The Tales of Missus P.

N is for The NeverEnding Story and Natural Born Killers

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Some good Ns today: Napoleon Dynamite (a movie that my students taught me to appreciate – “your Mom goes to college!”), Nacho Libre (cracks me up every time), Nightmare Before Christmas (obviously a number one N for the list) and other films I liked such as Never Cry Wolf and Norma Rae. Again, I chose the ones I have watched the most and ones which I think students probably haven’t seen before.

The NeverEnding Story: I just started singing the theme tune in my head the minute I typed it out. Now, I know this movie got referenced on Family Guy but due to the age and not as amazing special effects as modern movies have, I’m guessing some haven’t seen it. Watching it today we go, “Wow…that looks so bad” in spots (not that I don’t say that about movies these days too) but the overall story and magic of the movie is what I think kids, at least, should see. The best part of this is that Bastian enters the world of the book. It’s an amazing fantasy adventure that promotes reading – what’s not to love? There are some sad parts, some bizarre parts, but all in all it’s such a good movie that I love watching even today. I mean, how many of us didn’t hope that we got swept up in some mysterious land where we had to save the fate of its people, then end up flying on Falcor just to chase away the bullies in our school? My favourite though was always Atreyu and Artex (and that scene still makes me cry.) I also loved the concept of “The Nothing” that threatens Fantasia. After watching it a couple of years ago I finally put the movie on closed caption just to figure out what Bastian named the Childlike Empress – Moonchild. His mother’s name was Moonchild? Okay, then. All these years I never understood what he said so I assumed it was Jennifer or Heather or something very feminine and 80s movie cool. Oh well, doesn’t ruin my love of the film any less.

Atreyu: Do you have a cold?
Morla, the Ancient One: No, we are allergic to youth.

Natural Born Killers: This movie is full of violence and cursing and crazy crap going on. No, it’s not for everyone but when I first saw this in 1994 (before Pulp Fiction came out, mind you) I was absolutely amazed. Written by Quentin Tarantino and edited/produced by Oliver Stone is puts together the absolute insanity that can be caused when two lunatics fall in love and decide to go on a mass murdering spree. Again, pretty intense, but the way it’s handled it’s dark comedy way (I mean the abusive father is Rodney Dangerfield and the dutiful, useless wife is Edie McClurg, otherwise known as Grace from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.) Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis are Mickey and Mallory Knox the infamous Bonnie and Clyde type couple that the public absolutely adores because of the media reception that they’ve gotten. Robert Downey Jr. is Wayne Gale, the Geraldo-type news anchor who is so over the top stupid that he he doesn’t realize that no one cares about him or his journalism style. The movie was quite different in many respects from things most standardized audiences had seen and it made you cheer for the two most cold blooded killers in fictional history. But that’s the point. Why would we care about these two? Do we sympathize with them because of the things that happen to them that made them the way they are? Or do we hate society just as much as they do and are happy when the crooked cop, the buffoon prison warden and the annoying news anchor get theirs in the end? Not everyone can get past the movie blood to like the film and today I see it as a silly looking movie at times but, man, as a teenager, it was quite a remarkable thing. Hands down, one of the best soundtracks in a movie too.

Mickey: You’ll never understand, Wayne. You and me, we’re not even the same species. I used to be you, then I evolved. From where you’re standing, you’re a man. From where I’m standing, you’re an ape. You’re not even an ape. You’re a media person. Media’s like the weather, only it’s man-made weather. Murder? It’s pure. You’re the one made it impure. You’re buying and selling fear. You say “why?” I say “why bother?”

Technorati Tags: Robert Downey Jr.,Woody Harrelson,Juliette Lewis,Nine Inch Nails,Leonard Cohen,Quentin Tarantino,Family Guy,80s,90s,atozchallenge,a-z

Posted in All About Me, Books, Movies, Music, Review, Television, Writing | Tagged 80s, 90s, a-z, atozchallenge, Family Guy, Juliette Lewis, Leonard Cohen, Nine Inch Nails, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson | 2 Comments

M is for Mean Girls and Mr. Mom

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Again, a few Ms to choose from and they’re all really good: Misery, Mystic Pizza, The Muppet Movie, Muppets take Manhattan, Mommie Dearest, Mannequin, Mermaids and MST3K: The Movie. There is also two of my very favourite TV shows: My So-Called Life and The Mighty Boosh. Seriously, I should do a TV theme next year just so I can write about how much I love both of these shows. But I chose two movies, per this year’s theme, that I would watch over the rest if given the option.

