It is no secret that I love lists.
So when AFI recently released their Top 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres, I was quite happy.
Here are the categories:
Enjoy, and feel free to share which of their choices you strongly agree or disagree with (and I will do the same when I have more time).
This week was the 20 year anniversary of Bull Durham. Not only was it one of best sports films ever made, that speech is a classic (writer/director Ron Shelton was nominated for an Oscar for Original Screenplay, which most people don’t remember). I was only 15 when I saw it in the theater, so obviously a few of those lines didn’t really sink in at the time, but the movie has always been a favorite. And you have to admit that it’s one of Costner’s better performances. Ever.
ESPN The Magazine has a great series of interviews posted right now with Costner, Tim Robbins and Ron Shelton.
Hard to believe that Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon met on the set of this film twenty years ago…and that both of them and Costner are now all Oscar winning actors (Costner for Dances with Wolves, Sarandon for Dead Man Walking, Robbins for Mystic River).
Bull Durham is the type of movie that remains timeless and very entertaining; it’s the film you stop channel surfing for on a Saturday afternoon, and one you enjoy regardless of whether or not you’re a baseball fan.
By the way, Shelton is in pre-production for an adaptation of the Barry Bonds book Game of Shadows (for HBO Films). Given his track record with various sports movies (Bull Durham, White Men Can’t Jump, Tin Cup), he seems a very appropriate choice to write and direct this one.
Because I’m always asked what’s on TV during the summer and which films I’d pay to see in theaters, I thought I’d try a new weekly installment. Let’s see if I can stick to it.
On tap/wishful thinking…
Netflix
TV
Worthy of $10+
Although to be honest, the next film that I’m really looking forward to seeing right away is Wanted (June 27).
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I admit it, I really like Katherine Heigl.
I tried not to like 27 Dresses. I knew that Heigl couldn’t possibly follow Knocked Up with something as funny or well scripted. And I was right. But the thing is…it wasn’t bad. Formulaic? Sure. But so was Sex & the City.
I’m not quite ready to crown Heigl the next Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, but she fills the shoes far better than Cameron Diaz (whoever continues to force her upon us in broad romantic comedies is probably the same delusional person who thinks Edward Burns is the next Richard Gere or Tom Hanks; he’s not, he’s grating, it has to stop).
Yes, I’ve heard the rumblings about Heigl trying to get out of her Grey’s Anatomy contract. And I know that she just removed herself from Emmy contention. I’m not one for addressing celebrity gossip or perpetuating rumors, so all I will say about that is…I don’t really care. I’m more interested in her next few film choices, and if she will have more success than Jennifer Aniston did after ditching a very lucrative television career for a chance to shine on the big screen.
As for 27 Dresses, it’s a rainy day rental. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna clearly has her pen on the pulse of contemporary women (she also penned The Devil Wears Prada).
But the best part about the movie was actually James Marsden, who continues to prove that he is a very diverse and appealing actor; he has nailed both the charming leading man role (Enchanted, Hairspray) and the action-packed ensemble player (X-Men, Superman Returns). I’m much more likely to see a film with Marsden than I am one starring Patrick Dempsey, to be honest.
Have any of you seen 27 Dresses? Let me know what you thought…
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Strangely, this brief review mirrors how I felt about the new Indiana Jones…
Going into the theater, my expectations were low. The television series was great at times…and also dragged on during certain points. But I knew that the film would maintain the same spirit as the show.
The big screen adaptation of Sex & The City was entertaining and familiar. That’s all. That’s it.
The writers made sure to pepper the film with doses of harsh realities, so it wasn’t all fun and games for the beloved foursome. But it felt like 5 episodes smashed into one, complete with cheesy in-jokes and outrageous outfits. I laughed out loud twice during the entire 2+ hours, but judging by the giggles and cheers, the majority of the audience clearly enjoyed the movie more than me.
I recommend Sex & The City as a rental. But I have Seasons 1-3 on DVD at home, and look forward to revisiting the ladies from those stellar episodes instead.