This week's movie topic is all about Best Couples...
A couple of weeks ago we talked about Sidekicks. Those pairings in the movies that worked so well to entertain us. This week we're thinking of another type of pairing -- couples in films that left their mark because of their romantic tension, sqaubbling or love connection. Share on your blog couples in film who left their impression on you, linking back at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
A few of my picks:
* Annie Reed and Sam Baldwin -- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
* Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox -- You've Got Mail (1998)
* Lucy Moderatz and Jack Callaghan -- While You Were Sleeping (1995)
* Sally Albright and Harry Burns -- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
* Elizabeth Bennettt and Mr. Darcy -- Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Showing posts with label Monday Movie Meme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday Movie Meme. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Ensembles
There are lots of great movies that succeed not because of megastars and lesser known supporting casts, but because of incredible actors working together without any one person taking on a lead role. Share on your blog films with an equally collaborative cast that come to your mind, linking back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
The Big Chill (1983)
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Peter's Friends (1992)
The Big Chill (1983)
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Peter's Friends (1992)
Monday, March 01, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Book vs Film
Molly is beginning to wonder if there are actually any original screenplays anymore because it seems that everything is either a re-make of an existing film or based on a book. Sometimes the movie comes off better than the book -- more often that is not the case. It likely depends upon which you came across first. Share on your blog movie versions of books and your take on them, linking back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Heather has been wondering the same thing as Molly, if there is really such a dearth of quality scripts in Hollywood these days that they have to remake every movie ever made, even when there was absolutely nothing wrong with the original. Heather also had a film lit class in college, in which students read a number of works ranging from classical to contemporary, then watched the movies based on them. Here are a few she remembers.
* The Accidental Tourist (1988) -- Based on the book by Anne Tyler. I loved the book, the movie (Geena Davis, William Hurt) was okay. Not a five star movie, but definitely a lot better than most movies based on books.
* Hamlet by William Shakespeare -- "Gertrude, do not drink!" I've read and then seen multiple versions of Hamlet. We read it in HS, then saw the play performed at APT, starring Randel Duk Kim (pre-Matrix). It was phenominal! In Film Lit we read the play, then watched two of the many movie versions, The 1948 version staring Laurence Olivier, and the 1990 Mel Gibson rendition. Other than the invention of Technicolor, there wasn't much difference between scripts. Both were quite good.
* The Grapes of Wrath (1940) -- Based on the novel by John Steinbeck. Great Depression-era novel. The movie version did not disappoint. How could you possibly go wrong with John Ford and Henry Fonda?
* The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) -- Based on the novel by John Fowles. This was quite an original "telling" of the story. Instead of a straight-forward movie based on the book, the script was about two characters (Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons) who fall in love while filming a movie based on the novel. I thought it a fresh, original idea.
* One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) -- Based on the Ken Kesey novel. Who could forget this "crazy" cast of characters that included Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito?
* In Cold Blood (1967) -- Very faithful to the chilling true story as told by Truman Capote.
This is definitely a topic that could be discussed ad infinitum, but I'll be kind and stop here. *g*
Heather has been wondering the same thing as Molly, if there is really such a dearth of quality scripts in Hollywood these days that they have to remake every movie ever made, even when there was absolutely nothing wrong with the original. Heather also had a film lit class in college, in which students read a number of works ranging from classical to contemporary, then watched the movies based on them. Here are a few she remembers.
* The Accidental Tourist (1988) -- Based on the book by Anne Tyler. I loved the book, the movie (Geena Davis, William Hurt) was okay. Not a five star movie, but definitely a lot better than most movies based on books.
* Hamlet by William Shakespeare -- "Gertrude, do not drink!" I've read and then seen multiple versions of Hamlet. We read it in HS, then saw the play performed at APT, starring Randel Duk Kim (pre-Matrix). It was phenominal! In Film Lit we read the play, then watched two of the many movie versions, The 1948 version staring Laurence Olivier, and the 1990 Mel Gibson rendition. Other than the invention of Technicolor, there wasn't much difference between scripts. Both were quite good.
* The Grapes of Wrath (1940) -- Based on the novel by John Steinbeck. Great Depression-era novel. The movie version did not disappoint. How could you possibly go wrong with John Ford and Henry Fonda?
* The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) -- Based on the novel by John Fowles. This was quite an original "telling" of the story. Instead of a straight-forward movie based on the book, the script was about two characters (Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons) who fall in love while filming a movie based on the novel. I thought it a fresh, original idea.
* One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) -- Based on the Ken Kesey novel. Who could forget this "crazy" cast of characters that included Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito?
* In Cold Blood (1967) -- Very faithful to the chilling true story as told by Truman Capote.
This is definitely a topic that could be discussed ad infinitum, but I'll be kind and stop here. *g*
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Popular Movies You Hated
This week's movie topic is all about Popular Movies You Hated...
