Greetings,
So it's Memorial Day and it would probably be appropriate for me to do a moving tribute to the brave men and women we have lost over the decades. While I am grateful for them, I cried enough watching the National Memorial Day Concert last night and I just can't do it. However, one of the hosts of that fine program was Gary Sinise, my all time favorite actor. In case you don't know, he has done so much for our troops, past, present and, no doubt, future, it is overwhelming. I know some celebrities claim to support the troops and perhaps a couple of them do, but Gary Sinise truly does. So what better than to pay tribute to him and his film career.
Now I have to give a little disclaimer. A lot of his movies would not be considered "Gary Sinise movies". By that, I mean he is rarely the front and center star. He has been, but he tends to be something of a team player or a side man. Of course, he is. Come on, he's in a band, and he plays bass. And, yes, you will listen to that bass solo in the middle of the song, and you will enjoy it! And sad to say, he, like, many actors, has done a couple of movies that were not all that, let's just say it, good, but he is always good in them. So . . . it's all good. Here we go.
First - Honorable Mentions
The Forgotten - Believe it or not, from the moment I chose him as my favorite, it took about ten years for me to finally see him at the theater. For a lot of reasons, it just never happened. But it was this movie where I first saw him on the big screen. I was determined, and that time I made it happen.
Reindeer Games - Yes, I do call this my favorite Christmas movie. I mean, why the heck not? And P.S. If you're going to watch this one, get the director's cut!!
Okay, I feel like I'm cheating, so, really this time, here we go.
#10 Impostor - Yeah, to be honest, this is one of those movies where I can't decide if I really, really like it or really, really don't. It literally changes from minute to minute. But you have Gary Sinise and, yay!, Vincent D'Onofrio in this one, and they have some good scenes together, though it was a lot of Gary running away from D'Onofrio. I don't get that. Why did he run? Looking at those two guys standing next to each other, you'd think Gary could have just taken out D'onofrio with his slingshot and one of the five smooth stones he gathered from the river. Anyway, while it has flaws, the good parts are so good, I have to give it a place.
#9 Mission To Mars - I bet a lot of people are on the fence about this one, too. I'm kidding. A lot of people are not fans of this one, but I find it rather interesting and entertaining. I refuse to give away the ending. Still, I love the fact that what is revealed in that ending probably made a lot of people who have made Jeff Foxworthy rich say "I knew it!"
#8 George Wallace - The problem with having a very likable actor play a real man who was pretty despicable is that, as you watch, because we all like Gary Sinise, we hear him speak the words of George Wallace and have the danger of slipping into thinking "Well, he kinda has a point." Though most of us would immediately retract that with a resounding, "NO! No, he does not!" But he did an amazing job portraying him from those early days to the time of his life where he actually wanted to seek redemption.
#7 Truman - Okay, I have to admit that I technically like the George Wallace movie better, but this one has a major advantage - no Angelina Jolie. Long story about that woman, but I just cannot deal with her anymore. But when it came to truly embodying the "character", the performance here by Gary was stellar. There's one scene where he is making a statement to the American people on television, and, as he speaks, the camera closes in on his face and you almost forget that you're looking at Gary Sinise. He became Truman in that moment.
#6 Apollo 13 - I know everyone thinks Tom Hanks where this movie is concerned, but I loved Gary's performance in this. He really played well to the roller coaster of emotions that the man he portrayed probably lived through. And, let's be honest, he ended up being one of the heroes of this story.
#5 Ransom - Wow, this movie was difficult to make decisions about. I mean, I obviously love Gary, but I also love (yes, I still do) Mel Gibson. It was like, "Who do I side with here?". Good news for Mr. Sinise, I am not that big of a fan of kids. Okay, yeah, his character took it to the extreme with dislike, but he did it so amazingly well. Therefore, his pure evilness was so appealing, this role had to be included.
#4 That Championship Season - I don't think a lot of people have heard of this one, which is a shame. Yet again, Gary Sinise is teamed up with Vincent D'Onofrio along with Terry Kinney, Tony Shalhoub and Paul Sorvino. I know, right. Calm down, people. This is the story of four guys getting together to celebrate their - what! - championship season of high school basketball with their coach. It takes place mainly within the confines of one house, so it, in my opinion, is reminiscent of a 12 Angry Men type of movie. You don't need anything flashy. You just need to get some phenomenal actors, lock them in a room together and let the magic happen. And here it certainly did.
#3 The Stand - And here is where it all began for me. This is where I first saw Gary Sinise. What were the odds? I was about 13 years old and in no way interested in anything Stephen King-ly, but I found myself watching this, nonetheless. Clearly, it was destiny, so this one always holds a special place in my heart. Even though it is still super creepy.
#2 Of Mice and Men - Not only do we get great acting here, but great directing. Yes, Mr. Gary Sinise pulled a Clint and did the behind and in front of the camera thing. Masterfully. And what a perfect choice it was to put him alongside John Malkovich in probably one of my favorite roles from him as well. And we also get a little Ray Walston here. Always a pleasure, sir. Hard to retell a classic story like this, but they did it.
#1 Forrest Gump - Duh, right? Well, I'm sure this is his most famous character and everyone knows it. He knows it. He named his band after this character, so obviously, it has been embraced. Look, there is no doubt that this is one of his finest roles to date and it is totally unforgettable. Everyone loves a lovable jerk, and that's what Lt. Dan was. And if Forrest liked him , how bad could he be? The best thing is that he has used this character to parlay into all the fine work he has done with the troops. Though I'm sure he would be doing it anyway.
So there it is, people. I could go on forever talking about how wonderful Gary Sinise is, and not just as an actor. He is an incredible man and a hero to heroes. I hope God will continue to bless him in all he does. And they better not cancel CSI:NY ever, because, if that was a movie, Mac Taylor would have made this list.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
