The Distorters of History: Unexpected Changes in the Media and the Motion Picture Industry with Movies Forever Expanded-Updated Edition

By Robert D. Ronson

If some authorities say the political history is Ronson’s interpretation, then ask them why the facts are found in the World Almanac!

Controversial issues in politics and greed dominate our society with power struggles for change. My book tries to show how past mistakes lead up to how our system is working now but also discusses what I think are enjoyable films that adequately entertain the average person looking for temporary escapism.

Most critics or journalists analyze, evaluate, and review films in terms of production values or political reasons. I simply buy a ticket and walk in as a member of the audience. After the movie asking myself questions how well I liked it is what I pass on to the viewer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481738538

Robert D. Ronson

At an early age, writing scripts finding friends, and filming corny ideas with an 8mm camera led to my BA in Drama and two teaching credentials at Fresno State University. Teaching grades 3 through 12 for 36 ½ years gave me ample opportunity to discuss motion pictures from an outsiders prospective.

Book preview

© 2013, 2018 by Robert D. Ronson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/272019

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3852-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3851-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3853-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013906447

Typed by Jesús Zárate Estrada

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The Rating Scale

Grade

A. The Master of Arts Superiority Cluster – The Best of the Best; No Flaws considered because the movie experience involves the viewer extremely.

A. The Distinguished-Memorable Photoplay Division-The Best; Slightly less masterful than the Cluster.

B. The Notable Recognition Order. Decent entertainment; a good film with some flaws but not enough to spoil the movie.

C. The Satisfactory Entertainment Watch-Satisfactory features; good for at least two showings and worth giving it a look.

D. The False Expectations Factory; below average films delivering a minimal premium quality for viewers and only good for one showing.

E. The Mediocre Viewer Machine-Beyond fixing, a bomb and a rectum filled with sh_ _—Skip it!

Note: The 423 top motion pictures totaling 590 came from the first two category groups. The first 100 numbers with ties, The Master of Arts Superiority Cluster are the Best of the Best and the remainder of the films through 423 with ties, The Best, The Distinguished Memorable Photoplay Division. The third group is The Notable Recognition Order, good movies that fell short of the first two categories, but can still be watched up to three more times in your lifetime, whereas the first two groups you never get tired of. The Satisfactory Entertainment Watch could be viewed up to two more times, but don’t waste your time with the last categories, The False Expectations Factory and The Mediocre Viewer Machine.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The new edition contains more movies, information and updates. The pages following the Author’s Note contain fantastic movies from 2013 to present with a number in front of the movie that indicates the motion picture it is tied with on the main chart. Each category defines how good the film was rated, earning how many times the film could be watched in your lifetime. Specifics such as color, scope, 3-D, B/W, length and other facts are there to let you know how to view the film. The Notable Recognition Order has been added for new movies 2013 to present. Only the top three categories have been listed with new reviews. For example, in 2013 under the Master of Arts Superiority Cluster, you will find for the year 2013, 12 Years a Slave in the top category tied at #54 with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975. Page 194 is left for the viewer to list films that may not be listed in this book.

2013 TO PRESENT UPDATED FILMS AND REVIEWS

Master of Arts Superiority Cluster #1 thru 100

The Distinguished-Memorial Photoplay Division #101-423

Notable Recognition Order # 424-629

Selected movies in the top 3 categories for 2013 Issue

2013                                                      WS = Widescreen

#54   1.) 12 Years a Slave – 2013 2 hr. 14 min. WS – Color

In the 1800’s a black New York citizen is tricked into going to New Orleans, then kidnapped from his family, put on a plantation, and forced to work as a slave. I agree with the Academy that this is the Best Picture of 2014.

#69   2.) The World’s End – 2013 1 hr. 49 min. WS – Color

About 20 years after high school, friends get together to complete and surpass a past drinking marathon by attending several pubs until reaching the ultimate, The World’s End. Not only did this film have a creative plot, but the comedy and suspense keep you glued to what’s going on.

#70   3.) Gravity – 2013 1 hr. 31 min. WS – Color

Disaster causes a routine space exercise to spiral out of control, causing problems for the two space walkers.

#116   4.) Fast 6 – 2013 2 hr. 10 min. WS – Color

The returning cast with a couple of new faces are back for a high-speed adventure, trying to stop a criminal outfit. Exciting!

#162   5.) Star Trek: Into Darkness 2013 2hr. 11min. WS – Color

The crew returns when an unbeatable force causes a crisis. A must for Trekkes.

