Sunday, May 08, 2022
Love Actually
- Who's watched: M & G, many times
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Okay, I don't know whether to be ashamed or not to say that I not only love this movie, I am in love with it. It has the ability to both soothe and encourage me. So, we watch it a lot. I know my mother enjoys it and sticks with it every time. I don't know if she has the same kind of gut reactions to it that I do. Fairly recently, toward the end of the holiday season, I watched this movie on dvd in the evening with Mom then turned right around and watched the entire movie again on cable. My mother did not stay up for the cable viewing.
Again, another post, written on 2/7/2005, that I managed to delete on 5/7/2020, found the hidden original, and have reposted it.
Update 5/8/22: This is a reposting of a previous post dated 2/7/2005 that I managed to recover.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Alan Rickman Harry Emma Thompson Karen Hugh Grant David Martine McCutcheon Natalie Colin Firth Jamie Lúcia Moniz Aurélia Liam Neeson Daniel Thomas Sangster Sam Bill Nighy Billy Mack Gregor Fisher Joe Chiwetel Ejiofor Peter Keira Knightley Juliet Andrew Lincoln Mark Laura Linney Rodrigo Santoro Kris Marshall Colin Abdul Salis Tony Billy Bob Thornton U. S. President Rowan Atkinson Rufus Heike Makatsch Mia Olivia Olson Joanna
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Richard Curtis.
Labels: alan-rickman, Christmas, colin-firth, comedy2, emma-thompson, laura-linney, me-favorite4, popcorn-and-soda6, romance3
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The American President
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Another favorite that we watch fairly often, when we need to believe in political integrity.
Mom especially likes the state dinner for the French President and his wife. Every time we watch that scene she can't help but say, "Wouldn't you just love to attend one of those dinners?" The truth is, I think she would like to spend her entire life going from State Dinner to State Dinner. It would suit her.
I particularly like that, after I'd established my affection for the movie, a good friend of mine told me that he considers me the real life Sidney Allen Wade. He's wrong, of course, but, still, I spend a lot of time preening inside as I watch this movie.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published February 6, 2005. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Douglas U. S. President Alan Shepherd Annette Bening Sydney Allen Wade Martin Sheen A.J. MacInerney David Paymer Leon Kodak Samantha Mathis Janie Basdin Michael J. Fox Louis Rothschild John Mahoney Leo Solomon Anna Deavere Smith Robin McCall Nina Siemaszko Beth Wade Wendie Malick Susan Sloan Anne Haney Mrs. Chapil Shawna Waldron Lucy Shepherd Richard Dreyfuss Bob Rumson Beau Billingslea Agent Cooper Gail Strickland Esther MacInerney Joshua Molina David
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Rob Reiner.
Labels: aaron-sorkin, annette-bening, dramedy2, john-mahoney, michael-douglas, political4, presidential, richard-dreyfuss, romance3, shared-favorite
Friday, February 10, 2006
About a Boy
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is just one of my favorite little fripperies that, sight unseen, I thought Mom (and I) would enjoy when I noticed it on ridiculous sale. I was right. I especially enjoy Toni Collette's performance, but, frankly, I'm a sucker for her in any film. Mom was charmed by the premise of the film and so surprised by the ending that she said, "Well, that's what I like to see. The guy doesn't necessarily get the girl, but gets something better." My sentiments exactly.
I like, too, that the title doesn't refer to a specific "boy". In truth, there are two "boys", one who can honorably wear the appellation and one who can't. The magic of the film is that both boys learn how to become men, one right on time, one a little late, but still accomplished.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Hugh Grant Will Freeman Nicholas Hoult Marcus Brewer Toni Collette Fiona Brewer Rachel Weisz Rachel Natalia Tena Ellie Sharon Small Christine Nicholas Hutchinson John Victoria Smurfit Suzie
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz.
