Amy's Blog : movies

Make-A-Wish

Amy Unger — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:15:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I mentioned Klipsch was going to hold an employee movie night to benefit the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana. The money we raised was handed over this morning to Amy (center photo) from the foundation by the Movie-Night Committee. And I gotta tell you, helping make a wish come true for a child with a life threatening illness feels really good. If you haven't already, give it a try.

(Bonus: check out a beardless-Trey!)

Klipsch Movie Night

Amy Unger — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:01:00 GMT

Our conference room is being transformed into a make-shift theater as we plan to gather tonight to watch Bedtime Stories with our fellow co-workers and their families. All donations collected at the event will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation, which grants wishes to local children as they face health challenges. I can't think of a better cause, and I hope I can manage to schlep Steven back and forth and squeeze a meal in there to boot before the festivities begin. He can be so high maintenance these days.

Sweet Jane

Amy Unger — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:15:00 GMT

I'm trying to recall when I first heard the Cowboy Junkies, and I'm going to have to go with when I saw the creepy, disturbing, and utterly fantastic Natural Born Killers (has it really been 15 years??) back in 1994. You can hear this song, originally done by The Velvet Underground, during Mallory's poem recital to Mickey in the desert in an early scene. In fact, the entire soundtrack is perfectly selected, not to mention diverse, and does a fantastic job of creating just the right mood for every surreal moment.

After hearing the song, I immediately headed over to my local Karma record store and purchased the Junkies' Trinity Session. This is easily the most mellow album in my entire collection, and I listen to it on auto-repeat on days meant for chilling. Or sleeping.

What a Wonderful World

Amy Unger — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:57:00 GMT

Few artists have reached the pinnacle of success The Great Satchmo saw in his lifetime, or have left a legacy so profound. His staying power continues to surprise me, the latest being the inclusion of "La Vie En Rose" in one of my favorite scenes of the much loved WALL-E.

I appreciate him more now than when I was first introduced as an unthinking high school senior, wrapped up in my own teenage drama. I remember clearly watching Good Morning, Vietnam in the local theater, laughing at the antics of Robin Williams despite the somber backdrop. But you could cut the silence with a knife during the scene featuring Louis Armstrong's unsurpassed rendition of "What a Wonderful World," except for the occasional sniffle.

I don't recall having been as moved by a single combination of film and music up until that time, and there have been relatively few since. I still get goose bumps from just the clip.

Music + Movies? Yeah, it's that important.

Gnome de Jardin

Amy Unger — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:57:00 GMT

While I'm on the topic of weird objects lurking around the office, I thought I'd throw in this guy who is perched on a nearby filing cabinet.

It's reminiscent of the great movie Amélie. If you haven't seen it, go get it. Right now. It will make you smile.

3D

Amy Unger — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:32:00 GMT

It isn't very often I see a movie on opening weekend, but with the early spring snow putting a damper on outdoor activities yesterday, we decided to check out the only kid-friendly movie playing - Monsters vs. Aliens.

The ticket price was an alarming $11 a pop (unless you count Steven saving me a whopping 50 cents for his "child" status, which I don't), but I have to admit the experience was worth it. I was amazed by the 3D effects, keeping in mind it was 26 years ago when I saw my first and only 3D movie - Jaws 3. The shark crashing through the glass suddenly seemed way more lame, and the new plastic Buddy Holly 3D glasses are a vast improvement over the flimsy paper predecessor. The movie itself was very entertaining as well, especially Stephen Colbert's work as the President and Keifer Sutherland revisiting his A Few Good Men persona as General W.R. Monger.

But the best part was watching Steven try to figure out what the whole glasses-thing was all about. He couldn't understand why he had to wear them all the time to see a movie. After doing some on/off comparisons, he finally caught on. Unfortunately, I think he expected the rest of life to look as cool through the glasses. But how do you explain to a 4 year old that the world is already in 3D?

