Clifford (1994) - Martin Short is genius in his portrayal of a diabolical 10 year old named Clifford. His interactions with the always frustrated Charles Grodin, who plays his uncle, are consistently funny and edgy. Throw in a slimy Dabney Coleman and you've got a masterpiece.
Favorite scenes: Clifford stays up late drinking a slurpee and watching National Geographic and tries to 'smile like a normal boy.'
Bottle Rocket (1996) - Where to begin. The debut for Owen, Luke and Andrew Wilson as well as director Wes Anderson is funny in ways no other film is. The earnestness of the characters, especially Dignan, makes you buy into his fantasies, while Anthony's weariness and good guy tendencies anchor the film. This is one movie I literally have memorized. Favorite scenes: Mapping out the bookstore robbery, Applejack in the freezer, Bob's pitch to Dignan regarding his criminal skills, and 'little banana.'
Affliction (1998) - Written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also penned Raging Bull and Taxi Driver), this film maps the tortured soul of Wade (Nick Nolte). His character is still plagued by his emotionally and physically abusive father (James Coburn), and the failures in his career and family are crushing down on him. The film captures the abusive relationship between the abused, being Wade and his mother, and the abuser, Coburn, in the most raw and honest portrayal I have ever seen. I was lucky enough to have seen this with Paul Schrader and his comments about the film afterward indicate the story comes from his own experiences. Tragic and powerful.
Straight Story (1999) - David Lynch making a G rated movie is remarkable enough, but the resonance and emotion in this film make it one of my favorites. Richard Farnsworth is immobile and needs to get to Iowa to settle a dispute with his brother. Faced with no alternative, he drives his riding lawnmower the whole way. Lynch meshes the blue collar midwestern landscape and Farnsworth's noble quest perfectly. He also captures the decency and values that (tear drop) I grew up with. Farnsworth reminds me of my grandfather in this film, and its quietness is pitch perfect. Sissy Spacek co-stars as a mentally challenged woman who had her children taken away from her. See it, quick.
So I Married an Ax Murderer (1993) - Funny from the first scene, and packed with clever lines and characters, this is a great movie. The soundtrack and location (San Francisco) are both great, as are the role players working with Mike Myers. The final scene drags, but everything else is pure heaven. Favorite scenes: Michael Richards as the calloused newsman, "what this place needs is a really big poster of Atlantic City" (see photo above), Phil Hartman as "Shirley", and Mike Myers as his Scottish dad..."Head, Paper, Now!".
Sling Blade (1996) - Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this morality tale which builds upon the themes explored by Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird and Boo Radley in particular. The relationship between Karl and his young friend is touching and real, and Karl's prescience regarding moral issues despite his mental impairment challenges generally held notions of 'competence.' As with Straight Story, I am a sucker for any movie that earnestly explores the inherent goodness of simple people, and the difficulties they face.
Reality Bites (1994) - Ben Stiller's directorial debut is massively underrated. Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder, Janeane Garofolo, and Steve Zahn are all excellent in their portayal of Gen-X disillusionment. The Hawke/Ryder/Stiller love triangle is the big draw for me, as well as the perfect use of U2's "All I want is you". Funny, true to life and romantic...the best movie out about Gen-X.
Houseguest (1995) - I like Sinbad. I don't care who knows about it. This movie is consistently funny and heartfelt without being (too) hokey. What I like about Sinbad, and this movie, is that he can be funny without being profane and without stepping on other people for a joke. Houseguest is a classic fish out of water story, with Phil Hartman as the straight man. Favorite scenes: dinner party, dentists office (rip-off of Spies Like Us), and drive home from the airport.
Winged Migration (2003) - Winged Migration is a beautiful and peaceful film tracking the migration of several species of birds across Europe. The camera work is amazing, featuring several shots from cameras mounted on certain birds. The music and sound of the birds flying is strangely interesting, and the scenery as the migration proceeds is breathtaking. Environmental issues are explored, but you don't get hit over the head with it. A quiet but effective film.
About a Boy (2002) - I use this movie as a barometer for whether I will get along with someone. The movie embraces a cynical/moral combination and has several funny scenes. Hugh Grant's interactions with Marcus are first-rate, and the sequence where he takes him under his wing is greatness. Favorite scenes: Marcus' mom confronts Hugh in the restaurant, Hugh joins Marcus' family for Christmas, and Hugh visits Rachel Weisz.
Hat tip to Doctor for the post idea and format.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
20 Movies I Like Better Than Anyone Else - Part 1
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2 comments:
a great post. you've stolen two (the straight story, about a boy) that were going to be on my list and another one (axe murderer) that could have been. i watched axe murderer again about three weeks ago and was really impressed by how well mike myers nails the single male angst of being scared to death you'll never find someone good enough and scared to death if you do. of course, in Mike's situation, it turns out that he should have been scared even if it is an irrational fear at the time (that he will be killed if her marries this perfect girl). one of the great comic pieces in the film.
Regarding straight story, richard farnsworth committed suicide not too long after this film. he had inoperable cancer. he went out to his ranch and shot himself with a shotgun. somehow this film makes that act the more understandable and the more tragic....
Still haven't seen Houseguest - or Clifford. I've never seen Dabney Coleman and masterpiece in the same sentence.
The best on here (A-) is Bottle Rocket, followed by About a Boy. Both directors use clothes in the movie as settings of character progression - interesting.
Next, Sling Blade and Affliction (B+) show conflicted rural characters with serious daddy issues (to say the least).
The last 4 are all B's for me, with Winged Migration and Straight Story showing that simplicity in life can reap greater rewards at times. As for the last 2, I prefer Mike Myers because he knows his poetry sucks and Hawke hasn't realized it yet. Not a bad one in the bunch - though Clifford looks highly suspect.
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