TheThinMan Tagged Articles at Cinematical
'Up' and 'Marley & Me' Among Dog Movie Winners
Filed under: Animation », Comedy », Awards », Family Films »
Maybe it's because I saw De Sica's classic Umberto D. again over the weekend, or maybe it's because I'm excited for tomorrow's release of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Cujo on DVD and Blu-ray, but I've got movie dogs on the brain. Last night I even randomly spent some time watching YouTube clips of my all-time favorite movie dog, Asta, from the Thin Man franchise (played by Skippy, who also appears in Bringing Up Baby and The Awful Truth). So it was coincidentally fun this morning learning that the Fido Awards happened over the weekend. The ceremony, nicknamed the "canine Oscars," occurred in London Saturday, when trophies were handed out in five separate categories. To my surprise, the Fidos don't exclude animated dogs, as the talking dog, Dug, from Pixar's Up won the Blockbuster Bowser award, beating out pups from Gran Torino, Inglourious Basterds and another animation, Coraline, in the category.
Movies We're Thankful For: The Thin Man
Filed under: Fandom », Movies We're Thankful For »
Heathers might be the film I adore, and the only piece of cinema that I can quote from beginning to end, but it's not the film that makes me thankful. That spot is reserved for The Thin Man.In a world where hate is rampant and equality is still a hope to fight for, The Thin Man represents the possibility of something better. Made in 1934, it's the perfect example of rationale and heart coming from a time you'd least expect it. When I stare at my shelves of DVDs and try to look for something with smarts, heart, and writing that doesn't rely on overblown reactions and flimsy emotion, The Thin Man sticks out. When I want to watch a woman on the screen who is intelligent but also humorous, and who can balance frivolity with depth, there's no better example than Nora Charles.
This is one of those films that proves that it's not the theme that creates the worth of a movie (romcom, action, drama), but how it is handled and presented to us. In a world full of mundane repeats, copy-cat projects, and stereotypical notions, I'm thankful that there are a few glimpses of greatness, like The Thin Man.
Fan Rant: Why Can't Hollywood Give Us Couples Like Nick and Nora?
Filed under: Romance », Fandom »
No, I'm not talking about infinite playlists. This post will require you to go back 74 years.
An entire lifetime ago, Hollywood presented The Thin Man. Based on the Dashiell Hammett novel, the film starred William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles. Nick was a retired private detective who gave up the life when he married his rich, socialite wife, Nora. There was a mystery to bring it all together, but all of that is almost inconsequential to the banter and chemistry between the irresistible leads.
They're often drunk or tipsy, and they each hunker down in their own solitary beds when the lights go out, but Nick and Nora are a couple that put today's Hollywood pairs to shame. Their communication is laced with quick-witted banter, which thrives not just because of its cleverness, but because of their relationship. Nick and Nora are at peace with each other. They know where they stand. They know how to communicate honestly. They don't take trivial matters too seriously. They are, for lack of a better word, solid.
Cinematical Seven: Movies Celebrating Alcohol
Filed under: Classics », Comedy », Documentary », Tom Cruise », Cinematical Seven », James Bond », Lists »
Happy Prohibition Repeal Day! One year from now will be the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which lifted the ban on manufacturing, distributing and selling alcohol in the United States. Always a fan of pre-gaming, I've decided to start celebrating early with a look at some favorite movies that celebrate wine, beer and liquor.
Certainly I am no fan of alcoholism, and I encourage all Americans to drink responsibly. That is why most of these movies (not all, though) are about the appreciation of the taste of alcoholic beverages rather than about getting drunk. Also, I'm sorry to disappoint fans of Strange Brew, but that hilarious brewery-set comedy was shot in Canada and so it doesn't seem to fit the focus of this list.
Sideways (Alexander Payne, 2004)
Imagine what California's wine country would be like if Prohibition were still around. Whatever would be there in place of vineyards would sure be a waste. Just ask Miles (Paul Giamatti), everyone's favorite wine
Jeremy Renner Wants To Be An Avenger
Directors We Love: Jim Jarmusch
Indie Roundup: 'Sweetgrass,' 'Clarkworld,' 'Broken Embraces'
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Watch: Famous 'Matrix' Scene Re-Created with LEGOs
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