Some are funny. some are scary.
some are sweet. some are sad.
All are awesome.
The Grapes of Wrath
“I’ll be there”
I watched this movie in high school instead of reading the assigned book (which I still need to read at some point) and immediately fell in love with it. I need to see the whole thing again now that I’m older, but this scene (along with the diner scene that I unfortunately couldn’t find online) has always stuck with me.
Aside from being an incredible monologue, both of these actors say so much with their eyes. I always find it fascinating when I remain engaged while watching the person who’s listening and not the one who’s speaking, and that’s certainly the case with Ma Joad here.
It’s also a great ending, one that they altered from the book. While not nearly as heart-breaking, I think it works better than that one would have.
The Verdict
“It’s over.”
I won’t spoil it for you, but when Frank Galvin says they’ve already lost the case, he’s not being over-dramatic. His entire case has fallen apart in one swift blow. So you expect there to be a moment where his love interest, Laura Fischer, consoles him. That’s why her reaction is so surprising.
It’s even more surprising in retrospect when we learn a secret about her later in the film. This is a moment where she could have easily avoided helping him by just letting him wallow, but instead she tries to motivate him because she really cares about him.
The first time I watched this I didn’t like the score that much, but upon repeated viewings I loved how it rises and then cuts off completely when Frank isolates himself in the bathroom, needing space.
My apologies for the Hebrew subtitles, but then again, they are kind of fun.
WALL*E
Define “dancing”
Honestly I could have chosen any/every scene from this movie, as it’s my favorite Pixar film, and one of my favorite films overall.
I love this scene because in addition to foreshadowing some great moments later in the film, it manages to be a romantic scene between robots that doesn’t seem the least bit contrived. EVE shows emotion over WALL*E for the first time and even momentarily ignores her directive to celebrate with him (one of the moment of foreshadowing). Then in her excitement she gives him an electronic “kiss” (the other moment). WALL*E’s reaction to this is both heart-warming and hilarious all at once.
When they share the skies with their “dancing,” we know that they’re meant to be together.
The Office (UK) (Season One)
David Brent shares his guitar skills
I’ve seen this scene countless times, but what really cracked me up on this most recent viewing was watching the exasperated expressions of the event facilitator who has realized there is no competing with the force that is David Brent. If he wants to hijack the meeting and use it to share some of his songs, he will.
Gareth’s desire to join in on the song is so earnest, you almost wish Brent hadn’t cut him off so quickly. Of course, that part is hilarious.
Finally, am the only person who would buy “Free Love Freeway” off iTunes?
As Good As It Gets
“You make me want to be a better man.”
I always love revisiting a scene with a great line and discovering that there are countless other gems surrounding that moment. Melvin’s decision to watch Carol. Her making the waiter turn in circles. Her barely stopping herself from telling Melvin that he looks sexy.
When he’s asked to pay her a compliment, he speaks straight from the heart. It’s extremely difficult for him, a mixture of his condition and his panic that he might push this woman out of his life. I like that we aren’t sure which one is the more motivating factor.
I only wish the scene didn’t cut off and showed when he crashes and burns because he’s too scared to tell her the real reason he wanted her to come on the trip.
Stand By Me
Gordie takes a stand
There are a lot of serious moments in this “kids” movie. In fact, the entire plot is about them hunting for the body of a child who was killed by a train. That’s probably why it appealed to me and so many others at a young age—it talked about the things we all think about as children but are taught not to voice.
But here is where things really escalate, as Ace threatens the kids with a knife, and Gordie counters by aiming a gun at him. While we never have to find out, I firmly believe that he would have pulled the trigger if it came to it. It wasn’t just about him preventing Ace and his friends from turning the dead boy into a publicity spectacle; it was about growing up.
On a side note, I think it’s kind of funny to image that it was this moment that made Sutherland’s character change his ways and eventually his name, becoming Jack Bauer.
The Karate Kid
Mr. Miyagi shows Daniel what he’s learned
WARNING: LANGUAGE NSFW
It’s easy to understand Daniel’s frustration at all the seemingly pointless work that Mr. Miyagi has made him do, because we the audience are ready for the “real” training to begin too. So once he reaches his breaking point, Mr. Miyagi decides to reveal his teaching methods.
First he has to heal Daniel’s arm, in a brilliant little moment that goes entirely unexplained, just adding to the mystique of Mr. Miyagi’s character.
Then he has Daniel go through the motions that he’s learned while making them more refined. Daniel realizes something is up, but it’s not until “wax on, wax off” that he understand these are techniques.
When Mr. Miyagi unleashes a barrage of attacks on Daniel, he blocks them all easily because the motions are now second nature to him. And that’s when he realizes that Mr. Miyagi isn’t some cranky old man trying to get free work done on his house; he’s one of the best teachers alive.
Crocodile Dundee
That’s not a knife
Admittedly, this scene is a lot cheesier than I remembered. However, I had forgotten about Hogan’s great laugh right before he delivers said line. That might actually been the best part of the scene.
Kill Bill: Vol. II
The Bride vs. Elle Driver
WARNING: VIOLENCE, LANGUAGE, BLOOD & GORE NSFW
So many things to love about this fight sequence. The cramped quarters results in some thwarted attacks, and the trashy trailer home allows for some great uses of the environment (lamp, guitar, jar of tobacco spit). While many of these details do add humor to the fight, they’re also what keeps it from becoming a monotonous series of punches and kicks.
Another great aspect is the energy the two women bring to it. You can really feel the hate they have for each other, which is only escalated when Elle reveals the secret about Pai Mei.
And finally, the build-up to what we’re expecting will be an epic sword battle, complete with rising music and close-ups, only for it to come to an abrupt end when The Bride gets her revenge. With Elle’s enraged thrashes and yells it becomes darkly comic, though it’s possible this is how I’d react in the same situation.
Monsters, Inc.
The Ending
Everything in the factory is running smoothly, but Sully is still sad when he thinks about Boo. That’s why Mike’s thoughtful gift means so much and shows how much he cares about Sully; it’s not just all the work and pain that went into it, it’s that he knew Sully wouldn’t be happy again without seeing Boo.
Then the music builds, and Sully steps through the door. Boo’s exclamation of “Kitty!” followed by Sully’s joyous smile puts tears in my eyes every time.
