My Favorite Movie Soundtracks of All Time!

Music has always been an integral part of movies, but in the modern era, soundtracks have also become big business.  The first commercially-issued film soundtrack was “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” so they have come a long way.  Just as our own lives have been indelibly marked by the music that meant so much to us, the same goes for the characters in movies.  Indeed, most movies have at least one unforgettable scene where music and film become one and we feel it right down to our tingly toes.

I thought it would be fun to visit some of my favorite movie soundtracks of all time, but be aware: I’m not a “Sound of Music” guy; or a “Singin’ in the Rain” guy.  They are wonderful movies, but just not my thing when it comes to music.  Really, the only real “musical” in my list is a film from my childhood, so you’ll have to indulge me.  Some of my choices will be obvious, but they are obvious for a reason: they’re just so cool.  So….grab your popcorn and darken the room as we visit, in no special order, my favorite movie soundtracks of all time!

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

 The Scoop- This soundtrack became a world-wide phenomenon going 15X Platinum!  You know who’s kicking themselves?  Boz Scaggs.  The movie’s producers wanted to use Scaggs’ “Lowdown” for the rehearsal scene between Tony and Annette in the studio.  Scaggs’ record label refused the offer.  I doubt Boz has had a good night’s sleep since.  The Bee Gees only became involved after the movie was made.  During filming, Travolta was actually dancing to Stevie Wonder and Boz Scaggs!  But the Bee Gees did eventually bring their magic to the project and it became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, only to be surpassed later by Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard.”

 Special Moment- Travolta’s show-stopping scene dancing to “You Should Be Dancing” electrified audiences.  Who could believe the Welcome-Back-Kotter guy could move like that?  Has it aged well?  Maybe not, but it’s still an iconic moment of film and music.

The Commitments (1991)

The Scoop- This movie, filmed on location in Dublin, Ireland could have just faded away, but the soul-drenched soundtrack and its charming group of unknown actors gave it very sturdy legs.  It’s one of my favorite movies ever and was voted the best Irish film of all time.  It was about a group of Irish kids trying to make it by playing classic American soul music by the likes of Aretha, Otis Redding, Al Green and others and it sizzled.

Special Moment- The live performance of “Mustang Sally” crystallized what the movie was all about, with 16-year-old Andrew Strong growling like a full-grown soul-singer from Mississippi.  It never gets old.

A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

 The Scoop- Believe it or not, there was once a simpler time when the entertainment industry was less cynical; when a goofy, spectacularly-talented group of young English boys could run around looking silly and the girls chasing them wouldn’t be arrested.  A Hard Day’s Night was a perfect window into that time.  Having some fresh Lennon/McCartney originals didn’t hurt either.  The Beatles first movie was a huge success and is considered a classic, as well as one of the most influential musical films of all time.  Though not actors, The Beatles were charming as all hell.  The movie was originally called “Beatlemania” until Ringo’s famous description of a “hard day’s night” became the title.

Special Moment- I loved the scene of The Beatles playing cards on the train backed by “I Should Have Known Better.”  It’s mostly just them hanging out having fun, but it shows their individual personalities and is still a joy to watch.

 

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

The Scoop- Lots of folks love this movie, including me.  It was a lot like my high school and probably yours too; it gets the small details just right.  Everyone knew a stoner like Jeff Spicoli; a know-it-all like Damone, or had a ball-breaking teacher like Mr. Hand.  The music just brought it all together perfectly.  The soundtrack is killer with standout tracks like “Raised on the Radio” by The Ravyns, “American Girl” by Tom Petty, and Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.”  Okay, must I state the obvious?  The dream sequence of Phoebe Cates stepping out of the pool is worth the price of admission.

 Special Moment- Fifteen–year-old Jennifer Jason Leigh lies about her age and sneaks out of the house to hook up with 26-year-old stereo salesman Ron Johnson in the dugout of a softball field.…all to the strains of Jackson Browne’s great song, “Somebody’s Baby.”  It wasn’t romantic; it was awkward actually; but we could all relate to it.

