ARCHIVED SITE REVIEWS ABOUT GREATEST FILMS |
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SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER November 29, 2001 "Thirteen Great Film Sites" by Jeffrey M. Anderson In 1996, Dirks compiled his own list of the 100 greatest American films ever made and wrote long, complex and detailed plot synopses -- including snappy bits of dialogue -- for each. He then added his second 100 films, plus synopses for those. Now he just continues to add "reviews" for all kinds of classic American films, plus lists of great directors, great stars and comparative top 100 lists. He also has a huge database of vintage posters. Though not really reviews in the strictest sense, these entries do come in very handy for those interested in classic film. |
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Eye on the Internet KRLD 1080, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX November 7, 2001 Live on-the-air Radio Interview segment conducted by host Katie Pruett discussing the content of filmsite.org. The show is a daily hour-long news magazine about everything internet, geared toward business people. KRLD is the CBS owned-and-operated radio station in Dallas/Fort Worth. |
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ACCESS MAGAZINE This is a fine all-around resource with reviews, historical information and lists, including 100 Greatest Films and 200 Greatest Films. One of the best features is a comprehensive collection of movie poster reproductions. Don't miss the list of great films that, surprisingly, never won an Academy Award: An Affair to Remember, The Maltese Falcon and The Color Purple, among others. Bottom line: A great general resource with just enough extras to satisfy serious enthusiasts. |
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US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT OSCAR-WATCHING FEATURED WEBSITE (News You Can Use - Online and Print Edition) Published March 27, 2000 This site explains why the great films are great. There's also a good section on Oscar history, including movies that were nominated but never won (Psycho, for instance) and critically acclaimed movies that never got the nod at all (like Reservoir Dogs). |
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INTERNET COOL GUIDE FEATURED
SITE (www.internetcoolguide.com) - A savvy guide to the hottest web sites Published in October, 1999 Everyone who loves movies should bookmark this site, which features film genres and recommendations, cinematic history through the decades, an overview of the Academy Awards, and a film quotes quiz, in addition to "favorite lists" published by various organizations and magazines. There are also compilations of great film star roles and memorable scenes. |
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COPERNICUS FEATURED SITE (www.edgate.com) September 29, 1999 Film Fanatic: Would you include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in your list of greatest films of all time? Compare your criteria for choosing movies to the standards compiled by critics to see whether you agree or disagree with their selections. |
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AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSIC'S Classic Movie Companion Recommended as Classic Movie Site Published SUMMER, 1999 In addition to its own list of the top 100 films of all time, the site includes comparative lists from Movieline magazine, TV Guide, the American Film Institute, Mr. Showbiz, and more, as well as posters, a timeline, and list of Oscar winners. The descriptions emphasize story and dialogue. |
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YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE MAGAZINE Roger Ebert's Article: "Rule of Thumb" "The Greatest Greatest Site" JUNE, 1999 |
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PAGE-A-DAY THE WHOLE INTERNET 1999 CALENDAR Authored by Ed Krol WORKMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY MARCH 22, 1999 CALENDAR ENTRY 100 BOFFO PIX - OTHERS NIXED The Greatest Films is truly one of the greatest labors of love on the Web. Maintained by amateur film buff Tim Dirks, it contains a list of the 100 greatest films (his choice, but Roger Ebert gives it a thumbs up). For most films, he includes a long description and plot synopsis. There are also greatest moments and scenes, a quiz, and classic posters. Here's lookin' at you, Tim. |
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MICROSOFT WEB DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATION MARCH 15-21, 1999 And the Winner Wasn't... Want to see a complete list of Oscar®-winning feature films? Greatest Films delivers the goods, but you'll also find a list of the greatest films that failed to garner awards (or even nominations), a rundown of the most memorable movie scenes of all time, scores of cross-referenced "Top 100" lists and a roll call of star-making performances. It's the perfect place for research before your next trip to the video store. You don't even need to leave home to enjoy great cinema. |
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VANCOUVER SUN HOT SITE FEBRUARY 18-25, 1999 There are altogether too many movie sites on the Web, but this is one of the best. It's an arbitrary listing of the top 100 (extended to 200, really) films of all time, but the background information and analysis is outstanding. |
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REELVIEWS SITE of the WEEK