Ever get excited to see some movie the whole world has been gushing about, only to discover that you thought it was a dud? Not only are you completely annoyed that the movie didn't meet your expectations, but you don't have anyone else to complain to because you're the only one who didn't like it. Lonely days. Share on your blog movies you didn't see what all the fuss was about and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
I'm keeping it short this week. I'm sure there are many more movies I didn't like, but these are the four that came to mind without intense thought.
Ever get excited to see some movie the whole world has been gushing about, only to discover that you thought it was a dud? Not only are you completely annoyed that the movie didn't meet your expectations, but you don't have anyone else to complain to because you're the only one who didn't like it. Lonely days. Share on your blog movies you didn't see what all the fuss was about and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
I'm keeping it short this week. I'm sure there are many more movies I didn't like, but these are the four that came to mind without intense thought.
* Fargo (1996) : I absolutely HATED this movie. I found much of it slow and boring, and generally wanted my 98 minutes back.
* Shrek (2001) : Sorry, but though I love the song "Accidentally in Love," I am NOT a fan of the big green ogre.
* Annie Hall (1997) : You know, it must be a Woody Allen thing, because I didn't much care for Hannah and Her Sisters, either (though my dislike for that wasn't as intense as for AH). NOT that I've seen many of his movies in general. Actually, the only Allen film I did seem to like was one in which he acted, but did not direct -- The Front.
* Sideways (2004) : Yet another I was anxious to see after hearing all the hype, then didn't understand what all the fuss was about.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Winter
This week's movie theme is all about winter. Share on your blog selections that feature snow, freezing cold and other winter related movies and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
* New in Town (2009): A Miami businesswoman adjusts to her new life in a tiny Minnesota town (during winter).
* While You Were Sleeping (1995): Ticket collecting romantic pretends to be engaged to an unconscious man but can't fool his brother. Takes place over Christmas and New Year's. Two of the best scenes have to do with ice.
* Cool Runnings (1993): Based on the true story of the First Jamacian bobsled team trying to make it to the winter olympics. Who could forget that first scene when they stepped outside the airport in Calgary?
* The Snow Queen (2005): Gerda sets out on a magical journey to find her best friend, Kay who has been taken by the Snow Queen. I confess, I have not actually scene the movie version, but this was one of my favorite fairy tales growing up.
* The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005): Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion.
* Eight Below (2006): Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival.
* Grumpy Old Men (1993): A lifelong feud between two neighbors since childhood, only gets worse when a new female neighbor moves across the street.
* New in Town (2009): A Miami businesswoman adjusts to her new life in a tiny Minnesota town (during winter).
* While You Were Sleeping (1995): Ticket collecting romantic pretends to be engaged to an unconscious man but can't fool his brother. Takes place over Christmas and New Year's. Two of the best scenes have to do with ice.
* Cool Runnings (1993): Based on the true story of the First Jamacian bobsled team trying to make it to the winter olympics. Who could forget that first scene when they stepped outside the airport in Calgary?
* The Snow Queen (2005): Gerda sets out on a magical journey to find her best friend, Kay who has been taken by the Snow Queen. I confess, I have not actually scene the movie version, but this was one of my favorite fairy tales growing up.
* The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005): Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion.
* Eight Below (2006): Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival.
* Grumpy Old Men (1993): A lifelong feud between two neighbors since childhood, only gets worse when a new female neighbor moves across the street.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Bugged Out!
Share on your blog movies or scenes that feature insects and link back here at The Bumbles.
Yay, a topic I can do my first week playing in over a month! My picks for creepy crawly movies/scenes would include:
* The Princess and the Frog (2009) ~ One of the minor characters is a lightning bug named Ray.
* Pinocchio (1940) ~ Who doesn't love Jiminy Cricket (besides Beaver from Greek)?
* Mulan (1998) ~ Another cricket!
* Practical Magic (1998) ~ Begins with a cricket said to foretell death of a witch's spouse.
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ~ Giant mutant spiders -- need I say more?
* Killer Bees (1974) ~ I only remember seeing one scene of this movie, which was more than enough for me. *shudder*
* Pinocchio (1940) ~ Who doesn't love Jiminy Cricket (besides Beaver from Greek)?
* Mulan (1998) ~ Another cricket!
* Practical Magic (1998) ~ Begins with a cricket said to foretell death of a witch's spouse.
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ~ Giant mutant spiders -- need I say more?
* Killer Bees (1974) ~ I only remember seeing one scene of this movie, which was more than enough for me. *shudder*
Monday, January 04, 2010
Monday Movie Meme: Game On
Share on your blog those movies that address the wide world of sports and link back to The Bumbles. Don't forget to visit your fellow participants! I tried to pick a few movies not on Molly and Andy's list.
* The Cutting Edge (1992) ~ Two words: "Toe pick!"
