The titles in the Fast and Furious series have become increasingly weird since the franchise began. The title of latest entry, F9, reminded us of a computer keyboard, hence this week’s topic. Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of F9, we’re counting down our favorite keyboard movies. Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
When it comes to the labeling of cinematic classics, I feel that Christmas movies often get these weird inclusions because they are iconic films you watch every year. But I often wonder if they truly hold up outside the Christmas context. You know what movie absolutely does? Home Alone. This is just a special kind of movie. Yes, it is a quintessential Christmas movie. It’s got all the trappings of those age-old holiday film clichés. But on top of that, you have this wonderful and ludicrous premise that steals the heart of nearly everybody. Who didn’t dream of having the whole house to themselves so they could do anything they want? Add in a stacked cast featuring Macaulay Culkin at the height of his powers, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern both at their comedic bests, Catherine O’Hara playing one of the best worst mothers of all time, and John Candy just being his lovely self. The humor and message still holds up and, above all, it features one of John Williams’ most underrated scores of all time. Add it all together, and you not only have a perfect Christmas movie, but a true cinematic classic. Also, this is the first Christmas movie I recommend to my young Jewish family members because, while it is incredibly Christmas oriented, there is enough of the good stuff in there to see past that. (Nashua Doll)
The final installment of Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End, follows a group of five friends who reunite to embark on a pub crawl in their hometown. Where Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz tackled the horror and action genres, respectively, The World’s End dives head first into the world of science fiction. Though it is often considered to be the weakest of Wright’s trilogy, I would argue that it is exactly as funny, creative, and entertaining as the other two films. This cast of characters is hilarious, and it is endlessly amusing to witness the diverse ways in which their drunken mannerisms manifest themselves. Perhaps The World’s End is a movie that suffers from high expectations. If you watched Wright’s trilogy and felt let down by this film, I would strongly recommend revisiting it with fresh eyes. (Foster Harlfinger)
John Carpenter is excellent at capturing the darker, more dreary aspects of life. His 1981 film, Escape from New York truly captured that nihilistic tone. Ex-war hero and criminal Snake Pliskin (Kurt Russell) is tasked with saving the president in the now prison state of New York (in an alternate universe in 1997). Russell as the pessimistic Snake Pliskin is pure perfection. He encapsulated what makes a great anti-hero and everything rings so true through his performance. The direction of this film is top notch as well, and provides an interesting interpretation of New York. During the 1980s, Carpenter was a force to be reckoned with and would direct films such as this that would stay relevant far beyond their years. Another aspect of this film that fits the tone of this film is the score that Carpenter provides. His signature synth tracks imbue the film with the tone necessary to tell a bleak story in the lens of a dark comedy/action sci-fi setting. Escape from New York is a cult classic that is a much watch for fans of action and sci-fi. (Joe Vargas)
While the found footage genre gained a resurgence around the early 2010s, it did well until it became overplayed. However, one of the films that used it in an innovative way was writer-director David Ayer’s End of Watch. The story follows two LAPD police officers (Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña) who encounter the day-to-day risks of police work. Gyllenhaal and Peña have a strong chemistry that invests you in their lives, and it’s because of this bond that you’re always on edge and worrying for their safety because of the danger that comes their way. There’s a mix of traditional filmmaking and found footage, but it’s the latter that throws you into the peril that these two officers face when on the job. Besides the scenes focusing on them when in the line of duty, we also have plenty of sequences that focus on their friendship and personal lives that give us a well-rounded view of their characters. This is a great police film, and Ayer’s tense direction not only makes you feel nervous when the two officers perform their job, but also grateful for the protection that such officers provide in real life. (Vincent Abbatecola)
It’s often said when films have aged well that they are still relevant to the times. While Howard’s End is a very well-made movie with some stellar performances and exquisite costume design, I do not think it has aged particularly well; however, it is enormously relevant to the times. Emma Thompson plays Margaret Schlegel, a woman of the middle class who — along with her sister Helen (Helena Bonham Carter) — finds herself in between the upper class and the working class through their connections to the rich Wilcox family. The story mostly revolves around the titular home, Howards End, which is the subject of an inheritance. The film focuses a great deal on wealth disparity and the standards of living of its main players. The disdain and contempt the Wilcox family — its patriarch played by Anthony Hopkins, especially — have for the poor is palpable, and he especially is painted as a man who uses his wealth to justify his treatment of the less fortunate. Howard’s End as a period piece is a reminder that the posh, landed gentry of period-piece England we like making fun of isn’t that far removed from the situation modern culture finds itself in. (Chris Bakker)
