Have you ever seen any film that you could watch over and over again and it never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it? Seen any movie so many times you could practically quote the entire film? I know I have my fair share, and there’s certain movies that are just far too good to not see multiple times.
“Zoolander” is by far one of my favorite comedies. The number of times I’ve coughed and went, “I think I’ve got the black lung, Pop” or looked at something and said, “What is this? A center for ants?!” is immeasurable. The quotes from this movie never, ever get old for me. Ben Stiller puts in one of his funniest performances in this film, as does Will Ferrell. Some people may say the dumb humor isn’t for them, but there’s no way you can watch Stiller and not find something lovable about his character as he’s dancing around in a jeep to “Jitterbug” and holding his orange mocha frappuccino.
Another film also involves Ferrell, which I find myself watching over and over again. No, it’s not “Anchorman,” even though that has become one of the best comedies of our generation. I prefer “Step Brothers.” John C. Reilly is at his comedic best here, as is Ferrell. I still laugh any time someone mentions a Catalina wine mixer or if someone says, “It says here you have a 20-year gap in your job history because you went ‘Kerouac on everyone’s ass.’” It’s just one film you can throw in your DVD player, you don’t have to pay attention the whole time, but it’s funny every time.
“Office Space,” with Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston is a hilarious lampooning on the misery of daily life working in an office, when the things you’re stressing out about is getting the cover on the TPS report and where your desk is located in the office. The incredible dialogue is sharp and witty, and Milton is hilarious every time he talks about his Swingline stapler and his quiet mutterings, “I could set the building on fire.” “Office Space” has all the mundane situations and awkwardness of the television show “The Office.”
These films aren’t all comedies however. “Boondock Saints” is another great film that I could watch over and over. It’s not perfect but it is enjoyable every time you watch it, with the two Irish brothers pointing guns at someone with the words “veritas” and “equitas” tattooed on their respective trigger fingers.
“Almost Famous” is another film that I’ve seen more times than I can count. Cameron Crowe’s scriptwriting abilities are at his charming, quirky best here. One of my favorite moments is when William tours with the band, Stillwater, and they’re all angry at each other on their tour bus until “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John comes on, and as they start singing, all ill feelings towards each other melt away as they belt out the lyrics to the song. Crowe’s film is almost perfect itself.
This list is by no means complete and there’s a bunch of other films that could easily be on this list, but films like “Zoolander” stick in my mind for years and years after they come up and the DVD is almost worn down. Everyone has these films, and that’s what is awesome about them. They never get old no matter how many times you’ve seen them, and they are fail proof entertainment every time.
Whitney Cyr can be contacted at wcyr@keeneequinox.com
