Top 5 Psych Episodes

Yes, we're still on Psych. Well, my recent rediscovery of it got the rest of my family back on it too, so that's been keeping my tank fueled. As I've been watching the show, I half consciously began thinking up this list. I mean, they're all basically my favorites because this show is just awesome. But I've decided to actually compile a top five.

So here we go in no particular order:

1) 6x02- Last Night Gus

Shawn, Gus, Lassiter, and Woody all wake up in the Psych office without any memory of the night before. A dead body pops up and they realize they have a connection to it. They desperately try to put the pieces together from the previous night as they try and solve the man's murder. 

I cannot get enough of this one. It's obviously a spoof off The Hangover with a classic Psych murder mystery thrown in. Just how they uncover random bits of information and start freaking out as they jump to conclusions ("obviously we knew the victim" "well we all knew the victim, but you are the one who shot him" "you had the dead guy's phone!" "Shawn is wearing the man's sandals!")

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS TRAILER 

2) 7x11- Office Space

Gus accidentally tampers with a crime scene at his office and he and Shawn cover it up to buy them time to find the real killer. Meanwhile a security guard is hot on their trail.

I just love how it's set up. I mean, it's not a particularly ingenious plot or anything, but just the way it plays out (like when Lassiter comments how the dead man's socks are missing and thinks it must be some sort of sick murder ritual, but then it jumps back to Shawn and Gus the night before as they take off the man's socks because Shawn's blood was on them from his bloody nose. It's just funny). And just how it keeps getting worse and worse for them XD. Then there's just other great moments like Gus's coworker who's in love with him, or "are you carrying Spencer's unborn demon seed?".

3) 2x13- Lights, Camera… Homicidio

An actor is murdered on the set of a spanish soap opera. While investigating, Shawn finds himself cast as a flirtatious delivery boy.

Oh. My. Word. I cannot even begin to describe how utterly HILARIOUS this one is! I don't even know where to begin. Just Shawn in his stupid getup as "Chad" with the poofy hair and everything. And how literally everyone watches the show and is all into it, even the Chief and Henry. I can't! You just have to watch it! XD

4) 3x02- Murder? …Anyone? …Anyone? …Bueller?

While at their high school reunion, Shawn believes he witnesses a murder. However, he has all the evidence proving it except for the actual body.

This one has a special place in my heart because it was the first episode I ever saw all the way through. It's actually quite good though. I think it would still be in my top five even if it wasn't the first one I ever saw. "No body, no crime".

5) 2x02- Sixty Five Million Years Off

Shawn claims that a random John Doe found dead was killed by a dinosaur, and is of course thought crazy. However… he may not be all that far off.

There's so many golden moments in this episode! "Farmer shooty-pants", the fruit stand, the "intervention", or when Gus is squeaking while cracking the key code: "what are you channeling Michael Jackson?". And of course the reference to Dule Hill's other famous role (Holes).

Puh-sigh-ch

Otherwise known as Psych! The best show EVAH!

Frankly, I was going back through my old posts and I realized something… I never made a post dedicated to one of the greatest detective shows to have ever been aired: Psych. I've been rewatching it lately so I decided now was as good a time as any since I'm refreshing myself.

To start off for those poor ignorant few out there who have no idea what this amazing show is about… it centers around a guy, Shawn Spencer, who is hyper-observant and has a photographic memory. His abilities are so unnatural that he manages to pass himself off as psychic to the police as he solves crimes with his best friend, Gus.

I remember how I began watching this one. My family started watching it while I was away at college (it was on Netflix and I'm pretty sure someone had recommended it to them). When I came home for the holidays, they were still watching it, somewhere near the end of the second season I think. I sort of ignored it at first, thinking it was just another TV show and I already had my own amazing ones to focus on. However, I did catch glimpses of episodes here and there and I had to admit, it seemed a little intriguing. It looked upbeat, fun, plus it was a mystery show. But I still didn't want to sit down and watch it with them. Then one night (I can't remember exactly why), I sat down with them for an episode. I even remember which one it was, 3x02 "Murder? Anyone?… Bueller?". That was the first episode I saw all the way through… and it was enough. After that I went upstairs to my own computer and sought out the show to start from the beginning. Then I was hooked. I ended up surpassing my family. I'm now the only one who's seen the end of the show (which ended this year *tear*)

Where to start with my ravings? I guess the characters. They are all awesome! Seriously! All of them are hilarious in their own way. Just the way they all bounce off each other and the way they deliver their lines, ridiculous or not. So much love!

First there's Shawn, our "psychic".

He's the epitome of hilarious, witty randomness. Like I said, he's hyper-observant with a photographic memory, so that's how he manages to pass himself off as a psychic. Like he manages to recreate a crime scene board entirely from memory after seeing it for only like three minutes ("yeah, three whole minutes"). Or he can remember what's in a missing photograph that he saw for only a second even when he wasn't focusing on it. A criminal profiler described him as "highly intelligent, but you’re shameful of that fact so you play it down with the use of inappropriate behavior, and you live in fear of showing your weakness so you hide behind a constant barrage of jokes and sarcasm". That sums him up very nicely. He also took the detective exam at age 15 and got a 100%. In the pilot episode, a detective who did a background check on him commented that he could be running IBM to which he responded "why would I want to do that?". He is very sarcastic and a complete smart-aleck, and it's hilarious. Some of the things he says, his comebacks, the way he stalls, his tangents, they're so great! Sometimes they're so random and not even witty in the slightest, but they're just so stupid and/or delivered so seriously that they just… go. He acts extremely immature all the time much to Gus's chagrin (and especially Lassiter's). But he almost always comes out on top. This is why he is awesome!

Next there's Burton "Gus" Guster, Shawn's best friend and partner, and one of the few people to know Shawn's secret.

He's sort of the straight-man of the duo, although they both are pretty silly. He often gets sucked into Shawn's crazy plans and shenanigans, protesting all the way. He even got kidnapped (as he claimed) by Shawn once because he slipped six allergy pills into his milkshake while Gus was peeing, and then took him on a road trip to investigate a case Gus already said he didn't want to go on. He works two jobs, Psych and as a pharmaceutical salesman. He tries so hard to balance both, but it seems like he spends a lot more time at Psych than his other job (which is joked about in later seasons when a crime happens at his office "you still work here?"). He has the "super smeller/sniffer" which is often utilized in cases, he can't stand the sight of dead bodies/blood, and believes in spirits, curses, ghosts, etc. He and Shawn have an absolutely impenetrable bond. Although they often joke about leaving each other behind, making the other go first, or using the other as a shield, I think if it really came down to it they would sacrifice their life for the other. And even though Gus gets upset at getting tricked into doing all sorts of crazy (sometimes even life-threatening) things, he always forgives Shawn at the end of the day. Shawn's not the only manipulative one though. Although it may not always be as crazy, Gus sometimes manages to get Shawn to do something he wouldn't normally do (like attend a sea lion's funeral, for example). We love Gus, girly screaming, tap dancing, sympathetic crying, and all.

