Stats: 2002. Starring Dean Cain, Erika Eleniak, Eric Roberts. R.
Background: This movie—a TV film that I think ran on TNT or a similar cable channel—came out my junior year of college. I wanted to watch it when it was on TV, but I someone else must have been watching the hall TV that night.
I pretty much forgot about this movie—known as Christmas Rush when it aired on TV—until Christmas. My brother and sister-in-law found a copy in a discount bin, and Andrew couldn’t resist! He did tell me I didn’t have to feel obligated to keep it!
Reactions: Wow. This movie is spectacularly terrible! I think it’s trying to be a Die Hard movie … and not really succeeding! The dialog is stilted and cheesy, the acting isn’t much better than the dialog, and it’s like the writers tried to throw in every action movie cliché in the book!
Dean Cain plays a Chicago cop who has been suspended for using excessive force in an arrest. (We see said arrest, and the person being arrested—a member of a Chinese gang—and his henchmen start firing on the officers with machine guns. I’m not quite sure how Cain’s character—who at first is unarmed—uses excessive force.) His wife works at Chicago’s most upscale mall, and after having a fight with her on Christmas Eve—about what I can’t remember—Cain heads to the mall at closing to make up. Of course, Christmas Eve is also the night Jimmy, a reformed criminal who is forced back into stealing because he needs money to pay for his son’s bone marrow transplant, decides to steal the cash from the week's sales as it heads from the mall to the bank. And, of course, Jimmy and Cain know each other, as Cain has arrested him multiple times and their children are in the same musical program.
And then we’re treated to an hour and a half of Dean Cain running around trying to stop Jimmy and his goons—and these are truly some of the stupidest criminals in the movies. One of them even blows himself up with a grenade. We see lots of machine gun fire, some intense fighting sequences, and even Dean Cain swinging on a giant Christmas decoration several stories off the ground. Cain’s partner turns out to be in cahoots with Jimmy and dies in an explosion. Then, in the end, Jimmy is caught—but only after being fatally shot. Cain gets a reward from the mall’s insurance company—on Christmas Day, no less—and he gives the money to Jimmy’s widow to pay for their son’s hospital bills.
Breakaway is ridiculously stupid, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. It may even be dumber than Bailey’s Billions, a feat that’s hard to imagine. Oh, and about the rating—there is no explicable reason for this movie to be rated R. The case says it’s rated R for violence, but the violence is way milder than what you can see any night of the week on network TV. Sure, there’s lots of gunfire, but rarely does anyone actually get hit—and when people are injured, the amount of blood shown is minimal.
Verdict: Sell (if anyone will actually buy it!)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
#34 "Edward Scissorhands"
Stats: 1990. Starring Johnny Depp & Winona Rider. PG-13.
Background: I’ve long known of Edward Scissorhands, but I never really knew anything about it—except that Johnny Depp played a man who had scissors instead of hands. Then I heard “Ice Dance” from the score on our NPR station and was intrigued. So when I saw the movie in Walmart’s $5 bin, I took a chance on it.
Reactions: Edward Scissorhands was not at all what I expected, even though I didn’t really know what to expect! For some reason—probably because in all the pictures I saw, Edward was dressed in black—I thought this story took place in the past. Nope. Though I’m not entirely sure when it’s supposed to take place, I’d guess the ‘80s.
Edward is a young man who has scissors instead of hands. His creator died just after presenting him with hands, before he was able to attach them. An Avon lady discovers Edward and takes him to live with her family. At first, the townspeople love Edward—especially since he creates beautiful topiary sculptures in their yards and has a talent for cutting hair. Later, they turn on him, and the film ends tragically as people lose their lives and Edward lives out his life alone. (Actually, I’m not sure that Edward could actually die … perhaps the film would have us believe he still lives, secluded in his house just out of town.)
I enjoyed Edward Scissorhands, though I definitely would have changed the ending!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I’ve long known of Edward Scissorhands, but I never really knew anything about it—except that Johnny Depp played a man who had scissors instead of hands. Then I heard “Ice Dance” from the score on our NPR station and was intrigued. So when I saw the movie in Walmart’s $5 bin, I took a chance on it.
Reactions: Edward Scissorhands was not at all what I expected, even though I didn’t really know what to expect! For some reason—probably because in all the pictures I saw, Edward was dressed in black—I thought this story took place in the past. Nope. Though I’m not entirely sure when it’s supposed to take place, I’d guess the ‘80s.
Edward is a young man who has scissors instead of hands. His creator died just after presenting him with hands, before he was able to attach them. An Avon lady discovers Edward and takes him to live with her family. At first, the townspeople love Edward—especially since he creates beautiful topiary sculptures in their yards and has a talent for cutting hair. Later, they turn on him, and the film ends tragically as people lose their lives and Edward lives out his life alone. (Actually, I’m not sure that Edward could actually die … perhaps the film would have us believe he still lives, secluded in his house just out of town.)
I enjoyed Edward Scissorhands, though I definitely would have changed the ending!
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, December 27, 2009
#33 "Derby"
Stats: 1995. Starring David Charvet, Joanne Vannicola, Dean McDermott. Not Rated.
Background: Derby has long been one of my favorite movies. My family didn’t have a VCR for most of my childhood, and when we got one, a whole new world—a world of taping things—was opened up to me. We only got ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS, but back then, the networks still produced their own movies all the time, and they showed movies on the weekends. I recorded so many movies—many of which I only watched once or twice, if at all.
Derby was one of the movies I taped—and I watched it over and over and over again, often with my cousins. A few years ago, I found it on dvd from Walmart.com. It was packaged with a horrible, horrible John Ritter movie that I threw away after watching once.
Reactions: Whenever I see Dean McDermott, I don't think, "There's Tori Spelling's husband." Instead, I think, "Hey, it's the guy from Derby!" Similarly, I don't associate David Charvet with Baywatch but with Derby.
Kate Woods returns home to her family’s horse farm when her father becomes ill. After his death, Kate, her fiancé Eric (McDermott), and her childhood sweetheart Cass (Charvet) must fight to keep the farm, all while training her horse for the Kentucky Derby.
Derby isn’t one of those movies that stands the test of time. It’s pretty cheesy and very predictable. Still, I love it, if only for the good memories surrounding watching it.
Verdict: Keep
Update: Aug. 5, 2011--Yeah, it may be cheesy and predictable, but when you watch it with someone who thinks it's as amazing as you do (in this case cousin Beth), it's an incredibly fun way to pass 90 minutes!
Background: Derby has long been one of my favorite movies. My family didn’t have a VCR for most of my childhood, and when we got one, a whole new world—a world of taping things—was opened up to me. We only got ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS, but back then, the networks still produced their own movies all the time, and they showed movies on the weekends. I recorded so many movies—many of which I only watched once or twice, if at all.
Derby was one of the movies I taped—and I watched it over and over and over again, often with my cousins. A few years ago, I found it on dvd from Walmart.com. It was packaged with a horrible, horrible John Ritter movie that I threw away after watching once.
Reactions: Whenever I see Dean McDermott, I don't think, "There's Tori Spelling's husband." Instead, I think, "Hey, it's the guy from Derby!" Similarly, I don't associate David Charvet with Baywatch but with Derby.
Kate Woods returns home to her family’s horse farm when her father becomes ill. After his death, Kate, her fiancé Eric (McDermott), and her childhood sweetheart Cass (Charvet) must fight to keep the farm, all while training her horse for the Kentucky Derby.
Derby isn’t one of those movies that stands the test of time. It’s pretty cheesy and very predictable. Still, I love it, if only for the good memories surrounding watching it.
Verdict: Keep
Update: Aug. 5, 2011--Yeah, it may be cheesy and predictable, but when you watch it with someone who thinks it's as amazing as you do (in this case cousin Beth), it's an incredibly fun way to pass 90 minutes!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
#32 "Dave"
Stats: 1993. Starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Ving Rhames. PG-13.
Background: I have no idea when I first saw Dave. What I do remember is when my cousins first saw Dave. I had major surgery during the summer of 1993, and while I was in the hospital, my cousins were visiting relatives on the East Coast. Kate sent me a letter telling me about all the fun things they’d been doing—including seeing Jurassic Park and Dave in the theater.
Reactions: Dave is as much fun today as it was the first time I saw it … whenever that was! Kevin Kline does a great job in both roles—as the loathsome President Mitchell, and as sweet and adorable Dave.
Dave runs a temp agency and makes a few extra bucks as a presidential impersonator. When the president becomes seriously ill, his advisors decide to put Dave in his place and keep the illness a secret. Dave turns out to be a better president than the real president and thwarts the advisors’ evil schemes.
This movie is incredibly far-fetched (and rather predictable), but it’s still enjoyable and quite funny.
Verdict: Keep
Background: I have no idea when I first saw Dave. What I do remember is when my cousins first saw Dave. I had major surgery during the summer of 1993, and while I was in the hospital, my cousins were visiting relatives on the East Coast. Kate sent me a letter telling me about all the fun things they’d been doing—including seeing Jurassic Park and Dave in the theater.
Reactions: Dave is as much fun today as it was the first time I saw it … whenever that was! Kevin Kline does a great job in both roles—as the loathsome President Mitchell, and as sweet and adorable Dave.
Dave runs a temp agency and makes a few extra bucks as a presidential impersonator. When the president becomes seriously ill, his advisors decide to put Dave in his place and keep the illness a secret. Dave turns out to be a better president than the real president and thwarts the advisors’ evil schemes.
This movie is incredibly far-fetched (and rather predictable), but it’s still enjoyable and quite funny.
Verdict: Keep
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
#31 "Dan in Real Life"
Stats: 2007. Starring Steve Carrell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook. PG-13.
Background: Steph and I saw this movie in the upstairs theater at our small town cinema. I didn’t really know what to expect going in (I just knew I was a big fan of The Office), and I was pleasantly surprised. I bought it shortly after it came out on dvd, watched it three times in the first two weeks with various people, and haven’t watched it since.
Reactions: Steve Carrell is so not Michael Scott in this movie. It’s pretty crazy to see him play such a normal, understated role. I also was pleasantly surprised by Dane Cook—he is actually a pretty decent actor!
Dan is a widower who struggles to raise his three daughters, two of whom are now teenagers. When he meets up with his family for their annual reunion at his parents’ cottage, he meets the first woman who has interested him since his wife’s death. The problem? She’s his brother’s new girlfriend.
Dan in Real Life could have played out like any other romantic comedy, and to an extent, it does. Boy meets girl, boy and girl face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, boy and girl end up together. But Dan in Real Life is about more than just falling in love—it’s about the importance of family.
Verdict: Keep
Background: Steph and I saw this movie in the upstairs theater at our small town cinema. I didn’t really know what to expect going in (I just knew I was a big fan of The Office), and I was pleasantly surprised. I bought it shortly after it came out on dvd, watched it three times in the first two weeks with various people, and haven’t watched it since.
Reactions: Steve Carrell is so not Michael Scott in this movie. It’s pretty crazy to see him play such a normal, understated role. I also was pleasantly surprised by Dane Cook—he is actually a pretty decent actor!
Dan is a widower who struggles to raise his three daughters, two of whom are now teenagers. When he meets up with his family for their annual reunion at his parents’ cottage, he meets the first woman who has interested him since his wife’s death. The problem? She’s his brother’s new girlfriend.
Dan in Real Life could have played out like any other romantic comedy, and to an extent, it does. Boy meets girl, boy and girl face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, boy and girl end up together. But Dan in Real Life is about more than just falling in love—it’s about the importance of family.
