News Flash - there's nothing playing at the movies. Nothing I really want to see at any rate. District 9 looks good and there are a tonne of choices at the TIFF, but sadly, I couldn't make it. George Clooney is there too - did you know? I could have stalked him a little. A lifelong dream of mine.
So instead of checking out new movies - which I will eventually do, I swear - I've made a little list of movies you need to watch every fall. Fall is the best time to watch movies, if you ask me. The air is brisk, your tan is fading. The kids are back at school so you might even get a chance to sneak a movie in while they're gone - not that I ever do that. No, I'm usually working hard on this very website. Really.
Best Pick For Girls on a Sunny Day...You've Got Mail (1998). Directed by Nora Ephron. So here's why it's good. Tom Hanks. My favourite leading man in the fall...he's just so solid, so dependable. Like a good Irish Fisherman knit sweater. Meg Ryan is pretty but not threateningly so. Her apartment is cute and well decorated...New York looks homey and welcoming. I could watch this movie on mute and enjoy it. Although the dialogue isn't too shabby either. I know - it's an obvious choice. But when you're making a roast beef on Sunday and you feel like watching a little something while you peel potatoes and stir gravy - this is it. I swear.
Best Pick For Girls on Rainy Days When They Feel Like Crap - Pride And Prejudice (2005) Directed by Joe Wright. Just because...well, you never know. He might be out there. Really. Mr. Darcy could be out there. And HE wouldn't forget to call after you've left him 17 messages. I don't care what anyone says - I liked this version. I particlary liked Claudia Blakey, who played Charlotte Lucas. Adorable.
Best Pick For Guys - Braveheart (1995) Directed by Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson. It always looks like Fall in Scotland, for one thing. It's a long movie. Too long for attention spans in summer, what with all the midriff baring going on outdoors. Plus..it's just cool. Lots of blood. Male bonding and freedom and kilts. I asked a fair few fellas and this was their vote.
Another notable mention for guys - Good Will Hunting (2997) Directed by Gus Van Sant. The guys all seem to really like this movie. I think it's because they all secretly want to be Matt Damon or, if worse comes to worse, Ben Affleck.
Best Picks For Kids - Monster House (2006) Directed by Gil Kenan. I'm never sure why this movie didn't get more attention. It's spooky and funny and weird and wonderful. A house that comes alive...two pre-pubescent boys left with a lazy miserable babysitter voiced by Maggie Gyllenhal. Loved it. My boys loved it. We watch it every year...along with It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and - oddly - Hocus Pocus (1993). I don't know if this last one is a nostalgia pick or not. I'm sure there are millions of better movies out there. But where else are you going to see Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker playing witch sisters, hmm?
And of course...the Best Football Movie Pick For My Sons. Rudy (1993) Directed by David Anspaugh. Along with Braveheart, one of the only movies I've ever seen where men almost universally break down in tears. Notre Dame, The Fighting Irish. Sean Astin before he became the Fat Hobbit. A great classic to be watched every year as the season hits up. Preferrably with a bowl of chili.
Sit back. Eat too much. and enjoy.
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