06.27.08
EW’s New Classics? Hardly. Part I: The Movies
So Entertainment Weekly decided to celebrate its 1000th issue with, shock of shocks, a series of lists commemorating the “new classics” in entertainment from the past 25 years. Also, shock of shocks, they got things almost completely wrong. Especially when it comes to movies, music, and television (the other lists I can let slide).
The most egregious oversight (I hope it was just an oversight) was that, not only did they fail to put The Shawshank Redemption at #1 on the movie list (“which can be understood, if not condoned”), but they omitted the movie from the list entirely! As an avid consumer of pop culture over the past 25 years (essentially, my lifetime), I can say for certain that The Shawshank Redemption defines what it means to be a “new classic.”
Is it universally recognized as a superior creative work? Absolutely. Is it beloved by the populous at large? No doubt. Can it be watched again and again, whether on HBO, TNT, or DVD? Hell yeah. Has it found its way into the culture, both popular and otherwise, in a meaningful way? If articles written by ESPN’s The Sports Guy can be used as evidence, absolutely. And this is without mentioning the intangibles.
The movie, despite a Best Picture nomination, was largely ignored by the public at large when first released to theaters. Upon its release on video, however, and with little fanfare, it built up a loyal cult following and word of mouth kept it alive. I would argue that it is now one of the most universally beloved films, not just of the past 25 years, but of all time. Its omission is so much of an oversight that it prompted me to get off my ass and write another blog post. That’s how much this matters to me. “This aggression will not stand, man.” The tyranny and bullshit must end.
So, here is my unsolicited critique of EW’s bullshit list of “new classic” movies.
TV and music will follow later in the week.
Yes, I’m going through all 100. Buckle up.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Excellent movie. Should be on the list. #1? Maybe not. But still influential, quotable, and entertaining as all hell.
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)
Very good trilogy. The warts start to show on multiple viewings, though (or if you sat through King Kong). Still, I agree it’s a new classic.
3. Titanic (1997)
Eh. Hugely popular doesn’t necessarily make something a classic (see: Backstreet Boys), but in this case it kind of does. I have to admit, I haven’t seen the movie since first seeing it in the theaters back in ‘97. And I liked it. So why is it I’ve never had any desire to see it again? Shouldn’t that be a “classic” prerequisite? Rewatchability?
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
I’ve never seen it. I’m guessing this is true for most people out there. Again, shouldn’t a certain universality be a prerequisite for a new classic?
5. Toy Story (1995)
Great movie. I probably liked the sequel better. Then again, Pixar has yet to make a bad movie. Which is insane. So they definitely deserve a spot on the list and since this is the one that started it all, I’m okay with it as the choice.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Should be in contention for #1. Yeah, some cynics out there bemoan the bookends with the old man, but I have no problem with it. Outstanding movie.
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Um, I like Woody Allen as much as the next guy, but #7? And I’d argue that Bullets over Broadway is his best since the 70s. Although I also liked Match Point quite a bit (just me?).
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Holds up very well (except for maybe Jodie Foster’s hair style). No arguments here.
9. Die Hard (1988)
I’m pleasantly surprised by how high on the list this is. Hugely influential and just a down right entertaining film. Take any heterosexual male to Los Angeles and one of the highlights is seeing the actual “Nakatomi Building” in Century City (actually Fox Plaza). No matter what, when this is on TV, I stop and watch.
10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
Hmmm… I think this is one of those movies that is going to divide people. One fellow film industry member of mine said this is the movie that got him to quit being a lawyer and move to LA to go to film school. I, on the other hand, just thought it was okay.
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Defines a classic. Still quotable and rewatchable all these years later. “Hello, Cleveland!” Indeed.
12. The Matrix (1999)
Good pick, great movie, horrible sequels. Kind of the next step in the action movie evolution Die Hard started.
13. GoodFellas (1990)
Classic. Nuff said.
14. Crumb (1995)
Um, raise your hand if you’ve seen this movie. I thought so. It could be the greatest movie ever, but if nobody ever saw it, it can’t be a classic. Sorry. It does get bonus points for being from the director of Bad Santa. Speaking of which, why didn’t that make the list!?
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Very good, from what I remember. Probably the best representation of Tim Burton’s oeuvre. Personally, I’m partial to Ed Wood (or even Big Fish - yeah it’s sentimental, but in a good way), but this works too. #15 is probably too high.
