FILM CLUB: M*A*S*H (1970)

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Hi.

Two things.

1. This post is two weeks late. I know. Just pretend like it's not and *TRUST* that there will be a mini review posted every Monday morning by 6 a.m. [Check out the film club page for the film of the week/film on deck so that you may indulge in this film fest that is so much fun you can't even wait to be a part of it. And/or follow me on Twitter for updates on what films we're watching. "We" being me, my Dad, my sisters, all the ridiculously awesome members in the club currently, YOU, and all the friends you plan on inviting to this wild party. #therewillbepopcorn #andcandy]

2. Let's talk about this week's film: M*A*S*H.

Ummm.. did I miss something? Because I'm pretty sure I tried really hard to watch this movie and it was BOR-INGGG. I could not get into it, I tried so hard. I really did. I tried so hard that it made me sleepy and I fell asleep half-way through. 

Ha. I will admit, there were a couple of moments of dry humor that tickled my fancy. Such as the part where they put that blonde crazy general lady and her lover on blast throughout the whole camp base. Andd the part when she went ballistic in the other general's tent about resigning, and he just kind of shrugged his shoulders like whatever and topped off his boo's wine as she stormed off. But other than that... um. I did not care about any of the characters. OR what was going to happen next. What gives, AFI? And really... an entire TV series to follow? I'm confused.

Members: did you watch this movie? Were you bored too? Readers in general: have you seen this film?  Please tell me things got better or that I need to give it a second chance and I will maybe consider it with the additional pleading of a future hot boyfriend of mine to give it another "go" because it really is "sooo great." Otherwise, I'm crossing this one off the list for good and never looking back. 

Personally, I struggle to get into any film that has anything to do with war or the navy or the army or any of those genres. It's kind of the same thing with Westerns. Can't get into them. They're always just so damn slow. Did you guys see True Grit? Good God. So boring. And I'm a huge Jeff Bridges fan. I don't know. 

Kind of bummed that this one didn't stoke me out the same way Sierra Madre did a couple weeks ago, but eh. I'm looking forward to watching Jack lose his shit this week with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I've actually already seen it, but I think I was like 12 when I did, which doesn't really count. I HOPE YOU ALL WILL JOIN ME!

PS That one dude had a rad stache (he's in the photo above). I was digging that at least. 

PSS It reminded me of my latest ex. Not sure I was digging that.

PSS Donald was way young. Whoah. Took me a few to recognize him. 

PSSS This is the last PS, I promise. Just wanted to say that if you do have any thoughts to share, please do in the form of a comment. If you've written up your own mini review, include the link in your comment. I have decided to eliminate the linking up-ness and will bring it back as this club grows and there are more participants :)

Happy Monday and in other news... I have some huge posts coming this week :) Can't wait to share. And have, I told you all lately that I love you?

I love you.

FILM CLUB: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

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YAY, here we go. 

First mini film review for Punky's AFI Film Club! (These will be posted by 6 a.m. every Monday morning...had a late start today because there was drama last night at work and this morning I was greeted by menstruation/the joy of cramps... you know how that goes.. LADIES) ANYWHO---

As a film lover myself, I am so PUMPED to be paying the classics attention/tribute and I am further thrilled that so many of you are joining me in the process :)

The first film drawn was John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, starring Humphrey Bogart (lovvveee), Walter Huston & Tim Holt.

Obviously, if you guys watched my silly v-log, you saw how clueless/uncertain I was about this film when I pulled it outta of my fishy bowl. I was totally like, huh? Really, this is the first one?? Am I really sure about this whole AFI Film List thing? I could just say F it, and resume to my episodes of How I Met Your Mother or just put on the 'ol Life Aquatic---Nothing wrong with those choices of entertainment. After all, they're in COLOR.

Ha. I will be the first to admit that, although, I have a lot of respect for the foreign films, for the documentaries, for the old classics... it takes a significant amount of patience to sit down and actually commit myself to these genres. Not only do you have to really be in the mood for it, you have to really talk yourself into being in the mood for it. And I don't know why that is, STILL, when nine out of ten times, I finish such films and find myself saying Wow, that was really good. I'm so glad I watched that.

Well, that's exactly what happened here, boys and girls. I enjoyed Sierra Madre through and through. Not only was it really funny at parts, (totally LOLed several times), but it had a lot to say about the human condition and how money and wealth can control us in ways that are simply just E-VIL. Though the ending was very frustrating, I love the lesson that was unfolded--the harsh reality that so many things in life come and go (money especially), and that it's crucial to hold on and put value on the things that actually matter--you're own self-worth, your own sanity, and your loved ones. 

