Three HiLite reporters reminisce of their top 10 movies, albums and restaurants

TOP 10 MOVIES

By: Sam Watermeier <[email protected]>

1. “The Matrix”
I’ve seen this film almost 50 times, and I still find different reasons to love it. When I was younger, I was blown away by the quality of it as a spectacle. How can you forget the magic of Neo’s bullet dodging? I also admire it for transcending spectacle and raising important questions that challenge and inspire the audience. “The Matrix” opened my eyes to the possibilities of film.

2. “The Godfather”
The most admirable aspect of this film is its ability to make the audience empathize with criminal characters through themes of family, sacrifice and affliction. There is a haunting scene that combines these themes. Michael Corleone stands by his dying criminal father and says, “I’m here, Pap.” This scene is touching but also tragic because it foreshadows Michael’s descent into a life of crime.

3. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”
This was the first film I watched as a little kid that made me have a strong emotional reaction. It made me realize the power of film. When E.T. leaves Earth, I always feel like Elliot—like my heart has been ripped out. This is also Steven Spielberg’s best film.

4. “Taxi Driver”
My favorite actor (Robert DeNiro) + my favorite director (Martin Scorsese) = unforgettable masterpiece. This film is a daringly gritty depiction of New York City violence and a powerful look at self-imposed loneliness. This tale of a taxi driver driven to the edge of sanity is haunting.

5. “Goodfellas”
This film is such an absorbing and realistic depiction of life in the mafia that sometimes I have to remind myself it is just a movie. That’s power, that’s entertainment. Plus, crime drama is my favorite genre and this film is crime drama of the highest order.

6. “The Graduate”
This film proves that tension is the key to comedy. To me, there is no better laughter than nervous laughter. This film is a nerve-racking and surprisingly funny film considering it is about adultery. Also, it has great performances by Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

7. “Fargo”
I love this film for its variety and contrast. Its violence contrasts with its humor. Its dark material and grim, wintry setting contrasts with its beautiful cinematography. Most importantly, this film contrasts humans’ capacity for good with their capacity for evil.

8. “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”
This is one of the most original films I have ever seen. It is the story of Chuck Barris, television producer by day, alleged CIA assassin at night. This film is not only a biting satire about TV’s mind-polluting power, but also a taut spy thriller, morality tale and tragic love story.

9. “Saving Private Ryan”
This is the most realistic and uncompromising depiction of World War II. It is a technical achievement in that it captures every detail of the gruesome battles, but it also shows how soldiers were truly affected.

10. “Collateral”
I never saw a thriller as thought-provoking as it was action-packed until I saw this film. This is the film that made Michael Mann one of my favorite directors. Tom Cruise as a surprisingly insightful hitman and Jamie Foxx as a taxi driver forced to chauffeur him make one of the most memorable duos in film history.

TOP 10 ROCK ALBUMS

By: Renny Logan <[email protected]>

1. Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath)
This CD is a treat for the ears straight from metal’s forefathers. Black Sabbath, originator of the metal genre, rain distortion and raw, unpolished tunes down upon its thirsting listener one track after another. With anti-war lyrics inspired by the post-WWII England the members grew up in, this is a record of straight-shooting tracks without any “Fluff,” pun intended.

2. Meddle (Pink Floyd)
Everyone knows The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon. But Meddle, now that’s an album. That’s not to say the other two aren’t any good. Yet, Meddle is a captivating journey to a familiar but strange and desolate location. Tracks like “San Tropez” and “Seamus” are a bit more sublime, while “Echoes” is a 24-minute plunge into the abyss.

3. Aja (Steely Dan)
“Black Cow,” “Deacon Blues,” “Peg,” “I Got the News;” this one’s loaded with hits. The best thing about Steely Dan? There’s yet to have been another artist as original as this duet. From witty to profound lyrics and smooth, jazz-influenced arrangements, members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have created classic album after classic album. And while Can’t Buy A Thrill is a close second, Aja remains my personal favorite.

4. …And Justice For All (Metallica)
The rise before the fall, the mountain’s summit before its steep decline, the tragic hero’s last stand before his inevitable disgrace: …And Justice For All is Metallica’s last testament of thrash-metal godliness. With voracious lyrics and razor-sharp chops, the band put on display its insatiable appetite for the heads of politicians, bearing a bloodlust like we haven’t seen before or since (not even from the band itself in later years).

