I have bad taste and I justify it poorly
My three favorite films of all time are the “Indiana Jones” movies, followed closely by the original “Star Wars” trilogy. I’m an undercover “Matrix” fan, I love any movie that has “Monty Python” in the title, and, I’ll confess, I enjoy the occasional chick flick.
Some of my favorite films are acquired tastes. But some of them, I’m told, are rotten on every level. Lack of plot, bad acting, poor visual effects, or sheer stupidity are commonly cited as evidence.
It’s been said the recent remake of “Flight of the Phoenix” is a complete waste of film. People say “Spaceballs” is completely, utterly and abjectly moronic. The word on the street is that “The Mummy Returns” was hackneyed, formulaic and predictable.
To all of which I reply: I don’t care.
I don’t like “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” for the acting because there isn’t any. I got it because of the amazing monsters and robots and World War II-era aircraft.
I like “Flight of the Phoenix” because it’s an interesting insight into the human character in a stressful situation, not because of the poor casting job.
And I didn’t buy “Van Helsing” for the so-called “plot” — I bought it because Kate Beckinsale is in it.
Say what you will, “Hellboy” is a good film. They did a splendid job with the makeup and the acting (well, except for Selma Blair, that is) and they were true as possible to the comic books.
“ The Mummy Returns” is excellent for the action, the visuals, the costumes and (of course) Izzy’s rocket-powered dirigible. “Spaceballs” is a Mel Brooks classic no matter which way you slice it.
I happen to have a soft spot for certain types of films, that’s all. I like action and sci-fi. War movies are great too. Anything that has to do with alternate realities, ulterior history, apocalyptic themes, or science-fiction-run-amok will do.
“ Jurassic Park,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “Spiderman,” “X-Men,” “The Matrix” trilogy, the “Lord of the Rings” movies and “Harry Potter” (except for the third movie) are all monstrously, explosively and wickedly cool in my opinion.
I’m sorry, but I really just don’t like any of the so-called “comedies” that have come out in the last ten years. Things like “Road Trip” or “Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle” make me want to puke.
I don’t like horror films, unless we’re talking “It Came From Outer Space” or the original “Frankenstein.” I do like “Shaun of the Dead.”
And I’m not fond of romantic comedies (bald-faced lie alert). “Serendipity” would be an exception because Kate Beckinsale is in it.
I know I’ve excluded some genres, but please indulge me — I’ve got a limited amount of space here.
In my defense, I know what I like. If you think my taste in movies is limited, you should see my music collection (’60s and ’70s rock ‘n’ roll).
I have very definite tastes, and until something truly inspiring comes along to change them, they stay the same through the years. But I try to keep an open mind, and you should too.
Andrew is a senior studying mass communication.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum