Cherry Cinema: Kinda Reviewing My 50 Favorite Movies

Words by Matthew Spence:

Uno reverse everything Nicole Kidman taught you in those AMC ads that you sit through like Alex being reprogrammed, or hope your candy and bathroom run is long enough to miss them. Let’s start back at zero, Tabula Rasa, if you will. Cuz over here at Cherry-Tape, we know film like Enid knew Punk.

Film. Cinema. Motion Pictures. Whichever grade-level word you want to use, I don’t judge; it doesn’t change the fact that the matter is: I love movies deeply.

Being transferred into a world of impossibilities and relatabilities, perhaps a mixture of both for an hour plus is time I treasure, you know, when the movie is good at least. Ever since I was a little kid, it went from a regular everyday pastime with Disney Channel originals and channel surfing to find edited-for-TV flicks. To eventually live the dream of working in a movie theater. Getting the exclusive behind-the-scenes look, and ultimately hating the overall job after 3 months. It goes back longer than a reel of Titanic, way before journalism.

 

                                                                Cherry-Tape Presents: Nerd Knows Film, but no one knows him

                                                                                              An oral history of my film life

13-17 Years Old

Pivotal Time & Peak Geek

I went all in on my movie arc. I consumed everyone and ANYTHING I could watch. Began my writing adventures with a humble beginning, wanting to be a screenplay writer. At 13 years old, I had film ideas and one script that was basically a Superbad knockoff because ..I was 13. Melting down to my short film ideas that would lead to a web series I wrote [sadly thoughs scripts are gone and lost forever on my old laptops]. Movies and music was all what life was about. I faked mustached and trench coated my way in film circles with entry-level films and directors. Kubrick, Nolan, Hitchcock, Tarantino, etc. You know, the Usual Suspects.

Soon became a glutton for the deep cuts and unknowns. Foreign, you must have foreign movies.

I didn’t just care about the film on set, but off set as well. I need to know all the behind-the-scenes: listening to DVD commentaries, IMDb facts, deleted scenes, box office numbers, and oh, did I mention DVD commentaries?

I had a Rain Man-level film at one point. Constant stops at FYE to add to my ever-growing DVD collection. Going to the theaters with homies or me. Wherever film was, I was home.

A good 40% of my YouTube consumption was film-related channels, news, reviews, and original content.

Film school was a goal, yo. However, by senior year, that dream transcended into another because reality hit. I’m broke and have no real experience to get into one.

18-23

By 19, I was infamously writing at a movie theater, traumatically killing and repressing my enjoyment of film. But we’re gonna gloss over that long story cuz we’ve gone down that road before. For a few years, I couldn’t give a fuck about the latest releases. I stopped caring. I went from an elitist to a non-believer.

24- and current

A few years removed from the theater, I’m a journalist who implements his creative writing elements from his film phase to write about… Whatever really. Who’s rediscovered his love of movies. Baby steps, of course. I took film rehabilitation, slowly building myself back up, In Da Club style. Giving it all a second chance.

Now, I’m a more refined adult who’s gone through all of the phases and stages. At this point, my views on movies are way more advanced and liberal. Simple mantra: fuck it. Normalize liking regular movies. Not everyone wants to sit through a Coen Brothers film and The 400 Blows. If your favorite movie is North by Northwest, that’s great. If your favorite movie is Shrek the Third, that’s also great.

Don’t be close-minded to art, but don’t feel invalidated for not wanting to engage with certain films.

10 years ago, this list would’ve been SUPER DIFFERENT. You would’ve seen flicks. I probably low-key don’t like that much, especially these days, but I picked for points. But it’s 2026; I’m more in tune with myself. I hate posers, so I don’t want to be one now. Here’s a Huey moment for you.

Parasite is boring.

The Godfather sucks.

Clueless> Mean Girls

Here are 50 of my favorite movies ever, with quick reviews and some personal input. I’ll try not to spoil these old-ass movies. To make it easier for me. It’s all in alphabetical order instead of ranked by favorite. This list might be changed in 10 years, but for now, it feels just right. “Fine cinema,” I call it. From your film school classics to stuff that emphasizes my blackness. To cult classics and movies I’ll stand on business for. And lots of movies that take place in one day cuz I don’t know why I love movies that take place in one day. Shaped me that’ll take another article to express. So for now I’ll say, “Thank you, movies,” and yes, I frequently watch the TCM channel.

