You are what you watch

Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

I own over 800 DVD's covering a wide range of genre and topics. (I buy 1 or 2 per week every week for the past 10 years).

What annoy's me are people who see one thing in my collection they don't like and suddenly decide that I must have horrible taste.

What they fail to see is the other 799 DVD's in my collection or the other 1000+ that I may eventually own.

And don't say "I watch too many" really, I watch 1-3 in a week. I'm just careful about what I pay for them (I don't pay much more than it would cost to rent) and I enjoy the collecting aspect of it and always have them around to share with others if they haven't seen the films I have.

I enjoy variety and if your going to judge someone on their DVD collecting, you'd better understand the entire collection and the basis for what is and isn't in it as a whole.

Mel Mon, Nov 19, 2007 at 10:54 AM EST

I get along pretty well with one of my co-workers. I'd say we might even be kinda close. I've accepted that he has different political views as me and though we may argue for hours here at work, at the end of the day we are still friends. What gets me is his love of crappy movies, tv shows, and music. The differences in our tastes in entertainment is almost what unhinges us, not our political discussions over who is right; Republicans or Democrats. No matter what, you cannot tell me that 'The Fantastic Four' is a really good movie or that 'Cavemen' is the best new show on tv this season. I pray every night that the Sense Fairy will whap him over the head and make my co-worker have some taste if not come to his senses.

Fri, Nov 2, 2007 at 10:31 PM EST

Even having a favorite show or bothering to watch TV in the first place says a LOT about you. It isn't called the idiot box for nothing.

Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 05:26 PM EST

I believe that, without knowing the reasons all the reasons why a person enjoys a particular program, frankly, it’s about as meaningless as their choice of socks.

The single most intelligent man I have ever met in my life, a member of Mensa who would write entire computer programs in his head, had a bizarre fixation with the cartoon, “Ed, Edd and Eddie.” (Why, you ask? I have no idea, but my 10-year old loves it, too.)

My mother, who has spent most of her life as a computer analyst and is an incredibly sharp-witted, mathematical, logical person, just adores “Survivor.” I can’t figure that one out, either.

In both cases, there must be some underlying reason I can’t see or don’t understand.

The only one I can speak for comes from my own experience. I spent several years in healthcare, both in a hospital setting and in home care, ending that career with Hospice nursing. Without getting into too many of the details, let’s say I’ve seen enough blood, death, and gore that I don’t feel I need to see another horror movie, ever. I am not a violent person. I do not play video games. I don’t even like violent music. However, I love “CSI.” This absolutely baffles most of my friends.

When asked, I explained that I look at “CSI” as Science Fiction. It’s a parallel world, much like our own, but where the good guys always catch the bad guys and the rules are very clear cut. It’s wonderful.

“Besides,” I continued, “I have a thing for Grissam. He’s intelligent, he’s quirky, and he collects bugs. I dig that.”

Rev. Tracie Voss Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 05:25 PM EST

I believe that, without knowing the reasons all the reasons why a person enjoys a particular program, frankly, it’s about as meaningless as their choice of socks.

The single most intelligent man I have ever met in my life, a member of Mensa who would write entire computer programs in his head, had a bizarre fixation with the cartoon, “Ed, Edd and Eddie.” (Why, you ask? I have no idea, but my 10-year old loves it, too.)

My mother, who has spent most of her life as a computer analyst and is an incredibly sharp-witted, mathematical, logical person, just adores “Survivor.” I can’t figure that one out, either.

In both cases, there must be some underlying reason I can’t see or don’t understand.

The only one I can speak for comes from my own experience. I spent several years in healthcare, both in a hospital setting and in home care, ending that career with Hospice nursing. Without getting into too many of the details, let’s say I’ve seen enough blood, death, and gore that I don’t feel I need to see another horror movie, ever. I am not a violent person. I do not play video games. I don’t even like violent music. However, I love “CSI.” This absolutely baffles most of my friends.

When asked, I explained that I look at “CSI” as Science Fiction. It’s a parallel world, much like our own, but where the good guys always catch the bad guys and the rules are very clear cut. It’s wonderful.

“Besides,” I continued, “I have a thing for Grissam. He’s intelligent, he’s quirky, and he collects bugs. I dig that.”

