The 100 Greatest movies of the 1990s #48. Thelma and Louise (49 Viewers)

[timschochet]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Reece Witherspoon

That's Reese Witherspoon.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Love this movie.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm like KP, I think, where I'm into the art of it as much as the spectacle (which I also enjoy). I can watch a big dumb movie and enjoy it, but I'll only love a movie if it's doing more on the art side too.

Sure but if the artsy is dumb or slow or not entertaining then what's the point of the artsy? Of course a good movie that has great shots etc makes it better but i will take an entertaining movie that isn't shot technically well over the vice versa

See, I can appreciate a movie for just the art... The same way I can for just the big dumb spectacle. I won't love it, but can still like a movie for any kind of artistic or technical element I find intriguing.

 

[KarmaPolice]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Love this movie.

I wasn't expecting this reaction when i saw the title change.

 

[El Floppo]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Really solid, underrated (I think, since I don't hear many people talk about it) movie.

Also technically interesting with the B/W to color shift.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Really solid, underrated (I think, since I don't hear many people talk about it) movie.

Also technically interesting with the B/W to color shift.

Stylish, well acted, and a good story. A definite win.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'm like KP, I think, where I'm into the art of it as much as the spectacle (which I also enjoy). I can watch a big dumb movie and enjoy it, but I'll only love a movie if it's doing more on the art side too.

Sure but if the artsy is dumb or slow or not entertaining then what's the point of the artsy? Of course a good movie that has great shots etc makes it better but i will take an entertaining movie that isn't shot technically well over the vice versa

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here. I love a slow burn, so I don't mind a slower pace, but of course I don't think any movies I would consider great are dumb. Most of the movies I see being argued about this way in these threads are from the more artsy and contentious directors like Aronofsky, PTA, Kubrick, etc..

I think what I am trying to say (and maybe Floppo as well) is that I am entertained by the art side of it. Movies that aren't 100% my thing or that aren't personal favorites I will rewatch just to look at the cinematography, acting, think about what it took to get the shots, production design, etc.. That doesn't mean I don't watch and love big dumb movies sometimes too, but again to agree with Floppo most of the time the ones I rank highly would also have some elements of the art side. Not that I am there or know what is in the people making the movie's mind most of the time, but what turns me off the most is feeling that a movie was thrown together just for $ and selling stuff.

 

[TripItUp]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Put me in the solid and maybe underrated bucket.

Also, Reece Witherspoon top 5? Definitely Toby Maguire's.

 

[Gally]

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here.

I don't know if I really have anything off the top of my head. Bottom line I just want to be entertained and not bored. "Artsy" to me is equal to boring. Too much symbolism, too much shot making for the sake of saying look what I did to get this framed the right way when it really means nothing to the story or is to abstract to really mean anything to someone that just wants to be entertained for a couple hours. Things that just try too hard.

 

[TripItUp]

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Always thought it was a little overrated...borderline top 100 for me. Can't imagine ranking it over Seven and Mohicans.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

There's something about Mary is pretty decent and off the top of my head I'd think low to mid 80's. Agree with Trip that ranking it over 7 and Mohicans is blasphemy

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Pleasantville is good though. Solid ranking.

 

[Hastur]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

How can you forget Don Knotts?

 

[El Floppo]

Can't imagine ranking it over Seven and Mohicans

Rinse repeat ad nauseum

 

[massraider]

Reece Witherspoon did a film two years before this with Kiefer Sutherland called Freeway that's really worth checking out. It's a white trash update of Little Red Riding Hood.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Can't imagine ranking it over Seven and Mohicans

Rinse repeat ad nauseum

It's always the ones who never do their own lists and threads.

I don't agree with tim often and take playful shots, but i still appreciate the effort involved and at the end of the day I prefer different lists than the predictable, typical lists that you can find anywhere online. #1 goodfellas. #2 pulp Fiction. #3 Shawshank. Etc, etc.

 

[Jayrod]

I really liked Pleasantville and like the ranking as well.

