Monday, May 20, 2013

Top 10 Movies People are Surprised I Love


One of the biggest challenges I face as a film fanatic is convincing people that I’m not a movie snob. And yeah, while I’d prefer to watch a Swedish film from the ‘60s, than a blockbuster from 2013, I can like anything. I don’t like everything, but I can like anything. It just has to be something that tests, inspires or motivates me.

When I tell people how much I genuinely appreciate the films below, they think I’m being sarcastic. But it’s the truth. While they may not be the most critically acclaimed or commercially successful films, I love them all the same. Seriously.

Footloose (1984)
The amazing ‘80s soundtrack, the ridiculous warehouse dance/gymnastics…thing, John Lithgow’s fire and brimstone, Chris Penn’s redneck-with-a-heart-of-gold, the name “Ren,” the epic conclusion… yeah, I love everything about the original Footloose. It’s just so much damn fun. 

Point Break (1991)
Of all the movies on this list, Point Break might be the one most frequently written off as “So bad it’s good.” I disagree. I don’t think the movie is so absurd it’s fun, I honestly think it is one of the best action pictures ever made. Sure, it’s kind of silly, but it knows it’s silly (and with a lead character name like “Johnny Utah,” it damn well better). I also consider Point Break endlessly rewatchable. No matter the time, the day, or my mood – no time is a bad time for Point Break. Vaya con dios.

White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
One of my favorite sports movies of all time, there’s a playful earnestness to White Men Can’t Jump that I adore. Much more than the throwaway, street game hustle that it’s made out to be, the film depicts notions of jealousy, tested friendship and doomed love with complete sincerity. It’s also smartly crafted. That jump cut to Jeopardy after Woody Harrelson makes the impossible shot? I love it.

Basic Instinct (1992)
There is something about Paul Verhoeven’s American films that I find ceaselessly appealing. They’re self-entitled and smutty, and Verhoeven has a blast making them. His erotica thriller, Basic Instinct, is without exception the best smut flick the director has made. Now, while the film may not be a landmark in scriptwriting or acting, as far as conventional thrillers go, it is damn well put together. Its mystery, confidence, and, yes, sexiness, captivate like few films of its kind.

Last Action Hero (1993)
Fun fact: Last Action Hero (along with Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, which nearly made this list) were my first introductions to the works of Ingmar Bergman. I remember being young and watching Death come off the screen in the climax of Last Action Hero. It took me almost 15 years to find that film within this cheesy action romp, but when I did, my life was never the same.

So, yeah, that’s just one reason I like Last Action Hero.

Clueless (1995)
Yes, I enjoy Clueless. Yes, I think it’s smart. Yes, I think it is a perfect send-up of American hyper wealth in the mid-‘90s. Yes, I think it paved way for an entire sub-genre of films, the result of which has been mostly poor. No, I am not at kidding.

Scream (1996)
A theme has emerged here. I’m a fan of movies that are aware of what they are. Whether they execute their reflection through satire, sarcasm or hyperbolic drama, I admittedly find joy in movies that don’t pretend to be something they’re not.

A perfect case in point is Wes Craven’s masterful Scream. Craven and writer Kevin Williamson wanted to make a horror satire about kids who were obsessed with horror films. He wanted his characters to know where the plot was going, and more importantly, to fool his audience into thinking he was taking himself seriously. My point is, Scream is fun. And the people who created it knew that. Its sequels (I love the second, like the third, detest the fourth) lost a bit of the humor found in the original, which is a shame. But for a bit of joy, I never hesitate to go back to the source.

The Rock (1996)
I have seen every film Michael Bay has directed, I haven’t enjoyed any in more than 15 years. Despite this, when I rewatch The Rock, there’s no doubt that it is indeed a Michael Bay film. So then why am I taken with it? Maybe it’s the thrilling action sequences, the sincere humor, or Ed Harris giving it his all – for any number of reasons, I really dig The Rock. It proves that there was a time when Michael Bay made solid movies.

Starship Troopers (1997)
I actually think Starship Troopers is brilliant. Writer Edward Neumeier and director Paul Verhoeven deliberately made a parody clouded under the guise of a popcorn-friendly sci-fi action romp. According to Verhoeven’s fascinating director’s commentary, he embedded fascist references in the film wherever he could. Late in the picture, when we see Neil Patrick Harris donning a long, black trench coat, Verhoeven wants him to look like a Nazi. Starships Troopers is full of these not-so-subtle suggestions. The director also says the film exists to highlight the war blood lust of specific countries. When I watch the film with that understanding, I respect it in a whole new way.

