Old Movie Favorites

         Here is an old list I made of favorite movies -- which is pretty eclectic. The titles link to the definitive movie info source, IMDB. In general, I like films which have some bite (as opposed to pretty pictures); fast-paced comedy and action; and anything which throws your expectations in a blender.

• There's Nothing Out There
  A cute spoof of horror films, which plays on the fourth wall. Keep an eye on this director. (Actually, this was written and directed by my best friend from high school, Rolfe Kanefsky, and I worked on the set during the summer when it was shot.)
• Armor of God II
  Or in general ANY film directed by and starring Jackie Chan. This is one of the more consistantly funny and inventive.
• The Beast (1988)
  A philosophical and intruiging film about a Russian tank in Afghanistan - based on the stage play (?!).
• Big Trouble in Little China
  John Carpenter's hilarious pulp masterpiece: a parody adventure film with breakneck pacing, starring Kurt Russell.
• Bringing Up Baby
  Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn at their madcap best.
• Clean and Sober
  A surprisingly subtle drama about compulsiveness and addiction, starring Michael Keaton. While is not consistantly great, it had a powerful punch - at least for me.
• Closet Land
  Madelaine Stowe and Alan Rickman in a two-person, closed-room drama about torture. Thoughtful and compelling (sponsored by Amnesty International).
• The Court Jester
  A hilarious and inventive 1956 musical comedy featuring Danny Kaye, a take-off of various Robin Hood flicks.
• Evil Dead II
  A combination of slapstick comedy and horror, with geysers of blood and inventive visuals. Not for everyone, but hilarious and extremely intense.
• The In-Laws
  Peter Falk and Alan Arkin in a madcap adventure to a banana republic.
• The Killer
  An ultra-violent, overblown Hong Kong melodrama, starring an incomparable, charismatic Chow Yun Fat, directed by John Woo.
• Reservoir Dogs
  Quentin Tarantino's first film: a masterwork of editting and full of surprises. As usual for Tarantino, the dialogue is sharp and engrossing and counter-pointed by extreme violence.
• The Tall Blonde Man with One Black Shoe
  A hilarious 1972 French slapstick comedy about an espionage diversionary tactic.

Better Known Favorites

         Now, I wouldn't want to give the impression that I had something against mainstream films. Here's a list of some of my favorites among better known films.

• Crimes and Misdemeanors
  One of the most compelling dramas I have seen, addressing moral philosophy without moralizing.
• Die Hard
  One of the best action movies ever, with an ultra-tight script and near-perfect pacing.
• Do the Right Thing
  A film which makes serious issues fun without diminishing them -- no small feat.
• Full Metal Jacket
  A truly twisted film about an exaggerated picture of marines trained for Vietnam.
• Life of Brian
  The best of Monte Python, I think, as it is a true satire of organized religion which is often eloquent as well as funny.
• Midnight Run
  Just one of my favorite road pictures - carried mostly by the chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.
• The Muppet Movie
  Pretty much the perfect movie. For more muppets, check the Muppets Home Page
• Pulp Fiction
  A fascinating winding of three stories into the classic tale of temptation, redemption, and salvation -- with some of the best dialogue I have ever seen.
• Raiders of the Lost Ark
  Closer to true pulp fiction, although still somewhat revisionist with Harrison Ford as the not-quite-larger-than-life hero.
• Schindler's List
  Enough praise has been given this film, I guess, but even with a weak ending it stands out.
• The Sure Thing
  Alright, I'm a John Cusack fan. Just something in the offbeat comedy clicked with me.
• Unforgiven
  A great western, which casts a new light on an age-old plot with some insightful dialogue.
• When Harry Met Sally...
  A hilarious comedy, I think, mostly because of how close it strikes to home.