Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Five dollar movies are way better than five dollar footlongs

One of the three biggest reasons I was able to dive head-first into movies and film around two years ago was the now-infamous $5 bin at my local Wal-Mart. Having owned a grand total of two movies until that point, the discounted prices helped me become more acquainted with films I was told I “should” or “will” like. Besides, it’s five dollars. If you enjoy the movie even a little, it’s well worth the hit to your pocketbook.

That said, Wal-Mart isn’t the only place that sells discounted movies. Some months back, I found myself with a few friends at a dollar store knock-off of a dollar store (and though I will not reveal the name, I will hint that it has something to do with temperature). Yesterday, I found myself in the vicinity of the same kind of knock-off store, and after remembering that someone I was with purchased the wonderfully long “Casino” for five bucks there before, I thought I’d take a gander.

Sure, I didn’t find “Casino,” but I didn’t need to. Why? That’s because I ended up with gold instead. After making my way to the movie shelf, I noticed that two movies I love – one of which was in my top five of ever for a little while – were available. Those movies? “Doubt” and “No Country For Old Men.” Imagine my excitement. It felt like 2007 and 2008 all over again! I snatched up the movies, and moved to the cash register, practically skipping my way over. The five dollar bin to the rescue again.

Driving home, I began thinking about what movies should be included in some five dollar bin somewhere - movies I have in the back of my mind each time I run into these discounts, knowing these titles could feasibly be justified if I were to indeed ever find them at such a price. I thought I’d share my findings with you, the fantastically pretty-eyed reader. Your opinions, as always, are welcome.

Citizen Kane
Come on, now. The experts say this is the greatest movie ever made. Why not make it available for an easy low price so all movie lovers could acquire it?

Love Actually

It’s the best romantic comedy ever. Like, ever.



Saw III, Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI
Because the first two have been taking up space in every discounted section throughout the world. And each installment is worth it in its own little way.

Ocean’s Thirteen
Much like the “Saws,” the first two installments of this trilogy can be found for five dollars anywhere. Plus, this offering is way better than “Ocean’s Twelve.”

Any Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chuck Norris movie
Oh, wait…that’s already been done.

The Godfather Parts 1 & 2

That’s a bargain: You’re only paying a dime for each hour!

This Is Spinal Tap

Because I can’t find it anywhere. Like, anywhere. And it has to be one of the funniest movies ever, right? Has to be.

And finally…

Cool Runnings
Honestly, though. Why isn’t this anywhere in sight? You always see “The Sandlot” or “Rookie Of The Year.” What’s wrong with putting this movie right beside it on the shelf. It’s a classic. Feel the rhythm…

8 comments:

  1. One time I found the Mandy Moore movie "How to Deal" in the five-dollar bin at the Punxsutawney Wal-Mart. No kidding, that movie rules. I think that same time I found "13 Going on 30" and "Baby Mama."

    I still haven't seen "Doubt." I know I should, though. While we're talking about movies, yesterday I tried to watch the romantic comedy "When in Rome," made it 40 minutes in, and gave up. It was AWFUL.

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  2. "When In Rome" is in my Netflix que. I'm excited! I initially didn't want to see it, but I feel as though I'll have the same pleasant surprise feeling for that movie as I did after "Did You Hear About The Morgans?" Can't Wait.

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  3. It's BAD. I was into it until the point where she starts pulling coins out of the fountain. Then it just gets ridiculous and way too over the top.

    I did see "Did You Hear about The Morgans?" It wasn't good, but it certainly wasn't as bad as everyone made it out to be. I have "Valentine's Day" to watch when I get home, and I have a feeling I'll like it because I was one of two people who enjoyed the trailer. Plus it has Taylor Swift in it. I love her.

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  4. "Valentine's Day" is absolutely fantastic.

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  5. I'm pretty sure I bought Spinal Tap for less than $8...

    While it pains me when businesses close up shop, movie rental places are the best places ever to get discount movies when they shutter up. Which explains why I bought 20 or so movies when Movie Gallery closed up..

    I was really happy when I found Zodiac for $3 at Big Lots. They have a surprisingly decent selection. Ross too.

    If the day ever comes that I find the Criterion Editions of Rushmore or Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for less than $15, that will be the highlight of my life.

    Until I find Arrested Development for cheaper, of course.

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  6. Yes, yes, yes. Brilliant. Big Lots and Ross both have surprisingly great selections. I bought "The Graduate" at a Big Lots for something like three dollars. That's a classic. Arrested Development is like 15 bucks a season these days. And Rushmore was actually something I thought about putting on this list. Don't you think that should be five dollars, too? Don't know why, but it feels like it.

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  7. The regular edition of Rushmore should be cheaper than it is. When Movie Castle went out of business, I picked up my (apparently defective) copy along with the Shawshank Redemption special edition and The Fountain.

    I found The Orphanage at Walmart for $5 about 15 minutes ago. It might be one of my better budget purchases of all time. It's guaranteed to creep the viewer out at least a little bit the first time through.

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  8. Wow. I've never even heard of that movie. Wal-Mart seems to be getting more and more 5 dollar movies. And that's, of course, awesomeradical.

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