Mean Girls: I’ve mentioned this movie a couple of times already so it’s a given that I would put this up on the Culture Month Hall of Fame. If girls haven’t seen this movie yet, they just so, totally need to. It’s not for boys, no. But for us gals, it’s hilarious. Cady, the new girls from Africa, starts public high school only to meet two very odd “art freak” students who hate “The Plastics.” After the Queen Bee, Regina George, asks Cady to sit at their lunch table one day, Cady’s friends Janis and Damian decide that Cady should spy on the three popular girls for a laugh. Of course, in the process of trying to spy, Regina ends up betraying Cady (as she has done with Janis is the past) so Cady and Janis plot to destroy Regina’s queen bee status. In the meantime Cady gets so caught up in girl world that she hangs out with Janis and Damian. It’s just one of the funniest teenage movies about frenemies I’ve seen and, as previously I’ve mentioned, most students who have seen it say that it reflects how horrible high school girls can be with one another. The cast is brilliant (like all star, SNL cast member, cast plus Amanda Seyfried in her first movie, and one of the best performances by Lindsay Lohan). The best part is the dialogue though – I just love it.

Damian: My nanna takes her wig off when she is drunk.
Ms. Norbury: Your nanna and I have that in common.

Mr. Mom: I don’t think this movie gets the credit it deserves because I hardly ever hear anyone talk about the movie – they just make a reference to the title is a man is taking care of a child. I use to watch this a lot when it was on cable because Michael Keaton and Teri Garr are so good together. Caroline was a stay-at-home mother, until she had to go back to work once her husband, Jack, lost his job at the car factory. Jack had no idea what to do with the three kids at home, going to the store (Video clip here), doing housework, and dealing with the nosey (and lonely) female neighbours. But after a little while he really got the hang of being a terrific “mom” and taking over for Caroline. What he doesn’t get use to is Caroline’s new boss Ron (Martin Mull who played Leon on Roseanne – another one of my very favourite shows.) Ron ends up trying to hit on Caroline who, in turn, quits and returns home from the business trip so she can get back to her family. I like this movie because it’s funny to see Batman (before he was Batman, of course) as a soap opera watching, coupon clipping father. The day-to-day life with the funny twist is what makes this movie so cute. I always liked the scene with Kenny and the Wooby (Video clip here). It was just little parenthood incidences that made me like the movie so much even as a teenager because there was just about a typical 80s family who are “hit so hard by these trying economic times” (sound familiar?) And, yes, I have the video clip for the following quote too. Good stuff.

Jack Butler: Wanna beer?
Ron Richardson: It’s 7 o’clock in the morning.
Jack Butler: Scotch?
Ron Richardson: Not during working hours. Ooooh, sorry pal.
Jack Butler: No problem. Come on over here Ron. Let me show you what I’m doing, taking advantage of some of the time off. To, uh, add a whole new wing on here. Gonna rip these walls out and, uh, of course re-wire it.
Ron Richardson: Yeah, you gonna make it all 220?
Jack Butler: Yeah, 220, 221. Whatever it takes.

Technorati Tags: Michael Keaton,Martin Mull,Teri Garr,80s,00s,Lindsey Lohan,SNL,Racheal McAdams,Lacey Chabert,Amanda Seyfried,Roseanne Barr,atozchallenge,a-z

Posted in All About Me, Movies, Review, Television, Writing | Tagged 00s, 80s, a-z, Amanda Seyfried, atozchallenge, Lacey Chabert, Lindsey Lohan, Martin Mull, Michael Keaton, Racheal McAdams, Roseanne Barr, SNL, Teri Garr | Leave a comment

L is for Less Than Zero and The Lost Boys

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

There were some good Ls to chose from today: Labyrinth, Lucas, The Last Unicorn, Legend, Lean On Me, License to Drive, Little Women and, of course, The Lord of the Rings trilogy (for crying out loud, guys, watch this, would you?!)

