Anna from Defiant Success blog first came up with this movie meme back in May, I’ve been wanting to participate but haven’t got around to it. Other bloggers have since participated in this, here are a couple that I like: I Luv Cinema and My Film Views. Well, I figure it’s fitting to reveal more about my movie tastes as part of my blog-a-versary ‘celebration.’ Here goes:
1. Movie you love with a passion:
Sense & Sensibility. Yes this is an utterly predictable answer as I talk about this Ang Lee film so much on this blog. I love everything about it… the story, the direction, the acting, the score from Patrick Doyle that I often listen to in my car, and last but not least, the wonderful Jane Austen characters coming to life in the most beautiful way. As you know, I have a special fondness for Alan Rickman’s Col. Brandon, one of my all time fave period drama heroes!
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2. Movie you vow to never watch:
The Last Temptation of Christ. I know a lot of movie bloggers adore Scorsese, but I’m not one of them. I appreciate The Age of Innocence but that’s the only one of his film I like. I’ve seen the trailer and read about it, but I know I won’t be entertained nor enlightened by this. Whether the director meant to do so or not, I find the whole idea utterly blasphemous.
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3. Movie that literally left you speechless:…
The Passion of the Christ. This isn’t the kind of film you can easily watch with a bucket-load of popcorn. I’ve mentioned it in my Easter movies post how much this movie spoke to me in a profound way. I have to admit the brutality gets to be too much, but that is the point the filmmaker was trying to make… to show the length of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. I remember how quiet the cinema was and people didn’t move as the end credits rolled…
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4. Movie you always recommend:
Return to Me. I just love this movie so much… I dare say it’s one of the most enjoyable and well-written rom-com out there but most people have never seen it! I even dedicated a post for it a couple of years ago. It really is a poignant chick flick that anyone of any gender and any age will enjoy, I love Bonnie Hunt’s writing and David Duchovny & Minnie Driver’s sweet chemistry. Give it a chance, you won’t be disappointed!
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5. Actor/actress you always watch, no matter how crappy the movie:
You probably expect to see Gerry Butler’s name on here, right? 😉 Well I love the guy, but there are some movies of his I still refuse to see (i.e. Gamer, and I was quite reluctant to see The Ugly Truth). But Russell Crowe is ALWAYS excellent even in terrible movies (Rough Magic, Heaven’s Burning) and always make any movie watchable for me. I’m curious to see how he fares in directing, which he reportedly is in negotiation.
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6. Actor/actress you don’t get the appeal for:
Ok, perhaps it’s not fair for me to mention him as I’ve never seen Channing Tatum‘s work (other than Public Enemies but I don’t remember seeing him in it). I just zero interest in seeing his movies and every time I hear his name mentioned I just think ‘pretty boy with that stoic expression.’ Even when I saw The Eagle trailer, I kept thinking ‘why didn’t they give the lead role to Jamie Bell who’s a much better actor?!’ Who knows maybe one day he’ll change my mind, but for now I just don’t see his appeal at all.
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7. Actor/actress, living or dead, you’d love to meet:
My late mother was a fan of Audrey Hepburn, that’s why she introduced me to My Fair Lady at a young age. I’ve seen a number of Hepburn’s movies since and absolutely admire not only her beauty, but also her graceful and kind spirit. She’s involved in a lot of charitable causes in her later years, which exemplifies that true beauty is inside and out. She’s a true Hollywood icon.
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8. Sexiest actor/actress you’ve seen. (Picture required!):
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Another predictable answer, right? 😀 But seriously, I’ve been a fan of Gerry Butler for over 5 years now ever since I saw him in the form of my favorite anti-hero The Phantom of the Opera. People think I like him for his 12-pack or whatever in 300 but truthfully, I don’t care for guys THAT buff, I find it rather off-putting actually every time I see guys this ripped at the gym. Sure it fits the role in that movie but I much prefer his much leaner and rugged look with clothes ON! The 41-year-old Scot has a swagger that I find irresistible, as well as intelligence and sense of humor to complement his good looks. He seems to get better with age, too. I recently saw a photo of him at the Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards a couple of days ago, and boy doesn’t he look like a superhero in this suit!
