I didn't really know much about this movie, except for the title.
I went in thinking that I was going to be seeing a story and I will react accordingly. When I arrived at the theatre I was surprised that the only other people watching Three Billboards with me were two older ladies who set in the back, while I sat in the front. Their reactions while we watched were worth the ticket price.
Dark comedies. Yeah, I am not used to them, but I was surprised by the storytelling and the acting. This is Sam Rockwell's movie. I won't get spoilery on you, Dear Readers. It's very much a mystery, but not in the normal sense. It's not a hunt for the clues and find the bad guy, but more like a fall into the pieces and happen upon the bad guy. That is kind of refreshing, when most movies put out there are almost too cookie cutter in plot and character development (or having lack of character development).
Sam Rockwell is solid as Jason Dixon, the asshole cop; Woody Harrelson gives a believable performance as Willoughby; and Frances McDormand is really good at being an angry woman. What is amount to are believable characters, who are terribly flawed and that is what is entertaining. Not once during this time did I feel uncomfortable and ready for the movie to be over. It is very engaging, if surprising by what they push the boundaries on.
"They can say that in a movie now?"
I remember thinking halfway through the movie. It's not a fluffy comedy, nor is it a boring drama. Three Billboard gets under your skin, crawls into your brain, and make you think. I like that. I like a story, movie, book, TV show that'll have you think, and even make you a little uncomfortable.
Standout actors Sam Rockwell and Peter Dinklage. Sam Rockwell does a lot with little to no dialogue at times and it really works. Peter Dinklage might have had a smaller part, but he owns that part.
It's a good thought experiment and what would you do in this situation. I have realized lately that if you picture yourself in a characters shoes, sometimes the choices you thought you would make are not what you end up making.
Three Billboards is definitely on my top 10 list for movies in 2017.
What are your thoughts on Three Billboards, Dear Readers? Have you seen it? Will you see it? Leave me a comment below, and next time, my thoughts on the Sci-Fi/Suspense TV show, Black Mirror.
Jodi Whittacker in the episode "The Entire History of You."
Yes, I blame the holidays, but the fault is more in the lack of preparedness on my end. I am finally at a point where I want to DO something. I want to do something important. I want to make something happen. I am making it happen!
I am currently working on a project that I hope I can launch by December 31st, if not then after the New Year. It's a big leap and as of right now still SOOPER SEKRET! But I am still excited to be working on it.
I want to tell you, but, well I kinda like the suspense I'm building up here, so stay tuned for more details.
I have seen a lot of movies this year, and last year too, so maybe it's time to share a bit about those movies. Here are my top 10 movies from 2017 that I have seen in the theatre, and in no particular order.
1. Coco: Pixar nailed it when they made Coco. A movie that features music, actors, and a true message about finding your place in the world.
2. The Last Jedi: Mark Hamil taking back the role of Luke Skywalker, that and the friggin' adorable creatures, oh and the story is quit fetching too!
3.Thor: Rangorok: Without knowing half of the Marvel cinematic universe, I was surprisingly NOT lost. Two words, Holy Hela!
4. Loving Vincent: this movie is beautiful and the story is an interesting take on the death of Van Gogh.
5. Hidden Figures: history unwrapped and supported. A beautiful telling of the African American women behind NASA.
6. Wonder Woman: that is how you do a superhero movie, a FEMALE superhero movie. The Greek myth geek in me was pleased at the connections here.
7. Blade Runner 2049: this was the BEST space epic set on earth. Not an action movie, but a brilliant movie anyway.
8. Baby Driver: music and stellar shooting Also, Jamie Fox plays a phenomenal asshole,
9. Beauty and the Beast: with just enough new stuff to make it interesting and keeping with the feel of the original. Lefou, Gaston, and Kevin Kline as Maurice are the strong favourites.
10. Wonder: not just a sappy and tear jerker about bullying, but a fantastic look at how a whole family and friends are affected.
This is the first year (2016, I mean) that I have seen a good chunk of the movies released. As a rule, I used to not want to spend the money on a movie ticket, but with new Star Wars movies, live action Disney remakes, and actual content within movies, I have decided that this was a silly rule.
