Scream (1996)

Where were you when Scream forever changed the rules of horror? (i was being born). Suddenly the basic cliche's and staples of the teen scream subgenre were outed for their predictability and cheesiness. Ah, yes, Scream and it's sequels (number 4 came out recently and i've heard it's pretty good), it's imitators (the I Know what you did last summer franchise) and it's parodies (the Scary Movie franchise). Teen slashers and the 'movie' spoofs would be frightfully different if Scream - directed well by modern master of suspense Wes Craven - hadn't some on the scene.

To begin what has become one of my favourite horror movies we have Casey (Drew Barrymore) answering the phone, now considering Barrymore's stardom back in 1996 (and she's still popular today) imagine the shock that came to audiences when she was murdered. Not unlike the shock audiences got when Janet Leigh met her untimely death 20 minutes into Psycho (1960). 

As i was saying: from here the story unfolds and comes to focus on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and other characters connected to her. Oh and Courtney Cox is in there as reporter Gale Weathers (i like her better in this than i ever did on Friends) who is desperate to know everything, of course (as most people know) she ended up romancing Dewey (David Arquette) both on and off the screen.

i love this movie, i cannot put into words how much i love it. Not only is it well acted (something i know i didn't expect) but it also points out how dumb and funny horror movies are (and also slyly referencing Jamie Lee Curtis' abundant presence in a lot of them). Steve Ulrich as Billy (Sidney's boyfriend) is a good performance, he kind of reminded me of Johnny Depp in this movie, i think that was the intention. 

I have yet to see 2, 3, 4 but i want to very much. You see, i wanted to see 4, but first i simply had to see the original. I hate when people see the remake or sequel without seeing the original film, it's a sort pet peeve of mine. 

I don't watch a lot of horror movies, but i can tell you that when i do watch one they are usually of the teenage slasher variety, none of them have ever really lived up to my expectations, but this one managed to. That's pretty big then. Some parts of are even, well, not 'scary, but genuinely suspenseful.

I have been inspired. I am going to seek out more horrors. But only the good ones, not trashy horror (i can't stand those) i'm talking The Exorcist, Halloween and Misery (already read and loved the book). I love it when a film inspires me to do something, it hasn't happened in a while. I 'm just glad it hasn't inspired me to be a serial killer, but then....

"We all go a little mad sometimes" Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) Psycho (1960)

My top 8 favourite masterpieces

I classify a masterpiece by this:

• no matter how old it is it will not feel dated (or will feel only slightly dated)
• every aspect of the film is great
• it hasn't lost significance
• You can derive more enjoyment each time you see it
• Unforgettable

Now keep in mind that these are just my favourite masterpieces, there are far more great movies out there, but these are my favourites that are considered 'masterpieces'. I'll try to rank them as best i can.

8. Toy Story 3 (2010)
a beautiful film. i never, ever was so close to crying in a 'children's' movie. Me and one of my friends went to see it because the guy would'nt let us in to see Predators so we went in sort of disappointed from the start. but within the 1st 5 minutes i was in a far better mood and loved the whole film. it was funny, heartwarming and extremly memorable. Some people might say that Toy Story should be on here more than TS3, but i disagree, it is rare for a third installment to live up to it's predecessor, let alone better it. Even The Godfather couldn't do that.

7. Singin In The Rain (1952)
It's hilarious. What more can i say? how about... great script, cool dances, catchy songs, one of the best dumb blondes ever (Lina Lumont, played by Jean Hagen) and, of course, we get to see Gene Kelly splash around in puddles and wreck that nice suit.

6. The Wizard Of oz (1939)

I was unsure of whether or not to put this on here. But it fits my criteria and i really love the movie. I am not going to lie to you though: When i was little Margaret Hamilton scared me half to death. This childhood memory stopped from watching it for years, until i finally perked up the courage to look at it again a few years ago. And now it is one of my favourites. From the naive joy of Dorothy (Judy garland) and her pals Tin Man (Jack Haley), Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) and Lion (Bert Lahr) all the way to The Witch (Hamilton), this movie keeps it's comedy and thrill even after 72 years. And expect it to do so for many more.

5. Titanic (1997)

I was bored by Titanic. I wont lie. But I respect it's contribution to cinema and it really is a great film. When i hear 'My heart will go on' (sung by Celine Dion) there are chills. It's is visually stunning and after watching it a second time i was still bored, but i liked it. I know that that sounds strange but i really did. It was a beautiful film. Even if Avatar is the new highest grossing film, I'll take Titanic over it any day.

4. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

I love this movie. I grew up watching it, in fact, besides Peter Pan, this may be one of my first movies. The effects are amazing- even by todays standards. What astounds me is that the technology was vastly different in the 70s, and yet, George Lucas still made a better sci-fi film than anyone ever could. Except maybe Stanley Kubrick, but even though 2001: a space odyssey was pretty cool and a marvel, some how i never liked it as much as Star Wars.

3. Psycho (1960)

I couldn't decide whether to put Vertigo or Psycho on here. I knew that there had to be a Hitchcock film, but which one? Finally i decided on Psycho because of that unforgettable scene at the end, where we see Norman for the final time, with his mothers voice talking to us. It was a great ending to an even greater film. The shower scene, while tame by todays standards is still great to watch, it looks fake NOW, but in 1960 that scared every single person in any given theatre. I mostly like it for the music though. Especially in the shower scene, the music that frightens you so much more than the scene. Amazing experience.

2. Gone With the Wind (1939)

I did a lengthy review on this not too long ago, but it's probably on the 'older post' page. I loved it. Every aspect was superb and i would watch it again right now if i could. From the fantastic acting all the way down to the costumes (which i usually don't notice at all) this movie is a feast for the eyes, the ears and the mind. The definition of a masterpiece.

1. West Side Story (1961)

It's got everything. Everything! a classic plot, great score, brilliant dancing, great acting and it is visually bewildering. I will admit that i like this is largely because i am a huge Natalie Wood fan and plus i really love Tony (Richard Beymer) because he is really just incredibly romantic. I will also admit that i missed a lot of great films, but i can't really consider them my favourites.

I missed City lights, which was a really good movie and Charlie Chaplin Masterpiece. I also missed Return of the jedi, but that doesn't really matter. Then theres The Godfather (1972), which- while i think it's a great movie- i haven't seen it twice so therefore don'y know if it was great the second time. Citizen kane just about put me to sleep but i can appreciate Orson Welles revolutionary technique. Those are just to name a few. Oh and Ben hur, which i couldn't really get into. Maybe i just don't like swords and sandals things (explaining to absence of Lawrence of Arabia, which was actually good but i didn't like it as much as these).

Well that's my list. Disagree if you must but thats just my opinion. I would be delighted if you told me your's in the comments.

"The force is what gives a Jedi his power, it's an energy field created by all living things, it surrounds us and penetrates us and binds the galaxy together" Obi Wan Kenobi (Alec Guiness) Star Wars: A new hope.