Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 784th Edition

Welcome to the 784th edition of my series.  This is my last one of the year and what a year this has been.  I doubt anyone will call this year "great" but I still have things to look back upon.  I did not get to do as much theater that I usually do in a year but in July I got to be in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU in Elwood so I'm glad I got to do something.  As a karaoke junkie, I have been able to do it on and off depending on the bar so I still got to do that.  The biggest thing for me is that the job I really liked got taken from me back in August after being under the belief that surely I would not lose that but I was wrong.  I have since moved on to Navient and am trying to make the most of this job.  I have been fortunate that I have been able to work full time and not be effected financially.  I feel for those out there who have lost their jobs or have had to work a lot less with everything going on.  I also just feel for those who have not really been able to do things in their way of life.  For me, I have not done as much theater.  I know people who are big on the concerts that have not gotten to attend live concerts.  I also know a few who do a lot of the fan conventions but that has not happened as much.  As we approach the end of the year, it does not appear that 2021 will change at least in the beginning.  I will just continue to hold out hope that things will get better with the new advances.  That's about all I have to say, I hope everyone has had a good holiday under the circumstances however celebrated.

The Holiday (2006):  I start the week out with this holiday romantic comedy or "romcom" as some like to call it and was written and directed by Nancy Meyers.  Don't go running for the hills yet.  Cameron Diaz stars as Amanda who is living in Los Angeles and Kate Winslet stars as Iris who lives in the English town of Surrey.  Amanda finds that Iris's house is getting put up for rent for the holidays and gets the idea to trek to England.  Iris insists on swapping houses for a couple weeks.  Amanda finds herself in a whole new world where it is cold a lot and meets Iris's brother Graham, played by Jude Law.  Iris immediately loves the L.A. home she is staying in and meets film composer Miles, played by Jack Black, as well has legendary screenwriter Arthur, played by Eli Wallach.  Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell, Miffy Englefield, Sarah Parish, Shannyn Sossaman, Bill Macy, Shelley Berman, Kathryn Hahn, John Krasinski, Alex O'Loughlin, Odette Annable, and many others co-star in this film.  This was a very moving and feel-good movie for the holidays that avoids the Hallmark route.  I thought the best part of this movie was the friendship between Iris and Miles.  These were all very likable characters and we wanted them to get what they wanted in the end.  

Ed Wood (1994):  This is part three of my Patricia Arquette trilogy.  Tim Burton directed this biopic that is based on the book by Rudolph Grey.  Johnny Depp stars as Edward D. Wood Jr. who is hailed as "The Worst Director of All Time".  This shows some of his beginnings where he struggled to find studios to do his movies so he would always find other ways to get the necessary funding along with his group of acting misfits.  These misfits would include an aging Bela Lugosi, played by Martin Landau in an Oscar winning performance, who Wood befriends even if he is way past his prime.  Arquette, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jeffrey Jones, Mike Starr, Bill Murray, G.D. Spradlin, Max Casella, Brent Hinckley, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lisa Marie, George "The Animal" Steele, Juliet Landau, Melora Walters, Conrad Brooks, Rance Howard, and many others co-star in this biopic.  This focuses mostly on Wood's friendship with Lugosi and later the making of his most known movie PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE which many say is the Granddaddy of all bad movies.  Sometime I'd like to get together a movie viewing that starts with Plan 9 to follow up with this and then watch THE ROOM followed by THE DISASTER ARTIST which is a rather similar biopic.  This is my favorite of the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations.

Meantime (1983):  This is part three of my Gary Oldman series and a breakthrough role for him.  Mike Leigh wrote and directed this film that takes a look at the underclass in Britain.  Tim Roth stars as Colin who is a very slow minded man living with his parents with his older brother Mark, played by Phil Daniels.  Part of the main story is Colin being offered a job by their aunt and Mark becoming jealous that he got the job.  Oldman co-stars as local skinhead Coxy who befriends Colin.  Marion Bailey, Pam Ferris, Peter Wight, Eileen Davies, and many others co-star in this film.  I don't feel there is any real linear story except that it is more of a character study and rather sad look at lower-class Britain.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

The Fatal Glass of Beer (1933):  This is my comedy short for the week which was directed by Clyde Bruckman.  W.C. Fields stars as Mr.  Snavely who lives in the Yukon with his with wife, played by Rosemary Theby.  Their son Chester, played by George Taylor, comes to see them after being released from prison.  This has many funny moments in it being out in the freezing Yukon territory.  This is also available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

Don't Bother to Knock (1952):  Roy Ward Baker directed this film based on the novel by Charlotte Armstrong.  Marilyn Monroe stars as Nell Forbes who is babysitting a young girl in a hotel.  Richard Widmark co-stars as airline pilot Jed Towers who is having relationship issues and decides to pursue Nell when seeing her through the window.  He was looking for a little harmless fun but slowly sees how dangerous Nell is when Bunny, played by Donna Corcoran, walks in on her babysitter during their lovemaking.  Anne Bancroft, Jeanne Cagney, Lurene Tuttle, Elisha Cook Jr., Jim Backus, Verna Felton, Willis Bouchey, Don Beddoe, and many others co-star in this film.  Bancroft makes her film debut as a nightclub singer and dumps Jed which lead him to pursue Nell.  Monroe gets to play a much darker role than usual and does pretty well going out of her comfort zone.  I also thought this came to a very satisfying conclusion.  