There's a scene where Toby Maguire's character (Bud) starts messing up the show's storyline when the girl he likes gives him some homemade cookies that were originally given to a character named Whitey. Don Knotts yells at him, "Those are Whitey's cookies, Bud!!"

Every time my son gets into my Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies (I get like 10-12 boxes a year) I yell that line at him. He has no idea what the hell I'm talking about. I have this dream that someday he'll catch the movie and suddenly realize where I got that line and he'll smile and remember his crazy father's random movie quotes.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Really solid, underrated (I think, since I don't hear many people talk about it) movie.

Also technically interesting with the B/W to color shift.

Joan Allen pleasuring herself into color? Yes please.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here.

I don't know if I really have anything off the top of my head. Bottom line I just want to be entertained and not bored. "Artsy" to me is equal to boring. Too much symbolism, too much shot making for the sake of saying look what I did to get this framed the right way when it really means nothing to the story or is to abstract to really mean anything to someone that just wants to be entertained for a couple hours. Things that just try too hard.

The bolded is a big we are at a different starting point on this back and forth. What I have come to appreciate and look for is just that these are 1000s of different people who had vastly different histories and different outlooks on the world doing the same job - making movies. They have different styles and different ways their movies look, but after listening to interviews and reading about them most of the time I get the impression they are making what they want to make for themselves, at least the ones that I would argue are great and I see people grumble about. Lynch is all about dreams and his movies often reflect that. Bergman had a pretty rough and oppressive childhood, and his movies reflect that. Kubrick was a photographer and meticulously planned his movies, so he shot until it looked exactly like he pictured it in his head. On and on. I get it if people aren't interested in that and just want to watch crap blow up for 2 hours and have a laugh. I want that too sometimes. For me personally movies are the perfect medium for more complicated stories and tough characters. I am slow reader, so books often weren't that for me - I usually read non-fiction or genre stuff. TV I don't have the patience for and the time sink is frustrating. 2-3 hours isn't as tough of an ask, even if the movie can be depressing or non sensical or I dislike the characters.

 

[KarmaPolice]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

Really solid, underrated (I think, since I don't hear many people talk about it) movie.

Also technically interesting with the B/W to color shift.

Joan Allen pleasuring herself into color? Yes please.

That's about all I remembered from the movie. I know I saw it around when it came out, and remember liking it enough to defend it a bit when talking movies, but I haven't seen it since. That scene made an impression though.

 

[FarFromHome]

I sit down and watch a movie for entertainment. Artsy. Documentary. Comedy. Drama. Call it what u will. Did it entertain me? Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure was super artsy and I loved it.

 

[dutch]

I'm like KP, I think, where I'm into the art of it as much as the spectacle (which I also enjoy). I can watch a big dumb movie and enjoy it, but I'll only love a movie if it's doing more on the art side too.

Sure but if the artsy is dumb or slow or not entertaining then what's the point of the artsy? Of course a good movie that has great shots etc makes it better but i will take an entertaining movie that isn't shot technically well over the vice versa

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here. I love a slow burn, so I don't mind a slower pace, but of course I don't think any movies I would consider great are dumb. Most of the movies I see being argued about this way in these threads are from the more artsy and contentious directors like Aronofsky, PTA, Kubrick, etc..

I think what I am trying to say (and maybe Floppo as well) is that I am entertained by the art side of it. Movies that aren't 100% my thing or that aren't personal favorites I will rewatch just to look at the cinematography, acting, think about what it took to get the shots, production design, etc.. That doesn't mean I don't watch and love big dumb movies sometimes too, but again to agree with Floppo most of the time the ones I rank highly would also have some elements of the art side. Not that I am there or know what is in the people making the movie's mind most of the time, but what turns me off the most is feeling that a movie was thrown together just for $ and selling stuff.

Ok so I'm not part of this conversation so apologies up front to all yuse guys as there is a good discussion going on but I have an example to offer on the bolded, imo. First off is English Patent, a well crafted and nicely shot period piece with a star performance from the lead that Bored me to no end. What a slog. I will never watch that stuff again, it just drags. Compare that to Lawrence of Arabia and I am all in!! O'Toole and Shariff kill it and the scenery just chews up the the scenery whenever it is filmed, a true masterpiece! Story well told, characters fleshed out, meaning and motivation front and center, brilliant film, imo. A tale of drudgery and joy amongst the two films. I can appreciate art for arts sake but good christmas keep me involved in the story at least.

