One of the greatest movies ever.

[Power Hungry]

I just finished watching "Animal House" for what feels like must be the 200th time and I can't help but think just how good it movie it was. It was a film that helped shape the careers of several actors including Tim Matheson, Tom Hulce, Karen Allen, Bruce McGill, Stephen Furst, Kevin Bacon, and of course, John Belushi. Donald Sutherland was already a well established actor by this time, but his performance no less impressive.

I must admit that as charming, witty, and funny the movie is, it is also with a great sadness that I watch John Belushi's performance. It's been said countless times before about what a shame it is that he died so young, but it really is a tragic loss. I don't think there's anyone in recent memory (except maybe John Candy or Chris Farley) that had the sort of intensity and comedic presence that John had. Jack Black is close, especially in School of Rock. Mike Meyers is good, but he hasn't figured out that you don't need to be mildly perverse or vulgar to be funny. (Cat in the Hat was a real disappointment since it's based on a children's story.) I find it disappointing that while there are some really good younger actors (many on Disney Channel oddly enough), I don't get the same feeling of passion and intensity from their performances.

So I find out that their remaking TRON (yeah, I don't get why either) and Footloose because I guess today's generation can't relate to Kevin Bacon and Chris Penn is dead. Can't sell a dead actor I guess. Also, no disrespect Heath Ledger, but how many times are we going to remake Batman? Wizard of Oz has been remade twice. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been remade. The remake of Miracle on 34th Street just pissed me off which is sad because I actually like all the actors in that movie but couldn't stand the movie. Frankly, I think the screen writers have just run out of ideas and have to resort to rehashing the same crap over and over and over and over so they can keep people coming to the theaters and buying DVDs. It's ridiculous.

Anyway, this whole thing got me to thinking about my personal top 5 favorite movies. Here the list, at least for this week.

5. Animal House
4. Rob Roy
3. Erin Brockovich
2. Is a Wonderful Life
1. American Graffiti