Summer Movies
Summer Movies
By Kathy Sweeney f/k/a Rebecca the Bookseller
Today, we're going to perform a collective mitzvah. A mitzvah is when you help someone for no specific reason, other than niceness. Yes, I know - we're not all nice all the time, but we can fake it for one damn blog, okay?
For many of us, summer time is movie time. The kids can stay up late, and there are lots of new movies to choose from. In the last month or so we've seen: Wall-E (fantastic and worth seeing on the big screen); Indiana Jones (it was good - just don't expect the magic of Raiders); Iron Man (I loved it, and I'm not a comic book fan) Sex and the City (the shower scene had my entire row arching their necks to the side for a better view, and that's all I'm saying about that); and Get Smart (the rest of the fam saw that one while I had eye trouble and they liked it). Next up are Hancock and The Hulk.
What have you seen? What can you recommend - or not?
If your allergies, or the price of gas, or the price of a night out at the movies keeps you close to home, we've got the answer for you too.
Movie Rentals. You don't even have to leave the house. Whether you use Netflix, or the new Apple rental service, or even your cable's On Demand feature, great movies are only a few clicks away.
So let's help each other out and suggest some good movies that many people may have missed in the theaters. My favorites are comedies, so I'll start with those, and we can add to the list as we go.
Anything from the Christopher Guest collection: Spinal Tap is the first and a classic. The more recent ones: Best in Show; For Your Consideration; Waiting for Guffman, are all good. Best in Show is my favorite, and I don't even have a dog.
Classic Michael Keaton: if you haven't seen Multiplicity, now is the time. Michael Keaton clones himself. Although #4 has the best lines, it's #3 who steals the show. Best exchange: #2: "Who ate all the baloney?" #4: "Burglars?"
Murder by Death - is a spoof on Hitchcock films and the classic detectives. The cast includes Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith and Peter Falk. Best line: "He's blind all right. Those were my funniest faces."
Dodgeball. This is goofball antics at its best. Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller lead their teams to the Dodgeball Finals, broadcast on ESPN 8 (the "Ocho"). Jason Bateman as the stoner sportscaster should have gotten at least an Oscar nomination. hah. Best line: "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."
Overboard - I'm going out on a limb with this one, because I'm not sure why I like it. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, probably. You don't even need to rent this one - it's on all the time.
And, of course, the greatest comedic cast ever assembled: Caddyshack.
Now for some more serious fare - we saw Glory the other night, and it's worth seeing again. If you missed The Departed, it's dark but magnificent. And a MUST SEE for all families (excuse the youngest kids) is The Great Debaters.
For big effects and some great unexpected dialog - Independence Day or the original Die Hard.Yippee-ky-yay!
For children of all ages: Enchanted. Loved it! Or Happy Feet. Great soundtracks on both films.
If you like musicals and you haven't seen Dreamgirls or Chicago, you should.
Now - if you know me in real life, you know that there are many types of movies I don't watch, so I'm counting on the rest of you to fill in the gaps - prison movies, war movies, horror movies, suspense movies that make me too nervous to sit still (I have to know what happens!). Let's all give each other some suggestions for the summer.
******
Friday updates:
1. Happy Birthday to our wonderful friend and bookseller extraordinaire - Mary Alice!
2. Congratulations to our own Sarah Strohmeyer, who got a nice mention in the NEW YORK TIMES! Check it out: Sweet Love in the New York Times
We get sucked into (and crack up at) Galaxy Quest--if we're flipping through channels, we know we're gonna stay there for the quip about the writers alone. I can practically recite that entire movie.
Nothing beats the Bourne trilogy for absolutely taut story telling.
And I enjoy the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice--though in my head, I mentally substitute Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy for... uh... that guy who played him with Keira. (I am sorry Mr. I can't remember your name, but it's Colin! Firth!)
(I very much want to go see Wall-E. And Wanted.) (I will not be doing so 'til I finish this draft.) (sigh)
Posted by: toni mcgee causey | July 11, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Wall-E wet my whistle for summer movies..............Mama Mia and The Women are on my list.
This is the time of year we watch all the James Bond film, too.
Bring on the popcorn for "when I'm 64"!
