What? Another July post? Yup! Every good movie gets a sequel, right? Then it makes sense, I’d serve up Part 2 — “The Next 15 Most Rewatchable Movies". So, grab your red pen again.
There isn’t much separation from this tier-two version than the tier-one list I shared a couple weeks back. This secondary list has some of the same criteria: movies within in my lifetime, save for one ("The Godfather"); alphabetically ranked and not numerical order; one comedy ("Coming To America"); films I immediately stop what I’m doing to watch. As for differences ...
Probably the only real change is, unlike the last bunch, this set of 15 has either a skippable scene or minor lull. However, they’re immensely enjoyable viewing, nonetheless — at least to me. Although I’m certain a few of my choices wouldn’t crack some folks Top 50 (or Top 100).
Two other things I want to point out: you’ll notice "Jurassic Park" isn’t on either list, which I’m sure is blasphemy to many of you. Though I recognize the mass public believes it’s a Top 10 rewatchable, "Jurassic" never resonated with me. Maybe it’s because I saw it years after its release and the hype was prescient prior to me finally viewing it. I honestly can't say why. But, no matter the reason, I just didn’t dig the dinos. And Speilberg is actually my favorite director.
Secondly, on neither list do I have a true Christmas film (I am one of those who believes "Die Hard" - which is included on the last list - is indeed a Christmas movie, but it also works at any other point of the year). So, you won’t find "Christmas Vacation", "A Christmas Story", "Home Alone", or any of the other Christmas Rewatchables. Absolutely those flicks are rewatchable, and damn fun. They're just not the same viewing experience on a 93-degree day in July. They’re intended to watch during the holiday season. That's my two cents at least.
Now, let’s dive into The Next 15.
Aliens
Prior to seeing the original, and before I knew the auteur that is James Cameron, I stumbled upon one of the greatest sci-fi masterpieces in history. Oddly enough, I saw it in a neighbor’s den, alone, while everyone else was outside enjoying a cookout. After spending 10 minutes trying to figure out what the hell I was viewing, two hours later I knew I’d just enjoyed one of the best films I ever laid eyes on. It was not popular back then to have a heroine as bad-ass as Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley. So, I didn’t have the appreciation of the character we’ve come to celebrate. But everything else was as in-your-face as it is today: the cast of disparate characters; the relentless xenomorphs horde; the action; the adrenaline; the repartee. I can watch "Aliens" over and over again. And I have.
Beverly Hills Cop
Wow. Where should I begin? Axel trying to get a room at the Beverly Palm Hotel? Not falling for the banana in the tailpipe? The buffet at the Harrow Club? I can go on and on. That’s what earns this Eddie Murphy beaut a nod on my list. So many genuinely hysterical scenes, mostly because of the man himself. But there’s no denying the influence on this film from John Ashton’s Sergeant John Taggart, nor from Judge Reinhold’s Detective Billy Rosewood. This movie doesn’t work the same (or at all) without them. Though the chemistry is even better in "Beverly Hills Cop II", we’re blessed to see the development of the characters and their budding bond in this first arrival. Perhaps what I enjoy most are the many tropes "Beverly Hills Cop" uses before they became actual tropes. So, when I have a craving to re-watch this installment, it never annoys me. I value it same as I did in the 80's.
Catch Me if You Can
One of the most overlooked movies in the vast careers of the three leading men: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg … it’s my all-time favorite Leo flick, a top 5 Spielberg film, and top 7 in Hanks’ illustrious catalog. To put it plainly, I love Catch Me if You Can. From the minute Leo’s on-screen persona, Frank Abagnale, runs away from home, it’s a thrill-a-minute. There’s no part I don’t enjoy, particularly when I remind myself of how some (most? all?) of this caper is the insane true story of a convict-turned-multi-millionaire. Only makes the fantastical nature of the chase that much more riveting. Perhaps others have or will view it as the masterpiece I’ve come to acknowledge. Regardless, this is an easy go-to for me on a mundane day.
Coming to America
Without a doubt, "Coming to America" is the best and funniest comedic film I’ve ever seen. Period. It’s just that simple. And when you appreciate that you’re watching the king of comedy movies, it’s easy to understand how it’s also a Top 20-30 most rewatchable. This is piss-your-pants level of humor. From the dog outlined in chalk ('Damn shame what they did to that dog.'), to the Zamundan currency ('He's got his own money. And baby, when I tell you he's got his own money, I mean the boy has got his own money!'). That’s what helps the repeatability of this film. There’s not a joke that doesn’t land right. There isn’t a scene that doesn’t hit. This is all-the-more impressive when taking into account the backstory about how director John Landis and superstar Eddie Murphy famously clashed throughout the entirety of filming. You’d never know given how astoundingly successful they both were with the end result. Just goes to show that comedy is more drama than we think.
