The Usual Suspects: ☆☆☆☆ (4 stars)

Film: The Usual Suspects
Director: Bryan Singer
Main Actors: Kevin Spacey; Stephen Baldwin; Kevin Pollack; Benecio Del Toro
Year: 1995
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ (4 stars)

I loved Netflix's House of Cards, and was a big fan of Kevin Spacey and his Frank Underwood character, so picked 'The Usual Suspects' as my next film to tick off the list. Although it was sometimes hard to follow, the twist at the end was honestly one of the best I've ever seen, and was voted best movie twist on IMDB! We follow a group of men wrongly accused of a hijacking, who plot revenge against the police, but this gets overshadowed by the bigger question of the identity of Keyser Soze. The ending was so good that I will probably watch it again pretty soon!

For a bit of impressive film knowledge, Al Pacino is supposed to have read for the part of Dave Kujan, but turned the role down due to other commitments. He said it was the role he most regretted turning down, which isn't a surprise. This film features highly on lots of opinion polls, and the only reason I haven't rated it as five stars is because I got slightly confused around half way through. Another brilliant aspect of the film is that it is only 106 minutes long, which, given how so many films now feel like they drag on forever, was a refreshingly concise run time.

You can catch the film trailer here, and the film can be seen on DVD, LoveFilm and Netflix which is always a bonus for convenience.

When Harry Met Sally: ☆☆☆☆

Film: When Harry Met Sally
Director: Rob Reiner
Main Actors: Billy Crystal; Meg Ryan
Year: 1989
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ (4 stars)

With a daunting 200 films to watch, and also being a testosterone-ridden man, I thought I would start with what I have been told is an absolutely classic Romcom! Yes, that's right, this reviewer has a sensitive side... I was hungover, flicking through Netflix, looking for a film to kick off the list, and use as procrastination from my Finals. I decided on When Harry Met Sally. 

For those of you who are looking to impress and 'wow' others with your new found film knowledge: the film stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and tracks the various stages of their friendship. Harry's character (Crystal) is said to be based on Director Rob Reiner, whilst Sally's (Ryan) picky eating reflects screenwriter, Nora Ephron's own eating habits. The infamous line, "I'll have what she's having", following the fake orgasm scene, was delivered by Rob Reiner's own mother, and was voted number 33 on a list of best American movie quotes by the American Film Institute. 

I found myself smiling all the way through the film. Billy Crystal is really funny, and to be honest, knowing that my girlfriend hadn't seen the film in years, I was able to steal a few of his lines and make use of them myself. In addition to the iconic fake orgasm scene, this film is genuinely very heart warming, and an easy, enjoyable watch. 

Also, for anyone that has ever been on a date with an indecisive, demanding, or high maintenance partner (mentioning no names..), Meg Ryan's character will certainly ring a few bells! This film is a brilliant example of people in the classic 'friend zone' situation, and shows that the person that they think they have spent their whole life looking for may actually be right in front of them. So maybe just get drunk and try and kiss your best friend! What's the worst that can happen?* 

All in all, this was a very enjoyable film, and a great way to start The 200! I would suggest it's a good option for a date, but also thoroughly recommended as a hangover cure. Check it out and let me know what you think!

*DISCLAIMER: Don't blame me if this goes hideously wrong. It's just a Film Blog, you shouldn't base your life on this post (probably).