Posted by: mary alice at mystery lovers bookshop | July 11, 2008 at 12:46 AM
We saw Charlie Wilson's War at the theatre, and it was very good. It's on DVD now. If you haven't seen Mona Lisa Smile, that's worth the time, too, especially for the shots of the 50's at the end. I took all three of my daughters to it, and they were fascinated at how things used to be for women. Enchanted was almost (but not quite) the other side of that coin. It was utterly charming.
I really want to see Iron Man and Sex and the City.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 01:00 AM
I liked WALL-E, liked KUNG FU PANDA perhaps slightly better, IRON MAN better yet, and GET SMART That Much better, surprised given its lukewarm reception among reviewers who apparently wanted Don Adams back from the grave and something that would make them forget the best episode of 1967, as opposed to something both respectful and not a fly in amber, much the way the two Don Adams films and the revived series were. WANTED is awful...miserably bad, though flashy, unless you want an even more rancid and dumb version of the Spider-Man movies.
Posted by: Todd Mason | July 11, 2008 at 01:09 AM
I'm rewatching the Harry Potter movies because I'm just too slow to keep up with the books, but I love the magic. Then I'll probably rewatch all the Bond movies. I get on these movie + Stairmaster binges and can't stop.
I haven't been to a "real" movie in about a year and a half. It's kind of pathetic!
Posted by: Harley | July 11, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Hubby and I just watched The Bucket List, we laughed and cried. I did love Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson together--they played well off of each other.
Posted by: Peg H | July 11, 2008 at 02:21 AM
For you mystery writers, "Swimming Pool," which I watched last weekend online on Netflix. It's about a late-middle-aged woman English mystery writer (Charlotte Rampling) getting some quiet time to write at a house in the south of France. Lots of atmosphere, lots of French with subtitles, and at the end I had no idea what I had seen. Warning--it's French, so clothing is often optional.
Posted by: Josh | July 11, 2008 at 04:26 AM
We saw Get Smart last weekend, and I thought it was hilarious. I agree with Todd - I don't know what the reviewers' problem was. I really thought my husband was going to pee the seat over the swordfish. And it was the rare movie (at least in our house) that parents of both sexes and teenager all enjoyed.
Although I could have done without my daughter's comment when we got there. I observed that there were a lot of families with parents and teens like ours there, and I said it was probably because we old fogeys watched the TV series. She said, "It was a TV series?"
After reading Kathy's/Rebecca's list, I have a bunch of movies to watch now - it seems we have similar tastes, and I don't go to the movies much. But I heartily second the Great Debaters recommendation - We did go to that one, and it was awesome.
Posted by: Laura (in PA) | July 11, 2008 at 05:33 AM
No one in my family will go see Get Smart with me, so I have to wait until Sam gets back from camp- though it may be gone by then. Bummer!
Anna walked out of WANTED but loved, of course, Sex and the City. (AND let me just say right now that nothing is more pathetic than watching a bunch of Vermont women dress up for a Sex and the City premier).
I agree, Toni, that Galaxy Quest is a hoot. Our favorite films at home, though, are Undercover Brother (a classic) and Idiocracy, which Fox tried to kill because of its spot-on message. "Welcome to Costco, I love you," has become our family's signature greeting.
Posted by: sarahS | July 11, 2008 at 07:02 AM
We Own the Night and American Gangster are both great. Not for the kids, though.
Also, Mad Money - fun! and Notes on a Scandal - wicked fun!
Enjoy!
Posted by: Katie | July 11, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Toni nailed it; GALAXY QUEST is hysterically funny ("Do you HAVE to do The Roll?" is my favorite line) and can be watched repeatedly. My new favorite is THE TV SET with David Duchovny and Sigourney Weaver; anyone who's ever dealt with Hollywood will be on the floor laughing.
THE THIN MAN series with William Powell and Myrna Loy is available, and highly recommended. The complete Sherlock Holmes series with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce is wonderful.
As always, anything with the words "007" and "Sean Connery" on the package works. AND the entire series of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is available.
Posted by: William Simon | July 11, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I'm so pathetic--I don't recognize half of these movies! I'm the only female in our household, so usually I ignore whatever the guys are watching, which most of the time is a comedy with lots of bathroom humor. I couldn't tell you the last movie I saw in a theater. It's been years.