Help! (1965)

The Scoop- The Beatles’ second movie is not a classic, but the soundtrack certainly is.  With terrific songs like the title track, “The Night Before,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” how could it go wrong?  It didn’t go wrong; after all it was The Beatles, but the storyline revolving around one of Ringo’s rings really was sort of forgettable.  The movie was inspired by the Marx Brothers’ “Duck Soup” and was heavily satirical of the James Bond films.  It’s The Beatles.  The music is very special.  It will make you happy.

Special Moment- The scene of The Beatles singing “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl” in the studio is simple, wondrous, and unforgettable.  Ringo’s cigarette smoke dances in the light and frames the action in a weird, but interesting way and all you can think of is how very special The Beatles were.

The Last American Virgin (1982)

The Scoop- The Last American Virgin is another one of those coming-of-age high school movies about a guy and his friends hanging out, going to parties, and about their never-ending efforts to get laid.  But this movie has a little something extra going for it; it has heart.  Plus it has a great soundtrack with tunes by The Police, Devo, The Cars, and REO Speedwagon.  It’s about finding out who you are and who you want to be, and is a brutal reminder of how difficult it can be to be a teenager and that sometimes, you don’t get the girl.

Special Moment- The best scene in this movie is the final scene where Gary, who has convinced himself that he has a real chance with this beautiful transfer student, gets himself worked up into a lather.  He had worshipped her from afar until the girl, Karen, had a fling with his best friend and got pregnant.  Gary sells everything he has, borrows money, pays for the abortion, and sweetly supports her through the entire painful process.  Swept up in the moment, they shared a kiss and she invited him to her birthday party a week later.  Gary scrapes together more money, and buys her a gold locket, showing up at the party for the greatest night of his life.  Alas, it was not to be for she was right back with his best friend; the same one who had dumped her when she had gotten pregnant.  It’s right then that the heartbreaking notes of James Ingram’s “Just Once” begin to play, and you’re a cold-hearted sob if you don’t feel something.  It’s the perfect song for the perfect movie moment as we sadly sit and watch Gary’s broken heart fill the screen.

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

The Scoop- I’m not much of a Julia Roberts fan, but this was a good date-movie and held my attention; besides, it featured a number of Burt Bacharach/Hal David songs, which puts in squarely on my list.   Rolling Stone magazine called it “”The summer-date-film supreme for pretty women and the gay men they love.”  Though it featured best friends, romance, and weddings, Julia Roberts, somehow, wound up alone in the end.

Special Moment- I think most will agree that the special scene was the dinner scene where everyone joined in singing “Say a Little Prayer.”  This scene was loaded with undeniable charm.

Purple Rain (1984)

The Scoop- Prince’s film debut made a big splash and was tied into the album of the same name.  The movie was built around Prince doing what Prince does best, and it made a ton of money while also winning an Oscar for Best Original Song Score.  The soundtrack was amazing.  How could it miss with “When Doves Cry, the title track and other Prince classics?  As for Prince’s acting; well, he does “pensive” really well.

Special Moment- Prince playing “Purple Rain” on the piano in the basement was a special moment, but, really, all of the performance scenes were amazing.

 Almost Famous (2000)

 The Scoop- Slide in, make yourself comfortable and meet the star of my little list, “Almost Famous.”  It’s become the favorite of many, as the little movie that could, while capturing the zeitgeist of the early 1970s in ways that are poignant, funny, and inspiring. Writer/director Cameron Crowe’s own experiences inspired this story of a 15-year-old boy who aspires to be a rock journalist and meet his musical heroes.  The soundtrack is one of the very best and even won a Grammy Award.  It generously features music from Todd Rundgren, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin and other greats from the era, leaving the listener with a deep appreciation for just what a special time it was.

Special Moment- It has to be the scene on the bus when a sing-along to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” spontaneously erupts with a joyous sense of community plainly obvious on everyone’s smiling faces.  In the midst of it all, young William Miller turns to Penny Lane and says “I have to go home!” to which she replies, “You are home.”

