12 Movies That May Be Overlooked During The Holidays
Nov 23 '02
The Bottom Line There should be something for everyone here!
I decided to put all my ducks in a row on this one: movies from twelve genres for, ostensibly, the twelve days of Christmas or whenever you find time for a highly entertaining, yet tasteful movie. They are escape, magic, artistry, passion. Only one, The Time Machine (1960) has been earlier reviewed by me (please read it) because I couldn’t come up with a better movie of its genre that I’ve seen; and the twelfth genre and movie was a real trial. I stayed away from obvious choices in the hope that some overlooked classics will be enjoyed, although all decades from the 40s, skipping the 50s, are represented.
Here now, briefly, are my holiday recommendations for those of you needing a change from The Wizard of Oz, Miracle on 34th Street and Singin’ In The Rain.
COMEDY: Mr. Deeds (2002)—Steven Brill director. Robert Riskin, novel, and Tim Herlihy, screenplay. Adam Sandler is “wicked good” here in a very charming country bumpkin-takes-New York kind of story when he inherits billions. It’s also a tender romance with a girl who finds she has a heart because of him, played captivatingly by Winona Ryder. John “Johnny Mac” McEnroe cameos for more hilarity.
ROMANCE: When Harry Met Sally (1989)—Rob Reiner director. Nora Ephron writer. So I love romantic comedies. Shoot me! Billy Crystal’s and Meg Ryan’s quirky characters refuse to date each other and just be friends for about twelve years or so, but as their relationships with others fizzle and they face the holidays alone finally...MAGIC!
CHRISTMAS: Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)—Vincente Minelli director. Sally Benson, novel, Irving Brecher, screenplay. Judy Garland, Margaret O’ Brien and Mary Astor around the turn of the twentieth century in a story of family togetherness, old-fashioned romance, Hugh Martin songs like “Have Yourself A Merry, Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song” and stunning imagery like the World’s Fair.
MUSICAL: Moulin Rouge (2001)—Baz Luhrmann director and writer with Craig Pierce. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in forbidden, irrepressible love again around the turn of last century Paris. Explosive color, sound and action mesmerizes in an updated, joyful version of the musical that can only bring out the romantic in all of us!
DRAMA: John Q (2002)—Nick Cassavetes director, James Kearns writer. Denzel Washington takes matters into his own hands when his son needs a new heart and he doesn’t have enough money for it. Disbelief, anger, fear and love are bigger than life in this nail-biter, making us wonder if we would have such courage or be as blessed.
HORROR: Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)—Albert Lewin director and writer. Oscar Wilde novel. George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed bring to life London of the early 20th century when a young British fop rues the day when he wished a painting of him would age rather than him. His wish comes true to destroy his innocent spirit and create a hideous monster within, reminding us to be careful what we wish for! Chilling!
DISNEY/ANIMAL: That Darn Cat! (1965)—Robert Stevenson director, Gordon Gordon and Mildred Gordon writers. Disney, Hayley Mills, Dean Jones and Roddy McDowall have never been better in this goofy, yet compelling thriller. It all hinges on the most precocious, lovable Siamese feline you’ve seen on film, following D.C.’s prowling where he shouldn’t be...or so the kidnappers think. Everyone wants to follow that darn cat!
CHILDREN: Chicken Run (2000)—Peter Ford and Nick Park directors. Karey Kilpatrick writer. This comedrama is also for all ages with slick claymation telling the story of a chicken farm/prison in 50s England, where the talking chickens try to escape the machine that pulverizes them into food. More food for thought here than Toy Story, possibly more endearing characters who range from an army General-type to a dashing hero to an idiot.
SCIENCE FICTION: The Time Machine (1960)—George Pal director. H.G. Wells novel, David Duncan, screenplay. Rod Taylor plays the scientist who at the turn of last century travels into the future in his stylish time machine. Special effects are extraordinary, believably showing the passage of time. Touching story of romance and suspense.
INSPIRATIONAL: The Hiding Place (1975)—James J. Collier director. Lawrence Holben and Alan Sloane writers. We love young Anne Frank, but rarely hear about Corrie ten Boom whose Christian family hid many Jews during the Holocaust who were not found. She and her family were sent for other reasons to concentration camps; only Corrie survived to die on her birthday and mine in 1983. Julie Harris, Jeannette Clift and Arthur O’Connell shine in their roles.
FOREIGN: Like Water For Chocolate (1992)—Alfonso Arau director. Laura Esquivel writer and narrator. Spanish with subtitles or English-dubbed version. Lumi Cacazosas and Marco Leonardi steam up the screen with the agony of love that shall never be for them to enjoy because of her tyrannical mother. Instead he marries her older sister to be around her! Even so their passion smolders, resulting in very erotic cooking by her. R-rated and not for kids!
ACTION/HERO: Goldfinger (1964)—Gary Hamilton director. Ian Fleming novel, Richard Maibaum screenplay. Does anyone do it better than suave Sean Connery as 007, James Bond? I think not. With him fighting the bad guys who try to infiltrate Fort Knox, we know we’re in good hands. Right, ladies? Comic book-like characters, absorbing action, a gorgeous theme song and a class act you don’t usually get these days.
Comments on my eclectic choices, anyone? :-)
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