Then Detective Carlton Lassiter, affectionately nicknamed "Lassie" by Shawn and Gus.

He's the head detective of the Santa Barbara police department and the only person in the show who consistently does not believe Shawn is psychic. He's not a bad guy in the slightest, but he is constantly antagonistic towards Shawn and Gus because he finds their antics irritating and unprofessional. He did once admit to Shawn while drunk that "you astound me", and over time he slowly came to quietly respect their abilities as detectives and even on occasions would willingly team up with them. He's very tightly wound, almost always plays by the book, has very little tolerance for ridiculousness, and is in love with his gun and his job. In fact, he was put in charge of a trainee detective who was an absolute nightmare (she was cantankerous, constantly discharged her weapon, suspected everyone of crime) and Lassie wondered why he was put in charge over her. The Chief told him that everyone thought they had a lot in common, and he realized how people perceived him. He lightens up a bit in later seasons, but not too much because his uptight personality is why we love him.

Next is Detective Juliet O'Hara, Lassiter's partner.

She serves as Lassie's foil a lot of the time and they balance each other out. She's the "good cop" of the duo, I think. There's even an episode where they're trying to out-do each other and are timing each other in the interrogation room using their own style, and it's literally the good cop/bad cop routine. She's very friendly, sensitive, and open-minded as opposed to Lassiter's rigid, gruff, no-nonsense persona. She's also a total boss in addition to being funny, smart, and beautiful. She shares a lot of romantic tension with Shawn through the seasons. It's the classic will they/won't they scenario, but it's pretty played down and not so dramatic like in a lot of TV shows. At first it was mostly Shawn just flirting at her occasionally (which he did with every attractive woman he came across), but then it morphed into them actually starting to have feelings for the other, which then morphed into even deeper feelings which I will not get into (but it was far too wonderful for words). Anyways, Jules is an amazing character!

Then there's Henry Spencer, Shawn's dad and the other person who knows Shawn is not psychic.

He's the reason Shawn is the way he is. He taught Shawn how to hone his skills of observation at a young age by playing a game where Shawn would close his eyes and Henry would quiz him on certain things they saw like how many hats there were in the room. As an ex-cop, he also taught Shawn several life skills growing up such as beating a lie detector, escaping a car trunk, etc. It was his wish that Shawn would follow in his footsteps and become a cop. However, after Shawn's rebellious teenager phase and a falling-out with a stolen car mixed with a divorce, they became estranged and Shawn never did move on to become an officer. A bit like Lassiter, Henry is a little tightly wound and likes to play by the book. Shawn often goes to him for advice whenever he's stuck on a case. Henry seems to get in his son's way a lot by denying his requests, not going along with his plans, or whatever. However, his intentions are always well-meaning. Even when he purposefully got Shawn's motorcycle impounded, his ulterior motive was because Shawn had got in accident and he was worried for his safety. Like Gus, Henry often unwittingly gets pulled into Shawn's crazy schemes (usually when they need his fishing boat, or his house, or his truck). He does usually, but begrudgingly go along with it because in the end he knows his son can get the job done. Even if he is sometimes a sour-puss, Henry is great and we love him for it!

Lastly there's Chief Karen Vick, chief of the police department.

There's not much to say on her except she's awesome! She always sticks to protocol and keeps everything running smoothly (at least as much as she can with Shawn and Gus around). She even stated herself that what she ultimately cares about in the end are the results, and if that means not following the book perfectly to the letter in between then so be it. Shawn points out that she's a "pretty kick-back lady if you give her a chance". She is very authoritative and you just have to respect her. She puts up with so much crap, especially from Shawn and Gus, but in the end she still always does what she can to uphold the law and make sure justice is served. I love her.


So yeah, if the characters weren't as awesome as they are, the show wouldn't hold. But then there's the writing. Holy moly, is it hilarious! Too many quotes! I can't even pick a favorite! I mean, it's a crime/mystery/detective show, which those are usually tough, gritty, dramatic shows. But not Psych. They keep it so upbeat and casual. It's just this quirky, immature guy (with crazy skills) and his best friend solving crimes. I mean, yes there are deaths, there are action scenes, there's shooting, and stuff like that, but it's not TOO graphic or dramatic. Don't get me wrong, there are some dramatic moments, heck, there are entire dramatic episodes, but they're not TOO extreme, like what you'd expect from a typical detective show.

Now down to criticisms. My one criticism is with the later seasons (which is often the complaint with TV shows, right?). They sort of lost the grasp of their original concept. In the first couple seasons, Shawn was this silly, sarcastic guy, but he was still very smart, he just tried to cover it up. In some areas he was clueless, like vocabulary for example, which Gus would then gloat about and take over ("Just tell me what supine means" "You know. Su… supine. Suuu…") and that was fine. But then in the later seasons, Shawn seemed to get dumber. Like he actually didn't know anything for real and wasn't just covering up his intelligence. It sort of bothered me.

Also in earlier seasons, Shawn's "psychic visions" were a lot more dramatic and more… psychic-y? and he gave plausible reasons for them. For example, when he realized a secretary faked people's handwriting on some documents (something others probably wouldn't notice), he made his hand go crazy, scribbling in the air and then said something a little vague like "the answer is in the ink". In later seasons, he would notice something completely obvious like a footprint on the ground or something, then he would just put his finger to his head and say "I'm sensing the killer went that way". See? Earlier he noticed small, easy-to-miss details (this is why he's hyper-observational), put them together, then would give the police kind of vague and charismatic hints making it seem like he was actually having a vision. Whereas in later seasons, he notices very obvious things that people without hyper-observation could notice and then just states the obvious while merely putting his finger to his forehead.