Now, I set aside money for 1 movie per week, as long as there are decent movie to see. I still don't like movies with stupid concepts and certain actors are not favourites, but with that being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the movies that I did see.
This will be an impartial list, as I didn't see everything, but I did stretch my theatrical muscles on this and watched two horror movies. Oddly enough, they were more about plot and character than scaring. So, Dear Readers, without ado, my list of Cindy's 2016's movie picks....
First the Honourable Mentions:
1. The Shallows: So, shark movies. Yeah. Shark movies! Nothing can compare to Roy Scheider in Jaws, but, honestly, Blake Lively was so convincing that I really felt for her. The story was present and well told. There is little gore, mostly from the nasty nip Lively receives from her shark buddy. For a strictly one person (with a few side characters) movie, it holds up really well, as entertaining and quality storytelling.
2. Ouija: Origin of Evil. Okay, so I didn't know that there was a previously made Ouija movie (2014) and that this movie was a prequel. I enjoyed the movie, even with the jump scares, because the story focus more on the characters, which is something important. Also, the depiction of the 1960's were really spot on, costumes, cars, set location. The house used was gorgeous! I am only slightly curious about seeing the 2014 Ouija, simply because there is a connection to characters, but because Origin of Evil was so well done I am not sure I want it ruined. It nothing else it was a good spooky movie with wonderful characters.
3. Office Xmas Party: This is a stupid movie, but it is a AMAZING stupid movie. In the vein of Bad Moms, but with MUCH MORE SWEARING! So, I once said I disliked stupid humour movies. I lied (like the Doctor does). I actually like movies with that brand of silly and/or stupid humor, where you may be left scratching your head, but also laughing really hard. Jennifer Aniston is hands down the best part of this movie. She can totally play cold-hearted bitch and own it!! Kate McKinnon is just adorbs as the crazy HR lady.
The List:
1. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call - This was a feel good movie. I enjoyed the SNL actors, the cameos, and the spirit with which the movie was made. Ha! I'm keeping that pun in, Dear Readers.
2. Finding Dory - There is something special about movies that cater to the adults just a little more. Dory is a great movie for all ages, but the subtext woven into the story just make me happy.
3. The Danish Girl - I knew so little of Eddie Redmayne prior to this movie. Okay, except for that Les Miserables musical, but that is for another time and rant. In a world where the LGBTQ community is active and present now more than ever, its nice to see how some early transgender folks dealt with life and coping with the world. Yeah and Eddie looks damn fine in a dress too!
4. Rouge One - A solid reminder that Star Wars is NOT a terrible franchise. It's a fill and vibrant world, and there are those who still care about its place in the universe. A darker and more cynical view of the empire, it has it right, as it is before the shot went down in A New Hope. For that I applaud you. Oh, and Alan Tudyk, you are my new favourite!!
5. Fantastic Beasts... - I like the Harry Potter universe. I have read all the books (okay not Cursed Child, yet). I was just glad that it appealed to everyone, whether a fans of the Potter-Verse or not. That and Eddie. ;-)
6. Moana - Okay...gonna say it! Lin Manuel Miranda. There! The story is strong, the animation stellar, and the music gorgeous. Also, I wrote a full review about it, Moana Review.
7. Zootopia - A really strong movie with an amazing message. Kudos to Disney for promoting something so strong as unity within the real world issues that we face today. 8. Time Chasers (Rifftrax) - I love Rifftrax. If you don't know what they are, go now to their website: rifftrax.com. You won't regret it. From the minds of the members of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (MSK3K), Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy bring you riff of your favourite main stream movies and old school educational short films. An mp3 track to play along with the movie of your choice and BOOM joke, comedy, and commentary on the strangest of topics.
9. Bad Moms - Real life problems mixed with the absurdness of mom's running wild. Strong performances from Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell.
10. The Jungle Book - Disney, live animals (well, CGI animals), and a mostly non-musical version of the classic. It is darker and gritty, but there is more plot and character that make it holds it own.
