tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49337493824416191952024-03-14T06:00:34.152-07:00Writer's ThoughtsRandom thoughts and information from a published author, S. Evan Townsend.S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.comBlogger1294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-61038843207273735452024-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T06:00:00.250-07:00Appliance Hell<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjfLzVEFuOyvWJ_08Lis2dDOwNwOt-pC0Nvkak4KaH22kMK_t7tAsrRukM9KacccXf-ViOiTKkPGWVEyqom-2F_xk0iBEGC8kVJQKSY9O2k0koEgGD14VAKPhNzB62aKT6Lt2WsQkyD0zyaqBtpppUWbG0QWfejvCFTIvDVO1SKbWLzCvnC40iQEbNGU/s1400/Fridge.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjfLzVEFuOyvWJ_08Lis2dDOwNwOt-pC0Nvkak4KaH22kMK_t7tAsrRukM9KacccXf-ViOiTKkPGWVEyqom-2F_xk0iBEGC8kVJQKSY9O2k0koEgGD14VAKPhNzB62aKT6Lt2WsQkyD0zyaqBtpppUWbG0QWfejvCFTIvDVO1SKbWLzCvnC40iQEbNGU/w200-h150/Fridge.webp" width="200" /></a></div>Recently my appliances have put me through hell. <p></p><p>First, the freezer seemed to be going too high a temperature because I was finding ice in the ice bin that looked melted and refrozen.</p><p>So I bought a thermometer that recorded temperatures. And I was right. Temperatures ranged from 29.7°F to -14.3°F. I called my appliance repair guy and told him about it. He said he'd look into the cost of the new thermostat but he thought it might be as much as $400. And since the fridge is old, we might want to consider just buying a new one (which would be about $1,000). </p><p>The day after I talked to him, that fridge stopped making ice (and I love my ice). So I called him about that and he said let's figure out if we want to replace it or not. So we were buying ice and keeping it in our other, older fridge which seems to work fine.</p><p>Then, about the same day, our dishwasher wouldn't drain and smelled like something plastic was burning. I didn't call the guy this time. I decided to wait until he called back about the fridge. But I was worried I might have to buy a new dishwasher now</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnBbLu_KhXp8JY-8Tml3B3hUKFyfvymis93q8GUR4HxK2F8BA69wtbUwNPWVVZpdyeE7eXQagGRvuJsZy0_Z-PFpiuej2jTg_iKX7YCUuTs4lxbPEj1jYqlGdiONIe_ELOzQA3Ua3WivnoylkyXxq8avdCIC7ZfD53ShOw2H0NnBRZcnYWYGnj2QdNw/s4032/pump.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnBbLu_KhXp8JY-8Tml3B3hUKFyfvymis93q8GUR4HxK2F8BA69wtbUwNPWVVZpdyeE7eXQagGRvuJsZy0_Z-PFpiuej2jTg_iKX7YCUuTs4lxbPEj1jYqlGdiONIe_ELOzQA3Ua3WivnoylkyXxq8avdCIC7ZfD53ShOw2H0NnBRZcnYWYGnj2QdNw/w150-h200/pump.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The broken pump</td></tr></tbody></table>So he shows up and puts a new thermostat in the fridge. Then he discovers the water line to the ice maker is frozen (likely happened when the temp in the freezer reached -14.3°F). So he cleaned that out too and now the ice maker is working.<br /><p></p><p>And then he found the dishwasher's drain pump is not working so he's going to order a new one and put it in.</p><p>So a few days later he brought in a new pump, installed it. And everything worked fine... for about two weeks.</p><p>Then the dishwasher wasn't filling. Repair guy came and ordered a new filter because junk in the recirculation pump wasn't letting the dishwasher fill.</p><p>A few days later he returned and put in the new filter and the dishwasher is working fine (and more quietly). So far, so good. Let's hope that stays.</p><p>Have you had problems with your appliances? What was the outcome? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-23033263760165931712024-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002024-03-07T06:00:00.138-08:00February Wasn't That Bad<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLWVy4rfbatix9QQSt4Zdez5WX06D5otwPoInR-0IAEEtXiilnX_HeXRjOY6o4Z-kpjzSJcRPIi0YYQ3qtisw0QdT-86XGcSRMWTTs__6y5CrJf_FMD79ScFUOpMJhs8GF2FHaKz6Rto3bUeNuM4q4Oh58bvhqR-L9ZnFeujWSdTQoWWuj3KEBy1j8Nw/s2121/february.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2121" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLWVy4rfbatix9QQSt4Zdez5WX06D5otwPoInR-0IAEEtXiilnX_HeXRjOY6o4Z-kpjzSJcRPIi0YYQ3qtisw0QdT-86XGcSRMWTTs__6y5CrJf_FMD79ScFUOpMJhs8GF2FHaKz6Rto3bUeNuM4q4Oh58bvhqR-L9ZnFeujWSdTQoWWuj3KEBy1j8Nw/w200-h113/february.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At the beginning of February, I <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/02/february-is-worst.html" target="_blank">posted</a> on this blog how that month is the worst month of the year.<p></p><p>Except this year. While January had frigid weather (down to -5F at night once), February was rather mild. Lots of rain, however. In early February, highs almost reached 50F. In the middle of February, highs did reach the 50s. Amazing. </p><p>It snowed once but it melted off fast. </p><p>The biggest problem with this February was fog. It seemed ubiquitous, especially in the mornings. We did have a few days of sunshine, but dang few.</p><p>Toward the end of the month it got cooler but sunny. Which is much better than foggy.</p><p>How was your February? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-85823545670138664202024-02-29T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-29T06:00:00.183-08:00Five Thursdays<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnXxCo2EZN-s5yVWSZsYLXnBXzqUQ3Q69kkbz-7IyDQ-K5KF10EeOLd0rRsGIu9HbD_HtpgZio4J9II4wukNmaBxRH3Xo3b2Dm6jLJ0FA3Y1fPZl29ftZVB4udrAag3fx4biGkO4vD1FwLrgoYuBlmLlTOAAoobGzXGjxyxDVC0W370Z-3ZQaK12T9FE/s2121/february.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2121" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnXxCo2EZN-s5yVWSZsYLXnBXzqUQ3Q69kkbz-7IyDQ-K5KF10EeOLd0rRsGIu9HbD_HtpgZio4J9II4wukNmaBxRH3Xo3b2Dm6jLJ0FA3Y1fPZl29ftZVB4udrAag3fx4biGkO4vD1FwLrgoYuBlmLlTOAAoobGzXGjxyxDVC0W370Z-3ZQaK12T9FE/w200-h113/february.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is the fifth Thursday in February. February only has five Thursdays because this is a leap year and it's the 29th of February. I started wondering how much that happens. And I think, it happens every four years to a different weekday. So I investigated.<p></p><p>In 2020, February had five Saturdays, and the last one was the leap day.</p><p>In 2016, February had five Mondays (groan) and the last one was the leap day!</p><p>In 2012, February had five Wednesdays, and the last one was the leap day.</p><p>So apparently this is how leap days work: they are always the fifth day of their weekday.</p><p>I'm in my 60s and I never noticed that before. That's amazing.</p><p>What about the world did you not notice until late in your life? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p>And why do leap years have to be election years? Another day of campaigning. That we don't need.</p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-50272065455868986802024-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-22T06:00:00.154-08:00Errors in the Lord of the Rings Movies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDVh3oTN4vBRGK3OPWw3J4wLCIA24LtpdEPRnvP7xyfxLmEWgvYUUHBW86hF6ovtI5P0HAJ5q-klu4fxJYgy6sjiDBLNaj072AVmVwQeP7AKi6DlhSBjz-cv46dQn836lhXa6M3OWk0T7R3ByhZLGCLwzFlqZwH6dZGyIZO8mRL_2_tLJT-JGyYl1c0k/s667/LOTR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="667" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDVh3oTN4vBRGK3OPWw3J4wLCIA24LtpdEPRnvP7xyfxLmEWgvYUUHBW86hF6ovtI5P0HAJ5q-klu4fxJYgy6sjiDBLNaj072AVmVwQeP7AKi6DlhSBjz-cv46dQn836lhXa6M3OWk0T7R3ByhZLGCLwzFlqZwH6dZGyIZO8mRL_2_tLJT-JGyYl1c0k/s320/LOTR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> movies. They are among <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/favorite-103-top-movies-top-ten-list.html" target="_blank">my favorite movies</a>. I watch them every few months, it seems. I have the extended versions on 4K Blu-ray so the picture looks amazing.<div><br /></div><div>Even if I come across them while channel flipping, I'll stop and watch them.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I'm more of a science fiction guy, but I still love the <i>Lord of the Rings</i>.<br /><p></p><p>But as I keep watching them, I have noticed some... errors. Not deviations from the novels (<a href="https://collider.com/lord-of-the-rings-book-movies-differences-explained/" target="_blank">lots of those</a>), but errors in the movies themselves.</p><p>For example, big cities such as Minas Tirith will be full of people (and horses), but there's no farmland around the city to provide food for them. Same with Edoras, the capital of Rohan. I'm not sure if Tolkien talked about farmland around those cities (it's been a while since I've read the books). The Shire seems to be, in the movies, the only place growing food.</p><p>There are other errors. For example, in <i>The Two Towers</i>, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum are on a ridge overlooking the Black Gate of Mordor. But in <i>Return of the King,</i> when Aragon leads an army to the gate, the ridge has disappeared. Also, in that battle in front of the Black Gate, Aragon and others ride there on horses. But when the battle starts, the horses disappear. </p><p>Speaking of horses. When they reach the Mines of Moria (Khazad-dûm), they let the horse Bill go because he can't go through the mines. But that horse has never been with them before since leaving Rivendell. In the novel, Bill is with them after they leave Bree.</p><p>In <i>The Two Towers</i>, a Uruk-hai climbs up on a big boulder to start the battle. But later when Gandalf leads the Rohirrim against the Uruk-hai, the boulder is gone.</p><p>Have you noticed any other errors in the movies? Let me know in the comments below. There are probably a lot more (see <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/goofs/?ref_=tttr_ql_trv_2" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167261/goofs/?ref_=tttr_ql_trv_2" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/goofs/?ref_=tttr_ql_trv_2" target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p>The above photo is being used under Section 107 of the Copyright Act: fair usage.</p></div></div>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-63058656741201945662024-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-15T06:00:00.254-08:00Character Names<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk54xtx9nzO914W1HVln7b-9lqeN9vBZa3detgpdM7PiU3yVK5uc5nGcI5QLBIZ5CkvcyZ3zvB31GUolZS5Pe6d9VAAbh7FTHiK7cIu2P45TyzJ-ybIgo4vs_5EvI_tzAfhV6PYQP6GSBlVHHU_4j4hAGtSxzEj9fOrMXBsywrUazXEC1f_d4TLTUn/s2700/Emperor..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk54xtx9nzO914W1HVln7b-9lqeN9vBZa3detgpdM7PiU3yVK5uc5nGcI5QLBIZ5CkvcyZ3zvB31GUolZS5Pe6d9VAAbh7FTHiK7cIu2P45TyzJ-ybIgo4vs_5EvI_tzAfhV6PYQP6GSBlVHHU_4j4hAGtSxzEj9fOrMXBsywrUazXEC1f_d4TLTUn/w133-h200/Emperor..jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Someone posted in a writers' group on Facebook "How do you select the names of your characters?" <p></p><p>That's a tough one. Coming up with character names is one of the most annoying parts of writing for me. My seven book series <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWLVSPN" target="_blank">Chumba of the Intelligence Corps</a>/<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V6P7G4">Treasures of Space</a>/<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Emperor-S-Evan-Townsend-ebook/dp/B0BN49HVVL/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Death to the Emperor</a><i> </i>the main character's moniker is "Titus Chumba." I have no idea where I came up with that. But in Treasures of Space and <i>Death to the Emperor</i>, he uses a lot of pseudonyms since he's hiding from the Core Empire. The main one is "Rick Bailey." How did I come up with all those names? I have no idea nor memory of doing it. When it comes to main characters, I tend to make up a name I like.</p><p>But then there are the secondary characters. For those, I will often use a random name generator. I like the <a href="https://www.behindthename.com/random/" target="_blank">Behind the Name</a> one because of all the options. Or sometimes I just want a quick one, so I'll use <a href="http://random-name-generator.info/" target="_blank">this one</a>.</p><p>In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Killer-S-Evan-Townsend/dp/1937593452/" target="_blank">Rock Killer</a></i>, the main character's name was Alexander Chun. I decided I wanted a Korean-American name (I'd just graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, where I studied Korean when I started writing it). But other names, I just made up (I wrote most of this book before I discovered the internet in 1994).</p><p>How do you come up with character names? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p> </p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-20704645406901993942024-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-08T06:00:00.149-08:00Husky Heartbreak<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_fxMPI9Va705BT9uhaaeDXPtzZwScOVxg-IrQgmYwR1cvt3PZmFFt2EtsVRXi1prmONAzF8GstjFOYu7jv35UHzWfnWo7i8w5Ek8mcHPGj2p0GkXxWsOlDdDi191Nyl0Ow7vPE2hE-DLusyU4GsRhAKqGZBmoI1Vfxgxbs_RwK0xlgpYJdliwcPiFVc/s300/University_of_Washington_primary_logo.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="300" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_fxMPI9Va705BT9uhaaeDXPtzZwScOVxg-IrQgmYwR1cvt3PZmFFt2EtsVRXi1prmONAzF8GstjFOYu7jv35UHzWfnWo7i8w5Ek8mcHPGj2p0GkXxWsOlDdDi191Nyl0Ow7vPE2hE-DLusyU4GsRhAKqGZBmoI1Vfxgxbs_RwK0xlgpYJdliwcPiFVc/w200-h137/University_of_Washington_primary_logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>The week of January 8th was a heartbreaking one for fans of the University of Washington Huskies football program. Such as myself.<div><br /></div><div>You know I love my <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/search/label/huskies" target="_blank">Huskies</a>. Even when they went 0-12 in 2008. <br /><p></p><p>Then, this season after an amazing year where we went 12-0 in the regular season, won the Pac-12 championship game (against Oregon!), and won the Sugar Bowl to go 14-0, we lost badly in the CFP championship game to Michigan. We were so hoping to bring back a football championship to the Pac-12 in its last year of existence as a Power 5 conference. (The fate of the Pac-12 is still in the air as all but two schools left it). </p><p>After losing the CFP championship game, our coach, Kalen DeBoer, announced he was going to Alabama, who had just had their coach retire. That was almost too much to bear. I was literally depressed for at least a week. And a lot of players announced they were going into the NFL draft or were going to the transfer portal.</p><p>We went from the highs of winning the Sugar Bowl on January 1st to the lows of January 9th.</p><p>In addition, Pete Carroll announced he's retiring as head coach of the Seahawks. That didn't upset me a lot (I'm sort of a fair-weather Seahawks fan), but it did add to the devastation for the community.</p><p>The Huskies have named a new head coach in Arizona's Jedd Fisch. He was, in my opinion, a good pick. Not a great pick, but a good one. He did turn around an ailing Arizona team. He'll have a big job at Washington as most, if not all, of the good players have left. </p><p>I was so looking forward to next year when we might do better than this year (that is, win the championship) with DeBoer as our coach. But now I'm just hoping we have a winning season and beat Oregon and Washington State. I'm hoping,</p></div>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-55395222653380577482024-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-01T06:00:00.265-08:00February is the Worst<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfxiTMHJeeaXgkwUpUjllCH20FAIxbrlCrSyxUwX0t0OG18U8rx9R3SZZOapw7hPUuxPCZmbtozpE8iRqTZxHfrZfHWQJL4y8B7ksOL3y3iz9ITpIxaK82GNH_WEOitfAz-nHTO3io3hV7Fkb8nMskoQR8eUq1gjJGBqoJJ1gRp8MU4Pufl9dV1Sc0Zs/s2121/february.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2121" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfxiTMHJeeaXgkwUpUjllCH20FAIxbrlCrSyxUwX0t0OG18U8rx9R3SZZOapw7hPUuxPCZmbtozpE8iRqTZxHfrZfHWQJL4y8B7ksOL3y3iz9ITpIxaK82GNH_WEOitfAz-nHTO3io3hV7Fkb8nMskoQR8eUq1gjJGBqoJJ1gRp8MU4Pufl9dV1Sc0Zs/s320/february.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In my opinion, February is the worst month of the year. There's almost nothing to look forward to and the weather is usually awful. Some people say January is bad. But to me, it's February that's the worst.<p></p><p>Sure there's Valentines Day, or as two of my sons call it, "Single Awareness Day." Or "Mandatory Romance Day."</p><p>There's George Washington's Birthday, which if you work in some businesses or government, you might get off. But most don't. And there's no Christmas or New Years to look forward to. Just bleak, cold days.</p><p>Bleak because February is usually the coldest month. I'm not sure why because the solstice is in late December. You'd think as daylight hours increase, it would get warmer. However, in February, the snow is deeper and the wind is more cutting than any other month.</p><p>It's like August is the hottest month, usually, but the solstice is in June. Maybe the Earth retains heat and it takes until February to dissipate it all. </p><p>I don't know.</p><p>Do you know why February is so bad? And how do you feel about February? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-3983763368916673782024-01-25T06:00:00.098-08:002024-01-26T11:51:28.361-08:00Favorite 103 Top Movies: The Top Ten List!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChJbAs6_SlhFdAU-x9HRO-JrIG5OurLNCPPcbIJ7atIor8AFroVCAihMhtx6fKATY7-ykR-METtu4VdPEUuI1iYNuA8JusP6WT0nz237hSIRI_pY0ftoqWQ1oFTBLu5m9BI3vQ-Ji6eAD8a9Kxmf9RdujVnapa5QvXozmR6P_bxSobnHfDk-4Jq3VvyU/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChJbAs6_SlhFdAU-x9HRO-JrIG5OurLNCPPcbIJ7atIor8AFroVCAihMhtx6fKATY7-ykR-METtu4VdPEUuI1iYNuA8JusP6WT0nz237hSIRI_pY0ftoqWQ1oFTBLu5m9BI3vQ-Ji6eAD8a9Kxmf9RdujVnapa5QvXozmR6P_bxSobnHfDk-4Jq3VvyU/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />This is it, that last of my list of 103 favorite movies. Now we're into the movies I watch over and over again.<p></p><p>Previous entries in this countdown are:</p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">109 - 90</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">89 - 80</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">79 - 70</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-69-60.html" target="_blank">69 - 60</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-59-50.html">59 - 50</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-49-40.html" target="_blank">49 - 40</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-103-favorite-movies-39-30.html" target="_blank">39 - 30</a></p><p><a href=" http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-favorite-moves-29-20.html" target="_blank">29 - 20</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-103-favorite-moves-19-11.html" target="_blank">19 - 11</a></p><p>Without further ado, let's get on with my <b>top ten favorite movies</b>:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">10:</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i>Toy Story 2</i> (1999)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Yes, this movie is better
than <i>Toy Story</i>. They get out of the house and have adventures outdoors and in a
toy store and an apartment building. Fun from beginning to end (except the sad
part in the middle), this is such an amazing film. And funny, too. I remember
in the theater (I took my kids) laughing out loud at a part that parodies T<i>he
Empire Strikes Back</i>. And Mattel lets them use Barbie to great effect. Available
on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">9:</span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> <i> </i></span><!--[endif]--><i>Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi</i>
(1983)<o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Now known as "<i>Star Wars,
Episode VII: Return of the Jedi</i>," this is the worst of the three main Star
Wars movies. But still a very good film. The Ewoks are a little too cute and
the final battle where they defeat the stormtroopers is a bit unbelievable (why
do stormtroopers wear that worthless armor, anyway?). The battle in space is
almost too much but Luke finally confronting Vader is amazing (with a great
soundtrack to accompany it). If you can watch the non-CGI version, do. It's
better. Available on Disney+ (unfortunately, only the CGI-ruined version).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">8:<i> Fantasia</i> (1940)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I am a huge fan of hand-drawn
animation. And <i>Fantasia</i> is a tour-de-force of that art form. Plus, the music is
fantastic. If you want to introduce your children to classical music, this is a
sneaky way to do it. The ending is a bit overdone and long, but up until then,
the dancing hippos and ostriches are worth the price of admission. Available on
Disney+ </p><p class="MsoNormal">7: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Bridge on the River Kwai</i>
(1957)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">English POWs, led by Alec
Guinness, are held at a Japanese camp in occupied Burma. They are tasked with
building a railroad bridge over the River Kwai. Guinness's character is at
first reluctant, but then gets into the spirt of the thing and decides to build
the best damn bridge they can. Only at the end of the film does he realize what
he's done by aiding the enemy. Strong performances by Guinness and William
Holden as an American POW bind this film together. Available on Max, Sling TV,
and Amazon Prime Video. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">6: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Who Framed Roger Rabbit
</i>(1988)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you're a fan of the golden
age of animation (the 40s and the 50s), you gotta love this movie. Somehow, the
film makers convinced both Disney and Warner Brothers to use their characters.
Want to see Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny on the screen at the same time, this is
your movie. Set in a world where animated characters live and interact with
real life humans. The film has an uninteresting plot and the climax is a bit
overdone. But if you love animation, you'll love this film as much as I do.
Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">5: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>2001: A Space Odyssey</i> (1968)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Long, slow, but amazing.
Special effects are a highlight of this film, especially for 1968. This movie
is this high on the list solely on the strength of its audacity. A
collaboration between Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, it is simply an
amazing film with a bit of a downer message. (Clarke has never been a fan of
humans.) You have to watch this movie at least once in your life. Available on
Tubi (free), Max, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">4: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Wars</i> (1977)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now unfortunately known as
"<i>Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope</i>," there was nothing ever seen like
this movie when it came out. Science fiction in the 1970s tended to be
pessimistic and dystopian (See <i>Soylent Green</i> and <i>Silent Running</i>).
But this was fun, exciting, and what great special effects that were amazing
for the time (zero CGI). The climax is so good they stole it for <i>Top Gun:
Maverick</i>. Because of this film's success, the Star Trek movies were made
and science fiction movies became fun again, mostly. Available on Disney+
(unfortunately, only the CGI-ruined version).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">3:<i> </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Lord of the Rings: Fellowship
of the Ring</i> (2001)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beautifully shot in New
Zealand, this film was simply amazing. Based on Tolkien's book, and sticks to
the novel more than <i>The Two Towers</i> does, it goes from the green, pastoral
Shire to a final battle by humans and an elf against a band of orcs in a forest.
Its action sequences are intense. Who would have thought swordplay could be so
powerful without guns or cars? The extended version is even better with more
background. And Ian McKellen plays Gandalf perfectly, exactly as I imagined him
from the books: compassionate, wise, and with a twinkle in his eyes. Available
on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">2:<b><i> </i></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Wars: The Empire Strikes
Back </i>(1980)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Never tell me the
odds!" For more than two decades, this was my favorite movie. Now called
<i>Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back</i>, this is the best of all
the Star Wars movies. From the battle on Hoth to Luke confronting Vader when
he's not quite ready, this movie keeps the plot moving fast. And the asteroid
field chase is not only amazing to watch, you have to wonder how they did it in
1980 before CGI. Han Solo becomes less of a <span class="hgkelc"><span lang="EN">rogue and more of a sympathetic character.