While all this was a definite disappointment for me, it's not enough to put me off the show. The characters and the writing are just so brilliant you HAVE to keep watching. You get so attached to it all in the beginning, you just have to continue. There's not really any major story-arcs, just one new mystery per episode, nothing inter-connected. There's a couple small arcs in the later seasons, but nothing too huge. Which is weird because usually a TV show needs a progressing story to keep the viewers interested like "ooh! What's going to happen?". But that's how good the writing is here. We're just so invested in these characters's lives and how they're going to deal with their next situation (whatever it may be).

Here's a trailer for this lovely show (in the style of the Pineapple Express trailer [the fact that that movie was chosen is so much funnier once you've seen the show… pineapple XD].)

WATCH HERE

So to end this rather extensive post, here's some random quotes. (I can't say favorites, because they're all favorites):

Receptionist: There is a Lieutenant Crunch here to see you.
Gus: Crunch?
Shawn: [enters, dressed in a Civil War uniform] Actually, I've been promoted. It's Captain Crunch.

Shawn: How can you tell that someone's a compulsive liar? I mean, assuming that their pants aren't on fire.

Gus: Wasn't Howie the victim at one point?
Shawn: Gus, that is so forty minutes ago. I bet you're still telling your friends to chillax.

Gus: How do you just eat when there's a dead guy laying there?
Shawn: What, is that rude? Am I supposed to share?

Lassiter: You missed something. We found prints.
Shawn: Was he in a little red corvette?
Gus: Under a cherry moon?
Lassiter: FINGER-prints!

Lassiter: I'm gonna crack her like a bad back!
Chief Vick: Please don't.

Shawn: [about Henry's shirt] It's like a genocide of color... somewhere a rainbow is weeping.

Shawn: [sees Lassiter and gasps] It's a miracle!
Gus: Thank God you're alright!
Shawn: We heard a cop named Lassie died. Jules, tell me you got the flowers.
Lassiter: Lassie III was a retired police dog.
Gus: From the obit, it's amazing what you two had in common: strong, dedicated, loyal.
Shawn: Bouts with ringworm, expressive eyes, goes like this after he poops. [theatrically wipes his feet on the ground]

Henry: Well, that's a stupid house to rob.
Shawn: Does anyone live up to your expectations? Maybe we should get the robber's phone number so you can call and tell him how disappointed you are.

Shawn: You said it was important. [surveying Henry's tight black turtleneck] Clearly, you're about to shoot an Old Spice commercial.

Lassiter: I thought I told you no.
Shawn: But your eyes said yes.

Shawn: If I were just some average guy with no super powers I'd say [muttering dumbly] "I dunno, why're you asking me?" But as the head psychic for the Santa Barbara Police Department I say "I don't know. Why are you asking me?"

Lassiter: Give me the victim's name.
Shawn: Shabby.
Lassiter: What, is that a street name or something?
Gus: It's more of a given name.
Lassiter: Last name.
Gus: He doesn't have one.
Lassiter: Do not play with me.
Shawn: Can I spell it?
Lassiter: I don't care.
Shawn: [spelling] T-H-E… S-E-A… L-I-O… N.
Lassiter: Thesealion? Is that French?
Gus: …Pinniped.

Shawn: How do I look, Jules?
Juliet: Like my 11-year-old nephew in his Peyton Manning pajamas.
Shawn: Your 11-year-old nephew is ruggedly sexy? That's weird.

Gus: You know what they do on those massage tables? They massage men. Big, hairy men. Let me be very clear: these hands are not touching anybody. I only use these hands to touch myself. ...Uh, let me rephrase that.
Shawn: Please stop speaking. And no more fist bumps for the rest of the day.

Henry: I saw the shooting on television, I been trying to call your cell phone. It keeps going to voice mail. I've been worried to death.
Shawn: I... forgot to turn on my phone.
Henry: Gus, let me ask you something. What was the very first thing you did right after the shooting?
Gus: I called my folks to tell them I was okay.
Henry: And what's the first thing he did?
Gus: He ate a banana.
Henry: [to Shawn] You ate a banana.
Shawn: I sure I did. You know why? Because it makes me think of you, because you're my big old papa monkey.

Shawn: Are my eyes seeing what my brain is telling my eyes that they're seeing?

Bad Guy: But know this: one stupid move, and I've got more than enough plastic bags for your body parts.
Shawn: Note to self: call Hefty with commercial idea.

Gus: The thing is, I have something big to tell you.
Shawn: You know you can say anything to me, Gus. We've known each other forever and there's absolutely nothing that could dent our impenetrable bond.
Gus: I have a secret girlfriend.
Shawn: You're dead to me.

Lassiter: Come on, Chief, let me run with this one.
Henry: [seated in a corner] What if we let them work together? Separately, but together?
Shawn: [pointing at Henry] That lonely bald guy in the corner makes no sense.

Shawn: [in a hostage situation] Why don't you let the women, and children, and men, go?

Juliet: Are you asking me on a date beside this dead body?
Shawn: Yeah, but I figured it would be okay since it doesn't really smell.

Shawn: Come on, let's hug it out.
Lassiter: I'd rather shower with a bear.

[After Juliet locks Shawn and Gus in the back of the police car]
Shawn: That's why she let us come along, to keep tabs. That crafty little doodle pumpkin.

Shawn: [to unconscious Henry in a hospital bed] I just… I don't think now is a good time for you to go, you know… I love you...r french toast.

Lassiter: I have slowly, methodically, been building up a tolerance to chloroform over the last fifteen years.
Shawn: Dear God, why?
Lassiter: For a night like this, Spencer.
Gus: I don't believe it... it must have been some other kind of chemical.
[Gus picks up a handkerchief, sniffs it, and immediately passes out]

[Shawn has just accidentally ingested speed]
Gus: Why are you talking so fast?
Shawn: Why are you hearing so slow?

Juliet: You're acting like a child, Shawn.
Shawn: I AM NOT ACTING!

Shawn: Well, much like Lady Gaga, I was born this way.

Shawn: Just because you put syrup on something don't make it pancakes.

Shawn: Well, the plot, unlike your hair, continues to thicken.

