Movies…with a little bit of obscure culture and sports mixed in
Happy July 4th! There has to be nobody reading this on the actual day of publishing. In fact, I hope that no one is. I hope everyone is outside enjoying […]
Happy July 4th! There has to be nobody reading this on the actual day of publishing. In fact, I hope that no one is. I hope everyone is outside enjoying grand weather, cold cans, warm burgers and friendly company.
For those reading a Red, White and Blue fix, here are 10 movie scenes that just remind me of America. They remind me of the United States of America. Not always for good if we are being honest, but for the most part this is going to an uplifting exercise of Patriotism (that might not be earned right now…BUT WE AREN’T DOING THAT NOW).
Also for clarification and before anyone hems and haws, if there is something on this list I missed, comment and let me know. I only chose scenes from movies that I have seen, to be objective and all.
AMERICA!
Team America: World Police (2004)
Let’s get the juices going! Let’s get the blood pumping! Lets start out with the most outrageous American puppet propaganda of all-time. This song is crazy, rambunctious, over-the-top. There is no way that Team America: World Police would be made today. But the one thing we do know is that this scene…will never die. I promise, it will never die.
Yes, I am cheating early on here putting the whole move on the list. But deal with it.
If I can change! Have you ever seen a man cure a war with some encouraging words after defeating a jacked-up steroid using super-villain in a boxing match? Only Rocky Balboa and Sylvester Stallone could do that.
Oh, and to add onto it. Rocky IV has the greatest training montage of all-time. And America loves a good training montage. This man from the streets of Philadelphia uses what is around him to become stronger than anyone thought possible. He can defeat the machine. If there is a will, he has a way.
Miracle (2004)
Sticking with the sports theme. Goosebumps. Straight up goosebumps. Miracle is a very good movie, and this scene is the goosebump-apex. Kurt Russell is so good in the movie. Miracle will get you fired up.
The Sandlot (1993)
I apologize for the shitty quality. Could not find a higher resolution one that I am allowed to embed. Getting past that though. This is the most innocent a July 4th scene there is. For any sports fan as kid, and in particular baseball fan, The Sandlot is like a sacred literature. This movie with the slow-motion, the song in the background…it is just perfect.
Patton (1970)
It’s true. Americans do love a winner. Patton (1970) is a dad-movie classic, and this scene is just absurd if you take it at face value. You see how big that flag is? It is HUGE! Also, everything he says here is true. The dying for a country bit is, while dark, objectively true. The Americans loving to root for a winner is true as well. This speech in Patton shows what America is…to a fault. It is true, but just because it is true does’t make it a good thing.
The Patriot (2000)
I forgot how much I enjoy The Patriot. Is it patently a puff piece on how America is the greatest? 100%? Is it probably not accurate at all in terms of historical fiction? Most definitely. However, if you give me a slow-motion flag waving NO RETREAT in the face of oppressors, I am going to be very excited and very amped up. Also, understaed how good Jason Issacs is as the villain. It is unreal.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Cue up the tears. Open up the tear ducts. Saving Private Ryan is in my mind the best WWII movie out there, and this ending is part of the reason. It is so fucking emotional. To end on this quiet note of self reflection after the craziness of the last battle scene is an unfair emotional roller coaster. Just nuts. Tom Hanks is awesome. This movie is awesome. Saving Private Ryan is remarkable.
Wall Street (1987)
Like it or not. We are greedy bitches in America. Capitalism at is core, is greedy. If you are reading this and saying to yourself that “NO, I AM A GIVER, I DON’T WANT MORE.” then I ask you this: Don’t you want more to give. You are greedy for more resources to give. Greed is everywhere and we have to learn to live with it and corral it. It is something as kids we learn when at first we don’t like sharing. Now I am not sure that greed is going to save our country like Gordon Gekko says, but it is intrinsically part of it.
National Treasure (2004)
I mean, this is Nic Cage literally quoting the Declaration Of Independence. You have him getting on a soap box, soliloquizing about the duties of government and fantasizing how he can do something to change his fortunes. National Treasure (2004) goes through American history, educating the viewers while also providing entertainment. This movie has become a classic of the time. It is a classic American adventure story.
Also…look at this unreal caption.
Independence Day (1996)
You knew what it was going to be. Independence Day is America rallying the world to fight against unexplainable evils that come from another world. It is an American hero, and American president and American determination and sacrifice that saves the day. The speech is iconic. Bill Pullman will forever be linked with this speech. You are god damn right mister president. TODAY WE CELEBRATE, OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY!
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