This past month reminded me of why great movies stand the test of time and why great books can sometimes make greater movies.
The two movies I am alluding to are “Top Gun” and “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” My oldest daughter was not even alive when “Top Gun” was released. I distinctly remember seeing this movie in college amidst clapping and cheering and crying. I was mesmerized by a film that featured romance (okay, an inappropriate scene as well), patriotism, and sacrificial love. To see it again on the big screen with someone I love so much was the best, and, yes, that film has stood the test of time.
The other film is Netflix’s almost perfect “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” based on the bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt. I listened to the audiobook because a friend recommended doing that because of the difference in the voices of the characters. I heard this film was better than the book, so I could not wait to watch it. I highly recommend this film. It is a moving story that I think you can definitely watch as a family if you have teenagers. Sally Field so inhabits the role of Tova that it seems Pelt wrote the character with her in mind.
If you follow entertainment at all, you have heard the phrase “nepobaby,” a term for children of actors who sometimes get a pass in the industry (and maybe aren’t talented enough to get such attention). I will forever say Lewis Pullman (son of Bill Pullman known for “Spaceballs,” “While You Were Sleeping” and many other films and series) is not such a case. Lewis made a splash in “Top Gun: Maverick” (again, thank you “Top Gun”) and won well deserved praise. He is sheer perfection as Cameron in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Another fun fact about this film is the puppeteers who created the magic in “War Horse” on Broadway lent their talents to the octopus character.
Apple TV
Hulu:
Netflix
Prime
When my girls were at home for the summer, we loved to start a show we had never watched and stream it. This summer, I’m taking on “Peaky Blinders” due to several recommendations. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Until next month … pass the popcorn.
The two movies I am alluding to are “Top Gun” and “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” My oldest daughter was not even alive when “Top Gun” was released. I distinctly remember seeing this movie in college amidst clapping and cheering and crying. I was mesmerized by a film that featured romance (okay, an inappropriate scene as well), patriotism, and sacrificial love. To see it again on the big screen with someone I love so much was the best, and, yes, that film has stood the test of time.
The other film is Netflix’s almost perfect “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” based on the bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt. I listened to the audiobook because a friend recommended doing that because of the difference in the voices of the characters. I heard this film was better than the book, so I could not wait to watch it. I highly recommend this film. It is a moving story that I think you can definitely watch as a family if you have teenagers. Sally Field so inhabits the role of Tova that it seems Pelt wrote the character with her in mind.
If you follow entertainment at all, you have heard the phrase “nepobaby,” a term for children of actors who sometimes get a pass in the industry (and maybe aren’t talented enough to get such attention). I will forever say Lewis Pullman (son of Bill Pullman known for “Spaceballs,” “While You Were Sleeping” and many other films and series) is not such a case. Lewis made a splash in “Top Gun: Maverick” (again, thank you “Top Gun”) and won well deserved praise. He is sheer perfection as Cameron in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Another fun fact about this film is the puppeteers who created the magic in “War Horse” on Broadway lent their talents to the octopus character.
Apple TV
- The only thing I watched on Apple was “Winnie the Pooh” because my daughter and I took my grandson to see CCS’s performance of this classic tale. We now sing the theme song and “The Baxsons” on repeat.
- I’m hoping this new season of “Ted Lasso” will remain true to the original because I thought the “final” season ended perfectly. I’m nervous about this one.
Hulu:
- “The Cult of NatureBoy” I’ve mentioned probably too many times that I love anything about cults. The mind of someone lured into a cult has always fascinated me. This one is bonkers! People give up their lives to go live in the middle of the jungle with social media star Eligio Bishop, known as NatureBoy. Getting back to nature goes horribly wrong; I found it fascinating.
- “The Testaments” This prequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale” held my attention. If you found the original material too dark, skip this.
- “Send Help” I love Rachel McAdams (if you haven’t watched “About Time” put it on your summer viewing list NOW), but this film is a gore fest. It was marketed as a “woman wronged seeks revenge,” which is a genre I love but it is not. Skip it!
- “Anniversary” Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler (Coach from “Friday Night Lights” forever in my heart and mind) are a couple celebrating a major anniversary and their son shows up with a new girlfriend, one who has a complicated past with his mom. It is definitely a thriller with many twists. I enjoyed it.
Netflix
- “Lord of the Flies” Like most people my age, I read this novel in middle school. I could not put it down. This British adaptation stays incredibly close to the novel; in other words, it is sad. It is shocking to see young boys’ rapid descent into violence. This adaptation also leaves you with questions. I am ready for a talented writer to compose a sequel. Warning to parents: If your young teen has read the novel and asks to watch the series, I would recommend watching with them.
- “All the Empty Rooms” Last month I reviewed the beautiful animated Oscar-nominated “Forevergreen.” I had never watched an animated short, but because of Chattanooga and Covenant College connections, I did watch and was so glad I did. That led me to watching this Oscar winner for best short documentary. This film follows correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they take seven years to film the rooms of children killed in school shootings. Their mission was simply to interview the families and show the rooms frozen in time. The first family is the Scruggs, who lost their daughter Hallie in the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. What I appreciated was the manner in which this short documentary tackled only one aspect of school shootings: those who were left behind. It’s less than 30 minutes long and well worth your time.
- “Marty, Life is Short” This is one of the most charming documentaries I’ve ever seen. While it is about Martin Short, it is a love letter to his wife Nancy Dolman and friendship and community. I loved it so much, and it made me miss Catherine O’Hare even more.
- “The Crash” A documentary about the case of Mackenzie Shirilla, who drove a car into a building and killed two friends. In my opinion, her parents should have been tried with Mackenzie. I was outraged at her parents, yelling at the screen often. This film is simply mindboggling.
Prime
- “Andy Irons Kissed by God” My dear friend Charlotte Lindeman recommended this documentary of the life of surfer Andy Irons. It deals with his bipolar disorder diagnosis and his drug and alcohol addictions. It was a poignant reminder of how no one can change an addict, and no one can love them back to wise choices. Powerful, moving and frustrating, it spoke to my heart, and it might to yours. It also confirmed my belief in AA and other 12 step programs.
- “Whistle” In the midst of the much-needed week of rain, I just felt like a scary movie to match the fog and rain so rented this. Unless you are a big horror fan, you can skip it.
When my girls were at home for the summer, we loved to start a show we had never watched and stream it. This summer, I’m taking on “Peaky Blinders” due to several recommendations. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Until next month … pass the popcorn.
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