A bit of a downer/cliffhanger ending, though. </span></span>Available on Disney+
(unfortunately, only the CGI-ruined version).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And my number one favorite movies is...</p><p class="MsoNormal">1: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Lord of the Rings: Return of
the King</i> (2003)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thousands of orcs (CGI, but
you don't care, it's done so well) besiege a huge white city built into a
mountain. That image is what I remember most from this movie. A powerful climax
to the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> films. Yes, the denouement is way over-long but they
are wrapping up almost nine hours of film. When the 6,000 mounted soldiers from
Rohan (CGI) ride toward the orcs, you feel the pounding of the ground. The
emotions of this movie are deep and hard. Peter Jackson knows how to tug at
your heartstrings while exciting you with massive battle scenes. Also better on
the extended version, but even the theatrical version thrills, too. Available
on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What do you think of my top ten favorite movies? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-44093409277764122862024-01-18T06:00:00.071-08:002024-01-18T06:00:00.134-08:00Top 103 Favorite Moves: #19 - 11<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBO4_XlkBWqxt2b_4rgpYmaxvCvbYkJChaeI9W0wZPTIKYQDHUmpfTsiXX9-SbrHg32ZACCNd08bdvH6-6ZXWfvUGEf6VRiUgHpTR7iipHAfLImoPoFkwnUGQb_uCuHs3zafmreffGkkhOVQLMg4BqYng9ZQvQe-3UrIytgQBUE0jJi3xwPrpj4z6Nm0/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBO4_XlkBWqxt2b_4rgpYmaxvCvbYkJChaeI9W0wZPTIKYQDHUmpfTsiXX9-SbrHg32ZACCNd08bdvH6-6ZXWfvUGEf6VRiUgHpTR7iipHAfLImoPoFkwnUGQb_uCuHs3zafmreffGkkhOVQLMg4BqYng9ZQvQe-3UrIytgQBUE0jJi3xwPrpj4z6Nm0/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />We're getting closer to my favorite all-time movie. But today we're doing #19 - 11.<p></p><p>The previous post with the movies are;</p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">103 - 90</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">89 - 80</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">79 - 70</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-69-60.html" target="_blank">69 - 60</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-59-50.html" target="_blank">59 - 50</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-49-40.html" target="_blank">49 - 40</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-103-favorite-movies-39-30.html">39 - 30</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-favorite-moves-29-20.html" target="_blank">29 - 20</a></p><p>So, here we go on the penultimate countdown blog:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">19: <i>On the Waterfront</i> (1954)<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">A movie about corruption in
the longshoremen's unions. Very well made and shows how the unions kept
control. Someone threatens to go to the authorities, and a load
"accidentally" falls on him. Has the classic scene with Marlon Brando:
"I coulda been a contender." A very good movie that you should watch.
Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video (all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->18: <i>The Lives of Others</i> (2006)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">You probably haven't heard of
this movie. Made in Germany about life in the Communist East Germany (German
Democratic Republic),
this is a powerful film. A writer wants to write about what's happening, but of
course, the government won't even allow him to have a typewriter. So, one is
smuggled in for him and he has to hide it when he's not using it. Lots of
little subplots (a singer is being raped regularly by a party official). This
builds and builds to a powerful climax. I should watch this again soon. Available
on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video (all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->17: <i>Citizen Kane</i> (1941)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Considered by some as the
best movie ever made. It's a little slow by modern standards, but it is still
very good. Orson Wells wrote and stared in this picture, based on the life of
newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Contains the classic exchange
between Kane and his wife: "The people will think…" "What I tell
them to think." Wells does a great job of both playing Kane and directing.
Look for a young Agnes Moorehead (Bewitched) as Kane's mother.
"Rosebud." Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video
(all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->16: <i>Lawrence of Arabia</i> (1962)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">This movie is huge. Desert
vistas and big battles scenes. The story is about an Englishman who helps out
the Arabs during World War I to unite and fight the Turks. The train wreak
scene is worth the price of admission. Peter O'Toole plays Lawrence. I need to
watch this again. Available on Sling TV.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->15: <i>The Godfather</i> (1972)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">14: <i>The Godfather Part 2</i> (1974)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I've decided to treat these
two Godfather movies as one (they pretty much are one movie). These are among
the best films ever made, if not the best. The story of the Corleone
mafia family from the 1910s to the 1960s. Al Pacino plays Michael who is
determined to stay out of the family business, but then is sucked into it by
his need for revenge. Watching his
descent into crime and callousness is fascinating and heartbreaking. You have
to watch these movies at least once in your life. Available on Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->13: <span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>Lord of the Rings: The Two
Towers</i> (2002)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I thought about treating the<i>
Lord of the Rings</i> movies as one movie, but decided not to. <i>The Two Towers</i> is
the weakest of the three LOTR films. (I thought the book was the weakest of the
three books, too.) Huge battle sequences (with a lot of CGI but you don't care because
it's done so well), but also the story of Frodo and Sam as they try to get to
Mordor to destroy the ring with Gollum in tow (sometimes literally). The
extended version is a little better, but still, this movie runs a bit slow even
for the massive battle at Helms Deep. The movie strays a bit from Tolkien, too,
which isn't good. Available on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->12: <i>Toy Story</i> (1995)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of CGI: this as the
first completely computer animated feature film. Quite an accomplishment. But
in addition, it has a great storyline with an evil next-door kid (Sid; and we
all knew a Sid growing up), a competition between toys for the affections of
the child who plays with them, and a fun climax. This was Pixar's first movie
and one of its best. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->11: T<i>he Incredibles </i>(2004)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">When I was a kid there was an
animated show called "Jonny Quest." It could never be made today due
to being politically incorrect. But <i>The Incredibles</i> reminds me of it so much.
This is Pixar's first film where people die (bad guys, mostly). People with
superpowers are in hiding after being sued and banned for the damage they cause
while saving people. But Mr. Incredible (aka, Bob Parr) is tired of it and when
an invitation comes to be super again, he grabs at it. That's when the
adventure starts. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Coming up next week, my top 10 favorite movies.</p><p class="MsoNormal">What do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-83224551860553188932024-01-11T06:00:00.070-08:002024-01-11T06:00:00.349-08:00Top 103 Favorite Moves #29 - 20<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChJbAs6_SlhFdAU-x9HRO-JrIG5OurLNCPPcbIJ7atIor8AFroVCAihMhtx6fKATY7-ykR-METtu4VdPEUuI1iYNuA8JusP6WT0nz237hSIRI_pY0ftoqWQ1oFTBLu5m9BI3vQ-Ji6eAD8a9Kxmf9RdujVnapa5QvXozmR6P_bxSobnHfDk-4Jq3VvyU/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChJbAs6_SlhFdAU-x9HRO-JrIG5OurLNCPPcbIJ7atIor8AFroVCAihMhtx6fKATY7-ykR-METtu4VdPEUuI1iYNuA8JusP6WT0nz237hSIRI_pY0ftoqWQ1oFTBLu5m9BI3vQ-Ji6eAD8a9Kxmf9RdujVnapa5QvXozmR6P_bxSobnHfDk-4Jq3VvyU/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>We're back with my favorite 103 movies of all time. If you want to see the previous entries, they are here:<p></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2024/01/top-103-favorite-movies-39-30.html" target="_blank">39 - 30</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-49-40.html" target="_blank">49 - 40</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-59-50.html" target="_blank">59 - 50</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-69-60.html" target="_blank">69 - 60</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">79 - 70</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">89 - 80</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">103 - 90</a></p><p>Why 103? Because there were some movies (three) I couldn't just ignore.</p><p>So let's continue with the countdown:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">29: <i>The Hunt for Red October</i>
(1990)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Based
on the Tom Clancy book, this movie is a suspenseful epic. If you like military
and CIA stuff, you'll love this flick. The one downside, Alex Baldwin stars.
But he's young, so it's easier to ignore. A Soviet submarine captain wants to
defect with his high-technology nuclear missile boat. But will the Americans
understand and let him? Sean Connery plays the Soviet with a bit of a Scottish
accent. Still an intense movie. Available on Philo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">28: <i>Jurassic Park</i> (1993)<o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">One of the first movies to
use CGI extensively (after <i>Terminator 2</i>). But watching it, you don't care. This
movie is scary, intense, and fast-paced. Directed by Steven Spielberg with
amazing results, the tension builds and builds as carnivorous dinosaurs stalk
humans. Based on the book by Michael Crichton. Jeff Goldblum plays a cynical
mathematician who is not happy to be right. Available on Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">27: <i>E.T. The Extraterrestrial</i>
(1982)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">We have a few Steven Spielberg
movies in a row. E.T. was a blockbuster when it came out. Everyone wanted to
know about the little alien botanist. There's plenty of humor and pathos and
kids riding bikes to escape government agents, which was just fun. Featuring a
very young Drew Barrymore and other young actors who do a very good job.
Suburbia was never this enjoyable. Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon
Prime Video (all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">26: </span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>Indiana Jones and the Last
Crusade</i> (1989)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The chemistry between
Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is amazing. Why didn't these two men make more
movies together? Ford, of course, plays Indiana Jones and Connery, his father
(with a slight Scottish accent). While the climax is a bit dull (after the tank
chase), the adventure getting there is amazing. Directed by Steven Spielberg. I
remember seeing this in the theater with a very pregnant wife after waiting in
line for two hours in the California sun. Available on Paramount+ and Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">(When I revise this list, this is where <i>Oppenheimer</i> will go.)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">25: <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i>
(1981)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The movie that introduced us
to Indiana Jones and of course it was directed by Steven Spielberg. The whole
premise (an archeologist hunting for rare artifacts in the 1930) plus evil
Nazis, plus a love interest plus an evil French archeologist, all adds up to
some of the most fun on film. Ignore the (many) bloopers and plot holes and
just hang on for the ride. Available on Paramount+ and Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">24: <i>The Matrix</i> (1999)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ignore that this movie makes
no sense from a thermodynamic point of view. Written and directed by the Wachowski
brothers, err, sisters, this is basically a live-action anime with violence and
a smart storyline. Evil computers enslave humanity and keep them
"entertained" in a matrix that looks like late 20th century real
world. Again, don't think about it too much. Good fighting and shootout
sequences. Available on Max and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">23: <i>Schindler’s List</i> (1993)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Back to Steven Spielberg.
This true story about the Holocaust is brutal and hard to watch at times.
Spielberg won an Oscar for this and deservedly so. Schindler is a German who
tries to save as many Jews as he can with a list of concentration camp inmates that
he wants to work in his war factory. Shot in black and white (mostly), it's a
powerful movie that'll make you say "Never again." Available on Apple
TV and Amazon Prime Video (both paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">22: <i>Close Encounters of the Third
Kind</i> (1977)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Steven Spielberg's follow up
to <i>Jaws</i> was this science fiction movie about aliens visiting Earth. At times
mysterious and other times funny, it shows extra-terrestrials to be benign.
Well, except for kidnapping humans. Richard Dreyfuss is a man who, after an
encounter with a UFO, starts acting strange and building a model of a mountain
in his house. It all ends Wyoming with a light show. The special effects are
very good for this era. Doesn't seem to be available on streaming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">21: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Saving Private Ryan</i> (1998)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Probably one of the most
realistic war movies ever made. Director Steven Spielberg doesn't flinch from
the violence and brutality of combat. The first minutes of this film are near
horrific as the Allies land on the beach on D-Day. And it goes on from there.
