Lists are great. They inspire discussion, create arguments, and tend to spiral off into fun new lists. When you do a list about the “BEST” of anything it goes from being fun to becoming a hotbed for arguments. There’s no such thing as a definitive list but I’ve decided to pull from my rather extensive life of film watching and put it to good use.
This is not the “film critic’s top 100” list. There’s no guarantee Citizen Kane or The Bicycle Thief will be in the top echelon or even on the list. This is the 100 movies I would put my name on as my top 100. If I died tomorrow this would represent the 100 films I find most vital, special, or ones that bonded to whatever it is that makes me me. I’m not including documentaries, though that might make for a nice supplemental list.
The first 80 will be in no particular order. The last 20 will be in very particular order. One a day, you have my word.
#87 – Almost Famous
Message Board Thread Discussion.
Master Index of the 100 Best Movies Ever.
Why is it here:
This isn’t a perfect movie. For one it has a rather uneven leading man in Patrick Fugit, and it’s also a movie that directly ties to the viewer’s own interpretation of music. This is a celebration of music and the love of it. Its power. Its history. Cameron Crowe is a filmmaker who uses music like some use light. It’s hardwired to his soul, and this movie is a direct like to his passion that it’s difficult not to fall in love. It’s a film with no amazing performance or huge moment but one where the sum of its parts is so special that it simply doesn’t matter.
Moments to savor:
Tiny Dancer. Zooey Deschanel looking absolutely dreamy. Billy Crudup’s stellar performance. The iconic Penny Lane. Phillip Seymour Hoffman bringing great warmth. A bevy of great performers in one place. Mitch Hedberg!
Rewatchability:
High, especially considering there are two great versions of the film out there. Plus, it’s a movie that just oozes a special magic.
Miscellany:
This movie made me love a Beach Boys song. You have no idea how hard that is. This is a security blanket movie for me. A great one to pop in and have a few drinks and let wash over you.