Movies Sorted by Rating

An epic battle of good versus evil in which young Luke Skywalker finally gets off his families desert farm and gets involved in events much grander than he could ever have hoped for.  Rescuing a space-princess, comedic robots, epic space-battles... what more could you want in a movie?  Definitely positive sense of life.

A wonderful portrayal of character and the ethics of doing the right thing. A love story, a comedy, a morality play. Three outstanding performances from Holly Hunter as Jane Craig the slightly neurotic but brilliant tv producer, William Hurt as Tom Grunick the flashy, up & coming news anchor and Albert Brooks (who steals the show) as Aaron Altman t... (See the whole review)

Okay, it's French. But despite that considerable drawback, this movie has a wonderful sense of life.

Spaceballs is a parody of Lucas' first Star Wars trilogy on the surface. The characters make this fact obvious -- especially Rick Moranis as the arrogant, puling brat Dark Helmet. However, having grown up on this film I think it's reasonable to say that Spaceballs is a bit more than a parody. Brooks makes it clear who the villains are, but also end... (See the whole review)

Shot in sepia-grey tones, and closeted, ulcerated detail, this film adaption of George Orwells' novel is as close to high fidelity as anyone could wish. John Hurt plays the skeletal, haunted Winston Smith exceedingly well and Suzanna Hamilton, as lover Julia, brings just the right amount of cool calculation and sex to the screen. As vainglor... (See the whole review)

The oscar winning movie based around the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The movie is a tribute to the human spirit, and the importance of following one's heart. The sense of life here is tremendous - from Jack's determination to "make it count", to the musicians continuing to play on deck as the ship sinks. There are some irritating (though... (See the whole review)

Based on the true story of ambitious Welsh poet Ellis Evans, who wrote under the pen name Hedd Wyn (which translates as "white peace"), and desired to win the chair at the Welsh National Eisteddfod. Tragically, Evans was torn from his home in rural North Wales and conscripted into the trenches of World War I, being killed just days before his submi... (See the whole review)

Heartwarming British comedy-drama set in nothern England during the tumultuous miner's strike in the early 1980s. 11 year old Billy chances upon a ballet class after his weekly boxing lesson, quickly discovering a natural affinity for dancing. His teacher, struck by his surprising talent, suggests he apply to the Royal School Of Ballet. This all go... (See the whole review)

The setting is a make-believe Verona Beach, much like Venice beach.  There are roving gangs, slums, and the ubiquitous TV newscasts keeping tabs on all the violence.  The fast and modern pace keeps the energy level high throughout, but contrasted to this are the sublime performances by DiCaprio and Danes.  The style is a little strange, but I think... (See the whole review)

"Grave of the Fireflies" is an animated film that tells the lives of two Japanese kids, a boy and his chubby little sister, after they are orphaned by the bomb during the war in Japan.  The older brother takes on the responsibilities very naturally and in turn finds comfort in his little sister's joyful presence as he seeks ways to resolve the enor... (See the whole review)

Mel Gibson stars on both sides of the camera, playing the lead role plus directing and producing this brawling, richly detailed saga of fierce combat, tender love and the will to risk all that's precious for something more precious:  freedom.  In an emotionally charged performance, Gibson is William Wallace, a bold Scotsman who used the steel of hi... (See the whole review)

The story of a lifelong love affair with the movies, Cinema Paradiso tells of a young boy in a small Italian village, where the only pastime is a visit to the movies at the Cinema Paradiso.  Enchanted by the flickering images, Salvatore yearns for the secret of the cinema's magic and is overjoyed when Alfredo, the projectionist, agrees to reveal th... (See the whole review)

An irresistible, comic drama from director Alan Parker (Evita, Mississippi Burning), overflowing and alive with passion, humor, and music, The Commitments showcases some old R&B standards in a new light. A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner (Robert Arkins) fancies himself a promoter of talent, and sets about assembling and packaging... (See the whole review)

My Fair Lady is the musical adaptation of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw's famous stage play, Pygmalion, which itself takes and runs with the Greek mythological story of the figure Pygmalion, a brilliant sculptor who is disgusted with the choice of females around him, and who sculpts his perfect woman from clay, and to whom the gods grant... (See the whole review)

Did you ever have a long, philosophical, intimate conversation with a person or a group of people that lasted for hours, and that was a totally life-affirming experience for you?  ... (See the whole review)

