Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 891st Edition

Welcome to the 891st Edition of my series.  In a couple weeks, I am attending my first convention which is the wrestling convention the Squared Circle Expo so I am excited for that one.  I also have the play ORPHAN TRAIN which is at the Pulse Opera House in the last two weekends of April and the first weekend of May so I will keep posted on that as time goes on.  I don't have much else for the week so I'll just get on with my selections.

Sirens (1994):  I start the week out with this romantic comedy which was written and directed by John Duigan.  Hugh Grant stars as the young minister Anthony Campion and Tara Fitzgerald stars as Anthony's wife Estella.  They go to Australia to visit the eccentric artist Norman Lindsey, played by Sam Neill, to talk to him about a painting that has been termed blasphemous by the church.  Estella must also deal with sexual urges as she meets Norman's wife and models that live at the estate.  Elle Macpherson, Portia de Rossi, Pamela Rabe, Ben Mendelsohn, John Polson, Julia Stone, Vincent Ball, and many others co-star in this comedy.  Macpherson is more known as a model so she is very fitting to her role and shines very well in this movie.  This is also De Rossi's debut that was a start to a good career.  There are also some great locations as well as the characters that kept this movie going and has gone onto be rather underrated through the years.  Let's also keep Sam Neill in our thoughts as he recently revealed that he has stage 3 cancer.  This is available to watch on Paramount Plus, Peacock, and most of the free streaming apps so make a date night to see some art and a bit of nudity.

The Infernal Cauldron (1903):  This is my short film for the week and a very early one.  This was directed and written by Georges Melies.  The premise of this film is that two demons throw helpless captives into a boiling cauldron, and then try to summon forth their spirits.  Melies is most known for his historical short A TRIP TO THE MOON but has a lot of other works.  This short film was done in color and understand this was from the cells being painted.  This is available to watch on HBO Max among a lot of other works for Melies.  This is only two minutes long but packs quite a bit into these two minutes and the others are very short as well.  Make a Melies day with the friends to watch the short films and the movie HUGO which depicts him.

Chinatown (1974):  Roman Polanski directed this Neo-noir that takes place in 1930s Los Angeles.  Jack Nicholson stars in one of his most iconic roles as private investigator Jake Gittes.  Gittes is hired by a woman named Evelyn Mulwray, played by Faye Dunaway, to investigate her husband that she believes is being unfaithful.  Like any case that is taken that seems simple gets far more than he bargained for as he learns of the corruption of the wealthy Noah Cross, played by John Huston.  Perry Lopez, John Hillerman, Darrell Zwerling, Diane Ladd, Roy Jenson, Richard Bakalyan, Joe Mantell, Bruce Glover, Nandu Hinds, James Hong, Noble Willingham, Rance Howard, Burt Young, and many others co-star in this Neo-Noir.  This has a very authentic feel to it and is a good throwback to the classic Film Noirs of the '40s.  There are lots of twists and turns with the murders and betrayals going on.  This remains one of Nicholson's best films and rightfully so.

The Dream Catcher (1999):  Ed Radtke directed and co-wrote this independent film that references my state of Indiana.  Maurice Compte stars as abandoned Philadelphia teen Freddy sets out to find his uncle in Indiana.  When getting to Ohio, he is joined by homeless teen Albert, played by Paddy Connor, as they set out on an unforgettable and even sad road journey of unattainable goals.  Jeanne Heaton, Joseph Arthur, Patrick Shining Elk, Larry John Meyers, John Thomas and David Reece co-star in this independent film.  This was a very well directed and acted road film by an unknown cast and crew.  This is a story of the unrealistic American Dream as these troublemaking teens set out for better lives.  This is a good story of hope and pain and deserves a look.

Strangers on a Train (1951):  This is part three of my Alfred Hitchcock trilogy and is my favorite Hitchcock film.  Hitchcock directed this film that is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith.  Farley Granger stars as tennis pro Guy Haines who is looking to get a divorce from his estranged wife.  While on a train, he meets Bruno Antony, played by Robert Walker, who recognizes Haines and is aware of his situation.  Antony wants to get rid of his hated father and presents Haines with an interesting idea of a "murder swap".  Haines laughs it off but soon learns that Antony is quite serious about it.  Ruth Roman, Leo G. Carroll, Patricia Hitchcock, Kasey Rogers, Marion Lorne, Jonathan Hale, Howard St. John, Norma Varden, Robert Gist, and many others co-star in this film.  This has a great blend of suspense and Hitchcock's usual dark humor.  This has been parodied and borrowed a lot through the years including the climax at the carousel ride.  A notable parody is the 1987 comedy THROW MOMMA FROM A TRAIN and could make a good double feature.  

