Sorry, but ...
... I’m going to be really predictable here and say that Star Wars – A New Hope is simply one of the best films ever made. This is in part due to the fact that it was the first film I saw as a kid back in ’77. Up until then I knew that all sci-fi was shit because you could see the wires. I was forced to watch crappy Doctor Who with wobbly sets, Glen A Larson shite such as Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and Battlestar Galactica (the ‘re-imagined’ version kicks serious arse). The only sci-fi TV that ever looked authentic to me before that was Space 1999, and I loved that. But when I saw A New Hope for the first time I was simply blown away. The big fuck off Star Destroyer gliding in over the top of the screen is, in my opinion, one of the greatest opening scenes ever. I have been a massive fan of Star Wars ever since.

I’ve just finished watching (for the 100 dozenth time) Empire of Dreams, the documentary about how my beloved Star Wars nearly didn’t come into being: with arsehole studio execs, massive production problems, plus George Lucas’ near heart attack during filming. I honestly think that, without Star Wars, sci-fi would have been very different.

It was much later that I saw 2001 – A Space Odyssey and Silent Running: two more of my favourite sci-fi films.

But coming up to knock Star Wars off my personal favourite movie franchise is Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. Upon seeing Fellowship of the Ring, I felt the same awe and wonder that I had last experienced as an eight year old with Star Wars. I blub like a girl at Boromir’s death scene:

“I would have followed you to the end, my brother. My captain. My king”

And the last ride of Rohirrim at the Battle of Pelenor Fields in Return of the King is truly one of the most heart pounding scenes ever made. Bernard Hill makes a wonderful Theoden.

But I have other favourites: Leon had me wandering around in a wistful contemplative mood for days afterwards. Fantastically shot; every scene looks like a painting and Jean Reno is superb in it. Love the scene when he opens the door to a crying Natalie Portman for the first time.

Memento blows my mind and is one of the most original movies ever.

Straight Story, a fantastic David Lynch film about humility, redemption and forgiveness.

And talking of David Lynch, I love his version of Dune. Despite what the critics say, I think it’s one of the biggest, most elaborate, deep and above all surreal movies ever. I’ve seen it so many times I practically know it word for word.

John Carpenter’s The Thing still scares me shitless, especially the scene with the dogs…

Shawshank Redemption. I’d not seen it up until about five years ago and hardly blinked until it had finished. Morgan Freeman’s narration really adds to it, especially in the roof-tarring scene.

Local Hero, from Bill Forsyth, a comedy in the strain of the old Ealing Comedies. Fantastically quirky, funny and intelligent. I love the fact that the twist at the end is so subtle, you can miss it entirely!

Quadrophenia, introduced to me years ago by an ex-mod friend of mine. Brilliant story and excellent musical score.

Mad Max. I once saw this on video as a kid seven times in the same day. Wonderfully low budget which gives the special effects a completely believable feel. A modern classic.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The late great John Candy at his best.

Man on the Moon. I’m not a huge Carrey fan and know nothing about Andy Kaufman but I really enjoyed this flick.

There are dozens of others: Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Blade Runner, Edward Scissorhands, Forrest Gump, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting. Midnight Express, the Shining, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, A Knight’s Tale, Pleasantville, Rain Man, Starship Troopers... Maybe I shouldn’t have answered this QOTW whilst facing my entire DVD collection?

Apologies for length but I’ve nowhere else to stack them...
(Ghostlight, Tue 22 Jul 2008, 20:01, 2 replies)

I agree with the majority
of your favourite films (for which you are awarded awesome points), but Planes, Trains and Automobiles? Steve Martin and John Candy? Steve Martin's stand up is good but he's typically terrible in films, John Candy I absolutely can't stand. The whole film just annoys me.
I would be open to other John Candy work that is good, it's just that most of his work (including this one) I dislike.
(Evilweevil is covered in bees, Tue 22 Jul 2008, 22:54, closed)

I agree...

With every film you mention that I have actually seen...and for the exact same reasons.

Therefore I am going to make a point of watching the other films you mention that I haven't yet seen.

thanks.
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Wed 23 Jul 2008, 10:47, closed)