16. Boogie Nights (1997)
Big cult hit. I preferred Magnolia from the PT Anderson oeuvre, but I’m fine with its inclusion. I guess PT doesn’t really do it for me. Punch Drunk Love was pretty good too. None I’d call a classic. So I guess for the sake of the people who do “get it” I’m cool with Boogie Nights.
17. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Way too high. Almost Famous is a much better Cameron Crowe film that holds up much better on repeated viewings. I guess this can make the list, though, because it really did enter the pop culture consciousness. But, eh…
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Even though I haven’t seen this movie, I’m okay with its inclusion because, how haven’t I seen this movie!? I’m told it’s outstanding.
19. Casino Royale (2006)
Very good Bond movie. Best in awhile. Some really cool scenes. But probably shouldn’t be on this list at all. The ending was pretty lousy too. “3rd Act problems” as they say in the business…
20. The Lion King (1994)
Again, classic. The Disney animation renaissance of the early 90s needed to be represented and this is probably the best choice. I’m more of an Aladdin fan, myself, but I’ll defer to the masses.
21. Schindler’s List (1993)
Can’t argue with this. Should also be a #1 contender.
22. Rushmore (1998)
Not a fan. Not much of a Wes Anderson fan at all, I guess. I did enjoy The Royal Tennenbaum’s, but this movie did nothing for me. I was pretty much bored the whole time. I do still enjoy the stupid joke “They’re O.R. scrubs. O R they?” This shouldn’t be on the list at all. Sorry, Wes.
23. Memento (2001)
This was one of the places EW surprised me in a good way. I was all set to be upset that this didn’t make the list. But it did. They decided to make much more egregious omissions, but we’ll get to that in due time. This is one of my all-time favorites. Incredibly unique and outstanding in every way. I saw the damn thing three times in the theaters because I had to make sure everyone I knew saw it. It didn’t make its way into the popular consciousness like some of the other movies, so a #1 ranking is out. But glad to see it on the list.
24. A Room With a View (1986)
Shouldn’t remembering a movie ever existed also be a prerequisite for a “classic”?
25. Shrek (2001)
I have no problem with Shrek. Very fun and entertaining, though #25 is probably high.
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
I’m told this is outstanding and I hear it referenced quite a bit. I guess I should see it before I make any further comment. But for now I’m cool with its inclusion.
27. Aliens (1986)
“Game over, man.” Great movie. No complaints.
28. Wings of Desire (1988)
Is this a joke? Does ANYONE remember this movie at all? Didn’t they remake it into that Nic Cage/Meg Ryan Goo Goo Dolls debacle?
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Which Bourne movie is this again? I get them mixed up. Whatever, they were all good. Definitely one deserved inclusion.
30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
On TV all the time, text book “new classic.”
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Haven’t seen it yet. But it has achieved enough to be included.
32. Fight Club (1999)
Borderline, but no arguments from me.
33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
As the 80s teen representative, sure, why not? Better than Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles. But maybe this spot should have gone to Say Anything? Or maybe they both should have made it? Thoughts? Comments?
34. Fargo (1996)
Great movie. Not nearly as rewatchable or as enjoyable as The Big Lebowski. So where is that on the list?
35. The Incredibles (2004)
Probably my favorite Pixar film.
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Eh. I’m kind of over the Spider-Man movies. But sure, why not.
37. Pretty Woman (1990)
Not my cup of tea, but it wasn’t awful and it definitely has made its mark.
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Very good movie. But a new classic? Not so much. Of the Charlie Kaufmann crazy flicks, I prefer Being John Malkovich.
39. The Sixth Sense (1999)
I guess so. But you can only watch it once. And M. Night Shamalamadingdong’s recent output has, for better or for worse, made me look back with a much less kind eye to this one.
40. Speed (1994)
Another shocking inclusion. I wouldn’t have thought of it, but this is a pretty damn good action flick. And very rewatchable. Why not?
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Absolutely.
42. Clueless (1995)
Kind of nice to see this right after Dazed and Confused as they are kind of two sides to the same coin. I wasn’t the target audience for this one, but it works.
43. Gladiator (2000)
Still excellent. I have no problem jumping in at any point when I find it on TV. One of TNT’s “new classics” so it must be good.
44. The Player (1992)
Haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard good things. But has it really made its mark on pop culture enough to be a classic?
45. Rain Man (1988)
Definitely Rain Man. Definitely.