5. Tyranny and Mutation (Blue Öyster Cult)
Well-underrated in the classic rock genre, Blue Öyster Cult is unfortunately remembered for the cowbell on what’s possibly the band’s worst album. Anyone who wants to know what this band’s really about should forget Agents of Fortune, as well as (Don’t Fear) The Reaper, and listen to the incredible solos and humorous, sometimes ridiculous, lyrics of Tyranny and Mutation. Start with “7 Screaming Diz-busters.”

6. Out of the Blue (Electric Light Orchestra)
This band is as close to disco as I dare go; there’s something about ELO’s unique blend of classic rock and electronic effects that’s endearing to listeners, even if they despise disco. In each song, there’s a light-hearted feeling that makes the CD addicting. Personally, it’s better on vinyl.

7. Strictly Rude (Big D and the Kids Table)
Anytime before these guys, if someone so much as mentioned “ska” music, I would have said, with obvious derision, “Ew… ska.” But when I saw these guys as an opening act at the Dropkick Murphys concert in March, I knew I’d been converted. Some tracks are all about good times while others are political rants, but all are pretty much awesome.

8. This Beautiful Life (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy)
From start to finish, this CD is a modern masterpiece of swing music. With tracks like “Big and Bad” and “2000 Volts,” the band has added a modern velocity that makes its brand of swing distinct from that of the 1940s.

9. In God We Trust, Inc. (Dead Kennedys)
Dripping with sarcasm and drenched in political derision, just like any good punk album should, the Dead Kennedys shows off its pure mastermind with this album. Lead singer Jello Biafra displays his talent as both a lyricist and a cynic with tracks like “Moral Majority” and “Religious Vomit.” Going punk? Put down the Ramones record and pick up this one.

10. Darkness on the Edge of Town (Bruce Springsteen)
Having already written an approving review on this album, my opinion on it is obvious. After giving it a spin for the first time, the album wasn’t exactly invigorating or captivating. Upon further review, however, the album revealed its lyrical beauty as well as the listener’s ability to relate. The lyrics speak a truth, one with which common people can identify, remiss of the glitz and glam of pop music.

TOP 10 EATERIES

By: Bennett Fuson <[email protected]>

1. Pamfilio’s
Without question, Pamfilio’s Italian Restaurant in the Village of West Clay is Carmel’s best kept secret. Although there are tons (and I mean tons) of pizza restaurants around the city, Pamfilio’s has the best-tasting pie. Period. Their sauce is a spicy, tangy concoction that blends perfectly with the provolone and mozzarella. And the crust is indescribable. Plus, Pamfilio’s uses high-quality ingredients that can’t be matched by other restaurants, making it the best pizza in the land. Plus, Pamfilio’s offers other Italian dishes at prices that can’t be beaten by any other Italian restaurant around. Fair warning, though: even though every dish can be carried out, Pamfilio’s does not deliver.

2. Wings Etc.
Earlier this year, I wrote about Wings Etc., so I’ll try not to retell that story. But Wings Etc. is still, in my opinion, the best sports bar in town. Their wings by far outshine Buffalo Wild Wings’ claim to fame, even without the nearly as extensive sauce selection. But again, what really stands out is the non-poultry dishes like the Hawgzilla pulled-pork sandwich. Price-wise, Wings Etc. is affordable compared to Buffalo Wild Wings, even though the prices aren’t exactly value-menu level. On top of that, the service staff is prompt and comfortable, and the atmosphere, with an ESPN-projecting television in every line of vision, really perfects the restaurant. The only reason it isn’t number one is because it doesn’t serve the essence of manfood: pizza.

3. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream
To not mention Bub’s in my Top 10 favorite restaurants is a slap in the face to the city of Carmel. Bub’s is as important to this city as roundabouts and Homecoming. But as important as Bub’s is to the city, it really is the food that makes it a stand-out restaurant. Nowhere else in the country has better waffle fries, a perfect side for those who truly want to get big and ugly. (Get it? It’s a burger joke.) The patties themselves are some kind of wonderful; I have yet to find another burger that is as flavorful and hearty as a Bub’s burger. For those connoisseurs who would rather pet the cow than eat it, the mahi-mahi sandwich is, for a non-fish restaurant, simply superb. And ice cream fans and sweet-toothed customers alike can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes, brownie sundaes and waffle cones . The restaurant itself is the very heart of the city, and since it was one of the first major landmarks in the new downtown Carmel, every visit is guaranteed a spotting of some familiar faces (and not just on the wall, where champions of the Big Ugly reside).

