Presidential Flashcards

That Thing You Do, directed by Tom Hanks (who also is part of the cast), is a fun boy-band, placed in the 1960s movie that brings one straight to the era of records and appliance stores only being open on Sunday. The laugh out loud film is jam packed with witty one liners, many relating to the band's name: The Oneders. Now, this is One-Ders (sounds like Wonders), and the fact that the name is changed (The Wonders) just before they make it big doesn't stop the jokes. It's commonly pronounced the Oh-Need-Ers. And, when manager Tom Hanks prompts the change, the joke "I wonder what happened to the Oneders?" is born.

Throughout the film, Tom Everette Scott and Steve Zahn are constantly cracking jokes, helped along by Liv Tyler (and, in a bit of a breakthrough part, Charlize Theron). One of the main characters is known only as "The Bass Player", and quotes like: "Are you crazy? A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Gimme a pen, I'm signin'! You're signin'! We're all signin'!" are common. 

While giving subtle nods to The Beatles and The Monkees, That Thing You Do is rocking representation of the sixties music scene, basic boy bands, and unpredictable (well, only a little bit predictable) romance. While not exactly a classic, this 1996 hit is funny and fun, and absolutely a must-see flick.

A Few Good Things

1. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, is a fantastic book-turned-movie narrated by Death itself at the dawn of WWII. There are so many perfect quotes from the novel, I simply couldn't pick just one to share.

"I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."

"If only she could be so oblivious again, to feel such love without knowing it, mistaking it for laughter."

And, finally:

"Humans, if nothing else, have the good sense to die.”
While I was not certain how it would translate into film, the director- Brian Percival- does a splendid job. There are a plethora of direct quotes, and it is a stunning piece of art and literature in film.

And a few songs:

2. "People Help the People", by Birdy.

3. "Glory and Gore", by Lorde.

Play it Again, Sam! (or not)

I've just finished a watched of "Casablanca", that swoon-inducing movie that practically invented romantic clichés. Surprisingly, the ever-quoted "Play it again, Sam!" line isn't actually in the film. Here, however, are several other beautiful lines:
There's the ever popular: "We'll always have Paris."
Or, my special favorite: "...I have a feeling this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Humming On the Road

A week ago, I made the mistake of saying something like "Everything with Bing Crosby is good!" My friend had just watched White Christmas, eighty-degree weather apparently aside, and I was quite thrilled with the remembrances. It is quite a good movie, after all, and thus inspired me to look up some of Bing's other hits.
I watched Road to Singapore, a 1940s film with Bing Crosby (naturally) and Bob Hope. It had a few fun songs, and I'm now quite the Bob Hope fan.
I do not, however, recommend the movie. I'm still rather disappointed that Bob's character didn't get the girl. He was definitely the better person in the film, and, though the girl (played by Dorothy Lamour) was rather stupid, he certainly deserved her. A man who can sing and dance, and talks about making a home with her- and oh, yes, she chooses the one who left with his fiance.
I really don't understand it.
And so, while Bing and Bob are simply marvelous, I cannot add Road to Singapore to any recommendation list. It's good for a laugh, and maybe for a sappy, romantic mood, but it is certainly not any follow-up to the previous night's Field of Dreams.

Screaming about curtains is no match for If you build it, he will come.

One Word, Two Syllables

Though I have already shared a recommendation for today, I must give you another, unofficial one: "Charade". It's a simply wonderful film with Audrey Hepburn (I am quite enjoying her lately). "Charade" is chock-full of spies (or agents), espionage, murder, false leads, and cat-eye sunglasses. A tip to the female protagonist: if one is being followed by those who want to kill you, perhaps leaving a certain yellow pea coat behind would be a wise choice.

A Collection

On antique cameras, there is much I can share.