An alternative to football…
So, it’s Thanksgiving weekend. That means turkey, family and football…LOTS of football. If you are like me and not a huge fan of the game, you may wish to avoid that and just watch some films.
Below are some family friendly recommendations (followed by some not for the family recommendations) that will bring smiles to your faces amidst the holiday chaos. These are more for viewers ages 11 and up. They aren’t necessarily “holiday” films, but they are fun and will take you away from all the pressures of the world:
Troop Zero (Director: Bert & Bertie)
This funny film is great for both young people and adults who are watching the film with them. It’s not your typical film about bullying and trying to fit in. There is another layer of humor and commentary that only adults will pick up on. It’s brilliant and it teaches a great lesson about being yourself even if that means wetting your pants. And the lead character’s name is Christmas.
Adams Family Values (Director: Barry Sonnenfeld)
This film is off-beat and strange. As usual, the Adams Family turns the ideal American family on its head but at the same time maintains the values that all of us should have. With a cast that includes Angelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christina Ricci, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane and Joan Cusack, it’s hard to beat.
Babe (Director: Chris Noonan)
This film teaches that you can be more than what the world expects of you. It also advocates for animal rights, but in a funny and unconventional way. James Cromwell is just amazing in it. And he believes in the morals of this film. I’m not a vegetarian but this film does make you want to be one. So beware that your children may not want to eat meat after they see this picture.
Time Bandits (Director: Terry Gilliam)
This film may teach some lessons about working as a team and putting care before profit, but honestly, it’s just a riotous ride. It’s full of larceny and being up to no good. It is a true adventure.
The Bad News Bears (Director: Michael Ritchie)
This off-beat film shows Little League for what it is. This film might be more appropriate for ages 14 and up, but you be the judge. It is the most hysterical sports film I have ever seen. And I don’t think you could get away with writing it now…I can’t even describe the authenticity and humor. It stars Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal.
Some comedy films for adults that you may have forgotten about or perhaps never heard of that you can watch after the kids go to bed:
The Love God (Director: Nat Hiken)
Don Knotts becomes Hugh Hefner in this hilarious film. Every member of this cast is perfect and plays their role to the nth degree. This film was panned when it came out because people were used to seeing Don Knotts in “family friendly” films and this is not. Don Knotts is Mr. Peacock, a bird watcher who becomes a Love God or does he? The cast includes Anne Francis (who sad to admit, I thought was just a beauty queen (referring to her role in FORBIDDEN PLANET) until I saw her in this film…she is stellar), Edmund O’Brien, Maggie Peterson, Maureen Arthur, James Gregory and B.S. Pully, among others. You may not have heard of B.S. Pully but you will not forget him after seeing this film. It’s your prerogative if you choose to watch it. (And you’ll get that reference if you if you do.)
What’s New Pussycat? (Director: Clive Donner)
This movie will have you laughing non-stop. The log line from IMDB, “A playboy who refuses to give up his hedonistic lifestyle to settle down and marry his true love seeks help from a demented psychoanalyst who is having romantic problems of his own.” This is the central theme, but it’s even more involved and wacky and has the most bizarre “car” chase you have ever seen. It stars Peter O’Toole, Peter Sellers, Romi Shneider, and Paula Prentiss, among others. (Oh, and Ursula Andress literally drops into the picture.)
Harold and Maude (Director: Hal Ashby)
This is one of the most off-beat, small cast films you will ever see. This film focuses on a young, wealthy man obsessed with the variety of ways he can kill himself but not really trying to be successful at it and his mother who wants him to grow up and settle down. Instead, he falls for an almost 80-year old woman. His journey to learning to love and feel something is one of the most hilarious journeys you will go on. It stars Ruth Gordon, Vivian Pickles and Bud Cort.
Waiting for Guffman (Director: Christopher Guest)
One of a series of satires directed by Christopher Guest, this film is for anyone who has every participated in community theatre. It withstands the test of time because it is just so authentic. The mocking is done in the most caring and loving way. It’s truly a gem. It stars Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Parker Posy, Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara, among others.
A Shot in the Dark (Director: Blake Edwards)
Peter Sellers may be the lead in this film, but Herbert Lom steals the show. This film will have you laughing from start to finish. There is no big moral or point to this film, except that some people really can drive you crazy.