Take 4: Mystery Theme Review
It's time for the first official "Mystery Theme" review. But what do they have in common? Take a look, give them a quick read...and tell me: 1) What is the theme that holds these four movies together? 2) What additional movies should I have reviewed if I had decided to open the review to two more films (keeping in mind the theme)? Four winners will be selected, and each will get to pick a single movie for me to review in an upcoming "Mystery Theme Winners" review. Good luck!
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Secondhand Lions (2003)
What's Going on Here?: Young Walter is left to stay with his recluse great-uncles in Texas for the summer, who are rumored by relatives and locals to be sitting on a great sum of money of unknown origin. During his stay, he learns of the adventurous nature of his uncles through their everyday activities and the stories of their past, which end up contributing to Walter's own personal growth.
Leading the Line-Up: The uncles are played by big-screen greats Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, while Walter is played by Haley Joel Osment (of The Sixth Sense). In addition Kyra Sedgwick plays Walter's mom, whose motives for having her son visit the long-lost uncles are dubious at best.
Things to Look Out For: A great little fight scene between Robert Duvall and some young punks. Don't mess. The only special feature on this DVD is a commentary track by director/writer Tim McCanlies. While I really enjoyed the movie, it isn't the sort that necessarily can have a whole lot added to it by listening to a commentary, so not something you really need to check out. Apparently there's another DVD with more special features on it (the disc I had instructed me to turn it over for other features, but it was just a single-sided DVD).
Random Trivia: Haley Joel Osment was attacked by a pig during filming. The lion on set, though, had numerous trainers and handlers...but no one thought the pig might be a menace.
And I Quote: Hub [to teenage punk]: "I'm Hub McCann. I've fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I've seen the headwaters of the Nile, and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I've won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That's who I am. Now, go home, boy!"
What Did We Learn Today, Class?: 1) There are some things you are just better off believing in, whether they are true or not. 2) Mini-cornfields make good mini-jungles. 3) Don't mess with a veteran who's fought in two World Wars.
Curt's Take: "Must See" - A very enjoyable film. Very touching at times, quite entertaining, and even laugh-out-loud funny at points. Osment's character goes through so many changes in the couple months he spends with his uncles, and the film easily conjures memories of summers spent with relatives that you don't necessarily see all that often. While definitely a drama, it's got a little something for everybody and was great to watch...even got teary-eyed at a couple points. But I'll deny that if you ask me about it.
50 First Dates (2004)
What's Going on Here?: Henry Roth's social life in Hawaii consists of dating tourists who are temporarily visiting the islands, and cutting things off abruptly as they prepare to leave for the mainland. He then meets Lucy Whitmore, a young woman who has no short-term memory due to an automobile accident the prior year. She wakes up each morning with no memory of yesterday, unable to remember anything following the morning of her car crash. Henry falls for Lucy and proceeds to spend each day attempting to make her fall in love with him...again, and again, and again.
Who's In It That Matters?: Several memorable folks. Obviously, the two main stars: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. They're great in this...and you don't get a Billy Madison performance from Adam. His acting is more similar to The Wedding Singer, meaning, it's decent. Also, Sean Astin (aka Sam Gamgee, from Lord of the Rings) plays Lucy's gym-rat brother, Doug...and is damn funny. His lisp is pritheleth. Finally, you'll recognize Rob Schneider, from...er...well let's ignore The Animal and Judge Dredd and just recall his Saturday Night Live days. I didn't find his native Hawaiian character that funny, but the rest of the cast seems to. Almost forgot...Dan Aykroyd also has a small role, as Lucy's doctor. Nothing particular stellar, but always nice to see him in something.
Things to Look Out For: Again, it's not your typical Sandler screwball comedy. There are many great dramatic moments, as well as scenes you'll laugh out loud at. As for special features, you've got several behind-the-scenes featurettes, including a Comedy Central special. They're okay, but I didn't get much from them...apart from the primer on Hawaii's "Pidgin" language, which was brief, educational, and interesting. There's also a commentary track by Drew Barrymore and director Peter Segal...she's just so entertaining to listen to, that I really enjoyed that. There are also deleted scenes (with commentary) and a blooper reel...nothing riveting, but pretty brief, so check 'em out if you liked the movie. Finally, some music videos, trailers and a promo for Adam Sandler's most recent comedy CD...meh.
Random Trivia: Henry makes a video for Lucy to remind her of the events that have occurred since her accident. One of the items is "Red Sox win the World Series..." followed by "...Just Kidding." During the year of the film's release, the Red Sox actually broke their 86-year drought and won the World Series.
