Benjamin K

Benjamin K. Hoover

Ph.D. Horticulture Candidate

Top Ten Lists

This page was hidden for the past few months. There was an obscure hyperlink that would direct you here, and as far as I know, no one ever reached this page. I did this because many of the lists were incomplete and under construction. Well, they're all set now. . .

Top Ten Movies (Non-Comedy)

1. Chariots of Fire

The definition of inspiration. But this movie offers more that runners on the beach and a great soundtrack. The integrity and honor, and lack thereof, of the characters shines through.

2. A Few Good Men

This is a gripping drama with an all-star cast. I like the fact that it doesn't rely on effects and diversions, it's just a good movie. The "handle the truth" line might be the greatest ten seconds of American film.

3. Schindler's List

The horror of warfare and genocide is captured by Spielberg. It's all the more powerful because it serves as a reminder of how dark the human soul is.

4. Raiders of the Lost Ark

A real action movie. This film is a classic for good reason. After watching it I wanted to go out and buy a hat. Face melting effects are a nice touch.

5. Gladiator

Another depressing film that I liked. It captures the horror of the gladiator games very well. I can't imagine living in a time like that.

6. The Italian Job

This movie surprised me. I watched it with low expectations, and it exceeded them. The plot is common, but the assembled characters are likeable.

7. The Sting

This movie served as a prototype for several movies after it, and I believe was also the inspiration of the BBC television show "Hustle."

8. Braveheart

I found this movie extremely depressing, but gripping nonetheless. Gibson does a wonderful job and the cinematography is spectacular.

9. Babel

Communication is the underlying theme to this movie. Consequence of action is also present, as well as elements of grace.

10. The English Patient

Yet another depressing movie on my list. I like the way this film captures humanity. Parts emphasize the joy of pleasure, when everything is going well and the world is good. Then it focuses on the harshness of life, and pain and disappointment appear. A sobering movie that brings focus.

---------------------

Ten Bad Movies

1. The Rules of Attraction

Rather morbid and depressing. I disliked all the characters. I guess you could call it artistic; I call it a waste of time.

2. Simply Irresistible

I have one burning question: what is up with the talking crab? I am confident that the person responsible for this travesty of a script was abusing some type of controlled substance.

3. Kung Pow: Enter the Fist

This movie is so weird I almost liked it. It has a few good scenes, but in the end they do not fully redeem it. The best way to watch this movie is with someone who can skip to the good parts for you, the plot will still make as much sense.

4. National Treasure

As soon as Cage stood in the middle of the Artic, knelt down, and with a swipe of his hand uncovered the name of the ship I knew I hated this movie.

5. Rolling Kansas

Stupid story, stupid characters, just plain stupid. I was rooting for the police and the government the entire time, hoping the idiots would be served cold justice.

6. The Princess Diaries

I guess I should have known to stay away from this one. For some reason I watched it, and in doing so I wasted some time.

7. 40 Days and 40 Nights

This movie has moments of brilliance, but they are lost. In the end, I found this movie to be essentially worthless. It makes a weak statement, and I have no respect for any of the characters.

8. Rookie of the Year

I rooted against the annoying little brat the entire movie. This movie is an insult to baseball fans everywhere, for it is so farfetched and detached from reality.

9. Out of Time

This movie sends a lousy message. I didn't really like any of the characters, and in the end I was disappointed.

10.My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Everyone assured me I would love this film. . . I didn't. Thankfully it faded into relative obscurity, I never intend to see it again.

Top Ten Actors

1. Matt Damon

He's able to completely become a character, and I don't see him as "Matt Damon" when he is acting. He's excelled in dramas, action flicks, and comedies.

2. Ben Stiller

Pure genius when it comes to comedy. His portrayal of Zoolander made me a life-long fan.

3. Owen Wilson

Probably my favorite actor to watch. He has a knack for delivering some of the best one-liners, and from what I hear many of them are adlibs.

4. Bruce Willis

I'm normally not a fan of the tough guy character, and Willis plays many of them, but for some reason I don't mind him.

5. Jim Carey

His facial expressions are classic. He also delivers memorable lines with interesting vocal technique. Lloyd Christmas is the man.

6. Johnny Depp

My appreciation for him took time to develop. Now I consider him among my favorites. He has a bearing that is totally his own, and he brings that flair to his characters.

