The Best and Worst Movies according to the Seniors at my Independent Living Facility

The Best and Worst Movies according to the Seniors at my Independent Living Facility:

Context: I work in an independent living facility. Our building houses individuals aged fifty-five and up, on a campus of about one hundred and thirty-ish apartments. Among other things, I am in charge of choosing the movie we show in our in-house movie theater 2 times per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Here is the feedback from my residents about some of the movies I have played.

Best Movies:

5. Oppenheimer

I announce that we will be watching Oppenheimer during our lunch service and I hear a happy murmur go through the room. People look at each other, expressing interest. “We will be splitting this 3 hour movie into TWO PARTS, showing part 1 on Thursday and part 2 on Friday.” Another murmur of approval ripples through the room. I get no feedback Monday of the next week, but also no complaints. Success.

4. The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallice 

Jim watches ALL the westerns on Western Wednesdays. I think he is the ONLY one who watches the westerns on Western Wednedays. But Jim’s voice is loud. I can hear him all the way from the lobby to my desk two rooms over. Jim liked this one. Who know about anyone else.

3. Fiddler on the Roof

All the aspects of a movie they will dislike: over two hours in length, a musical, about an ethnic minority. Somehow it is a smash hit with the little kindly ladies who walk out saying it “touched their hearts.” Such sweeties!

2. Barbie

We got ‘em guys! The glitz and glam and pink seduced them. Not many understood the message, but the “pizzazz” was “fun” and “interesting,” and Margot Robbie was “so lovely!” We had a packed house.

1. Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun but somehow MORE. Military propoganda. Tom Cruise. They LOVED it. My manager told me to play more movies like it. I played the original Top Gun (1986) and radio silence from my residents. Crickets. I am so confused.

Worst Movies:

5. The Breakfast Club

“It was a fine movie but… I don’t recall quite so much cursing.” Say the senior men and women about a gang of rebellious teenagers. I will not be playing Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.

4. John Wick

Numerous residents independently sought me out to warn me that even though they themselves liked the film, everyone would hate it. I would get BACKLASH! Yes: BACKLASH! TOO MUCH blood and shooting! And the DOG!!!

Did anyone even show up to this viewing? I don’t know.

3. Everything Everywhere All At Once

There was too much of everything, in too much of everywhere, and seemingly all at once. They were so confused. What was the message? Were those hotdogs? Those were two lesbians… right? Why was it not all in English? So much confusion. Charles loved it (previous film professor with good taste). Everyone everywhere else left baffled and just a little irritated.

2. The Turning Point

Susan could not stop hyping this movie. I am listening from the bathroom alcove as she is talking characters Deedee and Emma up to everyone within ear range. Even I am becoming interested. What is Deedee’s story? The time comes to begin the film. It is completely unavailable everywhere. We play Footloose instead.

1. Dial M for Murder

This one’s on me guys. I was just hired and overwhelmed. Y’all.. I scheduled to play it on Christmas Eve. Carla was DISPLEASED.