NO, THE GARRY MARSHALL FILM ISN’T ONE OF THEM
Article by Adam Mast
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I’m sure most of you have plans on this glorious day of love, but if you just want to sit at home and watch a couple of movies to celebrate, we wanted to offer up a few suggestions. Heck, even if Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, this trio of films are still worthy of your time.
RETURN TO ME
I have a huge soft spot for this Bonnie Hunt directed charmer from 2000. It stars David Duchovny as a widowed man who finds new found love in Minnie Driver. Duchovny is so good in this picture. Charming and incredibly vulnerable. Likewise, Driver lights up the screen here. And what a supporting cast! Carroll O’Connor, Robert Loggia, James Belushi, and David Alan Grier are the stand outs. Director Bonnie Hunt proves to be an expert behind the camera and her likable persona drips from every frame of this heartfelt, magical, delightfully old fashioned romance. RETURN TO ME celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. If you haven’t seen it, now’s the time.
DEFENDING YOUR LIFE
Writer/director Albert Brooks (LOST IN AMERICA, MODERN ROMANCE) fashioned his very best movie in the form of the righteously hilarious DEFENDING YOUR LIFE. In this sweet natured comedy, Brooks plays a middle aged man who must defend the events of his own life after dying tragically in a car wreck. The synopsis probably doesn’t make it sound very funny, but trust me. IT IS!! While spending several days in “Judgment City”, Brooks finds himself bit by the love bug after spending time with a wonderfully sweet Meryl Streep. Will Brooks be able to rise above the fear that plagued him in his Mortal life and express his true feelings to his literal soul mate? You’ll have to see the movie to find out. I absolutely adore DEFENDING YOUR LIFE. It’s light, charming, and incredibly funny. Perfect for Valentine’s Day viewing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp6qkZkPBhY
MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1981)
You had to know I was going to throw this one on the list. As a teen of the 80’s, I freely admit I have a soft spot for the slasher genre and MY BLOODY VALENTINE is one of the better 80’s slasher titles out there. It’ll be of particular interest to those of you who love gore. Those of you who don’t like Valentine’s Day will probably dig it too. This splatterfest revolves around a murderer in a small mining community who picks off those who celebrate Cupid’s big day. It’s bloody to be sure but very creative in the kill department. And if finding an actual heart in your heart shaped chocolate box doesn’t appeal to you than you have no soul. Will you be “mine”?
Happy Valentine’s Day from Cinemast.net!
