Why this choice of films? I'm a big fan of football in the U.K. That's why. Writing this I use "football" and "soccer" interchangeably, but its always the game you actually play with your feet and not your hands or arms. And don't call it soccer except in the U.S.
Goal: The Dream Begins (PG13) The actor, Kuno Becker, says in an "extra", "This is a story about dreams, this is a story about friendship, about love, about achieving a dream. This is a football film, but is not just about football." In Los Angeles illegally, since he was a child, Santiago is doing the kind of jobs available to undocumented persons, but yearns to be a soccer star. He gets his chance with the English team, Newcastle United, and the story goes on from there. An interesting aside is that Kuno gave up a career as a concert violinist to fulfill his dream of being an actor. He only played football in school.
There is a sequel, Goal 2, but it is not yet available in the U.S. I hope it is soon as my favorite team, Arsenal, is featured as the opponents of Santiago's new team, Real Madrid.
A Shot at Glory (PG) Can you picture Robert Duvall in a soccer film? Well, he is in this one. He's the manager of a "second tier" Scottish team and pressured by the owner to add a player that he just doesn't like or want. The part of this player is acted by an ex-soccer player (Rangers and Scotland). Like Goal, this is as much about families and relationships as soccer.
Mean Machine (R) This is based on the film classic, The Longest Yard. Ex-soccer player, Danny, ends up in jail because of a sports-fixing scam and a resulting assault charge. The warden wants Danny to coach the guards' soccer team, but he has a better idea and suggests a match between the guards and inmates, and he will coach the inmates. (Sound familiar now?) As in A Shot at Glory, Danny is played by an ex-footballer who played professionally for 15 years and is now turned actor. Ebert and Roeper liked it. I did too.
The Miracle Match (PG) This is based on a true story. In 1950, two weeks before the World Cup, a "ragtag team of recreational soccer players" from two cities, are chosen to represent the USA. Despite their differences and playing styles, they have to form themselves into a winning team and not embarrass themselves and their country. See what happens when they have to play the best team in the world. If you liked Rudy or Hoosiers, this is the film for you, and, with a PG rating, for the kids.
Now for the "nasty" bit of football -- the "hooligans."
Green Street Hooligans (R) A visiting American (Elijah Wood from Lord of the Rings) gets involved with a tough "firm" of diehard West Ham fans. He comes under the influence of the hooligan leader who mentors him in the firm's code of conduct. Is there honor among thugs?
Not for the kids, but hey, Ebert and Roeper liked this one too.
(Notice how when Ebert and Roeper like it, it rates a notice on the DVD cover?)
The Football Factory (R) (Definitely R) Based on a novel, it is "a study of middle-class England, football violence and male culture." Its more about fans than football action. There's some funny bits, and some big fights. Reviews from viewers vary from "excellent" to "rubbish." Some say watch Green Street Hooligans instead, others love it. All a matter of taste, I guess.
There are two additional football based films. Both I have "reviewed" in previous blogs. They are Fever Pitch and Bend it Like Beckham -- neither of which are in the hooligan category and well worth viewing.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
10 Bitter/sweet Love Story Films to Make You Sigh
Ok, some people may call these "chick flicks." So what.
Brief Encounter (Not rated) Made in 1945 and based on a Noel Coward play, this film is certainly dated by today's movie making standards. But...its beautifully filmed, excellently acted and still one of the best love stories ever filmed. Two very upright, solidly married English people meet by accident and what ensues will break your heart.
A Walk on the Moon (R) A bit of the same basic story as Brief Encounter, this film takes it to different level, thus the R rating. Husband? Children? or The Blouse Man (a peddlar selling at the summer camp where the story takes place)? Viggo Mortensen plays the blouse man, so what do you think? The story takes place during the "sexual revolution" of 1969, including a trip to Woodstock.
Somewhere in Time (PG) This movie is as romantic as you can get and with a PG rating. Its not easy to be in love with a woman who lived years and years before you were born. But where there's a will, there's a way. This move had (and probably still does) a fan club of its own.
Bridges of Madison County (PG 13) I doubt the film quite reached the popularity of the book, but its a not-to-be-missed love story. Romantic, sweet, sad -- what more could you ask?
Once (R) You'll watch this more than once just for the music. And maybe, like me, will buy the CD. A street musician and a pianist meet and discover that their talents mesh enough to get together to make beautiful music. Is it a romance as well? Watch it and find out. Oh yes, the R rating is just for language.