The Railway Children (1970):  Lionel Jeffries directed this film based on the novel by E. Nesbit.  Jenny Agutter, Sally Thomsett, and Gary Warren star as British siblings Bobbie, Phyllis, and Peter who were living a great life until their father Charles, played by Iain Cuthbertson disappears after an argument the kids overhear.  The children and their mother, played by Dinah Sheridan, are forced to Yorkshire where the siblings look to figure out what happened to their father.  Bernard Cribbins, William Mervyn, Deddie Davis, David Lodge, and many others co-star in this family drama.  This is one that I believe the whole family can watch.  It is a pretty moving story of these kids really trying to bring together their community.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel. 

Babel (2006):  This is part three of my Brad Pitt series.  Alejandro G. Inarritu directed this film where a tragedy happens in Morocco and then manages to be connected to four different families across four countries.  Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Rinko Kikuchi, Peter Wight, Harriett Walter, Andre Oumansky, Adriana Barraza, Alex Jennings, Michael Maloney, Dermot Crowley, Elle Fanning, Nathan Gamble, Gael Garcia Bernal, Monica Del Carmen, Clifton Collins Jr., Michael Pena, Jamie McBride, Koji Yakusho, and many others co-star in this film.  This shows how no matter how far apart, we really are not that different.  This is the third of Inarritu's trilogy which includes AMORES PERROS and 21 GRAMS.  The other two have similar themes of inner-connectivity but this one takes it to another level involving different countries.  This is a well done multiple story film that connects really well.

Double Indemnity (1944):  Billy Wilder directed this film noir which is based on the novel by James Cain.  Fred MacMurray stars insurance representative Walter Neff and is talked into a scheme by unhappy housewife Phyllis Dietrichson, played by Barbara Stanwyck, involving the murder of her husband.  Walter decides to go along and must do what he can to cover his tracks from his boss Barton Keyes, played by Edward G. Robinson.  Obviously that plot of a perfect murder was not there and does not exist when betrayal and deception are involved.  Porter Hall, Jean Heather, Tom Powers, Byron Barr, Richard Gaines, Fortunio Bonanova, and many others co-star in this film.  Raymond Chandler co-wrote this film along with Wilder and apparently they did not get along very well but they ended up with a good script and possibly the best film noir of all time.  

Katzelmacher (1969):  This is my German film for the week which was written and directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder.  Jorgos, played by Fassbinder in an uncredited role, is an immigrant from Greece and joins a group of young people from Munich which incites jealousy and hostility among them.  Lots of rumors get started toward him leading to a lot of unnecessary tension.  This is an early film from Fassbinder and is a very interesting look at the effects of gossip and prejudice.  This is available to watch on the Criterion channel.

Noelle (2019):  I end the week with this holiday comedy.  Marc Lawrence wrote and directed this movie right out of the North Pole.  Santa Claus has an untimely death and his son Nick, played by Bill Hader, is to inherit the role but gets cold feet and disappears right before Christmas.  Santa's daughter Noelle, played by Anna Kendrick sets out to find him with the help of Elf Polly, played by Shirley MacLaine, ultimately discovering the true meaning of Christmas.  Kingsley Ben-Adir, Julie Hagerty, Billy Eichner, Maceo Smedley, Diana Maria Riva, Anthony Konechny, Michael Gross, Billy Griffith, Aliza Vellani, Amitai Marmonstein, Ron Funches, Gary Sekhon, and many others co-star in this comedy.  This was very enjoyable to me, I can always get behind Kendrick with her personality.  This can also be very fun for the family.  This is available to watch on Disney Plus.

Well, that is it for this week but continue on for my "Holiday Corner" segment.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week which so far includes Gary Oldman, and many others.  

HOLIDAY CORNER

Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special (2017):  Yes, this has the Valentine's Day in the title but the special is about using Valentine's Day to save Christmas.  Michael Bolton is enlisted by Santa Claus, played by Jimmy Graham, when there are too many toys and not enough children.  Michael hosts a telethon on Valentine's Day in hopes that enough children will be born.  He sings a lot of his own songs and other performances by other comedians.  Sarah Stahl, Adam Scott, Matthew Kimbrough, Brook Shields, Grey Griffin, Janeane Garofalo, Louis Anderson, Sinbad, Bob Saget, Sarah Silverman, Randall Park, Andy Samberg, Fred Armison, Kenny G, Jorma Taccone, Michael Sheen, Akiva Schaffer, Chris Parnell, Mircea Monroe, Sal Stowers, Maya Rudolph, Tim Robinson, David Theune, Baron Vaughn, Maya Erskine, Will Forte, Eric Andre, and many others co-star in this holiday special with Bolton holding his own among this group of comedic actors.  Growing up, I hated Michael Bolton for years but I found I was wrong.  I started forming a new respect for him when seeing him parody himself and show he is really comedic gold so I had no reluctance to watch this.  I like to watch this on both December and February kind of like how A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is watched in both October and December.  This is available to watch on Netflix. 

