With spring around the corner it’s time to get in those last few cold weather, snow falling, dark at 5 pm films. Here’s a list with some crowd favorites, and a few you might not have seen yet.
Nicholas Hoult in About a Boy, 2002
About A Boy: Adapted from Nick Hornby’s funny and aching novel of the same title, About A Boy is a British gem about an awkward 12 year old and a perpetual man child who become unlikely friends. Hugh Grant is in regular aloof form, and you get a chance to check out the immensely uncomfortable tween Nicholas Hoult before he became J. Law worthy leading man material. (Available on Amazon Instant Video)
Steve Martin & John Candy in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, 1987
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Released in 1987 it features both Steve Martin and John Candy’s favorite performances of their own as two men having the worst luck in transportation history as they struggle to get home for Thanksgiving. Steve Martin seethingly takes out his anger in small and hilarious spurts, particularly his classic f-word tirade at a rent-a-car. John Candy is in typical form as the loveably tactless shower ring salesmen whose good humor despite the circumstances only adds more water to Steve Martin’s oil. (Available on Netflix)
Kate Winslet & Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: If you haven’t seen this masterpiece from Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman and yet you’re reading a blog about film, your priorities are very addled. Seriously, meet me in Montauk and we’ll watch this film. (Available on Amazon Instant Video)
Frances Mcdormand in Fargo, 1996
Fargo: Perhaps the greatest black comedy of all time, Fargo shifts effortlessly between hilarious and gruesomely violent; often being both depending on one’s stomach and feelings towards Steve Buscemi. The backdrop is North Dakota and Minnesota in the winter so bundle up as just looking at the landscape will give you shivers; nevermind Peter Stormare’s gaze. (Available on Netflix)
Part of the ensemble cast in Gosford Park, 2001
Gosford Park: Cool blues and rich burgundies make this film aesthetically a must watch for fall or winter. The dialogue is snappy and the plot complex, but if you can figure out who’s who it pays off. This is British ensemble murder mystery at its very best; the film was nominated for 7 academy awards and won best original screenplay the year it was released. (Available on Amazon Instant Video)
Matt Damon & Edward Norton in Rounders, 1998
Rounders: After the success of Good Will Hunting Matt Damon could have taken any number of roles, but instead chose to stay in familiar territory, in this Boston, poker semi-noir. The film is a goldmine of repartee between all the major players. Edward Norton is a fount of well timed insults, and John Malkovich as the oreo eating Russian card shark is delightfully menacing, as only he can be. The drab grays and blues of Boston winters set the perfect backdrop for this witty 1998 film that will make even the most obstinate non-gambler want to give no limits Hold’em a shot. (available on Amazon Instant Video)