The Whistling Nose Guide to Cinema
Or 19 Essential Films For The Sinus Apocalypse
Cinema is an incredibly subjective thing. For some it’s entertainment and for others, it can be high art. I’ve been thinking about putting together my list for a long time, but I’m finally committing to it. Here are Nineteen movies you must see, at least in my opinion. There are some good ones, some weird ones, and at least one that’ll make you question my judgment. Enjoy!
Don't want to read the whole thing? Watch my Pecha Kucha video instead:
Ghostbusters
Paranormal investigation meets irreverent comedy from some of the best comedians of the day. This and the cartoon that followed it brightened up childhood considerably. I’m still a huge fan of the franchise to this day and even love GB 2.
Batman (1989)
Two words: "I’m Batman." Michael Keaton played Gotham’s dark knight very well in this highly aesthetic and fun (if a bit grim) take on The Dark Knight. It didn’t hurt that Danny Elfman (you know, the guy from Oingo Boingo!) did the soundtrack.
Labyrinth
Who doesn’t love David Bowie prancing around in a wig, singing, and interacting with goblin muppets? This is the quintessential 80s film, and it kind of just kicks ass in every single way. The effects were ahead of their time and although the story is a bit suspect, it’s ultimately a fantastic film that’s worth watching today (mostly for the Muppets and Bowie’s killer performance/singing).
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension –
Lectroids, from the Eighth Dimension! A must-see cult classic that fuels the imagination and takes you on the adventure of a lifetime in approximately two hours (read this to learn more about why I love this film). Peter Weller at his 80s best.
UHF
Weird Al Yankovic takes his signature brand of wacky comedy and brings it to the big screen. This one should’ve been a hit, but nothing can beat Batman, I guess. Al still uses clips from this in his shows and played the theme song on his Vanity tours, which is awesome!
The Blues Brothers
The merging of music and comedy doesn’t always work. But the Blues Brothers takes viewers on a trip through some great tunes, hilarious moments, and run-ins with just about everyone. John Candy, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and everyone else involved make this one the biggest hit of the decade in my book.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
For a kid’s movie based on an independent and rather violent (yet spectacular) comic, this one still holds up after 30+ years. An amazing score (not soundtrack; score), cool action scenes, and roots in actual issues of the Mirage comics, this movie has it all. It was also the highest grossing independent film and anyone around at the time knows how popular the TMNT was, and, arguably, still is.
Back to the Future
“Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!” This film had it all: comedy, time travel, fun, killer tunes, and fantastic writing. Plus, it helped a terrible car become iconic and an indelible part of pop culture for the next forty years...for better AND worse.
Groundhog Day
Bill Murray is at his comedic best in this film, where he lives the same day over and over and over...how long was he at it, anyway? I’ve seen some sources online say he relived the same day for hundreds of years. What would you do with all that extra time (I just recently discovered Tim Minchin made a musical version; I’m going to have to check that out)?
Earth Girls Are Easy
Gina Davis and Jeff Goldblum (as an alien) fall in love to the sound of Julie Brown’s hilarious soundtrack. Plenty of great jokes that were ahead of their time, with a little bit of cheese on the side and a fun-as-heck soundtrack (with more funny songs by Ms. Brown). What’s not to love?
Clerks
“I’m not even supposed to be here today!” Kevin Smith’s first movie provides a glimpse of what it’s like to be underappreciated at work. It’s an anthem for modern times and is still as relevant as ever almost three decades later, and gets some bonus points for being in black & white.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
A hilarious blend of time travel, a history lesson, metal music, and comedy, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in having a good time. George Carlin, Keanu Reeves, and Alex Winter all shine as the titular duo and their mentor Rufus in a film where the central plot point revolves around two slackers who somehow change the world with their music. They just have to pass a history test/presentation first…
Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder takes on one of the greatest comics of all time. It’s dark, brooding, and perfectly captures Rorschach’s character from the comics. Unfortunately, it does leave a lot of stuff out and drastically alters the plot, but whaddya gonna do (well, I suggest reading the comic and then enjoying the film for what it is, but that’s just me)?
I Love You, Man
Rush, Paul Rudd, and Jason Segel unite to bring us one of the funniest films of the late 2000s. Rudd is incredibly relatable as he forges an unlikely friendship with Segel’s character, Sydney. I saw it twenty times in the theater and would do it again.
Time Bandits
Another time travel movie, this time from one of the great minds behind Monty Python (Terry Gilliam, if you didn't know). A kid goes on an adventure through time with some time-traveling thieves. A fantastic premise, groovy special effects, and fun twist ending make this film a delight for viewers of all ages.
The Muppets (2011)
Nothing beats hilarious puppets interacting with even more hilarious people. This film marked a triumphant return to the big screen for The Muppets in a fun, charming, and funny story. It doesn’t hurt that Bret Mackenzie (from Flight of the Conchords) did the wonderful soundtrack.
Big Trouble in Little China
You can’t go wrong with a fast-talking Kurt Russell fighting mystic warriors. This is such a weird movie and is kind of a spiritual successor to Buckaroo Banzai (or so I've heard). It works on so many levels and absolutely deserves its cult status, largely on account of his magnificent perfomance as the fast-talking, adventure-prone trucker Jack Burton.
The Big Lebowski
I’m not a huge fan of bowling, but you know, that rug really did tie the room together. This is probably one of the best Cohen brothers films, and it's a favorite that I try to watch at least once a year. The Dude Abides, man, the Dude Abides.
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Killer claymation, an ancient Greek myth, and fantastic effects for the time make this one a must-see. Harry Hamlin as Perseus working alongside the great Ray Harryhausen's stop motion special effects make this one worth watching. It's also waaaaaaay better than that slop from 2011. Release the Kraken!!!
What? You're still here??
So, that’s it. These are the nineteen movies I enjoy the most. As the late, great Frank Zappa said: “there’s no accounting for taste.” Thanks for checking this out, and be sure to let me know all about your favorite films.
