Elwood picks up his brother, Jake, from prison and they visit their childhood home, A Roman Catholic Orphanage. They learn that the orphanage is going to have to close unless it can come up with $5,000. The brothers decide to reunite their blues band and play a concert to raise the money. But as they pursue their goal, havoc erupts.
The Blues Brothers are iconic characters and the movie has become a cult classic. The humor comes from their off-beat behavior and coolly delivered hyperbole. I never fail to laugh while watching this one.
Also, the movie is filled with amazing musical cameos – James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to name just a few.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Well thank you, pal. The day I get outta prison, my own brother picks me up in a *police* car!
We're on a mission from God.
Ya see, me and the Lord have an understanding.
Are you the police?
- No, ma'am. We're musicians.
Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail us now.
They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God.
Book us for tomorrow night.
- Hold it, hold it. Tomorrow night? What are you talking about? A gig like that, you gotta prepare the proper exploitation. I know all about that stuff. I have been exploited all my life.
Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved.
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
- Hit it.
Maury, we need $5,000 fast.
- $5,000? Who do you guys think you are, The Beatles?
That Night Train's a mean wine.
Who *is* that girl?
People, when you do find that special somebody, you gotta hold that man, hold that woman! Love him, please him, squeeze her, please her! Signify your feelings with every gentle caress, because it's so important to have that special somebody to hold, to kiss, to miss, to squeeze, and please!
In college, this was my all-nighter movie. If I was going to be up till dawn writing a paper, I would play this movie in the background. I can’t be sleepy while watching this movie – it’s too colorful, alive, fun and positive.
And it’s got a great message. Love what you do. The moment it becomes something else to you – winning, being the best, etc. – you lose that magic. Do what you love purely for the love.
Also, I’ve long been mystified by the tao of surfing and it’s well represented in this movie.
Fun watch.
Clip:
Quotes:
Everyone's like Cody's this, Cody's that. Cody's me bro, let me be me.
So as soon as there was the first wave, right? - there was the first surfer. All they needed was, like, um, a piece of driftwood, a block of ice or something like that, and then they were off. And they were hooked, man. They were hooked. Up 'till recent times, you had your old dudes, you know, your hang-six cats, these old guys used to lay down with these huge, humongous boards. These guys were the pioneers, but nobody saw what surfing could be until Big Z did it. - Could you tell us who Big Z was? Who was Big Z? You're asking the right guy. You got that far. Z is everything. Big Z is surfing. I mean, there might as well not been an ocean before Z. They invented the ocean for him. Cause he lived so hard because he wasn't afraid to live. He wasn't afraid to die. He came to Antartica when I was just a kid. Man, it was the biggest thing that ever happened here. And suddenly there he was. Just floating on the water. Hovering, you know, like weightless. He could've walked up to anyone, and he walks right up to me. And he gives me this awesome, one-of-a-kind Big Z necklace. And then he tells me, "You know, kid, never give up. Find a way, 'cause that's what winners do." He was the greatest. Everyone looke up to him, respected him, loved him. And one day, one day, I'm gonna be just like him.
Whoah! You gotta try this blowhole thing, man! This whale dude is giving me a brain freeze.
You know, we've known each other way back since, like... yesterday, I think it was. Alright, well this is the third time this week you've been unconscious. I just don't think it's very good for your brain.
Who wants to see the champion take on the little guy? Little guys rule!No joy, man. No joy. Fail.
This is the true story of how James Braddock came out of retirement to become the champ. It is also an insightful look into the struggles of men trying to hold their families together during the Great Depression.
But I love this movie for how it depicts a good husband and father. Jimmy Braddock is at once firm and tender in disciplining his kids. He keeps his promises to them. He sacrifices, not only his share of food, but his pride among his friend, to ensure that his kids get what they need. There are so many moments when his character just blows me away.
If only he didn’t give up on praying in the story. I would have rather heard about how his strength came from God.
All the same, it’s a good movie about an amazing husband and father.
And the boxing is pretty exciting too.
Trailer:
Quotes:
You're all heart. - My heart is for my family. My brains and my balls are for business.
You think you're telling me something? Like, what, boxing is dangerous, something like that? You don't think working triple shifts and at night on a scaffold isn't just as likely to get a man killed? What about all those guys who died last week living in cardboard shacks to save on rent money just to feed their family, 'cause guys like you have not quite figured out a way yet to make money off of watching that guy die? But in my profession - and it is my profession - I'm a little more fortunate.
Bob Johnson, Boston Globe. Two days ago, we ran a story about you giving your relief money back. Can you tell our readers why? - I believe we live in a great country, a country that's great enough to help a man financially when he's in trouble. But lately, I've had some good fortune, and I'm back in the black. And I just thought I should return it.
