101 Dalmatians 1996. 103 minutes. Color. Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson The Story: A Disney live action flick where two Dalmatians get their masters together. When an incredibly evil villain steals their young puppies to make fur coats out of them. A great adventure, untainted by stupid dubbed in comments for the animals. Other notes: Great children's film, good for some chuckles. Watch with kids, great for those winter vacations at home. Breakfast in Hollywood 1946. 90 minutes. Black and white. Tom Breneman, Bonita Granville, Beulah Bondi The Story: A plotless but amusing view into the world of a radio show where ordinary people go to a restaurant in Hollywood to each a breakfast that has live interviews with the people broadcast on the radio. Notes: Watch for Spike Jones, a very unique musician for his time. For a unique experience download an MP3 of his song "You Always Hurt the Ones You Love." Bright Eyes 1934. 83 minutes. Black and white Shirley Temple, James Dunn, Lois Wilson The Story: A little girl lives in the house of a rich family, where her mother is a maid. She grows closer to her deceased father's friends who work at an aiport over time, and turns to one of them when tragedy strikes. Notes: This is a classic film, and in my opinion one of the best Shirley Temple movies. (By the way, the worst is probably the "Blue Bird of Happiness" just because she is so out of character) Chicken Run 2000. 84 minutes. Color. Animated. Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson The Story: A bunch of barnyard chickens start missing their egg quota and the malicious Mrs. Tweedy needs to profit from them somehow. When a mysterious rooster arrives and then a large box, the chickens realize that it's time to fly the coop. Notes: Ideal for "Wallace & Gromit" fans (Wensleydale!!!). As well, those who have seen WWII escape movies will appreciate some references in it...if only I knew what they were talking about... Christy 1994. 110 minutes. color. Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly, Randall Batinkoff. The Story: A girl goes to the Smoky Mountains to be a teacher for a small backwoods community. She finds herself in a very different world and encounters various conflicts along the way. Notes: This also launches into a spinoff series. There was a book before it, but I haven't read it yet. Based loosely on a true story. The Color of Friendship 2000. 87 minutes. Color. Lindsey Haun, Shadia Simmons, Carl Lumbly The Story: During the age of apartheid in South Africa, a white girl wants to be an exchange student in the US. Meanwhile, an African-American girl begs her parents to have an African exchange student at their house. What develops is not only a friendship, but a realization of the times for both countries. Note: Great for learning about African-American history. This Disney channel flick is based on a true story. It might help to read about the subject after seeing the movie. Covenant Rider 1994. 120 minutes. Color. Willie George, Kenneth Copeland, Ken Blount. The story: The nephew of a US marshal in the West is kidnapped in a shootout by some outlaws. Two US Marshals have to go on a journey to rescue him, and at the same time avoid an ambush from a powerful gun-running enemy. Note: High quality movie from Willie George Ministries. It's actually a sequel to the Gunslinger. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon PG-13 2000 120 min. color. (dubbed or subtitled) Chow Yun-Fat, Cheng Pei-pei, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi The Story: An ancient sword is snatched and must be found. Meanwhile, an aristocrat's daughter is engaged, but would rather follow a female warrior that she befriends. Note: This is one movie that the whole stinking entertainment movie will be referencing FOREVER. So, you may as well see it, but see it SUBTITLED, since dubbed never has the same quality. It is a good movie, once you understand what is going on... Duck Soup 1933. 70 min. Black and white. Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont The Story: A bumbling gentleman is sent to help save the kingdom of Freedonia, amid some of the best Marx Brothers antics. Note: Listen to the dialogue carefully (rewind when necessary), or you'll miss little zingers. Emperor's New Groove 2000. 78 minutes. Color, animated. David Spade, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman. The Story: A bratty king plots to demolish a village in some ancient Central American culture, but is turned into a llama by his chief advisor. He needs to return to the palace, enlisting the aid of the villager whose village is on tap for being destroyed. Note: This isn't a Disney summer feature release (it was a winter release). But, it's definitely on par with them. Very, very funny. Extreme Days PG. 2001. 93 minutes. color. Dante Basco, Ryan Browning, AJ Buckley, Derek Hamilton, Cassidy Rae The Story: Four guys (and a girl who's a cousin to one of them) go on a extreme sport-trekking road trip up the west coast. Note: For those who are disgusted with the present teen movies (teens seeking to plot revenge, or just going on R-rated road trips) will find this movie refreshing. It's rated PG, and is funny without being...perverse George of the Jungle PG. 1997. 92 minutes. Color. Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, Thomas Haden Church The Story: Just as in the classic cartoon, Baby George is abandoned in the jungle, only to be raised by Ape. Meanwhile, a wealthy Ursula is on a trip with her obnoxious fiancee. What happens when George meets Ursula? Why don't you watch to find out. Note: This isn't a serious movie. It borders on being extremely stupid ("Dudley Do-Right" was worse). But, it's great for one of those vegeatating moments in front of the TV. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken 1966. 90 minutes. Color. Don Knotts, Joan Staley, Liam Redmond The Story: A nervous newspaper typesetter wants to be a published author, and thinks that he's found the story behind an abandoned house. Note: This isn't horror; it's just Don Knotts doing his thing.The movie is very amusing, if you've seen the older (read: black and white) Andy Griffith Show episodes. The Gunslinger 1992. 120 minutes. Color. Wille George, Kenneth Copeland, Ken Blount. The Story: A former outlaw is sworn in as a US Marshal, only to be struck during a shootout and brought back into his old gang. Note: This is another Willie George Ministries production. This is the first of a trilogy, and is of very high quality. The Hiding Place 1975. 150 minutes. Color. Jeannette Clift, Julie Harris, Arthur O'Connell The Story: The watch-making family the Ten Booms work to help hide Jews during WWII. When they are turned in, Corrie and her sister Betsy must try to endure the concentration camps. Note: This is a slow moving movie at the start. But, it is a very beautiful work. To get a fuller idea of the story, find the book on the true story, "The Hiding Place," by Corrie ten Boom. It's a Wonderful Life 1946. 130 minutes. Black and White James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers The Story: In a classic Christmas Tale, a man goes through his life dreaming of travel. After selflessly working to help his town and save the family business, an angel is sent to prevent him from committing suicide. Note: It's a classic. Let's just leave it at that. Lady and the Tramp G. 1955. 75 min. color, animated. Peggy Lee, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts II The Story: A young cocker spaniel of the "leash and collar" area meets up with a mutt. They must see how they can get past their differences to find true puppy love. Note: It's an oldie, but goodie. The few songs are very interesting. If you hate cats don't bother. The Lady Says No 1952. 80 minutes. Black and White. David Niven, Joan Caulfield, James Robertson Justice The Story: A feminist of the '50s is being featured in a magazine story, and the photographer seems determined to delve beyond her cool exterior. Note: I've read some pretty angry reviews with those who are fans of David Niven. But, this movie does give us some interesting insight into the era. It allows you to consider how the movement of feminism has progressed (perhaps too far...) Life is Beautiful PG-13. 1998. 118 minutes. Color (dubbed or subtitled) Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi The Story: An Italian clownish man marries his sweetheart and is later sent to concentration camps. He tries to use his humor to keep up spirits, and at the same time hide his young son from certain death. Note: This is a beautiful movie. At first it may seem almost mocking of the situation, or skewed. But, if you watch the whole movie in full, I promise that you wil finally understand it's message. That's the problem with critics today; they stop short of the end and criticize based on a part. Oh, and get the subtitled version, by all means! The Lion King 1994. 89 min. color, animated. Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson The Story: Modern Disney classic features a young lion destined to become king, but must deal with the death of his father and his conniving uncle. Will he be able to realize that he truly is the king? Note: I remember seeing this in the theatre. It is a classic and the sequel made does no justice for it whatsoever. Lord of the Rings:The Fellowship of the Ring PG-13 2001 165 min. color. Elijah Wood, Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, etc. The Story: In Middle Earth, a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins must bring the Ring of Power to the Fires of Mordor, or else face the end of the world that he knows. Note: It's a long movie, but worth every minute. It's sure to become a classic of the new millennium. The Mask of Zorro PG-13 1998 136 min. Color. Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones The Story: In the movie with something for everybody, Zorro is tricked by his archrival and is imprisoned for years. In a daring escape, he realizes that his moment for revenge has come and he must train a young protege to help him. Note: The movie isn't dull at all; it moves very nicely. See the full version, and not one adapted for TV. McLintock! 1963. 127 minutes. Color John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Stefanie Powers, Chill Wills The Story: A cattle baron, who always seems to be in control, can't control his pushy wife and must deal with the town talking about him, settlers moving in, and mistreatment of Native Americans. Note: Many believe that this is one John Wayne's best movies; I haven't seen too many that I recall, but this movie is great just as a movie. Milo and Otis 1986. 