Easter is upon us, and in celebration of the holiday we are counting down 10 Easter-themed movies that you will want to watch. Ready? Here we go.......
10. Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) The Cinemascope sequel to The Robe is not as deep or dramatic, but features an inspiring performance by Victor Mature, nonetheless. In this film, you will find out what happened to the Holy Robe of Christ.
9. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Not the best film about the life of Christ..not even close. But there is much to admire about this epic retelling of the life of Jesus. The cinematography is beautiful (shot in ultra wide, Ultra Panavision 70)with each shot composed like a masterwork painting from the Middle Ages. Max Von Sydow gives an understated performance of Jesus, as well. The only thing that hurts this film are the constant cameos by famous stars. John Wayne as the Centurion? Still, a good way to spend a Spring evening.
8. King of Kings (1961) Some refer to this film as "I Was A Teenage Jesus" due to the good looks of star Jeffrey Hunter. Samuel Bronston's international production is eye candy to look at (filmed in Technirama 70) and features a great score. The Sermon on the Mount sequence is a highlight.
7. The Miracle Maker (1999) A BBC production, this is the most unique of religious films. It is a stop-motion animated feature with an international cast. At first glance, it would appear to be a children's film. But upon closer inspection, there is much more depth and drama in this production; a most interesting chapter of Jesus films.
6. The Passion of The Christ (2004) Ignore the hype, ignore the controversy...if you can do that, this film can be a rewarding cinematic experience. Sure, it only focuses on Christ's last hours alive, but these moments are enough to kick a grown man out of his seat. Brutally violent, uncompromisingly gory, and heartbreakingly real, Passion joins the ranks of earlier religious epics as a must-see tradition every Spring.
5. The Robe (1953) The first film released in Cinemascope, The Robe's success ensured future use of wide-screen processes. Some of the acting is over the top (especially in the final scene), but its heart is in the right place (And you can't go wrong with any film featuring the beautifully radiant and talented Jean Simmons.) Pastel Easter colors add to the entertainment value at this festive time of the year.
4. Ben-Hur (1959) The chariot race, Heston, MGM Camera 65 (yielding a huge 2.76:1 aspect ratio), 11 Oscars, brilliant direction by William Wyler, a stirring score, and enough emotion and faith to sway even the hardest of hearts. Enough said.
3. The Ten Commandments (1956) Okay, so it's not technically an Easter movie (having been adapted from the Old Testament) but it is about Passover, and every year millions of Christians and Jewish people watch this beloved Cecil B. DeMille spectacle. Extreme in almost everyway, from the acting ("Moses, Moses!"), to the narration (by Demille himself), to the Oscar-winning special effects (the parting of the Red Sea remains one of the most famous images in film history)...but that's why we love it. A dramatic epic filmed in crisp Vista Vision that's timeless in its universal appeal.
2. Easter Parade (1948) One of MGM's most sunny musicals, Fred and Judy stroll down that famous avenue and into our hearts. The star duo's "Couple of Swells" number is the stuff of legend, as is Ann Miller's exhilarating "Shakin' The Blues Away." And only a cold-hearted soul could not rejoice in the singing of the title song and the film's grand climax. A must see at any time of the year, but especially at Easter. And it contains one of our favorite lines...
"Why didn't you tell me I was in love with you?"
