Movies About Frogs

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Rated R

Django Unchained is a 2012 western film directed and written by Quentin Tarantino. It stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a freed slave who teams up with a bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from the ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Schultz and Django travel through the South exacting revenge on the slave owners. During their journey, they encounter various characters including Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), a loyal slave to Candie, and Big Daddy (Don Johnson) and his son Little Jody (James Remar), two gangsters. In the end, Django and Schultz free Broomhilda, and Django kills Candie in a violent shootout.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, and his two children, Jem and Scout. The Finches are confronted with racism and injustice when Atticus is called upon to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of rape in a racist community. Atticus is determined to prove Tom's innocence despite the fact that the odds are stacked against him. Through their journey, Jem and Scout learn valuable lessons about courage, morality, and justice as they come of age in the midst of a difficult social climate. The film ended up winning three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus, and is still considered to be one of the most important films of the 20th century.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Rated Passed

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is an adventure film directed by John Huston. It follows two Americans, Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Tim Holt), who come to Mexico during the 1920s in search of gold. After joining forces with an experienced prospector, Howard (Walter Huston), they venture out into the desert to find their fortune. Along the way, they must face various challenges, including the greed of their fellow prospectors, the hostility of the local bandits, and their own deteriorating relationships. In the end, the men realize that it is not the gold, but the adventure itself that is the real treasure.

From Frank Capra, starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns
Rated Passed

It Happened One Night is a romantic comedy from 1934, directed by Frank Capra. The film follows the story of spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) who elopes with a fortune-hunting playboy, but is thwarted by her father. In an effort to escape her father's clutches and reunite with her husband, she embarks on a cross-country journey from Florida to New York. Along the way, she meets a down-on-his-luck journalist, Peter Warne (Clark Gable), who agrees to help her in exchange for an exclusive story. The two begin to bond over their shared misfortunes and become unlikely companions on the road. What follows is an often hilarious, occasionally poignant story of two people finding love and themselves in the course of an extraordinary journey. The film is widely hailed as a classic, and was the first in history to sweep the Oscars, winning five major awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
Rated Passed

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 drama film directed by Stanley Kramer, and starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York, Harlan Warde and Florence Eldridge. The film is based on the 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee which was adapted from the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. It tells the story of two lawyers debating the controversial issue of teaching evolution in a small-town Southern high school. Matthew Harrison Brady, a fundamentalist Christian lawyer, portrays creationism as the only viable alternative to Darwinism. His opponent, Henry Drummond, an agnostic lawyer, argues that Darwinism is valid and should be taught in the classroom. The film follows the court proceedings of the trial and the debates between the two lawyers, and explores the ideas of freedom of thought and the right of individuals to question authority. It also highlights the growing conflict between religious fundamentalism and science in the early 20th century. The film is widely considered to be a classic, and it has been praised for its depiction of the historical debate, as well as its timeless exploration of the freedom of speech and thought.

From Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt
Rated R

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 historical drama directed by Steve McQueen, based on the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. The film follows the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. Northup is forced to face cruelty and injustice at the hands of slave owners and their overseers, while struggling to stay alive and to retain his dignity. Ultimately, he is able to gain his freedom after twelve years in captivity, and reunite with his family. The film is an exploration of the inhumane institution of slavery, and the power of hope and resilience in the face of tremendous suffering.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller, directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who is accused of murdering his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), who has gone missing. As the police and media investigate the case, Nick's story unravels and the truth about the events leading up to Amy's disappearance is revealed. As the plot progresses, the viewer is taken on a journey of deception, obsession, and manipulation, as Nick and Amy's relationship is revealed to be far more complicated than it first appeared. With strong performances by both Affleck and Pike, Gone Girl is a riveting and gripping exploration of human relationships, marriage and betrayal.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, and Ellen Burstyn. Set in a small Texas town in 1951, the story follows two teenage boys, Sonny and Duane, as they struggle to find their place in the world while coming to terms with the realities of adulthood. The film portrays the town as a dead-end town where nothing ever changes, and its citizens are stuck in an unfulfilling way of life. Through their stories, the film examines themes of loneliness, alienation, and despair, but also the enduring power of friendship, loyalty, and love. The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two for Best Supporting Actress (Cloris Leachman) and Best Supporting Actor (Ben Johnson).