C'mon, C'mon (2021):  Mike Mills wrote and directed this independent film.  Joaquin Phoenix stars as radio journalist Johnny whose sister Viv, played by Gaby Hoffman, asks him to watch her son Jesse, played by Woody Norman, while she deals with some personal issues.  This is a new experience for Johnny as they get to know each other better and changing Johnny's outlook on certain things.  Scoot McNairy, Jaboukie Young-White, Deborah Strong, and many others co-star in this film.  Phoenix is a lot lighter in his performance and kind of a coming age story for him.  I don't usually mention production companies but this was done through A24 productions and they manage to make just about anything work.  This movie is no exception with its performances and script.  

Nightmare Alley (1947):  Edmund Goulding directed this film that is based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham.  Tyrone Power stars as the ambitious con man Stan Carlisle who is working a sideshow as a carny and the of the mentalist Zeena Krumbein, played by Joan Blondell.  He also learns the code of the carny in order to make it look like he is reading minds and goes on the ride but also falls.  Colleen Gray, Helen Walker, Taylor Holmes, Mike Mazurski, Ian Keith, and many others co-star in this Film Noir.  This would be remade in 2021 with Ryan Gosling at the helm.  I have not see that version as of yet but intend to watch it in the coming weeks.  This is still a pretty compelling film and I believe this had a forced ending so I will check the newer one out to see if it is any different in that regard.  

OT:  Our Town (2002):  This is my documentary for the week which was directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy.  This takes part in Dominguez High School in Compton, California where a play has not been done in 20 years.  A couple of ambitious teachers who have no budget or stage decide to put on a production of Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN.  This chronicles the ups and downs of the teachers and students trying to put on the production that is straight out of Compton.  This also shows a lot of clips of the 1977 movie version with Hal Holbrook so it might be beneficial to watch the first and then how they relate this play that is in Compton.  This is a good look at trying to bring something positive to the infamous town.  Having been in this production in September, I enjoyed seeing other people trying to put together their own show.

Slap Shot (1977):  This is part three of my Paul Newman trilogy.  George Roy Hill directed this hockey comedy.  Newman stars as player/coach Reggie Dunlap who coaches a struggling minor league hockey team in Pennsylvania that is losing its local mill.  He looks to get them more on the violent side and to be more entertaining which starts with the overly aggressive Hanson brothers, played by Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, and David Hanson.  This starts to get the fans more behind them but at what price?  Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin, Jennifer Warren, Lindsay Crouse, Jerry Houser, Andrew Duncan, Yvon Barrette, Allan F. Nicholls, Brad Sullivan, Stephen Mendillo, Yvan Ponton, Matthew Cowles, Kathryn Walker, Melinda Dillon, and many others co-star in this sports comedy.  This has been regarded as a cult classic through the years and Newman has said this was the movie he had the most fun.  I suppose this could be considered and underdog movie, just not the conventional sort.  For wrestling fans out there, Paul Heyman would use the Hanson Brothers as the inspiration his stable the Dudley Brothers which would put out one of the best tag teams of all time in the Dudley Boys.  

Revolutionary Road (2008):  This is part four of my six part Kate Winslet series and part one of a four-part series for Zoe Kazan.  Sam Mendes directed this film that is based on the novel by Richard Yates.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite in this film as '50s suburban married couple Frank and April Wheeler.  They are a struggling couple trying to keep it together and raise their two children.  Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, Kathy Bates, Ty Simpkins, Ricahrd Easton, Ryan Simpkins, Dylan Baker, Zoe Kazan, Max Casella, and many others co-star in this film.  As most might know, DiCaprio and Winslet were in the 1997 film TITANIC.  This one takes a look at the dark side of the American dream and the kind of front we put on for others.  It is hard to really describe this beyond what I already did so just take a look at it and could make a good double feature to go with AMERICAN BEAUTY.

Well, that is it for this week.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for two weeks which so far includes Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Cary Grant, Glenn Close, and many others.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 890th Edition

Welcome to the 890th edition of my series.  I would like to announce that I got a part in the play THE ORPHAN TRAIN and make my return to the Pulse Opera House in Warren, Indiana.  This will be three weeks long being the last two weekends in April and the first weekend in May.  I will have more details as time goes on.  Tonight is going to be like a holiday for many with the Oscars happening.  I will be paying close attention to who wins but will move on with my life whoever wins.  I think I've said enough so I will move on now for my selections.

