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My Top Twenty Favorite Films

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Great films create memorable characters and interesting worlds of their own. I chose the twenty films ‘worlds’ that I enjoy visiting again and again. The order is somewhat haphazard, but I included twenty films worth exploring.  There are many more.   These films have made an impact on me, on the movies and the people who watch them. That’s My Entertainment? What’s yours?

1. The Godfather 1972
The original is one of the finest films I’ve ever seen. The sequel is almost as good. It has left a lasting impression on me, and helped me admire the power of film. A compelling story with beautiful cinematography, the Godfather takes us to a world that is as much about family as it is about crime. A young man who wanted nothing to do with the family business, and loses his soul in the process.

2. Marty 1955
Ernest Borgnine stars in this black and white study of a lonely butcher in search of love. Borgnine gives the performance of a lifetime in this classic. You may not know this film, you may never see it on a 10 greatest list, but it is very, very, good.

3. E.T.   1982
Spielberg bares his a little of himself as he tells a story of the Extra Terrestrial that just wants to go home. Deep, spiritual themes run throughout the film.

4. Psycho 1960
There are a lot of scary movies, but very few can touch the madness of Psycho. The shower scene still makes people prefer the bathtub!

5. The Wizard of Oz 1939
This color masterpiece didn’t become a true classic until it was released on TV. Judy Garland will always be remembered for Oz, a place “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

6. Goodfellas 1990
Everyone at the top of their game when this was made. Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta’s performances made this one of Scorsese’s greatest films.

7. The Great Dictator 1941
Probably Charlie Chaplin’s most personal film. Timely today as it was in 1941. His marvelous speech rejecting power and violence still resonates with audiences today.

8. The Shawshank Redemption 1994
This sleeper film hit audiences where they live: justice and freedom. Two great actors, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, carry this story from the prison depths to the hope of redemption and freedom. It also made Morgan Freeman the go-to-guy for movie narration.

9. A River Runs Through It 1992
Every film and story asks, ‘What is the world like?’ In River, the world is both incredibly beautiful and sadly disappointing. A young Brad Pitt is tremendous as the brother who could have it all, but he just can’t hold on to it. A supporting cast includes Tom Skerritt and Craig Sheffer.

10. Schindler’s List 1993
Some movies remind us of the power of film, and Schindler’s List is one of them. In this story, based on World War II and the Holocaust, Oskar Schindler tries to find some meaning and redemption with the lives he holds in his hands. Spielberg and the film became symbols of Shoah, and the reason to keep these stories alive.

11. Casablanca 1944

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in what was considered a B film at best. Still, the crisp writing, directing and acting makes it one of the most beloved films of all time.

12. Lawrence of Arabia 1962
Yes, it’s a very long film, but it is one of the most beautifully photographed films of all time. It’s hard to take your eyes off the performance of Peter O’Toole as Lawrence. Omar Sharif is equally magnificent. Greatness or madness? Yes.

13. West Side Story 1961
What can I say? It’s one of my favorite musicals, and I could watch it any time. Yes, I know, Natalie Wood is not Puerto Rican, but she is Maria.

14. The Bridge on the River Kwai  1956
This is the movie that Alec Guinness should be remembered for. Yes, another prison movie, but also a film of triumph and failure, dignity and humiliation. Best line: “Oh my God, what have I done?” What indeed.

15. Titanic 1997
James Cameron’s enormous film tells a compelling story, even if we know the ending. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are perfectly cast.

16. Patton 1970
The opening scene with the giant American flag is priceless. George C. Scott is Patton. World War II was his destiny. Karl Malden his conscience.

17. Jaws 1975
The shark didn’t work when they wanted it to, and so they went on to create one of the first true blockbusters. Spielberg again, I know, and someday I’ll create a list of greatest films, just his.

18. The Apartment 1955
This Billy Wilder film was billed as a comedy, but the laugh is on the studio. Jack Lemon and Shirley MacLaine battle for right and wrong and every where in between when it comes to men and women. Fred MacMurray was an inspired choice for the womanizing boss.

19. Fargo 1996
I loved Fargo and I love it still because it is so quirky, thanks to William H. Macey and Frances McDormand. I think it gave other filmmakers permission to try new things.

20. Pulp Fiction 1994
Quentin Tarantino takes us on quite a ride with Pulp Fiction. John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis all give strong performances. You may get to the end of the film and say, “Huh?” But, you might just say, “Let’s watch it again.

And that’s what all great films make you want to do!

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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime

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1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Director: Kyohei Ishiguro

Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)

Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music

Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 22

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)

Director: Yoshihide Ibata

Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)

Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)

Animation Studio: J.C. Staff

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 25

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE

Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden

Director: Taichi Ishidate

Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)

Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation

Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)

Director: Masahiro Ando

Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)

Animation Studio: Bones

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.