Less than Zero: Loosely based on the Ellis novel, this movie was always one of my favourites because it depicted that shallow, rich kid in Los Angeles that we saw a bit too glamorized in other television shows like 90210. Robert Downey Jr. is Julian, a druggy who continues to try and pay back his dealers, just to end up getting deeper and deeper into a dangerous world of debt. This movie is particularly good for the fact that most students remember Downey as Iron Man but we’ve known for a long time of his acting chops that we thought were lost long ago. (Granted he’s playing another non-sober character that just works for him.) Andrew McCarthy and Jamie Gertz (also in Lost Boys) plays Blair, the poor little rich girl (sound familiar, Gossip Girl fans?) who is going to end up just like Julian if she isn’t saved ultimately saved by the hero, Clay played by our beloved Andrew McCarthy (or, Blaine, as you may know him from Pretty in Pink.) I really like the odd, messed up friendship that these three characters share and I like how Clay had gone to college in the East to get away from these fools, only to be thrown right back into the drama during his Christmas vacation. Of course, as is in Pretty in Pink as well, no one can play a bad guy like James Spader who is Rip (great name for a bad guy), Julian’s creepy, evil drug dealer. Plus, the soundtrack is pretty good in this film too. If you read the book, I warn you, it’s not exactly what you’d expect after seeing this film.

Blair: Did you talk to Julian yet?
Clay: No.
Blair: Clay, I asked you to talk to him.
Clay: Okay, I’ll call Betty Ford, you want me to get him a room, fine.
Blair: No, just talk to him, I mean, he’s your friend, too.
Clay: It’s funny. When you called me, I thought I was coming home to see you.

Lost Boys: I didn’t realize I liked vampire films this much but since this is my second mention of a film that people should see to compare to Twilight. Someone online recently was saying that Lost Boys was funny because it didn’t stand the test of time. I don’t really agree with that – the film is categorized as “comedy/horror” so it wasn’t supposed to be scary (even though I distinctly remember watching this as a kid at my friend’s house during a slumber party and her little sister was scared out of her mind.) As someone put it Lost Boys had a cool factor, a great cast and an awesome soundtrack. They were a biker cult, killers, those who cannot be trusted. That is what a vampire movie needs – a danger factor. People don’t want to be vampires because eternal life in “the blood sucking Brady Bunch” would, well, suck. Kiefer Sutherland is a good bad guy and he’s a great vampire. Granted this movie has some hokey shots, questionable yellow eye/makeup tricks and odd costume choices (even though I wanted to be hippie-chic like Star) but all in all it’s good, solid entertainment. I watch this every time it’s on. Plus, hello, it has Echo and the Bunnymen’s version of “People are Strange” during the opening credits. And most importantly, this film stars Corey Haim during his prime. Rest in peace, Corey, you will always be missed.

Alan Frog: He’s a vampire all right.
Edgar Frog: All right, here’s what you do: get yourself a good sharp stake and drive it right through his heart.
Sam Emerson: I can’t do that; he’s my brother.
Alan Frog: OK, we’ll come over and do it for you.
Sam Emerson: No!
Edgar Frog: You’d better get yourself a garlic T-shirt, buddy, or it’s your funeral.

Technorati Tags: Kiefer Sutherland,Andrew Mcarthy,Robert Downey Jr.,Jamie Gertz,Corey Haim,Corey Feldman,90s,80s,Echo and the Bunnymen,The Doors,James Spader,atozchallenge,a-z

Posted in All About Me, Books, Movies, Music, Review, Television, Writing | Tagged 80s, 90s, a-z, Andrew Mcarthy, atozchallenge, Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Echo and the Bunnymen, James Spader, Jamie Gertz, Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Downey Jr., The Doors | Leave a comment

