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Movie Picks, June 2008 by Erin E. Schmidt, Staff Reporter
These are some of our all-time favorites, movies that Johnathan and I could watch again and again and again.
If you haven’t already seen them, add them to your Must-Watch list. If you have already seen them, well,
they’re certainly worth another viewing.
Please note: these are all movies for grown-ups. I’ll present a list of my 6 all-time favorite family-friendly
movies in the July issue.
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) Joel and Ethan Coen’s surreal approach to storytelling is especially
well-suited to comedy, as this quirky gem proves. Set in 1930s Mississippi, three prisoners escape from the
chain gang in search of a treasure. Led by Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney, in perhaps his most
endearing role yet), their adventures recall The Odyssey of Homer. Coen Bros. regulars Holly Hunter, John
Goodman and John Turturro join the cast; period music and clever cinematography heighten the fun. The only
downside: you won’t be able to sit in a movie theatre anymore without getting the urge to shout-whisper, “We
thought you was a toad!”
Miller’s Crossing (1990) Our other favorite Coen Bros. product is this dark, chaotic and violent reflection on
loyalty set in Prohibition-era gangland. Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne) lets his love-hate relationship with a
showgirl (Marcia Gay Harden, at her tough-but-vulnerable best) cloud his relationships with his boss (Albert
Finney) and the fellow hood (John Turturro again) he’s been assigned to kill. A must-see for fans of The Usual
Suspects.
Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) No, it’s not a slasher flick. As a prisoner of war in World War II Germany, Kurt
Vonnegut Jr. survived the U. S. firebombing of Dresden by taking shelter in the title meat locker. He turned that
experience into the novel that inspired this cross-genre (war drama meets science fiction) masterpiece. In it,
Billy Pilgrim (Michael Sacks) becomes “unstuck in time,” living his life out of order in an endless loop.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) Fannie Flagg’s underrated literary classic Fried Green Tomatoes at the
Whistle Stop Café became an exceptional film, in which human doormat Evelyn (an utterly likeable Kathy Bates)
turns her life around. She is inspired by her friendship with an older woman (Jessica Tandy). She relates to
Evelyn the story of Idgie and Ruth (Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker), who also forged an
extraordinary friendship.
The Boondock Saints (1999) Written by bartender Troy Duffy during his cigarette breaks, independently
financed, and refused by every major distributer in Hollywood, this film is possibly the greatest “cult classic” in
moviedom. Two Irish brothers in gritty South Boston misunderstand a priest’s exhortation to resist evil and go
on a mission to kill bad men. Willem Dafoe goes to extremes— and I do mean extremes— as the detective who
dogs their steps. Deftly blends action, dark comedy— and religion. And since the story behind the story is just
as fascinating, you should also check out the documentary Overnight. It chronicles Troy Duffy’s dramatic rise
and fall.
The Color Purple (1985) It has its critics, but The Color Purple is easily Steven Spielberg’s second-best film,
after Schindler’s List. Based on Alice Walker’s novel-in-letters, it tells the story of Celie’s determination to
overcome her circumstances. This film has my vote for the best ending in moviedom, and I defy anyone with a
heart not to cry through it. Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey head up a talented ensemble
cast. Oprah would, of course, return to this project when it was rewritten as a musical stage play; please note
that the original version contains only a little singing. A new film version is planned for 2010. But if you just
can’t wait two years for more of the Color Purple film experience, sink your teeth into the meaty Oprah-and-
Danny Glover movie Beloved.
These are some of our all-time favorites, movies that Johnathan and I could watch again and again and again.
If you haven’t already seen them, add them to your Must-Watch list. If you have already seen them, well,
they’re certainly worth another viewing.
Please note: these are all movies for grown-ups. I’ll present a list of my 6 all-time favorite family-friendly
movies in the July issue.
