My Favorite Movies: A Retrospective [Updated]

I’m a big movie guy. I just love the movies and have since I was a kid. Some of my fondest memories were of my Mom and Dad telling us to put on our pajamas early on a Friday or Saturday night. That could only mean loading up into our wide-track Pontiac and rolling to the Fiesta Drive-In.

Everything was better at the Drive-In, including the pizza. And I used to love it when people would start honking their horns as it started to get dark, demanding that the movies begin.

Of course, everything was also better years later when I used to take dates there. Man, those dusk-to-dawn marathons were cool beans. One of the Unwritten Rules of the Drive-In was to not bother anyone parked in the back row. On a related note, if you asked a date, “Where do you wanna park? Back row OK?” and she said yes, well, let’s just say that was what you wanted to hear. Good times.

Sparky loves movies too, but I can only watch Air Bud and Beverly Hills Chihuahua so many times. On a related note, we watched Old Yeller once and Spark went under the bed and never came out for 3-hours. Spark hates to show weakness.

And you know what? Some movies just never touched me like they seem to touch other people. Example? Forrest Gump. Watched it, watched it again, sort of shrugged my shoulders and went, “Meh.”

So shoot me.

I LOVE the old horror movies, movies like The Wolfman and Creature from the Black Lagoon. I always looked forward to Friday nights at 11:30 when I got to stay up and watch Chiller Theater. The intro was unforgettable . . . “Out of the swirling mist . . .” Just horrifying as a kid. In fact, I’ve always loved all the old B-Movies like “Attack of the 50-foot Woman”, “Psycho Beach Party” and “Plan 9 from Outer Space.”

Just pure entertainment.

Movies are proof that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For instance, IMDb has The Wizard of Oz rated at #152 in its list of 250 Greatest Movies of all-time. B-W-A-H-A-H-A-H-A-H-A-H-A! Oh, and it has WALL-E at #60. B-W-A-H-A-H-A-H-A-H-A!!!!!!!

Sorry, but that’s just wrong. But on to some of my favorite movies. I’ll list them in no particular order. Let us begin . . .

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This movie, more than any other, influenced me as an educator. Robin Williams is amazing as a teacher who, shall we say, didn’t exactly do things “by the book.” Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school called Welton Academy, it tells the story of a teacher who inspires his students using unorthodox methods. I integrated his ideas of seeing the world through different perspectives in nearly everything I taught throughout my career. Williams, as John Keating, would have his students stand on their desks to symbolize seeing the world from another point of view, or a different perspective. Keating is finally fired, and the scene below where he is retrieving his belongings as the principal has taken over his class touches me every time I watch it. Great, great movie.

Hi Fidelity (2000)

I love almost anything John Cusack is in (ever watch Grosse Pointe Blank?Being John Malkovich?), but this is his best movie in my opinion. I know my friend Hanif Abdurraqib would agree. The movie is about a guy (Cusack) who owns a record store and details his problems with his girlfriend and co-workers. There are a lot of music references which also apppeals to me.

Favorite quote by Rob, Cusack’s character:

Rob: “Should I bolt every time I get that feeling in my gut when I meet someone new? Well, I’ve been listening to my gut since I was 14 years old, and frankly speaking, I’ve come to the conclusion that my guts have shit for brains.”

What can I say? I can relate.

American Psycho (2000)

My friends, I absolutely love this movie. Just a bizarre, dark, funny, twisted film. And it stars Christian Bale, one of my favorite actors. It is exactly what I prefer in my cinematic fare. I mean, how can you beat a guy hatcheting another man to death to the tune “Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News? Answer? You can’t. And the fact that said murderee was Jared Leto makes it even better. The movie is about a Wall Street guy who happens to be a serial killer.

My favorite scene among many is when the main character, Patrick Bateman, is having a conversation with a girl he has taken back to his apartment. Since he is a serial killer, he and her are talking about two completely different things . . .

Patrick Bateman: “I think if you stay, something bad will happen. I think I might hurt you. You don’t want to get hurt, do you?”
Jean: “No. No, I guess not. I don’t want to get bruised.”

Chilling but humorous at the same time. Well, at least to me. Love it. Oh, and the scene where he chases the hooker down his apartment stairs with a chainsaw while naked is priceless.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Dude.

If you haven’t seen this movie please don’t tell me. I love this movie so much I’ve been looking for a sweater like the one worn by The Dude (played by Jeff Bridges) since 1998. ATTENTION FORMER STUDENTS: Get me this sweater! Anywho, the movie is about an unemployed Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler, referred to as “The Dude”. After a case of mistaken identity, The Dude is introduced to a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski. When the millionaire Lebowski’s trophy wife is later kidnapped, he commissions The Dude to deliver the ransom to secure her release. Needless to say, the plan goes awry.

Favorite quote:

The Dude: “That rug really tied the room together.”

