A-Z #104: The Italian Job

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#104 - The Italian Job

Why did I buy it?

Only a fiver. And its 'a British classic!'. So they say. I had not seen it at the time and seemed like as good a time as any to purchase it.

Why do I still own it?

I've only watched it a couple of times, and I like it: Michael Caine is brilliant, Noel Coward in his final acting role and even Benny Hill! I always feel like I'm not as obsessed with it as others. The only thing I ever watch is the mini-chase at the end leading to the flawless cliffhanger ending. I guess, the fact that I want to watch a single sequence time and time again means it is worth keeping on that point alone.

A-Z #103: In The Name of the Father

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#103 - In The Name of the Father

Why did I buy it?

I watched this years ago during my Film Studies and Media Studies AS/A-Level Education. I remember vividly enough how much I liked it as I purchased the film on VHS to watch with my parents. But, like many films, it fell off the radar when the DVD's hit and I only re-bought the film when I was in Ireland and I was keen to get to grips with some incredibly films from Irish Cinema - including Michael Collins alongside my 2 for 20E offer.

Why do I still own it?

Sarah and I watched the film shortly after the purchase and the second-watch reinvigorated me. Daniel Day Lewis is incredible, whilst Pete Postlethwaite is a stand-out success. Emma Thompson is good enough and provides the thread between the non-linear storyline and the back-and-forth between her recount of the cassettes Gerry has sent her and the flashbacks we see as viewers. It is a brilliant account of a story that should never be forgotten - and indeed, in the Oscar-Nominated film, I only hope that many more people see the film in the future.

I even managed to write an analysis which you can read by clicking here ...

A-Z #102: In The Mood For Love

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#102 - In The Mood For Love 

Why did I buy it?

I bought the film as part of losing the Oscars challenge against Jo. I was expected to watch In The Mood For Love and My Blueberry Nights. I watcehd both ... My Blueberry Nights will not get a mention on the A-Z as once watched... there was no purpose to watch again. This on the other hand topped the Time Out Best Film of 2000's poll and, though I would not rate it so high, it is indeed a stunning film.

Why do I still own it?

One thing about ownership, is that I would be expected to return to the film multiple times. In the Mood For Love shows us two characters who are both in unhappy relationships, but the way that they pass each other by and their longing-looks, are what keeps you interested. The world they inhabit is beautiful and haunting and it urges you to revisit the film multiple times. I was hooked and, upon watching the film briefly, I was keen to show the film and rewatch it with Sarah who has not seen the film. To top it off, Umbayashi creates the waltzs which provide the soundtrack - these add so much atmosphere that you almost feel like you are weaving in-and-out of the conversations as a ghost haunting the two characters ... what is haunting them is their love for each other, because you know it will never leave them.

A-Z #101: Insomnia

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#101 - Insomnia

Why did I buy it?

I didn't buy it actually - it was a present when I turned 19. Don't get me wrong - a bloody good present, but I have always felt that my parents, when they buy me DVD's see it in a strange way. I think they look at a DVD and think "Well, Simon likes DVD's..." and just select one at random from the DVD aisle. One year, in my Mum's wisdom, she bought Seven Years in Tibet... I have not interest in watching it and, in fact, never did. Selling it before even attempting to watch it. Call me ungrateful, but this is why I write these posts - I simply don't have space for all the Seven Years in Tibet films that I have been bought in the past!

Why do I still own it?

It's Chris Nolan. I haven't watched it for years, but it I am desperate to watch it again. I remember feeling like it was shot in a way that vividly recalled that tired-feeling, without actually making you tired. Not to mention, it has Al Pacino in it - and that already places the film on a pedastool. The worry is whether the reality that I have not watched it since that first watch says how apathetic I am about it ... the films you own need to be the ones that you will watch and rewatch time and time again, and this film I have found difficult to watch again ...

A-Z #100: Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#100 - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Why did I buy it?

Let's just clarify - remember that in all this A-Z writing, I am not covering boxsets - Alien Quadrilogy, American Pie Trilogy, Cape Fear Boxset - these have not been included. Following the A-Z thread, I will then cover the boxsets. This is why, suddenly, it feels like we are on the fourth Indiana Jone's film - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But it is fitting that at this moment - with the release of Tintin - and the fact that this is numero 100, we have a controversial choice. I bought it because I had the other three and, at the time, I had not seen the fourth one. It was only a couple-o-quid, so I thought I should at least watch it out of respect.

