My Favorite Movie – Dairy Arts Center

Boedecker Movie Lovers – Fasten your seatbelts! We, the members of the Dairy’s Cinema Programming Advisory Committee, are starting a contest!!

Recently, we’ve been inundated with lists of the “best” movies (of the year, of all time, etc.), most of them from film critics and writers. Here at the Boe, we figured it was time for movie fans to have their say.

What we would like to know is not your list of the “best” movies, but what actually appeals to you, our audience. What is your FAVORITE film? Maybe you love baseball movies or Kurosawa. Your thing might be French New Wave or horror. Action films or the Marx Brothers. The Boe wants to know!

Every month, the Committee will invite you – via the new Boe Cinema Eblast – to send in YOUR favorite film And a few sentences telling us why. We will eagerly read the submissions and let you know what we learned about your movie passions. Then, we will choose five and, let you vote for the top one. The winner will receive a complimentary pair of tickets to the Boe, and your response will be featured as part of our preview movie slideshow for the month.

April/May Poll

What is your favorite documentary?

We thought Favorite Documentary would be an easy pick. But it isn’t. There are thousands of nonfiction movies that tell a story, reflect a slice of the world, or make an argument. They fall into many categories (sports, investigations, politics, true crime, movies, history, environment, scandal, biographies, etc.). And although some documentarians have achieved the fame of auteur feature film directors, their styles are immensely varied. Later on, we might divide this topic into subgenres, but let’s begin with the open question of what documentaries engrossed you or blew you away? What is your Favorite Documentary?

We’ll accept responses through may 8. The cinema programming committee will select the top 5 responses to be featured in the Dairy Arts Center eblast the week of May 12 and voted on by YOU.

March Poll

WHO is your favorite ACTOR?

Congratulations to our our winner PAUL NEWMAN submitted by our favorite “How to Watch a Movie Host,” Jack Hanley!

February Poll

WHO is your favorite ACTRESS?

Congratulations to our winner MERYL STREEP submitted by Shirley!

January Poll

What is your favorite MUSICAL movie?

Congratulations to our winner WEST SIDE STORY submitted by ELAINE

November Poll

What is your favorite GUILTY PLEASURE movie?

Congratulations to our winner LOVE ACTUALLY submitted by CAROL

"Which classic set on Christmas Eve features a hero desperately trying to reach his kids on Xmas, pointedly argues for the value of the familial over materialism, AND features more Christmas songs than White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th St? Why, DIE HARD, of course! Plus- stats don't lie: last year, 1.3 million Americans watched it on Xmas Eve- beating out HOME ALONE, MIRACLE ON 34TH ST, and THE SANTA CLAUS. Yippee-Ki-Yay!"

""ELF" is the best holiday movie of all time because it perfectly blends heartwarming moments with uproarious comedy, creating a timeless and family-friendly experience. Will Ferrell's portrayal of Buddy the Elf is iconic, bringing an infectious joy to the screen that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. The film's whimsical storyline, memorable quotes, and endearing characters make it a classic that continues to spread festive cheer year after year."

"It's far better than you remember -- a real story about facing fears and taking responsibility. Great, timeless score by John Williams. The slapstick is isolated as the icing on the cake."

“Hard to beat Jimmy Stewart figuring out his impact on others' lives.”

What is your favorite GUILTY PLEASURE movie?

Congratulations to our winner THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY submitted by PETE

"I have no guilt. I unabashedly love the Fast franchise. Fast X is particularly wonderful in highlighting all the best things of the movies (albeit they are movies but not films): car chases and explosions, Jason Momoa as the best chaotic villain, and, of course, Family."

"It's the most enjoyable Russ Meyer film, somehow funny and bleak and filled with astonishing dialogue and preposterous characters. Tura Satana is an unstoppable force. There's a reason why John Waters called it not only the best film ever made, but the best film that would EVER be made."

"I've seen it many many times. Can't resist. I know every line. And when my husband walks in on me, he always asks, "Haven't you seen this before?""

"I would never defend any of these dumb movies cuz they are so stupid. Yet they make me laugh, in spite of myself."

What is your favorite SPORTS MOVIE?

Congratulations to our winner A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN submitted by TAMMI

“LOVE Susan Sarandon's kooky character and sultry Southern voice, romantic triangle including Kevin Costner in his prime and great supporting characters -and I don't even like baseball.”

“It’s got the best quotable lines, it’s very funny and the slobs vs snobs theme always works.”

“Based on a true story, it tells the story of redemption in 1950s Indiana through the eyes of high-school basketball players, fans and coaches. As someone born and raised in Indiana raised on the lore of the small school that beat all the big schools to win the state championship, it still gives me feel-good goosebumps every time I watch it again.”

“An estimated 4 million people from around the world visit the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Art Museum every year -- more than double the amount that go to the Liberty Bell. Nuff said.”

What is your favorite DIRECTOR?

Congratulations to our winner THE COEN BROTHERS submitted by MICHAEL

August Poll

What is your favorite CRIME Movie?

Congratulations to our winner, THE GODFATHER, submitted by STEVE

"Fascinating capture of a time and place, fabulous twists, outstanding performances, and quotable quotes!"

"Two of my favorite elements to elevate a crime film: 1) stupidity - the fallout of a poorly planned crime, to me, creates way better tension than the build up to a well executed one 2) harsh weather - something about people resorting to desperate measures in desolate environments just feels right. Fargo is a prime example of both and the rare example of the triumph of the feminine in a masculine genre."

