My favorite movies

"Payback" (1999). Mel Gibson. This movie reminded me of "Leaving Las Vegas" (Nicholas Cage). Not quite as intense, as Gibson is not purely trying to kill himself, but still, towards a deathwish. Nicely filmed, with apparent transitions from brown & white to color. After being shot, and left for dead, by a partner in crime, Gibson (a contract thug) is set on revenge. Not getting the money from his ex-partner in crime, Gibson ascends the "syndicate" ladder taking out rungs as he goes. I find this movie a metaphor for the curiousities that make up peoples lives. What do people take as normal and day-to-day? What color does your life have that others would find unusual? Don't scoff at what works.

Spider Man (2002). Well, I'm not sure if I'd call this a favorite, but I have some thoughts on it anyways. I liked two things about this film, aside from the fact that it was a fun action flic. I liked the part where Peter Parker (Spiderman) does not stop the thief that later kills his Uncle. Parker is faced with a life choice. To live responsibly, and to try to contribute to the world, or to just be apathetic. This reminds me, though in a small way, of the part in Les Miserables (Victor Hugo) where Jean Valjean is saved by the priest (though the artistry in Jean Valjean being saved was far far superior). The other part I liked about this film was the ending. The smitten red head opportunistically kisses Peter Parker, with little warning. Hey babe, why come on so strong? Guess funerals hit her emotionally and she wanted a good shag. ;). Parker doesn't take her up on her offer. She'll come back Parker, begging. ;).

The Matrix. One of my favorite movies of all time. An excellent expression of you can be anything you want to be. The MIB (Men-in-black) were great, but the bit about the Artificial Intelligence using humans as power generators? Well. Hmmm. Great. Let's just ignore that part. This movie has really had a long-term impact on the way I think about people. Perhaps this is something everyone else finds easy, but I find it all too easy to get distracted by people's appearances. The appearance of someone in The Matrix means next to nothing. So, why not think about another person as just a body plugged into The Matrix. You are really talking to their being and not their body.

Pulp Fiction. Another all time favorite. Not that I'm big into drug culture, or people getting shot accidentally in cars, but the writing of this I found awesome. I still think of the "bacon scene" when I eat bacon. I also remember the Asian girl who wanted a pot belly. Of course, the scene with Travolta injecting the OD girl in the heart was great. Coming to with a monsterous needle in your chest... Now that would take some getting used to!

The Saint (1997). This is a great, almost childish, romance adventure film. I think it's particularly a favorite of mine, not only because I'm romantic, but also because of the science angle. And science of revolutionary proportions. A sweet and innocent, but brilliant and pretty scientist discovers the secret of cold fusion, and The Saint steals the formula and her heart. But in return, she knows him like no other, and he falls for her (I also like this film because as a youth I read The Saint series, featuring Simon Templar).