Longtime Malcontenters may recall my late step-grandfather Ralph, the pathological liar with poor table manners. One Thanksgiving when I was around 16 we visited my grandmother in her Indiana trailer (as depressing as it sounds). “Young man, I have a movie you’re gonna love,” said Ralph, who we alway placated so as not to upset my overly sensitive grandmother.
So, with my mother’s blessing, I spent part of my Thanksgiving alone in my step-grandfather’s “study” watching the 80s classic “Zapped,” about a nerdy teen (Scott Baio) who gains telekinetic powers he uses to disrobe hot chicks like Heather Thomas. Co-starring Willie Aames and Scatman Crothers.
“Zapped” did not make my list:
- Blue Velvet
- The Elephant Man
- Crimes and Misdemeanors
- Raging Bull
- My Life as a Dog
- Hannah and Her Sisters
- The King of Comedy
- Raising Arizona
- After Hours
- The Verdict
- The Vanishing (the Dutch version)
- The Shining
- Full Metal Jacket
- Heathers
- Zelig
- Blade Runner
- Drugstore Cowboy
- Do the Right Thing
- Broadcast News
- Hoosiers
And yes, I’m aware there are no Oliver Stone movies on my list. Only “Wall Street” merited consideration. “Just One of the Guys” barely missed out.
(Check out my compilation of the top 20 movies since 1990.)
