Over the years, the American Film Institute has shown three-hour celebrations of the best in various categories. There have been AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movies (number 1, Citizen Kane); 100 Years, 100 Movie Quotes (number 1, "Frankly, My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn"); 100 Years, 100 Laughs (funniest movie of all time, Some Like It Hot); 100 Years, 100 Heroes and Villains (good guy Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird, bad guy Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Silence of the Lambs); 100 Years, 100 Thrills (number 1, Psycho).
100 Years, 100 Cheers gave the results of the voting for the most inspiring movies of all time. It's a Wonderful Life led the list at number 1. It starred James Stewart and was directed by Frank Capra, who turned out one heartwarming movie after another. But he didn't please everybody. His Hollywood nickname was "Capra-corn." Even though everyone's seen this movie a million times, I still miss the days when it was shown at Christmas on a never-ending loop. These days that honor belongs to A Christmas Story. Sorry, that's not a movie that should be repeated. And repeated.
To Kill a Mockingbird, Schindler's List, Rocky and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (Capra again - and James Stewart again) round out the top five. Say what you want - I cried when Rocky ascended those steps.
As for numbers 7 through 10, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial made us love an alien. Who didn't enjoy his immediate ability to speak English? And he made a great drunk when he discovered beer. The Grapes of Wrath broke your heart and made you stop complaining about how rough your life is. Breaking Away was a delightful surprise. An Indiana kid morphs into an Italian as he trains to be a champion bike racer. Miracle on 34th Street is another Christmas staple. It's fun to watch Natalie Wood at age nine. Coming in at number 10 is Saving Private Ryan. Tough to watch, but a solid Spielberg film.
I heartily agree with several other movies on the AFI 100 Years, 100 Cheers list: The Best Years of our Lives crosses generations with the return of war heroes. Philadelphia is Tom Hanks's most moving performance. The Shawshank Redemption is a masterpiece. Not one wasted minute. Casablanca is the classic romance. Gone With the Wind has history, drama and unforgettable characters. Mrs. Miniver makes you experience the blitz and blackout curtains of World War II London. Manhattan combines Gershwin's music and the beauty of New York. Yankee Doodle Dandy gives you James Cagney at his best. Not even a bad guy!
You decide for yourself. The AFI 100 will help you add to your own DVDs-to-watch list.
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