Author: Ryan

As far as nerds go, there are not many reeler than Ryan. His love for movies is unmatched. He also loves comic books. When you combine comic books and movies Ryan is at his happiest. He enjoys all forms of pop culture and prides himself on knowing more then average nerds. Ryan has a couple of characters he prefers over the rest, first and foremost is Spider-Man. He also loves Ash from the Evil Dead. Ryan also enjoys Finishing people in Mortal Kombat and hopping on Goombas. He has attended Comic-Con and several Starfests with his good buddy Brad. He is amazed on how awesome Brad is at designing Reel Nerds pages. But don’t tell Brad he needs to stay humbled. Favorite movie: Army Of Darkness Favorite Genres: Action, Horror, Comic Book, Comedy

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 108, Destry Rides Again (1939)

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!!!***

108. Destry Rides Again (1939) Directed by George Marshall

The Movie: In the town of Bottleneck, the local Sheriff Keogh is killed when he suspects that a poker game that was being played was rigged. The town is crooked, with Mayor Judge Slade (Samuel S. Hinds) in cahoots with the local saloon owner Kent (Brian Donlevy) and his girlfriend Frenchy (Marlene Dietrich). They appoint a new sheriff, Washington Dimsdale (Charles Winninger) the town drunk. They believe that with him as the sheriff they push him and the citizens of Bottleneck around.

Dimsdale, however takes the job seriously and swears he will never drink again. Dimsdale also was a deputy under Tom Destry, a legendary lawman. Dimsdale calls on his son, Tom Destry Jr. (James Stewart) who is also a legendary lawman for help. Destry soon arrives with Jack Tyndall (Jack Carson) and his sister Janice (Irene Hervey). Destry tells Domsdale that he will use a gun, he will try and talk to everyone to see if they can resolve the differences in a civil matter. Disapointed that Destry choses not to use a weapon, Dimsdale and everyone else soon learns that just because he doesn’t want a gun, doesn’t mean he can’t shoot one. When a group of rowdy men come to town, Destry shows everyone that he is an expert with a pistol, telling the men that he will take them to jail if they shoot the pistols in the air. Destry gains the trust and respect of the citizens of Bottleneck.

When Destry asks the townsfolk about the whereabouts of Sheriff Keogh, he soon realizes that the sheriff was murdered and believes Kent is responsible for the act. By sweet talking Frenchy, she confirms Destry’s suspicion but he needs Keogh’s body for proof. Destry deputizes a Russian named Boris (Mischa Auer) who not so subtly implies he found Keogh’s body. Kent sends a member of his gang to investigate the burial site, but he is followed by Boris and DImsdale, captured and thrown into jail.

Destry hopes that by charging the gang member with Keogh’s murder, he hopes the gang member will implicate Kent for clemency. Judge Slade appoints himself the judge of the trial, which Destry knows will lead to the gang member getting away with murder. Destry’s plan comes forward as he calls in a favor for a judge from the City. Boris lets slip Destry’s plan and Kent tells Frenchy to invite Destry to her house. Although she doesn’t agree with the plan, she has fallen for Destry and agrees. While Destry is at Frenchy’s, the gang busts out their friend from jail. Shots are heard and Destry rushes to the jail. There he finds Dimsdale wounded and dying. Destry leaves the jail and goes to his room and puts on his gun belt.

Destry forms a posse and plans on raiding the saloon. Frenchy has a plan of her own. She wishes the violence to stop and has the townswomen walk between the warring factions. The saloon is overrun by the good townspeople, but Kent escapes. He turns to shoot Destry but Frenchy takes the bullet, killing her. Destry shoots and kills Kent, ending his reign of terror.

Why I Love Destry Rides Again (1939): A well made comedy western with real stakes make for an unforgettable film. Stewart is funny but when the story calls for it he makes a great hero. This is Stewart’s first western and he wouldn’t return to the genre for until 1950’s Winchester ’73.

Marlene Dietrich was labeled box-office poison by the not to subtle press, (who I can’t believe how nasty they were in the early days of Hollywood) but here she commands the screen with a rapturous turn as villainess to hero.

The film is well staged and choregraphed by director George Marshall.  The town of Bottleneck is brought to life convincingly, with the right amount of lawlessness and fun. I also love that Destry Rides Again doesn’t shy away from the hero’s making mistakes and some of them paying the ultimate sacrifice. I love 1930’s Hollywood but a lot of the movies have sugary endings, I like when they take a chance of not everything going as planned.

Funny and thrilling, Destry Rides Again is a western done right.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 109, Inglourious Basterds (2009)

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!!!***

109. Inglourious Basterds (2009) Directed by Quentin Tarantino

The Movie: 1941, in the French country side, SS-Standartenfuhrer Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) arrives at the farm of Perrier LaPadite (Denis Menochet). Landa has heard rumors that there were several Jewish families in the town, and that they might be being hidden by sympathetic French people. Landa is able to illicit a confession from LaPadite that he is hiding a Jewish family underneath his floorboards. Landa orders his men to shoot and kill the family under the floorboards. One escapes, Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent), Landa has her in his sights to fire, but he allows her to escape.

Fast forward to 1944. U.S. Army Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) is forming a group of Jewish-Americans with the goal of hunting Nazi’s and instilling fear into them. Raine dubs them the “Basterds” Raine asks his men to scalp the Nazi’s in France after they kill them. Raine’s team, Sergeant Donny “The Jew Bear” Donowitz (Eli Roth), former German Sergeant Hugo Stiglitz (Til Schweiger), Corporal Wilhelm Wicki (Gedeon Burkhard), Private First Class Smithson “The Little Man” Utvich (B.J. Novak) and Private First Class Omar Ulmer (Omar Doom) enthusiastically accepts the mission. Raine has something special planned for usually one member of the Nazi’s they encounter. He carves a swastika into their forehead so they can always be known as a Nazi. This infuriates Adolf Hitler (Martin Wuttke).

In Paris, Shosanna has taken the name Emmanuelle Mimieux, and runs a cinema there. As she in taking down the marquee one day she is confronted by a charming German soldier, Private First Class Fredrick Zoller (Daniel Bruhl). Shosanna is not charmed by the soldier, but he confesses his love of cinema and informs her that he is the star of a new German film, Stolz der Nation or Nation’s Pride. In love with Shosanna, Zoller convinces Joseph Goebbels (Sylvester Groth) to hold the premiere at Emmanuelle’s theater. He agrees, which sets in motion Shosanna and her boyfriend Marcel (Jacky Ido) a plot to kill all the Nazi’s in her theater during the premiere by setting the theater on fire with all the nitrate film they have.

The Allies learn of the premiere as well and set into motion a plan to kill the Nazi leaders as well. The Basterds get help from British Lieutenant Archie Hicox (Michael Fassbender) and a German actress Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger). The Basterds arrange a meeting with von Hammersmark at a tavern, that should be free of Nazi’s. Hicox and Stiglitz will pretend to be German officers meeting von Hammersmark at the tavern.

A wrench is thrown in their plan as the tavern is in a basement and there is a group of Nazi’s who were given the day off when one of their wives had a baby and are celebrating. When a Nazi Sergeant remarks about Hicox having a strange accent, at first Hicox in character chastises the Sergeant for talking to an officer that way, but unbeknownst to the Allies, Major Dieter Hellstrom (August Diehl) also thinks Hicox’s accent is unusual. After a tense conversation, the Allies and the Major but all their cards on the table. The standoff breaks out into an all out shootout, where the Sergeant is the only one left alive, along with von Hammersmark. Lieutenant Raine comes down the stairs and tries to end the conflict by telling him if he lets von Hammersmark leave, he would allow him to leave as well. He agrees, von Hammersmark, however kills him and she and the Basterds come up with a new plan. They will be von Hammersmark’s dates for the premiere of the film and disguise themselves as Italian stuntmen and film crew. Landa arrives at the the tavern and discovers an autograph from von Hammersmark and one of her shoes.

