1994 - Forrest Gump

Lyndsay: It really doesn't get any better than Forrest Gump. It's not just a story of a man's life- it's essentially the American story for the second half of the 20th century all set to a fantastic American soundtrack. The thing I like most about this movie is how all of the pieces come together- the story rolls along so smoothly that you are immersed in every frame and never lose site of the point, which, in my opinion, is summed up by the bumper sticker man: "shit happens." As MY momma always said, it isn't what happens to you in your life, but how you handle it that shows true character. Grade: A+

Jon: In my opinion, this is one of the top 5 films of all time, and it is by far the most complete film ever made. There's war, love, death, family, rock and roll, comedy, and just about every aspect of life that a person needs to experience before taking a dirt nap. The entire world thought Tom Hanks was incredible, and he was. He embodies the rare American ideal that if you work methodically, follow the rules, and be kind to others, you will be successful, regardless of your mental capacity. Although the plot is far-fetched, a lot of people could learn a few things from the simpleton who says "stupid is as stupid does." Forrest Gump's formula works. Hanks is so good that he overshadows the fact that Gary Sinise was outstanding as Lt. Dan. There were also great performances from Sally Field, Robin Wright, and Mykelti Williamson. It's extremely difficult to get any better than this movie, and only few like this are made in a lifetime. It must hold the record for most quotes that are used in everyday language, although it's pretty difficult to measure something like that. I've seen it about 500 times and can recite every word (and sound). Grade: A+

1989 - Driving Miss Daisy

Jon: In the history of the Oscars, Driving Miss Daisy is possibly the least worthy victory. Dead Poets Society, My Left Foot, and Born On the Fourth of July were all much better movies that year. This crime is reminiscent of the 1976 Oscars when perennial goon Sly Stallone won with Rocky. Anyway, the movie had a few moments where my pulse went above repose mode. Jessica Tandy is adequate as a miserable old bird, but in 1989 she was a miserable old bird, so I'm not sure how much acting was involved. Dan Aykroyd is laughably bad. Morgan Freeman shows his inexperience in the film world by trying too hard to be a lovable character. The story of an unlikely friendship between Tandy and Freeman is just not very interesting and extremely predictable. A crazy old woman is bound to make a racist comment at some point, and eventually she will wear down over time and become more approachable. I think the only redeeming quality in the movie is the score by Hans Zimmer, but that's about the only thing that would take your attention away from passing traffic. Grade: D

Lyndsay: I'm torn on this movie. I can see why it won this award in 1989 as the story is a significant one. Race relations are still an issue today, but 20 years ago this message of equality and friendship between a Jewish white woman and black man (in the South none-the-less) was an important one to share. On the other hand, however, it was kind of boring and the acting was over-done at times. Jessica Tandy was fabulous (nothing beats her in Fried Green Tomatoes, but this performance was up there), but Dan Aykroyd and Morgan Freeman were not so fabulous. Dan Aykroyd was just bad- not very believable as his character. Knowing that this was Morgan Freeman's break-out role, I give him a bit more credit, however his performance of a poor, illiterate black man seemed very cliche to me, especially his manner of speaking. Who knows though, it could have really been like that. Over all, a lovely message, but by today's standards, not very captivating. Grade: C+

1979 - Kramer Vs. Kramer

Jon: This is easily the saddest movie I've ever seen - it was the closest I've come to crying during a flick, but since I'm a man, I did not. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep are both outstanding. The story is very consuming and like any good movie, you don't realize you're actually watching a movie. I can identify with Hoffman's character Ted Kramer since he's addicted to work, but it's amazing to see him transform throughout the movie from an absentee father to the only presence in Billy's life. Streep is great playing a crazy chick. The movie is very rich in emotion and some of the scenes are unforgettable, like the main courtroom scene where Hoffman mouths to Streep that she's not a failure and the scene where Hoffman has to explain to his son that he's not going to see him every day anymore. Overall an awesome flick. Grade A

