Poll Result: Favourite Robert Zemeckis Film?

Literally one whole person voted this week and alone decided that their favourite Robert Zemeckis film of all time was Back To The Future. Surely a worthy candidate and one that many will agree with.

Remeber to vote for whether you think Eddie Murphy will be a good Oscar host this year by scrolling down. Also prepare for a new poll which this week will be: Favourite Morgan Freeman Film?


Happy Voting!

Poll Result: Should There Be A Toy Story 4?

The So I Saw This Film readership have voted again and have emphatically said NO to whether there should be another Toy Story film. The poll was posted in response to a comment made recently by Tom Hanks that a fourth film could be on it's way.

I had a sneaky suspicion that the vote would turn out that way. The way I see it, the third movie was the perfect way to end. Successful film series can be put to bed whilst they are still doing well. Otherwise you end up saturating viewers and leaving them with the image of whatever film comes last in their mind. They will forget about the three brilliant movies so far if a fourth film is rushed into release. So take our advice, DON'T DO IT!

Thanks for voting guys. Remember to vote for your favourite Robert Zemeckis film below and to vote in our new poll which this week will be: Eddie Murphy: Good Choice As Oscar Host?

I want to get our readers more involved so if you have any polls you would like to see posted on the site, let us know. Cheers guys!

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Poll Result: Favourite 'Toy Story' Film?

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - H

After a slight break in the regularity of these posts, it is time to resume our journey through the So I Saw This Film's top rated films for every letter of the alphabet. Today we take a look at the best films beginning with the letter H...

The Hangover

Admittedly The Hangover is probably the first comedy film to make it onto these lists. It always feels weird saying that a comedy film ranks among your favourite films of all time because for some reason you feel they don't deserve to rank among of greats. But of course, this is silly. If you love a film, say it. And I did love this film. I haven't had the pleasure of watching the second film yet but if it's anything like the first it will be worth watching. A brilliant comedy.

Horton Hears A Who!

OK, maybe this one is taking what I just said a little bit too far. I doubt whether Horton Hears A Who! will feature among many lists of this type but, for me, this film was pure genius. The voice talents of Jim Carrey made this such an enjoyable watch and they truly did the original story justice. Love it.

The Hurt Locker

A truly brilliant film from 2008 and worthy winner of an incredible 6 Academy Awards. The film launched many a career and rightly so. It is one of the best war films around and manages to focus on the new form of warfare that hasn't been touched on much in films so far. If you haven't seen this one where have you been. Check it out.

The Hurricane

I can't think of a more perfect film for somebody like me than the sublimely cool Denzel Washington starring in a moving boxing film. The story is magnificent and I won't hear those who will criticise it for bending the truth. It remains a top quality film and a must watch for boxing film fans. Check out my review of it here.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - G

Poll Result: Favourite Harry Potter Film?

Goblet Of Fire

We've got another draw on your hands in the second of this weeks poll results. The fourth Harry Potter installment (Goblet Of Fire) came joint first position with the last film (Deathly Hallows: Part 2). Anyone who has read my review of the final film will already have worked out that I totally disagree with the result. But thanks again for voting everyone!

The new poll this week will be: Should There Be A Toy Story 4? I'm sure this will prove to be a contentious subject.

The second of the So I Saw This Film's polls is currently running and so be sure to vote for your favourite film from director Robert Zemeckis.

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'Toy Story 4' In The Pipeline?

Poll Result: Favourite Quentin Tarantino Film?

Pulp Fiction

The readers have really done themselves proud this week with huge numbers voting so thanks a lot guys. This week you were voting for your favourite Quentin Tarantino film and it was quite a close one with Pulp Fiction coming out top by just one vote. Inglorious Basterds and Kill Bill:Volume 1 came joint second with two votes each.

The poll is now closed but if you want your opinion heard let us know in the comment section which Tarantino film floats your boat.

A new poll will now be posted and this week it will be: Favourite Robert Zemeckis Film? Get voting once again and the results will be posted next week.

Cheers guys!

Poll Result: Favourite 'Transformers' Film

Well done for voting yet again guys and an interesting result in this one. We have our first draw since the polls began to be reported on and the draw comes between Transformers and Dark Of The Moon. No surprises that Revenge Of The Fallen got no votes and I think a fair result all round. People obviously loved the first film and felt that the third film regained what we loved about Transformers after a poorly received second film.

