"Thomas Crown Affair" (1999) Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in a remake of the 1968 Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway film. Still has the playful cat and mouse encounters, and smart dialog, about a robbery. And the bowler hat becomes a character in the film, in a brilliant scene that was filmed like a swiss watch - ticktock, ticktock. Lots of fun.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0155267/
"The Runaway Jury" (2003) John Cusack and Rachel Weisz in a John Grisham story. For me, it can't get any better. Good story about an interesting subject - jury selection and how it is manipulated by all parties. This is extreme but the point is - are jury trials fair?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0313542/
And now the films I have picked from my collection, for this months viewing:
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000 - Wo hu cang long) This film is so beautiful and the music so perfect for the action and romance, that it is like a fine wine, or a painting you just want to savor. Ang Lees' masterpiece, filmed in China, with every small detail attended to with care. I had never watched many subtitled films before this came out, but found it was a great experience to hear the real voices of the actors, rather than ruin the feel of the film with second rate readers of the dialog. The ending is sad and I always cry. Chow Yun Fat, Michel Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi are great in the final scene and we end on a tragic, beautiful note; a story of love and sacrifice. A wonderful fairy tale. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190332/
"Daisy Kenyon" (1947) A 'Matinee Ladies' film with the great Joan Crawford, Dana Andrews in one of his best roles, and Henry Fonda as his laid-back charming self. Melodrama, with great clothes of the 1940s; set decoration; and black and white photography that highlights the beautiful planes of Miss Crawfords face. A real pleasure to sit and have a hot drink and watch how the pros did it 60 years ago. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039294/
"The Farmers Daughter" (1947) Beautiful Loretta Young in her Oscar winning role, as a farm girl who goes to the big city and has a sleazy encounter on the road. She remains a "good girl" but loses her money and ends up as a housemaid in politician, Joseph Cottons, home. She, of course, ends up the winner of hearts and votes and becomes a member of the U.S. House. With Charles Bickford, Ethel Barrymore and a full cast of great character actors, this was made by David Selznick with his usual attention to detail. Great fun. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039370/
"Three Smart Girls Grow Up" (1939) The sequel to Deanna Durbins first film, has the two oldest sisters falling in love and Deanna getting the right ones together. Cute, and the highlight is Deanna singing "Because" at the wedding. Millions of girls had that song at their own weddings, as I did, because of this scene. She also sings two waltzes and an aria. The only fault for me was that I missed Barbara Read as Kay, from the 1st film. She was so bouncy and just cute as a button. This new Kay just fades into the woodwork. But it is a joy for a cold afternoon by the fire.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032030/
"Desire" (1936) Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper in a story about jewel theives and the innocent American abroad who fixes everything by the fade. Marlene wears the most outrageous costumes, but gets away with it because of her exotic beauty. And she sings "Awake In A Dream" to Gary in plumes and ruffles, but it is soooo romantic and sexy, I'm sure ladies swooned and men had wet dreams. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027515/
We are to have a thaw for the next few days. Maybe the snow and ice will melt off the drive. I'm already thinking of spring.
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