-time favorite funny film ... and I'm completely okay with that.

Zach Galifianakis (spelled correctly the first time without looking it up thank-you very much) has his break-out performance as Alan. I knew Zach was really funny before The Hangover as I was a fan of his comedy show on VH1 and I loved his stand-up the few times I'd seen him. But the rest of the world didn't know how hilarious Zach was as evidenced by the quick cancellation of said VH1 show and his obscure status in the comedy-world. How quickly all that changed.

The premise of this film is really simple. Four guys go out to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, but due to obsessive partying, they lose the groom-to-be and spend two days looking for him. In the process they retrace their steps from the previous drunken night and find they got themselves into a bunch of trouble.

But this movie isn't about the plot (although using Las Vegas as a setting certainly didn't hurt), it's about the moments created. What makes The Hangover unique is that it makes you laugh in different ways. Unlike Anchorman which was a quote-fest, The Hangover gets you to laugh with physical humor, awkward situations, and it's own fair share of quotes. If Old School and Swingers had a baby, it would be The Hangover.

This movie did so well in the box office that the producers decided to make a sequel. And while The Hangover 2 certainly made me laugh, it didn't have the staying power of the original ... which is usually the case with sequels.

I've re-watched this movie more than any other the past two years. It's a great drinking film as all you have to do is take a drink every time someone says a curse word.

Memorable Quotes

"So long, gay boys!" - Mr. Chow.

"Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice." - Phil.

"I look like a nerdy hillbilly!" - Stu.

"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you." - Sid.

"In the face! In the face!" - Officer.

12) Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Director: Roberto Benigni

Starring: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi and Giorgio Cantarini

Academy Awards (3): Won Best Actor (R. Benigni), Best Music and Best Foreign Film. Nominated four more times (including Best Picture, Best Director/R.Benigni, and Best Writing).

Plot: "A Jewish man has a wonderful romance with the help of his humour, but must use that same quality to protect his son in a Nazi death camp."

Stock: Up

"Buon giorno, Principessa!"

All credit to this film goes to Mr. Siguenza, our religion teacher my first two years of high school. He showed us this movie and while I figured it was going to a typical boring film, it turned out to be one of my all-time favorites.

While Life Is Beautiful was originally made in Italian, the dubbed English version doesn't detract at all from this movie. In fact, the first time I watched it I had no idea they had dubbed it at all. It was that close.

By now you should realize that I love movies that showcase outstanding acting and tell a great story (who doesn't?). Life Is Beautiful has both and using the words "outstanding" and "great" are probably an understatement.

If you thought Will Smith did a lot for his son in The Pursuit of Happyness then you haven't seen anything. Roberto Benigni (who deservedly won the Best Actor Oscar) gives absolutely everything for his son and for his wife. Even though his son is stuck in one of the worst situations possible, Roberto acts as a shield for his little boy. And even though his wife is also in an inhumane position, Roberto makes sure he lets her know how much he loves her.

I just got done saying that The Hangover was the last straight-up comedy on my list, but don't get that confused with me saying the last 12 films don't have any funny aspects at all. Despite using the Holocaust as the background, Life Is Beautiful is able to find plenty of humor, which just goes to show that life surely is beautiful.

Life Is Beautiful will make you cry, make you think and make you laugh ... Jimmy V would approve, and so do I. This is a must-watch.

Memorable Quotes

"You can lose all your points for any one of three things. One: If you cry. Two: If you ask to see your mother. Three: If you're hungry and ask for a snack! Forget it!" - Guido.

"How ridiculous. They were just teasing you! There are wood ovens, but there are no people ovens. Putting people in ovens creates too much smoke." - Guido.

"If you speak my name, I vanish. What am I? Silence." - Guido.

"You are such a good boy. You sleep now. Dream sweet dreams. Maybe we are both dreaming. Maybe this is all a dream, and in the morning, Mommy will wake us up with milk and cookies. Then, after we eat, I will make love to her two or three times. If I can." - Guido.

"This is my story. This is the sacrifice my father made. This was his gift to me." - Giosue.

"Nothing is more necessary than the unnecessary." - Eliseo

11) The Dark Knight (2008)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Maggie Gyllenhaal

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Supporting Actor (H. Ledger) and Best Sound Editing. Nominated six more times (including Best Cinematography and Best Makeup).

Plot: "Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent are forced to deal with the chaos unleashed by a terrorist mastermind known only as the Joker, as he drives each of them to their limits."

Stock: Holding

"Why so serious?"

Two reasons and two reasons only ... Ledger and Nolan. Period.

If I were ranking my all-time favorite acting performances then Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker would be right up there at the top. He was phenomenal, exceptional, brilliant, and every other positive adjective you can come up with. It's the #1 reason The Dark Knight nearly cracked the top-ten.

Every scene Ledger is in, he steals. You forget there are other actors and actresses in the movie. All of your attention is directed on Ledger and posthumously or not, he was going to (and did) win the Best Supporting Actor award. It's a tragedy that Ledger passed away soon after this film was released because Christopher Nolan definitely had plans to use Ledger again in the upcoming "The Dark Knight Rises."

The second reason had to be the directing of Christopher Nolan. Whether or not the statistics compiled at the end of this list determine he's my favorite director, let the record clearly state ... he's my favorite director. He takes a cartoon movie and puts a real-spin on it. He makes it have depth and makes you forget there's a guy out there fighting crime in a bat suit.

The Dark Knight has some of the best action sequences I've ever seen. They are effective without being over-the-top. Nolan is able to use the action in this film to help tell the story ... something most action movies struggle with.

While Batman Begins was a good movie and The Dark Knight Rises will probably be the same, The Dark Knight stands alone. RIP Heath. You are gone, but never forgotten.

Memorable Quotes

"You crossed the line first, sir. You squeezed them, you hammered them to the point of desperation. And in their desperation they turned to a man they didn't fully understand." - Alfred.

"I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you ... stranger." - The Joker.

"I took Gotham's white knight and I brought him down to our level. It wasn't hard. You see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push!" - The Joker.

"Do you want to know why I use a knife? Guns are too quick. You can't savor all the ... little emotions. In ... you see, in their last moments, people show you who they really are. So in a way, I know your friends better than you ever did. Would you like to know which of them were cowards?" - The Joker.

"You'll hunt me. You'll condemn me. Set the dogs on me. Because that's what needs to happen." - Batman.

"You have nothing, nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with all your strength." - The Joker.

"You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent.

And that does it for this week. We are down to just ten movies. Barnes and I will unveil one movie a week for the next ten weeks as we finish up this ridiculous adventure. Hope you're having as much fun as we are.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 20-16

2011-09-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Now that we are down to the final twenty films I started looking for a common thread that ties them all together. It didn't take me long to find the answer. They inspire me.

Inspiration can come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It can come quickly and often unexpectedly. You will hear me mention the "chill effect" quite often from this point on. The "chill effect" is my body's reaction to inspirational moments. Moments that will always be remembered. Moments that cause goosebumps.

These next twenty films are chock-full of memorable moments and more than enough goosebumps to go around.

Enjoy.

#20: Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Director: Stephen Herek

Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly and Jay Thomas

Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Actor/R. Dreyfuss).

Plot: "A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher."

Stock: Down

"You love music and you made the kids love it with you."

When I was ten years old my entire family went to the movie theatre to watch a movie about a music teacher. Needless to say I wasn't too excited about it. Probably even pouted a bit. I walked out of that theatre convinced I had just seen one of the best movies my young-self had the privilege of viewing. It resided safely in my top-five for quite some time before it got bumped to the top ten. Now it's barely holding onto the top twenty, but it doesn't take away from how great this flick is.

Richard Dreyfuss plays Glenn Holland, a young musician who needs to make some more money. So, he takes a job as a music teacher at a local high school. He's not too thrilled about it because while he loves music he doesn't love the idea of wasting time at a high school with a bunch of kids. The movie continues from there as Holland starts to find his niche at school and realizes he's making an impact with some of his students.

It's hard not to relate to Glenn Holland. He has a passion - music - but life got in the way. All he wants to do is spend time working on his own music, but again, life gets in the way. He has school, extra-curricular activities, and a family that all demand his time. His family has plenty of struggles as well, in particular when he realizes his only son is deaf. But as the ending of this movie so beautifully suggests, Glenn Holland might consider himself a failure, but life won't allow it.

I still get goosebumps every time I watch the finale of this wonderful film. It's as an emotionally-provoking ten minutes as you can find in any movie. It's hard for me to sit through that and not get teary eyed.

Dreyfuss is amazing as Glenn Holland. The movie spans 30+ years and as you can expect, Holland goes from a young 30 year old, to an aging 60 year old. Dreyfuss is able to portray the youth and enthusiasm of a younger adult as well as the tiring of an older teacher. It certainly could not have been easy.

I can still remember my father saying how well of a job Dreyfuss did playing a younger guy (he was 50 when the movie came out). I also remember my mother losing her diamond from her wedding ring during this movie as well. We stayed long after the credits trying to find that thing and eventually we did.

Mr. Holland's Opus is an inspiring film. It teaches us that passion is contagious and that while life may well be designed to drag us down, the people around us are there to help pick us back up.

Memorable Quotes

"Playing music is supposed to be fun. It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful, and it's not about notes on a page. I can teach you notes on a page, I can't teach you that other stuff." - Glenn Holland.

"I'm 60 years old, Gene. What are you going to do: write me a recommendation for the morgue?" - Glenn Holland.

"Why is everyone else's child more important than yours?" - Iris Holland.

"You work for 30 years because you think that what you do makes a difference, you think it matters to people, but then you wake up one morning and find out, well no, you've made a little error there, you're expendable. I should be laughing." - Glenn Holland.

#19: Crazy Heart (2009)

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Colin Farrell

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Actor (J. Bridges) and Best Music. Nominated one more time (Best Supporting Actress/M. Gyllenhaal).

Plot: "A faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him."

Stock: Holding

"Fucking bowling alley."

When I first saw the preview for Crazy Heart I remember thinking to myself, "they made a movie about Kenny Rogers ... and it looks pretty good." I was wrong with the former, and completely understated the latter.

The plot-line here has been done before. A one-time big-hit musician is now torn and battered, struggling to survive on bowling alley and run-down bar performances. Of course he has a drinking problem (don't they all?) and his love life is in ruins. What separates Crazy Heart from all those other movies that have told a similar story is the authenticity behind the characters performance. And that starts with Bad Blake.

A couple weeks ago I used the phrase "one of the best performances of my lifetime" when describing Mickey Rourke's job in The Wrestler. Well, that phrase aptly describes the job Jeff Bridges did in Crazy Heart as well. He was phenomenal. He was authentic, and it's the biggest reason why this movie is so high up on my list. Throw in outstanding acting jobs by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Colin Farrell and you have a film littered with terrific performances.

