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litlover12When I saw some of the comments on my top 20 movie list, it occurred to me: Why not provide some information for those who'd like to know more about the films? So I'm going to give a little blurb and a YouTube clip for each. Hope you guys will enjoy this mini-movie festival, and maybe even get some good Netflix fodder out of it. And don't forget, I'd love to see your film recommendations too. I know there are SO many good movies out there I haven't seen yet.
20. The Thin Man (1934; dir. W. S. Van Dyke; starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan)
Comedy/mystery is a favorite subgenre of mine, and this is one of the greats. The pacing could be better, and some of the supporting performances are pretty bad. But when you've got William Powell and Myrna Loy as sleuths Nick and Nora Charles, somehow, none of that matters. Together they were magic -- which helps explain why they co-starred in 14 films!
(Also recommended: After the Thin Man. In some ways it's even better than the original, and features a terrific supporting performance from a young Jimmy Stewart.)
19. An Affair to Remember (1957; dir. Leo McCarey; starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Cathleen Nesbitt)
This one starts out as a romantic comedy, but makes the transition to shameless tearjerker with ease. Some of the scenes stretch one's credulity a little (Cary Grant taking a job as a sign painter? Yeah, right), but the overall effect is delightful, thanks to Grant and Kerr's great chemistry and banter. Grant is delicious as always, but it's really Kerr's film, as she bears tragedy with her trademark grace, sweetness, and dignity. And then -- oh, that lovely ending. By the way, if you remember Sleepless in Seattle, this is the film that turned Meg Ryan and Rosie O'Donnell into sobbing wrecks.
(Also recommended: The Grass Is Greener. Another romantic comedy/drama featuring Grant and Kerr, though their characters and relationship are VERY different. And it's Jean Simmons who walks away with that film, with one of the funniest performances I've ever seen in any movie.)
Next up: Shadowlands and The Sword in the Stone.
20. The Thin Man (1934; dir. W. S. Van Dyke; starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan)
Comedy/mystery is a favorite subgenre of mine, and this is one of the greats. The pacing could be better, and some of the supporting performances are pretty bad. But when you've got William Powell and Myrna Loy as sleuths Nick and Nora Charles, somehow, none of that matters. Together they were magic -- which helps explain why they co-starred in 14 films!
(Also recommended: After the Thin Man. In some ways it's even better than the original, and features a terrific supporting performance from a young Jimmy Stewart.)
19. An Affair to Remember (1957; dir. Leo McCarey; starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Cathleen Nesbitt)
This one starts out as a romantic comedy, but makes the transition to shameless tearjerker with ease. Some of the scenes stretch one's credulity a little (Cary Grant taking a job as a sign painter? Yeah, right), but the overall effect is delightful, thanks to Grant and Kerr's great chemistry and banter. Grant is delicious as always, but it's really Kerr's film, as she bears tragedy with her trademark grace, sweetness, and dignity. And then -- oh, that lovely ending. By the way, if you remember Sleepless in Seattle, this is the film that turned Meg Ryan and Rosie O'Donnell into sobbing wrecks.
(Also recommended: The Grass Is Greener. Another romantic comedy/drama featuring Grant and Kerr, though their characters and relationship are VERY different. And it's Jean Simmons who walks away with that film, with one of the funniest performances I've ever seen in any movie.)
Next up: Shadowlands and The Sword in the Stone.
