I usually feature favorite books on Wednesdays, but have reviewed six dozen books this year on Amazon and Goodreads, so decided to have fun with favorite old movies instead.
James Bond?
James Bond. My first date with my husband was to see “Goldfinger.” Guy thought it was because I liked James Bond. No, I just wanted a date with him. In fact, those early James Bonds seemed smarmy.
I don’t have to be coaxed to watch a Bond movie if Daniel Craig is in it. Or Helen Mirren.
A few more favorites. . . .
A Hunt for Red October
“A Hunt for Red October” is a perennial favorite, even though there’s a couple of smarmies in it, but so are James Earl Jones and Scott Glenn.
Master and Commander
“Master and Commander.” A cousin’s son, Ken Scar has a bit part in it, but the story turned out so satisfying we bought a copy. And Russell Crowe is in it. Okay, anything Crowe is in.
Men in Black
“Men in Black” is such fun, as is anything with Tommy Lee Jones and/or Will Smith in the cast–like “Hitch” or “Pursuit of Happyness.”
Driving Miss Daisy
“Driving Miss Daisy” is such a delight, with Morgan Freeman as Hoke Colburn.
Robin Williams?
I’m not really a fan of Robin Williams, but really enjoyed “Dead Poets Society.” And “Mrs. Doubtfire. “Patch Adams” is great (in spite of the clown). So is “Finding Forrester.”
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford. Anything he’s in. Son Dan was small when we saw the very first “Star Wars” movie. I’d never been to a movie a second time, but it was such fun and the music was phenomenal. We really enjoyed the next two Star Wars movies–except for that awful Jabba the Hutt. We still have LPs of John William’s scores of the films, including the Star Wars Christmas album.
Dan collected action figures. I still have them.
We did not enjoy the newer “Star Wars” movies, but “Indiana Jones” is still a favorite.
The Help
The book by Kathryn Stockett is so satisflying, as is the movie.
War Room
What a captivating movie about the power of prayer.
October Sky
“October Sky” is nearly as rewarding as Homer H. Hickam, Jr.’s book Rocket Boys.
Cinderella Man
I did not expect to like “Cinderella Man,” but knew about James Braddock through old family letters to two Wilson brothers who were in the Navy during the Depression. This film shows as well as anything I’ve seen what the mind-set was of those needy families embarrassed by being “on the dole.” Plus, Russell Crowe is in it.
Some I haven’t seen, but I agree with your assessment of the ones I did. Being as you enjoyed Indiana Jones, do you happen to get the TV series ‘Blood and Treasure’? From the first episode, I could see Indiana’s influence!!
Hmm, I don’t watch TV. At all. Sounds like fun though.
I seldom watch movies anymore, but you have hauled out some particular favourites: I particularly enjoyed Hunt for Red October as well as Master and Commander; Driving Miss Daisy and Dead Poet’s Society had me weeping; having read the novel The Help, I wasn’t too sure about seeing it on film yet found the movie a very good rendition of the story. Thank you for tickling those memories!
Fun, isn’t it? May stimulate more. I should have included that if I have to go to a Jason Bourne movie, I get to choose the next one. Maybe the books are better!
Definitely some good books/movies.
I love movies.
Here’s a few of my personal favs.
An Unfinished Life. Redford, Lopez, and Freeman. How can you go wrong. What surprises me is very few people have even heard of it.
Hunt for Red October. Two great big thumbs up.
Master and Commander. Great story. Definitely a relationship story. One thing I like is it shows good mentorship.
The Shootist. – The Duke, what more can I say. But talk about not going quietly into that Good Night.
Courageous – Has one of the best gun fights ever put on film. Captures the chaos of one perfectly. And it;’s got a great message men need to hear.
Moms Night Out – From the same folks who did Courageous and Fireproof. A little slow getting going, but once it does, look out! It’s hysterical.Trace Adkins is perfect in it.
Amazon is happy with your suggestions–ordered three of these, then Amazon says I already have one of them.
I’ve got a couple of Patrick O’Brian books but haven’t read them. Bet they’re satisfying.
John Wayne was born in Winterset, and his military movies command one side of the Madison County Freedom Rock. So was George Stout, the original “Monuments Man,” who is also depicted. And Larry Spencer, a Hanoi Hilton POW for 7 years, whose younger brother was in my class at Earlham–I wore his POW bracelet until he returned.
Cataract surgery early tomorrow (before 6:30), doc says go easy on reading so maybe I can watch a movie instead.
Sending good thoughts your way for your cataract surgery.
Watched Unfinished Life last evening and Courageous today. Especially liked Courageous, even the gunfight. The simple surgery knocked the energy right out of me so thankful for great films to watch. May be on a binge.
One I picked up recently to check out. Indivisible. About an Army Chaplain who comes back with a streak of PTSD a mile wide. Very good movie. Now if you want a good laugh, check out Mom’s Night Out. Starts a little slow, but once it get’s rolling, look out.
On their way. Thanks, Rich.
Just watched both. Really liked Indivisible. Needed someone who laughs out loud to watch Night Out with me! (Loved Bones) Reminded me of my silver high heels from HS prom. They’re on bookshelves among Star Wars stuff, toy tractors, old cameras, books, and the first person to see it wanted to know the story behind the shoes. Hey, they still fit–just can’t walk in them.
Fun post! I enjoyed reading about your favorite movies. (And your use of “smarmy.” It’s one of my favorite words.) “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Finding Forrester” are two of my favorites on your list.
Wow. I Remember George Stout from the book. The only Hanoi Hilton POW I ever met was Senator McCain. My team provided protective services for him on a trip. Nice guy. Didn’t treat us like furniture.
The USS Hancock became flagship of Task Force 38 on November 17, 1944, when Admiral John S. McCain came aboard. Admiral McCain asked CEM Donald Wilson to relocate the telephone in his cabin. Don noticed quite a bit of tobacco on the carpet. Cigarettes on board the ship were only forty cents a carton, but Admiral McCain rolled his own.
Bull Durham.
Good luck on surgery.
I enjoyed all the same movies. Glad we liked the same ones.
How did your surgery go?
Fine, but I’ve had three naps already. A little trouble with depth perception which throws off my tummy, but no drops! They add it with the little lens.
I’m glad your surgery went well, Joy.
Thank you, Liz.
Praying for a speedy recovery
Healing is going great, but wish it wouldn’t wipe out what energy I had. Don’t miss today’s post about the Perseids!
Saw it. unfortunatly, ligh pollution pretty well wipes them out for me. Times I wish I was back in the valley.