Besides the acting, the music is crazy good. Yes it is all country songs, but not the over-the-top twangy music that I can't stand. It's just really good music sung by Bridges and Farrell. Bridges has said many times before that he was not going to do this movie unless the music could back-up the script. The producers got their act together, brought in some top-notch music producers and the rest is history. Make no mistake, this movie deserved to win the Oscar for Best Music.

You better believe that Crazy Heart is an inspiring film. It shows us that even though we may be down on our luck, if we commit to change, get some help from our friends, and take it one day at a time, we can pick ourselves up.

Memorable Quotes

"I wanna talk about how bad you make this room look. I never knew what a dump it was until you came in here." - Bad Blake.

"Son, I've played sick, drunk, divorced, and on the run. Bad Blake hasn't missed a goddamn show in his whole fucking life." - Bad Blake.

"That's the way it is with good ones, you're sure you've heard them before." - Bad Blake.

#18: Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Director: Ben Affleck

Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan and Morgan Freeman

Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Supporting Actress/A. Ryan)

Plot: "Two Boston area detectives investigate a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally. Based on the Dennis Lehane novel."

Stock: Up

"Where I come from, you die with your secrets."

Watched this movie for the first time while I was up in Madison, Wisconsin. Before then I had never heard of Gone Baby Gone. I had no clue what it was about or who was in it. But I was instructed that it was a really good movie so I made the plunge without any prior knowledge. As you can tell, it was a great decision.

Gone Baby Gone is a story centered around a missing four-year-old girl. Casey Affleck and his girlfriend Michelle Monaghan are hired by the missing girl's aunt to assist the police in the search. What they discover is probably more than they bargained for and creates a compelling mystery full of twists and turns.

But make no mistake, this movie is not a mystery-film. It's not a "whodunit." It's not about bad guys and good guys. It's a much deeper and thought provoking film than that. It's a film that touches on what's right and what's wrong. A movie that makes you question your own personal ethics and morals.

I watched this movie with my ex-girlfriend in Madison and we had a really long discussion after it ended. We talked about what Casey should or shouldn't have done. We talked about what we would have done. We talked and we talked some more. That's the beauty of Gone Baby Gone, it's a beautiful movie in that it creates discussion.

Ben Affleck might not be a good actor, but he is an excellent director and writer. This was his directorial debut and it was a complete shame he wasn't nominated for any directorial awards. Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan were able to carry this film despite big names like Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman looming over them. To only have one Academy Award nomination is doing this movie a dis-service.

Memorable Quotes

"They told me what happened. I'm proud of you. That man killed a child. He had no right to live." - Angie Gennaro.

"I honor my child with this division. So that no parent has to go through what I've known. This child. That's all I care about. I'm gonna bring her home." - Capt. Jack Doyle.

"Look at this. Jesus. Fucking bloc party here. Four Cape Verdeans got killed here last year. No one gave a shit." - Patrick Kenzie.

"Fucking cops. This is just unbelievable. The whole force standing outside the house, guarding the sidewalk with their arms crossed. I mean, are the kidnappers coming back?" - Patrick Kenzie.

#17: Rain Man (1988)

Director: Barry Levinson

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and Valeria Golino

Academy Awards (4): Won Best Picture, Best Director (B. Levinson), Best Actor (D. Hoffman), and Best Writing. Nominated four more times (including Best Music and Best Cinematography).

Plot: "Selfish yuppie Charlie Babbitt's father left a fortune to his savant brother Raymond and a pittance to Charlie; they travel cross-country."

Stock: Down

"I'm an excellent driver."

For the first time since we started doing these lists, I'm struggling putting into words the reasoning behind my adoration for a particular film. It's hard for me to say exactly why I like Rain Man, but I do know that it's well-acted, tells a unique story, and provides a great blend of humor and drama.

Rain Man tells the story of Charlie Babbit (played by Tom Cruise) who learns that his father has recently passed away. Charlie did not have a great relationship with his dad and that poor-relationship culminates when Charlie is deprived of the $3 million left in his father's estate. Charlie does some detective work to find out someone named Raymond actually ended up with the money, and once Charlie digs a little deeper he realizes that Raymond is actually his older brother he never knew existed.

Charlie then kidnaps his older brother Raymond and holds him hostage until he receives the money he feels was owed to him. Sounds like Charlie is a pretty "bad" guy doesn't it? But as the story progresses Charlie realizes he's not doing it for the money, but doing it to get to know his brother. It's a beautiful thing to watch.

Dustin Hoffman plays Raymond and steals every scene he's in. He's an autistic savant, meaning he's high-functioning but in a world by himself. He's really good with numbers but not so much with common sense. Dustin Hoffman won an Oscar for this movie and once you watch it you will understand why.

Rain Man has one memorable moment after another. From Ray counting toothpicks at the restaurant, to Charlie flipping out about K-Mart's underwear selection, there are too many to count. Perhaps the most famous sequence in this movie deals with Ray and Charlie going to Vegas and winning big in blackjack.

The heart of this movie is the relationship that forms between Charlie and Ray. They start out as strangers but end up brothers and best friends. It's a must-watch.

Memorable Quotes

"But it's not about the money anymore. You know, I just don't understand. Why didn't he tell me I had a brother? Why didn't anyone ever tell me that I had a brother? Because it'd have been nice to know him for more than just the past six days." - Charlie Babbitt.

"Course, three minutes to Wapner." - Raymond Babbitt.

"You know what I think, Ray? I think this autism is a bunch of shit! Because you can't tell me that you're not in there somewhere!" - Charlie Babbitt.

"What you have to understand is, four days ago he was only my brother in name. And this morning we had pancakes." - Charlie Babbitt.

#16: A Christmas Story (1983)

Director: Bob Clark

Starring: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin

Plot: "Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's."

Stock: Holding

"Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian."

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The snow, the carols, the presents, and the family all combine to form memorable moments. There's one movie out there that completely encapsulates the entire Christmas feeling, and that movie is A Christmas Story.

Ralphie is the main character in A Christmas Story. He is a young boy who wants nothing more than a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas. The narrator of the film is Ralphie as a grown-up as he looks back on what he calls, "the greatest Christmas ever."

But this movie isn't about a riveting plot line, and it's not about a discussion-riveted piece either. It's mainly about family. A goofy, messed-up family full of outlandish characters and moments, but a family just the same.

I always relate to this family whenever I watch A Christmas Story. It's the exact same size as mine (four) and is constructed the same way (two sons). The Old Man reminds me of my father all the time, and there's even a little bit of my mom in Ralphie's mother. The relationship that Ralphie has with his younger brother also resembles the one I had with mine.

It's a movie that always makes not just me laugh, but my entire family as well. You can better believe that we will sit down and watch it at least once during the holidays. I mean it is on for 24 straight hours on TBS every Christmas. It has a bunch of memorable moments (tongue sticking to a pole, "you'll shoot your eye out kid," and the leg lamp are just a few) and never seems to age.

#16 might be a tad high for A Christmas Story but it's a film that I watch year after year after year and continue to laugh just as loud as I did the first couple times I viewed it. That should count for something. The fact that it wouldn't feel like Christmas without it also should count for something. And once you add all those up, you get my #16 ranked movie.

Memorable Quotes

"My little brother had not eaten voluntarily in over three years." - Ralphie.

"Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window." - Ralphie.

"You used up all the glue on purpose!" - The Old Man.

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - Ralphie.

That does it for this week. I'll be back next week for movies ranked #15-11. Be sure to check out Barnes' blog to see which films just cracked his top twenty.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Rapid Reaction to Barnes' 30-21

2011-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

As this is the last time we are posting ten films it seems fitting that Barnes waits until his very last group of ten to make his best selections to date. He has three movies that have already appeared on my list, a couple more that probably will down the road, and a few that just missed.

But, does he put up a stupid selection of the week?? There's only one way to find out.

RAPID REACTION TO MATT BARNES' MOVIES (30-21)

Barnes #30: Happy Gilmore

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Barnes says it was cheating that I put both Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison together in one spot because they are two separate movies. For once, he's probably right. But I find it almost impossible to like one without liking the other. Before I made room for Mystic River I had Happy Gilmore exactly one spot higher than Billy Madison. Despite having two dissimilar plots, the comedy is the same. And while I don't know all of the remaining 20 films Barnes has yet to post, I'm fairly certain Billy Madison isn't going to be one of them. And for that, I scratch my head.

Kudos to Barnes for putting Happy Gilmore this high. Although I got a really big kick out of reading Barnes' reasoning. It had such a serious tone to it where if you wouldn't have known any better you'd think Happy Gilmore had a lot of depth and great acting (it doesn't). But it does have a lot of great laughs to be found, and I'm pleased to see it find the #30 spot on Barnes' list.

Barnes #29: The Pursuit of Happyness

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

The last few times I've gone to Target I've taken a couple of minutes and perused the bargain movie bins. I've only gotten two films, but this was one of them. It only cost me $5. The great bargain allowed me to re-watch this movie because it had been quite a while since I previously enjoyed it.

After I re-watched it I was completely satisfied with where it fell on my list (#70). Barnes mentioned how he thought it might be higher but I can say with complete certainty that it's right where it's supposed to be.

Having said that, I also completely understand why Barnes has it so high. He seems to relate to Chris Gardner more so than I did. Great film and great pick by Barnes.

Barnes #28: Collateral

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

If we were ranking our favorite 110 films, then Collateral would have been on that list. One of the last movies I had to cut, Collateral fell just short on mine, which makes me happy to see Barnes not only put it on his list but give it such a lofty spot. It really is a great movie.

Barnes' recap is spot-on all across the board. Foxx and Cruise are excellent, the plot is unique, and the ending is pretty good as well. Barnes is also correct when he says Cruise should play the bad-guy more often as he is perfect in this role.

Barnes #27: Million Dollar Baby

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND WANT TO

This movie was the hit of the 2004 Academy Awards. It won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. And yet, for some strange reason I've never watched it.

The one and only reason I can possibly think of as to why I haven't sat down and watched this award-winning movie is because I know how it ends. Don't remember who and I don't remember how it was spoiled, but that little fact has probably prevented me from watching it.

It's a poor excuse - I recognize that - and I will put it on the short-list of films I need to watch before I re-do this list.

Barnes #26: Role Models

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

If we were ranking our favorite 125 films, then Role Models would have been on that list. It's a surprisingly funny film with several great one-liners and memorable moments. Just missed out on my list through no fault of its' own. Didn't like it as much as the ones that did sneak in there. So just like Collateral, I'm glad to see Barnes put it on his list, although I'm a little surprised to see it this high.