Voting continues on your favourite Quentin Tarantino film and at the moment Pulp Fiction is out in the lead, with Kill Bill: Volume 1 following closely behind. Don't agree? Let your vote be heard.

And I guess that makes it time for a new poll. So the new poll beginning today will be this: Favourite Harry Potter Film? Make sure to get voting and check out my review of the final Harry Potter film.

Cheers guys!

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - G

What is it, like week 7 of this series? I hope you're all enjoying it so far. Make sure you're up to date with A-F before we start. If your new to this feature it's a simple principle: the So I Saw This Film teams favourite films for each letter. Bring on the G;s....

Gladiator

You can never really overlook a film that won five Oscars including Best Actor and Best Picture in these types of lists, nor one that was nominated for pretty much every other award. The film brought Russell Crowe his only Oscar to date, proving that it is in fact his greatest performance, even though I have enjoyed some of his recent films including State Of Play and The Next Three Days, the latter of which you'll find a review for on this site. Another of his greatest roles was in American Gangster which featured when I looked in depth at the best films for the letter A. The music is divine and Hans Zimmer proves his genius again. You can't not have seen this.

The Green Mile

The Green Mile is one of the most emotionally evocative films out there and proved to be another hit for lead man Tom Hanks. It is a hugely successful and popular films and remains a timeless classic full of wonder. I don't think any of these lists haven't featured Tom Hanks thus far!

The Godfather

How could this not feature? For me it's not as perfect a film as it is made out to be but when you're talking about The Godfather not being perfect it still manages to be one of the most well known and best loved films of all time. Number 2 in the IMDb Top 250 only to the Shawshank Redemption (which I've never understood). 'Say hello to my little friend!'
(P.S. Godfather II and III both should be up here but I'm classing them all under the Godfather)

Gran Torino

I didn't think I'd enjoy this film all that much when I first saw it advertised. It looked like it was just an opportunity for Clint Eastwood to make a film about himself that nobody would really be able to relate to. Well I was wrong. I admit it. He manages to kick major ass despite being grey and proves once again that he is both a world-class actor and sublime director.

Grosse Pointe Blank

A slick and stylish John Cusack film that may not be for everyone but is certainly for us. The film features one of the best all time soundtracks (I'm begining to sound like the Cusack from High Fidelity now). Check this one out.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - F

Poll Results: Favourite 'Toy Story' Film

The So I Saw This Film readers have been busy again in the voting department and have decided that their favourite of the Toy Story trilogy was Toy Story 3. In this one I think any one of the three could have come out on top but it seems fitting that the only Oscar winning film out of the three was victorious.

Voting continues on your favourite of the three Transformers films after the release of Dark Of The Moon recently so be sure to check that out and vote.

The new poll will be to find out your favourite film from Quentin Tarantino. Reservoir Dogs? Pulp Fiction? Inglorious Basterds? Let us know.....

Thanks once again for voting guys.

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - F

We're at week 6 in the weekly journey through the best films for each letter. This week it's F, so if you've missed any be sure to catch up. Anyway, on with the show....

Forrest Gump

I think this is either the third or fourth film from the Robert Zemeckis portfolio to appear on these lists so far and so I guess that makes him my favourite director. Forrest Gump is a film that you will never forget watching for the first time and one which is endlessly enjoyable. One of Tom Hanks' greatest performances. The Zemeckis/Hanks partnership never fails in my eyes.

The Full Monty

Not only is The Full Monty is a wonderfully funny comedy but it is also an insight into the hardships faced by certain Britons during the Thatcher era. It deals with an issue so taboo at the time in a darkly comic way that is also designed to lift people's spirits. An awesome soundtrack on this one too.

Fight Club

Fight Club can never be overlooked in this type of list. The duo of Edward Norton and Brad Pitt works so brilliantly and rumours have surfaced recently that the pair may appear together again for the first time since Fight Club. If you haven't seen this one you're missing out.

Four Lions

If you had asked me before I saw Four Lions whether I thought a comedy that centred on terrorism would ever work, or would ever be green-lighted in the first place, I would have said you were crazy. I decided to watch it on recommendation and it turned out to be one of the most outrageous comedies I've ever seen. Somehow they made it work and it was downright hilarious. Probably not for everyone though.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

For me Ferris Bueller's Day Off is just the perfect childhood film. Yes, I did use the word perfect. It's a comedy caper that doesn't fall into the trap of being an unoriginal snoozefest. Matthew Broderick gives the performances of his life in this one. The final scene ranked among my top five film scenes. Check this one out if you haven't and check out the So I Saw This Film review.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - E

Poll Result: Favourite Eddie Murphy Film

Murphy In Trading Places

After a week of voting the So I Saw This Film readers have decided that they could not choose between Shrek and Trading Places as their favourite Eddie Murphy films of all time.