8 Mile (2002)

“Every Wigga Is a Star” starring Eminem. It’s a classic case of “Is he a good actor, or is he just playing himself?” because Eminem’s performance is superior, but I think today he is just playing himself, so I have to get credit where it’s due, though. Crazy to think the guy who directed this also directed Phone Booth and Batman & Robin. Iconic soundtrack, memorable moments, and rap battles that raise more questions as I get older, but it’s all too dope; it’s a classic movie, and there is Mekhi Phifer. Also, don’t try that shit Eminem did in the Poppa Doc battle; that self-deprecating shit only works in movies, not real battles. I remember my neighbor having the VHS, and we watched it at my house. I’ll never forget the trailer for Red Eye scaring the shit out of me.

Adventureland (2009)

The first time I watched it, I didn’t realize it was taking place in the 80s until an hour in, which I really enjoyed. I would have preferred it didn’t mention the year and just let us figure out it takes place in the ’80s through dialogue and culture; no matter when I watch it, I can’t help but enjoy a cute summer love story. Kristen Stewart is fucked up, and Jesse Eisenberg is fucking up, so they start fucking up together. Cute, fun, and a good time.

Almost Famous (2000)

American Pie (1999)

Sure, you can argue it helped poison the already desperate, horned-up minds of preteens and teens; however, as an adult, I do see the sincerity it ultimately tried to have towards the end. Perhaps it’s a case of “you’ve done too much to make up,” like breaking your homie’s arm and then, to make up for it, you give them a balloon. Jim’s anti-peer pressure message may not have been justified for those who side-eye the film. For ultimately causing the same tribulations young adults have in the first place, with the pressure of having sex, despite the attempted fight against it towards the end. It may also have fallen on the deaf ears of those who were only focused on Shannon Elizabeth’s titties. It pretty much shot itself in the foot. Overall, I think it’s a movie that helped to define my adolescence and introduce me to Blink-182. Peak late 90s/Y2K counterculture. No,, I haven’t fucked a pie.

American Pie 2 (2001)

More pop punk and has more laughs; sure, it kind of caters to the male gaze for Stifler’s side plots, but the soundtrack is banging. Michelle Branch, Weezer, 3 Doors Down, The Offspring, and Sum 41. It’s just a fun-time movie night flick.

ATL (2006)

Some people forget the grasp that TI had on the world by the time this movie was released. Watched it on HBO as a kid and never forgot it. Big Boi: “Is he a good actor, or has he just been around a lot of dope boys?” Peak 2000 Southern hip-hop—you had to be there. A coming-of-age story that never gets old. Respect is not expected, but it’s given cuz it’s real.

Blue Valentine (2010)

I’m a child of divorce, so… Great movie nonetheless.

CB4 (1993)

The most famous scene is the “I’m black y’all,” but the film is a funny time capsule for hip-hop commentary and satire on how people viewed the scene of hip-hop and gangster rap back then, which is funny; that was ’92 and ’93, and over the course of 30 years, rappers have gotten way more open about not being about that life, and fans don’t give a fuck. I still laugh, and that Blackstreet song “Baby Be Mine” is forever in my R&B heart.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Now, the age gap and underage relationships are a no in my book. Goddamn though, Ellio was going through it. Sensual and sad—that sums it up, actually. Yet I come back all the time.

Challengers (2024)

If someone talented wrote a fanfic. That’s Challengers, I’m not complaining. I’m obsessed. The real Dreamers. From the score, Zendaya’s homewrecking ass, to the slightly homoerotic bromance, and the POV tennis ball scene that gives me motion sickness every time.

