Matt In The Morning!

WARNING: This is a lengthy post. But in an effort to talk out my thoughts and give you the complete picture behind such a massive decision in my life, a post without word limits seemed appropriate.

So in case you haven't heard, starting January 11th, I will become the morning co-anchor for NBC4 Today. That's right. I'm doing the news from now on. Not sports. For real. Really.

So what brought about this move? Valid question. The easy answer is opportunity. The job opened, I expressed interest and the powers that be thought I would be a good fit.

But I assume that doesn't answer your question of why I would make this move. Well, that one is a bit more complicated. So let me try and explain because this was not a simple yes/no decision.

Let me start by saying I've been fortunate to hold my dream job for the last 5 and a half years. And I mean that wholeheartedly. Ask just about anyone who knew me when I was as young as 6 years old what I said I wanted to do. I said I wanted to be on TV talking about sports. Then, the dream was ESPN. I had a framed magazine article of Stuart Scott in my bedroom. I would mute the TV as I played Madden or NCAA Football and would announce the game myself. Yeah, I was a weird kid.

As I grew older, the allure of ESPN (and living in Connecticut) wore off but the desire to be a sportscaster did not. I changed the goal to working in Columbus, my hometown. It seemed like a simple enough goal at the time. It only took my first year of college to know just how hard it is to move up in this business, not to mention working in one specific market. It takes talent, hard work, an opportunity, and to a degree, a little bit of luck.

So by my senior year, I tweaked the goal one more time: Get to Columbus by the age of 30. That would make it likely my 3rd or maybe even 4th job out of college. That would require a lot of moving but when you set a goal, you do whatever it takes to achieve it right?

So after college, I packed up for my first job in Augusta, GA. I couldn't have asked for a better station and better group of people to work with for my first professional TV job. What I learned there and who I met there is priceless. Friendships that have lasted and will last until the day I die. But lo and behold, the day after Christmas in 2009, I got a call that would change my life forever.

It was from Jerod Smalley, the sports director at NBC4. I interned with Jerod in the summer of 2007, going into my senior year. It was only for 6-7 weeks but I learned so much from him and Omar Ruiz, the weekend sports anchor during that time. Much of my writing style and on-air delivery came from what I picked up during that internship. I kept in touch with both men after I left, sending my updated work to them to critique because you can never get too much constructive criticism from someone who is better than you in this business.

So when I got the call from Jerod, I was happy to hear from him, even though I had no idea why he would be calling. He told me Omar had resigned and he wanted me to send my reel to the station ASAP. First off, the fact that he called me blew me away. I'm 23 years old, only 18 months into this business, and he thinks I'm worthy of that position! What a feeling. The second thing I thought - get your butt to the station and start editing a reel. I did just that, staying until 3am. It was in the mail the next day.

What followed was a very nervous time for me. My dream job was open. The sports director thought I would be a good fit. But it wasn't ultimately up to him. It was up to the news director. He called in January and we talked. He wanted me for a news/sports role and to start soon. In my heart, I didn't want to do a split role but hey, it's Columbus. I'd do it. But I also knew starting in January or February wasn't going to happen. I was under contract until mid-June and leaving before the Masters in April wasn't happening. So after that conversation (which went well), I waited.

He didn't call back until late March. Jerod had kept in touch with me, keeping me abreast of what was happening thankfully. He always let me know I was still very much in the running but it might take some time for the news director to come around. In March, he had. He called and wanted me to fly up for an interview. This time, the position was full-time sports, much to my relief.

The interview went well. I thought I would be more nervous but funny what happens when you see the downtown skyline you are so familiar with. You smile and relax. This is where I wanted to be. There is where I was supposed to be. This is home. He offered me the job before I left on April 1, 2010. I remember calling my mom first. She was uh, thrilled to say it lightly. There may have been tears. I began calling and texting friends in town who had no idea I was even there for an interview (I kept it very secretive). Some didn't believe me, thinking I was playing a practical joke (again, it was April Fools Day). I did all of this at the Max and Erma's at Port Columbus Airport. I still smile thinking about that day.

I broke the news to my news director in Augusta the next day, having no idea how she would take it. To my surprise, she was overjoyed for me. She knew how much it meant to me. And after hugging me, I will never forget the words she said to me after that: "So let's figure out how soon we can get you out of here". Yes, I was under contract until mid-June but that wasn't a sticking point. She was thinking about me first, not the company. I don't know about you but that's a boss I would love to work for and will vouch for any day. I respect her to this day for what she did for me.

We agreed to let me leave at the end of the final weekend of May sweeps. It was perfect timing, seeing that the Memorial Tournament began in Columbus the next week. I anchored my last show on a Sunday. I left Augusta on Monday. I began working at NBC4 in Columbus on Wednesday. I was on the air on Friday. And I was at Muirfield Village Golf Club the entire week after that. What a crazy 2 weeks.

And since then, it's been a wild ride. From covering that 2010 Memorial Tournament (won by Justin Rose) to now, I've covered more in the last 5 and a half years than I ever could have imagined. And I don't write the following to gloat by any means but to instead, give you an idea of just how fortunate I have been to work this job.