#488   6.) Dead Man Down – 2013 1hr. 58 min. WS – Color

A good film but revenge tends to manipulate the plot twists.

#544   7.) Iron Man 3 – 2013 2hr. 10 min. WS – Color

Not as good as the first movie but better than the second. The villain is not as mean, but the special effects are great.

#565   8.) World War Z – 2013 1hr. 56 min. WS – Color

The movie has its moments, nevertheless, it sometimes relies on interviews to explain how the zombies inhabited the world.

2014 – Second Category

#173   1.) Guardians of the Galaxy – 2014 2hr. 1 min. WS – Color

Peter Quill is at the hospital because his mother is dying of cancer. She tells him that his father is an angel and that he is, too. The adventure continues 26 years later. This was the Best Film for 2015.

#231   2.) Non – Stop – 2014 1 hr. 47 min. WS – Color

In a flight from New York City to London, Liam Neeson is contacted to transfer 150 million dollars in an offshore account or a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes. The movie has non-stop action.

#251   3.) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – 2014 2hr. 11 min. WS – Color

The series continues with genetically evolved apes, worrying about a group of human survivors that released a virus 10 years earlier.

#348   4.) Son of God – 2014 2 hr. 18 min. Color

A family film telling the story of Jesus’ life a mesmerizing opening that is not boring to believers and an inspiring account to experience.

#361   5.) Fury – 2014 2 hr. 15 min WS – Color

Fury is the name of the tank used in April of 1945. A rookie soldier comes into the platoon with Army Sergeant Brad Pitt commanding the mission of a five-man crew. The story involves the audience in some gripping sequences.

#363   6.) You’re Next – 2014 1 hr. 34 min WS – Color

A home invasion at a family gathering has masked criminals killing family members at their reunion but not without plot twists and a surprise ending. This one may have you falling out of your seat.

#379   7.) The Salvation – 2014 1 hr. 32 min. WS – Color

A Danish settler kills the man who murdered his wife and son, but the brother of the deceased murderer goes after the settler with his gang. An exciting western.

2014 Third Category

#520   8.) Gone Girl – 2014 2hr. 29 min. WS – Color

A long, interesting film with an unsatisfying ending. It’s not a question of Did he kill his wife? It’s more of a question of How did the ending affect the movie?

#579   9.) The Equalizer – 2014 2 hr. 11 min. WS – Color

A good film, but it takes a while for the story to get going.

2015 Second Category

#169   1.) The Martian – 2015 2 hr. 24 min. WS – Color

Astronaut Matt Damon is presumed dead on Mars after he’s left behind during an aggressive Martian Storm. In my opinion, the best movie of 2016.

#239   2.) Mad Max: Fury Road – 2015 2 hr. WS – Color

Tom Hardy, a survivor of a world disaster with a breakdown of mankind, comes across a group of women fleeing for their lives and fighting for their freedom. Action-packed viewing.

#319   3.) Creed – 2015 2 hr. 13 min. WS – Color

Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone come together when deceased heavyweight champion Apollo Creed’s son asks Rocky, his father’s best friend, to train him. An excellent film that brings race relationships closer together. Michael B. Jordan should be nominated Best Actor.

#336   4.) Furious 7 – 2015 2 hr. 17 mnin. WS – Color

Continuing the escapades of the returning cast and a new villain, Jason Statham, the brother of Deckard Shaw, who’s out after revenge.

#360   5.) The Hateful Eight – 2015 2 hr. 37 min. WS – Color

After the Civil War, a stage coach carrying John Ruth, the hangman, Daisy Domergue, a prisoner, Chris Mannix, a new sheriff are stopped by black Union soldier turned bounty hunter, Major Warren. He joins the group of passengers, who get off at a waiting station only to be delayed by a storm. Great characterizations leading up to a showdown.

#365   6.) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation- 2015 2hr. 11 min. WS – Color

The IMF team is disbanded and secretly comes back together to go after a deadly organization known as Syndicate. Exciting!

#374   7.) No Escape – 2015 1 hr 43 min WS – Color

An American businessman and his family, staying in a southeastern Asian town near Vietnam, find themselves in the middle of a violent rebellion. One exciting film that will hold your attention from start to finish.

#386   8.) Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens – 2 hr. 15 min. WS – Color

30 years later a scavenger finds a BB-8 Droid that knows where Luke Skywalker is hiding and seeks the Freedom Fighters to find him before information gets into the wrong hands. This film is for Star Wars fans.