1. Jesus of Nazareth (1977, tv) Franco Zeffirelli's six and a half hour production of the life of Jesus Christ is without a doubt the best Easter movie ever made. Robert Powell is the definitive screen Jesus, allowing pathos to seep in to his performance, without being overly sweet. He commands every scene he is in with his piercing blue eyes and otherworldly gaze (never blinking througout the film.) The film's cast includes such heavy-hitters as Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Anthony Quinn, Anne Bancroft, Olivia Hussey, Michael York, Christopher Plummer, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, James Earl Jones, Stacy Keach, Ian McShane, Donald Pleasance, Rod Steiger, and Peter Ustinov...whew! The film was an Easter tradition for many years, airing on the NBC television network. Easter is about the renewal of life through Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth is about Easter.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Disney Animated Features (Part 4)
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) The first, and still the best. Where to begin. Snow White was the first animated feature, produced the first soundtrack album for a film, helped finance the Disney Studios that exist today, and made Walt Disney a Hollywood legend. Pure fantasy had never been so successfully recreated for the screen, a fact that MGM duly noted when it was time to film The Wizard of Oz. The film can be categorized in almost every genre: family film, fantasy, musical, comedy, drama, horror, romance, and action/adventure. The animators were constantly experimenting with how to draw the human form. Most successful was the villainous Queen/Witch. The artistry is unparalleled....forestry, animals, water (each drop of rain hitting the ground realistically.) There are so many elements in this film that are genius, that it is difficult to cite them all. The animation of Snow White at the well, her reflection in the water as ripples stream past, the flight through the haunted forest, the stunning climax with its Griffith-style editing adding to the suspense. But most successful of all was the character of Dopey, the most famous comedic foil since Stan Laurel. Snow White was and is pure cinema magic. A reminder of the pre-home video days when a trip to the theatre was an event. The result- A glorious Technicolored tribute to the talent of a dedicated group of dreamers.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Disney Animated Features (Part 3)
3. Pinocchio (1940) Considered by many animation buffs to be the most technically perfect, it's not hard to see why this film ranks so high on the list. All one has to do is witness the opening panoramic shot of the little Italian village (made all the more impressive by the multiplane camera), or the scene where Pinocchio is trapped in Stromboli's carriage...everything in the scene is moving independently (i.e. the bars of the cage, the marionettes in the foreground and background, and the moonlight and lightning streaming in.) Lastly, the film features the greatest Disney song of all time, the song that has become the company's anthem, and one that is symbolic of everything Walt Disney was about...the Academy Award winning "When You Wish Upon A Star." Dreamers dream and believers believe.
2. Fantasia (1940) The most controversial animated feature by Disney was the first to marry classical music with animation. The results are almost overwhelming. There are so many moments to treasure in this masterpiece: Mickey Mouse as the apprentice, the Nutcracker Suite, the Dance of Hours (providing the film's lightest moments with hippos dancing with crocodiles), and the somber and haunting Ave Maria finale. Fantasia was not a financial success upon its first release, but over the years has become a treasured Disney masterpiece. The original plans were to keep the film in perpetual release, with certain segments being dropped for new ones. That idea never fully came to fruition, but 60 years later, Fantasia 2000 was released, keeping the dream alive.
2. Fantasia (1940) The most controversial animated feature by Disney was the first to marry classical music with animation. The results are almost overwhelming. There are so many moments to treasure in this masterpiece: Mickey Mouse as the apprentice, the Nutcracker Suite, the Dance of Hours (providing the film's lightest moments with hippos dancing with crocodiles), and the somber and haunting Ave Maria finale. Fantasia was not a financial success upon its first release, but over the years has become a treasured Disney masterpiece. The original plans were to keep the film in perpetual release, with certain segments being dropped for new ones. That idea never fully came to fruition, but 60 years later, Fantasia 2000 was released, keeping the dream alive.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Disney Animated Features (Part 2)
6. The Lion King (1994) The first Disney feature based on an original idea, The Lion King took elements of Hamlet, added a splash of Broadway, and quickly became the highest-grossing animated feature of all time (inflation notwithstanding.) The Lion King featured a spectacular opening scene, highlighting its theme of "The Circle of Life." That theme resonates throughout the entire film, and eventually our hearts. This film was a phenomenon, the biggest in Disney history since Snow White.
5. Beauty and the Beast (1991) Following on the heels of The Little Mermaid, Beauty took the idea of a Broadway-type production one step further. Songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin created big production numbers to add a sense of live theatre. Computer generated imagery was used in the famous ballroom sequence, allowing the animators free reign with movement and atmosphere. The film was the first, and last, animated feature to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. So significant was this achievement, that the Academy eventually created a special category for animated films. If Mermaid started the Silver Age of Disney, Beauty and the Beast added a splash of gold.
4. Bambi (1942) What child hasn't grieved for the death of Bambi's mom? One of the most famous "deaths" in the history of cinema, the scene proved to Disney's critics that the studio meant business, and that "cartoon characters" could be designed for more than laughs. Bambi is one of the most lush and realistic of all the animated features, and the animators spent months observing real wildlife in their attempts to recreate nature. It worked, and today the film stands as not only a monument and tribute to Walt Disney, but to the wonder, awe, and delight of the cinema-going experience.
