My picks for the week of Feb. 23
This is it! The last week of TCM's 31 Days of Oscar. But you know Turner Classic Movies plays amazing films all year through, right? Embrace the classics, people! For now, try these on for size:
The Goodbye Girl, 1977 - showing Feb 23The stars: Richard Dreyfuss & Marsha Mason
The premise: What happens when an unemployed dancer is dumped and she and her young daughter are forced to live with an eccentric, struggling actor?
Why I love it: This is one of those romantic comedies that actually feels very real and has truly talented actors at the helm. If you love romantic comedies and haven't seen this one, you're missing out. Plus Richard Dreyfuss is so cute and funny.
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The stars: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, and little Ron Howard
The premise: What happens when a con man sells the idea of a boys marching band to a small town in Iowa and things don't go according to plan?
Why I love it: This is a quintessential American musical if ever I've seen one. It takes place in a small town, features an ensemble cast of funny characters, good music, great costumes & production value, and top talent in every role. Plus, you'll find a lot of references to this movie in pop culture — see it for the musical history lesson alone, if nothing else!
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The star: Topol
The premise: What happens when a devout Jewish father must marry off his three daughters as Russia stands on the brink of revolution?
Why I love it: My dad has been goofing around and wrapping dish towels around his head, singing "Matchmaker" for as long as I can remember, so this movie holds a special place in my heart. It's one of those that's really fun for the first half, then gets really serious. While usually I prefer my musicals to be happy throughout, I do love this one for its complexity. It's just so moving, so beautifully filmed, and the music is so haunting. And then there's Topol, in a league of his own. Fiddler really is the perfect musical to show someone who thinks all musicals are frivolous and silly — this one is certainly not.
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The star: Roberto Benigni
The premise: What happens when a happy, humor-filled Jewish family is sent to a concentration camp and must rely on that humor to see them through?
Why I love it: Oh this movie is heart wrenching — but there are so many lovely bright spots and such a profoundly positive message that I'm willing to have my heart wrenched. It's amazing to watch this family and the lengths Roberto Benigni goes through to lift his son's spirits despite their unthinkable situation.
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The stars: Jean Dujardin & Berenice Bejo
The premise: What happens when a famous silent movie actor must face "talkies" and changing times?
Why I love it: I realize this movie might not be for everyone (in case you missed the boat, it's a silent film). Personally, I was held captive throughout the entire thing, maybe even more so than normal. You have to watch intently since there's no dialogue — but somehow you don't mind as the actors' performances leap off the screen. See this movie if: you love the flapper golden age, you're a fan of Singing in the Rain, you have an appreciation for movie history, you want to witness modern-day actors tackling a unique project, or if you just want to see something very special.
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