The Employees of Klipsch Present: Our Favorite Movies (5-1)

Amy Unger — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:37:00 GMT

Top 20 All-Time Favorite Movies (5-1)

See #10-6 here

5. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03)

Lord of the Rings succeeded in taking extremely complex source material and converting it to a wholly acceptable screenplay for devoted fans of the book and the public at large. It was created with loving care by fans of the source material devoted to “getting it right.” They employed not only competent and respected actors and those in the film industry, but recruited artisans and tradesmen, some related to the novel’s long print history, to create the movie. Using not only the most modern computer visual effects, but also “back to basics” miniatures and scale models, hand-crafted set pieces, and superb locations in order to give the film its stunning look.

Lord of the Rings has become the “new epic” of the 21st century, building on the tradition of classic epics from the golden age of Hollywood with the technology of the modern. This alone, notwithstanding my affinity for the genre of source material, makes this trilogy of films a masterpiece.

--Matt Bieda, Web Programmer

4. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Like “Raising Arizona”, this film is a great litmus test—almost without exception, people who find both films hysterically funny and well done are people to whom I’ve gravitated over the years: people who “get it”. I have a hard time deciding whether it’s social commentary thinly disguised as slapstick comedy, or vice versa.

“Endlessly quotable. There are so many great one liners from ‘This is not Nam, this is bowling. There are rules.’ or ‘Hey man, there's a beverage here!’ and those are the clean quotes. The amount of profanity reaches staggeringly hilarious levels. The F word is practically a comma. The Dude represents the lazy drifter that all men strive to be.”

--Phil Dickerson, Graphic Designer

3. Pulp Fiction (1994)

"Pulp Fiction thrusts you into another world in a way only the best films do. It may be one of the least predictable movies I know, yet uses very familiar movie situations. Quentin Tarantino again tells us a crime story in non-linear fashion peppered with varied references to pop culture and movies (this was back before it became a tired convention due to overuse, in part by Tarantino himself). The film places big budget stars, little known arthouse players and forgotten popular film favorites next to each other, to pleasing affect. The dialogue is so memorable because it is informal, like how we talk to our friends, and at the same time involves situations completely outside most of our daily routines (murder, drug overdoses, thrown fights, crazy hillbilly pawnshops and dead body removal). We are made to feel like insiders on this insane ride. There is humor, suspense, romance and horror. You get it all and somehow, it works."

--Matt Miller, Art Director

“Pulp Fiction is one of the few movies that in the footrace of imagination, it threatens to outrun you.”

--George Harris, Creative Director

2. Star Wars Trilogy, IV-VI (1977-83)

Containing all the critical archetypes, including the orphaned child, destroyer, and guide, Star Wars Episodes IV-VI are able to weave their individual character developments through the various subplots, drawing upon many classic themes such as good versus evil and coming to terms with the past. Luke Skywalker’s journey from a teenage farmhand to savior of the universe is the ultimate coming-of-age story, and the daydream of many an adolescent boy.

For a kid, they are the quintessential movies; who didn’t want a lightsaber, an X-Wing, and an Ewok? These movies also had a special quality of not only attracting young children, but also a loyal following of adults. They have held up very well over the years, indicated by the fact that my much younger siblings still enjoy watching them.

An engaging story, good scripting, ground-breaking effects, a wonderful soundtrack, and perhaps the most shocking 5 words ever spoken in pop culture, moves this timeless celluloid treasure to the runner-up spot of our favorite movies.

--Michael Shirrell, Project Coordinator

Would-have-taken-the-series-in-a-completely-different-direction Fact: Han Solo was originally intended to be a green monster with gills.

1. The Godfather, I and II (1972-74)

The pinnacle of effective film making, The Godfather is captivating from beginning to end. From the opening scene of a joyous family celebration full of hope and promise, to the descent into vengeance, betrayal, and isolation, it is this dichotomy and arc of events propelling us from one extreme to the other that gives the story its strength and appeal.

Told from inside a realm few people have seen, it is as though we are being let in on a shadowy secret. It horrifies us by exposing the brutal side of the American Dream with greed, corruption and forceful manipulation at its core, yet it has the ability to capture our sympathy, and perhaps even a touch of envy.

