10. The Escape- E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982, Spielberg)
Okay anybody who knows me knows how much I love this movie. It is one of those rare movies that manage to garner a tear from me every viewing. Deciding which scene was the most "Hecks Yeah!" worthy was tough. I love the last scene, but it's more heart-throbbing than anything else. It came down to the scene where Eliot discovers E.T. is still alive and this one. This one won out because of the soundtrack. This scene is literally John Williams at his best, and to be honest nothing beats the magic of watching a bunch of kids fly bikes over the moon. This scene is simply cinematic magic at its best.
9. The Return of the Prince- Beauty and the Beast (1991, Trousdale, Wise)
Starting in 1989 with The Little Mermaid, Disney had a sort of renaissance when it came to their animated features. One of the greats that Disney churned out during this time was Beauty and the Beast. The visuals were stunning, the soundtrack memorable, and the story incredibly well told. By the end of the movie the audience really feels how tragic the Beast is, and has also developed a strong hope that he does in fact end up with Belle. When Gaston kills the Beast he effectively kills the hope of the audience, leaving them in despair. This feeling is so well expressed as Belle weeps over his body. Some stories don't end happy. But then in true Disney fashion...well I let you watch the clip. Suffice to say this scene always manages to elicit a "Hecks Yeah!" out of me.
8. The Return of Anakin- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983, Marquand)
I have always loved Star Wars, although in recent years I've become disillusioned by the franchise. I blame the incredibly stupid prequels and the ridiculous changes made to the originals by George Lucas. Star Wars has been stripped of its soul, a soul that can be felt clearly in this scene. I love the fact that the audience can almost see the thoughts of Vader through his mask as he watches his son writhe in agony. It is at that moment that Vader dies and Anakin triumphantly, but silently returns. It marks the return of a Jedi from the dark side. It marks the triumph of good over evil. Hecks yeah.
7. The Climax- Jurassic Park (1993, Spielberg)
Another amazing film from the nineties. Honestly I think if this film had been made at any other time by any other director it would have ben an unintelligent action flick. But thank goodness this movie had amazing acting, amazing effects and absolutely outstanding music. All of those really come together in the film's climax. Hammond, Sattler and the kids have been trying to get away to the raptors, but to no avail. Just when things look bleakest Mr. T-rex comes in a lays a beat down on the raptors. The music is amazing, but what always gets me is that last shot of the T-rex roaring triumphantly as the banner falls around him. So awesome.
6. Batman Captures Lau- The Dark Knight (2008, Nolan)
Okay I had to put something from Batman in this post. Honestly I just love the music here. And the fact that at one point Batman is actually dragging Lau by the foot. This scene honestly has everything that makes Batman Batman.
5. Ride of the Rohirim- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003, Jackson)
Pretty sure these movies defined my junior high experience. This scene was enough to make 15-year-old josh nearly burst out of seat and cheer. Again I think music plays a huge role in making this scene so amazing. I flippin' love that Norwegian fiddle that plays as the Rohirim charge into battle. But the setup also makes this scene amazing. For an hour we see Minas Tirith beat to the ground. We hear Gandalf yelling to the men "Fight! Fight to the last man!" Then the horn. The horn that sounds with the sunrise. The Rohirim have arrived and Minas Tirith is saved. Hecks yeah!
4. Harry's Return to Hogwarts- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011, Yates)
Okay I know a lot of people don't consider Harry Potter to be legitimate cinema. That's fine, but understand I literally grew up alongside Harry Potter. I was a "first year's" age when the first movie came out and I've always been around Harry's age since I got into the books and movies. So when this last movie came out it was actually kind of emotional for me. It marked the end of a chapter of my life. When Harry steps out of that passageway and into the Order of the Phoenix's hiding place, and that music from the first movie plays it was kind of like, "Well here you go Josh, one final hurrah from your childhood, but after this it's time to move on." I don't know how else to describe it. It was very poignant to me for some reason, and made me say a "hecks yeah" laced with a bit of melancholy.
3. The Lift-Off- UP (2009, Doctor)
It's no secret that up is my favorite Pixar movie. Heck it's one of my all-time favorite movies. I love the story of Ellie and Carl. It really is the mirror of what I want my marriage to end up like (except I do want to have kids). It pulls at the heart stings to see how empty Carl becomes when he loses Ellie. What an amazing moment it is when he finally takes off in his house. The scene that ensues is an outstanding ballet of music and visuals, which really make the viewer get a sense of liberation.
2. Simba's Return- The Lion King (1994 Allers, Minkof)
Don't try to debate it with me. The Lion King is without a doubt the greatest Disney movie ever. I could write whole essays on why this movie is so amazing, but to sum it up there is one theme in particular that really speaks to me: confront your past. If you've read earlier posts of mine you know that there have been things in my past that I have run from, much like Simba, however I confronted these things and life has never been better. I love this exchange between Rafiki and Simba. Once again music play a huge role in making this scene so amazing. Can't wait to see this in theatres again!
1. Reality- Inception (2010, Nolan)
Cobb spends almost all of Inception trying to live in the past. He preserves the memory of his wife, and in turn his guilt in his dreams. He hasn't seen his children in a very long time, and in fact the audience only ever get glimpses of the backs of their heads. What makes this ending so amazing is that last bit where Cobb's smiling face turns around, and the music which has been building for about two minutes transitions to a reverent piano solo. The last shot is of the totem spinning, unnoticed by Cobb. Is it a dream or real? It doesn't matter to Cobb because he's guilt-free and with his children. Pure genius.
Well there you have it. My top ten "Hecks Yeah" scenes. What do you think? Did I miss something? Something in the wrong order? Let me know in the comments or on Facebook!