Santa Claus (1959):  I just always have to watch this holiday B-Movie classic at some point.  This is a Mexican movie where Santa, played by Jose Elias Morales, lives in the North Pole which appears to be on some other planet above Earth and has children from around the world instead of elves.  The first 15 minutes are the children from each continent singing something from their country and appear to be controlled by Santa.  The Devil does not want Christmas to happen so he sends his dancing minion Pitch to stop Santa and if he fails he will be punished with chocolate ice cream.  If that is not enough, Merlin works for Santa now and was apparently burned out in Camelot.  There are just all kinds of really weird things happening in this very bizarre movie.  I always wonder what was going on in the minds of these people involved with this movie as it was being made.  The people from MST3K and Rifftrax have really enjoyed riffing this one.  This is available on public domain and is not really hard to find.  This would be good to watch among a group of friends.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946):  This is my annual holiday film that I have been watching since my late high school days.  I usually either watch it with my dad or mom when it airs on NBC just depending where I am. Frank Capra directed this film where I believe that the message conveyed is anything one person does to help another can make a big difference no matter how small the favor might seem at the time.  James Stewart stars as small-town boy George Bailey who wants to get out of Bedford Falls but things always happen and ends up staying there.  He marries his childhood friend Mary, played by Donna Reed, and has four kids.  He does what he can to prevent Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore, from taking over the town and screwing everyone over.  Something happens where George feels he has hit rock bottom and contemplates suicide.  An unusual angel named Clarence, played by Henry Travers, comes down to stop him and show him a world that would have happened had he not been born.  Thomas Mitchell, Ward Bond, Beulah Bondi, Gloria Grahame, H.B. Warner, and many others co-star in this film.  I always look forward to seeing this one and am always moved to tears each time.  It always reminds me of how little things can be a lot bigger than they appear.  I had the pleasure of playing Mr. Gower one year in a stage version.  Please ring some bells and help angels get their wings.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 783rd Edition

Welcome to the 783rd edition of my series.  I hope everyone is staying safe and will be able to have a good holiday however celebrated under the circumstances.  I'm still at trying to get this book narrated to become an audiobook which has been quite an experience and am hoping this all works out.  I will hold off on saying anything for now and just get on with my selections for the week.

The Act (2019):  This is part two of my Patricia Arquette series which will likely go to a four part series.  Nick Antosca and Michelle Dean directed this mini-series that is based on a true story.  Arquette and Joey King star as mother and daughter Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard.  Dee Dee is very overprotective but that does not cover the issues with the relationship.  She would also claim Gypsy had various diseases and then use her for sympathy for appearances to make money and whatever else needed.  Annasophia Robb, Chloe Sevigny, Calum Worthy, Denitra, Isler, Rachel Ticotin, Steve Coulter, Margo Martindale, Joshua Mikel, Dean Norris, Rhea Seehorn, Molly Ephraim, Juliette Lewis, Brook Smith, Adam Arkin, and many others co-star in this mini-series.  For those that do not know the story, I won't give anything away but it's easily accessible to find out what happened.  This has eight episodes that are each about an hour long.  This is a very tragic story and is available to watch on Hulu.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008):  This is part two of my Brad Pitt series.  David Fincher directed this film based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Pitt stars as Benjamin Button who is born as a man in an old body and manages to age backwards living a very unique life.  Cate Blanchett co-stars as Benjamin's lifelong friend and even love interest Daisy Williams.  Julia Ormond, Faune Chambers Watkins, Elias Koteas, Donna Duplantier, Jacob Tolano, Ed Metzger, Jason Flemying, Taraji B. Henson, Mahershala Ali, Phyllis Somerville, Elle Fanning, Jared Harris, Richmond Arquette, Tilda Swinton, and many others co-star in this film.  It's really hard to describe this beyond what I have without putting out spoilers.  I thought the highlight was the relationship between Benjamin and Daisy through the years and the changes they go through.  This is a pretty compelling film that while sad at times is rather moving.

Sid and Nancy (1986):  This is part two of my Gary Oldman series.  Alex Cox directed this biopic of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, played by perfection by Oldman in his career as a chameleon actor, and Nancy Spungeon, played by Chloe Webb, in their destructive relationship that ends in tragedy.  Vicious had a lot of good things going but his drug addiction leads to his downfall after attempting a solo career.  David Hayman, Andrew Schofield, Xander Berkeley, Courtney Love, Miguel Sandoval, John M. Jackson, Iggy Pop, and many others co-star in this film.  Now if looking for a story about the Sex Pistols, this is not it, that will be the documentary THE FILTH AND THE FURY.  This was also done pretty shortly after everything happened so this was not for everyone and still is not for everyone.  Different things have come out through the years that were different than what was depicted.  Oldman and Webb worked very well together as the title characters in what is really a tragic love story.

A Pink Christmas (1978):  This is my animated holiday special for the week.  This features the Pink Panther who goes around trying to get himself a big holiday dinner where just about every attempt backfires in humorous ways.  In the end, he manages to find meaning for himself on Christmas.  This is mostly a silent cartoon, Pink Panther usually was anyway, with the exception of some Christmas songs being sung.  This is about a half hour long and is available on Amazon Prime.

Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938):  This is a holiday movie in a sense as it does take place around Christmas.  George B. Seitz directed this entry of the popular comedy series that centers around the Hardy family.  Mickey Rooney reprises his role of Andy Hardy where he is trying to raise money for his last payment from a car but has a lot of trouble.  He is also juggling three girls in Polly, played by Ann Rutherford, Cynthia, played by Lana Turner, and Betsy, played by Judy Garland in her introduction with her recurring character, in looking to go the country club Christmas party.  Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, and Cecilia Parker all reprise their roles of Andy's father, mother, and sister.  Mary Howard, Gene Reynolds, Don Castle, Betty Ross Clarke, Marie Blake, George P. Breakston, Raymond Hatton, and many others co-star in this comedy.  I mean, who else has had Judy Garland, Lana Turner, and Ann Rutherford fighting for one man, I'm pretty sure only Mickey Rooney.  Young Judy was on the rise at the time but just a year later would be her iconic film of THE WIZARD OF OZ.  This is a pretty fun movie and don't really have to follow the series in order to really enjoy.