Such a beautiful message. I nearly started crying when Howard was reading the letter from Cody's wife. Doesn't that letter just say it all?? 

This was a good film. Really really. And Humphrey Bogart, wow, still such a hot hot man even when he's all gross and covered in filth. Oh, and crazy.

Fun fact: Have you guys seen There Will Be Blood? Did you know that the director of that film,  Paul Thomas Anderson, drew much of his inspiration from Sierra Madre? Totally makes sense, right? So many parallels. 

Also, my sis watched this one with me and when it was over said it totally reminded her of that one episode of the Twilight Zone with the guys who stole all those bricks of gold and then went to sleep for like a hundred years or so (purposely) so that they could live without having to run away from their crime. Do you guys know which episode I'm talking about? I'm pretty sure I've seen it a long time ago, but would definitely like to see it again now. 

Anyway yay. Here's how this will work. If you saw this film too and have something to say about it, post up (or comment below, whatevs you'd like!) Keep it simple, maybe three points about the film.

Possible prompts (ew--prompts, I shouldn't use that word. Reminds me of college...gross.) Possible questions to answer:

What did you like about this film?

What didn't you like about it?

Who was your favorite character?

Your favorite part?

What lessons did you take from this film?

Did this film remind you of any other films (classic or modern)?

Would you recommend this film to others?

Then at the very end of course, if you could slap on our club button, that would be RAD.

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Really trying to get the word out about our little club here---it's hard when my readership is still small, and when I KNOW that there's probably many JUST LIKE ME thinking, "ugh... classic films...? That just sounds like a chore." But it's not, people! These films have a level of charm all on their own that don't even compare to films that are being made now. Maybe force your brother or sister or husband to watch it with you, or dare I say, your parents?? Chances are your parents have seen some of these and would be stoked to watch them again with you. I know I'll be watching many of these with my Dad. He's a huge fan of the old-timers. 

JOIN IN THE ON THE FUN!!!!

This week we're watching M*A*S*H (1970)

Get yourself a copy and join in on next week's discussion.

PUNKY'S AFI FILM CLUB.

(WHAT WHAT!!!!)

Punky's AFI Film Club is Now a Weekly Link-up!

Yay! This is my very first attempt at establishing my own blog link-up. And you know what would be nice? Success. 

And so I need your help, friends ! For one, if you'd like to join, JOIN! Go to the main CLUB PAGE and read all the deets. Please keep in mind that becoming a member doesn't mean you have to participate in every weekly link-up. I just think it to be neat to have a members list going so that everyone else can see who else is involved/interested and maybe even click onto each other's blogs. COMMUNITY BUILDING PEOPLE. THAT'S WHAT WE DO HERE. That and watch movies. And eat jelly beans. And blog about ALL OF IT.

For two, spread the news! Tell your bloggy friends. Maybe you don't care to get down with films made before 1990, but you have friends that might? It would mean a lot to me if you could suggest this little shindig to others who may be interested. In any way you can.. whether it's a tweet or on fbook. Or whatever. I'm asking for your help, as my readership is still growing and I don't have the channels in which to reach a lot of people all at once. 

For those who are already members. Thank you for your patience as I've been working hard to get all of this established and figured out!!!! We will officially have our first link up for Treasure of the Sierra Madre on Monday April 23rd. You can't wait!!! And neither can I :) 

Also, I made some buttons so if you wanna slap one on your blog, go for it! You can find the code for it on the main page. Stay tuned for give-aways as well!!! I will be giving away some cool films and film related things to members :) YUP YUP

HURRAH FOR FILM CLUBS!

Mighty Life List: Watch AFI's 100 Greatest Films.

K, time to get the ball rolling on this whole Mighty Life List thing. Making a list of the all the things you wanna do in your life is one thing. Doing them is another. And chu know what? I'mma DO THIS! 

So here we go, folks. 

I wanna watch all the movies on AFI's 100 Years 100 Movies: America's Greastest Movies list.  

This is the place where I will tracking my progress and also sharing some of my thoughts of what I see. Below is the full list. The ones crossed out are the ones I have already seen, and I will continue to cross each and every one of these bad boys off as I go along.

