4 Sort of Forgotten Movies Totally Worth Seeing Again
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| Photo Credit: Wallpaper Cave |
Finding Neverland
A loose take on the life of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, Finding Neverland sparkles. Fairy dust and the stars of Neverland are the ever-present and sparkling undertone, but this film also glows with beautiful messages about family love, loyalty, and the value of imagination. James Barrie draws inspiration for Peter Pan from the Llewellyn-Davies family of four boys and their widowed mother. I remember this film as one of the first that made me cry and also one of the first that made me wrestle with difficult questions. It’s a stunning, touching movie as well as an interesting glimpse into the life of this author. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet are brilliant in the leading roles, and young Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewellyn-Davies, Peter Pan’s namesake, admirably holds his own beside them.
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| Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie and Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewellyn-Davies in Finding Neverland Photo Credit: Awesome Wallpapers Blog |
Elizabethtown
I’m hesitant to recommend this one in mixed groups, but I find it a fun flick, though its premise is a bit random. It’s really the best word I can think of. But Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst make a winning lead duo, and family loyalty, courage, and humility are prioritized in it. Drew Baylor gets the knock of his life when, in one day, he loses a billion-dollar business deal and finds out his dad has died. En route to Elizabethtown, Kentucky for the funeral, he meets a sassy flight attendant named Claire Colburn who quickly sees past his bravado and is determined to help him, maybe partly because of her nearly instant crush on him. In the weeks that follow, Drew has to face difficult feelings of guilt, fear, and failure as he learns to process his losses appropriately. (Heads up for a few strong profanities and some sexual references, though not graphic)
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| Orlando Bloom as Drew Baylor and Kirsten Dunst as Claire Colburn in Elizabethtown Photo Credit: Santa Banta |
Kate & Leopold
Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman together. Need I say more? I hope not, but really. They’re amazing together, and I love the character development in this story. Kate McKay is a self-made career woman in modern New York, and Leopold is…a duke from 1876. Time travel brings them together, and for varying reasons from their respective eras, they’re both hardened and cynical towards the idea of falling in love. If only they lived in the same time period, maybe they could work out their fears and feelings. This is a straight-up chick flick, but I recommend it for everyone, even if they aren’t always your thing. It’s lighthearted, sweet, and has poignant messages about loving courageously.
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| Meg Ryan as Kate McKay and Hugh Jackman as Leopold, Duke of Albany in Kate & Leopold Photo Credit: Fanpop |
This might be one of my all-time favorite movies. Definitely a favorite historical drama. Based on the true account of competitive boxer James Braddock, Cinderella Man tells his story in a deeply moving fashion. The movie begins when a hand injury halts his boxing career, and with the Great Depression at its height, anxieties run high. Every day becomes a struggle to survive for James and his wife Mae and their three children. Uncertainty and poverty are constant factors, but through it all, James is determined that family love and unity is what will bring them through. James and Mae’s love and support of each other is inspiring to watch, especially against the harsh backdrop of the Depression. James’s boxing career makes the film interesting and educational as well, and his courage in each fight, even when the stakes are sharply against him, makes his determination and Mae’s support all the more endearing. And Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger are truly extraordinary as this power couple.
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| Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger as James and Mae Braddock in Cinderella Man Photo Credit: Thoroughly Russell Crowe |
What are your favorite movies that are older or seem like hidden gems? What movies do you like that you feel aren't duly recognized? What do you think of the films mentioned here? I’d love to hear!
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2 comments
Aww I just watched Kate and Leopold! It was so cute :) I'll have to give Elizabethtown a try! Orlando and Kirsten in one movie? *dies* :)
ReplyDeleteRight?! So cute! I love the story of Kate & Leopold :) And yes, do look into Elizabethtown! Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst are really a winning lead duo :)
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