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9. Dream cast:
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That would be the cast of my romantic thriller Hearts Want with Helen Mirren and Timothy Dalton as the leads, and full of British cast I adore 😀
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10. Favorite actor pairing:
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I have two kind of answers to this question. If it’s romantic pairing, I’ve got a top ten list of favorite movie couples. But for non-romantic pairing, the first thing that came to mind is Sean Connery & Harrison Ford as father/son duo in Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade. Can’t imagine a funnier and more riotous pairing than these two! I love the scene above when they’re both tied up together by the evil nazis. This movie is so darn entertaining because of this genius casting match! On a related note, here’s my dream on-screen duos I posted last year. Feel free to add to the list!
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11. Favorite movie setting:
Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit, it’s just so beautiful and full of history. I always enjoy seeing Italian setting in movies, too, whether in the countryside or in the cities. I specifically adore Venice, the enchanting city on water… even in bad movies like The Tourist, it never fails to charm and delights. In fact, it almost always become a ‘character’ in the movie itself. I also adore Rome whether in contemporary setting (Roman Holiday) or ancient (Gladiator).
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12. Favorite decade for movies:
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I assume this question is about movies released in that era (not ones that are set in that given period, which is a different thing entirely). I guess my answer would be a tie between 1990s and 2000s as I’ve enjoyed a bunch of movies from the past two decades, as you can see in this list.
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13. Chick flick or action movie?
My initial reaction is ACTION all the way. Especially in the cinema, I always prefer to see an action/thriller/sci-fi over a chick flick. Though of course there are always exception to be made, i.e. I saw Jane Eyre in the theater, but generally, I’m more of an action gal 😀
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14. Hero, villain or anti-hero?
I appreciate a good ‘ol valiant hero as much as the next gal, but generally, anti-heroes are just sooo much more interesting to watch. Scarlett O’Hara is a great example of an iconic anti-heroine (who says it has to always be a guy?) who uses her beauty for her own gain. Yet she is not malicious, just a deeply flawed character we love to hate.
15. Black and white or color?
I’d have to say color because I’ve become so accustomed to it. But since I prefer contemporary cinema But every now and again, I’ll see a movie in black and white and it just looks so artistic! I think today’s filmmakers should experiment with it and do it well, like what Spielberg did with Schindler’s List.
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Well that’s my answers. Thoughts/comments are always welcome! 😀
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
How often have you been to Italy?
Oh, I’ve only been there twice. Would love to return one day, as I’ve never made it to the Northern area (i.e. Milan, Lake Como). How about you?
No, I’ve never been there but I’d love to. I’ve only been out of the country once and that was almost 20 years ago (hard to believe).
I looooove it that you’ve chosen Scarlett for a good anti-hero example!!!
Hpwever, I didn’t know that you don’t like Scorsese’s works. Funny thing is The Age of Innocence is probably the only one film of his I didn’t like 🙂
He..he.. I knew you’d like that one, Lesya, but I figure she’s as compelling example as some of the male ones, if not more.
As for Scorsese, I’m not saying he’s not a talented filmmaker, I’m just not drawn to his work. I saw Age of Innocence because the story appeals to me and the fact that there’s no violence in it is a big plus, too. The acting is just brilliant, especially Day-Lewis. What didn’t you like about it, if you don’t mind me asking?
“New York, New York” was done by Scorsese, and didn’t have any violence in it. It does still deal with some very adult situations tho
I saw it a while ago and i only remember that it was tedious to me. Since I was just a child at that time who was not interested in movies like I am now, I will definitely revisit it and see whether my attitude can change.
Great post Ruth, really enjoyed reading your answers. I think I would agree with most of what you said in your answers and I think we have quite similar cinematic sensibilities so I can certainly relate to your feelings on films like Passion Of The Christ and Sense and Sensibility. I have a soft spot for rom-coms but I’m really an action kind of guy myself. Thanks for this post Ruth. Maybe I’ll do one myself.
Thanks Ronan! Yes you should do this meme, too. I’ve had fun reading other bloggers’ lists, and I’d definitely enjoy reading yours.
