Favourite Films

I marvel at people who can name a single favourite film. Here's just a little bit of the list (in alphabetical order, because that's the only way that seems fair):

The Fisher King
(1991)
This is the movie I will always wish I had written. Damn you Richard LaGravenese! (Who also wrote "The Ref") Legend and myth and fantasy and reality blend together so seamlessly and shamelessly. A monstrous red knight and an awkward attempt at eating chicken balls, together at last.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Yes, I'm a sucker for cute talking animals. Beyond that however, this Disney film is a wonderful example of the simple kind of stories that are getting told less and less often, even for kids. This film didn't have razzle-dazzle, sight gags or sarcasm for the grown-ups because it didn't need it. The story about two friends the world wouldn't let stay together is good enough for all ages as is.

The Shawshank Redemption
(1994)
This and "Run Lola Run" are the only two movies I have ever finished watching, rewound and immediately watched again. Powerful story, exceptional characters, masterfully told. Those screenwriting books and teachers that claim narration is lazy and best avoided obviously ain't been listenin' to Red.
  • Read about Shawshank and the Academy Awards on my blog.
Other Film Faves
  • Big Fish (2003)
  • The Blues Brothers (1980)
  • Children of Men (2006) Blogged!
  • Dean Spanley (2008)
  • Edward Scissorhands (1990)
  • The Evil Dead series ('81,'87,'93)
  • Festen (1998) Blogged!
  • Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
  • Galaxy Quest (1999)
  • Ghost Busters (1984)
  • Groundhog Day (1993)
  • Hairspray (2007)
  • Happy Feet (2006)
  • Harvey (1950)
  • Heart and Souls (1993)
  • His Girl Friday (1940)
  • Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
  • Last Feast of the Crocodiles (1995 doc.)
  • London Road (2015)
  • Men in Black (1997)
  • Men in Black 3 (2012)
  • Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
  • Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
  • Paper Planes (2014)
  • ParaNorman (2012)
  • The Princess Bride (1987)
  • The Ref (1994)
  • Robin Hood (1973 animated)
  • Run Lola Run (1998)
  • Scrooged (1988)
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

More of my favourites: TV Shows | Plays and Playwrights | Books and Other Print