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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 87, Wayne’s World (1992)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

87. Wayne’s World (1992) Directed by Penelope Spheeris

The Movie: Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) is the host of Wayne’s World a popular show on public access TV in Aurora, Illinois. His co-host/best friend Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) broadcast from Wayne’s parents basement. One night TV executive Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe) watches the episode, and while he doesn’t understand the appeal, he thinks he has the perfect show to pair with Noah’s Arcade.

Wayne and Garth decide to go out in Garth’s Mirthmobile. Around town Wayne stops to admire a 1964 Fender Stratocaster, that he declares “it will be mine, oh yes it will be mine.” The guys also stop by Mikita Donuts, where we meet the manager, Glen (Ed O’Neil) and Garth’s dream woman (Donna Dixon). And Wayne’s crazy ex-girlfriend Stacy (Lara Flynn Boyle) who gifts Wayne a gun rack.

The guys next hit up the nightclub Gasworks and meet Cassandra (Tia Carrere). Bass player and lead singer of the band Crucial Taunt. Wayne immediately is attracted to her and decides to see her the following week.

Benjamin meets with Wayne and Garth and offers them $5,000 each to bring Wayne’s World to a network. Wayne and Garth agree and it’s on to the big time. Wayne meets Cassandra and she too likes him. She is impressed that Wayne has taken the time to learn Cantonese. Benjamin also meets Cassandra through Wayne and begins to try and move in on her.

In a ploy to spend time alone with Cassandra, Benjamin secures tickets and backstage passes to Alice Cooper for Wayne and Garth in Milwaukee and finances Crucial Taunt’s music video. In Milwaukee Wayne and Garth meet Alice Cooper and a security guard (Chris Farley) who knows a lot about the itinerary of Frankie Sharp (Frank DiLeo) head of Sharp Records and music producer.

At their new studio setup, Wayne dislikes that he has to have a sponsor. Noah Vanderhoff (Brian Murray) is required to be on the show, much to his chagrin. Wayne, has ideas of his own and writes jokes on the back of the cards Benjamin asked him to read. This infuriates Benjamin who fires Wayne in the middle of the show, leaving Garth all alone.

Later that night, Garth tells Wayne that he is being selfish and tells Wayne off, leaving Wayne alone. The next morning at Cassandra’s, Wayne is still pissed and belittles Cassandra who tells Wayne to leave as well. Wayne, realizing that he has not been a good friend or boyfriend devises a plan to show Crucial Taunt to Frankie Sharp in his limo.

Garth’s plan is to infiltrate the satellite systems and Wayne goes to Cassandra in an attempt to expose Benjamin and confess his love for her. Wayne is able to get Cassandra to appear on his show, and she and Crucial Taunt perform. Frankie Sharp arrives at Wayne’s home and…

Sharp refuses to give Crucial Taunt a record contract. Cassandra breaks up with him and leaves with Benjamin to paradise. Stacy also reveals that she is pregnant with Wayne’s baby. An electrical fire breaks out in the basement and it kills Garth.

At that moment, Wayne and Garth tell the viewers that they dislike that ending and change it to the Scooby-Doo ending. In this ending, Wayne unmasks Benjamin and reveals him to be “Old Man Withers” the guy who runs the haunted amusement park! Although they like that ending more, they decide to do the “Mega Happy Ending”.

Cassandra is offered a contract and kisses Wayne. Dream woman and Garth get together and Benjamin learns that money can’t buy everything.

Why I Love Wayne’s World (1992): Insanely quotable, I fell in love with Wayne’s World the moment I begged my mom to take me to see it in theaters. And when my mom asked what I wanted for Christmas that year, it was the VHS of Wayne’s World.

I must have watched it a hundred times and I still laugh every time I watch it. The film is incredibly silly, but it also has a lot of heart. By not taking itself seriously, and with every actor buying into the world make it comedy gold.

Myers’ breaking of the fourth wall lets us the viewers into his world and immediately part of his group. He and Carvey want us to be a member of his crew and by constantly talking to “you” as if you are the one filming the movie lets us join in the fun. The cameos are great, with my favorite being Ed O’Neil as the disgruntled manager of Mikita Donuts. “Why is it, when a man kills another man in battle, it’s called heroic, yet if he kills a man in the heat of passion, it’s called murder?”

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 88, The Eagle and The Hawk (1933)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

89. The Eagle and The Hawk (1933) Directed by Stuart Walker and Mitchell Leisen

The Movie:The Great War in Europe rages on and two American pilots Lieutenant Jerry Young (Fredrick March) and Mike Richards (Jackie Oakie) join Britain’s Royal Flying Corps. Their missions are the most dangerous ones, they must fly reconnaissance missions over enemy lines. Lt. Young struggles with the deaths of many of his gunners.

In walks in the cocky Henry Crocker (Cary Grant) who is the only one left to fly with Lt. Young. Young despises Crocker as they have fought before. During a mission, Young’s hatred for Crocker grows as he kills a defenseless German observer who was parachuting to safety after his airship was shot down.

Crocker soon realizes that Young is struggling with his role in the war, and the two slowly become friends. The German’s attack the base, Crocker lets his commanding officer, Major Dunham (Guy Standling) that Young needs a leave. Dunham agrees, and orders Young to take a leave to London.

