Try as I might, I canât find a movie in the theatres right now (that hasnât already been reviewed) worth my time or yours, although there may be disagreement from some of you. There are four or five good-looking films out there to come, but as usual, Hollywood waits until the last two weeks of the year to release them, which coincidentally is the time frame we donât publish. So, I thought I would give you some recommendations on movies a few years old; they are all great and worth your time to rent or stream.
Leap of Faith, 1992, P.G. 13
Steve Martin, in one of his best roles, plays Rev. Jonas Nightingale, using his spiritual influence for financial gain. He lines his pockets with the faith of generous believers he encounters as a traveling evangelist. In one town, he falls for an affirmed skeptic and runs up against a sheriff who sees through his charlatan ways. The last three words in the movie say it all.
Hearts in Atlantis, 2001, P.G. 13
Anthony Hopkins plays an elderly man with a gift for second sight, who moves into a widowâs home as a boarder. He befriends the womanâs young son who begins to learn of his mysterious power and the danger he is trying to escape. Set in the 1960s, this coming of age drama is based on a short story by Steven King.
Mouse Hunt, 1997, P.G
This movie succeeds where so many comedies fail. Itâs actually funny, in fact hysterically funny, without the use of profanity, vulgarity etc. Nathan Lane and Lee Evans star as two brothers who inherit a large mansion, which turns out to be worth millions. They can sell it and pocket a fortune, but first they have to evict its diminutive tenant, a mouse with no intention of leaving. The scenes depicting their efforts are side-splitting, and you will grow to love the furry little fella, as he outsmarts them all.
Silver Streak, 1976, P.G.
This is the first movie where Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor teamed up. While on a cross country train trip, Wilder witnesses a murder, but no one will believe him. Aided by a small time thief, played by Pryor and his romantic interest played by Jill Clayburgh, they delve into the mystery as the train speeds across the country. This is a highly entertaining story ending with one of the best special effects moments in history even though it dates back forty years. This is clearly a four star movie.
Hidalgo, 2004, P.G. 13
This is one of the best adventure movies of all time, and mysteriously did not make my list of top ten films I wrote about last year. Viggo Mortenson stars as well-known American cowboy, invited to participate in the most grueling horse race of all, a 3000-mile trek across the Arabian dessert. He brings his little Mustang pony, Hidalgo, across the ocean to ride in the race and is mocked by those with their magnificent Arabian steeds. Omar Sharif stars as the sheik who invited him, but the story goes well beyond the race, with one adventure after another confronting our cowboy friend. This is also a four star movie; you will be glad you saw it.
Space prohibits details about the movies Juno, 2007 P.G. 13, and Definitely, Maybe, 2008 P.G. 13. Both are entertaining and worth your time. Â
