March Movie Madness
Sean Lambert
February 25, 2010
Filed under Student Life
March is not the best movie month – probably the worst, actually – but there are countless classics ready to fill in the gap. Below are the common movie genres with movies that may not be the most critically acclaimed in their field, but they are quite entertaining. After you go see Alice in Wonderland on March 5th, these movies will fill the theatrical void till the next blockbuster
Action
The Matrix: Back in 1999 this movie redefined the traditional mold of the action movie. Whatever your opinion on the acting skills of Keanu Reeves, the depth and skill of the entire cast well makes up for it. Before this movie, the plot for an action film was linear and melodramatic. The Matrix has an episodic makeup and a thought provoking story, something often lost in this genre.
Mad Max 2: A rare case of the sequel being better than the original. This movie became a cult classic as soon as it came out, and continues to affect the world of sci-fi and action today. Before this movie, the post apocalyptic look had no definition. All movies that followed in the sub-genre drew heavily from this movie. However, the effect on popular culture is not why you should watch this. The movie is simply a good and fun action movie. It is well done and in an era before digital special effects the stunts are very spectacular.
Comedy
Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail: Possibly one of the most polarizing comedies ever, all of modern British comedy is compressed into this movie. It would be a crime to say that this movie makes sense, but that’s the point. Monty Python revolutionized comedy and this movie is the epitome of their efforts. It was technically released as an indie film, so understand that some of the scenes can be cheesy.
Office Space: One of the most famous satires of the corporate world, this movie became a cult classic as soon as it was released. The main character, Peter Gibbons, works at an everyday dull grey corporation with an everyday life. When downsizing becomes the new policy in the workplace, he adopts an attitude of disinterest in his work. However unfunny that may sound, the skill of the relatively unknown cast finds ways of making this a smart and satirical comedy. Geeky as it may be, this movie is always entertaining.
Science Fiction
Star Wars Trilogy: While not being the most intelligent series, these films are extremely entertaining. The movies have often been compared to rock and roll; fast-paced, fun and you could find meaning in it, but that’s not the point. If you are out of the loop on the plot line, ask anyone…they’ll know.
Blade Runner: Based mostly on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Philip K. Dick, this is one of the classics of the genre. The plot is about the search for a series of androids that have hijacked a spaceship and have come to earth to look for who made them. Yes it is thick with 80’s sci-fi elements and most of the sets include some sort of fog machine, but it has the production quality of an art film. If sci-fi is your favorite, this is a must see.
Drama
The Godfather: This movie comes up in nearly every single list of the best movies ever. It chronicles the Corleone family mafia and the tumultuous nature of their work. The movie has an excellently written script and some of the best acting in the business. The movie has no single defining feature that can be pointed to when saying why it’s perfect. Instead, it is the orchestra of all the exceptional parts coming together to make one of the best movies of all time.
Citizen Cane: Yes this movie is from 1941, however it is considered to be the best movie ever made by the great majority of great movie critics. The movie was directed by the eccentric Orson Welles and his ability is well represented in this monumental piece. The movie has great acting, great production, great scripts, and great new technologies for the time. If you like movies, this is the one classic movie to watch.
I own the movie Office Space and watch it ever so often. It is hilarious! The weird guy with the red stapler cracks me up. He continues to mumble under his breath for the entire movie right up until the ending credits! Red staplers became all the rage too after this movie became so popular. I think I’ll go buy one today
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