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Top 10: Mother's Day movies, outside the box ideas, part 1
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Moulin Rouge movie poster
Ok, so I lied. I actually have the Top 20 Mother’s Day movies, but divided them into two Top 10 lists. So, which one is truly the Top 10? Neither, I listed them alphabetically. Sorry, most people like Top 10 lists, but I just couldn’t limit myself.
Make sure you check out the second Top 10 list too.
What’s with the “outside the box” in the headline? Well, I tried to give a list of movies that moms would enjoy or families watching with their mom would enjoy. I was not necessarily focusing on films revolving around a mother in the story. There are plenty of those lists out there that include movies like Steel Magnolias, and Terms of Endearment (yes, you can rent those if you don’t like my lists…I don’t mind). Those are great choices, but as I stated, I tried to go “outside the box.”
I must interject with a caveat: all mothers are different and some may hate this list (those that are into films like Bloodsport and Maniac Cop), but this list should cover a large portion of mothers out there.
1) City of Angels – This is a classic romance film set in Los Angeles (duh!). It stars Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan and follows the story of an angel (Cage) that falls in love with a human (Ryan). He then must decide if he wants to give up eternal life and become human to be with her. It is a great love story and this pair of lead actors really draws you in.
2) Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story – This film stars Kurt Russell, Kris Kristofferson, and a young Dakota Fanning (11 at the time the movie came out). It is the story of a racehorse that suffers a severe, career ending injury. The trainer (Russell) is given the injured horse as severance pay and is fired. It takes the love and determination of his young daughter to help the horse recover from its injury and make it all the way back to racing health. But, who was really being healed, the horse, or the trainer and his family?
3) Failure to Launch – What mother doesn’t love Matthew McConaughey? The only downside to this film is the lead female role was given to Sarah Jessica Parker. However, the writing was well done and despite her presence, the film is a decent romantic comedy. What makes it a great Mother’s Day choice is that fact that McConaughey’s mother in the film allowed him to live in her house into his thirties! Thanks Mom!
4) The Great Race – What mother doesn’t love Tony Curtis? If you’ve never seen this film, please pick it up this weekend. I’m not sure if you can find it in rental stores. You may have to buy it (totally worth it) or use on-line services like Netflix (which you wouldn’t be able to get it by this weekend…but I digress). This is a classic comedy about a long-distance car race set in 1908. The acting is superb, the writing excellent, and there are some great scenes of physical comedy as well. Jack Lemmon plays the arch nemesis and is hilarious!
5) Intolerable Cruelty – George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a romantic comedy…enough said! No really…enough said.
6) Kate & Leopold – Here is a romantic comedy that really does fit the “outside the box” category. Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan star in this movie about a Duke from the 19th century who is sent forward in time to the 21st century and must figure out how to adapt to the changed world while trying to figure out a way back to his own time. Throw into the mix a beautiful neighbor (Ryan) who can’t quite seem to figure this bizarre guy out. This really is a fun romantic comedy with a real focus on the comedy part.
7) The King and I – “What is this etcetera, etcetera, etcetera?” Most of you have probably at least heard of this film if you have not actually seen it. But, when’s the last time you have seen it? This movie is the definition of the word “classic” as a timeless masterpiece about a schoolteacher who takes a job teaching the many children of the king of Siam. During her stay there she helps this “old world” king embrace the changes that have been occurring in the world around him and “lighten him up!” Again, if you haven’t seen this film, please do…soon.
8) Love Actually – Here is a great romance film that seemed to slip under the radar when it came out in 2003. It’s one of those Crash-type of movies where you see several different people’s lives, their struggles, their relationships, and such. Then we see how their lives intertwine. A well acted, well-written dramatic, heart-warming film.
9) Moulin Rouge – I have to admit, this is one of my favorite films, and definitely my favorite musical, so I may be a little biased. First of all, it has Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor who are both phenomenal singers and absolutely shine with their acting and singing. Secondly, the music written for this film is awesome. The “Elephant Love Medley” is probably the best medley ever written. It puts together some of history’s great love songs into one, back-and-forth song that McGregor and Kidman sing to each other. A truly fantastic, and very entertaining, musical.
10) Mr. Mom – This is a great comedy for Mother’s Day because it has Michael Keaton as a father who must take over all the “motherly” duties while his wife works. It really is an eye-opening experience for all of us men out there to help us appreciate what it is our wives and mothers have gone through for us. The movie is a great homage to mothers out there.
Here is the second Top 10 list.
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Which actors have made the most at the box office in their career? Top 10
Here is some information about films coming out in 2010.
Check out some reviews:X-men Origins: Wolverine, Angels & Demons, Terminator Salvation, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Star Trek.
See this summer's big hits.
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