In London, Young meets a beautiful young woman (Carole Lombard), whom he confides to. After a brief stay in London, Young is called back to the front lines. Young is devastated to learn that Richards was killed in battle. He is further enraged when he learns that Crocker forced him to return to the enemy lines, leading to his death. Young refuses to fly with Crocker and is given a young observer, the new recruit Lt. John Stevens (Kenneth Howell).

On their first flight together, Stevens is killed when he falls out of the plane during a dogfight with the famous German Ace, Voss. Young chases down Voss and shoots him down. Young lands his plane near Voss’ downed plane. Young is shocked to learn that Voss is also just a young man.

At a party later that night, the company celebrates Young’s triumph, Young however is distraught and does not want the accolades. Young retires to his room and shoots himself in the head.

Crocker discovers Young’s body and although they had their differences, he doesn’t want Young’s death to tarnish his heroism. Crocker takes Young’s body out onto a his airplane and flies into enemy territory. Crocker makes it appear that Young died in battle, preserving his reputation.

Why I Love The Eagle and the Hawk (1933): A few years ago, I decided to watch all of Cary Grant’s movies. It was a magical journey. Grant is the epitome of a movie star. He is incredibly handsome and has charisma to spare. But my favorite part of that journey was finding hidden gems.

The biggest surprise was The Eagle and the Hawk. A film that explores not only the romanticism of war but also the heartbreak. Also, the more you explore early Hollywood you realize how many films were ahead of their time. The Eagle and the Hawk is such a film. Removing the rose colored glasses of what it means to be a hero, the film explores the weight of such a journey.

Fredric March is in top form as the conflicted and depressed hero. His realization that the “bad guys” are just kids and that he is responsible for their deaths is heartbreaking.

Carole Lombard has a very small part, but she is stunning in it. Lombard is beautiful and sympathetic, magnetizing you as soon as she is on screen.

Cary Grant is the antagonist of the film. With his cocky, sure handed approach he commands the screen whenever he is on.

The ending is devastating, and it is a gut punch. I was speechless. I was heartbroken. And a tear rolled down my eye.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 89, The Suicide Squad (2021)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

89. The Suicide Squad (2021) Directed by James Gunn

The Movie: Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) enlists Task Force X or the “Suicide Squad” to infiltrate the island of Corto Maltese after an anti-American regime is able to overthrow the government. The team of Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Savant (Michael Rooker), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), T.D.K. (Nathan Fillion) Weasel (Sean Gunn) and Javelin (Fula Borg) are quickly killed after being double crossed by Blackguard, who is killed as well. Harley and Flag survive.

On the other side of the island, a second Suicide Squad is also launching a simultaneous mission. Led by Bloodsport (Idris Elba) who is being blackmailed by Waller to join the mission to keep his estranged daughter Tyla (Storm Reid) from going to jail. This team consists of Peacemaker (John Cena), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchain) and Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior). Both teams were tasked with destroying a Nazi-era laboratory named Jotunheim and discover what Project Starfish is.

Waller orders Bloodsport to find and rescue Flag. Bloodsport’s team finds a military outpost and starts slaughtering all the soldiers there. They learn that they just attacked the rebel camp, whose leader Sol Soria (Alice Braga) already agreed to help Flag after she rescued him from the beach. Soria, although appalled at what happened to her men, agrees to help them capture the lead scientist on the project, The Thinker (Peter Capaldi). The team is able to capture The Thinker and will use him to break into Jotunheim.

Harley has been captured by the regime that overthrew the Corto Maltese government and its leader, Silvio Luna (Juan Diego Botto) wishes to marry her. Harley learns of Luna’s plan to use Project Starfish to kill political rivals and kills him. She escapes just as The Suicide Squad arrived at the compound to save her.

The team enters the secret laboratory and learns that Project Starfish is Starro, a kaiju that is quite literally a giant starfish with the ability to “birth” thousands of tiny versions of himself, that latch onto people and allow Starro to control them. The Thinker explains that Starro was brought to Earth by the United States government and that they have secretly funded the experiments on it for decades. Flag, although a proud US military man decides that he must use the hard drive they recovered to expose the United States involvement in Project Starfish. Peacemaker confronts Flag and it is reveled that he had a separate mission; do not let the United States governments involvement be leaked out. Peacemaker and Flag fight with Peacemaker killing Flag.

The Suicide Squad are surrounded by the Corto Maltese military while inside Jotunheim. As they fight each other, Polka-Dot Man accidentally sets the explosives off too early, causing Jotunheim to implode and frees Starro. The explosion causes Peacemaker to drop the hard drive and Ratcatcher 2 grabs it. Peacemaker sees this and tries to kill her, only to be shot be Bloodsport who takes the hard drive.

Starro unleashes his mini-me’s who infect the citizens of Carto Maltese. Waller informs the team that their mission is over and if they don’t return now she will set off the explosives in their heads, killing them. Waller’s team however knock her out and agree to help the Suicide Squad.

Starro’s rampage continues and it kills Polka-Dot Man and when all seems lost they develop a new plan. Harley uses her gymnastic ability to vault on roofs, jump at Starro’s eye and pierce it with her javelin. Ratcatcher 2 sees an opening and summons all the rats on the island to go to the hole Harley just made. The rats do and chew Starro inside out, killing it.

Waller comes to and Bloodsport blackmails her. Bloodsport tells Waller to let the rest of the Squad go and to release his daughter. When she does that, he will keep the contents of the hard drive a secret. Waller agrees and the Squad leave the island.

