Some of the best movie moments you have never talked about. Volume 1.

Volume 1: Generally speaking, your idea of a good movie scene or a good actor is laughable.  Sure, you took some movie classes in college and maybe you even reviewed some movies for your high school newspaper.  Maybe, god help me, you are a filmmaker yourself.  Whatever the case, when you talk with your friends about movies and actors, you often don't mention the very best.  Here is a tool for those of you who want to talk about worthwhile aspects of movies, but can't because you don't have very good taste.

Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston in "Office Space"



There are so many great things about "Office Space."  Unfortunately, all anyone ever wants to talk about is the "oh face" guy.  Sure, that scene is good for a chuckle, but it is hardly the funniest moment and it is definitely not the most worth talking about.  There are so many better things happening in this movie, but "oh face" guy gets all the glory.  Why?  Because sex is funny, especially to people who never have it.

You'll hear me recall a lot of great scenes from this movie, but one in particular that I think most people don't notice is the scene where Jennifer Aniston and Ron Livingston meet for lunch at Flingers.  The realistic feeling is what makes the scene work so well.  Voyeurism is at the forefront of American entertainment and there is something sexual about that, for those of you who need it.  Aniston steals the scene--perfectly awkward. Her performance here gives me ammunition for the argument of whether or not she is a good actor and whether or not she deserves better roles than "Friends."  She is and she does.  Ron Livingston is under appreciated in everything he does, too.


Ben Affleck and Jason Lee in "Chasing Amy"



Before J. Lo there was J. Lee and it really should have stayed that way.  Why aren't these two in more movies together?  Admittedly, both have taken their share of money roles, but watch them in "Chasing Amy" and then try to tell me they are bad actors.  Yes, even Affleck.  He, in particular, gives a great performance, though I am partial to Lee because he is so damn cool.  The stand out scene here is the argument between them in their apartment.  If you've seen this movie, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  If not, you will find out when you log your sick ass off of the internet and go rent "Chasing Amy."  Do it now, please.  Don't think of it in terms of feminism or queer theory--otherwise you'll miss the point.  That point is that the word "fuck" can have so many different meanings depending on how you say it.  Ben Affleck and Jason Lee have mastered the subtleties of the word and they showcase that skill, along with their ability to portray great humor and utter pain in the movie "Chasing Amy."


Wes Anderson's films



Yeah, I said "films."  Not like when you say "films" and you're talking about "Scooby Doo 2."  Look, I can't tell you anything about "Bottle Rocket," "Rushmore," or "The Royal Tenenbaums" because I would not be able to do them justice in this forum.  And with Anderson's next film, "The Life Aquatic," due out later this year, there will probably be another movie knocked out of my top ten list.  No director makes movies so consistently funny, bizarre, and touching.  Anderson has brought together all-star casts, but he doesn't need to.  His first film starred Robert Musgrave.  Of course, Luke and Owen Wilson figure heavily, but they were far from stars back then.  In fact, I would credit "Bottle Rocket" as their ticket to stardom if I knew that more people had actually seen the movie.  But now you'll see it.  You will because you have to see all of Wes Anderson's movies or you haven't lived.  Unfortunately there is really no equivalent of the "oh face" guy, but he's hardly necessary here.  Anderson writes (oh yeah, did I mention he wrote AND directed all of these films) masterpieces of story and character.  You'll enjoy them and, if you don't, you were probably raised by parents who didn't love you.