Things are changing! In honor of how far up the list we are (here’s the most recent entry), I’m giving myself a third sentence instead of just two to write about these movies, as a treat. 150) Tower (2016), directed by Keith Maitland In documentaries with unusual forms, it’s most common that the function is,… Read More Top 250 American Movies: 101-150
Same rules as before for this stretch of the list. We’re limiting comments on each movie to literally two sentences in order to keep this train on schedule. 200) Monterey Pop (1968), directed by D.A. Pennebaker There’s an invisible line around this point which separates great movies which achieve that greatness alongside (or even despite)… Read More Top 250 American Movies: 151-200
A little more than five years ago, I finished the only list project on this site which tried to speak for a consensus as well as myself. That was the Better than AFI’s Top 100, which is still my favorite project I’ve ever done, but which I’ve been distancing myself from for five years. You… Read More Top 250 American Movies: Intro and 201-250
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 68) “Cups,” from Pitch Perfect (2012) When this movie was released, we were still four years away from TikTok. It’s a rare case where the movies feel like they’re running ahead of the zeitgeist rather than trailing behind it… Read More Listen to America: The 2010s and 2020s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 60) “Man of Constant Sorrow,” from O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) I don’t think any movie has ever used the word “damn” to humorous effect quite like O Brother. “Damn we’re in a tight spot!” is one of… Read More Listen to America: The 2000s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 52) “Kid vs. Play (The Battle),” from House Party (1990) If there’s a rap battle in an earlier American narrative feature, I don’t know of it, and if there’s a more fun charismatic rap battle in a movie I… Read More Listen to America: The 1990s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 43) “Out Here on My Own,” from Fame You know the title song from this movie isn’t really eligible for the same reason “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” isn’t eligible? Good trivia. I wouldn’t have chosen it… Read More Listen to America: The 1980s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 33) “Suicide is Painless,” from M*A*S*H (1970) In 1973, there were two movie musicals which feature a scene with Jesus at the Last Supper. In Godspell, which is a silly but honestly pretty faithful adaptation of Matthew, Jesus gives… Read More Listen to America: The 1970s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 27) “America,” from West Side Story (1961) The most illuminating song performances of the 1960s are bookends with dance numbers which, if we’re being honest, outshine the songs themselves. In the case of “America,” the signature song from West… Read More Listen to America: The 1960s
To see the intro to this project, as well as links to other decades, click here. 20) “S’Wonderful,” from An American in Paris (1951) The first Best Picture winner in color since Gone with the Wind, An American in Paris likewise hearkens back to what weary viewers might have seen as a simpler time. After… Read More Listen to America: The 1950s
Seeing Things Secondhand 