 

The Wedding Singer (1998)

The Scoop- This sweet film about a wedding singer in the 1980s is very funny and features killer music from some of the very best artists of the period, like The Police, Culture Club, The Smiths, Elvis Costello, and Spandau Ballet.  Adam Sandler is the wedding singer and Drew Barrymore is the lovable waitress with whom he falls in love.  Sandler has this amazing ability to be a total knucklehead while, at the same time, coming off as this sweet, sentimental guy who also happens to be hilarious.  Drew Barrymore has never been prettier or sweeter.  It’s probably my favorite Adam Sandler movie.

Special Moment- With Barrymore unhappily jetting to Las Vegas to marry her cad of a boyfriend, Adam Sandler, who secretly boarded the plane at the last minute, suddenly appears singing a very sweet song he wrote called “Grow Old With You,” stealing Barrymore’s heart…and ours.  True love wins and we get our happy ending.

 

Dirty Dancing (1987)

The Scoop- “Dirty Dancing” was a low-budget film that became a worldwide $214 million dollar phenomenon. Johnny Castle and “Baby” made Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey stars, but it almost didn’t happen; Patrick Swayze’s agent was opposed to him taking the role.  Swayze took it anyway, but then it turned out that Swayze and Grey did not hit it off.  The rest is history though and guys beware: Don’t EVER admit you hate “Dirty Dancing” or it could be a major-league deal breaker.  The soundtrack was all-world and generated two multi-platinum albums, not to mention a slew of singles on the way to becoming one of the biggest-selling albums of all-time.  I would have to be a moron not to include it on my list.

Special Moment- The famous “lift scene” at the end is one of the special movie dance moments of all time.  When Patrick Swayze catches Jennifer Grey in full flight and holds her aloft…to the strains of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”…well, it’s the money-shot of the entire movie.  Suddenly the whole place is dirty dancing like crazy as the camera pulls back slowly.  Roll the credits and go towel off.

 

Pulp Fiction (1994)

The Scoop- Quentin Tarantino’s black comedy featuring LA mobsters, lowlifes, and small-time crooks has become a must-see for any movie fan.  Tarantino’s quirky dialogue and mix of humor and violence earned the movie an Oscar, as well as huge box-office receipts worldwide.  The soundtrack’s inclusion on my list is more of a tribute to the way Tarantino integrates the music into his visuals.  They work in tandem and neither would be nearly as effective without the other.  Indeed, the eclectic, almost obscure songs, when paired with the action on the screen give the movie an undeniable “cool factor” that is part of Tarantino’s unique style.

Special Moment- John Travolta (a hitman heroin-addict and “associate” of a mobster) and Uma Thurman (Mia, the mobster’s wife) enter a twist dancing contest.  In a movie of unforgettable scenes, this one stands out because of the intensity on their faces and their dance moves.  You’ve never seen The Twist danced quite like this.  Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” is the song accompaniment and it’s just irresistible.  It’s sort of comic and sort of not, but you can’t take your eyes off of them.  I’ve since played the song again and again and, away from the movie, it seems much less special to me; you need the visual of their dancing to get the full effect.

Wayne’s World (1992)

The Scoop- Of the eleven movies made from Saturday Night Live skits, “Wayne’s World” is the most successful, despite its low budget and being filmed in only 34 days.  Mike Myers and Dana Carvey were hilarious as a couple of guys hosting a cable-access television show from their basement and they took being silly to the level of art.  The soundtrack was great too, featuring old-school artists like Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Special Moment- The movie’s most memorable scene almost didn’t make the cut.  Of course, I’m talking about the “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene where the guys and their buddies are cruising around, blasting the music and singing as loudly as they can.  Remember when you used to do that?  The producers wanted to do the scene with a more current band at the time, Guns N’ Roses.  Mike Myers wanted to use the Queen tune and after threatening not to do it at all, he got his way.  The result is one of the greatest and most entertaining scenes ever.

Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Scoop- The Wizard of Oz was a vital part of my childhood, and yours too, probably.  It was shown only once a year.  My sister and I prepared for this momentous event by having everything out of the way: our baths, our homework, supper, etc…  We would plant ourselves on the floor two feet from the television with a freshly-popped bowl of popcorn in hand (Remember Jiffy Pop? The whole family would gather ‘round that red-hot burner and we would scrape that flimsy little thing back and forth, back and forth, watching it swell up like Uncle Joe’s belly at Thanksgiving. It got bigger and hotter, bigger and hotter…..bigger. I’m telling you, we were in complete awe. Finally, when it seemed it would explode, we cut into that giant soufflé of aluminum foil and dumped the popcorn in the bowl).  We then entered a world of fantasy; a movie with all the qualities of a dream.  It was the highlight of our year.  The unforgettable songs by Harold Arlen added to the whimsy and have become part of the culture as we all make our way down that yellow brick road.

Special Moment- There are many special moments, and most folks might choose Judy Garland’s sentimental “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”  For me though, it was the scarecrow’s charming but awkward dancing as he sang “If I Only Had a Brain.”  Slipping, sliding, falling, and losing his straw, the scarecrow still makes me smile and remember that little boy from years ago.

 

The Big Chill (1983)

The Scoop- A group of baby boomer college friends reunites around the funeral of one of their friends who committed suicide.  The movie stirred up lots of emotion as they all considered the distance between them now and their former ideals.  The cynics among us described the film as “a bunch of Yuppies sitting around complaining about their lives” but I was not among them.  It rang true for me and it remains one of my favorite movies.  The soundtrack may just be the greatest of all-time.  It features soul and R & B from the greatest artists of all time: Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Miracles and Aretha Franklin.  Maybe there is a case to be made, at least as far as the music is concerned, that the Boomers ARE the “greatest generation.”

Special Moment- For me, it’s the scene where they’re cleaning up after dinner and dancing around to The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”  For a few moments, the somber reason for their reunion is forgotten and they are able to just enjoy being together again, rekindling memories of a time when they were all about potential and their future was in front of them.

Would you like to add the joyful bark of a dog or the loving meows of a cat, welcoming you each time you come home?

Adopt a dog or cat and add those heart-warming sounds to your own life’s soundtrack!

David

This Week in Music: Nine Favorite Music Films

I love lists, movies, and music, so I thought it would be fun to combine all three and take a look at my nine favorite music films.  My list excludes concert films, documentaries, and musicals…so no Woodstock, no Saturday Night Fever, No Grease, and no Standing in the Shadows of Motown.  Also, I really love Prince, but I wasn’t crazy about the movie, “Purple Rain,” which was a great album, but not-so-great movie.  I’m pretty sure Prince will never win any acting awards, though he does do “pensive” really well…in every scene.  So, be that as it may and have that as it will, please join me for a look at my nine favorite music films!

1. The Commitments (1991)

Director– Alan Parker (Fame, Bugsy Malone, Mississippi Burning, Evita, etc…)

Storyline- Aspiring band manager, Jimmy Rabbitte, wants to put together the world’s greatest soul band so he holds hilarious auditions and hires a group of young Irish musicians.  They rehearse, they fight, they play crappy gigs, they fight, and just as they begin to get it all together in an exciting and beautiful way…it all falls apart amid growing egos, petty jealousies, and internal conflicts; just like in real life.  This is a movie I never tire of and if you find yourself wishing the band would have “made it,” well, any other ending just would not have been believable.

Music- Killer old school, American soul music from the sixties played with passion!

Trivia- Parker tried to land Van Morrison for the part of trumpeter Joey “The Lips” Fagin.  The “F-word” appears 145 times in the movie…more than once per minute. Say what you like about the Irish, but they do know how to cuss.

Fave Scenes- I think the performance scenes, in general, are the heart and soul of the movie.  The music was just so GOOD!  I also loved the scene where it’s revealed that Joey “The Lips” Fagin was sleeping with all three female members in the band (Gee, I wonder if THAT ever really happens? wink wink).  The band auditions were classics and not any more bizarre than they are in real life.  

Fave Lines- “Elvis is God?  I never pictured God with a fat gut in a corset singing ‘My Way’ at Caesar’s Palace.”  “The Irish are the blacks of Europe, and Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland. And the North side Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin. So say it once, say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud.”