In two post credit scenes, we learn that Weasel did not drown at the beginning and runs away. And in a hospital, Waller informs her team that she has a new mission for Peacemaker, who has survived.

Why I Love The Suicide Squad (2021): The first Suicide Squad film was ok. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn was by far the highlight. It looked cool, but it took itself way to serious.

In comes James Gunn, who was unfairly fired (at least until they realized they needed him) from Marvel. In swoops DC. They want him to take his incredible gifts for crafting a film about outcasts and make a better Suicide Squad film. Gunn does just that by keeping some of the same cast members, Viola Davis, Joel Kinnaman and Robbie to make an R-Rated blood soaked hell of a good time film.

Gunn just gets these types of characters. The way he writes each character giving them a unique voice is amazing. How he is able to take a sprawling cast and not make it feel over crowded is brilliant.

The film looks incredible. It has a nice balance too of humor, drama and yes horror. The people that have a Starro mini on them are effectively zombies, but the horror also comes from power hungry men. The scene with Harley and Luna, where she realizes that he is a sick man that reminds her of The Joker is so good. The Joker is never mentioned but through the writing and Robbie’s incredible performance you know exactly what she is thinking.

The special effects are dynamite too. Starro is one of the coolest looking bad guys ever. Harley’s escape full of color and action is some of the most fun you will have watching a movie.

It’s too bad DC soiled their name before this came out. It deserved to be such a huge hit. From A-list casting, directing, cinematography and writing The Suicide Squad hits the bullseye.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 90, Bottoms (2023)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

90. Bottoms (2023) Directed by Emma Seligman

The Movie: PJ (Rachel Sennett) and her best friend Josie (Ayo Edebiri) head into their senior year of high school with a plan. They are going to finally tell their crushes, cheerleaders Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) how they feel. They plan on making their move, just to talk to them at the fair.

When they get there they meet up with their friend Hazel (Ruby Cruz) and awkwardly try and talk to Brittany and Isabel. Josie sees an opportunity when Isabel has an argument with her boyfriend Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine) the star quarterback of their high school for them to play heroes. Isabel gets into PJ’s car and Jeff stands in front of the car and won’t let them leave. The car inches forward and barely touches Jeff’s knees. Jeff however falls onto the ground in agony.

At school a rumor starts that the girls went to juvie for their “attack” on Jeff. This outrages the students and PJ and Josie are sent to the principals office. Principal Meyers (Wayne Pere) says he will suspend them. Josie quickly lies and says that they attacked Jeff as practice for a “feminist defense club”. PJ and Josie decide to set the actual club up at school with help from Hazel.

The ladies need an advisor at the school for it to be official, so they reach out to the recently divorced and disinterested teacher, Mr. G (Marshawn Lynch), he agrees and the club is one official.

At the first club meeting, Mr. G threatens to shut it down due to the violence. But is convinced by PJ and Josie that it is for feminism and Mr. G not only agrees to allow it to continue, but he becomes more involved as well.

The club brings the ladies closer together and also makes other students at the school uncomfortable, none more than Tim (Miles Fowler) a fellow football player who doesn’t believe that PJ and Josie went to juvie. Tim is able to discover the truth after he calls the detention center and there is no record of PJ and Josie being there.

Hazel comes home one day and finds that her mom is sleeping with Jeff. Hazel knows she has to tell Isabel. She does and Isabel breaks up with Jeff in the cafeteria. The club also decides that they are going to vandalize Jeff’s house with eggs and toilet paper. Hazel, hurt more than anyone makes a bomb and blows up Jeff’s car. Tim suspects that the club is behind Jeff’s car being blown up and tells Principal Meyers, who agrees with Tim. Josie believes that there isn’t a way forward for the club and thinks it should end as well. She and PJ have a falling out which leads to them having dates with their respective crushes. Josie and Isabel realize there is mutual attraction and have sex. PJ strikes out with Brittany when Brittany informs PJ that she is straight.

At a pep rally for the big homecoming game against Huntington High, Tim calls out the women’s fight club to fight the schools top boxer, who happens to be locked in a cage because he is so demented. Hazel is chosen to fight him, and although she puts up a good fight she eventually loses. Tim reveals to the school that Josie and PJ were never in juvie, which fractures the club further. Even Mr. G is devastated and gives up on feminism to go back to his chauvinistic ways.

As the game draws near and Josie and PJ not speaking, Josie seeks advice from her babysitter Rhodes (Punkie Johnson). Rhodes informs Josie that Huntington plans on killing a Rockbridge High School football player as that is a tradition. Realizing that the fight club might be the only chance to save someone, PJ and Josie are able to bring them back together. PJ and Josie learn that Huntington has hooked up pineapple juice to the football field’s sprinkler system to kill Jeff who is allergic.

At the game, Hazel intends to blow up a tree to distract everyone. When that fails Hazel and PJ make out, which works to distract everyone. As Huntington arrives, the club reforms, with Isabel and Brittany. A bloody battle ensues with the death of several Huntington football players. Josie save Jeff by carrying him off the field. The sprinklers start spraying pineapple juice and Tim realizes that the ladies saved Jeff and cheers them on.

Why I Love Bottoms (2023): I remember seeing the trailer for Bottoms and thinking that looks really funny with a talented cast. What it ended up being is one of my favorite movies of not only of 2023 but ever, and one that requires multiple viewings to catch all the jokes.

