I go to dozens of movies every year. I go for three reasons:
1) I like movies,
2) I like Snow-Caps, the little chocolate nonpareils that accompany me every time, and
3) I need to go so I can write this column.
Lately it’s been the candy and the column that’s kept me going, not the quality of the movies out there. You may recall the last time I reported that I was the only person in the theater, and the only one to buy a ticket for either showing of Battle of the Sexes that night.
To begin with, I would like to offer a challenge to my fellow columnists Jim and Nancy Eggers (The Dining Duo): lets swap jobs for an edition or two. I know it would be easier (for me) to find a decent restaurant, savor a good meal and write about it, than find a decent movie the way things are going these days. On the other hand, if you are offended by poor scripts, streams of foul language, or don’t like lots of meaningless special effects, perhaps you should stick to your salads and (of course desserts), which you so stylishly describe. I’m open for discussion.
I took a moment and reviewed the list of the sixty or so movies I have seen since December 2015 and could only come up with a list of nine that are memorable enough to talk about. So rather than waste your time or mine on another mindless adventure, I thought I would briefly remind you of the really great movies I’ve seen in that period, in the event you missed any of them, so you can add them to your list of rentals, streaming or whatever.
Spotlight: the amazing true story of the team of Boston Globe reporters who unearthed the story of pedophile priests in the Archdiocese of Boston, opening a Pandora’s box and ultimately revealing the world wide spread of this sickness.
Jungle Book: Kipling’s masterpiece brought to the screen with technology second to none.
Sully: Clint Eastwood directs, Tom Hanks acts, and that should be enough for anyone. The remarkable true story of the pilot who landed his Airbus 320 on the Hudson River, with 155 passengers on board and all lived to tell about it. The 208 seconds in the cockpit will keep you glued to you seat, as Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and his co- pilot float over Manhatten with all four engines out.
Hidden Figures: The true story of three mathematical geniuses, all African American women, who made it possible for John Glenn to be launched into space, despite the ultra-discriminatory practices they encountered.
Born In China: Probably the greatest documentary I have ever seen. The story of three animal families, their trials and tribulations, filmed over a period of years in the mountainous, outlying areas of China. The word spectacular falls woefully short in describing this adventure. Well worth your time.
La La Land: A refreshing change, a real live song and dance story, with fine performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
Gifted: A precocious and loveable little girl, by the first grade has math skills greater than Einstein and sets the world of science and math on its ear.
Dunkirk: The remarkable true story of the rescue of 400,000 British soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, by ordinary and heroic citizens, using fishing boats, sailboats and rowboats to transport them across the English Channel. All the while under horrific fire from the Germans.
And last, but certainly not least:
Wonder Woman: As the Chicago Tribune editorial writer put it, “we don’t need Superman any more, just call Wonder Woman.” This should be the last “super hero” movie ever made, because it can’t really be topped.
In all fairness there are a number good films I simply don’t have time to get to, and if I did this list would no doubt be longer. Hopefully by the nest issue of the Sun Day News, there will be another good movie lurking out there somewhere that I can report on, with or without the Snow-Caps. Or, if by chance the Eggers take me up on my challenge, I’ll be writing about my favorite restaurant. Either way, see you then.
