We all have favorite movies. We all have a favorite genre of movies. Movie-makers count on that! 🙂
Jo knows if we are ever in a contest and they ask “What is your husband’s favorite movie?” she is to say “Back to the Future.” The more correct answer would be the Back to the Future Trilogy. I suspect I am one of those rare people who likes #2. While my first time through was sort of confusing, subsequent views brought home a not-to-be-forgotten truth: Take away laws and all that ensues is chaos, because there is no right and wrong.
I have other movies I like. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (which I did not see or care to see when it was released in the theaters). Field of Dreams. For the Love of the Game. (I love baseball). Guardian. Open Range. Wyatt Earp. (Yes, I like Kevin Costner. I even like his obscure bicycling movie “American Flyers.“) Gladiator. 3:10 to Yuma. Cinderella Man. Robin Hood. (And yes, I like Russell Crowe) Tombstone. The current crop of Superhero movies (Captain America, Iron Man, Avengers, etc) My one ode to a chic flick is “Titanic.” (Have I lost my ManCard with that one?)
I say all that because Thursday night the Owen County Library has a free movie night once a month at the Tivoli. This Thursday is my absolute favorite “Christmas” movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I remember hearing about it from my brother, Rob. He was visiting and talking to someone about this black & white movie he saw one afternoon. He was sort of blah and turned the TV on and this movie was on about a man who wanted to leave town really bad but life’s circumstances always sabotaged his plans. Eventually, he thought it would have been better if had never lived. An angel (Clarence), who has a chance to earn his wings, comes to earth to help him realize “See George, you really have had a wonderful life.” One day I watched it for myself and I was hooked. Now one of my Thanksgiving Day traditions is watching “Wonderful Life” and “The Santa Clause.” Unless something comes up, I will begin my Thanksgiving viewing early. Jo & I will be attending a Thanksgiving dinner at the Owen Valley Health Campus and then making our way to the theater.
The movie is a constant reminder telling me I matter. I leave footprints every day. I influence people-good or bad- in my interactions with them. The real question is this: what kind of impression am I leaving with them?
Have you see “Wonderful Life?” What are your Top 5 movies of all time? Finally, are you aware of your influence?
The Godfather
Patton
Ben Hur
Goodfellas
Lillies of the Field
I have seen two of those, but not in a long time: Patton and Ben Hur.
I probably watched more movies before I was 18 than since. I don’t think I have seen 5 movies in the last 25 years. I do remember liking “Ben Hur”, the early James Bond, all of what are now Classic Disney, and many of the old WW2 movies, and westerns. I don’t think I have seen any of the movies you mention.
I don’t try to influence people but I hope it is positive if I do. I at least don’t want it to be negative. I guess I don’t think about it much.
I watch more movies now that the Tivoli is in town than I would before. I do watch them at home while working jigsaw puzzles. This may sound weird but I have never seen a James Bond movie. Try or not you have an influence. After talking with you that evening, I would say you do have a positive influence on many, especially the younger ones you work with. 🙂
I like American Flyers. I didn’t know anyone else had seen it. My top 5 are:
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Bull Duhram
Shawshank Redemption
Road House
High Plains Drifter
Here I thought no one else (except cyclists) ever heard of AF. Sound strange but I have never seen any of those movies.
The movies that I have liked the best include: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Matrix. I cannot think of two others right now, but that kind of gives a flavor of my sort. As for your question, I struggle with feelings of low self-worth, so I do not think that my footprints go all that deep. By the next tide, they will have washed away.
never have seen a Star Wars movie but like Indy and the first Matrix. Had trouble with #2 & 3. I beg to differ about your footprints. I have not met you in person but do consider your footprints in my life as being positive.
I have watched It’s A Wonderful Life many times. It’s one of my must watch Christmas movies along with The Muppets’ Christmas Carol and White Christmas.
As for the others – I tend to prefer reading to watching movies. I have seen quite a few, but most of them I wouldn’t bother watching again. But here are some of the ones I would:
The Color Purple
The Sting
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Fiddler on the Roof.