The leads are fantastic. Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott are not only great actors but are willing to be the butt of a joke which makes them instantly likable. The film is whip smart. It doesn’t force feed you its message it gives it to you in a funny and intelligent way.

I also too love comedies where just because there is a certain focus in a scene doesn’t mean there isn’t other shenanigans happening in the frame. Bottoms is peppered with silly, funny background actions that if you blink you will miss.

The dialogue comes at you with a blink and you will miss rapid fire of poignant and silly lines. The characters of PJ and Josie are so relatable because they talk like you talk to your friends. Making fun of each other, but also and always with a glimmer of love.

Bottoms also pulls no punches. It is violent, profane and all the better for it. Bottoms fully embraces its premise, never skimping on showing you the brutality of the fights and the vulgarity of the language.

But just because the violence and the language are over the top, I think it is a movie anyone and everyone will enjoy. My mom, yes my mom asked for a movie recommendation for her and my cousin to see. I told her Bottoms. She loved it.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 91, Jojo Rabbit (2019)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

91. Jojo Rabbit (2019) Directed by Taika Waititi

The Movie: In the wanning days of World War II, Nazi Germany is on the verge of collapse. But that doesn’t stop a young German boy, Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) from joining the Deutsches Jungvolk, more commonly known as the junior Hitler’s Youth. Jojo loves Hitler and Germany. In fact, he loves Hitler so much that he has his own imaginary Hitler (Taika Waititi). Jojo also has a friend named Yorki (Archie Yates) who is as a precocious youth as well. Jojo goes to a training camp, where he meets Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell). Jojo earns the nickname “Jojo Rabbit” after he refuses to kill a rabbit and is bullied for it.

Hitler attempts to encourage Jojo, which leads him to run through the other youths and throw a grenade. This ends horribly as the grenade bounces back to him, blowing up at his feet. This leaves Jojo injured. Jojo’s mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) pleads with Klenzendorf to let Jojo stay and give him jobs he can complete. Klezendorf relents and Jojo is now tasked with delivering propaganda.

Back at home, Jojo is shocked to discover one day that his mother has hidden a young Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in his late sister’s bedroom cupboard. At first, Jojo is scared of the young girl, but he decides that he is going to learn her “Jew secrets” and make a book called “Yoohoo Jew”.

Despite what he thinks he knows about Elsa, he forms a friendship with her. Jojo soon falls in love with Elsa, and writes phony letters from her fiancé Nathan. This leads Jojo to questions his belief’s which does not sit well with “Adolf”.

Rosie is revealed to be part of the anti-Nazism movement which leads the Gestapo lead by Captain Deertz (Stephen Merchant) to pay a visit to her house. Captain Deertz confronts Jojo and Elsa about their loyalty to the Nazi’s and Hitler. Jojo and Elsa are helped by Captain Klenzendorf to hide Elsa’s identity.

After sometime, Jojo is walking through the town square, where he finds his mother has been executed. Enraged, Jojo returns home and attacks Elsa. Jojo breaks down in tears and is comforted by Elsa who reveals not only has his mother helped fight against the Nazi’s but so too has his missing father. Jojo and Elsa learn to survive by helping each other.

Hitler commits suicide and the city of Falkenheim must help the German cause which includes the children. Jojo runs into Yorki and the two embrace. They go their separate ways and soon the Allies have victory over the Nazis.

Because Jojo is a Hitler Youth he is seized by the Russians. Captain Klenzendorf, tears off Jojo’s jacket and starts screaming at him that he is a Jew. This leads the Russians to push Jojo away, grab Klensendorf and execute him.

Jojo runs home and lies to Elsa. He tells her that the Nazi’s have won the war. Jojo forges one last letter from Nathan and tells Elsa they can escape to Paris. Elsa tells Jojo that Nathan died of a disease the year prior. Jojo confesses his love for Elsa, Elsa says she loves him too, but as a brother. Jojo also frees himself from Hitler by kicking him out of the window.

Elsa and Jojo go outside and she realizes that Jojo lied to her when she sees American soldiers. She slaps Jojo. Elsa takes a beat and starts to dance. So too does Jojo.

Why I Love Jojo Rabbit (2019): A funny, emotional film that examines how we make friendships, follow leaders blindly and the innocence of children. Poking fun at the real atrocities of Hitler and the Nazi regime is a dangerous line to walk. But in the hands of a skilled filmmaker like Taika Waititi it works. What is equally brilliant is his portrayal is funny but also terrifying when it needs to be.

Of course the burden of the film rests on the young and able shoulders of Roman Griffin Davis. Who is marvelous. When he speaks of his love of Hitler and his hate of the Jewish people it is heartbreaking. His innocence is conveyed through smart writing and brilliant acting that showcases his vulnerability in each of his scenes. Thomasin McKenzie is equally amazing as her teasing of what Jojo believes are facts about the Jewish people is scary and funny all at the time. And the quiet MVP of the whole picture is Scarlett Johansson. As a mother trying to protect her son and fight against the Nazi’s is a subtle moving performance. I cried like a baby when it was revealed only by her shoes that she has been executed.

Jojo Rabbit also mirrors what’s happening in the real world today as well adding to its brilliance. Blindly following a leader without facts or the truth will only leave you hurt and confused. As Jojo navigates the final third of the film, realizing everything he believed was a lie is relatable to almost everyone.

