Let's talk viewer's advisory!
Back in the day when I worked at Koelbel as the media librarian, I used to keep a list of what I called "good flix" - movies that I could recommend to patrons who were looking for something different. These films weren't blockbusters, they were often those indie films that come and go rather quickly from the theaters, but they were great recommendations because most patrons hadn't seen them. They could be R-Rated, but I liked to pick films that were probably not going to offend the viewer, and I'd be sure to explain (to the best of my memory) why a recommended film was rated R, so the patron could make up their mind based on their tastes.
Last weekend I was watching the DVD "Son of Rambow" - a British movie set in the '80's about two boys (one wealthy, but without any parental guidance, the other from a strict religious sect that forbids watching TV) who decide to make their own movie version of Rambo. It's a fun film that certainly would make my "good flix" list.
A couple of other titles that were on my list were The Station Agent and Secondhand Lions.
So let's share. What are some films you might recommend as a Good Flix?
Let's keep it to two or three titles per person, so that everyone has a chance - if you want to include a brief description of the film(s), go right ahead.
When we're done, I'll compile the list so you can use it and be a super Viewer's Advisor!
Andrew R.
10 comments:
I totally agree with you on Secondhand Lions. This was not the film I thought it would be, still (and probably always) one of my favorites. Remeber the Titans is on the top of my list for story, acting and it's message. A must see! A Beautiful Life is one of those that is beyond words, too.
I would recommend "Into the Wild." It's an intense movie where you might only watch it once, but it's definitely worth the watch. I also liked "Eagle vs. Shark." It's a New Zealand film that is really funny and very different.
This should generate some really good movie titles! "Dear Frankie" is beautifully filmed in Scotland. It stars Gerard Butler and Emily Mortimer. Extremely moving...runs the gamut of emotions from sadness to hope. "Match Point", with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson. Great psychological thriller. One more. "Death at a Funeral" with Matthew Macfadyen, is one of the funniest movies ever! Can you tell I luv Brit flix...
Feel free to send in recommendations to the website as well! You can fill in the Staff Picks form on StaffNet (Service Requests/Forms/Online Forms/Staff Picks
Our patrons would love to get movie recommendations too, especially once we launch our new website that will focus primarily on our collection!
Karen, I also like British films. A good example is "Greenfingers". The story centers on English prisoners who form a gardening group, with the ultimate goal of entering a national competition. "Billy Elliott" describes a young boy's affinity for ballet, much to the chagrin of his working class father. Leaving the British Isles, for a romantic film, "Sabrina" makes me melt.
I like "Billy Eliot" too.One of the good movies of 2005 is "White countess": set in 1930s Shanghai a blind American diplomat meets a Russian refugee, a young woman who has to work odd jobs to support her dead husband's aristocratic family...A beautiful movie!
"Farewell my concubine" reaveals a dramatic story of two men from Peking Opera and Chinese culture from the warlord era through the cultural revolution. Amazing!
mrs.cat1I got caught up in two goodies during late night viewing:
The Way We Were (Robert Redford, need I say more?!?) and On Golden Pond. I still get sappy each time I see these stories.
I also agree with Secondhand Lions. I also highly recommend October Sky to people who want a good clean movie. Another favorite is the Blue Planet multi-disc set. Finally, Nightmare Before Christmas is a treasure.
"Room with a View" (1985) - Helena Bonham-Carter, Daniel Day-Lewis; based on the novel by E.M. Forster, British romance. "Being Julia"(2004) - Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons; aging actress, younger lover, "Bandits" (2001)- Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton; hilarious "sleepover bandits", keeps you guessing until the end.
I have a few that are not as well known as others, Mrs. Palfrey at the Clarmont is a wonderful story which proves that love and family ties aren't always inherited. Very moving. Lars and the Real Girl is a great movie about how the love and support of townspeople helped bring a troubled young man out of his depression. Carolina is another movie about family ties and the power of love. Just my 2 cents worth!
Post a Comment