Lyndsay: My man is not a crier. Although no actual tears were shed (his reputation as a man is still in tact), I think it is the closest I have ever seen him come. This movie would tug on the heart strings of anyone because of its sincerity. The story of a woman supressed and the love between family members is about as real as it gets- especially, I'm sure, for women of previous generations. You also can't get much better then Meryl and Dustin who played their parts perfectly. Save it for a time when you're looking to cry, but do not skip this movie. Well deserving of the Oscar win. Grade: A

1982 - Gandhi

Jon: I don't like historical profiles - readers need to know this up front. However, it was pretty unbelievable how much Ben Kingsley actually resembled Gandhi. A white guy playing an Indian has to be extremely difficult (CORRECTION - He is 50% Indian). His accent and his delivery were outstanding, but for all his mastery of the technical aspects, he seemed to be lacking charisma. Perhaps Gandhi himself was not very charismatic, but parts of the movie dragged and I dozed off a few times. Overall, the movie did a great job of telling his incredible story, but it just was not as captivating as I expected. Grade B-

Lyndsay: Jon doesn't like history, so he is biased. I thought the movie was a slow, brooding one, but excellent. The representation of events was well portrayed and didn't seem dramatized for cinematic effect. I will say, Gandhi's movement and Indian independence had such worldy significance that was not given such in the movie. It leaves you feeling informed on the subject but not aching to go out and share what you learned. Grade B

Introduction

Lyndsay and I have decided to watch every movie that has won Best Picture at the Oscars since the award show began. Each of us will post a review for the movie and we will try not to sway each other's opinions. Here's the full list we'll be reviewing, but not in exact order, because most of the flicks before Marlon Brando (B.M.) are pretty terrible and we need to watch them in small doses:

1928 - Wings
1929 - The Broadway Melody
1930 - All Quiet on the Western Front
1931 - Cimarron
1932 - Grand Hotel
1933 - Cavalcade
1934 - It Happened One Night
1935 - Mutiny on the Bounty
1936 - The Great Ziegfeld
1937 - The Life of Emile Zola
1938 - You Can't Take It With You
1939 - Gone with the Wind
1940 - Rebecca
1941 - How Green Was My Valley
1942 - Mrs. Miniver
1943 - Casablanca
1944 - Going My Way
1945 - The Lost Weekend
1946 - The Best Years of Our Lives
1947 - Gentleman's Agreement
1948 - Hamlet
1949 - All the King's Men
1950 - All About Eve
1951 - An American in Paris
1952 - The Greatest Show on Earth
1953 - From Here to Eternity
1954 - On the Waterfront
1955 - Marty
1956 - Around the World in 80 Days
1957 - The Bridge on the River Kwai
1958 - Gigi
1959 - Ben-Hur
1960 - The Apartment
1961 - West Side Story
1962 - Lawrence of Arabia
1963 - Tom Jones
1964 - My Fair Lady
1965 - The Sound of Music
1966 - A Man for All Seasons
1967 - In the Heat of the Night
1968 - Oliver!
1969 - Midnight Cowboy
1970 - Patton
1971 - The French Connection
1972 - The Godfather
1973 - The Sting
1974 - The Godfather, Part II
1975 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1976 - Rocky
1977 - Annie Hall
1978 - The Deer Hunter
1979 - Kramer vs. Kramer
1980 - Ordinary People
1981 - Chariots of Fire
1982 - Gandhi
1983 - Terms of Endearment
1984 - Amadeus
1985 - Out of Africa
1986 - Platoon
1987 - The Last Emperor
1988 - Rain Man
1989 - Driving Miss Daisy
1990 - Dances With Wolves
1991 - The Silence of the Lambs
1992 - Unforgiven
1993 - Schindler's List
1994 - Forrest Gump
1995 - Braveheart
1996 - The English Patient
1997 - Titanic
1998 - Shakespeare in Love
1999 - American Beauty
2000 - Gladiator
2001 - A Beautiful Mind
2002 - Chicago
2003 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2004 - Million Dollar Baby
2005 - Crash
2006 - The Departed
2007 - No Country for Old Men
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire