Weekend Movie Re-Cap

Yet again, I tried to squeeze in as many movies in as possible this weekend in between work and Godot rehearsals. It was time to dust off my Netflix and get crackin'

In order of viewing:
1. The Lovely Bones (2009)
2. Valentine's Day (2010)
3. The Strangers (2008)
4. Mommie Dearest (1981)

AND the #1 movie of the weekend was

It's a TIE! The Strangers and Mommie Dearest! I liked them both for very different reasons. While neither of them was perfect, they both had a lasting positive impression on me. I can't say the same about The Lovely Bones or Valentine's Day.

THE STRANGERS
Directed and Written by: Bryan Bertino
Starring: Liv Tyler (Armageddon, Lord of the Rings) and Scott Speedman (Felicity)

This is the kind of scary movie that I like. It's a fast paced, barely 80 minute thriller. A young couple returns home after a wedding reception ready to go to bed when a knock is heard at the door. They are out in the middle of nowhere (obviously!!) and decide to answer the door. Moments later they are being terrorized by three strangers wearing masks. You don't know why this couple is targeted, but they seem to be after Scott Speedman's character. I think what makes this movie on the scarier end of the spectrum is that it is all possible. I get mored scared by movies that could happen than impossible torture porn/gore fests.



MOMMIE DEAREST
Directed by: Frank Perry
Starring: Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde, The Network)

I finally got around to watching this cult classic. Mommie Dearest is based on the novel of the same name by Christina Crawford and follows the unknown side of legendary actress Joan Crawford as this crazy mother that physically and emotionally abused her daughter, Christina. This movie could have actually been even better if the director would have not made it soo campy at times. The campy factor is what people normally love about this movie. I think it cheapens the movie from what it could have been. Faye Dunaway is amazing as Joan. I think she perfectly fills the role of over-bearing and over-the-top. It's sad that Faye refuses to talk about the movie and many claim it ruined her career. You have to keep in mind that this story is told through the eyes of her daughter "who wanted the last say" after Joan died. You wonder how much is actually true. I actually think Joan Crawford was as crazy as the movie makes out.



Well, I'm in the thick of rehearsals with a show opening this week. It may be a few weeks before I see some more movies. Maybe in the mean time I will do a special Halloween themed scary movies blog dedicated to my favorite scary movies. Until then.

-P McG