* Remember the Titans (2000) ~ Integration of a high school football team, based on a true story. Yes, I know I've mentioned it before, but it's an awesome movie! Though it received no Oscar nominations, it was nominated for and won many other awards.
* Necessary Roughness (1991) ~ An aging Scott Bakula is recruited to play QB for a floundering Texas football team.
* Cool Runnings (1993) ~ "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!"
* Million Dollar Baby (2004) ~ Thought-provoking and controversial ending, but I dare you not to cry. This movie more than deserved its four Oscars (and was nominated for three more).
* Hoosiers (1986) ~ Gene Hackman as a washed-up Indiana high school basketball coach. Loosely based on a 1950's team.
* Chariots of Fire (1981) ~ The true story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics.
* Remember the Titans (2000) ~ Integration of a high school football team, based on a true story. Yes, I know I've mentioned it before, but it's an awesome movie! Though it received no Oscar nominations, it was nominated for and won many other awards.
* Necessary Roughness (1991) ~ An aging Scott Bakula is recruited to play QB for a floundering Texas football team.
* Cool Runnings (1993) ~ "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!"
* Million Dollar Baby (2004) ~ Thought-provoking and controversial ending, but I dare you not to cry. This movie more than deserved its four Oscars (and was nominated for three more).
* Hoosiers (1986) ~ Gene Hackman as a washed-up Indiana high school basketball coach. Loosely based on a 1950's team.
* Chariots of Fire (1981) ~ The true story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday movie Meme: Historical Films
As we approach the end of the first decade in the new millenium it is only natural to take stock and have a look back at where we've been. When we do this it is a stroll down memory lane. When movies do this it is called a retrospective. Either way, it's history. Share on your blog those movies that take place in the past, covering a specific period in style or subject, and link back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
I started out with only three movies on my list. I decided to remove one, as it was mentioned on Molly's list, and cut myself off at eight. Naturally, I kept thinking of more titles as I wrote this. *Rolls eyes*
* The Untouchables (1987) ~ Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.
* Good Night, And Good Luck (2005) ~ Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.
* The War (2007) ~ Okay, technically this is a documentary series chronicalling WWII, but it had me glued to the TV every night when it aired on PBS.
* Sense and Sensibility (1995) ~ Wow...has it really been that long since this one came out? Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. Two daughters are the titular opposites.
* Titanic (1997) ~ Fictional romantic tale of a rich girl and poor boy who meet on the ill-fated voyage of the 'unsinkable' ship.
* History of the World Part I (1981) ~ Mel Brooks cult classic. The Inquisition, here it comes... From the dawn of man to the distant future, mankind's evolution (or lack thereof) is traced. Often ridiculous but never serious...
* Hotel Rwanda (2004) ~ The true-life story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda.
* Saving Private Ryan (1998) ~ One of those rare films watched with my dad. Following the Normandy Landings, a group of US soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
I started out with only three movies on my list. I decided to remove one, as it was mentioned on Molly's list, and cut myself off at eight. Naturally, I kept thinking of more titles as I wrote this. *Rolls eyes*
* The Untouchables (1987) ~ Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.
* Good Night, And Good Luck (2005) ~ Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.
* The War (2007) ~ Okay, technically this is a documentary series chronicalling WWII, but it had me glued to the TV every night when it aired on PBS.
* Sense and Sensibility (1995) ~ Wow...has it really been that long since this one came out? Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. Two daughters are the titular opposites.
* Titanic (1997) ~ Fictional romantic tale of a rich girl and poor boy who meet on the ill-fated voyage of the 'unsinkable' ship.
* History of the World Part I (1981) ~ Mel Brooks cult classic. The Inquisition, here it comes... From the dawn of man to the distant future, mankind's evolution (or lack thereof) is traced. Often ridiculous but never serious...
* Hotel Rwanda (2004) ~ The true-life story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda.
* Saving Private Ryan (1998) ~ One of those rare films watched with my dad. Following the Normandy Landings, a group of US soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Holiday Faves
This week's topic may not seem very original of us. but it seems only obvious that we should cover holiday favorites now. After all, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to talk about them in March. Share on your blog your favorite movies that either take place during the holidays, are about the holidays or just have a special personal connection for you with the holidays and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Home For the Holidays (1995) ~ There are few movies that take place during Thanksgiving and this one is a classic. Beats me why they aired it a week after Thanksgiving this year instead of the week of or before.
A Christmas Story (1983) ~ This is one of those movies I can watch over and over again -- and usually do catch it two or three times during the TBS 24-hr Christmas Eve marathon. So many classic lines and scenes!
Meet Me in St. Louis (1994) ~ Debuted the timeless classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland. Airs on TCM at midnight CST on Christmas Eve.
Holiday Inn (1942, B&W) & White Christmas (1954) ~ A classic duo I always watch back to back.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) ~ "Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!" One of my favorite versions of the timeless Dickens classic. "It's true, where you find love it feels like Christmas."
