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Reviews
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Monroe's Finest Performance
Named by the AFI as the best comedy of all time this film holds a very special place in my heart. Mostly for being Marilyn Monroe's greatest movie. The woman had a presence that was larger than life, but was in a lot of clunkers, as the studio system didn't really now what to do with her except use her as eye candy. Her character in Seven Year Inch doesn't even have a name! Her Sugar Kane (aka Sugar Kowalczyk), while "not very bright" by her own admission, has an optimism and a sadness that was what made Monroe the icon she is today. Jack Lemon also shines as Jerry/Sugar. Once Jerry becomes Daphne (he was going to be Geraldine, but never liked that name), it's like he truly comes alive. Jerry is a worrier, but Daphne is always cracking jokes, ending almost every line of dialogue with a giggle. http://amandalovesmovies.com/2012/02/19/some-like-it-hot/
Goodfellas (1990)
Perfect Depiction of a Life of a Criminal
Goodfellas is one of those films where every choice is perfect. The directing, the writing, the acting, the music, all brilliant and completely immerses you in the violent yet alluring world Scorsese has created. Even as you watch these people do horrible things and pay dearly in the end for their actions, you still kind of leave thinking "Being a gangster seems pretty sweet." One of the ways the film tricks you is by making these characters likable. Henry is charming, Tommy is funny (although don't call him that!), Jimmy is everyone's big brother. I think having charismatic leads really sucks you in, justifying their despicable behavior. One of the lies they all feed each other throughout the film is that the life is about family but it is really about men serving themselves as they see fit. You want something, take it. Someone gets in your way, kill them. http://amandalovesmovies.com/2012/02/17/goodfellas/
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
One of Film's Best Comedic Duos
What I love the most about this movie is, while I grew up mostly knowing for Katharine Hepburn for her dramatic work and for winning more Oscars than any other actor, she has amazing comic timing. It's especially impressive considering director Howard Hawks had to hire people to teach her to be funny. Playing an early manic pixie dreamgirl prototype, she finds herself bumping into Cary Grant in increasing outrageous and embarrassing situations, then eventually she begins to lure him, using her mischievous pet leopard, Baby, as bait. The two are a delight together, probably my favorite cinematic duo because they are two of the biggest film stars ever, and they share the screen so effortlessly, neither one ever trying to steal the spotlight for themselves. http://amandalovesmovies.com/2012/02/16/bringing-up-baby
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Once there was a Hushpuppy...
The film is one of those rare examples of every element being extraordinary. The acting, the directing, the script, the music is all superb and blend together to create the magical world of the bathtub. The film looks and sounds amazing. Everything is so beautifully shot, with a crispness and a warmth. The score is used sparingly and is never manipulative. This may be one of those movies that everyone raves about but gets overlooked come Oscar season because it doesn't have a big enough name attached to it or pandered to the Academy enough, but it could easily be nominated for at leave four or five awards. http://amandalovesmovies.com/2012/07/02/beasts-of-the-southern-wild/