73. Return of the Jedi (1983)
Direceted by Richard Marquand
Written by Larence Kasdan from a story by George Lucas
Starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamil, Carrie Fisher, and Billy Dee Williams
Oscar Nominations: 4 Oscar Wins: 1 (Special Achievement)
A good story has three acts. An epic saga on the other hand has to have multiple acts. While the middle act is possibly going to be the most important, the last one is where everything is leading and it has to have a good resolution. That is why the original Star Wars Trilogy works. I will tell you now that I will be talking about all three films (hint hint) at some point in the near future but Return of the Jedi came first so it's the first one I'll be talking about. What makes Jedi work is the ending. We have three seperate climaxes, one emotional (Luke vs The Emperor and Vader), One Romantic (Luke and Han), and one Apocalyptic (The rebels vs The Empire and the Death Star.) All are satisfying and that's why this is a good ending.
72. The Graduate (1967)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry from the novel by Charles Webb
Starring Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, and Katherine Ross
Oscar Nominations: 7 Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Director)
The journey into adult hood is tough. That is what I have learned and what the lesson of The Graduate is. The one thing most people know abut this film is Dustin Hoffman sleeping with Anne Bancroft's character. That is not at all the point of the film. The point is that we have a protagonist, fresh out of college, not sure what he wants from his life. An older woman displays interest in him, something the world at large has ignored, and he's entranced. That's only part of the show because it's Dustin's growth into a man, responsible and sure of himself, not afraid of love. On, and I have one word for you: Plastics.
71. Sweet Charity (1969)
Directed by Bob Fosse
Written by Peter Stone from the Musical by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields
Starring Shirley MacLaine, John McMartin, Chita Rivera, and Paula Kelly
Oscar Nominations: 3
Ah, singing, dancing Prostitutes and some awesome choreography to boot. One of my favorite Fosse movies, Sweet Charity is music you can hum to and some messed up visuals as well (The Rich Man's Frug anyone?) I first saw this film back in high school and didn't know what to think. I still don't know what to think. The story can be odd but the acting and songs are what drives it into awesomeness. Plus, there are some cool cameos, including Sammy Davis Jr. singing The Rhythm of Life.
Next Time: "Now, shall you deal with ME, O Prince - and all the powers of HELL!" "Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?" "The ball is round, a game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is pure theory. Off we go!"
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