The Bishop's Wife (1947):  This is my holiday movie that has an angel which was directed by Henry Koster and based on the novel by Robert Nathan.  Cary Grant stars as the debonair angel Dudley who is sent to help Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham, played by David Niven, in his plans for a new cathedral.  Henry starts to question Dudley's motives making him feel he is there to replace him in his family.  Loretta Young co-stars as the title character Julia who forms a close friendship with Dudley.  Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Elsa Lanchester, Sara Haden, Karolyn Grimes, Tito Vuolo, Regis Toomey, Robert J. Anderson, and many others co-star in this angelic film.  Grimes co-stars as Henry and Julia's daughter Debby and is known as George Bailey's daughter Zuzu in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE which was out about a year before this one.  Also, anyone who watches IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE annually will easily recognize the speaking voice of Anderson who played young George and there is just no mistaking that voice.  This is a pretty touching film for the holidays from that era and is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

A Little Princess (1995):  Alfonso Cuaron directed this film based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  Liesel Matthews stars as young Sara Crewe who is living a great life in India with her father Richard, played by Liam Cunningham.  Unfortunately, Richard is called into WWI and Sara must go live in a boarding school in New York.  While there Sara clashes with the cruel and selfish headmistress Miss Minchin, played by Eleanor Bron, who tries to get Sara to behave the way she wants.  Things get complicated when Richard becomes presumed dead.  Rusty Schwimmer, Arthur Malet, Vanessa Chester, Errol Sitahal, Heather DeLoach, Taylor Fry, Camilla Belle, Lauren Blumenfeld, Kelsey Mulrooney, Kaitlin Cullum, Alison Moir, Time Winters, Vincent Schiavelli, and many others co-star in this film.  I have always enjoyed this movie.  '90s kids might recognize DeLoach who plays the role of Ermengarde as the bee girl in the music video for Blind Melon's NO RAIN.  This is a very touching film where we are rooting for Sara through and through with an ending that never ceases to tear me up a bit.  I also started to see that this has a subtle message about how war can tear a family apart.  This is a remake to a 1939 movie of the same name that stars Shirley Temple which is okay but I must favor this version from Cuaron.

Annie Hall (1977):  Woody Allen directed this comedy and also stars as comedian Alvy Singer who reflects on the demise of his relationship with nightclub singer Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton.  He reflects on his relationship in a way that only Allen can do.  This explores many things like his childhood, his Jewish guilt, and the troubled relationship with his parents.  Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Janet Margolin, Colleen Dewhurst, Christopher Walken, John Glover, Jeff Goldblum, Shelley Hack, Beverly D'Angelo, Tracey Walter, Sigourney Weaver, and many others co-star or have bit roles in this comedy.  Also, look for Truman Capote in a bit role as someone who won a Truman Capote look-a-like contest.  This is an acquired taste that is not for everyone.  I have always enjoyed this and really like the way it breaks the fourth wall on many occasions.

21 Days Together (1940):  Basil Dean directed this film noir.  Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh star as lovers Larry and Wanda.  Wanda's estranged husband Wallen, played by Esme Percy, comes into the picture trying to blackmail her and Larry accidentally kills him in a fight.  Another man gets arrested for the killing and while they are on the verge of getting married, they are waiting for the outcome of the trial where Larry will confess if the man is convicted.  Leslie Banks, Francis L. Sullivan, David Horne, William Dewhurst, Robert Newton, and many others co-star in this crime drama.  This is a pretty decent crime drama with a good story and a good amount of suspense.  This is available to watch on both Amazon Prime and the Criterion Channel.

Pottersville (2017):  I decided to end the week with this Netflix holiday movie which was directed by Seth Henrikson.  Michael Shannon stars as local store owner Maynard who is going through some things that drives him to drink and puts on a gorilla outfit making people mistake him for Bigfoot.  This starts a media spectacle where Maynard continues to play along as it is helping the struggling small town of Pottersville.  Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, Thomas Lennon, Ian McShane, Michael Torpey, Greta Lee, Blake Perlman, and many others co-star in this holiday classic.  This has a small Hallmarkish feel to it but is also quite the comedy and has some rather strange moments at the time.  Shannon plays a lot lighter role than usual as the store owner trying to keep his town together.  This is an homage to IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE in some ways.  This is available to watch on Netflix.

Well that is it for this week but I did bring back my segment of "Movie Time in the Town of Pottersville" which was not the same Pottersville of the movie I watched.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week which so far includes Kate Winslet, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, W.C. Fields, Marilyn Monroe, and many others.