Return of the Jedi is hands down the most Star Wars-y of all the Star Wars movies. From the opening sequence at Jabba’s palace, to the final battle on Endor, and everything in between, Star Wars: Episode VI is some of the most fun you can have sitting in a lounge. I loved this as a kid, and I still love it today. Watching speeder bikes rip through the forest of Endor is still exhilarating nearly 40 years later. AT-ATs, AT-STs, X-wings, of course the Millennium Falcon and a second Death Star all make a child’s imagination run rampant, but also make an older man feel warm and fuzzy. You can diss Ewoks all you like, but without them, the end sequence wouldn’t be as charming or exciting as it is. Return of the Jedi wrapped the original trilogy up sweetly with a big ribbon, and it fully deserves its place in history as the third best in the Skywalker Saga. (Adam Ritchie)
If you were to ask me who is the most iconic martial artist actor of all time, I would tell you that only one man makes Chuck Norris quake in his boots: Bruce Lee. That’s right, we’re diving back into the list of shame for one of the greatest martial arts films of all time: Enter the Dragon. It follows Lee (Bruce Lee) as, under the directive of British intelligence, he enters a tournament hosted by crime lord Han (Shih Kien) to avenge his sister and for the honor of the Shaolin Temple. As Lee’s final completed film, you’re given a unique take on a tale of getting close to the bad guy to bring him down, with a man and film that has inspired many people both in acting and in storytelling since. Each moment draws you in, and while you sometimes get a point of view shot or a dub that doesn’t quite fit right, you can feel the tension build up to the climactic final showdown in one of the most epic pieces of cinematography from the ‘70s. Robert Clouse did a fantastic job at diving into the world of martial arts, and the film is well worth the time to watch. So if you’re interested in a movie that mixes intrigue with a near comical amount of butt kicking, Enter the Dragon may be the film for you. (P.S. I don’t care what you think, Quentin. Cliff is never winning that fight). (Joseph Davis)
Note to self: check movie run time before starting it at 10:30 p.m. I wanted to challenge myself to watch a new movie for this Best Ever Challenge, so I decided to go with The Great Escape. I now understand some scenes in Chicken Run that I didn’t understand when I first watched it. This movie is a who’s who of “oh that’s where this pop culture reference comes from” moments. Steve McQueen kills it as Hilts, the leader of a group of prisoners looking to escape a German POW camp. The group of prisoners is an amazing group of talented actors. At a brisk run time of 172 minutes, it slow-builds the tension with something always going on and lots of great moments. The motorcycle chase is among one of the greatest chases and action scenes in cinematic history. Epic is the only way to really describe this movie with the scope, stakes, and moments to make it a classic. The soundtrack is great too, and the fact that this is based on a true story (the movie is largely fictionalized) provided me with another great story to read about from World War II. Check this one out, but make sure you build in enough time to watch. (Mike Hilty)
“Let’s go back in time” to 1985 to discuss one of the best time travel movies ever, Back to the Future. The film tells the story of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) time traveling adventures. The Back to the Future trilogy has stood the test of time and is still talked about and beloved to this day. One of the things that makes the first movie so good is the soundtrack/score. The instrumental music alone done by Alan Silvestri and others makes the film iconic. Now I am going to go a little Patrick Bateman here, because the songs “Power of Love” and “Back in Time” by Huey Lewis and The News and Marty McFly doing “Johnny B Goode” are just as iconic as the score. There aren’t many movies featuring music or songs that can take you back to the nostalgia of your first viewing, but for me Back To The Future does. I can still catch myself singing these songs today. Director Robert Zemeckis did something here that can never be repeated or rebooted while having the same lasting effect. So if you love sci-fi and time travel and have never seen this trilogy, they are currently on Netflix. I highly recommend that you take the time to give them a watch. (Austen Terry)
Why is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King my favourite film? I could easily write pages upon pages explaining the reasons (which I have done before)! Is this the greatest “Return” in the history of cinema? The true leader of men comes at the 11th hour to lead the charge against an army representing literal and metaphorical evil. That is so fantastical and wondrous. The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest epics of fantasy literature and now the quintessential live action fantasy franchise on film as well. Back in 2003, The Return of the King blew my mind. Aragorn leading the Army of the Dead into battle and donning his regal garb to lead the charge against the Black Gate are still some of the most impactful cinematic moments in my life. Will another franchise ever meet the standard set by Tolkien’s trilogy? I am not sure… but I am positive studios will continue to attempt it! (Shane Conto)
