My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2020

Hello, faithful readers!

2020 may have robbed us of a lot of things, such as spending time with extended family, going on vacations, and exercising at the gym (it was the global pandemic's fault, I swear!), but I'll be darned if I let 2020 rob you of knowing my favorite movies of the past year! Especially since you've come to expect this top 10 list, which I've been doing for over a decade now (see: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009).

2020 only gave us a handful of new movies to see in theaters, but thankfully my annual list on this blog doesn't rely on that. If I saw a film for the first time in a calendar year, it's eligible. Additionally, if you're interested in hearing my LEAST favorite flicks that I saw last year, just listen to the latest episode of my podcast, Baconsale.

But without further ado, let's talk about the best movies I saw in 2020, starting off many years ago with...

10. Top Hat (1935)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make quite the pair. And there are few times that their star power is able to shine more than in Top Hat. It’s a simple story which stretches the bounds of believability at times, but the lead couple is so charming and talented that you can’t help but smile as you watch it. Audiences loved Top Hat back in the day, and I think if you give it a chance, you will, too.

9. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

I don’t know how this sequel to a reboot did it, but Jumanji: The Next Level managed to be just as entertaining and exciting as Welcome to the Jungle. Instead of trying to top what it did last time, this film tries something different, and it works. You can tell the cast had a lot of fun while making this movie, and I had a lot of fun watching it. In fact, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing another entry in this film franchise.

8. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

The Peanut Butter Falcon is an impressive movie with an equally impressive backstory. This story is bizarre, yet heartfelt. The performances of Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, and Dakota Johnson feel genuine and, therefore, make you really care about the characters and what happens to them. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started watching this film, but I’m glad I was able to share this adventure with Tyler & Zak.

7. 1917 (2019)

1917 is a simple story told in a magnificent way. The cinematography is like a well-choreographed dance, moving from scene to scene almost seamlessly. This film tugs at your heartstrings during some parts, then makes you hold your breath during others. Trust me, once this movie starts, it’s hard to take your eyes off the screen.

6. American Animals (2018)

American Animals offers a unique experience in storytelling. This film blends documentary-style interviews with a dramatized version of the actual events in a way I’ve never seen before, highlighting the unreliable nature of our memories. Plus, the story is one you need to see to believe, as this insane heist was carried out by college-aged amateurs. I’ll be thinking about this film for a while.

5. Sullivan’s Travels (1941)

Sullivan’s Travels is a hidden gem of a movie. People don’t talk about it much anymore, but it’s one I think more people should watch. It features witty dialogue and a clever story that skillfully shifts between comedic farce and compelling drama. Plus, it’s entertaining to watch Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake play off each other. Yes, it’s a little dated and kind of cheesy, but I’d recommend Sullivan’s Travels to anyone who enjoys the experience of going to the movies.

4. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich would have been a compelling drama even if it weren’t a true story, but it is a true story, so it’s even more captivating. Julia Roberts is a commanding presence whenever she’s on the screen, and her antagonistic relationship with Albert Finney is a lot of fun to watch. This film makes you laugh almost as much as it tugs at your heartstrings, and it’s deserving of all the praise it gets.

3. Hamilton (2020)

There was so much hype surrounding Hamilton that I thought there was no way it could live up to expectations—and yet it does. The songs in this musical production are complex and emotional, and the story explains the history of our founding fathers in an engaging way. Yes, it would probably be better to see it on stage and no, it’s not perfect, but I’m glad I was finally able to see Hamilton performed instead of just listening to the soundtrack.

2. Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix had some big shoes to fill after such performances by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill, and Heath Ledger, but his take on the Joker is definitely one to watch. In fact, it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off the screen because you’re worried Arthur Fleck is going to sneak up and attack you. This origin story of the Clown Prince of Crime is a well-made drama, grounded in reality, but riddled with delusional fantasy.

And my #1 favorite movie that I watched last year is.....

