The New York Times Guide to the Best 1000 Movies Ever Made

Amazon.com: Books: The New York Times Guide to the Best 1000 Movies Ever Made: "If you have any film buffs on your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa shopping list, buy them this book and wait for the gratitude. Of course no one's going to agree on every movie included, and everyone's going to be angered by some omissions... But that's what makes this book so much fun. Film buffs (like me) love getting all riled up over these kinds of things.
But the reason this book is really essential is that, rather than explaining why each included film is great or 'important', the editors chose to include the original reviews printed in the Times when the films were released. Seeing how some of these classics were reviewed in their own time is a real kick. Some, like 'Casablanca', were rightfully praised. But check out the scathing review of 'Dr. Strangelove', which was clearly ahead of its time.
Of course there will never be a definitive list of 1,000 best movies, but a book like this is really more of a jumping off point for discussion. Personally, I admire a list that's willing to put well-made genre flicks like 'Nightmare on Elm Street' alongside classy Hollywood landmarks like 'Sunset Boulevard'. Not everyone will agree. But they'll definitely enjoy the debate. "