To all my spectacular friends and family- if you're reading, and you own any of these films...may I borrow them? Please :) 

To my dear readers- join me! Have you seen all these films? I'd love to turn this into some cool non-pretentious little film club (I think my super tacky/lame banner at the top pushes any tones of pretentious out the window). Maybe each week we (or I) (or whatever) can pick a film off the list and watch it.. and then discuss it. Or something. I don't know. We can talk/tweet about it later, just leaves me a comment below if you're in and we'll work it out like Richard Simmons. (I've worked it out--- OFFICIAL CLUB PAGE/INSTRUCTIONS). You can download your own list here. Either way, I'm watching all these films, and it's going to be awesome. And good for me. I'm tired of people rolling their eyes at me when I tell them I haven't seen any of The Godfathers. I'M GOING TO, OK. Like now. This year. I'm sorry I just prefer to watch The Life Aquatic and It Takes Two with MK and Ashley every night before I go to bed. I'm a creature of habit.

But I wanna break that. It's time I get a more well-rounded exposure to film, especially w/ some of the classics... so here goes.

Some of these I'm really looking forward to... others not so much...

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)

2. CASABLANCA (1942)

3. GODFATHER, THE (1972)

4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)

5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)

6. WIZARD OF OZ, THE (1939)

7. GRADUATE, THE (1967)  love. 

8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)

9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)  wanna see again.

10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) wanna see again.

11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)  grew up on this one. one of the faves.

12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) 

13. BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, THE (1957)

14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

15. STAR WARS (1977) Yup, I've never seen Star Wars. And if it weren't on this list, I probably wouldn't ever bother. Shank me if you'd like, I just haven't really ever cared !

16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)

17. AFRICAN QUEEN, THE (1951) 

18. PSYCHO (1960) 

19. CHINATOWN (1974)

20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)  want to see again.

21. GRAPES OF WRATH, THE (1940)

22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)

23. MALTESE FALCON, THE (1941)

24. RAGING BULL (1980)

25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) 

26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)

27. BONNIE & CLYDE (1967) 

28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) really not looking forward to this one.

29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)

30. TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)  Watched 4/8/12 

31. ANNIE HALL (1977) 

32. GODFATHER PART II, THE (1974)

33. HIGH NOON (1952) 

34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)  ♥ One of my most fav. books of all time.

35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)

36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)

37. BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, THE (1946)

38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)

39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965) 

40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)  Grew up on this one too. My favorite musical of all time. And a *GREAT* film.

42. REAR WINDOW (1954)

43. KING KONG (1933) 

44. BIRTH OF A NATION, THE (1915) ugh. this one sounds like a sleeper too.

45. STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, A (1951) great play, looking forward to seeing this one/surprised I haven't seen it by now.

46. CLOCKWORK ORANGE, A (1971)

47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)

48. JAWS (1975) 

49. SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)

50. BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)

51. PHILADELPHIA STORY, THE(1940)

52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)

53. AMADEUS (1984)  want to see again.

54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)

55. SOUND OF MUSIC, THE (1965) 

56. M*A*S*H (1970)  5/3/12

57. THIRD MAN, THE (1949)

58. FANTASIA (1940)  this film is terrifying. 

59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955) 

60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) 

61. VERTIGO (1958) 

62. TOOTSIE (1982) 

63. STAGECOACH (1939) 

64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) 

65. SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, THE (1991) 

66. NETWORK (1976)

67. MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, THE (1962)

68. AMERICAN IN PARIS, AN (1951) 

69. SHANE (1953) 

70. FRENCH CONNECTION, THE (1971)

71. FORREST GUMP (1994)

72. BEN-HUR (1959)  want to see again.

73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)

74. GOLD RUSH, THE (1925) 

75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)

76. CITY LIGHTS (1931) 

77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)

78. ROCKY (1976) 

79. DEER HUNTER, THE (1978) 

80. WILD BUNCH, THE (1969) 

81. MODERN TIMES (1936) 

82. GIANT (1956) 

83. PLATOON (1986) 

84. FARGO (1996) 

85. DUCK SOUP (1933) 

86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)

87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)

88. EASY RIDER (1969)

89. PATTON (1970)

90. JAZZ SINGER, THE (1927) 

91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)

92. PLACE IN THE SUN, A(1951) 

93. APARTMENT, THE (1960) 

94. GOODFELLAS (1990)   OWN IT.

95. PULP FICTION (1994) Yeah, I know. I have to see it. 

96. SEARCHERS, THE (1956)

97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938) 

98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)

99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967) 

100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

(Poster images used in banner above found here)

For my entire Mighty Life List click here.