1. Parasite (2019)

It’s hard to nail down what type of movie Parasite is, but this drama/thriller/comedy is definitely worth seeing. Bong Joon-ho tells this story in a way that keeps you engaged and keeps you guessing, with protagonists you can’t fully like and antagonists you don’t really hate. Even though I may not agree with every decision this film makes, I enjoyed the journey and I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time.

But wait! There's more! They may have not made my top 10, but I also wanted to give an honorable mention to these other movies I saw for the first time in 2020: Run Silent, Run Deep (1958), Stalag 17 (1953), Orphan (2009), Crawl (2019), The Queen (2006), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), From Russia with Love (1963), and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

Thanks for visiting Slice of Fried Gold once again, faithful readers! Here's to hoping that 2021 gives us more theatrical releases, more parties with extended family, more vacations abroad, and more excuses to not go to the gym!

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2019

Huh. I guess it's that time again.

*blows the dust off of Blogger* 

Hello, faithful readers! If you're reading this, it means you're reading a blog. DO NOT BE ALARMED! You have not traveled back in time to 2012! This is actually the one time a year that I update Slice of Fried Gold because it's time for me to inform you of my top 10 favorite movies that I watched this past year.

I've been doing this since 2009 (including such years as 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018), and while it's mostly a self-indulgent way for me to keep track of my favorite movies, it's also so that, in the unlikely event that someone actually asks me for a film recommendation, I can give them one—maybe even by simply pointing them to this blog instead of having any sort of tedious verbal conversation.

By the way, if you want to hear the five worst movies I saw last year, give a listen to the latest episode of my podcast, Baconsale.

Anyway, without further ado, let's see which movies I liked in 2019.

10. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

Spider-Man: Far from Home is a highly entertaining sequel as well as a satisfying continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland really captures the character of a kid overwhelmed with new responsibilities. The jokes were plentiful, and I found myself laughing a lot more than I thought I would. Plus, the action was visually thrilling. If you just keep in mind that this is a comic book movie with comic book problems & solutions, you shouldn't be disappointed.

9. Free Solo (2018)

I don’t think my palms have stopped sweating since watching Free Solo. This documentary is beautifully shot and told in a way that keeps you hanging on every moment. Professional rock climber Alex Honnold is definitely insane, and yet you have to admire his strength and determination. I have no desire to climb El Capitan, nor do I think anyone else should try climbing it free solo, but I’m glad I got to experience it by proxy safely from the comfort of my couch.

8. Green Book (2018)

Green Book is anchored in two wonderful performances by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Their characters are complex and nuanced and it's the relationship between these two characters that keeps you engaged. It's also interesting to see Peter Farrelly direct something that isn't as goofy as his previous movies. This story felt unique and was able to address the subject of racism in a way that didn't feel cliched or cartoonish. Is it the best film of 2018? That's debatable. But it's definitely enjoyable.

7. High and Low (1963)

Considering that most of High and Low takes place in one setting, this movie does a great job of building suspense and holding the interest of the audience. It also feels very realistic as the detectives try to discover the location and the identity of the kidnapper. It's a slow-moving, but well-thought-out story with characters that you care about.

6. Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Watching Jojo Rabbit is a peculiar experience. At times, this film is delightfully irreverent. Then suddenly the story becomes emotionally poignant. And then somehow it swings back to the silly again. The dark comedy feels almost "verboten," but it’s also kind of refreshing to see material like this in our increasingly hypersensitive world. Plus, Roman Griffin Davis gives an impressively nuanced performance as the titular character. I don’t know how or why this movie works, but it truly does.

5. Shazam! (2019)

I'm not going to say that Shazam is the best DC movie ever, but I am going to say that this is the most enjoyable DC Comics movie I've seen in a long time. This fun family action flick has heart behind the humor, which makes it resonate more with the audience. And while the film has its fair share of flaws, it's easy to overlook them because it's an entertaining ride. Shazam has the spark that many other superhero movies are missing.

