I Feel Like Roger Ebert

The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Finally, a decent day after something like six inches of rain.

This weekend one of my friends asked me to recommend some movies and books for her. I've started with the movies. Here is my list based on my mood today.

Ray
We just watched Ray, which is far too long but a good movie. I think I am going to get a CD of his music now. Very remarkable--and he did most of the really memorable stuff before we were born.

Lost in Translation
The film is a little quirky but Bill Murray is amazing. I really enjoyed it although it clarified for me that I have NO desire to visit Japan. If you get the DVD, there are some other things on it worth watching like the behind the scenes stuff. There is a scene where Murray is using a book of pick up lines in Japanese that is hysterical. I wished he worked here.

The Station Agent
Another quirky little film but great, particularly because of Patricia Clarkson.

Pieces of April
An Indie film that is one of my favorites. It is short too, which I love. Again--Patricia Clarkson. She plays the mom and was nominated for an Academy Award for it. She's amazing.

Road to Perdition
Nobody ever talks about this film, but it was nominated for a lot of awards. Beautifully shot. the violence is controlled (thanks goodness). And the story is partly from a boy's point of view. not your typical gangster movie.

American Beauty
By the director of Road to Perdition. Won Best Picture. Disturbing in places and hilarious in other places, especially when Spacey's character starts getting fed up with his uptight realtor wife.

Election
A dark comedy with Reese Witherspoon in a very different kind of role for her. It takes place during a high school election. Matthew Broderick plays this nerdy civics teacher whose life is falling apart.

About Schmidt
Jack Nicholson is hilarious in this one as this bewildered widower who is trying to reconnect with his daughter and make a life for himself. Some nudity--both Nicholson and Kathy Bates. Now that was a surprise.

Catch Me If You Can
Another movie that is too long, but since it is based on a true story, it is fascinating. Both Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio are great.

Napoleon Dynamite
This has gotten mixed reviews. One of my coworkers didn't really like it, the other says her family has been quoting the movie. I think it has something to do with having kids or really remembering high school. I almost feel off the sofa laughing. Napoleon reminds me so much of Garrett. Fortunately Garrett is four and still has time to pull it together before high school.

Wow. I feel like Roger Ebert!