The B+ Movie Guide: Part XLV

In May of 2012, Colin said I should make a list of movies that need to be seen, because he felt there were huge gaps in what he’d seen, and wanted something to do. The idea was that I’d make up a list, as “homework” for him, and he’d use that as things to watch.

So we came up with a giant list of 500 movies that worked, and Colin went about finishing it. And now that it’s finished, we’re gonna write it up. Because you don’t watch a giant list of movies without documenting that you did it.

We’re going through the entire list, little by little, for posterity’s sake. And here’s the next set:

The Player (1992)

Mike:

This is one of those Hollywood movies that skewers Hollywood. Its opening shot is meant to be like Touch of Evil, and even references Touch of Evil. And it’s also a nice satire as well. One of Altman’s finest. Everyone needs to see this one. Gotta watch a master at work. (3)

Colin:

I can’t believe I hadn’t even heard of this. Tim Robbins as a studio exec who gets away with murder, literally. My favorite part of watching this was that while all Hollywood insider movies are great, but when there are several dozen actual cameos, it’s the best. Only Altman could have pulled this off. The whole movie, Robbins is getting pitches that are supposed to star Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis, and then by the end of the film, there’s a fake movie starring those two. 

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Mike:

You all know what this is. And I couldn’t get a proper gif of “LARRY STOP POINTING THAT GUN AT MY DAD!” so really, what’s the point? (2)

Colin:

Reservoir Dogs should be seen young, because it’s one of those movies that blows your whole movie situation wide open. When I saw this in the 9th grade, I had no idea that indie movies could be like this, and I’d only ever seen Pulp Fiction out of everything Tarantino had done. This movie oozes style, does a lot with a little and the ending leaves your mouth agape for hours. I’ve never suggested getting a taco in the same way since.

Scent of a Woman (1992)

Mike:

It’s great watching this and Finding Forrester back to back. (3)

Colin:

Pacino driving the Ferrari Mondial while blind is so incredibly joyful. I really don’t recommend driving a Ferrari if the whole world is your blind spot, but watching Pacino do it made me so happy. Also, the end of this movie, when he gives his speech before the committee? Wow. Some of the purest un-cut Pacino you’ll ever get out there. 

Unforgiven (1992)

Mike:

The great epilogue to the western. What a perfect movie this is. (2)

Colin:

There are a lot of archetypes in the Western film genre, and one of the best is The Man Who Knows Prostitutes. A prostitute gets slashed in the face, and her attackers go free, so the others put a price on their heads. Eastwood and Morgan Freeman come to get them, and Gene Hackman is the lawman in town who’s going to stop them. That’s an awesome premise if ever I heard one. 

Wayne’s World (1992)

Mike:

(2)

Colin:

This was my favorite movie during middle school. It’s hilarious.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Mike:

(3)

Colin:

This is my uncle’s favorite movie. One of those that you sort of need to have seen because people now say “Groundhog Day” instead of “deja vu.” Though, now that I’ve explained that to you, you don’t really need to watch, do you? I guess it’s just fun.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Mike:

(1)

Colin:

This movie is the reason why, when I’m drinking with Australians and get too plastered, someone always yells, “Shoot him! SHOOT HIM!”

The Sandlot (1993)

Mike:

See this movie. If you’re anywhere near my age, this is a movie of childhood, and deserves to be seen by everybody. (1)

Colin:

This shouldn’t be a (1) on the list, but it also totally should be. My babysitter when I was 4 had a son who was baseball obsessed, so when I was over there, we watched this and Rookie of the Year back to back. Obviously, this is better.

“You’re killin’ me, Smalls.” – Tupac

Schindler’s List (1993)

Mike:

I feel most like Oskar Schindler when I look at my bank account. (2)

Colin:

Nazis in black and white in 1993? Sign me up! This is so easy. I don’t have to say anything about these.

True Romance (1993)

Mike:

Tarantino written, Tony Scott directed. Loads of famous people and Tarantino regulars. And great moments. The Dennis Hopper/Christopher Walken scene is terrific. Most movie people come across this one pretty quickly, but I put it just in case. (3)

Colin:

The Dennis Hopper/Chris Walken scene is the one I’ll always remember. How is it that Dennis Hopper is always the craziest person in a movie? And I didn’t come across this til Mike gave it to me on the list, which makes me think that some people don’t get to it for a while.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Mike:

(1)

Colin:

Nobody hasn’t seen this movie. If you find a person who hasn’t seen this movie, tell us so we can send the cameras for a public shaming on national television.

 

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Final Thoughts:

Mike:

Colin:

These are all pretty much self-evident. I think we’re basically going to coast to the end without me having to make much of an appeal for any of the remaining movies.

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More movies tomorrow.

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