I have learned to never ask my students to write the title of their favorite movie, or the chorus of their favorite song, or the name of their favorite restaurant, or the flavor of their favorite ice cream...or any other favorites. Some of them answer the question immediately, some take their time before settling on "Dumb and Dumber" and "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Main Street Bakery" and "banana nut," and then there are those who are overwhelmed by the task of choosing one favorite color and cannot be consoled with the special permission to write two or even three colors that they like because that would be "breaking the rules." These kids are painstakingly thoughtful. These kids have an unusually stubborn sense of right and wrong. These kids drive me absolutely insane. And I found out today that I am one of these kids.
In one classroom, not my own but one that I visit regularly, the teacher and students asked me to list my top five favorite movies. I had five...five! And still, the pressure was intense. How can I reduce all of my romantic comedy affections to just five movies? After a lot of thought on my part and a loss of interest on the teacher and students' part, I finally came up with the following list.
Dan in Real Life
The Family Stone
Hope Floats
Mona Lisa Smile
When Harry Met Sally
Clueless
Thank you, Angela, for pointing out my mistake in not including any of Molly Ringwald's finest performances. I would like to amend the list by replacing Clueless with Sixteen Candles. I know it's way harsh, Ty, but it had to be done.
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