When the motivation to pursue the dream becomes what is eventually destroyed, the tragic irony is revealed. Vito Corleone's rise to prominence out of a desire to give his family a better life, gives way to his son's obsessive need for more power, and the destruction of his own family to achieve it. The image of the Godfather’s wife being shut out, balancing that of the Godfather himself, alone, at the conclusion of each part resonates as the iconic symbols of betrayal and eventual regret.

The best in story telling, acting, directing, writing, sets, costumes, musical score, cinematography, and casting converge to result in this film topping the list of favorites for Klipsch employees.

--Amy Unger, Web Marketing Specialist

Quirky-actor Fact: Marlon Brando read most of his lines off cue cards and still managed to win the Oscar for Best Actor, which he refused to accept.

The Employees of Klipsch Present: Our Favorite Movies (15-11)

Amy Unger — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:58:00 GMT

Top 20 All-Time Favorite Movies (15-11)

See #20-16 here

15. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Even if you weren’t a Samantha Baker, Jake Ryan, Caroline Mulford, or Farmer Ted, you undoubtedly could find yourself somewhere among the other angst-ridden high schoolers in this classic teen comedy. Writer/director John Hughes had an amazing knack for capturing the turmoil of suburban youth in the 1980s with movies such as Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Some Kind of Wonderful, but it’s this classic “ugly duckling” fairytale which has captured our highest affection.

The one-day journey from Samantha’s forgotten birthday to the Jake Ryan-Porsche fantasy realization, mirrored by Ted’s evolution from geek to stud, gives hope to misfits everywhere. And let’s face it, all teenagers are misfits, which is why this movie works. The classic situations along the way including The “Donger,” sister Ginny’s impending nuptials, and Twilight Zone-dwelling grandparents, combine to create an unforgettable, and sometimes all too familiar, coming of age story for the post-Baby Boom Generation.

--Meredith Rule, Marketing Manager

Sibling Fact: The second of 10 films that includes an appearance by both John and Joan Cusak.

14. The Green Mile (1999)

The second Steven King adaptation in our list set within prison walls, and also directed by Frank Darabont, is The Green Mile. On the surface it’s a story of a wrongly accused man, which could be construed as a statement about the injustice of capital punishment, the shortcomings of our legal system, and extreme racial prejudice during the Depression Era. But if you look beyond the surface, you’ll find a more meaningful interpretation concerning religion, the supernatural, and the true representation of evil. We can be fairly certain that the initials of the wrongfully prosecuted man are no accident.

“I choose The Green Mile because it is a powerful and moving film. Tom Hanks gives an outstanding performance.”

--Melissa Fry, Engineering Assistant

Movie-Time-Line Fact: Mr. Jingles, the mouse, would’ve been at least 64 years old when Paul introduced him to Elaine. Mice typically live about 5 years in captivity.

13. Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner is a one of the great dystopian masterworks of cinema. A ravaged planet, rampant crime, media saturation to the extreme, Earth is in a post apocalyptic state and the nature of humanity is the obsessive question asked by the struggling civilization. Bred for hard labor in “off-world” mining colonies, robotic humanoids known as “replicants” have been upgraded to be nearly indistinguishable from humans, but the newest models are also superior in strength, intelligence, and agility. What previous models lack is empathy… and notice that when Deckard (Harrison Ford) tests Rachel (Sean Young) to determine if she is human, he uses a machine designed to measure empathy. Through the discovery of a capacity for true emotional connection within the replicants, Deckard questions what it means to be human, and our responsibility to these new living beings humanity has spawned.

“I am a big Philip K *** fan, and this is a one of my favorite stories of his. What makes the movie great is the production design. It’s film noir from the future which has influenced countless other sci-fi films. Did you know that a company in LA is going to place giant video ads on skyscrapers just like the movie? The future is now!”

