I have to admit, I am a sucker for lists. Not all lists mind you. “To-Do” lists and “Honey-Do” lists are not enjoyable. In fact, let’s just all agree at this point to rule out any list that ends in “Do”. Too risky. The type of lists I do love though are “Top 5”. “Top 5 what Don,” you ask? Therein lies the beauty – it can be Top 5 anything! Today I’m wondering, what are your Top 5 movies of all time? See? An instant conversation starter! And since you are not here to answer, I will fill the now awkward silence and tell you mine.

#1 – Shawshank Redemption

Man gets wrongly convicted of crime. Man overcomes hardships while in prison. Man makes life-long friends and inspires them to be better. I love the triumph of the human spirit in this movie that somehow keeps you fully engaged without anything really happening until the end. Not to mention I’m a sucker for a good Morgan Freeman narration. Also, so many good quotes, but this one always makes me feel better: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies”.

#2 – Silence of the Lambs

“Closer . . . . . Closer . . .”. Easily one of the most riveting performances I’ve ever witnessed. Despite being onscreen for only 16 minutes out of the 2 hour movie, Anthony Hopkins captured everyone’s attention (and a Best Actor Academy Award) with his depiction of serial killer Hannibal Lecter. His interactions with Jodie Foster (Agent Starling) left the audience enthralled (and were so convincing Foster avoided Hopkins during the entire filming of the movie). The epitome of a Psychological Thriller. Now who wants some Chianti and fava beans?

#3 – The Princess Bride

“Inconceivable!” An ultimate feel-good movie that always makes you smile and feel good. Just sit back and enjoy the gentle humor without having to think too hard (“Stop rhyming . . . I mean it! Anybody want a peanut?”). So many quotable lines and enjoyable characters. A must-see movie, at least once a year, in order to avoid a visit from the Dread Pirate Roberts!

#4 – GodFather I and II

Ok, yes, I know I am cheating because they are “technically” two movies – but it is my blog and my question so I will allow it! (Channels Mel Brooks – “It’s good to be the King!”). Back to the movie(s) . . . I love just about everything about them . . . the character development and actor performances, the cinematography (in Godfather I when the camera zooms in on Marlon’s mustache and it turns into a tree in Italy . . . chef’s kiss) and the patience in the story telling. Not to mention they are the perfect movies to have a glass (or two, since yes, they are long) of wine with while watching.

#5 – The Menu

Yup. I can totally sense and feel your disappointment in me. Ok, maybe not me, but this pick. I just take these things personally. But once again, I love the humanity on display in this film. How in the pursuit of excellence, the Chef has lost the joy for the one thing that inspired him to seek excellence in the first place. Not to mention all of the side stories found in the customers. And if you can watch this movie and not want a cheeseburger afterwards, you are a better person than me. Which isn’t saying much (you should really set your sights higher), but still.

As referenced in my Godfather pick, half the fun of watching a favorite movie is having a favorite wine to sip on while watching! I will admit that not only the movie itself, but the time of the year I am watching would probably influence my choice. But let’s assume that it is now, in the heart of winter and I am getting ready to watch The Menu (again). I want a wine that is as well-crafted/artistic as both The Chef’s meals and The Menu and is also big enough to warm me up while I watch. For those reasons, my wine would be Woodward Canyon’s Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon! Mrs. Chump and I “discovered” (for us – apparently a lot of other people already knew about it) Woodward Canyon on our trip out to Walla Walla this past fall (more on that to come down the road). They have an incredible selection of wines, but what makes their Artist Series a bit special is that every year, they select a work from a local artist to be on the label. Ok, that doesn’t have anything to do with the wine but I think it is cool. The wine itself is full-bodied, with beautiful aromas of black currant, black berries and blueberries. On the palate, it is a well-balanced wine with ample, structured tannins and similar flavors to the aromas, with a touch of spice added in. At an ABV of 14.9%, it also adds a touch of warmth as you drink it. All in all, the perfect wine to sip on while watching a movie featuring great storytelling, great food and great wine. And it would go great with a cheeseburger 😉 .

So there you have it – my top 5 movies and a wine to go with them. I’d love to hear what your top 5 movies are (and your wine choice to go with them)! Leave a comment below with your choices! And then sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy that movie!

Cheers!

Wine Stat Sheet