Column: Oscars a good time to review list of movie favorites

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 21, 2005

The Academy Awards, or as every one seems to know it by, the Oscars, are on next Sunday, and my wife and I are not going.

Why? Because first, we do not have the money for a Gucci gown and matching tiara for my wife, and a Versace tuxedo with alligator shoes for myself. Secondly, we are never invited.

The fact that we are never invited does not stop me from enjoying movies.

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As a matter a fact, since everyone seems fascinated by top 10 lists, I will list my all-time favorite movies.

I will even list my all-time 10 favorite movies plus three because not only do you deserve three more, I can’t seem to cut my list down.

Now, do not expect to agree with all of my picks as that is part of the fun. Everyone has a list of movies they like and dislike, and it is my hope that this makes you think of your all-time favorite movies.

My list:

To Kill a Mockingbird: Great book, great movie. If you’ve never watched this movie, please do. You will not be let down.

12 Angry Men: I love courtroom movies, and this is just so good.

On the Waterfront: Marlon Brando is great.

Tombstone: If you like westerns, this is the movie for you.

The Shootist: I grew up with John Wayne movies, and his last was probably his best.

Angels with Dirty Faces: This movie is an old James Cagney movie with the deadend kids in it. A classic.

Gladiator: A modern movie made the way they used to make epic films. Brings out all your emotions.

Braveheart: Mel Gibson brings history alive in this tale of good versus evil.

Miracle: I love hockey, and this is hockey!

The Godfather: Whenever I see this movie on TV, I stop and watch the whole thing.

Scent of a Woman: Al Pacino at his best. Hoowah!

Seabiscuit: My daughter yelled at me at the theatre for yelling for this horse to win.

A Few Good Men: &uot;You can’t handle the truth.&uot; Jack Nicholson was superb.

As you can see from my choices, I love when good triumphs over evil.

Also from my choices you can see I never listen to movie critics. I judge on my own.

Critics always choose movies I never want to see. They judge on artistic talent and script dialogue.

I judge on whether a movie gets my emotions fired up and makes me want to yell. Movies need to be an outlet for emotion.

I hope you enjoyed the list, and it gets you thinking about your own movie list.

(Scott Schmeltzer is the publisher of the Albert Lea Tribune. His column runs Monday.)