Staff Picks Series: Our Staff Share Their Favorite Movies

If you could pick any movie to show at the Artcraft, what would it be? That is the question we asked our dedicated staff members!
 
A new season of movies at the Artcraft is upon us, which means we have a round of great films for the Staff Pick movie series. For this series, we let a group of staff members choose what movies they would love to see up on the big screen. Their selections include Grease 2, M*A*S*H, Kon-Tiki, and Good Will Hunting.
 
I interviewed each staff member to hear why they love the movie they selected. 

Grease 2 (1982)
Selected by staff member Nicole Frye, Events staff
​Showing on Wednesday, March 19 | 7:30 p.m.
 
Q: What do you love most about this movie and why?
A: As a musical/comedy, it encompasses a new twist from the original Grease; they can't be compared because they are completely different and completely great in their own ways! Grease 2 is ALL ‘80s despite it taking place in the early ‘60s. It's cheesy; it's fun; and the soundtrack alone is incredible. I own the original vinyl and tape cassette. I love the music! Yes, I have the DVD, VHS, and digital formats, too. Still to this day, I dance during every song of every scene!!! I know every word; this is MY Gen-X movie!
 
Q: Who is your favorite character in the movie? Why are they your favorite?
A: Stephanie Zinone (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the leader of Rydell High School's Pink Ladies. She's tired of fitting in within her group and decides she wants to do whatever she wants; she doesn't care what anybody thinks. But she's looking for what most girls are looking for and that's love and fun and adventure.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the movie? If so, what is it?
A: Part of the opening song—they stop and pause for the BEST line: “The Pink Ladies: The Pink Ladies Pledge to act cool, to look cool and to be cool, ‘til death do us part, Think Pink!”
 
Q: What concession snack do you think would pair well with the movie?
A: Candy cigarettes, of course, because you have to stay cool (and because, ewww, real cigarettes are nasty).

M*A*S*H
Selected by staff member Greg Armuth, Madison Street Salvage Manager
​Showing on Wednesday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m.
 
Q: What do you love most about this movie and why?
A: Even in a dire or desperate situation like a medical tent near the front lines of a brutal war, people find a way to survive whether it's with humor or insubordination. This is one of the best dark comedy movies ever. Granted, by today's standards the humor is definitely not politically correct, but for its time and place, it was acceptable and well received. It’s ‘70s-era humor, which were my teen years, so probably much more appealing to me than someone born in the ‘90s or later.
 
Q: Who is your favorite character in the movie? Why are they your favorite?
A: Trapper John played by Elliot Gould. Saving lives on a bloody operating table with no supplies and bombs going off around him, he survived with humor and cynicism.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the movie? If so, what is it?
A: Regarding a landing medevac helicopter: ”I wish they wouldn’t land those things here while we’re playing golf.”
 
Q: What concession snack do you think would pair well with the movie?
A: Doesn’t yummy Artcraft popcorn pair well with all movies? Based on Trapper’s and Hawkeye’s favorite cocktail, probably a dirty Martini with olives.

Kon-Tiki
Selected by staff member Glenn Faris, History and Preservation Coordinator
Showing on Wednesday, May 28 | 7:30 p.m.
 
Q: What do you love most about this movie and why?
A: It’s an exciting and inspiring story that mixes fierce curiosity, perseverance, and reality together. Kon-Tiki showcases the grit and determination of mankind.
 
Q: Who is your favorite character in the movie? Why are they your favorite?
A: Thor at the beginning of the film is my favorite. He believes so passionately in his research and experience in the Pacific to go to almost any lengths to prove his theory. Herman Watzinger captures me each time I watch this film as he offers a window into the humanity of the expedition and seeks to take care of the men while looking out for his friend, Thor.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the movie? If so, what is it?
A: One of the quotes that always sticks out to me is from Thor’s wife, Liv, on Thor’s unbreakable determination: “Why you couldn’t stop yourself from putting everything behind you, steering toward the unknown. But that is you, my beloved Thor.”
 
Q: What concession snack do you think would pair well with the movie?
A: This movie is about exploration and adventure—try something that you haven’t or wouldn’t normally get! (But, you can’t go wrong with Reece’s Pieces or a Nerd’s rope.)

Good Will Hunting
Selected by staff member Scott Anderson, Madison Street Salvage staff
​Showing on Wednesday, June 25 | 7:30 p.m.
 
Q: What do you love most about this movie and why?
A: I really like the story of this young man who has a brilliant mind but can’t think or solve his way out of his common dilemmas such as fear and insecurity.
 
Q: Who is your favorite character in the movie? Why are they your favorite?
A: Chuckie, Will’s best friend, is my favorite. While he has nowhere near the intellect of Will, he fully understands Will’s gift. He also understands Will’s struggle to get out of the situation he’s in. Chuckie is unselfishly loyal to Will and wants nothing more than to see Will spread his wings, even if it means letting Will go.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the movie? If so, what is it?
A: Chuckie: “I think, maybe I’ll knock on the door, and you won’t be there.” It paints a perfect picture of Chuckie’s loyalty and hopes for his best friend.
 
Q: What concession snack do you think would pair well with the movie?
A: Popcorn, of course—light butter.
 
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Get your tickets to these films and other moves by visiting the Artcraft’s movies and events schedule.