Labels: coming-of-age1, dramedy2, rachel-weisz, romance3, toni-collette
Monday, November 14, 2005
The Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Tragedy
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I used to be a Shakespeare snob. Up until the late 70's when I took a college course in Shakespeare I just didn't get what was interesting or important about Shakespeare's plays despite the fact that I'd studied two of them in high school. The course I took finally opened up the language and the structure for me. The class took place as these BBC produced plays were being broadcast on PBS. They were recommended by the instructor. I bought a television just to see them. I get it, now. Although I have some other favorite productions of some of these plays: Laurence Fishburne's portrayal of Othello, for instance, my favorite version of Hamlet is the production starring Richard Burton and Hume Cronyn, the vocals for which I have on vinyl, and my favorite version of Macbeth is the production by Roman Polanski which I didn't see until the early 1990s, these BBC productions are excellent and do not disappoint. I hope to obtain the entire collection, since I've seen the entire collection.
When I queue up these plays Mom tries her best but I think she's where I was before I took that course and, as well, she has trouble with British accents. It's easy for her to get bored and switch to her tabloids or take a nap.
As for me, I'd love to obtain the entire BBC Television Shakespeare series. It's quite a bit beyond my pocketbook, now, though, so I expect I'll never manage it, which is a shame, because BBC did a masterful job! If you're unsure about your relationship to Shakespeare's works, try checking out a few of these from your library. I think you'll discover, Shakespeare is writing about you, and your world.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this series. It's loaded with information, not only about the series in toto but about each production. If you're interested in these productions, don't ignore this link! - Hamlet
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Derek Jacobi Hamlet Claire Bloom Gertrude Patrick Stewart Claudius Eric Porter Polonius
→ derek-jacobi
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1980
Directed by Rodney Bennett. - Julius Caesar
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Pasco Brutus Charles Gray Julius Caesar Keith Michell Marcus Antonius David Collings Cassius
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Herbert Wise. - Macbeth
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicol Williamson Macbeth Jane Lapotaire Lady Macbeth Tony Doyle Macduff Jill Baker Lady Macduff
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Jack Gold. - Othello
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anthony Hopkins Othello Bob Hoskins Iago Penelope Wilton Desdemona David Yelland Cassio
→ anthony-hopkins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981
Directed by Jonathan Miller. - Romeo & Juliet
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Patrick Ryecart Romeo Rebecca Saire Juliet Celia Johnson Nurse Alan Rickman Tybalt
→ alan-rickman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1978
Directed by Alvin Rakoff.
Labels: alan-rickman, anthony-hopkins, buddy, derek-jacobi, dramaA, haunting2, hume-cronyn, me-favorite2, period5, romance3, royals, shakespeare, tragedy2, TV2, violence3
Tootsie
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm surprised there is no mention of this movie in my journals. The reason I bought a copy is that Mom and I watch it every time we notice it playing on TV but we usually manage to cue it up after it's already begun. I'm only a fair fan of gender-bender movies. They have to have other qualities to recommend them and the gender bending performance has to be really sleek for me to enjoy it. This one qualifies on both counts. Mom always forgets that Tootsie is being played by a man until the end. The sideline performance of her surprise is a delight in itself to watch.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dustin Hoffman Michael Dorsey Jessica Lange Julie Nichols Teri Garr Sandy Lester Dabney Coleman Ron Carlisle Charles Durning Leslie Nichols Bill Murray Jeff Slater Sydney Pollack George Fields George Gaynes John Van Horn Geena Davis April Page Doris Belack Rita Marshall Ellen Foley Jacqui Lynne Thigpen Jo
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1982
Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Labels: geena-davis, gender-bender, mom-favorite2, popcorn-and-soda4, romance3, satire2
Sleepless in Seattle
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Although the story is pleasant enough and I enjoy the romantic comedy no matter how many times I see it, this movie is a hallmark for me because I lived in Seattle when it was being filmed, saw it during its first run in Seattle and watch it more for its ability to transport me back to Seattle than anything else. Mom enjoys the story.
Update: 5/14/2022: Just want to mention, after all these years, since I first saw this movie, in Seattle, where I was living during its initial release, I not only haven't grown tired of it, I watch it regularly, yearn for it, even, at least once or twice a year. When I learned one of my nephews was relocating to Seattle, I immediately made space in my day to watch this film. It's not the story, although that's entertaining. It's Seattle, the star of this movie, for me. As I watch I rewalk the streets and even mentally insert scenarios that are pertinent to me, and only to me. The story? Eh. The setting? Ahh!!
