Team Favorite-Movie

By Paul Morrone, CFP ®, CPA, MSA

I’ve never met someone who didn’t enjoy a good movie, and while everyone’s definition of ‘good’ is completely different most people don’t find it too hard to immerse themselves in some of Hollywood’s greatest works. With on-demand access to literally thousands of movies new and old, we now have high definition and surround sound to the comfort of our living rooms. It’s hard to argue that this is not the golden age of movies, which makes picking a favorite even harder!

I had to think about this one for a while as trying to decide on just one movie to call my favorite is like asking me to pick a favorite pasta dish; it really depends on my mood. In my eyes, the definition of a great movie definitely lies in my ability to enjoy it over and over again, even if I know how it ends. While many of you have undoubtedly seen many of my favorites (Fracture, A Bronx Tale, Good Will Hunting, Bad Boys), I think Goodfellas is an all-around winner for me. It’s one of those movies that when I see it playing on TV I have to watch it, at least for a little while, and never get bored. I also find it impressive that a movie that is nearly two and a half hours can hold my attention that long seeing as I normally start to waiver after about an hour and a half.

By Tom Morrone, CFP ®, CPA, Principal

I was never really a movie buff but have always enjoyed a good movie. If forced to narrow down the list to a favorite it would have to be The Wizard of Oz. I have no idea how many times I have watched the movie in its entirety from beginning to end but I can say that I have watched some portion of the movie countless times. I remember watching it as a kid with my parents, watching with our kids as parents as well as watching it as an adult just for the heck of it. I look forward to watching it some day with grandchildren. As a kid we watched the black and white version and then it was colorized so you truly could see the “yellow brick road”. There are so many songs, scenes and lines from the classic that will stand the test of time. The tornado, the ruby red slippers, Toto, the good witch and the bad witch, the flying monkeys, the City of Oz and Dorothy skipping along the yellow brick road arm in arm with the scare crow, the lion and the tin man. We’re off to see the wizard…

By Barbara Gode, Office Manager

When it comes to favorite movies, I tend to love the classics.  I especially enjoy TCM-Turner Classic Movie channel because it takes one back to a time and place.  One of my all-time favorite movies is It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart.  In my opinion, this movie is a must see holiday classic.  Some movies like this one, tend to get better with each viewing.  Don’t you just love movies that teach a lesson too?  Clearly the moral of the story is that with ‘personal sacrifices’ one can reap the benefits of a fulfilling and wonderful life.  Like George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart), who is given the opportunity to see what his life would-have-been like if he’d NEVER been born.   When George’s problems become more than he can manage, he desperately considers jumping off a bridge to end his misery.  George’s guardian angel comes to his rescue by allowing George the opportunity to see the consequences of life without him.    Quickly, George realizes the positive impact that one person’s life can make on the whole of mankind.  More importantly, that a life built on personal sacrifices, for the good of others, is a life worth living.    The movie wraps up, with George’s brother Harry arriving home in a storm.  Harry rushes into George’s living room, filled with friends showing their support.  He lifts his glass for a toast and says, “Here’s to my brother George, the richest man in town.”  Oh, my, that line melts my heart every time.  It’s a wonderful life is my favorite all-time movie classic.  Pass the tissues please?!