Tom Hanks stars and Vin Diesel has a small role. This isn't a feel-good movie,
but it's one that you can't stop watching. Available on Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">20: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Right Stuff</i> (1983)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"They all wanna see Buck
Rogers, and that's us." Okay, this movie is a little long, I admit. It
could have used a good edit. Like cut out the Australian sequences completely.
But if you like planes and space exploration (and I do), this is a great movie
about the beginning of the space race. Based on the Tom Wolfe book (which I
read before the movie came out) there is humor (some of it bathroom humor),
excitement, and history in this flick. Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and
Amazon Prime Video (all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That's it for this ten. What do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-89306472913701014692024-01-04T06:00:00.069-08:002024-01-05T10:22:46.978-08:00Top 103 Favorite Movies: #39 - 30<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6OkpOfLFFS2tort-_VJwHM_pPW9kLhffYZRP7eq_o-ifhYMNoHO7DZ9VzozUt3eKHQ_mcpAEuVa93TfmnSKEwEtzTAGFq3JUMry-wbsGO7xlW7lrL60fwr-Yy_-oPDyIgV9bzVm15n_YN16bmMkQcaxE-jsHxwJ9ELpQanHGqj-yUDI7e7ycsMs_1Fg/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6OkpOfLFFS2tort-_VJwHM_pPW9kLhffYZRP7eq_o-ifhYMNoHO7DZ9VzozUt3eKHQ_mcpAEuVa93TfmnSKEwEtzTAGFq3JUMry-wbsGO7xlW7lrL60fwr-Yy_-oPDyIgV9bzVm15n_YN16bmMkQcaxE-jsHxwJ9ELpQanHGqj-yUDI7e7ycsMs_1Fg/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div>Happy New Year!</div><div><br /></div>Back to counting down my favorite 103 movies. Why 103? Because there were some movies I just couldn't bear to leave out.<p></p><p>Previous editions of this count down are:</p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">103 - 90</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">89 - 80</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">79 - 70</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-69-60.html">69 - 60</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-59-50.html">59 - 50</a></p><p><a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-49-40.html" target="_blank">49 - 40</a></p><p>So here we go:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">39: </span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>It Happened one Night </i>(1934)<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The oldest movie on this list
and a fun glimpse into 1930s life and culture in the US. Starring Clark Gable
and Claudette Colbert, she is a rich woman running away from her father and he
is a reporter looking for a scoop. They end up travelling together and posing
as a married couple to stay in motels. And when there's only one bed in a room…
well, things might happen. Available on Sling TV (free).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">38: <i>Ferris Bueller’s Day Off</i>
(1986)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you watch this movie
enough, you realize it's not about Ferris Bueller, but about Cameron
finding his courage to stand up for himself and to live his life the way he
wants to. There's fun along the way as the dean of students at the high school,
Ed Rooney, tries to catch Bueller playing hooky. It reminds me of Wile E.
Coyote trying to catch the road runner. And don't worry, the Ferrari was a
replica. Available on Netflix.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">37: <i>Guy Richie's The Covenant</i>
(2023)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the newest film on
the list. Set during the Afghanistan War, an interpreter risks his life to save
an American soldier. After the American is home and out of the military, he
finds out the Taliban is searching for the interpreter with plans to murder him
and his family. The soldier returns to Afghanistan to save the interpreter.
Lots of action and good acting, this is an intense movie. It was directed by
Guy Richie who usually does British crime caper movies. Available on YouTube
and Vudu (both paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">36: <i>Ghostbusters</i> (1984)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Who ya gonna
call?" Who would think a movie about a business to find and eradicate
ghosts would work this well? Hilarious (mostly due to Bill Murray) and fun. Eminently
quotable, too. And the movie makes an over-zealous EPA bureaucrat the bad guy. Gotta love that. Sigourney
Weaver is a woman who is being haunted both by ghosts and neighbor Louis Tully
(played by Rick Moranis). Available on YouTube, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video
(all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">35: <i>Lone Survivor</i> (2013)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Back to the Afghanistan War,
Lone Survivor is the story of special forces soldier Marcus Luttrell who
was the only survivor of a vicious firefight on a ridge. The combat sequences
are what makes this movie great. They are intense and you can actually tell
what's happening. The Americans are discovered by some shepherds, and they let
the men go who apparently tell the Taliban where the Americans are. No good
deed goes unpunished. Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video
(all paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">34: <i>Braveheart</i> (1995)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Mel Gibson directed and
starred in this movie about freedom. William Wallace (Gibson) leads his fellow
Scots against the tyrannical English, trying to win their independence. Forget
that it's historically inaccurate, remember that these people were fighting and
dying for freedom 500 years before the American Revolution. Available on Max,
Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">33: <i>American Graffiti</i> (1973)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">George Lucas's second feature
film, this one might be a bit hard to understand if you don't know about
"cruising." On Friday and/or Saturday night, you'd get in your car
(or your parent's car) and drive slowly up and down your town's main drag to
see and be seen. This movie is about one night of cruising but it's more than
that. Some characters are about to leave for college and some don't know where
they want to go and some are staying. Watch for a young Harrison Ford (and
Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Suzanne Somers). Available on
Netflix.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">32: <i>Amadeus </i>(1984)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Not the most historically
accurate movie, but the music is amazing. This is the story of the composer Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart told
through the eyes of a rival, Salieri. Mozart is a buffoon and Salieri is a serious
composter envious of Mozart's talent. Salieri tries to sabotage his rival. And
did I mention the
music? A very good movie. Available on Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">31: <i>Grand Prix </i>(1966)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">The best film about car
racing, ever. The driving is realistic and the wreaks are realistic. I don't
know about the relationships between the drivers and women, but that might be
true too. This is where James Garner learned to drive fast. The sometimes-artsy
direction distracts at times, but if you want the feel of driving an F1 car in
the '60s, this movie is it. Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video (both
paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">30: </span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>Finding Nemo </i>(2003)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Beautiful computer animation
makes you think you are underwater. There are also lots of memorable characters
including the over-protective father, Marlin. The sea turtles are worth the
price of admission. Crush reminds me of my cousin Kenny and Squirt is
hilarious. Another Pixar triumph, this movie is fun, funny, and touching.
"Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming." Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That's it. What do you think of the movies on my list? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-15901826020802455862023-12-28T06:00:00.062-08:002024-01-05T10:22:23.325-08:00Top 103 Favorite Movies: #49 - 40<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>We're counting my favorite 103 movies. The first list was <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-69-60.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and the last one <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-59-50.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<p></p><p>49:<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Aliens </i>(1986)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After <i>The Terminator</i> ripped
through movie screens, James Cameron moved on to the science fiction action
flick, <i>Aliens</i>. <i>Alien </i>was a gothic horror set on a space ship. Aliens was an
action movie through and through with space marines battling xenomorphs. And
the twist climax gave us one of the more memorable lines from the movies. Sigourney
Weaver reprises her role as Ripley and Michael Biehn (an under-rated actor in
my opinion) is Corporal Hicks. "It's the only way to be sure."
Available on Hulu.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">48: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Sunset Boulevard</i> (1950)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another Billy Wilder movie
(the fourth on our list). Norma Desmond is a washed-up movie star and William
Holden plays Joe Gillis, a screenwriter who gets caught up in Norma's net.
"You used to be big," Gillis says. "I am big. It's the pictures
that got small," Norma replies. But Norma is slowly going mad and thinks
she's going to make a comeback film. When, of course, she isn't. Contains the
classic line, "I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille." I
haven't seen this is years; maybe I should watch it again. Available on YouTube
and Amazon Prime Video (both paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">47: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Casablanca </i>(1942)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am shocked, shocked this
movie is only number 47. It's such a good film with Humphry Bogart and Claude
Rains and Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet. Yes, that almost sounds like a
reunion of the <i>Maltese Falcon</i> cast. Then there's Ingrid Bergman playing Ilsa.
The Germans wore gray; she wore blue. So many memorable lines from this movie.
Rick is a cynical café owner in Casablanca who has a history with Ilsa. "Of
all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine,"
Rick says. The drama builds from there with Nazis and both turncoats and
patriotic French. "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful
friendship." Available on Max and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">46:<i> </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Blade Runner</i> (1982) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Harrison Ford as a cop who
hunts and "retires" robots that look human (replicants). The only way
to tell them apart is something called the Voight-Kampf test. Which is slow
when a possibly murderous robot is sitting across the table from you. Directed
by Ridley Scott, the movie is visually stunning (again, no CGI) and with a
score by Vangelis (<i>Chariots of Fire</i>), it's an immersive ride that asks
questions about the nature of humanity. There are several versions of the film
out there. Avoid the one where Ford narrates. Based on the Phillip K. Dick book
<i>Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?</i> Available on YouTube and Apple TV (paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">45: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Terminator</i> (1984)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of robots. This was
James Cameron's second feature film and it made a name for him. For some
reason, playing an emotionless robot also made Arnold Schwarzenegger's acting
career. Interesting trivia: Schwarzenegger's pay for this movie was $500,000.
For Terminator 2, it was $15 million. This movie is a fast, pounding, action
film with a science fiction plot. There are shootouts and car chases and fun
little bits ("machines need love too"). This movie will keep you on
the edge of your seat. Available on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">44: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Hacksaw Ridge</i> (2016)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Based on the true story of Desmond
Doss who, during World War II, refused to touch a weapon or kill people due to
religious reasons. He became a medic and, for his bravery in saving his fellow
soldiers at the battle of Hacksaw Ridge on Okinawa, he won the Congressional
Medal of Honor without firing a shot. Mel Gibson directs this movie with
intense, bloody battle sequences. Rated R for good reason. I recently watched
the beginning of this film and was reminded the hell Doss was put through in
basic training because he wouldn't touch a rifle, but he refused to quit.
Available on Sling TV (free) and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">43: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Die Hard</i> (1988)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The film that made Bruce
Willis an action star. With Alan Rickman playing the suave villain, this is a
fun movie with lots of shootouts, explosions, and tense moments. A movie about
family and redemption and love. Really. Not a lot of plot but lots of action.