--Robert Land, Customer Service Representative

12. Goodfellas (1990)

My ex-wife—the last one—was the first huge Goodfellas fan in our household; I had to watch it twice to become totally hooked. After that, it was a staple for the holidays(!) By far my favorite of the Scorsese films (though I still enjoy the underrated black comedy After Hours), it sets the American dream on end. Henry Hill’s line “As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." perfectly sets the tone for a darkly funny, violent and oddly satisfying film.

It features “high water mark” performances from Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci—and one of my favorite Di Niro roles…not to mention one of the most brilliantly integrated soundtracks in the history of film. All in all, its one of my very favorite films—and one that has held up remarkably well over the last 18 years.

--George Wilson, Copywriter

It’s-a-family-thing Fact: Director Martin Scorsese’s parents both make appearances—his mother plays Tommy’s (Pesci’s) mother, and his father is the prisoner who puts too much onion in the sauce.

11. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The greatest of WWII movies; arguably the greatest of all war movies, Saving Private Ryan is an emotionally wrenching journey into occupied France, beginning with the disturbingly realistic opening scene at Normandy. The quest to find James Ryan becomes secondary to the plight of the dedicated men sent to find him, but we are no less ecstatic when he is finally retrieved. His determination to remain with “the only brothers I have left” is moment that will forever define the relationship between combat soldiers for those who will never experience that unique bond.

Astonishing sound and visual effects combine with a remarkable story and cast to make this one of the most memorable and honorable films ever made devoted to our Greatest Generation, which moves us all to “Earn this.”

"The best, most realistic, and heart felt war movie I have ever watched."

--Steve Donalson, Senior Engineering Compliance Technician

History-on-film Fact: Two authentic WWII landing crafts were used in the film’s opening scene on Omaha Beach.

The Employees of Klipsch Present: Our Favorite Movies (20-16)

Amy Unger — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:38:00 GMT

At Klipsch, we’re passionate about movies. From our state of the art professional cinema line to our compact home theater speakers, every surround system we engineer is dedicated to the love of movies, for achieving the best possible sound is essential to the ultimate cinematic experience.

Because of this, I have asked the employees of Klipsch to come together to offer you their top 20 favorite movies of all time, as well as their top 20 favorite movie soundtracks (coming soon). Over the next 4 days, I'll reveal the list in blocks of 5, starting at the bottom.

I have included links to trailers or scenes, as well as quotes from my fellow employees stating why they chose a particular film.

Top 20 All-Time Favorite Movies (20-16)

Note: The movies in this category were chosen not necessarily because they are considered “the best films of all time,” but because they are personal favorites we find ourselves enjoying over and over.

20. Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart is an epic historical war movie in the vein of Lawrence of Arabia or Saving Private Ryan, but set in 14th century Scotland. Mel Gibson brings life to Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace, who raises an army to drive out King Edward Longshanks and win Scottish independence from England. Although Gibson’s age is suspect for playing the role, his direction is not. Characters in this film are three dimensional and often sympathetic, and the women are surprisingly powerful. Gibson’s attention to detail is strong, especially in combat. The film is lauded for its meticulous recreation of the weapons, armor, war paint, and tactical techniques of the era.

Despite one’s position of the film’s accuracy of historical events, the sweep of this epic is breathtaking and the narrative demands attention as it unravels. For heroism, realism, and emotional impact, Braveheart deserves a spot in any film lover’s collection.

“The raw emotion prior to the battle scene, when he screams ‘… but they will never take our freedom!!!’ is some seriously powerful stuff. Overall, the movie is great because how it portrays real people and I felt as though their emotion and sacrifice for the cause was real.”

--Andre LaRouche, Acoustic Engineer

19. Caddyshack (1980)

Among the most quoted movies of all time, Caddyshack is a genre-inspiring comedic tour de force. With all the laughs generated, it is easy to forget the touching coming-of-age story at its heart. We can all relate to the tough decisions faced after high school. Will Danny find himself at the college of his dreams, or right in the lumberyard? In the end, he discovers what we all should: that it doesn’t really matter, as long as you live well. And laugh often.

“Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and the rest of the cast are all at the top of their game. My favorite scene is the timeless candy bar in the pool scene-- I couldn’t eat candy bars for a week.”

--Travis Turner, Customer Service Representative

Little-known-gopher fact: The gopher sound effects were actually that of a dolphin.

18. Christmas Vacation (1989)

Two lines from this movie are in constant use around my house, ‘Are you serious, Clark?’ and ‘I don’t know, Margo!’

The scripting is fantastic; there is nothing wasted. Every line is a joke or a setup for a joke. There is no time wasted developing characters, and no wasted scenes… even the touching scene when Clark is watching the old home movies, he is dressed in drag while he sheds a tear, only to fall down the hole of the attic stairs when the family returns home.

And isn’t this how we all feel after the long holiday weekend?

--Andy Wickham, Electrical Engineer

I’ve-Heard-That-Voice-Before Fact: The charming late actress Mae Questel, also known as Aunt Bethany, provided the voice for such iconic characters as Olive Oyl and Betty Boop.

17. The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook rises to the forefront of the “tearjerker” genre with wonderful acting and a combination of art direction and cinematography that allow us to experience a tale of love that spans more than fifty years, and it a testament to the strength of that love. The movie’s great spirit carries us along and transcends the familiar nature of the story. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling can be considered among the best actors of their generation.

--Neda Boushehry, Sales

Sentimental Fact: Nick Cassavetes (son of the venerable John Cassavetes) directs his mother, renowned actress Gena Rowlands.

16. Rear Window (1954)

With the exception of a handful of shots, Rear Window originates entirely from the apartment of the main character, giving us the same claustrophobic and helpless feeling as the debilitated hero, played by the quintessential Everyman Jimmy Stewart. Although this would seemingly limit the plot, Hitchcock still manages a very suspenseful and creepy atmosphere, one that captures our attention immediately. It really makes you contemplate the things you can learn about your neighbors if you just stop and observe. Not to mention I enjoy Grace Kelley’s costumes!

--Lori Crist, Sr Collections Specialist

WALL·E

Amy Unger — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:51:00 GMT

Daily Photo

I took Steven to see WALL·E on its opening weekend. I loved it. Steven -- not so much. The lack of dialogue was just too much for his restless mind to endure. He wanted to leave 10 minutes in, but I held firm. When he fell asleep 10 minutes later, I cheered inside, as did the man sitting next to him, I'm sure.

When he woke during the credits, he delightfully shouted "That was a great movie! What happened?" A film critic, he is not. If he was, he'd tell you the sound was fantastic and the visuals were nothing short of stunning. But what would you expect from Pixar? I can't wait to watch it on my home theater, which for some reason sounds better than most cinemas. Maybe because any popcorn-crunching near my ear will only be done by me.

Since that weekend if we see a sight such as this, whether it be binoculars, a viewfinder, or a center channel speaker, Steven shouts "WALL·E, WALL·E!" as if he actually enjoyed the movie. And yes, I broke down and got him the licensed WALL·E bubble bath that we came across at the grocery store this past weekend. I'm such an enabler.

10 Horror Movies That I Love

Amy Unger — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:20:00 GMT

I discussed my list with some of my co-workers, which turned into a debate of the definition of "horror film." For my purposes, I'm including what may also be called "psychological thriller," since it means essentially the same to me.

10. Black Christmas (1974) Creepiest prank caller ever, and grand-daddy of the slasher film.

9. Cloverfield (2008) So, the hand-held made me queasy, but I loved the realistic premise. Accompanied by a very clever online marketing campaign--scour the internet for clues about this one, and background on the characters.

8. Repulsion (1965) One of Polanski's best. Psychologically terrifying with a couple of genuinely heart-stopping moments.

7. The Ring (2002) This one got to me because I watched it the way you're supposed to watch scary movies: alone, in a strange new apartment, dead of night. Had to go late-night grocery shopping after to shake off the creeps.