Other movies I saw:
*Pete's Dragon - Another remake, well, not a remake. It is more like a re-imagining of the original idea. I was SOOOOO hesitant on watching this. I grew up on the original. I knew it and the songs like nobody, well outside of a few close friends who need it a little better.
*Secret Life of Pets - just freakin' cute.
*Passengers - space adventure story with J-Law.
Once upon a time there was a little mongrel named Benji....
Higgins as Benji
Actually, named Higgins, but played the title role in the 1974 movie. I grew up watching this movie over and over again. Probably was in my top 10 movie when I was younger. Interesting to note that out of the 6 movies made from 1974 to 1987, I only ever watched Benji and Oh! Heavenly Dog, the detective comedy starring Chevy Chase. I always thought that Oh! Heavenly Dog was fun and even cute, in retrospect not the best movie ever, but campy enough to warrant a place in my heart. Note: The Cinema Snob does a excellent review of the movie.
But what about Benji?
I recently acquired most of the Benji movies on DVD, and includeing a really nice VHS copy of Benji: The Hunted from my local Salvo Store. I do not have Benji Goes to Marineland or Benji, Zax, and the Alien Prince, yet. This blog will feature commentary on the original movie and the 2004 Benji off the Leash. Future blogs will discuss the other movies and more obscure productions.
I never thought of Benji as anything but a fun movie about a dog when I was growing up, but now when I watch it I feel that the movie is half "a day in the life of" Benji as he visits his friends in a Texas town, followed by a loosely built plot about kidnapping of the main children who are Benji's guardians. This doesn't mean that don't think Benji is a terrible film, but for character development, I feel that there is some lacking. The characters are all very basic, and generalyl really flat. I guess that is because the story is more about Benji, but sometimes it is nice to have developed human characters. Although Benji's acting is pretty spot on and stellar for a canine.
As for the movie, there are a fair number of human character that stand out. The two main kidnappers, Henry and Riley, are well played by (Tom Lester - Eb from Green Acres and Christopher Connelly - Paper Moon with Jodie Foster); and there's Deborah Walley as Linda Sue (she was Gidget in Gidget Goes Hawaiian and her character's name is my Mother's name, incidentally) to be a family friend adds a bit to the basic plot. As for storytelling, there could have been more of it and some subtext, but that's the inner storyteller in me kicking in. Benji is the star and stand out character. Trained by Frank Inn, who has trained Orangey the cat (from Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Diary of Anne Frank) andBenji can look everything from sad to pensive to excited. Higgins played Benji in the original Benji and For the Love of Benji movies, and whose daughter (named Benjean) played Benji in Oh! Heavenly Dog and Benji: the Hunted.
Another fun point are the special guest stars featured that included Francis Bavier as The Lady with the Cat (Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show), Edgar Buchanan as Bill the cafe owner (Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies), and Terry Carter as Officer Tuttle (McCloud and Battlestar Gallactia: Saga of a Star World and Second Coming).
Benji's Theme, "I Feel Love", sung by Charlie Rich was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe for Best Theme Song.
Benji was filmed in mostly in McKinney, Texas, but also in a park in Dallas, TX and the City Hall was used for the police station, in Denton, TX. And after having lived in Dallas for a bit I think I remember seeing the park where some of the scenes were filmed, but don't quote me on that. I found this video which shows some of the McKinney location, then and now. You can also see some comparison pictures on Todd Erwin's Blog, 1974 Locations.
Cut to 2004 when Joe Camp, director of the Benji movies returns to the franchise in Benji off the Leash. This little moviehas much more character development and a story that fills up a 90 minute run time than the original, but lacks the simplicity of the dog on camera action. The plot includes a boy whose father runs a puppy mill and is trying to save an ill dog and her puppies from the mill. The runt and mutt of the litter is cast out because she looks like a mongrel and not purebred like the others. The boy raises the puppy in secret in his secret lair in the woods and then the puppy (dubbed Puppy throughout the movie) tries to rescue his mother from the puppy mill all while befriending another stray named Lizard Tongue, old Zachariah Finch, and two bumbling animal control officers.
