I haven't seen any movies that are new to DVD, but I watched two somewhat older movies that might interest you.
The first is called Heavenly Creatures (1994), but I'm afraid the creatures are not heavenly at all. Directed by Peter Jackson of later Hobbit fame, Heavenly Creatures is said to follow very closely the facts of a 1954 murder case in New Zealand.
Jackson brilliantly juxtaposes scenes of the laughing girls imagining their fantasy world, complete with unicorns, and accompanied by the happy songs of the girls' hero Mario Lanza, with Parker's actual diary entries as she happily plans a murder.
As a well-made film, I give Heavenly Creatures The Janie Junebug Seal of Approval, but the seal comes with another seal -- The Janie Junebug Watch Out Because This Movie Scared Me Half to Death Seal. I had a hideous nightmare after watching this movie. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. If you can watch it and simply appreciate it as a well-made movie, then good for you. I couldn't do that. I don't ever want to see this movie again because I don't like nightmares.
Second on our plate today is Tortilla Soup, a delightful romantic comedy that shouldn't frighten anyone. From 2001, Tortilla Soup stars Hector Elizondo as a Mexican-American chef named Martin who has raised three daughters on his own following the death of his wife.
Although Martin has difficulty dealing with the changes in his daughters during the course of the movie, he does not lose his zest for life. Thus, we have a happy ending, which is exactly what I like. No nightmares with this movie. It has The (wholehearted) Janie Junebug Seal of Approval.
Tortilla Soup is the kind of movie that helps you forget your troubles, and that's exactly what I wish for you -- a trouble-free weekend with plenty of time to relax.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Heavenly Creatures sounds way to scary for me! What a deceiving title!
ReplyDeleteIn one of Pauline Parker's diary entries she refers to herself and Juliet as heavenly creatures. They had quite a grandiose vision of themselves and believed they could go to Hollywood to write movies and star in them.
DeleteI haven't--& probably won't--see the first movie but I saw Tortilla Soup" when it came out & I loved it!!
ReplyDeleteTortilla Soup is comfort food in movie form.
DeleteThanks for the review, I'm sure to pass on the Heavenly Creatures one, but the soup thingy sounds pretty good. I haven't had too much time to watch much on tv or anywhere else for that matter, hopefully things will calm down a bit soon. :)
ReplyDeleteTeachers never get a break. There are always lesson plans to prepare and papers to grade.
DeleteI haven't heard of either of them. Both sound intriguing, though! I think I might try to find Tortilla Soup for this weekend, because I'm in the mood for a little escapism :)
ReplyDeleteEscapism is good. Hope you're having a nice weekend.
DeleteI have not seen either one of these although I have heard a lot about the second one. Hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteSame to you, my dear.
DeleteHeavenly Creatures was so strange! I haven't seen the other one, but it sounds worth watching. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI think Heavenly Creatures is appropriately strange, Rita, because it's about such a strange situation.
DeleteThanks for warning me about Heavenly Creatures, if I decide to watch it, I'll sleep with the bed sheets over my head.
ReplyDeleteYou might end up hiding under the bed if you watch that movie and have the kind of nightmare I had.
DeleteDear Janie, the first movie--No, I like to sleep soundly--the second movie--Yes, if the library has a copy. Once again thank you for finding for me movies that I'll enjoy! Peace.
ReplyDelete