Passion of the Christ is a difficult one to watch. I own it and have seen it twice, but there are better movies out there about J.C. that focus more on his teachings and his life before the crucifixion. You cannot go wrong with “Last Crusade” either. It’s unfortunate that Connery wouldn’t even do a cameo in “Crystal Skull” , but he must have known how well that one would be received! Great way to get more insight on your movie taste Ruth.
Hi there Markus, how’re things in Denver?
I actually haven’t seen Passion again after seeing it in the theater when it came out, only once during a Good Friday service when the Church showed only parts of it. Yes you’re right, there are better Christ films out there that focus more on His teachings but Passion is a good complement for those I think.
Ha..ha… I think Connery had an inkling ‘Crystal Skull’ would be terrible. It’s a shame really, Spielberg + Lucas should’ve stopped when they’re ahead!
Yay, Russell Crowe! I thought Rough Magic was mildly entertaining, if extremely weird, but you’re right; Heaven’s Burning was just bad. My least favorite Crowe film to date.
This meme looks fun, but difficult. Maybe I’ll have to give it a shot.
Oh it was entertaining but can’t deny it’s baaad 😀
I hope you do this meme, too, I’ll definitely check it out.
Great stuff Ruth, as you know I love action films so I definitely agree with you on that.
I’m not much of a religious person but I did see both The Last Temptation of Christ and The Passion of The Crist, I thought they were good films but again I’m not religious so I can’t really criticize either one of them.
Ha..ha… I know you like action films way more than I do, Ted. I guess growing up w/ two brothers affected my film taste as I hardly ever went to the movies to see a drama, let alone a rom-com.
I reckon the Scorsese film might be technically competent, I just don’t care for the way he depicted Christ in it.
Russell Crowe never makes crappy movies so that’s such a sneaky answer! Ok except maybe for “Another Year” 😉
Kinda odd that I haven’t seen The Passion of the Chris yet, what happened to Jim Caviezel??
Tatum keeps getting all those roles and I’m still waiting for him to show me something! He was pretty solid in The Eagle but he never made me go WOW…
Virtuosity? I even paid to see that in the movie theater.
Here is some information about good ole Caviezel: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/may/03/jim-caviezel-passion-of-the-christ?INTCMP=SRCH
@ Castor, oh I figure you haven’t seen the two movies I mentioned? Heaven’s Burning is terrible, and I also saw Breaking Up with him and Salma Hayek, not exactly his shining hour 😀 But like I said, it’s always great watching Crowe because he’s got such a charismatic presence. I actually enjoyed Another Year btw. As for Tatum, I guess many women like his body but I just get a ‘Chippendale’ vibe from him which is such a turn-off.
@Luv – He..he.. I thought Virtuosity is a guilty pleasure variety. Crowe playing a robot, what fun! Thanks for that article about Caviezel. I’ve read that and I kind of figured that was what happened to him (being shunned by Hollywood for playing Jesus) and his interviews confirmed that. I like what he said about ‘We all have to embrace our crosses,’ and I respect him even more for that. I think he’s a terrific actor and I hope he’ll continue to work in Hollywood.
Thanks for the shout-out Ruth 🙂
I really like your list. I am intrigued by Return to Me. Never thought about that film, have seen it in my Netflix queue but I totally dismissed it. But I will give it a go based on your rec.
Never seen either Christ film – maybe one day
ITALY is an excellent choice! I have only been to the north – Florence, Venice and Milan. But being out in the countryside is absolutely gorgeous!
Audrey Hepburn was an childhood idol of mine!
Oh and Sense and Sensiblity – EXCELLENT!!!
@ Luv – you’re most welcome! I like your list a lot!
You should definitely give Return to Me a try, you won’t be disappointed. Passion of the Christ is a tough watch, but definitely a must-see for anyone regardless of what faith they hold.
Glad you agree w/ some of the answers 😀
I went to Italy for a school trip. I would like to go there again sometime. And i’m surprised you picked action. I mean, i thought you were a romantic at heart 😛
In regards to your answers to 2 and 3…they seem contradictory to me. I mean, you say the “The Last temptation of Christ” blasphemous, but then you list Passion of the Christ as a movie to see. I mean, i don’t get how one movie about Christ can be blasphemous and not the other?
