A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #51: Mostly Martha

| jcharnas

A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #53: Mostly Martha (2001.) What’s not to love about a movie in which a neurotic, controlling, German chef must care for her grieving, eight year old niece? This film is about what happens when personal growth and family love are forced to intertwine. If you don’t mind subtitles treat yourself to this smart, compelling film.

A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #50: The Hustler

| jcharnas

A Movie Lover’s Favorites to help you through the Pandemic #50: The Hustler (1961.) This film is a master class is great acting. Jackie Gleason, best known for starring on television in the Honeymooners, is sublime in his role as Minnesota Fats, and almost steals the movie from its star, Paul Newman. Grab a martini, sip it slowly, and for a brief while forget the Pandemic and pretend it’s 1961.

A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #48: Something’s Gotta Give

| jcharnas

A Movie Lover’s Favorites to help you through the Pandemic #48: Something’s Gotta Give (2003.) Diane Keaton performed in the original Broadway production of Hair (1968), and famously was the only cast member to remain clothed during a pivotal nude scene. You fully understand why she remains a movie star over five decades later when you watch Something’s Gotta Give. The rest of the cast is excellent, and the film has a smart script and crisp directing, but it’s her movie.

A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #47: The Last Picture Show

| jcharnas

A Movie Lover’s Favorites to help you through the Pandemic #47: The Last Picture Show (1971.) This movie is cinematic perfection. It’s fifty years old, but still feels fresh, and has many great performances, including an Oscar winning one by Cloris Leachman. (Yes, I saw it when I was eleven years old. Mom: What were you thinking? Thanks for all of the age inappropriate movies you took me to, and for fostering my passion for film. RIP.)

A MOVIE LOVER’S FAVORITES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE PANDEMIC #46: Klute

| jcharnas

A Movie Lover’s Favorites to help you through the Pandemic #46: Klute (1971.) I usually don’t like suspense, but Klute is an exception. The film is riveting, and Jane Fonda is at her best. Once I started fifth grade, my parents discarded all concerns for adult content, so I saw this movie when it was first released when I was eleven. It’s stayed with me, and held up beautifully