One final observation. In reading (long after I saw the movie several times) the critical rundown in Wikipedia on this movie, I realized they all missed the subtle satire undergirding the movie, which is what actually lifts it out of the category of "maudlin". Maybe you have to live in Seattle to catch this.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Hanks Sam Baldwin Meg Ryan Annie Reed Bill Pullman Walter Jackson Ross Malinger Jonah Baldwin Rob Reiner Jay Matthews Rosie O'Donnell Becky Gaby Hoffmann Jessica Victor Garber Role Name Actor Name Greg Rita Wilson Suzy David Hyde Pierce Dennis Reed Caroline Aaron Dr. Marcia Fieldstone
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Nora Ephron.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, comedy1, female-director2, me-favorite3, meg-ryan, romance3, tom-hanks
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Women (1939) - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). I've watched this movie three times, once, the first, on TCM. The link, by the way, will take you to TCM's "article links" page for their website, where you can access even more information on the movie.
Mom and I continue to be transfixed by this movie, especially the clothes and the in-color fashion sequence. Joan Crawford is a riot as the seductress. The opening credits alone are worth seeing over and over.
Update 9/23/21: I just want to mention, I remain, since Mom's death, a staunch fan of Joan Crawford and this movie. You might notice that I also have the remake of this movie, The Women - (2008). Although I enjoy Annette Bening's performance in it, I love Bette Midler as The Countess, I'm glad they included a lesbian and I salute the attempt not to pay fealty to the catch phrase on the cover of this version, "It's all about men!", still, the comedy isn't quite as heightened in the 2008 version and the showing of Mary Haine's clothing designs is kind of a letdown. During that scene it's hard not to be distracted by the thought, "Couldn't they have gotten a better designer for this movie?!?"
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Norma Shearer Mary Haines Joan Crawford Crystal Allen Rosalind Russell Sylvia Fowler Mary Boland The Countess De Lave Phyllis Povah Edith Potter Paulette Goddard Miriam Aarons Phyllis Povah Edith Potter Joan Fontaine Peggy Day Virginia Weidler Little Mary Haines Lucile Watson Mrs. Morehead Marjorie Main Lucy Dennie Moore Olga, the manicurist
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up on this movie.
Release Date: 1939
Directed by George Cukor.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, joan-crawford, marjorie-main, me-favorite3, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, satire2, women's-movie1
Wimbledon
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This was a very pleasant little surprise of a movie. I figured we'd watch it once and trade it in but on the strength of the opening credits sequence alone, I'm keeping it, at least for a little while.
Update: 5/11/2022: I still have this movie in my collection, remember it every couple of years and watch it, yet again, with attention and pleasure. This surprises me because I thought I'd be donating it to my local library long before now. I think Roger Ebert expresses the appeal of this movie to me quite nicely (this quote is from the Wikipedia write-up of the film): "Wimbledon is a well-behaved movie about nice people who have good things happen to them. That's kind of startling, in a world where movie characters, especially in sports movies, occupy the edge of human experience. What a surprise to hear conversation instead of dialogue, and to realize that the villain may actually be right some of the time." That's right, Roger. And, for me, it still hasn't lost this charm. Plus, it's fun to see real-life tennis stars on film, and, there are some surprising bit part players in the film as well.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Bettany Peter Colt Kirsten Dunst Lizzie Bradbury Sam Neill Dennis Bradbury James McAvoy Carl Colt Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Dieter Prohl Jon Favreau Ron Roth John McEnroe Himself/Commentator Chris Evert Herself/Commentator
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by Richard Loncraine.
Labels: dramaA, kirsten-dunst, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, sport1
When Harry Met Sally
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom surprised herself by liking this film. She was especially taken with the interviews of older couples interspersed throughout the film talking about how they met years before they were interviewed.
Now maybe I can work up the courage to try Annie Hall on her.
On second thought, nah, I don't think so. They are completely different films. This film has a sheen of genuine sweetness that appeals to my mother and which Annie Hall does not contain.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Billy Crystal Harry Burns Meg Ryan Sally Albright Carrie Fisher Marie Bruno Kirby Jess
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1989
Directed by Rob Reiner.