Of course, this is coming from a not particularly devout jew, and i’m not trying to be insulting or anything like that, but that kind of jumped out to me.
Hi Julian, yes Italy is one of those places one should visit at least once in their lifetime. He..he.. I guess my taste in movie is rather perplexing, I do like both romance and action but since I see more action stuff in the cinema, I pick that as the answer.
I don’t think my answers are contradictory at all. Just because the subject matter is the same doesn’t mean all filmmakers will make treat the films the same way. I feel that Gibson approached the story of Christ in a respectful way and reflected what Christians believe about the crucifixion and His resurrection. I’ve said a couple of times before how I felt about the violence, in that even though generally I disagree w/ extreme brutality, in this case it was done to illustrate the point of the message.
Scorsese on the other hand, took so much liberty w/ Christ story and he also inserted so many inappropriate scenes that would really bother me. Of course there are Christians who disagree with me about the blasphemy thing and say that the filmmaker did say this is a work of fiction and therefore it wasn’t meant to be based on the Bible. But even with that argument, I still choose not to see this movie and would rather watch something that portrays my Lord with more respect.
Well i think i understand your answers more now, although i still don’t see myself watching either.Christ movie.
It’s funny how, in all the many movie-related conversations I’ve had with people, Jane Austen has never come up, but yet she seems to be such a driving force behind your love for movies. The closest I’ve come to Austen was when my girlfriend dragged me to see “The Jane Austen Book Club.” Ugh.
I like your meme, I did one too, if you have time to read it:
http://magnoliaforever.wordpress.com/2011/05/31/15-movie-questions-meme/
Hi Magnolia, I just commented on your list. OMG on #2! Seriously, how greenlit such a thing?!
I like the ‘Jane Austen Book Club’ novel, but there were parts I didn’t care for at all in the movie (I’m sure the REAL Jane Austen won’t be too thrilled with it either). I like Emily Blunt in it though, I became a fan after seeing her there.
Hi, Ruth and all:
Would love to have a long talk with Sir Alec Guinness and learn more about the Ealing Studio films. Time in the Old Vic and some insight into the varied cast members associated in Sir Alec’s may films.
Roughly, the same parameters, thoughts and background; though stateside in a discussion with Robert Duvall and/or Ed Harris.
Being a guy, Chick Flicks have never really appealed to me. Though two that have stood out and survived the test of time quite well are ‘Time After Time’ with Malcolm McDowell, David Warner and Mary Steenburgen in a time traveling hunt for Jack The Ripper.
The second, also involving time travel of a stranger sort is ‘Kate & Leopold’. I get a kick out of seeing the differences between chivalrous Hugh Jackman and contemporary Leiv Schreiber.
I heart Kate and Leopold. Totally underrated rom-com. That is the problem with rom-coms. So many of them are trash that many that are actually good get dismissed without blinking an eyelash. I am sure I missed many a good movies as a result.
Hi Jack! Oh, Alec Guiness, great choice, but I’m sure lots of people would like to ask him about Star Wars 🙂
No chick flicks for you, eh? I’d recommend that Return to Me to you because I think it’d appeal to guys, too. I understand your reluctance though, there are not many great ones out there sadly.
Oh Kate & Leopold is lovely, I should re-watch that one. I completely forgot that Hugh and Liev reunited again in Wolverine, too bad the movie is not as good as I had hoped.
Nice list Ruth. As I have the same coupling I totally agree on Harrison Ford and Sean Connery from Raiders. Excellent choice their chemistry really heightens that film!
Hey Joel! Yes, we both have the same answer for fave pairing. I think I saw you put that on your list and totally agree w/ you.
Ruth! I know you love posters! You HAVE to check out this one for Captain America! Have you seen this yet? Only 100 were printed!! http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/6/11/incredibly-cool-retro-captain-america-poster-for-cast-crew-o.html
Wahoo!! Thanks T, I’m posting that later tonite.
Channing Tatum. Who set him up with a career? Satan?
Ahah, this has got to be the best comment ever!! Beats me, Fitz.
