The Legend of Bagger Vance

Robert Redford directed this film from 2000 starring Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Jack Lemmon, and Will Smith.

Golfers love this film but it should appeal to everyone.

Traumatized World War One vet tries to piece his life - and golf game - together. Big match pits him againsy legendary golf figures like Bobby Jones. Help is provided by a mystical caddy (Smith at his best...humble and folksy.

Touching drama with an excellent cast is seen through the eyes of a youngster who adores the game and idolizes his golf hero.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146984/

To Have and Have Not

Bogart and Bacall at their best. Howard Hawks directed them in 1944. This is the first film they worked on together and the chemistry is evident.

Faulkner worked on the screenplay from an uncredited Hemingway novel.

Bogart plays a charter boat captain during World War Two who tries to remain aloof and neutral. But circumstances force him to become involved in the resistance and with a sexy cabaret singer.

Great adventure romance.

Walter Brennan shines as Bogart's drunk first mate ("Ever been stung by a dead bee?"), Bacall is HOT and Bogart is prime.

Not to be missed.


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037382/

Blade Runner

One of my favorire sci-fi films. Ridley Scott directed this futuristic saga starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, and Daryl Hannah.

Looks into the question we all have: how long will I exist?

Ford, a Blade Runner, is assigned to kill replicants who have returned to Earth to meet their maker. Who is human, who is not? What makes us human? Why are we here? Raises the big issues is an intentionally slow paced film that is a marvel visually.

Impressive and impressionistic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/

The Magic Christian

Joseph McGrath directed this 1969 comedy adapted from a Terry Southern novel. It stars Peter Sellers, Ringo Starr, and Christopher Lee.

The richest man in the world sets out to prove that anyone can be bought.

Sellers, as usual, is hysterical. Ring Starr once actually had a promising career in film...what happened to that?

Funny English satire. Outstanding soundtrack.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064622/

Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas

Whew...was it the acid? Or the ether?

Riotus Terry Gilliam film from 1998 follows Hunter S. Thompson's alter ego Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his "attorney" and advisor Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) as they travel from L.A. to Vegas to supposedly cover a motorcycle race.

Thompson was a unique individual, a proponent...hell the grandaddy of Gonzo journalism where the reporter's experience is part of the story. In Thompson's case his experience WAS the story, period.

This is an trippy, all out comedy romp that won't suit everyone's taste, but give it a try. Funny, absurd, dead on social commentary...and a look inside the world of a genius journalist who operated under his own rules (and paranoia).

Johhny Depp has him nailed. Brilliant portrayal. And look at the supporting cast: Del Toro (incredible), Tobey McGuire, Gary Busey, Ellen Barkin, Christina Ricci, Cameron Diaz...the list goes on and on.

A laugh fest. Love the first scene on the highway when the drugs kick in and the inventory of what illicit substances are in the trunk of the car.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120669/

Man of the Century

Very creative and original romantic comedy from 1999 directed by Adam Abraham and starring Gibson Frazier and Cara Buono.

Young man living in the modern world dresses, talks, and acts as if he is in a 1930s movie. He seems totally unaware that he hasn't caught up with the real world, but his sunny disposition, innocence, and earnestness win over his friends, coworkers, and love interest. As a reporter for the city's paper he is involved in a plot by criminals to plant a false news story.

Great mix of sensibilities. Highly creative and much fun.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138537/

Cool World

Kim Basinger and Brad Pitt star in this Ralph Bakshi mix of live action and animation.

Cartoonist creates an imaginary world that comes to life. Sexy Basinger attempts to transform herself from the cartoon world to real life.

Interesting twist on Roger Rabbit premise, but darker and more of a noir style.

Fun and worth a look.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104009/

Birdy

Matthew Modine and Nicolas Cage star in this 1984 drama from Alan Parker.

Story of two Vietnam vets who both return home damaged...one physically, the other mentally. Always fascinated by birds, one friend thinks he is a bird himself. Touching story of how they can help each other overcome their afflictions.

Interesting drama is eventually uplifting. Good cast, intriguing story.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086969/

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

Terry Gilliam comedy from 1988 starring John Neville, Robin Williams, Eric Idle.

Muchausen ( a teller of tale tales) relates his adventures that may be true, may be fantasies. Doesn't matter. Go along for the ride. Very imaginative and funny.

Look for Robin Williams as a manic King of the Moon...and a small bit part from a young Uma Thurman.

Gilliam's films are always a treat.

Enjoy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096764/

O Brother Where Art Thou

Coen Brothers perfection from 2000 starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, and Charles Durning.

Three dim-witted chain gang prisoners escape and go on a quest for treasure and enlightenment in this comedy masterpiece based upon The Odyssey.

Imaginative and hysterical.

Clooney is remarkable as are his co-stars. Too many favorite scenes to mention but look for Holly Hunter's small role as Clooney's estranged wife ("You're not bona fide!") and Durning's take as a Southern politician.

Great soundtrack.

Funny, original, and worth seeing over and over. Not to be missed.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190590/

Band Wagon

Great 1953 musical from Vincente Minnelli starring Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Oscar Levant, and Nanette Fabray.

Has been performer (Astaire) gets involved in a musical that revives his spirits and career. Plot isn't important here...the draw is the music and dance numbers.

Innovative scenes make this a delight, especially the "Girl Hunt Ballet" which spoofs film noir.

Frothy, fun, and memorable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045537/