Sunday, May 5, 2013

100-91

*This is a list of some of the most memorable characters in everything from movies, tv, and general pop culture. There is less emphasis on the order in which they're numbered, rather the walk down memory lane. Agree or disagree, you'll surely enjoy the look at the characters you likely know well.*


#100.
Character: Mary Poppins

From: the wind
One of the earliest, live action Disney films, "Mary Poppins" took the top honors of its time and remains an impeccably delightful film. The melodic voice of Julie Andrews sang some very famous tunes, one of which is a word we've probably attempted to spell, say, and understand even in adulthood. The magical film takes us into paintings, onto rooftops with surprisingly talented dancing chimney sweeps, and warms the hearts of families everywhere. She is particularly proper, eloquent, strict, and very mysterious. Whether on the big screen or on Broadway, Mary Poppins will always be the nanny of our dreams.

#99.
Character: The Phantom

From: The Opera
He has the voice of an angel, an angel of music that is. He has a dark past and holds many secrets beneath the gilded opera house under which he dwells. He lurks in the darkness below but has created a candlelit haven of music and magic. He will guard you to the death. He will murder for you. He wants to steal you away from the world to keep you all to himself. He is feared given his gestures of romance tend to be killing people publicly, but the depths of his heart and his love are unfathomable. Christine is heartless for choosing anyone else over this weighted soul.

#98.
Character: The Fonz

From: Happy Days
He set the standard for cool in this sitcom. He was the lovable rebel with the infectious catchphrase and signature gesture, "Ey!" With his leather jacket, shiny smooth hair, and motorcycle, the Fonz is still a well-remember character from a show our generation really only knows from Nick at Nite. He was the original tv bad boy. Fonzi takes the cake as tv's most beloved rebel.

#97.
Character: Donkey

From: Shrek

He likes waffles, dragon ladies, and scary ogres. Donkey fears nothing and shows what friendship should be: unfailing, unrelenting, unbreakable even when pushed far, far away. The character is positively hilarious. He never takes no for an answer and shrugs everything off with his optimistic smile. He has the biggest heart and is the only one who could help break the ice around Shrek's heart. We can't help but love him and all his wacky antics.

#96.
Character: Doctor Emmett Brown

From: Back to the Future... and Hill Valley
He is from the past, present, and the future. This unorthodox scientist is responsible for one great invention: the time machine. He took a car called the Delorean and turned it into an absolute icon. He is a peculiar man with a dog named Einstein. His lab assistant is a high school student. He rips off Libyan terrorists in his free time with no remorse. He is a genius/mad scientist. Dawning the iconic, wild white hair and goggles, the Doc introduced us all to the flux capacitor and has us all believing we totally understand how time travel words. He's a movie icon with one of the most famous quotes ever, "1.21 jw!"

#95.
Character: Superman

From: Krypton... and DC Comics
In 1938, we were introduced to the first of the American superheroes and became familiar with this style of comic books. Superman was the quintessential superhero. He was an every day guy named Clark Kent, but when danger called, he stepped into a phone booth and stripped away his normalcy to replace it with a giant S on his chest. He knows no fear, and his moral compass seems ever pointing towards perfection. He has had many unnatural powers over the years: flight, super speed (faster than a speeding bullet), super strength, and x-ray vision. He ushered in the age of the superheroes and has been represented many times in films, comics, tv shows, and more films over the years. He remains incredibly popular and will likely see a whole new generation of fans thanks to the upcoming epic film reboot "Man of Steel." He is a cultural icon, and the letter "S" could never stand for anything else.

#94.
Character: Bugs Bunny

From: Looney Toons
We grew up watching this peculiar rabbit avoid stuttering hunters and other enemies in a comical fashion. He outwitted Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, Yosemite Sam, the Tasmanian Devil, and many other characters who became equally popular and remembered. He never showed fear and is most often calmly eating a carrot. He is wildly entertaining. Born in the 1930's, this bunny won over audiences worldwide and broke the rules by addressing the audience directly in the middle of scenes. We grew up mirroring his, "Eh, what's up, doc?" Cartoons have changed so much since his days, but there is no forgetting this "rascally rabbit."

#93.
Character: Forrest Gump

From: Greenbow, Alabama
Our home-grown hero has a below average IQ level, talks slower, and clearly he's not the sharpest tool, but we fell in love with him as he depicts his life and major landmarks in American history. When he was a young boy, he could hardly walk and had to wear braces. Audiences were enamored to watch as he shed the shackles and runs through an interesting life. He becomes a high school football star, war hero in Vietnam, a ping pong champion, accidental witness to the Watergate Scandal in the making, moons the president, speaks at a massive hippie rally in D.C., runs across the country, becomes a successful shrimp boat captain, and eventually a very rich Apple investor. Through it all, his pure hear never wavers. He helps Lieutenant Dan through life's trials and eventually wins him over. His devotion to his lifelong love Jenny leads him to fatherhood. The film is emotional and incredibly memorable. After all, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna' get." If we remember nothing else, anytime we say "Run, Forrest, run," we'll remember fondly this lovable face.

#92.
Character: Jack Skellington

From: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Surprisingly, this dark Disney film features some frightening characters in a grim setting. Jack leads the way as the lovable monster fixated on celebrating Christmas in their town of Halloween. He is our twisted Santa Claus. The Pumpkin King is usually responsible for teaching the citizens of Halloween Town to scare people on their favorite holiday, but this year he had his heart set on tackling a different holiday-Christmas. They know nothing of Christmas, though, so their attempts are a bit on the dark side. It's a clever story with a catchy soundtrack and memorable character. No character stood out more than our star with his pinstriped pants, removable limbs, and unique smile. He serves as the unlikely hero, but he relates to fans Disney might otherwise never have appealed to.

#91.
Character: Mr. T

From: general pop culture
As an actor trying to break into Hollywood, Mr. T used his persona to gain attention and became his own icon. He has a signature look and is easily identified to this day. When we see him, we are hoping he says the words with the same authority as we remember; "I pity the fool!" Even after all these years off the air, he maintains his persona, venturing into the virtual "World of Warcraft" as his own character, proof that he will forever be remembered...because we pity the fool!

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