A friend asked me whether I want to join this meme or not…it is an interesting meme, I have seen it first at Joel’s. It is interesting but I am not going to do it.
hehe your number 5 surprised me 😉
I know my number 5 will be easy to guessed.
my answer for number 6 is Brad Pitt and Jolie, and George Clooney.
I havent seen any Tatum movies yet…so, I can’t judge him yet
Well if you decide to do your own list, I think #5 and 8 would be the same answer, right Nov? 😀
Y’know, I’d agree w/ you on those three for #6 but at least they’re still talented. Tatum just seems more suitable for modeling rather than acting.
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Great 15 answers to the questions…I would have probably guessed half of them, but only as I now consider you a friend and I know quite a bit about your taste in movies.
Great to read my buddy!!
Ha..ha.. yes that’s why I said some of ’em were predictable 😀 I consider you a friend too, Custie… and I know you love Emily Blunt… A LOT! Kinda like my love for GB, he..he.. Thanks for commenting, matey!
Ha.. you and I practically vow never watch the last temptation of Christ.
Here’s what’s bugging me, so, it’s okay to mock Jesus in a movie, but imagine what happened if a movie producer makes something that mock the other ‘religion.. ” hmmm..
Agree about Passion of the Christ, it still make me speechless. other may not understand, it’s not being religious, it’s about understanding the whole context of Christ the perfect sacrifice for all, who trust in Him. I can’t put the last temptation of Christ in the same realm of the Passion of the Christ.
I haven’t watched Return to Me, but now I am intrigue by it.
Russell Crowe just can’t make a bad movie.. the last one I watch was “The Next Three Days’ wasn’t that bad at all.
Tatum is just gonna be stuck with chick flick movie..although he was good on “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints “.. After that… bleagh… He reminds me why I don’t want to watch any movie with Keanu Reeves in it.. just a pretty face but please don’t try to act… :))
I am such a sukker for movie made in Italy.. Can’t you believe it, I am not into chick flick, yet I watch Letters to Juliet, My House in Umbria & Under the Tuscan Sun. But I know part of Phanthom Menace and Attack of the Clones was made in Como and Caserta, Italy.. I was there in 1992 and it’s like God printed the view in my brain until today.. 🙂 It was the view of Prince Padme house it’s the dead give away that’s in Como…
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Just wondering…on a personal note how do you think your religiousness affected your appreciation for Passion of the Christ? Do you think if you didn’t know the back story of Jesus that it would have been as good?
Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town when you posted this comment and must’ve gotten lost in the shuffle. I personally don’t like the term ‘religious’ as it often has a negative connotation. Yes I am a person of faith and I believe in Christ as my Lord and Savior, but I do think the film excels despite the subject matter. It is technically proficient in terms of film-making and acting, as well as the music, special effects, etc. In other words, it’s got all the ingredients that make up a first rate cinematic piece.
Now, I am not one to endorse extreme violence in movies, however, in context, I believe what was depicted here did happen… and far worse than what was presented. So to answer your question, I think without knowing the back story of Jesus, I may not not as affected by it emotionally, but I’d still regard it as a well-made movie. Hope that makes sense.
Thank you for the reply, I tried to ask the question without any negative connotations as I know religious matters can be a little tricky in the wonderful world of the internet.
Your answer confirms my feeling toward the movie in that without the personal attachment it doesn’t quite play the same way. I do think, however, that you should watch The Last Temptation of Christ specifically since you vow not to watch it; I haven’t seen it but checking out the opposite side of the coin can be good in many ways. Just think of Jesus as Russell Crowe in that you’ll watch anything he’s in. 😉
Oh no, your question is fine, I wasn’t offended by it I’m just letting you know how I feel about that term in general 🙂
Well, I personally can’t take my personal belief out when I’m watching a film or even choosing a film to go see. To be fair, I did see some clips of The Last Temptation of Christ and read some reviews, so I know for sure it’s not something I can appreciate because the filmmaker deliberately ignored the source with no interest in presenting the subject matter in a respectful manner. It’s not so much WHO is playing the role of Christ, it’s how He’s portrayed, so no, I don’t think having Russell or anyone else in that matter would solve that problem.