Lighter Fare: My Movie List

I’m feeling pretty cool because I actually saw the Academy Award–winning Best Picture this year. At a movie theater. Surrounded by grown-ups.

Kevin and I can’t even remember the last time we were alone in a movie theater together. A couple kids ago, maybe? I vaguely remember seeing Wall-E (literally slept through it) and Ratatouille (nursed a fussy baby through it). It’s a part of my life that I miss. Back in my childless days, I spent several years seeing every Best Picture–nominated movie before Oscar night. (That was back when I could stomach movies like Silence of the Lambs. I lost that ability somewhere around the time Fargo came out.) Oscar night itself was a big deal for me, too. I made fun snacks for myself and even got off work early back when it was on Monday nights. I’ve regretted never braving the traffic and crowds, when I lived in L.A., to stand among the masses along the red carpet on Oscar night. I must’ve thought I needed to study or something. Silly me.

This year, when Kevin and I lucked into a date night on Valentine’s weekend (thanks, Kendra), we ventured downtown to the hip independent theater that had previously served only to deeply disturb me (the aforementioned Fargo experience, as well as the three hours of inane torment that were the movie Magnolia). I needed a good experience at the Kimball's Theater—something beyond just the comfy reclining chairs—and got it with Slumdog Millionaire. It was a little darker than I was hoping for on my rare date night, but the story and child actors were captivating enough to help me forgive the theater for past emotional trauma.

This year’s winner won’t go down as one of my favorites of all time, but I recommend it—especially if you can get in for six bucks a head like we did. And in case you might be wondering what movies are on that short list of favorites, here it is:

1. Moulin Rouge (Rosie O’Donnell once said she keeps a copy in every room, in case of a fire. I get that. I have two myself.)

2. It’s a Wonderful Life (When, oh when, will my children be able to sit still long enough to watch this all the way through with me?)

3. The Shawshank Redemption

4. The Player (I guess I have a Tim Robbins thing.)

5. Dirty Dancing (Yes, I do know every word to “Hungry Eyes.” Feel free to judge me. I’m 38. I don’t care anymore.)

6. Singing in the Rain/Grease/Chicago/Hairspray (Make a musical, I’ll see it. Twice.)

7. From Justin to Kelly (Just kidding, but I am tempted to rent it every time I walk by it at Blockbuster.)

Runners-Up (Movies I thoroughly enjoyed but can't necessarily recommend or add to my favorites list): Dan in Real Life, Awakenings, Clueless, Juno, Ocean’s Eleven, Little Miss Sunshine, Notting Hill, The American President, American Dreamz, A Fish Called Wanda)