Verdict: Keep
Saturday, October 31, 2009
#30 "Daniel Deronda"
Too bad I didn't have a scary movie to watch today, considering it's Halloween. I think the only "scary" movie in my collection is The Ring ... maybe I'll be to the R's by this time next year!
Stats: 2002. Starring Hugh Dancy & Romola Garai. Not Rated. Based on the novel by George Eliot.
Background: I got this as part of the aforementioned George Eliot collection. Other than Silas Marner, which I wanted for my ESL class, this was the movie I was most excited about, simply because it stars Hugh Dancy. My sister and I watched it together at the beginning of the summer … and we soon had a mutual loathing for one of the characters.
Reactions: Words can’t describe just how much I didn’t want to watch this again. My main complaint is that the supposed heroine is completely unlikable. Normally, I root for the hero and heroine to get together and stay together, but not in this case. When Gwendolen married, I cheered, thinking that would end any chance of a relationship between her and Daniel. Not so. So when Daniel finally married the Jewess he saved earlier, I was thrilled!
Watching this for the second time, I actually enjoyed it more than the first. Before, I was worried that Daniel would make the “wrong” choice—after all, Gwendolen is the main female character—but this time, I knew what he would decide, so I could focus on the other plot points!
I do enjoy Hugh Dancy (Daniel), Hugh Bonneville is fantastic as the loathsome Grandcourt, and I like a few of the subplots, but this isn’t a movie I’ll be watching regularly.
Verdict: Keep (in order to keep my whole George Eliot collection together)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
#29 "Daddy's Little Girls"
Stats: 2007. Starring Idris Elba, Gabrielle Union, Tasha Smith. PG-13.
Background: Daddy’s Little Girls is the first Tyler Perry movie I saw all the way through. (I’d seen bits and pieces of Diary of a Mad Black Woman on television a few times.) I hated it and loved it, all at the same time.
A couple months ago, after seeing another Tyler Perry movie, which I loved even more than this one, I went on half.com to find it and discovered a seller that had a bunch of Tyler Perry movies for under $5 each. I couldn't resist :-)
Reactions: First of all, Idris Elba is an amazing actor. I didn’t even realize until I looked it up that he was both Monte, the loving, hardworking father in Daddy’s Little Girls and Charles Miner, the uptight, by-the-book replacement for Michael Scott on season five of The Office.
I’d forgotten just how vile the villains in this movie are. Most of the movie is just painful to watch. So why watch it? For the extreme love the main character has for his daughters and for the determination with which he fights for them.
Monte is a hardworking ex-con who loses custody of his daughters to his ex-wife, who is living with Joe, the neighborhood drug kingpin. Everyone is afraid to testify against Joe, so even though he has been arrested several times, the charges never stick. Monte turns to Julia (Union), a partner at an upscale law firm, for help. Of course, Monte ends up with custody of his kids, and he and Julia fall in love.
I thought things wrapped up a little too neatly, but it certainly was a happy ending. Of the five Tyler Perry movies I’ve seen, this ranks third.
Verdict: Keep
Background: Daddy’s Little Girls is the first Tyler Perry movie I saw all the way through. (I’d seen bits and pieces of Diary of a Mad Black Woman on television a few times.) I hated it and loved it, all at the same time.
A couple months ago, after seeing another Tyler Perry movie, which I loved even more than this one, I went on half.com to find it and discovered a seller that had a bunch of Tyler Perry movies for under $5 each. I couldn't resist :-)
Reactions: First of all, Idris Elba is an amazing actor. I didn’t even realize until I looked it up that he was both Monte, the loving, hardworking father in Daddy’s Little Girls and Charles Miner, the uptight, by-the-book replacement for Michael Scott on season five of The Office.
I’d forgotten just how vile the villains in this movie are. Most of the movie is just painful to watch. So why watch it? For the extreme love the main character has for his daughters and for the determination with which he fights for them.
Monte is a hardworking ex-con who loses custody of his daughters to his ex-wife, who is living with Joe, the neighborhood drug kingpin. Everyone is afraid to testify against Joe, so even though he has been arrested several times, the charges never stick. Monte turns to Julia (Union), a partner at an upscale law firm, for help. Of course, Monte ends up with custody of his kids, and he and Julia fall in love.
I thought things wrapped up a little too neatly, but it certainly was a happy ending. Of the five Tyler Perry movies I’ve seen, this ranks third.
Verdict: Keep
Thursday, October 22, 2009
#28 "The Cutting Edge"
Stats: 1992. Starring D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Terry O’Quinn. PG.
Background: I first saw The Cutting Edge at a slumber party in junior high. I was already a huge figure skating fan by that point, so I thought a movie that combined skating and romance was phenomenal! One thing I remember from that first viewing: we had to fast forward through the drinking scene right after they make the Olympic team!
This movie was my first introduction to Terry O’Quinn, who played Kate’s father and is fantastic as John Locke on LOST. It’s hard to even believe the same actor played both roles!
The Cutting Edge is one of the few movies I owned on VHS. A few years ago, I found it on dvd, and I'm pretty sure the video made its way to my parents' house.
Reactions: Every time I think of this movie, two words come to mind: Toe pick!
I have seen The Cutting Edge more times than most other movies, and yet I still enjoy it. I love the banter between Kate and Doug, I love the skating, and I love the ending. The movie closes with Kate’s declaration of love and the long-awaited first kiss … and we don’t know if they win the gold medal! (I think either The Cutting Edge 2 or The Cutting Edge 3 says that they did—but don’t get me started about how much I loathed those movies!) I prefer to not know about the gold—after all, that’s not the most important aspect of the movie!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I first saw The Cutting Edge at a slumber party in junior high. I was already a huge figure skating fan by that point, so I thought a movie that combined skating and romance was phenomenal! One thing I remember from that first viewing: we had to fast forward through the drinking scene right after they make the Olympic team!
This movie was my first introduction to Terry O’Quinn, who played Kate’s father and is fantastic as John Locke on LOST. It’s hard to even believe the same actor played both roles!
The Cutting Edge is one of the few movies I owned on VHS. A few years ago, I found it on dvd, and I'm pretty sure the video made its way to my parents' house.
Reactions: Every time I think of this movie, two words come to mind: Toe pick!
I have seen The Cutting Edge more times than most other movies, and yet I still enjoy it. I love the banter between Kate and Doug, I love the skating, and I love the ending. The movie closes with Kate’s declaration of love and the long-awaited first kiss … and we don’t know if they win the gold medal! (I think either The Cutting Edge 2 or The Cutting Edge 3 says that they did—but don’t get me started about how much I loathed those movies!) I prefer to not know about the gold—after all, that’s not the most important aspect of the movie!
Verdict: Keep
Monday, October 19, 2009
#27 "Cranford"
Stats: 2007. Starring Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Simon Woods. Not Rated.
Background: Cranford is a BBC miniseries based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel of the same name. The screenwriters also borrowed plot points from other Gaskell stories for the miniseries.
I bought Cranford as part of a set which included Wives & Daughters and North & South. I loved both of those miniseries, and as it was cheaper to buy the set than to buy the two series separately, I went with the set. All summer, I intended to watch Cranford, but it just never happened.
Reactions: Cranford is delightful. It tells the story of the residents of Cranford, a small English village. The majority of residents are single women, many of them elderly. The story takes place in five parts; each begins in a different month in 1842 and 1843.
June 1842—Several new residents arrive in Cranford. The one who garners the most attention is Dr. Harrison (Woods—Bingley from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice), a young, single doctor. Residents also get to know Captain Brown and his daughter, Jessie (Julia Sawalha—Lydia from the 1995 P&P), and Mary Smith, a young woman who stays with the Jenkyns sisters (Dench and Eileen Atkins).
August 1842—Nearly all the residents of Cranford attend a garden party at Lady Ludlow’s estate. Following the party, two beloved Cranford residents take ill and die, and Jessie must decide on a marriage proposal.
November 1842—While still in mourning, Miss Matty Jenkyns (Dench) also must deal with the reappearance of a suitor after 30 years. Dr. Harrison remains the object of many single women’s affections, yet he only has eyes for Miss Hutton. After deciding to accept Mr. Holbrook, Miss Matty suddenly faces another tragic loss.
April 1843—After watching the previous three installments, I began to wonder if any of the residents of Cranford would see happiness. As Dr. Harrison begins his pursuit of Miss Hutton in earnest, several other women find reason to believe Harrison is actually pursuing them. On May Day, three women expect proposals, but none receives one. And installment four closes … with everyone unhappy.
May 1843—This episode ends the Cranford miniseries (though a Christmas special is set to air this December), and it does a good job of wrapping things up. Of course, there is tragedy, but there is also, finally, love. And in the end, Miss Matty is reunited with her long-lost brother—whose appearance brings new hope to the single women of Cranford!
While I’ve never read any of Jan Karon’s Mitford books, Cranford is what I imagine Mitford would be, were it set 175 years ago in England! (Mitford fans who have seen Cranford, feel free to correct me!) The Cranford residents all have their quirks, but they also genuinely care about one another.
I am certainly a fan of romance, but my favorite relationship from Cranford has nothing to do with romantic love. Harry Gregson is a poor, uneducated boy who takes to poaching to provide money for his family. Mr. Carter works for Lady Ludlow, and, after catching Harry trying to sell poached animals, he decides to take Harry under his wing. He hires Harry to work on the Ludlow estate, and he also teaches Harry to read and do sums. This relationship slowly progresses throughout the miniseries, and Carter comes to view Harry as the son he never had. When Carter is tragically killed, he leaves everything to Harry, on the stipulation that Harry get an education. The most touching scene comes when Harry visits Carter’s coffin, knowing he may not be allowed at the funeral, and reads “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” his favorite poem out of a book of poetry that Carter gave him earlier. Harry reads the poem through his tears, and I watched the scene through mine!
Verdict: Keep
Background: Cranford is a BBC miniseries based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel of the same name. The screenwriters also borrowed plot points from other Gaskell stories for the miniseries.
I bought Cranford as part of a set which included Wives & Daughters and North & South. I loved both of those miniseries, and as it was cheaper to buy the set than to buy the two series separately, I went with the set. All summer, I intended to watch Cranford, but it just never happened.
Reactions: Cranford is delightful. It tells the story of the residents of Cranford, a small English village. The majority of residents are single women, many of them elderly. The story takes place in five parts; each begins in a different month in 1842 and 1843.
June 1842—Several new residents arrive in Cranford. The one who garners the most attention is Dr. Harrison (Woods—Bingley from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice), a young, single doctor. Residents also get to know Captain Brown and his daughter, Jessie (Julia Sawalha—Lydia from the 1995 P&P), and Mary Smith, a young woman who stays with the Jenkyns sisters (Dench and Eileen Atkins).
August 1842—Nearly all the residents of Cranford attend a garden party at Lady Ludlow’s estate. Following the party, two beloved Cranford residents take ill and die, and Jessie must decide on a marriage proposal.
November 1842—While still in mourning, Miss Matty Jenkyns (Dench) also must deal with the reappearance of a suitor after 30 years. Dr. Harrison remains the object of many single women’s affections, yet he only has eyes for Miss Hutton. After deciding to accept Mr. Holbrook, Miss Matty suddenly faces another tragic loss.
April 1843—After watching the previous three installments, I began to wonder if any of the residents of Cranford would see happiness. As Dr. Harrison begins his pursuit of Miss Hutton in earnest, several other women find reason to believe Harrison is actually pursuing them. On May Day, three women expect proposals, but none receives one. And installment four closes … with everyone unhappy.
May 1843—This episode ends the Cranford miniseries (though a Christmas special is set to air this December), and it does a good job of wrapping things up. Of course, there is tragedy, but there is also, finally, love. And in the end, Miss Matty is reunited with her long-lost brother—whose appearance brings new hope to the single women of Cranford!
