1. 1776 — This cinematic version of the Broadway musical recreates the weeks leading up to July 4. Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin are pressuring Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as Gen. George Washington battles the British in the Revolutionary War. Much of the film’s dialogue comes directly from actual correspondence among America’s forefathers.
UP Says — Like many of us, you may have been forced to watch this movie in your high school government class, but it’s worth a second look. The songs may be goofy and the acting overdone, but any film that can truthfully, playfully and painlessly explain the American Revolution is all right in our book.
Classic Quote — “I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress!”
2. The Patriot — Another film set during the Revolutionary War, The Patriot introduces us to Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), an anti-war single father who shuns his beliefs when one of his sons is killed by British scumbag Col. Tavington (Jason Isaacs) and Martin sets off to get his revenge.
UP Says — It’s a bit bloody and over-produced, but Gibson (himself a father of seven) is nothing if not heartbreakingly believable in his role as an anguished, vengeful dad.
Classic Quote — Gibson: “Before this war is over, I’m going to kill you.” Isaacs: “Why wait?”
3. The American President — Widowed President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) ignites major political fireworks when he begins dating an environmental lobbyist (Annette Bening) right before re-election time.
UP Says — From Rob Reiner, the director of When Harry Met Sally…, comes another smart romantic comedy. Douglas and Bening’s acting is so subtle and natural you’ll forget you’re watching a movie and Douglas’ rousing presidential speech at the end of the film will give you goose bumps. This film is guaranteed to make you feel proud to be an American.
Classic Quote — “My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President.”
4. Independence Day — Aliens set their sights on Earth in this apocalyptic action flick. On July 2, hundreds of strange spacecrafts arrive and hover over the world’s major cities. The following day, the otherworldly visitors destroy several of them, including New York and D.C. On Independence Day, America fights back as President Whitmore (Bill Pullman), military pilot Capt. Hiller (Will Smith), and computer geek David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) save the day.
UP Says — This fun, special effects-laden film had a brilliant marketing campaign – a screen saver was distributed that consisted only of a dark nuclear bomb-type cloud and a clock that relentlessly counted down to who-knows-what. Eventually, the film trailers arrived and people realized the clocks on their computers were counting down to the release of Independence Day. Subsequently, when the movie arrived in theaters, the box office lines went around the block.
Classic Quote — “I’m just a little anxious to get up there and whup E.T.’s ass.”
5. Gone with the Wind — Fiery, self-centered Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and smug, dashing rogue Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) fall in and out of love in this four-hour epic set during the final weeks of the Civil War.
UP Says — The love story is only the tip of the iceberg. This 64-year-old film is still beautiful, fresh, funny, romantic, depressing, educational – and that’s just the first hour! Seriously, there’s a reason Gone with the Wind has been called “the best film ever made.” More than just a critical success (eight Oscars) this film is also the reigning box-office champion when adjusted to today’s dollars and cents.
Classic Quote — “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