Puppy turned Benji
There is clearly more of an attempt at a plot, and although very silly at times, it serves the Benji series well. While I harp on the original for a very simple plot and less than stellar character development, I can look at both the original Benji movie andnow Benji Off the Leash with a fondness. There is a charm to them and the dogs are clearly very talented, often emoting more that some human actors.
If you like a like silliness and some camp you should check out the other Benji movies. Most of them are on DVD. Benji: the Hunted is currently only on VHS, and the others I have yet to find copies of any kind. According to the Meet Benji website Benji Goes to Marineland is due out on DVD soon!
Lizard Tongue - Benji Off the Leash
Benji (1974)
For the Love of Benji (1977)
Benji's Very Own Christmas Story (1978 - TV Special)
Oh! Heavenly Dog (1980)
Benji, Zax, and the Alien Prince (1983 - TV Show)
Benji: The Hunted (1987)
Benji Off the Leash (2004)
Benji goes to Marineland (this one maybe be harder to find)
I just finally got around to seeing Inside Out (borrowed from a friend), and oh man, what a ride!! What a ride!!!!
So without spoiling it for you (as little spoilers as possible. You have been warned though), Dear Readers. I will say this about Inside Out, it is a new story built out of what we already know something about our emotions. Never has it been so clear about what we ourselves have experienced in our own heads. I think we maybe never considered life on the inside of the cranium.
Ha! See what I did there...okay, maybe lame, maybe not...
Okay, so here's what I think. Inside Out is fantastic story. I think Pixar picked a different kind of story to tell and it worked. I was a little hesitant at the beginning. There were a few times early on that I was wondering where it was going. And then-BLAM-I was hit with feel and a realism that I could understand. I was already pretty familiar with how the brain generally worked,but now there context, like when Sadness is too sad to move. I know who suffer with various depression and anxiety issues. This is a real this. Heck, I even experience it sometimes, especially lately.
There is enough that kids will be entertained, and more than enough for adults and teens to chew on.
There is a dedication to detail that Inside Out presents; in a way I think it makes us aware of how our brains works, considers how depression and anxiety works, and allows us to learn to accept all of emotions. You see emotions are just as complicated as people are it seems. You have to be able to see that feeling Joy can and often contains Sadness. That maybe Fear, Anger, and Disgust are just as important (they cannot drive the body solely. It is a team effort).
My favourite parts include, but are not limited to the following, Sadness drive Riley, Fear on Dream detail, and the emotions featured during the credits.
Pixar has put a lot into their movies over the years. I feel that even though it is CGI, the worlds they create are just as real as the real world. That is how good Pixar makes their little microcosms. Riley is a microcosm in the middle of her macrocosm. There is such attention to detail within, especially when you are creating the parts of the brain in HQ, long term memory, imagination land, the train of thought, and so forth.
When I look at it I see a touching and true look at how our emotions makes us into the people we are. The story is really strong. The characters are believable. And I didn't feel like I was waiting for the movie to end. I recommend everyone check out Inside Out out.
So, Dear Readers, have you watched Inside Out? What are your opinions of it? Likes? Dislikes? Also, what is your favourite Pixar movie(s)?
I love the Toy Story trilogy and Up, but I am also a little partial to The Good Dinosaur now.
I have a name for my review month. October is Book to Movie Reviews! It's a little late, but October has begun.
Since I started reviewing movies that were based on
children’s stories, I have found that many of these movies are clearly not as
good as the book. Often this is a give. Looking deeper some were terrible, that
would be Wrinkle in Time (a mini-series) or The Seeker (movie); while other
were actually pretty good as stand alone movies. Last year, out of my four October
young adult fiction reviews, or Eragon and The Seeker (The Dark is Rising) reviews, I only
found one that was better than the source material. Yeah, only one! Surprised?
Not me. I am picky about the stories that I hold dear
The Charlotte’s
Web live action remake won out over the original cartoon movie and the book. It
took enough of the story and used the actors to create a thoroughly complete
and honest version. And I love both novel and the original cartoon movie. So it
is possible to make a movie out of a book and get it right.
