movie critics

Here they are, Mike and Megan's top 10 favorite movies of all-time!

Megan's picks:

10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Every time I see this movie, it reminds me of my own innocent childhood. Steven Spielberg said that this film is really about his parent's divorce, and the effect it had on him. The most memorable scene is the bicycle chase, made especially good by John Williams' brilliant score. Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas were perfectly cast as the young children who befriend a lost alien.
9. Pride & Prejudice. Jennifer Ehle embodies Elizabeth Bennet. She has the most expressive and beautiful countenance. BBC did an excellent job adapting the book into a feature film that is sure to stand the test of time. The scene where Elizabeth accidentally meets Mr. Darcy at his estate, Pemberley, fairly crackles with romantic tension. It's enough to make any decent lady's bodice burst!
8. Memoirs of a Geisha. One of those rare instances where the movie is almost as good as the novel. I loved the cinematography, costumes, score and actresses. Gong Li is fabulous as the beautiful villain Hatsumomo; intent on destroying the young and ambitious Sayuri. The insight into the secret life of Japanese Geisha (as well as Japanese culture and traditions) is extremely fascinating to me.
7. The Sound of Music. The beautiful story of a nun named Maria who transforms the entire von Trapp family with her love. Far and away the best musical to ever grace the silver screen. With compositions like, "Edelweiss" and "Do-Re-Mi", you can't get the music out of your head! I think it is made even more wonderful knowing that it was based on a true story.
6. Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare at it's best. I can't say enough wonderful things about this film. With an all-star cast, gorgeous film locations and a lively soundtrack this is one of my all-time favorites. Shakespeare loved a strong female protagonist, and Emma Thompson as Lady Beatrice is no exception. Of course Beatrice would be nothing without Benedick (portrayed by Kenneth Branagh who was Thompson's real-life husband at the time). The ending of this movie will leave you crying tears of happiness.
5. An Ideal Husband. Another romantic comedy of errors starring a stellar cast: Cate Blanchett, Rupert Everett, Minnie Driver, Jeremy Northam and Julianne Moore. Adapted from an Oscar Wilde play, the wit and humor is so fast and dry; blink and you almost miss it! The chemistry between Driver and Everett is exceptional, and Northam has been described by movie critics as the next Cary Grant. This movie is a sheer delight from beginning to end.
4. The Last of the Mohicans. Another film that actually surpasses the novel in scope, story and characterization. This movie succeeds on so many different levels. Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal as Hawkeye, the adopted brother of a Mohican family (whose race is dying out). It adequately portrays a time in our American history when the French and Indian wars were raging, and loyalties were questioned. Rich with emotion, action, romance and suspense; this movie is a bittersweet epic set during a bygone era.
3. Sense and Sensibility. This is my chicken noodle soup movie (a perfect film for a rainy day). It is another Jane Austen classic about family and love, set during the time of a rigid class hierarchy. The Dashwood sisters hope to find husbands, but their lack of fortune makes for complications. Kate Winslet deservedly earned her first Oscar nomination playing the tempestuous and romantic Marianne, while Emma Thompson portrays an equally amazing, yet reserved Elinor. It perfectly captures the heartbreak and hope of young women everywhere.
2. The Empire Strikes Back. What would my list be without Star Wars? Critically hailed as the best of the Star Wars movies, it's darker and more complex than the other two of the original trilogy. It also introduces fans to the interesting and enlightened character, Yoda. With dazzling special effects, and a surprise ending, this movie always leaves me on the edge of my seat! John Williams score is breathtaking. Empire Strikes Back also features one of the most memorable movie love scenes of all-time. Princess Leia: "I love you." Han Solo: "I know." Classic.
1. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't leave out the greatest movie ever made! This one has it all: romance, action, suspense, intrigue and drama. Set during the turmoil of the French Revolution, the Scarlet Pimpernel is a dashing English aristocrat sworn to save as many people as he can from the dreaded guillotine. Anthony Andrews is stellar as the dandy-by-day, hero-by-night Pimpernel who falls in love with a French actress who complicates his plans to rescue the young French prince. Lavish costumes, and a young Ian McKellen/Jane Seymour complete this sumptuous film. Also adapted into a musical of the same name which features wonderful music and characters. 'They seek him here, they seek him there. Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven? Or is he in hell? That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.'

Movies that almost made the cut: The Breakfast Club, The Count of Monte Cristo, Charade, Immortal Beloved, Braveheart, Indiana Jones, Master and Commander, Schindler's List, X-Men, Shakespeare in Love, The Princess Bride, and Breakfast at Tiffany's.


Mike's Picks:

10. The Usual Suspects. I remember the first time watching this film with the feeling of seeing the surprise ending. It was extremely well-done.
9. The Sound of Music. Timeless music, and a wonderful story of loyalty and love...What's not to like?
8. Schindler's List. A movie that everyone should see. To appreciate the hardships that others had to go through during World War II at the hands of one man.
7. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Gotta love Indiana Jones! I love seeing Harrison Ford and Sean Connery together on-screen. Fun action movie that in my opinion is the best of the Indiana Jones trilogy.
6. The Bourne Identity. Matt Damon in one of the greatest action flicks that could possibly be. A well-written role, with plenty of action (that isn't cheesy), intrigue and drama.
5. Ghostbusters. One of the most quotable, funny movies ever. Has to be in the top 5 because I can never get enough of it.
4. Top Gun. A big-jets-macho-guys movie. I have almost the whole thing memorized. Can't help but love Top Gun.
3. Lord of the Rings Trilogy. One of the greatest fantasy stories of all-time put on the big screen. As big and as epic as I imagined it. The only reason it isn't higher is because I felt Peter Jackson should have been more true to J.R.R. Tolkien's original story.
2. Braveheart. That movie will make anyone cry in the end. What a better story than to fight for your land, your family and your freedom? This movie makes you want to be a Scotsman during the time of William Wallace.
1. Star Wars Trilogy. There are no greater movies than George Lucas' original Star Wars Trilogy. It revolutionized Sci-fi movies forever. It's my favorite story that I grew up with, and will be able to pass on to my son.

Movies that didn't make the cut: A Beautiful Mind, Casino Royale, Princess Bride, Garden State, Big Fish and Charade.

Bonus: Mike & Megan's Top 12 kids movies:

The Lion King
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Aladdin
Hook
The Goonies
Peter Pan
The Swiss Family Robinson
The Incredibles
Beauty and the Beast
The Chipmunk Adventure
Labyrinth
The Secret Garden