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!***

132. Ghostbusters (1984) Directed Ivan Reitman

The Movie: Professors Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Akroyd) and Egon Spenger (Harold Ramis) work for Columbia University. They focus on the paranormal. They receive a call from the New York Public Library that there is a ghost in the stacks.

The encounter with the ghost and their subsequent dismissal from the University, they form “Ghostbusters” to capture and eliminate ghosts.

Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) is haunted by a demonic dog and it lived in her fridge. She calls the Ghostbusters for help. Venkman does not take her seriously and tries unsuccessfully to seduce her.

Next up for the ‘Busters is the get a call from the Sedgewick Hotel about a ghost causing damage to their hotel. Once there the boys meet Smiler, a gooey-green ghost who loves food and “sliming people.” The Ghostbusters chase him into the ballroom and they capture him there. Gaining fame after they do. After this encounter, the Ghostbusters get a new recruit Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson).

This catches the attention of Walter Peck (William Atherton) of the EPA who doesn’t believe the Ghostbusters. He asks to see the equipment but is denied. Peter meets Dana and informs her that Zuul is a demigod worshipped by Gozer the Gozerian, the shapeshifting God of Destruction. Peter goes to Dana’s home to see that she is possessed claiming to be the Gatekeeper.

Dana returns home and is possessed by Zuul and her neighbor Louis (Rick Moranis) has been possessed by Vinz Clortho, the Keymaster. Egon believes that they should stay separated.

William Peck returns to Ghostbuster headquarters with law enforcement and places the Ghostbusters under arrest. He also shuts down the containment unit which unleashes all the ghosts that the Ghostbusters have collected. Louis escapes and meets Dana at her apartment. There they go to the roof, where it transforms into a gateway between dimensions. The Ghostbusters see the Mayor where Winston is able to plead with the Mayor for their release to save the city.

The Ghostbuster arrive at the roof to see Louis and Dana transformed into demon dogs. Gozer appears as a woman and attacks. She asks the Ghostbusters to choose the form of their destructor. Stantz remembers the beloved mascot of Stay Puft Marshmallows, and Gozer takes his form and attacks. The Ghostbusters do the unthinkable and cross-streams with their proton packs and cause the Stay Puft Man to explode.

 Why I Love Ghostbusters (1984): The very first horror/comedy I remember watching was Ghostbusters. Another favorite that I would rent all the time, but not from Blockbuster, but from our local Safeway, when yes even grocery stores had movies to rent.

The script is whip smart. You appreciate it as a child, and then revel in it as an adult where it is more dirty and more fun. The special effects are still impressive, so too is the chemistry with the cast. They all are at the top of their game.

One of my great joys is showing my son movies I love. You get nervous because you wonder if he will like it as much as you do. And when he does, you just throw your hands in the air and everything you thought about the movie is validated.