Image by Australian War Memorial collection via Flickr
We’ve been pitting movies one against another for months around here. I often hear from folks who would like to see different options. Here’s your chance.
It’s time for you, yes you, to take control. We gonna have us some fun ’round these here parts.
As many of you know, March is the season of America’s great college basketball tournament, a time when millions of people fill out brackets despite never watching the sport or knowing where Gonzaga is located. Making picks is just fun.
I’ve come up with a way we can use that idea to get jiggy, chat about a few movies, and get to know each other better because you can use your site to build support.
Welcome to March Movie Madness. It’s just like the real tournament only we don’t have to run or sprain ankles. Or play basketball.
A few months back, I threw options out for the 12 Days of Christmas Movies. That was fun, but many of you wanted to see the tourney go a different direction. So I propose a movie bracket designed by you!
College hoops hosts 64 teams, an awfully high number. I’m shooting for 32. Get it? “Shooting” is what you do in basketball! I’ll wait for the laughter to die down as you wipe those joyful tears off your face.
In the sports world, this coming weekend features Selection Sunday when all the team seedings are announced. So today we’ll start the submission process and have our own selection. I’m hoping to use this Friday’s post to announce the field and participants, so be sure to get yourself on record in the comments here.
The b-ball tournament goes from next week until the first week of April. We’ll mirror that time frame as we work from 32 movies down. Like Highlander, there can be only 1 in the end. Let’s begin.
~*~*~*~
The Rules Committee (read: 2 people that pretended to listen while I brainstormed) has come up with the following humdingers. Please don’t commit any fouls. Get it? FOULS? Ha!
- Give me 2-3 movies that you want to be in the bracket. Some picks will be chosen by others. Some (like Christmas Vacation which already won the Christmas poll) will not be included.
- Depending on response, you may be teamed up with another person in support of the same film. Kind of like Team Edward and Team Jacob only without the vampires, werewolves, or ripped abs.
- When your movie comes up in the bracket, all you have to do is write 3-4 sentences on why it’s the best. You can do this here and I’ll link back to your blog, or you can do that on your blog and I’ll link to your post! Yay for you! We can do four head-to-head matchups at a time.
- If you don’t have a blog you can be part of a team with someone who does or maybe pick a site that you support.
- Seeding will be completely random.
- I reserve the right to screw up the mathematical and scientific portions of this contest. So please help me.
- Winner will receive a prize ranging from $1 million dollars to nothing.
That’s it. Are you in? Just use the comment section to say so. Even if you don’t want to participate, help us out by suggestion a couple flicks that should be in.
Give me the names of movies YOU want in this bracket!
[UPDATE: I will post the bracket Friday morning with further instructions for ya. It'll be simple!]
So…any genre goes.
Well, I’m in. I’ll back three recent films with Oscar hardware. They’re all in my favourite genre: sad/stressful/moving/tear-opportunity/ultimately hopeful. (Now you can see why Hollywood studios haven’t hired me to market films)
The three are: The King’s Speech, The Social Network, and The Fighter.
Let the madness begin.
PS. I’m looking for someone to help me with my March Bracket (for the real NCAA one). Does this interest you or any of your readers? Usually I just choose teams alphabetically or by the lyrical qualities of their name (Gonzaga, for example)…
Nice picks. My system for picking the bracket (seriously) is to advance all #1 and #2 seeds automatically and then use a coin flip to literally determine the entire rest of the tourney. Do 2 or 3 sheets and you’ll hit something.
Now I’m thinking we may need some Rom-Coms, a genre I either love or hate, depending on the movie. My three favourites are Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones Diary.
But I think I’ve overstepped my allowable entries. Sigh.
I like the options. Once I start putting this together I’m gonna need a full field. The interviews from the other day might help as well. Four Weddings is popular, and many people think Notting Hill is Hugh Grant’s best. Thanks for the picks!
Die Hard
Star Wars
The Dark Knight
You got it Shep!
Um…I don’t understand basketball…and I thought Gonzaga was where old speed skaters go to die…
Three movies I like:
Benny and Joon
Ghost
Mrs. Doubtfire
Wendy
Nice picks Wendy. I’ll post the bracket Friday!
Count me in. Do you need movie titles now, or are we just rsvp-ing? I think I need to consider my movie titles for a half hour or so.
I’ll take your titles as soon as you can have them.
Okay, here goes:
1. The Third Man
2. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
3. Shaft in Africa
Ha! Not really
The real #3: Four Weddings and a Funeral
Alright, way to get in there. I’ll line your picks up with the rest!
Movies and Basketball. two of my very favorite things.
this is such a great idea that tears of joy are rolling down my face.
My team is rooting for:
-Hook
-The Princess Bride
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I
This is awesome. I really really love contests . . . not that I’m competitive or anything, not that I’d do anything harmful to myself or others if I lose . . . I’m totally over doing things like that since the last time our scrabble board got stuffed down the sink.
No, I will not make a lame joke about me and crying women. Love the pics. Your competitive nature has been noted and duly feared. I am out of your reach if things go poorly!
Gonzaga is a law school to me, and I would have to look up where it is.
