Musings on Films, Movies, and Flicks

I'm gonna give props for this idea to one of my favorite film critics, Harry Knowles over at Ain't It Cool News. If you don't go there for movie news, you should be ashamed!

I regularly get into discussions with my co-workers, friends and relatives over movies. It usually goes like this.

Me: "I just saw (insert critically aclaimed arthouse film here), and it was incredible. The most original film of the year!"
Friend: "That sucked! But I saw Alien vs Predator and it RAWKED!"
Me: "......uhg"
Me: "Well, (lowering the IQ of the conversation) I actually thought Anchorman was the funniest movie I've seen in a long time."
Friend: "....Dude, that was stupid. Will Ferrell sucks."
Me: ".......O......K......"

In order to help qualify what I think is "good" and whats "great", here's three catagories that all motion pictures should be put into. (the original idea from AICN had four catagories, but I'm simplifying.)

1. The FLICK - The Flick is a popcorn movie. Don't think to hard, you just might ruin it. It's only has pure entertainment value, nothing artistic or terribly original. The Bad Flick is usually your basic garbage movie with no redeaming social value. It could be big budget blockbusters that go bust and you wonder "what donkey's ass green-lit $200 million for this shit?" (the usual suspects here: Waterworld). Or unbelivable unfunny action crap (Torque). Or "why does this even exist? (Surviving Christmas) There are good Flicks. Even great Flicks. Silly Comedy Flicks are incredibly enjoyable (The afore-mentioned Anchorman, and Spaceballs) Great action flicks are rarer, usually a cliche filled flick which is redeemed by an actor's great performance (Gladiator) or groundbreaking effects (Independence Day). Great Action Flicks that also have an original script are elevated to catagory 2. The Good Flick need only be enjoyable. A good way to spend 2 hours. The Bad Flick should be walked out on, unless the purpose of the viewing is to make fun of the bad flick. (see MST3K)

2. The MOVIE - The movie is usually a more rewarding view then the Flick. The main criteria to elevate a Flick to a Movie is great writing. In action films, this seperates Spider-Man 2 from The Punisher, Saving Private Ryan from Windtalkers, Braveheart from King Arthur. In comedy, it moves Groundhog Day over The Ladies Man. In romantic Comedies, Love Actually: movie, You've Got Mail: flick. Or it's when a flick pushes some boundries or takes some chances or heads into a new direction (There's Something About Mary, That Thing You Do, The Matrix, The Sixth Sense)It's like when a flick tries to be a little more, it becomes a movie. Most movies are still mainstream hollywood productions and most follow standard hollywwod formula that fit in genres mentioned above, but they're more rewarding and memorable. There are no bad movies. If it was bad, it'd be a Flick.

3. The FILM - The moment when a movie become "art." It's a film when a master director makes a movie that transcends other films of the genre. It's when an unknown produces a film so off-the-wall, it becomes a international hit and classic. They may not make even $50 million, and may not even win some Oscars, but you will remember these films forever and they will influence a new generation of filmakers. That's not to say all independent or alternative cinema qualify as films, only the best go here. Of the movies I've seen in 2004, only 4 would I call films. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Kill Bill vol. 2, and Friday Night Lights. The first was written by Charlie Kaufman, (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) whose such a genius he's scary. The second by Wes Anderson (The Royal Tennenbaums, Rushmore), brilliant director and an incredible writer of characters. The third concluded Quentin Tarantino's (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) ambitious masterpiece and is such eye candy, it's a film lover's wet dream. And to why Friday Night Lights, a high school football movie is here, it's because director Peter Berg (The Rundown, Very Bad Things) tried to make it different, and actor's movie with great performances not just flashy teenagers and huge football collisions.

I will soon publish my long overdue Best Movies of 2004 list and here's a hint: While the 4 films mentioned above all finish in the top 10, they're not #1 or #2 or #3. Chew on that!