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!!!***
78. Saving Private Ryan (1998) Directed by Steven Spielberg
The Movie: On June 6, 1944, the United States and its Allies launched an invasion on the French coast of Normandy. After a brutal fight, the Allies are able to overwhelm the German Forces and take control of the beach, setting the stage to end Hitler’s reign of terror.
After the battle, it was learned that three of the four Ryan brothers were killed in the battle, and the last known surviving brother is now missing. General George Marshall (Harve Presnell) orders that Ryan be found and returned home to spare their mother from losing all of her sons.
John Miller (Tom Hanks) is given this order and he assembles a small team to locate and save Private James Ryan (Matt Damon).
The men believe they have tracked Private Ryan down in the town of Neuville-au-Plain. When Captain Harris and his men arrive in town they are met with enemy fire. A young girl got in the middle is rescued by Private Caparzo (Vin Diesel), and he is killed.
The men eventually find Private Ryan, but not the Private Ryan they are looking for. Their mission continues, and they learn that the Private Ryan they are looking for has been assigned to defend a bridge in the town of Ramelle.
The men carry on, and Captain Miller decides that they will take out a German gun nest they have located. The men accomplish this but at a heavy price, T/4 Medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi) is killed. The men in frustration want to kill a German solider, whom they name “Steamboat Willie” as retribution. Captain Miller intervenes and sets him free, telling him to turn himself in to the nearest Allied patrol.
Captain Miller and his men make it to the town of Ramelle and find Private Ryan. When Miller informs Ryan of his mission, Ryan refuses to leave his men behind. Ryan believes that he does not deserve to go home more than anyone else.
Captain Miller knows that saving Private Ryan is necessary, or his men’s sacrifice would be for nothing. Miller also learns that he is the only Officer in the town, and the Germans are approaching. Miller takes command and leads an assault against the Germans. During the fight, Jackson (Barry Pepper), Mellish (Adam Goldberg), and Horvath (Tom Sizemore) are all killed. Miller is shot by Steamboat Willie, who did not surrender to the Allies. Upham confronts and kills Steamboat Willie when he tries to surrender again. The Germans are defeated with the help of reinforcements. Miller, mortally wounded, pleads with Ryan to make the most of his life after he is sent home.
The scene bleeds into Private Ryan, now an elderly man visiting Captain Miller’s grave at Normandy Cemetery. Ryan asks if he is a good man and that he has earned all that Miller had done for him.
Why I Love Saving Private Ryan (1998): Heartbreaking. Uplifting. Powerful. All those words come to mind when I watch and think about Saving Private Ryan. Anchored by incredible performances by the cast, which only add to the toll of war.
I remember seeing this film with my mom, and her crying uncontrollably when the soldier on Omaha Beach is dying and calling out for his mom.
I remember the lump in my throat when Tom Hanks’ Miller explained to Private Ryan that he had to go home and be a good man, or that his men’s sacrifice was for nothing.
Spielberg owns this film with a firm grip on what must be shown. I cannot think of another movie before this one that used the “shaky cam”, and no other film has ever used it as effectively since. The Invasion of Normandy, is a triumph in filmmaking and some of the most harrowing scenes captured on film.
The camaraderie of the men in the picture should also be commended. They feel like men who are brothers and are tired of fighting the war.
Saving Private Ryan is not an easy watch, but an essential one. A film with powerful imagery and an even more powerful message.
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