| They
make some of ‘em like they used to: My movie picks |
In
taking a break from writing about politics, the world’s
woes and various other maladies last month, I discovered
that I received more feedback from my column than ever before.
In fact, because of my piece on a Delta Running Club, one
such group has been formed thanks to the enormous response
I got.
That said, I thought I might continue in a non-political
vein and recommend some of my favorite movies to you all
and why I think they are worthwhile. You can call this a
“fluff” piece, but the movies I’m going
to mention are really quite edifying and—to my mind—extremely
well made and culturally important.
At the outset, let me say I am normally not a big movie
watcher. Most fare out of Hollywood today I find cheesy,
politically ignorant and plotless. I have no desire to see
“The Matrix”, any of it’s sequels or a
film about comic book characters or Sandra Bullock’s
love life. However, there are and have been exceptions on
the silver screen.
Most notably, I recently rented “The Emperor’s
Club” starring Kevin Kline. Run, don’t walk,
to your local video store and rent this movie. Let the kids
see it, too. Wonderfully written, superbly acted and ultimately
very touching, this film marks the talented Kline’s
best performance.
Older films, yet relatively easy to find or order, that
I admire are: “Tucker: The Man and His Dream”,
Francis Ford Coppola’s 1988 movie with Jeff Bridges
starring as Preston Tucker, the inventor of the famed Tucker
automobile. This movie is one of the few that defends capitalism
and American ingenuity against government interference.
An outstanding work that is also suitable for kids. Bridge’s
courtroom speech at his trial toward the end of the movie
is not to be missed.
1987 brought “The Name of The Rose” starring
Sean Connery. Based on the novel by Umberto Eco, this brilliant
film showcases the battle in the Dark Ages between reason
(as portrayed by Connnery’s role as the Aristotle-admiring
monk) versus extreme mysticism. The film does have several
graphic, almost-gratuitous scenes which are a little detracting,
but these do not dilute the powerful message. Christian
Slater also stars as the young assistant to Connery in one
of his first major roles.
“October Sky”, the true story of Homer Hickham’s
rise from the coal mines of West Virginia to NASA rocket
scientist, is practically flawless. The box-office failure
of this beautiful, inspiring movie speaks sad volumes about
our culture. Rent this for you and for your children.
Denzel Washington’s 2001 “Remember The Titans”
and the classic 1968 “In The Heat of the Night”
are two excellent films which tackle the issue of racism
head on and prove that the antidote to such ignorance is
individualism. Sidney Poitier’s performance as Detective
Virgil Tibbs in “In The Heat...” surely is one
of his best and most brilliant. See both if you haven’t
already.
The 1999 remake of “Les Miserables” starring
Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush is fantastic as is “The
Shawshank Redemption” with the great Morgan Freeman
and Tim Robbins. Also incredibly good is 2001’s “Chocolat”,
another one of the better recent movies I’ve seen.
My list could go on and on. There are a lot of outstanding
films I’m leaving out, most of which are already well
known, such as the brilliant and disturbing “Schindler’s
List.” And, or course, just about any sports movie
can get to me, such as “Rudy”, “Brian’s
Song”, “Chariots of Fire”, etc. I’m
leaving “The Waterboy” out on purpose.
So, grab the kids, get some popcorn and let me know what
you think of my choices or make some recommendations yourself.
My computer is always open at jack@coopwood.net. DBJ
Jack
Criss
DBJ Executive Editor
