Nancy Meyers
Nancy Meyers has written, directed, and produced some of the most entertaining romantic comedies over the past 30 years. She started with the witty and slightly dark Private Benjamin in 1980 (for which she was nominated for an Oscar), which has some truly inspired scenes and dialogue. Next, most notably she penned Jumpin' Jack Flash, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride.
Over the past 10 years or so, she really seems to have hit her stride and settled into her niche. She has made writing and directing stories of quirky, mature relationships her specialty--What Women Want, Something's Gotta Give, The Holiday, and It's Complicated all are perfect examples of what happens when a hum-drum existence gets turned upside down and the characters have to face the realities of what they really want out of life. Her films appeal to a broad audience and usually out-wit every other romcom of the year. Are her films groundbreaking? Will they change the face of cinema forever? Probably not, but that doesn't mean they aren't great movies that deserve some quality couch time. These four movies are all worth their running time and will most likely be enjoyed by every female who sits down to watch them with her girlfriends.
The Apartment
C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) is a struggling clerk in a huge New York insurance company. In order to climb the corporate ladder, he discovered he could loan his tiny apartment to his philandering superiors and their mistresses. He often has to deal with inconveniences and the occasional aftermath of their visits--but one night he runs into trouble when he finds himself sharing a girlfriend (Shirley MacLaine) with his callous boss.
In 1960 The Apartment was not only considered a comedy, but scandalous for its time, too. Watching this movie in the current millennium, you might find it a bit dark, melancholy, or just depressing in some parts. However, if you watch it with an open mind and remember what was expected of people in the 50s-60s, you will have an absolute blast. While not my favorite performance of Jack Lemmon's (see Some Like it Hot), it comes very close. C.C. Baxter is the kind of guy anyone would like--he's trustworthy, generous, forgiving, acts like a complete doormat... but he does it all for a girl, so how can you dislike him? The character I really enjoy is Ms. Kubelik played by Shirley MacLaine (this is my favorite performance of hers, no question). This girl is what I think of as the 1960s version of a 'hot mess.' She engages in a relationship with a man she knows will never love her, pushes away the one that could, and completely topples her world over by her own doing. And yet, she's still funny and cute! The chemistry that percolates between Baxter and Kubelik is just delicious--I think many an actor would benefit from watching this movie to see how it's really done.
In the end, The Apartment is extremely charming, funny, and intelligent to boot. Its one of the last black and white films made and also won 6 Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay). If you've never seen a B&W movie before, I suggest you start with this one.
Keanu Reeves
I was looking for an actor to feature for my weekly spotlight, so naturally I started perusing my large film collection (not exactly a speedy process). I saw The Lake House and thought, "Hmm. Keanu Reeves...there's a versatile actor."
He has done it all, and been extremely entertaining to boot. From cult favorites like Point Break and Bill and Ted, to chick flicks Something's Gotta Give, The Lake House, and Sweet November, to action movies Speed and Street Kings to science fiction films Johnny Mnemonic, Constantine, and of course, The Matrix, Reeves has made quite a dent in the movie biz. I can only think of a handful of actors that have done such a variety of films and been successful. And yes, he may always be "Neo," but he has been able to avoid being typecast or pigeon holed into doing specific roles. He's made it big while being able to do so many different things--many of the biggest Hollywood stars found their niche and rode the money train. What would you say about: Cary Grant (wholesome leading man), John Wayne (western hero), or more current actors: Bruce Willis (action hero), Adam Sandler (comedy goofball)? Not to say that these actors never sampled outside their genre--its just that when you see their name on a poster, you could probably bet on what kind of movie you're about to see. You couldn't say that about Keanu Reeves. Even though some of his movies aren't always received so well by critics, there's more to being an actor than critical acclaim--the viewing public has a big say in who becomes successful, too. I believe this guy will be around for quite some time.
Quentin Tarantino
I love this picture of Quentin Tarantino. It says, "I'm a little different, funny, odd, and live in my own crazy world. If you don't like it, don't look." That describes every one of his movies I've seen (8 total). They're violent, sarcastic, intelligent, and great entertainment. Many people see his films as being overly bloody or gruesome, but I see them as being so over-the-top, they become parodies of themselves in a most flattering way. His films never take themselves too seriously, which I love. I put Reservoir Dogs in my top movies, but really it could be Kill Bill vol. 1 or 2, Sin City, Inglourious Basterds, or Pulp Fiction. The guy is a genius, 'nuf said.
All the President's Men
In the run-up to the 1972 elections, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) covers what seems to be a minor break-in at the Democratic Party National headquarters. He is surprised to find top lawyers already on the defense case, and the discovery of names and addresses of Republican fund organizers on the accused further arouses his suspicions. The editor of the Post is prepared to run with the story and assigns Woodward and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) to it. They find the trail leading higher and higher in the Republican Party, and eventually into the White House itself.
This movie is simply fantastic. I first saw it when I was a teenager--I was rooting through my dad's VHS tapes looking for something to pass the time... why I picked this one, I couldn't say. It's a 70s political journalism flick. Doesn't exactly scream my movie taste, huh? But, as you can see in the right sidebar, All the President's Men is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is smart, compelling, and though not 'action-packed,' it's never boring. It rightfully won 4 Oscars, including one for Best Screenplay, and got a nod for Best Picture (it lost to Rocky, fyi). I highly recommend this movie, if only to round out your own movie knowledge. Give it shot, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
