‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’ is a comedy film about the disastrous travel journey of Del Griffith and Neal Paige. John Candy and Steve Martin bring these characters to life in this hilarious film that never seems to give them a break. Two days before Thanksgiving, Neal is delayed in New York City on business and just so happens to meet Del. The pair go through a series of misadventures that take them from rural Kansas to Iowa to Illinois just in time for the holiday.

It’s my favorite film for many reasons. Most of all, the relationship between the two characters touches me the most. Their reliance on one another and the ‘we’re in this’ spirit that they exude. It’s heart-warming and, by the end, we learn the sad truth about Del Griffith. The final frame of the film is a shot of John Candy grinning. It’s the same reaction that audiences feel, too.

‘The Graduate’ is a comedy / drama film about a young man who starts to have an affair with an older woman, but then falls in love with her daughter. Starring Dustin Hoffman in his breakout role, the film catapulted him to national fame and remains one of his most beloved on-screen performances.

Although there are many reasons why I love this movie, the most compelling is the charming allure of the cinematography. The visual sense of the film signaled a changing tide in Hollywood during the late 1960s. This new wave of filmmakers, actors, and writers brought more complex and raw stories to the screen that stretched the social boundaries further. Not only that, the folksy tunes of Simon and Garfunkel are also a perfect addition to this topsy-turvy story. ‘The Graduate’ screams the youthful adolescence of its time and the unlikely romance between Benjamin Braddock and Mrs. Robinson.

‘Stand By Me’ is the perfect coming-of-age film from the 1980s. Adapted from a short story written by Stephen King, ‘Stand By Me’ stands on its own as a touching portrait of friendship and youth.

I saw it for the first time when I was probably eleven or twelve. I found the film intriguing from the beginning and I don’t know why. Perhaps it was the combination of nostalgia and friendship. At this time, I had been a middle-school student and I similarly formed a close friendship with a few friends that mirrored the dynamic between Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern. The memories that it conjures takes me back to those innocent years and the fun that we had. It’s a personal connection that has stuck with me nearly ten years later.

‘Titanic’ is one of those blockbuster films that you can never forget. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film tells the story of a romance on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic. It’s cheesy, but it’s movie gold. My interest in history developed from this movie and I quickly became interested in the sinking of this ship, among other historical periods. I read a number of books, watched documentaries, and visited museum exhibits to learn more about the Titanic.

The drama, mixed with the romantic relationship between DiCaprio and Winslet, was like something I had never seen before. It is a gigantic film from the top to the bottom. The extent of its critical and commercial success has yet to be replicated, which might say more about the film industry today.

From the moment that I saw the trailer for this film, I became extremely excited. The interesting new sound, the obvious romance between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and the strong visuals were compelling. In December of 2016, I saw it for the first time in theaters. I was immediately immersed in this beautiful, lush representation of Hollywood in a way that I had never seen before. The musical numbers were toe-tapping, hummable tunes that Hollywood or the music industry rarely produces anymore. Songs with strong melodies and lyrical whimsy to match the dreaminess of ‘La La Land.’ It reminded me of the cotton-candy technicolor musical films of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Its influences are embedded within the story, the music, and the cinematography. ‘La La Land’ is a modern-day classic and its one that gave me more pleasure than most anything that I’ve seen in recent years.

I first saw ‘The Sound of Music’ in the winter of 2017. Even though I am a self-described musical theatre fanatic, ironically, I had never seen the film growing up as a child. The film is an undisputed classic and its no secret why. The enchanting melodies, breathtaking landscapes, seven adorable children, and a sweet romance are the ingredients to its success and timeless longevity. At the time of the viewing, I was seriously contemplating whether or not to continue in my previous major. Education had been influential in my life beyond the routine itself and I had dreamed of becoming a teacher since the second grade. Ultimately, I had changed my mind for the better, but this decision was no less painful. But, the message at the end of ‘The Sound of Music’ resonated with me during this reflective period. The lyrics to ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ spoke to me in such a profound way that I have never forgotten.

The first verse goes:
Climb ev’ry mountain, search high and low, follow ev’ry byway, ev’ry path you know.

The second verse goes:
Climb ev’ry mountain, Ford ev’ry stream, follow ev’ry rainbow, ‘til you find your dream.

It all became clearer to me in this moment and I knew that I had to make a change. And, although my dreams have not realized yet, I am on my way.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Robin Williams was a comic giant (or genie) for more than thirty years. His films, television series, and stand-up routines stand among the finest of all-time. Robin’s presence always seemed to loom large in our house. Movies like Hook, Aladdin, and Jumanji were put on regular rotation in our living room. But, his quick wit was only matched by his big heart. And, we loved him for it.

My favorite comedy in his filmography is Mrs. Doubtfire. Directed by Chris Columbus, Williams plays a divorced actor who dresses up as an English housekeeper in order to spend time with his three children. Like many of my favorites, I cannot recall the first time that I saw this film, but it has become a staple in my personal library. I can watch it over and over again and it always make me laugh without fail. But, most of all, it’s Robin’s relationship with his children that melts your heart. It’s just a perfect movie.

With a supporting cast that includes Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, and Harvey Fierstein, Mrs. Doubtfire garnered much critical and commercial success following its release. Williams received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy).

One of the few true comedies to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Annie Hall illustrates the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. Starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, the film is a cultural and aesthetic touchstone that has drawn audiences to both lead characters.

I first saw the film a few years ago and didn’t quite get it. I had never seen a film by Woody Allen, and that might be the reason why. But, after a few more times, I grew to appreciate the film and understand its appeal. The screenplay, although simple, is solidly structured and filled with so many jokes that it can be hard to catch each one. Both characters are multi-dimensional and we hear their different perspectives throughout the film. Like all good love stories, they drift apart and break up. ‘Love fades…’ as Alvy Singer says. But, we’re happy with what was.