"Extremely well written, unique and clever plot, suspense, great acting - especially Paul Newman, and room for humor. Plus the Joplin music. Even knowing the ending, great to watch again carefully - so much to admire and enjoy."

"Michael Mann's breathtaking and stylized "neon-noir" debut literally CHANGED the template for the post-modern crime film and influenced generations of auteurs to come (DRIVE anyone?). That diner scene. The heist in real time. The soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. That ENDING. It's Jimmy Caan's best performance EVER- and not only the best crime film ever made- it's also, unquestionably, the COOLEST."

What is your favorite ANIMAL MOVIE!

We have our first ever tie! While stylistically very different, you, the patrons of the Boe, picked two films that put an entire cast of animals front and center with Babe and Isle of Dogs. Whether it was the nostalgia of a family classic or a celebration of modern auteurship (we suspect many of you, rightfully, enjoyed Wes Anderson’s Astroid City over the holiday weekend…), you selected two of the best and, dare we say, human animal films of all time.

Congratulations to our winners Denise & Susie!

"Perhaps a perfect film? Bridging America film eras launching the age of the Blockbuster that would define the 80's and beyond, but still bearing the strokes of an American New Wave auteur's sensibility. Groundbreaking in the zeitgeist (beaches, anyone?), culturally impactful (is it mere shark- or a satire of masculinity in crisis?), and perfectly acted. The BEST thing Spielberg has EVER done- not a "shark movie", but a masterwork that happens to feature a shark."

"It’s an incredibly sad movie, but it taught me at a young age about love, hope, and loss."

"A dog movie that separates the audience from the dog for most of the runtime, with a quietly devastating ending that doesn’t rely on the biggest dog-movie-ending trope. At the same time, it’s perhaps Kelly Reichardt’s most beautiful and frustrating depiction of economic precarity in rural America. A masterpiece!"

What is your favorite SCIENCE FICTION FILM?

Congratulations to our winner BLADE RUNNER, submitted by TRACY

"I can still remember the despair Alfonso Cuaron’s dystopian masterpiece made me feel. And then there was the hope. It’s remarkable how clearly those emotions come back to me 17 years later; how many films affect you on a deep level like that? Not to mention that it is set in 2027. Uh oh."

"The Godfather of all sci fi movies & its message still rings true today. And who doesn’t love Michael Reni?"

"Wildly creative yet realistic mystery set on a distance planet with a script adapted from The Tempest by Shakespeare. Cedric Gibbons one of Hollywood's premier designers did the art design. It has an excellent cast. Walter Pigeon gives a tour of an alien civilization that mysteriously disappeared."

"My parents were total Trekkies, which certainly made me one. Growing up poor, this is one of only four films we went to see as a family (at a drive-in theatre in Belle Vernon, PA, piled into our 1980 Chevette)."

What is your favorite INTERNATIONAL FILM?

Congratulations to our winner THE QUIET GIRL, submitted by EILEEN

"You don’t only see a Wong Kar-wei, you FEEL it. It left me with the memory of the feelings of the movie whenever I hear California Dreamin‘."

"A sensitive and moving film about mortality and what it means for how we live"

"This film is both drama and comedy with a parental devotion and many plot turns. I laughed and cried watching this film."

"It's Almodóvar being snarky and having so much fun. Sexual politics without shock or an edge. Your favorite Almodóvar actors young and unforgettable."

"It’s an incredibly sad movie, but it taught me at a young age about love, hope, and loss."

What is your favorite COMEDY?

Congratulations to our winner RAISING ARIZONA, submitted by ALANNAH

"Great chemistry between Steve Martin and Michael Caine. The script is smart and witty, with wonderful twists and a great payoff. "

"Always look on the bright side of life."

"Because "these go to 11...""

"Very funny, biting humor, love the mesh of the cartoon world and human world. some classic lines, great cast!"

What is YOUR favorite film in all the world?

Congratulations to our winner THE PRINCESS BRIDE, submitted by KATHLEEN!

“The Elephant Man” first shocks us with the grotesque forms the human body can assume. It’s all the more unjust that the victim is a man of gentle, prosaic dignity. Then we despise our fellow humans for their cruelty towards him. Our faith in humanity is restored, finally, by the kindness shown him by a few people before his sad - or freeing? - death. All beautifully filmed in black & white."

"Absolutely everything is perfect, from the script, cast, performances, score/music, story and artistry (cinematography, editing, settings). Also the importance of the story/significance of the subject."

"It reminds me of my family growing up ! The food, the music, the memories of all of those Italian tempers and most of all the love and commitment to the ‘familia’ …. I know every line "

"An epic with a profoundly human dimension, the film is an exciting adventure saga that also examines the relationships between different social groups. Brilliant acting from Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Simura."

"What is not to love about WoD? Wim Wenders! Angels! Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds! A beautiful, ethereal trapeze artist! Peter Falk playing himself! Shot in West Berlin in both color and B/W with themes of immortality and isolation - plus the voyeuristic POVs from angels hovering over mortals listening to their thoughts of estrangement and mortal pain. In 1987 Roger Ebert told me I needed to find new friends when I told him no one would go see it with me so I had to go alone. Still my favorite film of all time. A New Years Eve tradition."