76 minutes. Color. Narrated by Dudley Moore. The Story: A kitten and a pug dog grow up together on a farm. When the cat is swept away while in a box on a river, the pug goes on an adventure to find him. Note: This was originally a Japanese film. It's a cute movie, with a narration of the story, instead of separte, dubbed voices (don't think of "Homeward Bound"). | Moonraker PG 1979 135 min. color Roger Moore, Michael Lonsdale, Lois Chiles, Richard Kiel, Bernard Lee The Story: 007 is on a mission to find a lost spaceship, goes globe-hopping and gets into his usual scrapes. Note: What makes this movie so interesting is its comedic points. There are little things that catch people, such as sci-fi references and the fact that Jaws (played by Richard Kiel) is in it. My Dear Secretary Not Rated by MPAA. 1948 94 min. B&W Kirk Douglas, Laraine Day, Keenan Wynn The Story: A writer goes through secretaries faster than tissues, but finally finds one that he really likes. As he works on his new novel, can he possibly get her to stay? Note: Watch for the cleaning lady, Mary. She sings "I've Got a Cold in My Nose" for the character Ronnie, and has a very distinct voice. Actually, she happens to be Irene Ryan, who went on to play "Granny" in the "Beverly Hillbillies." My Fair Lady 1964. 170 minutes. Color. Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway The Story: In the Pygmalion adaptation, a speech professor tries to turn a flower girl from the gutters of London and turn her into a lady. The music goes very well along with the story, and all of the characters learn something of each other. Note: Unfortunately, Audrey Hepburn had her vocals dubbed for this musical. Nevertheless, don't let that stop you from enjoying the music. And while you're at it, check out the story of Pygmalion... Not Quite Human 2 1989 91 min. color Jay Underwood, Alan Thicke, Katie Barberi The Story: An android has successfully completed high school and now plans to go to college. His very concerned father decides to follow him, and ends up trying to battle a computer virus placed in his "son." Note: This is one of three movies based on the android "Chip." I think that this is one of the best out of the three. On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969. 140 minutes. Color. George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas The Story: In George Lazenby's only run as 007, Bond goes after the perennial Bloefeld, and runs into a situation where the daughter of a mob boss is involved. Note: I don't know why they dumped Lazenby; he wasn't that bad (Mya claims its his chin...). The Princess Bride 1987. 98 minutes. Color. Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Robin Wright Penn The Story: A grandfather tells his sick grandson a fairy tale of a princess who has found true love and nearly loses it. The tale involves giants, battles of wit, and daring escapes. Note: Yes, the boy is from "The Wonder Years." (I never did watch that series). Um...who hasn't seen this movie? Remember the Titans 2000. 113 minutes. Color. Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Craig Kirkwood The Story: A high school is integrated after years of segregation and the football team must deal with this as well. The team has a fight ahead of them...against themselves. Note: This movie, based on the script, was going to be rated R. But, some intelligent person found that it was a particularly valuable thing, and cut most of the foul language from it. Bon appetit. Return of the Jedi PG 1983 133 min. Color. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, etc. The Story: In the conclusion of the Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker is told he must confront his father, and spends his time facing the dual of his destiny. Meanwhile, the Rebel forces have to work to destroy the Death Star II. Note: I know everyone says the "Empire Strikes Back" was the best ever, but I really liked this one. Actually, it was the first Star Wars film that I saw. Robin Hood: Men in Tights 1993. 104 minute. Color. Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis II, Roger Rees, Amy Yasbeck The Story: Mel Brooks twists the classic Robin Hood tale (the plot runs closely with that of "Prince of Thieves") and creates insanity in jolly Sherwood. Note: Don't watch the TV adaptation. It loses all of the laughs. Rudolf, The Red-Nosed Reindeer 1964. 47 minutes. Color, animated. Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann, Billie Mae Richards The Story: "Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose..." It's a classic in claymations, and is essential to see every Christmas season. Note: If you can see it on video, you might see a few quick segments here and there that they cut from TV. Samson and Delilah 1949. 131 minutes. Color. Hedy Lamarr, Victor Mature, Angela Lansbury The Story: In the Biblical tale, Samson becomes the hero of Israel, but is headed for a downfall when he meets up with the society of the Philistines. Note: This is a Cecil B. DeMille, but it isn't as epic as "The Ten Commandments." Not to mention, it's closer to the actual story. Definitely worth seeing. Santa Claus: The Movie 1985. 