Movie Meme

Movie Tag

1. What was the last movie you watched?
At home: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I very much enjoy unusual movies. I still haven't figured out this one yet. I felt that it was about to say something, but kept backing off from fear of sounding too preachy. The characters seemed to be wandering around in their own bad dream--you know the ones where your feet seem to be stuck in molasses and you can only move very slowly so you hope you will wake up soon? To sum up, I don't know if I liked it or not, but I recommend seeing it.

2. What was the last movie you bought?
I bought the following two at the same time for the US History classes that I teach:
The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt: My previous copy of this, on VHS, was stolen with about five other historical documentaries from my cabinet. It is the only thing that I have ever had stolen at my school, and I have to admit that I have very mixed emotions about it. He or she must have really liked history in order to steal historical documentaries. I guess it is possible that he or she was merely being altruistic. That is, he or she might have found the movies so boring that he or she (who am I kidding? it was a he) hoped to save future generations from being forced to watch them. All that being said, I don't have my students watch very many movies. I would like to think I have very high standards for what I make them watch. This movie is required watching every year. The music is stirring (it is all Souza in keeping with the time period under study), the narration is superb (George C. Scott), and the topic is the most fascinating president in American history. If you have any interest in history at all, you should see this.
Walt Disney Treasures: On the Front Line: I do a special unit on propaganda with my World War II unit. We examine posters, music, and wartime cartoons by WB and Disney. Until recently, Disney has hidden away most of their stuff (I think they are ashamed to have been so 'jingoistic'). At last, they have released some of it. Includes two DVDs and annoying commentary by Leonard Maltin. Some great ones included in the collection. Now, if they would only release their truly offensive ones...for educational purposes you understand.

3. What was the last movie you went to a theater to see?
Batman Begins: I enjoyed this as an action movie. Like with Life Aquatic, I felt that it was about to say something, but (unlike Life Aquatic) didn't know how. Favorite superhero movie is still Spiderman.

4. What is the movie you have seen the most?
I went to the same small Christian School that 4boydad went to. We were always watching these movies there and in youth group:
The Princess Bride
The Natural
The Empire Strikes Back

5. What are the 5 movies you like the most?
Sorry, but I have to separate by genre. I have a hard time comparing say, Strange Brew with Saving Private Ryan.

• Historical Drama: The Mission. I have never decided what I think about this movie, but I know how I feel: from the opening music to the end of the movie I struggle to control my emotions. I watch this movie alone.
• Historical War: Glory. The best Civil War movie ever made. Another one that challenges my emotional well-being. A fine soundtrack. Only weakness: Matthew Broderick and Cary Elwes. I always half expect Ben Stein to show up as a drill-instructor. Denzel and Morgan Freeman are spot on. Another movie I watch alone.
• World War II (I know what you are thinking, but I think it is a genre just like Western): Saving Private Ryan. I refer to the movie every year on the first day of class. Tom Hank's line "Earn This" is a powerful reminder to us all of our responsibility to those who have gone before us.
• Historical Biography (Okay, now I am just making up categories, but I have to fit all my favorites in somehow): Patton. Worth it for the opening monologue alone. A powerful movie about a tragic figure. Apparently it was titled Patton, Lust for Glory in England, and Life of Brian's working title was Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory (see here).
• Comedy: I don't have any one favorite, but the following are honorable mentions: Being There (w/ Peter Sellers), Dr. Strangelove (really a dark comedy, but I think I have already pushed the genre thing too far), Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail (mostly for the memories of watching it with good friends many years ago), Strange Brew, and many others.
• Horror: Alien
• Sci-Fi: Star Wars: A New Hope. The first movie I remember seeing in the theater. My dad took me several times. Created a lifelong love for sci-fi in me. Honorable Mention: Signs and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

I have already listed more than five and I still have several more genres to go (I even snuck in my favorite superhero movie in my answer to #3). Oh well, I have listed my favorite movies.

6. Tag 5, yada yada.

Peace