Laughter through Tears and a Little White Dog

This isn't a story about a dog. Not really.

It's Tuesday, a warm June afternoon and I'm sitting alone in my living room. Criss-cross-applesauce in the recliner, dreading the phone call I know is coming. Finally it rings, and reading my aunt's name on the screen, I answer. "You have bad news."

"Depends on how you look at it," she says, crying.

And then I'm sobbing, large shaking cries that actually make noise. Cries that give the "boo hoo's" their creed. I hold myself and rock, in a fashion done only by those who are truly devastated.

My Favorite Movie Scenes

I sing to Shannon most every night, and usually recycle the same songs over and over.  'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' 'You are My Sunshine'...  just to name a few.  A few nights ago as I was singing 'The Way You Look Tonight,' I thought of the first time I heard the song.  My Best Friend's Wedding is one of my favorite movies, largely due to the scene where Dermot Mulroney's character sings this song to Julia Roberts' character on the boat.

Which got me thinking... What are some other favorite movie scenes?  You know, the ones that really pull at the gut and (usually, since I'm a cryer) bring tears to the eye.

So I compiled a list, and it seems they all deal with love, different types but still, all about love.  I'm pretty certain that as soon as this is published I'll think of a title that should've been included, but oh well.  Just leaves room for a sequel.

So in honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow, here are my top five, all-time favorite movie moments.



(5) Bruce Almighty

If you've never said a prayer like this, consider yourself lucky. Enough said.






(4) Steel Magnolias

Although the most famous scene in the movie by far is M'Lynn's meltdown, I think the most touching is the one where she sits holding her daughter Shelby's hand as she dies. The only clip I could find is the complete hospital scene, which is more than seven minutes long, but from 4:30 through 5:30 is the part I'm speaking of.

Warning: grab a tissue before you hit play.






(3) Chasing Amy

Probably the most outstanding profession of love. Ever.





(2) My Best Friend's Wedding

This came out when I was in high school, and I remember distinctly my friend Andrea seeing it in the theater and being angry that it didn't have a happy ending.  But I enjoy this movie, not only for the comedic timing of Rupert Everett (who kinda steals the show) but as I mentioned before, for this scene below.  Simple and powerful.





(1) Love Actually

My favorite clip from my favorite movie.  The hug between (step)father and son portrays the true love story, the relationship between Sam and Daniel.  (Click to play if the arrow doesn't appear)

Sam Runs After Joanna
Love Actually at MOVIECLIPS.com

So there you have it, my all-time favorite movie moments.  I'd love to hear yours!