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) ~ Original B&W version. I refuse to watch the remake.
A favorite from childhood:
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977) ~ My sisters and I loved this growing up. They used to show this every year on HBO, but no one seems to show it anymore. So sad!
And two that take place during Christmas, though they may not be Christmas movie per se:
Love Actually (2003) ~ Love the multiple story lines. Talk about warm and fuzzies!
The Holiday (2006) ~ I watched this one again a couple weeks ago during the blizzard. Love it!
And though it is months away... (Hey, they said holiday movies in general, not just Christmas-y ones!)
Song of Bernadette (1943) ~ They used to show this one every Easter Sunday. A beautiful story!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Good Vibrations
This week's theme is movies about music. Believe it or not, only three came to mind not mentioned on The Bumbles blog.
* The Commitments (1991) ~ I love this movie, and the soundtrack totally rocks! The travails of Jimmy Rabbitte to form the "World's Hardest Working Band," The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland.
* Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) ~ Another classic. A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher.
* The Sound of Music (1965) ~ Our family used to watch this together every year -- you know, back when they made an event out of only showing it once a year instead of every other week.
For for movies about music, visit The Bumbles blog.
* The Commitments (1991) ~ I love this movie, and the soundtrack totally rocks! The travails of Jimmy Rabbitte to form the "World's Hardest Working Band," The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland.
* Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) ~ Another classic. A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher.
* The Sound of Music (1965) ~ Our family used to watch this together every year -- you know, back when they made an event out of only showing it once a year instead of every other week.
For for movies about music, visit The Bumbles blog.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Black & White
Today we're kickin' it old school. Classic. Vintage. Black & White films. Digital special effects and vibrant rainbows of colors are terrific, but the simplicity and clarity of B&W movies creates an entirely different effect. Share on your blog those color-free flicks that stop you in your tracks and link back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
I love old films. In fact, TCM is one of the few reasons I have expanded basic cable. In fact, I just saw a new-to-me B&W film Sunday afternoon, Remember the Night. While I won't rate that as one of my all-time favorites, it was pretty good. Here are several that do get top billing--films I will watch again and again, no matter how many times I have seen them before:
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) ~ A drama critic learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his family. (I see this is airing Tuesday, but why does it have to be at one in the freakin' morning? Nuts!)
Harvey (1950) ~ Elwood P. Dowd is a mild-mannered, pleasant man, who just happens (he says) to have an invisible friend resembling a 6-foot rabbit.
Sabrina (1954) ~ A playboy becomes interested in the daughter of his family's chauffeur. But it's his more serious brother who would be the better man for her.
Born Yesterday (1950) ~ A million dollar Tycoon hires a tutor to teach his lover proper etiquette. Recommended for anyone tired of "dumb blonde" jokes. Judy Halliday is perfect in this role, and shows that everyone, no matter what their background or station in life has the means to educate themselves.
Blackboard Jungle (1955) ~ A new English teacher at a violent, unruly inner-city school is determined to do his job, despite resistance from both students and faculty.
Harvey (1950) ~ Elwood P. Dowd is a mild-mannered, pleasant man, who just happens (he says) to have an invisible friend resembling a 6-foot rabbit.
Sabrina (1954) ~ A playboy becomes interested in the daughter of his family's chauffeur. But it's his more serious brother who would be the better man for her.
Born Yesterday (1950) ~ A million dollar Tycoon hires a tutor to teach his lover proper etiquette. Recommended for anyone tired of "dumb blonde" jokes. Judy Halliday is perfect in this role, and shows that everyone, no matter what their background or station in life has the means to educate themselves.
Blackboard Jungle (1955) ~ A new English teacher at a violent, unruly inner-city school is determined to do his job, despite resistance from both students and faculty.
Bringing Up Baby (1938) ~ David Huxley is waiting to get a bone he needs for his museum collection. Through a series of strange circumstances, he meets Susan Vance, and the duo have a series of misadventures which include a leopard called Baby.
The Maltese Falcon (1941) ~ A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette. This one is every bit as good as the novel by Dashiel Hammett.
Roman Holiday (1953) ~ A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome.
12 Angry Men (1957) ~ A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.
And, because it is December, I have to mention two of my favorite Christmas movies:
Holiday Inn (1942) ~ At an inn which is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer. (Will be on AMC Dec 13 and 14.)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) ~ When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. I have not seen, nor do I intend to see, the remake.
The Maltese Falcon (1941) ~ A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette. This one is every bit as good as the novel by Dashiel Hammett.
Roman Holiday (1953) ~ A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome.
12 Angry Men (1957) ~ A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.
And, because it is December, I have to mention two of my favorite Christmas movies:
Holiday Inn (1942) ~ At an inn which is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer. (Will be on AMC Dec 13 and 14.)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) ~ When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. I have not seen, nor do I intend to see, the remake.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Victory
Share on your blog movies focusing on champions, victories and winners and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants to find their recommendations!
