Image via Wikipedia
Plenty of focus on music and rock stars around here lately, so let’s throw down a worthy FFF. Been a while since yours truly has offered the old Friday Flick Faceoff, but I wanna rock so I went to the Facebook well and received buckets of titles to swim through.
The FB faithful suggested fun movies like Detroit Rock City and classics like Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Iconic artists like Spinal Tap, Sid & Nancy, and Richie Valens also came up and you know the Beatles universe got some attention as well.
And although no one mentioned it, I have to give a shout to Empire Records if for no other reason than to keep Ms. Thoughtsie from coming after me. Just a great Gen X flick that one.
For a variety of reasons, those movies and many others aren’t going in the current batch. I’m even leaving out The Rocker starring Rainn Wilson which absolutely cracks me up, but I appreciate all the great suggestions.
Here’s your rockin’ movie lineup.
Almost Famous–The Cameron Crowe cult classic is fitting in this week of discussing life as a music journalist.
That Thing You Do–Even though I couldn’t stand the title song after watching this film the first time, I’ll say the movie grew on me in the past few years.
The Doors–Jim Morrison might be the most popular train wreck of all-time. Val Kilmer nailed the role.
School of Rock–Teacher by day, rock star by night. I’m talking about Jack Black not me. Probably.
Airheads–Killer cast in one of my favorite band movies of all time.
Rock Star–Just seems wrong to not put this title in a poll like this one. Mark Wahlberg portrays a guy who gets every fans dream. Also includes the Jennifer Aniston factor.
So go all rock star on this poll but, uh, try not to throw your couch out the window or shoot any computer screens.
The Friday Flick Faceoff features films that share a common thread. Cast your vote anyway you like and don’t worry if you’ve seen all the movies or not. Love to hear why you picked what you picked though!
If you’ve got writing chops and would like to be considered as a guest poster for an FFF you can reach me through the Contact page.
I’m torn! I love Almost Famous, but School of Rock cracks me up. As a straight rock documentary I also love The Last Waltz (featuring The Band). But that’s old. So am I.
Pish posh with the old talk. One of my former college students suggested The Glenn Miller Story on FB! Great flick by the way.
That Thing You Do has heart & humor. I’ve basically memorized it. It’s a good one.
“You are my biggest fan.”
I second that. It’s one of the very few movies I’ve seen more than 3 times. Great flick!
For sure Ellster
not sure about how scientific this poll is, since i’m the first to vote for airheads. good catch on the Empire Records – one of those movies i have to watch if it’s on.
Like me some Airheads!
“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.”
Love that line.
Nice snag on the rock philosophy.
The Doors, OK you know me an old old old product of the late 60′s early 70′s in style and music. I was real surprised “Fraggle Rock” didn’t get an honorable mention, I know your saving that for another FFF on best puppet and animated movies, or maybe not..
I bet Jim Morrison saw himself some Fraggles during those wild nights.
“Almost Famous” never gets old. “If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age fifty, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken.” And “That Thing You Do” I also found endearing. “Empire Records” always reminds me of that Gin Blossoms song and video. But nothing beats the Saved By the Bell dream episode where Zack Attack makes it big, and then has a “Behind the Music”-esque falling out. The best was where Lisa Turtle shows up in American Gladiator gear, and says, “If you don’t get rid of Linda, I’m gonna throw her out the winda.”
Love the FFF!
You are a gifted pop culture machine. Love the SBTB breakdown.
Wow, I’ve only seen “School of Rock” – I’ve got some catching up to do! Thanks, Clay, for a fun post.
Yeah, some fun ones in this batch for sure.
Whenever I see “Almost Famous” – the first movie I reviewed professionally – I feel incredible. That high takes a while to wear off. Too bad Kate Hudson never lived up to the promise she showed in this movie.
I couldn’t believe that movie was over a decade old already!
You seriously made me choose between Almost Famous and Rock Star? Clay, you know just how to twist the knife.
I can be brutal when the time is right
My brain wanted to vote for Almost Famous, but my heart wanted Airheads. My heart won. Any movie with Steve Buscemi in it will always win.
Yeah, that was at the beginning of Buscemi blowing up. Good call.
Almost Famous was great, Rock Star was good, but The Doors is classic.
Love the structured breakdown.
I voted for School of Rock. Jack Black cracks me up.
Hecks yeah!
I’m glad you mentioned Empire Records! Now we can still be friends.
Boo and Radley are obsessed with School of Rock. We’ve watched it so many times and listened to the soundtrack so much that I am no longer able to watch that movie. Very sad really.
The important thing here is that I made you happy. Even if you are a Ravens fan.
As they shouted in the movie: “School of Rock! School of Rock! School of Rock!” Something every Jack Black fan must see. Although it does imply that anyone can come from off the streets and teach… (Booooo uber-secret meta message, but still an awesome message about alternative ways to learn.)
I never thought of that! They certainly can not come off the street and teach.
Tough call on this one. School of Rock is family favorite. And if we went by number of times watched, it would be the clear winner. However, there is something special about Kate Hudson and Almost Famous. Hmmm!
That is a tough choice!
I never saw School of Rock and now I feel like I’m missing out!
Any thoughts of doing a poll on Motown flicks?
I like that idea! I’m gonna need some selections.