And my all-time favorite…

Shawn: Excuse me, I’m here for a class.
Desk clerk: This class?
Shawn: Yeah, I believe it starts in...
Desk clerk: Five minutes.
Shawn: Right. Five minutes... from now. See I’m usually ten minutes early so I’m already feeling behind.
Desk clerk: This class is for five to eight year-olds.
Shawn: Yes. Yes it is. And uh that is what I call...
Gus: (from behind) Discrimination.
Shawn: That’s right!
Desk clerk: Discrimination?
Gus: Yes. And ageism.
Desk clerk: Who are you?
Gus: (steps forward) I’m his lawyer.
Desk clerk: You brought a lawyer?
Shawn: I keep a lawyer on retainer at all times. There is so much injustice in the world that you practically can’t leave home without one. And apparently today it paid off.
Desk clerk: Okay. Well I will see you in court then. Now--
Gus: Perfect. Now I’ll need a statement from you and as we plan to try this in both civil and criminal court, I’ll need the police here as well. Can I use your phone? Or do you only let the white people use that?
Desk clerk: Who said anything about white people?
Gus: You just did.
Desk clerk: The words “white people” did not come out of my mouth.
Gus: There they are again. Luckily I had my hand recorder on for that one. By the way, I am now disclosing that this conversation is being recorded.
Desk clerk: Recorded? Okay this is crazy!
Gus: Crazy? You want to know crazy? I sued 300 business last year alone. I sued a hotdog cart and got everything, but the wheels and the buns, which won in the civil case two months later.
Shawn:  (whispers) Dude. (Gus turns around) I think he gets it now.
Gus: (whispers) I know. But the words are coming out of my mouth faster than I can think of them.
Shawn: (whispers) Bring it home.
Gus: Now if you don’t mind, before I can start snapping evidence photos, I’m a little parched. So can you tell me which one of these fountains I’m allowed to use?
Desk clerk: (points to taller drinking fountain) That one. (catches himself) I mean... y-you pick, sir.

Top Funniest Non-Comedy Movies

I could have done top funniest movies all around, but then the more subtle humor in some movies like the ones on my list here just wouldn't get appreciated. In comedy movies, the comedy is glaringly loud and always there, and while that's great and I love it, sometimes you gotta sit back and appreciate the humor thrown into other films too.

Sooooo here we are:

#5 Pirates of the Caribbean

Let's all be honest here, these movies would never float without Captain Jack Sparrow. That's why the fourth film was all about him! (And they're making a fifth film??? Whyyyy????) But really, he is the funniest part of the movie (among other things). With his weird personality, drunken walk, I-don't-care attitude, outrageous but clever plans, self centered and selfishness, slurred talking, smugness, the way he interacts with other characters, how dishonest and deceitful he is yet you still always trust him, etc. He just makes the movie. Of course other characters get a laugh sometimes too, but it's all about Captain Jack.

#4 Tangled

Kids' films are hard because they always have to have comedy in them to keep the kids' attention. So it's kind of hard to determine exactly what genre a kids' film is (I mean they have their own genre as "kids'"). But some, I think are more comedy, and some are more dramatic, and some are more adventure, etc. This one is a very good balance of everything, I think. But the comedy is spot on! Maximus the horse is hilarious! The one-liners! The slapstick! It's all brilliant!

#3 Ever After

I recently rewatched this movie and I had forgotten how funny it actually is. With classic moments like "there was a bee", or the sobbing princess at the wedding, or Jacqueline and the captain exchanging flirtations across the table in their horse masks, or "I shall simply deny you the crown and… live forever!".

#2 Pride and Prejudice (1995)

My mom and I quote this one often, mostly for comedic situations. Because in all honesty, it's actually quite a funny movie/book. Most people don't give it a chance because it's a period romance and who likes those? Ew! *eye roll* Seriously though, this one is great and totally hilarious! Especially this adaption. With Mrs. Bennet's dramatic wailing, or "shelves in the closet, happy thought indeed", or Mr. Collins… just Mr. Collins, or Mr. Darcy's dry sarcasm, or Mr. Bennet's cool humor. I love it all! XD

#1 Charade

I might be cheating a little on this one because honestly I have no idea what genre this movie is. Maybe mystery/comedy/thriller/romance? I have no idea. I think it's mostly a thriller and not mainly a comedy, so it can be in this countdown. And my number one no less! The writing. The WRITING! There's too many quotes! It's hard to pick a favorite! "You fell for it like an egg from a tall chicken!", or "You're blocking my view" "Which view do you prefer?" "The one you're blocking.", or "How do you shave in there?", or "You greenhorn!", or "You won't be able to lie on your back for a couple days. But then you can lie from any position, can't you?".

Top 10 Tear Jerkers

As I was making this list, I noticed a pattern… the majority of these are from kid films. Why is that? Is the film industry trying to traumatize us into adulthood? Seriously some of the saddest film scenes in history are from Disney films (I won't include examples, since they are all actually on my list).

So onward we go:

#10 Dot's "death" in Animaniacs Movie: Wakko's Wish

Skip to 2:24

OK, so the thing with Animaniacs is that it is NEVER serious. Whenever there is an even remotely serious moment, they always exaggerate it or crack a joke or something ("Spielberg eats this stuff up"), making it ridiculous. So it's never seriously serious. So when this scene showed up… I was actually speechless. Like "where's the joke? Is there a joke coming?... *starts to cry* This isn't funny… This isn't funny at all. *bawls* WHERE'S THE JOKE???".  Even though a bit later after the whole thing she's just like "haha! Just kidding!", you're still left in shock of it all because that was super heavy for an Animaniacs show.

#9 Jessie's story from Toy Story 2

Ugh! This scene! It's just so heart-breaking watching that montage of slowly becoming the forgotten toy and then eventually being dumped into a donation box. Just the way it shows what a bond Jessie and Emily had (as much as a toy and an owner could have), but then it slowly faded away as Emily grew up. It's just so sad. It's the song that really sets the mood though. As much as I'm not a huge fan of Randy Newman, this song really does it for me, especially put in context with this montage.