 

[BlackCrowes]

71. Pleasantville (1998)

Directed by: Gary Ross

Starring: Toby Maguire, Reece Witherspoon, William H Macy, Jeff Daniels

Synopsis: A couple of 90s teenagers become trapped in a 1950s black and white TV show.

No David, nobody is happy in a poodle skirt and sweater set- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer

Television was a big subject matter for movies in this decade and there are a few more films on this list that focus on it. This one is a fantasy and while not perfect it’s very smart. While the overall message is somewhat predictable the ideas are solid and the script and acting is excellent. Witherspoon in particular displays the star talent that would shortly turn her into a major player in Hollywood.

“Where’s my dinner!?”

 

[KarmaPolice]

I'm like KP, I think, where I'm into the art of it as much as the spectacle (which I also enjoy). I can watch a big dumb movie and enjoy it, but I'll only love a movie if it's doing more on the art side too.

Sure but if the artsy is dumb or slow or not entertaining then what's the point of the artsy? Of course a good movie that has great shots etc makes it better but i will take an entertaining movie that isn't shot technically well over the vice versa

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here. I love a slow burn, so I don't mind a slower pace, but of course I don't think any movies I would consider great are dumb. Most of the movies I see being argued about this way in these threads are from the more artsy and contentious directors like Aronofsky, PTA, Kubrick, etc..

I think what I am trying to say (and maybe Floppo as well) is that I am entertained by the art side of it. Movies that aren't 100% my thing or that aren't personal favorites I will rewatch just to look at the cinematography, acting, think about what it took to get the shots, production design, etc.. That doesn't mean I don't watch and love big dumb movies sometimes too, but again to agree with Floppo most of the time the ones I rank highly would also have some elements of the art side. Not that I am there or know what is in the people making the movie's mind most of the time, but what turns me off the most is feeling that a movie was thrown together just for $ and selling stuff.

Ok so I'm not part of this conversation so apologies up front to all yuse guys as there is a good discussion going on but I have an example to offer on the bolded, imo. First off is English Patent, a well crafted and nicely shot period piece with a star performance from the lead that Bored me to no end. What a slog. I will never watch that stuff again, it just drags. Compare that to Lawrence of Arabia and I am all in!! O'Toole and Shariff kill it and the scenery just chews up the the scenery whenever it is filmed, a true masterpiece! Story well told, characters fleshed out, meaning and motivation front and center, brilliant film, imo. A tale of drudgery and joy amongst the two films. I can appreciate art for arts sake but good christmas keep me involved in the story at least.

Sure, bring up two movies I haven't seen as an example!! Thanks for entering the conversation.

English Patient was the one rare movie my now wife suggested we watch because she liked it and of course I proceeded to fall asleep almost instantly. I think that is one of the reasons she doesn't watch movies with me to this day. Funny that you mention it because I had just written it down as one to add to the list to watch. Lawrence I've had at home about 20 times in the last couple years and still haven't gotten to. Also needs to be corrected.

I have had this reaction to movies for sure. In general I feel I am more patient with the artsy fartsy stuff and have much less tolerance for blockbuster fare than most in the threads. I am trying to think of ones recently that bored me or I shut off that would be what I think people are picturing in their heads. A Ghost Story is one that sticks out that I really didn't like. Mother! is another that I remember having a reaction similar to what I am getting from people about TWWB.

 

[dutch]

Never heard of A Ghost Story, think it's tomorrows watch.

In another vein, even high budget-low brow swill can be tedious such as most of the Transformer's movies. I grew to detest Michael Bay because of these monstrosities with all the banging and clanging and quick motion and slow motion action...puke city. Again, well shot but boring and headache inducing.