I've covered 6 Memorial Tournaments (a 7th as an intern), a Presidents Cup, 2 Masters tournaments (in Augusta), an MLS Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, the Field of Dreams MLB event in town where I met the likes of Johnny Bench, Rickey Henderson and more, IndyCar and NASCAR races at Mid-Ohio, the NHL Draft (as an intern), the NHL All-Star Game, Cavs preseason games at the Schott, the NBA Finals, 2 Sugar Bowls, a Sweet 16 with my Bobcats, a Final Four, and a Super Bowl.

But I would trade all of those for these 3 things I got to experience as well. First, watching my high school Bishop Hartley win not one, but two state championships in football. I know, it seems small but for me, it's not. I would have hated to miss those if I was working in another city/state. Secondly, being in the building when the Blue Jackets won their first ever playoff game AND their first ever home playoff game. Those are memories that will never be taken away from me. And finally, an Ohio State football national championship. As sweet as that was, it was made all the more sweeter in that my Dad was in the building with me, watching it happen.

So I've seen a lot. I've covered a lot. I'll be the first to tell you I am blessed and lucky to be doing what I have been doing. And with that said, it's never been a better time for a change.

When people have asked me the past few years about my long-term career goal, I say the same thing: I don't know. My long-term goal was to get to Columbus by the age of 30. I did it by age 23. So instead of making a new goal, I kept telling myself I would re-evaluate my career goals at age 30. And so when the opportunity came to take the morning show job, I honestly saw it as a calling from God.

I know, I know. I'm not one for the publicly religious talk but it felt that way. This was a sign. I've always been intrigued by the job. I've always been a newsie, watching more CNN, MSNBC and Fox News than people would even fathom I would do in my spare time. And I've also been realistic about my prospects at my own station.

I work for the best sportscaster and sports director in the market in Jerod Smalley. He's the nicest, funniest, hardest-working guy I know and he's damn good at his job. He's not leaving his job anytime soon and shouldn't. I don't want him to and would do just about anything for the guy. I mean, look what he did for me! But with that in mind, I want to further my career in Columbus. This just seems logical to me.

I also realize this will be a substantial change in many ways. My workload will change. My days off will change. My sleep schedule will surely change. And my responsibilities will change as well. I need to be a trusted and respected voice when it comes to the biggest news of the day. I need to be knowledgeable on topics ranging from politics, the economy, the environment and more. It's a challenge sure, but one I'm ready to take on with all I have.

So with that, it's time. I'm excited for the move. I'm excited to bring the news to the people of my hometown at 4:26am. I'm excited to become a more active member in the community. I'm excited to (continue to) tell inspiring and uplifting stories. I'm excited to watch sports as a fan again and not always as a journalist. I'm excited to have weekends off. But above all, I'm excited for personal growth.

There is a lot of faith being put in me. And I know I have a lot of supporters both inside and outside of my station. I have no plans on letting any of you down. I wouldn't take the job if I thought that was the case.

This is an exciting time for me. And I thank each and every one of you for supporting me through this massive change in my life. Please pray for me as I begin this journey on January 11th. And trust me, no matter how stressed or tired I may get making this move, my life motto still stands. Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Films: Reviewing Luke's 91-100

 The great thing about this movie countdown is that I have a comrade in this journey. Luke Florence has been a good friend for more than 10 years now and like me, shares a love of list-making.

And so, as I post my top 100 movies on my blog, so will Luke on his blog. And because we are such good friends, we will have reaction posts to the other's list every step of the way. But instead of reviewing each and every movie on the list as we did 4 years ago, we're switching things up and making up some categories.

His may be different than mine but the sentiment is the same. React to the other's list with complete honesty.

So here goes.

Luke's Post (91-100)
100. Ocean's Eleven (Seen)
99. Inside Man
98. Stranger Than Fiction
97. Dumb and Dumber (Seen)
96. The Descendants (Seen)
95. Captain Phillips (Seen)
94. Se7en (Seen)
93. Tin Cup (Seen)
92. Up In The Air
91. The Social Network

Best Movie: Se7en
Hard to beat this cast (Freeman, Pitt, and yes, even Spacey) and the plot is outstanding. Luke had it right when this isn't your typical detective "whodunnit". It's a lot about how the suspect went about things and who he did them too. It's also another one of those movies that brings up moral issues as the bad guy is doing things to bad people, so how bad should I feel? Some may not like the final act of this movie but I'm a fan, even if I have to deal with Pitt's whiny "What's in the box" voice.

Worst Movie: Dumb and Dumber
As a kid, I thought this movie was funny. Got a little louder, just thought it was dumb. Now if I see it on TV, I groan. It's just not that funny of a movie anymore. Yeah, it has its moments and its quotables, but as a movie, I find myself annoyed by its stupidity more than entertained. I love Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey too. The fact they made a sequel years later blows my mind.

Biggest Surprise: The George Clooney love affair
Not sure if Luke is a 29-year old man or a 45-year old woman. George Clooney is a fine actor. Never been one of my favorites but just fine. But to see three movies with him starring in them in this group of 10 is a bit surprising. Makes me think Luke has a man crush on him. Ocean's is an okay movie, nothing special. The Descendants is a really good movie, one I thought might be higher on the list. I've never seen Up In The Air but I've heard nothing but good things about that movie. Plus, Anna Kendrick is in it.