Kelly Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 04:33 PM EST

I turn my phone off when "24" is on...I simply cannot be interrupted. I like just about any movie, except for Westerns. Some of my favorites include Field of Dreams, The Wedding Singer, Saw 2, Halloween, Primal Fear, Miss Congeniality, A Time to Kill and I also love "How I Met Your Mother", "30 Rock", "Entourage", and "Grey's Anatomy." And I love the syndication!!! Thank goodness for Friends, Will & Grace, Everybody Loves Raymond, Sex and the City and Roseanne! I love the sitcoms for some reason.

nick Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 03:29 PM EST

A friend of mine just said "Wild Hogs" was hysterical. I think I'm down one friend today.

Melissa Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:42 PM EST

I judge you if you are a fan of: The Real Life, The Surreal Life, The Hills, the show that spawned The Hills (?)...ok basically any show on MTV or VH1 or E!. I hate reality television but make an exception for Project Runway. If it's anything but that - if we're friends, I likely die inside every time you talk about your damn shows!

Anon Geek Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

Okay, I have to admit I absolutely love everything to do with Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies. And I mean everything! Does that make me a total geek-chick? Yeah probably...but does it count that I won't miss Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, or Stephen Colbert?

clarabelle Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

One of my best friends claims that Dirty Dancing is a horrible movie, but she likes Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. I can't even tell you how insane this makes me. Also, I came home one day and my roomies were watching my copy of Heathers. They both looked at me like i was crazy and said the movie was awful. I have silently judged them ever since (I would also like to point out the only movie she brought to school with her was Beverly Hills Cop 2... what is that about?)

Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:09 AM EST

When I was in college, I could not afford a DVD or VHS player, much less a TV. My now Mother-in-law felt it was her job to give me DVDs as gifts for every holiday (including Valentine's and Halloween). Needless to say, if you looked at my collection, you would see the influences of a woman who was getting to know me and thought she knew what I liked. My husband and I have mostly purged those movies, but man were they off base. Way off base. So just because someone has the "odd movie out" in their collection, doesn't mean that they bought it or even watch it.

furry_tom Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 07:57 AM EST

I rent a lot if movies, but the only thing worth owning is the Sweet Valley High box set.

Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 06:56 AM EST

During my senior year of college, my boyfriend and I grew apart when he was content watching crappy "Flavor of Love" marathons all day long. It wasn't so much his awful taste that led to our eventual break up; rather, it's the priorities that he gave to his shows. In the case of girlfriend vs couch, couch won every time. That's what makes or breaks any kind of relationship (whether romantic or friendship).

jose Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 10:06 PM EST

i do, like someone said there fav. movies were scary movie 3,4. not the first funny 2. but the lame ones. i made fun of that guy until he stopped hanging around with me. he just wasnt funny, no wonder

Steve Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 08:07 PM EST

Its normal to watch whatever movie entertains you, ESPecially during a mundane train ride. I'm curious why u remained seated neXt to this guy when u realized what he was watching - that famous drew barrymore career reviving scene is a couple minutes long. You never mentioned what type of movies you enjoy, pot stirrer or would that make it too easy to pass judgement on you? I'm disappointed an ew staffer could be so close minded.

Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 01:20 PM EST

If you don't like the Evil Dead movies or Buffy (tv show) we have nothing to talk about. Also, don't ever say you don't watch foreign movies just because of the subtitles, because Pan's Labyrinth is my favorite movie ever.

Albert Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:45 AM EST

For me, it's all about the quality of the movie and its execution. I can appreciate anything in any genre as long as it's done well. If I haven't seen it I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

There's a certain rationality, art appreciation, and overall judgment test at play here. If you can't see why a film is bad despite how much you identify with it or "like" it, that's a problem. If you're too closed minded and can't appreciate quality film-making in any genre, that's a problem. Finally, if your opinion of a film as a whole, is not tempered with a good understanding of its objective good and bad points, then I question your judgment as a whole.

I think those are the concepts at play here. You can like bad movies because they are hilariously bad. You can like cliche movies b/c you're tired and just don't want to think. You can like a movie, despite its flaws, for personal reasons. But if you like it for the wrong reasons, that's a problem.

monica Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 12:33 AM EST

My DVD collection doesn't define me, because I haven't bought all of my favorite movies. And even though my favorite movie (I guess, of all time) is The Goonies, that doesn't mean I secretly search for treasure or am surrounded by a bunch of spastic friends all the time. My other favorite movie is Tesis, which is a suspense thriller that has a bit of violence in it. They're two completely different movies. If anything, it just proves I have a range of taste.