Wild Things (1998)
You know how I said I genuinely love Point Break, even though so many people think it’s So Bad It’s Good? Wild Things is different. The movie is so laughably over the top, so endlessly absurd, that I can’t not love it. Its closing credits may be the most playfully ridiculous sequence I’ve ever witnessed in film. It just keeps going, and going and going, until it doesn’t even make sense. Call it a good time, call it a guilty pleasure, but make no mistake, I love Wild Things without reservation. This movie is the pinnacle of So Bad It’s Good, and I am undeniably drawn to it.

75 comments:

  1. YAAAY FOR CLUELESS!
    "What the hell is that?"
    "A dress."
    "Says who?"
    "Calvin Klein."

    Awesome list :D

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    1. Thanks :)

      I really do love that movie.

      "What's with you, kid? You think the death of Sammy Davis left an opening in the Rat Pack?"

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  2. I'm sorry but The Rock is awesome! First off, Sean Connory's accent and Nicolas Cage in his prime. Secondly, if you'd say it's Michael Bay, nobody would probably believe you because where are the alien robots?? No but honestly, it was probably one of my favorite action movies back then and truth to be told, it still has some solid ground to offer entertainment even now.

    Clueless is obviously every girl's favorite.. I like it because I love Rudd. :D

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    1. Don't apologize! The Rock IS awesome! It definitely still holds up for me today. I love that damn movie.

      [Goodspeed looks down long garage, noticing a large glass window 50 yards away]

      GOODSPEED
      Oh...well....why...not?!

      [Goodspeed hits the gas and accelerates toward the window, launching his car through it]

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  3. Scream is one of the greatest horror movies ever - in my opinion. I think I can quote like the last 45 minutes (*needs a life*). Also, I forever refuse never to watch the remake of Footloose. I am surprised by some of your choices, I have to say! Nice list!

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    1. Thanks Katy! I'll always love Scream. There was a time when I could quote that whole damn thing, but I think those days might be over. Maybe.

      "...Some stupid killer stalking some big-breasted girl who can't act who is always running up the stairs when she should be running out the front door. It's insulting."

      Yep, still got it.

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    2. I'd reply with a quote but I can't remember that far back into the movie. I don't think I've still got it to quote it verbatim anymore! :)

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    3. I had a little help from IMDb on mine :)

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  4. man i could go to town on a list like this.
    mean girls
    dirty work
    baseketball

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    1. Is there anyone who doesn't like/love Mean Girls?

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    2. Basketball rooooocks.

      And no, I think everyone loves Mean Girls.

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  5. Aw man you totally missed the opportunity to say "If Kubrick can enjoy White Men Can't Jump then so can I"
    One movie most people are surprised to hear I really love is the late Adrienne Shelly's Waitress which I honestly believe is a masterpiece of the chick flick genre.
    -Dan

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    1. Ha, you know, it was Kubrick's love for that movie that reminded me how much I like it.

      Dude, I really liked Waitress. I thought that was a very pleasing film. So sad about Shelly though...

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  6. We must be around the same age...I grew up in the 90's and have soft nostalgia spots for almost ALL of the films on this list.

    Did you know White Men Can't Jump was one of Kubrick's favorite movies?
    http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2013/02/stanley-kubricks-favorite-movies-white-men-cant-jump-the-jerk

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    1. When I was done with the list, that's when I realized most all of these are soft spots from my childhood. But hey, whatever the reasoning, I love 'em all the same, you know?

      I DID know that about Kubrick and I think it is awesome. Can you imagine him watching that? It seems so surreal.

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  7. I applaud this list. I enjoy these movies. They're not trying to be serious. They know what they are and they don't apologize for it. In fact, I still The Rock is still Michael Bay's best film with the first Bad Boys at second place. It all went downhill after that and he's never made anything watchable.

    BTW, which cut of Wild Things are you going for? The theatrical cut or the unrated version? :)

    I too love Last Action Hero, that and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (which I think is one of the most underrated films of the 1990s) have great references to classic cinema.