Movie I Haven't Seen But Want To: Inside Man
I could have gone a few ways with this one but Luke's recap of this movie makes me want to see this movie now. I know nothing about the ending but apparently, I won't see it coming. And that alone intrigues me. In fact, I have it set on my DVR to record next week. Can't wait to watch.

Prediction(s) For Next Week: No George Clooney, first movie from 2014, first Clint Eastwood film

That's all for now. Looking forward to next week.

Hakuna Matata

Matt's Top 100 Films, Take Two: 100-91

That's right, Luke and I are at it again. It's been 4 years since we revealed our top 100 movies. Now, it's time for an updated list. It's not so much a list as much as a journey.

Long story short, this began with lots of research to find out what movies I have even seen in my lifetime. That was followed by narrowing it down to movies I would even consider. Then, the final cut to 100 in 2011.

But 4 years have passed and many more movies have been made and watched by yours truly. An update was necessary and so, the process of adding new movies and shuffling movies already on the original list began.

Movies I thought were safely in my Top 100 found themselves out all of the sudden. Movies I had seen recently had to be weighed with movies I had seen in my childhood. It wasn't easy but looking back, it was worth it.

So before I start unveiling the movies, here's what you can look for as the countdown begins:

- I added 27 new movies to the list, 2 of which cracked the top 10.

- There has been significant movement from the last list, with some movies moving as far as 50+ spots. Only 5 movies in the top 50 from the last list did not make this list.

- I will post an update on the 73 movies that stayed on the list, to explain their movement up or down.

- No posts about movie trailers this time. Want to see the trailer? Click the name of the movie in each post and you'll go right to YouTube.

- I will recap Luke's countdown in posts as well as we go on. You can find his blog right here as well as in the right side panel. Plus, we'll keep track of our favorite actors/directors and post that at the end.

- We're revealing 10 movies each week until we get to 20. Then we go 5 at a time, and then reveal the top 10 one at a time.

Now without further adieu, let's get to the movies!

100. Anaconda (1997)

Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight
Directed by Luis Llosa

Plot: A "National Geographic" film crew is taken hostage by an insane hunter, who takes them along on his quest to capture the world's largest - and deadliest - snake. 

Stock: Down (previously #37) 

The action in this movie is not enough for me to like it in general. The special effects are bit outdated since 1997 but still hold up pretty well. The acting is nothing to write home about but certain performances are good, including Jon Voight as the creepy hunter. And the concept of this movie being about a deadly snake and not a fake monster or werewolf is a welcome change in what was a genre then unwilling to shake things up in the action/thriller game.

I hate to give away endings but in order to fully say why I love this movie, I have to give up the ending a bit. One of the central reasons why this movie makes my list is that this was the first disaster/horror/thriller film I had seen where a White, Black and Hispanic person had all survived. That's right. I had seen enough movies where the Black guy/girl dies first doing something a Black guy/girl would never do. Then, you just rarely ever see Hispanics in movies. So with that said, I was shocked and incredibly pleased when one from each race came out alive.

UPDATE

I'm still a big fan of this movie but who am I kidding, this movie has no business staying on this list and likely won't on the next edition. It only made it this time because I couldn't imagine this list without it.

99. Mulan (1998)

Voices of Ming-Na, Eddie Murphy
Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook

Plot: To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.

Stock: Holding (previously #90)

I'm sure this is not a movie many would think had a chance to make the top 100. But again, it all goes back to how I felt about a movie when it first came out, as well as the music, and the message it sends. With all that into account, it would be a shame if Mulan didn't make my list.

Again, not a real Disney classic but I'm not sure why. The story is solid. A daughter doesn't want her aging father to fight in the upcoming war. So she pretends to be a boy and take his place. She does so admirably before being discovered and shunned. But as in any Disney movie, Mulan becomes the hero through an entertaining sequence of events. It's a concept that I never would have thought of and one I really took to.

The music in the entire movie is great ("I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is a classic). You don't hear a lot of Chinese music in our everyday world so to have a movie filled with it and other Chinese customs was refreshing. And the movie was funny too, thanks to the always funny voice work of Eddie Murphy as Mushu the dragon

UPDATE

Still think it is an underrated Disney movie. It will never get its due but I'm glad I can in a small way by keeping it on this list.

98. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
Directed by Mel Stuart

Plot: A poor boy wins the opportunity to tour the most eccentric and wonderful candy factory of all.

Stock: Down (previously #58) 

A classic in every sense. Forget the Johnny Depp disastrous remake. This is one that will stand the test of time for many. And for one main reason: it's just simply better in every way. The music, the acting, and the innocence of it all.

I have no clue when I first saw this movie. What I do remember though is how much I enjoyed it. The idea of a candy factory like Wonka's blew my mind. The songs were not only catchy, but funny. The acting by the kids, while not Oscar worthy, was fun and entertaining. The acting by Gene Wilder though, could be Oscar worthy, especially for the final few scenes where he transforms from happy-go-lucky to frustrated to overjoyed seamlessly.

