And the Countdown goes on…..

Editor’s Note -
The first slot in our Coach Jeff “Guest Blogger” series goes to Lisa Gary Smith. She writes the tumblr blog, “The Musings of Me.” Her ‘About Me’ block says:

Hi, My name is Lisa. I’m a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, and a friend. These are my thoughts on life, love, culture, being a child of the 70’s and a teen of the 80s!

Her topic today fits right in with her overview.  So, put your hands together for our October Guest Blogger, Lisa Gary Smith! Enjoy!

And the Countdown goes on…

When I was younger, the big thing on Sunday morning was the top 40 countdown hosted by Casey Kasem.  I would be super excited waiting to hear my favorite songs and to see which one would land the number 1 spot.

In the spirit of the Top 40 countdown, I am hosting my own Top 5 countdown.  I am reminded of the movie “High Fidelity” starring John Cusack.  In the film, he counts down the top 5 break ups in his life.  During the course of the film, there are other top 5s as well.  I could write about many top 5s that have occurred in my life but for now, I am going to settle on just one…..a hard one…but just one.

Top 5 Favorite Movies:

5 – “To Kill a Mockingbird”
I had to read this in freshman English in high school and whereas most of the time, you dread required reading, I loved this story.  As a treat of completing the novel, we got to watch the movie in class.  As fate would have it, I was sick when the class watched it.  I was so disappointed by that fact that my mother rented it for me to watch while I was home sick.  Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is probably one of the best cast roles ever in Hollywood.  I can’t really say much more than I love it….it touches my heart.

4 – “The Frisco Kid”
I stumbled upon this movie on cable by accident as a kid.  I saw that it had “Han Solo” from Star Wars in it and that was enough reason to watch it.  It has turned out to be one of the big things my dad and I share.  He loves the movie, as well.  It is a comedy and also stars Gene Wilder.  It is a laugh riot and the two of us often quote it to each other.  It always reminds me of my dad when I see it or think of a quote or scene.  If you haven’t heard of it, you should try and find it.  It’s a good one.

3 – “Shallow Grave"
It is the one dark and (a little) disturbing film on this top 5.  It stars Ewan McGregor (always a plus) and was directed by Danny Boyle (London Olympic Opening Ceremonies creator).  It’s about three flat mates in the UK who are trying to find a fourth person to share their lovely flat.  Things go awry when they discover their new flat mate dead and suitcase full of money.  The story goes from three fun and light friends to paranoia, insecurity, and insanity.  What can I say?  I love it!

2 - The original Star Wars Trilogy with nothing extra or re-mastered. 
I’m talking the versions I saw at the theatre when I was 7, 10, and 13.  Yes, I have to include all of them as one because to me, they are one entity.  Of course, they are ranked in their own order for me with “The Empire Strikes Back” as number 1, “Star Wars:  A New Hope” as number 2, and “Return of the Jedi” falling in at number 3.  However, for purposes of this top five, they will remain united at number 2.

1 – “Moulin Rouge!”
Most of you who know me, wonder how anything could beat Star Wars as the number one movie.   “Moulin Rouge!” has by its sheer innovativeness.  Combining the modern with the antique in every aspect of the film as well as the story itself, makes this one stand out for me.  The music, the garish and vibrant nature of the colors, the themes, and the location are all critical in making the film work as a whole.  The best part is the lesson “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.”

That’s my top 5 favorite movies.  You may have seen a few of them and there may be a few you haven’t heard of.  In my opinion, all great films worthy of a look.

What are your top 5 favorite movies?

LGS

Originally posted 9/30/2012