MOVIE TIME IN THE TOWN OF POTTERSVILLE

Bad Santa (2003):  I decided to hit up Stephanie and thought maybe she'd be up for a raunchy holiday comedy and I was right so I took this dvd over to watch with her and Drew.  Terry Zwigoff directed this holiday crime comedy.  Billy Bob Thornton stars as miserable conman Willie who every year at Christmas, he poses as Santa at a mall with his partner Marcus, played by Tony Cox, to rob the department store.  Willie in all his drinking ways starts to have a crisis of conscience when he meets a young boy, played by Brett Kelly, who is convinced he is the real Santa.  GILMORE GIRLS alum Lauren Graham co-stars as Willie's bartender love interest Sue.  Lauren Tom, Bernie Mac, John Ritter, Ajay Naidu, Lorna Scott, Harrison Bieker, Alex Borstein, Billy Gardell, Bryan Callen, Octavia Spencer, Cloris Leachman, and many others co-star in this comedy.  This is as politically incorrect as it gets and is probably not going to be an ideal movie to watch with the family so I suggest waiting until the kids are in bed before watching this one.  I still laughed very hard at this movie with Thornton just perfectly cast as the alcoholic conman.  I was glad to have done this after Stephanie told me that she just really needed a comedy and I think we all could use a little comedy in these crazy times.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 782nd Edition

Welcome to the 782nd Edition of my series.  I hope everyone is staying safe in these crazy times.  I have working to be an audiobook narrator.  I got an offer with a self-help book that I have been busy doing.  It has been quite an experience.  I just hope this works out and I will be able to officially call myself and audiobook narrator.  Enough of that for now, I'll just get on with my selections for the week.

True Romance (1993):  This is part three of my Christian Slater trilogy which will now branch off into a continued series of Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, and Brad Pitt into the coming weeks.  Tony Scott directed this crime film which was written by Quentin Tarantino.  Slater stars as Clarence Worley who meets the beautiful Alabama Whitman at the movie theater.  She confesses that she is a call girl which Clarence ends up accepting and going to some rather extreme measures of getting her away from her pimp Drexl Spivey, played by a dreadlocked Gary Oldman in a standout role in my opinion.  They go on the run from the mafia and the police and encounter many interesting characters along the way.  Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken, Bronson Pinchot, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, Saul Rubinek, Conchata Ferrell, James Gandolfini, Anna Thomson, Victor Argo, Paul Bates, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, Kevin Corrigan, Paul Ben-Victor, Maria Michael Beach, Frank Adonis, Ed Lauter, and many other co-star in this crime comedy.  Tarantino may not have directed this but had plenty of Tarantino touches to it.  This had quite the cast and some really good action as well as dark comedy.  

Mission:  Impossible III (2006):  I continue with some more violence with this sequel directed by J.J. Abrams.  Tom Cruise reprises his role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt who is retired hoping to live a quiet life with his fiance Julia, played by Michelle Monaghan.  He gets called back in to go after the ruthless arms dealer Owen Davian, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.  He is joined by his old friend Luther, reprised by Ving Rhamses, Declan, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Zhen, played by Maggie Q.  Billy Crudup, Keri Russell, Simon Pegg, Eddie Marsan, Carla Gallo, Bellamy Young, Paul Keeley, Jane Daly, Greg Grunberg, Sabra Williams, Rose Rollins, Sasha Alexander, Tracy Middendorf, Aaron Paul, and many others co-star in this action film.  I thought this one was easier to follow than the first two and is a good entry to this successful action franchise.

Children of Men (2006):  I started out with a lot of violence, why stop now?  Alfonso Cuaron directed this dystopian film based on the novel by P.D. James.  Clive Owen stars as Theo Faron who is a former activist turned government bureaucrat in London where no child has been born for 18 years and with Britain being the most civilized country, people want to immigrate there but has become illegal.  Theo's ex-wife Julian, played by Julianne Moore, turns to Theo to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman named Kee, played by Clare-Hope Ashitey, to a sanctuary at sea.  Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Huston, Charlie Hunman, Tehmina Sunny, Michael Klesic, and many others co-star in this film.  Caine is very amusing his his role as Jasper.  Owen is very good in his role as a reluctant hero.  This is a rather realistic looking dystopian film and did not have to show it with lot of flashy imagery or special effects.  

Date With Dizzy (1958):  This is my short film for the week.  John Hubley directed this short film that pays homage to Dizzy Gillespie and his band.  They are approached to write a song for a commercial but cannot seem to do what they want.  Sometimes they would maybe be too long, too short, maybe too loud.  This was a good way for the band to showcase their talent and has some good animation blended into this short film.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

A Bill of Divorcement (1932):  George Cukor directed this pre-code film that takes place during the holidays.  John Barrymore stars as Hilary Fairfield who has returned home from an insane asylum after fifteen years.  He finds that nothing is the same as his wife Margaret, played by Billie Burke has divorced him and is about to remarry.  He also finds that his daughter Sidney, played by Katherine Hepburn is all grown.  David Manners, Paul Cavanagh, Henry Stephenson, Elizabeth Patterson, and many others co-star in this film.  Barrymore and Hepburn had top billing and rightfully so as this was centered around their new father/daughter relationship.  This is a pretty moving and sad story.  Could play into a good double feature with the '90s film SHE'S SO LOVELY which has a rather similar premise.  I was able to find a good version of this to watch on Youtube.