While I’ve never read any of Jan Karon’s Mitford books, Cranford is what I imagine Mitford would be, were it set 175 years ago in England! (Mitford fans who have seen Cranford, feel free to correct me!) The Cranford residents all have their quirks, but they also genuinely care about one another.
I am certainly a fan of romance, but my favorite relationship from Cranford has nothing to do with romantic love. Harry Gregson is a poor, uneducated boy who takes to poaching to provide money for his family. Mr. Carter works for Lady Ludlow, and, after catching Harry trying to sell poached animals, he decides to take Harry under his wing. He hires Harry to work on the Ludlow estate, and he also teaches Harry to read and do sums. This relationship slowly progresses throughout the miniseries, and Carter comes to view Harry as the son he never had. When Carter is tragically killed, he leaves everything to Harry, on the stipulation that Harry get an education. The most touching scene comes when Harry visits Carter’s coffin, knowing he may not be allowed at the funeral, and reads “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” his favorite poem out of a book of poetry that Carter gave him earlier. Harry reads the poem through his tears, and I watched the scene through mine!
Verdict: Keep
Saturday, October 17, 2009
#26 "Cool Runnings"
Stats: 1993. Starring Leon, Doug E. Doug, John Candy. PG. Based on a true story.
Background: I was in seventh grade when Cool Runnings was released, and I remember really wanting to see it in the theater … but I didn’t. I can’t remember when I actually did see it, and I can’t remember when I bought it. How’s that for ya?
Reactions: This movie cracks me up! I love watching the Jamaican bobsled team as they, well, learn to bobsled. It’s really a comedy goldmine. Later, though, it becomes an inspirational story about perseverance, teamwork, and going after your dreams. Oh, and the scene at the end when they’re carrying the sled to the finish line always makes me cry (shocker there, right?)—especially when Junior looks over and sees his father, who is cheering and wearing a Jamaican bobsled team t-shirt.
Verdict: Keep
Fun Fact: Cool Runnings is directed by Jon Turteltaub, who has gone on to produce and direct several blockbusters—but I know him as the man who directed my favorite movie of all time, While You Were Sleeping!
Background: I was in seventh grade when Cool Runnings was released, and I remember really wanting to see it in the theater … but I didn’t. I can’t remember when I actually did see it, and I can’t remember when I bought it. How’s that for ya?
Reactions: This movie cracks me up! I love watching the Jamaican bobsled team as they, well, learn to bobsled. It’s really a comedy goldmine. Later, though, it becomes an inspirational story about perseverance, teamwork, and going after your dreams. Oh, and the scene at the end when they’re carrying the sled to the finish line always makes me cry (shocker there, right?)—especially when Junior looks over and sees his father, who is cheering and wearing a Jamaican bobsled team t-shirt.
Verdict: Keep
Fun Fact: Cool Runnings is directed by Jon Turteltaub, who has gone on to produce and direct several blockbusters—but I know him as the man who directed my favorite movie of all time, While You Were Sleeping!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
#25 "Clueless"
Stats: 1995. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd. PG-13.
Background: I loved Jane Austen before I knew who Jane Austen was … because I loved Clueless, which is based on Austen's Emma! Clueless is one of the movies I first saw with my high school best friend Dori. Some Fridays after school we would rent videos from Video Kingdom and stay up all night watching them. If I remember correctly, we also rented The Truth About Cats and Dogs the night we rented Clueless.
When I saw it in Walmart’s $5 bin a few months ago, I thought, “Why not?”
Reactions: I’ll tell you why not. Clueless is pretty crass when not edited for television. While it’s still an interesting story (as all Austen stories are), I think it’s more one of those movies to enjoy when you happen across it on TV. And after seeing it on TV so many times (as I always feel compelled to watch it when I come across it), I don’t think I need to own it.
Verdict: Sell
Background: I loved Jane Austen before I knew who Jane Austen was … because I loved Clueless, which is based on Austen's Emma! Clueless is one of the movies I first saw with my high school best friend Dori. Some Fridays after school we would rent videos from Video Kingdom and stay up all night watching them. If I remember correctly, we also rented The Truth About Cats and Dogs the night we rented Clueless.
When I saw it in Walmart’s $5 bin a few months ago, I thought, “Why not?”
Reactions: I’ll tell you why not. Clueless is pretty crass when not edited for television. While it’s still an interesting story (as all Austen stories are), I think it’s more one of those movies to enjoy when you happen across it on TV. And after seeing it on TV so many times (as I always feel compelled to watch it when I come across it), I don’t think I need to own it.
Verdict: Sell
Monday, October 12, 2009
#24 "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
Stats: Starring Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson. PG.
Background: A lover of The Chronicles of Narnia since my mom first read the books to me in elementary school, I was thrilled when I learned Hollywood was making a film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I went with some friends opening weekend, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Nevertheless, I did buy the dvd almost immediately after it was released. And in the intervening years, I’ve seen it a total of one time! (I also own the BBC/Wonderworks productions of four of the Narnia books—and I vastly prefer them to what has come out of Hollywood so far.)
Reactions: Visually, The Lion is spectacular. The CGI is amazing. And it’s a pretty good adaptation of the CS Lewis classic. As would be expected, the screenwriters took a few liberties when adapting the book into a screenplay. Most notably, a fairly major scene—the one where the ice breaks as they’re crossing the river, and Lucy is nearly swept away—is completely made up. I understand that it adds to the adventure, but still … It did stay much truer to the book than its sequel, Prince Caspian, did—don’t even get me started on all the things wrong with that movie!
One thing I must mention is that Harry Gregson-Williams's score is absolutely phenomenal. I don't know why I never noticed it before. It's so beautiful!
Verdict: Keep
Background: A lover of The Chronicles of Narnia since my mom first read the books to me in elementary school, I was thrilled when I learned Hollywood was making a film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I went with some friends opening weekend, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Nevertheless, I did buy the dvd almost immediately after it was released. And in the intervening years, I’ve seen it a total of one time! (I also own the BBC/Wonderworks productions of four of the Narnia books—and I vastly prefer them to what has come out of Hollywood so far.)
Reactions: Visually, The Lion is spectacular. The CGI is amazing. And it’s a pretty good adaptation of the CS Lewis classic. As would be expected, the screenwriters took a few liberties when adapting the book into a screenplay. Most notably, a fairly major scene—the one where the ice breaks as they’re crossing the river, and Lucy is nearly swept away—is completely made up. I understand that it adds to the adventure, but still … It did stay much truer to the book than its sequel, Prince Caspian, did—don’t even get me started on all the things wrong with that movie!
One thing I must mention is that Harry Gregson-Williams's score is absolutely phenomenal. I don't know why I never noticed it before. It's so beautiful!
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, October 11, 2009
#23 "A Christmas Carol"
Stats: 1999. Starring Patrick Stewart. Not Rated.
Background: I bought this movie to show in my ESL class; we read “A Christmas Carol” each Christmas, and I like to be able to show movies of the books we read whenever possible. I bought this version because it was one of the most recent adaptations … and because it stars Captain Jean-Luc Picard!
Reactions: This is an excellent retelling of the Dickens’ classic. Stewart is superb as Scrooge. He is mean, pathetic, and sympathetic, all at the same time. The script sticks very closely to Dickens’ story, and the special effects are great—they really help make the story believable. It’s pretty intense and has actually scared some of my students, so for kids, it would probably be better to stick with Mickey’s Christmas Carol!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I bought this movie to show in my ESL class; we read “A Christmas Carol” each Christmas, and I like to be able to show movies of the books we read whenever possible. I bought this version because it was one of the most recent adaptations … and because it stars Captain Jean-Luc Picard!
Reactions: This is an excellent retelling of the Dickens’ classic. Stewart is superb as Scrooge. He is mean, pathetic, and sympathetic, all at the same time. The script sticks very closely to Dickens’ story, and the special effects are great—they really help make the story believable. It’s pretty intense and has actually scared some of my students, so for kids, it would probably be better to stick with Mickey’s Christmas Carol!
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, October 4, 2009
#22 "The Christmas Card"
Stats: 2006. Starring Ed Asner, John Newton, Alice Evans. Not Rated.
Background: I first saw this movie on the Hallmark Channel. I’m a sucker for Christmas movies, especially ones that run on Hallmark, but I enjoyed this one more than most. When Amazon ran a sale on Christmas movies last winter, I picked this one up.
Reactions: I didn’t even want to watch this movie today. I usually have a strict “no Christmas movies before Thanksgiving” policy, so it feels wrong to watch one at the beginning of October!
The last time I watched this movie was last Christmas … so it was a little odd to watch it again now, knowing that sweet Faith (Evans) is also Daniel Faraday’s mother!
The Christmas Card is a cute holiday film. Nothing earth shattering, just gentle and romantic. The basic plot is this: Cody is a soldier who receives a Christmas card from Faith. When his tour is over, he goes to Faith’s hometown—ostensibly to visit his friend and fellow soldier’s widow, but also to find Faith. Of course, Faith and Cody fall in love … They face one of the most popular romantic comedy obstacles—she has a boyfriend—and we’re also “treated” to the ubiquitous kiss-in-the-snow scene. But still, this movie comes off as genuine, heartfelt, and family-affirming.
Verdict: Keep (and watch only during the Christmas season!)
Background: I first saw this movie on the Hallmark Channel. I’m a sucker for Christmas movies, especially ones that run on Hallmark, but I enjoyed this one more than most. When Amazon ran a sale on Christmas movies last winter, I picked this one up.
Reactions: I didn’t even want to watch this movie today. I usually have a strict “no Christmas movies before Thanksgiving” policy, so it feels wrong to watch one at the beginning of October!
The last time I watched this movie was last Christmas … so it was a little odd to watch it again now, knowing that sweet Faith (Evans) is also Daniel Faraday’s mother!
The Christmas Card is a cute holiday film. Nothing earth shattering, just gentle and romantic. The basic plot is this: Cody is a soldier who receives a Christmas card from Faith. When his tour is over, he goes to Faith’s hometown—ostensibly to visit his friend and fellow soldier’s widow, but also to find Faith. Of course, Faith and Cody fall in love … They face one of the most popular romantic comedy obstacles—she has a boyfriend—and we’re also “treated” to the ubiquitous kiss-in-the-snow scene. But still, this movie comes off as genuine, heartfelt, and family-affirming.
Verdict: Keep (and watch only during the Christmas season!)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
#21 "Charade" (1953)
Stats: 1953. Starring James Mason & Pamela Mason. Not Rated.
Background: I’d never heard of this film before I saw it was a special feature on the dvd of the 1963 Charade.
Reactions: Charade is a collection of three short films. James and Pamela Mason wrote and starred in each film. The movie begins in the Masons’ home; James is an actor and Pamela is a writer, and he decides they should make short films based on three of her stories. Each film begins and ends with the Masons discussing the film, which lends a connectedness to the stories that would not otherwise be present.
Story #1 is about a divorcee living in Paris. She’s an artist, albeit an unsuccessful one. The woman who lives in the apartment next door plays the piano incessantly—and not very well, at that! One night, the artist hears the woman’s piano being played, but the pianist is quite talented, so she knows the woman must have a guest. She then hears arguing, followed by silence. She opens her door but turns off her light, and she sees a man exit the neighbor’s apartment. When the woman’s body is discovered the next day, the artist knows she saw the killer. Rather than report to the police what she saw, she hopes to see the killer again—he is a strange inspiration for her art. When he moves in next door—into the same apartment as the girl he killed—the two begin a relationship. I won’t tell you how it ends, but you can probably guess!
