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!***
134. The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002) Directed by John Stainton
The Movie: The United States has a satellite that has blown up! The pieces scatter into space and head towards Earth. They all burn up in the atmosphere, except for one, that finds its way into the Australian Outback and into the belly of a crocodile.
The United States sends in two CIA agents Vaughan Archer (Kenneth Ransom) and Robert Wheeler (Lachy Holme) to retrieve it. Meanwhile, the crocodile has been given a cattle farmer Brozzie Drewitt (Magda Szubanski) a hard time and she intends to kill it.
The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin (Himself) and his wife Terri Irwin (Herself) are recruited by Sam Flynn (David Wenham) to relocate the crocodile before Brozzie can kill it.
Archer and Wheeler arrive in Australia and use a GPS tracking device to locate the piece of the satellite. Steve and Terri are able to capture the croc and plan on relocating it. They fly past the two agents in their boat, which they falsely believe that the Irwins have the satellite piece, not the croc. They contact the CIA and tell them they believe the Irwins plan on selling the piece of the satellite to make a multi-million dollar expansion to their zoo.
After the Irwins load the croc onto their truck, Archer and Wheeler follow them and chase them in their car. Steve believing that the agents are poachers, Steve climbs to the top of the truck and takes care of Wheeler by knocking him off the truck.
The croc is successfully relocated to a new river system, it is there that Steve discovers in its poop the satellite beacon, which he believes is nothing more than a toy the croc ate. Archer and Wheeler soon arrive and Steve still believing they are poachers leads them away from the spot the relocated the croc. Unbeknownst to Wheeler and Archer, the CIA sent another agent to Australia to help in retrieving of the beacon. Agent Jo Buckley joins the chase, in an ultralight, which she throws into Wheeler and Archer’s boat causing them to crash. Steve believes he is in a full blown “poacher war!” Steve uses a rope to lasso Buckley’s ultralight bringing her down and saving the crocs, woohoo!
Why I Love The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course: Twenty years ago, I would watch “The Crocodile Hunter” almost everyday on Animal Planet. I loved Steve Irwins passion for conservation, his knowledge of animals, and how he always seemed to save Terri. His personality was infectious and made his TV shows must watches for me.
When The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course was released I was there opening day and I had a great time. The idea of filming the parts with the Irwins as one of their documentaries was brilliant. The rest of the movie is silly but Steve’s enthusiasm and energy made for one heck of a good time. I loved the idea of making him oblivious to what was happening in the world around him, all he and Terri cared about was saving the crocs and other wildlife.
The music is fun, the film is light weight and it is a perfect family film. I miss Steve Irwin, but with his passion as a Wildlife Warrior, his message will never fade away.