Even more compelling today than when it was first released, Network is a wickedly funny, dead-on indictment of the TV news media.  Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay, this searing satire pulses with "vitality and a provocative excitement that is forever rare" (Charles Champl... (See the whole review)

Feared and loathed by a world of conformity, X-Men entertainingly presents the struggle of frightened, lonely "mutant" individuals who possess superior abilities to find comfort and happiness with others of their kind. ... (See the whole review)

Simply put, this movie is brilliant heroic... every child should probably see it at least once. ... (See the whole review)

While many people consider this to have been a "boring and stupid" movie, philosophically it is very likely one of the most important of the Star Trek movie series.  ... (See the whole review)

Dickie gets a briliant idea:  sell the 'fertilizer' at his parent's ranch to the local golf courses and farms.  They undercut the competition and make a giant killing.  But when the competition doesnt like it he gets the Tax Board and the State involved.  I'll bet you can guess what happens next....  The movie ends in a fantastic courtroom scene st... (See the whole review)

PLOT: Alcoholic and womanizing writer Zachary Hutton's (John Ritter) life spins out of control and he attempts to change for the better. COMMENTARY: This movie has tons of funny scenes and great lines. It helped me laugh my way out of the worst period of my life!  Not only is it funny, but it shows you that if you want to change somet... (See the whole review)

Whatever your political opinions may be about either of the main actors in this movie, it's brilliant and heroic nonetheless.  This film is a testimony to the power of heretical logic, and the almost limitless positivity it offers the human race. ... (See the whole review)

With a gorgeous soundtrack by two of this century’s master musicians - ebullient jazz composer Duke Ellington, and soundtrack maestro John Barry - and lushly-stylised cinematography by the Godfather Godfather, Cotton Club simply exudes STYLE! Cotton Club integrates superbly high-spirited jazz with a story - though occasionally lacking cohesi... (See the whole review)

'I will not make any deals with you. I've resigned. I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own. I resign.' Set in a surreal village located who-knows-where and  run by who-knows-whom; populated by people who once had ideas in their head that were valuable, but are now prepared to die 'like ro... (See the whole review)

Don't watch the film, whatever you do. Ever. Watch, instead, the leather-clad Diana Rigg in the original Avengers TV series - and watch it over and over again. Rigg's Emma Peel is quite simply TV and film’s most gorgeous woman. (There are people, it is true, who watch Avengers series without Mrs Peel. Those people should be shunned.) ... (See the whole review)

Aussie battler, tow-truck driver, and certified eccentric Darryl Kerrigan finds his ramshackle yet much-cherished house perched upon a toxic dump is about to be taken by the State government for an airport expansion. Darryl protests "It’s not a house – it’s a home," and takes them on. The Kerrigan family’s story is an uproarious yet also gen... (See the whole review)

... (See the whole review)

Not a horror film, but a striking lesson about gods both old and new, and the sacrifices their worhsip demands.  Not really a horror: partly because Britt Ekland gets her gear off; partly because of Woodward’s telling portrayal of a repressed police sergeant; and partly because of the gloriously watchable Christopher Lee and his entourage ("... (See the whole review)

"The barbarities of war are seldom committed by abnormal men. The tragedy of war is that these horrors are committed by normal men in abnormal situations."On trial for their lives, Harry 'The Breaker' Morant and his fellow defendants  face being put to death to ‘protect the honour of the British Empire.’ Their defence is summarised by the words abo... (See the whole review)

'What will they do to me?' 'Oh, you'll probably get away with crucifixion.' 'Crucifixion?!' 'Yeah, first offence … Crucifixion lasts hours, it's a slow horrible death. Well, at least it gets you out in the open air.' ... (See the whole review)

Truman Burbank has unknowningly lived his entire life with paid actors, surrounded by millions of cameras recording his every move and broadcasting them throughout the world. As a child, Truman displays a desire to travel and explore the world, so he is psychologically manipulated by the show's creators to fear water and any forms of travel that wo... (See the whole review)

"If you want to bake an apple pie from scratch, you first need to invent the universe." ... (See the whole review)

The movie that gives the lie to that old collectivist platitude, "No man is an island."  Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks), an employee for FedEx, survives a terrifying plane crash and winds up deserted on a small Pacific island.  Most of the movie becomes a one-man show as Chuck applies his mind and the meager resources available to secure shelte... (See the whole review)

Scripted by Rand herself, this movie adaptation inevitably leaves out some elements of the novel and plays down others, but still presents the essentials of the storyline in an accessible manner.