Story #2 focuses on a duel. It’s really not interesting enough for me to even describe it in detail. Basically, two men love the same woman, they agree to a duel (with some strange terms), and no one dies. The story had the opportunity for some major twists, but it didn’t capitalize on any of those opportunities. This story is much duller than the first.
Story #3 is the story of a man who has millions of dollars and a successful company but isn’t happy with his life. One day, he walks away from it all. He takes a variety of menial jobs and ends up as a butler for an old millionaire. He falls for the maid, and in a desire to impress her, he returns to his business. (Side note: Two of the men who work for him are named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern … an odd shout-out to Hamlet.)
I would never buy this film, but it’s fine as a special feature. I find it odd that it’s coupled with the 1963 Charade—the only thing the two films have in common is their name!
Verdict: Keep (because there’s no way I’m getting rid of the other Charade!)
Background: I’d never heard of this film before I saw it was a special feature on the dvd of the 1963 Charade.
Reactions: Charade is a collection of three short films. James and Pamela Mason wrote and starred in each film. The movie begins in the Masons’ home; James is an actor and Pamela is a writer, and he decides they should make short films based on three of her stories. Each film begins and ends with the Masons discussing the film, which lends a connectedness to the stories that would not otherwise be present.
Story #1 is about a divorcee living in Paris. She’s an artist, albeit an unsuccessful one. The woman who lives in the apartment next door plays the piano incessantly—and not very well, at that! One night, the artist hears the woman’s piano being played, but the pianist is quite talented, so she knows the woman must have a guest. She then hears arguing, followed by silence. She opens her door but turns off her light, and she sees a man exit the neighbor’s apartment. When the woman’s body is discovered the next day, the artist knows she saw the killer. Rather than report to the police what she saw, she hopes to see the killer again—he is a strange inspiration for her art. When he moves in next door—into the same apartment as the girl he killed—the two begin a relationship. I won’t tell you how it ends, but you can probably guess!
Story #2 focuses on a duel. It’s really not interesting enough for me to even describe it in detail. Basically, two men love the same woman, they agree to a duel (with some strange terms), and no one dies. The story had the opportunity for some major twists, but it didn’t capitalize on any of those opportunities. This story is much duller than the first.
Story #3 is the story of a man who has millions of dollars and a successful company but isn’t happy with his life. One day, he walks away from it all. He takes a variety of menial jobs and ends up as a butler for an old millionaire. He falls for the maid, and in a desire to impress her, he returns to his business. (Side note: Two of the men who work for him are named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern … an odd shout-out to Hamlet.)
I would never buy this film, but it’s fine as a special feature. I find it odd that it’s coupled with the 1963 Charade—the only thing the two films have in common is their name!
Verdict: Keep (because there’s no way I’m getting rid of the other Charade!)
Monday, September 28, 2009
#20 "Charade" (1963)
Stats: 1963. Starring Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau. Not Rated.
Background: I first watched this movie while in junior high or high school when I checked it out of our local library. I loved it, but it traumatized my little sister … it contains a few murders, and while the viewer never sees the murders happen, the dead bodies are shown. I don’t think she's ever looked at plastic wrap the same way!
I’ve watched Charade six or seven times over the years, and I got it on dvd a few years ago. I just realized today that my dvd contains a 1953 movie also called Charade, so I guess I’ll be watching that next! (From looking at its imdb page, I don’t think it’s at all connected to this Charade, but I guess I’ll find out!)
In 2002, The Truth About Charlie, a remake starring Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton, came out. I was excited until I actually saw it. Seven years later, I don’t remember anything about the movie except that I didn’t like it!
Reactions: I’d forgotten how funny this movie is! It’s a suspense film with lots of twists and turns, but it also contains many humorous lines—including a reference to Hepburn’s My Fair Lady! (Charade was released the year before My Fair Lady, so it may just be coincidence, but it’s still an amusing line.)
My favorite line from today’s rewatch: “I hope we have a lot of boys; we can name them all after you.” The line won’t make sense if you haven’t seen the movie, so go here to watch it free!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I first watched this movie while in junior high or high school when I checked it out of our local library. I loved it, but it traumatized my little sister … it contains a few murders, and while the viewer never sees the murders happen, the dead bodies are shown. I don’t think she's ever looked at plastic wrap the same way!
I’ve watched Charade six or seven times over the years, and I got it on dvd a few years ago. I just realized today that my dvd contains a 1953 movie also called Charade, so I guess I’ll be watching that next! (From looking at its imdb page, I don’t think it’s at all connected to this Charade, but I guess I’ll find out!)
In 2002, The Truth About Charlie, a remake starring Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton, came out. I was excited until I actually saw it. Seven years later, I don’t remember anything about the movie except that I didn’t like it!
Reactions: I’d forgotten how funny this movie is! It’s a suspense film with lots of twists and turns, but it also contains many humorous lines—including a reference to Hepburn’s My Fair Lady! (Charade was released the year before My Fair Lady, so it may just be coincidence, but it’s still an amusing line.)
My favorite line from today’s rewatch: “I hope we have a lot of boys; we can name them all after you.” The line won’t make sense if you haven’t seen the movie, so go here to watch it free!
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, September 20, 2009
#19 "Brian's Song"
Stats: 2001. Starring Sean Maher, Mekhi Phifer, Paula Cale. Not Rated. Based on a true story.
Background: The first time I watched Brian’s Song, I cried through the last 20 minutes. My youngest sister watched it with me, and she looked at me like I’d lost my mind!
This is a remake of the beloved 1971 TV movie starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. I’ve never seen the original, so I can’t speak to any of the claims that this movie is far inferior to the original. If that’s the case, though, the original must be spectacular!
Reactions: Maher and Phifer knock this out of the park! (Since it’s a football movie, maybe I should say they score a touchdown?) The two actors portray Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears teammates competing for the same starting job. At first, the two merely put up with each other; when Gale suffers a season-ending injury, Brian helps him get back in shape, and the two become close friends. Later, as Brian faces cancer, Gale is there every step of the way.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must warn you about the incredibly cheesy death scene in which Piccolo’s spirit (perhaps … not quite sure …) runs toward the goal line on a football field. It’s as bad as it sounds, but the rest of the movie is so good that you have to forgive the ending. (Besides, I’m always crying so hard at this point that I can’t see very well, anyway!)
I love this movie. It’s not one of those you can watch any time—I only watch it when I’m in the mood for a good cry; I know there’s no way I’ll be able to avoid crying when watching it!
Verdict: Keep
Background: The first time I watched Brian’s Song, I cried through the last 20 minutes. My youngest sister watched it with me, and she looked at me like I’d lost my mind!
This is a remake of the beloved 1971 TV movie starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. I’ve never seen the original, so I can’t speak to any of the claims that this movie is far inferior to the original. If that’s the case, though, the original must be spectacular!
Reactions: Maher and Phifer knock this out of the park! (Since it’s a football movie, maybe I should say they score a touchdown?) The two actors portray Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears teammates competing for the same starting job. At first, the two merely put up with each other; when Gale suffers a season-ending injury, Brian helps him get back in shape, and the two become close friends. Later, as Brian faces cancer, Gale is there every step of the way.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must warn you about the incredibly cheesy death scene in which Piccolo’s spirit (perhaps … not quite sure …) runs toward the goal line on a football field. It’s as bad as it sounds, but the rest of the movie is so good that you have to forgive the ending. (Besides, I’m always crying so hard at this point that I can’t see very well, anyway!)
I love this movie. It’s not one of those you can watch any time—I only watch it when I’m in the mood for a good cry; I know there’s no way I’ll be able to avoid crying when watching it!
Verdict: Keep
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
#18 "Bella"
Stats: 2006. Starring Eduardo Verástegui & Tammy Blanchard. PG-13.
Background: I first heard of Bella in late 2007. Candice Watters of Boundless.org wrote a great review of it, and after reading that review, I knew I wanted to see it. In May of 2008, I rented it from Netflix. My mom and I watched it together, and we both really enjoyed it. I gave it to Mom for her birthday, and then I found it for myself on half.com.
Reactions: As Watters said, Bella is beautiful. There’s no other way to say it. Each time I watch it, I come away thankful that I’ve seen it.
Bella shows how one day can completely change your life. Jose (Verástegui) is a former soccer player whose life fell apart due to one mistake. Now he spends his days working in his older brother’s restaurant, completely haunted by that mistake. Nina is a waitress at the same restaurant; when Jose’s brother fires her for being late, Jose follows her, believing there’s more to her story. There is—she’s pregnant, and she intends to have an abortion. The film could have taken a hard, abortion-is-murder line. Instead, Jose chooses to love and accept Nina, no matter what, even agreeing to accompany her to the clinic. In Jose’s care for Nina, he finds the redemption he’s been longing for. And in the end, Bella gives one of the strongest pro-life messages I’ve ever seen, all without being “preachy.”
Watch Bella. You won’t regret it. (If you're careful about movie ratings, don't let Bella's PG-13 deter you. I honestly have no idea why it's not rated PG.)
Verdict: Keep!!!
Fun Facts: Ali Landry (The Doritos Girl and Mario Lopez's ex-wife) has a small role in the film. I actually had to look it up on imdb because I couldn't figure out which character she played. She was excellent. Turns out, she's married to Bella's writer-director.
Background: I first heard of Bella in late 2007. Candice Watters of Boundless.org wrote a great review of it, and after reading that review, I knew I wanted to see it. In May of 2008, I rented it from Netflix. My mom and I watched it together, and we both really enjoyed it. I gave it to Mom for her birthday, and then I found it for myself on half.com.
Reactions: As Watters said, Bella is beautiful. There’s no other way to say it. Each time I watch it, I come away thankful that I’ve seen it.
Bella shows how one day can completely change your life. Jose (Verástegui) is a former soccer player whose life fell apart due to one mistake. Now he spends his days working in his older brother’s restaurant, completely haunted by that mistake. Nina is a waitress at the same restaurant; when Jose’s brother fires her for being late, Jose follows her, believing there’s more to her story. There is—she’s pregnant, and she intends to have an abortion. The film could have taken a hard, abortion-is-murder line. Instead, Jose chooses to love and accept Nina, no matter what, even agreeing to accompany her to the clinic. In Jose’s care for Nina, he finds the redemption he’s been longing for. And in the end, Bella gives one of the strongest pro-life messages I’ve ever seen, all without being “preachy.”
Watch Bella. You won’t regret it. (If you're careful about movie ratings, don't let Bella's PG-13 deter you. I honestly have no idea why it's not rated PG.)
Verdict: Keep!!!
Fun Facts: Ali Landry (The Doritos Girl and Mario Lopez's ex-wife) has a small role in the film. I actually had to look it up on imdb because I couldn't figure out which character she played. She was excellent. Turns out, she's married to Bella's writer-director.
Monday, September 14, 2009
#17 "Along Came a Spider"
Stats: 2001. Starring Morgan Freeman & Monica Potter. R.
Background: While I was intrigued by this movie when it was released, I didn’t watch it until several years later because my cousin “spoiled” the movie for me by letting it slip that Ashley Judd was the bad guy. When I finally watched the movie, I was genuinely surprised by the plot twists, as I kept expecting Ashley Judd to show up as the killer. She never did, since she’s not in the movie!
I found this in a suspense three-pack in Walmart’s $5 bin. It’s packaged with Kiss the Girls and Double Jeopardy. As Kiss the Girls is the first disk, the dvd’s are filed under “K” on my shelf … so I forgot about this movie until today, causing it to be out of order in the lineup.
