AFI’s 10 Top 10

Tonight was the first night that EAToo and I had alone together at home after a particularly traumatic weekend. Although we should have occupied ourselves watching some of the mess on our overcrowded DVR, we instead allowed ourselves to be distracted by the three-hour presentation of the American Film Institute’s 10 Top 10 — the AFI’s list of the ten best movies in ten different genres.

Obviously, there will be disagreement and discussion regarding any such list, which is part of the point — pop culture unites us, but touches each of us so individually that there will always be strong and diverse opinions. That said, I couldn’t believe some of the movies that were left out of the “10 Top 10”, many of which are included in the also-interesting list of 500 nominees that AFI members had to choose from.

Many of the movies that I felt were unduly dismissed were, admittedly, newer classics. For instance, in the “Animation” category, I couldn’t possibly argue with the inclusion of Bambi or Cinderella, or newer Pixar favorites like Finding Nemo and Toy Story. However, on the nominee ballot but left off the top ten was South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut. I know it’s not a traditional choice, but I hate that they didn’t recognize any adult animation at all in the top ten.

“Fantasy” was the most disappointing portion of the show for me. I completely agree with giving props to classics like The Wizard of Oz. But being made after the year 2000 shouldn’t somehow disqualify newer classics like the Harry Potter movies, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Spiderman 2. Most of all, I don’t see how you can have a top ten list of fantasy movies without The Princess Bride, which is just one of the best movies, ever, of any genre.

I’ll let the “Sci-Fi” list go, so as not to geek out completely. But I can’t ignore the obvious omissions in the “Mystery” category. Again, some of the most obvious omissions (despite being complete works of genius) are newer films, such as L. A. Confidential and Memento. Heck, The Sixth Sense wasn’t even one of the possible nominees.

I really believe the “Courtroom Dramas” top ten should have included A Time to Kill — if only because it took such an honest look at the racial problems that still plague the South. But I couldn’t possibly argue with the top two movies on that part of the list: Twelve Angry Men at number 2, and the obvious To Kill a Mockingbird at number 1.

“Romantic Comedies” provided the single biggest disappointment for me. Say Anything is not only one of my favorite movies, but is one of the first movies that defined my generation. I don’t think there were many girls my age who didn’t fall in love with John Cusack (and Lloyd Dobler) watching that movie. On the other hand, after looking at the nomination list, this category also provided me with one of my happiest moments of the evening — the realization that Pretty Woman had been nominated, but hadn’t made it to the top ten. I mean, seriously? She was a hooker. Not romantic.

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the ultimate 10 Top 10 list, I’d suggest going to AFI’s website and checking out this and their other lists (free registration required). If nothing else, maybe it will inspire you, as it did me, to re-watch some old favorites. First up for me is going to be The Philadelphia Story, which is going on my Netflix queue as soon as possible.