5 Movies We Wish We Could Watch Again, for the First Time
What if there was a way to go back and do something again for the first time? I’m sure seeing a movie again for the first time might not be the first thing on the list, but what if we could see a movie again for the first time? There are so many great movies. Narrowing it down would be difficult. So I decided to pick five for you to consider. Let me know in the comments what else should be on this list.
The Matrix
Don’t let the sequels cloud your judgement for a moment. This mind-bending film has so many layers, and people could analyze everything from the ahead-of-its-time special effects to the social commentary on today’s questions and criticism of AI. The Matrix set the bar for special effects that are still being matched today. With the invention of bullet-time as just one of the ground breaking VFX elements, it’s hard to believe this movie was made in 1999. The Wachowski’s set out to create a new level of filmmaking, and they accomplished every bit of that. There are so many “wow” moments in this film which starts from the moment the WB appears on the screen.
The Sixth Sense
This thought-provoking thriller captured audiences around the world with a twist that no one saw coming. Skip now if you don’t want any spoilers. In fact, it’s one of the first movies that I can remember watching again just to look for clues to that surprise ending. M. Night Shyamalan’s planning of those subtle clues is masterful and goes well beyond the, “I see dead people” comment. From the door Malcolm is unable to open to the suggestion to Cole that maybe the ghosts are drawn to him so that he might be able to help them. I’d love to see how Shyamalan planned this story out. It’s a display of sheer genius, something he hasn’t been able to really capture again since the 1999 film.
Fight Club
Another great film with a twist no one saw coming. Unfortunately, the first rule of Fight Club is that you don’t talk about Fight Club.
Star Wars
Like many Americans, this was one of the most memorable movies of my childhood. It sparked an entire universe that now includes 19 different movies and TV shows in its universe. I’ve already addressed next level special effects with The Matrix, but 22 years prior, Star Wars created the iconic-level VFX that Hollywood viewed as visionary. And, yeah, everyone likes to poke holes in the design flaws of the Death Star (and how the Empire didn’t really learn from their mistakes), but there isn’t a kid out there who wasn’t enamored with this film. And that bring up this important point to make - if I had the chance to see this again for the first time, I want to be a kid again.
The Usual Suspects
This beautifully written story by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer was made for just $6 million dollars. And their marketing campaign was brilliant. Plaster billboards and TV advertisements asking one simple question - “Who is Keyser Soze?” I won’t spoil anything with this movie if you haven’t seen it, but there is a reason it makes this list. It’s a masterclass in mystery storytelling and it’s what started my love for screenwriting. Every little detail in this film, down to the mundane movie prop (like a coffee cup) has its place in this story.
Honorable Mention - The Dark Knight
The greatest superhero movie ever made. Yeah, I said it. The bank heist at the beginning of this film sets the tone for what is a genius screenplay written by David Goyer and Jonathan & Christopher Nolan. One might argue that the acting in this superhero movie is superior to any other. In fact, some of the performances of those in smaller supporting roles are some of the best those actors have ever done. Sure, Bale was a great Batman and Ledger’s Joker is the best rendition of that character - his Oscar was so deserved. However, one might argue that Aaron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent is one of his best performances ever. Eric Roberts was brilliant and though I loved him in Weird Science, Anthony Michael Hall’s news reporter, Mike Engel, was superb.