Margaret Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:28 PM EST

I don't think other people's favorite movie or TV shows would ever affect my friendship or realtionship with them unless they tried to force their favorites on me, or tell me my favorites suck. My friends and I have very few shows that we like in common, I for instance, love The Office and Scrubs more than anything in the whole world, but when my friends watch it, they don't get it, which doesn't bother me. One of my best friends and I have bonded over Ugly Betty and Greys, and always talk about them on Fridays. My friends and I also have way different movie tastes, they took me to see Wild Hogs, (having John C. McGinley in it kept me sane), and my favorite movies are anything with Will Ferrell, which they find disgusting. Yes I know they can be really disgusting, but I still like them. However, I really don't see myself as a movie snob, some of my favorite movies ever are Armageddon and 10 Things I Hate About You, two very different movies, but I still love watching them both.

Rick Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 03:26 PM EST

I'm a 6th grade teacher, and at the beginning of every school year, I ask kids to name some favorite movies. When a kid names Saw, I know right away that the kid has no decent parenting at home. It doesn't mean the kids are necessarily bad, but it does mean I will need to reach out to them a little more since their parents have shut down all responsibility.

Caitlin Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:41 PM EST

I almost stopped talking to one of my friends when he didn't know what movie "I'm the king of the world!", "Hakuna Matata", "I wish I knew how to quit you" or even "E.T. phone home" were from. I had a small breakdown, but then decided it was my duty as a pop culture enthusiast to educate him. It's a work in progress.

Sarah Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:14 PM EST

Well, my taste in television programming helped win me my husband (although I didn't know it at the time). The night we met (at a group dinner), he initially just thought I was a nondescript cute girl, but after I mentioned that my favorite T.V. shows were X-files and Highlander, his interest was definitely piqued. His thoughts were that I was "a nice girl, but just a little bit 'off'" :)
Which I am.
Which he liked.
Very much.
And still does. :)
Yes, we very much enjoy our sci-fi together; it's great when your t.v. tastes are compatible with your spouse's.

George R. Wilkes Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

This is a deep issue, and I've thought about it before. Thinking about it again, I'm thinking that it can be said this way:

"We seek:

(1) what is in ourselves, or

(2) what we want to experience, or

(3) what we want to to do (including to others) (which is actually part of what we want to experience)."

Yes, someone who delights in murder scenes probably loves the thought of doing that himself/herself. It resonates with the evil within (thus fulfilling number (1) above, plus allows him/her to experience the outward expression of that evil, thus fulfilling (2) and (3) above.

Johnny Whoa Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

Label me strange, but I've always placed stock in what a person's DVD collection consists of, particularly in first understand what their personality is like.

Roman Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:54 AM EST

I use to think of myself as a pretty tolerant person regarding other peoples' tastes in movies and TV shows having an eclectic taste myself. However, that was before I tried to make one of my friends watch Season 1 of Veronica Mars with me over the summer. She couldn't get into it and found it depressing and unwatchable. VM is my favorite show ever so that was a tough pill to swallow but I was dealing. THEN, she tried to make me watch her favorite show. It was One Tree Hill. Our friendship hasn't been the same since.

Valerie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 10:41 PM EST

I consider myself as fairly open towards people's taste in movies or TV shows, but I have a lot of difficulty with people who like stuff like Norbit, White Chicks, or 2½ men. Just doesn't give a lot of conversation potential !

Brandon Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 08:39 PM EST

I try not to judge people on their tastes, especially since I love shows that are often shunned by the mainstream: "Buffy," "Arrested Development," the masterworks of Marshall Herskovitz & Edward Zwick, etc. However, notice I said I "try." I'm usually fine with people liking whatever they want to -- until it comes time to argue about why something is better than something else. I have co-workers who thought "Knocked Up" was "too offensive to be funny" yet adored "Wild Hogs." And a really good friend who deemed "Superbad" "typical" and "not at all funny" but in the same breath had nothing but praise for "Evan Almighty." EVAN ALMIGHTY! Yeah, to each his or her own, but if you're going to like middle-of-the-road, brainless crap, please don't try to tell me what I like is awful. 'Cuz then things will get ugly.

molly Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 07:43 PM EST

I shared a dorm room with two other people my first year in college, and we all kept our movies on the shelves. Mine were all classics and independents (plus Firefly and a couple seasons of Scrubs on DVD), one roommate had every season of Friends and Sex and the City, plus every chick flick ever made, and the other roomie had horror films...we got along, but I don't remember us EVER watching a tv show or movie together.

Tab Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 07:37 PM EST

I have to agree with what's already been said by a couple people- if you're not into AD or Monty Python, we can't be friends. Well, we can be friends, but we won't watch movies or tv together.

