The Sound of Music

I am always surprised when I hear that someone has never seen The Sound of Music. This is an absolutely beautiful film. The length can intimidate some people, but it is an important look at a very difficult time in history, and of course, a beautiful love story. It is also a musical filled with classic tunes that I am sure you already know. Julie Andrews is really at her best and her amazing voice shines in this classic.

The Crow

Although this film was made in 1994, it is one of the great cult-classics of our time. Brandon Lee plays the spirit of a man plagued by tragedy and fueled by the fires of revenge. During the filming, Lee was accidentally shot and killed, further increasing the somber air of the picture. It is incredibly sad and very moving and the soundtrack is excellent. Everyone should see this once.

Flashdance

"What a Feeling!" Jennifer Beals plays the sexy, strong, Alex, a dancer who is trying to make it into one of the country's most prestigious schools. This is one of the classic dance films of the eighties. Definitely not the best picture in the world, but absolutely a must-see for anyone who loves dance movies. It is the story of an unlikely romance, and a tough girl who will do anything to see her dreams come true (with the right encouragement of course).

The Fifth Element

Obviously a newer classic, but definitely one for the ages. This film features Bruce Willis in a futuristic society. A priest, played by Ian Holm, is charged with protecting the universe from impending doom. Gary Oldman plays a madman desperate to help incite chaos. Willis and Holm work together to protect the "fifth element" or the "supreme being," played by Milla Jovovich, who is humanity's only hope. Chris Tucker's performance provides the fabulous and memorable comic relief in this thriller. In my opinion, it is impossible not to like this film.

Move Over Darling

This Doris Day/James Garner comedy follows the story of a man who lost his wife five years ago in a plane crash. Now he has finally moved on and has taken a new wife. But on the night of his honeymoon, his first wife, Day, shows up at the hotel, initiating chaos and hilarious mix-ups. It is not exactly comedic genius, but definitely a cute and fun romantic comedy and I would absolutely recommend it.

How to Marry a Millionaire

Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Bette Grable team up in this comedy about the clash between love and gold-digging. These three women rent an apartment to be their bachelorette pad, and a snake pit geared to trap millionaires. They each work hard at landing one to be their husband, but things get fouled up when they begin meeting men they actually love.

Duck Soup

This is definitely the Marx Brothers at their best. Groucho Marx plays a newly appointed dictator in this satire about war and international relations. Harpo and Chico are spies who add a lot of physical humor and plays-on words. This film is filled with all the usual antics and slapstick humor that the Marx Brothers provide. It is probably considered their best film, and is absolutely my favorite.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

This is yet another lovely Frank Capra classic.  Gary Cooper is quite dreamy as the simple, caring, Longfellow Deeds.  Cooper inherits $20 million and goes to the big city to get his affairs in order.  Immediately, Jean Arthur (playing reporter, Babe Bennett) latches on to Cooper to get the inside scoop.  Soon Cooper finds the big city cruel and intimidating and it is up to the people around him to help him get his faith back.  This is a typical uplifting Capra film which I completely recommend.

Swing Time

Critics claim that this is the best of the Ginger Roger/Fred Astaire films this pair have worked on. Swing Time is the story of a man who must raise a great deal of money to win back his fiancee in time to marry her. Astaire plays Lucky, the groom to be. When he comes across a charming dance instructor (played by Rogers) he begins to become confused about what he really wants. This film also introduces popular songs such as "The Way You Look Tonight" and "A Fine Romance." The dance numbers are flawless as usual. Any fan of this pair should not miss Swing Time.

White Christmas

I can still remember watching this movie every time we went to stay at my grandparents'...even in the middle of summer. This is a classic Christmas story about a couple of showmen and a pair of sisters who work together to put on the best holiday show Vermont has ever seen. There is music, romance, dancing, and all the essential elements of a beloved holiday musical. Bing Crosby really does have a command of this genre between White Christmas and Holiday Inn.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

This is possibly my favorite Humphrey Bogart film. It is the story of three men who are flat broke. They team up to set out on an adventure to search for gold in the mountains in Mexico. But the elements and bandits prove to be extreme challenges the three must learn to overcome, not to mention Bogart's slow mental deterioration as his greed overtakes him. The modern moviegoer may find the plot moves a little slow, but the conclusion is completely worth the wait.

Vertigo

I tend to prefer older classic thrillers over modern day cheap and gory horror flicks. A "scary movie" has to have certain elements for me to avoid being disgusted or overly disturbed. Vertigo is considered one of Alfred Hitchcock's best pictures. It is completely chilling and the score sets the eerie mood for the entire film. One does not typically place Jimmy Stewart in the role of horror film protagonist, but he is perfect in the part of Scottie Ferguson. Vertigo has all the essential elements: violence, intrigue, mystery, obsession...making for a masterfully accomplished thriller.

Spirited Away

Though I have only seen a handful of anime films, this is by far and away the most impressive and imaginative of them all. Director Hayao Miyazaki is completely brilliant, and many of his films are critically acclaimed. Spirited Away follows the story of a ten-year-old girl who finds herself in an alternate world ruled by witches and spirits. It sounds childish, but it is heartwarming and surprisingly moving. Miyazaki's film combines innocence, wonder and fantasy, making for a very pleasant and emotional adventure.

The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer

Another delightful Cary Grant comedy. This is the only post-adolescent Shirley Temple film I have ever seen, but she is just as good at playing a teen as she was as a little girl. Grant finds himself in a mixed up situation where Temple (a girl young enough to be his daughter) is completely infatuated with him. Temple's uncle and sister whip up a scheme to help her get over her teenage crush, but their plan soon goes awry. It is a very humorous and light film.