The Basterds make it into the premiere with von Hammersmark. They are confronted by Landa, who asks von Hammersmark if he could see her in private. She agrees and it seals her doom. After Landa places her shoe onto her foot, he strangles her to death. He orders the capture of Raine and Utivich.

Landa takes Raine and Utivich to a secluded office and makes them an offer. Landa is aware that Germany will lose the war and tells Raine that he will allow the death of Hitler and the other Nazi leaders if he is given a full pardon by the United States government. Raine agrees and Landa contacts Raine’s superiors.

At the premiere, Zoller confronts Shosanna in the projectionist room. She invites him in and shoots him. Thinking she killed him, she turns him over and Zoller shoots and kills Shosanna and then succumbs to his wounds. Nation’s Pride is interrupted by a new film that Shosanna and Marcel shot, where she tells the Nazi’s they are going to die and the theater goes up in flames.

Ulmer and Donowitz break into the opera box that has Hitler and Goebbels and kill them. They fire indiscriminately into the crowd who are trying to run away from the fire, but it is vain. Marcel has locked them in. The explosives that Ulmer and Donowitz have strapped to their legs go off, killing everyone.

Raine and Utivich drive with Landa and his radio operator to the Allied line, where they change places. Placed in handcuffs, Raine kills the radio operator and asks Landa if he is going to take off his Nazi uniform. Landa doesn’t answer but Raine knows the answer. Utivich scalps the radio operator and Raine carves a swastika into Landa’s forehead.

Why I Love Inglourious Basterds (2009): Filled with some of the best dialogue exchanges in a Quentin Tarantino film, Inglourious Basterds never allows the audience to get comfortable. The tension through meetings between characters keeps the film humming along.

The opening scene in the film where Waltz’ Landa and the diary farmer is so full of suspense you could cut it with a knife. Followed closely by the scene in the tavern, the film never lets up. It also has the trademark Tarantino humor, violence and impeccable use of music.

The revisionist version of how the Nazi’s met their demise never gets old, watching Hitler get shot by a machine gun is his face until it is a bloody pulp is cheer worthy. All the performances are incredible. Pitt’s nonsense delivery is the perfect foil to Waltz’ cold and calculating Landa. Diane Kruger is phenomenal so too is Melanie Laurent. Everyone is spot on, even the small parts.

I can rewatch Inglourious Basterds a 100 times and find something new to latch onto and enjoy.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 110, Captain America: Civil War (2016)

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!!!***

110. Captain America: Civil War (2016) Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo

The Movie: In 1991, The Winer Solider is sent on a mission to intercept a vehicle in Serbia. The vehicle is carrying a case of the super-solider serum. We flash forward to present day. Some of the Avengers, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) are in Lagos. They are in pursuit of Crossbones (Frank Grillo) who stole a biological weapon from a lab. After being trapped by Captain America, Crossbones attempts to kill not only himself but Cap as well. Crossbones pulls a pin from a grenade, but the Scarlet Witch contains the blast and throws Crossbones into a building, inadvertently killing innocent civilians.

After the incident in Sokovia, Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) informs the Avengers that due to the events of Sokovia where Ultron attacked and killed innocent people and the latest incident in Lagos, the Sokovia Accords will require oversight of the Avengers. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) agrees with the Accords. He recently had a confrontation with a mother of a victim of the Sokovia incident. Rogers, is against it. He believes that the politicians should not regulate them, he has better judgement.

In a modest house, Helmut Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) tracks down The Winter Solider’s handler and finds his book with the trigger words to activate him. At the UN Council, King T’Chaka (John Kani) from the African Nation of Wakanda, is preparing to deliver his speech. King T’Chaka is killed in a bomb blast and his son, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) vows to kill the person responsible. Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) informs Steve Rogers that the security footage shows that Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is the man who set off the bomb. Cap decides that he will try and bring in Barnes himself.

Captain America and The Falcon track Bucky to Bucharest and try to reason with him. Bucky escapes and is soon being chased not only by police, but by the Black Panther, T’Challa. Their pursuit comes to an end when all four men are captured by police and War Machine (Don Cheadle).

Bucky is places in a special holding cell and is interviewed by a psychiatrist. However this psychiatrist is none other than Baron Zemo. Zemo activates The Winter Soldier and sends him out to fight. Captain America subdues and takes The Winter Soldier to a secure location where he learns that he was framed by Zemo for the bombing and that Zemo was the one responsible. Bucky tells Cap that Zemo wants the location of the Siberian Hydra Base, which houses other Winter Soldiers. Captain America realizes he can’t wait for the politicians to decide of he should stop Zemo and decides to form a team to stop them. Joining Captain America is The Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd).

Stark also forms a sanctioned team, and goes to Queens, New York to recruit Peter Parker (Tom Holland), aka Spider-Man. Iron Man, Spider-Man, Black Panther, War Machine, Black Widow and The Vision (Paul Bettany) confront Cap’s team at Leipzig Airport. A battle ensues that is fought to a stale mate. Rogers escapes and is allowed to leave by Black Widow. Cap and Bucky escape but Vision shoots down War Machine causing him to be paralyzed. The remaining members of Cap’s team are captured and sent to The Raft, a prison for super-powered individuals.

Stark continues to dig and finds evidence that Bucky was framed, with information gathered from Wilson, Stark finds Cap and Bucky at the Hydra facility in Siberia. Stark has a stowaway, The Black Panther has also arrived in Siberia. Stark and Rogers are too late. Zemo has killed all the other Winter Soldiers and shows Stark a video of his parents being executed in 1991, by The Winter Soldier. Stark is incensed that Rogers not only kept this from him but has been protecting Bucky when he knew that he killed his parents. Stark attacks both Rogers and Bucky. They fight until Stark destroys Bucky’s cybernetic arm and Rogers destroys Stark’s Iron Man armor.

Rogers and Bucky flee. Zemo sits alone and realizes that he has fulfilled his mission of revenge on The Avengers for the death of his family in Sokovia. Zemo attempts to shoot himself, but is stopped by T’Challa.

Stark gifts War Machine exoskeletal legs and Captain America breaks all of his allies out of The Raft. Captain America brings Bucky to Wakanda where T’Challa and his scientists can try and cure him and goes into a cryogenic sleep.

Why I Love Captain America: Civil War (2016): Besides the obvious, Tom Holland’s debut as Spider-Man and Spidey’s own introduction into the universe he belongs, the film adapts one of the coolest comic stories to come out on the last 25 years. The writers, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely did an amazing job balancing a ton of characters and adapting a story that fits perfectly into the MCU.

We also get incredible action sequences directed with flair by the Russo’s who would go on to make the next two Avenger films. And yes, the action is incredible, the character beats are where Civil War really shines. Every scene where Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans argue over ideology gives me the chills. What’s brilliant about the script is that both men are right and both men are wrong. No matter which side you choose at the end of the film, no one wins and the fracture would pave the way for Thanos’ invasion and victory in Avengers: Infinity War.

Not only does Civil War introduce my favorite movie version of Spider-Man, but it also gives us Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa. Boseman brings an intensity, that is only matched by his warmth and powerful performance. He commands the screen and was taken from this Earth way too soon.

By giving comic book fans breathtaking action, heartbreak and some living splash pages, Captain America: Civil War is truly the best of what the world of comics can bring to the big screen.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Movies: Number 111, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

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!!!***

111. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) Directed by David Yates

The Movie: After the sacrifice by Dobby, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) asks the goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis) for help. Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) need to break into Bellatrix Lesrtange’s (Helena Bonham Carter) vault at Gringott’s Bank, where Harry believes a Horcrux is at. Griphook agrees, but he asks for the Sword of Gryffindor in exchange for his help.

They arrive at the bank and inside Bellatrix’s vault they find Helga Hufflepuff’s cup, which is a Horcrux. Griphook betrays Harry and leaves them to deal with their security, a dragon. They manage to escape on the dragons back and a step closer to defeating Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

Harry soon realizes that there is another Horcrux connected to Rowena Ravenclaw and it is at Hogwarts. The heroes apparate to Hogsmeade, where they helped by Alberfoth Dumbledore (Ciaran Hinds) who shows them a secret passage into Hogwarts, helped by Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis).

Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) learns of Potter returning and threatens anyone who helps him. Harry reveals himself to Snape, Snape engages in a duel with Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) and is overpowered and flees.

McGonagall knows that the endgame is near and rouses all of Hogwarts for the showdown between the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort. After Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) convinces Harry to speak with the ghost of Helena Ravensclaw, Harry learns that Voldemort performed dark magic on her mother’s diadem and he can find it in the Room of Requirements.

While Ron and Hermione destroy the Horcrux cup with the Basilisk fang, Harry is attacked by Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Blaise Zabini (Louis Cordice) and Gregory Goyle (Josh Herdman). Ron and Hermione arrive to help Harry. Goyle casts an uncontrollable spell of Fiendfyre that kills him, and the Heroes save Malfoy and Zabini. Harry destroys the diadem and realizes that the final Horcrux is Voldmort’s snake Nagini.

The Battle of Hogwarts is in full swing and it reveals many secrets. Nagini attacks Snape leaving him for dead. Snape gives Harry a memory. The battle takes many lives, including Fred Weasley (James Phelps).

Harry watches Snape’s memory and is shocked by its revelations. Snape always loved Harry’s mother, Lily. He hated James Potter who bullied him. Snape was sent by Dumbledore to be an insider for the Death Eaters, to learn all their secrets. Snape’s primary mission was to protect Harry, who learns that he is the final Horcrux, due to him surviving Voldemort’s attack on him when he was an infant. Snape was also ordered by Dumbledore to kill him as he was already dying. Harry with this knowledge, uses the Resurrection Stone to summon his parents and Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). They speak words of comfort and encouragement as Harry prepares to battle Voldemort.

Voldemort kills Harry, who awakens in Limbo. There he meets Dumbledore, who explains to Harry that he is now free from Voldemort’s curse. Dumbledore tells Harry he has two choices, he can return to his body and continue the fight against Voldemort, or he can just continue on his journey in the afterlife. Harry chooses to end Voldemort once and for all and returns to the living world.

Voldemort drops Harry’s lifeless body in the courtyard of Hogwarts for all to see. He demands that they surrender as he has killed Harry Potter. Harry stands and shows Voldemort that he is very much alive and engages in a wand duel with the evil wizard. Bellatrix is confronted by Molly Weasley (Julie Waters) and promptly killed. Neville finds Nagini and decapitates the snake, thus destroying the final Horcrux. Harry defeats Voldemort with his Expelliarmus Charm and tells his friends that despite all his bravado, Voldemort never controlled the Elder Wand after it was taken from Dumbledore. Harry does not take the Elder Wand, he destroys it.

Nineteen years later we see Harry, Ginny (Bonnie Wright), Ron and Hermione send their kids off to Hogwarts.

Why I Love Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011): When Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone came out my friend Branden and I kept saying how stupid it looked. We were too cool to see that movie. But, we went to see it when a couple of ladies we were dating wanted to see it. And I was wrong. I fell in love with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

I started reading the books and going to midnight releases of not only the movies but the books as well. When I started dating my wife, we would dress up and go see the movies. She as a Slytherin and me of course as a Gryffindor.

The final film in the series is the best in my opinion. After the devastating ending of The Deathly Hallows Part 1, it was nice to see Harry finally best Voldemort. The direction, visual effects and the performances were all amazing. As Harry grew up, so too did his movies.

The emotional punches kept coming throughout the films runtime. No one was safe. Although I knew the beats and the deaths from reading the book, the film still delivered on their impact and I shed a tear for Fred and cheered when his mom enacted her revenge.

From the moment I saw Harry Potter on the big screen, the world of Hogwarts put me under its spell. And I love them even more because the other Reel Nerds hate them so much.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 112, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)

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!!!***

112. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020) Directed by Ethan Spaulding

The Movie: Hanzo Hasashi (Patrick Seitz) is the Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu clan in Japan. They are bitter rivals with the Lin Kuei, and their leader Sub-Zero (Steve Blum). Hanzo and his son are ambushed by the Lin Kuei as they are returning home, Hanzo kills them after he learns they have not only slaughtered his whole clan but also his wife, Harumi. Hanzo’s pain has only begun as Sub-Zero appears, and freezes Hanzo. Hanzo watches in horror as Sub-Zero breaks his son’s neck and kills Hanzo by stabbing him in the throat with an icicle.

Flash forward and we join Raiden (Dave B. Mitchell) and Liu Kang (Jordan Rodrigues) as they prepare to wage battle in Mortal Kombat against Shang Tsung (Artt Butler). The Earthrealm warriors must win the tournament or their Realm will fall into the hands of the Outworld. Liu and Raiden are not alone. Joining the fight is Sonya Blade (Jennifer Carpenter) who is in pursuit of Kano (Robin Atkin Downes) and Johnny Cage (Joel McHale) who thinks a movie based on Mortal Kombat can save his fledgling movie career.

In the Netherrealm, Hanzo is being tortured by a demon. Hanzo escapes and tries to free himself from the Netherrealm. It is not that easy, as there are hordes of demons intent on keeping Hanzo in Hell. Hanzo kills the demon torturer, and comes face to face with Quan Chi (Darin De Paul), a sorcerer in the Netherrealm. Quan Chi asks Hanzo to fight for him and steal an amulet belonging to the fallen Elder God Shinnok (Robin Atkins Downes) in the upcoming Mortal Kombat tournament, which happens to have a warrior that Hanzo wants to kill, Sub-Zero. Hanzo agress but changes his name to Scorpion.

Scorpion arrives at Shang Tsung’s Island with nothing but revenge on his mind. Raiden confronts Scorpion, and pleads with the wraith not to take part in Quan Chi’s deal. At the tournament, Johnny Cage, Sonya and Liu Kang witness the arm ripping power of Goro (Kevin Mitchell Richardson), the four-armed Shokkan warrior. The victim, Jax (Ike Amadi), Sonya’s partner. Raiden saves Jax’ life by cauterizing the wound.

Johnny Cage soon learns that Mortal Kombat is for real as he fights off a horde of Tarkatan warriors. Sonya draws and defeats Reptile. Liu Kang draws the princess of Outworld Kitana (Grey DeLisle) and she yields to him ending their match. Kano arrives on the scene and orders his assassins to stop the Earthrealm warriors, but they are no match for Scorpion. Scorpion sets his eyes on Kano, but Sub-Zero arrives. Enraged, Scorpion tackles him and they both fall off a bridge and are impaled. The impaling kills Sub-Zero and Quan Chi appears. Quan Chi tells Scorpion that Sub-Zero was not responsible for the death of his family and clan, he was. Quan Chi disguised himself as Sub-Zero and ordered the Lin Kuei to attack, Sub-Zero was not a part of the attack. Scorpion, now filled with rage, removes himself from the spike and looks to exact his revenge on the sorcerer.

Liu Kang goes to Shang Tsung’s throne room to face Goro in Mortal Kombat. There, Shang Tsung captures Quan Chi, knowing he was after the amulet. Kang fights Goro and is nearly killed. Scorpion intervenes however and kills Goro. Kano meets his end at the hands of Sonya, Johnny Cage and Jax. Trying to maneuver the tournament back into his favor, Shang Tsung orders Scorpion to fight Liu Kang. Scorpion does not and goes after Tsung instead. Shang Tsung fearing the wrath of Scorpion, gives him the amulet and forfeits, giving Liu Kang victory and thus saving Earthrealm. Shang Tsung gives one final warning however, Shao Kahn will take his revenge.

Scorpion turns his attention to Quan Chi and kills him, Scorpion is at peace and joins his family in the afterlife. Raiden tells Liu Kang that the fight is not over, his destiny was not to defeat Shang Tsung, but to defeat the Emperor Shao Kahn.

