Sunday 5 March 2017

February Films

One of my big goals for the year is to watch more films; more specifically films off my list. For details of other goals, and clues of other posts you can see the post here. I love hearing about films - new and old, so thought it would be fun to go through the films I watched this month like I did last month. See here to read about the 13 films I managed to watch last month.
















This month has seen me watch a further 15 films. This time it had all the films on my elusive list of films I wish to see before I die. So here goes, I will stop babbling on...

1. Young and Innocent (1937) 













This film taught me that not all Hitchcock films are good! I have seen one film of Hitchcock's before which sent me to sleep, and again it happened. I tried twice to watch this, and on the final time I fell asleep through it (during the day may I add?). All I could really gather was a man claiming to be "innocent" and a lady wanting to help him find his coat to prove it.
Rating: 3/10 - It has that Hollywood style film to it, but I'd probably enjoy watching paint dry more than this!

2. The Wrong Man (1956)













Described as a docudrama, this film is much more the Hitchcock I was used to. This was a gripping story beginning with Hitchcock himself saying this was stranger than most films he's made despite being a true story. From there, I was intrigued.
Rating: 8/10 - I'd recommend to anyone who wants to hear of an interesting tale of mistaken identity.

3. Hairspray (1988)












Having seen the most recent film about two or three years ago, I felt I needed to see the original. I really enjoyed it, which is strange as I hate musicals on the most part. It was a big shock to enjoy it, but it didn't only have a fun plot of a girl's love for dance, interest in boys and friendship, but it also covered that of racism.
Rating: 7/10 - Great film, but think the newer version was just as good. I liked seeing a younger Ricki Lake (didn't know about her pre-talk-show host).

4. Days of Heaven (1978)










I did find the film interesting, but it ended with me thinking: "Is that it?" I always thought there would be a point to it. I didn't feel like there was a proper beginning, middle and end to it all.
Rating: 5/10 - It follows the story of a couple, who pretend to be brother and sister, and their journey to get richer. It is an intriguing tale and can be seen on Netflix, but didn't seem to be a real climax to the film.

5. Sense and Sensibility (1995)












It was a typical romantic story set in that era. Period dramas don't tend to be my thing. It was okay, but not for me. I think it's definitely an interesting story of contrasting sister as they look for love.
Rating: 6.5/10 - I think it's something that many people will enjoy watching.

6. The Verdict (1982)








Once the trial started, I was hooked. It follows an alcoholic lawyer determined to win a case that everyone thinks he should have settled out of court. Follow the journey of this case as he battles to win.
Rating: 8/10 - A gripping story and well-worth a watch!

7. What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)





















Simply wonderful! I dare you to watch this and not be touched in some way. It tells the story of Gilbert and his life with his family in a very small town. The film follows Gilbert and how his life changes once he meets free-spirited, Becky.
Rating: 9/10 - I loved this film and feel like it's the type of film you want to encourage everyone to watch

8. Very Bad Things (1998)










It rivals Cheap Thrills (from my last monthly review) for messed up, but not near as crazy. It could also be described as a bit like the Hangover saga but darker and like they're trying too hard to be funny. Similar to Hangover, it follows a stag night and how wrong it can really go. It has good actors, but it's just not that great. Cameron Diaz was the best part of the film!
Rating: 5/10 - It's okay, but it seems like a story played out before. I know Hangover same after this, but this wasn't near as good!

9. Mona Lisa (1986)













It's very rare to see a gripping British film, but this had it. Freshly released from prison, this follows George as he gets his first job driving a high-class call girl,Simone from client to client. It has action, drama and comedy; a great film if you want to watch something that is easy to follow, but not too predictable.
Rating: 7/10 - An interesting insight into a life of crime, and a journey as George tries to get on the straight and narrow.

10. Tootsie (1982)













Before my favourite childhood film, Mrs Doubtfire, there was Tootsie! It has a similar concept of a straight man dressing as a woman. When Michael can't get any acting work as a man, he auditions as a woman under the name "Dorothy Michaels". Follow the great comedy as he struggles to hide his identity from the actors, crew and of course his friends.
Rating: 10/10 - I loved it and would happily watch it again and again. A true comedy classic!

11. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)











I just didn't take to the story. I thought it would be similar in comedy style as East is East, but was bored and couldn't tell you what happened.
Rating: 4/10 - Follows the story of an Asian briton who plans to make a success from his laundrette. The concept of film is interesting, but just didn't take to the plot.

12. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)










Watching this made me think - "Gosh 2012 was 5 years ago!" I know that wasn't the point, but it still feels like one or two years ago. Onto the film, I couldn't work out if I was too old to watch it. It followed kids, who reminded me a bit of the Addams family as they were strange. I enjoyed it and couldn't help, but watch.
Rating: 7/10 - Following a boy who goes missing while camping with rest of cubs (or scouts - called something else that I forget like ferrets?), and although it should be sad as the adults soon discover he's an orphan, it is only funny and slightly bizarre.

13. Wild hearts can't be broken (1991)





















A simply inspiring true story of determination! A girl who rebels and is kicked out by her aunt, and then wishes to be a diving girl. Watch her as she works hard to achieve her dreams, and falls in love along the way.
Rating: 8/10 - February wasn't the best of months, but if you're looking for a pick-me-up this might be for you.

14. Valley of the Dolls (1967)











This film is an interesting look into how show business can affect different women. Sorry I don't have more to say...
Rating: 6/10 - Valley of the Dolls is very intriguing with it's coverage of illness, romance and drugs. I just wasn't that impressed. It was a good film, but nothing to rave about.

15. Beyond  the Valley of the Dolls (1970)








I've apparently seen this before, but I don't remember so watched it again. Despite the name it isn't a sequel to the Valley of the Dolls. However it does cover similar issues relating to show business. It had me hooked, and dare you to watch this and not have one of the songs stuck in your head. I was humming along the rest of the day!
Rating: 8/10 - I loved this film and was a great way to end the month. Without giving too much away, it was cheerful, sexy, unpredictable and gritty. I also loved the style and fashions of the era.

I thought about including TV programmes I have been watching too, but they can probably be covered in this paragraph alone. I've continued to watch episodes of That 70s Show, finished series gripping drama, River and started watching black (gory) comedy Santa Clarita Diet.

Have you seen any of these films? What films have you recently been watching. I'd love to hear all about it!

59 comments:

  1. This is a good list I wish I was able to get a list like his together and have the time to watch the films.

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  2. Such a good range of films here. Love Hairspray and Tootsie.

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  3. What a wide range of movies. I read more books than I watch TV and/or movies. Do you have a favorite genre you prefer to watch?

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    1. Not really! Do prefer ones with true stories or based on something - mostly from what i've noticed x

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  4. I haven't watched any films recently! I need to make an effort to watch more!

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  5. I LOVE it when I find movie lists that have more things I have NOT watched than things I already have. You put together a great list and I can tell just by the movies I have watched that the others will be great as well. Thanks - I have my line up for next weekend ready to go now!

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    1. Let me know what you think and if you enjoy them :)

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  6. I saw the original hairspray when I was about 12 and absolutely loved it! I haven't watched any of the others though so need to check them out x

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  7. I've never seen the original Hairspray. I saw the one that came out in 2007 x

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  8. Wow what a mix you have there and I have only seen 3 of them before. Mich x

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  9. I've never seen any of these but I did watch the re make of Hairspray x

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  10. I haven't seen many of the films on this month's list. I have seen Sense and Sensibility, Tootsie and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I like all three of them, and I agree that What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a very touching film.

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    1. It is lovely and not just because Depp is in it for once :)

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  11. Great films! I love the interview with Dustin Hoffman after Tootsie where he's realised how much women are judged on their looks, it's really moving to see him discussing that realisation.

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    1. What's the quote - walk a mile in another's shoes

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  12. Wow you saw a lot of films in February, I haven't seen any of these x

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  13. Oh gosh I havent watched any of this lol. I really want to start watching more movies at night, great selection you have on tho x

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  14. I haven't seen any of these!!! It is so difficult to get the time to watch a movie these days, great list though!

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  15. What a mixed selection of movies. I'd like to see hairspray again I think I only saw parts of it when I last tried to see it.

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  16. I love Hairspray and when you are having a bad day it does a great job of cheering you up!

