Films & Video: Movies (General)
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Forrest Gump 
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I recall seeing this film several times in the theatres. Something just grabs you and takes you along for the ride. Tom Hanks did an exceptional job creating this Gump character, with his simple ways, blind faith, and complete immersion in the journey of life. I had to start the list with this film as it jumped right out of my head without a second thought.
Groundhog Day 
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Bill Murray is incredible. It seems that, as with most any successful actor, when they're cast in roles closest to who they are anyway, magic happens. I believe this is what happened with this great film. The story of the weatherman who gets stuck re-living Groundhog Day over and over and over again, offers us a number of great life lessons. As a bonus, it's freakin' hilarious.
Star Trek: The Next Generation 
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This groundbreaking series was a perfect complement and evolution in the Star Trek universe. I love good sci-fi, but TNG was and is something much more. Gene Roddenberry had a mission in mind and it was all about human potential. Throughout the series, all sorts of great socio-political, spiritual, sexual, metaphysical, scientific, and other topics are visited with an air of openness and acceptance that much of our current society could benefit from. Picard & Crew were an inspiration to me. I just wish they carried more of that over into the last few TNG motion pictures...ws: www
K-Pax 
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I didn't pick this one just because I happen to share some similarities to Kevin Spacey... really!
His "Prot" - a caring, curious genius - demonstrates a view of humanity from an outsider's point of view, even if he may not be an alien at all. The wonder and appreciation for things often taken for granted, the acceptance and curiosity, all make for mysteries and intrique. Of course, Kevin's performance opposite Jeff Bridges is very powerful and moving.
Jerome Bixby's The Man from Earth 
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The Man from Earth raises a lot of questions, as any good science fiction does, challenging notions of history, humanity, and religion. This is a small film (very low budget) but powerful and rather important, I think. It's a great dialogue between friends when they learn about the main character, John Oldman, who may not be what he appears to be.
Phenomenon 
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This film is one of John Travolta's best, as far as I am concerned. One fateful birthday evening, he is apparently struck by some sort of light, and shortly thereafter develops what we consider to be superior human abilities.
I think the film displays the tremendous potential we have as humans, if we choose it. We use a very small portion of our brain's capacity and it makes you wonder "what if" we started using more. All sorts of higher-functions would be "normal" to us, instead of unbelievable or strange or unique.
Airplane! 
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Don't call me Shirley... Laughter is one of the best medicines. It's a proven scientific and medical fact. This movie will help you laugh... A lot!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 
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Jim Carrey surprised me a while ago when he dove into some dramatic work in films. I love his comedy, and try to watch films such as Ace Ventura annually.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is essentially a break-up movie, but it's much deeper and more quirky than that. It had a great message about dealing with emotions and loss on a personal level.
Coupled with some beautiful, powerful imagery, this film does strike a chord.
