"Kid, the next time I say, "Let's go someplace like Bolivia," let's GO someplace like Bolivia."

#73: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid


Watched on January 30, 2011
Released in 1969
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064115/


Fun Fact: The Sundance Film Festival was named for Redford's character in this movie.  Redford was one of the main founders of this festival.

Rob's Thoughts: When the movie opened, I was afraid I wasn't going to like it.  It started off slow and then the awkward "Rain Drops Keeps Falling on my Head" scene came on.  It felt out of place and I was doubting the movie.  Then the flow of the movie changed.  The way Newman and Redford played off of each other was amazing.  Redford was definitely my favorite out of the two. This movie definitely surprised me and so far, probably is my favorite film we have watched so far.

Whit's Thoughts: I initially thought I wasn't going to like this movie. Guns, the Wild West, bank robbers, saloons, and horses generally aren't my cup o' tea. I was even more concerned when the opening of the movie was shot in sepia tone and I thought that was the way the whole movie was going to be! But, thankfully, full color in all its glory filled our TV screen and the guns and horses took a back seat to Newman and Redford's comical, joshing exchanges. I caught myself laughing at several parts, including the scene for "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head" - which was awkward and out of place in the movie (note that this scene is even awkwardly shown on the movie poster above - the black and white drawing of a girl on the handlebars of a bicycle). But Newman and Redford's adventure quickly brought me back into the movie. Ultimately, I enjoyed this movie and would honestly watch it again - knowing that I can take a popcorn break during the "Rain Drops" scene.

"Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again"

#90: Swing Time


Watched on January 28, 2011
Released in 1936
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028333/


Fun Fact: In the scene with "The Way You Look Tonight", Ginger Rogers is seen to be washing her hair.  The crew tried various soaps, shampoos, and even egg white, but is always ran down her face too quickly.  They achieved success with whip cream.

Rob's Thoughts:  Another great movie musical.  This was my first time seeing an Astaire/Rogers movie, and I really liked it.  Their chemistry and musical/dance numbers were amazing.  The movie had its blend of comedy and romance.  The one scene that stuck out for me was "Bojangles of Harlem".  I loved Astaire's dancing and the ensemble's choreography.  If you have not seen an Astaire/Rogers movie, this one should be on the top of your list.

Whit's Thoughts: I was so excited to watch this movie! I had never seen a Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movie and, when I read that the movie contained one of my favorite songs, "The Way You Look Tonight", I was even more excited. The dancing in the movie was astounding. Flawlessly done and generally in one complete take. I don't know that anyone in Hollywood today could do what these two did. The movie had several comic parts and fun one-liners. However, I felt that the storyline was weak. There wasn't much to it - within the first 20 minutes you pretty much knew what was going to happen. But the dancing and musical numbers were fantastically rich, making up for the loose plot.

"My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you."

#98: Yankee Doodle Dandy

Watched on January 25, 2011

Released in 1942

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035575/


Fun Fact: George M. Cohan chose James Cagney to play him.

Rob's Thoughts: I honestly liked this movie.  James Cagney was very entertaining as George Cohan and his singing/dancing was flawless.  Also, it had been a while since I had heard "Yankee Doodle" and "Grand Old Flag, so it was great to hear those tunes.  If you are a fan of musical movies, I would recommend this classic.

Whit's Thoughts: When we sat down to watch this movie, I turned to Rob during the opening credits and asked, "What is this movie about again?". We immediately paused the movie and did a quick Google search on it. I had no idea it was based on a true story and I had no idea who George Cohan was. So, with that in mind, we continued watching. I can honestly say this movie has everything in it - drama, comedy, music, dancing...and a fairly interesting story line! I was amazed to learn about the songs George Cohan introduced into our culture, the impact he had on Broadway, and that he was he was the first person in an artistic field to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Ultimately, I enjoyed this movie. Even though I am still humming "Yankee Doodle". 

"Well, nobody's perfect."

#22: Some Like it Hot


Watched on January 7, 2011
Released in 1959
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053291/


Fun Fact: When Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis first put on the female make-up and costumes, they walked around the Goldwyn Studios lot to see if they could "pass" as women. Then they tried using mirrors in public ladies rooms to fix their makeup, and when none of the women using it complained, they knew they could be convincing as women. There is a scene on the train recreating this moment. 

Rob's Thoughts: Now I understand the whole appeal for Marilyn Monroe.  I know she was very beautiful, but she could act!  Her chemistry with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon was amazing.  Overall, the movie's plot was clever and watching Lemmon and Curtis dress as women were very funny.  I highly recommend this movie.

Whit's Thoughts: This was definitely a movie before it's time! Who would have thought that, in 1959, a film about cross dressers would have won an Oscar. But it did and rightfully so. Monroe was stunningly beautiful and witty. Lemmon and Curtis were fantastically convincing and funny - from their costumes, to their acting and the delivery of their lines. "Some Like It Hot" is a film that is just as relevant and humorous today as it was in 1959.

"We're going to California, ain't we? All right then let's go to California."

#23: The Grapes of Wrath


Watched on January 2, 2011
Released in 1940
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032551/


Fun Fact: Henry Fonda kept the hat he wore in the movie for the rest of his life, until he passed away in 1982.

Rob's Thoughts: Overall, I thought it was a good movie.  I thought the acting by Henry Fonda was great. I always liked the novel and story, but seeing it on the big screen, it was alright.  I would still recommend it because it does show the hardship that America went through during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.

Whit's Thoughts: I was excited about watching this movie. I had read the book in high school and remember the story and Steinbeck's writing leaving an impression on me. However, I felt that the movie was a little disappointing. It seemed slow and I don't know that it captured what I had envisioned in my mind when I first read the book. What it did do was portray, in pictures, the hardships that families had to endure during that dark time in America's history - death, hunger, and loss. And, that, leaves its own impression.

"Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!"

#28: All About Eve

Watched on January 1, 2011

Released in 1951

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042192/

Fun Fact: It is the only movie in history to receive 4 female acting nominations (2 for best actress and 2 for best supporting actress).

Rob's Thoughts:  When the movie started, I didn't know if I would like it or not.  Anne Baxter's character, she was kind of "looney", but I honestly really liked the movie.  With Bette Davis in it, you cannot go wrong.  She is one of the best actresses of all time and she is great in this film.  I would recommend this film if you are looking for a straight-forward story with GREAT acting.  Plus, there is a cameo by Marilyn Monroe.

Whit's Thoughts: I loved this movie. Bette Davis was phenomenal as the strong-willed diva. And Eve's character was incredibly dynamic - I wasn't sure if I hated her or if I just felt sorry for her. The movie had all of the essential plot elements: romance, deceit, humor, and drama. I found myself reading various quotes from the movie just to remember the scenes. 

The Plan

Welcome to our blog! Before we start talking about our thoughts on the movies, we felt it was best to have a plan  of action. In order to achieve our goal of 100 movies in 365 days or 52 weeks, we figure we will need to watch two movies every single week. We will be using a system to randomly select what movies we will watch and when we watch them. We hope to have a "movie timeline" of some sort on here in the next couple of days.
For the most part, we'll be using Netflix as our movie provider, although we do own some of the movies in the list.
Want to join us in this adventure? We are planning on having a movie viewing party every once in a while. We'll be sure to let you know when it is!
I think that is pretty much everything!
So grab your popcorn and join us for a year at the movies!