I’ve only recently realized the influence that I have. As a preacher’s kid, I remember being told many, many times that I had to set a good example. Being the oldest child I was often told I was responsible for my siblings. I spent a lot of my life with those identities booming in my head.
Now I see it from a different perspective. I believe that God gives us spheres of influence. This past year He has been refining my understanding and has opened my eyes to those spheres of influence. My main “job” in this scheme of things is to be listening to Him, and being His hands and feet. It isn’t about me trying to be perfect and responsible; it’s about seeing with His eyes and saying what He wants me to say.
I still make mistakes. 🙂 But where before I was randomly interacting with people, now I am listening for instructions in the situations of my life.
Aaaah fellow Wonderful Life aficionado. 🙂 never saw any of the movies you list. However, love your comments about influence. Really like hearing about your growth.
I highly recommend Fiddler on the Roof.
I will keep that in mind. 😛
It’s a musical…
Every once in a while IU has plays and musicals. I will keep an eye out. I am waiting for Les Mis right now. 🙂
I love It’s a Wonderful Life! I also love Elf, Out of Africa, Forrest Gump, Fireproof, and Tommy Boy. I love many you listed as well. I am aware of my influence, but I forget sometimes. Thanks for the reminder.
Another one! Cool! Susan and i are not alone. 🙂 Not fond of the actor who played Elf or of the one in Africa. But I do like the other three. Did you know TB was “stationed” in Sandusky, Oh? I lived there for 5 years before moving here and my wife grew up there. how’s that for a small world? Oh, you’re welcome.
Oh, how fun! I love talking about this kind of stuff. First, let me just note that I have about 10 Christmas movies that I watch every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with It’s Wonderful Life being one of them. Now, on to my top 5 favorite movies of all time: 1.) Lord of the Rings Trilogy (extended version… why bother with the others?); 2.) Star Wars (all 6); 3.) Indiana Jones series; 4.) Narnia movies; 5.) Harry Potter. I think one of the main reasons I love these movies is because my boys love them too. More importantly, they love to watch them with me!
I’m with you on the LOTR extended versions. Why waste the time on the short ones? our girls are funny. Tami is a chic flick girl; Janna is an action girl. Jo? She goes with the action. She loves the Bourne movies and Bruce Willis and Harrison Ford. My grandson loves the superhero ones.
I like the Bourne movies, too.
😛 You and Jo would get along well.
I’m terrible at ranking things. I love music and movies, but pinning it down to a list is so hard! Especially because I tend to like things when “the mood strikes.” I definitely love Back to the Future and a lot of those you mentioned. As for my life, I do believe it’s making a difference and I want it to be more and more of a positive impact. Thanks Bill. 🙂
I appreciate you taking the time to comment Jason. I know your life has been hectic. And yes, you influence…positively.
Band of Brother, favorite war movie
Gone with the Wind
P.S. I Love You
It’s A Wonderful Life
The Color Purple
Yes I am aware of my influence which means I must keep my heart tuned into the Lord to be a good influence. I think I told you before I no longer wear a cross because nobody ever ask me why I wear a cross. Now I wear a pendant with “courage”written on it” and I get ask all the time why. It keeps me accountable to walk like a courageous wise hearted woman. Happy Thanksgiving
I have just got to watch Band of Brothers. I don’t remember you mentioning the cross/courage thing Betty. That is pretty cool.
You and Michael should have a movie marathon, you like the same movies! 🙂 Well, I know one of the movies I’m going to list you will gag at, so I’ll leave it for last:
Out of Africa
Forrest Gump
Uncle Buck
White Christmas
A Christmas Story
Please be gentle 😉
I used to think that I’m just a nobody & who would I be influencing?? (besides my children) As I’ve aged & grown in my relationship with God, I do realize that I have influence and I try to think of my actions & words as a reflection of God, would He be happy??? Great post!
You better not stick your tongue to a pole this Christmas season jan. 🙂 I believe you have a lot of influence, especially at school. BTW: White Christmas is one of my “must watch” during every Christmas season.