The Lake House (PG) Alternate Reality -- she's in 2006, he's in 2004 and, through correspondence, they fall in love. It would be helpful if they could get together. It wouldn't be much of a movie if they didn't, would it?
84 Charing Cross Road (PG) The movie was based on the book which is just an exchange of letters over years and distance. The movie brings it to life. He is a bookseller in London, she's a writer in New York City. A love of books brings them together, if just by mail. Its a love story, whether you think so or not.
LadyHawke (PG13) A knight, a beauty, a pickpocket and the curse of an evil bishop. By day, she's a hawk, by night, he's a wolf. See it and find out if they live happily ever after.
P.S. I Love You (PG13) They are married, in love, and he dies. But, mysteriously, letters start arriving from him urging her to get on with her life. How she does, well that's the story.
Shirley Valentine (R) Not so much a woman/man love story, but a woman/life one. 40ish, married, unappreciated, with no one to talk to but the walls, an unexpected invitation to go on a trip to Greece changes everything. You'll cheer for her all the way. Award winning including an Oscar nomination for Pauline Collins.
Summertime (Unrated - or at least I did not find one) Summertime in Venice, Kate Hepburn playing a lonely "spinster" (1955 film) who meets and is very attracted to a handsome, charming Italian. Does she stay or return home with a broken heart -- or maybe not. A beautifully filmed David Lean film. It earned Oscar nominations for both Lean and Hepburn.
And last, but suggested in an earlier blog, don't forget Dear Frankie as it fits into this category also.
Brief Encounter (Not rated) Made in 1945 and based on a Noel Coward play, this film is certainly dated by today's movie making standards. But...its beautifully filmed, excellently acted and still one of the best love stories ever filmed. Two very upright, solidly married English people meet by accident and what ensues will break your heart.
A Walk on the Moon (R) A bit of the same basic story as Brief Encounter, this film takes it to different level, thus the R rating. Husband? Children? or The Blouse Man (a peddlar selling at the summer camp where the story takes place)? Viggo Mortensen plays the blouse man, so what do you think? The story takes place during the "sexual revolution" of 1969, including a trip to Woodstock.
Somewhere in Time (PG) This movie is as romantic as you can get and with a PG rating. Its not easy to be in love with a woman who lived years and years before you were born. But where there's a will, there's a way. This move had (and probably still does) a fan club of its own.
Bridges of Madison County (PG 13) I doubt the film quite reached the popularity of the book, but its a not-to-be-missed love story. Romantic, sweet, sad -- what more could you ask?
Once (R) You'll watch this more than once just for the music. And maybe, like me, will buy the CD. A street musician and a pianist meet and discover that their talents mesh enough to get together to make beautiful music. Is it a romance as well? Watch it and find out. Oh yes, the R rating is just for language.
The Lake House (PG) Alternate Reality -- she's in 2006, he's in 2004 and, through correspondence, they fall in love. It would be helpful if they could get together. It wouldn't be much of a movie if they didn't, would it?
84 Charing Cross Road (PG) The movie was based on the book which is just an exchange of letters over years and distance. The movie brings it to life. He is a bookseller in London, she's a writer in New York City. A love of books brings them together, if just by mail. Its a love story, whether you think so or not.
LadyHawke (PG13) A knight, a beauty, a pickpocket and the curse of an evil bishop. By day, she's a hawk, by night, he's a wolf. See it and find out if they live happily ever after.
P.S. I Love You (PG13) They are married, in love, and he dies. But, mysteriously, letters start arriving from him urging her to get on with her life. How she does, well that's the story.
Shirley Valentine (R) Not so much a woman/man love story, but a woman/life one. 40ish, married, unappreciated, with no one to talk to but the walls, an unexpected invitation to go on a trip to Greece changes everything. You'll cheer for her all the way. Award winning including an Oscar nomination for Pauline Collins.
Summertime (Unrated - or at least I did not find one) Summertime in Venice, Kate Hepburn playing a lonely "spinster" (1955 film) who meets and is very attracted to a handsome, charming Italian. Does she stay or return home with a broken heart -- or maybe not. A beautifully filmed David Lean film. It earned Oscar nominations for both Lean and Hepburn.
And last, but suggested in an earlier blog, don't forget Dear Frankie as it fits into this category also.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
My Sunflower
I'm quite proud of myself as working at home, I figured out how to add a profile photo. This is the biggest sunflower I'd ever seen and it was growing from birdseed in my patio. They are one of my favorite flowers and they are free.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Gurinder Chadha Films
You may not recognize the name but you probably will recognize one of her films, Bend it Like Beckham.