Posted by: Joyce Tremel | July 11, 2008 at 07:42 AM
The husband dragged me to The Visitor last week, insisting we see it instead of Get Smart because it was a case of amazing reviews vs. lukewarm. Boy, was that a mistake. Depressing as hell, and scary, too. I came out of the theater feeling like I needed to run down to INS, turn in my green card, and beg for instant citizenship just so I wouldn't be deported.
He owes me.
I'm another Galaxy Quest fan. I'd add Mighty Wind to the Christopher Guest movie line-up: love that one. In honor of Indy 4, which I have yet to see, I just watched Raiders & Last Crusade with my 7 year old, who had not yet her education in Harrison at his peak.
I love the classic Bill Murray movies: Groundhog Day (though please, couldn't he have fixated on someone other than Andi MacDowell?), Stripes, Ghostbusters.
At the other end of the scale, I'll watch Witness over & over.
Enchanted, Beauty & the Beast, Shrek - wonderful with kids or without. Kung Fu Panda was a hoot. George of the Jungle always makes me laugh (and let's not discount the joy of Brendan Fraser in a buttflap.)
Hated Happy Feet.
We've been getting lots of 70's series from Netflix - Welcome Back, Kotter, WKRP, etc. So much fun to be able to share these with the kids.
I think I need to watch Grease again soon - but if I'm watching with the daughter, I'll turn it off before that lovely ending telling girls they have to be a slut to get their man.
Posted by: kris | July 11, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Speaking of Colin Firth, rent Nanny McPhee...Emma Thompson is wonderful, Mr. Firth is yummy, and it's good for the whole family. I'm planning on rewatching the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan classics Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail (partly for Bill Pullman and Greg Kinnear)at some point and since I just saw Bye Bye Birdie done locally, I have this urge to rent the movie! I recently bought the original Mission Impossible (Steven Hill, Peter Graves, Martin Landau etc) so we can see some classic pre-green screen hi jinks, and I also got the first season of Early Edition. Becoming Jane and Ella Enchanted are great Anne Hathaway movies, and I usually end up traveling to Casablanca at least once a year.
And, I second (or third)Galaxy Quest.
Oh yeah, and Finding Nemo!
I now have a list to keep me busy until Labor Day. Happy Friday all!
Posted by: Maryann Mercer | July 11, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Wall-E was magnificent. Best Pixar ever -- and this is coming from a mom who has seen them all, literally hundreds of times. Wall-E is sweet, smart, beautifully crafted, and perfect for our moment in time.
Otherwise, I'm indulging in junk food t.v. this summer when I have time. My daughter introduced me to "Bridezillas" on cable, and it's wonderful. It's like crack for me -- I just can't get enough of it. It's all about everything that's screwed up in relationships, families and the consumer culture. If you can get past the feeling that you're watching a train wreck in slow motion, I highly recommend it for mindless entertainment.
I need to watch more movies, so I'll bookmark this discussion!
Posted by: Susan | July 11, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Having worked my way through school at a radio station, I can vouch for the fact that WKRP is not a sitcom, but rather a series of training films....:)
Posted by: William Simon | July 11, 2008 at 08:20 AM
We saw Kit Kittredge, An American Girl last weekend with our 3 and 6 year old girls and it was delightful. It was so nice to have a G rated movie that was not animated, overly marketed (yes the dolls exist, but you would not know it from the film), not saccharine and making a number of good points.
The cast is great: Abigail Breslin, Wallace Shawn (which leads to Princess Bride), Joan Cusack and Stanley Tucci.
Other movie nods: any Judy Holliday or Rosalind Russell movies. Moonstruck, Bend it like Beckham, Little Miss Sunshine, Blazing Saddles.
Posted by: Cheryl | July 11, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Another wonderful source for DVD rentals (free!) is the public library. It's the best summer spot in this Arizona heat to me. Ours has just about everything, or at least will order it for you. Yet with this selection, all I want lately are great classic movies. The Hubby and I like to match movies to the viewing snacks or event; lately we did clusters of grapes and cheese with wine in goblets, while watching Spartacus. For the 4th it was Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and BBQ.
