Spokane's The Garland Theater: Summer Camp 2018
Though I didn't make it out to any of the film classics played over at the Garland Theater in Spokane all summer, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I'd actually seen all the films they were showing. Just for fun, I thought I'd let everyone know which ones were my favorite and which ones I don't like. I am curious what everyone else's faves are too, so let the world know! They no doubt picked these movies because they are essential films from our younger days and/or cult classics that every film viewer can get behind. Here's my list:
[disclaimer: I know people have strong attachments to some old bad movies so I'm sorry if I hate on one of your favorites]
1. Casablanca (1942)
This was a tough first for me because the next movie on this list is right up there for me too. But honestly, Casablanca literally is the film for everyone. It's dramatic and romantic, even funny and suspenseful; many consider it the Hollywood movie. A cliché story cannot prevent the film from being quite compelling despite being over 75 years old in 2018. A stellar cast, a fantastic script, and a handful of surprises have converted most viewers even now into "classic film lovers." Especially for modern viewers who have trouble finding enjoyable movies outside of the last 50 years of cinema, there is not a better film to represent the essential years of Hollywood.
2. Spirited Away (2002)
This film deserves a number one spot on every "Best Of" list, but some people just can't get on board with foreign films. I think that this is one of the most captivating and fantastic movies I have ever seen. The movie is certainly a visual masterpiece but is also able to reinvent the classic fairy-tale storyline into a unique hero arc. The most interesting is that there is nothing particularly special about Chihiro, but with a little help and a lot of hard work, she is able to survive the encounter with the spirit bathhouse. A further commentary on greed and consumption wrapped up in an engaging presentation for adults and children alike, there is hardly a flaw in this perfect and universal film.
3. Terminator 2 (1991)
James Cameron's original film has top-notch effects and action sequences, all of which his sequel doubles down on. However, Terminator 2 adds something else to the story this time around: a previously unseen emotional depth to all its characters, giving each one a presence and force that makes the storyline even more intense. The added depth gives just enough weight to the story to make us care about the characters, and especially cherish the dramatic ending. Without a doubt the only other great Terminator film, we'd never see another entry as powerful as this; it's the type of film that all future action sci-fi films have to reckon with, equaled only by The Matrix in 1999.
4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The ultimate John Hughes masterpiece, even surpassing his earlier films The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles (also on this list), Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the ultimate blend of irresistible fun and cult acclaim. By no means perfect, Hughes succeeds exceptionally because of his portrayal of high school views on authority, emotion, and most of all friendship. The film's light tone further conveys the philosophy of youthful fun, so well that it has become essential viewing of almost every American's youth. That alone has given Ferris Bueller the impact that has continued to top classic summer movie lists to this day.
5. Stand by Me (1986)
Renowned director Rob Reiner had already demonstrated that he had a strong grasp on audiences with This is Spinal Tap (1984) and The Sure Thing (1985) when Stand by Me came out. With this film, Reiner showed his venture into more serious films could be equally as successful. Stand by Me shows its four protagonists in one of their most difficult transition period as preteen boys, yet the actors' performances are excellently nuanced beyond their young years. Particularly Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix shine in their roles, and these combined with a hefty dose of nostalgia (and of course, humor) make the film a smashing success. Perfect for the sentimental who remember how difficult their growing pains were, Stand by Me captures book author Stephen King's themes while keeping the entertainment value high.
6. Sixteen Candles (1984)
The movies in the middle of this list are difficult to categorize; while certainly not perfect cinema, I enjoy over half these films immensely. Things get difficult to order in the midpack because there is such a fine line between quality and cult fandom. John Hughes' first film dances that line and ultimately succeeds due to his strong empathy for the characters' situations. The film holds such a warm heart for its characters with a maturity that dignifies the otherwise wacky humor spread throughout. Like the previous two films, it's an apt showcase of 80s youth and culture, but Hughes imbeds a universality that continues to feel relevant in the 2010s. Many consider it inferior to the likes of Hughes' later films, but its miles above duds like Weird Science, and somehow equally as entertaining as his most highly lauded films.
7. The Big Lebowski (1998)
I hate putting a film as hilarious and weird as The Big Lebowski smack in the middle of this list, but the film has its fair share of shortcomings same as any other. I probably wouldn't even put it in my top five Coen Brothers movies. Still, I can see why the Garland put it on their summer film list because it basically defines the cult classic: you'll either love it or absolutely hate it. I definitely choose the former, as the strange, hilarious and psychedelic storyline hazily compliments the precision of Fargo (1996). Coen fans will especially fall for Lebowski; Jeff Bridges knocks the role out of the park, and John Goodman makes a standout side character as well. Top it off with classic Coen Brothers dialogue and the result is a film unlike any other, yet distinctly and uniquely a Joel and Ethan film.
