Matt DeCristo
(*Film picks are in ascending order).
10. “The Karate Kid” — A great story that includes the necessary ’80s tropes: bullies, character growth, a fight montage… It’s such an iconic film it spawned a popular Netflix series with the same characters 35 years later.
9. “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” — This was the film that got me hooked on the franchise. I remember my older brothers showing it to me on VHS. The toys, the books, and of course the million follow up movies. Its proof that the original is always the best.
8. “The Princess Bride” — What’s not to love about this? It’s a soothing story with great characters and fun acting. Its fairytale mythos means it has no problem staying relevant no matter what year you watch.
7. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” — I remember a summer day before 8th grade. My two friends and I rented this from the grocery store and nearly died laughing from start to finish. I could recite the script verbatim, though it took an extra dozen years to fully understand all of the jokes.
6. “Reservoir Dogs” — The ultimate heist movie and my first foray into the mind of Quentin Tarantino. I love the characters and the indie feel.
5. “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” — British crime and dark humor at its best. I quote lines with friends and still have a framed poster hanging in my bedroom.
4. “Kindergarten Cop” — My mom took me to the mall to see “Home Alone” one Christmas season. It was sold out, and I was really upset. So we compromised on this movie instead. Two hours later it became an all-time favorite. I watched it endlessly as a kid. It always has a special place in my heart as a movie, and a fun time with the best mom in the world.
3. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” — This may be the movie I’ve watched more than any other. Any time I was home from school sick, this was on. I even tried plotting my own adventure days based off it. I have two paintings hanging in my living room; both were introduced to me via this movie. The best John Hughes film.
2. “Fargo” — I don’t recall the first time I watched this. But I knew that I loved it. The surreal setting, comical characters, and dark humor. It’s an excellent film.
1. “Back to the Future” — It’s impossible to pick a single favorite movie. “BTF” is another film I’ve loved for nearly forty years. It has a wonderful story and enough laugh out loud moments to keep you invested. And two of the greatest moments in the history of film make it nothing shy of perfection.
