#bmeotd

BMEotD #174 Overboard (1987)

I am proud to admit that this is my favorite movie of all time.  When I was a kid I used to get sick a lot and my mom would rent this for me.  Goldie Hawn plays Joanna Stayton, an uptight wealthy woman who disregards others who are not up to her standing.  Kurt Russell plays Dean Proffitt, the unfortunate carpenter who is forced to remodel her closet. He ends up getting stiffed for a job not to her liking and she throws him OVERBOARD.

Later that night or the next, (it's unclear) Joanna goes to the upper deck of her yacht to retrieve her wedding ring.  She, herself, falls OVERBOARD and ends up with amnesia.  Finding out this bit of information due to the fact that Joanna made the news, Dean decides to take advantage of her by pretending that they are married and that she is his little homemaker. 

When I found out years ago that Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell were together in real life, i was super ecstatic. I know that's silly but hey, I was 10.  I love this film because it's the ultimate feel good story about two unlikely people who fall in love.

BMEotD #157: True Lies (1994)

I grew up watching a lot, and I mean a lot of Arnold Schwarzenegger movies. From Commando to The Terminator, I couldn't get enough. One of my favorite "Arnie" films growing up was True Lies. However, re-watching it recently, I feel it may have been a little too adult for me. But no matter, I still loved it. And if you haven't yet had the honor, it's a must see.

I've always had this weird feeling that there is something off about True Lies, and I've finally figured out what it is. True Lies doesn't stick with one genre of film, it’s three rolled into one. The first third of the film is a suave/campy spy film, the second a funny romantic interlude focusing on husband and wife (played by Jamie Lee Curtis), and the third is an all out action frenzy with terrorists, guns, bombs, jets, car chases and everything else that will make any action fan spaz out. These three separate acts help True Lies carry on at a steady pace, and keep your interest for the entire film. It's pretty much an action movie for everyone.

The supporting cast in this film is awesome. You have the for mentioned Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold (he has some great one-liners), Tia Carrere, a young Eliza Dushku, and Bill Paxton playing the sleaziest used car salesman you've ever seen. It's amazing.

So action fan or not, I recommend checking out True Lies. You are bound to have a BLAST! It's maybe not for the kids though.

BMEotD #144: Henry Fool

There are films in the store that I think all On 15th employees latch on to as knee-jerk suggestions. You come up to them without stipulations (comedy/drama/newish/oldish) and lay the ol’ “do you have any recommendations?” on them.  Maybe you’re in a hurry or just frustrated because nothing’s calling your name, so the employees sense this and suggest these tried and true gems so you can be on your merry way, having succeeded in renting a film you know at least one video store employee enjoys. These are those films. They’re their favorite films in there.  Sorry, just wanted to use all three forms of that homophone in one sentence, because last night I re-watched one of these movies I so blindly suggest, Hal Hartley's Henry Fool, and boy do I heart this scene:

Kinda encapsulates the disjointed dry wit going on here.

When I first saw this movie I was 16, and as happens to 16 year olds, it ignited a few fires in me.  

A desire to write poetry: The film centers around the notion that that form of art can be immensely important, without ever really giving any examples of it. (I am not a poet)

A desire to act.  The delivery of lines in Hartley's films always feel like they’re making a statement about acting in general and how the artform can take itself too seriously, almost as if the characters themselves are making fun of the actors portraying them.  I find it to be very good in that way, but also obtainable.  Like, that is something I could do because that’s how I feel about it. (I am not an actor)

A desire to watch everything Parker Posey was in.  This speaks for itself, though there is a sequel to Henry Fool called Fay Grim that takes place ten years later and centers around her character.  I do not think this movie is very good.  Ask me at the store and I’ll tell you why. (I have not seen Broken English or Spring Breakdown)

Watching the film again last night just solidified its status as a great go to suggestion.  Doesn’t feel dated, still super funny, disturbing, cringeworthy, and inspiring as ever.  Get it.

Bonus points:

Kevin Corrigan, one of my upper echelon “Hey, it’s that guy” guys, plays a hysterical/horrible character named Warren. My name is Warren!

BMEotD #129: Silk Stalkings (1991-1999)

In 1991, Rita Lance and Chris Lorenzo were the hottest detectives to hit late night cable. Airing on the USA network at 11 pm or some insane hour like that, Mitzi Kapture and Rob Estes were sexy, steamy, and flashy and the audience ate them up. I know I did.

Being partners and best friends, these two enveloped you into their lives. They called one another "Sam" named after golf pro Sam Snead. It was sweet and the chemistry was there every step of the way. As a sucker for romance, I was always waiting for a kiss or and "I love you" that was more than just friendly.

Although the cases weren't the best and they re-cycled certain actors for different episodes (I noticed because I'm a nerd) I really enjoyed watching these two heat up on screen. Oh and even though the show officially ended in 1999, I considered the show over when Kapture and Estes departed in 1995...(even more of a nerd)