Mar 03 2009
New Classic Movies: Some Great (Sometimes Dumb) Movies You Really Should Watch
Movies are a passion of mine. I love to go to the theater. I love to rent them. I even like to own them. I’ve been having movie nights for years now. Great movies, stupid movies, turn-the-volume-down-and-make-up-the-words-for-them movies. Sometimes you need a movie, friends, and a pint or two (or three) of Ben & Jerry’s. Here are some classics–everyone should watch at least once.
Great Movies You’ll Want to Quote (that don’t take themselves too seriously)
1. Monty Python (anything) — More often really stupid than not, but great sense of irony and humor. The most well known is Monty Python and the Holy Grail (”It’s only a fleshwound!”), but there are many others to choose from.
2. The Princess Bride — No way am I calling this a dumb movie. Guys, don’t run away because of the title. This really is a crowd pleaser, even for you. Sword fighting, giant rodents, rhyming games, torture, pirates, vengeance, and Andre the Giant all work together to make this a classic. Hilarious and engaging–make yourself watch it. Watch it all the way through. You will watch it again — BY CHOICE. Then the next time someone suggests watching it, you will answer, “As you wish.”
3. Adventures in Babysitting — a weird turn of events (involving criminals, a centerfold, and skyscraper scaling) lead to an interesting evening for an unsuspecting babysitter and her charges.
4. Surf Ninjas — Yes, it is as stupid as it sounds. You still need to watch it. Two unsuspecting brothers find out that they are princes from another land. With the help of a mentor/guardian and a future predicting hand-held game (old school style), they and their none-too-bright friend embark on a journey to fulfill their destiny and save their people. I’d cut through all these words, but “as we all know, money can’t buy knives.” (It’s stupid-funny. Just approach is lightly.)
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to light-hearted movies with spirit. They all breach gender and age barriers. (Although, I wouldn’t recommend them for really young children.) Any others you think are worth-while classics? Older movies that should be viewed for the wacky humor? Let me know. I’d hate to leave great ones unmentioned–and I’m always looking for new ones to try.
I’ve never seen “What About Bob”. It sounds like a hoot. I’ll have to watch it! Thank you.