 

2. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Director- Rob Reiner (Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, etc…)

Storyline- A very funny mockumentary on the fictitious British heavy metal band, Spinal Tap, the movie portrays and makes fun of just about everything possible in the rock music business; the successes (few), the failures (many), horrible gigs, stage screw-ups, bad bookings, embarrassing gigs, cancelled gigs, and sexually transmitted diseases experienced by a band on the road. Any musician watching this HAS to cringe, at least a little.  Easily, one of the best comedies of all time.

Music- Hilariously bad.  “Lick my Love Pump,” “Working on a Sex Farm,” “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” are just a few titles from their album, “Smell the Glove.”

Trivia- Lots of people thought Spinal Tap was a real band.  Most of the dialogue was improvised.  Tom Petty inspired the moment when the band got lost backstage.  Over the years, the band went through 32 different drummers who all died in various ways, including spontaneous combustion.

Fave scenes- The band orders a stage prop, but a miscommunication in measurements causes what is supposed to be a life-sized version of Stonehenge to end up being small enough that it “was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf.”  In one of the band interviews, the band members all have prominent herpes sores on their lips, with no mention made of it.  Another stage prop fiasco: they all had plastic “pods” on stage, from which they were supposed to dramatically emerge, but the bass player’s didn’t open, despite the roadies banging, prying, and blow torching it.  He played the entire show inside the pod.

Fave Lines– “I used to say, ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’. But, as long as there’s sex and drugs, I can do without rock and roll.”  “He died in a bizarre gardening accident.”  “We’ve got Armadillos in our trousers. It’s really quite frightening.”

3. Almost Famous (2000)

Director– Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Say Anything, Vanilla Sky)

Storyline- Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical story of a 15-year-old boy writing for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 1970s while covering the fictitious rock band Stillwater, trying to get his first story published.  This nostalgic movie has a lot of heart and captures the period beautifully.

Music- Beach Boys, Yes, Todd Rundgren, David Bowie, The Who, and more.

Trivia- Peter Frampton was the music consultant hired to keep it real. Cameron Crowe is married to Nancy Wilson of Heart.  When the movie band, Stillwater, played, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready provided the guitar tracks.

Fave Scenes- On the bus, the passengers all join in singing along with “Tiny Dancer” playing on a radio.  The Stillwater guitarist, high on acid, stands on the roof yelling “I am a golden god!” before jumping in the pool, a line once supposedly uttered by Robert Plant.  Groupie, Penny Lane, dances and swirls to Cat Stevens’ “The Wind” in an empty hall.

Fave Lines- “Look at this—an entire generation of Cinderellas, and there’s no glass slipper.”  “I love you, and I’m about to boldly go where…many men…have gone before.”  “If you think Mick Jagger will be out there trying to be a rock star at age 50, you are sadly, sadly mistaken.”

4. That Thing You Do! (1996)

Director- Tom Hanks (Larry Crowne)

Storyline- The story of a one-hit-wonder early-sixties pop band, The Wonders, that releases a catchy tune (“That Thing You Do”).  It turns into a hit; stardom is within their grasp, and…and…and…it all falls apart.

Music- The title song is super-catchy…to the point where you begin to feel the “It’s a Small World” effect.  The rest of the music is of the period and it’s irresistible.

Trivia- This movie was Tom Hanks’ directing debut.  Fountains of Wayne bassist, Adam Schlesinger, wrote the title song.  “That Thing You Do” is heard eleven times in the movie, but it feel like about twice that.  Some other possible band names for The Wonders were The Dollars, The Lords of Erie, The Pistunes, The Thorns, The Mozarts, The Ticks, The Didoctics, and The Flannels.

Fave Scenes- LOVED the scene when they heard their song on the radio for the first time; pure unbridled joy.  I think every band has had a moment like that if they’re lucky.  Loved the talent show where the drummer refused to play the tune as a ballad and sped it up…proving you just can’t control drummers.  Any scene with the very funny Steve Zahn is worth watching twice.

