Movies I Can't Resist

Everyone has their favorite movies that they just can’t get enough of. If you’ve been visiting here for a while, you’d probably guess that I’m not much for happy and flowery movies where everything ends up perfect and sunshine-y. I have my exceptions, of course, but for the most part I like movies that are a little bit…let’s just call it grittier and a bit more painful. : )

I’d like to share with you a list of my favorite movies in no particular order. I’ll watch pretty much anything with the exception of horror movies, but I definitely have my favorites!

The Way We Were (1973) – This movie starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford is the one I would feel comfortable saying really is my number one favorite movie of all time. The story has it all: Robert Redford (helloooo!), an amazing song by Barbra (yes we ARE on a first-name basis), ups, downs, and an ending that makes your heart literally ache. I love you Katie and Hubbell Gardner.

Warrior (2011) – This is kind of an under-the-radar movie starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. Nick Nolte was nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar for his role in this movie and was completely robbed when he didn’t get it. This story is gritty, depressing, and so real. I love the authenticity of Nick Nolte’s desperation in this story. “I’m really trying here, Tommy.” I feel your pain, old man.

Sense and Sensibility (1995) – I could just as easily have replaced this title with Pride & Prejudice or Persuasion, but Emma Thompson plays the role of Elinor Dashwood so beautifully that she takes the cake. Her character is so composed and calm that I often do as her sister says in the movie and compare my actions to what hers would be in a similar situation. I love all of Jane Austen’s stories, but Elinor is without a doubt her most admirable heroine of all.

The Godfather (1972) – Al Pacino is Michael Corleone. Period. He tries to stay out of his family’s ‘business’ and wants to play it straight. He wants to make the business legitimate once he’s pulled in. He’s fighting and struggling and it’s ugly and dirty. But sometimes life is just ugly and full of struggle and you need to put a horse’s head in a dude’s bed. You do what you gotta do.

French Kiss (1995) – Kevin Kline as an unkempt but charming French thief and Meg Ryan when she was still cute. Some of my favorite lines of all time are from this movie. “When someone tells me they are happy, my ass begins to twitch” and “Of course you know him. All you bastards know each other!” Pure gold. Go rent it. Now. Seriously!

The Break-Up (2006) – The fight that Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston have at the beginning of this movie is so real it’s uncomfortable to watch. I’ve seen fights like that. They’re ugly and they’re no-holds-barred. Just like their portrayal. Their world is full of misunderstandings and letdowns and lost hopes, which is what I imagine would happen in a relationship if one person did all the giving and one did all the taking. Sad, but honest and real.

I definitely have other favorites, but these are the ones that I will rarely turn down the chance to watch. Some of them could be classified as ‘downers’ but I appreciate the reality of the darker ones and the charm and wit of the lighter ones. If you haven’t seen them, go check them out. What are some of your favorites? Do tell, I can always add to my list! : )