Movies and TV

I got the inspiration to do a post about what kind of movies I watch, and what TV shows I enjoy from surfing the web. First, if you're reading this, you know my experience on stage so there is no denying my love for comedy. There is nothing greater on this earth than getting on stage in front of a several people and making them laugh.

It's safe to say that my area of interest is definitely comedies. I also have a habit of watching things over and over. Not all of the movies or TV I watch are comedies but, most are.

1. One of the first movies I remember ever enjoying passionately was Wargames. I mean, I watched this show like mad crazy on HBO. How could I not? They played that sucker every damn day after school for about five years, I think.

Matthew Broderick plays David, a loner who hates school and is much more interested in video games. He finds a backdoor method of accessing interesting games that are not normally available and winds up saving the world! (Well, not literally).

Who can forget the "DEFCON" warnings and the ingenious way he rigged that door with a tape recorder? This stuff is pure gold and even Ally Sheedy manages not to be annoying, (well almost).

2. Ferris Buller. Matthew Broderick play Ferris Buller, a popular teenager, who skips school with his best friend (who happens to be a slight head-case), and works to get his girlfriend out of school so that the trio can go frolicking about the big city of Chicago, and hit all the major tourist attractions. Meanwhile, Jeannie (Shawna), played by Jennifer Gray, the sister of Ferris, becomes enraged over Ferris playing hooky and decides to also play hooky so she can catch her brother in the act, only to find herself later confessing her secrets to "Winning" Charlie Sheen.

What's so great about it?

Matthew Broderick, skipping school, Ben Stein, set in Chicago, bat-shit crazy Charlie Sheen, an explanation of "Voo-doo economics"...what's not to love? This classic gem  features all that's great about comedy. It's absolutely simple yet, happens to keep you fully entertained. Warning  -- Never call Broderick, "Ferris." Apparently he's rather touchy about it.

3. Office Space is just one of those special movies that proves witty dialogue and casual acting can make for a great movie. What was the budget on this film? 100 bucks or so, plus lunch for actors and crew?

There's something so relatable about the film, you just can't help but ask yourself why you didn't become a software engineer so that you too could program a virus to rip off the entire place where you work at, only not mess up a mundane detail. Even Jennifer Aniston turns in a nice performance, which is pretty much a miracle in of itself. This movie never gets old and even the soundtrack is worth buying. Damn, it does feel good to be a gangster.

4. Speaking of cheap movies, Clerks has to be on this list. This timeless classic can be watched over and over. The plot for this movie is what a waistline is to Kevin Smith. So it's simple and rather goofy, but the characters of Jay and Silent Bob go on to entertain in other brain-creatures of Smith and, this beginning of the road movie was a break through in cult films of the 90's. Oh, and try not to suck any d*ck on your way through the parking lot.

5. One thing I love is when movies are funny and they provide a nice little, hopeful message. This is just the case for Billy Madison. Adam Sandler plays Billy, a trust-fund baby who loves to party. His father doubts his ability to take over the family chain of hotels and chooses to hand the company over to Eric, an evil troll-like character who hates Billy. In an attempt to save himself and the family business, Billy decides to prove his worth doing what anyone would do in his position -- retake all of his school classes, 1st through 12th grade.

The film is complete with funny set-ups and manages to keep a fairly clean image. In the end, Billy decides he wants to be a teacher. There's nothing preachy about the movie but, the whole idea of doing what you love and working hard to beat out the bad guy does shine through in the end.

6. Speaking of Sandler, another great film is Happy Gilmore. Again, this is another movie that provides a real nice message of finding a passion, concentrating on what you do well, and standing up to the jerk who bought your grandma's house at an auction.

Happy is a boy who was raised by his sweet grandmother and is determined to be a hockey player. He runs into Chubs, an ex-professional golfer, who convinces Happy to play golf instead. After a lot of denial and outrageously, funny behavior, Happy finally believes in himself and his abilities. He wins the respect of his grandma and he gets the girl. Oh, and you get to see some good ol' Bob Barker fighting.

7. Anchorman is awesome but, the commentary is even better. There's nothing terribly positive or negative when it comes to the overall message of this film. This is simply about having a good time with tons of laughs. Who doesn't like Christina Applegate? This woman is one of the funniest girls to come out of Hollywood over the last 20 years. She's beautiful, talented, and not annoying, which is damn near impossible of a combination to find these days.

From scotch in the belly to a whale's vagina, this movies' dialogue hits its mark every time. Watch this over and over for even more laughs and don't forget the commentary -- pure genius!