7. Leonardo DiCaprio

His work in Blood Diamond and The Departed won me over. I am now a fan of Leo.

8. Morgan Freeman

He is great as a lawyer/cop with a cause. I like him because his characters normally feel real, they have some flaws. He is great at portraying believable strength.

9. Russell Crowe

He put together a string of movies that really impressed me: Beautiful Mind-Gladiator-Master and Commander.

10. John Travolta

I know he often gets a bad rap as an actor, but for some reason I like him. In Swordfish and Pulp Fiction he nails his character and delivers memorable performances.

-------------------

Top Ten Movies (Animated)

1. Shrek

A complete classic. The quality of animation and the well-developed plot make this a great movie. I've seen it many times, and I'm sure I'll se it many more.

2. Ice Age

Completely underappreciated. I thought this movie was extremely funny.

3. The Emperor's New Groove

David Spade provides the perfect voice for the emperor. This movie provides some great lines: "Hey, I've been turned into a cow. Can I go home?" "Yay, I'm a llama again" and so on. Great characters.

4. The Lion King

Pumba and Timon make this movie worth seeing. The storyline is tolerable, but the characters make it memorbale.

5. Shrek II

Almost as good as the first one. I was skeptical, but they made a good film. For some reason this one doesn't stick in my mind as strongly as the first.

6. Ice Age II

Another excellent sequel. The opossums are nice comedic additions, and Scratch pulling himself up by his tongue is a great scene.

7. Toy Story

Lots of subtle humor and quick lines. I liked the character development in this movie.

8. Aladdin

Robin Williams does a great job as the genie. Jaffar is also one of the best villains in animated movies. My favorite line: "Boy do I feel sheepish."

9. Hercules

A solid movie. Few bells and whistles, but some good humor throughout.

10. Robin Hood

An oldie, but a goodie. This is one of the first animated movies I ever saw. When I think of Robin Hood, I picture a fox. . . that's how influential this movie was. Props to the singing rooster as well, I can still sing his songs word for word. "Every town, has its ups and downs. Sometimes the ups, outnumber the downs, but not in Nottingham. I'm inclined to believe, if we weren't so down. We'd up and fly if we had wings for flyin', can't you see the tears we're crying. Can't there be some happiness for me? Not in Nottingham."

---------------------

Top Ten Movies (Comedy)

1. Zoolander

The ultimate generator of lines. You could probably live your entire life quoting only lines from this movie (it would be a strange life). Stiller and Wilson make a great duo, not to mention Will Ferrell.

2. Dumb and Dumber

There are so many memorable parts to this movie, how can I narrow down to favorites? The bird, the van, "that's warm," "check please," and on and on. Carey and Daniels are great.

3. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

I've seen this movie many times, and it gets funnier every time I see it. "Do you think so?" and "Thank you" will never be the same. It has a tough ending for a comedy though, ouch.

4. Shrek

This film extends beyond the animated comedy category and begs inclusion on this list.

5. Shanghai Noon

"John Wayne? That's a horrible cowboy name." is one of the best lines. Wilson and Chan work well together. I liked this movie and the sequel.

6. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

A solid cast and great characters. Lance Armstrong makes an excellent cameo as well. White with a pizza is disturbing indeed.

7. Monty Python: Quest for the Holy Grail

A real classic. The humor is bizarre and unique. It is all the more impressive when the innovation of the work is considered. Another excellent line generator.

8. The Princess Bride

This film added "inconceivable" to my vocabulary. Andre the Giant does a great job in this film. What a collection of characters. The intro and outro of this movie are both very weak, but the center is gold.

9. Mr. Deeds

The best of Sandler's work that I have seen. The frostbitten foot scene is wonderful.

10. Happy Gilmore

This was a toss up between The Waterboy and Happy Gilmore. While the Waterboy has the "devil" and Gatorade lines, Happy gets the nod due to the awesome hockey montage in the beginning of the film. The crocodile helps too.

------------------

Ten Funniest People

1. Jim Carey

Jim has the ability to make walking, staring, blinking, or any other mundane action funny. His facial expressions are priceless. The cow scene in "Me, Myself, and Irene" is one of the funniest moments on film.

2. Ben Stiller

Ben came up with Zoolander, so he must be a comedic genius. His characters in "Zoolander" and "Dodgeball" go down as two of my all time favorites.

