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!***

124. Commando (1985) Directed by Mark L. Lester

The Movie: John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is retired, living a good life with his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano). They eat ice cream, he carries tree trunks, you know the simple life.

That simple life is upended when Matrix’s former superior Major General Franklin Kirby (James Olsen) informs Matrix that members of his team are being killed by mercenaries, led by an ex-member of Matrix’s team Bennett (Vernon Wells).

Soon they attack Matrix’s home and kidnap Jenny. Matrix chases them down but is overwhelmed and tranquillized. Matrix is taken to see Arius (Dan Hedaya), a former dictator that Matrix helped remove from power. Matrix is told that he needs to assassinate the new leader of Val Verde, or they will kill Jenny. Matrix agrees. But not really, he kills the man escorting him to Val Verde and jumps from the plane. Matrix knows that he has exactly 11 hours to save Jenny, that’s how long the flight to Val Verde is.

Matrix knows not to trust Arius, he knows that no matter what he does, Jenny will die unless he saves her. Matrix tracks down one of Arius men, Sully (David Patrick Kelly) with the help of reluctant flight attendant Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong).

Matrix finds Sully and gets the information that he needs from him and drops him off a cliff. In Sully’s pocket he finds a motel room key and goes to the room. There he finds and fights Cooke (Bill Duke), killing him as well.

Matrix and Cindy learn that Jenny is being held at an island hideout owned by Arius. Before Matrix goes to the island, he stocks up on weapons at an army surplus store only to be arrested by the police. Don’t worry, Cindy launches a rocket at the police and rescues Matrix. They take a seaplane and head to the island fortress.

Before Matrix goes to save Jenny, he tells Cindy to contact Major General Kirby and inform him where they are.

Arius’ army doesn’t know what hits him as Matrix mows them down with guns, grenades and saws. Jenny escapes to the basement of Aruis’ compound and Bennett finds her. Matrix finds them as well. Bennett made a big mistake taking Matrix’s daughter and is impaled by a steam pipe.

 Why I Love Commando (1985): Like horror movies, I am a big sucker for 80’s action movies. Commando is one of the best. It has some of the best Schwarzenegger one-liners;

“Remember Sully, when I promised to kill you last?” “I lied”

“I eat Green Berets for breakfast. And right now, I’m very hungry!”

“Don’t disturb my friend, he’s dead tired.”

“Let off some steam Bennett!”

Speaking of Arnold, he commands the screen with a physical and imposing presence. Director Mark L. Lester knows exactly what kind of movie this is and never lets it linger on one scene for too long. It buzzes along like a saw that cuts of dictator’s army’s heads.

With non-stop action, funny one-liners and an iconic performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Commando is an 80’ action fans dream.