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim, Kim Young-min
Rated R

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film directed by Kim Ki-duk. It follows the life journey of a Buddhist monk and his pupil, living in a small floating temple in a lake high in the mountains. The story is told in four seasons, each season representing a different stage of the monk's life. In spring, the monk is a young boy, learning the ways of Buddhism from his master. In summer, he is a teenager struggling to find his path in life. In fall, he is a hardened adult struggling with his inner demons. And in winter, he is an elderly man, looking back at his life with wisdom and acceptance. Through these four stages, the film explores the themes of suffering, compassion, and redemption.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond
Rated Passed

The Searchers (1956) is a classic Western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne. Set in Texas in the mid-19th century, the story follows Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran searching for his niece whom he believes has been abducted by Comanches. Along his journey, he meets many characters, both friends and foes, who help and hinder his quest. As the search continues, Ethan must confront his own inner demons as he struggles between his desire for revenge and his love for his family. The film is considered to be one of the best Westerns of all time, and has become an iconic representation of the genre.

From Martin Ritt, starring Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde
Rated Passed

Hud is a 1963 drama film directed by Martin Ritt, and starring Paul Newman. The film follows the character of Hud Bannon (Newman), a young man living in the American Southwest. He lives with his father, Homer (Melvyn Douglas), a stubborn and stubbornly traditional rancher, and his brother, Lonnie (Brandon De Wilde). Hud is a cynical, self-centered and rebellious young man who's constantly at odds with his father and brother. When Hud's reckless behavior causes an accident that results in the death of a local ranch hand, he is forced to confront his own morality and the consequences of his actions. As the tension between Hud and his father builds, the film examines the generational conflict between the traditional values of Homer and the modern values of Hud. The film is ultimately a story of consequences and redemption, and features a powerful performance from Newman.

From Terrence Malick, starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard, Linda Manz
Rated PG

Days of Heaven is a 1978 romantic drama directed by Terrence Malick and starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams and Sam Shepard. The film tells the story of two lovers, Bill and Abby, who flee to the Texas Panhandle in 1916 to escape poverty and find work as farm laborers. The farmer for whom they work, farmer John, falls in love with Abby and offers to marry her. Despite being in love with Bill, Abby agrees to marry John in order to secure a better future. However, when Bill and Abby discover that John is dying and will soon leave them a large inheritance, they plot to run away with John’s money. As the harvest season draws to a close, Bill and Abby are forced to grapple with the consequences of their plan and the devastating impact of the Great Depression. With its stunning cinematography, evocative score and captivating performances, Days of Heaven is a timeless tale of love, loss, and redemption.

From John Huston, starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore
Rated Passed

The Asphalt Jungle is a 1950 American film noir and heist film directed by John Huston. It follows an ex-convict, an aging lawyer, and a motley crew of criminals who plan to rob a jewelry store in a Midwestern city. The plan goes wrong when the police and a rival gang intervene, leading to a violent and chaotic climax. The film stars Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, and Jean Hagen, and features Marilyn Monroe in a small but memorable role. The Asphalt Jungle is widely considered a classic of the noir film genre and one of the greatest heist films of all time.

From Alejandro Jodorowsky, starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, Juan Ferrara
Rated R

The Holy Mountain is a 1973 surrealist film by director Alejandro Jodorowsky. It follows a Christ-like figure who guides a group of people on a quest to discover the secret of immortality. Along their journey, they encounter a variety of strange and unique characters, including a powerful alchemist, a mysterious tarot card reader, and a of spiritual healers. The group ultimately seeks to climb the Holy Mountain, a peak populated by powerful immortals who guard the secret of immortality. Along the way, the travelers must confront their own inner demons and face the consequences of their actions. Through surrealist imagery and symbolism, The Holy Mountain is a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

From Preston Sturges, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette
Rated Passed

The Lady Eve is a 1941 romantic comedy from director Preston Sturges. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck as Jean Harrington, a con artist and cardsharp who meets Charles Pike (Henry Fonda), an arrogant and naive heir to a brewing fortune, while aboard a liner sailing from South America. Jean and her father, Henry (Charles Coburn), devise a plan to swindle Charles out of his money, but things become complicated when Jean falls in love with him. After Charles discovers the scam and dumps Jean, she decides to get revenge by pretending to be a sophisticated English aristocrat and trying to win Charles back. With the help of her father and Charles' uncle, the two eventually reunite and marry.