Tonight we're having French bread, salad with French dressing etc. and watching French Kiss. Not technically a classic, but anything with Kevin Kline in it is classic to me!
And I also recommend the Kung-Fu Panda movie. It was adorable!
Posted by: Suzanne | July 11, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Cheryl, Kit Kittredge is getting great reviews, so that's another one I really want to see.
Of course, Princess Bride! How could I forget that one? "My name is Inigo Mantoya, and I'm here to avenge the death of my father." Mandy Patinkin was amazing in that movie, but I mostly loved it because of another Santa Barbara alum, Robin Wright. She was also great in Forrest Gump, which should go on any list of movies to watch over and over. Another favorite is Ever After, with Drew Barrymore, a nice twist on the classic Cinderella story.
Young Frankenstein is another one I could watch over and over again, as is Steel Magnolias, and My Fair Lady (for the music and the costumes, natch).
Sounds like we need to rent Galaxy Quest, or maybe even buy that one!
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Speaking of Kevin Kline==A Fish Called Wanda. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Still speaking of Kevin Kline--In & Out. Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck. Need I say more? I didn't think so.
Another Galaxy Quest fan, largely because of Tony Shaloub. I love Tony Shaloub.
Fun summer movies: Signs. That Thing You Do. 27 Dresses. I Love You to Death. Bridget Jones. About A Boy. Music & Lyrics. Field of Dreams.
All time favorite feel-better movie: Enchanted April.
Posted by: ramona | July 11, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Since we just got through the 4th holiday weekend, Saving Private Ryan is a must see. The first 20 minutes or so are brutal. I had to look away more than once. Tom Hanks's performance is very subtle, but riveting.
I am only wanting to see comedies these days, but nothing new even sounds remotely funny. (ducking here...) I didn't like the tv show Get Smart...don't think I will go see the movie either.
Remember the Titans-Denzel (OMG!!!) and a relatively unknown cast. Sidney Poitier's son is in it. But a great high school, football, 60s racial stuff, movie.
So here goes:
Wildcats-Goldie Hawn, Swoozie Kurtz, Nipsey Russell. Also a very young Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.
Blazing Saddles-uncut, with the campfire scene in tact.
Young Frankenstein-if they ever, EVER think to try to colorize this movie....
Animal House-Bluto: "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Birdcage-What can you say about Nathan Lane? The best ever! And its probably the movie that started all of the Hank Azaria is gay rumors.
Michael-John Travolta, William Hurt, Robert Pastorelli, Andi McDowell (I really dislike her, too)
Premonition-another Travolta with Kyra Sedgewick, Robert Duval.
Blast From the Past-Brendan Frasier, Alicia Silverstone, Sissy Spacek, Christopher Walken. One of the funniest movies ever.
Pleasantville-Toby McGuire, Reese Witherspoon
Always-Richard Dreyfus, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, and Audrey Hepburn as the angel, Hap.
Secondhand Lions-Michael Caine, Robert Duval and a puberty stricken Haley Joel Osment. Very cute and funny.
Most of the Disney movies I really enjoy, even without kids around, but my faves are:
Lion King
Beauty & the Beast
Aladin-had to see it on the big screen for the magic carpet ride...wow!
Monsters, Inc-the laugh Boo gives makes me smile every time.
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | July 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Great Suggestions!
Best Kevin Kline scene is from the movie where he plays the gay teacher (In and Out?) and he is listening to a tape and trying not to dance. Hilarious.
Other great physical comedy - "All of Me" with Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin.
Has anyone seen Rounders or 21? Both are movies about gambling with cards.
We watched 'Cutters' last night - a great sports movie - right up there with Hoosiers and Rudy, I think.
Can't believe I forgot Mel Brooks! The 'Inquisition' number from History of the World is worth the price of admission. Ditto for Cloris Leachman as the French Revolutionary.
My favorite Mel Brooks movie is not the most popular one - High Anxiety - with the wonderful Madeline Kahn and Harvey Korman - it's spoof on Vertigo. And Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles should be required viewing.
