LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD
It’s always an honor when your fellow bloggers recognize the work that you do. Fast Film Reviews has been awarded the Liebster Blog Award by Fernando at Committed to Celluloid, Alexander at Cinemaniac Reviews and Garrett at Cinema Train. Thanks fellas. This award is also sort of a “chain letter” that entails a few responsibilities.
- Each person must post eleven things about themselves.
- Answer the eleven questions the person giving the award has set for you.
- Create eleven questions for the people you will be giving the award to
- Choose eleven people to award and send them a link to your post
- Go to their page and tell them
- No tag backs
11 things about myself
- I was born in Washington DC, but have lived most of my life in California.
- I’ve been to Canada, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Egypt.
- I own several Armani suits which I wear on a daily basis. (This sounds more impressive than it really is but to explain why would mean revealing classified details.)
- I think The Simpsons is one of the greatest TV shows ever produced. I’ve been watching since its inception in 1989.
- Despite the fact that the highly rated TV drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has been on for 12 years, I’ve never watched a single episode of the police procedural (nor the spin-offs CSI: Miami and CSI: NY for that matter.
- I love a wide variety of musical genres, but I’ve got a particular weakness for the electronic dance music of artists like The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and Justice.
- I can name the artist of any song that has ever hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen is the current titleholder.
- No matter how many times I hear it, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings ALWAYS gets my emotions.
- I think Mother Teresa is on the short list of most incredible people that have ever lived.
- I’m a frequent guest on 2 movie related podcasts: Out Now with Aaron and Abe and MGCTv: Movies, Games, Comics & TV. Check them out!
- I honestly hate talking about myself which made completing this especially difficult.
Fernando’s Questions:
- Favorite scene in a film? Just before Han Solo solo is dropped into the carbon freezing chamber in The Empire Strikes Back, Princess Leia tells him she loves him and Han responds, “I know.”
- Worst performance by your favorite actor/actress? Robert DeNiro in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
- Favorite drink (alcoholic or not)? Mojito
- Any interesting rituals before/during/after watching a movie? I (almost) always write a review after I watch one.
- Oscars: agony or ecstasy? Ecstasy obviously.
- Name your top 10 actors and actresses. Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Cate Blanchett, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, James Stewart, John Malkovich, Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro (ok that’s 11)
- Favorite musical scene from a movie? You probably mean from a musical, but I’m going to pick the climatic scene in Close Encounters of the Third Kind where they communicate with that enormous alien mothership.
- Name 3 movies with great cinematography. Black Narcissus (Jack Cardiff), 2001: A Space Odyssey (Geoffrey Unsworth), Schindler’s List (Janusz Kaminski)
- Favorite film poster? Silence of the Lambs
- Coolest thing in your movie collection? Citizen Kane (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray] 3 discs of stuff!
- Favorite city/country you’ve never been to? England
Alexander’s Questions:
- What movie do you wish you had never seen? Audition a 1999 Japanese horror film by director Takashi Miike. So disgusting it psychologically scarred me.
- What movie have you heard nothing but praise for, but still have absolutely no desire to see? The English Patient
- Have you seen the entire filmography of one director? If so, who? Off the top of my head, Gary Ross. He’s only directed 3 films: Pleasantville (1998), Seabiscuit (2003), and The Hunger Games (2012).
- Have you ever been to a film festival? Yes, the Cinequest San Jose Film Festival
- What was the first movie you saw in theaters? Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Have you ever met a famous filmmaker/actor/actress? If so, who? Shirley Temple, Michele Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Tina Fey
- What Academy Award winning film(s) do you not particularly care for? The Last Emperor (1987). It just bores me to tears.
- What is your favorite quote in a movie? A tie between “Well, I’ve wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it.” from Harvey and “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops!” from Arsenic and Old Lace. Sense a theme?
- What is the most confusing movie you’ve seen? Primer (2004) a science fiction drama about time travel.
- What is your vote for the most pointless movie made thus far? Andy Warhol’s Empire, a 1964 silent, black-and-white film which consists of eight hours and five minutes of continuous slow motion footage of the Empire State Building in New York City. That’s it. Enjoy!
- Do you talk during movies? Never. That would be rude. It’s one of my pet peeves.
Garrett’s Questions:
- What is your favorite genre of film? Drama
- Who is your favorite director (or one of them)? Alfred Hitchcock
- In your opinion, should Citizen Kane be known as the greatest movie ever? No, but it’s a great film nonetheless.
- Do you have a favorite professional movie critic? If so, who is it? I enjoy reading Roger Ebert, but only after I’ve seen the film. Too many spoilers.
