In the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, Stephen King lists 20 movies that “never disappoint.” These are the films that he checks out time after time at the video store; watching them is like visiting old friends.
King and I have absolutely no old friends in common.
In fact, I will go out of my way to avoid some of his favorites like Cujo. And film noir, which he loves, just makes me roll my eyes, unless a “doll” like Gene Tierney is involved. But I do have my own list. These aren’t in any particular order, because any one of them can make me stop what I’m doing and watch. Finding one on TV is a special pleasure, maybe because I know other people are watching it, too. Only one is specifically lesbian, but all are a little gay – at least to me. OK, this one is in order – it’s my No. 1 movie of all time. Seeing it changed my life. I love Harold and Maude like I love fried chicken and soft T-shirts and puppies. And that’s saying a lot. Here’s the trailer.
Some people have to watch It’s a Wonderful Life during the holidays; I have to watch Love Actually. To my great disappointment, it didn’t air last Christmas and watching it on DVD isn’t as much fun. If you’ve avoided this film thinking it’s a chick flick, think again. Even straight men admit to loving Love Actually. Of course, all you really need to know is that Emma Thompson is in it. And she is adorable. If you don’t already know why The Sound of Music is one of my favorite things, I’m afraid I can’t help you. Truly one of the funniest movies ever made. I could tell you that I don’t care whether you like it or not, but I would be lying. I don’t trust anyone who has watched this movie and doesn’t love it. Or anyone who can’t complete this line, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya …” I didn’t think I could love an animated movie more than Finding Nemo until WALL-E came along. Then I saw Up and WALL-E slipped out of first place. All three of these movies are funny, heartwarming and brilliant. They never fail to make me happy. I’m an ex-fundie who spent 15+ plus years bashing people over the head with Christianity, much as Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore) throws a Bible at Mary (Jena Malone) and screams, “I am filled with Christ’s love!” Saved! hits very close to home – and that’s why I love it. Laurel Holloman as a baby dyke, Nicole Ari Parker as the girl who captures her heart. This was the first movie I ever saw that showed the agony and ecstasy of lesbian first love. I can never watch it too many times. By the way, if you’ve never read Leaves of Grass right before you watch Incredibly True Adventures, you’re in for a treat.
I have others: Stranger Than Fiction, Yentl, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and more. But I don’t want to hog the discussion. So I’ve showed you mine, now show me yours. What movies do you watch over and over again?