Our Town (2003):  This is part two of my Paul Newman trilogy.  James Naughton directed this adaptation of the classic Thornton Wilder play.    Newman stars as the Stage Manager which is essentially the narrator of this show about the fictional small town of Grover's Corner in the early 20th century.  This deals with general small town life and death and the routines of multiple characters typical of a small town.  Jayne Atkinson, Frank Converse, Jane Curtin, Jeffrey DeMunn, Mia Dillon, Conor Donovan, Kristen Hahn, Maggie Lacey, Stephen Mendillo, Stephen Spinella, T.J. Sullivan, Jake Robards, and many others co-star in this adaptation.  This is shot more like a play and keeps the limited set and lack of props which the play calls for.  I was in this show last year where I got to play Simon Stimson and Howie Newsome and gave me a different appreciation for this story.  This is a very simple but effective story with Newman perfect as the Stage Manager.

The Blue Lagoon (1980):  Randal Kleiser directed this film based on the novel by Henry De Vere Stacpoole.  Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins star as stranded teens Emmeline and Richard who are Victorian era teens and have been stranded on a tropical island since they were kids having to fend for themselves.  Leo McKern and William Daniels also co-star in this movie.  This is a good look the naivete of these teens as they have not really had any adults to teach them anything as their hormones begin.  There were a couple of other versions before this but this appears to be the most popular of them all.  This is probably Shields's most known movie and works well with Atkins.  This is a beautifully shot movie that deserves a look.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991):  Jon Avnet directed this film based on the novel by Fannie Flagg.  Kathy Bates stars as housewife Evelyn Couch who is in a troubled marriage and finds refuge in the elderly nursing home Ninny Threadgoode, played by Jessica Tandy, while visiting her husband's aunt.  Ninny tells the story of Igbie Threadgoode, played by Mary Stuart Masterson, and her friend Ruth Jamison, played by Mary-Louise Parker, who were young women in '20s Alabama.  As Evelyn learns about these people, it inspires her to be more proactive in her life and form a lifelong friendship with Ninny.  Cicely Tyson, Chris O'Donnell, Stan Shaw, Gailard Sartain, Timothy Scott, Jo Harvey Allen, Macon McCalman, Richard Riehle, Raynor Scheine, Grace Zabriskie, and many others co-star in this film.  This is essentially a story within a story where it flashed back and forth to the modern and older era.  This does a good job dealing with life's everyday issues from life, loss, friendship, and even some elements of racism being in '20s Alabama.  This is a beautiful film that tugs with about every emotion.  

James Baldwin:  From Another Place (1973):  This is my short film for the week which was directed by Sedat Pakay.  This features the famous writer when he was in Istanbul, Turkey where he reflects on multiple subjects including how different it is to be in another country and the generosity of the Turks.  He has a lot of other insights of life.  This is only about 12 minutes long and is available on the Criterion Channel as well as a James Baldwin category.

History is Made at Night (1937):  Frank Borzage directed this romantic drama.  Jean Arthur stars as divorcee Irene Vail who manages to leave her domineering husband Bruce, played by Colin Clive.  She falls for the charming Parisian man Paul Dumond, played by Charles Boyer, but Bruce does not accept divorce and makes life difficult for his ex-wife and her new love.  Leo Carrillo, Ivan Lebedeff, George Meeker, Lucien Prival, George Davis, and many others co-star in this film.  Clive is most known as Henry Frankenstein in the Universal films from the era and shows he can play obsessive people very well in this one.  This has gone onto be a a very underrated film with a great duo of Boyer and Arthur.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.

Rebecca (1940):  This is part two of my Alfred Hitchcock trilogy.  Hitchcock directed this film based on the novel by Daphne Du Maurier.  Joan Fontaine stars as a young woman who marries a widowed aristocrat in Maxim de Winter, played by Laurence Olivier, becoming the new Mrs. de Winter.  While there she must contend with the memories of Maxim's late wife Rebecca and the scheming Mrs. Danvers, played by Dame Judith Anderson.  George Sanders, Nigel Bruce, Reginald Denny, C. Aubrey Smith, Gladys Cooper, Florence Bates, Leo G. Carroll, Leonard Carey, Lumsden Hare, Edward Fielding, and my others co-star in this film.  This was a bit different for our Master of Suspense.  Usually he specializes in a bit of dark comedy with people being put in realistic horrid situations.  This is more of a psychological thriller and is very atmospheric and dark.  

