25 Films
Like most avid cinephiles, I’m always looking for the next great movie to watch. Usually I find myself going through phases where I suddenly need to consume the Shaw Bros. martial arts library, work through the filmography of Peter Bogdanovich, or seek out striking and unique foreign animated films.
But like my iPod where I often find myself listening to the same artists and songs over and over, I’ve realized that even though my cinematic interests runs the gamut, it’s always difficult to seek out something that lies beyond those interests. And despite how many films I’ve seen, I’m always aware of the classic or cult movies I’ve somehow always meant to watch but still haven’t.
So partly inspired by Edgar Wright’s New Beverly presentation where the director screened several titles he had never viewed, I decided to challenge to myself to watch 25 films chosen by 25 friends within the year in an attempt to broaden the scope of my cinematic knowledge.
Thanks to all of my 25 programmers who I know put great thought into their selections. I’m quite pleased with the great mix choices they’ve compiled, containing not only many movies that I have been meaning to see for ages, but also many films I’m not sure I would have ever gotten around to seeing.
So without further ado, here are the 25 films:
YOUNG EINSTEN (1988) chosen by LEOR
In 1905 he discovered relativity… In 1906 he invented rock and roll…
VANILLA SKY (2001) chosen by MELISSA
Is your subconscious your conscious; is your conscious your subconscious?
UHF (1989) chosen by LIZ
A lot of TV stations have forgotten what “quality” means. But not Channel 62. They NEVER knew what it meant.
THE SLAMMIN’ SALMON (2009) chosen by STEPHEN
Bring a bib, it’s gonna get messy.
SAY ANYTHING (1989) chosen by SARA
To know Lloyd Dobler is to love him. Diane Court is about to know Lloyd Dobler.
REALITY BITES (1994) chosen by SHAMIN
A comedy about love in the ’90s.
PRIMER (2004) chosen by JOHN
If you always want what you can’t have, what do you want when you can have anything?
ONG-BAK (2003) chosen by DARIO
No stunt doubles, no computer images, no strings attached.
MY KID COULD PAINT THAT (2007) chosen by LEANNE
Inspiration or Manipulation? You Decide.
MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (1978) chosen by LEO
Everybody gave up on Billy Hayes — except Billy.
THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS (1983) chosen by LIZA
So funny you’ll laugh your head off.
THE LIVES OF OTHERS (2006) chosen by VIKKI
Before the Fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany’s Secret Police Listened to Your Secrets.
LENINGRAD COWBOYS GO AMERICA (1989) chosen by AMANDA
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997) chosen by EMMA
Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush…
THE JOY LUCK CLUB (1993) chosen by SANDRA
HOPE AND GLORY (1987) chosen by LISA
The epic story of a world at war. And a boy at play.
HOOSIERS (1986) chosen by MICHAEL
They needed a second chance to finish first.
HIGH NOON (1952) chosen by CORY
The story of a man who was too proud to run.
HARD BOILED (1992) chosen by MIKE
The most action-packed film of all time.
DAS BOOT (1981) chosen by JONATHAN
When the hunters become the hunted.
DAN IN REAL LIFE (2007) chosen by CHARIDY
Something’s happening to Dan. It’s confusing. It’s awkward. It’s family.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (2009) chosen by MELISSA C
Prepare to get served.
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005) chosen by ALICIA
Love Is A Force Of Nature.
THE BASKETBALL DIARIES (1995) chosen by SARA D
Every punk on the block says it’s not going to happen to them… but it does.
AWAY WE GO (2009) chosen by SHANNON
25 films chosen by 25 individuals
