Magnetic Movies

In today's cable TV world, the channel list seems to go on forever. I probably have at least fifty movie channels alone (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc.). Although they often replay the same movies day after day, there are certain ones that I always find myself instinctively watching over and over again. It's almost as if I'm magnetically drawn to them. Here are some the movies that, no matter how many times I've seen them, always seem to capture my attention again.....

• Fargo - No doubt, one of my favorite movies ever. I love the eccentric array of characters in Fargo, especially Carl Showalter (played by Steve Buscemi). The film is loaded with memorable scenes including the classic wood-chipper incident. And you gotta love that Minnesota dialect from Jerry Lundagard and Margie (the state trooper).

• Pulp Fiction - Although I found this one thoroughly entertaining the first time I watched it, it was a bit hard to follow. Some great quotes throughout the whole movie. "Bring out the Gimp" has a horrifying ring to it.

• Rock Star - Of course, I'll watch almost anything with Jennifer Aniston in it. But in reality, as an 80's metal rock fan, I thought this was a pretty decent flick. For Mark Walberg, this was a far cry from his Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch days. I'm always amused at all of the 80's rock band cliches in Rock Star. To me, it's kind of like watching polished version of Spinal Tap.  

• Goodfellas - What a great film! This one bumped off The Godfather II on my list of favorite mob movies. An awesome cast that's always worth watching again and again. Some of Joe Pesci's lines are  classic. Who can ever forget the "you think I'm funny" scene. Every time I watch it, it's like the first time. I'll never get tired of it!

• American Psycho - The first time I saw this movie, not surprisingly I found it to be a bit strange. But it has definitely grown on me. Loaded with dark humor, Christian Bale was made to play the role of serial killer Patrick Bateman. I always get a kick out of his pissed-off attitude and drawn out explanations of everything. Some of the original actors who were considered for the Patrick Bateman role: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Edward Norton and Leonardo DiCaprio.

• Lost In Translation - Yeah, I know this one might seem surprising. True to the title, I don't even fully understand the movie. But there's just something about Scarlett Johannson that I find very intriguing. Her character contrasts perfectly with Bill Murray's role.

• My Cousin Vinny - In my opinion, one of the funniest movies ever. Joe Pesci is hysterical, especially during his interchanges with the Judge, played by Fred Gwynn (aka Herman Munster). Sadly, this was Gwynn's final film appearance. Marisa Tomei was sexy and funny enough to win herself an Oscar for her role as Mona Lisa Vito (what a name!). 

• Hostel - Of course, some of the suspense is naturally lost after you've seen a movie ten or twelve times. But I still find myself glued to any three of the Hostel films any time I cross them. Definitely one of the most provocative horror movies that I've ever seen.

• Jaws - I watched Jaws four or five times at the local movie house when I was a kid. It took me about two years to work up the courage to get back in the water. Since then, I've seen it countless other times on TV. A timeless summer classic

• Casino - If you're sensing a pattern here with Joe Pesci and Robert Deniro, it's no coincidence. I'm a huge fan of both of these guys. Another very entertaining movie. Casino, in some way, reminded me a lot of Goodfellas. Need I say more....

kw