Why do I still own it?

The completist in me doesn't have the heart to throw it out. The film is shockingly lower in quality in comparison to the other films - but only so much as the use of SFX is a little bit too much. I wasn't a big fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark so I'm not the best to judge, but I will stand by the simple fact that: we wanted a sequel, we got a sequel and they need to make a fifth. Indiana Jones' is like James Bond and they should continue making the films. Its not untouchabale, because it is - and always has been - summer fun and games so you will get your good one's and your bad ones. This is a bad one. C'est la vie. Let's hope the fifth is better.

A-Z #99: Independence Day

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#99 - Independence Day 

Why did I buy it?

I think its all nostalgia really. I watched it with my sister at the cinema and I remember bibidly walking to Woolworths as she bought the video on the week of release - even spending £2.99 on a Stargate video as an offer. Happy times indeed. Independence Day then became a regular viewing on the rotation of 10-videos we had. Independence Day, Jurassic Park, Casper, The Lost World, The Making of Michael Jacksons Thriller, The LIttle Rascals and Men in Black. When it came on DVD, I was also a little interested in the 'special edition' version of the film too!

Why do I still own it?

I have watched it a couple of times since I bought it, but it's not a big hit. I even visited my sisters house a while ago and watched a little of her Blu-Ray copy and, strangely enough, it looked like a soap with the clarity of Blu-Ray. I think it's dated pretty badly and, though it has the great moments of the sky-fights and the first 40 minutes prior to destruction, it ultimately loses pace halfway in.

Should Independence Day stay? Is it one of the best disaster films still?

A-Z #97: The Ice Storm

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#97 - The Ice Storm

Why did I buy it?

For The Film Locker with Ryan. I had never seent he film and I had heard through the grapevine that this was one of Ang Lee's best and I couldn't ignore it, could I?

 

Why do I still own it?

After only one watch, I knew it was one to go back to. The depth of interest about family and the range of challenges people have which, on the one hand, are explored - but each character is unaware about the other, creates this brilliant balancing act that clearly shows the complexity of family life. I'm from a family of six children - making a total of eight people in the family household. This film highlighted how I shouldn't take advantage of these incredibly close and important relationships.

A-Z #96: Hunger

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#96 - Hunger

Why did I buy it?

I watched this at The Prince Charles Cinema years ago after the initial release, whereby Sight and Sound gave the film a huge accolade in naming it the one of the Top 10 Best Films of the year. I watched it, I was amazed and I bought it.

Why do I still own it?

Well, I haven't watched it since that first cinema trip - which begs the question as to whether I should keep it. Michael Fassbender is truly engaging - you cannot take your eyes off him. But, additionally, it is about people who protested by wiping their sh*t across walls and urinating out of their cells. It shows how desperate some can be to make their voices heard - and yet how ignorant others can be in the process. It is a brilliant film - but it is a tough watch... which begs the question as to whether it is worth owning.

At any rate, it is impressive enough for me to remain exceptionally intrigued for the up-and-coming Shame directed by McQueen and starring Fassbender ...  with an added bonus of Carey Mulligan. I cannot wait.

A-Z #98: I Know What You Did Last Summer

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#98 - I Know What You Did Last Summer

Why did I buy it?

Way back in the day, this was a cool film to watch with your friends - it was horror and hot Jennifer Love-Hewitt. In fact, it was also Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillipe and Freddie Prinze Jnr. At the time, these were cool cats who could lead films all on their own! Or at least went on to lead films. It was also written by Kevin (Dawson's Creek) Williamson. At any rate, that was why I bought it anyway ...

Why do I still own it?

Primarily because of the Horror genre. The new slasher-craze post-Scream seemed to take on a life of its own and I Know What You Did Last Summer was successful enough to warrant a sequel. In fact, it earn't two sequels, but I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer was only in the last couple of years whereby teen-nudity would simply sell anything. You only need to go so far as Cruel Intentions 3, Wild Things 3 and any sequel Neal H. Moritz produces to prove my point. But - and I may be wrong about this - I was always under the impression that Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer were the two films that started the craze ... maybe it was just Scream because I haven't seen this film in a long time and yet still sits on my shelf ...

A-Z #95: House of Flying Daggers

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

 

#95 - House of Flying Daggers

Why did I buy it?

I think I watched it at the cinema in Aberystwyth - and that would have to be the Arts Centre. The Commodore only played the Hollywood hits. But, in the hope to have a bit of scope in my collection, some international cinema is never a bad thing.