Fave Lines- “Are you crazy? A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Gimme a pen, I’m signin’! You’re signin’! We’re all signin’!” “Hey, wasn’t that our fan?”  “It is very important that you don’t stink today.”

5. A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Director- Richard Lester (Superman II & III, Robin and Marian, Help!)

Storyline- Paul McCartney’s grandfather get’s lost and…who cares?  It was about Beatlemania, in all its zany glory.  The Beatles, of course, were funny, charming, and charismatic.  Those were the days.

Music- Beatles music!

Trivia- The title was a typical Ringoism.  The word “Beatles” is never actually mentioned in the movie. It is the first movie ever put out on DVD.  When all four Beatles attended the premiere, none stayed for the whole movie.  The movie inspired the hit TV show, The Monkees.   

Fave Scenes- The music performances, of course, were irresistible.  The fans chasing the band was always a hoot, but I wonder…what would these teenage girls have done if they’d caught them?  Loved The Beatles goofing around in the field and it also gives one a feeling of melancholy all these years later.

Fave Lines- “God knows what you’ve unleashed on the unsuspecting South.  It’ll be wine, women, and song all the way with Ringo when he gets a taste for it.”  “I don’t think it’s very likely that we will go on.  The law of averages is against it.”  “We know how to behave, we’ve had lessons.”

6. Ray (2004)

Director- Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman, Against All Odds, White Knights).

Storyline- This is a biographical film that focuses on 30 years in the life of the great Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx did an extraordinary job in the title role.  Unfortunately, Ray only “saw” the first edit, as he died a few months before the movie’s premiere.

Music- Ray Charles’ genius was on full display in the wide range of soulful music in the film.  Whether it was R&B, country, jazz, gospel, or rock and roll, it all sounded uniquely Ray.

Trivia- Denzel Washington was first approached to play the titles role, but passed.  Ray Charles preferred to be paid in one-dollar bills…can you figure out why?  The script was translated into Braille so Ray could read it and give his approval…which he did with only a few changes.

Fave Scenes- Loved the scene of Ray frying chicken with the lights off; according to Quincy Jones, that really happened.  The scene where he improvised just to fill the four hours he was supposed to play and came up with what would be “What’d I Say.”

Fave Lines- “Promise me you won’t let nobody turn you into no cripple, you won’t become no charity case, and you’ll stand on your own two feet.” “Look at Ray over there.  You see that?  He feels her wrist because he figures that’s the way to tell if she’s good looking or not.” “You have any idea how it feels to go blind and still be afraid of the dark? God don’t listen to people like me.”

7. Once (2007)

Director- John Carney (On the Edge, Begin Again)

Storyline- (SPOILER ALERT)A Dublin busker and his music draw in a young Czech flower seller, who is also a musician.  They sing together on one of his songs and a mutual attraction develops, but she lets it go only so far, as she has a husband in the Czech Republic.  They make a record and she tells him her husband is coming to join her.  He moves to London without them ever having been intimate and a wonderful movie with so many touching moments ends, leaving you saddened and a tad unfulfilled.  Great movie, but I wanted the guy to get the girl, dammit.

Music- The centerpiece of the film was an achingly gorgeous ballad, “Falling Slowly,” an original Glen Hansard song, as were they all.  The soundtrack was nominated for two Grammy Awards and “Falling Slowly” won an Academy Award.

Trivia- Bob Dylan was a huge fan of the movie and asked the two leads to open for him on part of a world tour. The Dublin street scenes were recorded without permits, so a long lens was used. With a budget of only 150,000 Euros, money was saved by shooting with only natural light and at friends’ houses.

Fave Scenes- The scene in the music shop where the guy teaches the girl the song, “Falling Slowly,” and they sing and play it together is one of my favorite movie scenes ever.  It absolutely soars.  Magic.

Fave Lines- “During the daytime people would want to hear songs that they know, just songs that they recognize. I play these songs at night or I wouldn’t make any money. People wouldn’t listen.” “Because you live, you have to love.”

8. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)

Director- Michael Apted (Agatha, Gorky Park, Bring on the Night, Gorillas in the Mist)

Storyline- A biographical telling of the rags to riches story of legendary country singer, Loretta Lynn, who came from grinding poverty in eastern Kentucky, where she was a married mother of four by the age of 19, to becoming the First Lady of Country Music.

Music- Classic Loretta Lynn songs, along with a couple of Patsy Cline hits, and even including “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

Trivia- Believe it or not, Meryl Streep was actually turned down for the lead role.  Sissy Spacek stayed in character throughout the shoot, even off camera. Lynn’s husband hated the actor playing him, Tommy Lee Jones, on first meeting.  Spacek won a best actress Oscar award.

Fave Scenes- I loved the tension in the room when Doolittle Lynn, 22, came to her house to court Loretta, 15.  Watching Loretta Lynn slowly discover her natural singing talent, much to her surprise, was a real treat and completely believable.  Nobody plays a good old boy like Tommy Lee Jones, so any scene involving him was a highlight.

Fave Lines- “Woman, if you want to keep that arm, you better get it off my husband.” “If you’re born in Kentucky, you’ve got three choices; coal mine, moonshine or move it down the line.”  “I done wrote me a song, Betty Sue.  Your mama’s a dadgum songwriter now.” “I may be ignorant, but I ain’t stupid!”

9. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)

Director- Stephen Herek (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Mighty Ducks, Life or Something Like it, Man of the House)

Storyline- A 30-year-old professional musician takes a high school teaching position to give him more time with his family and more time to compose one memorable piece of music to leave his mark on the world.  He begins to feel marginalized and over the decades slowly realizes that sharing his passion for music with his students is the real definition of success.  The moral of the story: follow your passion.

Music- Classic pop tunes by the likes of John Lennon, Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder and others.

Trivia- Every person in the film that portrayed a deaf person is deaf in real life.  When Mr. Holland’s long-awaited composition is finally heard, the very last note played in his piece of music is exactly the same struck piano chord heard in the Beatles’, “A Day in the Life.”

Fave Scenes- I love Mr. Holland connecting with his students by showing them the influences of classical music on modern music.  The final scene…I won’t spoil it…is one of the great movie scenes ever and will probably have you in tears…not me of course, but you, yes.  In a touching scene, Mr. Holland sings John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy”) to his deaf son.

Fave Lines- “Playing music is supposed to be fun.  It’s about heart, it’s about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful.” “I will use anything from Beethoven to Billie Holiday to rock and roll if I think it’ll help me to teach a student to love music.” “Play the sunset.”

Rescue a cat or dog today…please.

David

My Favorite %#@!&*! De Niro Movies

Like most guys, I love Robert De Niro movies.  He’s so intense.  Plus, most any De Niro movie will always have some of the most inventive cussing you’ll hear, which I’ve always found to be very entertaining.  Here are a few of my favorites.

The Deer Hunter (1978).  I went to see this in a theater with my buddies in 1978 (the only way to see it…it’s not a date movie).  After it finished, we all just sat there in our seats stunned.  That’s the emotional impact of this movie.  Some people call it a war movie, but it’s not; it’s about friendship and the war is used as the framework in which those friendships are tested.  The soundtrack is also very moving.

Favorite Scene:  The Russian roulette scene is the one that sticks in most people’s minds and it provides Michael (De Niro) with the opportunity to show what he’s made of.  My favorite scene is when he comes home from the war feeling displaced and ill-at-ease about rejoining his friends; like he no longer fits in.

Favorite Lines:  “Stanley, see this?  This is this.  This ain’t something else.  This is this.”

“I’ll tell you, Nick. You’re the only guy I go hunting with, you know. I like a guy with quick moves and speed. I ain’t gonna hunt with no assholes.”

“One shot is what it’s all about.  A deer’s gotta be taken with one shot.”

Raging Bull (1980).  As boxer, Jake LaMotta, De Niro is perfect at playing an insanely jealous, sadomasochist whose only talent is beating the hell out of people.  Joe Pesci is also great as his brother Joey, who tries to hone him into a champion, all while protecting him from his own inner demons.  I did see this one on a first date in 1980, but I don’t recommend it, mainly because you don’t want to be distracted while the blood is flowing.