#398   9.) Spectre – 2 hr 28 min WS – Color

James Bond infiltrates the existence of an organization known as Spectre. He discovers terrorist attacks after finding a ring on the finger of a hitman with a symbol indicating Spectre and the truth about his connection to the group and the leader. Surprising!

#418    10.) Terminator Genisys – 2 hr 6 min. WS – Color

A fractured timeline changes events with unlikely allies and a new mission after Reese is sent back to 1984. The movie picks up where the first 3 films left off.

2015 Third Category

#512   11.) The Revenant – 2 hr. 36 min. WS – Color

Good acting but is sometimes difficult to watch, not to mention disturbing at times to look at.

#576   12.) Sicario – 2 hr. 1 min. WS – Color

A good movie with an upsetting message which ends with no solutions.

#588   13.) Run All Night – 1 hr. 54 min. WS – Color

Movie is slow at beginning but picks up when hitman Liam Neeson tries to save his son’s life from crime boss Ed Harris because of the death of Harrison’s son.

2016 Second Category

#109   1.) 10 Cloverfield Lane – 1hr. 45 min. WS – Color

A young lady wakes up after a car accident to find herself locked in a cellar. (The film carried over from another storyline.)

#127   2.) Deadpool – 1 hr. 48 min. WS – Color

A mercenary subjected to an experiment seeks revenge after being left with powers that changed his life.

#187   3.) The Magnificent Seven – 2 hr. 13 min. WS – Color

Instead of mercenaries protecting a village from bandits, they are gunslingers protecting a town from a political mining industrialist.

#302   4.) The Young Messiah – 1 hr. 50 min. WS – Color

Arousing introduction of 7 year old Jesus and His family with insight of what His early youth was like.

#304   5.) Passengers – 1 hr. 56 min. WS – Color

On route to a new planet with 5000 sleeping passengers, the spacecraft malfunctions, but not before he wakes up another passenger.

#316   6.) Star Trek Beyond – 2 hr. 2 min. WS – Color

The crew explores an uncharted planet where they encounter a new enemy. If you like Star Trek, you’ll like this.

#345   7.) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – 2 hr. 13 min. WS – Color

A group of characters band together to steal the plans of the Empire’s weapon of destruction.

#377   8.) Captain America: Civil War – 2 hr. 27 min. WS – Color

Political activities cause former allies to become enemies.

2016 Third Category

#443   9.) Don’t Breathe – 1 hr. 28 min. WS – Color

Three home invasion thieves break into the house of a blind man who isn’t so helpless.

#553   10.) The Shallows – 1 hr. 28 min. WS – Color

A surfing girl finds herself fighting for survival from a great white shark.

#620   11.) Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice – 2 hr. 31 min. WS – Color

Batman and Superman go to war with one another over helping the people in serious situations, Batman, thinking too many employees died under Superman’s rescue. Lex Luthor is out to kill Superman during the argument.

#628   12.) Blood Father – 1 hr. 28 min. WS – Color

A father’s daughter gets in trouble with her drug-dealing boyfriend and goes on the run with her father.

2017 First and Second Categories

#67   1.) Baby Driver – 1hr. 53 min. WS – Color

Ansel Elgort, a young getaway driver for crime boss Kevin Spacey, uses the beat of his personal soundtrack when fleeing from a heist. Taking care of his foster father who is in a wheelchair, he saves the money he gets for the jobs. Unexpectedly he meets a girl working in a restaurant that complicates his situation. In my opinion the movie is Best Picture of 2018.

#168   2.) War for the Planet of the Apes – 2hr. 20 min. WS – Color

(The Third Chapter) Caesar, Andy Serkis, who should be nominated for Best Actor, along with the apes he’s with, are forced into a deadly conflict with humans led by Woody Harrelson, the Colonel. Caesar begins a quest to avenge what the Colonel is doing.

#171   3.) Spider-Man: Homecoming – 2hr. 13 min. WS – Color

Peter Parker, Spider-Man, returns home with his aunt. While in high school as a student, he begins fighting crime as Spider-Man and encounters threats. The movie is written for young audiences.

#172   4.) Wonder Woman – 2hr. 21 min. WS – Color

Amazon princess, Gal Gadot, deserves a Best Actress nomination for the role, rescues a pilot. She decides to use her super powers to end a war. Gadot’s performance kept the interest in the story.