4. Take Shelter (2011)

Take Shelter preys on one of my biggest fears: not knowing the difference between what’s real and what’s not. This is a slow-paced, yet methodical psychological thriller that is carried almost entirely by Michael Shannon’s engaging performance. And while the ending left me scratching my head a bit, I haven’t stopped thinking about this film since I saw it.

3. Eighth Grade (2018)

If there is one word to describe Eighth Grade, it's genuine. This film doesn't try to hit the usual clichés of teen angst movies, it simply tells the awkward (and sometimes hilarious) truth of youth growing up in the modern era. Plus, the performances of Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton and the rest of the cast are refreshingly sincere. I may have hated eighth grade in real life, but I really enjoyed Eighth Grade the movie.

2. Avengers: Endgame - (2019)

Avengers: Endgame is a well-made and well-deserved victory lap for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It ties in many different storylines from previous films and allows you to reminisce while also saying goodbye to characters you’ve known and loved. This film has a few flaws, but it also made some bold choices and surprised me a number of times. I laughed. I cried. I loved this finale to the Infinity Saga.










And the best movie that I watched in 2019 was....

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

We really didn't need another Spider-Man movie. After all, the franchise has been rebooted so many times that the timelines are starting to get muddled—which is why Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse works so perfectly. The film deals with multiple dimensions in a palatable & pleasing way. The animation is uniquely superb and makes you feel like you're watching a comic book. Plus, the story feels like a classic Wall-crawler adventure. Look out! Here comes a truly amazing Spider-Man movie.

And let's not forget my honorable mentions: Alpha (2018), The Book of Eli (2010), A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), The Crucible (1996), The African Queen (1951), Rob Roy (1995), The Cat Returns (2002), The Secret World of Arrietty (2010), Klaus (2019), and Marriage Story (2019).

So there you go. That's my list. That's all he wrote. Except for this last part where I thank you for making it all the way here to the bottom. I hope this list helped you discover a movie or two that interest you. Until I see you again, faithful readers!

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2018

Well, faithful readers, the Earth has made another trip around the sun, which means it's time for yet another post about my favorite movies that I watched for the first time this past year, regardless of the year they were released.

It seems as if this is the only time I'm ever going to update this blog, doesn't it? Well, the truth is, most of my creativity is currently being used for a podcast I host called Baconsale. In fact, on the latest episode, I not only talk about my favorite movies, I also talk about my least favorite. Give it a listen, won't you?

However, unlike other years' lists, such as 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, this year's list is about 2018, which is totally different.

Shall we begin? Okay, then....

10. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War does a good job of taking moving parts from the 18 previous Marvel films and putting them together into one, cohesive machine. Each superhero gets his or her chance to shine, and Thanos holds his own as the antagonist. This movie can't really stand on its own, but is has an epic feel, as well as enough humor and action to keep fans of this cinematic universe entertained.

9. Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One is more than just a nostalgia-fueled adrenaline rush. It has heart, a compelling story and ideas that don't seem too far from reality. The fact that this movie has amazing visuals and more Easter eggs than you can possibly catch in one viewing doesn't hurt, either. This film is a lot of fun for any fan of pop culture, and the book is even better!

8. I Confess (1953)
I Confess is a riveting drama with a powerful performance by Montgomery Clift as a man having a serious moral and theological crisis. O.E. Hasse also does a wonderful job as the antagonist, needling Father Logan (Clift) when he feels he has the upper hand. Aside from a few minor missteps, this is a top-tier thriller from Alfred Hitchcock.

7. I, Tonya (2017)
I don't know if I buy everything they're selling in I, Tonya, but I sure enjoyed the way they presented it. This movie gives a different perspective on the story we all heard about back in the 90s in a way that keeps you engaged and entertained. Allison Janney is horribly delightful, and Margot Robbie disappears into the role of Tonya Harding. This film is dark, funny and absolutely fascinating.

