Comments on: The Seven Least Essential Movies of the Next Seven Weeks

By: Rae

Rae — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:23:47 +0000

I see your point about The Soloist and have absolutely no intention of seeing it in the movie theaters, especially now that I’ve heard several reports that it’s NOT GOOD. However, I must admit seeing Ayers and Lopez talking about their friendship on 60 Minutes did make me consider it. But… do I really need to see the fictionalized versions of them when I’ve already seen the real people and their interaction? I think not.

I also must admit I went to see 17 Again last weekend and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Granted, I’d say everyone’s fine waiting for the DVD and we only went as a treat for my friend’s 8 year old (who is in LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE with Zac Efron).

I’m torn about Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. The promos are so bad. But I adore Jennifer Garner. Why does she always pick these second-rate romcoms?!

By: Lynne

Lynne — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:28:18 +0000

What did you think about the classic ‘One Flew Over…..” Another one of my favorites that I love (and hate) to watch. Also, Nicholson’s performance is another one for the training schools.

By: Lynne

Lynne — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:25:30 +0000

Oh gosh, that’s one I thought of when I read your other post on what you like to see in movies (and not). My most beloved sister died from CF at the age of 37 back in 1987 . I both love and hate movies with sunken-faced, young women in hospital beds slowly stepping into their coffins, as it were. It’s so great when they have another, comedic story line as in this one with Jack Nicholson and Shirley MacLaine.

Jodie Foster is such a masterful actress…that scene in Silence of the Lambs, (you probably know the one I mean), where she describes to Lechter why she ran away from the farm, and his reaction to it. I think they should use that scene in acting schools to teach people how to vividly convey the passion of such life-altering events. Did you know that they had planned to visually recreate the entire farm story so that is what we would be seeing while she was speaking? And then, when they saw the raw emotions of the scene, they decided that was all they needed….couldn’t top it. At least, that is what I heard. I didn’t actually confirm it.

By: Mark Blankenship

Mark Blankenship — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:45:52 +0000

Hey Lynne — This type of movie is often a turn-off for me. I did like “Nell,” though, because I like watching Jodie Foster do just about anything, and I like “Of Mice and Men”—in novel, play, and movie form—because the “simple” character actually makes some huge mistakes, which makes him more complex.

When it’s time for a cookie-cutter “lesson” movie, I tend to gravitate toward the “someone’s dying and now we must appreciate our lives together” genre. It has the same basic effect that you described — reminding me to get off my butt, seize the day, be grateful for what’s in front of me, etc. I’m especially a sucker for movies where a character is about to die and has a last, emotional farewell with a loved one that doesn’t quite result in sobbing. Like in “Terms of Endearment,” when Debra Winger clearly wants to cry all over her little boy, but she doesn’t. Whoo! Gets me every time!

By: Lynne

Lynne — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:36:14 +0000

Have you just seen too many of the ‘Soloist’ type movies, Mark or were they always just offensive to you? Now I am tracing back through some of the movies I’ve seen in that vein, like ‘Molly’, ‘Nell’, ‘Charley’, ‘Gideon’, ‘Radio’ (hello…all first name titles – what’s the significance I wonder?). But here’s my take, I enjoy these movies. I donâ€™t mind being reminded of certain things i.e., (choking on this first statement) simple pleasures in life are the most rewarding, getting outside your own head and problems and helping someone else reach their potential and dreams is life-changing, simplifying your life and spending actual ‘face’ time with people is a worthy goal, etc. At best it might jerk me out of a mood of self pity or some other temporary funk. Whether or not I get off my butt and do something to change it is another matter…sometimes yes, usually no. But when it is ‘yes’, it can be sweet.

From the trailer, I think I’d like to see it and Downey seldom disappoints. Also, I’ll be interested to see if Foxx can bring something to his character that isn’t dripping in unnecessary sentimentality. Thanks for a good rundown.

By: Mark Blankenship

Mark Blankenship — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:05:17 +0000

Molly, what are you talking about? Fatal Attraction features a pretty white woman who fixates on a white businessman and terrorizes his family. Obsessed features a pretty white woman who fixates on a black businessman and terrorizes his family. Totally different.

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:35:13 +0000

I just don’t understand how Obsessed is not Fatal Attraction, and how they’re not being sued for it.

By: Mark Blankenship

Mark Blankenship — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:17:39 +0000

Casey — If a live action version of The Care Bears gets released, can we please go see it together? If Robert Downey, Jr. says no, then I’m sure they can at least cast Judi Dench and Geoffrey Rush.

By: Casey

Casey — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:05:36 +0000

I am so torn about seeing The Soloist. First, completely agree with your brilliant point, Mark, that the idea that minority/disabled/disadvantaged characters are put on earth to teach the more fortunate a lesson is reprehensible on many levels. Also reprehensible on many levels? Jamie Foxx’s “acting”. HOWEVER, the movie also stars Robert Downey Jr., who I will watch in anything. Seriously. He could star in a live action remake of The Care Bears Movie and I would see it with glee. Actually, has anyone suggested this project to him? He’d do it – he’s a lunatic.

By: ferretrick

ferretrick — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:52:13 +0000

I predict that, 10 years from now, Zac Efron jumping ship on the Footloose remake will be remembered as one of the smartest career moves by an actor of this time. If its awful, it kills your career-if its great, everybody just compares you to Kevin Bacon.

But, let me get this straight-he’s proving he’s got more range than musicals by appearing in a formulaic comedy with the fading superstar of a defunct sitcom? Big improvement there, Zac.