Kirsten Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

My top five all time are Rushmore, Walk The Line, Almost Famous, High Fidelity, and Say Anything. These are watched on constant rotation with other movies, and all seasons of Scrubs, House, Criminal Minds, and Friends. All on DVD. It also says I am a huge music geek and I am crushing on John Cusack. These facts are both true. And now throw in 30 Rock, and my kids think I have completely lost my mind.
I have no life, I just watch DVDs.

Snarf Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 05:38 PM EST

My fave show says that I'm easily entertained, but like layered stories and charecter development. (Heroes)
As for your second question? No! (Back away slowly and avoid making eye contact)

mike Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 05:30 PM EST

This reminds me of an episode of Freaks and Geeks, one of the geeks, Sam, finally gets to date the beautiful cheerleader he's been crushing on the whole series, and takes her to see The Jerk, and she thought it was stupid, and he broke up with her, lol.

DanOregon Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 04:57 PM EST

Hell, you can psycho-analyize people based on their top 5 movies. All you do is remove the usual suspects GWTW, Raging Bull, Casablanca)and focus on the film that usually isn't on a top 5 list. Me? I like Hoosiers, All the President's Men, Midnight Run, The Music Man and Glengarry Glen Ross.

V.M.L. Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 04:41 PM EST

In general, I watch a lot of movies, as long as they interest me and I hear good things about them. However, I tend to not watch movies of a certain genre. I probably turned off some guys because I don't watch horror films. The reason is not because I'm scared of them (in fact, I'm pretty fearless, and I'm not being cocky either), but because most horror films seem so unoriginal. Once you see one, you've seen them all. However, if you knew me, you'd know that I'm into dark things. I love Tim Burton movies and the silly movies you'd see in grindhouses, but look at me, I'm not a so called goth girl. So basically, I don't see how movies describe what I really am because I like a lot of movies of different genres. Sure, I love Disney movies but that doesn't mean I dress up like a princess and sing songs everyday. I gotta have my sex and violence in movies, but I do love watching convincing romance and funny comedy as well. So the answer to your question is no, what I watch is not what I am

Sandy Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 04:14 PM EST

I had my doubts about a girlfriend of one of my guy's friends, but she did two things that convinced me we had VERY different tastes:

- She watched the Malkovich/Close movie "Dangerous Liaisons" and said it was "porn" and there was nothing redeeming about it.
- When my guy and I were debating what movie to watch one night around her, she insisted that we borrow her copy of "the greatest and funniest movie of all time - Little Nicky". Needless to say, she and I don't go see movies together....

Ames Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 04:11 PM EST

I've had people recommend movies to me over and over again saying how much I'd love it. When I finally watch them, sometimes they are so bad I get really depressed. Not only am I friends with an idiot, but they must not "get" me at all to think I'd like that. But I'm one of those that reads too much into things.

KayRay Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

I will tolerate almost any choice that others make in movies -- that's an individual's right (including mine). But compatability wise, my only litmus test is Fargo. If you don't "get" it, I know that we will NEVER be friends. Eh?

tad Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:32 PM EST

My best friend in college and I met because we both loved movies and could talk about them for hours at a time. She was and still is a huge movie snob and she helped turn me into one too. Although we sometimes had very passionate disagreements about movies (I still haven't forgiven her for not liking the LOTR series or Star Wars), we did both agree that movies are so important to us. As for me, my movie tastes run the gamut from musicals to kiddie Disney films to action pictures to film noir and even a couple of war films. For me, it's not necessarily the genre but the way the movie is done that matters. I love musicals but despised Dreamgirls and I hate Westerns but enjoyed the Man with No Name trilogy and Dances with Wolves. Does that make me a movie snob? i really hope people aren't judging me by my movie collection cause that might be too depressing for me to handle. You'll find everything from The Departed to Princess Diaries in there so what does that say about me!!

Rose Tyler Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:22 PM EST

Oh and I think I'm more bothered that the guy on the train was watching whatever it was at 6:30am. Even if ya like horror that seems way to early in the morning for it. Of course that's way to early in the morning to me for anything but coffee.

Rose Tyler Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

I agree with Kevin too. I like lots of things. Some of my favorite movies are Gone With the Wind, the Kill Bill movies, West Side Story, Mall Rats, The Family Stone and Young Frankenstine. So I get having ecceltic taste. However, if you like torture porn, Dane Cook, every romantic comedy ever made or anything indie because it's indie we prolly won't mesh.