Get that boys? Now he's got his wife doing his fighting for him! - Yeah. Ain't she something?
A critical failure – and an expensive one at that – this movie is still a favorite of mine. I love post-apocalyptic flicks. But this one’s spin is that water had destroyed the world because we’ve caused global warming and melted the ice-caps.
When I was a kid, I used to play with my friend in his parents pool and we would pretend we were in this movie. That tells me they really tapped into something here. Living on boats, diving to sunken cities and scrounging supplies to survive creates a fantasy environment all its own.
Also, the fact that the way to “Dry land” – salvation - is written on a child is reminiscent of the Christmas story.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Nothing's free in Waterworld.
Dry land is not just our destination, it is our destiny!
Dry land is a myth. …You're a fool to believe in something you've never seen.
I haven't seen it. And I've sailed further then most men have dreamed.
Al Pacino’s performance makes this movie. It is fun to watch his young escort try to keep up with his swaggering attitude and quick quips.
But there is also a couple great messages to be taken from this movie.
First is that we should stick to what we believe is right, even when under pressure to give in. And, if a friend is taking a courageous stand, we should support them and stick up for them.
Second is that friendships are important. Al Pacino’s character wants to kill himself until his new friend gives him a reason not to. Without relationships, life becomes meaningless.
One of the best scenes in the movie is when the blind gentleman tango’s with a young woman.
Clip:
Quotes:
Uh-oh, we got a moron here.
Women! What can you say? Who made 'em? God must have been a fuckin' genius. The hair... They say the hair is everything, you know. Have you ever buried your nose in a mountain of curls... just wanted to go to sleep forever? Or lips... and when they touched, yours were like... that first swallow of wine... after you just crossed the desert. Tits. Hoo-ah! Big ones, little ones, nipples staring right out at ya, like secret searchlights. Mmm. Legs. I don't care if they're Greek columns... or secondhand Steinways. What's between 'em... passport to heaven. I need a drink. Yes, Mr Sims, there's only two syllables in this whole wide world worth hearing: pussy. Hah! Are you listenin' to me, son? I'm givin' ya pearls here.
Whoo-ah
Clear them little bottles off. And when I get off the phone here, call up Hyman and tell him I want it wall to wall with John Daniels. - Don't you mean Jack Daniels? He may be Jack to you son, but when you've known him as long as I have... that's a joke.
Well, gentlemen, when the shit hits the fan, some guys run and some guys stay.
Ah, that's amazing. - Well, I'm in the amazing business.
The day we stop lookin', Charlie, is the day we die.
Out of order, I show you out of order. You don't know what out of order is, Mr. Trask. I'd show you, but I'm too old, I'm too tired, I'm too fuckin' blind. If I were the man I was five years ago, I'd take a FLAMETHROWER to this place! Out of order? Who the hell do you think you're talkin' to? I've been around, you know? There was a time I could see. And I have seen. Boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn't nothin' like the sight of an amputated spirit. There is no prosthetic for that. You think you're merely sending this splendid foot soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are... executin' his soul! And why? Because he's not a Bairdman. Bairdmen. You hurt this boy, you're gonna be Baird bums, the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there, FUCK YOU TOO!
I don't know if Charlie's silence here today is right or wrong; I'm not a judge or jury. But I can tell you this: he won't sell anybody out to buy his future!
"Now I have come to the cross-roads in my life - and I knew, without exception, I knew - which path was the right one - but I never took it. And do you know why? Because It was too damned hard. Now here's Charlie, he's come to the cross-roads, and he has chosen a path. It's the right path. A path that is made of principle, which leads to character. Now that's the stuff leaders should be made of."
I did not like this movie at first. It’s full of darkness. There’s murder, hatred, drug use, greed, abuse and more swearing than any movie made before it. Worst of all, it seems to glorify a
character who is self-seeking, manipulative, greedy and violent.
But, the last scene caught me.
The hero turns out to be an antihero when, shot down, he floats in a fountain filled with his own blood. Above him, his mockingly ironic personal motto – “The World is Yours.”
He grasped at everything and ended up with nothing – a good reminder for the Christian that it is only by giving up our life that we find it.
Clip:
Quotes:
Every day above ground is a good day.
Lesson number one: Don't underestimate the other guy's greed! - Lesson number two:
Don't get high on your own supply.
Nothing exceeds like excess. You should know that, Tony.
In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.
I'm Tony Montana! You fuck with me, you fuckin' with the best!
You wanna fuck with me? Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!
Key Elements: Story – Characters – Lines – Message
My Review:
I can’t think of many other feel-good movies that offer so much. In this movie we see how several love stories intertwine to climax gloriously at the end. They combine so seemlessly, even when the camera cuts from one story to another, the music can continue on without a hitch.