8. The Neverending Story (1984)
A classic wonderful tale that I unfortunately did not see until I was grown up, I still latched on to the nostalgia of the 80s effects and soundtrack. There are some laughably bad qualities like Bastian's annoying voice and poor dialogue ("Falkor! Atreyu!"), but overall it still holds up for the great message of child literacy and imagination and the skilled direction of Das Boot creator Wolfgang Peterson. The film gets into some darker themes on occasion, but ultimately the adventure is much loved by the kids. The fantastic, weird, and often dangerous world of the story makes for interesting viewing, and overall it's quite entertaining for the fantasy lovers.
9. Dirty Dancing (1987)
I like Dirty Dancing, but it is the definition of camp and nostalgia. A niche, cult film on the level of The Breakfast Club (sorry for referencing it so many times), Dirty Dancing is not great but the entertainment level is. A classic "more heart than skill" quality abounds in the film, even if Jennifer Grey's choreography has both in spades. The gushing romance puts its beautiful actors front and center, making it a classic guilty pleasure even upon its initial release. Plus, it proved that a climactic ending song could bring all the power needed to a classic coming-of-age overcoming-obstacle resolution.
10. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
No doubt Harold Ramis knocked it out of the park with his writing on Ghostbusters (1984) and his writing and directing on Groundhog Day (1993), but this film just does not have the same connections as those do (he also co-wrote Animal House, so there's no excuse for lower quality here). The film is certainly funny, and the writing by John Hughes fits the family dynamic to a T. However, there is no depth below the humor, so it ends up being all very one dimensional. Every character fits their archetype, and this lack of emotional complexity seems strange from so many talented comedians. The film is still enjoyable (I actually do like it a lot), but to me, it's a fleeting enjoyment and I end up wondering why you should even care about Chevy Chase's suffering. The constant humor and performance of Chase make it certainly worth watching, but it can't nearly compete with the above-mentioned films.
11. Jumanji (1995)
Here's where I'd start drawing the line at leaning towards "bad." Jumanji is still watchable in all its big-budget action adventure glory, but there's not enough enjoyment throughout to make it too worthwhile, especially as an adult. Amazingly, the film is too sad, which is strange as it's definitely a kids movie (filled with good computerized animals and effects). The gloomy tragedy that haunts the film only slightly lifts at the end, and the thrilling story concept doesn't inspire much excitement besides a "wonder what'll happen next" feeling. Bad pacing and a way-too-late introduction of Robin Williams dooms what could've been great with really only a few tweaks, despite there now being a couple reboots of the film's concept.
12. The Sandlot (1993)
I know people love this film, with its several iconic scenes and its amalgam of American qualities, but I can't see it now as anything other than a Stand by Me ripoff, and an even more overtly sentimental and nostalgic one at that. Cliché dictates every plot point, with each one that's not just another gag feeling more and more stale, and director David Mickey Evans heavy-handedness keeps everything so fake. People think it's funny, but a collective bunch of young boys' antics should not be enough to propel a whole film.
13. The Boondock Saints (1999)
Speaking of copycats - the classic Tarantino wannabe who somehow got one single Miramax film, Troy Duffy, debuted his Pulp Fiction to disastrous results. How the film became an underrated classic is beyond me because not one thing in the whole film works. The pacing is god-awful and the film is a visual disaster, clearly a completely inexperienced effort. The characters are so one-note that not even the two main characters have identifiable traits. And that's just the direction. He also wrote the screenplay, which is somehow worse. Not only is it entirely unbelievable, but the short bursts of overkill action are bookended incoherently by long boring sequences with not even remotely likable characters. Only the gay FBI agent Willem Dafoe and the third man (long-haired dude) with the brothers stand out amongst everything else, but they are so poorly written into the story that you actually hate them more than the more basic characters. Worst of all, it is not even slightly cool, which seems to be the only obvious (and failed) goal going into this film.
14. Hook (1991)
If The Boondock Saints was a mistake on the production company for not shutting down Duffy before its release, then Hook is simply just a mistake. Everyone involved has no excuse for the film's quality because it really makes no sense why the classic tale of Peter Pan had to be filtered through the lens of the anxiety of the wealthy. Spielberg puts in no extra effort here, and the failings of the film scream throughout. The direction of the film is confusing while being overly obvious with its "lack of inner-child makes bad parent" message; the film is not at all thrilling or delightful as a good children's adventure tale should be; of course there's also Dustin Hoffman, who only overacts to compensate for lack of onscreen magic. There is no reason for this movie to exist, as the high-end cast and production team salary proves through its brutal two hours.