Why I Love Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020): Mortal Kombat is my favorite video game series. I love the action, I love the gore but the deep story and cool character designs are what set it apart in my mind from other fighting games. From the first arcade game, Scorpion and Sub-Zero intrigued me as well as the rest of the gaming world. The story of a specter returning to earth to fight the man he believed to have killed him makes for a compelling story every time they fight. There is a history there and Mortal Kombat fans embrace that.

By taking the easiest and most accessible story for non-fans to adapt it makes for a compelling 80-minute watch. And for hardcore fans like me that know Mortal Kombat lore inside and out by not adapting the story as I know it kept the movie fresh and entertaining.

The animation is simple and cool, giving way to animate all kinds of crazy martial arts and gore. The voice-work is top notch with Steve Blum as Sub-Zero my favorite.

Scorpion’s Revenge is a great way to introduce newbies to Mortal Kombat and visceral and brutal enough to satisfy hardcore fans like me, it’s a flawless victory.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 113, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

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!

113. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) Directed by Gore Verbinski

The Movie: Encountering a shipwreck, the crew of HMS Dauntless, find a boy floating in the water. He is brought aboard. The boy, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) has a gold medallion around his neck. The medallion is taken by Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley).

Eight years has now passed and Elizabeth is proposed to by the newly promoted Captain James Norrington (Jack Davenport). At that moment, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) has arrived in Port Royal, quite spectacularly on a sinking ship. Elizabeth has passed out after the proposal, not because she is in love with Norrington, her corset is too tight. She falls into the water. The medallion around her neck pulses. Elizabeth is saved by Captain Jack, but Norrington, who recognizes him as a pirate orders his capture. Sparrow eludes the British forces for a moment and stumbles into Will’s blacksmith shop. They duel and Captain Jack is captured.

As fog rolls into Port Royal, it brings with it the Black Pearl and some rather unsavory pirates. They are looking for the medallion and chase Elizabeth around her home. When they capture her, she tells them that her last name is Turner and she demands “parlay”. The pirates reluctantly take Elizabeth aboard the Black Pearl, where she meets Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush).

Elizabeth learns that the crew of the Black Pearl are cursed. The medallion that she has in her possession is a piece of treasure that belonged to Hernan Cortes. Cortes accepted the payment to prevent the Fall of Tenochtitlan. Cortes did not end up fulfilling his end of the bargain and the Aztecs cursed the gold. The curse makes anyone who takes the treasure to become undead, always hungry, always in pain. The true form is exposed in the moonlight, which reveals them to be skeletal remains of the men they once were. Barbosa tells Elizabeth that he must return all the treasure to Isla de Muerta to lift the curse and they set sail.

Will enlists the help of Captain Jack to assist him in saving the woman he loves. We learn that Sparrow is the previous Captain of the Black Pearl and was ousted by Barbosa. Sparrow knows he needs a crew, commandeers a ship and sails to Tortuga.

With a crew in tow, Sparrow and Will track down the Black Pearl at Isla de Muerta. At the island, Elizabeth’s hand is cut and her blood falls onto the treasure. Barbosa soon realizes that Elizabeth is not a Turner and he is still cursed. Enraged he attacks Jack and Will. Will is able to escape with Elizabeth, but Sparrow is captured and taken to the Black Pearl.

The Black Pearl soon chases down Will’s ship, destroys it and takes the crew hostage. Will makes a deal with Barbosa. His life for Elizabeth’s. Barbosa agrees, but he double-crosses Will and maroons Sparrow and Elizabeth on a deserted island. Elizabeth makes a smoke signal which brings the Dauntless to the island. She tells Norrington she will marry him if he will chase down the Black Pearl and save Will. Norrington agrees.

At Isla de Muerta, Sparrow tells Norrington that he will go to the island and lure the pirates out and the crew of the Dauntless can ambush them. Norrington agrees. On the island, Sparrow betrays the British. He tells them to not lift the curse yet, but to attack the Dauntless while they are still immortal. Barbosa agrees and his crew sets out to attack the Dauntless. Elizabeth leaves the Dauntless and rescues Sparrow’s crew, who refuse to help Sparrow or Will. Elizabeth realizes she will have to save them herself. Because he is a pirate, Captain Jack again betrays Barbosa dress Will and duels the Captain of the Black Pearl. Jack is stabbed by Barbosa, but he too is cursed and does not die. Jack shoots Barbosa, Will returns both coins to the treasure and with his blood and Sparrow’s, the curse is lifted, this time truly killing Barbosa.

All the living pirates are captured by the British and returned to Port Royal. There, Sparrow is sentenced to die by hanging. Before Jack is hung, Elizabeth attempts to distract Norrington while Will tries to save him, to no avail. Jack and Will are surrounded by the British. Elizabeth pleads with them that she loves Will. Her father, Governor Weatherby Swann (Jonathan Price) pardons Will and gives his blessing on their marriage. Sparrow dives into the ocean and onto the Black Pearl, where he is Captain once again. Norrington gives Captain Sparrow a days head start before they chase.

Why I Love Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): Count me as one of skeptics when it was announced that Disney was taking one of its most beloved rides and making it a feature length movie seemed crazy. To say Pirates of the Caribbean was a pleasant surprise would be an understatement to how good it turned out.

By blending adventure/horror/comedy/action into a solid picture is nothing short of miraculous. The directing, the cinematography all work. The music is now iconic. Speaking of iconic, Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the all-time cinema great characters. My favorite thing about him is he is not a good guy. He demonstrates throughout this film and all of its sequels that he is a pirate almost through and through. Every so often he is the hero, but only when it suits his needs. And while the sequels also lessened the impact of Captain Jack through overexposure, the first film works so well because he is so good that when he leaves the screen you yearn for him to come back.

Keira Knightley is not a damsel in distress but a resourceful heroine. Orlando Bloom is handsome sure, but he gets his hands dirty and is up to the challenge for the pictures true hero.

Pirates of the Caribbean deftly dances between movie genres, delivering one hell of a good time.

Articles

Rod Stewart: Year by Year, Track by Track Part 8 1985-1988

Part 8: In Which Our Hero Continues His Chart Topping Ways By Staying Forever Young

Rod Stewart had continued to have hits as the 1980’s marched towards the halfway point. Stewart however would start slowing down his musical output. From 1970-1984, Stewart had released 16 albums between his solo efforts and his time with The Faces.

Stewart however, would start focusing more on the quality of his output again. Both Body Wishes and Camouflage had their moments, but did not quite live up to the lofty standards that Stewart had set for himself.

Before Our Hero released his next studio album, he lent his vocals to his old mate, Jeff Beck.

Flash July 1985 Jeff Beck Album

274. People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield)

Jeff Beck was known to be hard to work with. He would only release an album every couple of years, but when he did, they usually were pretty solid. Stewart and Beck teamed up the year prior for a couple of songs off of Stewart’s Camouflage album. Stewart returns the favor by turning up on Beck’s album Flash.

The dynamic duo pair up for a stirring rendition of what Martin Luther King Jr. named the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. No one can touch The Impressions original recording, but if you are going to try, it better be two of the greatest performers of all time.

Stewart slays on the vocals and Beck is up to the challenge on the guitar. Beck’s version is a little more rough but it needs to be. It gives the song a whole new life.

Grade: A+

Rod entered the studio again 1985. After his successful album, Camouflage, Stewart had confidence of working with his new manager Arnold Stiefel for a couple of years and seemed focused on delivering a more thoughtful and substantial album. And while reviews in Rolling Stone were brutal, with hip if there was the internet at the time, click-baity sentences like, “but it’s encouraging to see signs of life from this likable dinosaur (for the record, Rod Stewart was 41 when Every Beat of My Heart dropped, my age. Far from a dinosaur. I wonder if these “music critics” are eating crow, here we are nearly 40 years later and he is still relevant and releasing new music.)

