Oh my god, Yes!! All of these movies! Plus Albert Brooks’ Real Life, Comic Strip presents Bad News Tour, and More Bad News, The Rutles, After Hours, Tommy, Putney Swope, Rosemary’s Baby, Rushmore, Godzilla V. Hedorah, and about twelve other movies I had on VHS!
The "original" Albert Einstein, as I know you know, Matty.....his bro, Bob, is/was Super Dave Osborne. Again, those are just for the young'uns tuning in! For those wanting to dig deeper into the Brooks career, don't overlook his albums.....HIGH-larious!
Oh yes, Robert Klein too!!! We used to listen to his tapes on long drives!! His school songs for public schools!! His late night DJ, My Little Margie! ❤️❤️
You might want to plan another trip......especially if he's new to you: Franklyn Ajaye! Another '70s comic (who recorded), Franklyn was in "Car Wash" with Carlin, and in '80, Pryor made sure he gave a brutha a job in his "Stir Crazy." Not sure as to the availability of streaming output of for Ajaye, but your best bet might be YT: Here's a Midnight Special set from '76: Enjoy, Britta! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1l43jWvgco
Reading the list I was surprised at how many of them I've seen and I kept thinking, "oh, right, _that_'s a great movie too."
I would suggest that one of my favorite movies which seems like it would fit with that sequence is My Dinner With Andre (also, thinking of movies that have the structure of a romantic comedy while doing more than that, Ruby Sparks hit me much harder than I expected).
Yes. One of the only times I will attempt an impersonation is Wallace Shawn's line from Princess Bride
"You have fallen prey to one of the two classic blunders. The first, never get into a land war in Asia. The second, and only slightly less well know, never match wits with a Sicilian when death is on the line."
Such an awesome list!! So many of these are favorites of mine! I was seriously thinking of Defending Your Life just the other day when I dropped the lid to my water bottle while I was driving 🤣 I decided I could just do without the lid.
I love that you make the case for these films being in the romantic comedy genre. (Ash’s hand lmao!!). That’s solid (your reasoning) I teach an intro to film class where the first assignment asks students to explain genre theory, pick a film and demonstrate how it fits into the typical genre conventions of whatever genre they want to say it falls into… it’s amazing how many students struggle with this.
Thanks, Kristin! I think of DYL when I drop something in the car all the time!:) I came up with the "romantic comedy" bit after I made my list, though I think it does work for at least 10 of the films on the list! So cool that you teach film -- I studied film in college and was a producer/editor (and other video related jobs) for 30 plus years until I couldn't look at screens all day anymore. I would love to do another 13, but choosing films from different countries....
I tried to read the book after obsessing over the movie, but didn’t get far. I’d read half a page and then go do something else. But the movie is unbelievable heady and amazing and it began my retro-crush on Alan Arkin! R.I.P.
I’m going to create a list and I realized that “Boogie Nights” is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. I’m glad it’s on your list, it’s one of those films that I talk about and when people don’t know anything about the movie except that it is set in the porn industry they always give me a look. To me it’s one of the greatest films about a fractured family.
Definitely captures a fractured but loving family. And having worked for one of the biggest porn companies in the ‘80s as a video editor, I recognized elements of the industry in the film.
Kevin, I don’t know how you keep track of all the comments people make but I’m just now seeing this two weeks later. It’s a good question as to what happened to Laura San Giacomo. I think she costarred in a TV series in the 90s and had a really bad experience and then wasn’t getting hired for stuff and sort of left the industry but I could be making all that up.
I made it all up as I just looked her up on Wiki and she's done a lot of stuff. Just nothing I would watch. Like CSI. The show she costarred in was Just Shoot Me. Sounds like she has a disabled son and spent a good amount of time taking care of him as well. Oh, and she was hooked on the heroin for a decade. She thought "Just Shoot Me" was about drug addicts and was a method actor. No, I just made that up.