Sorry for all the hate! I'm sure there is something enjoyable in all these films, but the last few are difficult to argue for. As per usual, I am happy to hear any contrasting thoughts, just wanted to my personal opinion to be shared. Thanks for making it this far!
[disclaimer: I know people have strong attachments to some old bad movies so I'm sorry if I hate on one of your favorites]
1. Casablanca (1942)
This was a tough first for me because the next movie on this list is right up there for me too. But honestly, Casablanca literally is the film for everyone. It's dramatic and romantic, even funny and suspenseful; many consider it the Hollywood movie. A cliché story cannot prevent the film from being quite compelling despite being over 75 years old in 2018. A stellar cast, a fantastic script, and a handful of surprises have converted most viewers even now into "classic film lovers." Especially for modern viewers who have trouble finding enjoyable movies outside of the last 50 years of cinema, there is not a better film to represent the essential years of Hollywood.
2. Spirited Away (2002)
This film deserves a number one spot on every "Best Of" list, but some people just can't get on board with foreign films. I think that this is one of the most captivating and fantastic movies I have ever seen. The movie is certainly a visual masterpiece but is also able to reinvent the classic fairy-tale storyline into a unique hero arc. The most interesting is that there is nothing particularly special about Chihiro, but with a little help and a lot of hard work, she is able to survive the encounter with the spirit bathhouse. A further commentary on greed and consumption wrapped up in an engaging presentation for adults and children alike, there is hardly a flaw in this perfect and universal film.
3. Terminator 2 (1991)
James Cameron's original film has top-notch effects and action sequences, all of which his sequel doubles down on. However, Terminator 2 adds something else to the story this time around: a previously unseen emotional depth to all its characters, giving each one a presence and force that makes the storyline even more intense. The added depth gives just enough weight to the story to make us care about the characters, and especially cherish the dramatic ending. Without a doubt the only other great Terminator film, we'd never see another entry as powerful as this; it's the type of film that all future action sci-fi films have to reckon with, equaled only by The Matrix in 1999.
4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The ultimate John Hughes masterpiece, even surpassing his earlier films The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles (also on this list), Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the ultimate blend of irresistible fun and cult acclaim. By no means perfect, Hughes succeeds exceptionally because of his portrayal of high school views on authority, emotion, and most of all friendship. The film's light tone further conveys the philosophy of youthful fun, so well that it has become essential viewing of almost every American's youth. That alone has given Ferris Bueller the impact that has continued to top classic summer movie lists to this day.
5. Stand by Me (1986)
Renowned director Rob Reiner had already demonstrated that he had a strong grasp on audiences with This is Spinal Tap (1984) and The Sure Thing (1985) when Stand by Me came out. With this film, Reiner showed his venture into more serious films could be equally as successful. Stand by Me shows its four protagonists in one of their most difficult transition period as preteen boys, yet the actors' performances are excellently nuanced beyond their young years. Particularly Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix shine in their roles, and these combined with a hefty dose of nostalgia (and of course, humor) make the film a smashing success. Perfect for the sentimental who remember how difficult their growing pains were, Stand by Me captures book author Stephen King's themes while keeping the entertainment value high.
6. Sixteen Candles (1984)
The movies in the middle of this list are difficult to categorize; while certainly not perfect cinema, I enjoy over half these films immensely. Things get difficult to order in the midpack because there is such a fine line between quality and cult fandom. John Hughes' first film dances that line and ultimately succeeds due to his strong empathy for the characters' situations. The film holds such a warm heart for its characters with a maturity that dignifies the otherwise wacky humor spread throughout. Like the previous two films, it's an apt showcase of 80s youth and culture, but Hughes imbeds a universality that continues to feel relevant in the 2010s. Many consider it inferior to the likes of Hughes' later films, but its miles above duds like Weird Science, and somehow equally as entertaining as his most highly lauded films.
7. The Big Lebowski (1998)
I hate putting a film as hilarious and weird as The Big Lebowski smack in the middle of this list, but the film has its fair share of shortcomings same as any other. I probably wouldn't even put it in my top five Coen Brothers movies. Still, I can see why the Garland put it on their summer film list because it basically defines the cult classic: you'll either love it or absolutely hate it. I definitely choose the former, as the strange, hilarious and psychedelic storyline hazily compliments the precision of Fargo (1996). Coen fans will especially fall for Lebowski; Jeff Bridges knocks the role out of the park, and John Goodman makes a standout side character as well. Top it off with classic Coen Brothers dialogue and the result is a film unlike any other, yet distinctly and uniquely a Joel and Ethan film.