My English friend, Simon, has just started work on her new film, Its a Wonderful Afterlife. He says its a "comedy horror film."
Simon did not work on Bend it Like Beckham but has worked on her last two films and now this one. She is a writer, director and producer. I wanted to check out her other films and these are the ones I could find on DVD.
What's Cooking (PG13) comes too late for Thanksgiving this year, but its a charming Thanksgiving related film that's watchable any time of the year. Four families of different ethnicities celebrate Thanksgiving, but not without troubles and tensions.
Bend it Like Beckham (PG13) You probably don't need to be told about this one. It was nominated for a Golden Globe and received 17 wins and 18 nominations for other awards.
Mistress of Spices (PG13) This is a romantic comedy with a little - or maybe quite a lot of magic thrown in.
Bride and Prejudice (PG13) A "Bollywood" very colorful and entertaining musical. Yes, its a twist on Pride and Prejudice.
Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (PG13) This is based on Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison. The book and movie are about a 14 year old girl who keeps a diary about the ups and downs of her life. The movie has not been released yet in the U.S. but should be out here in March. If it does well at the box office and on DVD, there might be a sequel. So everybody go when it comes out.
Angus is the only movie I haven't seen of all I've written about. But I did read and enjoy the book.
My English friend, Simon, has just started work on her new film, Its a Wonderful Afterlife. He says its a "comedy horror film."
Simon did not work on Bend it Like Beckham but has worked on her last two films and now this one. She is a writer, director and producer. I wanted to check out her other films and these are the ones I could find on DVD.
What's Cooking (PG13) comes too late for Thanksgiving this year, but its a charming Thanksgiving related film that's watchable any time of the year. Four families of different ethnicities celebrate Thanksgiving, but not without troubles and tensions.
Bend it Like Beckham (PG13) You probably don't need to be told about this one. It was nominated for a Golden Globe and received 17 wins and 18 nominations for other awards.
Mistress of Spices (PG13) This is a romantic comedy with a little - or maybe quite a lot of magic thrown in.
Bride and Prejudice (PG13) A "Bollywood" very colorful and entertaining musical. Yes, its a twist on Pride and Prejudice.
Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (PG13) This is based on Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison. The book and movie are about a 14 year old girl who keeps a diary about the ups and downs of her life. The movie has not been released yet in the U.S. but should be out here in March. If it does well at the box office and on DVD, there might be a sequel. So everybody go when it comes out.
Angus is the only movie I haven't seen of all I've written about. But I did read and enjoy the book.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bill Forstyth Films (Local Hero plus)
Bill Forsyth is a Scottish writer and film director. His first films, with Scottish settings, are charmers. Local Hero (1983) remains somewhat a classic and is still available.
Gregory's Girl (1982) is also available on DVD. Its a delightful film, reviewed as "triumphs with sweetness, good humor, a gentle, compassionate spirit and winning performances." And its funny.
There is a sequel, Gregory's Two Girls (1999), but it seems only to be available on Region 2 PAL DVDs.
However, there are two earlier films difficult to impossible to find. Comfort and Joy (1984) was out on VHS but doesn't seem to made it to the U.S. DVD market. Bill Paterson plays a radio DJ in Glasgow. His name is Alan "Dickie" Byrd. After being dumped by his girl friend a few days before Christmas, he sees a very attractive woman on an ice cream truck and follows the truck. Its attacked by a band of masked robbers, one recognizes "DickieByrd" and he ends up being involved in an ice cream war. Yes, that's correct, an ice cream war between the "Mr. Bunnys" and the "Mr. McCools." A delightful Christmas movie, if it ever comes out on DVD grab it.
I only know about his first film That Sinking Feeling (1980) (which he wrote, produced and directed) because I managed to tape it from a TV showing many years ago. Four bored, unemployed teens in dreary, rainy Glasgow get a great idea. Make a killing by stealing stainless steel sinks from a warehouse and selling them. Oh, and disguise as girls to do the job. Sound funny? It is. Unfortunately, you'll probably not be able to see for yourself.
He wrote and/or directed three American films (1987, 1989, 1993) but there has been nothing since Gregory's Two Girls in 1999. Wonder why.
Gregory's Girl (1982) is also available on DVD. Its a delightful film, reviewed as "triumphs with sweetness, good humor, a gentle, compassionate spirit and winning performances." And its funny.
