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!***
146. Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) (Directed by George P. Cosmatos)
The Movie: It’s been three years since John Rambo’s (Sylvester Stallone) incident in Hope, Washington and Rambo has been in prison. One day Rambo receives a visit from Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna). Trautman tells Rambo that there are still POW’s held captive in Vietnam. Rambo agrees to go on a solo mission to confirm that there are POW’s still in Vietnam. Rambo agrees, but only if he is pardoned.
Rambo meets Murdock (Charles Napier) in Thailand, who instructs Rambo to only take pictures if he finds any POWs not to rescue them.
As Rambo attempts to airdrop into Vietnam but his parachute gets caught in the airplane door. Rambo doesn’t panic he just cuts himself free. But now he is only equipped with knives and his trusty bow and arrow.
Rambo meets Co Bao (Julia Nickson) who arranges passage up a river by pirates. When Rambo gets to the army camp, he not only finds it occupied but there is also POWs with one of them tied to a cross dying. Against his orders, Rambo frees the POW and flees.
While trying to get away, Rambo learns that the pirates betrayed him (surprise!). But Rambo has a surprise too, an RPG.
Rambo is able to make it to the extraction point only to learn that he has been betrayed by Murdock, who had no intention of saving the POWs or using any of the intel Rambo had gathered.
Rambo is soon captured and learns that the Vietnamese Army is working with the Soviets! After being tortured Rambo decides that he will take matters into his own hands and defeat the Soviets, the Vietnamese and save the POWs.
Why I Love Rambo: First Blood Part II: Um easy, it’s totally badass. First Blood, is a good movie that explores the treatment of our Veterans as they returned from Vietnam, and the PTSD those brave soldiers endured. First Blood: Part II basically said “fuck that, let’s just make Rambo a total badass, killing machine, one man army.”
Stallone is up to the challenge as he commands the screen with his physical prowess and his intense acting. The movie never lets up. It’s 96 minutes of almost non-stop action and over the top violence.
George P. Cosmatos lends a capable hand in directing action, in fact he would go on and direct Stallone again in Cobra and the awesome Tombstone.
When I think of 80’s action films, First Blood Part II is the type of film I think of. Violent, lead actor with huge muscles, and catchy one-liners.