Allan's Favorite Movies
Note: 
PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
I'm in the process of changing this page to my Favorite Movies page, and not a critique page.
Borne Supremacy - While I saw this movie before seeing Borne Identity, the first of the Borne trilogy, it didn't take me long to understand the basis of the storyline thus far, and to be pulled into the main character's gripping situation. An excellent action/drama with continuous twists and escapes and occasional stunts keep you on your toes as the full background story is slowly revealed. This fresh action story is a definite favorite!
Borne Identity - A story about a person who has lost their memory isn't new, but when that person turns out to be a specially trained killer with an unknown past and amazing abilties, then you have Borne Identity. Based off of the book of the same name, this movie is all about suspense, drama, and keeping you on your toes to find out how the protagonist stays ahead. A movie worth watching time and again.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King - The finale of the trilogy often has certain expectations to achieve, and this one does just that. All of the aspects of the film are done to such detail and excellence that it is hard to find a low point in the story. Battles are not too frequent, and are required for story telling. The mood of the characters and the situation is very real on the screen, as they face peril and fight for survival. The pacing is done well for such a long movie, and the soundtrack is dynamic and very supportive. I was looking forward to a great conclusion to the movie series, and was greatly satisfied.
Kate & Leopold - One of the best romantic dramas that I can recall, this movie brings out the great character and benefits of the past while being charming and humorous. Great performances allow the wonderful story to flow seemlessly, and just enough humor is included to give depth to the characters. Also, the few special effects are spectacular, adding a great backdrop to a wonderful performance. Excellent movie!
Hart's War - 3/03 An interesting perspective of World War II, this movie never gives you the whole picture of what's going on until the very end. This is fine, because you are sucked into the great characters and realistic portrayal of the conditions at that time. I'd have to say it's a bit better than Pearl Harbor in the sense that it doesn't have the romance part of the story to get in the way of drama. Warp 7.2
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Part two of this famous trilogy allows the many characters to develop and bring forth the bulk of the story. This is a long movie, but balanced very well. The special effects are outstanding, especially during battle scenes. There isn't really any blood and gore, which is surprising in this day in age. The story pulls you in so easily, you won't realize the time has gone until the film is done.
K-19 - I love submarine movies, so they tend to be favorites no matter what. This one is from a unique perspective, letting us see how it was on the other side of the cold war. Harrison Ford does well with his accent, contiuning a history of great movies. Action and suspense drive the story, though not in the usual submarine way. Original and educating at the same time, it is on the favorites list.
Star Trek Nemesis - The tenth chapter of the Star Trek movies, and the fourth and final one for the TNG crew. Compared to the first six Trek movies, it almost stands up to Wrath of Khan, but the theme in Star Trek II is much more supported than what is attempted in Nemesis. First Contact had a more fulfilling plot and story arc than Nemesis, mostly because of the history of the Borg in the series. While it was great to see more of the Romulans as well as a lengthy, engaging, and tactical ship battle, Nemesis seemed to fail most peoples' expectations. It was a grand closure to the Next Generation movie list, though, and an easy favorite.
The Sum of All Fears - Based on Tom Clancey's popular book, this thriller follows CIA agents as they try to protect the US from terrorists. While previews revealed that the CIA wasn't very effective, the story continues to be thrilling as the mystery unfolds. I was disappointed that the antagonists became Nazis for the movie, while they were from the Middle East in the book. While it makes sense to be careful in the wake of September 11, I believe this detracted from the reality of the story. Being pushed into the center of a govenment crisis makes this movie a favorite.
Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge of the Sith - The last of the Star Wars movies, it had the highest expectations. For most people, they were realized. While continuing to experience the world of the Republic and the Jedi Order, as well as the Clone Wars in action, we see the expected fall to the dark side of Anakin Skywalker. For me the transition still seemed sudden and slightly unrealistic, with not as much support or reason as you'd expect from a Jedi as portrayed in the beginning of the movie. But the dark side of the force is strong and controlling, so that explains the rest. Being able to connect the prequels with the first trilogy is great. Actions sequences are top notch, especially Yoda with a lightsaber once again. John Williams does a superb job of using the music themes to support the action and setting, relying on all five previous movies as well as an engaging new theme. This movie was my favorite once I saw my first preview. I saw it three times in theaters and will certainly purchase the DVD! =)
Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones - George Lucas has outdone himself again with the continuation of his prequel series. With the development of the characters from Episode I, he was able to devle into the history that made the scene for Episode IV, while providing awesome action scenes, set up the love between Anakin and Padme, and show what true digital capturing can look and sound like. My favorite part being able to follow a Jedi on his mission to solve a mystery, which of course included space battles and fights with a lightsaber. I love the digital Yoda much more than the young Yoda from Episode I. Overall this movie is a step better than Episode I, but doesn't have the personality of the original trilogy.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - 12/01 I didn't know much of anything about this famous book trilogy when I went to see it in the theater, but was amazed by the depth of the story as well as how well it was brought to life on the movie screen. Scenery shots were outstanding. I really enjoyed this movie, having never read any book beyond The Hobbit. Warp 8.5
Tomorrow Never Dies - 1/00 Here is another great action
movie, with all of the plot twists and stunts you could ask for.
Pierce Brosnan does a superb job as James Bond. Warp 7.6!
American Pie - 12/99 I didn't think I would
enjoy this movie very much, but was quite surprised to find my mind changed.
A good portrayal of life of senior guys, if only from their memory of it.
Realistic characters, even if many of the events aren't. Steady at
Warp 6.5.
The Jackal - 9/99 Bruce Willis and Richard Gere go
head to head in this older movie that still keeps you in your seat.
Not one to take your girlfriend to, unless she's into the action/detective-type
movie. Warp 6 is appropriate for this cruising movie.
The Game - 6/99 Can you say puzzled? That is
how you may be after getting into this excellent movie, where the viewer
never really knows what is truly going on, or what will ultimately happen.
A superb original, in my opinion. Warp 8.1!
Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace - 5/99
Go Star Wars! Okay, this is just another example of the great
power of the epic, as told through George Lucas' amazing story telling.
Special effects are spectacular, characters and plot development are superb,
and the path toward Episode IV becomes all the more clear. This movie
is speeding away at hyper speed, or Warp 9!!
Urban Legends - 3/99 If you are thinking about seeing
this movie, be prepared for an action/fright movie that you won't want
to see again. I feel sorry for those who paid theater prices to see it.
Some effects were pretty nice, but the only interesting part was finding
out who the killer actually was. Warp 3 is an appropriate factor.
So I Married an Axe Murderer - 3/99 I know, this one
has been out for a while. I decided to see it for once, as someone else
was showing it on our floor, and it turned out to be okay. Not as good
as "Seven," though. :) I'll give it a factor of Warp 5.5, almost cruising
speed.
Shakespeare In Love - 3/99 What a movie! It enhances
the meaning and drama of Shakespeare's classic "Romeo and Juliet" and turns
it into a real-life story, intertwining them to make a very romantic film.
The realistic show of Shakespeare's time in England was also great. Warp
8!
Ever After - 3/99 Another film that shows well the
industrializing Europe, only this time France. I applaude the depth of
characters and complex plot crossings to make a true fairy tell come to
life. Warp 7.5 is a descent factor.
The Mask of Zorro - 3/99 Who knew that Zorro was such
an epic? I must say that I was hooked after the first scene, and it just
got better. If you like adventure at all, this movie will more than suffice!
Stories dealing with passing down the crown (or mask) often turn out wonderful.
This film deserves a factor of Warp 8. :)
Allan's Favorite Movies & Books List
Back to Home Page
Last updated 7-30-05 (changes in progress)