Smart writing, great direction and a talented cast make Jojo Rabbit an absolute winner.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 92, WALL*E (2008)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

92. WALL*E (2008) Directed by Andrew Stanton

The Movie: In the 29th Century, the Earth we know no longer exists. It now is a barren wasteland with no signs of life. And, the Earth could not support it.

There is one last robot on Earth. Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth Class or WALL*E. WALL*E has taken refuge in a truck with his only companion, a cockroach. WALL*E spends his days collecting and compacting the trash. Also, WALL*E collects anything he finds interesting to take back to his truck.

One day as WALL*E is out and about he observes a probe that is flying around, the probe named EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) is scanning Earth for signs of life. WALL*E falls for EVE and shows her his belongings, which includes a living plant.

By doing this, WALL*E inadvertently triggers EVE’s standby mode, which leads to a ship arriving to collect EVE and the plant. Desperate, WALL*E clings to EVE and is pulled onto the ship, which returns to its base, the mothership, Axiom.

On board we learn that humanity has left Earth centuries ago and now live onboard as morbidly obese people who are scooted around on hoverscooters and have robots do all “physical activity” for them. EVE is brought to the ship’s Captain, McCrea. McCrea learns that if life is found on Earth, the Axiom will return to Earth with the hopes of life starting there again. When McCrea checks EVE for the plant, it’s gone. McCrea believes that EVE must be broken and sends her to be checked.

When WALL*sees what might happen to EVE, he intervenes, saving her and releasing all the other “faulty” robots in the process. EVE grows frustrated with WALL*E and tries to send WALL*E back to Earth. EVE observes that the plant is in the possession of a robot that is attempting to destroy the plant in a self-destructing escape pod. WALL*E attempts to get the plant but is launched into space. EVE goes after WALL*E and the plant. EVE is shocked when the pod explodes, but WALL*E survives, he has the plant safe and sound. EVE realizing that WALL*E did not take the plant from her, starts to have feelings for WALL*E as well. The two robots dance outside the Axiom.

EVE returns to McCrea and gives him the plant. McCrea is excited to return to Earth, but AUTO, the AI auto-pilot, reveals to the Captain that, they will never return to Earth. The big corporation Buy N Large has programmed AUTO to override any attempt to return to Earth as the company wants everyone to be reliant on them for their greedy needs. McCrea, decides to override this order, which triggers AUTO and GO-4 to attack the Captain. The robots throw McCrea in his living quarters, electrocute WALL*E, put EVE in standby mode and throw the robots down a chute.

Almost thrown out of the Axiom, EVE was activated by a robot and both she and WALL*E were saved by a cleaning robot who was following WALL*E’s dirt trail.

With the humans and robots working together now to stop AUTO and Buy N Large from keeping them in space, WALL*E, EVE and McCrea confront AUTO and fight him to gain control of the ship. AUTO is able to smash WALL*E seemingly killing the robot. McCrea is able to overpower AUTO with EVE inserting the plant into the ship which triggers the ship to go into hyperspace and return to Earth.

On Earth, EVE is able to repair WALL*E but at a terrible cost. WALL*E does not have any memory of his time with EVE and his personality is gone. Devastated, EVE gives WALL*E one last kiss. This reverts WALL*E back to his former self.

Why I Love WALL*E (2008): The artistry of PIXAR has never been more perfectly captured than in WALL*E. The amount of emotion that WALL*E and EVE convey with minimal noises is nothing short of astonishing.

Not only is the film beautiful to look at, but it might be the most beautifully animated film, ever. The drab colors of an Earth long dead and the beauty of space are brought to vivid life by the artists at PIXAR. The fluidity of the robots gives the characters each a distinct look and feel.

I cried multiple times watching this film. From the beginning of EVE and WALL*E’s relationship, to the beautiful dance through the stars and finally to the sweet kiss at the end, WALL*E tugs at the heartstrings.

WALL*E is an achievement that few studios can accomplish. The film, to this day sets the standard of what a moving picture can do with no words, just incredible artists at the top of their game telling a story that not only touches on the longing for companionship and love, but also what happens when greed and over commercialism takes over.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 93, Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

93. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) Directed by Michael Dougherty

The Movie: It’s Halloween night. Emma (Leslie Bibb) and her husband Henry (Tahmoh Penikett) return home after celebrating the holiday. As they return home, Emma is already over Halloween and blows out the candle jack-o-lantern. Henry tells her that she shouldn’t do that, there’s rules. Emma ignores him and quells his superstitions by telling him to go and put on a dirty movie and she will be up soon.

Emma commences in taking down the decorations. Emma is attacked by someone, or something.

Henry wakes after he passed out and goes to the front yard looking for Emma. He finds her. Underneath a sheet. Dead. Murdered with a lollipop sticking out of her mouth.

We next pick up Charlie (Brett Kelly) as he wakes down the street, knocking over and breaking jack-o-lanterns. Charlie does not care for the rules of Halloween and steals candy from a bowl that asks to only take one. Charlie is caught by his principal, Mr. Wilkins (Dylan Baker). Mr. Wilkins lectures the boy and gives him a candy bar. Charlie eats the bar and soon vomits and dies. We learn that Wilkins is a serial killer and he laced the candy with cyanide.

Wilkins drags Charlie’s body inside and is interrupted by trick-or-treaters. There is one peculiar trick-or-treater, Sam (Quinn Lord). A child with a round burlap sack and orange footie pajamas.