Every Beat of My Heart June 23, 1986

275. Here to Eternity (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar)

Crime and punishment is the subject that Our Hero has explored several times in the past. Most effectively on Scarred and Scared, on Here to Eternity Stewart takes the role of a woman who’s husband has been arrested on a robbery he did not commit. The law and the court doesn’t listen to her and the song is a plead to the justice system and to “Jimmy Doyle”.

Rod sings the hell out of the song, with a show stopping, sing along chorus;

“But I love him, Here to Eternity, Forever, unto Eternity, Oh God gave me something I must hold onto, Gonna hold onto him, no matter what you do, cause I love him to eternity.”

Rod ends the song with the sentencing of Jimmy to death. With some haunting, beautiful lyrics, “But Amanda with her long red hair made one last plea, As the court fell into silence, she cried out desperately!”

Grade: A

276. Another Heartache (Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance, Randy Wayne)

“Believe me darlin’ this ain’t no game, if you think I’ll be your fool you better think again, I know you love me, but it just ain’t right, I’m sick and tired of fighting with you every night.”

I love this song. Stewart is in top vocal form. He destroys Another Heartache with raw emotion and singing prowess. Stewart had glimmers of greatness on his previous two albums, but on Every Beat of My Heart, Stewart is firing on all cylinders. Gone is most of the studio embellishments that found their way on his early 80’s albums. Back is Stewart in full vocal force. And he flexes his muscles on this winning track. The video is also first rate. Here to Eternity signaled the return of reflective Rod, Another Heartache signaled the return of the best singer in rock ‘n’ roll.

Grade: A+

There is an extended version of Another Heartache on the digital extended version of “Every Beat of My Heart”. More of a remix, that peculiarly adds “I love you honey” from Hot Legs.The music mix is different, some added lyrics but essentially the same song. Not sure if it adds anything to the song but it is fun.

277. A Night Like This (Rod Stewart)

In more ways than one, the album Every Beat of My Heart is a return to a more familiar Rod Stewart. While Stewart will never recapture the magic and looseness of his early albums, it was refreshing to hear him truly go back to his rock roots.

A Night Like This is about the deflowering of a young man, with a more experienced woman. Not as self deprecating and vindictive as Maggie May but it still contains trademark humor from Our Hero. “I’m a set designer, my mum and dad thinking I’m gay.” Driving beat propels the song and Stewart is again in top vocal form.

Grade: B

278. Who’s Gonna Take Me Home (The Rise and Fall of a Budding Gigolo) (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar, Jay Davis)

“Well, I arrived on time, in my corduroy suit and me bottle of wine.” Rod is great at writing songs about making an ass of himself at parties (see Had Me a Real Good Time). I think it might be the greatest song title ever too.

The song is silly but funny and Stewart crushes it vocally. Is it Rod’s deepest song? No. Is it fun and I never skip it when it pops up? Hell yes!

I love the final verse, “I woke up, on the floor, still in my suit she told me I snored, I never felt so cheap, I had a good laugh at the size of her feet.”

Grade: B+

279. Red Hot in Black (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

Rod tries to tame a beautiful, black-haired(!) woman in Paris. His exploits of trying to get her into bed, and Stewart’s trademark humor keeps this blistering song going.

I love the lyrics, “Hey boys! Mystery, Didn’t even know her name, one night in Paris with a girl like that, never going home again.”

The breakneck pace adds to the fun of the track.

Grade: B+

There is an alternate mix of Red Hot in Black on the digital extended version of “Every Beat of My Black.” It’s more aggressive and brings Rod’s voice forward slightly more. Same lyrics, but drops some of the background embellishments.

280. Love Touch (Mike Chapman, Gene Black, Holly Knight)

This is a weird one. Rod sings the hell out of this song on the other hand, it is really dumb. The chorus is “I wanna give you my love touch, ooh, ooh, ooh.”

Rod stated in Storyteller “This is one of the silliest songs I’ve ever recorded. Although, hugely successful, I can’t bring myself to sing it in concert. Holly Knight has written many a good song, but this is not one of them.”

I don’t think it’s quite as bad as Stewart says, it isn’t great but it still went to number 6 on the Billboard Charts and was the theme for the popular Robert Redford movie, Legal Eagles.

Grade: C

If you can’t get enough of Love Touch, there is an extended version on the digital version of “Every Beat of My Heart”. The music plays out a little longer, the middle bridge is slightly different with a different vocal take.

281. In My Own Crazy Way (Rod Stewart, Frankie Miller, Troy Seals, Eddie Setser)

I freaking love this song. Rod gets help from Frankie Miller on a tender, slow moving song with incredible lyrics.

“I tried to keep my sanity, by being some else, someone that you, could hold onto, I only fooled myself.” Our Hero brings it home in the final verse, “the memories of you and me, are written on the wind, and sometimes girl, I’d give the world to do it all again.” The chorus is heart wrenching, “I will always love you, in my own crazy way.”

Grade: A+

A stripped down version of In My Own Crazy Way appears on the digital extended version of “Every Beat of My Heart”. More restrained and it looses the back up singers, just Rod and minimal music, great stuff.

282. Every Beat of My Heart (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar)

A stirring, loving song about missing home. Deeply personal to Stewart as he conjures visions of England and Scotland.

Rod once again is giving it all in an emotional 5 minute tour de force. Stewart is a master at making choruses being heartfelt and arena ready singalongs. “Seagull carry me, over land and sea, to my own folk that’s where I want to be, every beat of my heart, tears me further apart, I’m lost and alone in the dark, I’m going home!”

Grade: A+

283. Ten Days of Rain (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar, Tony Brock)

A ballad that is so heartbreakingly devastating that it should be a hit. Rod again is in the right headspace lyrically and vocally. Breaking up and missing the woman you love is the subject of Ten Days of Rain. Getting over someone you love is hard, and it feels like it’s raining figuratively and literally.

Here’s my favorite lyrics “I can hear the freight train whistle, I can hear the church bell toll, but her telephone line when it’s off the hook, that’s the loneliest sound of them all, in letter that she wrote me, before she went away, she said “darling love is not a hard word to say.”

Grade: A

284. In My Life (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)

Strip a stone cold classic Beatles song, and sing it A Capella style with few music accompaniments, and you have a song that is, sorry to say better than The Beatles. By changing the tempo and vocally giving it a different emotion, you make it your own that is a brilliant way to close the album.

Grade: A+

To hear Stewart at his absolute best, listen to the piano version of In My Life. It can be found on the box set, The Rod Stewart Sessions.

Although Stewart scored a top 10 hit with Love Touch, and despite the album Every Beat of My Heart, being a really good album, it stalled at number 28 on the Billboard Charts. The album fared better in the UK, it reached number 5. One of the issues with the album is possibly the cover. It is a fun cover, with Our Hero underneath a train car, but it only has Rod Stewart above him. No album title and in America it was released under the title, “Rod Stewart”. The album would plant the seeds however of one of Rod’s best albums in 1988. But before we get there, we need to make a couple of stops along the way.

The single, Love Touch was a massive hit for Stewart. Stewart however did not like the song and despite its success, he rarely promoted it. On the B-side of the Love Touch 12” single contained a song intended for the album but didn’t make the cut.

285. Hard Lesson to Learn (Peter Blachley, Bernie Taupin, James Triplett)

A slow, beautiful song about loving someone who doesn’t love you back. My first response when I heard Hard Lesson to Learn was, “how did this not end up on the record?” But the more I thought about it, the song doesn’t really fit the overall experience of Every Beat of My Heart.

But Stewart sings his heart out and takes us along for the ride. It is a really good song that is now available digitally and needs to be heard.

Grade: A-

There is a stripped down version of Hard Lesson to Learn on The Rod Stewart Sessions. Just Rod and a piano. Although this version loses some of the power of the released version, it does once again prove Rod is one hell of a singer.

Before we leave 1986, The Rod Stewart Sessions released in 2009 gave us one more unreleased gem.

