This month I will be posting two blog posts, my next one will be Halloween movies that won’t give you nightmares! But, if you need something to tide you over until then, give these films that you might have missed the first time around a shot! My new semi regular blog will bring you the best underrated and under the radar films!
Alfre Woodard, Charles Grodin, Robert Downey Jr., Kyra Sedgwick & Tom Sizemore in Heart and Souls
Heart and Souls (1993)
This film has been a favourite in my house for years, so I was shocked that the rest of the world didn’t share our (all 4 kids in my family) love for this excellent dramedy that reminds us that Robert Downey Jr. is not only an incredible physical comedian and mimic, but also capable of great emotional depth. The film centers on Downey’s character Thomas, as he helps four souls that only he can see carry out their unfinished business on earth to hilarious and heartwarming ends. Tom Sizemore, Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgwick and Charles Grodin co-star as the perfectly cast earthbound souls. Available from amazon on DVD.
Judy Davis & Geoffrey Rush in Children of the Revolution
Children of the Revolution (1996)
Children of the Revolution is one in a unique subset of Australian films from the 90s that pushed the comedy envelope into zany, fearless, satirical territory. In one of Peter Duncan’s only films of note Judy Davis stars as an Australian woman who was Stalin’s lover during his final days. The film jumps between her experiences with Stalin and those of her son who is now grown up and having relationship problems of his own. Geoffrey Rush, F. Murray Abraham, Sam Neill and Rachel Griffiths co star in this political black comedy. Disclaimer: obviously NOT a true story. Available on amazon instant video.
Ewan McGregor & Renee Zellwegger in Down With Love
Down with Love (2003)
When it was released Down With Love was generally dismissed as a sub-par imitation of the Rock Hudson-Doris Day films. I would contend that the film is rather an homage and an update. The filmmakers maintain the appealingly bright and stylish aesthetic of the 60’s rom coms, while speeding up the pace and dialogue to create a sexy and silly romp that is as much fun for a younger generation as its inspiration was for an older one. Available on amazon instant video.
Citizen Ruth (1996)
The name Alexander Payne is synonymous with brilliant black humor, demonstrated in films like Election, Sideways, and The Descendants; yet somehow his debut satire Citizen Ruth flies under the radar. The film centers around a pro life and pro choice campaign who both want Ruth, a drug addict who has recently become pregnant, as their poster child. Laura Dern makes a shocking yet dead on turn as the profane and apathetic Ruth. Citizen Ruth is the perfect satire; it presents a fresh take on a contentious issue, but always toes the line in favor of comedy over hard hitting politics. Available on amazon instant video.
Bruce Willis & Elijah Wood in North
North (1994)
The film responsible for Roger Ebert’s now iconic, “I hated hated hated it” phrase, North is a hugely enjoyable screwball fantasy comedy that of course in it’s zany antics flew well over Ebert’s oft humorless head. 12 year old Elijah Wood stars in this film about a kid who decides to travel the world to find parents that will appreciate him more. Is it believable, of course not, but it’s so much fun, and there are cameo appearances from Alan Arkin, Bruce Willis, Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Jon Lovitz, Abe Vigoda, Jon Ritter and Scar Jo in her first onscreen role, to name a few. Available on amazon instant video.
John Turturro & Woody Allen in Fading Gigolo
Fading Gigolo (2013)
John Turturro’s fifth film behind the camera reminds us that he is more than a brilliant character actor, he is also a formidable writer and director. Fading Gigolo focuses on Turturro, a single, middle aged florist who in order to help his elderly friend with money problems becomes, exactly what you’d expect, a gigolo. Self discovery and empathy are the focus of this journey as he meets women from all walks of life, including the mysterious widow for whom he falls. Woody Allen makes one of his rare appearances outside of one of his own films as Turturro’s hilarious elderly friend, and Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara and Vanessa Paradis co star as some of his paramours. Available on amazon instant video.