Reactions: Maybe I should start reading James Patterson’s books, as I’ve enjoyed the film adaptations of Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. However, I do know that many times, film adaptations of books stray from the original plot (see The Time Traveler’s Wife and both of the recent Narnia films), and I usually prefer whichever version I encounter first! (The Time Traveler’s Wife is a notable exception here—I wouldn’t recommend the book, which I read first, but I greatly enjoyed the movie!)
This plot takes turns I didn’t expect. Watching the movie again, knowing how it would end, I still didn’t pick up on the clues. It’s quite entertaining, and I prefer it to Kiss the Girls because the subject matter isn’t as, for lack of a better word, icky. It’s a good suspense movie, (and the suspense really picks up in the last 20 minutes) yet it isn’t too scary.
Verdict: Keep
Background: While I was intrigued by this movie when it was released, I didn’t watch it until several years later because my cousin “spoiled” the movie for me by letting it slip that Ashley Judd was the bad guy. When I finally watched the movie, I was genuinely surprised by the plot twists, as I kept expecting Ashley Judd to show up as the killer. She never did, since she’s not in the movie!
I found this in a suspense three-pack in Walmart’s $5 bin. It’s packaged with Kiss the Girls and Double Jeopardy. As Kiss the Girls is the first disk, the dvd’s are filed under “K” on my shelf … so I forgot about this movie until today, causing it to be out of order in the lineup.
Reactions: Maybe I should start reading James Patterson’s books, as I’ve enjoyed the film adaptations of Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. However, I do know that many times, film adaptations of books stray from the original plot (see The Time Traveler’s Wife and both of the recent Narnia films), and I usually prefer whichever version I encounter first! (The Time Traveler’s Wife is a notable exception here—I wouldn’t recommend the book, which I read first, but I greatly enjoyed the movie!)
This plot takes turns I didn’t expect. Watching the movie again, knowing how it would end, I still didn’t pick up on the clues. It’s quite entertaining, and I prefer it to Kiss the Girls because the subject matter isn’t as, for lack of a better word, icky. It’s a good suspense movie, (and the suspense really picks up in the last 20 minutes) yet it isn’t too scary.
Verdict: Keep
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#16 "Behind the Mask"
Stats: 1999. Starring Donald Sutherland & Matthew Fox. Not Rated. Based on a true story.
Background: I bought this movie from christianbook.com about 18 months ago. It was one of those impulse buys, prompted by CBD’s ingenious shopping cart tool that tells you how much more merchandise you can buy before the shipping rate goes up … and then they suggest items that will fall into that price range. Still, there’s no way I would have bought this movie had it not featured Matthew Fox, one of the stars of my current favorite show/obsession LOST.
One night last summer, my sisters and I decided to watch it, but about three minutes in, one of them declared it was too boring to watch (if you know my sisters, you can probably guess which one!). I later watched it by myself and really enjoyed it.
Reactions: Behind the Mask is the true story of Dr. Robert Shushan’s (Sutherland) friendship with James Jones (Fox). Shushan is a workaholic who runs a center for physically and mentally disabled adults. Jones, who is himself disabled, is a janitor at the center. When Shushan has a heart attack, Jones finds him and gets help; in the following months, the two men become good friends. In helping Jones pursue his dreams (from simple things like having a desk to his lifelong goal of finding his father), Shushan rediscovers his passion for helping others. And in Shushan, Jones finds a father figure and mentor. Ultimately, Shushan helps Jones connect with his father, and Jones helps Shushan repair his relationship with his son.
This is a great movie. Sutherland and Fox are excellent in their roles. (I guess Fox has a gift for playing crazy bearded guys … see the LOST season three finale’s “We have to go back!” Jack.) The best part of the movie, though, is after the final scene. At that point, we see pictures of the real Jones and Shushan, and we see a tape of the moment when Jones sees his dad again. Great stuff!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I bought this movie from christianbook.com about 18 months ago. It was one of those impulse buys, prompted by CBD’s ingenious shopping cart tool that tells you how much more merchandise you can buy before the shipping rate goes up … and then they suggest items that will fall into that price range. Still, there’s no way I would have bought this movie had it not featured Matthew Fox, one of the stars of my current favorite show/obsession LOST.
One night last summer, my sisters and I decided to watch it, but about three minutes in, one of them declared it was too boring to watch (if you know my sisters, you can probably guess which one!). I later watched it by myself and really enjoyed it.
Reactions: Behind the Mask is the true story of Dr. Robert Shushan’s (Sutherland) friendship with James Jones (Fox). Shushan is a workaholic who runs a center for physically and mentally disabled adults. Jones, who is himself disabled, is a janitor at the center. When Shushan has a heart attack, Jones finds him and gets help; in the following months, the two men become good friends. In helping Jones pursue his dreams (from simple things like having a desk to his lifelong goal of finding his father), Shushan rediscovers his passion for helping others. And in Shushan, Jones finds a father figure and mentor. Ultimately, Shushan helps Jones connect with his father, and Jones helps Shushan repair his relationship with his son.
This is a great movie. Sutherland and Fox are excellent in their roles. (I guess Fox has a gift for playing crazy bearded guys … see the LOST season three finale’s “We have to go back!” Jack.) The best part of the movie, though, is after the final scene. At that point, we see pictures of the real Jones and Shushan, and we see a tape of the moment when Jones sees his dad again. Great stuff!
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, September 6, 2009
#15 "Before Sunset
Stats: 2004. Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy. R.
Background: When I learned a sequel to Before Sunrise was coming out, I was thrilled. As far as I know, it didn’t play in theaters around here, but I saw it shortly after its release on a premium cable movie channel that my roommate and I got for free. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but I did enjoy it. When I saw it in the $5 bin at Walmart, I picked it up, mainly so I’d have the set of two movies.
Reaction: I feel the same about Before Sunset as I did about Before Sunrise. I actually had watched part of this movie shortly after I bought it, but my attention kept wandering, so I turned it off … never a good sign!
Perhaps if I hadn’t tried watching the films back-to-back, I would have enjoyed this one more tonight. As it was, it was a lot of conversation with little action for one night!
So it turns out that Jesse and Celine didn’t meet up in Vienna as planned. In the intervening nine years, Jesse has become a best-selling author; he wrote a “fictional” account of their night together. Celine finds him at a book signing in Paris, and they spend the next several hours conversing … and Jesse tries to decide if he’s going to leave his wife and take a shot at a relationship with Celine.
As was the case in the first movie, we viewers don’t know how the story ends. In the first film, I chose to believe they did meet up again in six months, and then lived happily ever after. Obviously, the filmmakers had other ideas. In Before Sunset, though, I really hope Jesse decided to go home to his wife. The way the movie ends would lead you to believe he chooses Celine, but in the "Becky" version of the story, Jesse decides to return to his wife and son and give his marriage another chance.
Verdict: Sell (Buy it here. You could even buy it with Before Sunrise and save on shipping!)
***Update 9/8/09: Less than two hours after I listed it on half.com, it was purchased for $1.06. The buyer also bought Before Sunrise!
Background: When I learned a sequel to Before Sunrise was coming out, I was thrilled. As far as I know, it didn’t play in theaters around here, but I saw it shortly after its release on a premium cable movie channel that my roommate and I got for free. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but I did enjoy it. When I saw it in the $5 bin at Walmart, I picked it up, mainly so I’d have the set of two movies.
Reaction: I feel the same about Before Sunset as I did about Before Sunrise. I actually had watched part of this movie shortly after I bought it, but my attention kept wandering, so I turned it off … never a good sign!
Perhaps if I hadn’t tried watching the films back-to-back, I would have enjoyed this one more tonight. As it was, it was a lot of conversation with little action for one night!
So it turns out that Jesse and Celine didn’t meet up in Vienna as planned. In the intervening nine years, Jesse has become a best-selling author; he wrote a “fictional” account of their night together. Celine finds him at a book signing in Paris, and they spend the next several hours conversing … and Jesse tries to decide if he’s going to leave his wife and take a shot at a relationship with Celine.
As was the case in the first movie, we viewers don’t know how the story ends. In the first film, I chose to believe they did meet up again in six months, and then lived happily ever after. Obviously, the filmmakers had other ideas. In Before Sunset, though, I really hope Jesse decided to go home to his wife. The way the movie ends would lead you to believe he chooses Celine, but in the "Becky" version of the story, Jesse decides to return to his wife and son and give his marriage another chance.
Verdict: Sell (Buy it here. You could even buy it with Before Sunrise and save on shipping!)
***Update 9/8/09: Less than two hours after I listed it on half.com, it was purchased for $1.06. The buyer also bought Before Sunrise!
#14 "Before Sunrise"
Stats: 1995. Starring Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy. R.
Background: I came across Before Sunrise in the public library my senior year of college. I checked it out, put it on, and soon realized it was unlike any other movie I had ever seen. I was captivated by the dialogue; it seemed like a real conversation between two real people. A few years ago, I found it in Walmart’s $5.50 bin, and I felt like I’d hit the jackpot!
Reactions: This time around, the conversation wasn’t so captivating. It’s still an intriguing concept—Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) meet on a train in Europe and spontaneously decide to spend a night together in Vienna before Jesse catches his flight back to the United States. They wander around Vienna, having various adventures, and always talking. Over the course of one night, they fall in love—or in lust?—and they vow to meet up again in six months. But will they? We’ll never know … except we will, because there’s a sequel! As I watched, I was … bored. And considering I’ve owned the movie for more than two years and prior to today hadn’t watched it once, it’s probably time to let someone else enjoy it.
Verdict: Sell (buy it here!)
***Update 9/8/09: Sold on half.com for $3.48.
Background: I came across Before Sunrise in the public library my senior year of college. I checked it out, put it on, and soon realized it was unlike any other movie I had ever seen. I was captivated by the dialogue; it seemed like a real conversation between two real people. A few years ago, I found it in Walmart’s $5.50 bin, and I felt like I’d hit the jackpot!
Reactions: This time around, the conversation wasn’t so captivating. It’s still an intriguing concept—Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) meet on a train in Europe and spontaneously decide to spend a night together in Vienna before Jesse catches his flight back to the United States. They wander around Vienna, having various adventures, and always talking. Over the course of one night, they fall in love—or in lust?—and they vow to meet up again in six months. But will they? We’ll never know … except we will, because there’s a sequel! As I watched, I was … bored. And considering I’ve owned the movie for more than two years and prior to today hadn’t watched it once, it’s probably time to let someone else enjoy it.
Verdict: Sell (buy it here!)
***Update 9/8/09: Sold on half.com for $3.48.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
#13 "Bailey's Billions"
***Remember how I said in the heading that I have to watch every movie, no matter how embarrassing? Well, this is one of those movies!***
Stats: 2005. Starring Dean Cain, Tim Curry, Jon Lovitz, Laurie Holden. G.
Background: Why do I own this movie? Two words: Dean Cain. The first time I ever saw Dean (see? We’re on a first name basis in my head!), he was on a preview for ABC’s Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Partway through the first season, I started watching, and I was immediately hooked. I was also “in love.” While I’d had other celebrity crushes by age 12 (the first being Jonathan Brandis), Dean was the one that stuck. I know he’s old now, but I still sometimes think it would be wonderful if he would find Jesus and then find me :-) (Actually, I have no idea what his religious beliefs are ... maybe he just needs to do the "find me" step!)
Surprisingly, this is the only Dean Cain movie I own. I do have all four seasons of Lois & Clark, though!
Reactions: Bailey’s Billions is ridiculous. And not in a good way. I knew it was going to be a joke when, not five minutes into the movie, two things happened. 1) A woman’s fur scarf got stuck on something, and she began spinning like a top. 2) A dog talked. (Of course, Dean is the only one who can hear him ... )
The villains (Curry and Jennifer Tilly) are over the top; the plot line is perhaps too advanced for kids—it’s about an animal rights activist (Holden) and her daughter who discover a puppy mill; and, frankly, it’s boring.