If you’ve seen the movie you’re smiling right now. If you didn’t you really need to see this movie.

UPDATE: I have the sweater! Thanks Amanda!

In Cold Blood (1967)

Based on the classic novel by Truman Capote, this movie chilled me to the core. The film follows the trail of Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. They break into the home of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, kill all four members of the family, go on the run, are found and caught by the police, tried for the murders and eventually executed. Robert Blake is great as one of the killers in this movie. They had heard in prison that the Clutters had a buch of money hidden in their house and just showed up, killed the entire family, and left with nothing. Did I mention this book and movie was based on actual events? In addition, the scene where they are hanged is so real you feel as if you are right there.

Here’s a quote:

Perry: “I didn’t want to harm the man.  I thought he was a very nice gentleman.  Soft-spoken.  I thought so right up to the moment I cut his throat.”

Jeebus.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Yep, I love the Wizard of Oz. Always have, always will. Love everything about it. The music, the munchkins, all the characters, the message, everything. Even as a little kid I understood that this movie was telling me that it would do no good to look elsewhere for anything. Everything you ever need is right there inside you already. They used to show this movie on a yearly basis, I believe right before Thanksgiving for some reason. Whatever. I never missed it. I love the song “Over the Rainbow”, and if you’ve never heard the live version by Eric Clapton you’re missing out. Believe it or not I have 11 versions of this song in my collection, from the movie version by Judy Garland to Clapton to Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Just a stellar, classic song.

To this day, when Dorothy whispers into the Scarecrow’s ear, “I think I’m going to miss you most of all“, I get teary eyed. And as Dorothy’s preparing to leave and the Tin Man says, “Now I know I’ve got a heart, . . . ’cause it’s breaking“, if you don’t feel your heart breaking a little, well, you have no soul.

And it’s OK to admit it, folks. Those Flyin’ Monkeys were absolutely petrifying. When they tried to burn the Scarecrow to death I nearly wet myself. As a kid I had nightmares about those things. Damn you Flyin’ Monkeys!

Note: I’ve no idea if this is true, but I once read that Ray Bolger, the actor who played the Scarecrow, once worked in as an accountant or something in a large company. Legend has it he was fired for dancing in the hallway. Cool.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Quite simply, Robert DeNiro’s finest moment. No offense, Bob, but there was no way you could ever match your performance in this classic. It’s about a taxi driver who is going through some major shit, which culminates in an assassination attempt against a US Senator who is running for president. But this movie is so, so much more. I was in college at the time and this flick absolutely mesmerized me. In addition to DeNiro, it features Cybill Shephard, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, an an ungodly performance by Jodie Foster as a teenage hooker. I can’t explain it all here, but trust me, it’s an American classic.

The best moment comes when DeNiro, as Travi Bickle, is getting ready to cause some havoc and is in his apartment looking in the mirror as he practices drawing his gun . . .

“You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? Then who the hell else are you talking… you talking to me? Well I’m the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to? Oh yeah? OK. ”

One of the greatest scenes in movie history, period.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

I have to admit it, one of the reasons I love this movie is because my son Kip and I have watched it approximately 75 times, and I may be underestimating that number. It’s the one movie where, if I happen to come upon it while perusing the channels, I simply cannot change said channel. I have to see it through. I’m not gonna go through the plot because you all know it’s about a high school kid skipping school and going on an epic adventure.

Highlight? Ferris crashing a Chicago parade and lip-synching to “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.

Favorite line, by the school secretary as she describes Ferris to the principal:

“Oh, he’s very popular Ed. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads – they all adore him. They think he’s a righteous dude.”

And he was.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Anyone who says they saw the ending coming is a lying son-of-a-bitch. Y’all know it’s about a guy who was murdered but doesn’t know he’s deceased. It’s probably the only movie I ever watched where there was a collective gasp from the audience when everyone realized, for the first time, that the character played by Bruce Willis was, in fact, DEAD. A young Haley Joel Osment was excellent as a kid who, well, “saw dead people.”

With that in mind, my favorite quote is from Osment’s character when he says . . .

“I see dead people.”

This was M. Night Shyamalan’s best movie, and he’s been trying to match its excellence ever since.

Not gonna happen.

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

My favorite Paul Newman role, and it was simply one of the most impactful movies I ever watched. Newman, as Luke, is put in a Florida prison for 2-years for getting drunk and kicking the tops off of parking meters. He gradually wins the hearts of his fellow inmates as he is gradually broken in spirit by the prison warden. Just when you think he’s beaten, though, we get a surprise and then . . . a sad but ultimately satisfying ending.

Memorable quote, by Luke of course: “Yeah well . . .  sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.”

Hoosiers (1986)

I’m a basketball coach, so of course I liked Hoosiers.