FEBRUARY 16-22, 1999 Tim Dirks has created an amazing site that offers a comprehensive look at hundreds of the greatest films ever made. Each movie writeup includes a detailed plot summary (with snippets of actual dialogue), background information, and review commentary. Films span the history of cinema, from the silent era to the 1990s. There are also numerous lists, links, and references. Guaranteed to offer hours of reading pleasure for movie-lovers of all persuasions. |
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NETSURFER DIGEST RECOMMENDED SITE FEBRUARY 6, 1999 You're Bound to Find a List of Film Bests You Like Hollywood spawns zillions of top-ten and top-100 lists. Why? A list of great flicks may be the quickest - and sometimes the best - way to make sense of cinematic history. Greatest Films focuses on Hollywood and other American films, with a variety of "top" lists based on quality, box-office sales, memorable scenes, characters, publication (TV Guide, Premiere, etc.) and other mainstream criteria. We liked the substantial plot summaries, interwoven with background and commentary. It makes compelling fodder for trivia quizzes, party chat, and film classes. This site has so much material it makes you wonder if it will spin off a series of electronic games or a quiz show. Or both. What a black hole for the intellect! As a latterday Bacall might tell a hotwired Bogey, just put your fingers together and click. |
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WEB THIS WEEK FEATURED SITE of the WEEK NOVEMBER 17-23, 1998 Overall Rating: 
The last century's greatest movies all in one site. Greatest Films is a web site unlike many others that brings you "memorable moments from great movies." You can find plot summaries, movies posters and samples of actual film dialogue for many great movies like "Blazing Saddles," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Silence of the Lambs," and many more. See lists of the top 100 movies selected by many different sources like the National Film Registry and TV Guide. Get a complete list of each year's Oscar winners starting with "Wings" in 1927-28 to get all the information about movies that you will ever need to know. |
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DIGITAL CELLULOID SITE of the WEEK OCTOBER 12-19, 1998 The Wild Wild Web Recommendation THE GREATEST FILMS Films, movies, flicks, pictures, or the cinema -- whatever you call 'em, motion pictures are one of the most influential art forms of this century. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't seen a movie during their lifetime, and most everyone even has their own private list of "favorites." Among my all-time favorite movies are Chinatown, Double Indemnity, The Philadelphia Story, and Rear Window. Happily, most of my favorite films are also on the list at Tim Dirks' The Greatest Films Web site. It's important to note that The Greatest Films isn't just a site with a list of some schmuck's personal "best of" list. This site is really devoted to the best of American cinema in general. You can view images of hundreds of colorful, vintage film posters, take a film quotes quiz, read recommendations of films for each genre, and view the top 100 box office hits of all time. (If you want to nit-pick, the list can be viewed as adjusted, or not adjusted, for inflation.) Ever wonder who won the Academy Award for best actor in 1962? You can find out at The Greatest Films site by simply clicking on the year in question. Not only will you find out who won, but you'll see all the contenders for the honor. (Hummm, was it Jack Lemmon for Days of Wine and Roses or Peter O'Toole for Lawrence of Arabia?) Don't know which movie to rent tonight? The Greatest Films has plot summaries and actual film dialogue for many classic American films, so you can browse before you even leave home. If the first list of 100 films doesn't grab you, then you should read the 100 More Greats list -- surely you'll find something you want to see between the two. You don't have to take Tim's word; you can shop around at many different "best" lists at this site, including the top 100 from Movieline and Premiere magazines, Mr. Showbiz, the National Film Registry, TV Guide and, of course, the list from the American Film Institute. --Susan Borden |
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ENCARTA ENCYCLOPEDIA WEB LINKS SERVICE RECOMMENDED SITE OCTOBER, 1998 History of Motion Pictures Entry This privately maintained site contains plot summaries of more than 150 of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, images of classic movie posters, an extensive film bibliography, and other resources. |
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ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ONLINE SITE OF THE WEEK SEPTEMBER 28, 1998 An Alternative List of Top Movies The top 100 movies from a West Coast movie fan Why shouldn't West Coast movie fan Tim Dirks name his own top 100 films--especially when his list is so detailed? Dirks proffers essays, synopses, dialogue snippets, a quotes quiz, and a rundown of famous scenes; he even links to other best-movies lists. In contrast to those controversial rankings, Dirks lists his picks alphabetically--from The Adventures of Robin Hood to Yankee Doodle Dandy--and that may be the very smartest thing about this site. A -- Caren Weiner |
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Xplore SITE OF THE DAY SEPTEMBER 18, 1998 The most enduring, influential, legendary, appealing American films are indexed at this site. Browse through the master alpha list or search by year, decade, or genre. View film posters, quotations, summaries, and memorable scenes. |