Suffice it to say, I can appreciate the art of film making but it has to at least offer something to my adhd addled mind to keep me from tuning out. Artsy fartsy isn't enough and neither is zip-boom-bang! Give me something to believe in.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm like KP, I think, where I'm into the art of it as much as the spectacle (which I also enjoy). I can watch a big dumb movie and enjoy it, but I'll only love a movie if it's doing more on the art side too.

Sure but if the artsy is dumb or slow or not entertaining then what's the point of the artsy? Of course a good movie that has great shots etc makes it better but i will take an entertaining movie that isn't shot technically well over the vice versa

I would love to see examples of what you might be talking about here. I love a slow burn, so I don't mind a slower pace, but of course I don't think any movies I would consider great are dumb. Most of the movies I see being argued about this way in these threads are from the more artsy and contentious directors like Aronofsky, PTA, Kubrick, etc..

I think what I am trying to say (and maybe Floppo as well) is that I am entertained by the art side of it. Movies that aren't 100% my thing or that aren't personal favorites I will rewatch just to look at the cinematography, acting, think about what it took to get the shots, production design, etc.. That doesn't mean I don't watch and love big dumb movies sometimes too, but again to agree with Floppo most of the time the ones I rank highly would also have some elements of the art side. Not that I am there or know what is in the people making the movie's mind most of the time, but what turns me off the most is feeling that a movie was thrown together just for $ and selling stuff.

Ok so I'm not part of this conversation so apologies up front to all yuse guys as there is a good discussion going on but I have an example to offer on the bolded, imo. First off is English Patent, a well crafted and nicely shot period piece with a star performance from the lead that Bored me to no end. What a slog. I will never watch that stuff again, it just drags. Compare that to Lawrence of Arabia and I am all in!! O'Toole and Shariff kill it and the scenery just chews up the the scenery whenever it is filmed, a true masterpiece! Story well told, characters fleshed out, meaning and motivation front and center, brilliant film, imo. A tale of drudgery and joy amongst the two films. I can appreciate art for arts sake but good christmas keep me involved in the story at least.

Sure, bring up two movies I haven't seen as an example!! Thanks for entering the conversation.

English Patient was the one rare movie my now wife suggested we watch because she liked it and of course I proceeded to fall asleep almost instantly. I think that is one of the reasons she doesn't watch movies with me to this day. Funny that you mention it because I had just written it down as one to add to the list to watch. Lawrence I've had at home about 20 times in the last couple years and still haven't gotten to. Also needs to be corrected.

I have had this reaction to movies for sure. In general I feel I am more patient with the artsy fartsy stuff and have much less tolerance for blockbuster fare than most in the threads. I am trying to think of ones recently that bored me or I shut off that would be what I think people are picturing in their heads. A Ghost Story is one that sticks out that I really didn't like. Mother! is another that I remember having a reaction similar to what I am getting from people about TWWB.

Ftr, I saw English Patient in the theaters. It was well directed and acted but I wanted to murder somebody... Anybody... For that awful experience. I don't remember anything more than that, tbh.

 

[shuke]

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliot

Synopsis: A guy attempts to track down the girl he’s loved since high school.

What about Brett Farv-ruh? - Ben Stiller as Ted

There were so many hilarious quotes from this film but most of them are simply too tasteless to post here. One of my favorites is Matt Dillon’s explanation of his “passion”- working with certain kids- so wrong but I couldn’t stop laughing. The whole film is like that, incredibly silly.

One of my favorite theater going experiences ever. Watched it with a big group on new year's day night after a day full of drinking at the bar watching bowl games.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Lawrence I've had at home about 20 times in the last couple years and still haven't gotten to. Also needs to be corrected.

The location scouts should have gotten screen credit as another character. That and the cinematography elevates this to a whole new level. That and the music.

When David Lean screened it to do the fifty year restoration, he discovered that one reel had been in reversed (right for left) that whole time. It has since been fixed.

 

[Ghost Rider]

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliot

Synopsis: A guy attempts to track down the girl he’s loved since high school.

What about Brett Farv-ruh? - Ben Stiller as Ted

There were so many hilarious quotes from this film but most of them are simply too tasteless to post here. One of my favorites is Matt Dillon’s explanation of his “passion”- working with certain kids- so wrong but I couldn’t stop laughing. The whole film is like that, incredibly silly.