Without going back and tallying it up I'm going to go out on a limb and say Paul Rudd is going to win Best Actor from Matt Barnes. It seems he's in a different movie Barnes post each week.

Barnes #25: Any Given Sunday

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sports movies are hard to do right ... especially the sport sequences. If you took away the sport-scenes of this movie I probably would have liked it a bit more than I do now. It's a good film, but the unrealistic shots of actual football dropped it a couple of notches in my book.

That being said, the behind-the-scenes stuff is pretty impressive. The locker room, the drugs, the agents, etc. It's an eye-opening look to the world of professional sports.

And lest I forget perhaps one of the best monologues of recent memory. Al Pacino giving the "one-inch" speech in the locker room.

Barnes #24: The Dark Knight

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Incredible acting including an all-time great performance, a superb plot and one of the best directors in the business all add up to a fan-tastic movie.

Heath Ledger gives the all-time great performance and Barnes does a solid job of explaining just how much depth Ledger took for the role of the Joker. He steals every scene he's in and posthumously or not, he deserved to win that Oscar.

This is a great movie and I'm glad to see Barnes give it the respect it deserves.

Barnes #23: The Shawshank Redemption

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

I've been talking to Barnes about this movie for as long as I've known him. I can distinctly remember being in dis-belief that he had never seen this film. I also vividly recall telling him he absolutely HAD to see it. Well seven years later and here we are. He's finally seen it and it almost cracks his top-20.

You're welcome Barnes.

Barnes #22: Avatar

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

I've never seen a 3D movie and probably won't until a female persuades me too. But if there were only one movie I secretly would want to see in 3D, it would be this one. I could see it being a really amazing experience.

Barnes cites that very fact as one of his reasons for putting Avatar so high on his list. And he's also right when he delves into the plethora of metaphors that can be found b/w this movie and our country's history with war.

I thought it dragged on at times and the ending seemed to suggest a sequel was on its' way (something I always hate), but all-in-all, it's a pretty good movie.

Barnes #21: Uncle Buck

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Was absolutely stunned that Barnes didn't rip me for this pick last week. Figured it was too old for Barnes and he wouldn't find it funny at all.

Was absolutely blown away when Barnes ranked it 18 spots higher than I did and put it just outside of his top-20. Wow. Had no idea he thought it was that good.

In fact, I was so surprised that it made me like Uncle Buck a little bit more. Wow. Well done sir.

RECAP

Without question the best set of movies Barnes has released. Of the nine movies I've seen, I LOVED seven of them and LIKED the other two. The one film I hadn't seen is one I really want to. Congrats Barnes. In fact, I'll give you a "ATTA BOY."

If I were ranking these movies here's how it would look.

1) The Shawshank Redemption

2) The Dark Knight

3) Uncle Buck

4) Happy Gilmore

5) The Pursuit of Happyness

6) Collateral

7) Role Models

8) Avatar

9) Any Given Sunday

10) Million Dollar Baby

That will do it for this week. The schedule for next week will be a tad different as we are only revealing five movies each for the next two weeks. There will be no trailer post and no Barnes' reaction post either. I'm going to wait until there are ten new films to make for a more substantial column (compared to two smaller ones).

Giddy up boys and girls. We only have 20 more to go.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 30-21 Tuesday Trailers

2011-08-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

These trailers just keep getting better and better. The last four of this set were very impressive and it was a tough decision leaving one of them out of my final trailer list.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy these ten trailers.

#10: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

#9: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

#8: Cast Away

#7: Training Day

#6: Pirates of The Caribbean: Curse of The Black Pearl

#5: Field of Dreams

#4: I Am Sam

#3: Stranger Than Fiction

#2: Apocalypto

#1: The Truman Show

So Stranger Than Fiction, Apocalypto, and The Truman Show all make the final cut. We won't be back next week with a trailer-post as we are only going to be revealing five films. So, expect a clip-post next week. I'll be back later this week with my reaction to Barnes post.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 30-21

2011-08-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

After eight weeks - two months - of ranking, writing and recapping, we are left with a mere 30 movies to unveil. After our last batch of ten tonight we will be down to just 20. Granted, it's going to take three months to finish our list but most of the grind is completed.

It's been a long road to get here, but it's been a completely satisfying journey to say the least. This list is accomplishing exactly what I set out to do. It's giving everyone a closer look into yours truly while teaching me some things I didn't even realize.

Onwards and upwards. Enjoy.

#30: Training Day (2001)

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke and Scott Glenn

Academy Awards (1): Won Best Actor (D. Washington). Nominated one more time (Best Supporting Actor/E. Hawke).

Plot: "On his first day on the job as a narcotics officer, a rookie cop works with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears."

Stock: Holding

"King Kong ain't got shit on me!"

I hardly ever use Michael Jordan as a comparison because it's damn near impossible to compare MJ to anything or anyone. But, I will use it here because it's the ONLY thing I can think of when describing Denzel's role of Alonzo Harris. If Training Day was Game 7 of the NBA Finals, then Denzel was vintage Michael Jordan.

There really isn't any other way to describe how perfect Denzel is as Alonzo Harris. His charisma, his language, his laugh ... they all play a part in crafting one of the most "perfect" characters I've ever had the privilege of watching. He steals every scene he's in and wholeheartedly deserved the Oscar he took home.

Did I mention that Training Day has an excellent plot and a terrific cast of characters around Denzel? Did I mention that Ethan Hawke is really good as Denzel's sidekick? Did I mention how the story is continuous and has zero breaks in action? Make no mistake even if you took out Denzel, you would be left with a really solid movie.

Like Barnes, I was a late addition to Training Day and didn't get around to finally seeing it until a couple years ago. I knew Denzel was superb and I had seen bits-and-pieces of it but never watched it all the way through. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and take it in. It's too good of a film for you not to see it.

Before we started making these lists I was curious to see if Barnes and I would have any movie ranked at the same spot. Well thus far we haven't, but Training Day is the closest we have come. Barnes puts it at #36, just six spots in front of where I landed it. Only time will tell if this will hold up or not.

#29: Field of Dreams (1989)

Director: Phil Alden Robinson

Starring: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta

Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Picture, Best Writing and Best Music).

Plot: "An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the Chicago Black Sox come."

Stock: Down

"If you build it, he will come."

It's a line synonymous with Field of Dreams. When my brother and I were growing up I would often hide and try to whisper that line to him in an attempt to recreate those memorable scenes.

And that's what Field of Dreams is full of ... memorable scenes, memorable moments. Between Kevin Costner playing catch with his dad, to Ray Liotta standing out in the middle of the dark baseball field, to the line of cars making their way to Costner's farm. The imagery, the music, and the acting all combine to make this an all-time great movie.

Field of Dreams is one of those special films that evolves with age. It can mean different things to the viewer depending on when they are watching it. For a young boy it's a story about baseball. For others it's a story about remembering their father. And for some it's a story about life after death. And the best part is that they are all right. It completely encapsulates all of those ideas.

It's been a while since I've seen Field of Dreams and that's a shame. It should be one of those movies I watch every year during Spring Training. Or at the very least whenever I am lacking inspiration. The tag-line to this movie is dead on. "If you believe the impossible, the incredible can come true."

Words to live by.

#28: Cast Away (2000)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt and Paul Sanchez

Academy Awards: Nominated twice (Best Actor/T. Hanks and Best Sound).

Plot: "A FedEx executive must transform himself physically and emotionally to survive a crash landing on a deserted island."

Stock: Holding

"I have to keep breathing, because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"

Up to this point, Cast Away has the strongest plot of any movie on my list. It might also be the simplest plot. Tom Hanks finds himself stranded on an island after a plane wreck. That's about it. That's the plot. You might say it's boring, slow and maybe too long, but you would be missing a tremendous movie.

From a writer's point-of-view, Cast Away is a great flick. It poses a ton of great questions. What would happen if you were stranded on an island? Would you adapt, would you survive, or would you die? What if you came back after four years to discover that life had moved on without you? What if logic can be trumped by hope??

That last question is the central focus for me with Cast Away. Yes Tom Hanks is outstanding yet again, and yes, the plot does offer a ton, but at the end of the day, this movie is about logic vs. hope.

I consider myself to be a logical person, always looking at questions using common sense, but sometimes common sense isn't the answer. Sometimes hope is the best antidote. This is what Tom Hanks struggles with in Cast Away and to watch him evolve as the film goes on is very inspiring.

At the very least Cast Away should make my list because it inspired the creation of LOST, also known as the greatest television show in the history of basic cable.

#27: Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl (2003)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley

Academy Awards: Nominated five times (including Best Actor/J. Depp, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup).

Plot: "Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead."

Stock: Holding

"But why is the rum gone?"

In 2003 when I walked away from the theatre after just watching Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, I had it ranked solidly in the top-ten. As you can see it's steadily dropped since but it still ranks as one of my all-time favorites.

Much like Denzel Washington's character in Training Day, Johnny Depp's portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow steals the center of attention in POTC. It's my all-time favorite Johnny Depp role. His quirky mannerisms, his unabashed sense-of-humor, and his quick wit all make-up another memorable character. I feel the later we go in this, the more "memorable characters" appear.

The movie has everything you could ask for. It has drama, it has comedy, and it has non-stop adventure. Barnes has said on numerous occasions that he goes to movies not to think but to be taken away, well then this film was tailor-made for him.

What hurt this film were the sequels that came out after it. Sure Johnny Depp was hilarious in all of them (haven't seen the most recent one), but their stories weren't nearly as captivating. I loved how the first one had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I remember being tremendously excited for the second Pirates movie only to walk away feeling tremendously let down. They left it where you had to go see the 3rd one and I didn't appreciate it.

Lest us forget how this movie made me fall in love with Keira Knightley. If you're reading this Keira, will you marry me??

#26: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Director: John Hughes

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara

Plot: "A high school wise guy is determined to have a day off from school, despite of what the principal thinks of that."

Stock: Down

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you might miss it."

I always connected with Ferris Bueller. Anyone who has ever faked sick to take a day off of school/work/life should feel connected to Bueller. He reminds us of what really is important. He reminds us that we should appreciate what we have before it's gone.

Ferris is also a great friend, and his friendship with Cameron takes center stage in this movie. Cameron and Ferris aren't similar in their philosophies on life, but they do look out for one another. They know when and how hard to push each other and when to back off. They make each other better. You know, I started to think back at all of the movies on my list and there really haven't been that many "best-friend" centered films. Go figure.

This movie also has an iconic scene where Ferris leads a parade in singing "Twist and Shout." It's a scene that still gives me chills when I watch it today. It's a moment where people of all shapes, sizes and colors come together in an unforgettable experience.