Five movies that instantly came to mind:
Miracle (2004) - Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. One member of that team, Mark Johnson, coaches the UW women's hockey team, and is also headcoach of the 2010 Olympic women's team.
Jerry MaGuire (1996) - When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with the only athlete who stays with him.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) - Changing the world... one word at a time. A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee.
National Velvet (1944) - A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.
Remember the Titans (2000) - I love this movie! The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.
Five movies that instantly came to mind:
Miracle (2004) - Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. One member of that team, Mark Johnson, coaches the UW women's hockey team, and is also headcoach of the 2010 Olympic women's team.
Jerry MaGuire (1996) - When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with the only athlete who stays with him.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) - Changing the world... one word at a time. A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee.
National Velvet (1944) - A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.
Remember the Titans (2000) - I love this movie! The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: To Die For
Last week we talked about movies that changed our life (yeah, I missed that one--it was a long and busy day at work). So this week we're doing a 180 and talking about death. No -- not movies that scared us to death or about mourning. We mean those memorable death scenes. If you've ever seen HBO's Six Feet Under (I haven't), you know that each episode opened with the death scene of a person soon to be taken care of at the family's funeral home. The writers got pretty creative, coming up with interesting ways for characters to die each week. Movies of all kinds provide death scenes of all shapes and sizes. Humorous, horrifying, tear jearking, realistic and ridiculous. Here are a few that stood out for us. WARNING!!! It is impossible for [some of] these not to be spoiler-free. Share on your blog scenes depicting death and link back at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants to find their recommendations!
I was surprised at how many movies came to mind for this topic, maybe not for the unusual ways in which people die as The Bumbles did, but movies that had some memorable deaths all the same. I'll be kind and limit this to the top five on my list, and try to keep it spoiler-free.
* Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) -- Sure, a heart attack at a wedding isn't the greatest way to go, but how dry were your eyes when the beloved scoundrel, Gareth, died living life as he did every day--to the fullest? That part of the movie gets me every time. *Sniff*
* The Untouchables (1987) -- Not just one great death scene, but a couple. Men going down fighting, guns blazing, for what they believed in.
* Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) -- This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Two elderly spinsters poison their gentlemen callers. Just how many bodies are there? This is screwball comedy at its best!
* Phenomenon (1996) -- I dare you not to reach for the Kleenex before it's over.
* Dead Again (1991) -- Scissors can be lethal, especially for Kenneth Branagh. Having just taken a film crit class before seeing this probably made a huge difference in how I viewed it -- I was blown away by the writing, directing and use of motif. Excellent film!
I was surprised at how many movies came to mind for this topic, maybe not for the unusual ways in which people die as The Bumbles did, but movies that had some memorable deaths all the same. I'll be kind and limit this to the top five on my list, and try to keep it spoiler-free.
* Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) -- Sure, a heart attack at a wedding isn't the greatest way to go, but how dry were your eyes when the beloved scoundrel, Gareth, died living life as he did every day--to the fullest? That part of the movie gets me every time. *Sniff*
* The Untouchables (1987) -- Not just one great death scene, but a couple. Men going down fighting, guns blazing, for what they believed in.
* Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) -- This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Two elderly spinsters poison their gentlemen callers. Just how many bodies are there? This is screwball comedy at its best!
* Phenomenon (1996) -- I dare you not to reach for the Kleenex before it's over.
* Dead Again (1991) -- Scissors can be lethal, especially for Kenneth Branagh. Having just taken a film crit class before seeing this probably made a huge difference in how I viewed it -- I was blown away by the writing, directing and use of motif. Excellent film!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Mobsters
Share on your blog mafia movies that left their mark with you and link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants to find their recommendations!
Here's my list, featuring one of my all-time favorite movies, followed by a couple of comedies featuring the mob. Hey, these guys beg to be laughed at, don't they?
*** The Untouchables (1987; Kevin Kostner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia) -- Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.
*** Married to the Mob (1988; Michelle Pfeiffer, Alec Baldwin) -- An undercover FBI agent falls in love with a recently widowed mafia wife seeking to start her life over after her husband's murder and who is also pursued by a libidinous mafia kingpin seeking to claim her for himself.
*** The Freshman (1990; Marlon Brando, Matthew Broderick) -- Clark Kellogg is a young man starting his first year at film school in New York City. After a small time crook steals all his belongings, Clark meets Carmine "Jimmy the Toucan" Sabatini, an "importer" bearing a startling resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. When Sabatini makes Clark an offer he can't refuse, he finds himself caught up in a caper involving endangered species and fine dining.
*** Mickey Blue Eyes (1999; Hugh Grant, James Caan, Jeanne Tripplehorn) -- An English auctioneer proposes to the daughter of a mafia kingpin, only to realize that certain "favors" would be asked of him.