Wilkins takes Charlie’s body to the backyard and attempts to bury it back there. Wilkins is interrupted by his son Billy (Connor Christopher Levins) and his cranky neighbor Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox).

As Wilkins finally finishes burying Charlie, he hears Mr. Kreeg yell for help. Wilkins ignores him and continues inside his home. Mr. Kreeg is then attacked, by someone or something.

Wilkins goes downstairs with his son Billy and he tells them it’s time to carve jack-o-lanterns. Wilkins raises his knife and stabs it into his son! Or does he? The knife instead goes into Charlie’s severed head. Charlie is the jack-o-lantern that Wilkins and Billy are carving.

A group of teenagers are trick-or-treating and collecting jack-o-lanterns for a scavenger hunt. Macy (Britt McKillip), Chip (Alberto Ghisi) Schrader (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) and Sara (Isabelle Deluce) have bigger plans too. They meet Rhonda (Samm Todd) who loves Halloween and they take her to the local quarry. There Macy tells everyone about the “Halloween School Bus Massacre.” The story is about special needs children and a bus driver who was paid by the parents in town to “get rid” of he children. When one of the children realizes that the bus is not going where it is supposed to, attempts to turn the bus around. The bus out of control drives off a cliff and sinks into the quarry. The bus driver escapes his death. The children do not.

The children take an elevator down to the shore of the quarry and Macy places on the ground eight jack-o-lanterns. One for each of the victims of the crash. The kids split up and as Rhonda and Chip wonder off together. Suddenly, the dead children start to attack Rhonda who is terrified and in shock on what she has seen.

But it was all a prank. Rhonda was part of a cruel joke played on her by the other kids. Schrader tells the others that their prank has gone too far. Macy ignores him and kicks a jack-o-lantern into the water.

The actual dead children rise from their watery graves and have their sights set on the pranksters. Rhonda gets to the elevator, shuts the door and leaves the other children to their fate.

Rhonda leaves the quarry and sees Sam. He nods at her.

In downtown Warren Valley a group of twenty something women are looking for costumes and boys. Laurie (Anna Paquin) doesn’t seem interested in either. Laurie’s sister Danielle (Lauren Lee Smith) pleads with Laurie to find a date for their party. Danielle and Laurie are joined by their friends Janet (Moneca Delian) and Maria (Rochelle Aytes). Laurie reluctantly agrees to go to the party. Her sister and her friends are princesses. Laurie chooses “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Laurie’s friends find dates and head towards their party in the woods. Laurie stays behind for the town festival. Laurie leaves the festival and as she walks to her party she is attacked by a “vampire”.

Laurie arrives and throws the “vampire” by the bonfire and tells her sister that he bit her. The “vampire” is unmasked revealing Wilkins, who earlier had killed a woman at the festival.

Laurie and all her friends rip off their clothes and their skin to reveal they are werewolves. And they eat all their dates. Sitting on a log Sam likes what he sees.

Back in town, Mr. Kreeg the grumpy neighbor to Wilkins hates Halloween. He dresses up his dog to scare away any trick-or-treaters that might come to his door. Kreeg however won’t escape this Halloween unpunished. Supernatural happenings are terrorizing him at his home. His house is egged, his lawn is full of jack-o-lanterns and the inside of his home is scribbled and marked by Samhain and Halloween words.

Kreeg is soon attacked by Sam, who was hiding in Kreeg’s bedroom. The fight wages on with Sam cutting Kreeg’s ankle and other nasty things. Sam and Kreeg’s fight takes them downstairs where Kreeg unmasks Sam. Underneath Sam’s burlap sack is a face that resembles both a jack-o-lantern and a skull. Kreeg is able to shoot Sam whose blood looks like the inside of a pumpkin.

Sam doesn’t die though. His body comes back together and attacks Kreeg one last time by stabbing him in the leg with candy. Sam leaves Kreeg alone as he has done his Halloween tradition of handing out candy. Sam puts his mask back on and leaves.

Kreeg’s night isn’t over. After being attacked by Sam, Kreeg is now handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. The doorbell rings again and at his door are the dead children from the bus massacre. Kreeg was their bus driver and at long last he gets what he deserves as the children kill him.

Why I Love Trick ‘r Treat (2007): One of the great travesties in the last 20 years in the film world is the way Trick ‘r Treat was treated before it was released. Regulated to direct to video, and not until 2 years after it was completed. The film however was so good that it won over the horror movie crowd and has become a Halloween staple in my family.

From an icon in the making of Sam and the fun way the film presents an anthology everything works. And there isn’t a weak story in the bunch. A lot of times with anthologies one segment might not be as good as the others. Not the case with Trick ‘r Treat. All of them are fun with clever twists.

There’s gore. There’s laughs. There’s bad people getting what they deserve. I am so amazed and happy when Halloween rolls around and there is as much Sam merch as there is of Freddy, Jason and Michael. He has the strength of only one film, but that film has gained so much of a following that you cannot ignore it the way Warner Bros did when it came out.

All that being said the movie is great. Dougherty understands the genre so well. His camera moves where it needs to. The fun reveal of Sam at the end of all the stories and the way it all ties together is part of the enjoyment from the film.

