My Top Ten Favorite Movies

Jjpayne

I was going to try to stay focused on gender themed lists but this inspired me…

“If, it were a movie night thing I would ask @Jjpayne because he's a great movie buff like me and really nice. “ @binarybabe001

“Thank you!! Now I have to do a top ten favorite movies for me. Cause I have one. Now I just have to remember the list... “ - Me

I promise binarybabe001, last time I call you out for a while. This was just one of things I was inspired to do based on that comment. So I compiled a list of my favorite movies of all time. It is a tough to have so many to choose from but I narrowed down by trends of fantasy, puppets, mashups and childlike innocence among other things. Each will have an explanation and hopefully you will be able to see at least why I like them. And this by the way is in order from least to best.

10. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



So this was chosen based on belief and childlike innocence. It is also a movie that has comedy but has some very sad moments too. It is a movie that shows that sometimes kids can have the right answer and that sometimes you need to stop trying to be an adult because that mindset can block you from reaching greater things. Being an adult is the responsible thing to do and it is something we all have to do. But if we lose all of our innocence and simplicity that can work against us. Sometimes the answers are so simple and basic that they go past us.

It also shows how important the concept of belief is. Which makes me go back to the movie the Santa Clause with this quote “have you ever seen a million dollars?” “Just because you haven't seen it does not mean it does not exist.” I am also driven by quotes and thoughtful wording on things. Let me pull a couple of quotes from this movie to show you what I mean.

“When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words.”
-- Mr. Magorium”

“There are a million things one might do with a block of wood. But what do you think might happen if someone, just once, believed in it?” -- Mr. Magorium”

Those are profound thoughts for such a lighthearted movie and that’s why I love it!
He is like a toymaker version of a Willy Wonka and Dr. Seuss combined. I saw that it has a considerable low score on rotten tomatoes but I really love the film. I suppose like some of the pics on this list, it might just be something I stand alone in. And as a side note Kermit has a very quick cameo…

9. The Last Starfighter (1984)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies




This is another title where I might stand alone. One of the reasons being the special effects are very much out of date. But the story still gets me going. It is about a teenager in a trailer park that can be seen as destined to die there. However, after he gets a highscore on a space fighter video game he is picked up by a real space fighter recruiter. It shows that sometimes the unbelievable can happen in the least likely of places. And those that are meant for smaller things are sometimes chosen for something greater. It kind of reminds me of the story of David in the bible, how he was chosen as king. Samuel saw all the big strong and tall men in the family but asked for the one that was not seen as fit to be worthy of being chosen. They had him hidden tending to the sheep. That’s what I see him as, the hidden chosen one. And that’s I feel is inside every one of us. We are chosen for something that is just waiting to be discovered.

8. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies

My Top Ten Favorite Movies


This is a classic that needs no backup from me. It’s in my top ten for a few reasons. First, for my love of animation. This is a beautiful smash up and tribute to all the classic cartoons back in the day. Which leads me to call out, Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue another great mash but more from my decade which was made as a combat against drugs.

My Top Ten Favorite Movies


But Who Framed Roger Rabbit is also great because it also is a tribute to 1940’s hollywood. It also featured a classic 1940’s private eye plot. But one the major things was having cartoons and actors interacting with each other. Especially ones popular one’s like Bugs Bunny that rarely if ever were shown interacting with real characters.

7. Ready Player One (2018)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



Yeah, I know… I am mentioning it again.. But honestly because it is the truth. I thought about it and there are reasons behind this. Many of which are covered in the mytake I did on it. But I am going to do summary with maybe a couple of different details. It references many things that I loved and love about movies. It has so many pop culture references. This reminds me in ways of Big Bang Theory the TV Show. Mainly because there are so many quotes, uses and references that remind me of all the movie experiences i have ever had. Just going through the list of things that James Halliday likes, Favorite song Video Killed the Radio Star, Favorite Music Video Take on Me, Favorite Restaurant, Chuck E. Cheese, Favorite shooter, 007 Goldeneye, playing as oddjob slappers only and favorite quote “Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it’s a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe.”- Lex Luthor. James Halliday even uses Bill and Ted in a quote! And Nolan brings up John Hughes movies and Tab. Just seeing Atari games getting thrown on a table brings back memories.