*** Johnny Dangerously (1984, Michael Keaton) -- Set in the 1930's, an honest, goodhearted man is forced to turn to a life of crime to finance his neurotic mother's skyrocketing medical bills.
Here's my list, featuring one of my all-time favorite movies, followed by a couple of comedies featuring the mob. Hey, these guys beg to be laughed at, don't they?
*** The Untouchables (1987; Kevin Kostner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia) -- Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.
*** Married to the Mob (1988; Michelle Pfeiffer, Alec Baldwin) -- An undercover FBI agent falls in love with a recently widowed mafia wife seeking to start her life over after her husband's murder and who is also pursued by a libidinous mafia kingpin seeking to claim her for himself.
*** The Freshman (1990; Marlon Brando, Matthew Broderick) -- Clark Kellogg is a young man starting his first year at film school in New York City. After a small time crook steals all his belongings, Clark meets Carmine "Jimmy the Toucan" Sabatini, an "importer" bearing a startling resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. When Sabatini makes Clark an offer he can't refuse, he finds himself caught up in a caper involving endangered species and fine dining.
*** Mickey Blue Eyes (1999; Hugh Grant, James Caan, Jeanne Tripplehorn) -- An English auctioneer proposes to the daughter of a mafia kingpin, only to realize that certain "favors" would be asked of him.
*** Johnny Dangerously (1984, Michael Keaton) -- Set in the 1930's, an honest, goodhearted man is forced to turn to a life of crime to finance his neurotic mother's skyrocketing medical bills.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Surprise Endings
Argh! Don't you love days when the computer refuses to cooperate with you? I tried posting this three or four times from work today, but for some reason the work computer was really boggy today. Ah well...better late than never, right?So around these parts we are getting ready for Halloween. But we've already covered horror movies. There's always candy on Halloween, but we've already talked about movie snacks too. Of course those little ghosts and goblins planning to ring our doorbell for the candy will greet us with a chorus of Trick or Treat! We always avoid the tricks by giving them the treats. But we do enjoy tricks when they come in the form of a shocker movie ending. Share on your blog movies that you thought you had all figured out which then left you with your jaw hanging open in wonder at the final scene. Don't forget to link back here at The Bumbles so we can share recommendations and visit your fellow participants!
When I think surprise endings, there are two movies I instantly think of:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) -- Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.
and
The Sixth Sense (1999) -- A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist. Was this not one of the best-kept secrets in movie endings ever??
Another weird movie with a surprise ending was Identity (2003). And when I say it was weird, I mean really out there. The plot: Stranded at a desolate Nevada motel during a nasty rainstorm, ten strangers become acquainted with each other when they realize that they're being killed off one by one.
When I think surprise endings, there are two movies I instantly think of:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) -- Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.
and
The Sixth Sense (1999) -- A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist. Was this not one of the best-kept secrets in movie endings ever??
Another weird movie with a surprise ending was Identity (2003). And when I say it was weird, I mean really out there. The plot: Stranded at a desolate Nevada motel during a nasty rainstorm, ten strangers become acquainted with each other when they realize that they're being killed off one by one.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Westerns
This week's theme is Westerns. Be sure to link back to The Bumbles and don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
My dad was big on westerns and WWII movies, so this was a pretty east one for me. Here are a few titles that immediately came to mind:
Stagecoach (1039, John Wayne); A simple stagecoach trip is complicated by the fact that Geronimo is on the warpath in the area.
High Noon (1952, Gary Cooper); A marshall, personally compelled to face a returning deadly enemy, finds that his own town refuses to help him.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962; John Wayne, James Stewart); A senator, who became famous for killing a notorious outlaw, returns for the funeral of an old friend and tells the truth about his deed.
Maverick (1994; Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner); Bret Maverick, needing money for a poker tournament, faces various comic mishaps and challenges, including a charming woman thief.
Tombstone (1993; Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton); A successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona, are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.
Cat Ballou (1965; Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin); A woman seeking revenge for her murdered father hires a famous gunman, but he's very different from what she expects.
How the West Was Won (1962; Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck); A family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the nineteenth century--including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads.
City Slickers and City Slickers II (1991/1994 ; Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby, Daniel Stern, Jack Palance); Business men spend their vacation learning how to work a ranch and drive cattle. In the sequel, they return in search of Curly's gold. The first movie will be on TVLand this coming Saturday.
My dad was big on westerns and WWII movies, so this was a pretty east one for me. Here are a few titles that immediately came to mind:
Stagecoach (1039, John Wayne); A simple stagecoach trip is complicated by the fact that Geronimo is on the warpath in the area.
High Noon (1952, Gary Cooper); A marshall, personally compelled to face a returning deadly enemy, finds that his own town refuses to help him.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962; John Wayne, James Stewart); A senator, who became famous for killing a notorious outlaw, returns for the funeral of an old friend and tells the truth about his deed.
