Top 10 Movies of All Time Review

Following the lead of others, I've decided to list the 10 DVDs that get played over and over in my household, in no particular order:

Boogie Nights - a gorgeous snap shot of 1970s, pre-AIDS America, when porn looked as if it had a snowball's chance in hell of making it as mainstream entertainment. Surprisingly touching and warm, considering the subject matter...this film really brings home the message that all those tacky porn industry folks of the 70s were people. Misfits, but people, nonetheless.

Magnolia - Ok, so you can tell I've got a thing for P.T. Anderson. He's pretty much a genius, in my opinion, and this movie is a masterpiece. I even find myself thinking Tom Cruise can really act. Seeing as how he's just about my least favorite actor, that says a lot. I find something new every time I watch Magnolia, and it never ceases to leave me with my jaw hanging. Great music, too. And Phillip Seymore Hoffman? Brilliant.

The Hours - I'm also a sucker for Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, and they're both great in this movie which, like Magnolia, offers something new every time I watch it. Phillip Glass' score is haunting, the cinematography is breathtaking, and the script is amazing. The one weak spot is Nicole Kidman's acting, which strikes me as stiff and cartoonish.

Bowfinger - No, I don't only go for dark, serious, heavy movies. Bowfinger is the funniest comedy that almost noone bothered seeing. I've watched it often enough to make up for those who've never heard of it. If you like Steve Martin, and miss the days when Eddie Murphy was funny, and if you like anything that pokes fun at the entertainment industry, rent this dvd. It's riot, and it's loads of fun.

Impromptu - Another movie that only a few have seen. I found this movie on PBS, quite by accident, about 15 years ago, and immediately ordered the video. Once I switched to DVD, it was among the first titles I bought. Judy Davis is great as a brash, young George Sand who, in a departure from the usual formulaic romance, goes about to seduce Chopin, as brilliantly played by a young Hugh Grant. Emma Thompson has a very funny turn in this, and Broadway darling Bernadette Peters is great as the would-be foil to Geoge Sand's plans.

Goodfellas - I'm from Brooklyn, so indulge my love for all things Mafia-related. And when it comes to mafia movies, Goodfellas is the best one. Yes, even better than The Godfather, which is another favorite but, in my opinion, not as gritty and real. My copy of Goodfellas is at risk being completley worn out, as I've watched it so many times. Do DVDs wear out?

Waiting for Guffman - I love all of Christopher Guest's movies, but this one is my fave. When I watch it, I watch all of it - every single DVD extra. It's that good. And Parker Posey's dramatic reading? I usually watch that 3 or 4 times, because it's so crazy/wierd/hilarious/creepy.

De-Lovely - Cole Porter's music, as interpreted by someof the best people in the music industry today, featured in a movie starring Kevin Kline, who has got to be one of the most charmng guys, ever. What's not to love? It's a great story, with fabulous music, great costumes and sets, and solid acting. Sweet and heart-breaking. I always get teary-eyed at Kline's version of So In Love.

Life as a House - Another little-known gem, also starring Kevin Kline. Kline plays a life-long ailure who, on finding out he's dying, decides to tear down his house and build the hous eof his dreams, all in an effort to bond with the troubled son he barely knows. Hayden Christensen is remarkable as the tortured 16 year old who's prone to tearing up like a five year old when things don't go his way. I dare you to see this without getting a lump in your throat.

Breakfast at Tiffany's - Yes, a dark horse, this one. What can I say? I love Audrey Hepburn  (who doesn't?)  I've also been a huge fan, for many years, of all things related to Truman Capote. While the movie version is very different from Capote's book, and I know Capote wasn't happy with it, I think it's the only way the movie could have been made way back when, and it works. The somewhat racist scenes with Mickey Rooney are cringe-worthy - this is true. I just FF past them every time.

Honorable mention:

• Julia 
• Amy and Jaguar
• The Color Purple
• Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic
• Mansfield Park
• Aliens