Today, we travel once again to the nostalgia of books and movies
from childhood. Movies that I watched as a kid; and books I read and re-read as
an adult. In some cases it was the other way around. Which ever way you look at it, if you
read, watch movies, or both, then you probably have compared movies to books. It’s hard not to,
especially when you love a story so much. This week’s story is no different,
and I find that I am hard to pick a side in this battle. The Last Unicorn is a
story that is so lovingly written by the author. How can it be bad in movie
form?
I first watched this movie on television when I was home
from school, sick. Back then I was awestruck with the Unicorn. I remember
wanting to be the Unicorn, then again what little girl doesn't? Okay, so the
story is about a unicorn , the last and she’s looking for the others. It
features magic. I was in love. My seven year old mind didn’t know about Peter
S. Beagle’s novel yet. I was only aware that this movie was awesome. The
unicorn was the focal point. I was rooting for her, feeling sad when she was
changed into a human, and super excited to see all unicorns race from the sea
into the world. There was also the title track, sung by America, which was formed in England by three American army lads
on an American army base. When the lead singer would sing “I’m Alive….I’m ALIIIIIVE!”
I got chills! Man, I still get chills. There is so much I could say about the
movie, but that is not the only reason we are here.
There was a book first!
This book, once I grew up a bit and discovered the joys of
reading, I read a lot. There was a greater magic that came with books. It’s a
natural feeling that I discovered. I found this book at a used bookstore and
remembering the movie. Curiosity happened and I read it. I was floored. It
wasn’t because the book’s dialogue mirrored the movies (in most respects that
is), but the screenplay was also written by the author, Peter S. Beagle. It is
a rich and beautiful story. The characters based on common fantasy tropes, the
Hero(s), Heroine, the Comedic Relief, the Voice of Reason, and the Villain(s). On
my second reading, the characters were aware of the outside world, talking of
stories greater than themselves.
This makes my job as a reviewer difficult. I LOVE the movie.
I love the book! I grew up on the movie, it’s ingrained. But, the book is sooooo
good! How could I rip apart something of my childhood? How could I rip apart a
beautiful story?
Let us begin. Which is better?
The book, as usual has much more. There are greater back
stories on some of the characters such as Schmendrick, Haggard, Lir, and even Brave
Captain Cully. But in the movie some of these character’s tones changed or
shifted. If you never read the book you wouldn’t know that Schmendrick was
granted immortality in order to learn magic by his mentor. It’s not even by his
choice. He cannot die until he gains TRUE magic; the magic that rules the
universe. In both versions we are introduced to an inept magician. A bumbling
trickster who entertains the guest of Mommy Fortuna’s Midnight Carnival who can
barely do the tricks asked of him. In the book you are told throughout the
story that prior in the story Schmendrick is made to live forever by his
teacher/mentor, Nikos. It is his quest and part of that drive the Unicorn’s
quest. In the effort to save the Unicorn, Schmendrick saves the Unicorn, twice,
with TRUE magic. He comes of as more of an asshole in the story than the movie,
but with a purpose. You know he is an asshole, while in the movie you just
think he’s a none too bright magician, while the movie portrays him as just a
bumbling magician.
Then there is the Unicorn herself. There are many legends
and stories of unicorns, from all across history, but here is the core of the
legends. Beagle uses these to enhance the Unicorn’s character, but not all of
them are transferable into the movie, which sometimes leaves the unicorn
looking cold-hearted. Unicorn, as far as the book goes are vain, solitary, and
highly magical. They also do not know what human emotions are. They interact
with their world with a vague indifference, but also as a Caretaker or a King
might do, watching over their forest (realms). Think of a king, he rules over
villages, lords, ladies, and peasants. He cannot have too much emotion, as he
would be awfully bias in rulings. So it is with the Unicorn, being immortal there
is no call for emotions. Another point is that unicorns are attracted to pure
females or males. Men, it seems are not be able to lay hands upon unicorns. The
book talks about how Molly Grue can touch the Unicorn, but Schmendrick cannot,
nor can Lir. It’s a little thing, but during the courtship of Lir and Amalthea
it’s crucial to know that Lir is not able to touch her, this whole time he
hasn't even touch his beloved.
I know what you’re thinking, but Cindy, it’s a kids movie.