Why do I still own it?

Asian cinema is so big. On the one hand, you have Spirited Away and the Studio Ghibli and on the other hand you have John Woo, Yimou Zhang and Ang Lee. I would neever claim I truly 'understand' the global-cinematic trends, but when I watch some films, I know what I like. House of Flying Daggers is simply a stunning work of art - filled with culture, beauty and perfectly-shot sequences. I could not recommend it higher. You could freeze a frame from any point in the film and turn it into a painting. I could not recommend the film higher - the only question is whether Blu-Ray is the future for a film with such detail and beauty.

A-Z #94: Hostel

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#94 - Hostel

Why did I buy it?

I blame my brother Graham. He "recommended" it to me on the basis that, as I liked Saw, I would like Hostel. He even stated that he nearly vomited at one section "involving an eye" because it was that disgusting. He hyped it so much that I was actually scared to watch the film for a while ... but I bought it in the hope that it would live to the Saw films. It didn't and I have never seen Hostel: Part II...

 

 

Why do I still own it?

Because of my interest in the Saw films. I stand by the fact that Hostel is inferior to the Saw films as it is rooted in the B-Movie Horror-Genre. Saw, which I hope I will get to soon enough on the A-Z, is rooted in gritty-thriller films (Se7en) and incorporated a gruesome-element that was deeply unsettling as it was set within this very real and urban environment. The thing is, I feel that if I ever write something about the torture-porn genre, then Hostel would invariably be referenced ... but is that really a good enough reason to own it?

A-Z #93: The Host

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#93 - The Host

Why did I buy it?

It is one of the "1001 Movies to see before you die" and, on the sleeve, it said "Jaws meets Jurassic Park". Its not Jaws meets Jurassic Park but it sold me.

Why do I still own it?

I watched it once and, indeed, it is a funny one. Its a strange balance of action and adventure and then, mixed in, is a strange type of comedy. I liked it enough to not strike it off completely, but I want to watch it again as part of an asian-cinema season and see how it compares to other films of a similar style. Then ... then we shall see if it gets struck off or becomes and must-watch film.

A-Z #92: Hook

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#92 - Hook 

Why did I buy it?

To complete my Spielberg collection. I remember I enjoyed it loads as a child but I haven't watched it since.

 

Why do I still own it?

Because I still haven't got round to watching it again. I bought it to rewatch it ... and I haven't watched it since I bought it. It would be a complete waste of money if I haven't even watched the film since I bought it ... but, having said that, there may be a reason I haven't rewatched it...

A-Z #91: The Holiday

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#91 - The Holiday

Why did I buy it?

I didn't. I take absolutely no responsibility in this purchase. This is 100% Sarah's choice. But, in fairness, I do like how coincidentally, this post is put up as I start my own summer holiday - and as a teacher, this is one of the major plus points about the profession.

Why do I still own it?

Sarah noticed that, though we have the two Bridget Jones films, and she has Pride and Prejudice, etc, there are very few really standard shit rom-coms. This is surely a shit rom-com. One Christmas in Ireland, it happened to be on TV, which is when I watched it and, god, it is pretty damn bad. I think what I despise about it the most is how simplified the vision is of England and America - these two brilliant countries simplified down to teeny-villages-and-warm-fires and cups of tea, in America, its just Hollywood and films. I hate how Jack Black, in reality, could never bag someone like Kate Winslet. Especially if he is a film geek. I hate how Jude law is trying so hard to be some 'regular' guy in England and comes across, I think, as creepy as hell. I reckon I will write a long post about this at some point because I remember scribbling down many notes at how X is ridiculous and Y is ludicrous. It really is a load of shit.

A-Z #90: A History of Violence

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#97 - A History of Violence 

Why did I buy it?

This is one of those films that people told me I needed to get. The sleeve always looked very cool and, at the time, I had no real connection with Cronenberg except via Crash. So many people praised this film and, following Lord of the Rings, I was keen to see Viggo in another role. If I'm right, it was a bargain too. Badd-a-bing. 

Why do I still own it?

Well, its quite short. An hour an' 20 minutes - so it has always been an easy pick when choosing 'what to watch'. Secondly, its a brilliant film! Starting off with this loving couple and descending into horrific chaos when two fellas come into town - the whole small-town-disrupted-by-extreme-evil is always a brilliant starting point  - Shadow of a Doubt, Blue Velvet - and A History of Violence does not disappoint.