I'm not surprised Shrek made it up there but I thought it would be able to defeat the opposition in this one.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite of the three Toy Story films after the news that a fourth could be on the way ( scroll down to find this poll).

The new poll about the go up now is to see how successful the new Transformers film was. So get thinking and vote for your favourite of the three Transformers films and the results will be revealed this time next week.

Thank to all those who voted! Get those votes in again.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - E

Week five has arrived and it's time to look at those wonderful films that begin with the letter E. How is everyone liking this feature so far? Let me know if you do. Anyway, let us crack on and take a gander at some great films (by the way there aren't too many films I've seen that begin with E so this may not be the greatest list of all time).

The English Patient

As romantic as you like, The English Patient is one of those films you think you won't enjoy but you end up loving. This is a great highlight in Ralph Fiennes' career and is a beautiful story of love and devotion. Juliette Binoche is as stunning as ever in the WWII set film. A must watch for absolutely anyone.

E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial

Every time I see this film it brings up memories of childhood. With stunning special effects for its time and an alien character that is more loveable than most, it isn't hard to see why it has been labelled as one of the greatest family films of all time or why it won four Oscars. I watch it every time it comes on and it remains a timeless classic.

Eagle Eye

Now it may not be the greatest film ever made but for sheer cool rating Eagle Eye has to make it into my top list of E's. Ok, so the story is pretty far fetched, but if you switch off and go with it it might surprise you. Cool is the only word that comes to mind when I think of this film.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

I actually switched this film off the first time I saw as I just wasn't getting into the story. However, after many people suggesting that I give the film another chance I did and I'm certainly pleased I did. The performances by both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are stunning and the story may be nonsensical at times but it retains intrigue in the audience throughout.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - D

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - D

Welcome to the fourth installment of the series where I take a deeper look at the films the top films that didn't make it onto my final Cinematic Alphabet but that are well worthy of praise. For those of you following the series apologies for the delay but from now on it will return to being a weekly post. So settle down as So I Saw This Film takes a look at My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth. This week it's D:

Dances With Wolves

Dances With Wolves is one of those films that astounded me all the way through. And that statement is coming from someone who before wasn't a particular fan of Kevin Costner. It is an absolute must watch for any film fan; a beautifully cinematic landscape throughout combined with an emotional storyline and many heart warming moments. The ending is kind of lame but it is still one of my favourite films and a must see.

District 9

District 9 provides a brilliant mix of a hilarious script, outstanding CGI effects combined with great live-action scenes and a great storyline. For some reason I found it one of the funniest films I've seen when I first saw it despite the fact that it's basically an alien based thriller. I can't wait for the sequel to arrive but wonder how they can possibly improve on the first one.

The Darjeeling Limited

A fantastically indie travel film starring Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman as three brothers travelling across India by train in a spiritual quest of sorts. The storyline really speaks to anyone like me who dream of travelling on the Indian railways and I think therein lies the reason for my enjoyment. Easily my favourite Wilson film and my second favourite Brody film after The Pianist.

Disturbia

I very much doubt this will have made it onto many lists of this type but again the storyline of the film spoke to me. I think the combination of a home alone teenager and the spying element would speak to any Male's teenage side. I'm personally a fan of Shia LaBeouf but to enjoy this film you really have to be.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - C
'Disturbia' Review

LOST And Found: Top 10 Film Performances From The Cast Of Lost

Despite how you may or may not have loved how Lost turned out, I think everyone can agree that it was one of the most jaw-dropping, on the edge of your seat putting TV series of the 20th century by far. It stirs up such vehemently passionate discussions every time it comes up in conversation and that's what a good series should do.

However, those who starred in Lost have had a hard time shaking off those characters, due to the fact that they were so popular. So I've compiled this list of the Top Ten Film Performances From The Cast Of Lost to encourage appreciation of the projects you may not have noticed them in.

