The Employees of Klipsch Present: Our Favorite Movies (20-16)
At Klipsch, we’re passionate about movies. From our state of the art professional cinema line to our compact home theater speakers, every surround system we engineer is dedicated to the love of movies, for achieving the best possible sound is essential to the ultimate cinematic experience.
Because of this, I have asked the employees of Klipsch to come together to offer you their top 20 favorite movies of all time, as well as their top 20 favorite movie soundtracks (coming soon). Over the next 4 days, I'll reveal the list in blocks of 5, starting at the bottom.
I have included links to trailers or scenes, as well as quotes from my fellow employees stating why they chose a particular film.
Top 20 All-Time Favorite Movies (20-16)
Note: The movies in this category were chosen not necessarily because they are considered “the best films of all time,” but because they are personal favorites we find ourselves enjoying over and over.
20. Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart is an epic historical war movie in the vein of Lawrence of Arabia or Saving Private Ryan, but set in 14th century Scotland. Mel Gibson brings life to Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace, who raises an army to drive out King Edward Longshanks and win Scottish independence from England. Although Gibson’s age is suspect for playing the role, his direction is not. Characters in this film are three dimensional and often sympathetic, and the women are surprisingly powerful. Gibson’s attention to detail is strong, especially in combat. The film is lauded for its meticulous recreation of the weapons, armor, war paint, and tactical techniques of the era.
Despite one’s position of the film’s accuracy of historical events, the sweep of this epic is breathtaking and the narrative demands attention as it unravels. For heroism, realism, and emotional impact, Braveheart deserves a spot in any film lover’s collection.
“The raw emotion prior to the battle scene, when he screams ‘… but they will never take our freedom!!!’ is some seriously powerful stuff. Overall, the movie is great because how it portrays real people and I felt as though their emotion and sacrifice for the cause was real.”
--Andre LaRouche, Acoustic Engineer
19. Caddyshack (1980)
Among the most quoted movies of all time, Caddyshack is a genre-inspiring comedic tour de force. With all the laughs generated, it is easy to forget the touching coming-of-age story at its heart. We can all relate to the tough decisions faced after high school. Will Danny find himself at the college of his dreams, or right in the lumberyard? In the end, he discovers what we all should: that it doesn’t really matter, as long as you live well. And laugh often.
“Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and the rest of the cast are all at the top of their game. My favorite scene is the timeless candy bar in the pool scene-- I couldn’t eat candy bars for a week.”
--Travis Turner, Customer Service Representative
Little-known-gopher fact: The gopher sound effects were actually that of a dolphin.
18. Christmas Vacation (1989)
Two lines from this movie are in constant use around my house, ‘Are you serious, Clark?’ and ‘I don’t know, Margo!’
The scripting is fantastic; there is nothing wasted. Every line is a joke or a setup for a joke. There is no time wasted developing characters, and no wasted scenes… even the touching scene when Clark is watching the old home movies, he is dressed in drag while he sheds a tear, only to fall down the hole of the attic stairs when the family returns home.
And isn’t this how we all feel after the long holiday weekend?
--Andy Wickham, Electrical Engineer
I’ve-Heard-That-Voice-Before Fact: The charming late actress Mae Questel, also known as Aunt Bethany, provided the voice for such iconic characters as Olive Oyl and Betty Boop.
17. The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook rises to the forefront of the “tearjerker” genre with wonderful acting and a combination of art direction and cinematography that allow us to experience a tale of love that spans more than fifty years, and it a testament to the strength of that love. The movie’s great spirit carries us along and transcends the familiar nature of the story. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling can be considered among the best actors of their generation.
--Neda Boushehry, Sales
Sentimental Fact: Nick Cassavetes (son of the venerable John Cassavetes) directs his mother, renowned actress Gena Rowlands.
16. Rear Window (1954)
With the exception of a handful of shots, Rear Window originates entirely from the apartment of the main character, giving us the same claustrophobic and helpless feeling as the debilitated hero, played by the quintessential Everyman Jimmy Stewart. Although this would seemingly limit the plot, Hitchcock still manages a very suspenseful and creepy atmosphere, one that captures our attention immediately. It really makes you contemplate the things you can learn about your neighbors if you just stop and observe. Not to mention I enjoy Grace Kelley’s costumes!
--Lori Crist, Sr Collections Specialist