Maverick (1994; Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner); Bret Maverick, needing money for a poker tournament, faces various comic mishaps and challenges, including a charming woman thief.
Tombstone (1993; Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton); A successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona, are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.
Cat Ballou (1965; Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin); A woman seeking revenge for her murdered father hires a famous gunman, but he's very different from what she expects.
How the West Was Won (1962; Henry Fonda, Gregory Peck); A family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the nineteenth century--including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads.
City Slickers and City Slickers II (1991/1994 ; Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby, Daniel Stern, Jack Palance); Business men spend their vacation learning how to work a ranch and drive cattle. In the sequel, they return in search of Curly's gold. The first movie will be on TVLand this coming Saturday.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: Dads
Funny ones, inspiring ones, scary ones, demanding ones. They come in all types and therefore the movies give us lots of characters to choose from. Share on your blog movies featuring Dads.
I tried to come up with a few movies not mentioned on The Bumbles' list. I also tried to keep it short, but kept thinking of more titles.
* Sleepless in Seattle -- A recently-widowed man's son calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find his father a partner. Who could forget the special bond between Sam and Jonah Baldwin?
* Love, Actually -- One of the storylines follows Daniel, a stepfather who finds a way to bond with his stepson after his wife dies.
* About A Boy -- Okay, Will (Hugh Grant) isn't exactly a father per se, but he does become a sort of surrogate dad to young Marcus and reconcile the past with his own dad in the process.
* Definitely, Maybe -- A political consultant tries to explain his impending divorce and past relationships to his 11-year-old daughter. This was a sweet romantic comedy.
* Mrs. Doubtfire -- An actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend secret time with his children held in custody by his Ex.
* One Fine Day -- Melanie Parker, an architect and mother of Sammy, and Jack Taylor, a newspaper columnist and father of Maggie, are both divorced. They meet one morning when overwhelmed Jack is left unexpectedly with Maggie and forgets that Melanie was to take her to school. The two adults project their negative stereotypes of ex-spouses on each other, but end up needing to rely on each other to watch the children as each must save his job.
* The Little Mermaid -- King Triton has difficulty controlling his headstong youngest daughter.
* Too Young to Be a Dad -- When 15-year-old, Matt Freeman, gets his girlfriend, Francesca, pregnant her family decides to put the unborn baby up for adoption. Matt agrees to the decision, but begins to rethink it. This movie is taken from the father's point of view.
* Three Men and a Baby -- Three bachelor friends find out one of them is a father when a baby girl is left with them by her mother.
* The Empire Strikes Back -- "No, I am your father." Not all dads are good guys; some are downright evil.
Father's Little Dividend -- In this sequel to Father of the Bride (1950), newly married Kay Dunstan announces that she and her husband are going to have a baby, leaving her father having to come to grips with the fact that he will soon be a granddad.
I tried to come up with a few movies not mentioned on The Bumbles' list. I also tried to keep it short, but kept thinking of more titles.
* Sleepless in Seattle -- A recently-widowed man's son calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find his father a partner. Who could forget the special bond between Sam and Jonah Baldwin?
* Love, Actually -- One of the storylines follows Daniel, a stepfather who finds a way to bond with his stepson after his wife dies.
* About A Boy -- Okay, Will (Hugh Grant) isn't exactly a father per se, but he does become a sort of surrogate dad to young Marcus and reconcile the past with his own dad in the process.
* Definitely, Maybe -- A political consultant tries to explain his impending divorce and past relationships to his 11-year-old daughter. This was a sweet romantic comedy.
* Mrs. Doubtfire -- An actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend secret time with his children held in custody by his Ex.
* One Fine Day -- Melanie Parker, an architect and mother of Sammy, and Jack Taylor, a newspaper columnist and father of Maggie, are both divorced. They meet one morning when overwhelmed Jack is left unexpectedly with Maggie and forgets that Melanie was to take her to school. The two adults project their negative stereotypes of ex-spouses on each other, but end up needing to rely on each other to watch the children as each must save his job.
* The Little Mermaid -- King Triton has difficulty controlling his headstong youngest daughter.
* Too Young to Be a Dad -- When 15-year-old, Matt Freeman, gets his girlfriend, Francesca, pregnant her family decides to put the unborn baby up for adoption. Matt agrees to the decision, but begins to rethink it. This movie is taken from the father's point of view.
* Three Men and a Baby -- Three bachelor friends find out one of them is a father when a baby girl is left with them by her mother.
* The Empire Strikes Back -- "No, I am your father." Not all dads are good guys; some are downright evil.
Father's Little Dividend -- In this sequel to Father of the Bride (1950), newly married Kay Dunstan announces that she and her husband are going to have a baby, leaving her father having to come to grips with the fact that he will soon be a granddad.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: School Days
Share on your blog movies touching upon the world of education and then link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
I hope you will forgive me, but I'm going to cheat a bit this week and refer you all to a Thursday Thirteen I did in March on Movie Mentors, a list of thirteen movies I've seen featuring inspiring teachers. To that list I would also add Goodbye, Mr. Chips, which I finally caught over the summer.
