Do I Have Your Attention?
Good, because it’s time for another letter, and another great collection of films! My “Movies A-Z” series continues with the letter “T”, which has one of the funniest comedies ever, the great Vincent Price, AND my third favorite film of all time!
As always, these are not in any order, just ten great movies to share, but in this case:
“These Go To Eleven!”
10 – “This Is Spinal Tap”
Rob Reiner directed one of the funniest “mockumentaries” of all time, the story of Spinal Tap, “one of England’s loudest bands!”
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are hilarious as Spinal Tap – and you can see from the first ads for the movie that they knew they had a classic.
Here is the original trailer!
“These Go To Eleven!”
Speakers that go to eleven – “one louder” – and album titles that are as funny as they are offensive:
Legend has it that Oasis singer Liam Gallagher thought this was all real – see more great trivia about the film here:
From a comedy that is for the “headbanger” in all of us, let’s go to one of the most charming comedies of the 00’s:
9 – “13 Going On 30”
This charming 2004 comedy is a female version of “Big” – as Jennifer Garner discovers herself magically becoming 30 years old!
Check out the trailer:
The film works on two levels: first, Jennifer Garner captures perfectly the innocence of a 13 year old thrust into a 30 year old’s world, with innocence and wonder:
The film is also filled with show-stopping moments like her “Thriller” dance with jaded co-workers, and of course Mark Ruffalo as the love interest – a charming “chick flick” that guys can enjoy as well!
It’s interesting to see legendary Actors go against type.
In the 70’s, Comic Legend Walter Matthau made a series of great action thrillers, and this may be my favorite:
8 – “The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three”
Robert Shaw and Hector Elizondo are part of a gang of crooks who hold a New York subway train hostage – here is the great original movie trailer:
Matthau is the Subway Cop who has to negotiate with the crooks – this is vastly superior to the recent remake, because Matthau brings a world-weariness to the role – and the script is razor sharp.
See more about this terrific 70’s film here:
From great action to a tasting culinary gem:
7 – “Tampopo”
This terrific film is all about the love of food – ramen in this case, as a stranger shows up to help a young woman save her restaurant!
“Tampopo” is a terrific film, and you can see the movie’s trailer, and a recipe for their delicious ramen noodles by clicking on my “Bite!Eat!Repeat!” story here:
Next up, how about a darkly black comedy/horror gem – with a wicked food highlight – from the world’s greatest horror Actor – Vincent Price?
6 – “Theater Of Blood”
The legendary Actor has a blast playing a failed Actor who take bloody revenge on his critics! Here is the trailer:
Not only Does Price has a blast, but that’s Diana Rigg next to him! The recently deceased Icon said that this is her favorite film of all to make, because working with Price was such a blast – read more about it here:
Time now for one of the great movie comedies of all time – thanks to Cameron Diaz:
5 – “There’s Something About Mary”
In 1994, “Mary” wowed audiences around the world for some of the funniest – and most raucous scenes ever put on screen – here is the trailer:
From the opening scene when Ben Stiller makes a tragically painful zipping mistake, to Cameron’s charm and carefree energy, “Mary” delivers some of the biggest laughs I’ve ever experienced in a movie theater!
Of course, Still had other hilarious films as well:
4 – “Tropic Thunder”
Stiller starred and directed this hilariously profane smackdown of Hollywood – the story of a groups of Actors making a war movie – until the real war caught up with them!
Check out the hilarious trailer:
There are so many things to love, like Robert Downey Jr’s Oscar-nominated performance as an Actor who changes his skin color for the role…as he said in the film:
“I don’t read the script. The script reads me.”
Oh, and Tom Cruise shows up for one of his most hysterical cameos ever:
You have to see it to believe it…here’s a tease:
Tom Cruise is having a raucous blast in this part! You can check out my lengthy deep dive into the film here:
Next up is a horror film that bombed in theater when it was released – but is now considered a classic of the genre:
3 – “The Thing”
In 1982, Director John Carpenter told the story of a group of Scientists at the Antarctic who uncover an alien life-force. The film was a failure when it was released – considered too gory for mass audiences – here is the trailer:
I love this film’s tagline:
“Man Is The Warmest Place To Hide.”
Kurt Russell is terrific, and the film has amazing set pieces – click here to see more:
I have been re-watching and reviewing every single James Bond 007 film in order, which leads to this classic:
2 – “Thunderball”
Bond. James Bond. 25 films in and this iconic secret agent still keeps saving the world. And I love the poster:
“Look Up! Look Down! Look Out!”
This 1965 Bond adventure was the fourth in the series, and Connery had a playful swagger and confidence that oozes out of the screen:
The film has terrific action sequences – and one of the best Bond themes as well – sung with swagger by Tom Jones…see the film’s trailer and discover why this 4th 007 film was supposed to be the first!
Speaking of that – here is one of the greatest films ever made – one that I have seen dozens of times:
1 – “Taxi Driver”
Director Martin Scorsese and Screenwriter Paul Schrader made a masterpiece in 1976 – the story of a lonely Taxi Driver named Travis Bickle.
Iconic dialogue, incredible performances and a shocking script make this a masterpiece.
Here is the original trailer for the film, basically introducing Scorsese and DeNiro to mainstream audiences!
Jodie Foster was oscar-nominated along with DeNiro and Scorsese, and the film was nominated for Best Picture – a searing look at a city coming apart during a political campaign. Albert Brooks and Cybil Sheppard also star…
When the film celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016, there was an incredible reunion screening in New York:
There is so much more to share about this film – see it here:
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There you have it – ten great movies that begin with the letter “T”! Let me know your favorites!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Albert Brooks, Art, British Cinema, Classic Rock, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Director Martin Scorsese, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Grindhouse, Hollywood, Horror films, Independent Cinema, Movies, New York, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities, True Hollywood Mystery
johnrieber 
Another great list of films. There’s Something About Mary is my favorite, followed closely by Taxi Driver and Thunderball.
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Thanks for the note!
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My pleasure!
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Being an ardent foodie, thought I had nought to say until I noticed ‘Tampopo’ which, way back, I so enjoyed and . . . wondered whether readers knew of Vincent and Mary Price’s absolutely wonderful cookery book which I used almost non-stop when first married. Big heavy volume – I remember finding it in a Mexico City bookstore and then carrying it on my lap on the plane throughout eight US destinations and then Tokyo and Hong Kong to home in Oz! Turned out to be worth it 🙂 !
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I own that cookbook and shared this recipe from it years ago! Love that you had it too! https://biteeatrepeat.com/2024/05/12/making-a-legendary-plaice-recipe-with-vincent-price-foodie/
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Thank you bigtime for bringing the link to my attention! I was going thru’ two cataract surgeries at the time you posted 😦 ! The original cover of the book was burgundy red! Have been to both the restaurants mentioned, actually the ‘Duck Joint’ twice. Did not know the first had closed and managed not to have the duck on my second visit with friends . . . just because 🙂 !!! Perhaps because of the numbered ‘receipt’ which to me was somewhat corny ?! Uhuh – got ‘funny’ looks 🙂 !
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The only one I haven’t seen is 13 going on 30. The others are mostly great films. I even enjoyed ‘Tropic Thunder’, and I usually have issues with Ben Stiller! 😊
Best wishes, Pete.
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I tried for a wider array this time, and “13 Going on 30” is a romantic comedy, which is a change from the other more raucous ones presented…agree that Stiller has a very high failure rate with his humor…
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