10. The Big Lebowski
This was a movie I saw in college (of course). At first viewing I didn't get what the big deal was. But the more times I watched it the more I realized why it is a staple of college culture. The Dude is iconic for young men looking to expand their minds. His completely zen slacker minimalist approach to life makes him the perfect model for young men who have nothing and do nothing all day except learn silly facts and party. This movie is just a really strange chapter in The Dude's life. In the end it doesn't mean a whole lot. It just is... a masterpiece.
9. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
The voice of a generation of twenty-somethings trying to find some purpose. Love is the purpose. The world is literally against Scott Pilgrim when he has love. He has to rise to the occasion and kick some ass!
8. The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars was a perfect movie and Empire just makes Star Wars better... HOW THE HECK DOES THAT HAPPEN?!?! However it happened, I'm glad it did.
7. City of God
Finally a gangster movie that is not full of white people. It is set in the slums of Rio and filled with a very eclectic collection of child gangstas. Dark but colorful, heart-breaking but uplifting, horrifying but fantastic.
6. Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2
This really is one movie with an intermission so I put them together. Although the final fight between The Bride and Bill is over in the blink of an eye I still maintain that Vol. 2 is the superior half. It is still as comically viscous as Vol. 1, but with even more surprises and deeper character development.
5. The Breakfast Club
This is a movie that has stood the test of time. Even as an 8 year-old kid I knew that this movie was special. Anytime it came on television I watched it regardless of how many commercial breaks there were. It captures children who feel trapped by society because they have already defined them. It breaks those barriers through pain and dance parties. I pray to God that one day the extended John Hughes director's cut is released to the public. The characters are like your best friends. You really can't get enough of them.
4. Children of Men
Alfonso Cuaron the director is such an artistic nerd he doesn't drive a car, he hops into an imaginary silver surfboard and still is able to get to work before you even had your oatmeal for breakfast. This movie has soooo much going on that watching it multiple times makes you love and appreciate this movie more. It is political, satirical, bleak, hopeful, stunning, suspenseful, heart-pounding, and almost completely unpredictable.
3. Dumb & Dumber
I know every single line of this movie. Every single one. Jim Carrey is at his best. Insane, creepy, incredibly stupid but somehow very endearing. You root for him. The plot is farfetched but the movie sells it. And OMG has a poop joke ever been so funny! It's hard making "stupid" clever and interesting, but this movie knocks it out of the park.
2. The Godfather and The Godfather Part 2
Yes I know they are two separate movies, but Part 2 is the better movie. It is probably the best movie of all time, but the only way you understand or appreciate Part 2 is by witnessing the original Godfather. These movies still give me the chills every time I watch them. I still haven't brought myself to see The Godfather Part 3 because you can't tempt fate 3x and live to tell the tale.
1. Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is and will probably always be my favorite movie of all time. It is just about a simple man who goes on an incredible life journey because he doesn't know any better. Forrest shows us the story of America by just talking about himself. Forrest is full of life and curiosity and acceptance for everyone, even if he doesn't understand everyone. He is all around a wonderful person without malice or greed or ambition. Wherever he goes he takes his whole heart with him. It is rare that you ever see a character so undeniably good that doesn't bore you to tears. Forrest is always fascinating and funny and kind and generous and wise beyond his own understanding. "Sometimes there aren't enough rocks."
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