#8 Sirius Black's death in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

For some reason, I cried harder when Sirius died than when Dumbledore died. Even though Dumbledore's death came as more of a shock, Sirius's death hit me harder somehow. I mean he was Harry's father figure, the closest thing to family he had (besides his actual family who were horrible to him), and he dies! It was the first major character death in the series and it struck me hard. I mean, with Dumbledore, I never expected him to die because, well, he's Dumbledore. So when it happened, I was more hit by the shock of it than the actual emotion. But when Sirius died… oh! I could not handle it! I remember reading it for the first time and I just had to pause and process because NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

#7 Destroying Vanellope's cart from Wreck-It Ralph

I don't have a lot to say on this scene besides that it tears my heart out every time I watch it. Just how Vanellope is shouting and crying as he smashes it. That combined with the music. I don't know, it just really gets me. For the first time, Ralph finally has a friend and then for (what he thinks is) her own good he has to destroy her prized possession and their friendship. I mean, she literally just gave him her handmade medal that tells him that he's her hero and then he goes and does that! It just hurts! "You really are a bad guy". Meh-heh-heh! DX

#6 Up's intro from Up

Do not even get me started on this one. What is it with Pixar and heart-wrenching montages? It's basically the same commentary as I had before. The way it shows Carl and Ellie's sweet, idealistic romance from when they were kids, through their marriage, to Ellie's death. But it includes real things like how Ellie is unable to have children and it shows it! Wow, that's deep for a kids' film. And that one shot conveys so much. And through their whole lives they have a dream of traveling to South America, and then just as Carl gets tickets, Ellie gets sick and dies. *cries* It's the worst! And (if you never noticed), her funeral is held in the same chapel as where they got married! *sobs* Yes, the best way to start a movie is by ripping our hearts out!

#5 Gwen Stacey's death from The Amazing Spider-man 2

Argh! I saw this coming a mile away because I've read the comic, but when it happened in the movie, I had to cover my face to keep my manic sobs from escaping. I understand that A TON of people were just so shocked at it, like Spider-man actually failed to save someone? And his love interest no less? It was just so mind boggling. That never happens in superhero movies. They always go through a lot of trials, troubles, and fights, but in the end, they always save the day… but not here. And the way it was portrayed was so freakin' SAD! First of all, it was so dramatic (of course) with the slow motion as she fell and he went after her, it seemed like he was going to save her. But then he was barely, barely, BARELY too late. He didn't know she was dead until he climbed down to the ground. Then his reaction *cries*. In Andrew Garfield's defense, no one looks good when they cry (genuinely, not the "actor cry" or the "sexy cry"), and he put all his emotion into that performance.

#4 Snow White's funeral from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Oh no, this scene! Not one word is spoken and yet somehow it manages to convey so much emotion and sadness. Like, what the heck, Disney!? Just look at those dwarves' faces for crying out loud! They are in complete mourning! The animals are crying, even the candles look like they're crying! And then Grumpy, the tough one, is crying! Argh! I can't take it! It's too sad!

#3 Death of Old Yeller from Old Yeller

For some reason, this was the best I could find. 

Skip to 5:27-5:58

Disney, I ought to punch you for all the emotional turmoil you cause! THIS frikin' scene! I haven't seen this movie in years, but I remember this scene well. I actually first saw this movie in class in eighth grade after we read the book, and it took all my power to not start bawling in front of the entire class (though I'm pretty positive I let loose a few tears). But seriously, this dog was just so faithful, and courageous, and loyal, and brave, and loving, and GAH! And then (while saving his owners from a rabid wolf no less!) he contracts rabies and slowly spirals away from that wonderful dog and into a psychotic, ravenous, ailing creature. It's just too horrible! So the one kid who had the strongest attachment to him is the one who shoots him to put him out of his misery! *wails*

#2 Bambi's mom's death from Bambi

Who could forget Bambi's mom. One of the most famous deaths in cinema history. AND IT'S IN A KID'S FILM!!! Geez, Disney! I mean, you don't even see it happen. Just them running and running, then "BOOM!", then Bambi comes out looking for her only to be told "your mother can't be with you any longer". Holy moly! WHHHHYYYYYYY?????? *sobs*

#1 Mufasa's death from The Lion King

OK, now unlike with Bambi we actually see the body. I mean, it's pretty intense. But it's such a noble and touching way to go, risking his life to save his son (before he get PUSHED OFF THE CLIFF BY HIS CONNIVING BROTHER!!!). But the death itself is pretty intense, I mean he falls, Simba screams "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!". Then Simba finds Mufasa amongst the dust and debris, dead. Oh! It's too much! The way he cries, tries to get him to move, lies under his paw. *bawls* WHY, DISNEY, WHHHYYYYYY????? And to make it all worse, freakin' Scar has to come and makes Simba think it was all his fault! The lyin' (ha! See what I did there?) murderer!

Catchiest Theme Songs

Now, I'm just talking about TV shows here. Not movie themes like Jaws, or Ghostbusters, or Star Wars, or whatever.

When it comes to TV shows-- or anything really-- a great opening is key. You've got to capture your audience's attention (of course keeping your audience's attention is a whole other story, but…). Especially with kids's shows, they really knew how to make a great opening with an especially catchy tune. Nowadays, I've noticed, it's not really a thing anymore to have a long opening with a theme song. There's usually just a quick calling card with maybe a short jingle, if any at all (Supernatural for example, or Once Upon a Time). But back in the day (or the rare show nowadays), there were some great theme songs! And I'm here to list off my top 10!

#10- Doctor Who

You may be surprised that this is only #10. I do love this show and I love the theme song, but not enough for it to rank higher in comparison to others on my list. But really, this song is fantastic! The beat at the beginning and then how the synthesizer comes in! Just YES!!! BaababadumdumdadumbabadumdumOOOWEEOOOOOOWEEEOOOWOO!!!

#9- The Addams Family

I'll be honest with you, I've never seen a single episode of this show. But man, this is one heck of a catchy tune! Babababum *snap snap* babababum *snap snap* babababumbabababumbabababum *snap snap*

#8- Inspector Gadget

Admittedly again, I never really watched this show either. I think I might've seen one or two, but I can't remember. I've seen the move adaptions *shrug*. I do love Don Adams though, based on his performance in the Get Smart series. Anyways, this is one theme song that will definitely get stuck in your head after one listen. It got like two words, but seriously… CATCHY!!! Dunduhdunduhdun Inspector Gadget dunduhdunduhduuhhhh!

#7- Darkwing Duck

Yet another show I never watched. I remember seeing it around sometimes, though, as a kid. I do remember hearing the theme though and I would just stop only to listen because man it's awesome! I don't even know what the show's about, but I would watch it because the theme song does its job by sucking the viewer (me) in. Let's get dangerous!

#6- DuckTales

I think I remember watching this a couple times when I was little, but I barely remember it. What I do remember is the theme song. Holy cow is it catchy! I mean, it'll just get stuck in your head like that! *snaps* Duck tales! Whoo-hoo!

#5- Kim Possible

Oh my word! This show was my life when I was morphing from child into teenager! Action-packed, comedy, a kick-butt heroine, cool gadgets, awesome plots, and one heck of a catchy theme song! Like seriously, I think it was one of the catchiest songs I knew as a kid. Call me beep me, if you wanna reach me!