Watch it at Christmastime with someone you love. Available on Hulu, Fubo, and Sling TV.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">42: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Back to the Future</i> (1985)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"You built a time
machine out of DeLorean?" This fantasy movie about an 80s teenager
transported to the 50s has a fun fish-out-of-water vibe along with nostalgia
and a bit of romance, unfortunately, with his mother. Christopher Lloyd is the scientist/inventor
of the time machine and plays the part with enthusiasm. Forget the sequels,
this is the best of the movies. Available on Hulu and Sling TV.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">41:<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior</i>
(1981)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When this Australian-made
movie came to the US, it was shocking for its violence (these days it would be
only typical). It also made Mel Gibson a star. There are car chases and brutal violence
as people try to find the "precious juice," i.e., gasoline. The
climax with the tanker truck is heart-pounding. Available on Max and Amazon
Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">40: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Rear Window</i> (1954)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Probably Hitchcock's best
movie. Staring Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly, it's the story of a man laid up
with a broken leg who watches what goes on in the apartments around him through
his rear window. And did he just witness a murder? How can he find out? Suspenseful and fun. Available on YouTube and
Apple TV (both paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-29361972466883587152023-12-21T06:00:00.051-08:002024-01-05T10:22:01.221-08:00Top 103 Favorite Movies: #59 - 50.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>Once again into the breach. We're counting down my favorite 103 movies. Why 103? Because there were just some movies I couldn't leave off the list.<p></p><p>The first post is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next one <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next one <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html">here</a>, and the last one <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>So here we go, with #59 through 50:</p><p>59: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Aladdin </i>(1993)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before Disney went all woke
on us, it made great cartoons such as <i>Aladdin</i>. The hand-drawn animation is
amazing and the story is one of redemption. Aladdin goes from being a
"street rat" to having the princess fall in love with him with the
help of a genie voiced by Robin Williams. There are enough jokes to keep adults
entertained, too. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">58: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Lion King</i> (1994) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First of all, the hand-drawn
animation is beautiful, especially during the opening. And Simba's story arc is
amazing, from "no worries" (hakuna matata) to facing up to his past
and taking responsibility. Jeremy Irons is perfect as the villain, Scar. You
can hear the evil in his voice. Even the music is wonderful. A real treat to
watch. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">57: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Dumbo </i>(1941)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Old, classic Disney, with
lovable characters and beautiful hand-drawn animation. Catchy songs, too. The
title character, Dumbo, never says a word. He doesn't have to, his facial
expressions do it all. The story of someone who took their biggest problem and
turned it an asset. This short film (only about an hour), is one of Disney's
best animated movies. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">56: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Twelve O'clock High</i> (1949)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the first movies to
portray the horrors of aerial combat in World War II. Gregory Peck takes over a
"hard luck" B-17 bomber group and through discipline and psychology,
gets them into fighting shape. Includes actual combat footage in the final, climactic
battle. Available on YouTube (free) and Amazon Prime Video (paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">55: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Untouchables</i> (1987) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Written by David Mamet (<i>Glengarry
Glen Ross</i>), this is a nearly perfect law-and-order movie. Elliot Ness is moving
in on Al Capon in Chicago during Prohibition. Not very historically accurate,
it's still not only fun but a good action film. The final scene in the train
station on the stairs is a classic (parts of it stolen from Sergei Eisenstein).
Who doesn't love a good gangsters vs. cops movie? Available on Showtime,
YouTube (paid), and Hulu.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">54: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Trek II: The Wrath of
Khan</i> (1982)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My favorite <i>Star Trek</i> film.
There's so much that's good here, you ignore some plot holes. Introduced Lt. Saavik
(played by a young Kirstie
Alley) and brought back Khan from the series. The tension of the first space
battle is thick. We get a little back story on Kirk who, at age 50, is starting
to feel old. Sit back and enjoy this space ride. Available on Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">53: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Young Frankenstein </i>(1974)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another Mel Brooks film on my
list, and the best. With laugh-out-loud humor and silly setups, it's just a fun
movie to watch. Shot in black and white, it also is a tribute to old horror
movies of the 1930s. Watch out for those "Abby Normal" brains. Available
on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">52: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Witness for the Prosecution</i>
(1957)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another Billy Wilder movie!
This murder mystery is set in London and stars Marlene Dietrich as the wife of
a man (played by Tyrone Power) on trial for murder his mistress. Charles
Laughton plays the lawyer (solicitor) hired to defend the man. With great
acting and twists, this is a wonderful movie. Available on YouTube, Pluto TV
(both free), and Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">51: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Forrest Gump</i> (1994)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Stupid is as stupid
does." I'm not sure why I like this movie so much. Tom Hanks plays Forrest
Gump, a low-IQ man who is dragged along by the events of the 1960s and '70s and
has an influence on history. The Vietnam battle scene is scary and realistic
(except when Forrest outruns a napalm bombing). There's no quest and not much
of a plot. And through it all he loves Jenny. Poor Jenny, who is always trying
to find herself and nearly does. Available on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime
Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">50: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Jaws </i>(1975)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are a lot of Steven Spielberg
on this list and the is the first one. It was Spielberg's second feature film
after <i>The Sugarland Express</i>. Here Spielberg honed his craft to give us thrills
and chills and characters we want to like (or not). No CGI (too early) and yes,
sometimes the shark looks fake. But that doesn't take away from the taut
direction and frightening scenarios. And that John Williams score is amazing.
On Tubi (free).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-77988736720943598642023-12-14T06:00:00.067-08:002024-01-05T10:20:38.242-08:00Top Favorite 103 Movies: #69 - 60<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrh5vFKRFf2vmiAbu4HMVFBYgKnzNUcDXVltT7K26ZYxUFgvkwjYcPE8XIK3vslOQAyViOrifTdkZ_yOXe7pNXXxRaxqIBNuUQWm2EmWAyjDdrBQ9K5JdzcGsKBXPlNUSng_nX-Oo97lTLlpbjUsN8VkgQOy4h2ovQ9RqseC9RO9BrvWgYVixoEVZjio/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>Once again we dive into my list of 103 favorite movies. The first part is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the next part is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and the last part is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/12/top-103-favorite-movies-79-70.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<p></p><p>Without further ado, here's #69 - 60:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">69:</span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>Dr. Strangelove or: How I
Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb</i> (1964)<o:p></o:p></p><p>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Gentlemen, you
can't fight in here! This is the War Room." I don't agree with this
movie's anti-war message, but I admire the way they said it. A comedy about
nuclear war with Slim Pickens and an early roll for James Earl Jones. A
departure for director Stanley Kubrick from his usual serious fare. And Peter
Sellers plays three roles including Dr. Strangelove. Everyone needs to watch
this at least once. Available on YouTube (paid) and Apple TV (paid).</span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">68: <i>Mission Impossible: Fallout</i>
(2018)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">In the middle of this movie
there's a car chase. And I thought "oh, dear, another boring car
chase." But, no, it was an amazing car chase. That's just part of the
appeal of this movie. The climax is (nearly) nuclear explosive. The helicopter
chase is also astonishing. An action-packed thriller. Available on Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">67:</span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><i>Interstellar </i>(2014) <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Earth's ecosystem is failing
(never said why, probably climate change). NASA wants to send astronauts to a
system of planets to see if one is inhabitable. But there's a black hole and
time dilation and time travel through the black hole and… it's a very
interesting movie worth watching. Like a lot of Christopher Nolan movies, it's
deep, intellectual, and a bit hard to follow. Available on MGM+ and Amazon
Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">66: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Seven Year Itch </i>(1955)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A family man with too much
imagination is tempted by Marilyn Monroe while his wife and son are away for
the summer. While his thoughts run away with him, he finally decides his family
comes first before his job, his over-active imagination, and his desires for
the girl. Contains the iconic scene of Marilyn Monroe standing over the subway
grate and her dress being blown up. It's not as salacious in the movie as they
try to make you think. Directed by Billy Wilder. Available on Tubi and YouTube
(paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">65: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Blazing Saddles</i> (1974)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mel Brooks sends up racism in
this hilarious movie. And westerns and Hollywood. While the end is a little
convoluted, this flick so funny through most of the film. Cleavon Little plays
the black man sent to be the sheriff of a small town, and the towns people
aren't happy about it. If the N-word offends you, don't watch this movie. Just
an amazing, funny movie. Available on YouTube (paid) and Apple TV (paid).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">64: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Some Like it Hot</i> (1959)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A classic Billy Wilder comedy
with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and of course, Marilyn Monroe. Not uproariously
laugh out loud funny, but just amusing situations as Curtis and Lemmon dress
like women to escape a mobster by joining an all-girls band. Contains the
immortal closing line, "Well, nobody's perfect" which in context is
hilarious. Available on Max and Hulu.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">63: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home</i>
(1986)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a lot of people's
favorite <i>Star Trek</i> movie. And it's one of the better ones. The
fish-out-of-water plot of the crew of the <i>Enterprise </i>in 1986 San Francisco is
good for a lot of amusing moments. It gets a little preachy at times but that's
easily overlooked. And Spock did too much LDS in the '60s. Available on
Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">62: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Ford v Ferrari </i>(2019)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the few good movies
about car racing. It has its accuracy issues (downshifting to pass cars on the
track), but a compelling storyline and great acting by Matt Damon (as Caroll
Shelby) and Christian Bale. And it explains how the whole Ford GT racing
project was to get back at Ferrari for spurning Ford's offer to buy the
company. If you enjoy cars, this is a fun movie. Available on Hulu and Sling TV.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">61: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Top Gun</i> (1986)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This movie was a sensation
when it first came out. The dogfighting scenes were amazing and, for the first
time, it seemed, you could understand what was going on. Tom Cruise is
Maverick, a hot shot F-14 Tomcat pilot. Kelly McGillis is the love interest and
is more believable because she's not a typical anorexic Hollywood actress. If
you know anything about the military and/or military jets, you have to ignore
some things, but still, this movie is a wonder. Available on Paramount+.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">60: <i>Cars </i>(2006)</p><p class="MsoNormal">I am convinced that the
people who made this movie love cars and racing. These are so many little
things like the types of cars the characters are. Michael Schumacher
appropriately voices a Ferrari, for example. The plot is a little thin but the fun
never stops. And while Lightning McQueen learns how to drift, he also learns
how to care for others than himself. In my opinion, one of the better Pixar
films. Available on Disney+</p><p class="MsoNormal">That's it. What do you think of my choices. Let me know in the comments below.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-5943585190290387432023-12-07T06:00:00.059-08:002024-01-05T10:19:53.990-08:00Top 103 Favorite Movies: #79 - 70<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />Welcome back to my top 103 favorite movies. The first part is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the second part is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/09/103-favorite-movies-89-80.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<p></p><p>So here we go:</p><p>#79:<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Spider-Man: Into the
Spider-Verse</i> (2018)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Spider-Man cartoon? Yes,
and it's amazing. And hard to describe without giving away the story. But there
are a lot of different Spider-Man characters, including one woman. Just a fun
movie with a big, bad villain. Available on FuboTV, Hulu, and Sling TV.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">#78: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Serenity</i> (2005)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A science fiction movie based
on a short-lived series called "Firefly." I always wonder if the
writer/director, Joss Whedon, realizes he made a film with strong
libertarian/conservative vibes. "I aim to misbehave." "People
don't like to be meddled with." Plus, the story is good and the action is
amazing. Summer Glau beating up a bar full of hoods is only one reason to watch
this. Available on YouTube (paid), Apple TV (paid), and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">77:<i> </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Mission Impossible III </i>(2006)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">This movie is surprisingly
effective thanks to a smart script and tense direction from J.J. Abrams (yes,
the man who ruined both <i>Star Wars </i>and <i>Star Trek</i>). The action is fast and the
suspense is tight. Philip Seymour Hoffman is a scary villain in how calm and
cool he is. The bridge scene is worth the price of admission. Available on
Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">76: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Terminator 2: Judgement Day</i>
(1991)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arnold Schwarzenegger is back
as the Terminator (a robot from the future) but this time he's been reprogramed
to protect John Conner, not to kill him. The machines send the T-1000, a
"liquid metal" terminator from the future to kill Conner. This was
one of the first movies to extensively use CGI and it works brilliantly as it's
not overused. Fun to watch with just enough humor to take the edge off.
Available on Netflix.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">75: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Maltese Falcon</i> (1941)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"You're a good man,
sister." The classic Bogart film noir movie about "The stuff that
dreams are made of." Bogart's Sam Spade is an unflappable private eye
caught up in a scheme to find a jewel encrusted falcon figure. Or is it? If you
watch one Bogart movie, this has to be it. Available on YouTube (paid) and
Apple TV (paid).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">74: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Batman </i>(1989)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First of all, Jack Nickolson
as The Joker. That should be enough to sell this movie. Then Michael Keaton as
Batman/Bruce Wayne. And a lovely Kim Basinger playing Viki Vale. We see The
Joker's backstory, and his pain and his trauma. And Bruce Wayne's pain and
trauma that sent him in a different direction. Occasionally silly, but still
worth watching. And the end leaves a mystery that's never been solved.
