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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:

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  • 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)

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