Five Films for November 18th, 2021
1. No Escape
· Platform: Netflix
· Release Year: 2015
· Director: John Erick Dowdle
· Cast: Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan
· Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
· Maturity Rating: R
Brief Synopsis: Soon after relocating to Southeast Asia, an American family lands in the midst of a violent coup that could cost them their lives.
I picked this film because today is Owen Wilson’s birthday. Known mainly for his comedic roles, I felt this film was a nice change of pace with Wilson portraying a more serious character reminiscent of his performance in the film Behind Enemy Lines (2001). He has starred in several films that include:
· Anaconda (1997)
· The Haunting (1999)
· Meet the Parents (2000)
· Zoolander (2001)
· Night at the Museum (2006)
· Midnight in Paris (2011)
· The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Alternative Title to Watch – Wedding Crashers (1972) This comedy classic co-starring Vince Vaughn is currently available on HBO Max.
2. He Said, She Said
· Platform: HBO Max
· Release Year: 1991
· Cast: Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Perkins, Sharon Stone
· Director: Ken Kwapis, Marisa Silver
· Genres: Comedy, Romance
· Maturity Rating: PG-13
Brief Synopsis: This breezy battle of the sexes stars Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins as two TV commentators who go at…and for…each other.
I selected this film because today is Elizabeth Perkin’s birthday. She was born in 1960 and has appeared in several films. This is one of her first and most popular films and other highlights include:
· Big (1988)
· Indian Summer (1993)
· The Flintstones (1994)
· Fierce People (2005)
· Must Love Dogs (2005)
Alternative Title to Watch – Miracle on 34th Street (1994) Elizabeth stars in this holiday remake that is currently available on HBO Max.
3. Love & Friendship
· Platform: Amazon Prime
· Release Year: 2016
· Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Chloe Sevigny, Xavier Samuel
· Director: Whit Stillman
· Genres: Drama, Historical
· Maturity Rating: PG
Brief Synopsis: Set in 1790s London, LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP centers on the recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who seeks refuge with her in-laws to escape the scandalous rumors surrounding her private life. While at their estate the scheming Lady Susan decides it’s time to secure a husband for herself and for her somewhat reluctant and awkward daughter.
I selected this film because today is Chloe Sevigny’s birthday.
Chloe was born in 1974 and has numerous film and tv series appearances including:
· The Last Days of Disco (1998)
· American Psycho (2000)
· Dogville (2003)
· Broken Flowers (2005)
· Zodiac (2007)
· Big Love (2006 – 2011)
· Portlandia (2013)
· American Horror Story (2012-2016)
· Bloodline (2015-2017)
· The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
Alternative Title to Watch – The Dinner (2017) This film starring Richard Gere and Rebecca Hall is available on Hulu.
4. Fantasia
· Platform – Disney Plus
· Release Year: 1940
· Director: Samel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts
· Genres: Family, Fantasy, Animation
· Maturity Rating: G
Brief Synopsis: Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece is an extraordinary blend of classical music with innovative animation. Featuring eight sequences-see the music come to life and hear the pictures burst into song in this groundbreaking film.
I picked this film because today is Mickey Mouse’s birthday. Although the cartoon character does not age, he was first introduced on November 18th, 1928 in the short film “Steamboat Willie”.
In addition to Fantasia, and Fantasia 2000, there is no short supply of Mickey Mouse related films/series to watch if you’re in the mood. The screenshot below shows only a partial inventory currently available.
Alternative Title to Watch – The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World (2001) This television event is available on Hulu.
5. Jonestown: Paradise Lost
· Platform – Amazon Prime
· Release Year: 2007
· Director: Tim Wolochatiuk
· Genres: Documentary
· Maturity Rating: PG-13
Brief Synopsis: Using survivor testimony and dramatic reenactments, this documentary tracks the build-up to a horrific doomsday: the mass murder and suicides of Jim Jones’ cult followers in the jungles of Guyana, where over 900 men, women, and children lost their lives.
I selected this film because it was on this day back in 1978 that over 900 people lost their lives in this tragic event.
Alternative Title – Truth and Lies: Jonestown, Paradise Lost (2018) – This television documentary is a great companion piece to the documentary mentioned above and is currently available on Hulu.