I think what I love about this movie the most though is the imagination it showed. Yes, Roald Dahl wrote the book but putting that story into a movie could not have been easy. But this movie tackled that challenge and came out with a fantastic product.

UPDATE

Fun fact: this is the oldest movie on my list. I still quote this movie to this day and know most of the words to the songs when I see it on (which is all too rare). It may not last much longer on this list but it will always be one of the more memorable movies of my childhood.

97. Shutter Island (2010) 

Starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Directed by Martin Scorcese

Plot: In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding near-by.

Stock: Down (previously #53) 

I don't know what possessed me to see this movie. This is normally the kind of movie I avoid. I go to get lost in a movie and be entertained. Well, you've got to do some thinking in this movie but don't worry, you'll be entertained.

It's tough to talk about this movie too much without giving too much away for those who may not have seen it so I won't even try. But what I will say is that I did not see the end coming. I mean, I was shocked.

There's simply just too much to like for this movie to not make my top 100 and I have a feeling if/when I see this movie a second time, it'll move up because while the first time was good, I know I will appreciate the ending twist that much more the second time.

UPDATE

Well, I still haven't seen it a second time, hence why I think it fell so sharply. But I also wonder if it would have mattered, since I know how it ends now. Regardless, glad it stayed on the list.

96. Titanic (1997)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
Directed by James Cameron

Plot: A seventeen-year-old aristocrat, expecting to be married to a rich claimant by her mother, falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.

Stock: Down (previously #61)

At 194 minutes, Titanic is the longest-running movie on my list. It also is the one that has earned the most Oscars (11). But neither of those two facts play a role into why I chose this movie. It is strictly because of the quality of this movie, from every facet.

Just start with the acting. Absolutely superb. Whether it be from leading roles like Leo and Kate or supporting roles like those from Kathy Bates, Zane, and Victor Garber. The accuracy of the story is also to be commended. The amount of time it took for the ship to sink from when it hit the iceberg is exactly how long it took in the movie. And those visual/special effects were at the time (and still now actually) were just remarkable. Sometimes, you forget you're watching a movie and not live/taped video from the Atlantic as the ship breaks in half, stranding thousands either on board or in the frigid Atlantic ocean.

Kudos to Cameron for the Jack/Rose storyline and for all of his imagination into putting this historical event onto film. He is a true visionary and I'm glad he created this movie because this was a story worth telling. And if you're gonna tell a story like the sinking of the Titanic on the big screen, you better tell it right. That he did.

UPDATE

In a way, I'm a bit surprised it fell this far. But it is a long movie and it didn't impact me like many others did. It portrayed a horrific event wonderfully but I doubt it stays on this list much longer.

 

95. Hitch (2005)

Starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James
Directed by Andy Tennant

Plot: While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a professional "date doctor" finds that his game doesn't quite work on the gossip columnist with whom he's smitten.

Stock: Down (previously #84)

I'm not a romantic comedy fan and in a way, Hitch is just more comedy than romantic comedy. Regardless, the movie is funny and was sure to make this list for various reasons.

First off, gotta go with the acting. I'm a big Will Smith fan, from "Fresh Prince" to "Independence Day", he's just always been solid. Eva Mendes is one of the most underrated leading ladies in not just looks but acting abilities. And lastly, Kevin James is just flat out hilarious. The work he put in on "The King of Queens" for 9 seasons was outstanding. And in this movie, no different as he does a great job of having the viewer relate to him in his difficulties with love and his eventual falling in love with someone.

The plot is strong too. A guy who does a great job getting people to fall in love can't do it himself. His tactics work for everyone but himself. It's a role that fits well for Will Smith because it's believable. And while seeing a guy like Kevin James woo and ultimately win over a big-time movie actress may seem ridiculous, it adds more to the impact of Hitch's abilities and of course, inabilities in his own love life. It's a bit long (118 min) but well worth the time for a fun movie dealing with love and the crazy way things work out...or don't sometimes.

UPDATE

A funny movie just being eclipsed by funnier movies. Not very quotable which hurts, but still worthy of its spot on this list.

94. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger
Directed by Cameron Crowe

Plot: When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with the only athlete who stays with him.

Stock: Down (previously #94)

I've always been intrigued by the relationship between a sports agent and his client. This movie finally gave me that look inside. Now while I know not all agents are not like Jerry Maguire, you would like to think they are. Passionate but compassionate at the same time. Focuses all his attention on you and your best interests. Worried more about you as a person than the money you can make him. In the days of Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus, having a quiet and caring agent like Jerry Maguire sure would be a nice change of pace.

The acting Oscar nominations and victories are well-deserved as you really fall into this movie, forgetting that Cruise and Gooding are just acting. I could do without Zellweger in any movie (never understood how she is a leading lady) but it's not like she ruins the movie. Without her character, there would be no Jonathan Lipnicki, and how can you forget that kid in that movie. So good.

UPDATE

Still enjoy watching this movie when it happens to be on TV. This is going to be the kind of movie I will really struggle dropping from this list because of how enjoyable it is. Plus the sports aspect of it will mean I will always have a connection to it.

