13 Movies I really Dig

1. Apollo 13 (Widescreen 2-Disc Anniversary Edition) A friend of Fuzzy’s dragged us to see this when we lived in SoDak, and at the time, I had no idea what the movie was. Later, of course, I read Jim Lovell’s book, Lost Moon, which the movie was based upon. Even after seeing it multiple times, this is one of my “comfort films” – the kind I can put on for background noise when I’m working on something else.
2. Better Than Chocolate I caught part of this on HBO or Showtime one night when Fuzzy was working late, and later rented it because I liked what I’d seen. It’s a quirky little love story, and admittedly the plot’s a little week, but the acting’s worth it.
3. Bring It On Feel good fun – it’s just so bubbly and vapid.
4. Clue I grew up playing the game, and I realize this film was panned by critics, but really, it’s hilarious. Tim Curry makes the movie.
5. The Cutting Edge – Gold Medal Edition Moira Kelly plays bitchy with the best diction ever. And yay, skating.
6. Empire Records Another film I saw on cable, then had to rent. It’s short on plot, long on 90’s alt rock, but it’s fun to see the cast in their early work.
7. Little Women (Collector’s Edition) Traditionalists may prefer older versions of this film, but I liked the 1995 treatment, even if it was a little preachy at times. It’s one of my favorite things to watch when I need writing inspiration, or just to feel cozy.
8. Love Actually (Widescreen Edition) How could anything with this cast not be great? I mean, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant all in one movie? Try topping that!
9. The Lover This is based on a semi-autographical novel by Marguerite Duras, and it’s essentially soft porn about a French schoolgirl and an Asian businessman having an affair in 1920’s Vietnam. The plot is weak, the visuals – even the non-sexual ones – are beautiful. (The American version was edited so that the lead character’s age was raised to 18 – I understand an aversion to kiddie-porn, but this was a consensual relationship.) This is one of those movies that stays on my list as much because it was a special night when I saw it, as for the film itself.
10. The Princess Bride (Special Edition) Funny, romantic, and packed with action and great acting. A modern classic.
11. Strictly Ballroom Quirky, sweet, cheesy, and fun.
12. Truly Madly Deeply Alan Rickman in a romantic role, and Juliet Stevenson learning what it really means to have an affair with a ghost. Plus, lots of cello. Lots and lots of cello.
13. You’ve Got Mail As someone who both worked in an independent bookstore, once upon a time, and met her husband online, this movie has a special place in my heart. Even if they did use AOL.