Given the release of the latest Indiana Jones movie, it is only fitting that I dedicate May’s list to my favorite Harrison Ford roles.  Ford has had a career in movies that is equal to my lifespan; unfortunately not all roles have been winners.  Like other lists, this only covers movies I have seen; but breathe easy, TAM readers — Six Days, Seven Nights does not appear on the list.  But it should be noted that it is a shame that some of his best work occurred over 15 years ago…

So let’s get that whip a-crackin’ on this list:

Tommy — The Frisco Kid (1979)

This is one of those movies I accidentally saw as a kid because I confused it with a different movie.  A western featuring Gene Wilder who is a naive rabbi in the Wild Wild West.  Ford plays a character similar to Han Solo who ends up helping Wilder out.

Jack Trainer — Working Girl (1988)

An interesting choice by Ford to purposefully be a supporting character at the height of his popularity on screen.  What makes this role good is how it showcases his ability to act in a more comedic light.

Linus Larrabee — Sabrina (1995)

A remake of a classic film, Sabrina set up an interesting dynamic between Ford and Greg Kinnear as brothers competing for the same woman.  What makes this role stand out is that it is the first on-screen acknowledgement of Ford’s age and a possible transition to more elder statesmen type of roles.  Unfortunately, that transition has yet to happen.

Dr. Richard Kimble — The Fugitive (1993)

While Tommy Lee Jones won an Oscar for his supporting role in this movie, Ford proved that, despite age, he could still pull off action sequences.  If it weren’t for the fact that he has made this type of role his bread-and-butter, Ford might have been considered for the Oscar as well.

Henry Turner — Regarding Henry (1991)

Some could call this movie Oscar bait — I personally feel that Ford should have earned his second Oscar nomination with this role.  While not iconic, it shows every facet of Ford from cocky to vulnerable to caring.  These are the types of roles I wish he would get back to.

John Book — Witness (1985)

Ford’s only Oscar nomination and a compelling thriller.  If you have not seen this movie and you love thrillers/mysteries, then you need to see this movie now.

Indiana Jones — The Indiana Jones Series (1981, 1984, 1989, 2008)

Ford is one of those rare actors to enjoy being identified with two of screen’s most iconic characters in two of screen’s most iconic series.  George Lucas almost passed on Ford for Indy because of using him for Star Wars; thankfully that did not happen.  Of the four movies, Raiders is the best and creates the images  often repeated in the sequels.

Han Solo — The Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977, 1981, 1983)

The role that opened the door to everything else.  Without Han Solo, Ford is not Indy, Deckard, Book, Kimble, Ryan, or the President.

Driving through Georgia recently, the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil came to mind. After idly thinking about it for a while, I decided that it was an indicator as to what my next list should cover: my favorite movies featuring John Cusack. Cusack is one of those few actors that will cause me to go see a movie because he is in it. He is also one of the few actors that I have literally grown up with: he was born in 66, so is only 4 years older. The public was introduced to him in 16 Candles and hasn’t forgotten him. To narrow his extensive resume to 10 movies, I eliminated some people would include (1408, Say Anything) because I have not watched them; I also am not including Being John Malkovich because I did not like the movie at all. Even though my mom loved the movie, The Journey of Natty Gan will not be listed either.

So here they are, in release-year order:

The Sure Thing (1985)

This was the first movie having Cusack as a headliner; it was also Rob Reiner’s first major release after This Is Spinal Tap!. A fun movie that had a simple quest with escalating stakes and a likeable cast (look for a full-head-of-hair Anthony Edwards). It was a fun summer flick.

Better Off Dead (1985)

The one movie from the 80’s in Cusack’s list that is as recognizable, if not moreso, as Say Anything. We have all been Lane Meyer, and can feel his pain….

Eight Men Out (1988)

One of the most overlooked movies that Cusack has done. It centers around the Black Sox scandal, with Cusack as “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. If you have not seen this movie, what are you waiting for?

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

I may have had to wait 10 years, but it was worth it. Over the past few years, I have myself identifying with his character many times…

Con Air (1997)

John Cusack: Action Star??? Developed for Nick Cage, Cusack’s quiet presence lends a sharp contrast to Michael Bay’s explosions…

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)

Yes, it is a long movie, but worth the time. His reactions are dead-on to the craziness surrounding him.  The fact that it was filmed on location in Savannah made it even better.

High Fidelity (2000)

This movie is one of the reasons I thought of doing lists for this site.  Interesting study of relationships against the backdrop of music.  Jack Black “broke out” in this movie, but it also highlights for me the one note of his career…

America’s Sweethearts (2001)

Back-to-back movies with Catherine Zeta-Jones can be interesting.  This vehicle was used to launch Cusack’s run of romantic comedies — this one being the best of the bunch.  The casting of Walken was great, but I loved the idea of Julia Roberts being cast as the “ugly”, insecure sister even more.  Finally, Hank Azaria can do no wrong as a character actor.  Look for Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) as a journalist…

Identity (2003)

Interesting choice for Cusack during what was supposed to be his romantic comedy phase and what more than likely landed him the part in 1408.  Great thriller that definitely was inspired by Hitchcock.  To say any more would ruin the movie, but definitely worth watching…

Runaway Jury (2003)

Decent Grisham thriller-turned-movie.  I loved seeing Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman square off, with John Cusack playing both sides.