93. Clueless (1995)

Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
Directed by Amy Heckerling

Plot: A rich high school student tries to boost a new pupil's popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way.

Stock: Down (previously #71)

Start the jokes now. Really, it's okay. I can take 'em. But hear me out first. There is a reason a silly movie like this makes my list and probably would get consideration on others list if they were truly willing to admit their favorite movies with no regard for what others thought.

I remember watching this movie numerous times with my sister growing up and each and every time, laughing throughout the entire movie. It's because this movie, like The Sandlot, somewhat defined a generation. At the time, this was the high school teenager generation that was very superficial, using stupid slang terms, and looking for that special someone at all times. Of course, Clueless took it to an extreme, which is what made it so funny. It magnified everything we all loved and hated about high school and made it hilarious.

Just take one look at the quotes page on IMDB and you get an idea of the ridiculousness of the movie as well. Teenagers so wrapped up in their own lives that they are oblivious to the world around them. Teenagers so dense they don't understand common knowledge. It is just simply a good laugh. It was not a chick flick or romantic comedy. It was simply a movie making fun of the stupid things teenagers do and have to deal with in those high school years. Oh and Paul Rudd is in the movie, so you know it's good. Seriously, has he been in a bad one?

UPDATE

I still have nothing but love for this movie It's silly, yes, but that's the point. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It may be an even funnier watch as the years go on too as the fashion, trends, and technology changes.

92. 28 Days Later (2002)

Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris
Directed by Danny Boyle

Plot: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.

Stock: Holding (previously #89)

I'm not a horror movie aficionado but this movie captivated me. To this day, if I see it on TV, I stop and watch. And to this day, I'm not really sure why.

Here's what I know. The movie is entertaining. The premise is that a virus is going around and infecting people. Once they are infected, they act like they are possessed with a demon and look to infect other people. But there are a select few that are not infected and are doing their best to stay that way. I won't get too much into how things progress from there but this I know, it's a wild ride as they try to stay alive.

I'm never going to be able to give a really good reason why I like this movie. Maybe it's the random laughs from watching other people jump around me while watching it. Maybe it's the corny music in the movie. Maybe it's just the simple tale of survival. Whatever it is, I enjoy it every time I see it. It does get bonus points for taking place in London and not the U.S. for sure, showcasing a different locale than the normal NYC or LA. Plus, the accents are cool to listen to.

UPDATE

I think my write-up of this movie from 4 years ago still stands. I have no real reason for loving this movie but I do. Case closed.

91. The Sandlot (1993)

Starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, James Earl Jones
Directed by David M. Evans

Plot: A new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his team. Together, they get themselves into many adventures involving rival teams, lifeguards, and a vicious dog.

Stock: Holding (#88)

When you start thinking about movies that define a childhood, this is one that fits the bill for probably not just me, but others who are in that 24-30 age range. It's a movie we all loved for its innocence. At the time, it reminded us of our friendships of the time. Now, it reminds of being that age and the stupid things you did as a kid.

Being a baseball fan and an avid Little League player, I loved the baseball parts of The Sandlot but what I loved more was the interactions between all the guys. The way they came up with crazy things to do, like fake drowning to kiss a lifeguard or the many plans just to recover the autographed baseball from across the yard. With each and every idea, you just smile and laugh, knowing that when you were a kid, you had that kind of imagination as well.

While The Sandlot will never crack my top 20 or even 50, it probably has staying power in the top 100 simply because of the feelings it brings up. Hanging out with friends, doing the dumb things kids do, and having fun. I like to always think too that just like the end of the movie, we'll all grow up and still be connected like Smalls and Benny. Hey, a boy can dream right?
 
UPDATE

A movie that many of my friends will say I have too low but that's fine. I'm a fan of the movie but it stays on this list more for how it helps define my childhood and less for the quality of the movie.

That's all for now! The next post will be a reaction post to Luke's 91-100 movies. And then, I'll be back with movies 81-90 from my list next week. In the meantime, leave comments at the bottom or on my Facebook page if you wish. This list is only as fun as you the reader makes it.

Until next time, Hakuna Matata.

 

Matt At The Movies: Oscars Edition

What up movie fans? Welcome to the latest blog series brought to you by yours truly. In what I am calling "Matt At The Movies", I will review movies that I see throughout the year right here.

Thanks to a pass that allows me to see movies at a certain movie theater in Columbus for free, I have made it a point to see a lot more movies than I usually would. That includes movies I am excited to see and others that I just go see because it's free and I hav nothing to lose but a few more brain cells.

I will review my first movie in due time but before that, it's Oscar Week! Depending on the year, I'm either excited or apathetic toward the Academy Wards. This year, I'm excited. I've seen a good share of the movies that are nominated and seen many of the performances that are nominated in the acting categories. And while some of the awards are no in doubt of who will win, it's exciting to see those awards that are still up in the air.

At the end of this post, I will share my Oscar picks. But before that, I will share my picks of best movies and performances of the year. I thought of coming up with a great name for these awards (Barnsies, Simbas, Moscars) but I didn't like any of them. So instead, they're just winners.

I'm not exactly going to use the Oscars categories. Best Actor means for the year, not just for one movie sometimes. And instead of best picture, I split them up by genre. And you'll notice, not all categories will have 5 nominees. These are my awards so I'll do them my way.