However, it does star Dean, who is looking mighty fine (after he ditches the “look how unattractive I am” glasses and hair) … still, there’s really one option …
Verdict: Sell (so please buy it!)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
#12 "Armageddon"
Stats: 1998. Starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton. PG-13.
Background: I had absolutely no desire to see Armageddon when it was released. One day in the spring of 1999, I decided to watch a movie while the baby I was watching napped. Armageddon was the only one I could find without snooping in cabinets, so I watched it … and cried. That wouldn’t be a surprise today, but back then, I never, ever cried. I didn’t really think about Armageddon again until a few years later. My aunt had just died, and she had a ton of movies. My parents brought some home after they helped clean out her apartment, and Armageddon was one of them. I watched it again, loved it again, and decided to get it on dvd.
Reactions: Armageddon is my favorite disaster movie. Probably because, at its core, it’s not a disaster movie—it’s a chick flick! From the love story to the heartbreaking father-daughter scene to the Aerosmith power ballad, Armageddon is a chick flick through and through—it’s just wrapped up in a “boys blowing up an asteroid” plot. (Confession time: I love “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” I belt it out along with Steven Tyler every time I come across it on the radio … or on my iPod!)
You would think that after seeing this movie multiple times, the scene with Harry (Willis) and Grace (Tyler) at the end of the movie wouldn’t affect me. You’d be wrong. I still cry every time! In fact, this time I cried from the moment Harry rips out AJ’s air hose until the end of the clips during the credits.
Fun fact: I just learned from Armageddon’s imdb page that J.J. Abrams was one of the writers. No wonder I love it!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I had absolutely no desire to see Armageddon when it was released. One day in the spring of 1999, I decided to watch a movie while the baby I was watching napped. Armageddon was the only one I could find without snooping in cabinets, so I watched it … and cried. That wouldn’t be a surprise today, but back then, I never, ever cried. I didn’t really think about Armageddon again until a few years later. My aunt had just died, and she had a ton of movies. My parents brought some home after they helped clean out her apartment, and Armageddon was one of them. I watched it again, loved it again, and decided to get it on dvd.
Reactions: Armageddon is my favorite disaster movie. Probably because, at its core, it’s not a disaster movie—it’s a chick flick! From the love story to the heartbreaking father-daughter scene to the Aerosmith power ballad, Armageddon is a chick flick through and through—it’s just wrapped up in a “boys blowing up an asteroid” plot. (Confession time: I love “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” I belt it out along with Steven Tyler every time I come across it on the radio … or on my iPod!)
You would think that after seeing this movie multiple times, the scene with Harry (Willis) and Grace (Tyler) at the end of the movie wouldn’t affect me. You’d be wrong. I still cry every time! In fact, this time I cried from the moment Harry rips out AJ’s air hose until the end of the clips during the credits.
Fun fact: I just learned from Armageddon’s imdb page that J.J. Abrams was one of the writers. No wonder I love it!
Verdict: Keep
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
#11 "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West"
Stats: 1991. Starring Phillip Glasser, Dom DeLuise, John Cleese, James Stewart. G. Animated.
Background: I watched this movie in 1999 at my grandparents’ house, too, but Grandpa didn’t watch with me. It must not have been too memorable because I remembered virtually nothing of the story. I bought it because it came on the opposite side of the An American Tail disk.
Reactions: Wow. This movie doesn’t hold a candle to the original. It is much more “cartoonish” than An American Tail; however, kids might actually enjoy it more. It definitely goes at a quicker pace and has more cartoon violence.
In one scene, Wylie Burp (Stewart—yes, that James Stewart) gives Tiger (DeLuise) lessons on acting like a dog. He teaches him how to give “The Laaaaaazy Eye”—is that where my siblings got it? I can hear Val running around talking about “The Laaaaaaaaazy Eye!” And that truly was the highlight of the movie. The plot is very similar to the original, but it's not as affecting.
I must say, though, even if the plot disappoints, the music is still spectacular! James Horner is a master composer--I love listening to his scores!
One scene uses “Rawhide”—great song, but all I could think of was the Walmart version!
Verdict: Keep (only because it's on the An American Tail disk, and I'm not about to get rid of that!)
Background: I watched this movie in 1999 at my grandparents’ house, too, but Grandpa didn’t watch with me. It must not have been too memorable because I remembered virtually nothing of the story. I bought it because it came on the opposite side of the An American Tail disk.
Reactions: Wow. This movie doesn’t hold a candle to the original. It is much more “cartoonish” than An American Tail; however, kids might actually enjoy it more. It definitely goes at a quicker pace and has more cartoon violence.
In one scene, Wylie Burp (Stewart—yes, that James Stewart) gives Tiger (DeLuise) lessons on acting like a dog. He teaches him how to give “The Laaaaaazy Eye”—is that where my siblings got it? I can hear Val running around talking about “The Laaaaaaaaazy Eye!” And that truly was the highlight of the movie. The plot is very similar to the original, but it's not as affecting.
I must say, though, even if the plot disappoints, the music is still spectacular! James Horner is a master composer--I love listening to his scores!
One scene uses “Rawhide”—great song, but all I could think of was the Walmart version!
Verdict: Keep (only because it's on the An American Tail disk, and I'm not about to get rid of that!)
Monday, August 31, 2009
#10 "An American Tail"
Stats: 1986. Starring Phillip Glasser, Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer. G. Animated.
Background: I was vaguely aware of this movie when it was released, but as my family didn’t really go to movies or rent videos, I didn’t see it until 1999. I was living with my grandparents at the time, and I checked it out from the local library and watched it with my grandpa. I finally bought this about a year ago after having it on my Amazon wish list for a couple years.
Reactions: An American Tail may not be as flashy as the Disney animated films of the era, but it’s still wonderful. From the score (you can’t go wrong with James Horner) to the songs (“Somewhere Out There” is so sweet, and “There Are No Cats in America” rivals Disney songs for catchy singability) to the references for grownups (The Brothers Karamazov is Fievel’s favorite book), this movie makes me smile.
Verdict: Keep
Background: I was vaguely aware of this movie when it was released, but as my family didn’t really go to movies or rent videos, I didn’t see it until 1999. I was living with my grandparents at the time, and I checked it out from the local library and watched it with my grandpa. I finally bought this about a year ago after having it on my Amazon wish list for a couple years.
Reactions: An American Tail may not be as flashy as the Disney animated films of the era, but it’s still wonderful. From the score (you can’t go wrong with James Horner) to the songs (“Somewhere Out There” is so sweet, and “There Are No Cats in America” rivals Disney songs for catchy singability) to the references for grownups (The Brothers Karamazov is Fievel’s favorite book), this movie makes me smile.
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, August 30, 2009
#9 "Amazing Grace"
Stats: 2006. Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Albert Finney. PG. Based on a true story.
Background: I saw this with my mom and sisters in a packed out theater in Wichita. (The Warren. Go there. It’s cool.) I didn’t know much about the story going in—in fact, I thought that it would be more about John Newton, since it was named after the hymn.
What a gripping story! We all loved it, and when Amazon ran a sale on it earlier this year, I bought two copies—one for myself, and one for my mom.
Reactions: I took this over to my mom’s to watch with her yesterday. She cried, of course, and again reiterated her belief that Albert Finney should have been nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Newton. (He was very good.)
Amazing Grace is such an inspiring story. William Wilberforce (Gruffudd) spent years of his life fighting for what he knew to be the truth: All men (and women!) are created in God’s image, and no man should own another. I also love how Barbara (Garai) came into William’s life just as he was about to cease fighting; he had faced so much opposition—his bill to abolish the slave trade had been defeated when it should have passed, his best friend (Prime Minister William Pitt) threatened him with sedition if he continued speaking out, and his health was failing—that he thought it might be easier to quit. But Barbara encouraged him—even challenged him—to keep fighting for what was right. She was, I think, the true definition of a helpmeet. She encouraged him, esteemed him, and spurred him on to be a better man.
Verdict: Keep
Background: I saw this with my mom and sisters in a packed out theater in Wichita. (The Warren. Go there. It’s cool.) I didn’t know much about the story going in—in fact, I thought that it would be more about John Newton, since it was named after the hymn.
What a gripping story! We all loved it, and when Amazon ran a sale on it earlier this year, I bought two copies—one for myself, and one for my mom.
Reactions: I took this over to my mom’s to watch with her yesterday. She cried, of course, and again reiterated her belief that Albert Finney should have been nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Newton. (He was very good.)
Amazing Grace is such an inspiring story. William Wilberforce (Gruffudd) spent years of his life fighting for what he knew to be the truth: All men (and women!) are created in God’s image, and no man should own another. I also love how Barbara (Garai) came into William’s life just as he was about to cease fighting; he had faced so much opposition—his bill to abolish the slave trade had been defeated when it should have passed, his best friend (Prime Minister William Pitt) threatened him with sedition if he continued speaking out, and his health was failing—that he thought it might be easier to quit. But Barbara encouraged him—even challenged him—to keep fighting for what was right. She was, I think, the true definition of a helpmeet. She encouraged him, esteemed him, and spurred him on to be a better man.
Verdict: Keep
Saturday, August 29, 2009
#8 "Aladdin"
Stats: 1992. Starring Robin Williams, Scott Weinger. G. Animated
Background: Aladdin came out when I was in the sixth grade. It was only the third movie I’d ever seen in the theater—after Snow White and 101 Dalmatians (both special re-releases). I went with my friend Becky; afterward, her dad took us out to Dairy Queen for 25 cent ice cream cones. Aladdin immediately became my favorite Disney movie, and after we got it on video, I watched it repeatedly. When Disney released a special 2-disk dvd edition a few years ago, I put it at the top of my Christmas wish list!
I remember two controversies surrounding this movie: 1) Jasmine’s clothes were too immodest. 2) Aladdin supposedly says something like “Good teens take off your clothes.” I heard both of those in my conservative Christian community, and I was glad my parents didn’t pay much attention to that!
Reactions: While I can’t quote the entire movie as I could in the past, I still know it pretty well. I love the story; I love the music; I love the animation. The animation is what struck me on this viewing. We’re so used to seeing computer animated films; this movie is a great blend of traditional and computer animation. The Cave of Wonders escape scene is still thrilling; I’m sure it would have been spectacular on an IMAX screen!
I have the special edition dvd, and one of the special features is Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson singing “A Whole New World.” It’s sad, but it kinda makes me snicker now . . . similarly, I really enjoy their rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”!
Verdict: Keep!
Background: Aladdin came out when I was in the sixth grade. It was only the third movie I’d ever seen in the theater—after Snow White and 101 Dalmatians (both special re-releases). I went with my friend Becky; afterward, her dad took us out to Dairy Queen for 25 cent ice cream cones. Aladdin immediately became my favorite Disney movie, and after we got it on video, I watched it repeatedly. When Disney released a special 2-disk dvd edition a few years ago, I put it at the top of my Christmas wish list!
I remember two controversies surrounding this movie: 1) Jasmine’s clothes were too immodest. 2) Aladdin supposedly says something like “Good teens take off your clothes.” I heard both of those in my conservative Christian community, and I was glad my parents didn’t pay much attention to that!
Reactions: While I can’t quote the entire movie as I could in the past, I still know it pretty well. I love the story; I love the music; I love the animation. The animation is what struck me on this viewing. We’re so used to seeing computer animated films; this movie is a great blend of traditional and computer animation. The Cave of Wonders escape scene is still thrilling; I’m sure it would have been spectacular on an IMAX screen!
