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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 105, Logan (2017)

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!!!***

105. Logan (2017) Directed by James Mangold

The Movie: The year is 2029. Mutants have not been born in over 25 years. Logan (Hugh Jackman) is working as a limo driver and his healing factor is failing him. He also takes care of Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) with fellow mutant, Caliban (Stephen Merchant). Xavier has dementia and spends his days in a smelting plant in Mexico. His disease causes him to have seizures, so powerful that they have killed several X-Men.

Logan meets a nurse, Gabriela (Elizabeth Rodriguez) who pleads with Logan to escort her and Laura (Dafne Keen) to a place called Eden. A refuge near the American-Canadian border. Gabriela never makes the trip. She is killed by Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), a cyborg Chief of Security from the company, Transigen. Laura who is hiding in Logan’s limo is revealed as being a mutant, with powers similar to Logan. Logan, Xavier and Laura are able to escape, Caliban however, is captured by Pierce. Caliban has the ability to track mutants and is tortured by Pierce to find Logan.

On Gabriella’s phone, Logan discovers that she worked for Transigen. The company was using mutant DNA on children to see the effects and turn them into weapons. Most of the children were executed due to their unstable nature. Gabriella and other nurses helped some of the children escape, including Laura. Laura is like Logan because she was given his DNA. In essence, she is Logan’s daughter.

The trio make their way to Oklahoma City and Logan learns that the promise of Eden is nothing more than a place in a comic book. Logan and Laura are soon under attack from Pierce and his Reavers. Xavier however has a seizure, incapacitating everyone but Logan and Laura. They skewer them and escape Pierce.

Logan stumbles on a farmer named Will (Eriq La Salle) and help him and his family. After, Will invites Logan, Laura and Xavier to his home for dinner. After dinner the family and Logan are attacked by X-24, Logan’s clone, Pierce and the Reavers. The family and Xavier are all killed by X-24. Laura is kidnapped, Caliban blows himself and some Reavers up with a grenade. With the help of Will, Logan saves Laura and they escape.

Logan buries Xavier and passes out from his injuries. Laura is able to persuade Logan to go to North Dakota to see if Eden is real or not. When they arrive they meet fellow children that have escaped from Transigen. Logan sends Laura with the other mutants and decides not to follow them to Canada.

The Reavers arrive however and start to attack the children. Logan takes a serum given to him by the mutant Rictor (Jason Genao) that enhances all of Logan’s powers. Logan and Laura kill most of the Reavers. Leaving Pierce and Zander Rice (Richard E. Grant). Rice tells Logan that he killed his father at the Weapon X facility and there have been no more mutants because Rice genetically engineered crops and distributed the food into the worlds supply. Logan shoots Rice and kills hi and then critically injuries Pierce. Pierce is killed by the combined powers of the children and Logan is left to fight X-24 again. Rictor flips a truck onto X-24 but it doesn’t slow him down. He impales Logan on a tree branch. Laura loads the gun that Logan had and loads it with an adamantium bullet that Logan had intended for himself and shoots X-24, killing him.

Logan is dying and Laura takes his hand as he finally succumbs to his injuries. The children bury Logan and place a cross to mark his grave. Laura turns the cross on it’s side, making an “X” for the last X-Man.

Why I Love Logan (2017): Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was always a highlight of the X-Men films. HIs first solo film was just ok, the second was pretty dope. But what the comic book world wanted was a mean, and dirty Wolverine film.

We got it and them some with Logan. Buoyed by an incredible and intense performance by Jackman, Logan gives us the blood letting we want from Wolverine and the poignant story his character deserved.

With the misstep of X-Men: The Last Stand, Fox wisely rebooted the X-Men franchise. They pulled off a great multiverse, multi-generational story in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Bringing Jackman back for that film made it clear the world missed Wolverine.

James Mangold steps into the directors chair, and his deft touch is equal parts heartache and action. The scene in the hotel is incredible and the events on the farm break your heart. After Logan finds Xavier and learns that X-24, his clone killed him he is overcome with grief, it is shot so beautifully and powerfully acted. My favorite scene in any X-Men film, hands down.

Don’t believe me that this film is incredibly written? It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Even though Jackman’s Logan returns for 2024’s Deadpool 3, Jackman only agreed to that film if they left Logan alone, because like Weapon X himself, this is where Wolverine’s story deserves to end.