While the plot may be a little nonsensical and the acting not up to par with some other films on this list, it's a movie that always resonated with me. And when I'm not paying attention it taught me some life lessons. Don't forget to have fun. And how much value can be had in one single day.

#25: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Director: John Hughes

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy and Laila Robins

Plot: "A man must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving, with an obnoxious slob of a shower ring salesman his only companion."

Stock: Up

"Larry Bird doesn't do as much ball-handling in one night as you do in an hour!"

Second straight John Hughes directed film came by a complete accident. I didn't even realize he directed either of those two movies. Without going back and doing the math it would appear that he has taken the lead as my favorite director. As the year's go on though, he's going to have a tough time keeping that title seeing how he's dead and all.

Speaking of dead people, John Candy is outstanding in this movie. His portrayal of Del Griffin is impeccably good. Combine him with Steve Martin and you have a undeniably funny tandem making an unbelievably funny movie. Laughs will not be in short supply as you watch it.

When the movie begins, Steve and John are complete strangers, but when the movie ends they have developed a deep friendship. It's a journey that involves laughs, some tears, and then some more laughter.

What makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles a lasting film isn't just the comedy (which is top-notch), but the deeper emotions that are slowly evoked throughout. You could even make the argument that PTA isn't even a comedy. It shows how friendship can be obtained and the kindness of the human spirit. The greatness behind PTA is that the emotion doesn't overpower the laughter, or vice versa. It's interwoven flawlessly, almost to the point that it's unnoticeable until the very end.

Steve Martin calls this his favorite film, and while it's not my #1, it's certainly up there.

#24: Apocalypto (2006)

Director: Mel Gibson

Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Gerardo Taracena and Raoul Trujillo

Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Makeup and Best Sound).

Plot: "As the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw, a young man captured for sacrifice, flees to avoid his fate."

Stock: Up

This is the first movie on my list that is spoken completely in a foreign language. No English whatsoever. Usually films like that are a major turn-off as I don't like reading while watching a movie (I find it distracting), but Apocalypto is so powerful that I don't mind having to read every line.

Usually I don't delve too much into the plot, but I have a feeling that the majority of my readers haven't gotten the pleasure of watching Apocalypto, so I'll try and do a brief recap.

Apocalypto takes place in America, before the European settlers came over. It centers around the life of Jaguar Paw, an Indian of a peaceful tribe. They are attacked by a bunch of warriors who are trying to make sacrifices to appease the gods. Jaguar Paw escapes and the climax of the plot deals with the warriors trying to catch him.

While I'm not doing that plot-line justice, you'll have to take my word that this movie is worth your time. If you enjoy action movies, then Apocalypto is for you. It's packed with action-sequences at every turn. As one ends another begins. It's not a movie that stands still for long. It may not be for the easily squeamish because the R rating does flex its' muscle in a couple of scenes.

What I loved about Apocalypto, besides the action sequences, was how attached I was to Jaguar Paw. For some reason I became emotionally attached to him. I found myself rooting for him and for his family. It's a riveting film, has many unforgettable scenes and hopefully will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Oh, and it'll probably make you quite fearful of jaguars. I know I certainly don't ever want to come across one after watching this film.

#23: The Truman Show (1998)

Director: Peter Weir

Starring: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris and Laura Linney

Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor/E. Harris, and Best Writing).

Plot: "An insurance salesman/adjuster discovers his entire life is actually a TV show."

Stock: Up

"Good morning. And in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night."

Few movies change the way people think. But that's exactly what The Truman Show did for me after I first watched it. My 13-year-old self was convinced that I could be the star of my own television show and not even know it. I'm sure that I wasn't the only one.

Typical Jim Carrey movies has him playing an "over-the-top" funny guy, but that's not the case in The Truman Show. Here Carrey shows his capability of playing an "under-the-radar" straight-guy. He's not too funny or too dramatic. In other words, he was the perfect blend for his role as Truman Burbank. Not surprised at all that he went home with the Golden Globe for Best Male Dramatic Lead. Should have received an Oscar bid.

The real reason The Truman Show is this high is the script. It's original and ingenious. What if you were the star of your own television show and had no idea? What would that look like? What would happen if the secret slowly was revealed to you? What would happen when you found out? These are all questions and scenarios brought up in this classic that Truman must battle.

The best part of The Truman Show is when Carrey slowly realizes that something is amiss. It forces you to laugh and forces you to think, which are two traits of an outstanding movie. I feel as if there are some college classes that could benefit from watching The Truman Show mainly because it's a discussion-centered film. One you want to talk about right after it's done.

#22: I Am Sam (2001)

Director: Jessie Nelson

Starring: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dakota Fanning

Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Actor/S. Penn).

Plot: "A mentally retarded man fights for custody of his 7-year-old daughter, and in the process teaches his cold-hearted lawyer the value of love and family."

Stock: Holding

"All you need is love."

Don't know who told me to see this movie and that's a complete shame because I owe them a gigantic thank-you. I Am Sam is a gripping, emotionally-riveting film that features outstanding acting, a heart-breaking plot, and terrific music.

Sean Penn is one of the best actors in Hollywood. He's been nominated for five Best Actor Oscars and took home the top-prize twice. He was nominated for his performance of Sam but lost to Denzel Washington (Training Day). The 2002 Best Actor category features four performances that can now be found on this list (Penn, Crowe/Beautiful Mind, Denzel, and Smith/Ali). All were deserving.

Penn plays a mentally challenged man who ends up being a single-father of little Dakota Fanning. You can tell that he tries his best to be a good dad, but due to his mental condition the older Dakota gets the harder it is on Penn. The movie centers around a custody battle between the state and Sean Penn.

It's difficult for me to watch this movie and not become moved. It plays on a variety of emotions. It makes me laugh. Makes me empathize. Makes me cry. Just like Jimmy V said, if you can do all three that's one hell of a day, or in this instance, one hell of a movie.

And that soundtrack full of re-made Beatles songs just might be the best soundtrack I've ever listened to. Outstanding all across the board.

#21: Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Director: Marc Forster

Starring: Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman

Plot: "An IRS auditor suddenly finds himself the subject of narration only he can hear: narration that begins to affect his entire life, from his work, to his love-interest, to his death."

Stock: Up

"You have to die. It's a masterpiece."

See everything I just wrote about Jim Carrey for The Truman Show because it aptly applies to what Will Ferrell did in Stranger Than Fiction. Instead of playing the laugh-out-loud guy, Ferrell dropped the comedic bit to star in this one-of-a-kind movie.

Will Ferrell plays the role of Harold Crick, an IRS auditor who lives a rather mundane life. That is until he starts to hear a voice narrating his life. The voice turns out to be an author of a book starring none other than Harold. From there we see what an impact the author has on Harold and vice versa.

Ferrell received a Golden Globe nomination for this performance and you are not going to hear one single complaint from me. Ferrell is excellent as is Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson and Maggie Gyllenhaal in supporting roles. The acting is solid but not what makes it my #21 favorite movie.

No, it's more about the story and how it's told. This is a film that tackles a variety of subjects including art, romance, and responsibility. Not to mention it focuses on writing, something you can tell intrigues me. I walked away from Stranger Than Fiction inspired to write.

Stranger Than Fiction takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions and will leave you wanting to discuss it with whomever you watched it with. It's an excellent film, one that just missed out on the top-20, but might just make it in there the second time around.

Thanks for going on this journey with Barnes and myself. We have now finished recapping 80 of our 100 favorite movies. The next two weeks we will unveil five more films at a time leaving us with ten to go. For the top-ten we will spend one week on each movie, giving it the recognition it deserves.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Rapid Reaction to Barnes' 40-31

2011-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Follow-ups are hard to get right. Ask 50 Cent, the producers of movies such as Major League and Pirates of the Caribbean, or Cadillac Williams how hard it is to produce quality material the second time around.

This is what Matt Barnes was up against this week. After last week when Barnes put together the best set of movies to date, he was faced with the gigantic task of trying to keep that momentum going. He responded by posting three movies already seen on my list, a couple solid additions and a ridiculous film about a gigantic terrorizing snake.

Enjoy.

RAPID REACTION TO MATT BARNES' MOVIES (40-31)

Barnes #40: John Q

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Had to watch this movie in one of my all-time least-favorite classes at Ohio University. Sociology 101:Intro. Hated the professor, hated our assignments, and hated everything else. But the one positive out of that class was getting the opportunity to watch this film.

I love Denzel just as much as Barnes does, but disagree with him a bit when he suggests that Denzel breaks away from his "one-trick-pony" status with John Q. He is still very much a bad-ass in this movie, but he showcases a softer-side as well.

Good movie and a good pick by Barnes.

Barnes #39: Old School

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Barnes #39 is my #49. Much like Tin Cup the previous week there really isn't too much more to say.

"Well, Columbus wasn't looking for America, my man, but that turned out to be pretty okay for everyone."

Barnes #38: Good Will Hunting

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

It's movies like this one that are rehabilitating Barnes' list from selections like Jungle 2 Jungle and One Fine Day.

Was actually pretty surprised to see Good Will Hunting on Barnes' list because it's a movie I had no idea he'd actually seen before. However, I was not surprised to see it this high on his list after just one viewing because this movie is that good.

I feel like Barnes is following-up last week with another strong showing this week. I wonder what could derail it?? ......

Barnes #37: Anaconda

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND DON'T WANT TO

...... How about a gigantic terrorizing snake?? Yep, that could do it.

I honestly thought Barnes might put this movie on his list because I can remember him talking back in the day about how much he liked it. He loved the fact that a black, a Hispanic, and a white person all survived.

But, as the list continued I figured there would be no way it would show up ... I was wrong.

Having never seen this movie I can only go by the trailer and what Barnes says. Well, the trailer is spectacularly bad and Barnes doesn't do enough to sway me to actually watch it, so I will leave you with the tag-line for Barnes' Stupid Pick of The Week.

"If you can't breathe, you can't scream." (Or say how awful this movie is either)

Barnes #36: Training Day

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

This week I referred to "The Dude" from The Big Lebowski being one of the most memorable movie characters. Well, put Alonzo Harris from Training Day in the same category.

Denzel Washington is unbelievable in this movie, has one of the best monologues I can ever remember seeing, and definitely deserved the Oscar he took home.

Best way to recover from a crappy movie is putting an excellent one right after it.

Barnes #35: American History X

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Don't know how in all of our discussions and arguments Barnes and I have never mentioned this movie. Especially since we both thought highly enough of it to put it on our lists. Barnes likes it a little bit more than I did and ranked it 30 spots higher on his.