#4- Pinky and the Brain

I didn't discover this show until I was older, but man I wish I had. This show is life! This duo actually got their start on Animaniacs (which is another great show to check out), and every time their cartoons were introduced, it would always start with "gee, Brain, what're we gonna do tonight? "same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!" and then a small part of this theme would be sung. It wasn't until they got their own show that the entire theme was written. And it's so catchy! One is a genius, the other's insane.

#3- Friends

Who could forget Friends? One of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. And its theme song was just as darn catchy as its plot. You just got to dance along with the characters as they do in the fountain, and of course clap along when it comes (if you've seen the show or heard the song, you know exactly what I mean). I'll be there for yoouuuuu!

#2- Hannah Montana

Say what you will about Miley Cyrus, but she does have a good voice and (at least back in the day) she could write some pretty decent songs. And Hannah Montana was like the best show ever! You know she wrote all of Hannah Montana's songs, right? At least most of them. So she wrote the theme song, 'Best of Both Worlds'. Like all the songs on this show were freakin' catchy! But this one was the best! I was singing it all through my middle school years... and high school… heck, I STILL sing it! You get the beeeeeest of both worlds! Chill it out take it slow, then you rock out the show!

#1- Psych

This show is awesome in every way imaginable! And that includes its totally catchy theme song! The writing, the acting, the frikin' comedy, the mystery, the suspense. ALL OF IT! Best show ever! And it's a modern show that actually has opening credits with an actual theme song, go figure. AND it's my number one! Whoa! But really, this song is so catchy! I guarantee it'll get stuck in your head. (Also, if you haven't seen this show, I highly recommend you go check it out. It's on Netflix instant view). I know you that I'm not telling the truth.

Zany to the Max

The thing with most 90's cartoons (or really most cartoons… actually, any kid show in history, cartoon or not) is that you have to have grown up with them to appreciate them because let's be honest, most of them are pretty stupid. For example: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cat-Dog, Sailor Moon, Ed Edd and Eddy, Pokemon, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Wild Thornberries, and so on. The animation is cheap, the stories are lame (borderline ridiculous), the voice-acting is terrible, I mean it's all just silly. But as a kid, we ate it all up and loved every minute of it. Then as an adult, that nostalgic feeling takes over as we revisit those shows and we still love it. It's exactly the same as it was 20 years ago with the bad effects, cheesy music, and so on, but the child inside emerges as we revisit the joy of our childhood.

The one cartoon show I can think of that I can still laugh out loud at now (and not just out of nostalgia) is Looney Tunes. And it's not even a 90's show! Well, I mean Looney Tunes has been going on for years and is still going on today. But I'm talking about the original wise-cracking, slapstick, Mel Blanc stuff. They were like cartoons geared mainly towards adults. With the smart humor, wit, and occasional pop culture references, but then kids could also enjoy the slapstick of it if nothing else (which I mostly did, at least when I was really young).

So this brings me to the point of my whole post… Animaniacs. When I was a kid, I remember seeing this show around, but I didn't really watch it. Sometimes I saw it at other people's houses, hotel rooms, etc., and occasionally I would watch it if I ever flipped the channel over to Cartoon Network or something other than the like two channels I ever watched. But I was not an avid viewer of it. The point is I was aware of its existence and I had seen it, but not enough to consider it a "childhood TV show".

Recently, however, I've gradually started seeing it around once again. I can't recall exactly when or how it started. Well, internet obviously, but other than that. I just know that at first it was only pictures and stuff, then it was clips on YouTube, then eventually I started actually watching some episodes… Remember I said that the thing with 90's cartoons was that you kind of had to grow up with them in order to appreciate them? Well this show is the exception! I fell in love with it!

It's set up sort of like a variety show with a bunch of different characters and their cartoons. There'll be like two or three different cartoons per episode, usually with a small segment in between (a song, a poem, an introduction the the next cartoon, etc). But it mainly follows the Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and their sister, Princess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fanna Bo Besca III, but you can call her Dot (but call her Dottie and you die). They're three cartoon characters who were created in the thirties, but they proved to be too zany so they were locked away in the water tower on the Warner movie lot… until they escaped.

I love the show because it manages to stay true to the old cartoon spirit that Looney Tunes had. It reminds me a lot of the tone the old Daffy Duck cartoons set, like the really old ones. You know where he just crazily slides away over the water laughing "hoo-hoo! Hoo-hoo! Hoo-hoo!" like a complete nutcase.

The thing with Animaniacs is that it's a kids' show with some adult humor instead of the other way around. This is the first time in forever that someone has tried to make a cartoon for kids AND adults and succeed (at least in my opinion). This was back before the censors went all crazy on kid shows like "oh no you can't show the main character dropping an anvil on the antagonist's head! That might give kids the wrong idea! They might go out and start dropping anvils on people's heads!", or "no! You can't show the character being grumpy! That might encourage kids to be grumpy!", or "this needs to have a blatantly obvious moral that needs to be shoved down the kids's throats!", stuff like that. This is why old kids shows are so much better than they are now. I think people underestimate kids' intelligence. When I was a kid watching toons whacking others with a mallet, blowing them up with dynamite, dropping pianos on their heads, etc., my first thought wasn't to go do that to someone else when I was provoked (another reason I love this show, it makes fun of the censors a lot). Anyways, I digress…

There's a lot of pop culture references, spoofs, and so on that I KNOW kids won't catch onto, which is why it is funny to adults as well, but kids can easily be entertained by the slapstick, the funny voices, and overall wackiness of it.

(Left to Right) Yakko, Wakko, and Dot

I mostly only watch it for the Warner siblings, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot. They're a great trio. Yakko's like the fast talking smart-alec (he kind of reminds me of Groucho Marx), the one who confronts the "special friend" (as they refer to the antagonist) and confuses them with many words, jokes, etc. He also breaks the fourth wall a lot by talking to (and waggling his eyebrows at) the audience. Then Wakko… how do I explain him? He eats everything. Like literally. He also has a gag bag that he carries around with him that he will pull out basically anything to fit a situation even if it defies physics (like a Mary Poppins bag, but more extreme). He's also the center of the most crude jokes (burping, butt jokes, etc.). And then Dot is the cute one. She uses her cuteness and apparent innocence to manipulate and torment those around her.