It certainly doesn't need all this subtle subtext and back story. Yes, you are
right. But, when I set them side by side, I saw that made the movie version
weaker without having something of these points includes. Maybe I am too
literate as of late, but it seems to me that Schmendrick and the Unicorn could
have done with the inclusion of these elements.
Another point was the rushing of the story. You do not get an
idea of how long the Unicorn has traveled to get to Mommy Fortuna, Captain
Cully, and Haggard’s realm. Heck, it’s a good year that the Unicorn, Molly
Grue, and Schmendrick spend at Haggard’s castle looking for the unicorns. Did
you know that? You do get background scene changes as she is traveling during the
Man’s Road number, but it’s not the same. The hard hitting fact is the Unicorn
is away from her forest, my realm for at least two, if not three years. One of
those years is as a human in Haggard’s kingdom. The movie pushes the story on,
and shoves you into two montages to get the point across. It feels weak.
This is not to say that the movie isn't good. The artwork is
done by the anime studio Topcraft, the same studio that brought you Doctor
Snuggles, The Adventures of the Little Koala, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Topcraft became
Studio Ghibli. My point is that this movie is fantastic. There is also the
music, written and composed by Jimmy Webb, and three of the songs were performed
by America
(The Last Unicorn, Man’s Road, In the Sea). Who doesn't love the song The Last
Unicorn? Right?
As a children’s movie, The Last Unicorn is vastly different from
other children’s movies and has a strong story, and much of the original novel
is included. The scenes that were taken out do not necessarily make the story
any weaker. I mean, you don’t know about the witch’s curse on Haggard’s castle
or Hagsgate in the movie, but it isn't important to that story. What is, is the
Unicorn is looking for her kin, taken by the Red Bull for King Haggard. The Red
Bull whom is in Haggard’s keeping, and the Unicorn must stand up to the Red
Bull to release the unicorns. The village
of Hagsgate, while a
crucial part of the novel’s story is not the focus of the movie. It is
expendable. I would have preferred to include it, but the movie’s story doesn't
need it, while the book does. You also don’t get the subtly of captain Cully’s
and his men in Greenwood.
They are the antithesis of Robin Hood’s men--they are free men who have to pay
for the right to be free, but again it is not needed.
I do feel that what the movie suffers from is Mia Farrow
singing, her song Now That I’m a Woman is truly horrendous, although I think
the duet version with Prince Lir’s, That’s All I Have to Say is a bit better
having another’s vocal: confirmed via
IMDB.com, Katie Irving is the vocal in the duet. Also, the rushed pace of
the movie I think hurts the flow. Either than that, the point of the story is
not just about the Unicorn’s search for the other unicorns, but the journey
that is undertaken.
In the end, I have enjoyed both versions and probably enjoy
both until the books are written by rabbits (Schmendrick’s words). Beagle’s story
is inspiring and touching. An often watched and quoted movie, I think it is
safe to say that Last Unicorn will last forever. It is interesting to note that
at one time a live action version was in the works. It has been stalled since
1999; see Peter S. Beagle’s tumblr for details. Also there’s a rumours of a The Last Unicorn musical, again I found nothing to indicate it has progress further
than talk of it.
But…either would be epically awesome, if done right.
Note: The graphic novel of The Last Unicorn is pretty
stellar and keeps to the original source material. A must read for the die hard fan.
10. Ghostbusters
While not a stupid movie exactly, it gets props for have the most quotable lines in an movie, ever. It's more silly than stupid (I am going to be using the word Silly a lot in this blog. Just warning you.) I think I watched this movie about eleventy billion times grow up. I still watch this movie A LOT! It's just a just a fun movie. The acting is well done, for a comedy, maybe not stellar, but long lasting. Bill Murray and Dan Ackroyd make this movie. The cartoon only added to the awesome, but then again I am a child of the 80's, Ghostbusters was one of our things.
Originally the role of Dr. Venkman was to be played by John Belushi, friend to and fellow SNL alumni, Dan Ackroyd, and was written by Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis
Favourite Quotes: Far to many to mention, but the highlights are "Where do these stairs go?" pause "They go up." "I feel like the floor of a taxi cab."