Posted by: Kathy Sweeney | July 11, 2008 at 09:31 AM
My husband and I love Cary Grant movies. Bringing Up Baby, Topper, Arsenic and Old Lace, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, The Philadelphia Story (Cary, Kate & Jimmy all together) are favorites. My personal favorite is Operation Petticoat. Love that pink sub. I think of it as a proto chick flick with just a little bit of war thrown in for the guys.
My daughter and I love to watch Fred & Ginger movies. I can't name a favorite because I love them all. Nothing today compares to how they dance together.
My daughter (23) has a thing for Harrison Ford. She is slowly collecting DVD's of all his movies. Watching Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies started it for her.If he's in it she wants it.
We just watched August Rush last week. My husband and daughter thought it was great. I thought it was okay.
What I really love are those independent British comedies: The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill and Came Down A Mountain, Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots, and so on.
Reading of course takes priority for me. Reading is better than watching TV or a movie any day.
Posted by: peach | July 11, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Speaking of Sean Connery, we recently saw The Man Who Would be King (based on a Rudyard Kipling story) and enjoyed it. Michael Caine is in it too.
Here's a list I like: http://www.perfectmovie.net/Filmically_Perfect/Filmically_Perfect.html
Posted by: Anna C. | July 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM
One of my favorite Cary Grant movies is Father Goose. Ooohh! and also That Touch of Mink with Doris Day. Oooohhh and all Doris Day movies with Rock Hudson, James Garner and Tony Randall.
I really could go on and on and on....
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | July 11, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Omigosh, All of Me! Steve Martin was utterly brilliant in that film, and deserved an Oscar for the physically incredible feat of portraying a man on one side of his body and a woman on the other. He doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves. And while I"m on Steve Martin, how about Roxanne, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? So darn funny.
Bridget Jones is good, too. How could it not be, it has both Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. The scene where they sissy fight one another has to be one of my all-time favorites.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 09:47 AM
All of Me! Omigosh, Steve Martin was wonderful, and should have gotten an Oscar for his portrayal of a man on one side of his body, and a woman on the other. And speaking of him, how about Roxanne, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. All of his films are good, but those three are my favorites.
I prefer to read, as well, but sometimes there's nothing like sitting in the dark with a movie. When I visited a daughter recently I used her enormous TV to watch All About Eve, which I'd never seen before. Wow.
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Sorry about the double post, but they aren't identical. Does that absolve me?
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | July 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Suzanne, you are so right about the library -- what a great resource*. I don't mind waiting a bit, and the movies seems to come to me at the right time, like _Enchanted_ precisely when I need some "happily ever after." Closing and appliance delivery are supposed to happen this afternoon -- my realtor says if they are simultaneous, he will supervise the appliances and I'll go sign papers. What an eco-broker knight in shining khaki! His web site http://www.stlbesthomes.com/
* Discussing library videos with my sophomores once (we even did a bit of the rap from Arthur "Having fun isn't hard, when you have a library card." One of my young ladies "tuned in" late (studies show no one can pay attention all the time) and asked, "The library has DVDs? Is it cheaper than Blockbuster?" Yep, free is cheaper for sure.
Posted by: storyteller Mary | July 11, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Next up from the library, _Premonition_ -- someone with way more problems than I have.
I also find most of the old musicals very therapeutic -- Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music, Finnian's Rainbow. . .and on and on . . .
Posted by: storyteller Mary | July 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Ramona, I Love You To Death is based on a true story that happened in Allentown. Being a newspaperman (newspaperwoman? newspaperperson?) herself, and being from a Valley newspaper family, Sarah probably knows the real story.
Posted by: Josh | July 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
My absolute summer fave -- "We're gonna need a bigger boat."
So, who doesn't remember NOT going into the water during the summer of 1975, eh?
We watch all four Jaws in the series (with Jaws 3-D being just stupid) on a rainy day with thunder n' lightnin' we love 'em.
Posted by: Peggy Hill | July 11, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Galaxy Quest - yes! Anything that can make me laugh out loud, many times, while riding my elliptical trainer, has got to be good. "That's your problem, Jason - you've never been serious about the craft." Makes me giggle just thinking about it. And really -- who can resist the final "By Graftar's hammer" bit? Tears all around. I keep this one, along with Sister Act (not Sister Act 2) on my iPod for watching in airports while waiting for delayed flights.