6. Cape Fear (1991) Robert DeNiro owned this character. Brutal and violent, with strong statements about the holes in our legal system (which is scary too).

5. The Exorcist (1973) Such a sweet little girl. For a minute.

4. Halloween (1978) Black Christmas may have launched the slasher film, but this one propelled into mainstream. Creepy music, cinematography, violent without being over the top gory. Made it difficult for me to enjoy trick-or-treating for the rest of my adolescence.

3. Audition (1999) No one does horror quite like the Japanese. Will make men think twice about the single life.

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Nearly perfect movie with two of the creepiest villains in history. "It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again." Eek.

1. The Shining (1980) Jack Nicholson's portrayal of a man's descent into madness tops my list, and boy, did those little girls give me the willies. I can't believe I watched this movie when I was 10...no wonder I'm a little "off." Bonus: This is a hilarious trailer redux which turns it into the "feel good" family movie of the year.

Honorable mentions go to Rosemary's Baby, The Sixth Sense, Poltergeist and The Omen. I needed a Top 14.

Movies With Soundtracks That I Love

Amy Unger — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:11:00 GMT

Note: Not only do I love these soundtracks, but also the movies that accompany them. They are not mutually exclusive.

In no particular order:

1. American Graffiti (1973). This outstanding collection of oldie hits includes the DJ stylings of Wolfman Jack. Bonus!

2. Almost Famous (2000). Cameron Crowe has a knack for integrating music into his movies. This is my favorite.

3. Saturday Night Fever (1977). Even if you hate disco, you gotta love it's place in pop culture. And the clothes.

4. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). Tom Petty, The Go-Gos, Led Zeppelin, Oingo Boingo, The Cars...what's not to love?

5. The Graduate (1967). Simon & Garfunkel tunes interwoven most interestingly into this controversial (for it's time) film. Coo-coo-c'choo.

6. Magnolia (1999). Songs written and performed by the talented Aimee Mann. Mood-evoking, and hauntingly beautiful.

7. Pretty in Pink (1986). Great 80s compilation, featuring the title song by The Psychedelic Furs, and OMDs fabulous "If You Leave."

8. Dazed and Confused (1993). The 1970s answer to American Graffiti...without disco.

9. Goodfellas (1990). Best use of instrumental rock music in a montage ever.

10. Nashville (1975). Written and performed by the actors themselves. Now that's talent.

Check back next week for my all time favorite horror movies.

Campy Movies That I Love

Amy Unger — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:22:00 GMT

Some movies are just too ostentatious or over-the-top to NOT love. That's camp. These are some of my favorites with links to trailers/clips:

10. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). I loved the historical characters plopped down into late 80s southern California. Keanu Reeves' finest role. "We are in danger of flunking most heinously."

9. Shag (1989). Super-cute frolic at Myrtle Beach, summer 1963. Will watch the entire movie over and over just to hear "Stagger Lee."

8. Valley Girl (1983). I so, like, wanted to be "valley" in 1983. In the valleys of north-suburban Indianapolis. As if.

7. Napolean Dynamite (2004). Pedro for President! I love how the movie takes place present day, yet the set and costumes are stuck in the early 80s. Just how I would picture rural Idaho.

6. The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981). This has got to be one of the stupidest movies ever made. But like I said, I'm a sucker for Charles Grodin. "Galaxy Glue" is easily one of the most infuriatingly catchy jingles of all time.

5. Grease 2 (1982). Ok, so this one might be just a tad more stupid than Lily Tomlin shrinking because of overexposure to household chemicals. I didn't think it was possible. But I watched it so many times in my youth, it has become embedded in my psychie. That could explain a lot.

4. Space Balls (1987). Outstanding take-off on one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. "Prepare ship for ludicrous speed!"

3. Mars Attacks! (1996). Send-up to all 1950s sci-fi adventures. Chock-full todays biggest stars. Go ahead....look at the cast list. Don't act like you're not impressed.

2. Cry-Baby (1990). Nobody does "camp" like John Waters. But Johnny Depp owns this spoof by poking fun at his teen-idol image.