Either way, it's a terrific movie and one definitely worth watching if you have not. But Barnes is right, you need to have an open mind going in, otherwise it won't have nearly the same impact.

Barnes #34: The 40-Year-Old Virgin

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Go see what I wrote for Knocked Up and that's exactly how I feel about 40-Year-Old Virgin. It's a funny movie with lots of great one-liners but as a movie I just didn't feel like it was great. Steve Carell is excellent as the lead while the supporting cast (which includes Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen) are solid as well.

But I thought the movie was a bit long and the plot seemed to drag at different moments. Maybe this is just me nit-picking a bit, maybe it's showing I've matured a bit in my comedic tastes, or maybe I just didn't laugh enough watching it.

And yes I laugh every time I see/hear a Michael McDonald song.

Barnes #33: The Waterboy

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

Barnes and I had a discussion last week over breakfast about when the truly last funny Adam Sandler movie came out. We came to varying conclusions so I'll pose the question again. What is Sandler's most recent funny film??

Big Daddy has it's moments, and so does Funny People and this movie The Waterboy. But none really make me laugh as much as Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore did. Honestly, I think the answer might be The Wedding Singer as sad as that is.

Barnes #32: Space Jam

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Feels like it's been a while since we've seen an animated movie crack Barnes' list. Have no qualms with Space Jam obviously because his #32 was my #64. Well done Barnes.

Barnes #31: Inglourious Basterds

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

Gonna take a wild guess and say Jeff Hirz had something to do with Barnes watching this movie. Just seems like the type of movie Hirz would enjoy.

I've only watched IB once and it was at my brother Josh's request. I asked if I would have to read a bunch during the movie and he said no. He lied. And while IB is a decent film I was upset at my brother for not properly preparing me.

Barnes is right though about Christoph Waltz. He is phenomenal in this movie and definitely deserved the Oscar he took home. His performance alone makes this movie worth watching.

RECAP

In no way is this a major let-down from his previous week, as it's a solid addition to a list that has gotten progressively better. Here is how I would rank these films.

1) Good Will Hunting

2) Training Day

3) Old School

4) Space Jam

5) American History X

6) The 40-Year-Old Virgin

7) John Q

8) Inglourious Basterds

9) The Waterboy

10) Anaconda

Make sure to check back on Monday as we unveil our last-ever group of ten films which will leave us with just 20 to go.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 40-31 Thursday Trailers

2011-08-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Finally we get a strong set of trailers ... only took nearly two months. Picking the top three was fairly difficult but it was a nice change of pace from previous weeks where there might only be one or two good trailers.

Take the next 20 minutes and get a little taste of my #40-31 movies.

Enjoy.

#10 - The Big Lebowski

#9 - Uncle Buck

#8 - The Greatest Game Ever Played

#7 - The Legend of Bagger Vance

#6 - Saw

#5 - Cinderella Man

#4 - Gran Torino

#3 - Ali

#2 - Signs

#1 - The Sixth Sense

As always, check out Matt Barnes' movies as I will be back later this weekend with my reaction to his recent picks.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 40-31

2011-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Where did all the time go? It seems just like yesterday we were getting started with this list but now we are past the half-way point and rounding third. After tonight, Barnes and I will only have 30 more movies to reveal.

On one hand I'm excited to see what everyone thinks of my remaining 40, and on the other I'm a little sad because our journey is coming close to an end.

Brush those tears aside and settle in for my next batch of favorite movies.

Enjoy.

#40: Saw I (2004)

Director: James Wan

Starring: Cary Elwes, Danny Glover and Tobin Bell

Plot: "With a dead body laying between them, two men wake up in the secure lair of a serial killer who's been nicknamed 'Jigsaw.' The men must follow various rules and objectives if they wish to survive and win the deadly game set for them."

Stock: Holding

Typical "horror" films usually result in me laughing. I never seem to get too scared or frightened by scary movies. It's one of the reasons why you haven't seen too many "scary" flicks on my list. Besides Silence of The Lambs there really hasn't been one.

Saw I is not a typical horror film by any stretch of the imagination. It's not predictable at all and actually puts the viewer on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film.

I've actually seen this movie in the theatre twice mainly because the ending comes completely out of nowhere and I wanted to watch it again. I was utterly shocked at the finale, didn't see it coming at all, and had me leaving the theatre with a huge smile on my face.

Another compelling element of Saw are the complex traps that "Jigsaw" (the "bad" guy) sets up. It forces you to put yourself in the traps and ask how you would get out of there. Some I would attempt and others I would not. At the end of the day it's not a movie for the faint of heart.

Saw continued to pump out movies once a year for a while (I believe they have made seven) and I viewed the first five before finally getting tired with the series. I was tired of trying to keep up with the plot lines. They got more and more confusing as the series went on. But the first one was simple and so great it cracked the top-40.

#39: Uncle Buck (1989)

Director: John Hughes

Starring: John Candy, Macaulay Culkin and Jean Louisa Kelly

Plot: "Bachelor and all round slob, Buck, babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute younger brother and sister."

Stock: Holding

I always knew Uncle Buck was going to be on this list but I really had no idea how much I loved this 80s film until now. Part of it is because of John Candy, another part of it is because not a ton of people have heard of it, and another is simply because it's a really funny movie.

John Candy plays the role of Uncle Buck and late one night he is called in to babysit his brother's three kids. What follows is somewhat predictable. Buck has never had any responsibility, let alone three kids, and is learning on the fly.

As the movie goes on, Buck starts to develop a relationship with the kids, the neighbors, and even with his ex-girlfriend. It's a heart-warming film in many aspects.

Some of my friends in high-school decided to watch Uncle Buck and we had an absolute blast. One of our favorite parts was when Buck was dancing in the living room with a neighbor lady. It stayed with us so much that later that year, during prom, people called for me to do the "Uncle Buck" out on the dance floor. I decided to abide as my friends were laughing hysterically while my date looked confused.

Critics of this film will say it doesn't accomplish what it sets out to do, and while that may or may not be true, I always laugh when Uncle Buck comes on which puts it right here.

#38: The Sixth Sense (1999)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette

Academy Awards: Nominated six times (including Best Picture, Best Director/M. Shyamalan, Best Supporting Actor/H. Osment, Best Supporting Actress/T. Collette and Best Writing).

Plot: "A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist."

Stock: Up

Fremont, Ohio with my entire family. Big John, Maxine and my little brother Josh.

That's where I first watched The Sixth Sense. It was an unforgettable film so it makes sense that I wouldn't forget where I was when I saw it.

As good as this movie was before the ending went down (and it is a very solid flick), if it was not for the last ten minutes this film wouldn't even come close to this list. I remember sitting at that theatre and continually saying "no way, no way, no way." It's shocking and yet it's right in front of you ... the ENTIRE time.

Usually I'm not a big Bruce Willis fan, but he plays the lead character, Malcolm Crowe, pretty straight-forward. He facilitates the plot without getting in its' way. The star of the show is Haley Joel Osment. He plays a little kid who continually sees dead people. Crowe is his psychologist who is trying to help Osment.

After you've seen this movie twice there really isn't a need to re-watch it, which hurts it a little bit. Having said that, if you are lucky enough to view it with someone who has never seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it with them. You will be able to live vicariously through them as they experience this awesome movie for the first time.

#37: The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

Director: Bill Paxton

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane and Elias Koteas

Plot: "A golf drama based on the true story of the 1913 US Open, where 20-year-old Francis Ouimet defeated his idol, 1900 US Open champion, Englishman, Harry Vardon."

Stock: Holding

April 18, 2006. That's the birthday for the King of Arguments. Hard to believe we are more than five-years old. In dog years I'd be a 35-year-old ... scary.

In my very first rambling of a post I ended with a simple quote, "read it, roll it, hole it." Ever since then, with every column/post I've written on here, I've ended with that simple six-word phrase. It comes from The Greatest Game Ever Played.

I have a soft spot for true stories and this one chronicles the life of Francis Ouimet. In the 1910s golf was seen as a prestigious sport, one that not everyone was allowed to play (you could make the argument that nothing has changed 100 years later), which made it difficult for Ouimet to be granted access. He wasn't from a family of means but he could really play golf.

This movie inspires me. It teaches you that if you have a dream, hold on to it. Don't let anyone else have it. It's your dream and to reach it you will encounter many obstacles along the way.

I absolutely love this movie. It doesn't have the greatest golf sequences in the world and Shia LaBeouf won't knock your socks off with his acting skills, but it's a tremendous film and one definitely worth seeing.

#36: Ali (2001)

Director: Michael Mann

Starring: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and Jon Voight

Academy Awards: Nominated twice (Best Actor/W. Smith and Best Supporting Actor/J. Voight).

Plot: "A biography of sports legend, Muhammad Ali, from his early days to his days in the ring."

Stock: Down

For as long as I've known Matt Barnes I've been begging him to go and see Ali. He loves Will Smith and loves Jamie Foxx but has never seen Ali which stars them both. Still not sure what he's waiting for. He's missing an extremely powerful movie.

First off you have the acting, which is quite good for such a challenging film. Everyone knows Muhammad Ali and I can't imagine the pressure Will Smith was under to master Ali's speech. Despite that pressure, Smith shines as Ali. He did an excellent job playing "the greatest of all-time." Throw in an outstanding job by Jon Voight portraying the late Howard Cosell and you have two memorable performances.

Second you have the actual story. Ali was much more than just an athlete, and this movie sheds some light on his back-ground, his religion, and his family. He certainly did not lead a perfect life, and his trials and tribulations are well documented in this movie. I learned a lot about Ali through this film.

The boxing in this flick is actually fairly good, which adds substance to this already great movie. It looks and feels like a real boxing match, something The Fighter struggled with.

Lastly, this isn't just a movie about glorifying Ali. It's about his struggle, his cast of characters surrounding him, and it's about human psychology. It has so much going for it that it continues to boggle my mind that Barnes won't see it.

#35: The Big Lebowski (1998)

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore

Plot: "'Dude' Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it."

Stock: Down

Characters make movies. Memorable characters make great movies. Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski is as memorable as they come.

Unlike most of these films, I can't recall where or when I first saw The Big Lebowski. In some weird ways, it's almost as if this movie has always been a part of me. It's tailored-made for my sense of humor.

Everyone knows someone who is similar to "The Dude." Maybe it's even yourself. "The Dude" is a lazy, worry-free, free-natured guy. He usually only ever gets upset when his buddy Walter (played brilliantly by John Goodman) pushes his buttons. Throw in a couple of great cameo appearances by Steve Buscemi and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and you have a complete cast of memorable characters.

