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Top 10 Romantic Movie Moments

2008-01-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

Yep, we're coming over all starry-eyed this month. Nobody does love like they do in the movies, so we've picked our favorite silver-screen romantic moments.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Romantic Movie Moments >>

Some of our choices: "Casablanca" (of course!), "Roman Holiday," "Amelie." And we've also included the ones that really made us cringe.

But what are yours? What screen goddesses and matinee idols made you think Cupid had really hit his mark? Post your thoughts here and we'll publish the best.

Top 10 Life-affirming Movie Moments

2007-12-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

The end of the year is a time for reflection and looking ahead to the future. With that in mind, we've picked our top 10 life-affirming on-screen moments.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Life-affirming Movie Moments >>

Some of our choices: The end of "It's A Wonderful Life" (naturally), "I Am Spartacus" (of course) and "The Shawshank Redemption."

But what are yours? What movie moments restore your faith in humanity, make you want to punch the air or bring a tear to your eye? Post your thoughts here and we'll publish the best.

Top 10 Live-action Family Films

2007-11-22T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,

It's that time of year for seasonal trips to the movies, and to celebrate, the Screening Room is taking a look back at our favorite family hits over the years.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Live-action Family Films >>

Some of our choices: "E.T." (of course), "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (the 1971 version) and "Back to the Future."

Plus, we've picked our favorite hide-behind-the-sofa moments.

But what are your favorite family movies? Which have we missed? (We had a tough time whittling the list down!) Post your thoughts here, and we'll publish the best.

Top 10 British Movie Villains

2007-10-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

From the bad to the truly evil, this month we're celebrating the London Film Festival by picking our favorite British villains. We're not sure why "British accent = evil" in so many of Hollywood's productions, but this stereotype has also brought audiences cut-glass accents and classical training, often creating a thrilling portrayal of warped yet brilliant genius.

The Screening Room's Top 10 British Villains >>

Some of our choices: Laurence Olivier's lurching Richard III; Peter Cushing's chilling turn in Star Wars; and two Sheriffs of Nottingham. But what are your favorite British villains? Which have we missed? Tell us, and we'll publish the best comments here.

Top 10 Movie Deaths

2007-09-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone,

From the heartbreaking to the gory, this month, we're picking our favorite movie deaths.

Our only criteria was that the character didn't come back to life later. Sorry, E.T., but that's just the way it goes.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Movie Deaths >>

Some of our choices: *that* shower scene from 'Psycho,' Bambi's mother's tragic demise and John Hurt's stomach-buster in 'Alien.' But what are your favorite movie deaths? Which classic exits have we missed? Tell us, and we'll publish the best comments here.

Top 10 of Movie Music

2007-08-24T05:38:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

This month, we're celebrating music in the movies.

It's always a struggle to whittle down our top 10 list, but this month it proved impossible. So we've taken our ten favorite songs -- one from each of ten movie genres. And there were still some tantrums in the office... so we've drawn up our top ten original soundtracks, too.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Movie Songs >>

The Screening Room's Top 10 Movie Scores >>

From "Singin' in the Rain" to "Over the Rainbow," from Ennio Morricone to John Williams, what's your favorite movie music? Which classics have we missed out? Share your thoughts!

Top 10 Animated Films

2007-07-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

This month, we're celebrating the release of "The Simpsons Movie" by choosing our top 10 animated films.

From Woody and Buzz to the Disney princesses, which animated characters have found a special place in your hearts? Is animation just for the kids, or have Pixar and Japanese anime widened its appeal to you?

The Screening Room's Top 10 Animated Films

Do you agree? Which favorites of yours have we missed out? Share your thoughts!

Top 10 Bollywood movies

2007-06-28T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

This month, we're celebrating the Indian Film Awards by picking our top 10 Bollywood movies.

From the best of the Big B to the hottest routines, spice up your life with these all-singing, all-dancing spectaculars.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Bollywood films

Do you agree? Which favorites of yours have we missed out? Share your thoughts!

Myleene's blog: The glamor of Cannes

2007-06-01T08:57:00.000-04:00

I’ve always heard that of all the film festivals, Cannes is the one to give you everything and more. This year was extra special because it was the 60th anniversary, and I can confirm that my first Cannes experience didn’t disappoint!

From the moment I arrived, there was a definite feeling of anticipation in the air. Rumors and titbits of information about who was arriving were flying around, fed by the multitude of journalists and expectant fans.

I checked into my hotel, was nearly overpowered by the scent of Chanel No.5 swirling around the lobby and watched the yachts from my hotel balcony as they ferried in a cargo of international superstars. I knew that I would have many a tale to tell when I got home.

My first interviews of the day were not set in the usual darkened corner of a hotel room but in the lobby of one of the glitzy hotels which had been sectioned off, so that models and actresses from every corner of the globe could relax and show their Valentino dresses and Chopard jewelry off to perfection.