Labels: comedy1, meg-ryan, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3
The Way We Were
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Both Mom and I are late comers to this movie. The first time either of us saw it, believe it or not, was the day I purchased it a month or so ago. All I knew about the movie was that it is an enormously popular chick flick and I intrigued by it's mention in a Sex and the City episode. Both of us were pleasantly surprised, especially with the political exploration of the era in which the movie took place. Excellent contemporary period piece.
Quick note: I also remember putting it in my "take-to-the-library" box, without hesitation. I was sure I'd never watch it again, once Mom died.
And, yet, I sometimes yearn to watch this movie, usually because I've watched the episode of Sex and the City - Ex and the City (Season 2 - Episode 18) in which the movie is mentioned, its theme is partially sung by the four friends and Carrie quotes a line from the movie when confronting Mr. Big in connection to him being engaged to Natasha (I know, scary how much I've absorbed of this show), but not enough to ever buy it. In fact, just now, I checked it out on Amazon and, despite a reasonable price, decided, nah, not today, anyway. Maybe, if it were around $5.00 (it was $11.99 on 7/31/21 and there is some confusion as to whether this particular edition is even playable in the U.S.), but, I don't know. Maybe some other day. Maybe not.
Ah. Well. I cleared up the region code issue, and the only edition that will play in my region is the blu-ray edition, which costs around $25.00. Also, I checked on Barnes & Noble. Their DVD was only $9.99, but shipping was $4.99 and, of course, there's tax. Turns out, too, that my local library has 9 copies, none checked out (kind of reminds me why I got rid of it in the first place), and my closest branch has one on the shelf (probably the one I donated to them). So, buying it? No thanks.
Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Update 11/18/21: I finally repurchased this movie, new, at a good price. Forgetting that I had already written it up, I wrote it up again. You can access that write-up in the list to the left, referred to as The Way We Were - 2. That post is where I attached the Actor/Role list, as well.
Labels: dramaA, james-woods, political4, robert-redford, romance3
Shakespeare in Love
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of my favorites. I think we originally watched it on television without Closed Captioning. Mom isn't as familiar with Shakespeare and 17th century English as I am but I think she'll like this story, once she can read the lines. I love it. To me it's an overview of much of the best of Shakespeare.
Turns out, I was right. She did enjoy it when she could read the lines, even though she's not a Shakespeare buff. The thing about this movie is that it's colorful, there's lots of action that underlines the plot, and the acting is often, on purpose, so close to the top that it's in danger of spilling over, but, that's so much the better for the kind of movie this is.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joseph Fiennes William Shakespeare Gwyneth Paltrow Viola de Lesseps Geoffrey Rush Philip Henslowe Colin Firth Lord Wessex Ben Affleck Ned Alleyn Judi Dench Queen Elizabeth I Simon Callow Edmund Tilney Imelda Staunton Nurse Tom Wilkinson Hugh Fennyman Daniel Brocklebank Sam Gosse Rupert Everett Christopher Marlowe John Inman Lady Capulet actor
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by John Madden.
Labels: ben-affleck, colin-firth, dramedy2, fantasy3, historical3, imelda-staunton, judi-dench, me-favorite4, romance3, shakespeare, tom-wilkinson
Pride and Prejudice - Colin Firth
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I've seen this three times; Mom's seen it twice. The first time we weren't using Closed Captioning and she found the English accents irritating. The second time around she thoroughly enjoyed it and we watched the entire series, six hours, I think, in one afternoon-evening marathon. This is my favorite video recreation of this story.
Update 8/16/21: I'm surprised I neglected to mention that this series was recommended to us by Mom's hairdressser, way back when, who enthused about it so much it was impossible for me not to acquire it, since the hairdresser finally gave Mom a copy of the series. I have never been sorry that she did!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Ehle Elizabeth Bennet Colin Firth Fitzwilliam Darcy Adrian Lukis George Wickham Alison Steadman Mrs. Bennet Benjamin Whitrow Mr. Bennet David Bamber William Collins Susannah Harker Jane Bennet Julia Sawalha Lydia Bennet Lucy Briers Mary Bennet Polly Maberly Catherine Bennet Lucy Briers Mary Bennet Emilia Fox Georgiana Darcy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Simon Langton.