Scrooge (1970):  Ronald Neame directed this musical version of the Charles Dickens classic story in which the music was written by Leslie Bricusse.  Albert Finney takes up the role of the bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his old friend and business partner Jacob Marley, played by Alec Guinness, on Christmas Eve.  Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, played by Edith Evans, Kenneth More, and Paddy Stone.  After that, well you know the rest.  David Collings, Michael Medwin, Laurence Naismith, Kay Walsh, Anton Rodgers, Suzanne Neve, Frances Cuka, Geoffrey Bayldon, Richard Beaumont, and many others co-star in this adaptation.  This is a timeless story that will never go away.  This has some really good music numbers and the future scene was a lot darker than usual, with the exception of the 2019 mini-series that was featured last week.  LThis is available to watch on Hoopla Digital.

Klaus (2019):  This is my holiday animated selection for the week which was directed by Sergio Pablos and co-directed by Carlos Martinez Lopez.  Jason Schwartzman stars as Jesper who works in the family postal business but is not doing a very good job.  This leads into his father sending him to an island in the Arctic Circle where he must prove himself.  When there, he meets a reclusive carpenter named Klaus, voiced by J.K. Simmons, who used to be a toymaker.  He forms an unlikely friendship when trying to get his postal service going which the town lacked.  He also takes a liking to local teacher Alva, voiced by Rashida Jones.  Will Sasso, Sergio Pablos, Norm McDonald, Joan Cusack, Kendall Joy Hall, and many others provide their voices.  This is a fun origin take on the whole Santa Claus concept and how Santa Claus comes to be.  This is available to watch on Netflix.

Morning for the Osone Family (1946):  This is my Japanese film for the week which takes place around the holidays but does not really center around them.  Keisuke Kinoshita directed this film which centers around the Osone family as the title implies.  The family is trying to get through the post WWII Japan where things get complicated when their bitter military uncle comes to live with them.  This is one of the first post WWII films made in Japan.  This is a very good look at a Japanese family trying to come to terms with what has happened to them.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

The Ruthless Four (1968):  This is my western for the week which was directed by Giorgio Capatani.  Van Heflin stars as prospector Sam Cooper who sets out to find gold reluctantly teaming up with Gilbert Roland, Klaus Kinski, and George Hilton.  Greed and motive get the best of these people and become just as the title implicates.  It has a rather complex plot that is hard to explain any further.  I noticed the song near the end was what Quentin Tarantino used for PULP FICTION but this one was a more acoustic version but was clearly the same song.  I suppose one of these days I'll just have to do some sort of Tarantino theme where I use movies he borrowed from, stole from, whatever you might call it.  This has some good action and good performances.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

A Royal Christmas Ball (2017):  I end the week with this more sentimental holiday tv movie which is not for everyone.  After featuring Tara Reid a lot in the Madness this year, I decide to watch one of her holiday movies.  Reid stars as Allison who has raised a 17 year old daughter named Lily, played by Haley Pullos, as a single mother.  She reunites with bachelor King Charles of Baltamia, played by Ingo Rademacher, who discovers that Lily is his daughter.  Mira Furlan, Faune Chambers Watkins, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Marc Anthony Samuel, Christian Olivo, Miles Burris, Kennedy Lea Slocum, Claire Kniaz, and many others co-star in this holiday tv movie.  This is what it is, a holiday tv movie.  This is very predictable, and in fact the beginning gives away the end.  I believe my royalty obsessed friend Amy might enjoy this one.  Also, those who like these Hallmark type movies should enjoy this as well.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Well, that is it for this week.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week which so far includes Patricia Arquette, Cate Blanchett, Gary Oldman, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Diane Keaton, Vivien Leigh, Judy Greer, and many others.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 781st Edition

 

Welcome to the 781st edition of my series.  It's been a bit of a long week but I'm still here to get you my selections for the week so I hope you enjoy so I'll just get on with it.

The Adderall Diaries (2015):  This is part two of my Christian Slater trilogy where last week he was defending someone on trial but this week he is on trial.  Pamela Romanowski directed this film which was based on the novel by Stephen Elliott, played by James Franco.  Franco stars as author Stephen Elliott who is struggling to come up with a new idea due to many things like writer's block, substance abuse, and the relationship with his father, played by Ed Harris.  He got the idea to follow the murder trial of computer programmer Hans Reiser, played by Slater, but had to deal with his other issues before he could really be productive.  Amber Heard, Jim Parrack, Timothee Chalamet, Danny Flaherty, Cynthia Nixon, Tamzin Brown, Rochelle Bostrom, Laura Frost, Jake Katzman, Adam LeFevre, Michael Cristofer, Willie C. Carpenter, Raymond T. Williams, Wilmer Valderrama, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a pretty intriguing story that takes a look at both sides and how we sometimes remember what we want to remember.  This is available to watch on Hoopla Digital.

A Christmas Carol (2019):  This is technically an FX mini-series which was directed by Nick Murphy and a new take towards the classic story based on Charles Dickens.  The usual story is still there where Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Guy Pearce, who is preparing for the day he hates which is Christmas.  He is then visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, played by Stephen Graham, who warns he will be visited by three ghosts from the past, played by Andy Serkis, present, played by Charlotte Riley, and future, played by Jason Flemying, to show what has happened, what is happening, and what might happen.  Joe Alwyn, Vinette Robinson, Remmie Miller, Johnny Harris, Kayvan Novak, Billy Barratt, Carmel Laniado, and many others co-star in this mini-series.  This goes far more in depth and just about any movie or stage play that has been done.  This has three episodes where we see Marley in a more expanded role.  This is much darker than the other versions even though other versions are pretty dark when it comes to the future scene but this becomes in some ways a horror show so this is not for everyone.  I don't think that Serkis has ever had the same look in a movie.  This is available to watch on Hulu and before watching it understand that it rated TV-MA and that it is quite different than other versions.