I agree with Ellie about
- The Princess Bride,
and I would add . . .
- The 13th Warrior and
- the latest Star Trek
Thanks, Clay. You make life more fun.
Piper!!! Can I use that line somewhere? “Clay makes life more fun.” You are tremendous.
I went blank so I researched on Itunes. I hope that wasn’t cheating…
Sabrina (original)
Henry V
Lord of the Rings Return of the King
No cheating at all. I like the range of picks you have here too. Thanks for playing
Ok, only picking THREE movies.. that’s just wrong.
I would say Princess Bride, but let’s be serious – it has the power to be the next Christmas Vacation – slaying any movie in its path like a ROUS. If you go with it, it has the power to overrule all.
I also can’t really suggest much that is “recent” given my children inhibit movie watching.
I second Dark Knight, but does that count as a vote?
I’m pretty sure Inception already was in a match up, so is it also disqualified?
I would also second Star Wars, but feel it can only really compete with the original trilogy to have a fair playing field.
I will go the sci-fi/fantasy route to limit the playing field.
1 – Serenity (if you haven’t seen it, watch Firefly first, then watch it).
2 – Spaceballs (also good for best spoof category)
3 – Lord of the Rings: Two Towers
4 – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
5 – Moulin Rouge
Yeah, that’s more than 3.. You can ignore the latter two, or apply them to “seconds” if anyone else votes for them.
Movies I think should be saved for a future FFF due to extreme kick ass crowd appeal to avoid juggernaut: Star Wars and Princess Bride.
Yup.. no opinions here.
I love the way you bring it Kelly. I think that this tournament is the PERFECT time to go big with homerun hitters like the big names you’ve dropped. But nice range you’ve got.
I’m in.
Inception
Dazed and Confused
The Hangover
Fnkybee, you’ve grabbed a little piece of my nostalgic heart with Dazed and Confused. I think that’s about to happen.
OK, here are my picks:
Raising Arizona
Casablanca
Star Wars (the original, where Han shot first)
Excellent Todd. Gonna be hard to leave Casablanca out of the mix.
The Ten Commandments – Moses, Moses, Moses
Independance Day – I got to get me one of these.
Tombstone – You’re a daisy if you do.
Kerry I like your style so much I won’t make a joke about a fake movie called Remember When The Titans Made The Playoffs. That would just be wrong
Okay, maybe I’m still a little bitter about 2002 and Joe Nedney’s acting job. But you’re so nice you give Tennessee a great reputation!
Whoops, let’s try Independence Day instead
I don’t know. How can we not go with Tombstone?
- The Matrix
- The Princess Bride
- Alien
There are so many more worthy movies … I’m a die hard movie buff… Sigh…
- Jaws
- Blade Runner
- Gladiator – wait… I think I’m out of votes. :-p
Is this the Ashley Knight, author of Fins (available on Amazon)? So glad you’re here and just look at that list! Brilliant! I don’t know how I go against The Matrix. So excited
Sure, here goes. Except your rules have me all confused. Will I be on some kind of debate team?
Lord of the Ring’s #1 (Fellowship of the Ring)
A Knight’s Tale
The Killing Fields (spinning cameras, yes)
No debate team. Just a couple sentences as to why you like the movie you picked. Of course, you can also write a blog post on your site about the movie to get some voters for your favorite.
Throw me in for 2, muchacho:
* District 9
* The Blues Brothers
You got it chica. Both solid picks, but Blues Brothers will get more votes. I’d love to see you do a write up on it too, so I’ll be selfish.
Hot Rod
Fight Club
Garden State
I wanted to just do 2 but nobody on here is reppin da best nah mean?
Playas gonna cut.
Playas gonna hate. I think Tyler Durden will be attending this ball.
“My Cousin Vinny”
“Return of Cousin Vinny”
“Cousin Vinny the 13th”
Ok only the top one but if I have to add two more.
“To sir with Love”
“Rent” the movie
Ok that’s it…That’s my picks and I’m stick’n with them…
I like your commitment to Vinny. And we will count you in my friend.
I’m going to go with three of the best dramas I’ve seen.
Shawshank Redemption
Life Is Beautiful
Invictus
Ooh, me likey. You’ve given me some fun options.
Second Shawshank.. I can have unlimited “seconds” right?
So it shall be…
A Knight’s Tale
The Princess Bride
Young Frankenstein
Man, it was hard to narrow it down to three.
P.S. I really don’t understand the rules. I’m hoping that they “reveal themselves to me” after I’ve had a bit of a nap.
Everything will be made clear tomorrow my friend. For now, you did just what I need. Thanks and I hope you get some rest!
I can’t really come up with anything original, except The Lion King, but only if animated movies count.
Oh, wait, here’s one: I’ll watch 300 over and over again, and not just because of the Oscar-nominated Supporting Actor, Abs.
I like both those choices a lot actually. The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast are all good. But 300 is super cool.
Hm, I hope there’s a Disney Animated Classics FFF lurking in there…
I’ve been waiting for this…I just got caught up recently making a list of the 200 greatest films chosen by first in it’s field, actors shining moment, director, action, romance, etc….this wasn’t even on purpose (well my involvement I mean) I walked into the Journey’s store at the mall and the kid working asked me two things 1. Do you need to see a size in anything? Annnnnd 2. What is your favorite movie? ….I was standing by the register for a good hour and a half hahahaha!!!!