Available on Max and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">73:<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Risky Business</i> (1983)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tom Cruise is a suburban Chicago
teenager left home alone while his parents travel. Rebecca De Mornay is a call
girl he hires. When his father's Porsche goes into Lake Michigan, things get
out of hand and he needs a lot of money fast. The call girl has an idea.... An
early role for Joe Pantoliano as the bad guy/pimp. Not a belly-laughs kind of
movie, just entertaining and amusing. Available on Paramount+.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">72: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Shrek </i>(2001)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The first and best <i>Shrek
</i>movie. A featured-length fractured fairy tale with questions of true beauty and
true love. It's meant for kids but has enough jokes that adults will enjoy.
Satires a few movies including <i>The Matrix</i>. For pure entertainment, there is
little better. Available on Peacock and Hulu.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">71: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Double Indemnity</i> (1944)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another classic film noir
with Fred MacMurray as the chump and Barbara Stanwyck was the femme fatale.
Edward G. Robinson plays the good guy (for once). Stanwyck wants MacMurray to
kill her husband to collect the insurance money from a policy that MacMurray
sells him without his knowledge. But, of course, it all goes awry. Available on
YouTube (paid) and Apple TV (paid).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">70: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Key Largo</i> (1948)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Edward G. Robinson is the bad
guy and Humphry and Bacall are the heroes (mostly Humphry). Set in the Florida
Keys, Bogart and Robinson have it out in a climax on a boat. Did I mention
there's a hurricane, too? Great performances all around. Available on YouTube
(paid) and Apple TV (paid).<o:p></o:p></span></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-23269779461561594902023-11-30T06:00:00.002-08:002023-11-30T06:00:00.138-08:00103 Favorite Movies, #89 - 80<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s301/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></p>The list of my favorite 103 movies continues. The first entry is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/103-favorite-movies-103-90.html" target="_blank">here</a> (103-90).<p></p><p>And here we go:</p><p>89: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Airplane </i>(1980)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Surely
you must be joking.” “I’m perfectly serious, and don’t call me Shirley.” A
movie that delivers the laughs and doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Parts
haven’t aged well but the movie doesn’t care. It’s hilarious. Available on Max,
Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">88: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>True Lies</i> (1994)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph">The
last collaboration between James Cameron (<i>Titanic</i>, <i>Avatar</i>) and Arnold
Schwarzenegger, this movie tried hard to be a buddy/action-comedy flick but
parts of it are too serious and some are just cringy. Best part: Harrier jets
blowing up a bridge. Available on Tubi (free) and AMC+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">87: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Dodgeball: A True Underdog
Story</i> (2004)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph">Like
<i>Airplane</i>, this movie goes for laughs over everything else. A bit more modern,
it still has its cringy humor parts, but mostly you’ll laugh. Don’t worry about
thinking, this movie isn’t about that. And the sports movie parts make you
cheer to the heroes. Available on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">86: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>National Treasure</i> (2004)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
treasure map on the back of the original Declaration of Independence? The bad
guy (Sean Bean, who survived the movie) wants to steal the document. So, the
hero (Nicholas Cage) decides to steal it first. As clues (many based on American
history) combine to lead the adventures to a possible treasure, the tension
winds up. A fun, underrated, movie you should watch. Available on Disney+<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">85: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Mission impossible </i>(1996)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph">The
first <i>Mission Impossible</i> movie had such a convoluted plot, it takes at least
two viewing to figure out just what happened. But the tension is high as Tom
Cruise has to find the bad guys while evading his own agency. And the climax is
amazing (if a bit unrealistic). Worth the two watches, at least. Available on
AMC+ and Paramount+</p><p class="MsoListParagraph">84: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Gattaca </i>(1997)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
only seen this movie once (unlike most the others on the list) but it’s an
important film dealing with the ethics of gene manipulation in humans. Some
children are born natural, others are born enhanced genetically. There is
prejudice against the natural born and this leads to many issues for Ethan Hunt
who wants to be an astronaut but is natural born. And natural born can't be
astronauts. Available on YouTube, Apple TV, and Vudu, all paid.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">83: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i>
(2013)</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Based
on a true story, it’s a cautionary tale of what money, drugs, and more drugs
can do to a man. If only the hero had been ethical in his money making and
avoided drugs, his world might not have come crashing down. Or his yacht sunk
needlessly. Margo Robbie is amazing in this movie, as is Leonardo DiCaprio. Available
on MGM+ and Amazon Prime Video.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph">82: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>To Have and Have Not </i>(1944)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The film debut of Lauren Bacall (she was 19) and loosely based on a Hemmingway story. Humphry Bogart
leads the cast during World War II intrigue. "You ever been stung by a
dead bee?" "You know how to whistle, Steve, don't you?" A great
old movie. Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video (paid on both).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">81: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Smokey and the Bandit </i>(1977)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was 1977 and the world
needed a hero and Burt Reynolds obliged with a rebel shipping bootleg beer
through the American Southeast. Sally Fields joins the crew as they race along
interstate and back road, always on the lookout of "Smokey," i.e.,
the police. Nothing intellectual or deep, just fun and exceeding the speed
limit (which was 55 mph nationally at the time). This was the number two
highest grossing film of 1977. Available on AMC+ and Philo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">80: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Spaceballs</i> (1987)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Mel Brooks takes on <i>Star
Wars</i>. While it references a few other science fiction movies such as <i>Alien </i>and
<i>Planet of the Apes</i>, it's mostly a <i>Star Wars</i> parody. Gave us "ludicrous
speed" and "They've gone plaid" (which Elon Musk used in names
for his cars). Watch it with someone with a good sense of humor. Available on
Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">What to you think of my list so far? Let me know in the comments below. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Next time, 79 - 70,</p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-55380831715981670542023-11-23T06:00:00.102-08:002023-11-23T06:00:00.135-08:00103 Favorite Movies #103 - 90<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s301/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg8TCgVM87YbPsfJuZ9SAUKD11Az-0am2P6IaFAkGls9U-evZYRTFWVtvT3U4RiU7-6kBVAInJq1nIbZztrYMjFFU1MwRMCW30UpMl9YvM80A7pSiP82EnSAs3QV5aaOBwlmhME-Nu5iywToaKwh0QmpH4paxnHqwZ1uxLDsarmGS7bD9vHso3YKfB7w/s1600/images.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />Happy Thanksgiving!<p></p><p>Today I am going to start listing my 103 favorite movies of all time. Why 103? Because there were some I just couldn't leave out.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">103:<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><i>Star Trek: First Contact
</i>(1996)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The
only<i> Star Trek: The Next Generation</i> cast movie on this list and the first of
five. Directed by Jonathan Frakes (who also plays First Office Riker), the
parts on the ship are exciting and claustrophobic as the crew tries to stop a
Borg invasion of their vessel. But the parts on the ground and rather silly.
Councilor Troi drunk was funny, though. Introduces the concept of the
"Borg Queen," which <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2020/09/i-dont-like-borg-queen.html" target="_blank">I've never liked</a> but was used in a lot of Star
Trek afterwards. Available on Paramount+</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">102: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The World’s Fastest Indian</i>
(2005)</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">“World’s fastest what?” you may be asking. This
unusual film is based on the true story of a New Zealand man (played by
Anothony Hopkins) trying build the world’s fastest motorcycle and test it out
at Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1967. Watching his
culture shock of 1960s America and his efforts to build the motorcycle makes
this movie strangely compelling. It's fun to watch him try to fix issues with
the motorcycle. When something doesn't work that he thought would, he says,
"Who came up with that stupid idea?" In the end, his Indian-brand
cycle is the world’s fastest. Available for free on many sites including
YouTube, Peacock, and Pluto TV. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">101: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Trek III: The Search for
Spoc</i>k (1984)</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">This
third <i>Star Trek</i> movie with The Original Series cast is an emotional roller
coaster. Kirk’s devastation at the murder of his son and the destruction of the
Enterprise are both unlike any other Star Trek film. The worst part, Kirstie
Alley isn’t playing Saavik
anymore. Christopher Lloyd plays the Klingon commander, chewing up scenery. It
was obvious he was having a great time. Available on Paramount+</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">100:<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Bullitt</i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">Basically, this is on this
list because of that chase scene, one of the best ever filmed. Otherwise, this
is an interesting crime drama starring Steve McQueen. Made in 1968 San
Francisco, there are bad guys and tough cops and lots of nice scenery. Watch
for the real cop directing traffic outside a restaurant and a very young Robert
Duvall driving a taxi. But once you watch that chase scene, there's not much
else to this film. Available on Max and Amazon Prime Video.</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">99: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>The Mummy </i>(1999)</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">There are no horror movies on this list. I don’t do horror.
But this movie is a fun adventure with some horror elements. Brendan Fraser
stars and Rachel Weisz is the cute, smart love interest. Early CGI is used, but
it works and isn’t over used. Just a fun adventure film set in the 1920s. Not
to be confused with the Tom Cruise disaster with the same name. Available on
Hulu and Sling TV.</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">98: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Monty Python and the Holy
Grai</i>l (1975)</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">"What is your
quest?" Irreverent, silly, and hilarious, this first feature-length movie
from the Monty Python troupe is laugh-out-loud funny. From the coconuts clomped
together to indicate horses to the peasant spouting Marxist ideas, it'll have
you rolling on the floor with laughter. "I fart in your general
direction!" Not as sacrilegious as Life of Brian or as gross as The
Meaning of Life. Available on Netflix.</p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-add-space: auto;">97: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Avengers: Infinity War </i>(2018)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">This
movie is huge with cast of thousands. And a lot of them are stars. CGI is
rampant but it’s so good you don’t care. You don’t need to watch every MCU film
before you view this, but it helps. The combination of the Guardians of the
Galaxy and the Avengers is amazing. The final battle is huge as they try to
stop Thanos's genocidal plans. If only Star Lord (played by Chris Pratt) hadn't
lost his temper… Available on Disney+</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">96: </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Charade</i> (1963)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">I
don’t remember how I found this movie but I was glad I did. This is a charming
film with suspense, romance, and twists. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn star and
the chemistry between them is palpable. A very enjoyable time for an old movie
without shootouts or chase scenes. Available on Pluto TV and Amazon Prime Video
(free).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">95: <i>Galaxy Quest</i> (1999)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 27.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">An
affectionate satire of <i>Star Trek</i> and its fan culture, this hilarious movie is
so much fun. Tim Allen (in his best role outside of the Toy Story franchise) and Sigourney
Weaver star along with the always wonderful Alan Rickman. If you love or hate
<i>Star Trek,</i> you have to watch this movie. It's hilariously funny at times. "Never
give up; never surrender." Available on Paramount+<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">94: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Star Trek VI: The
Undiscovered Country</i> (1991)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The
last Original Series cast <i>Star Trek</i> movie. The cast is older and slower, but
they still save the universe. Sulu is a captain of his own ship and arrives in
the nick of time. Can there be diplomacy in the Galaxy? Or will a conspiracy
ruin it all? The final space battle is amazing. This is the last movie we see
Spock in (he didn't want to be in <i>Generations</i>). A bit marred by a couple of
political statements by the filmmakers. And Klingon blood is not lavender.
Available on Paramount+</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">93: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Avengers: End Game</i> (2019)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">You
thought<i> Infinity Wars</i> was huge? This is bigger, longer, and has more CGI.