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    1. Never thought of it like that- great film though! x

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  17. I must admit, I've never seen any of these films! I tend to prefer really modern ones that are out at the cinema. I have just been to see Hidden Figures and it was such a powerful and thought provoking film xxx

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    1. I do want to get in habit of seeing films at cinema more x

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  18. I love that you have a lot of older movies on this list! I feel like I haven't seen hardly any of the "old classics" and that would be something to start doing! :)

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    1. I love finding hidden gems and hearing what family thought when watched them/when similar age to me watching them

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  19. Some great films, the older version of hairspray is one of my favourite films

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  20. So many great films, I love What's Eating Gilbert Grape x

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  21. ive not watched any of these films. ive watched the latest hairspray and liked it. ill have to check out the older version

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  22. I used to have a list of films I wanted to see before I die, but I've been finding it difficult to stick to it - works is so busy these days, I usually just go to sleep! :)

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    1. It's fun to do and my hobby but can see hard to find time. Sometimes watch more films than television though

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  23. What a great list, it makes me realise how many films are out there that I still want to see!

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  24. I haven't seen many films from this list just Sense & Sensibility and What's Eating Gilbert Grape (both of which I love!) My daughter is studying Hitchcock in Media so I'm sure I'll be watching The Wrong Man and Young and Innocent soon!

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    1. What's Eating Gilbert Grape was better than I thought. Hope she doesn't need to see Young and Innocent! Birds, Vertigo and Birds are definitely my favourites from him.

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  25. What a fab selection, what's eating Gilbert Grape is one of my favourites x

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  26. What a great list of films you have given a go. I have to admit to only seeing one of these films before, which is Mona Lisa! I really should try and see a lot more than I currently do x

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  27. I love sense and sensibility, such a classic film!

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  28. Oh wow - I haven't seen any of these! I watched 'Amy' last week - the story of Amy Winehouse which has haunted me ever since :( Kaz

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  29. I need to get back into films again as well - these look fascinating!

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  30. I haven't seen most of these films but would definitely check them out and I totally agree about hairspray I love that film so much and find it moving

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  31. A wonderful looking collection of films I've seen probably 60% of these and they we all great

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  32. Wow, I think that's a lot more classics than I could stomach in one sitting. Don't get me wrong, I like classics now and then, but it has to be in doses. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is fantastic. Leo deserving an Oscar...even then.

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  33. Very Bad Things is such a good film. I think it was actually one of the first films I watched with my husband.

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  34. I love Hairspray! One of my favourite films to sing along to :)

    Ashleigh

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  35. Your film selections are certainly eclectic, My Beautiful Launderette used to be a fave, but I don't think it's aging well.

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  36. I need to watch hairspray. I think I'm pretty much the only person who hasn't watched it yet. I haven't really watched most of them but they sound great.

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  37. I can't believe how many films you watched. The only one of these I think I've seen is Tootsie.

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  38. I think Very Bad Things is one of the worst movies I've ever attempted to watch, impressed you even got all the way through it!

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  39. Great list - sometimes it's nice to watch old films you never saw the first time round or just really love. I will have to hunt out my 'What's eating Gilbert Grape' DVD.... I think I had a DVD not VHS!

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  40. I haven't watch this films but this is so interesting for me, I will check this out

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  41. I've actually hardly watched any of these films but that is something I said I would do this year - watch more!

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  42. SO many great films here and so many that I still need to see.

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  43. Some brilliant classics in there! I adore sense and sensibility- but then again I love a good British historical drama.

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  44. I agree with you on What's Eating Gilbert Grape, it's a wonderful film. I remember watching it as a young teen and then again as an adult and liking it just as much.

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  45. This is a very interesting list of movies! I am not really into old classics and cant say I have seen any of them! I have seen the modern version of Hairspray thats about it I think x

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  46. Oooh you've seen some great films! I'm trying to watch more this year. I've just seen Hidden Figures, Sing and Sully - All really great movies! xo

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  47. I haven't watch this movie and it sounds an interesting movie for me, I will check this out.

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  48. I love old movies but apart from Hairspray I dont think I've seen a single one of these - some great news ones to add to my watch list!

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