August. That means another semester begins. A new freshman class joins us on the Hilltop. And, as luck would have it, a new columnist puts pen to paper (or, in this case, fingers to keys on his laptop).

I figured what better way to inaugurate my column than by introducing myself. Well, not exactly myself, but rather my frames of reference. So, here, in no particular order, are some (though hardly a complete list) of my favorite movies by category. If I am to be writing about film, you should at least have some insight into where my opinions are coming from. But enough of my yakkin’. Let’s boogie.

Favorite Action Movie — Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Before he sank the Titanic, James Cameron nuked the planet. Sent back in time to defend John Connor, the future leader of the resistance against the evil, sentient machines, a cyborg who looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger battles the liquid metal T-1000 and tries to prevent nuclear holocaust in this action epic with a tight, gripping story, amazing action sequences, and special effects that hold up even today.

Favorite Romantic Comedy — Down with Love
Essentially a tribute to the 1960s bedroom comedies starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day, this sadly underrated film starring Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger has, at first glance, extremely limited appeal. But it really is a pleasant, supremely satisfying romp that is everything a romantic comedy ought to be. Catcher Block (McGregor), a womanizing reporter for a men’s magazine, goes undercover to destroy Barbara Novak (Zellweger), a feminist author who teaches women how to swear off love and men. A battle of the sexes ensues, and, in the end, everyone finds true love.

Favorite Movie Musical — 1776
A musical look at the writing and ratification of the Declaration of Independence that has more historical accuracy than you would think and a reverent, affectionate spirit for the major players, painting them as the people the audience can identify with. This is history as we wish it had happened — with a soundtrack. Memorable songs, a wonderful script, and strong performances elevate this film to something more than a fluffy musical comedy.

Favorite “Golden Age” Classic Film — Casablanca
A bit obvious, I know. But come on. A movie that, on paper, never should have worked: teams of writers working independently of each other, an incomplete shooting script and a director renowned for making action movies directing what is essentially a love story. And in spite of all of this, Casablanca soars. It is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Humor, drama, melodrama, romance and Humphrey Bogart, this movie has it all. What more could you want?

Favorite Political Drama — The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
John Frankenheimer’s original is still the best. It is slow and methodical by today’s standards, but it builds to an ending that is still more brilliant and shocking than anything being cooked up in Hollywood today. Plus, Angela Landsbury’s performance as Raymond Shaw’s manipulative mother gives me the chills every time I see it.

Favorite Film Series — The Original Star Wars Trilogy
There is nothing I can say that has not already been said. (Though, for the record, I don’t mind the prequel trilogy that much.)

Favorite Film Based on a TV Show — Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn
A sequel that vastly surpasses its predecessor. Not only is it the best Star Trek movie, it is a pretty good movie in its own right. With moving character drama, space battles galore, a brilliantly evil turn by Ricardo Montalban as the title villain and the shocking death of a beloved character, Wrath of Kahn is the reason why Star Trek has survived to the present day. All due respect to J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Trek film, but whatever he does won’t be as good as this.

Favorite Cult Movie — This is Spinal Tap
The laughs in this improvised comedy are cranked up to eleven and never let up.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure — Mortal Kombat
This movie brings back fond childhood memories. And as terrible movies go, it’s one of the better ones. I mean, it has good fights. Fine, I’ll stop defending it now.

Favorite Disney Movie — Aladdin
Two words: Robin Williams. Enough said.

The Singularly Greatest Movie of All Time — The Godfather and The Godfather Part II
Yes, it is a tie. Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola’s deep, nuanced and epic tale of Corleone family in these two films has yet to be surpassed. It is to the credit of the filmmakers that, as they introduce all of the characters, most of whom are murderers, they make the audience genuinely care about and, more importantly, like them, so that as the story unravels, we feel truly sad as each and every one of these killers is either killed or has his life destroyed. The performances by Brando, Pacino, DeNiro, et al. are brilliant across the board. These are iconic films that all should see. But forget about the third one.