There is a sequel, Gregory's Two Girls (1999), but it seems only to be available on Region 2 PAL DVDs.
However, there are two earlier films difficult to impossible to find. Comfort and Joy (1984) was out on VHS but doesn't seem to made it to the U.S. DVD market. Bill Paterson plays a radio DJ in Glasgow. His name is Alan "Dickie" Byrd. After being dumped by his girl friend a few days before Christmas, he sees a very attractive woman on an ice cream truck and follows the truck. Its attacked by a band of masked robbers, one recognizes "DickieByrd" and he ends up being involved in an ice cream war. Yes, that's correct, an ice cream war between the "Mr. Bunnys" and the "Mr. McCools." A delightful Christmas movie, if it ever comes out on DVD grab it.
I only know about his first film That Sinking Feeling (1980) (which he wrote, produced and directed) because I managed to tape it from a TV showing many years ago. Four bored, unemployed teens in dreary, rainy Glasgow get a great idea. Make a killing by stealing stainless steel sinks from a warehouse and selling them. Oh, and disguise as girls to do the job. Sound funny? It is. Unfortunately, you'll probably not be able to see for yourself.
He wrote and/or directed three American films (1987, 1989, 1993) but there has been nothing since Gregory's Two Girls in 1999. Wonder why.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More deliciously odd movies:
Heavenly Creatures (R) A Peter Jackson film before Lord of the Rings and when Kate Winslet was an unknown. A true story about two teenage girls plotting and carrying out a shocking crime. Its chilling but true. One of the girls involved is now a famous author of mysteries.
Kinky Boots (PG13) Another "based on a true story film." How do you save your family business from bankruptcy when you make out-of-fashion, conservative shoes for men? How about making outrageous shoes for cross-dressing cabaret performers/drag queens -- in their sizes. Great characters and you may even want to buy the soundtrack.
The Price of Milk (PG-13) A "modern fairytale" and "sweet creamy romance" about two lovers, a dairy farm and 117 cows. Don't trade your lover's cows for a quilt if you expect a "they lived happily ever after ending." Filmed in New Zealand, its magic.
Greenfingers (R) Clive Owen and Helen Mirran star in this comedy about a British convict who is placed in an experimental program to finish off his sentence. Who knew it would lead to him become an expert gardener (with some setbacks along the way). Will he win the top prize and the girl? Watch it and see.
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (PG13) A grieving widower (Robert Carlyle of The Full Monty fame) is concerned he'll never know happpiness again. He's in for a pleasant surprise. Might learn to dance too.
Keeping Mum (R) A dark comedy about an absent-minded pastor who doesn't quite know what's happening around him. Problem kids, problem wife -- he really needs help. Maggie Smith is the housekeeper who knows how to clean house and save the day. But it takes more than cleaners and a dust mop.
Kinky Boots (PG13) Another "based on a true story film." How do you save your family business from bankruptcy when you make out-of-fashion, conservative shoes for men? How about making outrageous shoes for cross-dressing cabaret performers/drag queens -- in their sizes. Great characters and you may even want to buy the soundtrack.
The Price of Milk (PG-13) A "modern fairytale" and "sweet creamy romance" about two lovers, a dairy farm and 117 cows. Don't trade your lover's cows for a quilt if you expect a "they lived happily ever after ending." Filmed in New Zealand, its magic.
Greenfingers (R) Clive Owen and Helen Mirran star in this comedy about a British convict who is placed in an experimental program to finish off his sentence. Who knew it would lead to him become an expert gardener (with some setbacks along the way). Will he win the top prize and the girl? Watch it and see.
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (PG13) A grieving widower (Robert Carlyle of The Full Monty fame) is concerned he'll never know happpiness again. He's in for a pleasant surprise. Might learn to dance too.
Keeping Mum (R) A dark comedy about an absent-minded pastor who doesn't quite know what's happening around him. Problem kids, problem wife -- he really needs help. Maggie Smith is the housekeeper who knows how to clean house and save the day. But it takes more than cleaners and a dust mop.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Good movies you probably missed.
These are all available on DVD. Most didn't make it to the multi-screen theatres, but all are worth seeing.
Fever Pitch (R) No, this isn't about the Red Sox. Its the original English version with Colin Firth. Meet Paul, an English teacher in his mid-thirties, a bachelor, with an obsession -- the Arsenal football (soccer if you live in the U.S.) team. All the pangs of supporting a losing team and being a bit of a loser. Cheer at the ending.