Trick ‘r Treat is my favorite anthology film. It is funny, scary and gory. Add in a classic movie “villain” and you have a Halloween classic that I watch every year.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 94, Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

94. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) Directed by Rob Marshall

The Movie: London has changed since Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) last visited. It is the Great Depression. Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) still lives at his childhood home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Michael’s children, Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh) and Georgie (Joel Dawson) are mourning the death of their mother Kate. Michael is also three months behind on paying his loan. The shady new chairman of the bank, William Wilkins (Colin Firth) has dispatched his cronies to tell MIchael that if he doesn’t pay the loan by Friday the bank will take his home.

Michael knows that inside his home is his fathers shares to the bank that were left to him and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer). Both the Banks’ search the house top to bottom looking for the certificates.

After finding a kite his father threw away, Georgie and his siblings head to the park to fly the kite. There, Mary Poppins descends from the sky, kite in hand. Mary accompanies the children home and informs them that she will be their nanny,

Michael goes to the bank and confronts Wilkins about the shares he owns. Wilkins denies that any evidence exists in his ledger and secretly destroys it. Back at home John and Annabel decide that they are going to sell their mother’s “priceless” bowl to pay off the debt. Georgie pleads with them not to, and in the skirmish the bowl is broken. Mary enlists the help of the Lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) to visit the adventure painted on the bowl. As the five visit the Royal Doulton Music Hall, Georgie is kidnapped by a wolf, a badger and a weasel that are taking their belongings. Annabel and John save Georgie and as the children fall off the bowl they wake up in their beds. Mary realizes how badly the children are missing their mother and sings a lullaby to help them sleep.

The next morning, Mary and the children visit Topsy (Meryl Streep) with the hope of fixing the bowl. The children are heartbroken that the bowl is not priceless and visit their father at work. While they are there the mistake Wilkins for the Wolf in their adventure and confront him. Michael doesn’t believe the children and scolds them for interrupting him at work.

After being wowed by Jack, the children and Mary return home. They find their father there and he appears distraught. Michael apologizes to the children and they embrace each other.

Midnight approaches and all seems lost. Michael however finds the certificates that he was looking for. Georgie mended the kite he flew with them. Michael and Jane rush to the bank. Mary, Jack and the children run to Big Ben to turn back time to help their father save their home.

Mary and the children are successful and turn back the clock five minutes. At the bank, Wilkins refuses to accept the certificate. Suddenly, Wilkins’s Uncle Mr. Dawes Jr. (Dick Van Dyke) appears and fires Wilkins for being unethical. Dawes also informs Michael that he has plenty in assets to cover the loan. Having invested the tuppence that he deposited all those years ago.

The next day at the park, Mary informs the children that it is now time for her to go. Mary opens her umbrella and floats away into the sky.

Why I Love Mary Poppins Returns (2018): How to sell a movie to Ryan. First take one of his most cherished films ever, Mary Poppins, add in his favorite actress Emily Blunt, make it a colorful musical and for good measure add a dash of Dick Van Dyke.

I remember watching Mary Poppins Returns in the theater and it hit me. The original Mary Poppins means the world to me. When Emily Blunt appears as Mary and floats down into the park, I seriously cried. I couldn’t help it. I love the original film and here I am all these years later and it is a magical experience.

Emily Blunt is amazing. She is hands down one of the best actors on the planet, period. Not only does she transform into Mary Poppins effortlessly, she sings and dances and oozes the perfect amount of charm and loveliness.

Lin-Manuel Miranda of course is charming as Jack. His ability to transform lyrics into rhythmic readings is nothing short of spectacular.

And Dick Van Dyke. I mean he is a national treasure. He is 93 years old in this film and he is dancing and singing on top of a desk, putting everyone else to shame. Again, I cried watching this. I grew up loving Dick Van Dyke. I was crying and smiling throughout his magical scene.

Beautiful cinematography and stellar direction make Mary Poppins Returns a surreal and magical return to 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 95, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

95. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) Directed by Tom McLoughlin

The Movie: Years after Tommy Jarvis (Thom Matthews) ended Jason Voorhees’ (C.J. Graham) reign of terror at Crystal Lake. Tommy, however, is still haunted by Jason and intends to end his torment forever.

Tommy and his friend Hawes (Ron Palillo) drive to the cemetery where Jason’s body has been buried. Tommy locates Jason’s grave and starts digging. As a storm rolls in, Tommy hits Jason’s coffin and opens it. Inside is Jason’s rotting corpse. Jason is indeed dead. Tommy, haunted by his past grabs a metal spike and stabs Jason’s corpse over and over. He leaves the post in Jason’s body and goes to get gasoline. Tommy’s plan is to burn Jason’s body to ash.

A lightning bolt hits the metal post and strikes Jason’s corpse. Jason’s eyes snap open. Jason Lives. Jason climbs out of his grave and walks towards Tommy. Hawes hits Jason in the head with a shovel. It does not affect the monster. Jason punches Hawes through the chest, ripping out his heart.

Tommy runs away and drives to the sheriff’s office. Tommy meets Sheriff Garris (David Kagen) and pleads with him to stop Jason. Garris doesn’t believe Tommy and has Deputy Cologne (Vincent Guastaferro) lock him in a cell.

The next morning, Tommy meets Garris’ daughter Megan (Jennifer Cooke) and her friends. They are the new camp counselors at Camp Forest Green, the new name for Camp Crystal Lake. Tommy pleads with them not to go there as Jason is most likely to return to a place he knows. They do not heed his warning.