Things go from the devastation of Infinity War to hope to a sad ending. The
best MCU movie so far. And boy, there are a lot of infinity stones in New York
City! Available on Disney+</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">92: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>To Be or Not to Be</i> (1983)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">A
comedy about the Nazi invasion of Poland and the mistreatment of Jews and gays?
Yes, and it’s good. Mel Brooks is less manic as the ham leader of a theater
troupe and Anne Bancroft, his real-life wife, plays his wife. Tim Matheson is a
handsome Polish pilot. There’s a 1942 version with Jack Benny, but this one is
the one with Mel Brooks. It's funny, touching, and maybe just a bit manic. The
one criticism: the Nazis are all idiots. Evil usually isn't stupid. Available
on Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">91: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Pirates of the Caribbean:
Curse of the Black Pearl</i> (2003)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">The
first and best Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Keira Knightley is beautiful,
Orlando Bloom is brave, and Johnny Depp is… Johnny Depp. It never takes itself
too seriously and always is fun. There are a few twists toward the end. Who
thought a pirate movie would work in the 2000s? Available on Disney+</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">90:<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Speed </i>(1994)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">A
bus that can’t go less than 50 mph or it’ll explode. That’s the plot of <i>Speed</i>.
An exciting action film that launched the career of Sandra Bullock and made
Keanu Reeves an action star. Just a good, fast movie. The ending is a bit
anticlimactic but that’s okay. Available on AMC+ and Amazon Prime Video.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">So, what do you think of my first 14? Let me know in the comments below. More will come...</p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-37534037770353846812023-11-16T06:00:00.059-08:002023-11-16T06:00:00.149-08:00We're Not Going Faster<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjiltkUMUF7Jvyugjxu68z7eXBYBYTRkRQBa2Cwv3gLDAGyimbIIubEKU1BDc9YdXxn47f00ZmyXQXgMXtpSAXJqUdA1_KmINZ-9VmlttReexM0KxZ6Lqu-J0MaOrekygSvkW7DjQu5YuDRVbuKyExqdbTLGFsy8kMWlUL9CX93VI9Tnm-6RCiROoxg4/s4634/airliner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3071" data-original-width="4634" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjiltkUMUF7Jvyugjxu68z7eXBYBYTRkRQBa2Cwv3gLDAGyimbIIubEKU1BDc9YdXxn47f00ZmyXQXgMXtpSAXJqUdA1_KmINZ-9VmlttReexM0KxZ6Lqu-J0MaOrekygSvkW7DjQu5YuDRVbuKyExqdbTLGFsy8kMWlUL9CX93VI9Tnm-6RCiROoxg4/w200-h133/airliner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>While internet is <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/11/zooming-internet.html" target="_blank">getting faster</a>, humans aren't.</div><div><br /></div>For millennia, the fastest humans could move on land was about 4 mph. That's the speed of a human or an animal walking. And you could probably do only 20-30 miles per day depending on your stamina or your animal's abilities. (If the animal was pulling something such as a wagon or chariot, it probably was limited even more.)<p></p><p>Then came the train which started out at about 10 mph. More than double walking but still slow. Yes, now they are trains that do 300 mph. </p><p>Today, the fastest mode of travel is the jet airliner (ignoring fighter jets and private jets that are much faster but not available to the general public). They go about 550 mph. And they have since the early 1960s. In 60 years we haven't sped up much at all, especially since the Concord was grounded.</p><p>And to be honest, flying is so uncomfortable and inconvenient, I won't fly unless I have no other choice. Last time I went through a TSA checkpoint, I was so molested I thought he should have bought me dinner first.</p><p>But why aren't we going faster? There's Elon Musk's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperloop" target="_blank">hyperloop</a> which might be as fast at 300 mph and more convenient than air travel. And some guy <a href="ttps://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremybogaisky/2023/08/22/new-york-to-paris-in-90-minutes-can-this-startup-make-it-happen/" target="_blank">says</a> he can make a Mach 5 (3,600 mph) airplane. That's 3,700 miles per hour!</p><p>The problem is, the faster you go, the more problems you have. The SR-71's top speed is still classified but is thought to be in excess of Mach 3 (2,200 mph). And it's a very specialized airplane with a titanium-skinned fuselage. The heat built up from friction with the air is a huge challenge as speeds climb over Mach 1. </p><p>I'd like to be able to travel faster than 550 mph. I'd also like to travel in comfort and convenience (you know, like in a car). Maybe I'm asking too much.</p><p>What do you think about the speed we travel? Do you want to go faster? Let me know in the comments below. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-36152782430302843882023-11-09T06:00:00.003-08:002023-11-09T06:00:00.129-08:00Zooming Internet<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwccf9yQIUSJ1cLluZH9-feM0YRwChdfa3JQZxxfbcqwPNIg456XO0Roiz8cfaHECotZ-Lwm_wrF3Hon86ZWpeIdlhB6buIoAp4C503n5AoY78JIaqicdrzVAo-2wsQujUqvkx19lQr_Q-tGNvwiy_DVL6SDD-emb5DPJzLQ95IuxuNDdp70PsIVuGkI/s923/03xdeDG4m4n0gJG3CbFNIgm-16.webp" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="923" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwccf9yQIUSJ1cLluZH9-feM0YRwChdfa3JQZxxfbcqwPNIg456XO0Roiz8cfaHECotZ-Lwm_wrF3Hon86ZWpeIdlhB6buIoAp4C503n5AoY78JIaqicdrzVAo-2wsQujUqvkx19lQr_Q-tGNvwiy_DVL6SDD-emb5DPJzLQ95IuxuNDdp70PsIVuGkI/w200-h156/03xdeDG4m4n0gJG3CbFNIgm-16.webp" width="200" /></a>I recently upgraded my cell phone plan. I was on 2 GB with no 5G coverage for data. My new plan is unlimited data with 5G including Verizon "Ultra Wideband 5G"</p><p>I changed it because I bought a car with Apple CarPlay and it eats up a lot of bandwidth and I didn't want to go over my 2 GB limit.</p><p>Earlier this week I was in Spokane, WA to see the movie <i>Oppenheimer</i>. And I noticed my phone was on Ultra Wideband 5G. So I did a speed test. with the <a href="https://www.speedtest.net/apps" target="_blank">Ookla Speed Test app</a>. The result: <i>1,479 Mbps</i> download, 79.1 Mbps upload. (Should that be 1.479 Gbps?)</p><p>It seems I could download an HD movie in less than 2 seconds, if my math is correct.</p><p>On my fiber optic internet at my house, I usually get about 200 Mbps going both ways, max. Which is plenty fast. I can stream a movie while my wife is on the internet and my son is playing video games online and it's fine. But Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G is <i>seven</i> time faster? What would I use that speed for? Downloading a movie onto my phone in mere moments, I guess.</p><p>Another interesting thing, since I changed my plan to unlimited, I'm using more bandwidth. I'm at just over 4 GB with no days left in the billing cycle. </p><p>Do you have 5G on your phone? What do you use it for? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-5541507570289659982023-11-02T06:00:00.054-07:002023-11-02T06:00:00.138-07:00Early Adopters and EVs<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIC2r6ZrUpml0IbLW9kPwlIt3Oqcp_G08DjKzIbkdjxgQJHdkmu9k7Qs5L2ZewctsMnwtMxdJhX6yPDsO4SlZyAGuVW-brJymduKHZ88zdxwtSttoR518-UcDAz_7wj8nkINPmFs3V8eMuDV4cCAcqdU9c_iaoI_U5jSTrcdpDKF2ayARiAW-kitDSOM/s640/tesla-model-s.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="640" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIC2r6ZrUpml0IbLW9kPwlIt3Oqcp_G08DjKzIbkdjxgQJHdkmu9k7Qs5L2ZewctsMnwtMxdJhX6yPDsO4SlZyAGuVW-brJymduKHZ88zdxwtSttoR518-UcDAz_7wj8nkINPmFs3V8eMuDV4cCAcqdU9c_iaoI_U5jSTrcdpDKF2ayARiAW-kitDSOM/w200-h179/tesla-model-s.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tesla Model S</td></tr></tbody></table>I saw my first EV in July of 2000 near Los Angeles, California. It was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1" target="_blank">GM EV1</a>. I remember being surprised by how small it was. Scary small to drive on public roads. Early models had lead-acid batteries (like the 12-volt battery in your car) and I wondered what would happen if it were ever in a wreck. Acid going everywhere, maybe?<div><br /></div><div>You couldn't buy EV1s, only lease them.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I saw my next EV in August of 2013 near Boulder, Colorado. It was a Tesla Model S (the only model Tesla sold at the time). And I remember thinking that the owner was an "early adopter." And that the owner must have some bunch of money to afford it, too.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Being an early adopter has always been expensive. You buy the latest and greatest computer for big bucks, and in 3 months something better comes out, probably for less money. <p></p><p>This is especially true for electric cars (EVs). I'm often seeing headlines such as "Ford adds range to its EVs" or "Tesla cuts prices of its EVs."<br /></p><p>And then I think, "What about the poor schmucks who already bought one?"</p><p>And there are rumors of a solid-state battery coming that has about double the range of current batteries and only takes 10 minutes to charge. And it isn't affected by temperature. I'm hoping that actually happens because Washington State, where I live (I can't convince my wife to move to Idaho), is going to start in 2030 requiring all new cars to be EVs. So my next car will probably have to be an EV. When it comes to EVs, I'm <i>not </i>an early adopter.</p><p>What do you think about being an early adopter? What do you think about EVs and early adopters? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-3718193113245850962023-10-26T06:00:00.032-07:002023-10-26T06:00:00.145-07:00Halloween is Different Now<p>I like Halloween, which is next Tuesday. It's fun to pass out candy to the kids who come to our door.</p><p>But it's meaning has subtly changed over the years.</p><p>Used to be Halloween was about the supernatural. Goblins and spooks and witches, etc. Decorations generally followed this supernatural theme. </p><p>Kids would dress up in costumes (not always supernatural related) and go door to door for candy. </p><p>But these days, adults seem to be more involved in Halloween and the holiday has expanded to include horror such as serial or mass killers. Like this picture I recently saw in Facebook:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GyTThH_AhtvNX_24V6yUkSZUOVeKThqfE6Yi3MPzN7MxlUUx5B-7lYolpWlH5GasBkRD9YpQuc8qGd29YWDTuAeZ1-8rguSnPs5_zlit4HNBU3ZKlOxkiFh_mpJ6Vvvud_My18p5oqBvS16bdxAd8Z7ZJeKWXRyKZ1qYt-Ts6L4_h8rUHVN6hmOKK-4/s552/halloween%20decoratoins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="552" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GyTThH_AhtvNX_24V6yUkSZUOVeKThqfE6Yi3MPzN7MxlUUx5B-7lYolpWlH5GasBkRD9YpQuc8qGd29YWDTuAeZ1-8rguSnPs5_zlit4HNBU3ZKlOxkiFh_mpJ6Vvvud_My18p5oqBvS16bdxAd8Z7ZJeKWXRyKZ1qYt-Ts6L4_h8rUHVN6hmOKK-4/s320/halloween%20decoratoins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I think this change has followed the change in horror movies from supernatural to things like the Saw movie franchise (which, as I understand it, is just torture porn)(because I refuse to watch it).</p><p>I liked the Halloween of my childhood better. </p><p>How do you feel about Halloween and what it has come to represent? Let me know in the comments below.