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) Joel and Ethan Coen’s surreal approach to storytelling is especially
well-suited to comedy, as this quirky gem proves. Set in 1930s Mississippi, three prisoners escape from the
chain gang in search of a treasure. Led by Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney, in perhaps his most
endearing role yet), their adventures recall The Odyssey of Homer. Coen Bros. regulars Holly Hunter, John
Goodman and John Turturro join the cast; period music and clever cinematography heighten the fun. The only
downside: you won’t be able to sit in a movie theatre anymore without getting the urge to shout-whisper, “We
thought you was a toad!”
Miller’s Crossing (1990) Our other favorite Coen Bros. product is this dark, chaotic and violent reflection on
loyalty set in Prohibition-era gangland. Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne) lets his love-hate relationship with a
showgirl (Marcia Gay Harden, at her tough-but-vulnerable best) cloud his relationships with his boss (Albert
Finney) and the fellow hood (John Turturro again) he’s been assigned to kill. A must-see for fans of The Usual
Suspects.
Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) No, it’s not a slasher flick. As a prisoner of war in World War II Germany, Kurt
Vonnegut Jr. survived the U. S. firebombing of Dresden by taking shelter in the title meat locker. He turned that
experience into the novel that inspired this cross-genre (war drama meets science fiction) masterpiece. In it,
Billy Pilgrim (Michael Sacks) becomes “unstuck in time,” living his life out of order in an endless loop.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) Fannie Flagg’s underrated literary classic Fried Green Tomatoes at the
Whistle Stop Café became an exceptional film, in which human doormat Evelyn (an utterly likeable Kathy Bates)
turns her life around. She is inspired by her friendship with an older woman (Jessica Tandy). She relates to
Evelyn the story of Idgie and Ruth (Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker), who also forged an
extraordinary friendship.
The Boondock Saints (1999) Written by bartender Troy Duffy during his cigarette breaks, independently
financed, and refused by every major distributer in Hollywood, this film is possibly the greatest “cult classic” in
moviedom. Two Irish brothers in gritty South Boston misunderstand a priest’s exhortation to resist evil and go
on a mission to kill bad men. Willem Dafoe goes to extremes— and I do mean extremes— as the detective who
dogs their steps. Deftly blends action, dark comedy— and religion. And since the story behind the story is just
as fascinating, you should also check out the documentary Overnight. It chronicles Troy Duffy’s dramatic rise
and fall.
The Color Purple (1985) It has its critics, but The Color Purple is easily Steven Spielberg’s second-best film,
after Schindler’s List. Based on Alice Walker’s novel-in-letters, it tells the story of Celie’s determination to
overcome her circumstances. This film has my vote for the best ending in moviedom, and I defy anyone with a
heart not to cry through it. Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey head up a talented ensemble
cast. Oprah would, of course, return to this project when it was rewritten as a musical stage play; please note
that the original version contains only a little singing. A new film version is planned for 2010. But if you just
can’t wait two years for more of the Color Purple film experience, sink your teeth into the meaty Oprah-and-
Danny Glover movie Beloved.
Movie Picks, May 2008 by Erin E. Schmidt, Staff Reporter
Here are some of our picks for movies worth renting. If you haven’t yet seen these, give them a chance.
Juno (2007) Ellen Page stars in a well-scripted and likeable comedy about a teenager facing an unplanned
pregnancy. Performances from Michael Cera, Allison Janney, Jason Bateman, J. K. Simmons and Jennifer
Garner are all exceptional.
Atonement (2007) Ian McEwan’s novel is the basis for this complex and richly told film about how a young girl’
s lie has tragic consequences. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy star.
Dreamgirls (2006) The beloved musical, based on a fictionalized version of Diana Ross and the Supremes,
comes to life with a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy, Jamie Fox and Beyonce Knowles.
I Am Legend (2007) The third screen adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel stars Will Smith. A cure for
cancer goes horribly wrong in this shocker.
The Brave One (2007) Jodie Foster and Terence Howard act well as a crime victim and the police officer who
befriends her while investigating the crime. The ending stretches credulity, but we still find ourselves cheering
the characters on.