I hope you will forgive me, but I'm going to cheat a bit this week and refer you all to a Thursday Thirteen I did in March on Movie Mentors, a list of thirteen movies I've seen featuring inspiring teachers. To that list I would also add Goodbye, Mr. Chips, which I finally caught over the summer.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday Movie Meme: On Location
This week's movie topic is all about Regional Representation...
Share on your blog movies set in your part of the world and then link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Movies set/filmed in Madison, or Wisconsin in general:
* The Boy Who Drank Too Much (1980) -- An Afterschool Special filmed in Madison and LA. One of my older half-sisters was an extra. Scott Baio plays a high school hockey player. He is well liked and well respected among his coach and teammates...
* The Blues Brothers (1980) -- The car chase scene with the Nazis was filmed in Milwaukee. Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised.
* Back to School (1986) -- Filmed on the campus of the UW-Madison. To help his discouraged son get through college, a funloving and obnoxious rich businessman decides to enter the school as a student himself.
* For Keeps? (1988) -- Filmed in Madison. Darcy, editor at her highschool paper, and her long-term boyfriend Stan are in their last months of school and already have found places in good colleges. Recently they started to sleep with each other and, surprise, surprise, Darcy gets pregnant. Neither of their parents are very supportive...However Darcy's and Stan's love is so intense, they could imagine to have a baby, but this would mean to give up their college carriers.
* Major League (1989) -- Scenes shot in Milwaukee, at the old Milwuakee County Stadium, General Mitchell Intern'l Airport, and Whitefish Bay. The new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her.
* Wayne's World (1992) -- Though the majority of the movie took place in Illinois, there is one scene where Wayne and Garth drive up to Milwaukee for an Alice Cooper concert, complete with a "LaVerne & Shirley" segment and history listen on how Milwaukee got its name. Two slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.
* I Love Trouble (1994) -- Scenes shot in Baraboo and Madison, including a scene where they are walking up King Street towards the Capitol to a restaurant off the Cap Square. Peter Brackett and Sabrina Peterson are two competing Chicago newspaper reporters who join forces to unravel the mystery behind a train derailment.
* The Deep End of the Ocean (1999) -- Some scenes filmed in Madison. Based on the book by Jacquelyn Mitchard. The Deep End of The Ocean is a film about a family's reaction when Ben, the youngest son is kidnapped and then found nine years later, living in the same town, where his family had just moved.
* Public Enemies (2009) -- Scenes shot in Beaver Dam, Columbus, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Manitowish Waters. The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.
Share on your blog movies set in your part of the world and then link back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Movies set/filmed in Madison, or Wisconsin in general:
* The Boy Who Drank Too Much (1980) -- An Afterschool Special filmed in Madison and LA. One of my older half-sisters was an extra. Scott Baio plays a high school hockey player. He is well liked and well respected among his coach and teammates...
* The Blues Brothers (1980) -- The car chase scene with the Nazis was filmed in Milwaukee. Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised.
* Back to School (1986) -- Filmed on the campus of the UW-Madison. To help his discouraged son get through college, a funloving and obnoxious rich businessman decides to enter the school as a student himself.
* For Keeps? (1988) -- Filmed in Madison. Darcy, editor at her highschool paper, and her long-term boyfriend Stan are in their last months of school and already have found places in good colleges. Recently they started to sleep with each other and, surprise, surprise, Darcy gets pregnant. Neither of their parents are very supportive...However Darcy's and Stan's love is so intense, they could imagine to have a baby, but this would mean to give up their college carriers.
* Major League (1989) -- Scenes shot in Milwaukee, at the old Milwuakee County Stadium, General Mitchell Intern'l Airport, and Whitefish Bay. The new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her.
* Wayne's World (1992) -- Though the majority of the movie took place in Illinois, there is one scene where Wayne and Garth drive up to Milwaukee for an Alice Cooper concert, complete with a "LaVerne & Shirley" segment and history listen on how Milwaukee got its name. Two slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.
* I Love Trouble (1994) -- Scenes shot in Baraboo and Madison, including a scene where they are walking up King Street towards the Capitol to a restaurant off the Cap Square. Peter Brackett and Sabrina Peterson are two competing Chicago newspaper reporters who join forces to unravel the mystery behind a train derailment.
* The Deep End of the Ocean (1999) -- Some scenes filmed in Madison. Based on the book by Jacquelyn Mitchard. The Deep End of The Ocean is a film about a family's reaction when Ben, the youngest son is kidnapped and then found nine years later, living in the same town, where his family had just moved.
* Public Enemies (2009) -- Scenes shot in Beaver Dam, Columbus, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Manitowish Waters. The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.
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