Movie Answers...Part Two

And now for the conclusion of the movie quotations topic (refer to the earlier post if you can't remember the specific quotations):

7. The Chipmunk Adventure. Oh, boy. If you haven't seen this movie, you are missing out! The Chipmunks and Chipettes are in a race around the world to win one million dollars. How are they racing? With hot air balloons, of course! But danger lurks unbeknownst to them- who will make it back safely, who will win the million dollars, and most importantly, will Dave find out what Alvin and the boys have been up to? This movie contains some excellent music as sung by the Chipmunks and Chipettes. You can go to YouTube and search for songs from the movie so you can watch the scenes. My recommendations: "Off to See the World" and "Girls of Rock 'N Roll". Blow your stinkin' mind.

8. The Last of the Mohicans. Obviously, this is one of the funny lines from the movie; actually, this movie gave me the greatest difficulty in choosing one specific quotation because there are so many that I like a lot. Based on the book by James Fenimore Cooper, all I have to say about this movie is that it is awesome. Even non-history geeks will love it. I've actually heard that people who hated the original book loved the movie; I haven't read the book yet (but will soon because of its presence on my list of 100), so I can't weigh in on that particular discussion. The movie is a bit violent at times, but the setting is the French and Indian War, so I feel it is somewhat justifiable. The music is phenomenal- it is probably one of my favorite original scores of all time (I think Edelman and Jones totally got gypped by the Academy) and though it's not necessarily a happy-go-lucky film, it's still one I find myself watching over and over.

9. Schindler's List. Now this is the kind of movie that everyone should see (once they are mature enough to handle the content). Directed by Steven Spielberg, he called directing this film "the most satisfying experience of my career." This adaption of the book by Thomas Keneally is one of the most authentic, artistic, and haunting films I have ever seen. It recounts the remarkably true story of Oskar Schindler, a man that is the most unlikely of heroes. However, Schindler is credited with saving the lives of over 1,000 Polish Jewish men and women during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. This film won several Oscars, including Best Picture, and was ranked ninth by the American Film Institute on their list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

10. Good Will Hunting. In my opinion, this is the film that should have won the Oscar for the 1997 Best Picture. I mean, seriously- Titanic? Come on, Academy. You have to admit you missed that one. Good Will Hunting is the story of a young man from South Boston- one of the roughest areas in the city. Will grew up in a rough neighborhood and had a difficult childhood, and yet finds himself working under one of the most prestigious math scholars of his time. The film follows Will through the attempts by others to transform him from a tough Southie kid to a well-respected scholar in an ivory tower. I think anyone who works in a social work-type setting enjoys this movie because of the characters and the content; perhaps I was drawn to this movie originally because helping people is a part of my job on a daily basis. Whether or not that is the case, the film is excellently written (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay) and brings to light specific issues about which we should continually dialogue. Also, the actors (specifically Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robin Williams) turned in exceptional performances. Please note it is rated R for strong language.

11. Home Alone. Seriously- how can anyone not like this movie? Whenever I am sad and need a good laugh, my solution is: chocolate, pajamas, and Home Alone. Do you realize I was almost eight years old when this movie debuted? I was in second grade, but this movie still doesn't get old. I love- absolutely love- to watch it around Christmas time (because the setting is around Christmas, after all), and I still almost pee in my (pajama) pants when Marv whacks Harry in the chest with the crow bar in an attempt to kill the tarantula. Sometimes, if I'm pressed for time, I just pop in the DVD, select the scene where Kevin is running home to defend his house, and proceed to laugh so hard I usually have tears rolling down my cheeks. Ah, God bless Macaulay Culkin (did you know he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this role?).

12. The Princess Bride. Of all movies, this is by far the most quotable one I have ever encountered: "Anybody want a peanut?", "Inconceivable!", "Hold it, hold it. Are you trying to trick me? Where's the sports? Is this a kissing book?", "Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.", "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die.", "Get used to disappointment." The list could go on and on and on. In fact, this movie helped me and my dear friend Laina survive Algebra II in high school; during class, we would pass notes with quotations from this movie and the other person had to respond with the next line from the movie. Trust me, it made that ninety minute class bearable. If you haven't seen this movie, let me know. I will personally come to your house and make you watch it. You'll thank me later.

13. Bridget Jones' Diary. Again, not a children's movie, but oh so funny. I think just about every female can relate to Bridget's character in some way or another. And yet again, Colin Firth makes an appearance on my list. This movie is also actually based on a book by Helen Fielding. The movie sticks to the book pretty accurately, but the sequel (Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason) is nothing like the second novel. If you're going to watch just one Bridget Jones movie, this is the one to watch. This is also not appropriate for young minds, but again- watching it on TV eliminates most of the language and inappropriate scenes. I love to watch this movie with other girls; I think that since most girls can relate to Bridget on some level, it makes it more enjoyable because we're laughing at Bridget, but remembering when the same situation happened to us. My favorite scene of the entire movie? The fight scene, hands down. I have actually been known to watch the clip on YouTube at work when I need a good laugh.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my list of quotations, as well as the explanations behind why these are some of my favorite movies. And just because I think you guys deserve it that much, I'm posting one of the songs from The Chipmunk Adventure. You are highly welcome.