46. Children of Men (2006)
Too soon. Very very good film. But it feels like it just came out. We need some time to rewatch and reevaluate before we can dub something “classic.” Besides, I’m not sure the public at large has seen it or even knows about it.
47. Men in Black (1997)
Big dumb movie. Should not be anywhere near this list. Entertaining enough, I guess, but not classic. If you had to go with one of these mid-90s 4th of July Will Smith pictures, I’d argue for Independence Day. You know, the one where an Apple Computer saves the world?
48. Scarface (1983)
Good movie? Check. Quotable? Check. Part of the popular culture? Check. New classic? Check.
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
I liked this a lot. Very cool and influential. Not sure it stayed with the culture enough to be included, but okay. It does lose points for giving Ang Lee the clout to do The Hulk. Unforgivable.
50. The Piano (1993)
Haven’t seen it. No desire to. Next.
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
TOO SOON.
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
Check it out. A Naked Gun movie made it? Sweet. Now where’s Spaceballs?
53. The Truman Show (1998)
Hmmm… not sure about this one. Not a bad movie in the least, but….kind of borderline as a classic.
54. Fatal Attraction (1987)
Of course. The fingerprints of this movie are everywhere.
55. Risky Business (1983)
This too. Kind of.
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
I don’t remember this movie at all. So, NEXT.
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Classic Farrelly Brothers. But Dumb & Dumber also needs to be on this list somewhere.
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
“Cats and Dogs living together! Mass hysteria!” 150% yes.
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
One of the great underrated movies of the 90s. Crazy good. Absolutely should make it.
60. Scream (1996)
Eh. I guess so. Borderline.
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
An 80s Eddie Murphy flick needed to be on here and this is probably his best.
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
In a way, it made Pulp Fiction possible and started the “indie” movement.
63. Big (1988)
Sure. Not my favorite or anything, but I’m okay with its inclusion.
64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
TOO SOON. And what was with that pacing and structure? Very good, but…too many buts…
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
I’m not the demo, but chicks dig the Swayze mullet…
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
Too over the top for me. I’d lean towards Platoon or JFK for Oliver Stone. Seriously, where the hell is Platoon on this list?
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Solid flick, but again, in what way is it “classic”?
68. Witness (1985)
Harrison Ford + the Amish = classic
69. All About My Mother (1999)
Maybe. But only because Penelope Cruz is smokin’ hot. No, I’ve never seen the movie.
70. Broadcast News (1987)
Really? I forgot this movie existed. Cross it off the list.
71. Unforgiven (1992)
WAY too low. A practically perfect film.
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Yeah, not one of my favorites, but it made its place in the pop culture canon.
73. Office Space (1999)
Great movie. Definition of a “new classic.”
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Not so much. Again, if I haven’t seen it or, more importantly, I don’t care that I haven’t seen it, I can’t call it a classic.
75. Out of Africa (1985)
I almost said “see #74,” but the more I think about it, I probably should see this. Sydney Pollack is one of the greats. Was Tootsie ineligible? (Yes.)
76. The Departed (2006)
Also probably too soon. Good, even great movie. But may not hold the test of time like a Goodfellas.
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
Probably worthy. But have enough people seen it? I haven’t.
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Governor Arnie had to be represented. But why no Kindergarten Cop? “It’s not a TOO-mah!” (kidding)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
Great movie in the Spinal Tap vein. But again, has it been seen enough or entered the pop culture enough to be a “classic”?
80. Michael Clayton (2007)
Also a great movie and I hope it does become a new classic. But it came out, what? Last week? Too soon to tell.
81. Moonstruck (1987)
Any movie starring Cher cannot be a classic in my book. Maybe Mask. Nah. Jim Carrey scared me too badly as a child with that deformed face. Creepy.
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
Yes, the above confusion of The Mask with Jim Carrey and Mask with Cher and Eric Stoltz was intentional. Sorry it wasn’t funnier. Similar to this movie. I thought it was pretty good, but hardly “classic.” Where’s funny Bill Murray? Speaking of which, where is Groundhog Day or even What About Bob? (my Bill Murray guilty pleasure). “Keep sailing, Bob.”
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
Any movie that has spawned about 77 DVD versions deserves its classic status. Bruce Campbell kicks ass.
84. Sideways (2004)
Another good movie. But to paraphrase a sports Hall of Fame argument - its not the Hall of Good. It should be the best of the best. And Sideways just isn’t quite there.
