My family is one of running jokes. We usually have inside jokes/jabs for pretty much every family affair. Most of these jokes were probably born on some level in my great grandfather, but they live on today in my father and undoubtedly, I’m doomed to carry them on myself. One of these jokes arises almost every time my father’s children want to watch a movie on his television. (In our family, he’s the one with the big tv).
Ordinarily, we’ll approach him and say something like, “Hey pop, do you mind if we watch a movie on your television?” His usual response is, “What’dya wanna watch?”, then we’ll almost always respond with something like, “[insert recent Hollywood blockbuster here]” and like clockwork, he’ll retort, “you mean you’re watching a talkie!?” or “agh, you know they haven’t made a good movie since 1951.” Then he’ll wear this subtle grin that us siblings have learned to detect, but would go undetected by the rest of the world. Then of course we’ll know his unspoken answer and we’ll go ahead with the entertainment.
So, being that me and my father rarely agree on what constitutes a “good” movie, I thought perhaps today would be a good day to hear his top five favorite movies.
So here they are, my father’s top five favorite movies, in no particular order:
It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)
“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” Learning what the world would be like if you’d never been born. Christmas movies at their best. For starters, the movie is in black and white, so it’s clearly got that going for it. In addition to that, it was released in 1947; it’s got all the makings of a great movie. Of course, in addition to that, it actually is a great movie.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
My mother and father love situation comedies; especially romantic comedies. I imagine 30-some years of marriage leaves you with lots of memories with which to connect to character’s humorous circumstances. My dad is also one of the few guys who’s able to enjoy a movie regardless of its genre. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days for example, some might call a chick-flick. But my dad gets kudos for not caring but judging based on whether what he watched was entertaining. This one made the cut.
Chicago (2002)
I’m a sucker for musicals. I think on some level I wish that life really happened in musical format. Dilemma some how increases people’s song-writing copacity. In any case, it seems unlikely that my father shares the same enthusiasm for musicals, but he was a fan of the recent remake of Chicago. A decision I cannot argue too much with. While I wouldn’t put it in a top five list, it’s definitely in a top 50.
Select Dance Sequences from Fred Astaire (1933-1968)
Don’t know who Fred Astaire is? My father would probably cringe to know that. Well, to tell you the truth, I only barely know myself. So some research goes to show that he was a theater performer, dancer, actor, dancing actor, etc. back sometime around the stone ages. Just kidding. He was in musicals from 1933 to 1968 and is well known for his spectacular dancing. "He is generally acknowledged to have been the most influential dancer in the history of film and television musicals," according to Wikipedia and his long list of involvements adds credibility to the claim. If he is responsible for what I love today in film musicals, then thank you Mr. Astaire.
Top Gun (1986)
In my family, there’s been a long standing pursuit of more gratifying ways to watch the opening ten-minutes of Top Gun. My dad likes the jets and sequences of take-offs and landings to the song Danger Zone. Usually when the opportunity to watch it on a large screen, with a loud stereo arises, there’s little or no hesitation. Unfortunately, with a 50-some inch screen, it gets harder to impress the guy. I suppose that it’s time to move up to a 65-inch.
So there you have it. My father’s top-5 favorite movies. So I know my dad’s favorites. Do you know yours?
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 am
I thought I was the only guy who has “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” on their favorites list
My wife got me to watch it one night and I loved it. We’ve seen it a few times since. Also have loved watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” over the years too….