Okay, so perhaps the plot is non-existent, but in this movie the plot is unimportant. It's not about following what's going on as it is seeing everyone's reactions. The plot is not the focus but it's rather the dialogue that ensues.

There are so many funny moments and lines in this movie that everyone will find something hilarious about The Big Lebowski. I can remember watching it with Kwame Christian for the first time and how he was practically rolling on the floor with tears in his eyes from laughing so much. That's the impact this movie can have.

"Donny you're out of your element." Make no mistake, The Big Lebowski is certainly in its' element right here at #35.

#34: The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

Director: Robert Redford

Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron

Plot: "A down-and-out golfer attempts to recover his game and his life with help from a mystical caddy."

Stock: Down

Sports can very easily be used as a metaphor for life. Golf in particular has plenty of parallels that can be drawn as life lessons. The Legend of Bagger Vance plays on those parallels as Matt Damon and Will Smith join forces in this outstanding, heart-warming film.

Will Smith plays the role of Bagger Vance who ends up being Matt Damon's caddy in a special three-person tournament featuring Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones. While the golf tournament serves as the focal point for the plot of this film, the reality is that this movie has very little to do with golf and more to do with how to live your life.

It's also a story of redemption as Rannuplh Junuh (Matt Damon's character) hasn't fulfilled a life-full of promise. It's something we all can relate to. Life doesn't always goes as planned, but there's always an opportunity to redeem yourself, and Junuh gets that very chance when Bagger Vance comes along.

The scene that always gets me is the one when Bagger and his assistant Hardy are reading greens the night before the 1st round of the tournament. Hardy asks Bagger if he things Junuh is going to beat Walter and Bobby. Bagger responds with, "if he finds his true authentic swing." This moment has absolutely zero to do with golf and everything to do with life.

Destiny, golf, and the star power of Smith and Damon are reasons enough for Bagger Vance to reside safely in my top-40.

#33: Signs (2002)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Starring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix and Rory Culkin

Plot: "A family living on a farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields which suggests something more frightening to come."

Stock: Up

An on-going joke at the Florence household in Tiffin, Ohio centers around this very film. My mother and brother know how much I like it and they continually tease me for it whenever it's on television. I've tried explaining to them over-and-over again exactly WHY I love Signs, but they just keep on laughing in dis-belief how I could enjoy a movie so much about dumb aliens.

For people like my mom and Josh, Signs is about a bunch of aliens from outer-space who invade Earth. That's the focal point for them. In reality this movie has nothing to with aliens. Nothing at all.

Yes, Signs does deal with aliens invading Earth and Shyamalan is able to capture the anticipation and dramatic buildup to their inevitable arrival brilliantly. He reminds me a lot of Stephen King in this regard. He never loses focus and every scene is important while one situation ends another swiftly begins. My mom has said countless times before that this movie is really good until the end when the alien-reveal takes place. Unfortunately for her, she is missing the point entirely.

The main focus of this movie is actually shown to us in a conversation between Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. Mel talks about how there are two kinds of people in the world. Ones who see events as coincidence while others see it as just plain luck. In essence, Signs tackles the concept of fate. Do you believe we are random acts of occurrences, or that everything happens for a reason?

If you understand the question Signs is trying to ask you will be able to realize how superb of a film this really is. Yes the aliens are goofy-looking and yes, their demise leaves a lot desired, but they are just minor - almost secondary - characters to the central issue of fate.

The more I talk about this movie the more I'm realizing how good Signs is. Top-20 better be on the look-out.

#32: Cinderella Man (2005)

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti

Academy Awards: Nominated three times (including Best Supporting Actor/P. Giamatti and Best Editing).

Plot: "The story of James Braddock, a supposedly washed up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s."

Stock: Down

Cinderella Man is a story of hope, redemption and of under-dogs overcoming obstacles. Every time I watch Cinderella Man I get chills, and those chills count for something because most of the time they are beyond my control. The "chill effect" tells you that whatever you are experiencing is making an impact deeper than just on a superficial level.

Russell Crowe is phenomenal as James J. Braddock, an aging heavyweight boxer who has always been mediocre at best. An injury practically derails his career and he is forced to go to work on the docks in order to feed his family, which is proving to be quite difficult as this film takes place during The Great Depression. But when an unexpected opportunity comes along, Braddock takes advantage of it and the rest as they say is history.

Paul Giamatti was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as Braddock's trainer and after you watch it, there's no way you can say he didn't deserve that nomination.

Ron Howard is also phenomenal as the director of Cinderella Man. He is able to capture the human condition during those hard-times magnificently. Howard also never loses focus of the story and what all that story stands for.

The story is about Braddock's rise as a boxer, but the story stands for much more. It's about the human spirit, about never giving up, and about seeing the best in everything.

Maybe this film is up this high because it's based on a true story, and much like The Greatest Game Ever Played there probably is some truth to that. But it's a film that will have you rooting for Braddock and that also counts for something as well.

#31: Gran Torino (2008)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang and Christopher Carley

Plot: "Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino."

Stock: Up

Clint Eastwood sure is making the rounds the last couple of weeks. This is his 3rd straight week where he has directed a movie that has appeared on my list. But, this is the first time he has starred in a film.

For the first time since #100, we have a lead actor also acting as director of the same movie. Doesn't happen often. What else doesn't happen often are terrific films like Gran Torino.

My Grandpa Florence died in January of 2007. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. I miss him every day. I especially miss him whenever I watch Gran Torino because I know he would have loved it.

Clint Eastwood plays a Korean War veteran who constantly reminds me of Grandpa Florence. Whether it be his snarls, his quick racist remark, or just his overall attitude, I see my Grandpa when I look at Eastwood here. They are both hard workers, no-nonsense, flat-out get things done kind of guys. They don't complain, they simply get results.

My dad had been harping on me for a while to see this movie but for one reason or another it never happened. Then one night I stumbled upon it on HBO and I couldn't stop watching it. There's no surprise that my dad would like this film as well, because he, just like Grandpa, are very similar to Eastwood's character of Walt Kowalski.

Gran Torino is more than just Eastwood's epic performance though. It delves into several social and racial issues as well. It also is a gut-wrenching, heart-breaking and overall very emotional movie. You feel connected to some of the characters (mainly Eastwood) and join him on this journey.

Maybe one day I'll be able to watch it with Grandpa Florence ... I think I would like that.

That's all she wrote for this week. We have just one more week left where Barnes and I will unveil 10 films. After next week we will unveil two separate sets of five, and that will lead in to our ten-week final countdown.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Rapid Reaction to Barnes' 50-41

2011-08-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

"See The Proposal and then talk to me ... asshole." - Matt Barnes.

Of all the films I've ripped so far on Barnes' list, this is the only time Barnes has responded with such vigor. And to so vehemently defend The Proposal could be seen as a laughable offense, it just shows how we are becoming more emotionally attached to these films. More so than the ones when we just got underway.

No, I'm not going to see The Proposal, and probably won't until a female makes that decision for me, but I applaud Barnes for his passion. It's a bit misguided, but very much present.

Barnes parlays that passion to the best group of ten movies he's posted yet. He has funny movies, dramatic ones and thinking-man favorites. It's - and I can't believe I'm saying this - a really good set of films.

Enjoy.

RAPID REACTION TO MATT BARNES' MOVIES (50-41)

Barnes #50: She's All That

SEEN IT AND DISLIKED IT

Barnes calls this movie "a good watch." It isn't.

He says "the plot is pretty good as well." It's not.

"It's not overly corny or stupid." It is.

Usually it's this type of film that I would label Barnes' Stupid Pick of The Week. A movie that has no business being in the top-5000 let alone top-50. That's not the case here, because I have a history with She's All That, and despite it being a horrible - and I mean horrible - film, it's one I cannot condemn.

Everyone has a first love. I found mine in Kindergarten. To my amazement, by 7th grade we were dating and the very first movie we saw together was this one. I still think of her whenever I see this film or when I hear the song "Kiss Me."

So I can't possibly make fun of a movie that gets me to smile every time I hear it referenced. Well done Barnes, even if it is a crappy movie.

Barnes #49: 500 Days of Summer

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Absolutely love this film. Excellent choice by Barnes. Without question the best choice he's made thus far.

This movie is funny, is thought-provoking, is unique, and is truthful. It really does shed some light on modern-day relationships.

A+ for Barnes here.

Barnes #48: Air Force One

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

While Air Force One might not be one of my favorite films and while Harrison Ford is one of my least-favorite actors, I appreciate this movie because of one major reason ... the plot.

From a writer's standpoint, this movie is a big winner because the plot-line offers so much. What if the President's plane was hijacked? What if the President had to stop being the President because his family was in trouble? What if the United States needed the President more than his family?

There's so much going on with this plot that it's actually a little inspiring. Everything about this movie is decent, but the plot-line is tremendous.

Barnes #47: Tin Cup

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

My #56 movie is Barnes #47. At this point I feel we've said all there is to say about Tin Cup. Excellent movie and another excellent choice by Barnes

Barnes #46: Groundhog Day

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

Have only ever watched this movie on television and every time I see it I usually find myself chuckling ... not full fledged laughing, but chuckling all the same.

Bill Murray is a really funny guy and it's a shame he's only made two cameo appearances on my list. My favorite Murray performance might just be in Stripes, but he's solid again here in Groundhog Day.

Barnes is right, it is a very creative plot and Murray - just like this pick by Barnes - is a solid addition.

Barnes #45: Wedding Crashers

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Kevin and I watched this movie practically by ourselves our Freshman year at Ohio University in the Athena. We had no idea if it was going to be any good or not, so it was a pleasant surprise when we walked away nearly in tears from laughing so much.

This movie just missed out on my list. It was one of the final films I had to cut, so I was glad to see Barnes not only include it but give it such a lofty ranking.

"I never know what she is doing back there."

Barnes #44: Liar Liar

SEEN IT AND DISLIKED IT

Second Jim Carrey film for Barnes as he put Ace Ventura Pet Detective on his list a couple weeks ago. As for me, I much rather prefer Ace Ventura to Liar Liar.

Don't get me wrong, there are some very funny moments as Jim Carrey normally produces, but kind of like The Girl Next Door, I felt as if Liar Liar had an identity crisis.

They could have gone way over-the-top with this movie, but made it semi-dramatic, which cost it some points. I get that they were trying to appeal to a broader audience and wanted the family to go and see it, but it just didn't work for me.

Barnes #43: Inception

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

Count me as one of the people who continually hounded Barnes to go and see this movie. Looked like it made quite the early impact, as it went all the way up to #43 after just one viewing.

Barnes doesn't do stock up/down, but I'm willing to bet if he did, this one would be a stock up option. It's too good not to. Great pick.