Favorite Scene:  When De Niro displays an almost pathological jealousy, accusing his brother of having sex with his wife.

Favorite Lines:  “I heard some things Joey.  I heard things.”

“You never got me down Ray.  You hear me?  Never got me down.”

“You’re very smart, Joey.  You give me all these answers, but you ain’t giving me the right answer.  I’m askin’ ya again.  Did you or did you not?”

Midnight Run (1988).  This is a comedy with De Niro playing a tough-guy bounty hunter out to bring in a white-collar criminal, played by Charles Grodin.  To see De Niro smoking too much, swilling gallons of coffee and being constantly irritated by Grodin, the accountant-on-the-run, is a pleasure and a departure from the kind of role we expect out of De Niro.

Favorite Scene:  I don’t really have one, but anytime Grodin gets under De Niro’s skin, which is frequently, it makes me chuckle.

Favorite Lines:  “Now here come two words for you: Shut the f*** up.”

“Start by shutting up.  I know you all of two minutes and already, I don’t like ya.”

Goodfellas (1990).  For my money, this is probably the greatest gangster flick ever made (apologies to Godfather fans).  It peels the hide off the mob way of life and shows how they live.  I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that, even though they’re bad guys, they still have their own code of honor in their dealings with each other.  De Niro is Jimmy Conway, who is probably best summed up by the line, “Jimmy loved to steal.”  This movie is also one of director Scorsese’s best at using music to enhance the action on the screen and I never tire of watching it.

Favorite Scene:  When they’re all in prison eating lobster and steak.

Favorite Lines:  “I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I’m here to f*****’ amuse you?  What do you mean funny, funny how?  How am I funny?”

“Jimmy was the kind of guy that rooted for bad guys in the movies.”

“Never rat on your friends and keep your mouth shut.”

“He had a wonderful system for doing the garlic. He used a razor, and he would slice it so thin it would liquify in the pan with just a little oil.”

Cape Fear (1991).  De Niro plays Max Cady, one of his more psychopathic characters, who gets out of prison and returns to haunt the attorney who had done a poor job of defending him.  Cady is lean, mean, covered in tattoos and delivers a truly creepy southern drawl while seemingly always being one step ahead of the law.  Good flick.

Favorite Scene:  The scene at the school where Cady starts seducing the attorney’s young daughter.  Pretty creepy.

Favorite Lines:  “Counselor…could you be there?  Come out, come out wherever you are.”

“I could get upset.  Things could get out of hand.”

“You’re gonna learn about loss.”

This Boy’s Life (1993).  Here, De Niro plays Dwight, the knuckleheaded stepfather of Leo DiCaprio.  Dwight is a horrendously insecure bully, who makes everyone around him miserable.  I love this movie and a young DiCaprio is great in it.

Favorite Scene:  The Turkey Shoot where Dwight is exposed as the idiot that he is.

Favorite Lines:  “Liar, whore, liar, whore and you know it!”

“Shut your pie hole!”

“I know a thing or two about a thing or two.”

“You can get it doggy-style or you can get it laying on your side. Those are your only choices. This is my house and I get to say.  Got it?”

Casino (1995).  Another De Niro/Pesci/Scorsese classic, this one takes place in the world of Vegas casinos.  De Niro plays Sam Rothstein, who’s called by the mob to run the day-to-day operations at the Tangiers Casino.  Pesci plays the mob enforcer.  There’s lots of action and lots of great Pesci cussing in this one.  The inside look into the world of casinos is very cool, but the characters are what drive this movie.

Favorite Scene:  When De Niro is meeting with the banker, Pesci shows up and starts threatening him.    

Favorite Lines:  “And just about the time that I’m comin’ out of jail, hopefully, you’ll be coming out of your coma.  And guess what?  I’ll split your f*****’ head open again.  ‘Cause I’m f*****’ stupid.  I don’t give a f*** about jail.  That’s my business.  That’s what I do.”

“The longer they play, the more they lose, and in the end, we get it all.”        

David (Adopt a dog or cat today!)