A Reel Birthday

This month marks Reel Speak’s 13th anniversary. 

 

The number 13 has a significant place in our culture. It is considered to an unlucky number, a bad omen, and heaven-forbid the date falls on a Friday. In cinema, filmmakers have been all over that unlucky number, using it in the craptacular FRIDAY THE 13^TH series for decades. Other significant films with that dreaded number inclulde Ron Howard’s masterful APOLLO 13 (1995), along with THIRTEEN GHOSTS (1960 and 2001), THIRTEEN (2003), 13 GOING ON 30 (2004), THE 13^TH WARRIOR (1999), 13 DAYS (2000), and OCEAN’S 13 (2007). The number 13 is also significant in the business, with the PG-13 rating standing for the adult movies that kids can see. 

 

It was in the Spring or Summer of 1977 when this kid was changed forever when he saw STAR WARS on the big screen. Fast-forward to 2010 when the kid turned Blogger had an idea; to share his love and knowledge (or lack of), with friends, family, and anyone else who would listen. 

  

So, every year, to celebrate Reel Speak’s birthday, this Blogger looks back on the top reasons why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. This was always a way to share, and to perhaps inspire others to look back and remember what they love about the movies too, and here in Year 13, it has reminded this Blogger that there is always magic to be found when the lights dim and the screen lights up. 

 

Why do I love the movies? Let us count the ways: 

 

20. Because the trick is not minding that it hurts. 

19. Because if they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you. 

18. Because a Jaguar Shark ate my best friend. 

17. Because we will not walk in fear of one another. 

16. Because of John Williams.

15. Because I have been, and always shall be your friend. 

14. Because what we do in life echoes in eternity. 

13. Because Red October was hunted.

12. Because the only Virtue is Vengeance. A Vendetta. 

11. Because Crom laughs at your four winds! 

10. Because it’s a wonderful night for Oscar.

9. Because they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

8. Because “I love you”, and “I know”.

7. Because if someone asks me if I’m a god, I say yes.

6. Because I will drink your milkshake.

5. Because every man dies, not every man really lives. 

4. Because they needed a bigger boat.

3. Because there had to be snakes.

2. Because the Fellowship will not fail. 

1. Because the Force will be with you, always.