286. Heaven (Rod Stewart)

Not quite a finished, 8 minute long song was lost until 2009. Heaven is structurally a little different than what we accustomed to hearing from Rod. The themes are there, love that is so special that it’s like “heaven”.

The song rambles a bit, but it is almost a great idea. Stewart is trying to work out the lyrics, that are not quite finished and he is leading the band through the song. Calling out “next verse” and “guitar”. The song needs a little more oomph, but the idea is almost there. It doesn’t feel 8 minutes long which is a testament to the almost finished quality.

Grade: B-

Rod almost took 1987 off. But Hollywood called him again. With the success of Love Touch, Stewart was pegged to sing a song for the great sci-fi comedy, Innerspace. Rod would take one of his most beloved songs and update it.

Innerspace July 1987

287. Twistin’ The Night Away (Sam Cooke)

Rod would tackle a song that he previously recorded in 1972 for the album, Never A Dull Moment. I personally think this version is Rod’s definitive version. He has more confidence, sings it better and it has a driving force that is infectious. Stewart got the vibe of the film perfectly with this cover.

Where Love Touch embarrassed him, he should be damn proud of his updated Twistin’ The Night Away. The video is one of Rod’s best as well. Seeing him and Martin Short dance together is nothing short (wink) of genius.

Grade: A+

Stewart had embraced the early 80’s with new-wave and synth pop. With 1986’s Every Beat of My Heart he made a more substantial album and he took that confidence with him into the studio with the release of his 1988 masterpiece, Out of Order.

Out of Order May 23, 1988

288. Lost in You (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

What a way to open an album. With the pulsating beats immediately giving you a feeling that you are in for a rocking good time. And by the time Stewart steps up to the mic and shouts, “Hey Baby!” you are sucked into one of Stewart’s most confident and best records.

The happiness is infectious, the second verse always gets me, “Hey baby! You don’t know what you’ve done for me, I’m so happy as any man can deserve to be, I was living in a life of sin, God knows what a mess I was in, So glad you find me I ain’t gettin’ any younger.”

The video is awesome, the song is awesome.

Grade: A+

On Tonight’s The Night: Live 1976-1998 there is an incredible live performance of Lost In You. What makes this version special is it adds a fourth verse that Rod would only sing live.

289. The Wild Horse (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

“I ran way with a hobo and his gypsy friends” so proclaims Our Hero as he leaves his life behind for a life as a troubadour.

Rod is killing it as he rips through verse after verse landing on the chorus, “Cause a wild horse runs free, forever!”

A hidden gem that needs to be blasted and you will be singing along in no time.

Grade: A+

290. Lethal Dose of Love (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor, Tony Brock)

Randy Rod makes a return after a song about missing your love and the love of the road. It is another crunching rock ‘n’ roll song that has some killer grooves and guitar hooks.

“Whoa, whoa dance pretty sister, you turn me on, you make my blood run hot!” I truly enjoy this song, and I am aware that they’re a lot in the Stewart community that do not car for it. But I can’t get over the beat and killer lyrics, “Oh, my family was shocked by your antics and views, the color of your lips and hair, even my brother who’s a God fearin’ man, poor boy had to sit and stare.”

Rod totally crushes this song.

Grade: B+

291. Forever Young (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar, Bob Dylan)

An anthem for children and their parents. One of Rod’s best songs and sung with so much power and so much emotion. Forever Young is the one song that most people that don’t listen to Rod Stewart, know and love. A love letter to his kids with some of his best lyrics.

“May good fortune be with you, may your guiding light be strong, build a stairway to heaven with a prince or a vagabond.” Chills.

Rod brings it home with an emotional and powerful final verse;

“And when you finally fly away, I’ll be hoping that I served you well, For all the wisdom of a lifetime, No one can ever tell.”

After the song was released Stewart realized that it was close lyrically to Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. He sent the song to Dylan asking if he had any objections to the song. Dylan and Stewart agreed to give Dylan a song writing credit and a share of the royalties. I sort of disagree but hats off to Rod. Yes, some of the lyrics are similar, but Rod’s version is so much meatier and powerful.

Grade: A+

There is a piano version of Forever Young on The Rod Stewart Sessions. Rod mentioned that he tried many different arrangements and tempos with the song. In his autobiography Rod got advice from a surprising source, Rod states “I almost dumped the song before it could get to the album. We were going through the tracks and discussing overdubs, and we got to “Forever Young” and I said, “I’m not happy with this song. Let’s bin it.” A bit like “Maggie May”, I wasn’t sure that it had a strong enough hook. And suddenly an engineer, a guy called Steve MacMillan, who had worked in dutiful silence throughout the entire project and never had an opinion on anything, ever, piped up and said “I wouldn’t get rid of that if I were you. It’s the best song you got.”

292. My Heart Can’t Tell You No (Simon Climie, Dennis Morgan)

Rod slows things down with a song about a woman who cheats on him and the pain that he endures. “I don’t want you to come around here no more, I beg you for mercy.” And although he stated those facts he follows that up with, “so I let you in, knowing tomorrow I’m gonna wake up missing you.”

Rod is in top form yet again. He’s voice quakes with emotion and heartbreak and lost on what he’s going to do. Although he did not write My Heart Can’t Tell You No, it is his song.

Grade: A+

There is a more haunting version of My Heart Can’t Tell You No on The Rod Stewart Sessions. Rod is delivering some of his finest phrasing and emotion in the alternate version. The lyrics are mostly the same but the string accompaniment breathes new life into the song.

293. Dynamite (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

Yes! A rip roaring, boys on the town rock song. Another song that I can’t believe was not a hit. Fast guitars and fast women pepper the song.

I love the fighting guitars, in the same vein as Hot Legs. Rod sings fast and loose. After listening to Dynamite, you just want to tear it up. The chorus is a sing along anthem for you and your boys;

“It’s dynamite, on Friday nights, under the big city lights, It’s all right, all right!”

Grade: A

294. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out (Jimmy Cox)

An old blues song, first performed by Bessie Smith in 1929, Rod gives it some roughness. My guess is Rod heard Sam Cooke sing it and got the idea to record it from him. It appears on Sam’s incredible live album Live at the Copa.

It is serviceable and fun.

Grade: B

295. Crazy About Her (Rod Stewart, Duane Hutchings, Jim Cregan)

Hell yes. This is a doozy of a song. The sax, the drums, the bass, the guitars, Rod kinda rapping! Everything works in this song for me. It’s a little dark, a lot sexy and 100% awesome.

Rod has lyrics dripping with double meaning and sexiness “I see her everyday, in rush hour or subway, she don’t notice me, I might as well be a cockroach on the floor, if she belonged to me, I’d give her everything, I’d never cheat or lie, I’d treat her with respect, not just a sex object, I ain’t that kinda guy”

Grade: A+

There are many remixes of Crazy About Her. To seek out three of them, download the extended version found on digital platforms.

296. Try A Little Tenderness (Jimmy Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods)

An old song reworked and made popular by Otis Redding in 1966, Rod oozes confidence as he absolutely owns Try A Little Tenderness.

As I think of songs that I think of when someone asks me, “which song do you think Rod Stewart sings the best on?” This song is always on my mind when I think of Stewart as an incredible vocalist. His phrasing, his emotion are all on full display. Not to mention the power in his voice. When I hear this song, I get goosbumps.

Grade: A+

To hear an absolute barn burner of a performance of this seek out the live performance on Tonight’s The Night: Live 1976-1998.

297. When I Was Your Man (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar)

Rod slows things down as he reminisces about being in love with a woman. Looking back on his love and how they could never work out Stewart proclaims “when I was your man, everything in my world seemed good and right.”

Our Hero once again is in top vocal form, but compared to the rest of the album it is almost a little too sweet. It is a solid song, but somewhat forgettable.

Grade: B

298. Almost Illegal (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

After taking it slow for the last two songs, Out of Order cranks it up to close the album out. The story of young love, between a boy and a “farmer’s daughter.” Almost Illegal is so good. Here is the song on the album that should’ve been a hit, should’ve been released as a single but for some reason just glossed over.