The promo posters and DVD cases for Gattaca carry the truism, "there is no gene for the human spirit," and that theme defines this movie from its opening lines to its triumphant conclusion. ... (See the whole review)

Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler are scientists conducting research in parapsychology. When their research is defunded and they get kicked off campus, Ray remarks, "Personally, I like the University. They gave us money and facilities, we didn't have to produce anything. You've never been out of college. You don't know what it's like out... (See the whole review)

As a symbol of freedom and adventure, space is also a romantic frontier. The 1999 film, October Sky, based on Homer Hickam's biographical novel, Rocket Boys, illustrates the excitement, motivation, and sense of personal potential and achievement that can result when private individuals set out on their own to conquer the final frontier. Just after ... (See the whole review)

This is a great film. I was unexpectedly surprised how well-made, written and acted this film is. That was because there were a lot of "sad gits" around at the time of its cinematic release that harped on about how bad the film was. However, I think the film gets the balance between action and romance exactly right and is thoroughly inspiring. This... (See the whole review)

Waterworld is a flawed movie often described as a wet Mad Max. In an alternate future where the Earth is covered with water, human survivors live on floating villages and ancient boats. The central Mariner character has strong parallels with Howard Roark, a brilliant, 'different' individualist who prefers to live alone on his custom-rigged trimaran... (See the whole review)

Directed by the incomparable Sergio Leone, these three movies A Fistful Of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, were among the first so-called "spaghetti westerns" to achieve real commercial success in the US, blasting Clint Eastwood (the iconic "Man With No Name") and Lee Van Cleef (who plays two completely different... (See the whole review)

Amazon.com Danny Kaye spoofs Robin Hood and Scaramouche in this inventive slapstick swashbuckler. Portraying the clownish but good-hearted entertainer Hawkins, he infiltrates the court of the corrupt Basil Rathbone (up to his usual brand of cruel villainy) disguised as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. After a court sorceress hypnotizes Ha... (See the whole review)

Following the phenomenal success of his "Man With No Name" movies, director Sergio Leone drove the spaghetti western genre to unparalleled hights with this monumental epic (nearly 3 hours-long), which in stark contrast to the vast majority of other spaghetti westerns features a number of established US stars and was made on something approaching a ... (See the whole review)

We discussed this show quite a bit a while ago here, and though cancelled, the whole thing is now out on DVD. Very good sense of life. The filming has also started on the movie based on the show (http://imdb.com/title/tt0379786/). (See the whole review)

"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."   Thus runs the not un-libertarian credo of aging gunfighter and former lawman J.B. Books (Wayne, in his very last screen performance). Books rides into Carson City in the early years of the 20t... (See the whole review)

This movie is an adaptation of Anthony Burgess's book by the same title, which I haven't yet read. The story is about Alex, who is the leader of a small group of violent thugs. They rape, beat and mug people at will and enjoy submissive women, drinks and listening to Beethoven. Alex ends up in jail when his friends leave him to be caught one night ... (See the whole review)

This fantastic romantic comedy tells the tale of a chauffer's daughter who falls in love with the younger playboy son of her father's employer.The daughter, Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn), goes off to cooking school in Europe and returns "all grown up". The younger brother, David (William Holden), then becomes quite interested in her but he is slated to ... (See the whole review)

I don't care what anybody says; this film is a brilliantly honest testimony to what life is like for a person who lacks a vigorous, core philosophy with which to defend against an oppressive, dehumanizing society that worships mindless traditionalism and conformity. 

You will never find a more chillingly suspenseful, perversely funny, or viciously satirical political thriller than The Manchurian Candidate, based on the novel by Richard Condon (author of Winter Kills). The film, withheld from distribution by star Frank Sinatra for almost a quarter century after President Kennedy's assassination, has lost none of... (See the whole review)

The Red Shoes is based around the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.  It is not, however, a reproduction of that story but a development of its central theme.  And in spite of its tragic ending, the film is inspiring. ... (See the whole review)

Lots of singing, lots of dancing, lots of fun. The sense of life of Gershwin's music, the brilliantly colourful ballet scene and the radiant Gene Kelly make this is a classic.