Labels: colin-firth, period5, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, shared-favorite
Humoresque - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). Both of us were surprised at the drama and melodrama. I enjoyed Joan Crawford's performance. It was much more vulnerable that I expected. As usual, Mom and I loved the clothes of the period. Mom hasn't seen the movie all the way through but has seen all of it in fits and starts.
I'm beginning to think that this collection, alone, has turned me into a staunch Joan Crawford fan! This movie is one of the most rapturous and elegant she did that I've seen. John Garfield's performance is stellar. The inclusion of Oscar Levant as the deadly comical Sid Jeffers is perfect for alleviating what could have been a smothering disaster. Instead, this film is quite blatant in its description of the patron and the artist on all counts. I think the lesson of the movie is that patrons simply cannot expect the same devotion from their artists as they give to their artists. My guess is that this is a lesson that continues to be played over and over in the art world, which means this movie, which has already stood the test of time, despite, or, perhaps because of, being pilloried, the object of satire and misunderstood will remain a spectacular referent of a potent object lesson for years to come. And, the music! Oscar Levant and Isaac Stern! Who couldn't love this combination?
For DVD Savant's review of this movie, click down the page connected to the second link in the title, up there, and you'll find his review as the first of three Joan Crawford movies reviewed on that page. TCM also has an informative write-up about the movie that you can access by clicking on the first link in the title above.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Helen Wright John Garfield Paul Boray Robert Blake Paul Boray child Tommy Cook Paul Boray child J. Carrol Naish Papa Rudy Boray Ruth Nelson Mama Esther Boray Peggy Knudsen Florence Boray Tom D'Andrea Phil Boray Joan Chandler Gina Oscar Levant Sid Jeffers Richard Gaines Bauer John Abbott Conductor Bauer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1946
Directed by Jean Negulesco.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, joan-crawford, melodramaD, romance3
Funny Girl
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom has never cared for Barbra Streisand, neither her voice nor her presence. I have always adored Barbra Streisand without question. Having said this, we both enjoyed this movie and Mom has a few other Barbra Streisand favorites, like Nuts and Yentl (here's my own post about Yentl, neither of which we've yet collected (I acquired Yentl the April after Mom died). She also has a problem with Omar Shariff. She considers him overwhelming. I think he's great in this movie.
Update 7/31/21: Forgive me, but this reminds me of a funny story to tell on myself. Soon after I'd discovered Barbara Streisand, long before this movie came out, I used to wander around the house singing Streisand songs I'd heard on the radio, trying, as hard as possible, to imitate her voice. I asked my mother, once, if I sounded at all like Streisand and she replied, "Oh, much better!" I'm sure she said this because she had no love for Streisand's voice, and I knew this, so I dismissed her comment. During the same period but a bit later, though, I was told by a friend who overheard me vocalizing on "the slab" (the concrete foundation of an abandoned tennis court in our housing area), one day, that I sounded like Mahalia Jackson. Although I was startled, considering who I was trying to imitate, I was also familiar with Jackson's voice and was deeply complimented by her comment. Truth is, though, I do not have a good singing voice because I don't have a good ear for my own voice. I do for instruments being played, including when I play them, but I can't hear myself slip when my voice goes off-key. So, no chance that I'll ever be "discovered", even though I continue to sing, and hum, throughout odd moments of the day.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Barbra Streisand Fanny Brice Omar Sharif Nicky Arnstein Kay Medford Rose Brice Anne Francis Georgia James Walter Pidgeon Florenz Ziegfeld Lee Allen Eddie Ryan Mae Questel Mrs. Strakosh Gertrude Flynn Mrs. O'Malley
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1968
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: barbra-streisand, biography2, dramedy2, musical2, period5, romance3
Don Juan DeMarco
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm truly surprised I've never mentioned this film in the journal. Since I saw it in the theater I've rented it for both of us to watch. We are both always delighted with it.
