Celluloid Heroes

Movie questions from Cheddar X....grist for my uninspired mill. The first eight questions come courtesy of Chew's Place.

1. What's your favorite/least favorite movie?
It's impossible for me to list A favorite, some here's SOME favorites, in no particular oder: The Wild Bunch; The Empire Strikes Back; Saving Private Ryan; The Sure Thing; Aliens; Casablanca; Zulu; The Good, The Bad and The Ugly; The Princess Bride; Spinal Tap; State of Grace...I'll stop here.

Least favorite? I walked out of Black Widow with Deborah Winger. Since it's the only movie I've ever walked out of, I guess it takes the prize.
2. What's the best movie-adaptation of a book?
Fellowship of the Ring, hands down. To Have And Have Not, while a very loose adaptation, is still a damn fine film.
3. What movie makes you cry?
I can't think of a movie that made me cry. The ending of The Wild Bunch gives me shivers though.
4. What movie do you watch to cheer you up?
The scene in The Sure Thing where John Cusack hangs out in the bar with the two old guys never fails to crack me up. The fat old guy's attempts to start conversation ("I had fried food for lunch again today. I know, I know, I shouldn't have had it...") with the waitress are priceless.
Any John Hughes movie also brightens my day. Especially Sixteen Candles.
5. Any amusing stories involving movies or the movie theater?
Nope. Sorry.
6. Would you rather go to the theater or stay home and watch a movie?
I'll happily do either. Trips to the theater are generally reserved for 'special' movies though, like Master and Comander or (soon my precious soon) The Return of the King. Terminator 3, on the other hand, is definitely a rental.
7. Are you more awed by a good plot or special effects?
A good plot with strong actors is essential - special effects are just icing on the cake. The battle scenes in Zulu look somewhat contrived compared to the bloody realism of Saving Private Ryan. But the riveting story and excellent performances - especially Michael Caine - make the movie every bit as compelling today as it was 30 odd years ago.
8. Who is your favorite/least favorite actor/actress?
Another question where it's impossible to pick a single favorite. I like: Gary Oldman, Sean Penn, Sean Bean, Humphrey Bogart, Steve MacQueen, Anjelica Houston, Lauren Bacall, and Sigourney Weaver.

Above all, I dislike Tom Cruise. He is clearly an android.

Question nine comes courtesy of the proprietor of Cheddar X.
9. What's your favorite cult movie?
That would have to be Spinal Tap. I know all the dialogue (and isn't that vaguely tragic?).