I have the special edition dvd, and one of the special features is Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson singing “A Whole New World.” It’s sad, but it kinda makes me snicker now . . . similarly, I really enjoy their rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”!
Verdict: Keep!
Friday, August 28, 2009
#7 "Air Force One"
Stats: 1997. Starring Harrison Ford, Glenn Close, Gary Oldman. R.
Background: In the spring of 1998, I went home with one of my friends for the weekend, and we had a movie marathon and chowed down on KFC (funny the things you remember!). Air Force One was one of the movies we watched. I felt slightly scandalous for watching it, actually, as it was rated R, and I was only 16! Once again, my copy came from Walmart's $5 bin.
Reactions: This movie was just as gripping today as it was 11 years ago. In the intervening years, I’d caught bits and pieces on cable, but I hadn’t watched it from start to finish since that day in '98.
Who wouldn’t want James Marshall (Ford) to be their president? He takes out terrorists, loves his family, and nearly gives his life to protect those on the plane. I suppose that’s a little reckless considering he’s the president, but I’d rather have a hero than a coward as president. Great film!
Verdict: Keep
Background: In the spring of 1998, I went home with one of my friends for the weekend, and we had a movie marathon and chowed down on KFC (funny the things you remember!). Air Force One was one of the movies we watched. I felt slightly scandalous for watching it, actually, as it was rated R, and I was only 16! Once again, my copy came from Walmart's $5 bin.
Reactions: This movie was just as gripping today as it was 11 years ago. In the intervening years, I’d caught bits and pieces on cable, but I hadn’t watched it from start to finish since that day in '98.
Who wouldn’t want James Marshall (Ford) to be their president? He takes out terrorists, loves his family, and nearly gives his life to protect those on the plane. I suppose that’s a little reckless considering he’s the president, but I’d rather have a hero than a coward as president. Great film!
Verdict: Keep
Thursday, August 27, 2009
#6 "Adam Bede"
Stats: 1991. Starring Iain Glen, Patsy Kensit, Susannah Harker. Not Rated. Based on the novel by George Eliot.
Background: I teach Silas Marner each year in one of my ESL classes. I was looking for a movie version when I came across The George Eliot Collection on Amazon.com. For just a few dollars more than I’d spend on Silas Marner, I could get the collection of five movies. Before tonight, I had never watched Adam Bede.
Reactions: This movie took a long time to get into. Perhaps it's the nature of George Eliot's work, as every movie based on her novels I've seen has been slow and difficult to get into.
While partially predictable--I could tell within the first two minutes which characters would end up together--this movie also had some unexpected twists (though if you've read the book, they wouldn't be unexpected). George Eliot wasn't afraid to tackle some touchy topics, and Adam Bede is no exception, as one character had an affair, became pregnant, perhaps went insane, and killed her baby. (Well, I think she killed it. At least she was convicted of killing it; my sisters were talking when she was confessing everything to Adam, and I didn't care enough to rewind and catch what I missed.)
My favorite line came at the end of the movie. Adam has just said goodbye to Dinah (Harker, best known as Jane Bennet in the 1995 Pride & Prejudice), who is clearly in love with him. He goes into the kitchen and tells his mother that it's too bad things didn't work out between his brother and Dinah because she would have been a good addition to the family. (There's a scene at the beginning of the movie where Adam's brother proposes to Dinah, she tells him she'll never marry, and we never see Adam's brother again.) Adam's mom looks at him like he's a moron, tells him Dinah loves him, and then says, "Only men have to wait 'til folks say things before they find them out." Adam's face lights up, and he runs out to find Dinah. Quite a commentary on men--it cracks me up!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I teach Silas Marner each year in one of my ESL classes. I was looking for a movie version when I came across The George Eliot Collection on Amazon.com. For just a few dollars more than I’d spend on Silas Marner, I could get the collection of five movies. Before tonight, I had never watched Adam Bede.
Reactions: This movie took a long time to get into. Perhaps it's the nature of George Eliot's work, as every movie based on her novels I've seen has been slow and difficult to get into.
While partially predictable--I could tell within the first two minutes which characters would end up together--this movie also had some unexpected twists (though if you've read the book, they wouldn't be unexpected). George Eliot wasn't afraid to tackle some touchy topics, and Adam Bede is no exception, as one character had an affair, became pregnant, perhaps went insane, and killed her baby. (Well, I think she killed it. At least she was convicted of killing it; my sisters were talking when she was confessing everything to Adam, and I didn't care enough to rewind and catch what I missed.)
My favorite line came at the end of the movie. Adam has just said goodbye to Dinah (Harker, best known as Jane Bennet in the 1995 Pride & Prejudice), who is clearly in love with him. He goes into the kitchen and tells his mother that it's too bad things didn't work out between his brother and Dinah because she would have been a good addition to the family. (There's a scene at the beginning of the movie where Adam's brother proposes to Dinah, she tells him she'll never marry, and we never see Adam's brother again.) Adam's mom looks at him like he's a moron, tells him Dinah loves him, and then says, "Only men have to wait 'til folks say things before they find them out." Adam's face lights up, and he runs out to find Dinah. Quite a commentary on men--it cracks me up!
Verdict: Keep
#5 "28 Days"
Stats: 2000. Starring Sandra Bullock & Viggo Mortensen. PG-13.
Background: I checked 28 Days out from the library several years ago. I didn’t expect to like it (I checked it out due to boredom), but I really did. When I found it in Walmart’s $5.50 bin, I bought it. I’ve perhaps watched it twice prior this project.
Reactions: While not my favorite alcoholism movie—that would be When a Man Loves a Woman—I greatly enjoy this glimpse into the life of an alcoholic. I have no idea how accurate this portrayal of rehab is, so I can’t speak to that aspect of the movie. I just know that it's interesting and entertaining!
I especially appreciate that the movie doesn’t tie everything up into a neat bow. Gwen (Bullock) is sent to rehab after drunkenly stealing and crashing a limo at her sister’s wedding. While at the rehab ranch, she meets a variety of addicts. Some of them seem well on their way to recovery; others struggle, relapse, and even die. Gwen and Eddie (Mortensen), a professional baseball player she meets in rehab, definitely have a connection, but they never get together, and as the film ends, the audience doesn't know whether they'll ever see each other again. I like it that way; it feels more authentic than a classic chick flick end-of-movie coupling.
I’m not a huge fan of many special features; in contrast to my sister who could spend hours listening to commentary and watching every extra, I find most special features to be boring or just dumb. However, one of the special features on this dvd is Santa Cruz, the fictional soap opera that plays a prominent role in the plotline. It runs a full 20 minutes, features some real soap actors, and alludes to some of the story shown in the movie. Twenty minutes is a little long for this over-the-top soap spoof, but it does make for one of the more interesting special features I’ve seen.
Verdict: Keep
Background: I checked 28 Days out from the library several years ago. I didn’t expect to like it (I checked it out due to boredom), but I really did. When I found it in Walmart’s $5.50 bin, I bought it. I’ve perhaps watched it twice prior this project.
Reactions: While not my favorite alcoholism movie—that would be When a Man Loves a Woman—I greatly enjoy this glimpse into the life of an alcoholic. I have no idea how accurate this portrayal of rehab is, so I can’t speak to that aspect of the movie. I just know that it's interesting and entertaining!
I especially appreciate that the movie doesn’t tie everything up into a neat bow. Gwen (Bullock) is sent to rehab after drunkenly stealing and crashing a limo at her sister’s wedding. While at the rehab ranch, she meets a variety of addicts. Some of them seem well on their way to recovery; others struggle, relapse, and even die. Gwen and Eddie (Mortensen), a professional baseball player she meets in rehab, definitely have a connection, but they never get together, and as the film ends, the audience doesn't know whether they'll ever see each other again. I like it that way; it feels more authentic than a classic chick flick end-of-movie coupling.
I’m not a huge fan of many special features; in contrast to my sister who could spend hours listening to commentary and watching every extra, I find most special features to be boring or just dumb. However, one of the special features on this dvd is Santa Cruz, the fictional soap opera that plays a prominent role in the plotline. It runs a full 20 minutes, features some real soap actors, and alludes to some of the story shown in the movie. Twenty minutes is a little long for this over-the-top soap spoof, but it does make for one of the more interesting special features I’ve seen.
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, August 23, 2009
#4 "27 Dresses"
Stats: 2008. Starring Katherine Heigl & James Marsden. PG-13.
Background: As a James Marsden fan since his days on the short-lived ABC show Second Noah in the 1990’s, I really looked forward to this movie’s release. My sister Stephanie and I saw it opening weekend; I went to it again a few weeks later with my cousin Kate. Very rarely do I see a movie in the theater twice—when you do that, you’ve basically paid what it would cost for the dvd—so you know I must have liked it! I bought it shortly after it came out on dvd.
Reactions: I really struggled to pay attention to this movie when watching it today. I watched it a couple of times after I bought it, then I didn’t watch it again for several months. I enjoy the premise of this movie—OK, so I enjoy the premise of most romantic comedies. I think what gets in the way of my enjoying this movie is my severe dislike for Katherine Heigl. There’s just something about her . . . plus, she and James Marsden don’t really have much chemistry.
Verdict: Sell? (Here’s my dilemma. I really enjoyed this movie once upon a time. Would I like it more if I waited a while to watch it again? Would I regret selling it? I’m torn.)
***Update 8/30/09: I just listed it on half.com. So go buy it!
***Update 9/1/09: Purchased for $3.21. (It's great if I don't think of what I paid for it initially!)
Background: As a James Marsden fan since his days on the short-lived ABC show Second Noah in the 1990’s, I really looked forward to this movie’s release. My sister Stephanie and I saw it opening weekend; I went to it again a few weeks later with my cousin Kate. Very rarely do I see a movie in the theater twice—when you do that, you’ve basically paid what it would cost for the dvd—so you know I must have liked it! I bought it shortly after it came out on dvd.
Reactions: I really struggled to pay attention to this movie when watching it today. I watched it a couple of times after I bought it, then I didn’t watch it again for several months. I enjoy the premise of this movie—OK, so I enjoy the premise of most romantic comedies. I think what gets in the way of my enjoying this movie is my severe dislike for Katherine Heigl. There’s just something about her . . . plus, she and James Marsden don’t really have much chemistry.
Verdict: Sell? (Here’s my dilemma. I really enjoyed this movie once upon a time. Would I like it more if I waited a while to watch it again? Would I regret selling it? I’m torn.)
***Update 8/30/09: I just listed it on half.com. So go buy it!
***Update 9/1/09: Purchased for $3.21. (It's great if I don't think of what I paid for it initially!)
#3 "17 Again"
Stats: 2009. Starring Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann. PG-13.
Background: This is the move that made me sit up and go, “OK, so I get this Zac Efron thing!” I saw it in the theater with my sister Steph and one of her friends and absolutely loved it. Steph, not so much. She hates “awkward” movies, and she often leaves the room when things get too uncomfortable. She spent a lot of time wincing and gripping my arm! I saw it again with my other sister when she came home from college, and I liked it just as much the second time around. My sisters gave me the dvd for my birthday.
Reactions: Yeah, so I still love this movie! Since I just got it a few days ago, I don’t know if it’s fair to include it in this rewatch experiment, but I did just watch it!
17 Again deals with that tricky moral dilemma also present in Never Been Kissed. The audience and the main character both know that it’s OK for the main character to have feelings for the love interest, but the love interest doesn’t know that it’s OK to have feelings for the main character (in both cases, it’s because of supposed age differences). Fortunately, in normal life, situations like the one presented in 17 Again don’t exist, so we don’t need to debate the moral implications of Scarlett, a 30-something mom, falling for 17-year-old Mark, who is actually her 30-something husband Mike. Confused yet? (Oh, and by the way … Matthew Perry, the adult version of Mike, isn’t aging so well. He just looks, well, old.)
