What for you makes a movie good?

Why is it that certain movies are called movies of all times? Forget about the biblical movies. They have a special following. As such, I will quickly rule out movies like The Ten Commandments, Sodom and Gomorrah,Samson and Delilah,The Messenger,King of Kings,The Greatest Story Ever Told,Passion for the Christ et al. The movies of all times are great movies. They are a combination of all the best. Case in point-Ben-Hur. Classic plot of betrayal for power. How friends become foes. Tricked, sanctioned and punishment for Judah as he trekked the desert with little water.How Jesus came by and gave him living water and his years on the galleys in the Mediterranean seas fighting pirates. The return of Judah after saving the Roman consul. The chariot race in Rome. Adoption as young Arius and his return home to Jerusalem to challenge Messala in the Great Roman Circus. Retribution-the death of Messala in the fouled up chariot race.And then through a best screenplay and truncated editing-the tale of the Christ and salvation of his sister and mother through the blood of Jesus Christ.It takes runaway plots, great acting, great direction and these days great sound effects and visuals to clinch the awards. The other great movies for me are Mutiny on the Bounty where you can genuinely feel the sadness and heartfelt pains of Marlon Brando as Fletcher Christian, the second in command of the Bounty when his crew was punished and killed because of a wayward Captain Bligh. The Godfather is another fantastic movie as you travel along with a tormented Michael Corleone as he fights off rival Mafia factions, the corrupted New York police force, his banishment to Sardinia, the death of his wife, his return to New York,his remarriage and the revenge he wrought on his enemies while he was in church witnessing the baptism of his son. Fantastic plot, fantastic acting,foreboding scenes that unravels shocking developments and beautiful music score. I rest my case.

Hi Click, it's got to be really good to hold my attention, othewise I'll just turn it off. I like well written films with good acting, if I don't like the actor I probably won't watch it. I love the oldies, anything with Greta Garbo or Cary Grant I'd happily sit down and watch. I don't think newer films are as good but of course there are some which made a great impression. Recently the ones which have stood out for me were 'Perfume' and 'The Secretary' and anything with Gjoran Visnjk, good for the eyes and great acting too, probably spelt his name wrong, anyway it's the dishy doc from ER. Thought the remake of Sparticus was really good. Most modern comedy doesn't really have my kind of humour but I loved 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. I don't do boy action movies unless James Woods is in them then I make an exception.

So my favourite all time films would have to be 'Once Upon a Time in America' fantastic acting, great plot, very evocative of the era it recreates. 'Salvador' amazing and moving, dare I add 'Gone With the Wind', 'Ryans Daughter' 'Now Voyageur' (which I have never been able to get a copy of),'The Apartment' 'Doctor Zhivago', 'Ted Bundy' 'A town like Alice', 'The Night of the Generals' and the amazing epic 'Holocaust'.

Now I challenge you to say any of the above aren't fantastic, you're a movie buff click so sure you've seen them all. Which ones from my list stand out for you? You must agree I have fantastic taste

I used to watch all kinds of movies in my younger days, historical, western, musicals, detective, tragedy, comedy, and more. But, these days, I watch movies just for relaxation only. So, that means, I like to watch only those movies which will help me relaxing and getting rid of the stresses of work. I would now watch only musicals and comedies, no more tragedies, detectives, and those with deep heavy themes.

I watch movies only for a relaxation. So I do like comedy movies alot as it makes me to laugh a little during my relaxation and it also makes me good. I also see some romance with good stuff and happy ending. So, main thing the story, the actors and the presentation makes a good movie to watch and relax for me. Cheers. Happy Mylotting.

Well, I would like to movies that contain a good plot or a chian of plots whatever they are comedy or not even a sretegy can makes me feel good as long as it brings me the desire to watch it. Good plots give you an interest to have a watch, and then you might enjoy it with all your attention on it.

Well, I like movies that tell sometype of a story that can be related to 'something about' or 'some aspect of' or 'relate in someway' to everyday life. And I like stories that have plots that might lead to someone thinking hard about the message the author may have been trying to introduce.

And the movie could be animated and considered something for the younger members of the family, but a message is a message.

For example; b/cuz I have grandchildren I have never lost touch with cartoons[and I still like the sensible ones, anyway], and a while ago we were watching Horton Hears A Who...well, I guess you would think DrSeuss, not for me. But all I could think about while watching was the point that this cg animation was seemed to be screaming...at least to me anyway...all life irregardless of the differences is special.

Another one that left me thinking was 13th Warrior, now there was a lot of fighting and slaughter depicted in this flick. But it brought home the reality that the struggle to survive back then, was fierce and not everyone solved that need to survive in the same way. Some of the solution and paths chosen were brutal and I couldn't help wondering how mankind endured but we did endure.

Or have you seen Taken...this scared me, now this isn't considered a horror flick, but this is a horror that is occurring right now and innocent children and young adult women are the subject of these horrendous acts.

I want a movie to have substance, to remind us about our humanity or reprimand us for our inhumanity and I want it to make me think.

Hi thedailyclick, I agree with all your reasons for making a movie good and memorable.
I feel that a powerful storyline, performances and a good grip over the direction makes a movie good. In India we have songs in most of the regional films.If these songs are able to capture ones imagination, and have been well picturised then they definitely make a film memorable. I have seen many old films just to watch the picturisation of a few songs and have felt that it was worthwhile watching the film.
A film has to make an impact, only then can it be good...all the best and have a great weekend

Hello, Click. Well, you're the movie buff, but in my humble opinion, one film which ticks all your boxes is 'The Others,' starring Nicole Kidman. I was enthralled by that film, and I really wasn't expecting the twist at the end. I won't say what it was, as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it.

I like a lot of the films released during WWII and between the wars. I studied history of war films as part of my BA course, and the background information certainly helps you appreciate the films even more. 'Went the Day Well' is one of my favourites. Have you ever seen it?