1. Hairspray (1988). The John Waters original. Catchy tunes, catchy dances, all for the love of American Bandstand. The movie that showed us big girls can be cool, too.

Stay tuned next week for my all time favorite movie soundtracks!

Obscure Movies That I Love

Amy Unger — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:33:00 GMT

I frequently recommend movies that are little known or out of the mainstream. Below are some favorites, placed in order as if I were forced to do so, but they really don't have an order. Movies are such a "mood-thing." I've included links to trailers (if available) or scenes so you can get an idea if a movie is up your alley.

If you're looking for the movies that I would consider the greatest of all-time, this is not that list. Just highly enjoyable, for one reason or another.

10. The Flamingo Kid (1984). Matt Dillon, Hector Elizondo, Richard Crenna. Coming of age comedy. Loved for the nostalgic feel, and the father-son relationship at it's core.

9. Freeway (1996) Reese Witherspoon, Keiffer Sutherland. Reese as America's anti-sweetheart. Loved for the clever play on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and the just deserts.

8. Seems Like Old Times (1980) Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, Charles Grodin. What can I say? I'm a sucker for Charles Grodin.

7. The Machinist (2004) Christian Bale. Disturbing. Fascinating. Can't believe it's Christian Bale. After watching, I felt as exhausted as he was in the end.

6. The Heiress (1949) Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift. Loved for the strength of the main character, but even more so for the charisma of Clift.

5. Indian Summer (1993) Alan Arkin, Diane Lane, Kevin Pollack. This movie fell short of it's great potential, but I still love it because it takes me back to my own summer camp experiences. Alan Arkin is flawless, as usual.

4. Little Darlings (1980) Kristy McNichol, Tatum O'Neal. Don't let the name fool you.

3. The Man in the Moon (1991) Reese Witherspoon, Sam Waterston. A early-teen Witherspoon showing signs of future stardom. Loved for the relationship with her parents, and the bond of sisterhood.

2. Before Sunrise (1995) Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy--which must be followed by Before Sunset (2004). The ultimate romance, with none of the "chick-flick" cliches. Takes my breath away.

1. Dogfight (1991) River Phoenix, Lili Taylor. Heartbreaking. On multiple levels.

Stay tuned next week for my all-time favorite "campy" movies.

Don't Miss This Movie

Amy Unger — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:08:00 GMT

Rarely do I come across a movie that I would classify as a "do not miss," because opinions of movies are so subjective. That said, most people who are reading this blog are likely live music fans, so I'm comfortable telling you to go get the movie "Once." Now. Hurry. And make sure your good speakers are hooked up and ready to go.

When someone first told me that I have to see this movie, I thought, "yeah, ok, will do," and put it at the bottom of my Blockbuster queue. Then my mom told me to see it so we could talk about it, and it got bumped to the top....because, you know, mom knows best.

It sat on my dresser for about two weeks before I finally got Steven to bed early enough to watch an entire movie without interruption, which is really the only way to watch a movie like this (although it is only about 85 minutes long). At first I thought it was strange, and I wasn't sure I would get into it...but that didn't last. It has a lot of music in it, but it's not what I would call a musical. The story revolves around a street musician/vacuum cleaner repairman in Dublin who has musical aspirations he doesn't have enough gumption to pursue...until he meets a unique Czech girl, also a musician, who shoves her way into his life and gives him the push he needs.

The cast is made up of real musicians, not actors, and the integration of the songs into the story is seamless. And the songs are amazing. The ending is not conventional or overly sappy. The camera work feels a bit like a home movie...like this might have really happened, and maybe it happened as we were watching. The result is very affecting.

I brought it to work to put it in the mail, but I can't seem to part with it. Usually, I can't get movies back fast enough so they'll send me the next one on my list. But I keep playing it over and over...even as background noise. I ordered the soundtrack, though, so maybe I'll be able to part with the DVD when it arrives. If not, I know what DVD purchase I'll be making soon...