I enjoy the simple things in life: coloring books, Steak & Shake runs with friends, stargazing and those funny dog videos on YouTube where they have human voices. I like swinging on swing-sets, heart-to-heart talks, and biscuits and gravy. I like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain. Still, I also enjoy a night in with a good movie. I'm not a movie snob, mind you. I don't restrict myself to only the critically-acclaimed. No sir. I am a sucker for almost any romantic comedy, I count down the days to the next Marvel superhero movie, and I've seen my fair share of Jim Carrey movies. With that being said, here are a few of my all-time favorite films. Ever.
1. "The Graduate" (1967)
Although this list is in no particular order, I will say this first one is my absolute favorite. I won't clue you in to the plot, but I will say it is very much worth the watch. Featuring a young Dustin Hoffman (my favorite male actor) in his film debut, this is a classic. It also includes a stellar Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack, along with a song they wrote specifically for the film. Plus, which high school (or college) student hasn't identified with Benjamin Braddock's angst at some point in their life?
2. "The Odd Couple" (1968)
Sure, it was a play before a film, but this movie adaptation is downright hilarious. Starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon (comedy gold), the story of these abrasive roommates is brought to the silver screen. If anything, watch it for the painfully, wonderfully awkward dinner scene with the two women from down the hall.
3. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013)
Awesome soundtrack. Beautiful cinematography. This movie is one of the few that is worth seeing on the big screen. Not only does it have a simple, impacting theme, but it will make you want to get up and travel. I've always been a big fan of Ben Stiller, but this character breaks away from his usual roles. A painfully awkward man that breaks out of his shell, it's inspiring to say the least!
4. "Big" (1988)
Remember when I said I love romantic comedies? Yeah, here's the proof. This is a young Tom Hanks, and Tom Hanks is like some evergreen icon of goodness. In this particular role, he is the result of a young boy who wishes to be "big." He grows up overnight, bringing childlike wonder to a world of grown-ups and business. It's wonderful. The picture above is the famous piano scene, filmed at F.A.O. Schwartz in New York. It's not as impressive in real life; I guess that's just the magic of this movie!
5. "Rope" (1948)
I will warn you up front: there is some seriously cheesy acting in this film. If you can get past that, I think you'll be able to appreciate it. This Hitchcock film, featuring James Stewart ('nuff said), is the story of two university students who believe to have committed "the perfect murder." They're so confident that they go so far as to throw a party in the very room where the body is hidden. Even more interesting, this film was all shot in one take; if they had to change film, they'd zoom in on a person's back as they walk by, switch the film, then pan back out. It's a good'un!
6. "The Great Dictator" (1941)
If you thought "The Interview" was the first film to call out and outright offend a world leader, think again. In Charlie Chaplin's first "talkie", he plays two roles: a ruthless dictator, and a humble peasant mistaken for him. The film was released in 1941, and it blatantly mocks Adolf Hitler. Chaplin's physicality is impressive, and there are many, many notable scenes. In fact, if you decide to not check this one out, at least look up the final speech on YouTube. It's one of the best scenes in cinema history, and it's incredibly applicable today.
7. "Big Fish" (2003)
The tale of an old man and the many tall-tales he tells his son. Try saying that five times fast. This movie is cute, it's touching, it's visually stunning. There's the scene where time stops and popcorn is hanging in midair. There's the scene where the father is being carried down to the river. I mean, just look at the picture above: it's too good to pass up!
These are some of my favorite movies. I'm sharing them with you because each of them has touched me in some way; maybe they've made me think differently, maybe they've reminded me of what's important in life, or maybe they've inspired me. Either way, they're important to me, and I think they just could be important to you!