TheOtherGrayson Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:16 PM EST

I went on a date with this guy who told me his favorite movie was WIld Hogs.

Minutiae Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:14 PM EST

I think a person's tastes are a good reflectio of their personality, but some of it is also exposure. My now-hubby had never seen This Is Spinal Tap when we met, and I nearly had a heart attack. I just couldn't date a guy who didn't have a healthy appreciation of The Tap. He watched and loved it, and the relationship went on.

Angela Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

I never watch torture porn movies like Captivity and I'd have a hard time dealing with someone who owned that. That said, I know I turn some people off with my Star Wars fandom, and I just don't understand why anyone in their thirties or older would be proud to not have seen any of the original trilogy.

Laurie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 03:02 PM EST

What the heck movie was that guy watching? Did you find out? That's kind of...odd.

While I'll admit, a little gore never bothers me (I do enjoy American Psycho), I don't think that'd be the movie I choose for my bus ride home. If I'm gonna watch anything, I'd want a bit of light fare, like a 30-minute sitcom or something. Whatever.

What did that guy look like? Maybe we should put out "BEWARE OF THIS MAN" posters.

Jasmine Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

My favourite movie is Psycho (Hitchcock's). I've never been compelled to dress up like my dead mother and stabbed someone to death in the shower.

Jennifer Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:44 PM EST

One of the reasons I broke up with my ex is that he had no interest in music, tv or movies. At all.

LisaMama Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

A good friend of mine told me her favorite movie is...Tequila Sunrise, starring Mel Gibson. Wow, I almost did a spit-take and tried to think of something nice to say about it! It wasn't easy. And yes, we're still friends. Although I haven't forgiven her yet for dragging me to The Holiday with Cameron Diaz. I'm more of a Lord of the Rings kinda girl. I kept waiting for a car crash or something!

Silv Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:32 PM EST

I can understand wanting someone to share your tastes in order to tell if you're compatible...but many people's tastes are wide and varied. For example, I like the typical "chick flicks" but I also have the full James Bond collection; love action films but comedy is too broad a category to judge on - and finally have had cable for the last 15 months - so what does it say if I haven't seen your favorite shows? If I haven't watched "The Office" or "Arrested Development" because I don't have time to? If I haven't seen a lot of movies because I don't go to the theater often? Are you willing to judge me on a small part of who I am?

Kevin Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

Thanks Kristin! You're not so bad yourself.

DawnLD Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:23 PM EST

To Ruby: I completely agree and couldn't have said it better myself. My fave movies are right across the board, from Disney pics to Blockbuster to Indies. What I like most about any movie is the fact that it enables me to tune out the reality that is our world for a couple hours and just place myself in someone else's imagination!

Kristin Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:23 PM EST

Kevin, I think I love you...

Kevin Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:19 PM EST

After reading other people's comments, I realize that it's not what we own, it's not even what we like, but rather what we DON'T like that decides whether or not a person should be judged. I love horror...but that's my own thing, I grew into that and it doesn't define me. Humor, however, is very important to me and anyone that I am going to befriend or date NEEDS to have a good sense of humor. If you think Monty Python is "silly", if you think that Judd Apatow movies are "offensive", if you think that The Graduate is "annoying", if you think that Kids in the Hall and Mr. Show are "too weird", if you don't "get" The Office or Arrested Development, if you hated Rushmore, then chances are we could never get along. If you think Dane Cook is funny, if you say "git 'r done", if you saw I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry more than once, or if you watch 2 and 1/2 Men regularly, then you might actually be my enemy.

Ruby Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:18 PM EST

Can't forget: Batman Begins. Brillant!

Ruby Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:17 PM EST

I don't judge people on their movie preferences, because honestly I don't really know that it says much about them as people. In fact, sometimes I think someones movie preferences reflect opposite aspects of their personality. Take me; in life I think I am a very rational & very wary of the overly emotionally. I am the first person to critcize & judge anyone who overromanticizes in their life, but I love a good chick flick. It's the escapism...I don't think that happens often in real life, but I totally buy it for the 2 hours onscreen. That said, I'm all across the board. Fave movies: The Notebook, The Departed, When Harry Met Sally, Wedding Crashers, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Fight Club, Reservoir Dogs, American History X, As Good As It Gets, Gone With The Wind, Pride & Prejudice (BBC version), Bridget Jones Diary.