A-Z #89: High Fidelity

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#89 - High Fidelity 

Why did I buy it?

To be honest, I hadn't seen the film when I bought it but I could completely relate to the rating of films, music, memories - whatever. I could rate my top 5 items of cutlery (fork at number one, obviously) and the idea that a non-linear narrative flashbacked to show Top 5 Break-Up's and set this within the context of a music-lover, like me, completely got me hook line and sinker. And I wasn't disappointed - it has remained one of my personal favourite films.

Why do I still own it?

It is so rewatchable. I think it was more rewatchable when I was single, but it still stands that it is a great film. I think the fantasy of living such a relaxed life whereby the only worry is the organisation of a record collection (and also so vintage with collecting records) equally transports me to a place that is so cool. Also, the sequence whereby Tim Robbins tells John Cusack the same news ("so... shall we leave it at that then ...?") and we see Cusacks reaction in three different ways, at one point had me in complete hysterics. My best friend and I rewound the sequence about twenty times and were crying with laughter. A brilliant film and some real happy memories.

A-Z #88: Heat

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#88 - Heat

Why did I buy it?

Without even watching it, I knew that the combination of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino would be epic. Add to this how Michael Mann was behind the camera - and I loved Collateral - I knew it was going to be immense. Finally, Nick James wrote a BFI Modern Classic on the film (which I purhcased) whereby, after a first watch, I knew the film would grow and grow to become better with each subsequent viewing.

Why do I still own it?

Multiple viewings. I could watch this 3-hour long film again and again. Michael Mann effectively remade a TV-film LA Takedown but with A-list actors and a huge budget making this film, possibly, the best remake ever to boot. I wrote a huge essay on the film a while back, so for more in-depth analysis click here, but it will forever remain in the collection only possibly changing if a sweet blu-ray edition is available and I have some spare income. The latter is more unlikely that the former.

A-Z #87: Hannah and Her Sisters

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#87 - Hannah and Her Sisters

Why did I buy it?

My ongoing interest in Woody Allen. A big task, but it must be completed - by the time I am 30, I would like to think that I have watched all of Woody Allens back-catalogue. This was a must-see due to the success it garnered at the time - and additionally, the fact that Michael Caine won his Best Actor gong for his role.

Why do I still own it?

Because of the huge number of Woody Allen's films, when I buy his films, they regularly becoms sold. I watch, I consider keeping, I keep/sell. Hannah and Her Sisters is one of the  good ones - a great combo of comedy, philosopy and relationships. I won't bore you too much, as Hatter and I covered it already on THE FILM LOCKER in much more detail. But it may interest you which other Woody Allen films which have hit the dust - they include Husbands and Wives (but, I do intend to watch it again at some point to re-evaluate as it stuck with me more than I initially expected), Mighty Aphrodite and Melinda and Melinda.

A-Z #86: Grease

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#86 - Grease

Why did I buy it?

It was that time when, to some extent, DVD collections were limited and only a few films had been released. This film had gone down to £5 - at the time a bargain - and I bought it alongside The Italian Job, which was the same price.

Why do I still own it?

I haven't seen this for years. Years and years and years. But I love the hand-jive. Not to mention seeing young-Travolta dance his funky stuff. Back when I acted as a teenager, I always wished I could've been in Grease but, alas, it never happened. My blonde hair would mean I would could only be Travolta's friend Kenickie ... because no one would ever accept a blonde Danny Zuko. At least, by owning this film, I can watch and rewatch and think about what could've been ...

A-Z #85: Gone with the Wind

You can pick up hundreds of DVDs for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. It's never about quantity, it's about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em

#85 - Gone with the Wind 

Why did I buy it?

Because, in the same way as a bunch of the ones I have bought "How can I call myself a film fan when I haven't seen Gone with the Wind". Well, now I have bought it and I have watched it. So there. Shut your face.

Why do I still own it?

Well I wrote a huge analysis on this post about a year ago so, if you want depth, go there. But ultimately, it is a good film. Brilliant, epic story with two lead characters in Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh that represent an almost flawless time in American Cinema. The soundtrack by Max Steiner is brilliant and the length of the film, though it could be a problem, in fact can be seen as a Part I and a Part II because it is a very clear interval which can separate the film over two nights. As good as people say - and therefore worth the purchase. Alongside all the huge amount of special features on the 4-disc boxset!