Sherlock:  The Abominable Bride (2016):  Like my last selection, this is technically a holiday tv special and a special episode of the BBC series SHERLOCK.  That series is a modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes and John Watson but in this episode, they were in 1890s London.  Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star as Holmes and Watson in where they investigate murders that seem to happen from ghosts which Sherlock is determined to undermine.  Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Mark Gatiss, Andrew Scott, Louise Brealey, Amanda Abbington, Jonathan Aris, Yasmine Akram, David Nellist, Catherine McCormack, Tim McInnerny, Natasha O'Keefe, and many others co-star in this tv special.  It might help to watch at least some of the series before looking at this one.  Most of this series is available on Netflix but not including this one with it not being an official season episode.  From my understanding, this episode has a lot of book references.  

A Trip to the Moon (1902):  This is my short film for the week which was directed by Georges Melies.  A group of astronomers take a trip up to the moon and encounter some really magnificent things.  They also encounter a group of aliens while on the moon.  It also has the iconic face on the moon.  This is possibly the granddaddy of sci-fi which have some really good special effects that hold up today.  The Smashing Pumpkins paid homage to this with the music video of their song TONIGHT TONIGHT.  Just an fyi, before Billy Corgan became the owner of the National Wrestling Alliance, he was the frontman of the band Smashing Pumpkins.  The movie HUGO would be a really good movie to follow up after watching this one.

The Defender (1957):  This is another selection that is technically a two-part television episode of the series STUDIO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD but fortunately, I make the rules.  Robert Mulligan directed this two-part series which star Kenneth Preston and a young William Shatner as father and son attorney team Walter and Kenneth Preston.  They are defending a 19 year old named Joseph Gordon, played by a young Steve McQueen, who is being accused of murder but swears he did not do it.  Walter starts to have a moral conflict as he is convinced Joseph is guilty and puts him at odds with Kenneth who is doing what he can to help get their client off.  Martin Balsam, Ian Wolfe, David J. Stewart, Eileen Ryan, and many others co-star in this trial show.  Also look for a young Edward Asner as one of the jurors and is his debut in film or television.  This is a very early appearance for McQueen who is far from that Steve McQueen personality we know today.  This was also used in an episode of the tv series BOSTON LEGAL which starred Shatner and using this as a flashback scene that played into it very well.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

The Apartment (1960):  Billy Wilder directed this romantic comedy.  Jack Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter who is trying to move up the corporate ladder at his job, part of which is to allow his higher-ups to use his apartment for some extramarital affairs.  Things get complicated when he finds Miss Kubelik in his bed and finds she is having an affair with his married boss Sheldrake, played by Fred MacMurray.  He already knows her from being an elevator attendant and takes a liking to her.  Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen, David Lewis, Hope Holiday, Joan Shawlee, Naomi Stevens, and many others co-star in this romantic comedy.  Lemmon is at his usual comedic best in this rather raunchy comedy for its time.  This is not a holiday film but it does take place some around Christmas.  This was around the time MacMurray starting doing the family oriented Disney films and was reluctant to play his morally ambiguous character.  This would be a great date movie that both can enjoy.

Lilo and Stitch (2002):  This is my Disney selection for the week which was directed by Dean Dublois and Chris Sanders.  This takes place on a Hawaiian island where young Lilo, voiced by Daveigh Chase, adopts what she believes is an unusual looking dog and names him Stitch, voiced by co-director Chris Sanders.  It turns out that Stitch is a fugitive alien from another planet and must evade some bounty hunter aliens while forming a bond with Lilo.  Tia Carrere co-stars as Lilo's guardian sister Nani.  David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Ving Rhames, Zoe Caldwell, Jason Scott Lee, Kevin Michael Richardson, Amy Hill, Erica Peck, Bob Bergen, Steve Blum, Rodger Bumpass, and many others provider their voices in this rather underrated Disney film.  It is unfortunate that Lilo never gets named as one of the "Disney Princesses" but she deserves her spot.  This also pays quite the homage to Elvis as they manage to work in a lot of his songs.  This is a very fun Disney film that has a really good look at family.  This is available to watch on Disney Plus.

The Lemon Drop Kid (1951):  Sidney Lanfield directed this holiday comedy though I suppose calling this a "holiday film" might be subjective.  Bob Hope stars as con man Sidney Milburn whose nickname is that of the title.  In a con that involved the horse race track, Sidney manages to cost gangster Moose Moran's, played by Fred Clark, girlfriend, played by Marilyn Maxwell, $10,000 which was also his.  The Lemon Drop Kid has until Christmas to come up with that $10,000 to pay back Moose.  Lloyd Nolan, Jane Darwell, Andrea King, Jay C. Flippen, William Brawley, Harry Bellaver, Sid Melton, Ben Weldon, Ida Moore, and many others co-star in this comedy.  While this movie does not tend to go on any holiday lists, this is what introduced the famous Christmas carol SILVER BELLS.  I also learned that the song was originally to be called "Tinkle Bells" until the wife of one of the composers let know that the word tinkle is slang for urinate.  This does have a lot of funny moments and is mostly of interest to fans of Bob Hope.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967):  Arthur Penn directed this biopic that takes a look at infamous bank robbing couple Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker.  Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway star as the couple.  Bonnie Parker is a bored waitress and meets ex-con Clyde Barrow who charms her enough that she decides to go along with him.  They created a crime spree and even had the Barrow gang that in addition to them included C.W. Moss, played by Michael J. Pollard, Clyde's brother Buck, played by Gene Hackman, and Buck's wife Blanche, played by Estelle parsons.  Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder, and many others co-star in this film.  Wilder makes his film debut in more of a cameo appearance.  This was an era where outlaws tended to be portrayed as anti-heroes, biggest examples that come to mind are DILLINGER and BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.  Beatty and Dunaway filled the roles very well in a movie that was rather fun to watch but did not hide Clyde's ruthlessness.  