6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
One of my favorite things about Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri is that I had no idea what was going to happen. The cast is full of complex characters with evolving motivations and the story is unique and compelling. Also, despite the serious subject matter, this film is darkly comedic. Well done, Martin McDonagh.

5. Paddington (2014)
Paddington is a surprising delight. This movie has a charming quality to it that keeps you smiling almost the entire time. It's also quite clever, entertaining the adults just as much as the children. I was never really a big fan of Paddington Bear as I was growing up, but this film made me want to give the franchise another chance.

4. Upgrade (2018)
Upgrade surprised me. It’s an interesting mix of action and sci-fi horror, but it also has a pinch of comedy, which I wasn’t expecting. The clever cinematography and editing keep you engaged, and Logan Marshall-Green (who is NOT Tom Hardy) is able to carry the film mostly on his own. It’s a darker movie, but it’s also refreshing to see an original science fiction story.

3. Game Night (2018)
When it comes to dark comedies, Game Night plays its cards right. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams make a great team, and Jesse Plemons is absolutely hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud much more than I thought I would. The fun twists and turns do require some suspension of disbelief but, then again, so do most role-playing games. If you're in the mood for a laugh, I'd definitely recommend rolling the dice and watching this movie.

2. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
When I first heard they were making a sequel to Jumanji, I was against it. However, upon seeing it, I was pleasantly surprised. This is an entertaining movie. It builds on the original movie, but it can stand on its own, and the film creates a new set of obstacles for the heroes to overcome. Plus, it features plenty of action and laughs. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a sequel done right.











And my #1 movie that I watched in 2018 was....

1. A Quiet Place (2018)
Wow! This film is intense! A Quiet Place is a smart and ambitious horror film unlike any I've seen before—and I've seen a lot of scary movies. It's consistently suspenseful, and it has a strong emotional core due to powerful performances from the cast. Listen, even if you're not a fan of horror, you should still give this sci-fi drama a chance. It's definitely worth watching.


I'd also like to give an honorable mention to There Will be Blood (2007), Lady Bird (2017), The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), The Greatest Showman (2017), Train to Busan (2016), It (2017), Paddington 2 (2018) and Searching (2018). These are the ones that stand out in a cinematic year that, well, wasn't that good.

Well, that's all for now. Like I said, listen to Baconsale if you want to hear my most-hated movies of 2018, as well. So until next year, faithful readers, keep on doing stuff and enjoying things. . .

Man, I really gotta come up with a better closing catchphrase.

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2017

First, there was my subjective film list of 2009....

Then came the lists of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

And now, faithful readers, since I know that you've all been clamoring for it, here is the official countdown list of my favorite films that I watched in 2017.*

*They didn't have to be released last year, though most of them are this time. Strange.**
**I also watched many of these films using ClearPlay and VidAngel. If you wonder why I watch edited movies, you're in luck! I wrote a post about it back in 2013.***
***Made you look.

10. Baby Driver (2017)
With Baby Driver, Edgar Wright has, once again, proved himself as one of the most creative directors of our time. And I'm not just giving him a pass because he is the man who created Shaun of the Dead. This movie is refreshingly original. It's an action/musical hybrid, complete with carefully choreographed car chases and gunfights timed to a toe-tapping soundtrack. It's darker than I thought it was going to be, but I still couldn't stop smiling the whole time during this film.

9. Hell or High Water (2016)
Hell or High Water is an intense and complicated film. I found myself rooting for Chris Pine at certain points in the story, and then, at other times, I was rooting for Jeff Bridges -- both of whom give fantastic performances. This is a slow burn movie with plenty of suspense before the explosive and emotional ending.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
From the opening credits to the final battle, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is highly entertaining. I think I like this sequel more than the original. It may be a bit silly for cynical adults, and it's a little too dark for children, but it feels just about right for teenagers. Is it a perfect movie? No. Do all the hundreds of jokes land? No. That doesn't really matter, though, because if you just sit back and enjoy the ride, you'll realize this is precisely what a summer blockbuster should be.

