My Cousin Vinny

This is a fairly unexpected classic. Ralph Macchio plays a kid wrongfully accused of murder. Unable to afford a decent attorney, he turns to his loyal cousin, Vinny (Joe Pesci) for help. Vinny has just recently passed the bar, and is happy to help out a family member in need. But he has several big bumps to overcome along the way to the truth. Marisa Tomei's role as Mona Lisa Vito is particularly memorable. She even won an Oscar for it!

Footloose

I often say this, but I cannot believe I have not yet posted a summary of this film. Footloose is absolutely my favorite 80s dance movie. This is the story of Ren (Kevin Bacon), a new kid in small town America. He soon learns that the book-burning, God-fearing Christians populating his new home have made dancing illegal. ("Jump back!") He also starts up a little chemistry with the preacher's kid, Ariel, the town bad-girl. Best of all is the soundtrack. It was one of the first cassette tapes I ever had as a kid. People should definitely do themselves a favor and "cut footloose."

Rain Man

While I think many of the "must-see" movies are often quite skippable, this film does not fall under that category. Even if one has heard a lot about it, it is still a surprising, moving and heartfelt picture. Tom Cruise has just learned he has an older brother (played by Dustin Hoffman). And now, as it turns out, the long-lost sibling is his responsibility. Things start off pretty rocky for the pair, but they soon learn to tolerate one another. Eventually tolerance grows to love. I think this film is one of Hoffman's best!

Kramer vs. Kramer

I had to double check to make sure I really had not yet written about this movie. In my opinion, it is the very best that the 70s have to offer. I am in love with this film. I remember not really knowing what to expect the first time that I saw it. Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman play an unhappy couple, and when Streep decides to leave him and their son, things get a little messy. This film is full of heart and emotional turmoil and is a beautiful portrayal of the bond between father and son. Everyone should see this one, it is definitely a tearjerker.

Soylent Green

I am sure I have already mentioned my general aversion to 70s films, but this one is actually worth seeing once. I would recommend just renting it without reading the synopsis. It is one of those films that would be much better as a surprise. A classic Charlton Heston role, this movie features a futuristic and overpopulated world where food is scarce and people will do anything to get it. In many ways, this version of society steps backward, rather than forward. I find this to be the most interesting and distinguishing characteristic of the film. In this world, humanity actually becomes more primitive as desperation rises.

To Catch a Thief

My Grandma absolutely loves this movie. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly are completely gorgeous and with them playing opposite one another, film audiences never stood a chance. Grant plays a former thief accused of relapsing, so to speak. He must discover the real culprit to prove his innocence. The scenery is amazing, overall a great Alfred Hitchcock film.

Terms of Endearment

This movie means a lot to me, mostly because my parents like it so much. It is about the very special bond between mothers and daughters. When I saw this, it was possibly the most I have ever cried during a movie. I do not have a daughter of my own yet, but when I do I know this film will mean even more to me than it does now.

An American in Paris

This Gene Kelly classic is very close to my heart. While I find the storyline a little ridiculous, I love the setting. I live in France, and after spending this weekend in Paris, it made me crave this film. Kelly's athletic dance style is very different from Fred Astaire's classic tapping, but I truly appreciate both actors and their films. Kelly plays a starving American painter living in Paris. A wealthy patroness discovers him, but it appears her interests go beyond his art. Kelly falls in love with a French girl who is already taken. Beautiful scenery, very extravagant dance numbers, everything one comes to expect from a Kelly production.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

A friend of mine gave me this movie for Christmas during a Secret Santa gift exchange. I had never seen it before, but I am so glad to have recently made this film a part of my Christmas traditions. It is hilarious, definitely one of the better Chevy Chase pictures. The Griswald Family Christmas should be a part of every family's holiday experience.

Gremlins

Many may forget that Gremlins is, in fact, a Christmas movie (at least in setting), so luckily I am eager to remind everyone! This unique comedy features a dark twist on the holiday season. A little boy's father brings home an unusual Christmas gift for his son, a Mogwai named Gizmo. While Gizmo is adorable and sweet, there are three very important rules for protecting him: 1) Avoid the light, 2) Do not get him wet, and most importantly, 3) Do not, under any circumstances, feed him after midnight! This is a great one to watch at any time of year, but also a perfect break from the typically cheerful holiday pictures.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

I am currently reading Charles Dickens' classic story that inspired The Muppet Christmas Carol. Gonzo plays Dickens, and the rest of our favorite characters fall into place predictably. My sister and I once had a tradition of watching this movie around Halloween rather than waiting all the way until Christmas. It was the marker for the end of fall and the beginning of winter and all that came with it. How can a person not love the muppets? This film is a heartwarming, hilarious tribute to one of my favorite Christmas tales. This one also appeals to children and adults alike!

The Santa Clause

I do not think it is possible to have another favorite Tim Allen film. This is by far his best. I remember seeing The Santa Clause in theaters when I was a little girl. After Santa falls off Allen's roof, he and his son travel to the North Pole, only to discover his character must permanently replace Father Christmas. It is a hilarious and exciting Christmas story about family, holiday spirit, and faith. It will be an instant family favorite; I guarantee it!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

I am not sure if this can accurately be labeled a Christmas movie, but it falls somewhere between Halloween and Noel, so it qualifies. I have only seen this a couple of times, but I like it. Danny Elfman and Tim Burton make a really great team. I like the characters, the animation, and of course, the songs. Jack Skellington is the successful and delightfully frightful Pumpkin King. But after his latest Halloween, he feels a kind of emptiness that only Christmas can cure. Or so he believes. This film is definitely worth trying at least once.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

December is upon us and with it comes the holiday season. I am dedicating this month to a celebration of holiday pictures. I have already written commentaries on Holiday Inn, White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life in past months, so I am not going to repeat myself. I do, however, want to reiterate that each of those films are amazing.
The first entry is for Dr. Suess's classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I thoroughly enjoy both the cartoon version from 1966 and the 2000 version starring Jim Carrey. I cannot remember a Christmas that did not include this sweet and moving story. We are all guilty of getting caught up in the commercial side of Christmas, and Dr. Suess works to remind us that Christmas is about love, family and joy above all else. Not just for kids, this story is for everyone!