Top 20 All-Time Favorite Movies (10-6)
See #15-11 here
10. Office Space (1999)
Far from a box office smash, Office Space has gained a cult following by hitting very close to the home (or office) of many Generation X cubicle dwellers. Although the satire takes its aim at computer programmers during the impending Y2K disaster, the references, humor, and situations can easily be appreciated by anyone who has had a job or a “case of the Mondays.”
Highlighting the peculiarities of work environments, including employees: “Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment,” bosses: “Yeahhhh. Did you get that memo?” and daily conversations: “Well at least your name isn't Michael Bolton,” the classic lines are endless. Life is quirky and jobs can be too. We love Office Space because it makes us laugh more and more with every viewing, and reminds us to never be short on flair.
--Kevin Pletcher, Online Marketing Manager
9. The Matrix (1999)
In 1999, a small, independent flick was quietly released to theaters. Given the almost non-existent marketing budget, this modest film with sci-fi and fantasy elements was destined to linger in “B” Movie Purgatory. But on opening night, there was a lone, awkward geek, who emerged from the theater and shouted “THAT WAS AWESOME!” in a voice that carried further than a pair of Klipschorns. After that, it was wall to wall in the theater and The Matrix exploded like an atom bomb.
A meticulous observer of pop culture will see the film as being derived from many sources. It’s essentially a science fiction messiah myth with Eastern philosophy window dressing hung all over it. But while its artificial depth is easy to see through, the earnestness of the performances, the cool factor, the hard core action, and the truly inventive special effects cannot be denied. The Matrix is sweet candy for the mind and the eye. Like any good roller coaster, you want to get in line over and over again. While the two sequels drew mainly tepid reactions, the original Matrix remains a mainstay in DVD libraries to this day and is destined to be counted as a classic.
"Even Keanu Reeves can't harm this fresh yet somehow retro science fiction masterpiece."
--Don Inmon, Sales
8. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump succeeds where many films involving American pop culture and major historical events fail: it is able to show us an unbiased and non-judgmental perspective by using a character who does not judge. He is an observer and a commentator who describes exactly what he sees, in the simplest terms.
The moral statement is not a subtle one. Forrest embodies the American spirit, from love and family to patriotism and capitalism, with great successes, while Jenny represents the counter-culture of the 60s and 70s with dire consequences. While reality is not always so clear-cut, the simplicity of the story about love and friendship, and its message to “do the best with what God gave you,” lends to its broad appeal, no matter your religion or nationality.
“I enjoyed his innocence throughout the movie. Forrest always saw the good in people, even though they themselves could not. It is a lesson we all can learn in life: to show kindness to everyone.”
--Paul Dedert, Customer Service Representative
You-Probably-Didn’t-Notice Fact: In all photographs of Forrest, his eyes are closed.
7. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
A throwback to classic serial films, Raiders of the Lost Ark captivates and thrills the kid in all of us, with the most skillfully executed action scenes and identifiably rousing musical score of any film in recent memory. It is a nostalgic look at a time when the line between good and evil was clearly defined. Indiana Jones is a flawed superhero in human form, one that could possibly be your teacher, neighbor, father, or uncle. This familiar nature creates a strong emotional connection, rare in action movies, lending to the films continued appeal, three decades and three sequels later.
“Raiders has two of my all time favorite scenes: the boulder chase and the fight around the airplane, which they act out at Disney World’s MGM Studios. When I think about movies from my childhood, Indiana Jones is what I think about.”
--Chris Shelton, Customer Service Representative
Thank-goodness-that-didn’t-happen fact: Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones.
6. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Among the most beloved films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption is a moving story of one man’s journey from despair and anguish to hope and freedom. It features wonderful acting and great period detail as we move through almost 20 years in which he and a tight-knit group of fellow inmates spend in the yard, dining hall, offices and claustrophobic cells of Shawshank prison. The great spirit of the main character reminds us of the power of patience and persistence. If you have access to the TNT cable channel, chances are you’ve seen it 13 or 14 times.
“I liked The Shawshank Redemption because of its powerful message of perseverance and hope. Great acting, smart dialogue, and an inspiring theme: ‘Get busy living, or get busy dying.’”
--Dan Sullivan, Accounting Manager
Trivia: During the scene where Brooks fed his pet crow a maggot, the American Humane Association objected on the grounds that it was cruel to the maggot, and required that they use a maggot that had died from natural causes. One was found, and the scene was filmed.