3. Stephan Colbert

Colbert and his team of writers are very entertaining. I don't agree with Colbert's fictitious or actual politics, but I do think he is funny.

4. Jim Gaffigan

I love his interjected vocalized thoughts. His facial expressions are good, and he really shows them off in "My Boys." Plus, his "Holiday Hawk" commercial for Sierra Mist is ridiculously funny.

5. John Cleese

The whole Monty Python and Flying Circus thing was brilliant.

6. Ron White

I'm not sure why I enjoy seeing Ron White so much. I think it's because he's so mellow and laid back. He tells a joke with perfect timing.

7. Dave Chapelle

I love and hate Dave at the same time. His content is often offensive, but he is great at what he does. I laugh at random times when I'm watching him, just because his manner is so funny. I love the way he interjects the word "son" into his routines.

8. Jon Stewart

The Daily Show is great, and Stewart has exceptional comedic timing.

9. David Spade

Another comedian who pushes the envelope. He is another comedian who makes me laugh just by his manner.

10. Will Ferrell

I'm not a big Ferrell fan, but I do like some of his work. I've always felt like I'm a half-step away from his humor though. . . I'm not sure why.

Top Ten Deciduous Shrub Genera

1. Hydrangea

2. Viburnum

3. Weigela

4. Clethra

5. Itea

6. Buddleia

7. Physocarpus

8. Deutzia

9. Aronia

10. Spiraea

----------------------

Top Ten Herbaceous Perennial Genera

1. Hemerocallis

2. Heuchera

3. Astilbe

4. Tiarella

5. Nepeta

6. Leucanthemum

7. Geranium

8. Dianthus

9. Ceratostigma

10. Coreopsis

----------------------

Top Ten Sports to Watch on Television

1. Baseball (MLB)

2. Football (NFL)

3. Tennis (Men or Women)

4. Hockey (NHL)

5. Basketball (NBA)

6. Football (NCAA)

7. Basketball (NCAA)

8. Volleyball (NCAA Men or Woman)

9. Baseball (NCAA)

10. Golf (PGA)

---------------------

Top Ten Sports to Watch in Person

1. Hockey (NHL)

2. Baseball (MLB)

3. Baseball (Minor League)

4. Football (NFL)

5. Basketball (NCAA)

6. Football (NCAA)

7. Basketball (NBA)

8. Volleyball (NCAA Men or Women)

9. Tennis (Men or Women)

10. Baseball (NCAA)

---------------------

Top Ten Tennis Players to Watch

1. Roger Federer

Quite possibly the best tennis player ever. He is poetry in motion on the court. He seems to play with the laws of physics, you would swear he does the impossible.

2. Raphael Nadal

On clay he is the best, and on the other surfaces he is nipping at Federer's heels. He plays a dynamic game of tennis, with many dramatic shots. Plus, he wears cool pants.

3. Andy Roddick

When his serve is on he deals aces like a Vegas card shark. He overwhelms opponents with his huge serve. His future is bright, for his game has room for improvement.

4. Maria Sharapova

She draws a large male audience of non-tennis fans, but her game is exceptional. She is adding finesse to her normally aggressive play, which should pay off in the future. Her service game is probably the best in women's tennis.

5. Andy Murray

I've taken a moderate disliking to him, so I watch his matches to root against him. He is an exciting player, with exceptional raw talent. His on-court tantrums add a bit of spice.

6. Serena Williams

She used to have the most powerful serve and forehand in women's tennis. Now she's a shell of her former self (or maybe a blimp of her former self). Despite being in terrible condition she still manages to win matches.

7. Novak Djokovic

He has a chance of upsetting the Federer and Nadal monopoly. At times he looks unbeatable. His impressions of others players are great.

8. Nicole Vaidisova

She plays a very aggressive game and depends upon a big serve and forehand winners. She's ridiculously young, so her game has time to develop. She'll be ranked number one at some point in the future.

9. Justine Henin

She has a solid arsenal of shots and great court coverage. She's one of the quickest members of the WTA, and she needs to be, for she is also one of the smallest.

10. James Blake

He hits the ball very hard and takes chances. He has a bit of a swashbuckling style, which I like. Unfortunately his game lapses at times, which can be frustrating to watch.