In all, I saw 23 movies that came out in 2012. I will only be judging performances from the movies I have seen. Those movies are (in order of release): Safe House, Project X, 21 Jump Street, American Reunion, The Avengers, Ted, Magic Mike, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises, The Campaign, Premium Rush, End of Watch, Looper, Taken 2, Seven Psychopaths, Argo, Flight, Skyfall, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, This is 40, Django Unchained

BEST ACTOR NOMINEES - 2012
Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln
Joseph Gordon-Levitt -  The Dark Knight Rises, Premium Rush, Looper, Lincoln
Channing Tatum - 21 Jump Street, Magic Mike
Denzel Washington - Safe House, Flight

BREAKDOWN: Cooper's performance was simply amazing. It came out of nowhere for me, considering his other fare (The Hangover, The A-Team). But he really threw himself into this role. He made me hate him, like him, root against and root for him, all within 2 hours. Easily the best performance of his career... Day-Lewis is no doubt one of the best actors out there right now. There was simply no one better to play Abe Lincoln than him. Never during the movie did I ever think it was him. I always thought it was the President... Gordon-Levitt had a busy year. Premium Rush was entertaining and he was solid. Looper was probably his best performance, as he went toe-to-toe with Bruce Willis. I bought him as an action star for the first time. Yes, he starred in The Dark Knight Rises but that movie was never about him. He was also solid in a complimentary role in Lincoln, especially in an emotional scene with his Dad upon seeing the body parts of soldiers... Tatum was in more than just these 2 movies he is nominated for. In all, he starred in 4 that were released in 2012. He showed some above-average comedic chops in 21 Jump Street. Many times, he was funnier than co-star Jonah Hill (who I think overdoes it too much). Magic Mike was not supposed to be a lesson in acting but he was admirable in it. I bought his character because he was that guy... Washington is among my favorite current actors right now. Yes, he tends to play the same character (angry Black man, whether in power or not in power), but he does it very well. Safe House was nothing special but not awful. But Flight showed a side of him I had not seen in a long time. A vulnerable, emotional wreck side that captivated me from start to finish.

BEST ACTOR - 2012: Daniel Day-Lewis

BEST ACTRESS NOMINEES - 2012
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
Mila Kunis - Ted
Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
Leslie Mann - This is 40
Kelly Reilly - Flight

BREAKDOWN: Chastain was spectacular in this role. She had to play a tough and at times, heartless person and she did it well. She did not overact and made her character likable despite the rough exterior... Kunis is becoming one of the most reliable actresses in film right now. She's not going to wow you (acting I mean) but she will give you a solid performance that compliments her fellow actors and the movie. I thought in Ted, she did a nice job playing off of Wahlberg and a dirty-talking bear that she can't even see... Lawrence probably was good in The Hunger Games but I wouldn't know. I didn't see it. But I did see her in this movie and am already excited to see her next movie. She's just 22 but in a role that demanded her to act older, she prevailed. The intensity she brings to that performance is truly impressive. And it wasn't all drama as she had some nice one-liners that showed she can act with the best of them. Her chemistry with Cooper to was top notch... Mann is never going to win any awards in her career. And honestly, most people don't know her name. But for me, she is one of the best comedic actresses out there right now. She's a real trooper, going that extra mile so the joke lands. She clearly knows how to ad-lib with the best of them. And maybe most importantly, has no shame, which makes her likable in every movie she's in. She's not trying to be funny. She just is... Reilly was a no-name to me before I saw her in Flight. In fact, she still is a no-name to me, as I had to look up her name for this. But her performance in the movie stood out. Alongside Washington, she helped drive the movie to its thrilling conclusion. She was pushed hard by Washington's character but instead of fading into the background in those scenes, she shined right with him.

BEST ACTRESS - 2012: Jennifer Lawrence

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR NOMINEES - 2012
Alan Arkin - Argo
Javier Bardem - Skyfall
Robert De Niro - Silver Linings Playbook
Leonardo DiCaprio - Django Unchained
Samuel L. Jackson - Django Unchained
Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln
Matthew McConaughey - Magic Mike
Chris Tucker - Silver Linings Playbook
Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained

BREAKDOWN: Arkin is 78 years old. Wouldn't know it by his lightning quick retorts and overall great acting in this movie. Great in comedies or dramas... Bardem plays one of the best Bond villians I've ever seen. His performance was simply genius. Creepy and engaging... De Niro has been doing a lot of weird movies lately. Movies like Meet The Fockers and such. Nice to see him in a movie that challenges him and forces him to use his skills, because when he does, he proves yet again he is one of the best. An amazing performance in this movie... DiCaprio is already known as one of the best actors in the game right now. And in his first turn as a bad guy, he excelled. Loved every second of his portrayal of a slave owner in this over-the-top Tarantino film... Jackson is known for his propensity to curse in movies and that's about it. But I think people forget he can really act. He proved that in this movie...Jones clearly put all he had into this performance. His speech was one of my favorite moments of the movie. You can feel the conviction he had, which was critical to making the movie impactful. One of the best performances of his career... McConaughey has long been regarded to me as one of the worst actors in the world. He changed my mind for at least 2 hours in this movie. Playing a role he would normally not play, he really showed some acting chops...Tucker has not been in a movie since the 1990's it seems like. And it was with Jackie Chan. Yikes. But for real, it's good to have him back. And shockingly, it's not for his comedy. In fcta, it's for his earnest performance in this movie. Welcome back Chris... Waltz is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I adored him in Inglorious Basterds. In fact, I thought he carried that movie. He didn't have to carry this one but he still stole much of the spotlight with his great timing and ability to make you believe everything he is saying.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - 2012: Robert De Niro