Sheriff Garris escorts Tommy out of town. Tommy leads him on a chase through the cemetery to show him that he dug up Jason’s grave. When they get there, Jason’s grave is undisturbed. Martin, the caretaker (Bob Larkin) denies he covered Jason’s grave. Sheriff Garris tells Tommy to leave and never come back.

Jason on his way back to camp has killed a couple of counselors and a group of paintballers. He is close.

At camp, Jason’s terror begins anew. He mows through the counselors and after seeing a bloodbath of murder victims, Garris is convinced that Tommy is killing everyone to prove Jason is alive. Garris dispatches his police force to Camp Forest Green.

Jason quickly dispatches the police force and sets his eyes on Megan. Garris hiding from Jason hears his daughters scream and attempts to stop Jason. Garris is snapped in half for his effort.

As Jason attempts to kill Megan, he is called to the lake by Tommy. Jason drops Megan and heads after Tommy. Tommy has a plan. He is going to chain Jason to the bottom of Crystal Lake, making him unable to escape. Jason attacks Tommy who is able to put the chain around Jason’s neck. Jason is able to destroy Tommy’s boat and they both go under. Megan jumps into the lake to help Tommy. And is pulled down by Jason for her efforts. Megan is able to start the boat’s propeller and moves it over to Jason, where it grinds his face and snaps his neck.

Megan brings Tommy to shore and saves his life. Under the water, Jason is still there, eyes open, waiting for his chance to kill again.

Why I Love Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986): My favorite Friday the 13th movie. I love the series and Part VI is the best one of the bunch.

We get our first experience with “zombie” Jason. In the earlier installments hinted at maybe supernatural elements were at play, writer/director Tom McLoughlin leans right into it. McLoughlin is by far the best director of the franchise in the 80’s. McLoughlin fully understood the assignment. Make the teenagers fun and funny, make Jason a scary, unstoppable killing machine. The film is ahead of its time. It makes the characters well aware of the predicament they are in, in a way that Scream would perfect 10 years later.

After the train wreck that Part V was, McLoughlin proved that you can make a cool scary movie without being gratuitous with the violence and the nudity. Look, I love when Jason is mowing people down, but there has to be some restraint in the approach. It can’t just be, put the camera here and not be creative with the violence. And don’t get me wrong, there are some brutal kills in this film, see Garris folded in half.

 You can also watch Jason Lives without any real knowledge of the series, it stands on its own very well. The ending is satisfying as we both get a heroes victory and a glimpse that Jason isn’t dead after all.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 96, Love Affair (1939)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

96. Love Affair (1939) Directed by Leo McCarey

The Movie: A handsome and dashing French painter, Michel Marnett (Charles Boyer) meets a beautiful American singer, Terry McKay (Irene Dunne) onboard a transatlantic cruise. Michel is a womanizer and engaged to an heiress named Lois (Astrid Allwyn) and Terry is engaged to a man named Kenneth (Lee Bowman). Both Terry and Michel began to find the other attractive and have dinner with one another. Terry is well aware of Michel’s reputation and when people start to notice them together they agree to not dine as a couple.

Terry agrees to visit Michel’s grandmother Janou (Maria Ouspenskaya) in Maderia, which complicates Terry’s feelings for Michel more as Janou and her have a wonderful time together. Janou tells Terry that she wants Michel to settle down and get married.

As they arrive in New York, they agree to meet on the top of the Empire State Building in six months. Michel wants that time to see if he can make money as an artist. Terry breaks her engagement off and agrees to be a singer at a night club in Philadelphia.

The date arrives for the meet on top of the Empire State Building, but Terry never makes it. She is struck by a car on the way and is told she may be paralyzed. The doctors inform her that they will not know for certain for six months. Terry does not want to burden Michel if she is in fact paralyzed and does not tell him. Michel, heartbroken that Terry never arrives. He soon returns to Maderia after learning his grandmother has passed away and returns to New York to continue his work at an ad agency.

Terry is overheard singing at the garden while she is in therapy by the owner of a children’s orphanage. Impressed, Terry is asked to be the music teacher there.

Terry decides that she is going to go out for Christmas Eve and goes to a theater. There, she happens to run into Michel. Michel does not learn of Terry’s disability until the next day when he surprises her at her apartment. Michel learns finally what happened to Terry and Terry learns that Michel has changed his womanizing ways. Michel tells Terry that he will be with her, no matter how her diagnosis turns out.

Why I Love Love Affair (1939): Two words. One person. Irene Dunne. I adore Irene Dunne she is my most favorite Golden Age Hollywood Actress. She is immensely talented, beautiful and funny. All of her qualities are on full display in Leo McCarey’s Love Affair.

Dunne flexes not only her acting chops but her incredible singing voice as well. Charles Boyer is also up to the task as the dashing leading man that he is.

Although Cary Grant is my favorite actor, Love Affair is a better film than its remake An Affair to Remember. Although McCarey returned for the remake as writer director, here Dunne just outshines the talented Deborah Kerr in the role of Terry.

The black and white photography is stunning with foggy accents that pepper the voyage on the ship to the bustle of New York City every scene is alive in its own special way.

McCarey is in top form as he stated the idea for Love Affair came from his own trip across the ocean. McCarey was also growing tired of screwball comedies and wanted to stretch himself as a director. His restrained approach serves the film well.

Beautifully shot and told, Love Affair is a romantic film worth falling in love with.

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