7. Get Out (2017)
Get Out is unique, captivating and, at times, absolutely uncomfortable. I wasn't sold on Daniel Kaluuya as the lead initially -- he seemed kind of wooden -- however, by the end, I was completely sold on his performance. And the rest of the cast adds to the suspenseful ambiance of this film. Jordan Peele has proven himself as a hilarious comedian, now he can check the box next to talented writer/director, as well.

6. Arrival (2016)
Arrival seems very plausible, which is why it works. It feels like a realistic response to an extra-terrestrial encounter. This isn't an action-packed alien invasion blockbuster -- it's a deep-thinking drama about trying to understand the incomprehensible. Amy Adams carries this movie, and Jeremy Renner isn't annoying, which was a surprise. This is slow, but smart science fiction.

5. Split (2017)
Split is not M. Night Shyamalan's best work, but it was one of my favorite experiences in a movie theater in a long time. When I realized ****SPOILER ALERT**** this movie was really a secret sequel to Unbreakable, ****END OF SPOILERS**** I was blown away. It's obvious that James McAvoy enjoys playing the different personalities, and he does a fantastic job with that role. If you like Shyamalan's earlier films like Unbreakable and The Sixth Sense, then you should avoid any spoilers and go see this movie.

4. The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick starts out like a standard low-budget indie movie about a comedian trying to make it big, but then it morphs into something different and better. It's quite funny, but there's also a dramatic edge to it that pulls you in. Kumail Nanjiani isn't just a goofy character, he actually emotes and makes the whole film feel more believable. This is a surprisingly impressive film.

3. Moana (2016)
Moana is a memorable movie with beautiful music (that isn't as annoying as some other, colder, soundtracks I could name) and stunning animation. Disney is hitting on all cylinders this time around. I loved the story and Auli'i Cravalho as Moana is particularly endearing. And who knew The Rock could sing? This has definitely earned a place among the Disney animated classics.

2. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
I was very skeptical about yet another web-slinging reboot, but Spider-Man: Homecoming surprised me. It is much more than I expected it to be. It's fun, it's funny and it's cleverly tied in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland plays Peter Parker perfectly, while Michael Keaton is excellent as the villainous Vulture. This film gives me hope for the future of the Spider-Man franchise.











And my #1 movie I watched last year is....

1. La La Land (2016)
La La Land offers a stunningly beautiful portrayal of the joy of falling in love, as well as the agony of trying to follow your dreams. This throwback to classic musicals features a highly impressive opening number and powerful performances from both Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. It gives us the sweet without being too sappy and shows us the bitter without being too pessimistic. Here's to the ones who dreamed up this film.


And since I can't fit all of the films I really liked in the top ten (I watch a lot of movies), here are my honorable mentions for others I enjoyed seeing for the first time this past year: Alien: Covenant (2017), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), The Conjuring 2 (2016), The Descent (2005), Dunkirk (2017), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Justice League (2017), Logan Lucky (2017), Logan (2017), Wind River (2017) and Your Name (2017).

And, as an added bonus, if you want to hear my worst-hated movies of 2017, you can listen to this episode of Baconsale: https://baconsale.com/2018/01/15/baconsale-episode-138-best-worst-movies-of-2017-ish/

Stay well, faithful readers!

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2016

So, yes, faithful readers, at this point you can probably surmise that these annual countdowns are going to be the only regular posts on this blog. I have a few drafts that I've started, but life in 2016 was pretty busy for me. However, I still managed to make time to watch movies (go figure), and I still managed to piece together my own subjective list of favorite movies I watched this past year.

Now, once again, I must put a disclaimer that these are movies I saw for the first time in 2016 -- not necessarily films that were made in 2016. And I should also disclaim that I watched many of these movies using my old, reliable ClearPlay and the newcomer VidAngel. In fact, if you haven't read my previous movie lists from the past seven years, you should go back and read those for the rest of my disclaimers and header information.

