7 Movies You Should See (or see again...)

Everyone has favorite movies, the kind they can watch over and over again. This writer is no different, and there are various lists of movies on this blog that attest to that fact. But today I want to share with you some movies that may not show up on many lists of top picks, but are movies I have either watched again recently or find myself wanting to watch in the very near future. It's a very personal list, and these are suggestions with which I am not asking anyone to agree. If you don't like them, that is your opinion. And you are wrong! :) If you know me at all then you know my sense of humor can be a little "off" and that movies that make me laugh or tell great stories are always my favorites. So with that in mind I give you 7 Movies you should find and watch...or watch again!

1. Dick Tracy (1990) - This Warren Beatty film about the great comic strip detective (and the first guy with a phone in his watch!) is worth watching just for the incredible water-color backgrounds and sets. But it is also a fun story featuring the kid from Hook and What About Bob? (either of which could have made this list), a lot of famous actors playing the bad guys (including Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman) and even a decent performance by Madonna. It's been years since I saw the entire film; my hunt for the blu ray continues!
2. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) - One of the darkest dark comedies you will ever encounter. A professional assassin, played by the marvelous John Cusack, returns to his hometown after completely disappearing following graduation for his 10 year high school reunion. He has someone to kill. A very sleazy Dan Aykroyd and several others are trying to kill him. He rekindles an old love which leads to a very unexpected plot twist. Alan Arkin is soooo good as his therapist, and Joan Cusack is wonderful as her brother's secretary. The scene where the convenience blow up is priceless! Told you it's dark...
3. The Rocketeer (1991) - A wonderfully underrated World War II era story about an Ironman-like hero and his adventures in learning how to use a rocket pack he found and save the world from the Nazis. Alan Arkin is again brilliant as the mentor to Bill Campbell's Rocketeer. And in what was her first major role, Jennifer Connelly is beyond gorgeous. Plus I never liked him as James Bond, but Timothy Dalton makes a really good nasty villain. Like Dick Tracy, an often overlooked Disney film.
4. A Fish Called Wanda (1988) - Like Blazing Saddles, Airplane!, Ghostbusters and Anchorman, this is one of the movies that makes me laugh just a little bit harder every time I watch it! The cast- including a very sexy Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline (who won an Oscar for his performance), Michael Palin & John Cleese (both of Monty Python fame) is fantastic, the story is filled with adventure, twists, turns and great one-liners. And yes, there really is a fish called Wanda. I seriously LOVE this movie. Now "speak French to me, Otto!"
5. Johnny Dangerously (1984) - So few people saw this movie in theaters that the night I met its star Michael Keaton (see The Night I Met Batman) he was shocked that I knew of the film. I find it hilarious. Keaton plays a member of crime family, led by the great actor Peter Boyle, that is at war with another mob gang. Danny Devito, Marilu Henner and Joe Piscopo also play key rolls. Will and I quote this movie endlessly. "My mother hung me on a door, Johnny. Once...ONCE."
6. Arthur (1981) - There was no chance I would see the 2011 remake starring Russell Brand because there was no way to improve on the original. The late Dudley Moore was perfect as the spoiled, often drunk title character who falls in love with Liza Minnelli and stands to lose the family fortune is he doesn't follow through with his arranged marriage with someone else. Sir John Gielgud is perfect as his butler/best friend. A great comedy with great heart. Gotta' love those.
7. A Bug's Life (1998) - There are so many great Pixar movies that this one often gets overlooked. It has always been one of my favorites. The story of Flik, an ant trying desperately to impress people but constantly falling on his face rings very true to me. The quirks of the other bugs, the importance of the "little people" and the great cast of voice actors (including Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, David Hyde Pierce, Denis Leary, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt & Brad Garrett) make this a film I wish ABC Family would show more often- or one that we should buy on a format a little newer than VHS. "And now...FLAMING DEATH!!!"

So there you have it- my suggestions for some movies to be on the lookout for in the days to come. And Will would have my head if I didn't also mention this- Young Frankenstein turns 40 this year, and a new blu ray has been released. It's not only a great comedy, but my son who is headed to film school next year calls it "a perfect movie. Everything works!" I hope most of you have seen the Mel Brooks classic. But if not...do it. NOW! 

Have a great day!