‘Tchotchke the Freedom Bulldog’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
With one day to go until July 4th, it’s time to marinate the chicken, clean the grill, set out the checkered table cloths, raise Old Glory and get pumped to celebrate the birth of our country.  And what better way to do that, than watch a kick ass, chest thumping USA! USA! movie tonight that will make you jump out of your recliner, scream “God Bless America!” and parade around your living room waving a small US flag.
Not surprisingly some of these movies were filmed in or are based in DC, which makes them all the more badass to watch for us DC lovers.  Of note:  this is only my personal shortlist of movies to get me in the Independance Day mood.  I’m sure there are a lot more out there that spark the same sense of pride, so leave a comment on what you’d add to the list.

• In The Line Of Fire: Clint Eastwood as a secret service agent, nuff said. Oh, and the plot is awesome and John Malkovich is creepy (what’s new.)  A large portion of the movie takes place in DC, with the Lincoln Steps prominently featured.
• Top Gun:The Kenny Loggins featured soundtrack to this movie alone will get you pumped up, but the F-14s,  shirtless volleyball, Tom Cruise/Val Kilmer tension and a good old fashion love story don’t hurt as well.
• The Great Escape: If you’ve got time for this one watch it! Yeah, I know I’m recommending a movie with the Yanks working with the Limeys on Independence Day, but it’s a classic.
• Saving Private Ryan: An all-star cast and action packed plot show not only the brutality of WWII but the bonds and camaraderie between US soldiers.  Arlington Cemetery plays a vital scene location.
• No Way Out: This CIA spy suspense movie runs all over DC.  There’s one scene in particular at the Georgetown Mall that is memorable.
• Clear and Present Danger: Movies based on Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan usually involve DC and explosions.  Can’t be beat.  You could swap this one out for Air Force One.
• The Patriot: The American version of Braveheart. British Col. William Tavington played by Jason Isaacs is so evil, it boils your blood.  I’ve seen the actor in other movies, and I still can’t get over what a prick he was.  Historical revolutionary figures portrayed in the movie include: Gen. Cornwallis, Gen. George Washington, Gen. Nathanel Greene and the American militia men.  Pretty patriotic.
• The Hunt for Red October: Russia nuclear subs, American subs, Sean Connery with a Russian accent, Jack Ryan and the CIA make for a thrilling and suspenseful Cold War era flick.  Let’s not forget Tim Curry as the Russian medical doctor.
• G.I. Jane: OK, not a great movie, but watching Demi Moore transform from average woman into a jacked, shaved headed, sit up-chin up-one arm push up machine is inspiring.
• Team America: Any country that can be roasted to this level is awesome.  And puppets!!!  You’ve got to love puppets.
• Rocky: After seeing this movie about 20 years ago, I spent the next two weeks parading around my house, blasting “Eye of the Tiger” and shadow boxing.  I know it featues Philly, but one cannot help but be inspired by this underdog story.

So there you have it.  A short but sweet list of movies that get me and, I hope, others pumped to celebrate the 4th.

Rebecca Johnson

A born and bred New Yorker, Rebecca made the big trip “down south” to DC in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her days strategizing/planning/ideating how interactive products can help her clients and change the world. In her free time, she explores DC’s ever expanding bar, restaurant and small business scene, plays a crap ton of soccer, attends concerts that contribute to her sleep deprivation and embarks on local adventures. Read why Rebecca loves DC or follow her on twitter.