10  - Claire Littleton (Emilie de Ravin) - Emily (Brick, 2005)

It wasn't the biggest film role ever but it displayed just how well Emilie de Ravin can played really messed up characters. I would have thought she used the role as inspiration for her performances towards the end of the Lost series. She is currently broadening her film career having starred in Remember Me alongside Robert Patinson.

9 - Michael Dawson (Harold Perrineau) - Flynn (28 Weeks Later, 2007)

Harold Perrineau as Flynn

Harold Perrineau starred in a pretty cool role as the helicopter pilot who saves the children at the end of 28 Weeks Later. In the film he destroys same Rage infested humans by flying a helicopter into them.Can't get much cooler than that. Perrineau currently has five films in production! Way to move on man.




8 - Mr Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) - Wombosi (The Bourne Identity, 2002)

Mr Eko was probably my favourite Lost character of the second series. He kicked ass and had an immense background story. But did you know that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje also had a small role in The Bourne Identity? His character Wombasi shot Bourne in the back on his boat after Bourne failed to assassinate him.


7 - Benjamin Linus (Michael Emerson) - Zep Hindle (Saw, 2004)

Michael Emerson played a sadistic character in the first Saw film back in 2004. He met the Jigsaw Killer whilst he was an orderly in a hospital and they formed a bond. He is somewhat of a red herring throughout the film as we believe he is the killer. Emerson's TV career is still going strong.


6 - John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) - Jerry Blake (The Stepfather, 1986)

The Stepfather

I think the Lost actors must have been chosen for their fucked up roles in the past. Way back in 1986 Terry O'Quinn, who we know better as John Locke, took a starring role in The Stepfather. He plays a man looking for the perfect family. When his family turns out not to be everything he hoped, he kills them. He then moves town, change his identity and does the same thing with another family. The DVD cover speaks for itself on this one.






5 - Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly) - Connie James (The Hurt Locker, 2008)

Evangeline Lilly had a relatively small appearance in the Oscar winning film The Hurt Locker in which she

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - C

We've made it through A and B and now it's time to take a look at those films that didn't quite make it into My Cinematic Alphabet but are worthy of a mention. Be sure to check out the previous two installments and keep checking back to follow the series. Here we go:

Children Of Men

I was in absolute awe upon finishing watching this film for the first time. The final half an hour is probably my favourite extended film scene ever. The cinematography displayed towards the end is absolutely sublime and Clive Owen manages to perform a role that doesn't annoy me. Wholly original and jaw dropping film.

Castaway

We come to my favourite film of all time in the form of Castaway. It's a film that never gets old and provides what is, in my opinion, Tom Hanks' most memorable role. If you have been following the series you'll have noticed at least two Robert Zemeckis films so far. He crops up again here with a film that proves that less is more.

Cloverfield

Yet another jaw-dropping cinematic masterpiece, this time from director Matt Reeves. The handheld camera technique may not work for every film but the special effects in this one were so impressive that it felt brilliantly real. The storyline has a high level of emotion throughout. Cloverfield 2 is in the pipeline so look out for that.

City Of God

My favourite film in a foreign language right here. The film is a touching tale of childhood and growing up. Some truly shocking moments in this one combine with a thrilling, politically based plot to deliver a groundbreaking film. Unfortunately the sequel, City Of Men, doesn't live up to this standard.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Here is my first guilty pleasure to find my lists so far. I can't tell you how much I laughed when I first saw this movie. The plot doesn't sound particularly intriguing when you first read it but the humour holds it together to make a brilliant film. You can tell the makers had a lot of fun making it.


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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - B
My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - A

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - A

I thought I'd take a closer look at My Cinematic Alphabet and pick out a few notably brilliant films for each letter. This is to highlight those films that I couldn't fit in the original post but that are certainly worthy of a mention.

Keep your eyes open for these posts as I'll be posting one a week for each letter. Enjoy!

A

American Gangster

I picked out American Gangster because it has got to be Dezel Washington's most bad-ass character ever. I am a huge fan of Denzel, who manages to remain one of the coolest men in Hollywood, due to his emotional performances and how he captures each role he plays perfectly. I'm surprised he never received much in the way of awards for his performance in this one. He captured the character effortlessly and brought us some downright scary moments of explosive anger that prove his worth as an actor. It contains probably my favourite Russell Crowe performance to boot. I simply cannot fault this one.