Barnes #42: Knocked Up

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Knocked Up is funny and a nice movie to watch on a rainy day. I like it but I don't love it. It does have plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a good-number of one-liners, but it's a film that never really resonated with me.

Not really surprised Barnes loved it as I do know a lot of people do, but it's not one of my personal favorites.

Barnes #41: Four Brothers

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Had a strong suspicion this movie would make it onto Barnes' list at some point, but as the weeks passed that suspicion slowly dissolved. I didn't think it would nearly crack his top-40.

Barnes is accurate when he calls the acting bad ... it's awful. But the story-line holds interest throughout because it's constantly moving ... not a lot of slow moments.

Kind of like Knocked Up, Four Brothers is a nice film to watch on a rainy day.

RECAP

As I said in the beginning, this is by-far my favorite batch Barnes has produced. Hopefully this is a sign of an upcoming trend, although at this point I think I could predict about half of his final 40 movies, and maybe even more.

If I were ranking these movies this is how it would look.

1) Inception

2) 500 Days of Summer

3) Tin Cup

4) Wedding Crashers

5) Knocked Up

6) Four Brothers

7) Groundhog Day

8) Air Force One

9) Liar Liar

10) She's All That

Make sure to come back on Monday as I unveil movies ranked #40-31. Giddy up.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 50-41 Saturday Trailers

2011-08-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

I had zero idea what my favorite trailers were going to be when I decided to rank them every week. There are only one or two trailers I can remember being very excited to see and the rest I had no clue if they would be any good. Just because I liked the movie doesn't correlate to my appreciation of the trailer.

So even though I really enjoy this batch of films, I can honestly say it's the worst bunch of trailers I've posted to date. Movies like Requiem For A Dream and Memento are unequivocally the two most disappointing trailers I've posted for they are too powerful and too emotionally gripping to have such sub-standard trailers promoting their work.

Having said that, I hope you enjoy these set of eleven trailers more so than I.

Enjoy.

#11 - Renaissance Man

#10 - Requiem For A Dream

#9 - Billy Madison

#8 - Memento

#7 - Happy Gilmore

#6 - Aladdin

#5 - October Sky

#4 - Dead Poets Society

#3 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

#2 - Old School

#1 - Mystic River

60 trailers down, 40 to go. At this point I really hope we are left with some outstanding trailers, because my list is in sore need of them.

I'll be back before Monday with my reaction to Matt Barnes' most recent post.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: 50-41

2011-08-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

A couple weeks ago I wrote how it was quite difficult to rank the movies I put in the 50-90 range. There wasn't much differentiating movie ranked #89 from #51. Well we are now past that. We are getting into the second half of the list, where you will find my favorite 50 movies. These are the films I came up with right off the bat when I first created the list. These are my favorite films.

Enjoy.

#50: Renaissance Man (1994)

Director: Penny Marshall

Starring: Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines and Mark Wahlberg

Plot: "A down-on-his-luck businessman desperately takes the only job offered - a teacher in the U.S. Army. His mission: keep a ragtag bunch of underachieving misfits from flunking out of basic training."

Stock: Down

It's weird seeing Danny DeVito playing anything but Frank Reynolds on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, but that's what he does as Bill Rago in this underrated 90s flick.

If it wasn't for Mr. Bridinger I don't think I would have ever seen this movie. Our high-school English teacher, Mr. B appreciated this film because it was funny and because it took a unique approach on Shakespeare. We probably watched it in every class he taught and I couldn't have been happier.

I was shocked when I saw that Penny Marshall directed this film, mainly because I silently laughed when Barnes put two Marshall movies on his list. Well her directing didn't win any awards, but I guess I owe her an apology seeing as she shows up in my top 50.

Renaissance Man also fields a couple solid performances by Gregory Hines and a young Mark Wahlberg. This isn't an overly complicated movie, and it's fairly predictable, but it is also a heart-warming, family-fun film. One that should be able to find a home somewhere on this list for a long time.

#49: Old School (2003)

Director: Todd Phillips

Starring: Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell

Plot: "Three men are disenchanted with life and try to recapture their college days."

Stock: Holding

I was a little late to the Old School take. This film came out my junior year of high school but I didn't see it until my junior year of college. To this very day I have no idea what took me so long to finally watch it, but I'm glad it eventually happened, even if my friends were quoting one-liners four years before I understood them.

Old School was - and still is - a cult classic. It's just straight-up, flat-out hilariousness. Will Ferrell as Frank The Tank is perfect. Vince Vaughn does what he does best, playing the fast-talking organizer, and not even the usual bland performance by Luke Wilson can derail this all-time great.

What I like about Old School is that it appeals to a broad range. Teenagers will like the swearing and the naked girls. College kids will love all the university references and parties. And the adults will appreciate trying to overcome a mid-life crisis.

As shocking as it was to see Penny Marshall direct an all-time favorite of mine, it was equally so to be 51 films in and not have any Will Ferrell or Vince Vaughn appearances. Without spoiling anything, it's safe to say it won't be the last for either of these funny guys.

#48: Memento (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano

Academy Awards: Nominated twice (Best Writing and Best Editing).

Plot: "A man, suffering from short-term memory loss, uses notes and tattoos to hunt for the man he thinks killed his wife."

Stock: Up

This is me drawing a line. Right here.

Usually there are tiers with my lists. I use them to separate the good from the great and the great from the all-time great. Well, this is a tier-drawn line moment. This is where we begin to discuss the films I consider to be in the all-time/legendary category.

We start with a film that shows you the ending right away and tells you the entire story backwards ... and here's the kicker ... it actually makes sense.

Barnes mentions frequently how much I enjoy the "thinking man" films and he's right. I enjoy movies that I can discuss and dissect and argue with afterward. Memento is one of those films that you have to talk about when it's over.

Guy Pierce plays the role of Leonard, a man suffering from short-term amnesia. He can't make any new memories so he lives day-by-day, almost moment-to-moment at times. His last memory is of his wife being killed and he has made it mission to avenge her death. Along the way he meets some people who could be trying to help him or they could be using him. It's a terrific movie, certainly unique, and one worth watching.

Big props to Devin Frank for making sure I watched this one ... as usual, Devin's taste in movies is spot-on. Good form sir.

#47: Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto and Jennifer Connelly

Academy Awards: Nominated once (Best Actress/E. Burstyn).

Plot: "The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island individuals are shattered when their addictions become stronger."

Stock: Holding

Another credit to Devin Frank for suggesting I watch this bizarre film and another credit for Darren Aronofsky, who also directed The Wrestler. And, another credit for Jennifer Connelly who has taken the lead in my Best Actress race ... and she was a huge long-shot at the start of this.

I used the word bizarre in the intro for good reason - it's the word most apt to describe Requiem For A Dream. Well that and "disturbing." Let's go with "bizarrely disturbing" and call it a day.

I've never had a drug problem and to be fair, I honestly don't know anyone who has. I'm aware that I'm in the minority on this, but it was that naive-ness which made my viewing of Requiem For A Dream so memorable.

It chronicles a tale of a group of people who all end up struggling with drugs. The people who are affected come in all different shapes, colors and sizes. How they become addicted, what they do once they are hooked, and how they handle the aftermath all add up to a mesmerizing, eye-opening, unforgettable experience.

If my mom thought Silence of The Lambs was disturbing, she doesn't want any part of this.

#46: Dead Poet's Society (1989)

Director: Peter Weir

Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke

Academy Awards (1): Won Best Writing. Nominated three more times (including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor/R. Williams).

Plot: "English professor John Keating inspires his students to a love of poetry and to seize the day."

Stock: Holding

Poetry is not my strong-suit ... never has been. I struggle grasping the concept of interpreting words/sentences I can barely pronounce. So when I first heard of a movie called "Dead Poets Society," I didn't exactly rush to see it. But once I did, I most certainly didn't forget or regret it.

This is the film that vaulted Robin Williams into one of my favorite actors. He plays English teacher John Keating who as the plot line says, inspires his students to take control of their lives ... to stop letting others dictate.

Despite this film being a little dated and a tad old, it is still a very inspiring and heart-wrenching movie. It's one of those rare films that is almost even more than just a movie ... it's a work of art. As I grow older I find more and more things I appreciate with Dead Poets Society, something that is quite difficult to do.

#45: Billy Madison (1995)/Happy Gilmore (1996)

Director: Tamra Davis/Dennis Dugan

Starring: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin and Bridgette Wilson/Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald and Julie Bowen

Plot: "In order to inherit his fed up father's hotel empire, an immature and lazy man must repeat grades 1-12 all over again./A rejected hockey player puts his skills to the golf course to save his grandmother's house."

Stock: Down

Am I bending the rules a bit here?? Probably, but it's my list and I can cry if I want to. As you will soon find out, I had to make some room for an unexpected guest.

If I had made this list when I was 12, these two movies would have both resided in the top five easily, might have even been ranked #1 and #2 respectively. As I've grown older they have dropped significantly, but they are clearly responsible for developing my young mind.

Scary I know.

Adam Sandler was my favorite actor/comedian after he released these two movies. I thought he was the funniest guy in the world. Since then he has been replaced by numerous others, but you can't take away how funny I thought this guy was growing up. He could do no wrong.

There's hardly any difference in Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore. They are the same two films with different settings. Sandler plays a grown-up going back to school in one and a hockey player turned golfer in the other. He gets to act silly and goofy in both, and I still haven't stopped laughing.

#44: Mystic River (2003)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Actor (S. Penn) and Best Supporting Actor (T. Robbins). Nominated four more times (including Best Picture, Best Director/C. Eastwood, Best Supporting Actress/M. Harden, and Best Writing).

Plot: "With a childhood tragedy that overshadowed their lives, three men are reunited by circumstance when one loses a daughter."

Stock: Up

Last week I tweeted, "Well I finally found a movie I completely forgot during my list-making. Would have been a top-40 pick as well ... so upset right now."

This is the forgotten film.

My worst fears came to fruition last week as I stumbled upon Mystic River's page at IMDB.com. I couldn't believe I had missed this dramatic movie. What made it worse was that I felt there would be no room for it since my list was half-way over. Luckily I combined Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore (something I thought about doing originally), to guarantee Mystic River's spot.

Throw Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins, and a murder mystery together in a Boston town and you have all the ingredients for an awesome movie. The three main characters grew up together, experienced a tragic event at a young age, and are now experiencing another tragic event 30 years later.

Eastwood has an amazing knack for providing such depth to his films. All of the main characters are not only fully developed but superbly acted. There's a reason both Penn and Robbins won Academy Awards with Eastwood getting a director nomination. Great movie and glad it could join us.

#43: October Sky (1999)

Director: Joe Johnston

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern

Plot: "The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes."