"Gee, Brain. What're we gonna do tonight." "Same thing we
do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"

I'm not a huge fan of any of the other characters. Well, Pinky and the Brain are great, but they got their own spin-off show, so I can just go watch that some other time. Slappy the Squirrel was kind of funny sometimes, but she did kind of grate after a while. Then everything else was just waring or flat out annoying. I despised the Goodfeathers. So annoying. And whatever that stupid chicken's name was who pretended to be a person… Chicken Boo! Argh! Stupidest idea ever and it was just the same exact thing over and over and over again. Also he was way too realistic looking, like not cartoony at all. He was the worst. And then Mindy and poor Buttons. Seriously, constant physical abuse is only funny if the character has it coming. Buttons was not only innocent, but tried so hard to protect stupid Mindy and then was PUNISHED for all his hard work! And Rita was OK, but not Runt. Just SHUT UP already!

Now those are just the major characters I have a problem with (which I guess is a major problem), but they're easy to skip, unless you're watching on TV. I love all the minor characters though, like the mime, Skull-head, Dr. Scratchansniff, Hello Nurse, Pip, the CEO what's-his-name?… Mr. Plotz!, and so on.

It's very quick, witty writing, fun, crazy, with lots of slapstick and pop culture. But then they also put in an effort to educate. There are many songs and segments dedicated to teaching different subjects (like long multiplication, US presidents, states and capitals, etc.), kind of a School House Rock style. The most famous being 'Yakko's World (The Nations of the World)', where Yakko names all of the countries in the world in under two minutes. Many people have tried memorizing this song and many have failed. I'm trying my hand at it, and let me tell you, it is definitely a challenge.

Anyways, this turned out longer than I expected, but what can you do? I think it's a cute, fun show. (And it's produced by Steven Spielberg.) Anyway, it's great! Two thumbs up!

Yakko's World (Nations of the World)

This is a short example the humor of a typical episode (from one of my favorites, "King Yakko" where Yakko is made king of the small kingdom of Anvilania. It kind of pays homage to the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup"). I mean seriously, I cannot stop laughing at it! Just joke after joke after joke. You have to watch it a couple times to catch them all. "This is the uniform of a great man!" "Does he know you're wearing it?"XDD

Here's one of the cartoons. It gets cut off right at the end… But after watching it, I'm sure you can guess what's inside the box XD (I really wanted to put up one of my favorites, "Chairman of the Bored", which has the siblings facing an unbelievably boring character named Pip. Ben Stein talks through almost the entire cartoon. But I couldn't find it! *tear*)

Top 10 Villains

It's been a while since I've made a "Kelsi just talks about things" post. I was watching some videos on YouTube of a guy who reviews movies and makes lists of the top scariest moments, top catchiest theme songs, etc. Anyways, he had one of his top scariest performances, and it got me thinking… I want to do something similar. So here we are: My top 10 villains in cinema (and maybe literature).


#10- WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST from The Wizard of Oz
"I'll get you, my pretty. And your little dog too!"

For a lot of kids, The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies we ever saw, so this lady was one of the first villains we were introduced to. And boy, was she quite a villain to start out with. With her green skin, long nose, and black attire. And who could ever forget her theme song? (It is now stuck in your head! You're welcome.) She's just… well, scary. The way she laughs, flies around on her broom, kidnaps girls and dogs, has an army of flying monkeys, lives in a creepy castle, throws fireballs, etc. She's the iconic witch.


#9- GEORGE WICKHAM from Pride and Prejudice
"But it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he wants to avoid seeing me, he must go."

You know, sometimes when you're watching a movie and somebody walks into a scene and you're just like "oh yeah. That's the villain.". Like with Star Wars, Darth Vader walks in, helloooo villain! Big scary guy dressed in black with the heavy breathing and standing over dead bodies= villain. But with Pride and Prejudice, that's not the case. I mean, this guy, he just seems to be this nice, friendly, supremely charming guy. Handsome too. And he gives this sob story making you feel all sorry for him. And he does it in such a way that makes it seem like he doesn't want to divulge this information, which makes him seem humble too. But it's all just a facade. Underneath it all he's just a money-hungry playboy. A conman! A dirty rotten scoundrel out for revenge and to ruin anybody who gets in his way. That's why he's so horrible. He fools EVERYBODY into thinking he's such a wonderful individual until… too late.


#8- DARTH VADER from Star Wars
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."

There is a very small percentage of people in the world who doesn't know this guy. I've found there's actually a lot of villains out there who have an alter ego (and a tragic backstory). He's one of the few who redeem themselves in the end without it being super lame and cliche. But, focusing on him as a villain… I wasn't alive when he first appeared, but I can just imagine sitting in the theater and seeing him enter for the first time. That black 1/2 robot-1/2 man thing, all black attire (helmet, cape, etc) with the creepy breathing. Sooo iconic now. And that voice! James Earl Jones is legend! It's just so scary and awesome at the same time! And then all the power he has, he's got an army (even if the clones are kind of pansies), the frikin' Death Star, and not to mention the Force. And of course he holds the number one spot for the biggest plot twist in all history. All around great villain.


#7- VOLDEMORT from the Harry Potter series
"Only I can live forever."

Well of course he has to be on my list. He's like the epitome of evil. He's actually kind of lower on my list than you'd expect because honestly, I don't find him all that interesting. I mean yeah, he did scare the crap out of me and he kept things intense and he is rather creepy looking. You'd think I'd like that, since that's basically everything I like in a villain. But it's missing something. He's not very showy about it. I mean, yeah, he likes to show off and make a graphic scene of things (not as much as Bellatrix *shudders* maybe she should have been on my list), but he just kind of does it all blandly. Like "oh, OK let's go raid the Ministry. Yes, knock down all the shelves and cabinets while you're at it. Yes, yes, break all the glass. OK, kill everybody. Good." There could be a little more finesse when he talked (and I put no blame on Ralph Fiennes, well maybe a little, but I think most of the problem was in the character himself, the writing, and the directing). But anyways, other than that, Voldemort is a great villain. I mean, he's so scary, people are even afraid to say his name. I mean, there are a lot of real life serial killers, dictators, etc. in history, but we still speak their names. That's how much of an impact this guy has on our fictional characters's lives.


#6- LADY TREMAINE from Disney's Cinderella
"I said… if."