Loved Get Smart -- and so did my daughter, who was nominally familiar with the TV show from Nickelodian reruns. Yes, the swordfish bit was arguably the funniest.
For suspense, we recently watched "Vantage Point" and quite enjoyed it. Not gory, nicely crafted, kept me engaged (if not quite sitting on the edge of my seat).
I'm still a sucker for romantic comedies, but am too sensitive to issues of stalking and abuse to be able to watch things like "Overboard" or "You've Got Mail" any more. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" remains a favorite, and I just saw, and very much enjoyed, "Mystic Pizza."
Summer is definitely for movies!
Posted by: Kerry | July 11, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I went to see Sex in the City. Loved it. BUT I almost had a stroke at the movies prices! The matinée was $6.25. All I could think of was, heck, I could have bought a book that would take me longer than 2 hours to enjoy!
I haven't been to the movies since I went to see Shrek 3. My budget won't allow new movies for a while. So I appreciate the suggestions for Pay-for-View and old movies.
As far as old movies - We Are Marshall. Very touching.
Blazing Saddles is a classic.
Watched Cars - cute. Enjoyed picking out the various actors by voice
I love romance movies as a whole, like 27 Dresses or Two Week Notice, etc.
Posted by: ArkansasCyndi | July 11, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I'll throw out another recommendation for Kit- the Amerian Girl movie. It was VERY well done. Kung Fu Panda was also great.
At home, I love my On Demand options on my cable service. I've been watching The Bone Collector with Denzel and The Mummy movies over and over.
I also enjoy movie marathon days on the weekends. There are plenty of movie sets to choose from: Vacation, Lethal Weapon, Indiana Jones, Die Hard, Disney animated, Pixar, Bourne, Rocky, musicals,teenage angst, or TV series seasons. (Think those things you stop and watch every time no matter how many times you seen them)
Stock the kitchen with favorite snacs, settle into a favorite viewing spot, and enjoy.
Posted by: Marcia in OK | July 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Josh, I knew it was a true story, but not the location. I just think it's a hilarious movie. As for the newspaperman/woman/whatever, just say journalist.
Whoever said Secondhand Lions--yes! Great movie.
The two Beatles movies--Help! and A Hard Day's Night--are always fun to watch. Also, Arthur and Pillow Talk.
Has anyone here seen The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming? If you do not die laughing at that movie, there is something wrong with you.
Posted by: ramona | July 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I like any of the old Steve McQueen movies, John Wayne & Paul Newman also.
I HAVE to watch The Blues Brothers when ever it's on, great music.
PBS has the Thin Man on occasionally .
Wait Until Dark with Audrey Hepburn is a suspense favorite.
Sarahhhhhhhh, IOCHFTS, where's our updates?
Posted by: Rita Scott | July 11, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Rita, funny story...I saw "Wait Until Dark" when I was 14 years old. My girlfriend and I went to our local theatre and were actually only wanting to see the first feature(that was when you still got 2 movies for one ticket) "Change of Habit" with Mary Tyler Moore & Elvis. Can you imagine...2 14yo girls only wanting to see Elvis and getting scared to death as an added bonus! And on the way to the theatre, we saw a little girl get hit by a car!. It wasn't bad, just kinda bumped and broke her leg, but it was an interesting night to say the least.
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | July 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
The Fifth Element is super green.
Posted by: gaylin in vancouver | July 11, 2008 at 12:23 PM
The Departed? Is that the ghost movie with Nicole Kidman? If so, that's the last time the hair on the back of my neck stood up because I was so scared in a movie. It's brilliant. Great recommendations, Kathy, and congrats on the great publicity, Sarah!
I liked Wall-E -- it was cute! But as an end of the world movie, it suffered by comparison with Planet of the Apes, which I watched the same day (via Netflix). Wall-E is just so damn hopeful. Maybe that's what people expect nowadays from movies, the easy out. In Planet of the Aoes it's just like -- hey guys, we blew it big time! Humans are screwed.
What I love on Netflix -- the tv series!! I'm doing 24 now. And I agree with the guy who played David Palmer that he paved the way for Barack Obama.