9. Adventures in Babysitting
Yes, this is a movie and if you haven't seen it, then to need to fix that. It's unrealistic, but so much that it's hilarious. Elisabeth Shue in her early days and also features a young Vincent D'Onoforio as the Mean Mechanic Dawson/Thor. Valerie Bertinelli auditioned for the role of Chris Parker.
Favourite Quote: "Don't F*ck with the Babysitter!"
8. Clue
Tim Curry is a GOD among men!! That is all!!! It's a movie based on a board game people. Really! Battleship should hope to be this good. Sometimes one has to accept that the sillier a thing is, the better it ultimately it is.
Favourite Quote: actually most memorable - "Flames are shooting out of my eyes."
7. Oscar
The movie that doesn't stand still. It also features Tim Curry, but also Sylvester Stallone. Just watch it!
6. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
Yes, I like this movie. No, I am not a fan of the TV show (actually, I haven't really watch the TV show. i don;t hate the show, just didn't really watch it when it was out; that would be 1997 and I was graduating from high school. I am currently watching it with Sara, Buffy fan Extraordinaire). Nothing about this movie is classic, but everything about this movie makes me laugh; from Paul Reubens to Kristy Swanson punching Donald Sutherland.
Originally written by Joss Whedon, who created the subsequent television show. There is a legion of Buffy fans out there. I can say that while I like the movie, because I grew up on it; the television is equal good. I am currently watching it to get myself caught up in the Buffy-Verse.
Favourite Quote: "Kill them. Kill them a lot!"
5. Scorched
Another fast paced comedy in the vein of Oscar or Clue, with a stellar ensemble cast. It basic about the employees of a small desert bank and how they hate their jobs/boss. Woody Harrelson and John Cleese are at their best here. If you want something funny and silly to watch, check it out.
Favourite Quote: "They're like little ice cream bugs."
4. The Breakfast Club
This is a movie that I can also quote this movie verbatim. There is much truth to the story and the characters in Breakfast Club. And the soundtrack is pretty good too! There are few soundtrack that have good music throughout the movie; maybe not the most famous, or even considered the best of the song, but they work to augment the story and are listenable on their own.
Favourite Quotes: "If he gets up, we'll all get up; it'll be anarchy," "If I have to come in there, I'm cracking skulls," or "Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe."
3. Labyrinth
Yes, a Muppet movie! But, this is the movie that I ALMOST didn't watch this movie. My dad quotes me and saying, "This looks stupid!" Famous last words indeed. The story is simple, but the combination of Henson, Lucas, and Bowie is epic! Epic!!!! Yes, it's very silly, not NOT Shakespeare or Coppola, but it's Henson. Henson is his own category. What is lacks in story plot, more than makes up in Muppets, and David Bowie, and just all together good feeling about characters like Sir Didymus and Ludo. I wanted to be Sarah, especially in this scene, the Ballroom. Then my wonderful husband came up with a literal version of this song: As the World Fall Down.
Favourite Quotes: "Love me, fear me, do as I say and I'll be your slave."
2. Joe Versus the Volcano
Tom Hanks before he got all big, not the movie, before he became the biggest actor out there. When he was kinda dorky and we weren't sure if he was going to be good at acting. It's a silly premise, but made awesome by Meg Ryan, Abe Vigoda, and Dan Hedaya (that guy that played Carla, from Cheer good for nothing ex-husband). Joe is going to die and decides to travel to the south pacific to jump into a volcano. It involves a quack doctor, Meg Ryan with three different roles, and floatable luggage.
1. But, I'm a Cheerleader
The little indie film that was everything and nothing all rolled into one; both proving a point and slightly offensive to someone. It featured RuPaul as a MAN and a younger Cathy Moriarty and Eddie Cibrian. It is a satirical look at gender role,s about being true with yourself, how society often wants to change a person because they don't fit the norms, and how it's best to be you even when the world is against you. The soundtrack is quite unique too. I fell in love with almost all of the songs, which are from indie and obscure artist. It's worth a watch if you like satire, or something that is a bit off the beaten path.
