AFI's 100 Years 100 Movies

[Felix G.]

Tonight, the AFI is revealing their new top-100 list, a 10th Anniversary edition of "100 Years, 100 Movies." They will be compiling a new list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time. I know a lot of people are annoyed by these lists, but I actually enjoy them. I tend to approach them in much the same way I approach the Oscars -- it's a tacky affair, but it's fun.

Anyway, although the AFI's original top 100 list was nothing to write home about, I find it interesting that 10 years later, two films from that list still have not made their way to DVD. The African Queen (1951) and The Jazz Singer (1927) are still out there in limbo. It seems that I heard somewhere out there that The Jazz Singer will be released either later this year or next year. I'm not particularly looking forward to it. It holds historical significance as the first major talkie, but one viewing was sufficient for me. :p

The African Queen, on the other hand, is a true classic, and why it is still unavailable is beyond me. You've got Kate Hepburn, Bogie, Huston, and a wild river adventure, and that equals a great time! Does anyone have info on this movie? :confused:

[Nick August]

..These shows are just promo's that have been on for the last 10 years..if you got 3 hours to waste..they're okay..but it's just a way to get you to buy the same films over and over and over again!..it's always the same clips too of course..yes 'African Queen' still not on dvd is strange..it must be rights issues with Bogie's estate otherwise it woukd have been on dvd years ago..

[Phat Albert]

Yeah, I actually prefer Maxim Magazines' top movie lists.

[blammo]

I could not stop watchin this. Even though I could guess what was gonna be in it, it was just too fascinating to me to stop watchin. Again. I think I started watchin it to see where Coppola and Scorcese movies fell.

Loved the BladeRunner promo after the 1st 10. Can't wait to get it!!

[Nick August]

..And to think now 'Blade Runner' is included as one of the best American films ever made..what a major switch!..when it came out critics panned it saying it had an awful plot and bad acting but good effects..AFI obviously bases their picks on what the public likes 'today' not what people thought when a film was released..many of the films listed are only there because they become cult films first then considerd classics many years later...same with 'The Wizard Of Oz' ..a major flop when first released now it's a masterpiece.'Night Of The Living Dead' was also slammed when it was released in 68 now it's considered a horror classic..

[Felix G.]

AFI obviously bases their picks on what the public likes 'today' not what people thought when a film was released

Last time I checked, that is how films generally are judged when compiled for lists like these by any organization. If we only went by what the critical or public reaction was like at the film's release, then Citizen Kane, Vertigo, The Wizard of Oz, It's a Wonderful Life, and many other great films would not be remembered anymore. What makes a film a classic is how well it endures over time, regardless of whether it is embraced by a small following (like Blade Runner) or has always been widely accepted (like Star Wars) -- not solely how well it was received upon its release.

[Bad Guy (Ariel)]

Well said, Felix G.
I enjoyed the show, and a lot of the films on their list would also find their way onto my own personal "100 Best List", just in a drastically different order. Some movies like PULP FCTION, GOODFELLAS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and JAWS would be much higher on my list then they are on AFI's, while their #5, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, while I enjoy it, wouldn't make my top 100 at all.

[Nick August]

...Many people still dislike 'Blade Runner' for odd reasons..too noir-ish..too empty..

[Felix G.]

Nick August,

I do admit that the inclusion of Blade Runner was a big surprise (although, since I love the movie, it was a pleasent surprise). It actually is a bit conspicuous on the list because it is not a "safe" choice. The AFI has been continuously criticized for making "safe" choices for their lists, that is, going with movies that are very easy to predict and are pretty much staples of top-100 lists. Singin' in the Rain, Citizen Kane, Casablanca -- you will rarely find a list that does not include these titles. Blade Runner, on the other hand, was kind of gutsy because it is NOT universally praised. I applaud them for its inclusion.

However...the cynic in me (yes, there is a little bit:cool:) also suspects it is all a tie-in with the upcoming DVD release so that Warners could debut their trailer!

[Nick August]

..Yes,the whole afi show is a promo to sell more movies over and over..the'100 years 100 thrills' show was less predictable..many horror classics included.