PICKS:
1. Dazed and Confused vs Fast Times at Ridgemont High
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1 vs Hook
3. Monty Pithon and the Holy Grail vs Princess Bride
but some of my favorite movies and reasons are…
*before a mission/operation – tears of the sun
*a rowdy night with the boys – green street hooligans
*fav movie from my childhood – Winnie the pooh and the blustery day
*animation – nightmare before christmas
…I KNOW I could go on, but I gotta see a man about a horse
…I made my “picks” known, but if anyone wants to second my other likes then I’m game, get it? Game? Basketball? Har har har…
That’s great Brent. You know your movies too, so I’ll keep that in mind for the future. You’ve got my wheels turning with all these picks. The bracket will be out tomorrow!
you can count me in on this one sir!!
My three picks to play for the title are
1. Dances With Wolves
2. Empire Strikes Back…I mean we all know that it was the best.
3. Goodfellas
Ooh, all 3 of these could definitely go in. Touch choice!
Dude, I don’t understand this *at all*, but I love movies, so I’m just going to throw out three of my faves and see what happens.
Also, I’m confused by the entry “Star Wars.” Are we talking “A New Hope” or the whole original trilogy or both the original and prequel trilogies? Because depending on the answer to that, I might or might not lend my support.
Confusion aside, here are three movies that I think are game worthy:
1. Braveheart (Unless that’s disqualified ’cause you mentioned it in a post, in which case, Life is Beautiful.)
2. Clerks II (I realize I won’t get any mainstream support here, but I gotta go with my heart.)
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
I really want to add more (See why I couldn’t answer your earlier post asking for just one favorite movie?), but the only rule in this game that I get at all is that I have to be quiet after three. So, fine. You can explain the rest to me when I win.
You are hilarious. You had me at Braveheart. All you need to know is that you did everything right so far. When the bracket comes out tomorrow, you’ll have a movie attached to your name which you may support in any way you like in case the award for winning is a substantial monetary prize.
Three of my favorite movies:
1. 12 Monkeys
2. Apollo 13
3. Tommy Boy
Another killer lineup! How will I ever decide. Hmm… I am surprised at the 12 Monkeys, a movie I always like a great deal. You don’t hear that one bandied about too often. Way to bandy.
Ok, I hope I understand the rules tomorrow, but I definitely love movies and pick a top 3. As my two favorites are foreign films, I’m gonna have to jump to…
1. North by Northwest
2. Sling Blade
3. The Fifth Element
And if you do another Christmas films, I pick Mixed Nuts.
Nice assortment Jess. Tough decision for me!
Clay, all your good ideas almost make me bitter. I never think of stuff like this. Sometimes all I think that I’m good at is procreating.
Here’s my list:
1. Legends of the Fall
2. Blues Brothers
3. Anchorman
4. Tombstone
5. Seven
Can’t wait to see the bracket.
Well thank ye kindly. I’m happy to be called an idea man. Your selections are brutal for me. How will I narrow this down? I’m not surprised our movie tastes are so similar though.
I might have to run with a post of my own on this one mate, purely because you’ve got my mind overflowing with options!
So many great movies, so many ties to bring them together, so many thoughts!
Do you go with the “Sticking it to The Man” films like Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, The Running Man?
What about “Gold & Glory” flicks like (of course) Raiders of the Lost Ark, Romancing The Stone & King Solomon’s Mines?
“Water; Give Me Water!” movies like Tank Girl, Ice Pirates and (as an opposite because I can’t think of a third movie where water is rare) Waterworld?
Too many thoughts! Like Chase, I’m beginning to become jealous of your ability to think. Unlike Chase, I’m currently no good at procreating.
To reel myself in and adhere to the rules of this post, I present to you my three choices:
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. The Matrix
3. Iron Man
But there are HUNDREDS more!
But wait, there’s more! “Blind Man’s Bluff” movies like Zatoichi, Blind Fury & The Book of Eli…
Apparently, my metaphorical cup runneth over!
Yeah, Chase has us all beat on the procreation front
I knew Raiders was coming from you. Glad to see it. As for your overactive mind I say go for it and post away! In fact, I hope you’ll use a post to sell whatever pick you end up with in the bracket.
This is my fiancé’s picks…
1. Father of the Bride 1
2. Beaches
3. Life is Beautiful
Excellent! Happy to have more opinions.
You sure know how to have a good time, Clay, and there’s not even booze or hotties involved (except on the silver screen, perhaps). I’m a classic movie nut, as evident by my selections below:
Casablanca
North by Northwest
The Philadelphia Story
Stage Door
Sabrina
You got it K.B. You will be reppin Casablanca along with Todd Pack. That’s a great pick!
Parenthood
Ferris buellers day off
The hangover
If and when I actually escape the rugrats to watch a flick I like to laugh.
Okay Annie! You’re the last one in and will be going with Ferris Bueller, one of my favorite comedies. Good to have another entry from the 80s too