107 minutes. Color. Dudley Moore, John Lithgow, David Huddleston The Story: Santa needs a head elf to help him, and has a contest. When his industrious winner proves to be lacking in quality, as opposed to quantity, the elf heads off for the real world and tries to work out a deal with a toy tycoon. Note: I love this movie, and if you don't, I really don't care. "Puce!" Shrek 2001. 90 minutes. Color. Animated. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz The Story: An ogre is the main character in a fractured, computer animated fairy tale. He wants peace and quiet in his swamp, and doesn't want every fairy tale character is history camped out there. So, he makes a deal with a vertically challenged ruler. Note: It's funny. It's good. Watch it. You'll like it. Singin' in the Rain 1952 103 min. color Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell The Story: A movie studio goes to make the change from silent to talkie movies, but their star actress has a horrendous voice. Their new film is headed for heckling in history if the male lead can't find a solution. Note: Debbie Reynolds is the mother of Carrie Fisher. This is a musical, and Donald O'Connor is sure to make you laugh. One of the best musicals of all time. Snow White and the Three Stooges 1961. 107 minutes. Color. Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Joe DeRita, Carol Heiss The Story: The usual Snow White tale is changed when Prince Charming is a man suffering from amnesia and traveling with the Three Stooges. They try to resuce Snow White and bring the kingdom back to its rightful place. Note: Carol Heiss was an Olympian and a fabulous skater at one time. This was her only real acting role. The Sound of Music 1965 174 min. color Julie Andrews, Peggy Wood, Christopher Plummer, etc. The Story: A nun-in-waiting is sent to be a governess for seven children. While she is less than perfect, she finds that she may have a different calling in life. Note: Probably THE best musical of all time. Julie Andrews is in her defining role. It's a little long, but is a wonderful film. South Pacific 2001. 129 minutes. Color. Glenn Close, Harry Connick Jr., Rade Serbedzija The Story: During WWII, a woman working on an island in the South Pacific is persuaded to befriend a French planter and help her country. Two stories form, with both seeing that prejudice is something that just about anyone can have. Note: This is a newer version of the classic. Both have their good qualities. I love the scenery used in this, and the set-up. While Glenn Close may be seen as a little old for this role, I think she plays her part beautifully. Space Balls 1987. 96 min. color Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga The Story: A Princess in a galatic farse runs away from her wedding, while a space pilot-for-hire goes to bring her back. Meanwhile, the evil Dark Helmet is working with a President to take all of the air from her home planet, Druidia. Note: There are sooooo many sci-fi references. It's Mel Brooks at his best. If you love sci-fi, see because. Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones 2002. 143 minutes. Color. Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor The Story: Senator Amidala's life is in danger and Anakin is assigned to protect her. He forms an interest in her, but at the same time battles a cloud of darkness descending on him. Note: This is better than Episode I. I love so much about it, except for Hayden Christensen. I mean, he plays the part well, but I don't like him... The Swiss Family Robinson 1960. 126 minutes. Color John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur The Story: A family is marooned on an island, and builds a small piece of paradise in the process. Includes pirates, adventure, and is just a great example of what Disney could really put out Note: This was really filmed on an island, but the house at Disney World in Florida is disappointing. Time Bandits 1981. 116 minutes. Color. John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall. The Story: Dwarves steal the map of the universe from the Supreme Being, and end up taking a boy with them on their time-hopping adventures. Note: It's a British film, but the accents aren't too hard to get around. Very funny. Toy Story 2 G 1999 92 min. animated color. Tom Hanks, Wayne Knight, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, etc. The Story: A boy gets a new toy for his birthday, knocking former favorite toy cowboy to slot #2. Note: It's history: the first ever full-length, feature-film computer animated thingy. West Side Story 1961. 151 minutes. Color. Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno The story: Two gangs in 1960's New York clash as two young members of each neighborhood fall in love, causing trouble. Note: It's loosely based on "Romeo and Juliet." Don't whine about the choreography; it's classic. The Wizard of Oz The story: A girl runs away from home, returning just to get caught in a Tornado be sent out of her present world, on an adventure to Oz. Note: Read Baum's book; it has some interesting differences. Also, it just might have some connections with politics if you read into it. White Christmas 1954. 120 minutes. Color. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen The story: a song and dance pair team up with a sister act in an effort to save an inn in Vermont, run by their former officer in WWII. Note: Some say it's a redo of "Holiday Inn". WAAAH. I really don't care. Just watch and enjoy. |