March is filled with sports: March Madness, NBA regular season winding down, Spring Training, and prepping for the NFL draft.  So this month’s Top 6 list will consist of my favorite top 6 sports movies.  I did put some limits: no sport could be repeated.  Rather than counting down, I will list the sports field and my choice.  A couple of fields do have some honorable mentions.

So without further ado, let the debates begin:

Baseball — Field of Dreams (1989)

Truly a movie that transcends sports — Field of Dreams is really about the realationship of a father and son and the stupid things we do to ruin that relationship.  Made before Kevin Costner got a big head, this is probably one of his best roles in film.  Honorable mentions in this sport include Bull Durham and The Rookie.

Basketball — Hoosiers (1986)

This one is an obvious choice.  Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, and a team that does not know the meaning of quit.  It is a good example of an “Oscar-bait” type of movie.

Boxing — Rocky (1976)

Another no-brainer — the Best Picture Oscar is proof enough.  No kid from my generation was without the dream of being in the title fight like Rocky.  We all enjoyed Rockys II-IV; the less said about V, the better.

Football — Any Given Sunday (1999)

One of Oliver Stone’s movies that I actually liked.  Sure it is long, particularly on DVD, but it is a great story.  You get to see all sides of the business, good and bad.  Warning: it is graphic at times with the violence and results.  Honorable mentions include The Replacements and Necessary Roughness.

Golf — Caddyshack (1980)

Not only one of the best comedies of all time, but the golf movie that all others are compared to.  If you have not seen this, then you are missing out on some of the best-0filmed performances of Chevy Chase, Ted Knight, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray.  Honorable mention, but still not even close, is Tin Cup.

Hockey — Miracle (2004)

This was one I was not sure I was going to even watch and I am glad I did.  Sure it has the Disney spin on it, but it is good retelling of the “Miracle on Ice.”  Honorable Mention is the classic Slap Shot.

I had hoped to get this posted before now, but life got in the way.  For this month’s list, I have chosen the topic of romantic movies; I also expanded the list to 6 because I could not narrow the field down anymore than that.  So, grab a date or your special someone (even if they are in Tampa) and enjoy a night of love.

6.  When Harry Met Sally (1989)

”Men and women can’t be friends because the sex gets in the way.”  Fun movie that set the standard for about 10 years until Studio Canal came along.  A lot of truths in there, and it is true, men and women will always have the sex part on the brain.  Harry Connick, Jr., did a great job with the soundtrack.

5.  Sliding Doors (1998)

The first of many offerings from Studio Canal in this genre and one of three entries on this list.  Great editing job and great twist on the alternate path storyline.  I loved seeing both stories unfold simultaneously and then come together at the end.  When watching this movie, remember that no one expects the Spanish Inquisition.

4.  Down With Love (2003)

My review of the DVD last year covered most of the points.  Good fun movie to curl up with.

3.  Love Actually (2003)

Ok, I get it — you are tired of seeing this movie mentioned.  Then go watch it already….

2.  Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Another repeat entry on a top x list.  What can I say — good animation is hard to pass up.

1.  Notting Hill (1999)

I love this movie.  For once, it is the woman who is the jackass who has to come crawling back.  Great soundtrack with Elvis Costello’s “She” and beautiful cinematography of London.  This is the supreme romantic movie.

I figured I would start off the new year with a goal — Begin each month with a different “Top x” list.  This month, I decided to visit one of those genres that had an early impact on me, as well as everyone else — Disney Animation.  Now I am not talking about any of the Pixar movies — I love them, but I am focusing on traditional, 2-D Disney Animation — Think of it as a list, Steamboat-Willie style…

So without further ado, let the debates begin:

5.  Fun & Fancy-Free (1947)

This is not one that springs to people’s minds often, but it holds an enormous amount of sentimentality for me.  This movie is actually two cartoons in one: Bongo and Mickey & the Beanstalk.  One of my first books was a huge collection of Disney stories, of which Bongo was one — to see it on film proved that my imagination pictured things correctly.  When I was little, my mom would put on a whole stack of records for me to listen to as I played in the living room.  One of those records was Mickey & the Beanstalk.  It was only in my 20’s that I finally saw the cartoon that had been playing in my head for decades.

4.  Pinocchio (1940)

I really identified with this character growing up.  I was adopted as a young baby and had two loving “Geppettos” raise me.  I often broke their hearts by getting into trouble, lying, and not being a “good boy.”  Like Pinocchio, I finally learned my lessons and did become a real boy…err….man.

3.  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

This is a movie that almost needs its own classification.  Purely hand-drawn and beautifully done, very few Disney movies can match the shear artistry of this film.  Humans have never looked so real in the traditional animated form.  Walt hit it out of the park with this first full-length animated feature.

2.  The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

I am sure many of you are scratching your heads at this entry.  Many times in life, I have felt like Quasimodo, but I have overcome those feelings.  There is not a Disney movie with a more beautiful song than “God Help The Outcasts” and the artwork is amazing.  While not for little ones, to skip this movie is to skip one of the truly underrated movies in Disney animation’s archives.

1.  Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Those who know me are not surprised at this one.  Bottom line, this is the one Disney film that has it all for me: soundtrack, characters I strongly identify with, amazing and stunning artwork, tremendous story, and a true Best Picture Oscar nomination.  It is because of this film that there is now a Best Animated Feature Oscar category.