Christmas Lodge (2011):  I end the week with this holiday tv movie that was produced by Thomas Kinkade and has a formula that Hallmark is known for.  Terry Ingram directed this holiday movie.  Erin Karpluk stars successful businesswoman Mary who is visiting her small town and encounters the lodge where she had many childhood memories but is in despair.  The lodge is owned by Jack, played by Michael Shanks, along with his adolescent daughter Charlotte, played by Michelle Creber.  Mary decides to use her resources that include her family and her place of employment to rebuild it before Christmas.  Rukiya Bernard, Rebecca Toolan, Michael Kopsa, John Innes, Michael Patric, Scott E. Miller, Peter Benson, Alvin Sanders, and many others co-star in this holiday movie.  There are some who prefer the holiday movies that are violent or dark but there are others that just want the sentimentality and predictability of a feelgood holiday movie which is what this movie does.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Well, that is it for this week but I did bring back my "Fun and Useless Facts" segment.  Stay tuned for next week which so far includes Patricia Arquette, and many others.

FUN AND USELESS FACTS

James Franco (The Adderall Diaries), Andy Serkis (A Christmas Carol), and Michael Kopsa (Christmas Lodge) were in the 2011 film RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Ed Harris (The Adderall Diaries) and Gene Hackman (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1997 movie ABSOLUTE POWER.

Ed Harris (The Adderall Diaries) and Jack Lemmon (The Apartment) were in the 1992 film GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.

Ed Harris (The Adderall Diaries) and Gene Hackman (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1993 law film THE FIRM.

Christian Slater (The Adderall Diaries) and William Shatner (The Defender) were in the 1991 film STAR TREK VI:  THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY.

Christian Slater (The Adderall Diaries) and Michael Kopsa (Christmas Lodge) were in the 2001 action movie 3000 MILES TO GRACELAND.

Christian Slater (The Adderall Diaries) and Edward Asner (The Defender) were in the 1998 action movie HARD RAIN.

Adam LeFevre (The Adderall Diaries) and William Shatner (The Defender) were in the 2005 sequel MISS CONGENIALITY 2:  ARMED AND FABULOUS.

Willie C. Carpenter (The Adderall Diaries) and Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1996 crime drama ALBINO ALLIGATOR.

Andy Serkis (A Christmas Carol) and Martin Freeman (Sherlock:  The Abominable Bride) were in the 2018 superhero film BLACK PANTHER.

Vinette Robinson (A Christmas Carol) was a recurring character on the series SHERLOCK which has its special episode THE ABOMINABLE BRIDE featured this week.

Jason Flemying (A Christmas Carol) and Jason Scott Lee (Lilo and Stitch) were in the 1994 movie THE JUNGLE BOOK.

Kayvan Novak (A Christmas Carol) and Benedict Cumberatch (Sherlock:  The Abominable Bride) were in the 2010 comedy FOUR LIONS.

Joe Alwyn (A Christmas Carol) and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock:  The Abominable Bride) were in the 2018 royalty film THE FAVOURITE.

Johnny Harris (A Christmas Carol) and Tim McInnerny (Sherlock:  The Abominable Bride) were in the 2010 movie BLACK DEATH.

Charlotte Riley (A Christmas Carol) plays the Ghost of Christmas Present in the week's feature A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  William Shatner (The Defender) plays the Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2003 tv movie A CAROL CHRISTMAS.

Stephen Graham (A Christmas Carol) plays Jacob Marley in this week's feature A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  Edward Asner (The Defender) voices the role of JACOB MARLEY in the 1997 animated movie A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Shirley MacLaine (The Apartment) and Warren Beatty (Bonnie and Clyde) are real-life sister and brother.

Steve McQueen (The Defender) and Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1974 disaster movie THE TOWERING INFERNO.

Steve McQueen (The Defender) and Dub Taylor (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1972 chase film THE GETAWAY

Steve McQueen (The Defender) and Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde) were lovers in the 1968 film THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR.

Steve McQueen (The Defender) declined the role of Buzz Lloyd in the 1969 movie MAROONED which would ultimately go to Gene Hackman (Bonnie and Clyde).

Ian Wolfe (The Defender) and Warren Beatty (Bonnie and Clyde) were in the 1981 film REDS and the 1990 comic book movie DICK TRACY and would be Wolfe's last movie.

Edward Asner (The Defender) and Jack Lemmon (The Apartment) were in the 1991 film JFK.

Jack Lemmon (The Apartment) was called onto the stage of the 1998 Golden Globe awards by Ving Rhames (Lilo and Stitch) when he won an award for Best Actor in a TV Movie and gave Lemmon the award he won.