I get it, the book is better. That’s what many people say. But I still love this movie. I think it may have an “it was ok” vibe. But for me, I fell in love with it. And this is one case again, where I may stand alone. But you cannot deny it is fun to see all the references I mean just check this out http://www.vulture.com/2018/03/here-are-all-the-references-in-ready-player-one.html I have watched it numerous times and still find stuff.

My Top Ten Favorite Movies


Couple other things. I love a great underdog story that takes down someone that needs to be stopped. It helps us to refocus on the things that really matter and remind us what we should stand against. In addition, it also shows a similar theme to the Last Starfighter, in that we are the hidden chosen one’s waiting to be discovered. Some may think it’s an overused theme but I think it’s worth reminding ourselves to still have hope and helping us still to dream.

6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



This one hits me on a couple of factors. One is for me love of puppets and Jim Henson. The way they did the turtles in the first movie is so clever which was assisted by Jim Henson’s Workshop! They used people in suits to do the moves and used voice actors for the faces. It is pretty crazy when you see it.



My Top Ten Favorite Movies

But the result is pretty amazing. Two, it is one of my favorite childhood TV shows and I remember watching in the movie theater as a kid. It brings back many fond memories for me. Three, it is a pretty good movie for being a kids movie. They could have just slapped it together but even after all these years it still is just as fun and entertaining to watch as an adult. It is also a guilty pleasure to see all my favorite characters in the flesh.

5. The Blues Brothers (1980)


My Top Ten Favorite Movies



I am a huge fan of comedy, mashups, music and Chicago. What happens when you put them all in a blender? The Blues Brothers. Directed by the same guy that directed an American Werewolf in London and Animal House. It has so many scenes that take place in Chicago and so many celebrities. It has Cab Calloway, James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Dee Hooker, John Candy, Carrie Fisher, Twiggy, Paul Rubens (Pee Wee Herman), among various other including of course Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. They also are very bold with a lot of their stunts and go over the top on scenes which adds to the fun. There are so many quotable too. I think that’s the sign of a good movie when you have many great quotes and keep going “oh, I remember this part, and this part, and this part…. A couple of quotes just for fun

“Elwood: There's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark out, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Joliet Jake: Hit it!”

“Joliet Jake: We need this gig!
Elwood: Were on a mission from God.”

“Elwood: What kind of music do you usually have here?
Cocktail Waitress: Oh, we got both kinds. We got Country AND Western!”

“Mrs. Tarantino: Are you police?
Elwood: No maam, we're musicians.”

“Elwood: Illinois Nazis

Joliet Jake: I hate Illinois Nazis”


4. The Muppet Movie (1979)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



This happens to be another movie with a lot of cameos and it just happens to be another childhood favorite of mine that watching as an adult has not lost it’s humor. In fact, there happens to be many places with adult themes and humor including bar references and Dr. Teeth using drugs. But let me list the cameo’s again, and these are a bit dated, Bob Hope, Orson Welles, Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Edgar Bergen, Elliott Gould and James Coburn among others. It also has a cameo by Big Bird. It is such a fun movie, lot’s of laughs and soft moments. It has always been a family favorite too.

My Top Ten Favorite Movies

And has a song that was nominated for an oscar which is one of my favorite songs of all time.


3. Labyrinth (1986)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



This is another JIm Henson mention. It’s a great film and stars the great late David Bowie. It has some of my favorite songs that he has ever done. It is about a girl that is trapped in her selfish child like world of fairy tales. She has a major wake up call by having her brother that she complains about watching stolen by a goblin king and has to go to the goblin city to get him back. It is such a fun and unique plot with random catchy music. But the types and the amount of puppets that they use is crazy. The movie is just amazing and so well done. It’s easy to look at it and go oh, it’s a kids movie but imagine putting all those puppets and sets together yourself? I give Jim Henson kudos for being the brains and director behind this. The movie also happens to involve George Lucas. It is a movie that also reminds me of my childhood and reminds me of how important family is.

2. Neverending story (1984)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



Another movie featuring puppets! But this movie supports reading and getting lost in your imagination. It also teaches the importance of having an imagination, hopes, and dreams. I love deep meaningful quotes and the whole movie can be summed up in a few of them, and also why I love it so much. I also as a side note look to Falcor, the luck dragon as a role model. The Theme song also is a powerful force behind the movie for me.