Chasing Amy (1997)

I need the LGBTQ+ community’s stances on this film. It really is a time capsule of how we viewed sexuality as a society 30 years ago, but watching it, there’s much more nuance than one. I, myself, could argue it’s more pro-gay than ignorant representation, but that’s an essay for another time. Boil it down. I think it, whether unintentionally or intentionally, unpacks the layers of sexuality, platonic love, and how one can get in one’s own way of finding true happiness.

 

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith’s writing shaped my early teen years. Everyone needs to watch this before their first job and a thousand times more after the fact because it’s a universal tale, sort of. The job could be great if it weren’t for the fucking customers.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Cool, fun, youthful, and the definition of “So what’s the move?” I wore this movie out when I was 13 and still do. Love the needle drops, and it’s a bonus that half of the cast would be stars. “Slow Ride/Take It Easy” sums up the movie and life.

 

Do the Right Thing (1989)

 

Shorten the Rosie Perez opening; it’d be the greatest film ever. However, it’s still a film with cultural messaging that stretches its relevancy to this very day. Peace to Radio Raheem. Love this Spike Lee joint; I was watching this at 13 and felt like I was a Black Panther Party member.

Don’t Be A Menace … (1996)

The Wayans Bros.’ greatest work. Yes, better than White Chicks, In Living Color, etc. Parody done right, to the point where if you haven’t even seen the films they’re referencing, the joke still hits, plus it ends with a classic Wu-Tang song. Also, Airplane (1980) sucks.

 

Dope (2015)

When this movie came out, I felt like I was finally seen and understood. I think that’s really all I can say about it. Like, I’m not even joking. From the man who directed The Wood, Dope spoke to this backpacking nerd about junior high school—funny but sad when you break down the reality of the circumstances. Filled with “if you know, you know” cameos and a bomb-ass soundtrack

Election (1999)

Considering this came out in the height of the late 90s/Y2K gross-out era. I see why this fell under the radar, but it’s a shame because it’s funny. It’s funny how a high school election can feel no different than how presidential elections get. A cat-and-mouse game, in essence, with both characters fucking up in different ways. I love it. Commentary. Matthew Broderick.

Fast Times At Ridgemount High (1982)

Low-key, when you break it down, Stacy’s story is actually sad. Nonetheless, I’m a sucker for ’80s flicks; it’s a classic comedy. Who would’ve thought Sean Penn would go from playing a burnout to an Oscar winner and El Chapo associate?

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1985)

“White Man Gets Away with Everything. “I can’t help but think about all the kids who can’t afford to miss school because they need to earn their scholarship to get into college. While this douchey rich kid can just pay his way into college, that being said, it’s still a day I want to create. Life moves pretty fast, so be spontaneous while you can.

Friday (1995)

The big three of DVDs every Black household has (the other 2: Belly & Paid in Full). This movie is the definition of “I’m just fucking with you cuz I ain’t got nothing to do.” I have so many things I can say and so many questions I have to ask, like why didn’t they just jump Deebo? Craig didn’t have a savings account? Smokey is a bad friend, and if he weren’t in the movie, all of Friday would be Craig getting a job. Classic. DJ Pooh needs his flowers.

Go (1999)

This movie feels like what I wanted my mid-twenties to be like until I realized I hate people, but those who live it enjoy it, you know, minus the dangerous drug consumption and levels of desperation. Rave, yo!!

Half Baked (1998)

To think this was Dave Chappelle before he became a household name and doubled down on his transphobia decades later. A goofy stoner comedy that, as someone who doesn’t smoke, I have been enjoying this movie since I was 12 years old. Def important to my humor.

Holes (2003)

I wanted a nickname from D-Tent so bad as a kid; honestly, I couldn’t tell you the point of holes on a symbolic level. Yet, holy shit, I love every bit of it 20 years later. Is Destiny real? Do we all deserve a second chance? Pick one. This movie is a childhood staple that should never be forgotten; the ending brings more joy to me than getting a lollipop at a bank as a kid. On top of that, only the real listen to the song, dig it

House Party (1990)

Based on the short film I still haven’t seen yet, to be honest with you. This is a fun comfort film. It really feels like the early 90s, and I can’t help but fall in love with it. Funny, bright, and dancing the night away—no, we’re not acknowledging the remake with LeBron James and shit.