American History X

I've seen this one on many lists of this type recently, and for good reason. Again this film contains one of the most bad-ass performances ever by Edward Norton and that's one reason it stands out for me. There really is no comparing Norton's early career with the stuff he does now. The storyline in this one is so moving and the imagery is so shocking at times but it remains entirely captivating throughout. It deals with a gritty and taboo subject brilliantly. They couldn't have done it better.

Apollo 13

For me this is a film from my childhood. I remember being so gripped by what I saw and completely struck by how amazing Tom Hanks' performance was. You just cannot beat his early career which included classics such as The 'burbs and Big because they all seem to transport you to memories of being young. It may not be his greatest film ever but the story remains so moving due to the truth behind the story. This is a proper feel-good film.

American Beauty

 I don't know why it is that three out of four of the films so far begin with the word American. Anyway, here is another classic that does. I think I love films because of the great performances they contain. For me this is Kevin Spacey's best in a career that has not always left me in awe. The film contains some of the most famous scenes in the modern cinema and I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with this powerful story.

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My Cinematic Alphabet

Celebrity Look-alikes?

Marcus Wareing

Nestor Carbonell

Does anyone agree that celebrity chef Marcus Wareing and The Dark Knight Rises actor Nestor Carbonell look similar?

Join The Fish Fight Campaign

Hopefully some of my British readers will have seen Hugh's Fish Fight on More 4 recently. I've jumped on the band wagon and signed the petition to end fight discard (dead fish being thrown back in the sea because of EU laws). It's easy to do and only takes a minute.

Join the Fish Fight at http://www.fishfight.net/ or scroll down on this page and find the fish fight widget on the right hand side and sign up from there.

Thanks everyone!

My 10 Most Annoying Film Characters

What follows are possibly the most annoying ten characters cast in film ever. They make us want to scratch our eyes out and we hate them for it. Here goes:

God They Are So Annoying

10 - General Trautman (Richard Crenna) in the Rambo Trilogy. It wasn't so much that he was just outwardly annoying but that he was so entirely monotonous that he began to grate by the end.

9 - Fredo Corleone (John Cazale) in The Godfather Part II. He is severely slimy in personality and ultimately got what was coming to him.

8 - Det. Sgt. Della Pesca (Dan Hedaya) in The Hurricane. You'll remember him as the guy who constantly tried to put Denzel's character away for crimes he didn't commit. Prick.

7 - Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott) from the American Pie films. Some may find his antics funny but underneath everything he was so annoying it hurt. 

6 - Gavin Cavanagh (Rhys Ifans) in The Boat That Rocked. I really didn't think it suited Ifans to play a man so far up his own arse.  

5 - White Goodman (Ben Stiller) from Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. In this one Stiller played the leader of the Cobras dodgeball team and couldn't have been more annoying. 

4 - Alduous Snow (Russell Brand) from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek. I despise Brand and so these two characters proved to be my idea of hell.  

3 - Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in Iron Man and Iron Man 2. I severely disliked this characters due to his egotistical personality and his sense of entitlement.  

2 - Tia Russell (Jean Louisa Kelly) from Uncle Buck. She was the eldest of the three children and was a complete tearaway and annoying bitch. Do what John Candy tells you!

1 - Checkov (Anton Yelchin) in Star Trek (2009). If you don't remember he was the Russian engineer guy. I've never seen such as mix of a high voice, stupid jokes and a dodgy Russian accent in my life. He definitely takes the title of most annoying film character. AHHHHHHHHHH

My Cinematic Alphabet

This is a list of my favourite movie for each letter. I know many people have done these recently but I thought my blog could do with one. Front Room Cinema inspired me to do my own after I read his. Here's mine:

A is for American Gangster
B is for Beowulf
C is for Cast Away
D is for Deep Impact
E is for Eagle Eye
F is for Forrest Gump 
G is for Gran Torino 
H is for The Hurricane 
I is for The Italian Job (1969) 
J is for Jack 
K is for Kung Fu Panda 
L is for Logan's Run 
M is for Man On Fire 
N is for No Country For Old Men 
O is for Office Space 
P is for The Pursuit Of Happyness 
Q is for Quantum Of Solace 
R is for Return To Paradise 
S is for Swiss Family Robinson 
T is for Training Day 
U is for Up 
V is for Valkyrie 
W is for The Warriors 
X is for X-Men
Y is for Y Tu Mama Tambien  
Z is for Zulu 

How did I do? Anyone agree/disagree? Post a comment and let me know.