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Baahubali: The Beginning

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Rating

Storyline: 9/10

Performances: 9/10

Direction: 10/10

Visuals and VFX: 10/10

Music: 8.5/10

Overall Rating: 9.5/10


S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning is a magnum opus that redefined the landscape of Indian cinema. Released in 2015, this epic historical drama captivated audiences worldwide with its grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. With a mix of mythological inspiration and cinematic spectacle, Baahubali: The Beginning sets the stage for an extraordinary tale of power, betrayal, love, and legacy.

The film tells the story of Shivudu (Prabhas), a young man raised in a tranquil village who is drawn to the mysterious and towering waterfall near his home. His curiosity and courage lead him to the kingdom of Mahishmati, where he uncovers his royal lineage and his connection to the legendary warrior, Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas).

The narrative is skillfully interwoven with flashbacks revealing a tale of palace intrigue, betrayal by Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and the valor of Baahubali. The first installment ends on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for answers about the fate of Baahubali and the sinister conspiracy surrounding his death.

Prabhas as Shivudu/Amarendra Baahubali: Prabhas delivers a dual performance that is both regal and relatable. His commanding presence as Baahubali is balanced by the playful and curious nature of Shivudu. Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva: Rana embodies menace and ambition, portraying a formidable antagonist. His physicality and intense expressions add depth to his character. Anushka Shetty as Devasena: Though her role is limited in this installment, her fiery spirit and tragic undertones leave a lasting impression. Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika: Tamannaah brings grace and strength to Avantika, a rebel fighting for Mahishmati’s freedom. Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami: Arguably one of the film’s standout performances, Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of the steely and noble queen is unforgettable.Sathyaraj as Kattappa: Sathyaraj adds emotional weight and intrigue to the story as the loyal yet enigmatic warrior.

S.S. Rajamouli’s vision is unparalleled. His ability to blend mythological grandeur with human emotions ensures the story resonates universally. K.K. Senthil Kumar captures the magnificence of Mahishmati and the breathtaking landscapes with a keen eye for detail. The film’s VFX is groundbreaking for Indian cinema, particularly the waterfall sequences and battle scenes. M.M. Keeravani’s music is a soul-stirring mix of grandeur and emotion, amplifying key moments. The intricate set designs and costumes reflect the film’s epic scale and authenticity.

Baahubali: The Beginning explores themes of heroism, loyalty, family, and the thirst for power. It highlights the cultural richness of Indian storytelling while presenting it in a universally accessible format. The film’s success not only established Telugu cinema on the global stage but also proved that regional Indian films could achieve blockbuster status internationally.

Baahubali: The Beginning is more than a film; it is an experience. Its blend of epic storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and powerful performances makes it a landmark in Indian cinema. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates grand narratives and larger-than-life characters. It leaves you in awe and eagerly anticipating the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion.

Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or someone looking for an immersive cinematic experience, Baahubali: The Beginning is a film that transcends boundaries and sets a gold standard for Indian films on the global stage.

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Love Hurts Delivers High-Octane Action with Heart

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Rating: 8/10

Genre: Action, Comedy

Runtime: 83 minutes

Director: Jonathan Eusebio

Writers: Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore

Studio: 87North Productions, Universal Pictures

Stars: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, Sean Astin

Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) is a former hitman who has reinvented himself as a successful realtor in suburban Milwaukee. But his peaceful life is shattered when Rose (Ariana DeBose), his former partner and lost love, reappears with a chilling warning. Adding to the chaos, Marvin’s estranged brother, Knuckles Gable (Daniel Wu), a ruthless crime lord, is on a relentless hunt for him. Forced to confront his past, Marvin must fight his way through old enemies and long-buried secrets—all while trying to keep his new life intact.

From the moment Love Hurts begins, it grips the audience with a pulse-pounding blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth. Director Jonathan Eusebio, best known for his stunt work in John Wick and Deadpool 2, makes a stellar transition to the director’s chair, delivering slick, hard-hitting action sequences that showcase his mastery of fight choreography.

Ke Huy Quan, in his first major leading role since his Academy Award win, is an unconventional yet compelling action star. He brings an everyman charm to Marvin, making him both relatable and surprisingly lethal when pushed to the edge. Ariana DeBose shines as Rose, exuding charisma and wit, while Daniel Wu commands the screen as a menacing yet layered villain.

The film moves at a breakneck pace, balancing high-octane action with well-timed humor and emotional weight. The chemistry between Quan and DeBose adds depth to the story, making their characters’ relationship feel authentic. While the plot treads familiar ground, it’s executed with such energy and style that it remains thoroughly engaging.

Love Hurts is a thrilling action-comedy that delivers intense fight sequences, sharp humor, and a heartfelt story. Ke Huy Quan proves that he’s not just a comeback story—he’s a bona fide action star. While the film doesn’t reinvent the genre, it executes its formula with precision and flair, making it a must-watch for action fans.

Final Rating: 8/10—An electrifying mix of action, comedy, and heart that proves love—and revenge—can hurt in all the right ways.

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