Liz Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 02:00 PM EST

My boyfriend's 78 year old grandmother told us to rent the Christian Bale violent, sex and drug filled, Harsh Times, after she saw it in the theater...I was in shock then entire time I watched it that this is somthing a grandma would go see, let alone enjoy and recommend

Susan Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

I realized while cringing at some of the commenter's favorite movies, that I indeed am a movie snob who judges people on what movies they enjoy. (I'm also a music snob, but I've always known that.)

Stevie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

I try not to judge people on their entertainment choices but fear people might judge me. That's why no one knows about my addiction to "General Hospital".

tia Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

I used to judge people who watched dumb comedies, and then I got a super serious, super depressing job and I couldn't face serious movies for awhile. Still, I have my limits (Daddy Day Care/Camp, WIld Hogs, Norbit).

Cece Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:45 PM EST

I used to work with a guy who—I kid you not—has an extensive collection of "Weird" Al Yankovic CDs. I always thought he was a nice enough guy, but after hearing this, I understood why his sense of humor was so whacked.

Anna Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:36 PM EST

I don't think we could be friends Alicia because, although I've seen the Star Wars movies and I'm in my thirties, I'm of the opinion that they completely suck and they are definitely (and thankfully) not part of my childhood.

I try not to judge people too harshly on their choice of movies. In my family each of us hates what everyone else likes. We only all get along when Pixar is involved, so I've had to learn to not use others' movie preferences against them. Except when they try to convince me to go see, for example, a Judd Apatow movie.

William Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:31 PM EST

no it's normal to me, i absolutly love horror films, you didn't have to lean over and watch. also it's just like heavy metal, for some thats the music they relax to, because it is their favorite, the same goes for horror films, don't judge or think he is crazy, you are overreacting.

Hannah Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:25 PM EST

I remember on my first day of college, I helped my roommate unload her DVD set which was mostly made of movies she saw once on TBS and really likes - Fools Rush In, The Bachelor, etc. etc. Not BAD movies, but just really average fare. She thought it was BRILLIANT. It was a long year.

m night shamoosey Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:19 PM EST

Oh...and if you don't like the Wire....You're dead to me.

Jackie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:14 PM EST

I think my favorite movie is the Mel Brooks version of "To Be or Not To Be." I think it is his best and at the same time most under-appreciated movie. Anytime I meet someone who has seen it or owns it, my respect level instantly increases!

m night shamoosey Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

Well, my new favorite shows are GossipGirl and Dirty Sexy Money
- So I'm turning into Tisley Mortimer.

But, my favorite movie is Coming to America
-which means I also have a little African Prince lookin for love in me.

Alicia Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:08 PM EST

I feel I can not be friends with anyone in their thirties that has never seen ANY Star Wars movies. I love when they say "I haven't felt the need to watch those movies". Give me a break. Star Wars is part of history & of our childhood.

Jenny P Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

I definitely judge people based on their tastes in entertainment. Not doing so would be like giving someone whose favorite book is "The Communist Manifesto" the benefit of the doubt, as far as their economic affiliations go. Obviously, a person's tastes in movies or TV or books doesn't define them completely, but how can I possibly spend time with philistines who think reality TV is a crowning achievement? I use that word way too much, ugh.

Jill Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM EST

That’s interesting because I specifically chose my DVDs on planes, trains, etc. to be friendly for ALL viewers. The only movie I’ve ever had the person next to me comment on was “All the President’s Men” and she just wanted to watch it with me so I moved my laptop to the center of our seats and put on the closed captioning. So, that guy was a freak.

Yes, I do think it’s safe to judge a person in some ways based on their tastes. Too mis-quote “High Fidelity” – it’s the “things” that are important, they keep daily conversation going!!

MKS Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:37 PM EST

I don't think it is necessarily fair to judge a person based on their DVD collection. Sure, it may have the capability to reveal a sliver of one's personality, but people shouldn't be completely written off if their taste doesn't match yours. I sometimes look down on some of my friends' choice of DVDs, but it doesn't wholly represent who they are and keep them from being the cool people they are. Besides, if people were judged by their DVDs, how would people judge those with a variety of genres? I've got a quite a number of films, ranging from The Thin Man to Red to The Goonie, so I don't think I can exactly be pigeon-holed based on my collection.

Emma replying to Kevin Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:37 PM EST

Kevin...i totally agree with you about the AD thing, also The Office...if anyone new I meet doesn't "get" those shows I usually know right away they're just not my type of person.

