MUSIC AND MOVIES

Magic
Bruce Springsteen
Reminiscent of “Born in the USA” with its muscular rock beat and soaring saxophone. Fans of the Boss will enjoy his reunion with the E Street Band as the group puts forth anthems on everything from the current state of radio (Radio Nowhere) to blue collar love stories (I’ll Work for Your Love). Includes a bonus track ballad in which a solo Springsteen laments the death of a long time friend. This one’s a keeper. (CD)
–Macaire Hill


Linus and Lucy: The Music of Vince Guaraldi
George Winston
Pianist Winston interprets favorites from Guaraldi, highlighting the work he did for the Peanuts cartoons as well as some of his other popular compositions. This is a lovely collection that provides a great soundtrack to everything from a quiet afternoon at home to a gathering with friends. (CD) –Macaire Hill


Moonstruck (1987)
Directed by Norman Jewison
The entire cast is pitch perfect in this story of a young widow who decides to make a sensible marriage only to have her plans derailed by her fiancé’s younger brother. The ensuing mayhem is aided and abetted by her eccentric family. A timeless story with a wonderful ensemble cast and beautiful soundtrack; you will find yourself laughing out loud.(PG, DVD, Romantic Comedy) –Macaire Hill


O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
The Coen brothers meet Homer in this farcical retelling of the classic Odyssey. Set in the Deep South during the Depression, it chronicles the misadventures of three escaped convicts. They encounter prophets, sirens, villains, buried treasure, and a long-suffering wife on their journey. A great cast and a wonderful, blues-based soundtrack. (PG-13, DVD, Comedy)
–Macaire Hill


Babette’s Feast (1987)
Directed by Gabriel Axel
Two women, the last leaders of a restrictive religious group, find themselves with a French maid. The maid asks to prepare a French meal for them and the group doesn’t know how to deal with this kind of earthly pleasure. This is a wonderful film. It is simple yet deep; full of restraint yet overflowing with riches. It is guaranteed to make you smile with joy and satisfaction. (G, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump


The Big Sleep (1946)
Directed by Howard Hawks
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star in one of the very best of the noir mysteries. The writing is so good – William Faulkner authored the script – that there are numerous memorable quotes. And of course, Bogart is the quintessential detective. This is definitely a desert island film! (NR, DVD, Mystery)
–Julie Stump


The Commitments (1991)
Directed by Alan Parker.
Jimmy Rabbitte decides to form the “World’s Hardest Working Band,” The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland. This film has lots of heart, soul and laughs. From a novel by Roddy Doyle, this is one great film!
(R, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Day for Night (1973)
Directed by François Truffaut
Winner of the best foreign film Oscar in 1974, this is director Truffaut’s homage to filmmaking. It is about all aspects of moviemaking; about the technical problems, the boredom between takes and about the romances and intrigues. Not only does it offer an accurate behind-the-scenes picture of filmmaking, but it is wonderfully entertaining as well. (PG, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump


The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Directed by Orson Welles
Another noir mystery classic, this may not be Orson Welles’ greatest film, but it’s one of his most fun. Welles plays the patsy and Rita Hayworth the femme fatale. The shootout scene is outstanding! (NR, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump



Laura (1944)
Directed by Otto Preminger
There’s nothing like a good mystery film and this is a great one! Again, this is a noir story of a detective who falls in love with the portrait of the murder victim. With haunting atmosphere and music, and tremendous fashions of the time, this is truly a winner! Features performances by Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb and Vincent Price. (NR, DVD, Mystery)
–Julie Stump


A Night at the Opera (1935)
Directed by Edmund Golding and Sam Wood
Has there ever been a comedy team as funny as the Marx Brothers? In this film the Marx Brothers take on high society. With tremendous cinematography, this film is possibly artier and less silly than their others, but it will still tickle your funny bone! (NR, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Still Crazy (1998)
Directed by Brian Gibson
A small British film about rock ‘n’ roll, this is the story of a former hit band, “Strange Fruit” that decides to reunite after 20 years and go on tour. Be sure to watch the credits in this one or you’ll miss some of the best jokes. Hilarious! With Stephen Rea, Billy Connolly, Timothy Spall and Bill Nighy. (R, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Zorba the Greek (1964)
Directed by Mihalis Kakogiannis
An English writer traveling to Crete on business finds his life changed forever when he meets the Dionysian Alexis Zorba. Anthony Quinn is unforgettable in the title role. Isn’t this the movie, and the music that evokes Greece in all of our minds? This is a great film to watch when your life needs a little lift. (NR, DVD, Musical)
–Julie Stump