I’ve talked to few girls who don’t love the scene where Mark professes his love for Juliet with poster boards. It’s a really cute and romantic scene, but to enjoy it you have to ignore the fact that Juliet it married to another man. Thankfully, at the end Mark tells himself “That’s enough,” so we know he’s going to take things no further.
Another great scene is when Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister tells off the President of the United States for being a bully. Aggressive and humorous, it’s excellent diplomacy.
We all also love when Jamie and Aurelia get together and discover that they have each learned the other’s language.
And we love watching Liam Neeson’s character encourage and father his motherless step-son.
If you can ignore the sexual material (unnecessary as usual), you’ll enjoy seeing these stories unfold.
Pay particular attention to Hugh Grant’s voice-over at the beginning.
Interesting fact: The beginning and ending footage of people greeting each other at the airport is actually real live people who didn't know they were being filmed until afterword. Kinda beautiful.
Funny, romantic and fun, this is a great movie.
Clip:
Quotes:
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.
Okay. Well, the truth is... actually... I'm in love.
She's "the one".
I love that word "relationship". Covers all manner of sins, doesn't it? I fear that this has become a bad relationship. A relationship based on the President taking exactly what he wants and casually ignoring all those things that really matter to, erm... Britain. We may be a small country but we're a great one, too. The country of Shakespeare, Churchill, the Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter. David Beckham's right foot. David Beckham's left foot, come to that. And a friend who bullies us is no longer a friend. And since bullies only respond to strength, from now onward, I will be prepared to be much stronger. And the President should be prepared for that.
But for now, let me say - Without hope or agenda - Just because it's Christmas - And at Christmas you tell the truth - To me, you are perfect - And my wasted heart will love you - Until you look like this …Merry Christmas
I realized that Christmas is-is the time to be with the people you love… And I realized that as dire chance and-and-and fateful cock-up would have it, here I am, mid 50s, and without knowing it I've gone and spent most of my adult life with a- with a chubby employee. And-and much as it grieves me to say it, it-it might be that the people I love is, in fact... you. …It's a terrible, terrible mistake, Chubs, but you turn out to be the fucking love of my life. And to be honest, despite all my complaining, we have had a wonderful life.
Tell her that you love her… Sam, you've got nothin' to lose, and you'll always regret it if you don't.
Let's go get the shit kicked out of us by love.
But you know the thing about romance is people only get together right at the very end.
When this movie came out, I was lucky enough to still be at that stage of boyhood where dinosaurs are the coolest things imaginable. Naturally, I was spellbound by this movie. The music is good too.
Beyond the surface awesomeness, there’s a great argument made for respecting nature. Very compelling dining room conversation.
And Ian Malcolm, the choatisian, is an awesome character.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler. Welcome to Jurassic Park.
Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could; they didn't stop to think if they should.
Don't you see the danger, John, inherent in what you're doing here? Genetic power is the most awesome force the planet's ever witnessed, yet you wield it like a kid that's found his dad's gun.
The world is changing so fast, and we're all running to catch up. I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but look. Dinosaurs and man... two species separated by 65 million years of evolution, have suddenly been thrown into the mix together. How can we possibly have the slightest idea of what to expect?
No, I'm simply saying that life, uh... finds a way.
Oh my God. Do you know what this is? This is a dinosaur egg. The dinosaurs are breeding.
But if the Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists.
I was overwhelmed by the power of this place; but I made a mistake, too. I didn't have enough respect for that power and it's out now. The only thing that matters now are the people we love: Alan and Lex and Tim. John, they're out there where people are dying.
Remind me to thank John for a lovely weekend.
Mr. Hammond, after careful consideration, I've decided *not* to endorse your park.
Key Elements: Lines – Characters – Concept - Music
My Review:
Forget John Wayne. Clint Eastwood is THE ultimate movie cowboy.
Though his signature work was done as “The Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns, this movie, in which he directs and stars, is my favorite of his.
A story that could have been in the Twilight Zone, a stranger rides in and immediately takes control. He turns everything upside down, shifting power and transforming the town into a hellish nightmare. The music is fittingly creepy as well.
By the end of the movie, we realize the haunting purpose of his mission. Excellent spin on the classic western.
Spoiler: Clint Eastwood’s character is revealed to be the ghost of the town’s betrayed sheriff, returned from the grave to enact justice on his enemies. This parallel’s, in a sense, Christ’s triumphant return from the grave.
Trailer:
Quotes:
What did you say your name was again?
- I didn't.
Somebody left the door open and the wrong dogs came home.
Be careful. You're a man who makes people afraid, and that's dangerous.