Winona Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:28 PM EST

I still can't believe that someone would sit down next to anyone on a train (or other public area) and watch such a violent movie. What if you were an eight-year-old blonde haired, blue eyed girl? Would he still have turned on the offensive material? Just strange...

Rob Grizzly Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:27 PM EST

I'm very picky about movies I watch, let alone like. But most of my friends like anything as long as it's big budget and not foreign.
To me, films are like food. Sometimes i'm in the mood for a summer blockbuster- like a double cheeseburger. Other times I may be in the mood for classic De Sica- a fancy Italian dish.
Because of this I can never say I have one single favorite movie. I have several favorites in action, horror, comedy, indie, romance, etc. It keeps people from being too presumptious.
Thankfully, for every 6 movies my friends love that I hate (Mummy Returns), there's at least one that we're on the same page about (Donnie Darko)

JMC Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:18 PM EST

I too use movies as a starting point for conversation. Doctor Who, Lost, Galactica, and until recently Harry Potter are all great icebreakers. Sharing commentary, theories, and predictions easily provides good conversation without the harshness of political or personal speech.

I don't tend to judge people by what movies they like. In fact, when whoever and I don't agree, we tend to have the most fun discussions.

Vicky Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST

I definitely look to people's DVD collections to figure out their personality. I'd have to say I cringe a little bit whenever there's a girl who has every chick flick known to woman. Don't get me wrong. I like an ultimate girly movie here and there (Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Notebook), but I can't understand how one person can have nothing else in their collection. I always get a little nervous whenever I see "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days." The other red flag is when someone has ALL indie movies. Granted I've heard of most of them or I've watched a bunch. But I can't understand people who totally write off big theatrical films. I may judge people on their movies sometimes, but some of those indie lovers are the real movie snobs.

stephen to new yorker Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:05 PM EST

I also wonder if the other characters can understand stewie...

Jessie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 12:00 PM EST

I was hanging out with a guy in college, and he did not laugh once during Clerks. I lost all interest in him then.

I am a huge Buffy, Veronica Mars and Alias fan. I've managed to turn my current boyfriend onto the latter two, so there's hope for him.

new yorker Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:59 AM EST

My co-workers judge me on the fact that I read too much into Family Guy. I get that it's funny, but on some strange level, it bothers me that the baby gets to run amok, and that the dog seems to have full length conversations with the mother. Maybe I'm thinking too much, which goes against the total point of the show.

Tommy Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

My favorite DVD collection is futurama .............

Jim Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:54 AM EST

I'm stunned that people judge other people by their DVD collection. I'm gay, but you would never know it by my DVDs. One reason is most gay movies are kind of awful. I didn't like Brokeback Mountain. It was too long. And of course, one of the guys has to die. It's a rule somewhere.
Anyway, I looked over my collection and saw a group of individual movies I liked and not a catagory for Match.com.
I loved the story on post Brokeback hollywood. You guys should do more stories like that and fewer Best of ... lists. You're EW, not Us Weekly.

Kevin Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

You know what a HUGE compatibility-buster is for me? Arrested Development. If you didn't "get" AD, then I really have no time for you.

to Stephanie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

Does it ever get lonely up there on your pedestal?

mgm Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

I have to daughters who run the house, so my dvd collection consists of Disney movies, Nick, Jr., and preteen movies. I am a devoted mother!

Rese Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

I don't usually form opinions about people based on their movie choices...because some of mine leave a lot to be desired. It does always bother me though if someone hasn't seen or doesn't like; Back to the Future, Goonies, Field of Dreams, Dumb & Dumber or Young Frankenstein

Stephanie part 1 Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:36 AM EST

Yes, I agree that people today can be a little frightening. But should movies really influence how you feel about someone? People like certain movies for many different reasons. From the people in the movie, to just how a specific actor or actress said a certain line, to just an overall outlook of one scene. Just because I classify a movie as my favorite, does it really mean I think it’s the best movie ever made? Not really. I guess in some cases it could mean just that, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. My favorite movie is My Cousin Vinny, but do I think it’s the best movie ever created? No, I know a lot of movies that have better plots and such, however I find much humor in the way the characters interact and I enjoy watching the movie, simple as that. I also like the movie Scream, does that make me a psychopath? No, because I’m not ready to act on what I see in movies or on television. I’m a firm believer of the saying, “Movies don’t cause violence, people do.”

