Arthur - The title character is Arthur Bach - sort of like Author Balk.
This begs the question: Original or remake?
The Blues Brothers got me through the worst summer of my life, so I’ll always be fond of it. If you ask me today, The Martian is probably the film I will not turn off and watch anytime it is on.
Apollo 13
The Producers. Mel Brooks has never topped his first effort.
Goodfellas. All round brilliance.
An example of what seems obvious to you is not so obvious to everyone else.
I grew up on Dinosaurus, and love the film (I strongly believe that the fight between the T. Rex and the steam shovel inspired the fight between Ripley in the Loader vs. the Alien Queen in James Cameron’s Aliens), but it’s got too many flaws to be my favorite.
The Wah Chang stop motion is way below Harryhausen standards, and in a lot of scenes it’s clearly not even animated at all – they used a puppet to save time and money. For my money there are better dino flicks to choose as a favorite.
But, hey, I could see if Dinosaurus hits your Sweet Spot. I was just looking at the Dell comic adaptation of it a couple of days ago, and felt that warm rush of nostalgia.
Ordinary People. Nary a false note. Plus, one of those rare instances where if you’ve read the book (it was that good), you don’t need to see the movie, or vice versa.
Some Like It Hot
O Brother Where Art Thou?
Indiana Jones and the last crusade - perfect blend of action and humor.
I can watch Donnie Brasco over and over, and feel the suspense even though I already know what’s going to happen.
The original Arthur. I couldn’t bring myself to watch the remake.
The same as my favorite book: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.
Fantasia. I’m just a kid at heart.
If I’m flipping through the channels and some network is showing Twister I just have to watch it. I’ve seen it dozens of times. It’s so campy and has some great lines (“God, Meg, you’ve got a lot of beef. Where did you get all this beef?” “Did you see my cows out front?” “No. Oh!”)
(I teach a college-level class on Microsoft Office, and the final exam shows an image of a screen shot of Microsoft Word. The Word document is entitled “My favorite movie - Twister” and the students have to identify the parts of the Word screen, like lists, captions, and headings. Then at the end of the exam, the bonus question is “What is my favorite movie”, just to see if they actually paid attention to what they just read.)
Penny Serenade
I could name the movie that affected me more than any other. Or the movie that moves me emotionally more than any other. Or laugh the hardest. Or the one where I appreciate the finest film-making. Or the most rousing adventure.
But I’ll go with my “desert island” movie. One that has enough layers and points of interest to keep me engaged no matter how many times I watch it.
So, today’s answer is Mulholland Dr.
Tomorrow’s answer would likely be different.
Another vote for Blade Runner. (But The Final Cut, if it matters.)
j