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - 2012

Judi Dench - Skyfall
Sally Field - The Amazing Spider-Man, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway - The Dark Knight Rises
Melissa McCarthy - This is 40
Kerry Washington - Django Unchained
Jacki Weaver - Silver Linings Playbook

BREAKDOWN: Dench has always been good in the Bond movies but in this one, she was stellar. The storyline called for a big performance and she gave it. She deserved an Oscar nomination I thought...Field was steady in The Amazing Spider-Man, giving enough to make me care about her character. But it was her performance in Lincoln that impressed me so much. A little bit crazy, a little bit snarky and a lot bit passionate. She aced this tough test of playing Mary Todd Lincoln... Hathaway was probably better in Les Miserables, but I didn't see it so I can't judge her on the performance that will likely win her an Oscar. But I did like her in the role of Catwoman. She had the right amount of pizzazz for the role and thought she added to the movie more than took away from it... McCarthy may have been in the movie for less than 5 minutes but it's 5 minutes I remember. Her scene with Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann in the principal's office goes down as one of the best scenes of 2012. Can ad-lib with the best of them... Washington got zero credit for understated performance. I'm not sure why either. I thought she was outstanding. Her performance made me really believe in the relationship with Django... Weaver had the tough task of acting alongside three Hollywood heavyweights but aptly delivered in her role as matriarch of one o the most dysfunctional families in Philadelphia. A very solid performance that I'm gald got recognized by the Academy.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - 2012: Sally Field

BEST MOVIE: COMEDY NOMINEES - 2012
American Reunion
The Campaign
Ted
This Is 40
21 Jump Street

WINNER (AND WHY):  Ted - This was really between Ted and American Reunion. This is 40 was in a clear third. What puts Ted on top is that it was an original idea that was hilarious from start to finish. The jokes are some of the best I've heard in a comedy and being a big fan of Family Guy, I knew they would be a little raunchy too. The movie never drags and ends in a fulfilling way. The same can be said for American Reunion but with it being the fourth movie of a series, it loses on originality. With that said though, really gald they made it.

BEST MOVIE: ACTION NOMINEES - 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Avengers
The Dark Knight Rises
Looper
Premium Rush
Safe House
Skyfall
Taken 2

WINNER (AND WHY): Skyfall - This was a pretty easy decision. Looper was great, don't get me wrong. Original, exciting stuff. The Dark Knight Rises was good as well, though the first hour was pretty brutal. Skyfall though had it all. Superb acting. Amazing cinematography. Quality music. And one bad-ass hero. I think it is the best Bond film ever. Even if you aren't a Bond fan or seen zero of them, this is one you HAVE to see. It's that good.

BEST MOVIE: DRAMA NOMINEES - 2012
Argo
Django Unchained
Flight
Lincoln
Magic Mike
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

WINNER (AND WHY): Silver Linings Playbook - This was a tough decision. 5 of these movies are up for the Oscars Best Picture prize and for good reason. And the 2 that are not are fine movies as well. Magic Mike was unexpectedly good. Actually had a plot to it. Flight had me engaged from start to finish and had an ending that I really enjoyed. Django Unchained was not only funny and entertaining but action-packed. A wee bit long but it never lost my attention. Zero Dark Thirty was intense as expected. The scene to go kill Osama Bin Laden made you feel like you were there. Lincoln took me into 1865 and for nearly 3 hours, lost me in the fight for equality. Thanks to amazing acting, costume design and many other things, it provided me not just a historical lesson but a lesson in great movie-making. Argo was simply terrific. I did not know the story beforehand which likely helps it rank higher in my book than Lincoln but it's a fine movie because of the acting and the flow of the movie. It kept moving and kept you engaged. Loved it. But Silver Linings Playbook wins because it affected me. I left the theater and remember thinking just how well done that movie was. It made me think. It made me hate and love characters at times. It frustrated me but ultimately entertained me. It had plenty of comedy and more than enough drama. Best movie I've seen this year for sure.

As far as the movies I wanted to see but unfortunately did not, they are: Red Tails, Jeff, Who Lives At Home, The Hunger Games, The Five-Year Engagement, Seeking a Friend For The End of the World, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Celeste + Jesse Forever, The Bourne Legacy, 10 Years, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Cloud Atlas, Life of Pi, Les Miserables

And last but not least, my picks for the Academy Awards this Sunday. These are not so much who I think should win but who will win.

MY OSCAR PICKS
Best Director: Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Best Supporting Actor: Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Best Picture: Argo

Hope you enjoyed the inaugural "Matt At The Movies" post. Hopefully, many more are to come.