Great list! The "Before" trilogy is in my all-time top 3, and I think the ending of the second film may be the most perfect of any film I've seen (and, as a film minor in college, I've seen a lot...).
100% to Before Sunset being the perfect ending. In fact, if I had to choose, I would pick that one as my favorite of the three, but it wasn't as influential to the person I would become as Before Sunrise.
I am reminded of a couple of my favs ... "Defending Your Life" is a wonderful look into the very creative, humble and human mind of Albert Brooks.
And "Spinal Tap" ... maybe the best mockumentary ever made -- well, along with "Best in Show." BTW, there's a "Spinal Tap" sequel in the making (40 years on).
Just imagine what they can do with an aging metal band waaaaay past their prime ... and it wasn't much of a prime to begin with. Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove and Garth Brooks are making cameos in the new film.
Had to share!! Making eggs right now, and when I do, I am reminded that I need to memorize this:
“If these tests could be converted into eggs, it would be enough to feed a city the size of Saint Louis for more than two years, on a 2 egg person, per week basis. Sounds complicated? It was. And very expensive!”
'Harold & Maude' is probably my all-time favorite film! I first saw it in my teens and immediately fell in love with the story and, of course, the soundtrack. Since then, I have probably seen the movie 100+ times (honestly!) on both the big screen (it gets an annual screening at any of the numerous indie cinemas in Portland, OR) and on video/DVD. I have also hosted film clubs, and H&M has been featured regularly. More often than not, I have people leave saying they were deeply affected by it and how much they loved it. I've even received emails years later from those who were in my film club sharing how the movie was "life-changing" for them. The symbolism throughout, the quirkiness, the subtle humor, the juxtapositions Hal Ashby makes, the film's underlying message, and the songs, all make it a perfect film.
Thanks, Matty, for giving Steve the platform to share his fave movies! Steve, this was a great way to get to know you better (something I'm always for)!! Love your list, but two words: "Stand By Me." I've always appreciated Spielberg's everything, but as "E.T." (that'd be on my list) showed us how well Stephen worked with kids (an astonishing feat, as those who's ever taught kids know!).
Rob Reiner did the same thing with Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix (bless his heart). Talented kids, yes, but to get them (on film!) to relax in front of the camera to the point where (in front of another dude, yet), expose your feelings to the point of absolute rawness takes remarkable sensitivity from the director.
Anyway, well done, Steve....very enjoyable, and thanks again, Matty, for roping our boy in!!!😊👍
Thanks for the kind words, Mr. Kyle! I would have had "Stand By Me" in a top 25 for sure. I also didn't want to pick more than one from any director. Rob Reiner could get 5 of my top 10 if I did that. Also, your fellow Texan, Richard Linklater, could take up the other 5. Dazed and Confused is in the 25 as well.
um…for you, the world! Though The Newton Boys was disappointing. I thought it was about brothers who invented the fig newton and the complicated aftermath of cookie success and excess.
Oh my god, Yes!! All of these movies! Plus Albert Brooks’ Real Life, Comic Strip presents Bad News Tour, and More Bad News, The Rutles, After Hours, Tommy, Putney Swope, Rosemary’s Baby, Rushmore, Godzilla V. Hedorah, and about twelve other movies I had on VHS!
Albert Brooks doesn't get enough kudos.
If you haven’t seen the documentary about him, it’s a must! My favorite highlight? His live “film” about the animal kingdom….
Amazing doc. Though I would have loved it to have been twice as long!
Yes!! I didn’t want it to be over either!! Had to go and watch one of his movies afterwards to come down easy!
The "original" Albert Einstein, as I know you know, Matty.....his bro, Bob, is/was Super Dave Osborne. Again, those are just for the young'uns tuning in! For those wanting to dig deeper into the Brooks career, don't overlook his albums.....HIGH-larious!
1973: "Comedy Minus One" (ABC Records): https://www.discogs.com/master/647949-Albert-Brooks-Comedy-Minus-One
1975: "A Star is Bought" (Asylum Records): https://www.discogs.com/master/545243-Albert-Brooks-A-Star-Is-Bought
I have no idea their availability on the web....I had the albums back in the day, and that was before he started writing/making movies!