8. When it comes to seeking out what is important in life, the movie Dickie Roberts - Former Child Star, delivers hard with a touch of pure corniness. Bottom line, money and fame are great but, you still need the love of family and friends.

David Spade plays the role of Dickie Roberts, a former child star who lost his way and is looking for a comeback. He finds the perfect role to audition for but, it turns out he needs to do some serious research if he plans on succeeding. He hires a family to move in with so that he can relive his childhood. Even though the father in this movie looks exactly like wife-killer Scott Peterson, and there's almost no way a sane family would allow a stranger that is a man in his 30's to move into and sleep in the same bedroom as their small children, somehow this movie manages to suspend your disbelief and tell a very sweet story.

In the end, Dickie lands his role and discovers that family is really what he needed. Once the heart is in the right place, the rest of success can finally enter into your life. Awwwh...so very sweet and the movie does ignite some thinking when it comes to child stars in Hollywood. Paul Peterson should be proud. Even the end of this movie has credits complete with a ton of former child stars singing about their past success and current lives. A great family movie, a gentle comedy, and a "dare I say" conservative message coming directly from Hollywood.

9. If you're into inspiration the way I am, Anne of Green Gables is what the doctor ordered. This is more of a mini-series then it is a movie and Disney followed up with Anne of Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story, and Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning. Megan Follows plays Anne Shirley, a role she was clearly born to play. Anne with an -e, is a young girl who lost her parents and finds herself with the Cuthberts, a brother and sister living out in the country who really wanted a boy to help around the land they own. Instead, they become smitten with Anne and decide to raise her. She soon finds herself in trouble but, Anne always means well and you can't help but fall in love with her, rooting for her, and wanting the best.

The first movie series is breathtaking and deeply moving. Of course the books are much better but, the series will make you laugh and cry all the same. If you are ever in a dark place, this is just what is needed to bring light into your life. Anne will touch your heart and give you the inspiration you need to make real dreams come true.

10. We finally come to the greatest movie of all time and I say that because I love Vince Vaughn. Swingers has to be my favorite movie, at least for the last 6 years. Mike and Trent are two out of work actors trying to make it big, just like everyone else in L.A. In the movie, they are mostly just looking for beautiful babies. Again, we see an extremely uncomplicated plot but, a very real adventure of recovering from the loss of a mate through a break up.

This is Vaughn's first role and you get a chance to witness him doing what he does best -- improv comedy. Some of the lines are so classic and this movie is the genesis of making the word "money" ...well, money. I really cannot count the amount of times I've seen this movie because I generally put it in and set the repeat feature, allowing it to play over and over again. It has just become a part of my background in life and you know what? You're like a big bear, with fangs, and claws.

Okay...so let's talk TV...

11. 24 baby! I have a confession; I never liked Kiefer Sutherland in the 80's. He was always creepy and he always played these mean roles that made him more creepier. I have to be honest here -- I didn't start watching 24 right away. I really had no interest in watching such nonsense. It was already in its 4th season by the time I finally put the DVD of the 1st season into a player. I had decided I would go ahead and watch the first hour, just to see what it was all about. It was already midnight so, I figured I would just fade out after awhile. First hour, first season was okay. It was mostly just setting things up, introducing characters, and ended with a little bit of a cliff hanger so, I continued to watch. 8 hours later, I was dead tired, shoveling popcorn in my mouth, and going on the 3rd disc. I literally had to go to bed. There was no way I could stay up another minute but, I'll be damned if I didn't finish the rest of that season up, right after I got the sleep I needed.

I have to say, the 4th season is my favorite and the best season was the very last, the 8th. Everyone has a different opinion but, I think everyone agrees season 6 sucks! Other than that, if you like TV, you'll like 24. The show is all about terrorism, threats of violence against government officials, and of course Jack Bauer. There's no easy way to sum up 8 years of this series but, if you like action and adventure, you will love 24. Indeed, some of the plots that come about are absolutely absurd. In fact, season 4 has the most absurd plot line but, it's still my favorite. Somehow this show manages to entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat. Thank goodness for DVDs. I love being able to watch seasons in one day, two days at most. Watching the shows from week to week is absolutely frustrating. I tried doing this for season 6 and 8 and it was so hard waiting! Each episode ends in a big cliff hanger so the anticipation can be overwhelming. I'm not kidding.

...I'll add more if I think of any more...What are your favorite movies and TV shows? Comment below.