Marya: A Life in Movies//

posted Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
by Cinema Fanatic | Comments (6)

Like Amy’s post before mine, I take a look at one film from each year of my life. Most of these films I saw roughly when they were released, with one exception. Although lists like these are always hard to compose, they often reveal a lot about you once you’re finished. That is definitely the case this time. So, here’s a look at my life in movies.

1986 – Pretty In Pink

All I have to say about this film is that Andie and Blaine belong together and Duckie just needs to get over it. Also, I may have seen this film more than any other film ever.

1987 – Baby Boom

I suppose this movie is really about Diane Keaton’s relationship with the baby she inherits from her distant British cousin, but for me it’s all about how hot Sam Shepard is. I mean, just look at him.

1988 – Willow

This is the first film I ever saw in theaters. Little two or so year-old Marya really got into it, even if audience participation wasn’t actually expected.

1989 – The Little Mermaid

My first introduction to the world of Disney animation. I love watching this film even today.

1990 – Ghost

Maybe this film is dated and a little cheesy. Maybe I don’t care.

1991 – Father of the Bride

And so begins my never-ending crush on Steve Martin. He is so charming and zany and looks damn fine in his tux throughout this film.

1992 – My Cousin Vinny

As great as Joe Pesci is as the titular Vinny, this movie is all about Marisa Tomei as Mona Lisa Vito. As far as I’m concerned she definitely deserved that Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. This is the role of a lifetime and she hits every note perfectly.

1993 – True Romance

I actually hadn’t seen this Tarantino-penned, Tony Scott-helmed film until about a year ago and I’ve been kicking myself ever since for missing out on pure awesomeness for so long. Patricia Arquette as Alabama is one of my all time favorite characters/performances and this film features one of the greatest endings ever.

1994 – Little Women

This movie ties with Pretty In Pink for “most watched film of all time.” I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen it. Another controvesial opinion: Jo and Prof. Bhaer are totally made for each other and Laurie just needs to deal with it.

1995 – While You Were Sleeping

Oh, I love this movie. I remember seeing it in theaters and just falling in love with Bill Pullman. Every time I wear a big sweater I think about Sandy in this film. One of the best Rom-Coms to come out of the 90s.

1996 – The English Patient

This is my favorite movies of all time. Yes, yes it is. I could go on about it forever and ever. And maybe ever. Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas have sizzling hot chemistry and every supporting performance in this film is just dynamite. If I had to choose one film to take with me on a desert island, it would be this film.

1997 – As Good As It Gets

Jack Nicholson is my favorite actor of all time and his performance as Melvyn Udall is my favorite of all his performances. There was a time when I had watched this movie so many times I knew all the nuances and all the lines of every character. I might still.

1998 – The Thin Red Line

This is the film that made me fall in love with the power of film. I had always been a fan of movies as entertainment, but this is the movie that made me realize that film could be so much more than just entertainment. Terrence Malick is truly a poet and this is poetry come to life.

1999 – October Sky

This is one of those “great American dream” type movies, based on a true story of perseverance and determination and it makes me sob like a little girl every time.