- What was the last movie you watched? The Bourne Legacy
- What was one of your favorite movies as a child? Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Have you ever met a famous person? If so, who was it? Since I kind of answered this before I’ll mention non-actors this time: Joe Montana, Barry Bonds, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Condoleezza Rice.
- What is your favorite movie-watching snack? Popcorn
- Who is your favorite musical artist? The Beatles
- What is one of your favorite movie trilogies? The original Star Wars trilogy
- Would you rather attend the Cannes festival or the Oscars? The Oscars and it’s not even close.
11 questions I’ve created for my award recipients:
I liked the questions I was asked, so I’m going to appropriate a few of them. Thanks guys.
- First movie you remember seeing in a theater?
- I once adored the movie________, but I detest it now.
- What critically revered film do you hate?
- Movie you’re ashamed to admit you love? (a real guilty pleasure where admitting it actually makes you worried people will think less of you.)
- What’s the worst film to win Best Picture?
- Name a movie most people would be shocked to hear you’ve never seen.
- What’s the most confusing movie you’ve ever seen?
- Most visually stunning film?
- Most disgusting film/scene that turned your stomach?
- Worst film from a great director?
- Name your 5 favorite actors and 5 favorites actresses of all time?
Fast Film Reviews 
August 14, 2012 at 5:39 am
I found it interesting that you’ve never been to England but you’ve been to all those other places. I have several Italian ancestors (I’ve been told that traditionally my surname is actually “di Mignano” or something like that…never really showed much interest) but I’ve never actually been to Europe.
I’d agree that The Simpsons is one of the best on TV. I’ve memorized scenes from certain episodes and I’ve seen The Simpsons Movie 8+ times.
Love that scene you named your favorite.
Ah, The Silence of the Lambs poster. Love it!!!
Never seen The English Patient, and I’m not sure I should. Every time I bring it up around my parents, they act as if it is the title that must not be spoken of. “WORST MOVIE EVER…” they groan. Yet it won Best Picture, plus a couple other Oscars…
Apparently I’ve seen all three of Gary Ross’s films as well. 🙂
Fun fact: four things happen this year on December 21, only one of which is good: the world supposedly ends (I hate you Roland Emmerich!!), Nicki Minaj’s baby is due (baby name I suggest: Damien, as in son of Satan), Rebecca Black releases an album (why can’t the world end?), and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs turns 75. 🙂
I envy you for meeting Pfeiffer and Fey.
I’ll avoid Empire with my life!!
Was Mark Zuckerberg well portrayed in The Social Network, then?
Enjoyed reading this!! 😀
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August 14, 2012 at 4:12 pm
I’ve never been to Mexico either which is probably even more surprising.
There were so many great movie scenes. I picked one that I don’t hear mentioned that often. Glad you agree.
I’m sure there are many directors whose entire filmography I’ve seen. I just realized I’ve seen everything Tarsem Singh has ever directed as well.
Thanks again, Alexander!
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August 14, 2012 at 4:34 pm
I’d like to see one of my favorite directors’ full filmographies; I’m almost there with James Cameron. Seen every one of his feature films except Piranha Part Two: The Spawning, his debut and only mostly negatively film. I’ll look up what Tarsem Singh has directed. All I know of is Immortals and Mirror Mirror.
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August 14, 2012 at 7:34 am
Nice job! I’m also a big fan of The Beatles and Daft Punk.
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August 14, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Appreciate the support!
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August 14, 2012 at 9:36 am
That was pretty cool and informative. Great questions
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August 16, 2012 at 9:05 am
Thanks!
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August 14, 2012 at 9:52 am
lol, you forgot to list England in your 11 things about you…..as one of the many places you’ve visited. 🙂
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August 14, 2012 at 4:14 pm
England is my favorite place I’ve NEVER been to. 🙂
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August 14, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Thanks for the nomination Mark. I hope to come up with all of my own questions by tomorrow.
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August 14, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Looking forward to hearing your answers, but no pressure. It was days before I published mine.
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August 14, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Thank you, Mark! It’s an honor to be nominated, and I’ll do my best to have my reply up within the next few days.
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August 16, 2012 at 9:04 am
You’re welcome! And no hurry. This takes some time to put together.
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August 14, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Okay, maybe I never met Shirley Temple, Michele Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Tina Fey, Joe Montana, Barry Bonds, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Condoleezza Rice (holy smoke, what a list!! but what’s the common denominator?), but I DID meet Roger Ebert.
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Your favorite scene reminds me — and probably does you too — of one I know you know the dialog to: Mia to Woody in Crimes and Misdemeanors.
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I want to know YOUR answer to your OWN question #4. (No copping out with something like Plan 9 or Glen and Glenda!)
