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Volume 16, Spring 2004 |
Arts & Leisure
Top Five Rental Picks for Every Occasion
Staff Writer
It's happened to the best of us: you are in over your head trying to pick out that one great film that fits your mood. But not to worry, the next time you wade in the ocean that is your Blockbuster's choices, you can rest assured that you'll find your sea legs. But, just to be safe, we'll throw you a lifesaver to make sure you keep your head above water.
Classics : Whoever distinguished age from beauty must not have seen these flicks.
5. "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994) Tim Robbins stars as Andy Dufresne in this prison drama. As in many movies set in prison, it's the same old tale of an innocent man sentenced to life in (Shawshank) prison. The saving grace of this film is the chemistry among the characters in such a grim setting. Robbins leads an all-star cast that includes Morgan Freeman, James Whitmore, and Bob Gunton.
4. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) This heartwarming tale of George Bailey's (James Stewart) life brings anyone, whether they believe in angels or not, to the conclusion that "no man is a failure who has friends."
3. "The Godfather" (1972) Francis Ford Coppola brought the world of organized crime to vivid life in the debut of the Corleone family. This film brings together genres of the generation film, the action film, and the mobster film to reveal an honest portrayal of the life of organized crime. Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall star in this opening piece of the Corleone trilogy.
2. " Casablanca " (1942) In what is often proclaimed as the greatest love story of all time, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman bring a vibrant chemistry to the screen, which brilliantly offsets the turbulent times in which it was set.
1. "Schindler's List" (1993) Reviving the days of black and white pictures, Steven Spielberg does the impossible: he has made a historical epic that is not only visually pleasing but morally somber, and all the while not alienating the run-of-the-mill moviegoer. Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley star in this motion picture masterpiece.
Girls' Night In : For that fabulous night of facials, Ben & Jerry's, and romance, here are the picks for a girls' night in.
5. "Steel Magnolias" (1989) In the down-home story of six Louisiana women brought together by reunions at the local beauty parlor, Sally Field and a pre-"Pretty Woman" Julia Roberts shine in this tear-jerking story.
4. "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) In this quick-witted romantic comedy, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal light up the screen with this honest glimpse into relationships. Armed with playful sarcasm and clever segues, Ryan and Crystal tackle the routine storyline of the romantic comedy and add some surprise twists.
3. "An Affair to Remember" (1957) This classic film brings sophistication and passion to the screen as Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr find in each other the love of a lifetime. But after a serious accident, Kerr's pride keeps their love at bay. Arm yourselves with a box of tissues; this one will make you laugh, cheer, and shed some tears.
2. "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993) Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan unite once again on the big screen after their "Joe Versus the Volcano" (1990) debut in this romantic comedy about fate and finding true love. With clever references to classic romance movies, including the already mentioned "An Affair to Remember," Sam (Hanks) certainly makes a connection with not only his love but with romantics everywhere.
1. "Pretty Woman" (1990) A classic in its own time, this movie has paved its way into the hearts of women everywhere. Julia Roberts is a firecracker on screen as Vivian, a prostitute who just landed the best job of her life, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere). The unlikely duo makes an otherwise completely unbelievable storyline worth falling for.
For the Guys : Of course, for that night of beer, poker, and potato chips, here are the top five movies for men.
5. "Forrest Gump" (1994) This beloved tale of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has captivated audiences around the world, inspiring one-liners ("Life is like a box of chocolates.") and pop culture narratives, catapulting Robin Wright Penn (Jenny) out of Hollywood's no-names and cementing Hanks as one of Hollywood's greats. With an intriguing man at its center, "Forrest Gump" triumphs as a picture of love, family, and life through a tumultuous time period.
4. "James Bond in Goldfinger" (1964) The third installment of the Bond series: Sean Connery commands the role of 007 like no other, in this exhilarating spy thriller. Pitted against the formidable Goldfinger, Bond wields an arsenal of super-gadgets as he formulaically takes down the renowned, bowler hat-armed Oddjob. This 007 film is definitely the brightest spot in the series as the elements of scenery, character, and gadgetry meld together for Connery's spectacular penultimate as Bond.
