Monday, August 27, 2007

I don't know where you're headed...but could you call in sick?

It's Stephen Tobolowsky day! He co-stars (very memorably, as always) in two very cute older favorites I've revisited lately:



Groundhog Day. I know I really like this movie, but I hadn't seen it in ages. D ran across it for about $5 and knew I was wanting to own it. Finally sat down to watch it the other day. It's one of those rare movies that starts out and you think you know where it's going. Kind of predictable, kind of lame. And holy shit, it actually picks up steam along the way and doesn't let you down.



Surely everyone knows the story by now--Bill Murray's character is stuck in the same day over and over ('cause he's an asshole and there's really never an explanation, which I also love). Sounds pretty awful when you try to describe it to someone. I can't believe it got made, actually. Anyway, just when you start to object because you think the point is for him to get it right with Andie MacDowell (an actress I've really never liked, yet always enjoy in several movies, go figure), you see that's not the point at all. Really has some great things to say; I should probably watch this at least once a year (presumably around New Years or birthdays or other potentially depressing times). It's a really great upper, also full of terrific scenes and lines.

Next, we bring you Sneakers. Talk about an incredible cast, River Phoenix included.



This movie has a ton of great lines and moments. Suspenseful and funny. Definitely a reliable favorite. It still makes me laugh and holds my interest each time. It's all about espionage and government secrets, betrayal, and it's a little silly. So I love it. And I'm really not shitting about the cast, you could watch it strictly for the performances. And the charm, ooooh the charm.

And on a last, completely different note, we have this. D heard about it on the radio and we watched it tonight. Wow. Just...wow. I have nothing to add whatsoever. That is some kind of special. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Miss South Carolina.

11 comments:

Triana said...

I really really love Sneakers, one of my all time favorites. It's just a fun movie, good lines, really good characters.

MacGuffin said...

I feel the same about Andie MacDowell. Don't really care for her but love some of her films including Groundhog Day and Short Cuts.

I don't remember being too impressed with Sneakers, maybe I should give it another go.

Ellen Aim said...

Triana: Agreed. Good times.

MacG: I also like sex, lies and videotape and Four Weddings...and yes, watch it again, it's quite silly and cute.

MacGuffin said...

Four Weddings was great too. I honestly don't remember Sex, Lies, and Videotape too well.

Oh, and the teen universe or whatever thing was just sad and painful to watch.

Blancodeviosa said...

For weddings is one of my absolute favorites.

fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck..

Anonymous said...

Wow, South Carolina. It was like she was channeling George W.

Ellen Aim said...

MacG: omg, you must watch sex, lies again. I need to, too. But great stuff.

And I always try to bring a little pain to the table.

Blanco: I know! So many great lines! "Tell me it's not the B359!"

Alex: It really did blow me away. Normally I would think, poor girl, but holy shit, nothing can help her.

Veloute said...

Yeah, I was...amazed at little south carolina girl, there. Really quite stunning.

I didn't care for Groundhog Day at all. Maybe I should revisit it. I loved Sneakers; we actually have a copy of it. The only thing I've like Andie McDowell in is Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Ellen Aim said...

Even CNN had a link to her yesterday! Ouch.

Yes, revisit! The second half to the end makes it a cut above, but it has funny stuff throughout. It's just that it's a little more interesting than the usual romantic fluff.

Did you ever see sex, lies & videotape? She seems to fit that character quite well.

Veloute said...

I swear I have seen it, but I don't remember her being in it at all. This is probably a good sign. I'll have to watch it again.

Ellen Aim said...

Weird how forgettable she is, yet quite suitable for the roles I've seen her in. She usually just irritates me.