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Popcorn or Tissue Anyone??Jun 06 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Compiling a top ten list is a very personal and revealing undertaking. If you like feel-good movies with accompanying musical scores, most of these movie are for you! These may not be the best movies of all time. They happen to be closest to my heart - the movies I always turn to when I want something familiar and comfortable. Most of these have sensational soundtracks. When I began compiling this Top 10, I thought back to all the movies in the history of my moving-going. The first movie I ever saw on the big screen was Peter Pan. Almost 30 years ago, I can still remember the thrill of the multi-sensory experience. I always seem to return to the movies that prove entertaining and uplifting, sometimes in a quirky way. Here they are, in no particular order. 1. When Harry Met Sally (1989) - is a delightful romantic comedy that feels good. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have some incredible chemistry! This movie always gets me thinking about how relationships evolve and the conversations couples have. Check out my review of this movie. http://www.epinions.com/content_6617075332 2. Michael (1997) - Travolta plays the heaven-sent angel who is pursued by a pair of tabloid journalists and an angel "expert" from Chicago's National Mirror. Michael is not what they expected: he smokes, drinks beer, has a very lively libido and has a rather colorful outlook. They "drive" him back to Chicago upon Michael's refusal to fly. He wants to see the world's largest ball of twine and the world's largest frying pan and anything in-between that is worth a dime of time along the way. Travolta carries the film with a crafty, witty performance. Michael is out for a good time and Travolta plays him full of mirth and mischief. The cast includes Andie McDowell, William Hurt, Bob Hoskins, Jean Stapleton & Robert Pastorelli, and a cameo by Teri Garr. 3. The Shining (1980) - is a haunting Stanley Kubrick masterpiece. It is a psychological, paranormal thriller featuring outstanding performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelly Duvall. Jack, in tow with wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and young son, Danny settle in for the long, lonely months ahead, as caretakers of the glorious early-20th-century resort, the Overlook Hotel. Little Danny (Danny Lloyd) brings with him a little boy named Tony who lives in his mouth. As the Torrances settle in, strange and unexplainable things start unfold through out the hotel--and in every scene Jack seems to be growing a little more evil and dangerous. This movie still gives me chills in a Sixth Sense sort of way. This movie stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers and Danny Lloyd. 4. You've got Mail (1998) - We just couldn't wait for this movie. It brought us back out to theaters when movies just didn't seem to be cutting it for us. Based on the classic film The Shop Around the Corner, this pen-pal romance film has been updated for the Internet age. Hanks plays a book mega-store owner who falls in love (via e-mail) with the owner of a struggling children's bookstore, played by Ryan. I always cry at the sappy ending when Ryan says, "I wanted it to be you" This movie stars Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey, Greg Kinnear, Jean Stapleton. 5. Dream a Little Dream (1989) - This movie features a transcendental experiment jumble with an older couple down trying to extend their lives, and a pair of passer-by teens. They literally become trapped in the teens' bodies. Scenes with mystic elements are rather entertaining, and the music always brings me back. The beginning and ending scenes with Jason Robards are the best! This movie stars Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Meredith Salenger, Jason Robards and Piper Laurie. 6. Big (1988) - What an entertaining movie! Hanks plays the very believable grown-up sized rendition of twelve-year-old Josh Baskin, who makes a wish to be "big" after being embarrassed in front of a girl while at a carnival. Yikes! As luck would have it, his wish comes true! His, funny, unsophisticated and uncomplicated innocence in his new surroundings win the company president's respect and the girl. Hanks is perfectly cast for this role. Who knew Tom Hanks would make it so BIG? 7. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - This motion picture earned five Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (James Stewart in his first film in almost six years), Best Director (Capra), Best Sound Recording and Best Film Editing, but won no Oscars. I personally made my family watch this movie growing up. It's such a lengthy movie, but when you're waiting to open presents on Christmas Eve, a healthy dose of holiday gratitude doesn't hurt. The movie chronicles the not always wonderful life of George Bailey, an endearing misanthrope with an Angel 2nd Class on his side. George is a dreamer who has always yearned to leave the ho-hum sidelines of Bedford Falls and travel the world. But every time he is set to make a big exit, something comes up at the last minute compelling him to stay. All movies "take" you somewhere. In the end, he makes the world a better place and another angel gets it wings. This movie takes me home. 8. Big Chill (1983) - Re-Released in 1998 - I watched this movie about college buddies with my own college buddies during our sophomore year. We "defined" ourselves through it in some ways. The movie starts as seven college friends reunite for the funeral of an eighth. As the movie progresses, the audience gains a closer view of the now middle-aged friends. The movie has a musical score of some of the best tunes from the 60's throughout the film and they are intertwined with the film not just used as background. In the end, this movie has the capcity to make you laugh and make you cry. But mostly it will make you want to catch up with the old friends in you life. The movie stars Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Kline, Tom Berenger and William Hurt. The scenes with Kevin Costner were cut out of the movie. 9. Stealing Home (1988) - While this movie got some bad reviews, its debut came during the good ol' years when baseball meant a lot to me. A washed-out ex-ballplayer returns to his hometown following the suicide of a family friend/caretaker who has left him with the task of disposing of her ashes. As he struggles with this responsibility, he flashes back to important moments in his childhood. If you've ever felt lost or uncertainty with what you want to do with your life, this is a great movie. This movie touched my life in a personal way on many levels. This movie stars Mark Harmon Jodie Foster Blair Brown Jonathan Silverman and the handsome, William McNamara. 10. Good Will Hunting (1997) - Will Hunting, a south Boston genius elects to clean the halls as a janitor at MIT rather than enter them, taking the path of least mental resistance. Will astounds the math dept. by discovering the solution to a long-time unsolved mathematical equation. Robin Willian plays a tough-talking psychologist who ultimately gets through to the young man in his struggle to transcend his horrible childhood, to discover his place in the world, and to achieve intimacy with others. This picture was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won two. It stars: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver and Stellan Skarsgard. Honorable Mention: Rear Window Chances Are Field of Dreams It Could Happen to You  |
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