How High (2001)

Another Stoner classic. MTV has aired this at least 40,000 times. It has a blazing soundtrack and is still funny 25 years later, a great turn-your-brain-off movie.

Idle Hands (1998)

Devon Sawa, Seth Green, Jessica Alba, Vivica A. Fox, and Tom DeLonge for like 4 seconds. Is this the most late-90s cast you can get? Possibly. It’s a go-to for horror flicks because I like my horror intake with some humor.

Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

We’re never getting a cast like this again. Just a list of black all-stars in a fun, sweet road trip with laughs in the feeling of a big, warm hug; this movie just hits the spot. Peak fame Bow Wow and Solange only rolled today. The voice of Jasmine from The Boondocks, Vanessa Williams, and Cedric the Entertainer—dawg, you can’t go wrong. Is it great? No, but FUCK it, I still love it.

Like Mike (2002)

Take my thoughts on holes copy here and add crossing over Allen Iverson is a 2000s dream that Bow Wow got to live. I love it. I really love, Like Mike. Also, it has one of the most evil things I’ve seen in a film, no spoilers though

Love Don’t Cost A Thing (2002)

Nick Cannon’s finest work is a black remake of Can’t Buy Me Love. I haven’t seen the original, so this might as well be the original Escape for BET in the 2000s; I swear it really oozes the meme of

Nobody:

Niggas in the 00s:

From the fashion, the references, the fucking Murphy Lee song—y’all remember Murphy Lee? Now it isn’t breaking major ground: a nerd likes a cool girl, the nerd tries to become cool, cool girl sees that the nerd is sweet the way he is, but the nerd becomes shallow. Etc., etc. Plenty of stories have done this, but in this example, it just hits a bit more personally.

Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003)

No one will change my mind about this movie. B-Rad is my favorite wigga. Unappreciated comedy. So many quotables.

Mallrats (1995)

Now being older, I recognize Jeremy London isn’t a great actor, and (low-key Molly Shannon here too) it’s so bad that it low-key gives the film a campy feel, but I enjoy the aspect now. Kevin Smith needs more flowers for bringing us Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, and Joey Lauren Adams, and creating his own cinematic universe. Jay, Silent Bob, and Brodie with the real loiter squad. Jason Lee carries and steals every scene he’s in.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

 

If someone were to ask what this movie is about, I couldn’t give an in-depth answer besides “It’s about an awkward teen and… stuff happens” because that’s the movie: dry, awkward, and low-key pointless. However, that’s what makes it special. I thought this movie was boring as a kid, but growing up and evolving my cerebral humor, I can’t get enough of it. Maybe I realize I’m weird and awkward, too. I’m one of the few who came to the other side of the Napoleon Dynamite effect (Google it); the opening sequence gives me life. I quote to myself, and I give it flowers every day for being the trigger for the mid-2000s quirky indie wave.

Next Friday (2000)

Office Space (1999)

Mike Judge’s live-action work is often an overlooked aspect of his career because Office Space is such a great movie about stagnation and unhappiness in work life and home life. One of like four movies that came out in 1999 with the same themes. What the fuck was going on in 99, yo? I digress, A Sharp Comedy is a cult classic that was always exciting to see on Comedy Central. In fact, in middle school, a quote from the movie was my phone notification.

Paid in Full (2002)

DVD 2 of 3 that were in Black households. Sad as fuck, especially when you remember it’s based and inspired by real events. Superior casting from Wood Harris to Mekhi Phifer, delivering one of the greatest moments in Black history with that car monologue. However, Sir Cameron Giles, AKA Boosters Boostin’ Cam’ron, steals the show. To where I honestly think if this movie came out today, he’d be nominated for best supporting actor; if not, discourse would be he got snubbed. Deadass. He really shines.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Tarantino is most wanted for the worst and best reasons, depending on who you ask. But he’s been on everyone’s op list. I don’t even need to explain this one. Beloved to overrated, in my opinion. I mean, it’s one of my favorites for a reason; its relevance has lasted this long for a reason. It’s that damn good. Iconic. Shook-up culture with its culture-based dialogue and its nonlinear storytelling. It feels like the definition of counterculture becoming pop culture. The poster alone is in more houses than family photos. Sure, Tarantino is a weirdo, but goddamn, his films had a chokehold on me.