I also kind of cry when characters like the Rock Biter start to disappear. “Rock Biter: They look like big, good, strong hands, don't they? I always thought that's what they were.”


“Mr. Koreander: Your books are safe. While you're reading them, you get to become Tarzan or Robinson Crusoe.

Bastian: But that's what I like about 'em.

Mr. Koreander: Ahh, but afterwards you get to be a little boy again.

Bastian: Wh-what do you mean?

Mr. Koreander: Listen. Have you ever been Captain Nemo, trapped inside your submarine while the giant squid is attacking you?

Bastian: Yes.

Mr. Koreander: Weren't you afraid you couldn't escape?

Bastian: But it's only a story.

Mr. Koreander: That's what I'm talking about. The ones you read are safe.

Bastian: And that one isn't?”

“G'mork: Foolish boy. Don't you know anything about Fantasia? It's the world of human fantasy. Every part, every creature of it, is a piece of the dreams and hopes of mankind. Therefore, it has no boundaries.

Atreyu: But why is Fantasia dying, then?

G'mork: Because people have begun to lose their hopes and forget their dreams. So the Nothing grows stronger.

Atreyu: What is the Nothing?

G'mork: It's the emptiness that's left. It's like a despair, destroying this world. And I have been trying to help it.

Atreyu: But why?

G'mork: Because people who have no hopes are easy to control; and whoever has the control... has the power!”



“Atreyu: What will happen if he doesn't appear?

The Childlike Empress: [sadly] Then our world will disappear - and so will I.

Atreyu: How could he let that happen?

The Childlike Empress: He doesn't understand that he's the one who has the power to stop it. He simply can't imagine that one little boy could be that important.

Bastian: Is it really me?”

1. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

My Top Ten Favorite Movies



Ahh the final one! And yes, it just so happens to be a movie after the 80’s and 90’s.. But I really connect with. First, great acting and great set design. Second, it reminds me of my childhood with both a PBS version and this version done by the late great Charles Schulz creator of Charlie Brown.

My Top Ten Favorite Movies


Third, it affirms what I believe in. Fourth, it feels pretty faithful to the book. It really just got me into a trance and I felt lost in it. Every scene was taken seriously and the effects were amazing. I just got lost in the warmth and depth of the film. It also has the legendary Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan!

The best way to give you a feel is to throw in some quotes.


“Jadis The White Witch: You have a traitor in your midst, Aslan.

Aslan: His offense was not against you.

Jadis The White Witch: Have you forgotten the laws upon which Narnia has been built?

Aslan: [almost a roar] Do not cite the Deep Magic to me, Witch. I was there when it was written.

Jadis The White Witch: Then you'll remember well that every traitor belongs to me. His blood is my property

Peter Pevensie: [pulls out his sword] Try and take him then.

Jadis The White Witch: Do you really think that mere force will deny me my right little king? Aslan

knows that in this, I had blood as the law demands. All of Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water. That boy will die on the stone table... as is tradition. You dare not to refuse me.

Aslan: Enough. I shall talk with you alone.

Aslan: She has renounced her claim on the Son of Adam's blood.

[Everybody cheers]

Jadis The White Witch: How do I know your promise will be kept?

[Aslan roars]”

“Aslan: If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the deep magic differently. That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery, is killed in a traitor's stead, the stone table will crack, and even death itself would turn backwards.”

“[last lines]

Professor Kirke: What were you all doing in the wardrobe?

Peter Pevensie: You wouldn't believe us if we told you, sir.

Professor Kirke: [tosses the cricket ball that had been hit through the window, to Peter]

Professor Kirke: Try me.

[later, alone with Lucy, who is trying to use the wardrobe to enter Narnia]

Professor Kirke: I don't think you'll get back in that way. You see... I've already tried.

Lucy Pevensie: Will we ever go back?

Professor Kirke: Oh, I expect so. But it'll probably happen when you're not looking for it. All the same... best to keep your eyes open.

[Aslan roars]”


And it ends on an epic song by Alanis Morissette.



I hope you agreed with some of my picks or at least can see why I like them… Tell me what your favorite movies are? I look forward to hearing them!

My Top Ten Favorite Movies
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