The chorus is catchy as hell, “She’s fabulous, so sensuous, she’s marvelous, she’s mine, I’m delirious, it’s serious kinda dangerous, almost illegal!”

I love this song lyrically too because it tells a whole story, the final verse is brilliant;

“We had a one child by the springtime, another on the way, I got a new life and a good wife, ain’t that amazing grace.”

Grade: A+

Out of Order proved to be a massive hit for Stewart. While it only rose to number 20 on the Billboard Charts, it stayed there for over a year. In fact on the year end charts for 1988 it was number 53, but for 1989 it shot up to number 24. It surpassed over 2 million units sold in the United States. And all four singles, Lost In You, Forever Young, My Heart Can’t Tell You No and Crazy About Her were top 15 hits. Before we leave 1988, there are a few more Rod Stewart gems to listen to.

299. Days of Rage (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

A hard driving rock song that was the B-side to Forever Young. A fun song, sung with conviction by Rod. The only reason I can think of why this did not end up on the album is they choose the better, Almost Illegal. Both songs have the same driving beat, with Almost Illegal, in my opinion being more strong structurally and lyrically stronger.

Days of Rage though is a blistering song that has Stewart recounting his life and how he got to where he is today (in 1988). Listen to at maximum volume!

Grade: B+

300. Love is a Four Letter Word (Rod Stewart)

“I’ve been sittin’ here all day trying to figure what I am gonna say…” Stewart pleads with his listener that he is still “in love with you”. A work in progress that Stewart would repurpose the lyrics, as some appear in Lost In You and others would pop up three years later on Vagabond Heart’s No Holding Back.

Although it is not finished, it still has some killer vocals from Stewart. It is also cool to hear Stewart hit on lyrics that he likes and brings back into finished songs.

In the liner notes for The Rod Stewart Sessions, Andy Zax states that Love is a Four Letter Word has been dancing around in Stewart’s head since Every Beat of My Heart.

Grade: B

301. I Go To Jail For You (Rod Stewart, Andy Taylor)

Another song that is not finished with Rod mumbling words to make them fit the music. The chorus and the swelling of the music leading into the chorus are all on point. But the rest of the song isn’t there. I think if Stewart wanted to, he could’ve spent maybe a little more time on this and it would’ve easily made the album. But Out of Order is already so strong that it doesn’t need any extra songs.

Grade: C

There was no stopping Rod Stewart. He conquered the 70’s and he was closing out the 80’s the same way. At the end of the decade Stewart was ready to tackle the 90’s on top of the music world. We will dive into that next in Part 9: In Which Our Hero Reunites with His Best Mate and Once Again Conquers MTV.

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 114, Hot Shots! (1991)

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!

114. Hot Shots! (1991) Directed by Jim Abrahams

The Movie: Pilot Leland “Buzz” Harley (Bill Irwin) is suffering a malfunction on his jet. Buzz ejects a leaves behind his co-pilot Dominic “Mailman” Farnham (Ryan Stiles) to go down with the plane. Mailman survives, but as he sticks his head out from a tree, is helmet is now fashioned with branches that look like deer antlers. It so happens to be deer season and Mailman is shot and killed by hunters. This is a nightmare that hot shot pilot Topper Harley (Charlie Sheen) has almost every night.

Harley is asked to return to active duty by Lieutenant Commander Block (Kevin Dunn) for the U.S. Navy on a top secret mission called Operation Sleepy Weasel, being overseen by Admiral Benson (Lloyd Bridges). Harley can’t seem to shake his psychological problems that arise whenever someone mentions his father. He is ordered to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Ramada Thompson (Valeria Golino), who just so happens to be beautiful and the object of Topper’s desire.

Ramada however has a suave and dapper ex-boyfriend, Kent Gregory (Cary Elwes) who also happens to Mailman’s son and Gregory blames Topper’s father for his fathers death and thinks Topper is dangerous. Topper’s co-pilot and eater of Mailman Jim “Wash Out” Pfaffenbach (Jon Cryer) is one of the few people that give Topper a chance.

We learn that Lt. Block has brought Topper back for nefarious reasons. He has made a deal with a business tycoon Wilson (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) for his new super planes, and if the mission fails then the Navy will be compelled to buy new planes.

On one of the last training missions, Topper oversleeps and Wash Out pretends to be Topper to keep him out of trouble. An accident occurs and kills Pete “Dead Meat” Thompson (William O’Leary). After the accident Block believes with the death of Dead Meat that should be enough for the Navy to buy Wilson’s jets, he however believes they need to fail in a mission.

The mission is finally revealed, they will attack an Iraqi Nuclear Plant. Topper is assigned to lead the mission, which upsets Gregory. During the mission Block mentions Buzz to Topper. Topper has a panic attack and is unable to perform. Block sensing that he has done what needed to be done is about to abort the mission. Before he can a squadron of Iraqi fighters intercept the Navy pilots. Block can’t allow the men to die so he sets the record straight and tells Topper that what he was told about his dad was not true. Buzz did everything he could to save Mailman but he was unsuccessful.

Topper snaps out of his panic attack and goes on to complete the mission. He even drops a bomb right on Saddam Hussein. The US is successful and Wilson’s plan is revealed. Back on the ship Gregory calls out Topper, but only to tell him he is a damn good pilot. He also gives Topper and Ramada his blessing to be a couple.

Why I Love Hot Shots! (1991): Jim Abrahams is responsible for some of my favorite comedies. (See #140 Airplane! and #133 Top Secret!). I just love parodies that have silly dialogue but the actors treat it 100% serious. Case in point after Topper is explaining why you play to win;

“My father used to say that not playing to win is like sleeping with your sister. Sure she’s a great piece of tail, with a blouse full of goodies, but it’s just illegal. Then you got into that whole inbred thing. Kids with no teeth, who do nothing but play the banjo, eat apple sauce through a straw, pork farm animals.”

There is an art to making films like this. Everybody has to by in. From Charlie Sheen carrying the movie to his love interest Valeria Golino being totally game and also delivering a hell of a performance. But maybe the MVP is Cary Elwes. His deadpan, on point delivery would serve him well here and he would parlay this role into another great spoof in 1993, Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

The plot doesn’t matter, just as long as it functions as a way to get to the next set piece. And Hot Shots! breezes by at a relentless pace that begs for repeat viewings.

Hot Shots! is a non-stop, Mach 3 comedy.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 115, Superman (1978)

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!***

115. Superman (1978) Directed by Richard Donner

The Movie: On the distant planet of Krypton, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) a member of the Kryptonian High Council discovers that the planet will soon be destroyed. Jor-El is dismissed and ignored by the other Council Members. Jor-El takes action to save his child Kal-El by sending him to Earth. Jor-El is aware that Earth will enhance Kal-El’s abilities, giving him superhuman powers. Jor-El sends Kal-El away in the nick of time, Krypton is soon destroyed.

Kal-El’s spaceships lands in Smallville, Kansas. He is found by Jonathan and Martha Kent. They both are flabbergasted that this small child can lift their truck. The Kent’s adopt Kal-El and name him Clark.

Jonathan dies from a heart attack when Clark turns 18. Clark is drawn a green crystal in his spacecraft. Clark is summoned to the Artic, where he uses the crystal to construct the Fortress of Solitude. After he builds it a hologram of Jor-El appears. Jor-El spends the next 12 years teaching Clark about his powers and why he was sent to Earth. Clark (Christopher Reeve) leaves the fortress, but he is now wearing a blue suit with a red cape. He also has the House of El family crest placed on his chest.

Clark settles down in the sprawling city of Metropolis. Clark becomes a reporter for the Daily Planet at meets fellow reporter Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). When Lois commandeers a helicopter for a story, it soon is headed towards Earth. Lois and the pilots are saved however, by Clark, who unleashes his incredible powers for all to see. Soon sightings and heroic act from the “Caped Wonder” are all the citizens of Metropolis can talk about. At the Daily Planet, Perry White (Jackie Cooper) wants a story on him.

