my favorites of film and television

I love television and film. But I do not like reality shows, because they take away from the art of creation (plus, I don't enjoy seeing the most despicable, idiotic, and ignorant that humanity has to offer). But here is a list of my favorite shows and movies, as well as some descriptions and quotes.

Television
Friends - A unique dynamic of six different personalities made this show as popular as it was. I find that the rewatchability is high, especially with ten seasons to choose from. - "You have to stop the Q-Tip when there's resistance. "

How I Met Your Mother - This is an amazing show. It has some very stereotypical sitcom aspects, but the uniqueness of the dialogue really sets it apart. - "Suit Up!"

Seinfeld - A show about nothing, but one that somehow mixed the ridiculous with the ordinary. - "It's a Festivus miracle!"

The Simpsons - A show that is way past its prime (Its glory days were seasons 3-9). I haven't watched a new episode in two years, but I still regularly watch those from the aforementioned glory days. The show is a beautiful parody of the family sitcom and satire of television in general. - "I've said it before and I'll say it again: Democracy simply doesn't work."

Futurama - This is basically what The Simpsons would be if it didn't have to be grounded in reality. It is sad that this show was cancelled, but the new feature length movies are great. Plus, since it ended in its prime, it wont have a chance to go past its prime. - "Fly the white flag of war."

Honorable mentions - Arrested Development, Entourage, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Lost, The Office, The Venture Bros.


Movies
The Princess Bride - I watched this movie more than any other when I was young and I like it even more now that I am older. But I will let the tagline say the rest: Heroes. Giants. Villains. Wizards. True Love. - Not just your basic, average, everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, ho-hum fairy tale. - "Have fun storming the castle!"

The Big Lebowski - One of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. Not only is this due to the vision of the Coen Brothers, but also because of great performances by Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi. - "Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon, with nail polish."

Signs - I am always interested in exploring the mysteries of extra-terrestrials. The movie has a good mix of suspense and comedy, and an interesting take on faith and coincidence. Plus, unlike The Sixth Sense, I enjoy the movie more each time I watch it. - "Everybody in this family needs to just calm down and eat some fruit or something."

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - This is a movie that can simply make you laugh with one viewing and pull at your heartstrings with another viewing. Bill Murray is amazing, it has the music of David Bowie (sometimes sung by Bowie and sometimes translated into Portuguese), and Wes Anderson's unique style of direction. I just cannot think of anything bad to say about it. - "I'm going to fight it, but I'll let it live. What about my dynamite?"

The Dark Knight - I am somewhat apprehensive of putting such a recent movie on this list, but this one was too magnificent to leave out. I love the Batman universe. That aside, this movie blew me away with its great script, attention to detail, and oscar-caliber acting. I honestly think that it will be a travesty if Heath Ledger does not win an Academy Award. On the surface it is a blockbuster comic book movie, but it makes some compelling statements about good and evil and human nature in a society of chaos and fear. - "See, I'm not a monster, I'm just ahead of the curve. "

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Without a doubt my favorite movie of all time. It has a good amount of action, a superb score, Sean Connery, and just the right amount of silliness. It is not trying to be the greatest movie of all time, it is just trying to entertain. Plus, Nazis are the ultimate villains. - "You call this archaeology?"

Honorable Mentions -
As Good as it Gets - "People who talk in metaphors oughta shampoo my crotch"
Die Hard - "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker"
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - "Bueller?... Bueller?... Bueller? "
Jurassic Park - "Hold on to your butts."
Vanilla Sky - "Without the bitter, baby, the sweet just ain't as sweet."
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - "It happens every time: they all become blueberries."