The Odd Couple (1968) is about two men, one already divorced and one in the beginnings of his separation, who end up living together. The only problem is they realize they can’t stand each other. I don’t know much about Neil Simon as a playwright, I look forward to watching more of his adaptations. The dialogue in this movie is so sharp and crisp, it’s like biting into an apple on a fall day. The duo of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau makes it even better.
The Quiet Man (1952) is about an ex-boxer who travels to Ireland to escape his torment of killing another boxer. I’ve been on a John Wayne kick of watching his older movies. Maureen O’Hara as his love interest holds her own. There’s a perfect scene near the end that by today’s standards is pretty terrible, but it’s the little details I noticed in the filming of it that I seldom see today.
The King (2019) is about King Henry V’s reign after his father died. He never wanted to be king, but he has no choice but to do his duty. He leads England into battles with France successfully and is played by Timothée Chalamet. The pageboy haircut also makes an unfortunate appearance, making Joel Edgerton as about as unattractive as I’ve ever seen him on screen.
The Informer (2019) is about an ex-con working undercover for the FBI to help them weaken the Polish mob. He basically is doing the dirty work without recognition. Not everything goes as planned and it becomes a race for survival for Koslow and his family. What is great about this movie is there is nothing to sidetrack the story.
Deepwater Horizon (2016) is about the true events of the 2010 explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil rig explosion led to miles of polluted water, investigations, and lawsuits. It’s the worst environmental disaster so far in U.S. history. It’s also the story of lost lives and traumatic memories of those that survived.
The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) is about a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, NY. He realizes his toys come alive when placed in a wooden cabinet. The problem is he needs to keep the peace between Litefoot and Boone. As a fantasy movie, the action is minimal, but it keeps the viewer’s attention.
Easter Parade (1948) is about a nightclub performer who has to find a new dance partner. It’s the first movie I’ve ever seen with Fred Astaire. It opens with a great dance number in a candy store and ends with a great dance number with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.
Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) is about a CIA agent and KGB operative in the 1960s. They clearly don’t like each other for obvious reasons but have to work together for a common cause. Who’s the better spy is never answered as intended Guy Ritchie style.
In Time (2011) is about a futuristic movie where time is limited, and certain people have all the resources to live a long time. This movie is commentary on the have and have nots. This movie wasn’t well received, but I enjoyed the ruthlessness of Cillian Murphy’s character and survival of Justin Timberlake’s character
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) is about the continuation of Hiccup and Toothless. After they find wild dragons, a battle ensues to protect them. Since I watched them out of order, it made less sense to me, but a worthwhile rated PG movie.