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 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 help you through the Pandemic #49: Groundhog Day (1993.) Groundhog Day is a redemption story in the guise of a comedic puff pastry. The movie stars the always funny Bill Murray and eighties film queen Andie McDowell, as well as Chris Elliot, who continues to make us laugh is Shitt’s Creek. This movie never gets old.
A Movie Lover’s Search for Romance was a finalist in the Book Excellence Awards!
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 help you through the Pandemic #47: Summer of Sam (1999.) A film about the 1976-1977 killing spree in New York may not seem like entertainment, but it’s enthralling. The killer, David Berkowitz, remains in prison in New York. If you feel like going out of your comfort zone this Spike Lee film will not disappoint.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the Pandemic #40: GoodFellas. I love many Scorsese films, but I chose this one for its sweeping view and for making me feel that I understood mafia culture for the first. It’s epic movie making by another master who emerged in the 1970s.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the Pandemic #38: Forget Paris (1995.) This pleasant rom-com contains two scenes which always make me laugh uncontrollably. Watch it and see if Debra Winger and the pigeon don’t have the same effect on you.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the Pandemic #37: Nashville (1975.) The 1970s was a perfect time to fall in love with movies. It was an era that ushered in a wave of new talent. Nashville exemplifies much of the best of that decade, and is directed by one of stand outs of its time, the late Robert Altman. It also has a beautiful performance by Lily Tomlin in a serious role as the mother of two deaf children. There’s so much in this movie to enjoy and admire.
Joanna Charnas 