4. Hot Box Pizza
If you don’t know Hot Box Pizza, then you don’t know Broad Ripple. Hot Box Pizza draws in some of the most diverse crowds in the Indianapolis area, with good reason: until recently, its “Big Ten” deal gave customers a large pizza, a sack of its legendary “stix” and two drinks for only $10. The pizza is good, not great, but Hot Box Pizza does offer a wide, wide variety of options to craft the ideal pizza. The real treat is the aforementioned “stix”: long, thin strips of dough with the best cheese sauce ever, hands down. For those brave souls, try putting a Tootsie roll in the center of a breadstick and dipping it in the cheese sauce. The patrons will thank you for it.

5. Hollyhock Hills Family Restaurant
Hollyhock Hills has been around forever, yet very few people know about it. It’s a pity, too; KFC can’t even touch Hollyhock’s fried chicken dinner. It is the incarnation of Colonel Sanders’ true dream and vision, an artery-clogging soul food that leaves you satisfied, if not a little less healthy. But meals are not made on fried chicken alone, a notion that Hollyhock took to heart. The mashed potatoes and gravy are to die for, along with the green beans and apple butter. For those who prefer another meal, Hollyhock Hills does offer steaks and fish. But honestly, with a full Southern fried chicken dinner, why bother?

6. Five Guy Burgers and Fries
I first discovered Five Guys Burgers and Fries in its native Virginia home three years ago. Back then, I figured it was a one night stand for me and Five Guys. Fortunately, Five Guys has made it to the Crossroads of America, and I couldn’t be happier. The menu is very basic: pick either a burger or a hot dog. But for lack of menu items, Five Guys makes up in the toppings area: ALL toppings are free, from fried onions to A-1 sauce. The burgers are like Steak ‘n’ Shake on steroids since it is difficult to fit the whole burger in your mouth. What really sets Five Guys apart, however, is the peanut-oil-cooked French fries. The cooks are intentionally generous with the fries: a large order is, essentially, a brown-paper lunch bag filled with fries, with the proportioned Styrofoam cup thrown in for a laugh. The price doesn’t hit the wallet too harshly, making Five Guys the best bang for your buck.

7. Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse
Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse is, in my opinion, the best place in Broad Ripple to waste time. It’s like Panera, without the courtesy. The coffee is freshly brewed and the sandwiches are unique and delicious. The southwestern chicken is my personal favorite: with a nice kick of spices to it, the grilled chicken and pepperjack cheese act like soul mates, destined to be together. And although I’ve never personally tried it, I hear the omelettes are to die for, even with my personal distaste of egg. The actual pastries, which draw the “bakehouse” name, are especially good. The cakes are rich and moist, while the chocolate mousse is, oddly enough, lightly whipped, yet dense. Located right next to Hot Box Pizza, Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse is the perfect place to digest the intense “stix” intake.

8.  W.G. Grinders
I am a W.G. Grinders loyalist. The prices rock and the sandwiches rock harder. I’m not sure who decided to put Italian dressing and mayo together on every sandwich, but it works. The Original Italian is a submarine that Subway wishes it could create, and the Cajun Chicken sandwich is to die for, with the perfect mix of Cajun spices baked onto the chicken. Jimmy John’s, take note: sandwiches are better baked.

9.  Mitchell’s Fish Market
A fancy restaurant had to go on here somewhere, and I figure that Mitchell’s Fish Market in Clay Terrace fits the bill. I treat fish like I treat eggs: I will not eat them here or there, I will not eat them anywhere. But Mitchell’s is different. The ginger-crusted salmon has a gingery, teriakyi kick to it that invigorates the tastebuds. The beer-battered jumbo shrimp, meanwhile, are served with a  crispy freshness and distinct taste that can’t be matched anywhere, while the spicy chicken sandwich pulls its own with its unique chipotle-mayo. Although the menu is rather pricey, the food is well worth it.

10.  La Hacienda
What I like best about La Hacienda is the service. The longest I’ve ever waited for my food was seven minutes (don’t worry, I timed it). Nowhere in the city, nay, the world, has faster service. The food is good as well. The enchiladas (namely the cheese and beef, because beans are concentrated evil in this world) are spicy, and the Spanish rice is a must-have. The price is average, but with good food and better service, the value is worth it.