Posted by: michele | July 11, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I haven't seen that many movies this summer. I loved Iron Man. I can't believe you missed Prince Caspian. Both adults and kids will enjoy it. Just as good as the first Narnia movie in my opinion. If it's not still playing in your area get the dvd.
Posted by: Mel | July 11, 2008 at 01:09 PM
The first _Indiana Jones_ movie was wonderful, beginning with the bar scene. There are a few guys I'd love to play out that "I always knew someday . . ." scene, except that my punch is rather wimpy. During the snake scene, the woman seated next to me accidentally touched my foot with hers -- we both jumped nearly to the ceiling!
Loved the humor of _Blazing Saddles_ There was a rumor of another line right after "It's twoo, It's twoo," but I don't know if it's accurate . . .("Pardon me lady, but you're sucking on my leg.")
Posted by: storyteller Mary | July 11, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I tend to love the classics - "Casablanca" is my favorite movie of all time and I will watch it anytime TCM plays it. Also "Gilda" with Rita Hayworth is great. I also want to vote for anything Bogey and Bacall did.
As far as musicals go, look further back than "Grease!" "Singin' in the Rain" is the movie musical standard, and is totally enjoyable for everyone. "The Band Wagon" is my favorite Fred Astaire film, and "Mary Poppins" is amazing!
Posted by: Amy | July 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM
One last thing - "The Thin Man" series is amazing and hysterical!
Posted by: Amy | July 11, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Heart & Souls-Robert Downey Jr, Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgewick, Elizabeth Shue, Tom Sizemore
Victor/Victoria-LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!
A Walk in the Clouds-Keanu Reeve, Anthony Quinn, Giancarlo Giannini, and Debra Messing's first movie role. Has some very good cheesecake shots of Keanu!
And a Lily von Stupp classic line:
"I'm tired of men always coming and going, going and coming - and always too soon."
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | July 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Madeline Kahn was a genious, pure and simple. Lily von Schtup is possibly one of the best comedic woman characters. The funniest is when we catch a censored version on tv. It is crazy what they cut and what they leave in. The silenced fart scene is just bizarre without the sound effects.
Posted by: Cheryl | July 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Willcomen, Bienvenue, Wellcome, come on in....
Ahhh, sweet mysteries of life, at last I've found you....
She was the best.
Posted by: Pam aka SisterZip | July 11, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I'll finish watching Premonition tonight -- and sulk!
The closing didn’t happen yet — money wired from Bank of America not sent in time because counter tops (special-order for no formaldehyde) weren’t installed soon enough and delayed inspection. . .one of those Rube Goldberg contraptions built on chain of events. They predict that it will all go through early Monday morning (but can’t guarantee) and I legally can’t have keys before then. I’ve left word with the Two Men that they might want to bring their Truck a day later, to be safe. Friends coming tomorrow can pack and perhaps shift the boxes to widen the existing little paths, but we can’t move in.
The appliances are in, and the delivery/installation was done amazingly well and on time. I was impressed! I even made a bit of tea while waiting for word on the closing $$$ amount, sitting on LL Bean camp chairs, which I left there with a little round wooden table Joe gave me years ago (the legs unscrew, so it was easy to bring over. I put 7th Generation TP in the bathrooms, too) — now I can only press my nose to the window and wish to be on the other side* . . .and yet, I know there are people with real problems. I’m under a roof, comfortable and fed (tuna saland — the larder is beginning to go bare a bit). *Moses looking at the Promised Land, though on a much smaller scale, of course.
I guess “My other house is immaculate” will be true for a while longer . . .
Posted by: storyteller Mary | July 11, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Three great movies no one has ever seen: The Spitfire Grille. A great character movie with a dark plot and wonderful ending.
In America. Its not the potato famine, its immigration circa 2000. Worth it just for the scene of the girl singing Desperado in a school play.
Wide Awake. Shyamalan's first, a beautiful little story that even Rosie O'Donnell didn't screw up.
And I have to add Beautiful Girls, because Natalie Portman is a beautiful girl.
Posted by: Jersey Shore | July 16, 2008 at 11:03 AM