Top 5 of all time comedy for me.

My all-time favorite movie theater moment. I’m watching this sitting next to my college roommate when the guy drops the hairy beanbag line. Roommate lets out a deafening BWAAAHAHAHA!!1! that itself, brought the whole house down, people laughing at HIM.

I will never forget my brother and I seeing There's Something About Mary opening weekend. The place was packed and when they showed the shot of Ted's frank and beans caught in the zipper, the entire theater loudly gasped in unison. I still laugh thinking about that.

And the brother loudly exclaiming, "he was mastur......," three times as Ted was being wheeled to the ambulance is still quite possibly the funniest thing in any move ever.

 

[timschochet]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

 

[FarFromHome]

Oh my. Swingers came to me and my friends at a time where it was just what we needed. So money.

I could just rattle off quotes from this marvelous movie.

 

[El Floppo]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

3 days.

I love this movie. balances the line between satire/social commentary and comedy/drama perfectly. and also perfectly encapsulated that swing scene that hit CA (and maybe other places?) ever so briefly for a couple years. incredible zeitgeist in this thing.

there have been some objectively fantastic and personal favorite movies already so far- will be interesting to see how the remaining 70 stack up.

 

[El Floppo]

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliot

Synopsis: A guy attempts to track down the girl he’s loved since high school.

What about Brett Farv-ruh? - Ben Stiller as Ted

There were so many hilarious quotes from this film but most of them are simply too tasteless to post here. One of my favorites is Matt Dillon’s explanation of his “passion”- working with certain kids- so wrong but I couldn’t stop laughing. The whole film is like that, incredibly silly.

Top 5 of all time comedy for me.

My all-time favorite movie theater moment. I’m watching this sitting next to my college roommate when the guy drops the hairy beanbag line. Roommate lets out a deafening BWAAAHAHAHA!!1! that itself, brought the whole house down, people laughing at HIM.

I will never forget my brother and I seeing There's Something About Mary opening weekend. The place was packed and when they showed the shot of Ted's frank and beans caught in the zipper, the entire theater loudly gasped in unison. I still laugh thinking about that.

And the brother loudly exclaiming, "he was mastur......," three times as Ted was being wheeled to the ambulance is still quite possibly the funniest thing in any move ever.

7's the key number here. Think about it. 7-Elevens. 7 dwarves. 7, man, that's the number. 7 chipmunks twirlin' on a branch, eatin' lots of sunflowers on my uncle's ranch. You know that old children's tale from the sea. It's like you're dreamin' about Gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly Brie time, baby. Step into my office.

 

[BlackCrowes]

this is the guy, behind the guy, behind the guy

 

[FarFromHome]

A malt Glen Garry for me and my friend here. And if you tell that bartender to go extra easy on the water, this 50 cent piece has your name on it.

If I could count how many times I humorously asked a bartender for a malt Glen Garry id prolly be embarrassed.

 

[Todem]

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliot

Synopsis: A guy attempts to track down the girl he’s loved since high school.

What about Brett Farv-ruh? - Ben Stiller as Ted

There were so many hilarious quotes from this film but most of them are simply too tasteless to post here. One of my favorites is Matt Dillon’s explanation of his “passion”- working with certain kids- so wrong but I couldn’t stop laughing. The whole film is like that, incredibly silly.

One of my all time fav comedys......it never ever get's old. I quote so many lines from this....it's crazy.

The cringe-worthy zipper scene.

Are the franks above the beans? Or the beans above the franks? "What baseball?!!!! "Gonna open a can of whoop *** on you"

72. There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Directed by: The Farrelly Brothers

Starring: Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Chris Elliot

Synopsis: A guy attempts to track down the girl he’s loved since high school.

What about Brett Farv-ruh? - Ben Stiller as Ted

There were so many hilarious quotes from this film but most of them are simply too tasteless to post here. One of my favorites is Matt Dillon’s explanation of his “passion”- working with certain kids- so wrong but I couldn’t stop laughing. The whole film is like that, incredibly silly.

