Jeff's Favorite Movies

As of today, I've watched and rated 3,800 movies, assigning each a numerical rating 1 (a waste of life) and 9 (loved it). Of course, this rating took place over many many years and I can't claim that my ratings have been consistent over the long haul; I'm sure that my tastes have changed during this journey. But although I'd like to, I can't watch all 3,800 movies over again to try and be more consistent, so for what it's worth, here is the list of the 70-or-so movies I've rated 9, followed by the 320-or-so-next-best films I've rated as 8.

I generally favor movies that are heavy in the plot department, but have slowly moved toward art-house films in recent years.

To rate a movie highly (that is, rate it as if I'd really enjoy watching it again, which is what my rating of 8 means), it has to have at least one of the following: a great plot, gorgeous photography, be a musical, contain beautiful music such as the way Kubrick used music, be a great science-fiction movie, or include anything about Italy, or especially Rome, for which I'm a total slut. I'm not at all adverse to non-American films; many of my 320-or-so-next-best films are black-and-white subtitled films. So if you're still reading and these things also tickle your fancy, here are my favorite 390-or-so movies out of the 3,800 I've watched.

I welcome you to email Jeff.Bondono@gmail.com with any comments on my choices.

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My Favorite 60 or so Movies, listed alphabetically

1. To Kill a Mockingbird: A father teaches tolerance to his children by example. If only this lesson had been learned back in 1962 instead of still not yet...
2. Twelve Angry Men: No color, no special effects, almost completely one setting, but superb acting and great storytelling combine to show how a great movie was made back in the day. The jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.

In case you agree with my list of favorite movies, here are my 300-or-so-next-best films that you might also enjoy, again listed alphabetically
(The best 34 in this bunch are in bold font)

1. Anatomy of a Murder: An upstate Michigan lawyer defends a soldier who claims he killed an innkeeper due to temporary insanity after the victim raped his wife. What is the truth, and will he win his case? This is a very good courtroom drama, and it had me riveted to the screen for the 2:40 running time. I also enjoyed seeing several stars from my youth in roles when they were just getting started.
2. Kramer vs. Kramer
3. Marriage Story: Couple (director and actress in New York plays) with a young child, decides to get divorced. Wife and child move to LA for her to act in a TV show, and the divorce turns ugly.
4. (subtitled) The Passion of Joan of Arc: In 1431, Jeanne d'Arc is placed on trial on charges of heresy. The ecclesiastical jurists attempt to force Jeanne to recant her claims of holy visions. Great acting, unique visual style.
5. Witness for the Prosecution: A veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.

And finally, a few TV series which I've especially enjoyed, again in alphabetical order

1. The Good Wife
2. The Practice