It was here that I got the chance to catch up with a heavily pregnant, but totally stunning, Eva Herzigova. She was one of the girls invited to open the ceremony at Cannes, along with Minnie Driver, Devon Aoki and Liz Hurley.

The rest of my day consisted of going to various parties to meet the actors and actresses for further interviews. It was at one of these that I accidentally took a wrong turn and literally bumped into Jerry Seinfeld in the men’s room. He saw the funny side and helpfully directed me to the ladies’, much to the amusement of my colleagues!

Then I met Juliette Binoche, who was incredibly charismatic, chic and engaging. She seemed so happy to be back in Cannes: not only does she see it as the place that launched her, but she is a child of the city.

After Juliette, I spoke to Jude Law (we share the same make up artist so it was nice to have an informal catch-up) and Norah Jones about their new movie, “My Blueberry Nights.” It felt so bizarre to be conducting an interview on a beach rather than in a studio, but I think I could get used to it!

I also got the opportunity to interview a selection of the world’s most gorgeous men, all in the space of an hour. Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon were great fun to speak to. They were extremely playful throughout the interview and even divulged a game they were playing amongst each other. (They had set one another a challenge to insert a random word successfully into the interview, the word in question being “Savlon" on this occasion!)

Don Cheadle and Andy Garcia were equally lovely and Elliot Gould proved to be wise and witty in equal doses.

The beauty of the Cannes film festival is that throughout the day, you can almost freeze-frame moments in time and see them as the next iconic snapshot for generations to come. I got the chance to experience everything the festival is about: I walked along the infamous red carpet, met the stars, got to board the yachts, attended the parties and watched the films in the middle of the day.

But the absolute highlight was that I got the opportunity to deliver the Palme d'Or on the final stage of its journey to Cannes from the Chopard workshop in Switzerland. Naturally, I had to take a peek: after all, this is the prize and pinnacle of what the competition entries are vying for. It probably comes as no surprise, but whoever wins it will need to reinforce their mantelpiece. It’s very, very heavy!!!!!

Six hours in Cannes

2007-05-29T09:31:00.000-04:00

It's 530am and I'm sitting in the lobby of the plush Grand Hotel in Cannes with my editor James. We're trying to use the hotel's free wi-fi service to feed to the Atlanta news desk a report we've just completed on the start of Cannes Film Festival's 60th anniversary. We are confronted by the irate night porter who accuses us of trying to sleep for free in the lobby of his hotel. A prickly debate ensues in which neither party fully comprehends the other. Finally he storms off with a uniquely gallic contemptuous wave of his arm, spitting the words "Le Presse! Pah!!!" No comprehension problems with that.

We lose the internet connection. We mutter darkly that it's an act of revenge by the night manager and we haul up our equipment and trudge along Cannes' famous promenade, La Croisette, to the even more sumptuous Carlton Hotel. The staff here are much more welcoming to us as they prepare breakfast for their guests. We manage to feed our report and step back on to the promenade to find no taxis in sight and a 20 minute walk back to our apartment, carrying our gear. I have a screening to attend in three hours.

The possession of a press pass at the world's most famous film festival is no guarantee that you'll actually get to see any films. I have been promised an interview with British actor Jude Law and U.S. singer-songwriter-turned-actress Norah Jones along with the notable Chinese director Wong Kar Wei concerning his first English-language film "My Blueberry Nights." It's clearly important that I see the film before the interview so plan to arrive an hour before the screening.

To my horror, I find a long line of people stretching from the steps in front of the Palais. A very long line. Thoughts of grabbing a bottle of water or visiting the toilet to prepare for a cosy two hours watching a movie disappear with the obvious need to get in line as quickly as possible.

An hour later my neck is sunburnt and thought of water and the toilet have been an ever-present for the past 45 minutes. The adrenalin surges as the holders of the coveted pink pass (mainly on-air talent) are admitted to the 2,000-seater cinema.

After a wait during which I feel I can actually witness global warming around me, the humble blue pass (producers and wordsmiths) are admitted - but only about a hundred of us make it inside before the dreaded words are issued by security: "C'est complet!" I made the cut by just eight people.

I looked back at the confrontation blossoming behind me as three hundred lightly toasted members of the international press corps discover that their morning standing in the sun has been entirely fruitless. I imagine the Liverpool fans who were refused admission to the Champions League Final unknowingly share a common bond with this unhappy group.

As one of the lucky ones I was able to bask in my good fortune just as far as the entrance to the theatre. That was when I realised that getting inside and getting a seat inside provided another stratum of separation.