Just rewatched recently - still holds up. Matt Dillon steals the show.

"Dude forget about Mary she is huge...she's anus" "I am taking a deal with Rice a Roni so good luck" "All I have are these damn Nepalese coins" "Patrick R Healy convicted of petty theft and assault on a teacher's aide named Mony Pettigrove".

On the flip side, I think too often people don't have the patience for directors and movies that really push the medium and do some really complicated stuff. Those usually get put in the boring and artsy fartsy categories in lists like this.

I guess I watch movies/TV for entertainment. I don't really care about artsy-fartsy, technically good movie making that isn't entertaining. To me there isn't much point spending my time on that kind of stuff if it isn't entertaining. It's probably why critic opinions usually are meaningless for me.

I mostly do as well......I do appreciate great filmmaking...but everyones definition of that varies. A movie has to entertain me first and foremost. If it's serious material...it needs to move me or make me think about it for days to stick with me. If it's horror.....scare me to death and really get under my skin and into my soul. If it's comedy....make me piss my pants and make my belly ache from laughter and make me cry while laughing. Drama? Move me. Make me cry, hit a nerve. Pretty simple stuff.

There is so much bad out there....it's easy to recognize the special ones.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

 

[Jayrod]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

Too close to home?

It was hilarious and Vaughn was brilliant.

 

[BlackCrowes]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

Because you’re grownsup and you’re grownsup and you’re grownsup

 

[Todem]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

Too close to home?

It was hilarious and Vaughn was brilliant.

You are so money baby......and you don't even know it.

 

[General Malaise]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

This one would be inside my top 25. The 90s had some incredible low-budget Indie films and I bet I could name 10 that are forthcoming from you.....

 

[General Malaise]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

Too close to home?

It was hilarious and Vaughn was brilliant.

I mean....the blackjack scene alone in Vegas was an all-timer. It's happened to me before.

 

[El Floppo]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

what did you see Vaughn in before this?

 

[nirad3]

Oh my. Swingers came to me and my friends at a time where it was just what we needed. So money.

I could just rattle off quotes from this marvelous movie.

Same. I lived in the LA area in the 90s and was part of the "swing" culture to some degree. So this movie is basically an encapsulation of my life during those times.

Vegas, baby, Vegas.

 

[General Malaise]

"Hi this is Nikki, leave a message - BEEP"

 

[FarFromHome]

Oh my. Swingers came to me and my friends at a time where it was just what we needed. So money.

I could just rattle off quotes from this marvelous movie.

Same. I lived in the LA area in the 90s and was part of the "swing" culture to some degree. So this movie is basically an encapsulation of my life during those times.

Vegas, baby, Vegas.

Kinda cool to actually be in that area at the time. We were in the Willamette Valley Oregon area and still felt cool. Ha ha

 

[Pip's Invitation]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

Too close to home?

It was hilarious and Vaughn was brilliant.

I mean....the blackjack scene alone in Vegas was an all-timer. It's happened to me before.

That was the one scene I liked.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

what did you see Vaughn in before this?

Several things. I didn't see Swingers until the mid-00s or something like that.

 

[El Floppo]

70. Swingers (1996)

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham

Synopsis: Out of work actor in Los Angeles, obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, is pushed by his friends to start dating again.

You’re so money and you don’t even know it- Vince Vaughn as Trent

Independent films had their heyday in the 90s with this movie and a few other gems upcoming on this list. Favreau, who also wrote the film, was chiefly known as the buddy in a flick about college football (also coming later.) Vince Vaughn, as Trent, became a star. I also have this movie to thank for introducing me to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Hated it. I might have hated it less if it was the first thing I’d seen Vaughn in, but it wasn’t.

It may have nailed how obnoxious and cringe a certain set of young people in LA are, but that didn’t make it enjoyable to watch.

what did you see Vaughn in before this?

Several things. I didn't see Swingers until the mid-00s or something like that.

oh. so like seeing Caddyshack after the fact.


nothing to see here folks... keep it moving, please... keep it moving.