My mother consistently snorts her ironic disapproval during the scenes in which DeMarco talks about women. At one point, the first time she saw it, she rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, brother!" By the end, though, she is always won over. This is one of those movies that makes me wonder which I enjoy more; watching the movie or watching my mother watch the movie.
It is important to note (as I did in the table below) that Selena, yes, that Selena, appears briefly in this movie. It seems this was her only film appearance. It was noted in her Wikipedia write-up, to which I've linked in the table, below.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Dr. Jack Mickler/Don Octavio de Flores Johnny Depp John Arnold DeMarco/Don Juan Faye Dunaway Marilyn Mickler Géraldine Pailhas Doña Ana Bob Dishy Dr. Paul Showalter Franc Luz Don Antonio Rachel Ticotin Doña Inez Selena Pérez Ranchera Singer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Jeremy Leven.
Labels: dramedy2, faye-dunaway, marlon-brando, me-favorite3, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Pretty Woman
- Who's watched: M & G, several times
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Considering how many times over the years with my mother I have been put to the task of finding "the next showing" of this movie, renting this movie, watching this movie and, finally, purchasing this movie, I'm truly surprised I haven't mentioned it more in my journals. I think the hardest thing for me to admit about this movie is that as much as it offends me, I also enjoy it. Some years ago I took a romance novel writing class and this movie was held up as the perfect structure for any romance story. And, I have to admit, as much as details about it irritate me, much of it is very satisfying for me to watch, including the end. Funny how cultures imbue people with even personally disagreeable characteristics. It's important to note, my mother loves this movie, despite the fact that she has never been a typical woman on a typical trajectory.
I took a class in writing romances (novels, short stories, "true confession", movies, whatever). My instructor said, at the beginning of the class, that this movie is an example of "a perfect romance". As we went through our book and learned the dynamics of writing a romance (a book, by the way, she did not like and did not recommend, but was stuck with by the English department), sure enough, turns out, this movie follows the formula exactly!
You'll notice, as well, that I did not thin this movie out of my collection after my mother died. And, yes, in case you're curious, I occasionally still watch this movie. And, no, I've never been a typical woman on a typical trajectory, either. Go figure. Maybe I will figure this one out, sometime later in my life.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Gere Edward Lewis Julia Roberts Vivian Ward Héctor Elizondo Barnard Thompson Laura San Giacomo Kit De Luca Ralph Bellamy James Morse Jason Alexander Phillip Stuckey Dey Young snobbish saleswoman Hank Azaria a detective
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Gary Marshall.
Labels: julia-roberts, mom-favorite2, richard-gere, romance3
Sunday, February 13, 2005
My Best Friend's Wedding
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: When we are in the mood to be perfectly delighted, we watch this movie. Before we owned it, I even went out of my way to rent it when I thought we needed a shot of what it offers. It worked for us last night when we watched it.
Update 5/9/2022: I still find myself needing this movie, enjoying this movie, watching this movie. The comedy and hilarity is this movie is so well done, so deadpan. Julianne's reaction to hearing her best friend, Michael, is getting married? Priceless. The scene where one of the bridesmaids accidentally freezes her tongue to an ice sculpture? Priceless. The I Say a Little Prayer scene? Priceless. And then, and then, the movie wraps up in a sweet, realistic, dignified manner. Priceless.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Julia Roberts Julianne Potter Dermot Mulroney Michael O'Neal Cameron Diaz Kimmy Wallace Rupert Everett George Downes Philip Bosco Walter Wallace M. Emmet Walsh Joe O'Neal Rachel Griffiths Samantha Newhouse Carrie Preston Amanda Newhouse
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by P.J. Hogan.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, buddy, comedy2, julia-roberts, paul-giamatti, romance3, shared-favorite
What Dreams May Come
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie was recommended to me by another customer looking for movies as Valentine's Day gifts. She and I explained to one another what we were looking for. I had a list...she did not. But, she suggested this movie, and another, which I'm going to return as, after I came home I remembered Mom and I had 'tried' the movie on cable and couldn't get into it. Not even with Gena Rowlands, who we'll usually watch in anything.
Anyway, I remember being suspicious of this movie when it first came out, around the time that John Edwards became very popular. Not that I didn't find him fascinating, too, for awhile, and my mother was hooked on his shows, but, for some reason that I can't remember, I dismissed the movie without seeing it.
