Sep 22 2014

This Week’s Underappreciated Movies

Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

ipcress

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: The Ipcress File

If you are unfamiliar with Michael Caine’s acting career during his younger days, you owe it to yourself to see the 1965 spy flick The Ipcress File. The film was made as a reaction to the high-fashion, sexy James Bond series, detailing the day-to-day life of a more realistic screen spy named Harry Palmer (played by Caine). Palmer lives in an apartment, deals with bureaucracy, and navigates departmental politics while he unravels a complicated plot involving the kidnapping of an esteemed scientist. The film is a slow burn, and you have to pay attention, but I assure you it’s worth the trip to get to the extraordinarily strange ending. Oh, and here’s some strange trivia: even though this film was a reaction to James Bond, it was produced by Harry Saltzman, who himself co-produced the Bond series through 1974.

The-Company-of-Wolves

Windy’s Pick of the Week: The Company of Wolves

Angela Lansbury anchors this moody anthology piece about the loss of innocence and the awakening of sexuality. The central werewolf theme is played out in a variety of forms, and the movie feels more like a fever dream than a coherent story. But it sticks with you, and it definitely entertains. Besides, it offers the very valuable advice: “Never trust a man whose eyebrows grow together.”

Sep 18 2014

Episode 32: Ooh, Ruffians!

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Xanadu Sq LogoIn this week’s extra-boozy episode, we talk about heist movies! Because, seriously, don’t we all want to be part of a heist at some part of our lives? It’s even a great word. HEIST. Roll that around in your mouth for a while. HEISSSSST.

Anyway, if you would like to drink along, we found a bottle of Layer Cake Malbec that served us quite well. We promise we paid for it. We did not steal it, because we like and admire the honest workers of our local alcohol-providing establishments.

Show notes and links below the cut!

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Sep 15 2014

This Week’s Underappreciated Movies

Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

sinbad3

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

Patrick Wayne (John’s son, yes) stars as the swashbuckling Sinbad in this Ray Harryhausen classic. The lovely Jane Seymour is his love interest as they embark on an adventure to save her brother, the Prince, who has been turned into a baboon (no, really!). (Doctor Who fans will enjoy Patrick Troughton’s appearance as well.) The special effects are epic – not just the baboon, but giant wasps, a minotaur, plus the sabre-tooth tiger of the title. A trip riddled with magic and mystery!

bedazzled 2

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: Bedazzled (1967)

While many of us are familiar with the unfortunate remake of this film, few have seen the original, which features the talents of Dudley Moore and Peter Cook at the height of their powers. Set in swingin’ 60s London, Bedazzled focuses on a meek diner cook (Dudley Moore), who meets Satan (Peter Cook) during a bungled suicide attempt. In a Faustian pact, the devil promises to grant seven wishes in return for the man’s soul. Of course, the devil twists every wish. Along the way, we meet the seven deadly sins (including Raquel Welch as Lust), and a lot of silly things happen (like nuns on trampolines). Oh, and did I mention that this whole thing was directed by Stanley Donen of Singin’ in the Rain fame? Yup.

Sep 11 2014

Episode 31: A Lovely Forge to Hammer Upon

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Xanadu Sq LogoThis week, we share our love of REMAKES! Okay, we only love good remakes, but there are plenty of good remakes to talk about, right? We certainly thought so!

We also thought this week’s wine selection was excellent: Castello di Volpaia Indue, which was given to us by one of our fine Brians, Mr. Donohue. We learned that “Indue” is Italian for “Two Together”, which made it extra special. Brian can select our beverages any day! Thank you!

Show notes and links behind the cut!

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Sep 08 2014

This Week’s Underappreciated Movies

Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

a-band-called-death

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: A Band Called Death

I’m a sucker for a good documentary, and this is a good one that just recently hit the streaming services. Back in 1973, a trio of young black men from Detroit formed a proto-punk band called Death. Influenced by hard rockers like The Who and Alice Cooper, they worked hard to gain virtuosity with their instruments and break new ground in music, but were stymied by the music industry, racism, and one brother’s unwillingness to compromise his vision. This film examines the brief life of the band and the fascinating 40 years that followed.

Escape-to-Witch-Mountain

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Back in the heyday of making spooky science fiction movies for family entertainment (see also The Watcher in the Woods), this 1975 charmer is mysterious, tense, and exciting – whether you’re under 10 years old or over 40. Starring screen legends Eddie Albert and Ray Milland, with a very weaselly Donald Pleasance oozing all over the place, this film is anchored by surprisingly strong performances by the two child stars, as well as a very haunting film score. One of my favorite movies from childhood that holds up fantastically.