</p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-45849282599020258722023-10-19T06:00:00.051-07:002023-10-19T06:00:00.146-07:00Coffee and Cars<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ8iF57ox5nCXDEfpNLVZPWauh9LatCL2ndwE6lEOyM83hyeXku0C0WmsHBPBNWfVlph7rTxZuD3pbHuytcML37qzW_9XvnD2juNRyqRK_8YE8c-qDYGPQ8fQqBd6OQfdQ62F_z-XGH_uVKe9bkiO-jnJrT5uAlhvQFxkN9dP8ROGqFijMw_u1nplvcY/s1920/ag_marque1.5.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1920" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ8iF57ox5nCXDEfpNLVZPWauh9LatCL2ndwE6lEOyM83hyeXku0C0WmsHBPBNWfVlph7rTxZuD3pbHuytcML37qzW_9XvnD2juNRyqRK_8YE8c-qDYGPQ8fQqBd6OQfdQ62F_z-XGH_uVKe9bkiO-jnJrT5uAlhvQFxkN9dP8ROGqFijMw_u1nplvcY/s320/ag_marque1.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from <i>American Graffiti</i></td></tr></tbody></table>When I was younger (a long, long time ago), part of American car culture was "cruising." The movie <i>American Graffiti </i>is a great example of this. You'd get in your car (or your parents' car) and go to a main street (usually, the main street through town), and drive up and down it slowly showing off both your car and yourself. I never did this because I never had a cool car until I was older. <p></p><p>An aside: If you haven't see <i>American Graffiti,</i> which turned 50 years old this year, drop everything and see it. </p><p>Now days, car culture has embraced the "Coffee and Cars" set up. This is where car people meet on a weekend morning and park their vehicles and talk to other car enthusiasts about, what else, cars. </p><p>I think Coffee and Cars has become more popular for a variety of reason. First off, cars are a lot more expensive so it's older folks who tend to own the "cool" cars. And old folks don't want to stay up late cruising.</p><p>Second, local government have passed anti-cruising laws. </p><p>And third: gasoline is more expensive so parking cars and talking is more appealing than driving a lot.</p><p>I've been to a couple of Coffee and Cars organized by a local car detailer (the only one who touches my cars) and they were fun. I stopped going after I sold my Corvette. Looking at other cars and talking to the owners was just a good time.</p><p>This, like cruising, is more a warm-weather activity, so it's pretty much stopping in the northern parts of the country right now and will start up again in the spring.</p><p>Have you been to a Coffee and Cars? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p>The above photo is being used under Section 107 of the Copyright Act: fair usage.</p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-82545598556879528122023-10-12T06:00:00.041-07:002023-10-12T06:00:00.164-07:00I "Invented" the Internet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmp88p-H3d5HkZpjJCp6JXYvtCPzq8IWDjf_eF7bgoucy8yMagPs86c8_gn7L1UGbo6HdZv-E1rYe5thUrd6Pjh2ak9nd1exK2hd7hm5Wpom0naZj5FTi82bx9BniFRIhU2GastF1BNH1GsXi8VMyUhS2YjF6xPfXEnfuTDGEIVdizdANgtLut81JhGQ/s800/lightbulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="800" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmp88p-H3d5HkZpjJCp6JXYvtCPzq8IWDjf_eF7bgoucy8yMagPs86c8_gn7L1UGbo6HdZv-E1rYe5thUrd6Pjh2ak9nd1exK2hd7hm5Wpom0naZj5FTi82bx9BniFRIhU2GastF1BNH1GsXi8VMyUhS2YjF6xPfXEnfuTDGEIVdizdANgtLut81JhGQ/w200-h142/lightbulb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I invented the internet.<p></p><p>I'm serious. </p><p>I remember when I was somewhere between 12 and 18 years old (but toward the younger side of that range) thinking "Wouldn't it be cool if computers were linked together somehow and you could access the information on them from anywhere." I have no idea why I was thinking that. I didn't own a computer (no one but the government, corporations, and universities did at the time). But I have this specific memory of thinking that. I was outside playing at our house in Idaho. I, of course, knew of computers, having seen them on TV.</p><p>This would have been the early 1970s. Yes, ARPANET had been around since 1969, but the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_World_Wide_Web">world wide web</a> didn't come around until 1989. </p><p>Of course, I had no idea how this could work (or even how computers worked). That was sort of the beauty of it. I didn't know the limitations, either. I just wondered if it could be done.</p><p>Have you thought of anything that came to fruition later? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-26137985729633215992023-10-05T06:00:00.029-07:002023-10-05T06:00:00.143-07:00I Love This Time of Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-etEEZ5omVQQkLRkRUEx6ab5PMheQ3ie_yy4EMbxa5WtAkUDCrfBWQgpsdLFg0K4ztBDXU4R8DIk5eFFxm6OBLrpBmnusG7WZwPgpT12otuN0XOynAEa72SDixjoIqepCRvXYc78nw7Q1gK2L4xY1ilpuYtCmJSLrWABL4vGYDtksoXEeckWF6dtYLk/s1254/fall-leaves.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1254" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-etEEZ5omVQQkLRkRUEx6ab5PMheQ3ie_yy4EMbxa5WtAkUDCrfBWQgpsdLFg0K4ztBDXU4R8DIk5eFFxm6OBLrpBmnusG7WZwPgpT12otuN0XOynAEa72SDixjoIqepCRvXYc78nw7Q1gK2L4xY1ilpuYtCmJSLrWABL4vGYDtksoXEeckWF6dtYLk/s320/fall-leaves.webp" width="320" /></a></div>It's fall now. And I love it for lots of reasons.<p></p><p>The first is, <a href="http://blog.sevantownsend.com/2023/08/college-football-starts-this-weekend.html" target="_blank">college football</a> is going. And I love college football.</p><p>The weather is cooling off and my allergies are calming down as plants stop trying to reproduce.</p><p>Less chance of being outdoors. Outdoors to me is sunburn and allergies. I have <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/fitzpatrick-skin-types#skin-types" target="_blank">type one skin</a> and I sunburn very easily. Even with SPF 75 sunscreen, I'm at risk of sunburn. Especially if I miss a spot. And I hate sunscreen. It's all greasy and smelly. And you have to put it on every 2 hours unless you swim or get wet otherwise, then it's more often.</p><p>Cars don't turn into kilns outside in the sunshine. They still get warm but not horribly. </p><p>Oh, and I guess the leaves get pretty as they change.</p><p>The downside is, winter is coming. And that means snow and ice on the roads. And I need to get snow tires for my car. </p><p>What do you think about this time of year? Do you like it? Let me know in the comments below.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933749382441619195.post-40802202945304795282023-09-28T06:00:00.003-07:002023-09-28T06:00:00.155-07:00Four Corners<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZecwemDNWFzTk7aj_1nyBSUYPRgCtbezquVxOYSiLyxYyDuVUA2uulG5e5M6qQluK7320E2XxQnsbnVwG4yZwpzb_HNj94KUQFi_wJEqvocI7lnex_n1sVtO8oGRzapeYa_E-E3Lkwnd5Icpk4adTqXvKh4DVA3q6iqSdF7X28QTlgrTW1zrYD2G/s855/USA_small.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="855" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZecwemDNWFzTk7aj_1nyBSUYPRgCtbezquVxOYSiLyxYyDuVUA2uulG5e5M6qQluK7320E2XxQnsbnVwG4yZwpzb_HNj94KUQFi_wJEqvocI7lnex_n1sVtO8oGRzapeYa_E-E3Lkwnd5Icpk4adTqXvKh4DVA3q6iqSdF7X28QTlgrTW1zrYD2G/w200-h140/USA_small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have never been to <a href="https://www.utah.com/destinations/national-monuments/four-corners/" target="_blank">Four Corners</a>, where four states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico) meet. I was close to it once on a trip through the American Southwest, but didn't have time to detour to see it.<p></p><p>Where I have been is the four corners of the continental US. These are:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Blaine, Washington</li><li>San Diego, California</li><li>Aroostook County, Maine</li><li>Key West, Florida</li></ol><div>Blaine, Washington is just south of the U.S.-Canada border in western Washington State. I would go there for a business conference when I was working in the corporate world. I stayed at a lovely place call <a href="https://www.semiahmoo.com/" target="_blank">Semiahmoo</a>. It was so close to Canada, that I sometimes got billed for making cell phone calls from our neighbor to the north. </div><div><br /></div><div>Blaine is about a five hour drive from where I live. But it's worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've also been to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Roberts,_Washington" target="_blank">Point Roberts</a>, which could be argued as the northwest corner of the continental US. Except it isn't connected to the continental US. You have to go through Canada to drive there. There's no ferries, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't too impressed with Point Roberts. Mostly casinos for Canadians.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been to <a href="https://www.sandiego.gov/" target="_blank">San Diego</a> a couple of times. Once I caught a cruise there. But my niece used to live there and my wife would want to go visit. I once drove from San Diego to Vancouver, WA (where I lived at the time) in a day. That was a long drive.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroostook_County,_Maine" target="_blank">Aroostook County</a> on business. There's really no other reason to go there. I caught a puddle hopper in Boston and flew there. There's not much there but potato farms. I saw people digging potatoes by hand and thought about the huge potato harvesters they use in Eastern Washington.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xaepXHEpR5yq-a-i56d0km7d1OFZO4y2lcZCF5E_DXZXBlxVKkc2Av52na0gLo8opXm0HOeucAeiWueCrw_z1xrndkbJ8890FeJLHGKbqSkAxnMSuIAjZhAWEU-77pQEkFoQMrDCVxK4F_FShQxgSDcg1KRbOBFNelGZosV4RKQCHgPaYM_tSYzL/s1125/AgentofArifice%20750x1125.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xaepXHEpR5yq-a-i56d0km7d1OFZO4y2lcZCF5E_DXZXBlxVKkc2Av52na0gLo8opXm0HOeucAeiWueCrw_z1xrndkbJ8890FeJLHGKbqSkAxnMSuIAjZhAWEU-77pQEkFoQMrDCVxK4F_FShQxgSDcg1KRbOBFNelGZosV4RKQCHgPaYM_tSYzL/w133-h200/AgentofArifice%20750x1125.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And, finally, <a href="https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/" target="_blank">Key West, Florida</a>. I had a business conference in Miami. When it was over, I rented a car and drove to Key West, not realizing how far it was. I did this out of curiosity and to do research for my novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Agent-Artifice-S-Evan-Townsend/dp/1937593185/" target="_blank">Agent of Artifice</a></i>. Key West is quaint with lots of old, beautiful houses and great beaches. But it was about 160 miles from Miami, a lot of it had slow speed limits (only part of Florida I've been where people follow the speed limit). I wanted to see the southernmost point of the continental US. I stood where my character did in the book.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0eS-x9ismJ14ho7TxYdtTKkBn2eEd6j3jI3A53i1vYpONXxv2XHu0qWdk2nE-LXoHgAxwaYmHBN4GuQ8CuolbYDgmzEI6L9hah0Dhvc0LldRM-7sDG8lXiq9AtGUOXo6i-RtWi774L1TYG45wylbtDDB65AcXFU3vn_xJyUEo82ORbnjp51ZpYW-/s2048/DSC03383.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0eS-x9ismJ14ho7TxYdtTKkBn2eEd6j3jI3A53i1vYpONXxv2XHu0qWdk2nE-LXoHgAxwaYmHBN4GuQ8CuolbYDgmzEI6L9hah0Dhvc0LldRM-7sDG8lXiq9AtGUOXo6i-RtWi774L1TYG45wylbtDDB65AcXFU3vn_xJyUEo82ORbnjp51ZpYW-/s320/DSC03383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southernmost point in Continental US, Key West</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you been to any of these places? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>S. Evan Townsendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14626494347739283306noreply@blogger.com0