So, neither of us has seen it, it should be interesting, and I don't know if we'll be keeping it or passing it on to someone else.
Update 2/14/05: We watched this movie last night. We both found the special effects fascinating, although we made the mistake of watching the movie mid-late afternoon and we definitely have a sun and glare problem in our living/dining area.
Mom had trouble keeping in her head that most of the movie was taking place in "heaven" and most of the people were dead. First, too, when she oriented herself, she thought Cuba Gooding, Jr. was god, then Max von Sydow (who played Jesus in one of her beloved Bible Movies). She also noticed that Robin Williams mugs his way through the emotional scenes in serious pictures. I'd never noticed this, but she's right. He does. He has an "emotional scenes mask" that is clearly detectable. I remember it, some, from a very obscure picture he made: Being Human; less so, interestingly, in Good Morning, Vietnam.
She also has her own very specific and very liberal ideas of "heaven"; some of which dovetail with some of the ideas in the movie...some of which don't.
I found the theology/spirituality interesting, considering that it is being put forth before the public (which wasn't all that risky in 1998; I don't think this is why the movie didn't do all that well), but not as daring as my own. Truth is, I'm not sure whether we'll watch this one again.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robin Williams Dr. Chris Nielsen Cuba Gooding Jr. Albert Lewis/Ian Nielsen Annabella Sciorra Annie Collins-Nielsen Max von Sydow The Tracker/Albert Lewis
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Vincent Ward.
Labels: dramaB, fantasy3, max-von-sydow, popcorn-and-soda5, pseudo-cgi-animation, robin-williams, romance3, spiritual2
Working Girl
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of our feel good movies. Neither of us ever tires of watching this movie, so, when I noticed it on sale, I figured it would be a good addition.
Yes, both Mom and I find this particular "working girl" a little too good to be true; not "good" in the ethical sense, but, I mean, what were we told working women should want in the late 80's? To be successful, which this working girl becomes, smart, which she certainly is, and beautiful, which she is, as well. All layered over with a veil (and only a veil) of innocence. Mom's comment? "Nice, if you can get it." She's a lifelong "working girl". I'm a lifelong "working girl". All my sisters (I have only sisters) are lifelong "working girls". And, honey, let me tell you, not one of us thinks, sounds or looks like Tess McGill, and don't ever expect to. And, by the way, none of us has ever known a boss like Katharine Parker.
Nonetheless, it's a fun movie to watch, especially with Alec Baldwin before he became Alec Baldwin. There are, in fact, quite a few actors in this movie that weren't yet famous. In addition, Sigourney Weaver is brilliant in it.
And, anyway, we both enjoy the song.
In 2018, 30 years after Roger Ebert reviewed this movie, three of the female writers for the site gathered to ponder the issues the movie highlighted. Here is that conversation.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Name Role Name Actor Name Role Name Actor Name Role Name Actor Name Role Name Melanie Griffith Tess McGill Harrison Ford Jack Trainer Sigourney Weaver Katharine Parker Alec Baldwin Mick Dugan Joan Cusack Cynthia Philip Bosco Oren Trask Kevin Spacey Bob Speck Olympia Dukakis personnel director Nora Dunn Ginny Amy Aquino Alice Baxter Oliver Platt Lutz Zach Grenier Jim
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Labels: dramedy2, harrison-ford, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, sigourney-weaver
Monday, February 07, 2005
Pat and Mike
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is the least played of the three Hepburn/Tracy movies we have, but this is not to say it is not well played. The character in this movie seems to remind my mother one of her cousins with whom she went to college, as, every time we watch this movie she gets an urge to call this cousin. The cousin wasn't a golf star, but she was of big, bold character, a type much admired by my mother's generation of women.
This movie is a part of the Tracy & Hepburn Signature Collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Spencer Tracy Mike Conovan Katharine Hepburn Pat Pemberton Aldo Ray Davie Hucko Jim Backus Charles Barry
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1952
Directed by George Cukor.
Labels: comedy2, katharine-hepburn, mom-favorite2, romance3, spencer-tracy, tracy-hepburn