#173    5.) Get Out – 1 hr. 43 min. WS – Color

An African American man visits his white girlfriend’s family at a wooded-area estate. When they arrive, he notices some black residents working there. The screenplay by Jordan Peele deserves an Academy Award. As the film continues, same disturbing incidents swing the movie into the surprise situation that occurs.

#187   6.) Kong: Skull island – 1 hr. 58 min. WS – Color

A group of explorers are brought together to explore an uncharted island in the Pacific. They venture into a domain of many creatures, including Kong. The special effects make the story what it is. I see a future sequel.

#191   7.) The Fate of the Furious – 2 hr. 16 min. WS – Color

Diesel is now married to Rodriguez in Havana while on their honeymoon. However, Cipher, a mystery woman, unexpectedly shows up and challenges the team. This forces the group back together, even Deckard, Jason Statham, to combat the terrorists.

#192   8.) John Wick: Chapter 2 – 2 hr. 2 min. WS – Color

Stylized Stunt work continues the adventure of former hitman, John Wick. The dance or stunt work accomplished by Keanu Reeves keeps you glued to the action as he fights cold-blooded killers.

#194   9.) It – 2 hr. 15 min. WS – Color

A group of young boys wearing clothes and using props relating to the 1980’s and before, follow the kids in the state of Maine. There, they confront an evil clown whose history dates back to murder. (Chapter One)

#196   10.) Lady Bird – 1 hr. 53 min. WS – Color

Teenager Grete Gerwig, called Lady Bird, tells a story about a young girl growing up, attending school and delivers everyday insights with shifting her adolescence from one situation to another. A realistic film that should nominate Saoirse Ronan for Best Actress.

#323   11.) Logan – 2 hr. 10 min. WS – Color

After several X-Men films, the movie follows Logan past his prime, caring for Professor and coming across a young female girl who turns out to be his daughter. A good screenplay breaking the character away from X-Men.

#388   12.) The Justice League – 1 hr. 50 min. WS – Color

To save our planet from an attack, the league attempts to revive Superman. For those who saw Batman V Superman, this is a must to find out about Superman’s fate. Most critics didn’t care for this film, but the audience finds it exciting for the league to come together, even though it’s a dismal situation.

#395   13.) Hostiles – 2 hr. 15 min. WS – Color

A young wife with her family are attacked by Comanches with only the wife surviving. Christian Bale, an army Captain, who was known for killing many Indians, is assigned to escort a dying Cheyenne chief and his family back to tribal lands to die. While beginning the journey from an outpost in New Mexico, he encounters the surviving wife along the way. Although there are scenes of strong violence, the movie displays values through the treacherous hardships the group confronts. The movie is worth viewing because the values stand out amongst the depressing circumstances.

2017 Third Category

#598   14.) A Cure for Wellness – 2hr. 26 min. WS – Color

A young executive is sent to a weird wellness center in the Swiss Alps to bring back his company’s CEO. The secrets he uncovers keeps you watching. Some critics didn’t like it, but this haunting film with its twists keeps moving like a roller coaster.

#602   15.) The Shape of Water – 2hr. 3 min.

A mute cleaning lady, who works in a high security government lab, discovers a strange creature that is secretly held captive. She develops strong feelings for the beast. (Sometimes the movie reminds me of Splice 2010 and The Creature from the Black Lagoon 1954.) First of all I want you to know that I love the work what Motion Pictures put out and the actors and actresses that help the production. I question the material sometimes that is put out, only to be nominated for Best Picture and apparently chosen by the Academy. In 2005 there was Brokeback Mountain, a message of two people of the same gender having sex. In 2013, The Wolf of Wall Street, not funny, but carrying a message of corruption and fornication with a New York Stock Broker making money in Capitalism. In 2014, Noah, an interpretation trying to destroy the Creator’s Bible Story of Noah. In 2015 The Revenant, showing the brutal survival for life in the wilderness. In 2017 The Shape of Water, having sex with an amphibian along with mixing certain healing powers unknown to mankind. These are not messages beneficial to society and therefore are not worthy of being selected for Best Picture. The movie is good but not great.

Overlooked Films

These overlooked films are tied with movies from the second and third categories because something about the film stands out to make it unforgettable.

From Categories 2 and 3:

#276   1.) The Horror of Dracula – 1958 – 1hr 22 min. WS – Color

The Hammer film is a classic that preceded to promote Peter Cushing as Van Helsing who challenges