THE EXPERT
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AUTHOR: Brent Brandt
GREAT MOVIES SURE to KEEP the HOME FIRES BURNING
S
o there’s nothing good on T.V. and your list of Netflix “pics for you” have lost all credibility after that last subtitled, low-budget kung fu flick that made you want to demand a full refund of three hours of wasted life. For a guaranteed remedy, it would be easy for me to suggest to you such classic flicks as: The Avengers, Shawshank Redemption, The Breakfast Club, Pulp Fiction, Singin’ In The Rain, Goodfellas, Star Wars, Forrest Gump, Vertigo, Toy Story, or Back To The Future. But how about broadening your horizons and delving into something beyond the familiar security of your normal cinematic comforts? The following is a list of really great films, personal favorites of my own, that while skimming your list of old faithfuls, you might have browsed right by. This list is for those cold nights when there’s nothing better than a jaw-clenching, tear-jerking, edge-of-your seat film that (even in the dead of winter) has the power to liven the spirit and awaken the soul. And the best news? You’ll find these classics just a click away on Netflix or perhaps in your friend’s vast collection of DVDs. Choose one of these timeless pics, each one an excellent representation of the major movie genres and I’ll bring the popcorn! //
ACTION/ ADVENTURE ALL IS LOST - 2013 Robert Redford plays the lead in this tense action drama about a lone sailor fighting the elements after being stranded at sea. Redford gives an epic performance in this nearly dialogue-free movie. You will feel as if you are on the boat right along side him as the depth of Redford’s character resurrects conflicting feelings of both hopefulness and utter dissolution. It’s one great survival film.
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DRAMA WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE - 1993 Leonardo DiCaprio earned his first Oscar nomination for his amazing performance as a mentally handicapped boy facing the constraints of a troubled upbringing with unimaginable optimism in a dysfunctional rural Iowa family. This is a movie with a great story and fantastic character executions across the board, including stellar performances by co-stars Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis.
| ABERDEEN MAGAZINE JAN/FEB 2015
SCI-FI/FANTASY THE FIFTH ELEMENT 1997 Set in the 23rd century, you’ll have an amazing adventure through the perspective of Bruce Willis’s character as he plays a futuristic flying cab driver attempting to save an alien woman (Milla Jovovich) and the universe from evil. Gary Oldman enacts a creepy villain and co-star Chris Tucker is hilarious. This film is filled with impressive visual effects, costumes and creatures that are out of this world. Be sure to buckle up because this movie is sure to take you for one unforgettable ride.
ROMANTIC COMEDY ANNIE HALL - 1977 If you’ve never seen a Woody Allen movie before, this is the one to start with. Woody plays a neurotic comedian who falls in love with the equally kooky Annie Hall (played by Diane Keaton). If you want to see what life and love was like in the 70’s, this Oscar winning film can’t be beat.
DOCUMENTARY BLACKFISH - 2013 See the movie that is causing major waves (pun intended) for Seaworld. Complete with interviews from former Seaworld trainers and never before seen footage, this moving documentary explores the true-to-life conditions suffered by captive whales and the daily dangers faced by both animals and trainers alike. You will be both angered and inspired.