    I'm not ashamed to say I like those films. Plus, it makes me smile to learn that Stanley Kubrick is a fan of White Men Can't Jump while one of Terrence Malick's favorite films ever is Zoolander.

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    1. Thanks man, really glad you dig all of these films and appreciate them for what they are.

      Oh god, how awesome is it that Malick loves Zoolander? I heard Ben Stiller was really happy with that.

      As for Wild Things: Unrated. ;-)

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  8. This list reminded me of Bill Clinton's favorite comedy, which he admitted in an interview a couple months back: Who's Your Caddy. You know, the golf comedy with Lil Wayne and Big Boi?

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    1. Haha jesus, that is hilarious. Is that really true? I remember listening to Roger Ebert's interview with Clinton - I know he's a huge movie buff, so...

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    2. http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/undercover-cinephile-president-clinton-unlikely-hangover-connection-201544789.html

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    3. And as far as a movie I love that doesn't receive much from others, it'd have to be Blood In Blood Out. What a classic.

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    4. Great choice. Damn, I haven't seen that in forever Old Benjamin Bratt, doing his finest.

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  9. There are several on here I love too, but I just gotta say it: FOOTLOOSE!!! I used to watch that almost on a weekly basis. "Fun" is the right word. It's a blast!

    Congrats on getting runner-up in 3 LAMMY categories by the way! :)

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    1. Thanks for the LAMMY support my friend!!

      Dude, I LOVE Footloose. I used to watch that on repeat too. Bacon is a beast in that flick.

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  10. What's wrong with The Rock? I HATE Michael Bay for everything he has done since then but I Liked The Rock. I saw Clueless for the first time few months back and I can assure you I unashamedly love that movie too.

    Sweet Home Alabama is one such movie for me. I have no idea what why but I've seen that movie too many times not to like it. :)

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    1. NOTHING is wrong with The Rock. Nothing at all, my friend. But people are constantly surprised by how much I love it. Oh well.

      Love that you love Sweet Home Alabama.

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  11. Don't let anyone ever tell you that Clueless isn't brilliant. Never ever. It is. Absolutely brilliant. If I had been blogging in 1995 (which, granted, would have been impossible) I would have relentlessly argued that Alicia Silverstone deserved an Oscar nomination.

    Also, Starship Troopers is the favorite movie of one of my very best friends pretty much for all the reasons you argue.

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    1. YES! Clueless, for the win. Love that movie. I really think that film was ahead of its time, while being a perfect representation of its time, if that makes sense.

      Your friend sounds like a smart fella.

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  12. Wild Things is so bad it's good? I thought it was great. Then again, I first saw it when I was 10 before I reached the pinnacle of my cinematic snobbery.

    I also like Basic Instinct, love Clueless, love Scream, and like Starship Troopers.

    But I can't believe you like...Footloose...well, we can't all be perfect. *cries over your grave*

    And I've wanted to see Point Break for years. The snob in me won't let me, but I'll give it a chance on one of these boring afternoons. Unbelievable how many so-called crappy movies I've been picking up from you and adding to my list lately lol.

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    1. Hey man, no matter why you think it's good, I'm glad you think Wild Things is good at all. Movie rocks.

      I was wondering when someone on here would actually be surprised by my love for a movie on this list. All's I can say is, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to laugh... and a time to weep… a time to mourn... and there is a time to dance.

      Oh, and Point Break will make any boring afternoon an amazing afternoon. Truth.

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  13. I hate trying to convince people that I'm a film snob. They have to find out themselves because otherwise it's not going to work ;)

    Actually the only film I was surprised to find here was Clueless. Although it is a movie that many people love, especially men too - and I totally understand. I just never expect others to understand.
    So yeah, cool list.

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    1. Thanks! Clueless is amazing. No doubt.

      So wait, are you saying that you are an admitted film snob? That's bold :)

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    2. Haha, that depends on how you define it. I can be snobby about films, I love films and I watch a lot of films. So if that's your definition then yes.

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    3. I think a film snob is someone who writes off a film that doesn't fit into the very select type of films that they like. It's someone who doesn't give the majority of movies a chance.

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    4. Oh, ok then I guess I chose the wrong word. Film buff or something would probably be more fitting.

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    5. Ha it's all good! You seem way too nice to be an out and out film snob!