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Similar argument to #84. Good movie. But didn’t Anchorman or even Superbad become more a part of the pop culture? Actually, I’d argue that Wedding Crashers should have this slot, if it came down to one or the other. And that being the case, Wedding Crashers should also be much higher on the list, if not in the top 10.
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
Your Mom’s a tambien…. I haven’t seen it and I don’t know anyone who has. Or if they have, they haven’t been vocal about it. Amores Perros, with the same actor, would probably be a better choice. But even that didn’t make the pop culture canon.
87. Swingers (1996)
Vegas, Baby. Vegas. Great flick.
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Watered down a bit by the two sequels, this is still one of the best comedies of the 90s and inarguably a major part of pop culture, still today.
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
I remember EW choosing this as their best film of 1996. I didn’t want to see it then and I don’t want to see it now.
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
One of the funniest poorly made movies I’ve ever seen. The quotes make it worthy.
91. Back to the Future (1985)
WAY TOO LOW. A classic in every way. “You are my density.”
92. Menace II Society (1993)
Shouldn’t this be Boyz N the Hood?
93. Ed Wood (1994)
Mentioned above. Excellent movie. But not really one the average joe on the street would have seen. So the classic status is iffy.
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Heck yeah. Freaked me out as a kid. Plus Kubrick should be represented and Eyes Wide Shut sure as heck wasn’t going to make the list.
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
I didn’t care for this movie, though I know others worship it. I’d say many more have never heard of it. Doesn’t it seem like EW threw some foreign films on the list just to seem “hip”? I’d even argue Life is Beautiful is more deserving than the other foreign films because at least Americans have heard of it and actually went to see it…
96. Far From Heaven (2002)
What? Seriously? This didn’t even make a dent in the pop culture consciousness.
97. Glory (1989)
Outstanding movie and one every high schooler taking American History will watch.
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
One of the worst movies I’ve ever paid to see. For shame. Get it off the list immediately. Matt Damon is still doing penance for this atrocity. Boring. Boring. Boring.
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Definitely made its way into the cultural conversation, but ultimately, is it a good movie? Is it rewatchable? Not so much.
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)
Another “hip” pick, but this one makes a lot more sense. Really really funny.
So it looks like at least 30 of the movies above should be kicked off the list. I do want to be clear: I’m not arguing that they are bad movies, necessarily (I’m looking at you, Men in Black…I mean, really!? REALLY!?). I’m just saying that they’re aren’t “classic” in any realistic sense of the word.
Here are a few that I think were wrongly stricken from the list and, EW endorsement or not, are actual new classics. As EW did, I used 1983 as the cut off. Unlike them, the movie has to be at least a year old to get consideration. These are mostly just off the top of my head, with a little help from the IMDB.
Keep in mind; these aren’t necessarily my personal favorites. They are simply the movies I feel have made their way into the cultural conversation and have a certain baseline of high quality. I’m listing these in no particular order because order is pretty much irrelevant. It’s a yes or no question. Classic? Yup.
These are the most egregious oversights. They all should 100% be on the list, no excuses:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
Major League (1989)
Spaceballs (1987)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Groundhog Day (1993)
The Wedding Singer (1998)
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Braveheart (1995)
Platoon (1986)
The Fugitive (1993)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Aladdin (1992)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Clerks (1994)
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Finding Nemo (2003)
Now the ones below would get strong consideration for the list, but may not completely fulfill all my criteria. That being said, they all would probably bump at least 35 other movies off the list in a head to head battle (definitely Men in Black):
School of Rock (2003)
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Batman (1989)
Batman Begins (2005)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Se7en (1995)
Amadeus (1984)
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Heat (1995)
Stand by Me (1986)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Dead Poets’ Society (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A Few Good Men (1992)
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Old School (2003)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Top Gun (1986)
Bad Santa (2003)
Tommy Boy (1995)
X2 (2003)
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
A League of their Own (1992)
Rounders (1998)
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
American Beauty (1999)
Yes, I tried to sneak Robin Hood by you. It’s a favorite from my childhood. What are you gonna do?
And despite the length of this post, I’m still certain I forgot some. So please, comment away on worthy additions. Or chastise me for getting this horribly wrong. I can take it.
And like I said, we’ve still got their list of television shows and music albums to cover. I’m back, baby! A good time will be had by all…
Stupid EW…