From Terrence Malick, starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri
Rated PG

Badlands is a 1973 American neo-noir crime drama directed by Terrence Malick and starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. The film tells the story of Kit and Holly, a young couple on the run from the law after Kit kills Holly's father when he tries to stop them from eloping. Along the way, they develop a strange, romantic relationship as they traverse across the barren, lawless American Midwest. As they travel, they leave a trail of destruction in their wake, culminating in a violent and tragic showdown. Badlands is a lyrical meditation on the dark side of the American Dream, and paints a picture of a society in which violence is the only way out.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman
Rated PG-13

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a 2000 American crime comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in 1937 Mississippi, the film follows Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) and his companions Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and Pete (John Turturro) as they embark on a quest to locate a stolen treasure. Along the way, the trio have numerous misadventures, encounter colorful characters, and get into scrapes with the law. Along with Coen-style comedy and an acclaimed soundtrack, the movie highlights themes of fate, justice, and redemption.

From Edmund Goulding, starring Tyrone Power, Joan Blondell, Coleen Gray, Helen Walker
Rated Passed

Nightmare Alley tells the story of Stan Carlisle (Tyrone Power), an ambitious carnival worker who sets his sights on becoming the most successful con artist in the country. He begins his journey by working with Zeena (Joan Blondell), a mentalist and grifter, who teaches him the tricks of the trade. However, after Zeena’s husband Pete (Ian Keith) discovers Stan’s duplicity, Stan is forced to move on and work with a corrupt psychiatrist, Dr. Lilith Ritter (Helen Walker). With her help, Stan sets up a fraudulent mind-reading act to fleece the wealthy, while also using his newfound talent to seduce the beautiful Molly (Coleen Gray). But when Stan’s greed gets the better of him, he finds himself in a downward spiral of betrayal and corruption. In the end, Stan is left to face the consequences of his misdeeds.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
Rated PG

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows Roy Neary, a blue-collar electrical lineman played by Richard Dreyfuss, whose life changes after a close encounter with an unidentified flying object. As Roy struggles to make sense of what he has seen, government agents, led by French scientist Claude Lacombe, pursue the mysterious spacecraft. As the government's investigations into alien encounters increase, Roy is determined to find out the truth. He eventually comes across Devils Tower in Wyoming, which serves as an intergalactic meeting point and launches himself and others on an incredible journey. Along the way, Roy and his fellow travelers discover the truth about alien life and our place in the universe.

From Preston Sturges, starring Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton, Diana Lynn, William Demarest
Rated Approved

The Miracle of Morgan's Creek is a classic comedy directed by Preston Sturges and starring Eddie Bracken and Betty Hutton. The film follows Trudy Kockenlocker (Hutton) who wakes up one day to find herself married, pregnant, and without a husband. Trudy seeks the help of her old friend Norval Jones (Bracken), who devises a plan to cover-up what happened and help Trudy get her life back on track. In the end, Trudy and Norval must face the consequences of their actions, while finding the courage to accept their responsibilities and make the best of their situation. Through humor and heartwarming moments, the film captures the strength of friendship and family bonds, and ultimately shows the power of true love.

From George Stevens, starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde
Rated Not Rated

Shane is a 1953 American Technicolor Western film directed by George Stevens. It stars Alan Ladd and Jean Arthur in the lead roles. The film tells the story of a weary gunfighter who attempts to settle down and find peace, only to be drawn into the conflict between a ruthless cattle baron and homesteaders who refuse to leave their land. It features one of the most iconic images in the Western film genre, when Shane, mounted on his horse and wearing a long black duster, rides into town for the climactic gunfight. The film also features Brandon deWilde as a young boy whose admiration for Shane is a major plot point. Critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, and Shane was nominated for several awards, including six Academy Award nominations. It won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography and was named one of the top ten films of 1953 by the National Board of Review.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Tony Curtis, Sidney Poitier, Theodore Bikel, Charles McGraw
Rated Approved

The Defiant Ones (1958) is a classic drama directed by Stanley Kramer, starring Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. The film follows the story of two escaped convicts, John “Joker” Jackson (Curtis) and Noah Cullen (Poitier), who are linked together in handcuffs as they flee from their prison guards across the American South. Along the way, they must overcome their distrust and animosity of each other to survive, and ultimately, to be free. The film paints a portrait of prejudice and bigotry, while at the same time exploring the themes of justice, freedom, and ultimately, friendship. Ultimately, the story of “The Defiant Ones” transcends race and class, and shows that when two men can find common ground despite their differences, anything is possible.

From Peter Weir, starring Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas, Josef Sommer
Rated R

From Lawrence Kasdan, starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson
Rated R

From Blake Edwards, starring Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders, Herbert Lom
Rated PG