K is for The Karate Kid

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

The Karate Kid: I haven’t seen the remake with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith even though I hear it’s not bad. There’s nothing that compares to this classic original when it comes to the New Jersey accent, black eye and boyish charm of Ralph Macchio. Plus, Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi is just superb acting/casting (the broken English and delivery of the lines is hysterical.) Even though it’s coined as a martial arts film, I never really thought of it that way. As a kid, I just loved the story of the kid who moves to a new town, without a father, and without a way to protect himself from some of the worst bullies the 80s has to offer. I mean, really, the build up for Daniel to kick Johnny’s butt at the tournament is so great. The pay-off for seeing Daniel go through a change from a lost kid to a strong young man is what makes this film superb. If young audiences have only seen the 2010 version of this film, they will really be pleasantly surprised to see how well the chemistry between Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi work. The development of the characters and their bond makes that movie so much more than a martial arts film. Plus, there are so many great scenes and quotes in this movie too. I mean no one will ever think of karate without thinking of, “wax on, wax off.” Ah, the wisdom of Mr. Miyagi.

Daniel: Wouldn’t a fly swatter be easier?
Miyagi: Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.
Daniel: Ever catch one?
Miyagi: Not yet.

Technorati Tags: Ralph Macchio,Pat Morita,Jackie Chan,Jaden Smith,karate,martial arts,80s,bullies,atozchallenge,a-z

Posted in All About Me, Movies, Review, Television, Writing | Tagged 80s, a-z, atozchallenge, bullies, Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, karate, martial arts, Pat Morita, Ralph Macchio | Leave a comment

J is for Jawbreaker and The Journey of Natty Gann

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Suzanne Schultz Pick

Of our Js we have a mix of iconic and lesser known. Of the major films, there is Jaws and Jurassic Park as well as Jewel of the Nile, Jacob’s Ladder, Jackie Brown, Jane Eyre (so far, I’ve only seen this William Hurt version), Jerry Maguire, JFK (one which kids should watch because of its historical significance), Johnny Be Good and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. I went with the ones I’ve seen the most and learned to appreciate much more than the others.

Jawbreaker: This one is another chick flick about the four high school girls who are pretty, popular and ridiculously sadistic. Much like Heathers, “The Flawless Four” play a prank on one of their friends by putting a jawbreaker in her mouth to gag her during a fake kidnapping – the friend ended up dead. But that doesn’t deter the leader of the gang, Courtney (Rose McGowan) who decides to act as if nothing has happened. After the class geek, Fern Mayo discovers that the girls have covered up a murder, Courtney convinces her to join them by turning her into an exotic, popular girl at their school. The heroine of this film is Julie who turns against her friends by discovering an recording of Courtney admitting to the murder. All in all it’s another over the top films that doesn’t quite catch the same vibe as Heathers but it’s interesting to say the least, just because of the wicked popular girls and frenemies theme. Plus, Marilyn Manson is in it as a shady character in a club – good casting!

Courtney: We just killed our best friend! Do you realize what this means?
Marcie: You’re a shoo-in for prom queen?

The Journey of Natty Gann: So I watched this movie a ton of times as a kid and I still love it when it’s on cable (all too rarely, I might add.) It’s a Disney movie that has beautiful scenery and such a great story that is based on the girl who finds a companion in the most unlikely of companions – a wolf. Set during the Depression (so there’s some nice costuming and set creation done here), Natty Gann’s father has to find work so he travels from Chicago to work as a lumberjack in Washington. He leaves Natty behind and lets their landlord know where he is and asks her to watch over Natty. Instead Natty is reported as an abandoned child and she has to travel across the country in search of her father. After letting the wolf loose from brutal dog fighters, the wolf decides he can trust Natty and he helps her along the way as well as, get this, John Cusack! It’s just a good story and I love the earthiness to it and the Annie-theme of orphaned (sort of) Depression era kid. It’s fascinating to see her travel like the ton of other hobos had to back in that time and it’s captivating enough for a younger audience due to Disney standards. I don’t know – I just like it and I think most students would like it too. And might I add, recently when I watched Race to Witch Mountain for the first time, Meredith Salenger (Natty Gann) had a cameo appearance where she plays a news reporter named Natalie Gann. Bless you, Disney, and your Easter eggs.