My Top 5: Movies With A Message

It's that time of year, folks. The time of the year when messages wiggle their way into movies so that we, the audience, may be provided insight, inspiration and a healthy dose of holiday goodness.

Message flicks. Love 'em or hate'em, the next six weeks is gonna be full of them. So to start the season, here is:

My Top 5: Movies With A Message

The Big Chill: When I first watched Chill in the early 80s, I thought it was a movie about swingers. Tom Berenger's mustache was the reason: when you see that 'stache, you automatically hum a few bars of some cheap porn soundtrack out loud.

Or is that just me?

Regardless, I had to watch The Big Chill a couple of times to get the message: the community that comes with true, intimate, long-lasting friendship is important to vitality and happiness.

Citizen Kane: This classic film is beautiful in its simplicity. The truth is, what makes my stroke different than yours can be the smallest of things.

Go figure.

Edward Scissorhands: This Tim Burton flick was the movie Mrs. Film Geek and I saw on our first date. The date was at a local drive-in, and we watched the movie comfortably from the hatchback of her car. I was so obsessed with the message of Scissorhands--a beauty and the beast story line that celebrates individuality--that I forgot to make out.

Yet still, she went out with me again...

Crash: The 2004 movie--not the earlier James Spader fetish-flick of the same name--moved me with its message of how everyday, common folks affect the life quality of others without even realizing it.

For good and for bad.

Borat: You doubt my belief that Borat is a message movie? Watch it again, my friend, and see if you can find yourself in the cliches.