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 106, Hot Fuzz (2007)

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!!!***

106. Hot Fuzz (2007) Directed by Edgar Wright

The Movie: Private Constable Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is in line for a promotion with the London Police Department. He is promoted to Sergeant but his co-workers dislike him and he is sent to a small town called Sandford, Gloucertershire, a beautiful and seemingly perfect town. In fact, it is always in consideration for “Village of the Year”.

Due to Angel’s high-level of productivity and coming from London, he finds the mundane life of Sandford boring and unfulfilling. He is appalled at his lazy and incompetent co-workers. He does strike up a friendship with PC Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) who he threw in jail for frunk driving. Danny is the son of the Chief Inspector Frank Butterman (Jim Broadbent). Angel also has to contend with the Neighbourhood Watch Alliance and the owner of the local grocery store, Simon Skinner (Timothy Dalton). Skinner invites Angel to the town’s performance of “Romeo and Juliet”. The lead actors are atrocious and are murdered soon after the play by a cloaked axe murderer.

The next morning Angel and Butterman are called out to a car accident. There Angel finds the two actors dead and decapitated from the “accident”. Angel doesn’t believe it was an accident and suspects foul play.

Angel and Butterman discover an illegal weapon storage on a call for a dispute and confiscate all the weapons. Butterman invites Angel over to watch his favorite cop-buddy films and their bond grows stronger.

That night the cloaked figure returns, and blows up the house of a wealthy land developer, George Merchant (Ron Cook). The next morning on scene Angel starts to suspect that the two crime scenes are related. Angel’s suspicions are verified by the local reporter, Tim Messenger (Adam Buxton) who tells Angel to meet him around the back of a church.

As Messenger is waiting for Angel, the cloaked figure pushes a portion of the church of the roof, landing on Messenger killing him. Angel is late meeting Messenger because he is buying a birthday gift for Danny. While talking to the florist, he learns that she is planning on selling her land to Merchant’s partners, who are rivals of Skinner and leaves to retrieve his notebook. The florist is stabbed by the cloaked figure and Angel gives chase. Angel loses the suspect but he returns to Skinner’s supermarket where he confronts Skinner whom he believes is behind the murders. Skinner however has an alibi and is not arrested.

Angel isn’t giving up. He believes there are multiple killers and returns to his hotel room. There he is attacked by Skinner’s employee Lurch (Rory McCann). Angel subdues Lurch and is able to learn of a meeting that the NWA is having at Sandford Castle. At the meeting Angel learns that NWA is lead by Frank and that they are behind the murders. Their reason for killing the townspeople is that the ones that are murdered could hurt the chances of Sandford winning “Village of the Year”. After learning that Frank’s wife committed suicide after failing to win ‘Village of the Year” he reveals that he will stop at nothing to win it. Angel escapes to the catacombs of the castle where he finds murdered individuals. Angel is caught by Danny and Danny stabs him, “killing” Angel.

Danny drives Angel to a gas station and tells him to run away to London. Inside the station Angel sees a bunch of movies on a rack that he and Danny become friends with after watching them. Angel returns to Sandford.

Angel breaks into the Sandford PD’s evidence vault and grabs all the weapons he confiscated earlier. Angel recruits Danny to help him take down the NWA. Danny agrees. After a shootout in a pub, Frank demands that the other officer’s arrest Angel and Danny. Instead, they join the fight against the NWA.

Angel and Danny chase Skinner to a model of Sandford and after a fight Skinner trips and impales himself through the lower jaw on a church spire.

After the shootout, Angel is asked to return to London, he declines and decides to remain in Sandford. After the arrests of the NWA, their last remaining member arrives at the PD and attacks the police with a blunderbuss. Danny jumps in front of a shot intended for Angel and an old sea mine is accidently set, killing the NWA member and destroying the PD.

Flash forward a year and Angel is now the Inspector of Sandford with Danny as his Sergeant.

Why I Love Hot Fuzz (2007): My first exposure to Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost was the awesome Shaun of the Dead (more on that much later). I loved that movie, which led me to their brilliant BBC show Spaced. I always look forward to what they do next.

Hot Fuzz takes what you know and love about buddy cop movies and makes it an entertaining and wild ride. Wright has the amazing ability to suck you into the worlds he crafts and make them familiar and different. You will recognize the movies that they reference almost immediately. And even if you don’t, Danny literally tells you his favorite parts and they play out in the film.

