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Top 10 Debates Suggested by: Carolina Jackson Bit of a curious one here, apparently inspired by the 'riveting' discussions on my monthly podcast, Carolina has asked me which movies have sparked the most interesting and heated debates and conversations. Initially I thought she meant world-over or perhaps even in films but she clarified and asked for my own personal debates. So, as stated, a little strange but I'm more than happy to oblige. 10. Juno Conversation Held: 2008 Conversation Type: Argument Contributor: Fara Dyana As many are aware by now, I didn't really enjoy Juno. I thought it was a fairly interesting piece but all-in-all, not worth the hype. The amount of flak and outright hatred that I was bombarded with was unprecedented and my responses became more cruel and malicious. My argument with Fara started quite simply and innocently as she was quizzing why I didn't enjoy the film. I noted that I awarded the movie a six out of ten and my reasons were highlighted in my review. Evidently this was not a sufficient answer and a blazing row ensued as she shouted down the phone, "Well, you would think that, you cold hearted bastard! You're incapable of feeling! You just hate women!" to which I felt the need to say, 'Woah, hold on there little lady, I think you'll find I merely did not enjoy this release as much as others. I'm far from hating women just because of that' but in my insulted rage it simply came out as "Fuck you, you stuck up bitch! Juno was a worse fucking monstrosity than the state you left your mother's womb after you crawled out of it!" Not my finest critical argument, I'll grant you. But I was angry and she just called at the wrong time and said all the wrong things... it was self-defence really. Luckily, she found that comment very amusing. 9. The Matrix Conversation Held: 2004 Conversation Type: Discussion Contributor: Dave 'Frankie' Chapman As stated in Episode II of my podcsat, Dave is a friend of mine that acted as my personal SF guide - he didn't have a lot of choice, I just kept asking questions. One particularly quiet Sunday whilst working in Ottakar's bookstore, we started up a deeply philosophical and profoundly in-depth analysis of The Matrix - and although we had both partaken in similar conversations with other people, I then had access to reference materials and the benefit of the sequels to enhance my points and the whole thing seemed very productive and insightful; well, to me, at least. 8. Revolver Conversation Held: 2005 Conversation Type: Argument Contributor: Alejandro Chibas Revolver was a film I championed and tried to explain and justify as an abstract release. So having defended this film for so long, I was surprised to find myself arguing against it. Now, Revolver is by no means brilliant but I thought it was thoroughly under-rated. Having offered my explanation of the plot and subtexts, Alejandro Chibas replied with, "Yeah, I agree. This film was so much better than those pieces of shit, Snatch and Lock Stock." I'm not sure if it was the fact that he was wrong or his assured determination that drove me but I was compelled to send a stern email detailing the exact reasons why he was wrong. In doing so, I managed to both successfully defend and damn this film. 7. Blade Runner / Dirty Dancing Conversation Held: 2006 Conversation Type: Discussion Contributors: Rachel Ball, Mads Coupe, Michael Durrant, Charles Meigh Eighties night was a short-lived tradition that was greatly enjoyed by all involved. Essentially a few good friends of mine invited myself and a group of work colleagues over to watch an 80's film and eat a tonne of Shepherd's Pie. On two evenings in particular we viewed Blade Runner followed by Dirty Dancing. Both films were treated with equal investment of anecdotes, facts, trivia and heavy quoting from all involved but the arguments seemingly fell on deaf ears as I folded my arms and scorned, "I have no idea how you can say Dirty Dancing is even close to Blade Runner." 6. Jurassic Park Conversation Held: 1993 Conversation Type: Argument Contributor: Michael Gardner One of the first in-depth movie discussions I pursued at the age of nine, with a boy in school who said the whole film was ridiculous. The ordeal ended in a fight and we were both sent to the headmaster but he didn't understand either. Luckily, I got off with a mild scolding but from that day I knew few would understand my power, my insight into film... but I needed a new way to express it, surely shouting 'Han shot first!' while decking some poor bastard would be insufficient. Little did I know that ten years later I would spawn this ever-expanding tribute to cinema. 5. Grosse Point Blank Conversation Held: 1998 Conversation Type: Argument Contributor: Beth Newton Another instance of letting my love of films get the better of me. Beth and I went to the same school. I liked her, she liked me. We were innocent teens but I was due to move to Norwich - an Eastern rural nightmare to my London metropolis paradise. Prepared to do whatever it took, Beth considered a long-distance relationship. I considered it too. To think the matter over, we watched one of her brother's videos, my recommendation, of course; an ingenious new comedy by the name of Grosse Point Blank. By the end of the film it became apparent that it just wasn't going to work. I could never share my life with a moron who couldn't understand how this was one of the most under-rated comedies I had ever seen. 4. Pitch Black Conversation Held: 2000 Conversation Type: Discussion Contributor: Aoife Johns Pitch Black was a very unfortunate release as it got such little attention or air play and my first real exposure to it was the DVD release. After a few months I went to an HMV store and noticed a young lady looking at the DVD. To approach anyone with a recommendation (especially an attractive young lady) is so very unlike me but that was exactly what happened. What followed was a long discussion about why the film was exceptionally well-done and deserved much more attention and praise than it got. Ms. Johns and I are still friends to this day. Aww... happy ending. 3. Akira Kurosawa Conversation Held: 2004 Conversation Type: Argument Contributor: Steven King Steven was an unfortunately annoying member of a class I attended. He started warbling on about how Steven Spielberg was the greatest director that ever lived and how could I call myself a critic if I didn't see every one of his films as-and-when they came out. After ridiculing his name and the similarities between the author and himself, I tried to explain that Akira Kurosawa was a far greater director. The fact that he had no idea who I was talking about and no intention of even listening, spurned on that signature rage and I 'hulked out' - a geek phrase, referring to the Incredible Hulk, during which time one is required to shout, throw things around and turn over tables, all while grumbling, "Hulk smash!!" Suffice to say, Mr. King is not my friend anymore. Aww... happy ending. 2. Watchmen Conversation Held: 2008 Conversation Type: Discussion Contributor: Jonathan Hedges In an attempt to generate as much hype and awareness as possible for the upcoming film, I introduced Watchmen to Jon Hedges. He instantly understood and appreciated the graphic novel which started a five hour long marathon about what we would want out of the film. Although I recently aired an hour long Watchmen Special podcast (Episode IX), I have yet to ask Jon what he thought, for fear of a similar five hour long session. 1. Fight Club Conversation Held: 2001 Conversation Type: Discussion Contributor: Daniel Wickham As regular readers and listeners will know, Mr. Daniel Wickham is a good friend of mine and my 'film buddy'. If I ever have an additional ticket to a screening, he's usually the one to go to. This is largely because he appreciates good film and knows what he's talking about. Our first really in-depth analysis of a film came shortly after watching David Fincher's masterpiece (and one of our favourite films), Fight Club. Critically memorable if only because it was the first of so, so many similar conversations.