Movies

Something I don’t think I’ve written about much are movies. I thought, since watching movies is one of the things I really enjoy, I’d suggest some of my favorites.

My main criteria for this list is these are movies that I can watch over and over again and not get tired of. Some are old while some are new. From my perspective, they are all well acted, directed and written. I am in no way a movie critic so I won’t delve into any specifics, especially if you haven’t seen them. No spoilers although I may mention a favorite scene or general statement along the way.

After mulling it over for a bit, I think at least one of the reasons I love all these movies is they are all human stories. About family, love, hardship and celebration. They take place all over the world (or universe) at different times throughout history. Some are “small” in scale while others are “huge”. In the end though, they all boil down to the relationships between us and the ones around us.

This is not a complete list and isn’t in any specific order. If you haven’t seen some of these, take the time to watch them and let me know what you think! Happy watching!

• The Shawshank Redemption (1994): A prison movie and so much more! This is where we all learned just how great of a narrator Morgan Freeman is.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Spielberg at his best. I recommend the Director’s cut. The first part of the movie with the lights and UFOs is simply movie magic that never gets old.
• 12 O’Clock High (1949): Many veterans have said this sums up the mental pressure of war better than most any other movie. I still feel this applies and the movie still holds up. Band of Brothers (highly recommended) probably is the closest thing we have to covering war on the ground. I think this movie does the same for the air war as a lot of the scenes in it are actual battles from WWII.
• You’ve Got Mail (1998): My favorite romcom! It is period specific so you get to see where technology was in 1998. Part of the charm! Also, a great soundtrack!
• An Unfinished Life (2005): This is a quiet movie that not many folks initially heard of. It delves into some tough topics covered by several great actors doing some of their best work!
• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Spielberg at his best again. This movie was a cultural phenomenon when it was initially released. It is hard to explain today just how big it was. All without the help, or hinderance, of the Internet. One of my favorite scenes of all time is in this movie, when we look in on Elliott doing the dishes as steam rises from the dish water. Classic. We also hear John Williams at his best with the music, especially in the final scene of the movie.
• The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005): Based on a true story. I was in a little shop, at Pebble Beach, that sells golf memorabilia and they had a photo of the three players that the movie was based on with their autographs. Way out of my price range or I would have bought it. It made the movie extra special to see actual photos of the players and their signatures. There are a ton of great quotes in this movie as well!
• Remember the Titans (2000): Another movie based on a true story. There are many great lessons in this movie along with great quotes. The soundtrack is great as well. Left side… Strong side…
• Forbidden Planet (1956): For many, this was considered the best science fiction movie made until 2001 was made. I’m not sure about that but I would agree when it comes to special effects. Remember how long ago this movie was made (70 years) and yet it still holds up.
• Crazy Rich Asians (2018): This might be my second favorite romcom although I’m not sure I’d necessarily consider this a romcom.
• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): A classic that never gets old. Looking forward to the second one!
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): I’ll admit, this may be my favorite Star Wars movie. Because of the story.
• Godzilla (2014): My favorite American Godzilla movie. The lack of seeing the “monsters” much and the human perspective of the filming along with the story line is what has made this particular Godzilla movie so great. Check out Godzilla Minus One (2024) as well!
• The Last Samurai (2003): The title pretty much covers it. I think one of Tom Cruise’s best movies.
• Love and Basketball (2000): Again, the title covers it. One of those stories that covers many years. This could be considered a romcom as well but also not.