Going Away… Again

I’ll be in the Catskills for the next seven days. No computers, no TVs, no movies.

So I’ve selected five movies that you should see while I’m away.

Cinema Paradiso (1989) – The story of a unique and special friendship set ina small Italian village between Salvatore, a young boy and Alfredo, the theater projectionist. It reminds us why we love the movies. Watch this winner for Best Foreign Language film, and be swept away by the movie magic.

Brief Encounter (1945) – When two strangers (Celia Johson and Trevor Howard) meet at a railway station, they a tempted to cheat on their spouses. A simple yet deeply romantic tale of two people who know their love is impossible.

Muriel’s Wedding (1995) – To escape her dull life in Porpoise Spit, Australia, Muriel (Toni Collette) hides in her room, listening Abba music and dreaming of her wedding day. But when her so-called friends tell her to get out of their lives, Muriel finally takes action. She steals some money, moves to Sydney with her crazy friend Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), changes her name to Mariel, and turns her world upside down.

Garden State (2005) – Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns to New Jersey to attend his mother’s funeral. He is a complex individual who has avoided his family for the past nine years. Then he meets Sam (Natalie Portman) and Andrew is able to remember the simple pleasures in his life. (Plus, it was filmed in my town).

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) – When two screen legends (Bette Davis and Joan Crawford) collaborate, hopefully the results will be good. This is one example where it’s great. Bette Davis is Baby Jane Hudson, a former child star who has been long forgotten. Her sister Blanche (Crawford) became the bigger movie star until career was cut short in a horrific accident. But Jane remains a vindictive and jealous person in this riveting thriller.

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Basically, I LOVE these movies. They’re funny, suspenseful, romantic and just awesome. That’s why you should check them out. Expect an exam when I get back!