- It's what people know about themselves inside that makes 'em afraid.
You're going to look pretty silly with that knife sticking out of your ass.
They say the dead don't rest without a marker of some kind.
This movie’s subject matter really grabbed my heart. It was the first time I really got excited about becoming a husband and father.
When I’m tempted to become cynical about the American Dream, this movie reminds me of the beauty and tenderness family life brings, and the importance of investing in the ones you love.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Because you thought I was *cocky*, I'm now on a permanent *acid trip*?
Don't screw up the best thing in your life just because you're a little unsure about who you are.
How can you do that?
- What?
Look at me like you haven't seen me every day for the last 13 years.
We have a house in Jersey. We have two kids, Annie and Josh. Annie's not much of a violin player, but she tries real hard. She's a little precocious, but that's only because she says what's on her mind. And when she smiles... And Josh, he has your eyes. He doesn't say much, but we know he's smart. He's always got his eyes open, he's always watching us. Sometimes you can look at him and you just know he's .learning something new. It's like witnessing a miracle. The house is a mess but it's ours. After 122 more payments, it's going to be ours. And you, you're a non-profit lawyer. That's right, you're completely non-profit, but that doesn't seem to bother you. And we're in love. After 13 years of marriage we're still unbelievably in love. You won't even let me touch you until I've said it. I sing to you. Not all the time, but definitely on special occasions. We've dealt with our share of surprises and made a lot of sacrifices but we've stayed together. You see, you're a better person than I am. And it made me a better person to be around you. I don't know, maybe it was just all a dream. Maybe I went to bed one lonely night in December and I imagined it all. But I swear, nothing has ever felt more real. And if you get on that plane right now, it'll disappear forever. I know we could both go on with our lives and we'd both be fine, but I've seen what we could be like together. And I choose us.
I knew I would love this movie - based on the novel by P. D. James - the moment I saw the trailer. I’m always a sucker for science fiction with social commentary.
This movie shows us the rarely seen PRE-apocalyptic setting. Humanity can no longer reproduce. The question raised by the situation is a huge part of the movie – What would you do if you knew humanity was in the eleventh hour?
Essentially, everyone in this movie is a ghost, going about their lives with the realization that nothing they do will last or mean anything – they might as well be dead already. And yet, everyone is fighting. If humanity is on its way out, why would we speed up the process by killing each other? Unfortunately, as unreasonable as it is, it’s probably a pretty accurate prediction.
A surprising aspect of the movie was the “fugees” situation. For whatever reason, Great Britain is the last semi-stable area in the world. Consequently, people are risking everything to sneak in. When discovered, they are rounded up by police and kicked out. It’s obviously a statement about the current illegal immigration situation in the U.S. If there’s anything to take away from the illustration, it’s that people ought to be treated as human beings regardless of their citizenship. I think that’s something our government should keep in mind.
The most amazing part of the movie is a nearly 10 minute fight sequence caught in a single shot. Incredible. As if that weren’t enough, the sequence climaxes with the baby’s crying freezing all fighting. Everyone is awestruck by the hope represented in that cry, and they respect it. Very moving.
And hope really is what the movie is about. If there’s a gospel illustration in the movie it’s the hope of new life represented by the baby. In this way, the baby could be symbolic of Christ at Christmas, hope for humanity contained in ultimate vulnerability. But theo could also be a Christ figure, giving his life to secure the hope and new life and baby represents.
Bonus Material:
Quotes:
I can't really remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can't remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what's left to hope for?
Y'know that ringing in your ears? That 'Eeeeeeeeee'? That's the sound of the ear cells dying, like their swan song. Once it's gone you'll never hear that frequency again. Enjoy it while it lasts.
She's pregnant!
Everything is a mythical, cosmic battle between faith and chance.
Your baby is the miracle the whole world has been waiting for.
As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd, what happens in a world without children's voices.
Fugee face. Sad face.
Cease fire! Cease fire!
Dylan. I'll call my baby Dylan. It's a girl's name, too.
Most of us can remember the drastic lines drawn between social cliques in high school. And most of us can also remember being frustrated with the socially controlling mistreatment and dismissal accompanying these stark, artificial divisions.
The Breakfast Club shows us that we have more in common than different. Teen angst is hard to deal with no matter who we hang out with. We do better to befriend each other than to divide.
Though the music and cultural references may be specific to the 80’s (and delightfully so), the themes are universal and lasting.
Trailer:
Quotes:
"...And these childrenthat you spit on
as they try to change their worlds
are immune to your consultations.
They're quite aware
of what they're going through..."
David Bowie
Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain ...and an athlete ...and a basket case...a princess...and a criminal ...Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.