“A PHONE-CALL to AMERiCANS!!”
Carlin, Klein, even Pryor, yes.....Albert was a far too-underrated stand-up, but, thankfully, he moved his genius to Hollywood filmdom!
Oh yes, Robert Klein too!!! We used to listen to his tapes on long drives!! His school songs for public schools!! His late night DJ, My Little Margie! ❤️❤️
You might want to plan another trip......especially if he's new to you: Franklyn Ajaye! Another '70s comic (who recorded), Franklyn was in "Car Wash" with Carlin, and in '80, Pryor made sure he gave a brutha a job in his "Stir Crazy." Not sure as to the availability of streaming output of for Ajaye, but your best bet might be YT: Here's a Midnight Special set from '76: Enjoy, Britta! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1l43jWvgco
Reading the list I was surprised at how many of them I've seen and I kept thinking, "oh, right, _that_'s a great movie too."
I would suggest that one of my favorite movies which seems like it would fit with that sequence is My Dinner With Andre (also, thinking of movies that have the structure of a romantic comedy while doing more than that, Ruby Sparks hit me much harder than I expected).
My Dinner with Andre would definitely be on the expanded 36 movie list. Also Princess Bride, to include another great Wallace Shawn role.
Yes. One of the only times I will attempt an impersonation is Wallace Shawn's line from Princess Bride
"You have fallen prey to one of the two classic blunders. The first, never get into a land war in Asia. The second, and only slightly less well know, never match wits with a Sicilian when death is on the line."
Such an awesome list!! So many of these are favorites of mine! I was seriously thinking of Defending Your Life just the other day when I dropped the lid to my water bottle while I was driving 🤣 I decided I could just do without the lid.
I love that you make the case for these films being in the romantic comedy genre. (Ash’s hand lmao!!). That’s solid (your reasoning) I teach an intro to film class where the first assignment asks students to explain genre theory, pick a film and demonstrate how it fits into the typical genre conventions of whatever genre they want to say it falls into… it’s amazing how many students struggle with this.
Thanks, Kristin! I think of DYL when I drop something in the car all the time!:) I came up with the "romantic comedy" bit after I made my list, though I think it does work for at least 10 of the films on the list! So cool that you teach film -- I studied film in college and was a producer/editor (and other video related jobs) for 30 plus years until I couldn't look at screens all day anymore. I would love to do another 13, but choosing films from different countries....
Oh, my god! I forgot Catch 22!!!!
I embarrassingly admit that i haven’t seen the film or read the book.
I tried to read the book after obsessing over the movie, but didn’t get far. I’d read half a page and then go do something else. But the movie is unbelievable heady and amazing and it began my retro-crush on Alan Arkin! R.I.P.
Perfect list!
I think so too! Thanks, Michael.
Terrific list, Steve!
thanks, Nolan!
I’m going to create a list and I realized that “Boogie Nights” is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. I’m glad it’s on your list, it’s one of those films that I talk about and when people don’t know anything about the movie except that it is set in the porn industry they always give me a look. To me it’s one of the greatest films about a fractured family.
Definitely captures a fractured but loving family. And having worked for one of the biggest porn companies in the ‘80s as a video editor, I recognized elements of the industry in the film.
'Raising Arizona' is incredible. I keep thinking one day it'll get old for me too, but it never does.
Separately: Where is Laura San Giacomo these days?
Kevin, I don’t know how you keep track of all the comments people make but I’m just now seeing this two weeks later. It’s a good question as to what happened to Laura San Giacomo. I think she costarred in a TV series in the 90s and had a really bad experience and then wasn’t getting hired for stuff and sort of left the industry but I could be making all that up.
