I know you have all been sitting patiently by your computer, hitting the refresh button every 7.5 seconds, awaiting the most eagerly anticipated list since the scene in "10 Things I Hate About You" where we found out exactly what were the 10 things she hated about him. Without further ado, our list of new classics (see rules and criteria in previous post) in alphabetical order:
Beauty and the Beast
This qualified as our animated feature. Not necessarily the most popular of Disney’s dominant run of hits (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Lion King), but was (and remains) the only animated feature to ever be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Timeless story, fantastic characters, memorable songs, and quotable (“I want to do something for her, but what? Well, there’s the usual things: flowers, chocolates, promises you don’t intend to keep”).
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A defining comedy of the 80s, yet has incredible staying power. Infinitely quotable (“Mind your Ps and Qs, and remember who you’re dealing with”), and filled with famous scene after famous scene. Much imitated, but never duplicated.
The Matrix
Just snuck in at the end of our time window, and was a point of debate since SciFi films don’t tend to age very well. But this film changed movies in a number of ways. One of the first “cult” hits of the internet age, and interest was fueled by a viral marketing campaign (What is the Matrix?). Completely re-invented special effects technology and was mimicked by dozens of films thereafter.
The Natural
We figured there should be one sports movie on the list, and it came down to this, Field of Dreams, and Bull Durham. We felt this film will stand the test of time better than the others due to the themes of promise, failure, and redemption. The star power is impressive, with Robert Redford, Glenn Close, and Robert Duvall, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
Pulp Fiction
Qualified as Mike’s exemption. Does not fit into any particular category, which is probably why we included it. Very dark, very funny, with characters that are memorable and told in a unique non-linear storyline. Unforgettable monologues. Changed the landscape regarding the viability of independent films and launched endless debates about what was in the briefcase.
The Princess Bride
This was Andrea’s exemption, although Mike probably wouldn’t have disagreed. Clever storytelling and fantastic, quotable dialog (“Inconceivable!”). One of the most re-watchable films ever.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Redefined the action film to be both fun and smart. Some of the most famous action sequences ever filmed, including the escape on the truck and search for Marion in the market. “Snakes…why did it have to be snakes.” Plus, the latest Indy flick (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) makes this movie look 73 times better.
Saving Private Ryan
A game-changer when it comes to epic/war films due to its extremely violent and graphic content. But the film goes where few other war films have gone with its breaking of war movie rules: heroism is not rewarded, the good guys don’t always win, and nothing is as clear as black and white. Contains one of the most memorable monologues in the past decade when Tom Hanks finally reveals what he used to do before becoming a solider.
Schindler's List
Extremely powerful, moving film with career-defining performances from Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. I have to admit, it is hard to re-watch, but seeing it once is enough to stick with you for a long time.
Star Wars Epsiode V - The Empire Strikes Back
There is no avoiding Star Wars when Mike is involved. Empire is an extremely rare film where the sequel is actually better than the the original. Classic story telling with marquee names like Harrison Ford, and is very re-watchable (Mike estimates he has seen it 20 times). As with Raiders, it looks even better in comparison to the subsequent films that followed in the franchise.
And that's it folks. We're sure we have missed a few and raised a few eyebrows with inclusions of some of our choices. Let us know where we went wrong!
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2 comments:
Did you consider Silence of the Lambs? I think it meets most of criteria, and I am outraged over it's absence. :)
1. It is extremely re-watchable, if it is on the TV I don't change the channel.
2. My feelings about the movie haven't changed, but this point is very subjective.
3. Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins
4. I'd say so, it won: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Screenplay
5. I'm not sure about this point, but I think it started a rash of psychological thrillers.
6. "It puts the lotion in the basket."
7. I would say it's diverse, it has drama and a bit of action.
I have to agree with David about Silence of the Lambs. It would definitely be on my list and I think because I was 10 when I saw it in the theater (thanks to cousin E) and it scared me to death. Other movies that I am surprised did not make the cut or at least the honorable mention list: Last of the Mohicans (that would be my Dances With Wolves..although I do like that movie too), Sneakers, The Fifth Element and one of the Back to the Future movies.
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