Over the years, I have noticed there are certain movies I’m drawn to. They may not be my all-time favorite films, but they are movies, that when I spot them while perusing the television viewing guide, I MUST tune into. Viewing two of these films recently, I tried to figure out why these became movies I can not turn away from — they are irresistible!
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Casablanca: Others may disagree, but this is the most incredible combination of a story coupled with the only two stars I could imagine playing the lead roles. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman bring a special quality to war torn, star-crossed lovers that is incomparable. As a history enthusiast, I have always found it fascinating that this film was released nationally in early 1943 as WWII waged on, adding further depth to the viewing experience.
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A League of Their Own: As a huge baseball fan, and a person who believes adamantly in equal pay and treatment for equal jobs, this movie holds my interests on many levels. I found the performances by Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, coupled with a similar time in history as the previous film, the perfect setting for this fact-based film. Add a beautiful Madonna song to the mix and it all comes together perfectly.
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Easter Parade: Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller, and Peter Lawford starring in a beautiful, classic musical with all the requisite romantic components. What more could a person ask for in this splashy MGM production. The perfect two-hour vacation from reality.
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All the President’s Men: Remembering the Watergate break-in of 1972, as a pre-teen, I knew something significant had happened but I didn’t complete understand all the ramifications until the Washington Post uncovered the depths of the scandal. Seeing this story dramatized by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, having first read the book, was one of the better book to film interpretations I’ve ever seen. Another personal favorite based on a specific historical period.
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The Sting: I love the intrigue and complex twists and turns throughout this film of cons succeeding to carry out the ultimate con in retaliation for the murder of a beloved and respected comrade. Combining Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw, to lead the all-star cast is the “stuff” that makes movie magic. The addition of a musical score highlighting the talents of Marvin Hamlisch and Scott Joplin punctuating the action throughout the film is the icing on the proverbial cake.
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Mary Poppins: I have always had a special affection for this movie as it is the first one I ever saw in the theater. At four years of age, I still remember the impact of entering a theater and getting completely involved in the incredible story of a “magical” nanny to appears when most needed. Despite my age, the film held my attention from beginning to end. It was an experience I hoped would never end and couldn’t wait to visit the theater again.
I adore seeing a wide array of films, including indie films and shorts, in nearly all genres. Despite my eclectic taste, I still find the need to revisit the above mentioned go-to films, listed above, whenever I have the time and discover they are airing.
What movies do you enjoy watching over and over, and why? What makes them irresistible? I would love to hear about your selections… and maybe give them a try when I see them available on my channel guide during some R & R time.
Let’s share and talk movies!!!
I love this Carolyn! First of all, I will agree with both The Sting and A League of their Own. The Sting was a film that my Dad convinced me to watch at age 14. I’ve always enjoyed films but he had to kind of twist my arm with that one. Boy am I glad he did! I still find myself catching things I didn’t before.
Personally my “Can’t pass up” no matter how many times I’ve watched it is any or all Back to the Future movies. Like you I was 4/5 when I first watched these movies and many thousands of viewings later, I still get a rush watching them. It feels like I’m home, they have been in and around me my whole life. Michael J Fox was my first movie crush! I have SO many movies that I couldnt pass up when they are on. They range from The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, The Avengers, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Lady and the Tramp.
I too have many eclectic tastes when it comes to film and I’m always open to broadening my horizons!
I love the Back to the Future trilogy too! I actually considered putting it on the list. lol
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. It was fun to think about all the films as I wrote. 🙂
I think Casablanca is as near perfection as something made by humans can be. Everything came together – the right actors, the right setting, the right story and perfect dialogue. I also love the theme of everyone sacrificing for the greater good.
I recently saw “Philadelphia Story” with Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant. A more frivolous story but so much fun to watch.
That’s how I feel about Casablanca too.
The Philadelphia Story is fabulous. I had seen the musical remake, “High Society,” many times but the original is brilliant.
Oh jeez, I probably could put fifty movies in a top ten list, lol. So I’ll try but there’s probably some that I’m leaving out.
1. To Kill A Mockingbird
2. The Exorcist
3. Steel Magnolias
4. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
5. Auntie Mame
6. Rocky Horror Picture Show
7. Jaws
8. Philadelphia
9. The Ice Storm
10. Beautiful Thing
Lol, movies kept popping into my head that I could have included on the list. For example I put Philadelphia on the list but I could have easily have put Milk instead. Both are very powerful and important films. I put the cult classic Rocky Horror but could have replace it with Harold and Maude. Two wonderful films from the early 70’s – American Graffiti and The Last Picture Show. Finally, two small but wonderful independent films that I would have loved to have added were Ulee’s Gold and The Trip To Bountiful. Actually, this was fun. Thanks, Carolyn!
That’s a fabulous list! Each one is a classic in it’s own way. I can imagine the first time I saw several of the films on your list. Many I saw on TV, but a few were in theaters. I will always remember seeing Jaws — totally freaked out as I was only 13 or 14. lol
I could add several of these to my subsequent lists. Glad you had fun remembering some film favorites! 😀