3. "Star Wars Trilogy" (1977, 1980, 1983) Understandably, the original trilogy of the "Star Wars" legacy will not be surpassed by either its prequels or its sequels. George Lucas, the imagination behind the fictional galaxy far, far away, outdid himself in this ahead-of-its-time movie phenomenon. Also, the direction of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and Harrison Ford as Han Solo assured this motion picture trilogy a place not only among Hollywood 's elite, but also among its legends.
2. "Rocky" (1976) This rough and tough tale lends shape to the otherwise bulky he-man Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). In his quest to "go the distance" with heavyweight champ Apollo Creed, Balboa gets crowds everywhere cheering as if the fight were the real thing; and don't count out the score for the scrappy film. "Gonna Fly Now," leads the soundtrack with its anthem for underdogs everywhere.
1. "The Godfather" (1972) Seems this "family" classic has made two lists!
For Guys and Girls : On those occasional nights where Mars and Venus collide, here are some "date movie" suggestions that both sexes can enjoy.
5. "Ghost" (1990) This tale of love overcoming death stars Patrick Swayze as Sam, a ghost who must protect his love, Molly (Demi Moore), from meeting the same murderous fate. The mix of suspense and romance keeps all audiences on their toes, while softening their hearts.
4. "Reality Bites" (1994) A story of a girl caught between two loves, one a dangerous rebel and the other a successful, reliable do-gooder - it's a storyline done to the point where its script could be put into Mad Libs forms. However, this movie gives a new edge to this tired theme. Ethan Hawke and Winona Rider star in this film about college graduates coping with the "real world," adult relationships, and getting what you want out of life.
3. "There's Something About Mary" (1998) An off-the-wall comedy that's as outrageous as it is bold. Make sure your date has a good sense of humor because Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz's over-the-top performances can be a little off-putting to more conservative audiences, but it definitely stands out in the comedy hall of fame.
2. "Say Anything" (1989) In his directorial debut, Cameron Crowe creates an emotionally charged love triangle with the depth and complexity that will later become his trademark. John Cusack stars as Lloyd Dobler who desperately tries to woo the girl of his dreams, Diane Court (Ione Skye) while steering clear of her overly protective father.
1. "Sleepless in Seattle " (1993) Looks like this romantic comedy has ranked on two lists! Catch the full review in the "Girls' Night In" section.
For Kids and Adults : Save money on the babysitter, it's time to have a family night! Here are some flicks that'll please the kids and you too!
5. "The Bad News Bears" (1976) Walter Matthau is at his comedic best as Morris Buttermaker, a one-time minor league player who has been dubbed the coach of the multiracial Little League baseball team the Bears. Faced with a group of tough-talking terrors, Buttermaker molds the group into what can only be called a team.
4. "The Rookie" (2002) Dennis Quaid skillfully brings the life of Jim Morris to the big screen in this Disney baseball flick. Emerging from a high school science teacher to the oldest rookie in the major leagues, "The Rookie" is a film that closes with an inspiring message, proving that anyone can live their dreams.
3. "The Princess Bride" (1987) This off-beat comedy sets the bar for satires everywhere. Cary Elwes stars as a swashbuckling pirate on a mission to save his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn) from the evil clutches of the prince. With a supporting cast that equals that of any Monty Python movie, "The Princess Bride" is a winner for adults and kids everywhere.
2. "The Sound of Music" (1965) Reviving the world of the musical for generation after generation, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" danced and sang its way into audiences' hearts with its glimpse into Austrian life during the Nazi takeover. The film offsets the serious undertones of the coming war with its lighthearted tunes and lovable characters, especially with the lead role of Frauline Maria played expertly by Julie Andrews.
1. "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) Possibly the greatest children's film of all time, this movie brought to life a fantastical world of Emerald cities, witches, wizards, and ruby slippers. Everyone becomes a starry-eyed child when Dorothy (Judy Garland) opens the door of her bleakly gray Kansas home to reveal the wildly colorful world of Oz.
Whatever your situation, a movie night at home can be a great night. The popcorn is always fresh, there's no group of teens shouting behind you, and no annoying ushers to tell you to put your feet down. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy from the comfort of your living room.
Carrie Atkinson is a junior journalism/professional writing major with a minor in communication studies. When she's not spending way too much time at the movies or in front of the TV, she can be found at her second home: the College bookstore