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By the way, I happen to know you have heard SOMETHING besides praise for The English Patient.
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August 14, 2012 at 9:55 pm
And how would you review the experience?
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The joke is similar, but Mia was rebuffing Woody’s advances in Crimes and Misdemeanors, right? Han was still in love with Princess Leia, despite his self-confident attitude.
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I mean the climatic roller skating scene in Xanadu is euphoric. The reviews were scathing so I think admitting that I love the film is a valid choice, no?
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Yes perhaps subconsciously that’s the reason I’ve never watched The English Patient.
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August 15, 2012 at 12:18 am
Disillusioning.
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Han was self confident. So was Mia. Most everything else was different … except the laugh.
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Xanadu qualifies, although I could never bring myself to watch it. I was afraid my reaction to Gene Kelly might turn out a little like watching Fred Astaire in “Those Amazing Dobermans”.
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August 15, 2012 at 10:50 pm
You might be surprised. Kelly actually sings and dances in the film. While it’s obviously not his best work, he does manage to bring a bit of class to the proceedings. I appreciated his involvement, unlike seeing Bruce Jenner in Can’t Stop the Music. Now that was an abomination.
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August 15, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Thanks for doing this, Mark! Glad I got to know you a little bit better!
I love your Top 11 actors, we share a few.
About the musical scene question, I meant musical scene in any movie, so your answer is valid 😉
One day, I’ll break into your house and steal your Citizen Kane Anniversary Package! 😉
You HAVE to see The English Patient. It is really good.
Jealous you got to meet Shirley Temple, Michele Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and especially Tina Fey!
“Well, I’ve wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it.” I love that quote. Harvey is one of my favorite films and Jimmy gives his best, most moving performance in it.
Damn, Andy Warhol’s Empire should be used in torture chambers
I can’t imagine someone wanting to see that one.
“The Oscars and it’s not even close.” Same here, obviously.
I took the liberty of answering your questions, hehe 😉
First movie you remember seeing in a theater? The Lion King
I once adored the movie “Shrek”, but I detest it now.
What critically revered film do you hate? Avatar.
Movie you’re ashamed to admit you love? (a real guilty pleasure where admitting it actually makes you worried people
will think less of you.) The High School Musical franchise.
What’s the worst film to win Best Picture? The Greatest Show on Earth.
Name a movie most people would be shocked to hear you’ve never seen: Star Wars.
What’s the most confusing movie you’ve ever seen? Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Most visually stunning film? The Fall
Most disgusting film/scene that turned your stomach? When Jamal falls into a pool of human waste in Slumdog Millionaire.
Worst film from a great director? Cape Fear or Hugo, from Martin Scorsese.
Name your 5 favorite actors and 5 favorites actresses of all time? Actors: Jimmy Stewart, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robert De Niro,
Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Spacey. Actresses: Meryl Streep, Frances McDormand, Laura Linney, Penélope Cruz, Kate Winslet.
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August 15, 2012 at 11:31 pm
I really like your answers. I agree with virtually all of them. My thoughts:
Shrek is actually a really good choice for that question. I think it’s because of all the inferior sequels and so the original just doesn’t hold the same magic anymore.
Avatar’s story is recycled Dances With Wolves / Fern Gully / Pocahontas / Last Samurai. I liked Avatar, but I think it’s a severely overrated film.
I disagree with picking The Greatest Show on Earth as the worst though. It’s just a fun, lightweight film. I know critics have picked it, but why do you think so?
Star Wars is a genuine shock. I’m confused as to why you’ve never had a desire to watch it.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – Another perfect choice!! I only wouldn’t choose it because I watched it twice and then I read the plot summary on http://themoviespoiler.com/ It’s the only way I could understand the film, which I do now.
The Fall is gorgeous. Actually all of Tarsem Singh’s movies are. His cinematography saved Mirror Mirror for me.
Don’t ever watch Headhunters then. It will make that scene in Slumdog Millionaire look tame by comparison.
Cape Fear or Hugo?!!? Oh dear. Try watching The Age of Innocence. I know it has a high reputation and it DOES look good, but it’s one long boring, stilted piece of hot air in my opinion.
Thanks for answering my questions. 🙂
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August 16, 2012 at 6:32 am
Out of all the BP winners I’ve watched, Greatest Show is definitely the worst. Not a bad movie per se, but it shouldn’t have won.
I think I’ll go prepared for a nasty scene, but I really really want to see Headhunters.
Oh, and agree on The Age of Innocence! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that one!
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August 19, 2012 at 12:28 pm
I’m reading Amy’s Liebster post and in your “disgusting scene” question, she mentions Antichrist. I can’t believe I forgot about that one! There are many super awful scenes there!
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