Rhyme & Reason (1997)

This is a hip-hop doc that feels like a real moment in time. Now consider the Golden Age; this documentary was just documenting all the hottest accident hip-hop at the time: Nas, Biggie, The Pharcyde, Tribe, the Fugees, and even Master P. Just legends, and seeing them on this doc talk about hip hop and their idea of it for the future. To the ins and outs of the industry. It’s so dope.

Roll Bounce (2005)

Take ATL but more PG. Charming Xavier’s friends group is goated.

Set It Off (1996)

Raw, harsh, and sadly, a few years before the Boosie song. F. Gary Gray was in his bag. Queen Latifah needs more respect as an actor. The main cast needs more respect and flowers for their craft. To Jada Pinkett from Vivica A Fox to the woman who was in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Sad, but damn, it’s entertaining with moments that hit to unlock your empathy. I nicknamed a homie “Stoney” because of this movie.

 

Skate Kitchen (2018)

The Skate Kitchen universe was a rabbit hole I went through in 2021. A loner trying to figure things out, finding dope homies, and a safe space will help rebuild your inner home. It captures the spirit of finding yourself. From being out with the homies every day, feeling free, and trying to find that societal slot to fit in. Skating and NYC music, you get all of this here.

Stand By Me (1986)

R.I.P. Rob Reiner, and let’s look into Stephen King’s internet history

Four boys try to find a dead body, but instead find themselves and New Perspectives and a dead body; it’s riveting.

Superbad (2007)

Trainspotting (1996)

The Best Man (1999)

One of the messiest movies you could watch for a movie night; literally, that’s all I can say. A cast of Black all-stars in a messy-ass movie, and I love it so, so much.

The Graduate (1967)

Mike Nichols is often the forgotten Beatle of the new Hollywood era. Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Spielberg, and Lucas—but his work with The Graduate is sentimental to film culture for a reason. Babyfaced Dustin Hoffman is fucking up. Trying not to become the walking, shallow shill his parents and every adult around him have become. Aren’t we all? Mrs. Robinson is an iconic MILF with deep-rooted issues that are all so unfortunate. Simon and Garfunkel’s music through the film opened my music world wider, even though they overdid it with “Scarborough Fair.” Whelp.

The Players Club (1998)

Manipulation, predatory behavior, and keeping your soul in a world that tries to take it. Who would have thought Ice Cube would write and direct a film that peeks into the underbelly of a strip club without it coming off, let’s say, sleazy or super misogynistic? It feels contained, not ‘strippers are like this’ or ‘niggas are like that,’ but open light of how shit is haywire and scary behind the scenes in industries where greed comes first. Granted, Ice Cube is a part of the music industry, so… He knows a thing or two. Legendary cast members Jamie Foxx, Lisa Raye, Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, and so many others that I can’t list them all. Dramatic, horrifying, humorous, and rugged throughout. Also has one of the most satisfying scenes of all time.

The Social Network (2010)

Aaron Sorkin’s writing + David Fincher’s direction + Trent Reznor’s score + top-notch performances from Jesse Eisenberg to Andrew Garfield and even Justin Timberlake = this movie. I know Mark is a villain in real life; honestly, I disassociate the movie from him and just alter my reality and pretend it’s about other people. Nonetheless, it’s so fucking good, business can turn his bonds, and it has one of my favorite quotes that made me change my own perspective on myself.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)

No need to explain. Real Cinema. One of the greatest endings of all time. What if SpongeBob ended with the movie, like it’s originally supposed to? Crazy alternative reality.

The Wackness (2008)

The first five to 10 minutes of Josh Peck’s acting are a little choppy, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. Underrated movie. ’90s hip hop and NYC backdrops; Shapiro is isolated and dope dealing, but has a summer that will help him enter a new arc. Some of my favorite Needledrops and scenes. It’s two thumbs up.

Whiplash (2014)