Gone With The Wind (1939) Despite its racism, oddly pro-Southern overtones and differences from the
novel, this classic remains a great piece of storytelling. Vivian Leigh’s Scarlett is the courageous belle you love
to hate.
Million Dollar Baby (2004) Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and (especially) Hilary Swank shine in this
heartbreaker that transcends the typical boxing movie.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) Matt Damon returns in the third installment of the action-packed series, which
never seems to get tiresome.
The Last King of Scotland (2006) Forest Whitaker portrays Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, with James McAvoy
(of Atonement) as his naïve young physician. Fictional, but based on real events.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett star in this warm-
hearted drama about a young girl with ambitions to win a spelling championship.
Munich (2005) A multilayered and thoughtful work, directed by Steven Spielberg, about the consequences of
an act of terrorism. Features Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and Geoffrey Rush.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Will Smith and his son Jaden star in this fact-based story about a man’s
determination to overcome great odds.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) Francis Ford Coppola’s telling of the story of Preston Tucker
(played by Jeff Bridges). Tucker dreamed of making a safe, affordable car, but ran into opposition from the Big
Three automakers.
Lady in the Water (2006) Bryce Dallas Howard and Paul Giamatti head an ensemble cast in this unusual
modern-day fairy tale, directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Hotel Rwanda (2005) Fans of The Last King of Scotland will also appreciate this factually-based drama,
starring Don Cheadle as a hotel manager who attempts to save his family, and others, from a terrible civil war.
Here are some of our picks for movies worth renting. If you haven’t yet seen these, give them a chance.
Juno (2007) Ellen Page stars in a well-scripted and likeable comedy about a teenager facing an unplanned
pregnancy. Performances from Michael Cera, Allison Janney, Jason Bateman, J. K. Simmons and Jennifer
Garner are all exceptional.
Atonement (2007) Ian McEwan’s novel is the basis for this complex and richly told film about how a young girl’
s lie has tragic consequences. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy star.
Dreamgirls (2006) The beloved musical, based on a fictionalized version of Diana Ross and the Supremes,
comes to life with a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy, Jamie Fox and Beyonce Knowles.
I Am Legend (2007) The third screen adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel stars Will Smith. A cure for
cancer goes horribly wrong in this shocker.
The Brave One (2007) Jodie Foster and Terence Howard act well as a crime victim and the police officer who
befriends her while investigating the crime. The ending stretches credulity, but we still find ourselves cheering
the characters on.
Gone With The Wind (1939) Despite its racism, oddly pro-Southern overtones and differences from the
novel, this classic remains a great piece of storytelling. Vivian Leigh’s Scarlett is the courageous belle you love
to hate.
Million Dollar Baby (2004) Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and (especially) Hilary Swank shine in this
heartbreaker that transcends the typical boxing movie.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) Matt Damon returns in the third installment of the action-packed series, which
never seems to get tiresome.
The Last King of Scotland (2006) Forest Whitaker portrays Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, with James McAvoy
(of Atonement) as his naïve young physician. Fictional, but based on real events.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett star in this warm-
hearted drama about a young girl with ambitions to win a spelling championship.
Munich (2005) A multilayered and thoughtful work, directed by Steven Spielberg, about the consequences of
an act of terrorism. Features Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and Geoffrey Rush.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Will Smith and his son Jaden star in this fact-based story about a man’s
determination to overcome great odds.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) Francis Ford Coppola’s telling of the story of Preston Tucker
(played by Jeff Bridges). Tucker dreamed of making a safe, affordable car, but ran into opposition from the Big
Three automakers.
Lady in the Water (2006) Bryce Dallas Howard and Paul Giamatti head an ensemble cast in this unusual
modern-day fairy tale, directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Hotel Rwanda (2005) Fans of The Last King of Scotland will also appreciate this factually-based drama,
starring Don Cheadle as a hotel manager who attempts to save his family, and others, from a terrible civil war.
| And Just In Case You Missed 'Em: |
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