A Few Good Men
Stop me if you’ve heard this: 'You can’t handle the truth!' Well, the truth is "A Few Good Men" is one of the most dramatic - and quoted - rewatchables ever. No action; literally none. But, is it ever captivating. Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise are a tour de force, like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali going toe-to-toe. Add in peak Demi Moore and you’ve got an instant classic. Truly, I haven't enjoyed Demi more than I do in this venture. She glides across her scenes like a majestic ballerina, but with intelligently piercing dialogue. It's a joy to watch. And Kevin Pollack is low-key good in the one of the more misprized roles. In the court room or out, this film is movie drama at its finest. Weirdly, I prefer to watch it on a Saturday afternoon. Just feels like it fits that moment best to me.
The Godfather
An interesting inclusion on my list; not because it isn’t rewatchable (it absolutely is), but because it’s the 'must-see' movie I avoided for years … I didn’t like the notion that a true cinephile has to watch "The Godfather" or risk having their film fandom revoked — so, it took me until 2010 [it was released in 1972] when I was 32 to finally take in the Francis Ford Coppola classic. I walked away with two immediate thoughts: This is one of the best flicks I’ve ever seen! And why on Earth did it take me so damn long to see it? The tale of the Corleone crime family is an epic telling of their demise and rebirth, and the utterly compelling transformation of Michael Corleone. It’s as brilliant as I had been led to believe. It's also as enjoyable a three hours as I’ve ever spent. So, yes, the initial viewing took awhile. But I now watch it quite often to make up for the missed viewings over the long years.
The Goonies
'Hey you guys!' More than any other film, on this list or the last, my addition of "The Goonies" is as much about nostalgia as it is sheer rewatchability. In summer of 1985, seven-year-old me went with my late-mom to see this adventure classic at Sunrise Cinema in Valley Stream, NY. I remember it was hot. And in those days we’d walk to the theater [a 20-minute walk]. So, with the heat beaming down on us, my mom did something she had never done before ... and that I’ll never forget. She took a cold can of soda (I mean ‘pop’, for all my mid-western friends) and she ran the side of the can across my forehead to cool me down. It felt good. As does that memory to this day. I’m reminded of this moment any time "The Goonies" is on. That aside, this treasure hunt with our good friends Mikey, Mouth, Data, Chunk, and the crew is an overall delightful thrill-ride. It’s as textbook as you can get for a fun moviegoing experience. Though I cherish more the journey to the cinema, the travels of our heroes, both below the grounds of Astoria, OR, and around the town, provide almost the same fond recollection. Not to mention, when the police officer recounts Chunk's telling of "Gremlins", one could make the argument it serves as first recognition of a shared universe. Take that, Marvel & the MCU!
Inside Man
Everything about this movie is fun, funny, and mesmerizing … which is why, when I learned it’s A Spike Lee joint, I was very shocked. Not because he doesn’t make good films (this isn’t even his best; a few others are vying for that spot), but it’s just not his style. And while he’s made better films, this is far and away his most rewatchable. And it’s not particularly close in my humble opinion. Similarly, Denzel has had better roles. However, there’s just something about his Detective Keith Frazier that is beguiling. He’s head strong and lawful, yet the scent of a police scandal hovers over his holier-than-thou persona. Let’s continue this theme: Clive Owen, perhaps best known for more critically-acclaimed acts, like his award-winning performance in “Closer” or his turn in the renowned apocalyptic thriller “Children of Men” (which, by the way, released the same year as did “Inside Man” — great year for him), gives us as stoic a role as I’ve possibly seen from an on-screen presence that's still so charming. Stoic. Charming. The two adjectives are usually polar opposites. Yet, he made it work marvelously. Mix in some cool supporting gigs from the many various other actors and a not-so-predicable, elaborate heist, and you get an instant staple on cable TV. Not surprisingly, it's on now as I type this.
Kill Bill
I’ve had enough conversations with both family and friends to know this next take is not a popular opinion, but definitely one to which I subscribe: "Kill Bill Volume 1" is Quentin Tarantino’s best movie … end of story (or, as the kids like to say, 'fight me'). But it’s also one of the most rewatchable films, in QT’s catalogue or any other (I ask the "Pulp Fiction" fanboys and "Inglorious Basterds" backers to exit the room now). Aside from a truly phenomenal script, along with your typical amazing QT cast and some superb performances, this is all about Uma Thurman. It’s her opus. Few protagonists, male or female, have had such control over a character or, best said, the entire screen. She is bad-assery with a capital B, whether you want to call her Bride or Beatrice Kiddo. From the crazy brawl-for-it-all vs. Copperhead to the rampage with Cottonmouth and the Crazy 88, there’s as much octane in this ride as there is blood. And that’s saying a lot. So, you can have your "Reservoir Dogs" or whichever other title you want to grab from QT's resume. Make mine "Kill Bill" every time.
