6 degrees… High of 11… -5 with wind chill. No, these aren’t the names of upcoming indie films. They’re the recent temperatures (Fahrenheit) we residents of Northeast Ohio, USA, have endured over the past several bone-chilling, snot-freezing days. And if any of you readers in the upper Northern Hemisphere are thinking, “Wimp!”, let me just say that it’s so frickin’ cold in our part of the globe that FROST has formed on the INSIDE of my windows!
Some meteorologists and climatologists would argue that these torturous temps are “good for us,” that we need this weather to keep our ecological systems healthy. I say, “Hogwash!” The only beings on the planet that benefit from subzero events like this are penguins and polar bears! (And I bet even they get their tongues stuck on an icicle every now and then.)
So what does this ungodly weather report have to do with groundhogs and movie marathons? I don't know about you, but I don't plan to step one toe outside until my thermometer says at least 20 degrees. Punxsutawney Phil – one of many groundhog weather prognosticators – did not see his shadow last Friday, so that means we will enjoy an early Spring. (And he’s the expert around these parts.) I figured it would be a good time to get in a little extra movie watching while we await the early Thaw. Hence “groundhogs” and my new blog category, “Movie Marathons.” I expect this category to be a big hit with my fellow hibernators (and procrastinators).
Bruce Willis kicks off new blog category
When you think of Bruce Willis, the words “action hero,” “king of the one liners” and “brooding cop” come to mind. In honor of the fourth Die Hard movie due out this summer – which will be here faster than you can say “car chase,” I’m giving the inaugural spot to a “die hard” in his own right.
Here are 3 films I recommend for your Bruce Willis movie marathon:
Death Becomes Her – Believe it or not, this is my favorite B.W. character. It’s so far removed from what he normally does, and his performance as the hen-pecked, alcoholic plastic surgeon is fantastic. I plan to add this DVD to my collection very soon.
16 Blocks – I admit I was skeptical when I saw the trailer, but I really enjoyed this movie. It didn’t last very long in the theatres, but I think that was because it had a lot of summer blockbuster competition. Had it been released in March or April, I think it would’ve led the box office for several weeks.
12 Monkeys – Did I hear a few groans? Remember that open mind I referred to in my James Bond post? Go dig it out of the closet. Go ahead, we'll wait............. Yes, this is a sci fi flick. But in case you haven’t heard, sci fi is “in”. And if you don’t believe me, I have two words for you: Battlestar Galactica! 12 Monkeys is one of those flicks you have to watch a few times before you catch everything. In case you’ve forgotten, Brad Pitt was nominated for his performance as the crazy madman (which seems redundant, but it worked for him). Plus, Terry Gilliam directed it!
I can sense some of you heading for the panic button. Maybe you’ve never “coordinated” your own movie marathon before. Fear not! The great thing about films is that they’re inherently creative. That means no rules. You’re in control! No boss telling you that you’re not “following the process” by watching the deleted scenes first. You can watch these movies by yourself or with a dozen friends… You can watch all 3 of them in a row, or 2 in the afternoon and 1 with dinner… or one on Friday, one on Saturday and one on Sunday… You could even watch them in whatever order you want, or watch them more than once! You could say, “Guess what, Madeleine?! I’m choosing three Arnold Schwarzenegger movies instead." And to that I would say, Now you’re getting the picture!
By the way, I have a suggestion for those of you residing in the Southern Hemisphere…grab your laptop and BBQ supplies and head for the patio!
Happy viewing!
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