One the podcasts I regularly listen to is Unspooled. Each week the hosts—Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson—watch one of the films on the most recent AFI list of the top 100 films of all time (which was last released in 2007) and discuss various aspects of the film. They also bring on guests who have a connection to the film being discussed that week, or have an area of expertise related to the film.
I also referenced the podcast in this post on things in movies, or life in general, we gravitated towards when we were younger that we attached more meaning to in our minds than those things actually meant to represent.
The first season of the podcast concluded recently with the hosts debating the list, and discussing which movies should still be on the next list when/if there is one. The podcast is due to pick back up soon with the watching, review and discussion of other movies that the hosts and listeners of the show believe deserve consideration.
In that spirit, these are just a few of the movies I believe deserve consideration.
Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
Though it might’ve began its existence as a period piece, this movie’s examination of the role of media, specifically TV, in society ultimately became just as timely to the modern time the movie came out as it was in the past time the movie was set in. David Strathairn’s performance as CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow was fantastic. It also co-stars two actors in George Clooney and Robert Downey Jr. who have had a major impact on their generation of cinema. And, while this isn’t either of their most popular or successful films, it’s a movie that showcases their talents well in their supporting roles. Clooney also directed and co-wrote the screenplay.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar needs to be represented on any list that attempts to cover the movies that make a legitimate attempt to summarize the history of film. Many might gravitate towards Toy Story for this purpose. I get that line of thinking. It was the first Pixar film, paving the way for all of the great animated films that came after it. Additionally, it’s a great movie that holds up decades later. However, I think Inside Out is Pixar’s mode of storytelling to its highest form. This movie successfully takes on explaining the complexities of emotions and doesn’t lose its way, telling a heartfelt tale that doesn’t feel too mushy or contrived.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
I know some people have a thing against “comic book” films, but this movie goes well beyond the typical tropes. Nothing in the film is a throwaway or low-brow. It has a cast packed with A-list actors and actresses giving top level performances within the construct of a superhero movie. Further, it’s the culmination of a 23-movie run over more than 10 years that had not been attempted, let alone accomplished in movie making, weaving countless story lines and origin content pieces together into a cohesive story.
Personal Pensism 