The Mummy
I know, I know. "The Mummy" is incredibly campy, thinly plotted, not exceptionally well-acted (the only decorated actor is Rachel Weisz in one of her more pedestrian performances as a ditzy damsel in distress), and void of high art. Still, it’s the kind of mindless action that makes for a great movie experience time after time. Better stated: damn, it’s a great relief watch. Even though, as far as the story is concerned, the stakes are high, the movie feels extremely weightless. You’re never drawn in to the deep end; that’s a good thing for repeat viewings. In that vein, it feels more like "The Goonies" and less like "The Terminator". As we’re now 22 years removed from its debut, this adventure classic doesn’t feel any more dated than Tom Cruise’s far less enjoyable (or coherent) 2017 reboot, which serves to help me appreciate lead actor Brendan Fraser’s entry that much more. For the record, I feel similarly about 2001's true sequel, "The Mummy Returns". If it ain't broke, don't fix it I guess.
Predator
Imagine watching this movie for the first time when you’re 10 years old, surrounded by a gang of wide-eyed, young, and easily impressionable boys in a grade school friend's basement at his birthday party. A shocking experience to be sure. But one that would leave an indelible mark. Since then, "Predator" has held a special, albeit parentally negligent, place in my heart. So, where to start? The set piece, the concept, the aura of our antagonist, the banter, the acting (laugh if you want, but every actor delivered in their respective role), and - most of all - Arnold Schwarzenegger in the midst of one of the greatest movie runs in the history of cinema. There isn’t a single thing I don’t still thoroughly enjoy about watching this movie, even today ... which is the core definition of a rewatchable. If only each repeat viewing could be relived for the first time to renew the wonder of one of the great alien reveals ever ['You are one ugly motherf*cker!']. It’s up there as best all-time creature feature.
Remember the Titans
I’ll start off by saying outside of Denzel, there’s not a ton of strong acting in this film. A lot of hollow, wooden performances. And even a couple of really good actors (Wood Harris, Ryan Gosling) early in their careers that just hadn’t yet blossomed at the time this film was made. Still, there’s something magical about this Walt Disney production that ignores a lack of individual standout performances and, similar to the plot, comes together to win with a team effort. Does it pour on the social message a bit thick? Sure. Is it formulaically predictable? Absolutely. An answer of 'yes' to just one of those could sink any other film. A 'yes' answer to both is usually a death sentence. But somehow this movie manages to maintain its appeal. For the most part, the comedic elements hold up. And there’s an undeniable soul in this feature that shines through any time I watch it. Though, full transparency, more than any other rewatchable, "Remember the Titans" is the one film I most think has a chance to lose its standing on my lists. Let's see where we are in five years.
The Silence of the Lambs
Perhaps the movie - more than all others on this list - that barely missed the Top 15, "The Silence of the Lambs" is simply mesmerizing, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Dialogue rich and detail heavy, it’ could very well be the most methodically-paced film to ever be an outright rewatchable. Consider this: every Academy Award-winning scene from Sir Anthony Hopkins, save for his great escape [sidebar: it's my favorite scene of the entire movie], is as slow as country molasses … but you can’t look away. Each line Hannibal Lecter serves up and every inflection is edge-of-your-seat material. Jodie Foster’s absolute standout delivery is as riveting as the best actors of any generation — past, present, or future. Oft-forgotten Ted Levine’s dynamic portrayal of “Buffalo Bill” is the stuff of which nightmares are made. Put it all together and you have one of the greatest creations to grace a screen. And yes, I can still hear the screaming of the lambs.
Speed
In June of 1994, after watching the first 23 minutes of "Speed", I knew I was in the midst of watching an action phenomenon. From the master cinematographer Jan De Bont in his directorial debut, "Speed" takes us on a roller coaster of three tense and gripping hostage situations, beginning with the aforementioned initial set piece: the stirring elevator scene. Yet, before it closes on the final climatic experience aboard the Los Angeles Metro Red Line subway, we are treated to 58 minutes of the best non-"Die Hard" version of “Die Hard” (the proverbial "Die Hard" on a bus). Aside from a sadly preposterous bus catapult across an uncompleted section of highway (I roll my eyes every time), there’s not a moment that isn’t pleasing. To be sure, there’s a plot hole here or there (eyes on you, bus camera). But the grandeur of it all covers up some of the otherwise minor warts. In the end, it's just a delightfully joyous ride.
The Terminator
The only thing stopping this flick from being the best sci-fi action thriller of all-time is a little film called "Terminator 2: Judgement Day". If not for that movie, the original would be king. That said, "T1" is still, in its own right, quintessential for the genre. The only thing that hasn’t aged well are some of the effects, in particular the hotel room scene with Schwarzenegger’s defaced, uh, face. Aside from that, it’s as entertaining today as it was in 1984. And I’d argue, pound-for-pound, it has the best 1-2 combo of iconic one-liner leading into an iconic scene. Who hasn’t uttered the words, 'I’ll be back!' at least once in their lifetime? From the moment that line drops, the next five minutes are heart-pounding. Together, "T1" and "T2" are in an elite category of best original/sequel films ever made. Sincere apologies to Michael Corleone, Ellen Ripley, Luke Skywalker, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, and Christopher Nolan’s Bruce Wayne. But the T-800 can't be beat in this fight.
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