Unable to get to the theatre because of travel plans, I submit to you a list of really great films to watch via On Demand, Netflix, or your favorite streaming service.
Midnight in Paris, 2011, PG-13
Written and directed by Woody Allen, this is a memorable film. If you are not a fan of Allen’s, forget that, as this is one of his best pieces of work. And as an added plus, he’s not in the movie, which works for me. Owen Wilson, in arguably his best performance ever, stars as Gil Pender, an aspiring author vacationing in Paris with his fiancée and her family. One night while strolling alone at midnight, a car full of revelers pulls up and invites him to come along. He jumps in and ends up at a nightclub where it is suddenly 1925, and he meets the most fascinating array of people imaginable. When he leaves the club it’s 2011 again. The car comes by every night and he becomes a regular. Marion Cotillard stars as his love interest while he is “back there,” and the story becomes remarkable.
This movie was nominated for hundreds of awards around the world, including four Oscar nominations, winning for Best Original Screenplay.
Waking Ned Devine, 1998, PG
In this day and age, it is almost impossible to find a comedy that is not only funny, but also devoid of senseless profanity and gross behavior. This movie hits the spot for those looking for a lighthearted and comical evening’s entertainment. In a small, rural village in Ireland, someone wins the national lottery worth a fortune. The village is in a state of suspense waiting for the winner to proclaim him or herself. When no one comes forward Jackie O’ Shea and Michael O’ Sullivan join together to see if they can “ferret” out who is holding that invaluable ticket, and in the process enrich themselves a “wee” bit. The plot thickens and the thicker it gets the funnier it is. When they begin to track down who they think it is, the story takes a 90-degree turn and gets even funnier. The movie stars an all-Irish cast, plus a group of locals from the Isle of Man, where the movie was shot, and they are all superb. You won’t soon forget this one.
Star Trek into Darkness, 2013, PG-13
You don’t have to be a “Trekkie” to enjoy this movie. If you like non-stop, action-oriented films with great special effects and actors you can relate to, you will enjoy. This is a sequel to Star Trek (2009), which was also terrific. Chris Pine returns as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Both were great in the original film and are every bit as good in this one. The opening moments of the movie thrust you into the middle of a wild and wooly action scene and there is very little respite from beginning to end. The periodic pauses in the action simply allow you to catch your breath, before they are off and running again. The technology and special effects are as good as they get. The chemistry between Kirk and Spock exudes from the screen; they are not only great, but heroic to a fault.
Date Night, 2010, PG-13
Tina Fey and Steve Carell star as Phil and Claire Foster, a suburban New York couple, whose lives have drifted into a predictable day-to-day existence, trapped by their own goals of good jobs, a nice house, and children. In an effort to spice up their lives a little they have periodic “date nights” but even those become mundane as they end up at the same restaurant ordering the same menu items.
With all this in mind, Phil decides to “up the ante” on their next date night, and they head into Manhattan for a change of pace. He picks the city’s newest trendy restaurant “The Claw” for dinner, without a reservation. The place, of course, is booked months ahead of time. That’s where the real fun begins. Phil’s attempts to “worm” their way to a table triggers a series of hilarious events leading to a night never to be forgotten. Steve and Tina give great performances with an outstanding supporting cast including Mark Wahlberg.