Lois scores the interview when Clark shows up at her apartment. Lois writes the article and dubs him, “Superman”. Superman has also caught the attention of Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), who intends to detonate a nuclear bomb in the San Andreas Fault causing the West Coast to break away and he can rule the new West Coast of the United States. Luthor is aware that Superman could foil his plans. Luthor deduces that a meteorite that crashed into Earth and is from Krypton would be radioactive to Superman. Luthor lures Superman into his underground lair. Superman arrives but is weakened by the kryptonite and is rendered incapacitated by Luthor. Luthor taunts Superman and tells him that he is also sending a second missile, this one to destroy the city of Hoboken, New Jersey. Luthor leaves and his henchwoman, Eve Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine) assists in freeing Superman, as long as he promises to stop the missile heading to New Jersey first as her mom lives there. Superman flies and intercepts the missile to New Jersey and carries it to space.

Superman, however is too late to stop the other missile that detonates in the San Andreas Fault Line. Superman thinks fast and helps lesson the impact of the explosion by sealing the fault line. But although he stopped the west coast from breaking away from the United States, Lois Lane is trapped in her car and dies. Superman upset that he could not save Lois, defies Jor-El’s wishes to not manipulate history. Superman instead follows the advice of his “dad” and decides he is on Earth for a reason. Superman flies around the Earth in an opposite direction causing time to reverse. He saves Lois’ life and stops the missile from detonating. Superman delivers Luthor and his henchman to prison and flies away, into the sunrise.

Why I Love Superman (1978): Superman is not my favorite Super-Hero. In fact, he is far from it. I have always said though that if you can tell a good Superman story, you are one hell of a writer. Superman by his very nature is unbeatable. But he is also one damn fine person and hero. By exposing this all-powerful man to his failures, and how he rises above them makes for a great story. Superman 1978 does just that.

With superb direction from Richard Donner, and an all-time fun script, Superman outclasses many comic book films. There is something that is undeniable about Superman standing for “truth, justice and the American way”. And although that might be an antiquated slogan, it beams brightly in the film.

At the heart of the film is Christopher Reeve’s star turning and incredible performance as Clark Kent/Superman. Reeve brought the perfect blend of golly shucks of Clark Kent and the powerful and lovable balance of Superman. Margot Kidder is also phenomenal as Lois Lane. She delivers a great response to Superman’s “Easy, miss. I got you.” “You, you got me? Who’s got you?”

And you cannot talk about Superman without talking about John Williams’ fantastic score and theme for Superman.

Without a doubt, Superman is one of the first great Hollywood comic book films. It soars on the cape of a charismatic lead, fantastic score and heart pounding action.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 116, Scream (1996)

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!***

116. Scream (1996) Directed by Wes Craven

The Movie: Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore) is home alone. She is making popcorn and getting to watch a movie. Casey’s telephone rings. The person on the other side of the line is charming and at first Casey and the caller explain why the love scary movies. The man on the other line however, so turns their fun, flirty call into a sadistic game. Outside, Casey’s boyfriend, Steve (Kevin Patrick Walls) is tied to a chair with his mouth gagged. The man on the other line tells Casey that she must play a trivia game about scary movies or he will “cut Steve like a fish!” Casey terrified, agrees. She gets the first question right, but on her second question, “Who’s the killer in Friday the 13th?” She guesses “Jason.” She’s wrong and Steve is murdered. The killer sets his sights on Casey next. Dressed in a “Ghostface” costume, the killer chases Casey down and murders her as well.

When news of Casey and Steve’s murder gets out, the news media descends onto Woodsboro High. Student Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), her friend Tatum (Rose McGowan), Sidney’s boyfriend Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich), Tatum’s boyfriend Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) there movie nerd friend Randy (Jamie Kennedy) all have theories on who the killer might be.

Part of the news media that arrived at Woodsboro is Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) who is familiar with Sidney. Gale reported on Sidney’s mom’s rape and murder. Gale believes that Sidney identified the wrong person, Cotton Weary (Liev Schreiber) which puts her at odds with Sidney and her friends. Gale sets her sights on the lovable and gullible Deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette) who is also Tatum’s brother.

That night Sidney is home alone and her phone rings. We the viewer recognize the voice as the killer. It also so happens to be the one year anniversary of her mom’s death. The Killer attacks and is scared away when law enforcement arrives. Billy happens to arrive at the same moment and a cell phone drops out of his pocket. Billy is arrested and taken to the police station for questioning.

Sidney goes to Tatum’s home. While she is there Sidney receives a taunting message from the killer, informing her that Billy isn’t the killer and that she is not safe. Billy is released and tells Sidney that the police now think that Billy scared the killer off. Unbeknownst to Sidney, the police now focus on her father Neil (Lawrence Hecht), after they receive an update that the number that called Sidney was traced to her father’s cell phone.

School is released for the day due to the murder, but Principal Himbry (Henry Winkler) doesn’t make it home. Ghostface kills him. To celebrate school being cancelled, Stu throws a party at his house.

Gale decides to go to the party as she believes that Ghostface will strike there next. There she flirts and starts to fall for Deputy Dewey who is there to make sure the kids are safe. Tatum enters the garage to get beers and is attacked by Ghostface. She attempts to flee and is caught in the doggie door in the garage, Ghostface operates the door causing it to go up and crush Tatum in the process. The party winds down after everyone hears about the death of Principal Himbry.

Sidney makes amends with Billy and they have sex. Afterwards, Ghostface busts into the room, stabs and kills Billy. Sidney runs away and goes outside and to Gale’s news van. The only thing she finds is Gale’s cameraman Kenny (W. Earl Brown) dead. Gale gets into the van and crashes it. Dewey in an attempt to save Sidney is stabbed in the back. Sidney grabs Dewey’s gun and retreats inside.

Stu and Randy emerge and accuse each other of being the killer. Billy is not dead, he is wounded and falling down the stairs. Sidney helps him up and gives him the gun. Billy shoots Randy, and reveals himself to be the killer. But, he is not alone. Stu reveals a voice box and that he is Billy’s accomplice.

Sidney asks Billy and Stu why they are killing everyone, Billy responds that Sidney’s mother was having an affair with not only Cotton Weary, but Billy’s father, which led to his parents getting a divorce. Billy and Stu further explain they killed Sidney’s mother and framed Cotton Weary.

Gale soon arrives and helps Sidney. Sidney uses this opportunity to beat the killers at their own game and taunts them into making mistakes. Sidney knocks Billy out and kills Stu by dropping a TV on his head. Billy wakes up and attacks Sidney, but Gale shoots him dead. Randy who is wounded tells Sidney this is the part in the movie where the killer wakes up for one last scare. Billy wakes up and takes a shot to the head, killing him for good.

Why I Love Scream (1996): Horror movies are a blast, not in spite of their cliches but because of them. Scream doesn’t talk down to the audience, it lets them in on the joke. We all know you don’t say you’ll be right back, because that is a death wish.

Scream fully embraces that the audience knows what is going to happen and yet it still delivers on all its promises. It also plays with your emotions. Right away you think, “Of course it’s Billy”. But, writer Kevin Williamson not only delivers him as the killer, he makes us question Billy as a suspect throughout the film, even though we know it’s him, making Scream one hell of a ride.

Wes Craven was the perfect director to bring Scream to life. He actually took a really serious approach to this type of storytelling two years prior in the criminally underrated, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare.

The cast is a who’s who of young talent that all deliver stellar performances. Neve Campbell as Sidney is one of the greatest final girls in horror. My favorite, however is easily Courteney Cox. She’s tenacious, a bitch and always gets what she wants. If Cox wasn’t so great at playing her she would be another villain in the film. Cox however turns her into a woman you love and love to hate.

Of course, besides the murder mystery, the biggest selling point to Scream is its all time great opening. Not just in horror films, but in films period.

Grisly murders, a murder mystery, likable cast and impeccable direction make Scream an all time horror great.

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