Each time I watch this movie, I'm struck by the abstinence message (in a good way. Apparently the message that I find so heartening infuriated a lot of people--just run a Google search on "17 Again Abstinence" and you'll see what I mean). One scene takes place in sex ed. When the teacher talks about abstinence being the school’s official position but then passes out condoms anyway because of course high school seniors aren’t going to be abstinent, I thought, "Oh, here we go again!" Whatever happened to setting the bar high? But then Mike stands up and makes an impassioned speech, urging students to wait for marriage. He speaks from experience, as his whole life changed when Scarlett became pregnant during their senior year. Mike also talks to a group of teen girls about respecting themselves, although he gives up when it becomes obvious the girls aren’t listening.
In a culture of sexual permissiveness, I was pleasantly surprised to find a movie—especially one marketed to teenagers—that promotes abstinence.
Verdict: Keep (duh!)
Background: This is the move that made me sit up and go, “OK, so I get this Zac Efron thing!” I saw it in the theater with my sister Steph and one of her friends and absolutely loved it. Steph, not so much. She hates “awkward” movies, and she often leaves the room when things get too uncomfortable. She spent a lot of time wincing and gripping my arm! I saw it again with my other sister when she came home from college, and I liked it just as much the second time around. My sisters gave me the dvd for my birthday.
Reactions: Yeah, so I still love this movie! Since I just got it a few days ago, I don’t know if it’s fair to include it in this rewatch experiment, but I did just watch it!
17 Again deals with that tricky moral dilemma also present in Never Been Kissed. The audience and the main character both know that it’s OK for the main character to have feelings for the love interest, but the love interest doesn’t know that it’s OK to have feelings for the main character (in both cases, it’s because of supposed age differences). Fortunately, in normal life, situations like the one presented in 17 Again don’t exist, so we don’t need to debate the moral implications of Scarlett, a 30-something mom, falling for 17-year-old Mark, who is actually her 30-something husband Mike. Confused yet? (Oh, and by the way … Matthew Perry, the adult version of Mike, isn’t aging so well. He just looks, well, old.)
Each time I watch this movie, I'm struck by the abstinence message (in a good way. Apparently the message that I find so heartening infuriated a lot of people--just run a Google search on "17 Again Abstinence" and you'll see what I mean). One scene takes place in sex ed. When the teacher talks about abstinence being the school’s official position but then passes out condoms anyway because of course high school seniors aren’t going to be abstinent, I thought, "Oh, here we go again!" Whatever happened to setting the bar high? But then Mike stands up and makes an impassioned speech, urging students to wait for marriage. He speaks from experience, as his whole life changed when Scarlett became pregnant during their senior year. Mike also talks to a group of teen girls about respecting themselves, although he gives up when it becomes obvious the girls aren’t listening.
In a culture of sexual permissiveness, I was pleasantly surprised to find a movie—especially one marketed to teenagers—that promotes abstinence.
Verdict: Keep (duh!)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
#2 "13 Going on 30"
Stats: 2004. Starring Jennifer Garner & Mark Ruffalo. PG-13.
Background: I saw this in the theater opening weekend. It was actually the weekend before graduation, so it was the last movie I saw with several of my college friends. That summer, I was thrilled when I found Razzles, a candy that plays a rather sizable role in the movie, in my local Dollar Tree. The candy isn’t nearly as good as the movie!
Reactions: Throw any kind of time travel or time loop into a movie, and you’ve got me. This is precisely why I rented the horrible, horrible Jonathan Silverman movie 12:01. But I digress …
Jennifer Garner is perfect in this movie as Jenna, the 13-year-old who wakes up 17 years in the future. It kind of has a Samantha Who? vibe to it, also, as Jenna doesn’t remember anything about her life in those intervening 17 years and is a much better person than the previous version of herself was. (Granted, this movie came first, so maybe I should say that Samantha Who? has a 13 Going on 30 vibe to it!) Judy Greer is spectacular as Jenna’s frenemy Lucy, and the romance between Jenna and Matt, her childhood best friend, is realistic and heartbreaking. I especially appreciate Matt’s responsible and adult choice regarding Jenna near the end of the movie … and I love that the time thing works in their favor and they get a “redo”!
Watch for a young looking Jim Gaffigan (whom I know as PJ’s brother on My Boys) as the grown up version of Jenna’s middle school crush Chris Grandy.
I could watch this movie over and over again … and I have!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I saw this in the theater opening weekend. It was actually the weekend before graduation, so it was the last movie I saw with several of my college friends. That summer, I was thrilled when I found Razzles, a candy that plays a rather sizable role in the movie, in my local Dollar Tree. The candy isn’t nearly as good as the movie!
Reactions: Throw any kind of time travel or time loop into a movie, and you’ve got me. This is precisely why I rented the horrible, horrible Jonathan Silverman movie 12:01. But I digress …
Jennifer Garner is perfect in this movie as Jenna, the 13-year-old who wakes up 17 years in the future. It kind of has a Samantha Who? vibe to it, also, as Jenna doesn’t remember anything about her life in those intervening 17 years and is a much better person than the previous version of herself was. (Granted, this movie came first, so maybe I should say that Samantha Who? has a 13 Going on 30 vibe to it!) Judy Greer is spectacular as Jenna’s frenemy Lucy, and the romance between Jenna and Matt, her childhood best friend, is realistic and heartbreaking. I especially appreciate Matt’s responsible and adult choice regarding Jenna near the end of the movie … and I love that the time thing works in their favor and they get a “redo”!
Watch for a young looking Jim Gaffigan (whom I know as PJ’s brother on My Boys) as the grown up version of Jenna’s middle school crush Chris Grandy.
I could watch this movie over and over again … and I have!
Verdict: Keep
#1 "8 Seconds"
Stats: 1994. Starring Luke Perry, Stephen Baldwin, Cynthia Geary. PG-13. Based on a true story.
Background: I first watched this movie with my friend Andrea and cousin Kate when I was in the 8th grade. Most girls my age probably watched it because of Luke Perry, but, being the sheltered child I was, I knew nothing about 90210! I’m pretty sure I haven’t watched it since, but I remember liking it, so when I saw it on sale on Amazon, I picked it up.
Reactions: First of all, I practically shouted at the TV “That’s Renee Zellweger!” when she came on the screen as Lane’s one-night stand. I’d also forgotten (or never realized) that Stephen Baldwin played Lane’s best friend Tuff.
8 Seconds is Lane Frost's story. He was a champion bull rider who killed by a bull after successfully riding him. The movie spends nearly as much time focusing on Lane's marriage as it does on his rodeoing.
My favorite part of the movie is when Lane is venting to his mother. His marriage is in shambles, thanks to cheating on both sides and Lane’s focus on himself and his bull riding. He’s a world champion, but he feels like he’ll never be good enough to win his dad’s approval. His mom takes him over to the shelves holding his dad’s rodeo trophies and asks him what he sees. Then she tells him that those trophies don’t matter anymore—trophies will fade, but he should “hold on to the things that will last.” This sets Lane on a journey back to his wife, and he finally confesses everything to her and asks for forgiveness.
The final scene, when Tuff wins the world championship and stays on the bull for an extra eight seconds in honor of Lane, is mesmerizing. Back in the eighth grade, I’m pretty sure I didn’t cry at this movie, but I sure did today!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I first watched this movie with my friend Andrea and cousin Kate when I was in the 8th grade. Most girls my age probably watched it because of Luke Perry, but, being the sheltered child I was, I knew nothing about 90210! I’m pretty sure I haven’t watched it since, but I remember liking it, so when I saw it on sale on Amazon, I picked it up.
Reactions: First of all, I practically shouted at the TV “That’s Renee Zellweger!” when she came on the screen as Lane’s one-night stand. I’d also forgotten (or never realized) that Stephen Baldwin played Lane’s best friend Tuff.
8 Seconds is Lane Frost's story. He was a champion bull rider who killed by a bull after successfully riding him. The movie spends nearly as much time focusing on Lane's marriage as it does on his rodeoing.
My favorite part of the movie is when Lane is venting to his mother. His marriage is in shambles, thanks to cheating on both sides and Lane’s focus on himself and his bull riding. He’s a world champion, but he feels like he’ll never be good enough to win his dad’s approval. His mom takes him over to the shelves holding his dad’s rodeo trophies and asks him what he sees. Then she tells him that those trophies don’t matter anymore—trophies will fade, but he should “hold on to the things that will last.” This sets Lane on a journey back to his wife, and he finally confesses everything to her and asks for forgiveness.
The final scene, when Tuff wins the world championship and stays on the bull for an extra eight seconds in honor of Lane, is mesmerizing. Back in the eighth grade, I’m pretty sure I didn’t cry at this movie, but I sure did today!
Verdict: Keep
Cinematic Survey: A Journey Through the Movies in My Collection
I had a slow start getting into movies. The first film I saw in the theater was a special re-release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs when I was six. Prior to that, I can remember watching The Wizard of Oz on television (I hated it) and The Sound of Music on video at my grandparents’ house (I loved it). My family didn’t own a VCR until my freshman year of high school, so up until then, I didn’t own many movies. I think the first video that was solely mine (as opposed to a “family” movie) was While You Were Sleeping, which to this day is still my favorite film. Prior to purchasing my first dvd player in 2004, I owned maybe six or seven movies on VHS. But with the purchase of that dvd player, and my subsequent college graduation and first “real” job (which ended my “I’m a poor college student” mindset), I began buying dvds. My first was You’ve Got Mail. Then a friend gave me Win A Date With Tad Hamilton. Then I bought the first season of Gilmore Girls. Initially, I limited myself to one dvd a month. But as dvd prices dropped, the frequency with which I bought movies increased. I became a huge fan of the $5.50 bin at Walmart and rejoiced when they dropped the price to $5. I shopped Amazon.com’s sales. And I loved Black Friday sales, where movies were as low as $2 and TV seasons could be found for $10 or $15.
As of today, I have 162 movies and 39 TV seasons on dvd. Those figures are nearly unbelievable. If I spent two hours watching a movie or TV show each night, I couldn’t make it through everything in a year! So I decided to try a little experiment. It will take months, maybe even years. I’m going to watch each movie in my collection, in alphabetical order, and write about it. I’ll talk about why I bought the movie in the first place, my reaction after seeing it again, and I’ll decide whether to keep the dvd or try to sell it. I won't try to keep my reviews spoiler free; if you haven't seen the movie and don't want to know what happens, then don't read the post! In the event that I get a new movie while I'm on this adventure (which will undoubtedly happen), I'll review it when I get to it in the rotation. If I've already passed its spot in the alphabet, then I'll watch and review it before moving on to the next film in line.
So join me in my journey through my dvd collection . . .
As of today, I have 162 movies and 39 TV seasons on dvd. Those figures are nearly unbelievable. If I spent two hours watching a movie or TV show each night, I couldn’t make it through everything in a year! So I decided to try a little experiment. It will take months, maybe even years. I’m going to watch each movie in my collection, in alphabetical order, and write about it. I’ll talk about why I bought the movie in the first place, my reaction after seeing it again, and I’ll decide whether to keep the dvd or try to sell it. I won't try to keep my reviews spoiler free; if you haven't seen the movie and don't want to know what happens, then don't read the post! In the event that I get a new movie while I'm on this adventure (which will undoubtedly happen), I'll review it when I get to it in the rotation. If I've already passed its spot in the alphabet, then I'll watch and review it before moving on to the next film in line.
So join me in my journey through my dvd collection . . .
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