Let's Talk About Movies: Why I Love Them

Alo Party Peoples.

Well, it's September, and the only thing of note that came out this week was the 20th anniversary re-release of Forrest Gump. So I guess it's as good a time as any to say some things about why I love the movies. This was inspired by an article written by Film Critic Hulk in which he listed a bunch of reasons why he loves movies. This guy writes really long, really well thought out analysis of films, film making, and the film industry, while speaking in the voice of The Incredible Hulk, i.e. in the third person and in all caps. Anyways, let's get to the reasons, typed them in the order that they came to my mind.

Mr. Byrne, why do you love movies?

Well....

• Because a small suburban town can become a metaphorical Eden through the magic of Photoshop.
• Because of the joy of a well composed and put together musical score.
• Because of Andrew Niccol's ability to write real human drama in fantastical settings.
• Because visual effects have progressed to the point that they can depict the impossible in a way that feels possible.
• Because they have progressed to the point where the uncanny valley can be evoked unintentionally.
• Because Jim Carrey can do more than just be crazy.
• Because of Christopher Nolan's skill in blending sophisticated writing with exciting onscreen spectacle.
• Because we are Groot.
• Because of good times watching them with my father at the Studio Movie Grills on Royal and Spring Valley.
• Because Phil Lord and Chris Miller can make something as stupid sounding as a feature length Lego movie into something worthwhile.
• Because The Fault In Our Stars can come out of the same year as Divergent, The Giver, and If I Stay.



Because this shot from Pleasantville stood out in child me's mind, and inspired me to come back to the film years later, and I learned to see subtext and allegory.

• Because a talented enough assembly of people can make you care about the fates of a space raccoon and a tree man.
• Because of Joss Whedon's skill at managing ensemble casts and writing entertaining banter.
• Because of Andy Serkis' skill at filling digital makeup.
• Because a premise like "let's put Tom Cruise in a cross between Aliens and Groundhog Day that looks and sounds like Mass Effect" can actually result in a solid and entertaining movie.
• Because they can use the medium of video to do amazing and medium-specific things.
• Because of the visceral excitement of seeing Gravity on the big screen.
• Because of Scarlet Johansson's looks being just a fortunate bonus to her skill as an actress.
• Because of general movie magic.
• Because a studio was willing to take a risk on something as bat s*** insane as Lucy, even if it didn't quite work.
• Because they can entertain.
• Because they can educate.
• Because they can convey a message.
• Because all of that means they have great and influential power.

That's why. What sorts of reasons do you love movies? I'd love to know.