Ant-Man and the Wasp:  Quantumania (2023):  I made my way to the locally owned theater in Alexandria to see this one.  Peyton Reed directed this entry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  To make a long story short Scott Lang, reprised by Paul Rudd, Hope Van Dyne, reprised by Evangeline Lilly, Hank Pym, reprised by Michael Douglas, Janet Van Dyne, reprised by Michelle Pfeiffer, and Scott's daughter Cassie, played by Kathryn Newton.  Cassie has taken on her own suit and her curiosity of the Quantum realm leads them into it where Janet's past comes to haunt her a bit.  Jonathan Majors co-stars as Kang the Conqueror who has made life difficult for those in the quantum realm.  Bill Murray, Katy O'Brian, William Jackson Harper, Jamie Andrew Cutler, David Dastmalchian, Randall Park, and many others co-star in this film.  This has quite the STAR WARS feel to it.  I doubt I'm going to rank this extremely high in the MCU but I still had fun though I am a sucker for the universe.  I loved the quantum world and the diverse characters within it.  There are mid-credit and end-credit scenes so stay tuned.

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949):  Dennis the Library Menace showed us this dark British comedy at the Cinemuncie series at the library.  Robert Hamer directed this crime comedy based on the novel by Roy Horniman.  Dennis Price stars as Louis who is a distant and poor relative of the D'Ascoyne family and looks to take the title of Duke.  For this to happen, he must murder eight other heirs, all of which played by Alec Guinness, in his way of succession.  Valerie Hobson, Joan Greenwood, Audrey Fildes, Miles Malleson, Clive Morton, John Penrose, Cecil Rampage, Hugh Griffith, and many others co-star in this comedy.  This is very dark and dry to say the least but does deliver some laughs.  Guinness is great in his multiple roles.  This is great for those that love the dry British humor.

The Glass House (1972):  This is my tv movie for the week which was directed by Tom Gries and based on a story by Truman Capote.  Alan Alda stars as college professor Jonathan Paige who has been convicted of manslaughter and beginning the first day of his sentence.  Clu Gulager co-stars as Brian Courtland who is beginning his first day on the job as a prison guard.  They both see corruption happening in the prison and try to address it.  Vic Morrow, Billy Dee Williams, Kristoffer Tabori, Dean Jagger, Scott Hylands, and many others co-star in this tv movie.  This movie is far more complex than what I described.  This takes a look at the flaws in the prison system with both the employees and some of the prisoners that are enabled by corrupt employees.  This took place in real-life prison and much of the extras were actual inmates.  This is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017):  This is part three of my six-part Kate Winslet series.  I end the week with this Studio Ghibli anime film which was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and based on the book THE LITTLE BROOMSTICK by Mary Stewart.  Mary, voiced by Ruby Barnhill, is a young country girl that follows a mysterious cat and comes across an old broomstick that was supernatural.  This leads her to a magic school run by headmistress Madam Mumblechook, voice by Winslet, and Doctor Dee, voiced by Jim Broadbent, and finds bad things are happening at this school.  Ewen Bremner, Lynda Baron, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Morwenna Banks, Teresa Gallagher, Rasmus Hardiker, and many others provide their voice to the American version of this Anime film.  This is a very beautiful film visually.  It is also a good movie for the family to watch.  

Well, that is it for this week but keep on reading for my segment "The Short End of the Stick" where I feature a documentary short.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week which so far includes Hugh Grant, Faye Dunaway, Alfred Hitchcock, Joaquin Phoenix, and many others.

THE SHORT END OF THE STICK

Stranger at the Gate (2022):  I unexpectedly came upon this Oscar nominated documentary short last week with a post from my friend Zach and it takes place in my own town of Muncie, Indiana.  Joshua Seftel directed this documentary short that as mentioned was in my town and was not aware of until recently.  A marine veteran sets out to blow up the Islamic Center of Muncie being convinced that Muslims are all terrorists.  Things took an unexpected turn when coming face to face with those he set out to kill.  This is really an inspirational story that I think everyone needs to see.  I am not just saying that because I live in Muncie, I am saying it because it is a great story of one man's hate being overcome by love.  This is available to watch on Youtube.