8. The Neverending Story (1984)
A classic wonderful tale that I unfortunately did not see until I was grown up, I still latched on to the nostalgia of the 80s effects and soundtrack. There are some laughably bad qualities like Bastian's annoying voice and poor dialogue ("Falkor! Atreyu!"), but overall it still holds up for the great message of child literacy and imagination and the skilled direction of Das Boot creator Wolfgang Peterson. The film gets into some darker themes on occasion, but ultimately the adventure is much loved by the kids. The fantastic, weird, and often dangerous world of the story makes for interesting viewing, and overall it's quite entertaining for the fantasy lovers.
9. Dirty Dancing (1987)
I like Dirty Dancing, but it is the definition of camp and nostalgia. A niche, cult film on the level of The Breakfast Club (sorry for referencing it so many times), Dirty Dancing is not great but the entertainment level is. A classic "more heart than skill" quality abounds in the film, even if Jennifer Grey's choreography has both in spades. The gushing romance puts its beautiful actors front and center, making it a classic guilty pleasure even upon its initial release. Plus, it proved that a climactic ending song could bring all the power needed to a classic coming-of-age overcoming-obstacle resolution.
10. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
No doubt Harold Ramis knocked it out of the park with his writing on Ghostbusters (1984) and his writing and directing on Groundhog Day (1993), but this film just does not have the same connections as those do (he also co-wrote Animal House, so there's no excuse for lower quality here). The film is certainly funny, and the writing by John Hughes fits the family dynamic to a T. However, there is no depth below the humor, so it ends up being all very one dimensional. Every character fits their archetype, and this lack of emotional complexity seems strange from so many talented comedians. The film is still enjoyable (I actually do like it a lot), but to me, it's a fleeting enjoyment and I end up wondering why you should even care about Chevy Chase's suffering. The constant humor and performance of Chase make it certainly worth watching, but it can't nearly compete with the above-mentioned films.
11. Jumanji (1995)
Here's where I'd start drawing the line at leaning towards "bad." Jumanji is still watchable in all its big-budget action adventure glory, but there's not enough enjoyment throughout to make it too worthwhile, especially as an adult. Amazingly, the film is too sad, which is strange as it's definitely a kids movie (filled with good computerized animals and effects). The gloomy tragedy that haunts the film only slightly lifts at the end, and the thrilling story concept doesn't inspire much excitement besides a "wonder what'll happen next" feeling. Bad pacing and a way-too-late introduction of Robin Williams dooms what could've been great with really only a few tweaks, despite there now being a couple reboots of the film's concept.
12. The Sandlot (1993)
I know people love this film, with its several iconic scenes and its amalgam of American qualities, but I can't see it now as anything other than a Stand by Me ripoff, and an even more overtly sentimental and nostalgic one at that. Cliché dictates every plot point, with each one that's not just another gag feeling more and more stale, and director David Mickey Evans heavy-handedness keeps everything so fake. People think it's funny, but a collective bunch of young boys' antics should not be enough to propel a whole film.
13. The Boondock Saints (1999)
Speaking of copycats - the classic Tarantino wannabe who somehow got one single Miramax film, Troy Duffy, debuted his Pulp Fiction to disastrous results. How the film became an underrated classic is beyond me because not one thing in the whole film works. The pacing is god-awful and the film is a visual disaster, clearly a completely inexperienced effort. The characters are so one-note that not even the two main characters have identifiable traits. And that's just the direction. He also wrote the screenplay, which is somehow worse. Not only is it entirely unbelievable, but the short bursts of overkill action are bookended incoherently by long boring sequences with not even remotely likable characters. Only the gay FBI agent Willem Dafoe and the third man (long-haired dude) with the brothers stand out amongst everything else, but they are so poorly written into the story that you actually hate them more than the more basic characters. Worst of all, it is not even slightly cool, which seems to be the only obvious (and failed) goal going into this film.
14. Hook (1991)
If The Boondock Saints was a mistake on the production company for not shutting down Duffy before its release, then Hook is simply just a mistake. Everyone involved has no excuse for the film's quality because it really makes no sense why the classic tale of Peter Pan had to be filtered through the lens of the anxiety of the wealthy. Spielberg puts in no extra effort here, and the failings of the film scream throughout. The direction of the film is confusing while being overly obvious with its "lack of inner-child makes bad parent" message; the film is not at all thrilling or delightful as a good children's adventure tale should be; of course there's also Dustin Hoffman, who only overacts to compensate for lack of onscreen magic. There is no reason for this movie to exist, as the high-end cast and production team salary proves through its brutal two hours.
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