Based on a true story, it’s the tale of a tiny Indiana high school that makes it all the way to the state championship game where they face a school much bigger than theirs. There’s a great plot involving an old school coach, his alcoholic assistant, and Jimmy Chitwood, the best player in the school.

Without a doubt my favorite sports movie, period.

Favorite line (by Jimmy Chitwood) during  the team’s final time-out:

“I’ll make it.”

And of course, I love this one by Coach Norman Dale:

“My practices aren’t designed for your enjoyment.”

Amen coach. Amen.

Sling Blade (1996)

When I started watching Sling Blade for the very first time I didn’t think I could stand Karl Childer’s voice for more than 10-minutes. I thought it was excruciating to listen to. But miraculously, as the movie progressed, I grew to grow quite fond of it.  Billy Bob Thornton is simply incredible in this movie, as you completely buy into his character. This movie about a mentally handicapped man who befriends a young boy and ultimately protects him and his mother is just a great great story.

Memorable line:

Doyle: “What’cha doin’ with that lawn mower blade Karl?”
Karl: “I aim to kill you with it.”

And he did. Classic.

Fargo (1996)

The definition of a “dark” crime-comedy. I absolutely love this movie and it’s, in my opinion, the best Coen Brothers film ever. Period. Here’s the plotline:

In the winter of 1987, Minneapolis automobile salesman Jerry Lundegaard (Macy) is in financial trouble. Jerry is introduced to criminals Carl Showalter (Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Stormare) by Native American ex-convict Shep Proudfoot (Reevis), a mechanic at his dealership. Jerry travels to Fargo, North Dakota and hires the two men to kidnap his wife Jean (Rudrüd) in exchange for a new 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and half of the $80,000 ransom. However, Jerry intends to demand a much larger sum from his wealthy father-in-law Wade Gustafson (Presnell) and keep most of the money for himself.

Let’s just say that after that things take an ugly turn.

I can’t talk about this movie without mentioning Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson, the pregnant cop who pursues the killers. Her performance is un-freaking-believable.

Best line:

“Yah, you betcha.”

Just watch the damn movie.

Shane (1953)

This film touched me from the moment I first watched it as a kid and instilled in me a love for movies. It’s plot is classic:

A stranger, wearing buckskin and a six shooter, calling himself Shane (Alan Ladd), rides into an isolated valley in the sparsely settled territory of Wyoming. Whatever his past, he’s obviously skilled as a gunslinger and soon finds himself drawn into a conflict between homesteader Joe Starrett (Van Heflin) and ruthless cattle baron Rufus Ryker (Emile Meyer), who wants to force Starrett and the others off the land.

Long story short, Ryker hires Jack Wilson, a legendary quickdraw, to come and challenge Shane, who is on Starrett’s side. He does, and the ending is spectacular. Shane, who has vowed to never strap on his gun again, of course does. The final showdown is what great cinema is all about.

Memorable line, from Shane himself:

“A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.”

If you claim to be a movie buff, watch this movie.

Once Upon a Time . . . In Hollywood (2019)

LOVED this movie. You had to understand the whole Sharon Tate-Charles Manson story to get it, and yes it was a little long for some folks, but I liked everything about Tarantino’s latest flick. The alternative ending to an horrific event from my childhood was somehow satisfying to me. The setting, the mood, the lighting, the way it was shot, it was perfect.  And Pitt and DiCaprio was amazing.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Jojo Rabbit is a movie about a Hitler Youth member who finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. He then questions his beliefs while dealing with the intervention of his imaginary friend, a fanciful version of Adolf Hitler. Amazing movie with an incredible ending.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

This is an amazing, quirky little movie about a bored magazine intern (Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Rec) who befriends an unusual guy who claims he can time travel and wants someone to go back with him. Another movie with an unforgettable ending.

Honorable Mention:

Office Space (1999) – Hilariously quirky, as only Mike Judge can do it. And how Ron Livingston didn’t become a big-time star is beyond my comprehension.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2019) – Rami Malek? Spectacular.

Old School (2003) – “I think I see Blue. He looks . . . glorious.”

Halloween (1978) – Sheriff: “A man wouldn’t do that.”  Dr. Loomis: “This isn’t a man”.

A History of Violence (2005)  – One of the greatest movies of recent years, without a doubt, in my opinion.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) – “That’s bush. Bush league.”

Night of the Living Dead (1968) – Horrifying opening scene. Just chilling.

The Chumscrubber (2005) – Little known and unheralded, but I thought it was stellar.

Alpha Dog (2006) – Justin Timberlake is great as a drug dealer in this movie.

Out of Sight (1998) – Loved this movie starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez.

So there ya go, my favorite movies. Like I said, 20-people walking out of a theater can have 20-different opinions. That said, what are your favorites?

I’d love to hear ’em.

Originally published on February 9th, 2013. Last updated on October 4th, 2020.