For now, and without further ado, let's get into it!

10. Brooklyn (2015)
Brooklyn is a well-made film, but it seems odd to me that it was nominated for Best Picture. This movie is, essentially, a more dramatic version of Sweet Home Alabama. Nevertheless, Saoirse Ronan is outstanding in her role as Eilis, and the supporting cast is a delight to watch, as well. 'Tis a fine Irish film!

9. Nanny McPhee (2006)
I was worried that Nanny McPhee was going to be a cheap rip-off of Mary Poppins, but I was surprised how quirky, entertaining and original this film feels. It's a lot of fun. Emma Thompson is delightfully enigmatic, and the story is compelling enough to keep both children and adults interested. This movie was a pleasant surprise for me.

8. The Revenant (2015)
If you ever want to convince someone to not go camping, The Revenant would make a pretty effective argument. This film is raw and brutal and powerful, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu makes you feel like you're freezing and suffering alongside the characters as you're watching it. Leonardo DiCaprio pulls out some of his best acting chops, while Tom Hardy completely disappears into John Fitzgerald's despicable boots. This may not have won Best Picture, but it is certainly one of the most memorable films of 2015.












7. Sicario (2015)
Sicario is stressful - very, very stressful. And the scariest thing is that this film doesn't seem too far detached from reality. Emily Blunt gives a powerful and emotional performance, and Benicio Del Toro is mesmerizing as the mysterious Alejandro. This is not a movie that I can pop in anytime and enjoy, but it is a well-crafted piece of cinema.














6. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Captain America: Civil War is a lot of fun. This film expertly juggles action, drama, humor and multiple character storylines in a way that makes you almost forget that this is the longest Marvel movie to date. The plot is compelling and the actors play well off of each other. The ending isn't as satisfying as I had hoped it would be, and you have to have seen at least Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron to fully understand what is going on, but overall this is one of the best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

5. Spotlight (2015)
Spotlight is a well-made and heartbreaking film. The actors, Mark Ruffalo in particular, do a great job of expressing the range of emotions required for such a sensitive topic. Plus, the story, though hard to watch, is absolutely compelling. I'm not bothered that this won Best Picture.

4. Gran Torino (2009)
How can a film be offensive and violent, yet charming and uplifting at the same time? I don't know, but Gran Torino sure pulls it off. Clint Eastwood plays a despicable character, yet you can't help but like him. It shows what a good actor Eastwood is - even if the rest of the cast struggles. I didn't expect to like this movie as much as I did.

3. Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting is a frantic, bizarre, hilarious and horrifying look into the life of drug addicts. The pacing of this film grabs ahold of you at the very beginning and doesn't let go. The story pulls you along, whether you want to follow or not. Plus, through the course of the movie, you end up simultaneously loving and hating the main characters - which is an impressive feat. In short, choose to watch Trainspotting.

2. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
The best part about 10 Cloverfield Lane is that it keeps you guessing. John Goodman does a fantastic job of portraying a character you don't know if you should trust or not, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a conflicted and effective protagonist. This is a clever, suspenseful and unique thriller that is definitely worth a watch.













And my #1 subjective pick for best movie I saw in 2016 is...














1. Room (2015)
Room is horrifying, beautiful and amazing. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay both give very powerful performances that deserve every accolade they've received. Plus, the story is absolutely riveting. There were parts of this movie where I was unable to breathe. This film makes you feel all sorts of emotions. It's not an easy movie to watch, but it is well worth your time.

So there you go. As my wife pointed out, these are mostly pretty hard movies to watch, so, just in cast you need a little more variety, here are my honorable mentions from this past year: The Maltese Falcon (1941), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Spartacus (1960), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Gift (2015).

Until my next post, faithful readers! Or next year. Whichever comes first. We'll see.