Favourite Films

I can't imagine being able to pick out one favourite film. Here are some of the ones I love; there are almost certainly more:

The Fisher King (1991)

This is the movie I will always wish I had written. Damn you Richard LaGravenese! (Who also wrote "The Ref") Legend and myth and fantasy and reality blend together so seamlessly and shamelessly. A monstrous red knight and an awkward attempt at eating chicken balls, together at last.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This and "Run Lola Run" are the only two movies I have ever finished watching, rewound and immediately watched again (back when rewinding was a thing). Powerful story, exceptional characters, masterfully told. Those screenwriting books and teachers that claim narration is lazy and best avoided obviously haven't been listening to Red.

The Rewatchables

Beyond the movies I would bring up in a conversation about favourites, there are the other ones - the comedies that might not make the official list, but if they happen to show up on the TV schedule on a Sunday afternoon, you'd better believe I'm watching them, yet again:

21 Jump Street
22 Jump Street
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Elf
Hancock
Horrible Bosses
Men in Black
Men in Black 3
The Nice Guys
Spy
Zoolander

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Yes, I'm a sucker for cute talking animals. Beyond that however, this Disney film is a wonderful example of the simple kind of stories that are getting told less and less often, even for kids. This film didn't have razzle-dazzle, sight gags or sarcasm for the grown-ups because it didn't need it. The story about two friends the world wouldn't let stay together is good enough for all ages as is.

More Favourite Films

Big Fish (2003)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Children of Men (2006)
Dean Spanley (2008)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The Evil Dead series ('81,'87,'93)
Festen (1998)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Galaxy Quest (1999)
Ghost Busters (1984)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Hairspray (2007)
Happy Feet (2006)
Harvey (1950)
Heart and Souls (1993)
His Girl Friday (1940)

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Inside Out (2015)
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Last Feast of the Crocodiles (1995 doc.)
London Road (2015)
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Paper Planes (2014)
ParaNorman (2012)
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Ref (1994)
Robin Hood (1973 animated)
Run Lola Run (1998)
Scrooged (1988)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)