Into the West (PG) A family film which tells the story of two young children, a magnificent horse, and their wild and merry chase across Ireland.
Her Majesty (PG) The Queen of England is coming to New Zealand. 13 year-old Elizabeth is very excited, but there's a problem. The townspeople want the rickety shack of an elderly Maori woman torn down before the Queen's visit. How does Elizabeth handle the problem -- the woman is her friend -- but the shack is really unsightly. Its a charming film.
Brassed Off (R) with Ewan McGregor A comedy about two old friends - and ex lovers - whose surprise reunion turns their lives - and the lives of everyone else in town -hilariously upside down.
Danny Deckchair (PG13) An average guy uses gags and pranks to liven up his blue-collar life and accidentally ends up taking off in a deck chair strapped to giant helium-filled balloons. You won't believe what happens next.
The Wicker Man (R) NO, not the Nicholas Cage, but the original version. This is considered a horror film and R-rated. However, I don't like horror films at all, but I've watched this one more than once. An island off the coast of Scotland harbors a secret and its bad news for the policeman who comes to investigate a missing girl.
Dear Frankie (PG13) This one made the "art theaters" mostly. A film festivals winner, its a touching and humorous movie about a young boy, his mother and the man she hires to play his supposedly "off to sea" father when his ship comes to port in their hometown.
Rabbit Proof Fence (PG) In a time when Australian Aboriginal children were taken from their homes to be trained as domestic workers and integrated into white society, 3 young girls decide to return home. This film is based on the true story of their 1,500 mile adventure to get there.
Lucky Break (PG13) A small town crook botches a bank robbery and end up in prison. Starring in a prisoner written, prisoners sung musical seems like a good way to make an escape. But there will be complications, of course. Its a fun film, directed by the director of The Full Monty.
Local Hero (PG) Best Scotland-based movie ever in my opinion. Great story, gorgeous scenery and good acting. What more could you want? A don't miss in my book.
No blockbusters here, but entertaining off-beat films. I hope you find time to enjoy one or more of them.
Fever Pitch (R) No, this isn't about the Red Sox. Its the original English version with Colin Firth. Meet Paul, an English teacher in his mid-thirties, a bachelor, with an obsession -- the Arsenal football (soccer if you live in the U.S.) team. All the pangs of supporting a losing team and being a bit of a loser. Cheer at the ending.
Into the West (PG) A family film which tells the story of two young children, a magnificent horse, and their wild and merry chase across Ireland.
Her Majesty (PG) The Queen of England is coming to New Zealand. 13 year-old Elizabeth is very excited, but there's a problem. The townspeople want the rickety shack of an elderly Maori woman torn down before the Queen's visit. How does Elizabeth handle the problem -- the woman is her friend -- but the shack is really unsightly. Its a charming film.
Brassed Off (R) with Ewan McGregor A comedy about two old friends - and ex lovers - whose surprise reunion turns their lives - and the lives of everyone else in town -hilariously upside down.
Danny Deckchair (PG13) An average guy uses gags and pranks to liven up his blue-collar life and accidentally ends up taking off in a deck chair strapped to giant helium-filled balloons. You won't believe what happens next.
The Wicker Man (R) NO, not the Nicholas Cage, but the original version. This is considered a horror film and R-rated. However, I don't like horror films at all, but I've watched this one more than once. An island off the coast of Scotland harbors a secret and its bad news for the policeman who comes to investigate a missing girl.
Dear Frankie (PG13) This one made the "art theaters" mostly. A film festivals winner, its a touching and humorous movie about a young boy, his mother and the man she hires to play his supposedly "off to sea" father when his ship comes to port in their hometown.
Rabbit Proof Fence (PG) In a time when Australian Aboriginal children were taken from their homes to be trained as domestic workers and integrated into white society, 3 young girls decide to return home. This film is based on the true story of their 1,500 mile adventure to get there.
Lucky Break (PG13) A small town crook botches a bank robbery and end up in prison. Starring in a prisoner written, prisoners sung musical seems like a good way to make an escape. But there will be complications, of course. Its a fun film, directed by the director of The Full Monty.
Local Hero (PG) Best Scotland-based movie ever in my opinion. Great story, gorgeous scenery and good acting. What more could you want? A don't miss in my book.
No blockbusters here, but entertaining off-beat films. I hope you find time to enjoy one or more of them.
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