Indiana Jones - saw this one and it was escapist luxury. Thanks to George and Steven. You guys did not forget what got me last time. But so many things have changed since last time for me. Like last time I saw Indy at the Big Screen was as an archeologist and in the company of anthropologists and archeologists. That made it different and I remember doing that movie very clearly.

Journey to the Center of the Earth - Why? Well, this one has been re-released a few times but the combination of personal story, Brendan Fraser, special effects, etc make it on my list.

Mongol - This is one of those “limited release” movies that I may have to commute to. Why in heaven’s name does this come out limited and some stupid movie like Zohan is released for everyone, I just don’t get. Perhaps its a mark on our social conscience and its fabric. We care more for movies that are inane and stupid. So Zohan is a miss and hopefully Mongol is a gimme.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor - I just cannot wait for this one, folks. The other two were just rollicking good times full of fun, adventure, danger. This one with Jet Li is gonna be ultimate I think.

But, you say, this blogpost is about westerns. Well westerns capture the elements, the primitive, the ambitious and the wanderlust. Here are a few for your consideration podner:

The Professionals - Burt, Lee, and some great effect brought to you by a great director. There is action, sex, action and its not predictable. The “bastard” line makes it all and Lee delivers it perfectly. No spoilers though… You gotta watch it.

Magnificent Seven - Yul makes his mark with zeal. This has to be the watermark of westerns. And another great director in Mr. Sturges.

Silverado - Just plain fun and you gotta see the chem. between Kevin Kline and Costner. Wonderful movie with great lines, action, plot and fun.

Tombstone, the 3:10 to Yuma both the original with Glenn Ford and remake with Crowe, and it just goes on and on. In short; westerns are bread and butter and no matter how you slice them (ugh… stop the analogy for pete’s sake…), they represent a timeless thing. I think the Geronimo; An Amercian Legend makes for a very rewarding evening since it presents a somewhat different take and I’d be remiss if I did not mention Dances With Wolves with Costner.

Truth be told, I like the golden era of Westerns. I consider that to be the 1950s and 1960s. Movies made then seemed to have matured into more serious plots, better constructed scenes, took more into account of what folks wanted to see. Westerns these days are few and far between and maybe that’s better. Because I only go to few and far between movies myself. Its a wheat and chaff thing for me. I don’t like meaningless animated romps no matter how well received and I don’t like stupid movies no matter how skillfully the stupid is implemented. An animated movie as to approach The Emperor’s New Groove if it wants to grab me.

So, there you have it. I don’t eat popcorn and candy but I do like a movie.

Every so often and separated with good bits of no movies. And there is a pattern to my movie watching.