My 10 favourite films
5 Jun
My friend Laura over at Treats, Beats and Eats has requested that I share my 10 favourite films with the interwebs. Now I must warn you, dear reader, that the below list will likely offend, upset and disgust. This is largely down to the fact that I have never enjoyed being ‘challenged’ by a film. I think this might be because I’ve had some relatively ‘challenging’ life experiences and often used film as a means to escape. I like to be swept away. I want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside when the credits are rolling. I have no truck with unhappy endings and French existentialism.
You have been warned.
Clueless
‘Anyway, why am I listening to you? You’re a virgin who can’t drive’… One of two films I can quote verbatim from start to finish. The cast, the soundtrack, the outfits, the script. EVERYTHING about this film is excellent and it cannot fail to lift my spirits. Jane Austen would be proud!
The Fifth Element
The second most famous ‘Bruce Willis in a vest’ film is a bonkers feast for the eyes that features Mila Jovovich in Jean Paul Gaultier couture bandages, Gary Oldman in one of the scariest frightwigs ever committed to celluloid and a rather uncomfortable looking Tricky from Massive Attack pretending to be an actor. Luc Besson – I doff my cap.
Before Sunrise
I have Jim to thank for introducing me to this gem. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy meet on a train and spend the evening wandering around Vienna getting to know each other. And that’s pretty much it! The great chemistry between the two stars makes for compulsive viewing and the ‘will they, won’t they’ ending is perfection.
Before Sunset
And lo! A mere 9 years later we get to find out if they ‘did or didn’t'! Jim prefers the sequel and I’m inclined to agree – Hawke and Delpy share a screenwriting credit with Richard Linklater and the love they have for the original film and characters is clear to see. Eavesdropping as the two catch up on 9 years is a satisfying joy to behold.
Grease
The second film I can quote verbatim from start to finish – as I’m quite confident every woman over the age of 30 can – and, strangely, the second film on my list to feature a cast of thirtysomething actors pretending to be teenagers. Go figure. Anyway – I don’t need to tell you about Grease. Grease is the word. ‘A hicky from Kenicky is like a hallmark card, when you only care to send the very best’. RIP Jeff Conaway.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
‘I did not achieve this position in life by having some snot-nosed punk leave my cheese out in the wind.’ If there was ever a man who ‘got’ teenagers it was John Hughes. Joining Ferris and Cameron as they chuck the most spectacular sicky in history is so mind-numbingly brilliant I’m amazed Hollywood hasn’t tried to remake it. Maybe they realise that there really, REALLY are some films that are untouchable? Here’s hoping…
The Breakfast Club
Emilio’s dancing, Molly’s dancing, Judd’s hair, THAT Simple Minds song. *sigh*
Ghostbusters
‘Yes it’s true, this man has no dick’. That line STILL kills me, 17 years on! This was my first introduction to the genius that is Bill Murray and I’ve been a tiny bit in love with him ever since. Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis wrote one of the funniest scripts in history and then gave all the best lines to someone else. MASSIVE RESPECT.
When Harry Met Sally
‘I’ll have what she’s having.’ It’s hard to pick a favourite romcom when it’s your favourite genre (what?!) but this film has to be top of the list. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are spectacular and supported brilliantly by Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher. A smart, sassy, hilarious film that will always leave me feeling warm and smushy on the inside… Aint love grand!?
The Princess Bride
98 minutes of sheer, unadulterated AMAZINGNESS. It’s got Peter Cook in it. It’s got Columbo in it. It is one of the greatest films ever made. If you haven’t seen it please PLEASE stick it on your LoveFilm list and WATCH IT. All together now – ‘My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.’
So there you have it. As you can see I tend to err on the side of romcom, something I am proud of, for surely romance and laughter are two of the best things in the world?
Anyway – I’d love to hear your favourite movies – let’s have em! =)
Mrs L xx
online gallivanter, lipbalm addict, retired bedroom dj, CAMRA member, northern, freckles, lover of cheese...
Great minds – I have a post scheduled for tomorrow a bit like this! Excellent choice, especially Ferris xxx
Ferris rules! Looking forward to seeing yours xx
Love it! I’m a bit surprised by your choices actually, I thought you’d have gone for some art house films, just thought you might be into that sort of thing.
Anyway, will deffo do a post like this – I have so many favourites though, will be hard to whittle them down.
Oh god no – art house films are my idea of hell!
Looking forward to seeing your list! =)
No Derek Jarman’s “Blue”?
Has it got Sandra Bullock in it?
5th Element? Are you joking?
You’ve saved yourself with Princess Bride though. And Breakfast Club
I stand by my list Cain!
Love this list and so get the escape thing. I’m pulling together my favourites too x
Yes please! =)
Some good choices their. And I’ll forgive Grease as there is an impressive lack of Dirty Dancing on the list.
However, I did want to spoil your day by letting you know that they made a Ferris Beuller TV show. And it was not good. Not good at all.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferris_Bueller_(TV_series)
I’m going to pretend I didn’t read this comment…
Interesting list, i’m off to try to compile mine.
Look forward to reading them =) x
Ghostbusters
The breakfast Club
Ferris Bueller………….
All hit the spot for me
I even have a soft spot for Clueless !!!!
No Porkies though ?
I am disappointed :)
Brilliant! I knew clueless would be up there.I remember being very merry with you once and us discussing its merits for hours… I love it too. Because I didn’t think much about it, 10 mins, I keep thinking of all the other films I love and that I should/could have…the plus point of so many GREAT Films. I need to watch before sunrise/sunset. Thanks Kerry xx
Ooh yes you need to watch Sunrise/Sunset back to back!
A v satisfying experience =) x
Ah Porkies – a classic but wouldn’t make my top 10!
Or my top 50 come to think of it ;)