Just thought I'd put in my two cents worth regarding Time's list of the best All-Time 100 Movies.

In any list like this, there is almost infinite grounds for disagreement, but the critics at Time avoid the most egregious by picking a wide variety of films, including many that would be considered "low-brow" by some cinema snobs. This includes a fair number of fantasy, horror, and science-fiction films: BLADE RUNNER; BRAZIL; BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN; THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE; DR. STRANGELOVE, OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB; E.T. - THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL; 8-1/2; FINDING NEMO; THE FLY; INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956); IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE; KING KONG; THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2001-2003); METROPOLIS; PINOCCHIO (1940); PSYCHO; STAR WARS; and UGETSU. Time should be commended for including these titles, many of which were missing from a similar list from the American Film Institute a few years back.

On the other hand, I feel it incumbent upon me to point out that any list that includes STAR WARS but not 2001: A SPACY ODESSEY is simply silly. E.T. was okay when it was released, but it's a vastly overrated film that doesn't wow audiences today the STAR WARS still can. And much as I like Terry Gilliam, I'm not sure BRAZIL is his best work (although I'm also not quite sure which other title I would have placed in the Top 100 instead).

Time also includes a list misleadingly titled "Guilty Pleasures," which turn out to be not disreputable titles but simply favorite films that didn't quite make the list. Richard Schickel makes a strong case for THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957), a wonderful, almost mythic science-fiction film, directed by Jack Arnold and written by Richard Matheson (based on his novel).

Richard Corliss, on the other hand, sings the praises of French filmmaker Henri-Georges Clouzot's DIABOLIQUE -- a good thriller but also one of the most overrated films of all time. Its reputation resides almost entirely in the final reel, with the famous scene of the corpse rising from the bathtub -- an excellent, chilling moment. Other than that, the film is merely good, and it actually suffers from the kind of plot credibility problems that would get slammed if the film had been made by Brian DePalma. (Never underestimate the value of sub-titles and the art house aura when it comes to disarming critics).

Anyway, the bottom line is that Time's 100 list is an interesting one. You might miss a few of your favorite titles, but for the most part you will not be tearing out your hair in outrage over those films that made the list.

I remember when I was modeling back in the late 80’s and I first read 'Rolling Stones top 100 Best Rock Albums of all time' and how I was a bit surprised when I saw the number two album on the list behind the number one album, 'Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' from The Beatles was 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols!' from the band that goes by the same name in the title. When it was noted in the front on how and why these albums were chosen it was explained that the R.S. critics looked not so much at the musical talent that was put in to these works but rather on how original were these albums and how influential were this albums on other rock musicians that followed. With that in mind I then understood the list better.

I would agree with you that 2001: A SPACY ODESSEY has to be included on any top list for best movies of all time no matter what the criteria is in judging. It is not only a top movie of all time but it is probably the best movie from one of the great directors of all time: Stanley Kubrick. Sorry, I don't think 'Full (me so horny) Metal Jacket' was Mr. Kubrick's best as some others seem to do.

Thanks for the comment. I remember that Rolling Stones list: no Kings albums at all, and a very heavy emphasis on recent albums - even though it was supposed to be the "Best Albums of the Last 20 Years" (i.e., since "Seargent Pepper came out in 1967).

Of course, I meant to complain that the Rolling Stone 100 Best list contained no "KINKS" albums, not "KINGS" albums.