5. Beauty and the Beast (1991) Following on the heels of The Little Mermaid, Beauty took the idea of a Broadway-type production one step further. Songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin created big production numbers to add a sense of live theatre. Computer generated imagery was used in the famous ballroom sequence, allowing the animators free reign with movement and atmosphere. The film was the first, and last, animated feature to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. So significant was this achievement, that the Academy eventually created a special category for animated films. If Mermaid started the Silver Age of Disney, Beauty and the Beast added a splash of gold.
4. Bambi (1942) What child hasn't grieved for the death of Bambi's mom? One of the most famous "deaths" in the history of cinema, the scene proved to Disney's critics that the studio meant business, and that "cartoon characters" could be designed for more than laughs. Bambi is one of the most lush and realistic of all the animated features, and the animators spent months observing real wildlife in their attempts to recreate nature. It worked, and today the film stands as not only a monument and tribute to Walt Disney, but to the wonder, awe, and delight of the cinema-going experience.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Disney Animated Features
Here are #10-7 in our list of the Top Ten Disney Animated Features. The following list takes into account artistic, cultural, and popular success.
10. The Little Mermaid (1989) After years of treading water, Disney decided to go "under the sea" and create a new version of the popular fairy tale. Breathing new life into animation and taking a cue from Broadway, the Silver Age of Disney was born. And merchandising would never be the same.
9. Peter Pan (1953) Our hearts take flight when Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John soar above the breathtaking vistas of London. Disney's take on the classic J.M. Barrie story included the first ever personification of the character Tinker Bell. She will forever be synonymous with the Wonderful World of Disney television show and the theme parks themselves. Add to that a wonderful, comic villain in the guise of Captain Hook, several wonderful songs, and a pure sense of magic...classic Disney.
8. 101 Dalmatians (1961) Theatrical animation style of the early-'60's took its cue from animated television programs and the fad studio UPA. Dalmatians has the look of those counterparts with its stylistic lines and backgrounds. But no mistaking, it retains trademark lush animation and characters. In fact, the success of this film is due in large part to probably the best villain ever commited to cels...Cruella DeVil.
7. Cinderella (1950) Based on the most famous fairy tale of all-time, Cinderella literally saved the Disney studio. The financial drought following World War II allowed for very little in the way of creativity from Disney. When Walt decided to jump head first into the animated feature again, he chose wisely. The film was a success. It inspired the castle landmark at Disney World and its heroine remains #1 in the hearts of Disney fans everywhere. Walt's favorite piece of animation, of all the things the studio did, was the enchanting transformation of Cinderella from rags to royalty, courtesy of her Fairy Godmother. This is signature Disney all the way.
....Stay tuned next week for #6-4!!!!
10. The Little Mermaid (1989) After years of treading water, Disney decided to go "under the sea" and create a new version of the popular fairy tale. Breathing new life into animation and taking a cue from Broadway, the Silver Age of Disney was born. And merchandising would never be the same.
9. Peter Pan (1953) Our hearts take flight when Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John soar above the breathtaking vistas of London. Disney's take on the classic J.M. Barrie story included the first ever personification of the character Tinker Bell. She will forever be synonymous with the Wonderful World of Disney television show and the theme parks themselves. Add to that a wonderful, comic villain in the guise of Captain Hook, several wonderful songs, and a pure sense of magic...classic Disney.
8. 101 Dalmatians (1961) Theatrical animation style of the early-'60's took its cue from animated television programs and the fad studio UPA. Dalmatians has the look of those counterparts with its stylistic lines and backgrounds. But no mistaking, it retains trademark lush animation and characters. In fact, the success of this film is due in large part to probably the best villain ever commited to cels...Cruella DeVil.
7. Cinderella (1950) Based on the most famous fairy tale of all-time, Cinderella literally saved the Disney studio. The financial drought following World War II allowed for very little in the way of creativity from Disney. When Walt decided to jump head first into the animated feature again, he chose wisely. The film was a success. It inspired the castle landmark at Disney World and its heroine remains #1 in the hearts of Disney fans everywhere. Walt's favorite piece of animation, of all the things the studio did, was the enchanting transformation of Cinderella from rags to royalty, courtesy of her Fairy Godmother. This is signature Disney all the way.
....Stay tuned next week for #6-4!!!!
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