Wednesday, September 9, 2015

F This Movie! - Heath Holland's Favorite Movies

The favorite movies series comes to an end (again) with a rundown of Hollywood Heath Holland's five favorite films.



Download this episode here.

Subscribe to F This Movie! in iTunes.

Listen to F This Movie! on Stitcher.

Also discussed this episode: Turbo Kid (2015), Bloodsucking Bastards (2015), Can't Hardly Wait (1998), Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (And Don't Come Back) (1980), Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010)

53 comments:

  1. Wow, that was a really interesting list, I really liked it, how and what you relate to, and what will expand the imagination. I also had a very similar experience with your number one, I am totally with you Heath. I sometimes forget how much of an impact that movie had on me sitting in the theatre for the first time, and I remember watching it repeatedly as a kid. It opened up a world in which I still love, the shelves of books and BBC documentaries will show. I am totally going to have to seek it out again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another great episode. I really love how personal these lists are. When I think of my favorite films it always falls into Blade Runner, 2001, Road Warrior, Jaws, all easy picks. But if I were being honest with myself #1 would probably be The Lost Boys. Heh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a high probability that if I had to compile another list like this, The Lost Boys could potentially make it to the top 5. I love that movie, and it rises and falls depending on where I'm at. It deserves a high ranking just for "Cry Little Sister."

      Delete
  3. This episode is priceless just for hearing Patricks baffled reactions to some of Heaths picks lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The reaction to "Hook" was particularly priceless. Love these list episodes!

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete

  4. Your #3 is my number #1, and I love everything you said about Almost Famous, Heath. It's such a special and personal movie for me. I insert myself in it a lot as wish fulfillment. Growing up and going to high school and college, I was way into music and I was specifically trying to carve a path for myself of eventually writing for Rolling Stone when I got out. Unfortunately for me that never materialized because I realized I would never want to live in New York City, but at least I have this movie as a snapshot of what that life could have been like. Plus, I do love a lot of the performances, it's funny, it's sweet, and the music is obviously so great throughout. Great pick! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I remember watching Bon Voyage Charlie Brown as a kid and loving it. Specifically the scene where Charlie Brown is trying to buy bread. I wish I knew why that is the one thing I remember from the movie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was my kids' favorite scene. They're still talking about it.

      Delete
  6. Great list Heath. I love these top 5 episodes, makes me a bit sad that you're all but out of show members. It'd be interesting to hear if anyone's list has changed in the 3 years since you first did them. I know for me there's a definate top 3 (Die Hard, No Country for Old Men and American Psycho) but the other 2 would kind of be an arbitrary choosing of about 10 movies that I just couldn't decide between.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I need to take notes during these podcasts or something because I know there was more I wanted to say, but my takeaway by the end is that you've totally sold me on Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves now. The idea that it's a more historical look at the character and the time period sounds fascinating to me.

    PS. I replayed a bit of the earlier parts of the episode and I remembered: I'm really curious about The Editor, but I was wondering how it compared to Berberian Sound Studio. I really loved that movie, and if The Editor is trying to do sort of the same thing then I don't think I'll be able to avoid comparing the two to the detriment of The Editor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Editor goes purely for comedy. It's a spot-on parody of Italian horror. I think you would be able to enjoy both movies separately, though I can't promise you'll love The Editor.

      Delete
    2. Wes, the version of the legend we see in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves might not be note-for-note a historical account of medieval life and society, but I'll owe it a debt of gratitude forever for showing me that the past can be alive, rather than dead words on a page. It was the first movie to have done that for me, and it's still one of the best movies for its subject matter. I'll also recommend the 1980s series from Britain's ITV, Robin of Sherwood, which is on DVD and Blu-ray. I haven't seen all of the episodes, but I've seen enough to recognize greatness.

      Delete
    3. @Patrick: oh, I didn't realize The Editor was a comedy (I probably wasn't listening closely enough), that does sound like a totally different thing.

      @Heath: hey man, I wouldn't have known the difference anyway. For me, history was dead words on a page just like it was for you until after I graduated from college and started reading about certain historical periods on my own, and medieval times were never one of those. For all I know, Timeline is a perfectly accurate historical document. I think I'll like RHPOT just for having a historical tone.

      Delete
    4. The Editor is DEFINITELY a comedy....unfortunately way too much so as I learned last night. Had too high of expectations for it and I need to stop doing that. It's not bad; it's kind of good actually, but damn if I don't think it could be SO much better. Oh well, looking forward to their next project.

