Rooftop Films isn’t the only cool-as-heck film series happening in New York City this summer. Brooklyn’s Nitehawk Cinemas is sponsoring a Kurt Russell retrospective all during the month of June. And, much like the man himself, it’s awesome. You can find all the details here. Also, later this year, you can see The Battered Bastards of Baseball, a documentary about Russell’s fascinating father. In the meantime, we thought we’d find you the top ten iconic Kurt Russell moments in film, with some Nitehawk staff — Caryn Coleman, Senior Film Programmer;
John Woods, Cinema Programming Director; and
Max Cavanaugh, Cinema Manager/Programmer. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section below.
10. Overboard (1987)
In addition to the snappy, class war dialogue in this scene, Russell sports one of the most extreme muscle shirts ever scissored. Few actors would have the style and chutzpah to pull it off as effortlessly.
9. It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963)
Proof positive that there are no small parts, only small actors. Kurt seizes his thirty seconds of screen time and gives The King himself a lesson in being physically committed to a role.
8. Tango & Cash (1989)
Any thespian worth his salt will tell you one of the biggest challenges possible on a movie set is attempting to upstage a Sylvester Stallone monologue. Watch and marvel.
7. Grindhouse (Death Proof) (2007)
Swarthy, sinister Stuntman Mike flips the script and gives his victim a choice before showing her how getting run over isn’t the only way a car can kill you.
6. Lunchroom Manners (1960)
Kurt’s participation in this riveting educational classroom film (made famous by its inclusion in The Pee Wee Herman Show) has never been confirmed or denied. Regardless, we strongly feel that knowledge of Mr. Bungle is the only way to be free of Mr Bungle.