Bill Burch’s Top 20 Movie List of All Time (Part 2)

(During last week’s blog, I listed my favorite movies from 20-11. This week I complete the list with the Top 10. Here we go movie fans!)

the movies10. Father of the Bride. I’m talking about the remake of the classic movie starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. The women in my life absolutely LOVE this film, and we’ve literally watched it dozens of times. The sequel (named Father of the Bride 2!) is just as good. I cannot even begin to describe Martin Short’s performance as Franck.

9. Jaws. Steven Spielberg’s classic kept my generation out of the water and on the beach. After seeing the huge shark, Chief Brody delivers one of the greatest lines of all time: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

8. Tootsie. Dustin Hoffman the actor plays an actor who plays an actress for the work. Bill Murray (who appears several times in my Top 20 list) steals several scenes.

7. E. T. Spielberg once again evokes marvel and magic in the hearts of children of all ages. Many have also noted the plot’s parallels to the Gospel story. The main character descends from heaven, performs miracles, heals the sick, dies, miraculously comes back to life, and then ascends into heaven. Sound familiar?

6. Ghostbusters. Any movie that combines the comedic genius of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, and the Stay-Puff-Marshmallow-Man has got to be good. The sequel . . . not so much. “Who ya’ gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!”

5. Alien(s). Terror and sci-fi combine in the original Alien starring Signourney Weaver as a take-no-prisoners heroine. The critter in the movie would devour E. T. in a Martian minute. In a rare occurrence, the sequel (creatively named Aliens) is even better than the original. However, I strongly advise against the rest of the series.

4. Harry Potter and . . . . Pick a movie out of the franchise. So sue me—I’m secure enough in my manhood to admit that I like the Harry Potter novels and movies. My favorite remains the first film that magically portrays Hogwarts School in all its glory.

3. Indiana Jones and . . . . Harrison Ford redefined the action hero genre with his brimmed hat and cracking whip. Movies 1 and 3 in the series rank high—movies 2 and 4 do not deserve the proud name of Indiana Jones.

2. Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This is a twofer—actually a sixfer since it combines two trilogies. Yes, I am a confirmed nerd—I’ve read Tolkien’s trilogy along with The Hobbit multiple times (I am embarrassed to publish the exact number). Peter Jackson surpassed all of my expectations with the film versions of the books.

1. Star Wars. I’m talking about the FIRST Star Wars movie back in 1977 before George Lucas started tinkering with the titles and numbers, before CG took over special effects, and before Lucas abandoned any semblance of a plot. Four decades (almost 40 years?!?! OHMYGOSH) later the special effects look dated, but who wouldn’t want a cool light saber and X-Wing fighter?

When it comes to movies, I favor pure escapism. I get enough of real life in my profession. I love comedy, adventure, science fiction, and fantasy. If Bill Murray ever costars with Harrison Ford in a sci-fi adventure set in Middle Earth, then I’ll be the first in line.

Otherwise, I prefer reading a good book. Most of the stuff out of Hollywood is not worth the price of admission.

6 thoughts on “Bill Burch’s Top 20 Movie List of All Time (Part 2)

  1. I love all movies with Harrison Ford. Except Blade Runner. *gag* awful movie
    And I’m totally with you on #4 of Indiana Jones.
    We are a huge sci-fi family, thanks to our geek son. Fun list 🙂

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  2. I agree with many of your picks, and you have surprised me with a few! After viewing so many “let’s see how far we can go with the visual effects” movies that are labeled “block-busters,” I find myself seeking STORIES with real-life situations, even if they are unpleasant, perhaps. We have taken a ride through “The Wonder Years” on NetFlix for escape, lately. It really was a wonder-ful television series. I know. . .that’s another list. Thanks for the view of another side of you!

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  3. Great list except for “Alien”. I heard enough about that one from my sister to avoid it. Others are super. Three of my grandchildren were introduced to the first three “Star Wars” while we were down at Tybee back in June. We have started another generation of fans. My grandson’s favorite character was Darth Vader! He is only 3. I found him a great deal on a costume at the Disney Store a month ago. Do you know how hot you can get in that outfit in July?! He will have to be older for a light saber though! The mini one, with M & Ms in the handle, is already broken!
    I also love to escape to a good movie! Check out the new “Man from U.N.C.L.E. for a fun trip back to the 60’s!

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  4. What about “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Men in Black”. The part where Clint meets Running Bear on horse back and says “…men can live together “. One of my favorite scenes in all the movies. MIB is just out and out fun!

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  5. Good points. One of my favorite MIB scenes is when they are taking the test, and Will Smith thinks outside the box–actually used that clip in a sermon. Also, when Will Smith asks, “Is it worth it?”

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