Stock: Down

Two things amaze me about this movie. One, that it stars Jake Gyllenhaal, who much like Ben Affleck and Angelina Jolie, is not one of my favorite actors. And two, that it was actually produced in 1999. It's based on a true story from the 1950s, and the way this movie is shot it truly feels like the 50s. I was stunned it was made a short dozen years ago.

On the surface, October Sky is about Homer Hickam's obsession with rockets. It propels him to accomplish great things. Digging a little deeper, October Sky is about following your dreams, the value we place on family, and overcoming adversity. It's a lot like Rudy if you replaced footballs with rockets.

Back in my high school days, a group of us were so pumped up after watching this movie we decided to try to build a rocket ourselves. The best thing we could come up with was a tube filled with alka seltzer tablets. It got about four inches off of the ground. While our rocket-building skills were certainly a failure, October Sky is a giant success.

#42: Aladdin (1992)

Director: Ron Clements and John Musker

Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams and Linda Larkin

Academy Awards (2): Won Best Music and Best Song (A Whole New World). Nominated three more times (including Best Song/Friend Like Me).

Plot: "Aladdin, a street urchin, accidentally meets Princess Jasmine, who is in the city undercover. They love each other, but she can only marry a prince."

Stock: Holding

The very first movie I saw in the theatre twice was Aladdin. I saw it with my dad (who took us to the majority of the "kiddy" movies growing up) the first time, and the second time the whole family (grandparents included) went to the Ritz to see it again (Grandpa Florence was out cold).

I loved the songs, loved the genie, was head-over-heels in love with Jasmine, and absolutely despised Jafar. It has all the necessities for not just a great Disney movie, but any kind of film ... period.

Robin Williams gets his second nod in this section alone, as he lends his voice to the Genie, Aladdin's sidekick. He is classic, over-the-top Williams, but it fits well in the context of the film.

I have a favorite cup that resides back home in Tiffin. I've been drinking out of it for almost 20 years. It's a Burger King Aladdin cup. When I buy my first home, that cup will be coming with me.

It's a film that will always be a part of me. It's my favorite Disney movie and according to these ranking, it's my favorite animated film as well.

#41: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton

Academy Awards (3): Won Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup. Nominated ten more times (including Best Picture, Best Director/D. Fincher, Best Actor/B. Pitt, Best Supporting Actress/T. Henson and Best Writing).

Stock: Down

I can see my mom having a big smile on her face when she reads this. She was practically begging me to see this film. Meanwhile, I continued to make fun of the plot thinking it was slightly amusing that a boy grows backwards. He is born old and dies young. And you expect me to take this film serious?? Well, not only did I finally succumb and sit down and watch it, I left more than impressed. I left in a state of awe.

Never has a movie impressed me more from a visual standpoint. It's absolutely incredible. It's the best blu-ray I've ever watched. The visual effects are out of this world. I was upset when I first saw how many Oscar nominations this movie raked in (13), but now that I've watched it, I completely understand.

Along with the outstanding visuals, Brad Pitt is exceptional as Benjamin Button. It's not an easy role to play, but Brad makes it his own and succeeds all across the board.

Benjamin Button reminds me of Forrest Gump in a way. It centers around one individual, but it also has a revolving love story. It also has a historical context behind it as it chronicles World War One all the way to the recent Hurricane Katrina.

My one complaint with this film is that it is 160 minutes long. But as you are watching, it doesn't feel like a 2.5 hour movie usually does. It takes you on a journey of escapism. One that I'm glad my mom nagged me into seeing.

Moms always know best don't they?

Sorry for being a day late, but we will be back on Thursday with trailers and a reaction to Matt Barnes' picks. Keep letting us know what you think boys and girls.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

KOA's 100 Films: Rapid Reaction to Barnes' 60-51

2011-08-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

By: Luke Florence

Take a deep breath boys and girls, we are half-way through our lists. And while I certainly feel I've had the better list (no surprises here), it doesn't take a single thing away from what Barnes is doing. These lists are 100% personal. At the end of the day it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or feels about them.

We are ranking OUR favorite movies. Not yours ... OURS.

Having said that, Barnes has developed a steady knack for putting some horrendous selections on his list. This week he has zero animated films, a couple knee-slapping comedies, and of course a "what is he thinking?" selection.

Enjoy.

RAPID REACTION TO MATT BARNES' MOVIES (60-51)

Barnes #60: The Blind Side

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

Not a big Sandra Bullock fan by any stretch of the imagination. When she won the Oscar for this performance I was a little taken back. I thought she was solid but not spectacular. I wasn't blown away by her acting skills. Honestly thought she put on an accent and had a little bit of attitude. Zero range. But apparently I was in the minority on that. Kudos to her for taking the major award home.

The Blind Side is a good - not great - movie. Michael Oher's story is amazing and deserves to be told. But beyond the true story I didn't take too much away from this film. Not going to hate it either because I know a lot of people feel the opposite.

And as you are learning with Barnes' list ... you'll take "not bad" any day of the week.

Barnes #59: Brokeback Mountain

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND WANT TO

When this movie first came out all I heard was that it was about gay cowboys. Not gonna lie, I had zero interest to go see any movie about that subject. I'm not the biggest fan of cowboys, let alone two cowboys kissing (not that there's anything wrong with that).

However as time passes my desire to watch Brokeback Mountain has steadily increased. I've always been a big fan of Heath Ledger which means my viewing absence of this film is probably a little bit of dis-service.

Give Barnes a lot of credit for having this movie make his list. I do want to watch it, and if it's as good as everyone has been saying, I won't regret it.

Barnes #58: Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

I haven't gone back and checked but I get the feeling this will be Barnes' oldest movie to date. It'll more than likely be the closest we get to a black-and-white film on Barnes' list.

Gene Wilder is really good as Willy Wonka. His songs are classics and his performance is more than memorable. My biggest complaint with this movie is that it seems to drag on forever. It bores me after a while.

I like this pick for Barnes though, so far with this set he has had three different kinds of movies ... and three quality films. Will he continue with his fourth pick??? ..........

Barnes #57: The Proposal

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND DON'T WANT TO

..... nope.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the weekly edition of "Barnes' Stupid Selection of The Week."

I haven't seen The Proposal and I won't see it either. For one, the two co-stars are probably on my short-list for worst actors. I'd take Tim Allen over Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock any day of the week. And two, the premise is simple-minded. Bad boss is forced to get married with one of her employees. Sounds awful and it probably is.

For someone who claims to hate "romantic comedies," Barnes sure finds a way to put a bunch on his list it seems. One Fine Day and now this.

I don't know how he will top it, but I'm more than willing to bet he will find a way.

Barnes #56: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

SEEN IT AND LIKED IT

The theme for this week's selections should be "solid but not specatacular." While Austin Powers has it's fair share of funny moments, for me, it loses a bit of it's luster over time. I don't find it nearly as hilarious as I did when I watched it the very first time.

Don't get me wrong, I like Austin Powers. Mike Myers is a funny guy and that's quite apparent in this role. As the series progresses he actually plays more and more characters ... and he plays them all very well.

While Elizabeth Hurley is my favorite Austin Powers sidekick from the triology, Goldmember is by far my favorite movie.

The first one is solid, but again, not spectacular.

Barnes #55: The Nutty Professor

SEEN IT AND DISLIKED IT

Now here's a movie I've never liked at any point of my 25-year-old life. Eddie Murphy dropped a couple notches in my book after I initially viewed this film. It would have been much better had it been rated R and Murphy could have gone back to his 80s comedy-style.

Instead I'm left with a PG-movie that has Eddie Murphy farting a bunch of times in a bunch of different fat suits. Don't see how that's funny at all.

I actually kept waiting for the now infamous line, "I only liked it because I'm black." But it never came.

Barnes #54: Twister

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

What a deep sigh of relief it is seeing this film on Barnes' list this week. After battling The Proposal and The Nutty Professor, this repeat movie creates a nice change of pace.

Twister clocks in at #97 on my list, but to be honest, it's ranked that low mainly because I forgot it during my initial rough drafts. If I were to do it all over again, it wouldn't be this high, but it would probably crack the top 80.

Barnes doesn't like the trailer too much while I absolutely love it. Barnes is wrong when he says the trailer doesn't focus on any of the characters ... in all actuality it focuses solely on the biggest character of them all ... the twister. Loved it.

Barnes #53: Shutter Island

SEEN IT AND LOVED IT

The first time I watched Shutter Island was at the theatre. As I was viewing it I started to pick up on what I thought was the big twist. Once I found out that my predictions were accurate I stopped paying attention. I walked away from it thinking it was an okay film.

I just watched Shutter Island a couple weeks ago and sat there in amazement when I realized I had actually missed the big ending. The ending that happens AFTER the twist.

I loved the ending so much that it catapulted Shutter Island from an okay film to a great one. One that would without question reside in my top 100. Well done Barnes.

Barnes #52: The Girl Next Door

SEEN IT AND OKAY'D IT

Seems like every week I'm learning a little bit more about Barnes. I had no idea he liked this movie THIS much. It's almost in his top-50 and is ahead of movies I thought he enjoyed a lot more.

Yes I will watch a little bit of The Girl Next Door when it comes on, but only to witness Elisha Cuthbert. It's really the only thing this movie has going for it.

The Girl Next Door has an identity crisis. It tries to be this blend of comedy/drama when it should focus solely on one or the other. It would have been much better had it simply gone over the top funny or tried to be a dramatic film. The plot is good enough for either, instead it chose neither.

Barnes #51: Thank You For Smoking

HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND WANT TO

I was wondering if Barnes was going to sell me on any movies when we started this list. If he was going to post about a film that I hadn't seen/heard of and be able to make me want to see it. Well, he pulled it off with Thank You For Smoking.

I haven't seen two seconds of this movie nor have I heard a single word spoken about it. But after seeing the trailer and reading Barnes' recap, not only do I want to see it, I have a feeling it will be a fantastic movie. One that will be on this list in 2012.

I love the art in arguing. It's something that takes time, practice and a healthy dose of common sense. It's a skill-set and I can certainly appreciate it when I see someone who argues well. I keep waiting to appreciate Barnes' arguing, but I'm not holding my breath.

Long story short this is an outstanding selection by Barnes and I can't wait to watch it.

RECAP

Not the strongest set for Barnes although it does have a couple terrific choices. If I were ranking these movies this is how it would look.

1) Shutter Island

2) Twister

3) Thank You For Smoking

4) Brokeback Mountain

5) The Blind Side

6) Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

7) The Girl Next Door

8) Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

9) Nutty Professor

10) The Proposal

Make sure to come back on Monday as we dive into our top-50 with numbers 50-41. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."