BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) THE ‘BURBS
I almost blame this movie for my dark sense of humor, but that wouldn’t be fair to this movie. I saw this as a kid at the drive in with my parents. I don’t remember what the other movie was in this double feature, but I remember The Burbs. It creeped me out but it made me laugh. I watched it in recent years and the movie takes on a whole different context. I’ve always enjoyed Tom Hanks in his more comedic roles, but this one is so underrated it’s crazy.
(THREE) BACHELOR PARTY
This came out in 1984 so I didn’t see this at the drive in, but I did see it way too young. If you haven’t seen this movie, basically it’s The Hangover without the ruffies. A group of friends get together for a bachelor party at a hotel. Chaos and hilarity ensues. If you enjoy dirty comedies with heart then you should have seen this movie a long time ago. And do yourself a favor. Don’t watch it unless it’s without edit and without commercials. You need the full vulgarity of this one to really appreciate how ahead of its time it was.
(TWO) BIG
This is still a great movie. It’s one of those timeless films that will always be magical. Tom Hanks plays the man version of a young boy who makes a wish to be “big”. He wakes up and is an adult. There is a few classic moments in this movie, but the foot-piano “heart and soul” scene is one of those spots that’s never going to be forgotten. I’ve not seen this movie in a long time and I think that’ll change the next chance I get.
(ONE) FORREST GUMP
Forrest Gump is one of the greatest movies of all time. This isn’t up for debate. This movie is clearly an achievement that is on a level that only the best movies of all time can be. The stories, the characters, the heart, the direction, and the purity of this movie is awesome on its own. Then we add Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump and it’s amazing. Leutienent Dan, Jen-nay, Bubba, Momma, the ping pong, “run Forrest, run!”, “I gotta pee”, “Life is like a box of chocolate”, Elvis, “I just felt like run-nin’”, and like another three dozen references are all embedded into pop culture. The movie wasn’t real, but it’s a great depiction of what many of us would like to remember as true Americana. Forrest Gump represented decency, hope, and heart to the fullest. If you watch this movie and don’t like it then you’re a horrible person and you should not be loved by anyone. Sorry to be harsh, but this movie is THAT great.
|