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  14. I haven't seen any of these, but have been meaning to catch White Boys Can't Jump.

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    1. That movie is awesome. Perfect way to spend two hours.

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  15. Ha! I love me some Scream. I am a big fan of that series.

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    1. Nice! Did you like the 4th one? I thought that was dreadful.

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    2. I didn't mind it. It wasn't as good as the others, but not completely terrible. I did like the line about never fucking with the original.

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    3. Yeah it did have its moments. That was definitely a good line.

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  16. I love Scream too for the same reasons. It's much more self-aware than most horror films are, and Wes Craven was very cheeky indeed to somewhat insult his audience while simultaneously celebrating the genre that was his bread and butter. My film professor back in the day even spent over a week on this film when we were studying the genre. Great list!

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    1. Yes! My sentiments exactly about Scream. Craven just knew what he was doing there, in all the best ways. So glad you're a fan.

      Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

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  17. Footloose! I'm right with you on having a real soft spot for that movie. There are scenes that are so undeniably cheesy (the gymnastics scene, the "let's hear it for the boy" dance, the tractor chase) that it's impossible for me not to like them. It's one of those movies that shows up on TV frequently, and I often get sucked into it. I still haven't seen the remake, and I'm okay with that.

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    1. Nice! I love all of those scenes you mentioned, and you're so right, when this flick pops up on TV, I'm sucked in immediately.

      Skip the remake. It was a good effort, but doesn't come close.

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  18. This is a great idea for a list too! I like Scream a lot, even 4th part. I never actually saw Clueless but it looks like a fun movie.

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    1. Thanks! Maybe I should give part 4 another chance...

      Clueless is so much fun. Really enjoyable movie.

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  19. You had a crush on Denise Richards didn't you? ;-) Two films in here.

    I don't like Starship Troopers very much, but really, the effects are incredible. I haven't seen the others listed (with the exception of Clueless, which i can't remember) but I too like Point Break, Basic Instinct, The Rock, Wild Things and Scream (Of course, it's brilliant).

    The Rock is Bay's best. Easily. Wild Things is just so out there. What was Bill Murray thinking? Also, a twist that no-one saw coming, right?

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    1. Haha I actually didn't, I swear! Now Neve Campbell on the other hand...

      Yeah, whether or not you love Starship Troopers, there is no arguing against those effects. For 1998 they are astonishing.

      I would love to know how John McNaughton persuaded Murray to be in Wild Things. Who the hell knows, but that is easily one of my favorite Murray performances. Seriously!

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  20. Great list! I like most of these films too, even if very few of them have much substance to them (though pretty much anything by Verhoeven - the two you mentioned, plus Total Recall and Robocop in particular, is always much deeper than most people seem to realise, as you suggest in your Starship Troopers write-up). Only complaint - you *like* the 3rd Scream film? I like the first two a lot, and the fourth has its charms despite being a bit unfocused, but I thought the third film was just a mess.

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    1. Thanks Dave! I definitely think Verhoeven is smarter than people give him credit for. I'm a huge fan of his films.

      (sigh) The 3rd Scream depresses me a little, but I think it's fun. I don't like the ending at all, but that intro, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Mortimer, Patrick Dempsey, Parker Posey, Roger Corman... I can dig it.

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    2. I had forgotten about the intro to Scream 3, which is certainly its highlight. I didn't find it fun, but I could see how it *could* have been - I'm glad someone managed to enjoy it :)

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    3. I actually rewatched it after posting my last comment to you here.

      Meh. I could have easily done without it. In no way does it measure up to the first two.

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  21. Unless my memory fails me, I've seen nine of these (I've only seen half of Clueless [the other day, no less] - but it f--king ruled). And all but Footloose theatrically. Ridiculous.

    I was reading your list of movies aloud to some fellow teachers and most of them were baffled. "Wait. This is a list of badass movies, right?"

    I tried to get into your alleged film snobbery, and film snobbery in general. But as they weren't biting, I explained it like this: This guy is damn near a film historian. Loves film. Incredibly knowledgeable. This is a list of movies that he probably shouldn't like, but does.

    [crickets]

    Yeah, it's a list of badass movies. Let's go with that.
    -----
    Everybody caught on to Denise Richards though. And Neve Campbell, too, I suppose? Um, or both.

