516. Patton

Patton
1970
Directed by Franklin Schaffer

I am really not a huge fan of war movies in general (little war humor there, which is always popular); however, I have to admit that this is one of the most well-acted, quotable films I have ever seen.

Patton starts with one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.  Patton addresses the 3rd Army, leading with these words: "Now, I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country.  He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." I was nervous when I started this movie that it would either be nauseatingly patriotic or drearily anti war.  Fortunately, we get a happy middle that seems a lot more real than previous (and future) entries on The List.

Still, this film is not without its faults.  It does tend to drag on for a bit; like I said before, war movies bore me quite easily.  I think it was slightly easier for me to watch since it was more about a man than a war.  Definitely worth a place in The Book.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

George C. Scott won the Oscar for Best Actor, but refused to accept it since he was fundamentally opposed to the idea of award shows.

John Wayne hoped to play Patton but was rejected by the producer.

Opening speech:

480. Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes
1968
Directed by Franklin Schaffer

Isn't there yet another sequel coming out soon?  Ugh.  Give it a rest already.  It is good, it's not that good!

A crew of astronauts have been traveling for eighteen months through hyperspace (so it has actually been like a thousand years because science...) when their spaceship crash lands on an unknown planet. After a group of humans raid their camp, they quickly realize that apes in charge of the entire planet, while humans are hunted, killed, or captured.  Guess which one happens to the black guy!  Guess which one happens to the heroic white guy!  Go on, guess!

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you might already know how I feel about Charlton Heston.  He is a boring actor to watch, even when he is competing with Al Pacino for the Most Overacting Actor of All Time.  That being said, this was probably the best film I have seen him in.  The fact that this movie isn't just unforgivably silly because of the costumes is a great accomplishment.  I even thought some of the apes were hot.  Too much information?

In any case, this is a great and entertaining film, even if you aren't into science fiction as a rule.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

One of the first films to profit heavily from merchandising.

Ingrid Bergman was offered the role of Zira originally but turned it down, a decision she regretted in later years.