Stephanie Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:35 AM EST

And that goes for tv shows as well as video games. As a personal decision, I would not be watching a horror flick that early in the morning, as well as on a train. Trains to me, are for happy movies lol. Movies that don’t necessarily get you intrigued to where you feel you need to finish it. Granted non horror movies do that as well but it’s still something I would stay away from. Not meaning everyone has to and if that is what he wants to sit there and watch, it is his right to do so. Although, as a girl, perhaps alone on a train, I would infact find this man very peculiar and question his motive behind such a movie that early in the morning. Although, to him, that could be his train ride home, so it could seem like late at night as apose to a goodmorning ride.

No 2nd Date If... Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:23 AM EST

you don't like "Office Space". A guy I dated didn't understand the movie. "Why does Peter hate his boss?" was his question. Needless to say, there was no nookie and I left.

mike Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:22 AM EST

oops....i meant christine....not charlene

mike Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

to charlene:
i am gay and have all of those movies in my collection so it sounds like you were right......and gay guys like south park and family guy too!!
for some reason when a guy see's that i have drop dead gorgeous in my dvd collection, they are instantly interested (lol)

Fire Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

Honestly I don't judge whether or not I can be friends with someone based on their DVD collection alone, but it does help me get an idea of what we have in common. I mean, I've struck up multiple conversations with near strangers about Firefly or Heros or Supernatural. If someone likes the same types of shows and movies you do (especially if they're a little genre specific) you can learn a lot about them. I probably wouldn't be as close friends with someone who loves Adam Sandler's Water Boy as I would with someone who is all about Christian Bale's Batman Begins. (Especially if she's another girl, it's hard to find good geek girl friends!) Of course I don't think that means that all guys who like action movies are adeneline junkies, or all women who watch sappy romances are girly and old fashioned. It's just a preference.

That being said... Guy on the train? Creepy. I'd start carrying mace if I were you Gretchen.

TVSlave Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

To new yorker....I think your list of movies says you have good taste and a sharp mind.

Mike Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:13 AM EST

New Yorker-It says you're a well rounded individual who isn't easily stereotyped. Judging from some of the posts so far, we can't have that.

Suz Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:09 AM EST

my ex-best friend though I was weird because I like what she called "dumb comedies". her collection included nothing but chick-flicks. I think that's why we're not friends anymore.

Tab Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:08 AM EST

I'd like to start off by saying, my ex is a great person and a huge movie buff. I am not so much (a huge movie buff)...but I tend to like the Hotel Rawanda, Motorcycle Diaries etc....His favorite movie--Lord of the Rings. Fine. One of the other movies he thought was really good...the Lakehouse.

Really?

KJ Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:08 AM EST

Oh come on. Everyone knows the trading cards are sorted numerically, not alphabetically.

:-D

new yorker Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:07 AM EST

I'm a girl, and among my favorite movies are: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Escape from Sorbibor (TV Movie), The Usual Suspects, Wedding Crashers, The Departed, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Illusionist, Little Miss Sunshine, The Virgin Suicides, American History X, To Kill A Mockingbird, Ratatouille, Annie Hall, Children of Men, The Professional, Love Actually, Office Space, Queens Boulevard (if it were ever to get made, because I am after all, queens boulevard), Coming to America, Fight Club. I also watch Entourage, Flight of the Conchords, and whole bunch of other shows that might be geared more towards men. I wonder what that says about me.

Nathan Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:07 AM EST

Anybody who thought Transformers was good, must have at the very least a minor case of ADD.

Good_taste Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 11:04 AM EST

If somebody likes the Meryl Streep/Goldie Hawn movie DEATH BCOMES HER, I know we share a sense of humour -- good taste, campy taste, they're in!

Christine Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 10:55 AM EST

I also went out on a date with a guy that said his favorite movie "of all time" was Armagedeon. He then went on to tell me Crash sucked and he didn't understand why I liked it so much. I said to myself "never ever ever go to a movie with this guy." I chalked him up to being an idiot. After that I lost his number and we never went out again.

Christine Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 10:52 AM EST

I stopped seeing this guy because I thought he was cheating on me based on his book and DVD collection. I mean he had typical guy movies like south park, family guy boxed sets, and The Departed. I just noticed that he also has the notebook, a walk to remember, the charlies angles trilogy along with other uber-chick flicks. So I figured it had to be one of these three things
1)this guy is way too in touch with his feminine side
2) He has a girlfriend and not doing a good job of hiding it.
3) Hey gay, and using the south park dvd's as a beard.

Stephanie T. Fri, Oct 26, 2007 at 10:47 AM EST

I like action films, querky romances and a lot of silly humor mixed with dark humor. Fargo remains to be one of my favorite films.