The lights were already down and through the dark I could make out silhouetted heads jostling for position and angry words exchanged in French, Italian and an Eastern European language I couldn't identify. I have never before watched a film standing up. Nor have I done so with my back to the screen looking over my right shoulder compressed between several other unseen strangers; not to mention the contrasting distractions of a full bladder and a parched throat.

After two hours of this my neck felt as if it had been dislocated and any attempt to return it to a more traditional vista met with excruciating pain, which served as an exceptional means of staying awake despite the nocturnal working hours of the previous night.

I'm not a critic but I regard it as a relatively positive measure of a film if it can sustain my interest and even invoke moments of considerable pleasure during such trying circumstances. As the credits roll I join the throng of other journalists racing for the after-screening press conference. I hear two aristocratic English voices discussing the merits of Jude Law's contribution to the film in less than flattering terms while complementing each other on their own wit and observations. The accents hint at a privileged upbringing and the tone of their conversation clearly belonged to that other privileged class - the ones who got seats!

With a derisory "Pah!" which might even have impressed the night porter of the Grand Hotel I stalk off round the corner to join the queue for the press conference.

My morning is about to take a turn for the worse as I spot the sign: "C'est Complet!"

Neil Curry

Senior Producer
The Screening Room

Top 10 Quest Films

2007-05-24T11:08:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

This month, we're celebrating the release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" by picking our top 10 quest films.

Trusty steed? Check. Knight in armor? Check. Damsel in distress? Check. We've chosen our favorites and the ones which had us rooting for the Dark Side.

The Screening Room's Top 10 Quest Films

See what you think of our list, and send us your thoughts, plus any you think are missing.

Myleene's blog: Meeting Robert De Niro at Tribeca

2007-04-27T12:21:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

I’ve come all the way to New York to cover the Tribeca Film Festival and it’s just been the most incredible three days! I’ve managed to seek out so many places where they’ve filmed movies that it feels like I’ve been living on a movie set while I’ve been here!

One dream for me was to stand in Grand Central Station, just because it’s so iconic. So many films have been shot there. I also went over Manhattan in a cable car, which brought home the power that New York has as a filming unit, and took a ride around Central Park in a horse drawn buggy, which was another dream come true. Everyone has seen a movie that featured a scene in Central Park. There’s just so much energy here.
We had a great opportunity on our first day here to go on the film set of “August,” Josh Hartnett’s new movie. Not only is he acting in it but he’s producing it as well, so it was a real treat to see the man at work and to sit on a real live movie set. It was just fascinating for an outsider – the attention to detail was phenomenal. It’ll be a very interesting movie. To cover the period just weeks before 9/11 is an interesting concept.

But I know what you really want to hear about.

Today’s the day that I met De Niro.

When I woke up this morning I beat the alarm clock, which is not very usual for me, but I was so excited. I mean, De Niro is king among kings and there’s not one person in any demographic or generation that doesn’t admire him. He’s made such an impression, not just on my own life, but on a lot of people’s. He is a legend, and rightly so.

A lot of people who’ve interviewed him or know him well say that he’s actually quite a shy man; when somebody is deemed an icon, that’s a lot of pressure. Well, it was incredible. He talked and talked: he was very animated. He’s a lovely bloke. He gesticulated as you’d want him to in one of his gangster movies -– the “You talkin’ to me” thing -– and did the New York shrug -– I liked it a lot!

He has an amazing passion for the Tribeca Film Festival. It’s something of a phoenix that grew from the ashes of 9/11 not only for him but for most New Yorkers. The 9/11 aftermath was so depressing for so many, but Tribeca gave them some light and he provided that.

He has been described as peerless, and I agree: who else can rival De Niro? He provides a lot of hope for people, a lot of entertainment. He is the daddy! He was the ultimate interview for me –- so warm, so charismatic, so friendly. I’ve seen him in so many roles, and it was so nice just to meet him as he is -– a very charming man.

Catch my interview with Robert De Niro on CNN's The Screening Room this weekend. Hope you enjoy it -- and see you next month!

~ Myleene

New York in the movies

2007-04-26T10:32:00.000-04:00

Hello folks,

Every film needs a setting -- and no city has played more of a starring role in the movies than New York.

Our "New York in the Movies" gallery takes you through the Big Apple's greatest appearances, from King Kong to Annie Hall, Goodfellas to Ghostbusters.

We hope you enjoy the ride -- and your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always.

Launch the "New York in the Movies" gallery >>

Top 10 gangster movies

2007-04-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

We got such a great response to our Top 10 Battle Scenes list last month - thanks to everyone who wrote in!

This month, we're celebrating Robert De Niro's career, so we want to know your top 10 gangster movies. We've picked our top 10 mob-related flicks - plus the ones we'd like to see sleep with the fishes...

The Screening Room's Top 10 Gangster Films

Have a look at our list, and send us your comments, plus any you think we've missed. (There are certainly some - it was really tough to whittle the list down.)