CD-Charts Position 1
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The Bucket List [2008]

starring: Sean Hayes, Jack Nicholson, Beverly Todd, Morgan Freeman
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date July 07, 2008
This film left me laughing and my missus crying!

A long-time fan of both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman I went into this film expecting to entertained somehow at least. I also expected it to be bittersweet.

I didn't expect a film about two men with cancer to somehow leave me feeling I'd just watched a "feelgood" film. But that's exactly what this is..

The two lead characters are polarised in their attitudes to life, their success in life thus far and their outlook on their shared news that they have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

What follows is their decision to enjoy their last few months on the Earth attaining as many of their ambitions on their newly devised "Bucket List" before ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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The Princess Bride [1987]

starring: Cary Elwes, Peter Falk, Mandy Patinkin, Peter Cook, Billy Crystal
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date November 03, 2008
'The Princess Bride' is finally getting its own Region 2 Special Edition DVD? Inconceivable! (Well, it's about time MGM got their act together. Let's face it, Region 1 have had more Special Editions released than there are R.O.U.Ss in the Fire Swamp.) This is a 2 disc set so let's hope we get all the extras the other region has had plus more to make up for our long wait!

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

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When Harry Met Sally [1989]

starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date July 23, 2001
'When Harry Met Sally' is fundamentally a chick flick with a 'will they, won't they' storyline and yet it's smart and snappy dialogue elevates it to the classic it has now become. Focusing on the relationship dynamics between men and women and from the perspective of the cynical and jaded Harry (Billy crystal) and the optimistic, slightly naive Sally (Meg Ryan), this film offers so many humorous insights that it literally is one hilarious moment, followed by a touching moment, followed by a strangely insightful moment and then back to a humourous one again. The assorted couples who introduce the various 'chapters' are also completely endearing and add an extra touch to the overall film. This is a short but perfectly pitched movie and coupled ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

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Stand By Me [1987]

starring: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date December 04, 2000
This is an all time classic, one of THE greatest movies that will ever be made. It sits third on my Top 5 list, falling only behind Casino and Goodfellas.

There are lot's of reviews for this movie already, so I will keep mine brief.

Buy this film, watch it and fall in love with it like everyone else. It is quite simply a masterpiece that will pull every one of your emotions out of you. This movie shows River Phoenix at his greatest, and untouchable piece of acting that goes far beyond the limits of his script.

If ever a movie deserved 5 stars, this is it.

CD-Charts Position 5
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This Is Spinal Tap [1984]

starring: Andrew Divoff, Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, June Chadwick
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date February 11, 2008
A friend's exhortations to watch this "hilarious" rock-romp led me to the DVD player one wet and windy wednesday. My expectations were admittedly sky high as the same person had been the source of many other mirth packed evenings. However, the promised chuckles ( how I prayed for them to appear) did not emerge. I found it dated and over-rated, with most of what paltry humour there was relying on jokes about sex, airport metal detectors and misunderstandings between the thinly sketched "main" characters.In order for me to laugh I need to feel empathy for the main characters in a film. The central actors in this film, however, elicited none. They appeared to be very slow on the uptake and elicited sympathy and even contempt-the enemies of humour.There was also a cruel ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

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Misery (Special Edition) [1991]

starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, Lauren Bacall
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date July 28, 2003
On the one hand, Misery is an excellent film. Many - if not all - of the characters are well cast, and very true to the book.

However, it has far less depth than the novel. For example, the book being written inside the book/film actually has a great deal of reference to the situation the author finds himself in, obviously basing the book around his life as Annie Wilkes' hostage.

In summary, read the book first. The film is pretty epic on its own, but it could have been so much better with the addition of a few extra scenes depicting the content of the novel being written, which would have shown more of Annie Wilkes' persona and added a great deal of irony to the situation.

Still, buy it.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

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The American President [1995]

starring: Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Anna Deavere Smith
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date September 02, 2002
This film should have been awful but is nearer to a classic.
Michael Douglas gives another top notch performance startillingly similar to all his other performances. Rather than a critisism, an acknowledgement that Michael Douglas knows what he's good at and does it very well.
Douglas and co-star Annette Benning create the irresistable on screen chemistry and illuminate an enchanting tale.
In reality The American President is more of a modern fairytale than realistic drama.
Leaves you a little sad that that is the case.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

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Stephen King Collection - Misery/The Dark Half/Carrie

starring: James Caan, John Travolta, Piper Laurie, P.J. Soles, Kathy Bates
directed by: Rob Reiner, George A. Romero, Brian De Palma

Release Date December 04, 2006
This film should have been awful but is nearer to a classic.
Michael Douglas gives another top notch performance startillingly similar to all his other performances. Rather than a critisism, an acknowledgement that Michael Douglas knows what he's good at and does it very well.
Douglas and co-star Annette Benning create the irresistable on screen chemistry and illuminate an enchanting tale.
In reality The American President is more of a modern fairytale than realistic drama.
Leaves you a little sad that that is the case.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

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A Few Good Men [1993]

starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date February 18, 2002
Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible) stars as Lt Daniel Kaffee, a man who is up against the odds when he stands as lawyer for two marines who are charged with the murder of another marine.

A consistent plot with terrific acting from an a-list cast, A Few Good Men depicts the loyalties and values of life in the army and the navy exceptionally well with the issues involved including following orders, doing the right thing and friendship all executed well by Rob Reiner (When Harry met Sally).

The opening scene of soldiers standing to order and operating there guns one by one is a remarkable piece of intelligence and exquisiteness and shows what you learn in such places, which this film does exceptionally well. The direction and script picks out the necessities ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

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Rumour Has It [2005]

starring: Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley Maclaine, Mark Ruffalo, Richard Jenkins
directed by: Rob Reiner

Release Date May 22, 2006
From the back of the box i was expecting a bridget jones type of movie with emphasis on the tarts and vicars scene but i was sadly disappointed and felt like i had been ripped off with my purchase.
The plot was pathetic and i was amazed that such good actors would stoop to such low scripts.