And I Quote: Dr. Keats: "Tom was in an accident and now he only has a ten-second memory." Ten Second Tom: "I was in an accident? That's terrible." Dr. Keats: "Don't worry, you're totally gonna get over it in about three seconds."
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Secondhand Lions (2003)
What's Going on Here?: Young Walter is left to stay with his recluse great-uncles in Texas for the summer, who are rumored by relatives and locals to be sitting on a great sum of money of unknown origin. During his stay, he learns of the adventurous nature of his uncles through their everyday activities and the stories of their past, which end up contributing to Walter's own personal growth.
Leading the Line-Up: The uncles are played by big-screen greats Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, while Walter is played by Haley Joel Osment (of The Sixth Sense). In addition Kyra Sedgwick plays Walter's mom, whose motives for having her son visit the long-lost uncles are dubious at best.
Things to Look Out For: A great little fight scene between Robert Duvall and some young punks. Don't mess. The only special feature on this DVD is a commentary track by director/writer Tim McCanlies. While I really enjoyed the movie, it isn't the sort that necessarily can have a whole lot added to it by listening to a commentary, so not something you really need to check out. Apparently there's another DVD with more special features on it (the disc I had instructed me to turn it over for other features, but it was just a single-sided DVD).
Random Trivia: Haley Joel Osment was attacked by a pig during filming. The lion on set, though, had numerous trainers and handlers...but no one thought the pig might be a menace.
And I Quote: Hub [to teenage punk]: "I'm Hub McCann. I've fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I've seen the headwaters of the Nile, and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I've won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That's who I am. Now, go home, boy!"What Did We Learn Today, Class?: 1) There are some things you are just better off believing in, whether they are true or not. 2) Mini-cornfields make good mini-jungles. 3) Don't mess with a veteran who's fought in two World Wars.
Curt's Take: "Must See" - A very enjoyable film. Very touching at times, quite entertaining, and even laugh-out-loud funny at points. Osment's character goes through so many changes in the couple months he spends with his uncles, and the film easily conjures memories of summers spent with relatives that you don't necessarily see all that often. While definitely a drama, it's got a little something for everybody and was great to watch...even got teary-eyed at a couple points. But I'll deny that if you ask me about it.
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50 First Dates (2004)
What's Going on Here?: Henry Roth's social life in Hawaii consists of dating tourists who are temporarily visiting the islands, and cutting things off abruptly as they prepare to leave for the mainland. He then meets Lucy Whitmore, a young woman who has no short-term memory due to an automobile accident the prior year. She wakes up each morning with no memory of yesterday, unable to remember anything following the morning of her car crash. Henry falls for Lucy and proceeds to spend each day attempting to make her fall in love with him...again, and again, and again.
Who's In It That Matters?: Several memorable folks. Obviously, the two main stars: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. They're great in this...and you don't get a Billy Madison performance from Adam. His acting is more similar to The Wedding Singer, meaning, it's decent. Also, Sean Astin (aka Sam Gamgee, from Lord of the Rings) plays Lucy's gym-rat brother, Doug...and is damn funny. His lisp is pritheleth. Finally, you'll recognize Rob Schneider, from...er...well let's ignore The Animal and Judge Dredd and just recall his Saturday Night Live days. I didn't find his native Hawaiian character that funny, but the rest of the cast seems to. Almost forgot...Dan Aykroyd also has a small role, as Lucy's doctor. Nothing particular stellar, but always nice to see him in something.
Things to Look Out For: Again, it's not your typical Sandler screwball comedy. There are many great dramatic moments, as well as scenes you'll laugh out loud at. As for special features, you've got several behind-the-scenes featurettes, including a Comedy Central special. They're okay, but I didn't get much from them...apart from the primer on Hawaii's "Pidgin" language, which was brief, educational, and interesting. There's also a commentary track by Drew Barrymore and director Peter Segal...she's just so entertaining to listen to, that I really enjoyed that. There are also deleted scenes (with commentary) and a blooper reel...nothing riveting, but pretty brief, so check 'em out if you liked the movie. Finally, some music videos, trailers and a promo for Adam Sandler's most recent comedy CD...meh.
Random Trivia: Henry makes a video for Lucy to remind her of the events that have occurred since her accident. One of the items is "Red Sox win the World Series..." followed by "...Just Kidding." During the year of the film's release, the Red Sox actually broke their 86-year drought and won the World Series. And I Quote: Dr. Keats: "Tom was in an accident and now he only has a ten-second memory." Ten Second Tom: "I was in an accident? That's terrible." Dr. Keats: "Don't worry, you're totally gonna get over it in about three seconds."