    I'd saw two that I absolutely love and likely shouldn't are Anaconda and Beerfest. Damn, that's a double feature to f--king die for.

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    1. Haha shit man, this comment made my day. Awesome and hilarious. (And thanks for the film historian justification, by the way!)

      These movies ARE badass. Of course! The angle here was that most everyone else (especially friends and family members) are always stunned to hear that I not only love these flicks, but defend them as well.

      Growing up, I was much more of a Neve Campbell fan than Denise Richards. I loved Neve.

      Dude, Anaconda and Beerfest are awesome.

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  22. I haven't seen the others, but Basic Instinct, Clueless and Scream are all pretty great. I've got your back on those.

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  23. Point Break (1991)
    Last Action Hero (1993) -THIS WAS THE FIRS FILM I HAVE EVER WATHCED :D
    The Rock (1996) - in my top 10 list of all time
    Starship Troopers (1997) -Legendary( but 2.3 i was disapointed :(.)

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    1. Nice list! The Rock is awesome, isn't it? And Starship Troopers, legendary...? I think so!

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  24. Very fun list here Alex! I like the inclusion of Starship Troopers and Basic Instinct. Verhoeven can do very little wrong in my eyes, I even kind of like Showgirls, truly the master of excess. I need to watch Clueless again, really captures that period spot on. Silverstone is so likeable in that flick.

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    1. Thanks man! I really love Verhoeven as well. "Master of excess" is the absolute perfect way to describe him. He embraces his own trash, and I dig it.

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  25. Excellent list. Never any shame in loving Verhoeven, Basic Instinct is brilliant.

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    1. Yes! I never knew you liked him. Love Basic Instinct.

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  26. Footloose: It's a great teen movie, I like it.
    Point Break: A great cult-classic action movie, one of the greatest.
    Basic Instinct: In my opinion Paul Verhoeven films are great (Robocop, Total Recall, Hollow Man) and Basic Instinct was my first adult movie.
    Clueless: Yet an other great teen movie, not my favorite, but I like it enough.
    Scream: Isn't a bad movie, is the GREATEST slasher movie, in my opinion.
    The Rock: The ONLY Michael Bay's GOOD movie.
    Starship Troopers: The smartest dumb sci-fi movie.

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    1. YES! So happy you offered your own validation for liking these movies. I love 'em all. And yes, Point Break is a CLASSIC. No doubt.

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  27. M. Night Shyamalan films (but with the exception of: The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, (too good) Lady in the Water and The Last Airbender (too bad)) Man of Steel(2013), Spider-Man 3(2006), All the Marvel Films, Transformers, Clue, Big Trouble In Little China, Hostel, Mars Attack, Dirty Dancing, Robin Hood, Grease, The Negotiator, Pretty Woman, The Lost Boys, American Pie, Final Destination, Basic Instinct, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Da Vinci Code, Pirates of the Caribbean, Austin Powers, Alice In Wonderland, John Carter, The Mask of Zorro, I Am Legend, The Mummy, Coming to America.

    And I don't know why I find Bergman boring.

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    1. I love Basic Instinct and the Bill and Ted films. The Bill and Ted sequel was actually my first exposure to Bergman, which is kind of hilarious.

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  28. What do you think about Verhoeven's films?
    I've seen just RoboCop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Showgirls, Starship Troopers and Hollow Man, but I love them all. His "American films" are endless re-watchable, for me. I get that you have a lot of work going on, but I was thinking that you should add Paul Verhoeven to your "to do list". (For God sake, you added two of his films in this and more other lists.)

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    1. I love Paul Verhoeven's films. I agree, most of his American films are ceaselessly rewatchable. So much damn fun.

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  29. Saw it recently, Only God Forgives. I think it's the best bad film I ever watched.

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    1. I don't even think it's that bad!

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    2. I don't think that Scream is that bad (but "...Some stupid killer stalking some big-breasted girl who can't act who is always running up the stairs when she should be running out the front door. It's insulting."), and I just loved everything technical about Only God Forgives and get what Refn was trying to say with the film, but a movie should be so good that you want to find all the subtleties in it, like Drive, and not only good if you can find all the subtleties in it. And I'm basing my grade on quality more then personal opinion. 'Cause then I would give everything from Basic Instinct to 300 an A+ and that's not a fair judgment on cinema.

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