      Delete
    5. Hey Chaybee, I happened to stop back in to Best Buy, looking for Shocker. No Shocker, but guess what I came across? THE LAST DRAGON! Blu! Now THAT'S a shocker! And now... it's mine. Now I'm going home to order Shocker.

      Delete
    6. Must own, Mike G. Congrats! The interview with the cast on the Blu although shorter than I wanted and missing some key players is still great. The commentary is the same as the DVD and besides a couple of tidbits, it's pretty dull with the Director just telling you what you're watching.

      Delete
  8. Oh and also: I started listening to Saturday Night Sleepovers and I really like it. Thanks for the recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to hear! Be sure to tell them F This Movie! sent you!

      Delete
    2. Listened to a few now, Maniac, Weekend at Bernies and Zombi, good fun, I said hello and said Fthismovie sent me :)

      Delete
  9. Heath, what do you think about Michael Wincott? I was convinced he was going to be a huge star as a villain after RHPOT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I freaking love Michael Wincott AND his gargles-with-razors voice. I can't believe that he hasn't had the kind of career that other great film bad guys like Michael Ironside--or even Gary Busey--have enjoyed. He seems like he'd add awesomeness to just about any movie, but his career seems to have dropped off after the '90s. I can't figure out why.

      Delete
    2. Great show btw. Really fun picks.

      Delete
  10. Heath - I love your choices. I expressed in Riske's Top 5 podcast that I really dig the explanations as to why and yours was no exception. Great stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I grew up with my mom always bashing Prince of Thieves because she hated Kevin Costner in the role and a bunch of other stuff about it. So I always assumed it was bad. When I finally saw it as an adult I fell I love with it. I actually love Costner in the role. He just seems like such an incredibly good person I just want to follow him. Yes I'll fight the Sheriff with you Robin! Whatever you want! Sometimes I tire of the "complex dark hero" and I love this Robin Hood because he isn't that. He's an awesome person and I love him.
    I've heard when Allen Rickman was offered the role he said he would only do it if they would allow him to do whatever he wanted with his performance. They agreed and this is what we got. And it's fantastic. He's such a sleeze-bag.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If all the horrible things Rickman does my favourite is when he cancela xmas!

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. Don't forget "no more merciful beheadings!"

      Daniel, I think the thing about Alan Rickman being offered carte blanche is true, at least if the internet can be trusted. He turned down the offer three times, and finally accepted when they agreed that he could do whatever he wanted.

      Delete

    5. This article made the rounds a couple months back. A little background on what Alan Rickman did with the script.

      http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/alan-rickman-admits-editing-terrible-script-with-friends-in-pizza-hut-behind-backs-of-writers-on-robin-hood-prince-of-thieves-10185726.html

      Delete
  12. I haven't rewatched Grosse Point Blank in a long time -- what you had to say about it makes me want to dig the Blu out of my collection, Heath.
    I just picked up the Dark Knight Trilogy box set and I've been researching if there's any worthwhile special features on the Diamond Luxe edition of Burton's Batman. I love the production design of Burton's Batman, the nods to expressionism, and to Welles and Citizen Kane.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This was a really fun show, you're always good for some kind if iut of the box opinions Heath. But this is why you are a great part of the FThisMovie team, you have your opinions and you stick to them, even when it's unpopular. Loved the episode guys, and it got me through a 95 degree day here in Cali so extra thanks for that.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Loved the mention of Rocky III. As a matter of fact, El Rey had a continuous Labor Day weekend Rocky marathon. However, it only went up to Rocky V. I got sucked into the marathon a few times over the weekend. I couldn't resist. I love the series. Always have, since childhood. By the second or third time Rocky V aired, I couldn't hold out anymore, and popped in Rocky Balboa.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What I find fascinating about all this (and I like 5 of the Rocky movies quite a lot) is the implication that Heath is a fan of Rocky V at some level, which I simply find hard to comprehend. Lordy, what a dour and terrible movie.

    Also, thanks to Patrick and all of you for recommending Turbo Kid, which is 100% awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I too am a fan of Rocky V. It's deeply flawed and a little embarrassing but damn do I find it entertaining.

      Delete
    2. I mean...it has its place. I guess that means George Washington Duke has his place, too?