Hakuna Matata.

Matt's Top 100 Movies: #1

1. The Lion King (1994)
Voices of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones
Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

And here we are. The countdown that was only supposed to take 3-4 months but instead took me nearly a year comes down to this post. As Luke told me last week, "the post that will define this whole countdown".

That's a big statement but hey, "Hakuna Matata".

I saw this movie in theaters at 7 or 8 years old. Saw it with my entire family and I still remember that day. I remember bobbing my head to the great music. I remember smiling, laughing, and getting close to crying at times. I remember leaving the movie thinking it was the best movie I had ever seen. And maybe most importantly, I remember the phrase "Hakuna Matata", a phrase sung in the movie that translates from Swahili as "There are no worries".

All 4 of those things I remember still stick with me to this day. The only difference is that instead of bobbing my head to the music, I sing the words. I'm a proud owner of the soundtrack and the trilogy of movies on DVD. And if you think I have any shame of admitting any of that, you don't know me very well.

I'm just going to assume anyone reading this has seen the movie. Nearly every kid does, whether born in 1986 or 2006. It's a movie that will never get old. In fact, even though it was 17 years old, Disney re-released the movie in 3D and it made $94 million, proving that the movie is a true American classic.

And it is one for many reasons. Reasons that sometimes are hard to describe. So instead, I'll say what I say to everyone when they ask me why is this my favorite movie.

It is the perfect combination of everything you want in a movie. Action (fight scenes), romance (Simba and Nala), comedy (Timon and Pumbaa), drama (Will Simba come back?), horror (Scar and his hyenas), tear-jerking moment (Mufasa's death), underdog story (Timon and Pumbaa being heroes), great music (seriously, buy the soundtrack), and an amazing ending (you know it). And the best part, it is enjoyable for everyone, no matter their age, race, gender, or culture.

And of course one of the biggest reasons why this is my favorite movie is because from it, I gained a personal life motto: "Hakuna Matata". The song says "it means no worries, for the rest of your days. It's a problem-free philosophy". Well, everyday, I try to live that exact way.

I'm a normally carefree, happy guy. It's not easy to rile me up and even harder for me to get angry. The phrase "Hakuna Matata" is exactly why. For me, it's the perfect mindset to get through the day in the best way. It allows for pleasant interactions with both friends and foes and keeps stress away at all times. It helps me keep a smile on my face, which I've been told, is much more attractive than my frown.

I wake up to that song every morning. No lie. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so fortunate to have seen this movie because in a way, I feel like it has guided my life. I don't have one tattoo on my body but if I ever do, you can bet that phrase from this movie will be it. It means that much to me.

So with that, I end my countdown with a movie that is not just funny, exciting, dramatic, thrilling, and downright entertaining, but a movie that has in a way, made me who I am. And THAT is why "The Lion King" is my all-time favorite movie.

TRAILER


FUN FACTS

One of the bugs that Timon pulls out of a knothole during Hakuna Matata is wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

There have been rumors that when Simba collapses on the cliff after talking with Timon and Pumbaa about stars, the dust that flies off the cliff forms the letters SEX. In fact it forms the letters SFX, the abbreviation of the special-effects team that worked on that portion of the film. For all subsequent releases more flowers and dust were added to the scene to avoid controversy.

Originally titled "King of the Jungle", it was supposed to be about African lions living in the jungle until the production team realized that lions don't live in the jungle.

The best selling home video of all time, with more than 55 million copies sold to date.

Pumbaa the Warthog was the first character in Disney films to exhibit flatulence (fart).

When Mufasa tells Simba about the Great Kings of the Past if you look at the stars in the wide shot you can see Mickey Mouse.

The lyric for the opening chant of "The Circle of Life" is: "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba / Sithi uhm ingonyama / Nants ingonyama bagithi baba / Sithi uhhmm ingonyama / Ingonyama Siyo Nqoba / Ingonyama Ingonyama nengw enamabala". This translates as: "Here comes a lion, Father / Oh yes, it's a lion / Here comes a lion, Father / Oh yes, it's a lion / A lion We're going to conquer / A lion A lion and a leopard come to this open place".

This is the second movie in which James Earl Jones (Mufasa) and Madge Sinclair (Serabi) perform together as an African King and Queen. Jones and Sinclair were also King and Queen of a fictional African nation in Coming to America.

Script writers envisioned Sean Connery as the voice of Mufasa. 


MEMORABLE QUOTES

Pumbaa: [about "Hakuna Matata"] It's our motto.
Young Simba: What's a motto?
Timon: Nothing. What's a motto with you?

Zazu: Checking in with the morning report.
Mufasa: Fire away.
Zazu: Well the buzz from the bees is that the leopards are in a bit of a spot. And the baboons are going ape over this. Of course, the giraffes are acting like they're above it all... The tick birds are pecking on the elephants. I told the elephants to forget it, but they can't. The cheetahs are hard up, but I always say, cheetahs never prosper... 

Pumbaa: It's times like this my buddy Timon here says: you got to put your behind in your past.
Timon: No, no, no. Amateur. Lie down before you hurt yourself. It's "You got to put your past behind you."