I remember the show, but didn’t know the rest of the story. :(
I made it all up as I just looked her up on Wiki and she's done a lot of stuff. Just nothing I would watch. Like CSI. The show she costarred in was Just Shoot Me. Sounds like she has a disabled son and spent a good amount of time taking care of him as well. Oh, and she was hooked on the heroin for a decade. She thought "Just Shoot Me" was about drug addicts and was a method actor. No, I just made that up.
harold&maude cat stevens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLLg73cj1ik
Brilliant list. Would LOVE an opportunity to 'officially' list my baker's dozen. 'The Dirty Dozen', 'Revenge of the Nerds', 'Requiem for a Dream' ...
Great list! The "Before" trilogy is in my all-time top 3, and I think the ending of the second film may be the most perfect of any film I've seen (and, as a film minor in college, I've seen a lot...).
100% to Before Sunset being the perfect ending. In fact, if I had to choose, I would pick that one as my favorite of the three, but it wasn't as influential to the person I would become as Before Sunrise.
Makes total sense.
This is great, Steve and Matt.
I am reminded of a couple of my favs ... "Defending Your Life" is a wonderful look into the very creative, humble and human mind of Albert Brooks.
And "Spinal Tap" ... maybe the best mockumentary ever made -- well, along with "Best in Show." BTW, there's a "Spinal Tap" sequel in the making (40 years on).
Definitely Spinal Tap is the greatest mockumentary. I’m nervous about the sequel but also excited. I don’t think it’s necessary but I leave room to
be amazed.
Just imagine what they can do with an aging metal band waaaaay past their prime ... and it wasn't much of a prime to begin with. Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove and Garth Brooks are making cameos in the new film.
Had to share!! Making eggs right now, and when I do, I am reminded that I need to memorize this:
“If these tests could be converted into eggs, it would be enough to feed a city the size of Saint Louis for more than two years, on a 2 egg person, per week basis. Sounds complicated? It was. And very expensive!”
Great pics all around but, as others have mentioned, “Defending Your Life” is criminally underrated. As is “Sex, Lies, and Videotape.”
'Harold & Maude' is probably my all-time favorite film! I first saw it in my teens and immediately fell in love with the story and, of course, the soundtrack. Since then, I have probably seen the movie 100+ times (honestly!) on both the big screen (it gets an annual screening at any of the numerous indie cinemas in Portland, OR) and on video/DVD. I have also hosted film clubs, and H&M has been featured regularly. More often than not, I have people leave saying they were deeply affected by it and how much they loved it. I've even received emails years later from those who were in my film club sharing how the movie was "life-changing" for them. The symbolism throughout, the quirkiness, the subtle humor, the juxtapositions Hal Ashby makes, the film's underlying message, and the songs, all make it a perfect film.
Thanks, Matty, for giving Steve the platform to share his fave movies! Steve, this was a great way to get to know you better (something I'm always for)!! Love your list, but two words: "Stand By Me." I've always appreciated Spielberg's everything, but as "E.T." (that'd be on my list) showed us how well Stephen worked with kids (an astonishing feat, as those who's ever taught kids know!).
Rob Reiner did the same thing with Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix (bless his heart). Talented kids, yes, but to get them (on film!) to relax in front of the camera to the point where (in front of another dude, yet), expose your feelings to the point of absolute rawness takes remarkable sensitivity from the director.
Anyway, well done, Steve....very enjoyable, and thanks again, Matty, for roping our boy in!!!😊👍
Thanks for the kind words, Mr. Kyle! I would have had "Stand By Me" in a top 25 for sure. I also didn't want to pick more than one from any director. Rob Reiner could get 5 of my top 10 if I did that. Also, your fellow Texan, Richard Linklater, could take up the other 5. Dazed and Confused is in the 25 as well.
Alright alright alright! Yeah, I get it about multiple films from the same director. Sounds like my Linklater film debut might have a chance.....no?
Gotta give "The Newton Boys" some love, yes? https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/schmoozing-on-location-with-ethan
um…for you, the world! Though The Newton Boys was disappointing. I thought it was about brothers who invented the fig newton and the complicated aftermath of cookie success and excess.