150.
When Harry Met Sally – The first time I saw Bethel High
graduate and one-time UConn student Meg Ryan was on the soap opera “As the
World Turns,” and you could tell she was going to be a star. Ryan burst on the
scene with her performance in this 1989 romantic comedy written by Nora Ephron
and directed by Rob Reiner. She was in charge with Billy Crystal in every
scene, including the famous one in the diner (look it up on youtube).
149.
Searching for Sugar Man – A
fascinating documentary about Sixto Rodriguez, a sort of Latin Bob Dylan from
the streets of Detroit who did not make it in America but became a superstar in
Apartheid-infested South Africa without knowing it. Two fans from Cape Town
attempt to unlock the mystery of Rodriguez and tell an incredible story that is
sad and ultimately uplifting. It won the Oscar for Best Documentary of 2012.
148.
Any Given Sunday – Oliver Stone’s loud, bold look at the glory
and the vices of professional football works despite some over-the-top scenes.
Al Pacino plays an aging coach under fire with a beat-up veteran quarterback
(Dennis Quaid) and a new-wave signal caller (Jamie Foxx) with talent finding
his way on and off the field. There are some powerful moments, led by Pacino’s
speech to the team before the big game.
147.
The American President – Aaron Sorkin wrote the romantic comedy
and Rob Reiner directed as a widowed president (Michael Douglas) - up for
re-election - courts a beautiful lobbyist (Annette Bening). Bening plays Sydney
Ellen Wade with grace and power while the film mixes plenty of humor with a
little of politics. You wonder what would happen if we had a single president.
146.
Gladiator – The film won Best Picture and Russell Crowe took
Best Actor at the Academy Awards in 2000 for his role as Maximus, a man who
rises up to avenge the murder of his loved ones during the Roman Empire. The
movie has its detractors (Roger Ebert) and is far from perfect, but it boasts
many powerful scenes. “Are you not entertained?”
145.
Spaceballs –
Mel Brooks’ goofy, but creative and smart, parody of the Star Wars movies from
1987 is a laugh a minute. Dark Helmet’s ship moves at “Ludicrous Speed.” May
the Schwartz be with you! Dick Van Patten and Joan Rivers join an all-star
crew.
144.
Brian’s Song – Make sure you have some tissues available for
this TV movie about the unique friendship between Chicago Bears running backs
Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and cancer-stricken Brian Piccolo (James
Caan). The 1971 film won an Emmy for Best Dramatic Program and was one of the
first I ever watched. Billy Dee’s speech at the end is one of the most
emotional scenes I can remember.
143.
American Beauty – This odd, exhilarating and sometimes
depressing film about dysfunctional families won Best Picture at the 1999
Academy Awards. Kevin Spacey plays the frustrated Lester Burnham, who finds
happiness by rejecting his average life and burned-out wife (Annette Bening)
while crushing on his daughter’s friend (Mena Suvari). It is crude, at times
cringe-worthy, but ultimately entertaining.
142.
Field of Dreams – The mystical 1989 film might be higher on
many lists of the top sports movies of all time, but it is still a classic in
my mind. “If you build it, he will come.” Kevin Costner creates a pristine
baseball field near a cornfield in Iowa after hearing voices and a miracle
occurs. You want to have a catch?
141.
Charlie Wilson’s War – Tom Hanks plays Texas Congressman Charlie
Wilson, who takes a break from jumping into Jacuzzis with playboy models to
help the Afgans kick Russia out of their country. An All-Star cast with Julia
Roberts, Amy Adams and the great Phillip Seymour Hoffman make it a fun,
informative journey. One of the last scenes tells the tale of one major reason
America faces hate around the world.
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