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BBC ONLINE WEB GUIDE Entertainment / Films SEPTEMBER 1998 Take an in-depth and subjective look at the top 100 films of all time. The reviews are extensive and cover more than just the film itself; they also look at the actors, location, and put the work in a historical context. Some nice reproductions of film posters and a quiz make this a balanced site. |
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KTSA AM 550 (SAN ANTONIO, TX)
AUGUST 22, 1998 (aired) RADIO INTERVIEW SEGMENT Weekly "CYBERCITY" Technology Program Hosted by Jack Landman In a live radio interview, the Greatest Films site was highlighted in a 10-15 minute feature. |
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DATA CONTROL REVIEW AUGUST 1998 Background: Although the recent 100 Greatest Books controversy stirred up a lot of complaining for whatever reason, most Greatest Movie lists are about the same, some with glaring omissions and some with unnecessary inclusions. What it breaks down to is a matter of taste, since one doesn't have to be an expert in order to have an opinion. First Look: The index page is pleasant enough, though the many ads detract from the feel of the site. Many people who come to be entertained don't like screaming Yahoos and multi-colored banner ads. But if people need to make some money for the benefit of cultural exploration, so be it. A menu in the left frame can take you to various Top Films lists all over the internet, from AFI to TVGuide to Mr. Showbiz. Overview: The criteria for the list is as follows: technological impact on filmmaking, excellence in creation (acting, directing, etc.), major award winners, a timeless quality, a "peak of achievement" for an artist, and primary examples of a genre of movies. The real treat is the summaries of the films. Most of them on the list have accompanying articles giving background information, plot, stills of the films, as well as original movie posters. Bottom Line: If you're a film buff, amateur or otherwise, this is a good site to catch up on tidbits of info you might have missed on your quest for enlightenment. Most importantly, however, is that the films on this list need to be seen in order to fully appreciate. I can't wait for the day when I'll be able to view whole movies over the net and not have to worry about downloading issues, etc. Although it won't put any rental stores out of business, what list is truly complete without the actual films? Rating: 4/5. Bias: Like I've stated before, there's not a lot of surprises but I think that more films from the latter 20th century really needed to be on this list. The addition of "Blade Runner" is a good start, though I'm sure some people are going crazy over its inclusion as I write this. |
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WHAT'S NEW RAGE OF THE DAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1998
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USA TODAY HOT SITE Weekend Edition AUGUST 14-16, 1998 Greatest Films doesn't just stop with the top 100. True film lovers can drill much deeper. Includes plot summaries and commentary for many American classics. |
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EARTHLINK WHAT'S HOT! AUGUST 14, 1998 "Greatest Films doesn't just stop with the top 100. True film lovers can drill much deeper. Includes plot summaries and commentary for many American classics." |
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ZDTV INTERNET TONIGHT SEGMENT
MAY 1998 (aired) The Greatest Films site was highlighted as a two-minute video feature for the cable-TV show. |
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CYBER FILM SCHOOL
RECOMMENDED SITE TIM DIRKS' THE GREATEST FILMS "This site has it all! 100 Greatest films ever made, greatest film moments and scenes, cinema history by the decade, top 100 box-office champs and much more." |
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MICROSOFT'S CINEMANIA ON-LINE
A CINEMA CONNECTIONS RECOMMENDED SITE JANUARY 1998 (Cool movie sites chosen and reviewed by Cinemania's editors.) "As the title indicates, the greatest films, quotes, moments, and scenes can be found here. Very thorough and extremely well designed, you'll definitely want to visit this site again and again!" |
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YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE MAGAZINE RATED AS ONE OF THE "TOP 20 MOVIE SITES 1997" by ROGER EBERT JANUARY 1998 ISSUE "The Greatest Films of All Time represents an astonishing amount of thought and work by Tim Dirks, who is so modest he doesn't even byline his detailed, evocative essays on great films. The site offers many ways of looking at important films, but the centerpiece is his series of 100 long reviews of classics, including downloadable still photos, highly extensive plot summaries, and a lot of quotes (he must have watched the movies with a tape recorder at his side). This site is useful for film students or others seeking an entry point into film history. He has essays on genres, periods and types of movies, and suggested titles in each area, and his sheer love for the movies comes across in his accuracy and energy. His essay on John Ford's My Darling Clementine, for example, clocks in at 6,500 words and includes a postscript on differences between the real gunfight at the OK Corral and the movie version." |