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Ah, the last Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to be released. Thankfully, it’s a title that will finally be relinquished in short order. Spider-Man: Far from Home is the charming sequel to the other MCU Spider-Man movie, Spider-Man: Homecoming. It follows Peter Parker and his classmates on a field trip abroad to Europe. The film is significant because it’s our first look at how the universe is dealing with the consequences of “the blip.” Due to delayed releases, that still looms large as our lone big-screen exploration of the topic. Aside from the heavier implications, it’s just an enjoyable experience, thanks in large part to the work and chemistry of the cast. The banter, particularly between Tom Holland’s Peter, Zendaya’s MJ, and Jacob Batalon’s Ned, is the highlight here. Never fear, however, because there’s plenty of web-slinging action, particularly in the final set piece finale, to keep action fans satisfied. (Jake Bourgeois)
99 Homes
2021 is looking it will be the year of Andrew Garfield. While he may be relatively new to the scene, it’s undeniable that he has an impressive filmography. One of his most overlooked is 99 Homes. Taking place in the early 2010s where the economy was still rough and the housing market matched it for most Americans, a simple man loses his home to a real estate agent (Michael Shannon) doing what he does best. Through a coincidental happenstance, Garfield winds up working for Shannon — reluctantly at first — and gets more and more tangled in a web that leads to one of the most tense and emotional finales you could ever witness. Michael Shannon, of course, is terrific, but Garfield’s performance is matching on every level and takes you through a two hour journey that brings joy, heartbreak, and suspense. While perhaps an overlooked film, it is absolutely worth consideration as one of the best of this week’s list and among the best of the two leads’ filmographies. (Aaron Schweitzer)
Office Space
Before the 2020 pandemic, where working from home became an awesome reality, I worked in an office where a typical day consisted of sitting in traffic, getting shocked by the door on the way in, long meetings that could have been an email, making small talk with co-workers, and having a case of the Mondays. So, it’s safe to say Mike Judge’s Office Space NAILED IT! Granted, if I did half the things Peter (Ron Livingston) does in the movie, I’d be fired (I think. I never put it to the test. Hmmm…). Every side or background character in this movie is a person you will run into in an office setting and “Hawaiian Shirt Friday” is eerily accurate! This cult classic deserves its status, and whether Diedrich Bader is yelling through the wall, Jennifer Aniston is wearing enough flair, or Stephen Root is not getting a slice of cake, his paycheck, a reasonable workspace, a Mai-tai, or his stapler, your funny bone will be tickled. So, if you can go ahead and make sure that your TPS Report has Office Space listed as a Best Ever Challenge contender, that would be greeeat… (Nick Ferro)
Enter the Void
Big flashing fonts, electro music in the background, and quick edits… If you suffer from epilepsy, you’d be dead within the first two minutes of opening credits, where the “enfant terrible” of world cinema, Gaspar Noé, showcases exactly the amount of sane insanity you are entering. Enter the Void is an unorthodox movie by all means, but it can also be a quiet, reflective film about life and death… is there anything after we die? Or is it just a void…? This is what the movie will try to showcase in its almost two and half hour run time. And did I mention there’s a sex scene where you go really close to the action, like -15 cm (roughly) close? If you have seen the movie, you understand. If you haven’t seen it, please do and trust me, you won’t forget that scene or this, movie for that matter. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve last seen it, but I still remember most of it, and most importantly, I remember how it made me feel. And by writing this tiny snippet, I got really intrigued to revisit (or re-enter, if you wish) the void. And there is something about Paz De La Huerta. (Luke Burian)
This Is the End
It seems like every once in a while, Hollywood likes to release a movie where actors play themselves in a ridiculous way, while the story is just as ridiculous, and that’s exactly what you get with This Is the End. This movie’s premise about a bunch of celebrities stuck together in a house while trying to survive the apocalypse and putting up with one another is just as ridiculous as it sounds, and I’m here for it. One of the things that helps the movie’s pacing is the interactions and self awareness of the cast members throughout. In a comedy where the majority of the time is dedicated to t\ these actors, I’d have to say that the selection is great and not a single one feels weak. You’ve got this great cast of Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, and James Franco, all of whom do amazing work. I also mentioned how there’s a lot of self awareness with actors and some of the cameos almost steal the entire movie. This Is the End is a wild comedy that I highly recommend. (Alex Henderson)
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
I finally sat down and watched I’m Thinking of Ending Things,and it is definitely now a movie I have seen. It tells the story of Lucy (Jessie Buckley), who to break up with her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons… with both main actors having the same name, I’m sure it didn’t cause any confusion on set), but instead agreeing to go meet his parents. The film is a very abstract thriller which feels like a poem made into a play, then brought to life on film by the only director who could possibly pull it off — Charlie Kaufman. Like all of Kaufman’s work, it is a visually stunning look into Lucy’s psyche with a sense of dread that hits you in the face in the first act, but then slowly builds from there to a climax that goes fully surreal. To me, the final act takes all the momentum out of the story and leaves the viewer without a sense of catharsis. If that was the goal, then it was well done. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is made for those who love abstract movies, who want to interpret the characters and visuals for hours, and then come up with their own conclusion. To the, I say, have a blast. There’s a lot to work with in this one. (Kim Hausen)
Spaceballs
There’s something about a well-made parody film that makes it eternally endearing. It becomes cherishable for generations to come. A solid argument could be made that Spaceballs is the greatest parody film of all time. Mainly riffing on Star Wars, Spaceballs also manages to poke fun at Star Trek, Alien, and action sci-fi films as a genre. Mel Brooks was at the peak of his craft with his development of this picture. The humor is sharp, smarmy, inappropriate, and witty beyond belief. Characters like Rick Moranis’ Dark Helmet stand the test of time as one of the greatest comedy villains ever made. Meta jokes like watching Spaceballs the video cassette while watching Spaceballs the movie are still outright hilarious. If you haven’t seen this comedic treasure before, shoot it up to the top of your watchlist. If you have, make it a priority rewatch as soon as you can. It’s worth it. (Heath Lynch)
Superman Returns
Superman Returns was a film that I just could not wait to see. A sequel-esque movie returning to a series instead of rebooting it. Brandon Routh was cast perfectly in the title role. He had the looks, he had the charisma, he could pull off the duality needed to the roles of Kal and Clark. The movie came out and it did not disappoint me! It had the romance, the twists, Kevin Spacey giving it his all at Lois Lane. The action scenes were great too. I mean, yeah, sure, Superman never throws a single punch in the movie. When I realized that, I hated the movie, but now looking back it makes sense. He’s Superman. He doesn’t have to punch. He can just stand there and wait for the bad guys to tire themselves out. Routh as Superman was just perfect. The biggest flaws of the movie are only looking back at what has become of Spacey and the film’s director. This was wholesome Superman, and I’m for it. (Frank Kemp)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Let’s just go ahead and take a leap off the deadman’s plank into this underrated, but absolute pleasure of a (Disney) ride with Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. What kid doesn’t dream of sailing the seas living the “yo ho” life? Granted, a chilling opening to the third installment of this saga gives a very different and somber vibe to “yo ho” than I remember as a kid playing pirate captain. However, the mesmerizing action sequences set against gorgeous backdrops, from ambushes in Singapore to a last stand in the stronghold of Shipwreck Cove, instantly have you reinvigorated to hit the high seas and get back in the fray of the pirate’s life. Plus, who doesn’t want a chance to sail across sand dunes compliments of a personal escort of innumerable rock crabs? Keira Knightley continues to demonstrate her ever-growing acting prowess and fully takes center stage as the resolute and confident newly-appointed pirate queen Elizabeth Swan. A final naval battle in the midst of the rage of Calypso, perfectly scored by Hans Zimmer, brings out all the fun and “YESSS!!” moments you could ask for. (Matt Lawson)
Escape Room
In 2004 a little (at the time) horror movie called Saw made a killing at the box office based on a simple concept. There are two men trapped in a room with no means of escape except for the clues provided to them. This would go on to create a new form of entertainment that has swept the nation. In every major city, you will find an escape room or two. Now, much like Ouija boards, summer camps, and holidays, any major form of fun has to be turned into a horror movie. Released in 2019 to middling success, Escape Room hit all the marks you would want from a movie with such a title. Fun traps, creative solutions, likable characters? Okay, mostly all there. But when you watch a horror movie you are not looking for developed characters that help teach you something about yourself. Escape Room is a toned down version of the Saw franchise in a much needed refreshing take. The rooms our characters traverse through are unique from each other to keep each new scene a fun puzzle to try and figure out along with the potential victims. The fact that this franchise is now taking off in ridiculous ways makes me excited to lock myself in a room for an hour or two and escape to a magical place of fantasy and convoluted plot points. (Scott Batchelor)
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