Dis lady. What a scuzzball! Like she doesn't do anything so universally horribly wrong, except for make one person's life miserable. And all because Cinderella was nicer and prettier than her own two daughters. Pfft! I mean, she doesn't even let her go to the ball, and she lets her daughters tear up the dress, and then she freakin' locks her in her room so she can't have her happily ever after, and THEN she breaks the glass slipper just as Cinderella's about to try it on! Like what the heck, lady? Just looking at her smirks all the while during that end scene while Cinderella's locked up, ooh! You just want to punch her! (And that face when she realizes Cinderella was the mystery girl from the ball and follows her upstairs to lock her in. D8 One of the freakiest villain faces ever!)


#5- DOLORES UMBRIDGE from the Harry Potter series
"Deep down you know that you deserve to be punished, don't you, Mr. Potter?"

And speaking of ultimate scuzzballs. Dis mother-hugger! Ooh, don't you just want to smack that prissy smile off her face? Practically any Harry Potter fan you talk to will tell you that they hated this son of a gun more than Voldemort, and I concur. While Voldemort was doing horrible things like massacring people, taking over the wizard and muggle world, splitting his soul so he could live forever, things like that, this lady was focused on ruining the lives of teenagers, specifically our protagonist. I mean, her detention is them writing lines, which is bad enough, but then it carves the sentences into their hand! I mean, how sadistic is that? And she just goes about with her ridiculous, strict rules, sucking all the fun and life out of everything. Even all the teachers hated her! ("Is it true you shouted at Professor Umbridge?" "Yes." "You called her a liar?" "Yes." "Have a biscuit, Potter.")  But the thing that makes her so horrible is that she does all this with a smile. Like she looks like one of those overly-sweet secretaries you'd find at a customer service desk for some fancy cruise-liner or something. And the pink and the cats! Argh! It's so horrid!


#4- MALEFICENT from Disney's Sleeping Beauty
"Oh dear, what an awkward situation."

No, not the Angelina Jolie backstory remake one. I'm talking about the original animated awesomeness! First off I just have to say that she has the most boss costume out of any of the Disney villains (or maybe any villain, IDK). Her motivation is kind of ridiculous. I mean, she could have been more lenient about it like "Fine. See if I invite you to MY birthday party!". But no she's all "What? You don't want to invite me to your party. Fine. I'll just curse your baby to die when she turns sixteen! Muahahaha!". But really, looking past the ridiculous motivation, she is such a boss! She yells, she screams, she has fire, she has minions, she lives on "the forbidden mountain" (I mean how cool is that?), she goes to extreme lengths to accomplish her goals. Like, there's a wall of thorns, there's lightning, and she flippin' turns into a dragon! I mean, she creates one of the most awesome climaxes in all Disney movies with all this.


#3- MRS. DANVERS from Rebecca
"I watched you go down, just as I watched her a year ago. Even in the same dress, you couln't compare."

Oh my word, this lady freaks me out. And I just want to punch her in the face. She's the originator of mental abuse. The ways she's just SO obsessed with the previous Mrs. DeWinter and lets the new one know at every possible moment. I mean, the new Mrs. DeWinter moves a hairbrush over like an inch and Mrs. Danvers notices. Not only does she move it back, but she lets the poor woman know like "no, Rebecca always kept the hairbrush here and you should too because she was so perfect and you aren't." I mean, literally EVERYTHING the new Mrs. DeWinter does she gets criticized by this stupid housekeeper and compared to Rebecca. Like ARGH! "Your husband doesn't love you, he still loves Rebecca, because she's perfect and you're not. How dare you try to take her place." And then when she tricks the poor girl into wearing Rebecca's dress to the party causing her husband to lash out and have a breakdown. And Mrs. Danvers KNEW that would happen! GAAAAHHHHH!!! I hate this lady so much!


#2- THE JOKER from Batman/THE MASTER from Doctor Who
"If I weren't crazy, I'd be insane."/ "The drumming. Can't you hear it? Inside my head. I thought it would stop. But it never does. It never, ever stops."

They're both number two because they're both extremely similar. I'm not exactly referring to a specific performance of the Joker, just the Joker in general. Same with the Master. I'm not referring to a specific incarnation of him (and I guess now her too), just the Master all around. With villains, I don't really have a preference per say for classy, laid back villains or psycho ones. Either one can be scary, but in different ways. Here with the Joker and the Master, we have the ultimate example of psycho. The thing with crazy villains is that they will do literally anything, even if it doesn't make sense (like in Doctor Who, one of the Master's victims plead "I'm much more valuable to you alive", which he agreed to, but then killed her anyways). And they just won't care. Plus they often do it with that crazy look in their eye and/or a crazy, psychotic laugh. They just enjoy what they do.


#1… (drum roll please)… FROLLO from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
"I'll find her. I'll find her if I have to burn down all of Paris!"

Where do I even begin with this guy? He kills an innocent woman, tries to drown her baby, keeps said baby in a bell tower for his whole life (all the while insulting him), burns people alive, lusts over women, offers their freedom for... well him. And all while claiming he's a good christian. This guy is in a Disney movie??!! D8 I mean, he is the ultimate creep-fest! He just gets so obsessed with Esmerelda that he literally burns Paris to the ground in attempt to find her. And that one scene where he has her in an armlock in the cathedral, threatening her, and then sniffs her hair! DD8 And then what a jerk he is to poor Quasimodo. I mean, yes some of the stuff he says is true, that he may be rejected and scorned if he went out into the world because of his looks. But I hardly think he tells him that to protect him, I think he just tells him those things because he's a flat out jerk. And then THE WHOLE TIME he claims he's a good Christian, praying and doing all this stuff in God's name! Like, UGH!!! (Also he has one of the best villain songs ever, which if it's a musical, the villain song had gosh darn better be epic and charismatic, which 'Hellfire' most definitely is).

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
CHAUVELIN from The Scarlet Pimpernel

Blood-thirsty, blackmailing, conniving. What else could you ask for in a villain?

CRUELLA DEVILLE from 101 Dalmations

Really, anyone who wants to kill a bunch of sweet innocent puppies is already soulless, but wrap that up as a psychotic fashionista and you get a fantastic villain.

THE CHILD CATCHER from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Because he's just plain creepy! He's the reason parents warn their kids not to take candy from strangers.

NORMAN BATES from Psycho

Since I haven't actually seen Psycho, I feel I can't include him on my actual list. But who doesn't know Norman Bates? I mean, I haven't even seen the movie, and he totally freaks me out.