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!!!***
76. The Wedding Singer (1998) Directed by Frank Corcai
The Movie: Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) has it all. He is the most popular wedding singer in Ridgefield, New Jersey. At a wedding, he meets cute and funny waitress Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore). Robbie learns that Julia has a fiancé, Glenn (Matthew Glave), and agrees to sing at her wedding. Julia mentions that she will be working at Robbie’s wedding.
Robbie is set to marry his fiancée, Linda (Angela Featherstone), but is left at the altar. Linda sees Robbie later that day, confessing that she doesn’t want to be married to a wedding singer.
Robbie falls into depression and decides not to be a wedding singer anymore. Julia’s fiancé, Glenn, finally agrees on a wedding day. Robbie tells Julia that he won’t sing at her wedding, but she is able to convince him to help her plan her wedding. Robbie and Julia become close friends with bubbling feelings starting to surface.
Julia’s cousin Holly (Christine Taylor) asks Julia if it is ok if she goes on a date with Robbie. Julia says yes, and she and Glenn go on a double date with Robbie and Holly. On the date Robbie learns that Glenn repeatedly cheats on Julia. When Robbie is brought home by Holly and she attempts to make moves on him, he only asks about Julia. Holly discovers that Robbie is in love with Julia and tells him that Julia is marrying Glenn for security and stability that Glenn offers.
Robbie decides that he needs a real job if he is to win Julia’s heart and is unsuccessful applying to several places. Julia learns that Robbie has also given up piano and singing lessons to Rosie (Ellen Albertini Dow). When Julia confronts Robbie about this he tells her that he is only doing what she is. Hurt, Julia walks away.
Robbie attempts to reconcile with Julia and tell her how he feels, but when he sees her smiling with her wedding dress from the street, he mistakenly thinks she is happy about Glenn, not realizing that she is thinking about marrying Robbie.
Robbie walks away to the local bar, where he finds Glenn during his bachelor party with a new woman in his arms. Robbie confronts Glenn about him being unfaithful. Glenn punches Robbie and tells him to mind his business. Robbie stumbles home to find Linda waiting for him. Robbie passes out.
The next morning, Julia arrives at Robbie’s home to confess her feelings to him only to find Linda wearing one of Robbie’s t-shirts and introducing herself as Robbie’s fiancée. Julia leaves and wakes Glenn up. Telling him that she wants to get married today, in Las Vegas.
Robbie wakes up hungover and tells Linda to “take my Van Halen shirt off before you jinx them and break up the band.” Robbie attends the 50th wedding anniversary of Rosie and her husband where he learns from Holly that Julia is eloping to Vegas to marry Glenn.
With the help of his friend Sammy (Alan Covert), Robbie is able to buy a first-class ticket to Vegas. On the plane, Robbie discovers that Julia is on the plane after he tells his story to Billy Idol (himself) and other passengers. With the help of the passengers and Billy Idol, Robbie performs an original song, “Grow Old with You”. Robbie and Julia confess they love each other and kiss.
Later, Robbie and Julia are married in front of friends and family.
Why I Love The Wedding Singer (1998): This is one of the first films I remember seeing more than 3 or 4 times in the theater. My friend Branden and I would be bored and say, “Let’s see The Wedding Singer again!”
Branden and I loved the 80’s setting, music, and vibes. I have always been a big Adam Sandler fan, and The Wedding Singer hits all the right notes. It’s funny, heartfelt, with some weirdness sprinkled in. The soundtrack still played constantly on my iPhone. I still quote this movie nearly every week. I adore this film.
As the years have passed, my love for The Wedding Singer has only grown. I loved sharing this movie with my son and hearing him laugh at all the moments I did.
You must be logged in to post a comment.