      Delete
  16. I didn't previously know that was your favorite movie and I shouted with glee when you said it. It's one of my top 5 too for the same reasons. One of my first theater experiences as a kid - also Dances with Wolves (I wasn't taken to many cartoon movies). The supporting performances, the SOUNDTRACK! The opening and the barbarian raid remain especially gold in my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's funny, Patrick talked about re-watching Wes Craven movies and the Elm Street series, Never Sleep Again, I've been doing the exact same thing. I've been mourning the loss of one of my personal heroes. The extent that they go into detail in Never Sleep Again is amazing, it almost makes you appreciate even the bad Nightmare movies. Like I know a lot of people hate Nightmare 5, but once you hear the reasons why they did things and the time frame they were working with, you kind of like it a little more and can see what they were trying for. Anyways, I love Wes Craven and his work, whether it is considered good or bad.

    Almost Famous is without a doubt in my top 5, I identify with that movie so much, the music, the fact that I was raised by a single mother and kind of sheltered. I love that this young kid was able to explore and enter this world of rock music, the culture of it all. Cameron Crowe's love for the time period, the music, and all of the people involved really comes through in this movie. It's strange, I've always felt connected to this movie, I was only 11 when it came out and saw it around that time. I do like performances in this movie, Jason Lee, Billy Crudup, and this is without a doubt the best Kate Hudson we've ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never Sleep Again is also great for how *fun* Renee Harlin is in it. He's so damn enthusiastic in talking about what's basically this small start to to US career.

      Delete
  18. Fascinating! Loved this Heath. If you ever cone back to England remember to look me up :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Loved it. Surprised that Star wars did not make top 5. Some interesting picks though and I understand your reasoning. We love what we love, I gotta take some shit because I still love American Beauty, and Lake Placid is a film I have probably watched more than any film, and Matrix gets watched a lot, and dont even ask me how many times I have seen When Harry met Sally, "l'll have what shes having!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who on earth would make fun of someone for liking When Harry Met Sally? That person would be crazy.

      Delete
    2. I like it, were the same kind of crazy Sir ;)

      Delete
  20. Just got around to listening to this show and I love hearing Heath's enthusiasm for these films. Hearing him talk about the doors and passions that Robin hood launched/opened reminds me of why I love some of my favorite films. And not to get too corny but that inspiration truly is the power of film. We like what we like and all the more if it inspires us to further explorations.

    ReplyDelete
  21. After listening to Heath's favorites, I went back and re-watched Almost Famous last night, and I have a question for whomever. I noticed something I hadn't noticed before, and I'm hoping I'm wrong. SPOILERS if you haven't seen it.

    There is an early exchange between Penny Lane and William when she asks how old he is, and he says "18." "Me too! How old are we really?" "17." "Me too." "Actually, I'm 16." She says, "Me too. Isn't it funny? The truth just sounds different." Then, he admits he's 15. So, we've established that Penny is 16 and William is 15. Later, Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) asks William to tell Penny "We want her around like last summer. It ain't California without her."

    Last summer? Does that mean that Russell and Penny were sleeping together when she was 15?... Also, the character of Leslie is referred to as Russell's "ex-wife, current girlfriend." So, Russell Hammond, the character we're supposed to somewhat side with, or at least find cool, was possibly married and sleeping with a fifteen year old?... Because, um, ewww...

    ReplyDelete
  22. Super interesting list, Heath - I haven't seen Grosse Point Blank and it's been so long since I've seen Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - and I'm not sure I've seen the whole thing - that I really should watch it again. I love that it's such a uniquely personal reason for it being your No. 1 as opposed to (and this is going to sound so backhanded - apologies in advance) it just being an objectively great movie. Like my favourite movie of all time is Jaws and it's personal to the extent that it's the first movie I remember watching (because good parenting!), but it's fucking Jaws so yeah, of course I love it. So yeah, very cool that you can point to a movie as having altered your course in life and contributed so greatly to the person you've become.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Heath - Listening to you talk about why you love Robin Hood felt like I was listening to myself. The daughter of a history teacher, I was an Anglophile and history lover from an early age (nerdily pointing out Hadrian's Wall to my fellow 12 year olds any time one of them would agree to watch it with me) and was so excited to see Robin Hood that I actually cried a little during the opening credits. Sure, it has faults and missteps (in my opinion,the attempted rape of Marian is too much), but it gave me a glimpse into a world that until then I had only read about. I thought the Crusades tie-in was a great choice and kind of liked that Robin Hood and Marian were teetering on the precipice of middle age themselves instead of being hot 18 year olds. The scene where Duncan tells Marian that Robin fancies her - that "I'm blind, but some things I can still see" is shot so well and delivered so sweetly, that it still gets me. ANYway, I'm glad I'm not the only one out there that had a similar experience. After listening to people hate on it for years, I thought perhaps I had wrapped the experience in the golden haze of nostalgia and personal revelation.

    ReplyDelete