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My Favorite Movies of 1995

Why top nine, you might ask? Simple, I only saw 9 of the movies that came out in 1995. To be even more honest, I saw two of them on video. That means I only went to the theater only 7 times. Unbelievable!

So let's start with the Countdown:

9. Die Hard with a Vengeance.

I saw Die Hard 3 the weekend it first came out. Most of my friends went to see it and because of peer pressure, I saw it too. This movie had a profound effect on my for several reasons. It was so violent that my movie habit dropped significantly. I used to enjoy action films, but it's now just non-stop violence. It was interesting, but I walked away with a bad taste in my mouth. The other thing was seeing Sam Phillips (formerly Leslie Phillips) making love and killing people. Now my admiration for her has been completely blown. Not only is Die Hard number nine, but it's the worst movie of 1995, that I've seen (I'm sure, if I saw Showgirls, that would have been the worst).  Click here to purchase Die Hard With a Vengeance.

8. Stuart Saves His Family

I'll admit that I missed the first 20 minutes of this movie. Neal had rented it and I came in just as the movie started. It's loosely based on the book, I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Dog-Gone-It, People Like Me. I loved the book with all it's subtle jokes about recovery programs. This movie wasn't bad, but it could have been done better. My biggest problem is that Stuart looks nothing like the rest of his family. I would recommend those who are familiar with recovery programs to see this movie. It's pokes fun, but does not offend.

7. Houseguest

This is the other film I saw on video. I though this movie was funny. Again not great, but funny. I think Phil Hartman is a great comedic actor. He really knows his stuff. I wasn't sure that I was going to like this film. I've not been a big Sinbad fan, but it had a good message. Click here to purchase Houseguest.

6. Crimson Tide

Good suspense, action film and with very little violence. It's a good study in leadership styles and standing for what you believe in. Are you willing to go through with a plan, if you do not have all the information, especially if Nuclear War is on the line. Gene Hackman was great and Denzel Washington was also. I saw this movie with engineers and all they could do was talk about the technical problems with the film. I didn't care and I liked it.  Click here to purchase Crimson Tide.

5. Pocahontas

After the Lion King, I was eagerly anticipating Disney's next feature film. Pocahontas is not a classic, but it is definitely a good movie. It is probably my least favorite Disney animated feature beginning with Little Mermaid, but it is a very good movie. I need to address some issues that many have brought up. Pocahontas was more a movie about the Native American culture than it was about history, so I do not fault it about historical accuracy (since when did Disney try to recreate history?). Speaking as one from a non-American culture, I'm fascinated to learn about other people groups. New Age message, yes it is there, but you have to expect that from an non-Christian company. You cannot expect Disney to put a Christian message into every film or any for that matter. I loved the music, animation and even story.  Click here to purchase Pocahontas.

4. Nick of Time

I saw this movie at the brand new Mega-Movie Plex in Irvine. I really like this movie. Christopher Walken is really evil and Johnny Depp plays a normal everyday person caught in an impossible situation. The pace was good, the story was good, it kept me on the edge of my seat. What didn't work was the "real time" aspect of the film. The movie was hyped about the action taking place in real time, when you jump from scene to scene there are not gaps of days, hours or minutes. I barely noticed and it didn't make a whole difference to the film. I didn't feel the tension as the clock ticked downward. Otherwise, I would recommend this movie.  Click here to purchase Nick of Time.

3. Apollo 13

Considering I only saw 9 films this year, I feel like I've picked some good ones to see. Apollo 13 is certainly no exception. I saw this in Colorado Springs with my brother Steve and space guy himself. It was a great piece of history recreated (unlike Pocahontas) and even though I knew the ending, the movie still held my attention. Although I really enjoyed this film, I don't think I can see it again, since I know exactly what it going to happen, the tension is what made the movie great.  Click here to purchase Apollo 13.

2. A Goofy Movie

I'm just a great big fan of Goofy. Yes, I went to see it alone, too, but I had to see this movie. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was a great story about fathers and sons, especially sons as their growing into teenagers. I've never seen Goof Troop, which most of the characters are based, but that didn't matter. Rent the film if you have to, but see this movie. It has some classic scenes and it is vintage Goofy. Click here to purchase A Goofy Movie.

And now, for the moments you've all been waiting for…

Alan Ng's choice for the number one movie of 1995.

The envelope please…Thank you Vanna…It's…

1. Toy Story

It's not just for the computer animation, but the story is great and it's hilarious. I also had the pleasure of seeing this move at the El Capitan in Hollywood and after the movie I got to wonder through the Toy Story Fun House. This movie is still out in the theaters, so go now, drop everything you are doing and see this movie. In case, you were wondering, I liked Buzz, better than Woody. I can't say enough about this movie. They even have their own web page. Click here to purchase Toy Story & Toy Story 2: The Ultimate Toy Box.