Adaptation
Charlie Kaufman just has a way of expressing the inner voice of the neurotic everyman. During the first few minutes of this film when we're hearing the main character's thoughts, I was looking around the theatre uncomfortably thinking "do they realize what's happening on screen is my internal dialogue?"
anything Buster Keaton
I think if you put a gun to my head and forced me to name the most amazing entertainer of all time I would probably say Buster. No one else really comes close to his unique talent. Thank goodness for Mr. Wisely's junior high social studies class where he played Buster Keaton and other comedy classics for us. I'm sure the Curriculum Gods would be outraged, but those films played a vital role in my development as a thinking person.
Avalon
How can you beat Lou Jacobi and the whole "you cut the toikey" routine? Barry Levinson at his finest.
Being There
Peter Sellers was so absolutely brilliant. This is one of those rare instances where I actually prefer the film to the book... "I like to watch", you know.
Big
That Tom Hanks is one likable sum bitch, ain't he? Directed by Penny Marshall. It's funny, it's touching... yap, yap, yap.
Bob Roberts
I'll be damned if Tim Robbins didn't do everything here... write, direct, act, sing... what can't this guy do? A very clever film. I'd be remiss not to note that it is the first film appearance by the likewise multi-talented, Jack Black.
Bowling for Columbine
You know, I don't always agree with everything Michael Moore does or says, but I love him for two reasons: 1) He always has an interesting perspective and 2) He's usually saying shit that needs to be said.
Broadcast News
If I were into chicks I'd be all over Holly Hunter. And Albert Brooks? C'mon! Throw in some Jack Nicholson and we're really in bidness here.
Crossing Delancey
This is a very sweet little film starring Amy Irving and Peter Riegert. Romantic comedy as it should be.
Dead Man Walking
Tim Robbins again. You just can't top a pairing of Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn.
Dead Poet's Society
Do I love this because it's full of cute boys? Maybe. Love the somber yet hopeful tone of this one.
Defending Your Life
When you ask my favorite movie of all time, this is my usual answer. I do so love Lost in America, but Rip Torn is just fucking brilliant here. I adore everything about this movie from the script to the soundtrack.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Oh, the pain of heartache. How often have I wanted to erase an old love from my memory banks? Charlie Kaufman being brilliant again.
Field of Dreams
One of only two movies that are acceptable for guys to admit to crying over (the other is Brian's Song). Baseball and Iowa are two things that say "home" to me. Kevin Costner is his usual charismatic self. Amy Madigan really lights up a role that could otherwise get lost in the shadows. James Earl Jones makes the movie a classic.
Horse Feathers
This is my favorite Marx Brothers movie. My little brother and I adored the football scene at the end. Oh for the days when slipping on a banana peel was the funniest thing ever! Laughed about this one for days afterward as a kid.
Midnight Cowboy
Dustin Hoffman in one of his finest performances. Another dark and twisted film. And, by golly, ya can't beat a soundtrack with Harry Nilsson.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
I love Danny DeVito in this one! Went through a big Ken Kesey phase in college brought on by this film, which is ironic since Kesey despised it.
Pi
This one is pretty intense. Hell, just listening to the soundtrack can make you feel like you're tripping.
Piano, The
Don't think I've had a more sensual film experience than with this one. Capturing the magic between a musician and her instrument is one thing... throwing in a naked Harvey Keitel just plain kicks my ass!
Reuben, Reuben
Ah, Tom Conti. *sigh* This is a delicious little comedy. The first film for Kelly McGillis.
Showgirls
As far as I'm concerned, this is the funniest movie ever. Hands down. "BITCH!"
Spinal Tap
How can you not love this whole concept? Will never forget seeing this in a mall theater in Bettendorf, Iowa. There were only about ten people in the room and six of them were heavy metal fans not quite in on the joke. So damned entertaining!
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Gene Wilder makes this movie great but then you already knew that, didn't you? The book is so sinister. I wish they'd make a movie of the sequel ("Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator") which is even more bizarre. Look out for the Vermicious Knids!
World According to Garp, The
I love the movie almost as much as the book. Saw it about ten times in the theater when it was released.
Zelig
I nearly forgot about this one! My favorite from Woody Allen. So many subtleties in this mock-u-mentary that I find something new and belly laugh worthy every time I see it.