The soundtrack is awesome. I listen to it constantly. But don’t sleep on the score. They blend together in perfect harmony to create an insanely entertaining movie with a thumping drive that keeps the movie humming. If you have the ability to, pick up Mondo’s vinyl pressing of the score. It is epic.

And holy cow. The final action sequence is all sorts of awesome. From gun fights in the supermarket to Simon Pegg riding into town on horseback and some classic one-liners, Hot Fuzz keeps me grinning from ear to ear.

Hot Fuzz is an entertaining action/comedy, with some horror sprinkled in to make it the perfect sundae for movie fans.  

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 107, My Fair Lady (1964)

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. My Fair Lady (1964) Directed by George Cukor

The Movie: Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) sells flowers and talks with a thick Cockney accent.Phonetician Professor Henry Higgins (Stewie Griffin…I mean Rex Harrison) meets Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) a linguist who is home from India. Higgins believes he can turn even Eliza Doolittle into a duchess at an Embassy Ball. Eliza wants to speak better so she can be an assistant at the floral shop, because “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” Eliza shows up at Higgins door the next morning and asks for speaking lessons. Pickering tells Higgins he will cover all attendant expenses if Higgins is successful.

Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Doolittle (Stanley Holloway) learns that Eliza has moved into Higgins’ home and confronts the professor there. Alfred explains that he must protect his daughter’s virtue, which he sells to Higgins for five pounds. Higgins recommends to Doolittle to seek out an American friend who is interested in morality.

Eliza moves in and soon she and Higgins begin to clash. She believes that he is out of control with his tutoring and he learns that everyone doesn’t see him as a nice man. Frustrated with Eliza’s lack of progress, Higgins is at his wit’s end, when he hears her recite “The Rain in Spain”. Eliza is shocked too and “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

Higgins decides that Eliza is ready to impress “high society” and takes her to the Ascot Racecourse. At first she looks the part of a lady, but the excitement of the race brings out the true Eliza and she shocks the patrons. One person not shocked is Freddy Eynsford-Hill (Jeremy Brett) and he declares he will meet her on the street outside.

Eliza tries again at the Embassy Ball. The people at the Ball are blown away by Eliza’s beauty and grace. Eliza even dances with a Transylvanian Prince. Hungarian phonetician Zoltan Karpathy (Theodore Bikel) seems to be onto the scam but soon declares Eliza is a Hungarian Princess.

After the success of the Ball, and smug with arrogance with their success, Higgins and Pickering celebrate, but Eliza is dismayed that they do not give her any credit for transformation. Eliza throws Higgins’ slippers at him and runs out of the house and into Freddy. He declares his love for Eliza and she tells him don’t tell her, “Show Me”.

Eliza returns to her father where she learns that he has come into money, left to him by the American. He is to resigned to marry Eliza’s stepmother. Alfred blames Higgins for this and gets drunk on his wedding day. Eliza decides to visit Higgins mother, who is shocked by her son’s behavior.

Higgins is beside himself that Eliza left and finds her at his mother’s house. Higgins begs Eliza to comeback, but she tells him that she is going to marry Freddy and become Karpathy’s assistant.Higgins walks home, but has “Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and misses Eliza. Higgins returns home and listens to the recordings, appalled by his behavior. Eliza appears at his door, and Higgins asks, “Eliza, where in the devil are my slippers?”

Why I Love My Fair Lady (1964): Funny, heartfelt and some of the best performances in a musical, makes My Fair Lady an absolute winner. Of course, Audrey Hepburn steals the show and you fall in love with her every time she walks onto the screen. Rex Harrison is equally charming as the lovable, yet out of touch Higgins.

The costumes are legendary. The way director George Cukor stages the dances and the music is nothing short of cheer-worthy. The film is easy to love, and it will have you smiling from the opening to the classic last line in the film.

I have a huge soft spot in my heart for musicals and this time in Hollywood delivered some of the best. The lavish sets and costumes not only where beautiful to look at, they also served a purpose. When Hepburn walks out during the horserace, you gasp at her beauty and laugh at her antics.

This is an easy film to watch and put on and just let it wash all over you. I get lost in the film every time I watch it. With the not so subtle Cockney accent from Hepburn to her lovable “change” into a Duchess.

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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.

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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.

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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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