Movie Box Review

Dir: Paul Wendkos (Gidget Goes Hawaiian, Angel Baby)
Cast: Sandra Dee, James Darren, Cliff Robertson
USA, 1959

Seen: A zillion times, usually with a bowl of popcorn. Before I even saw it I knew about it from my friend Danette who would call me Gidget in art school when I wore my hair long, blonde and in a high ponytail. But I finally saw it for first time around 2000 when my sister Jamie called me and said with excitement "Gidget is on TV!". I've been hooked ever since.

Reason to Review: For The Underrated Blog-a-thon over at Chicago Ex-Patriate

"The Day, the Hour and the moment has arrived"

When I mention to people that Gidget is one of my favourite films of all time, I usually get one of two reactions: a suprized and confused look or a giggle. But I'm not joking. Gidget is planted firmly in my top 5 films, right after Star Wars and before The Professional.

Why, do you ask? I'll tell you why! On the surface, the film starts off feeling like a standard beach movie. A girl with her friends, it's the beginning of summer and time to look out for some boys! It could all go predictably along but it doesn't because Gidget plays by her own rules - something that is pretty freaking awesome for a film with a female protagonist that came out in 1959! There is a lot we can learn from Gidget!

Gidget does not give in. Peer pressure and expectations be damned. They aren't going to nudge out Gidget to do something she doesn't want to. Of course she's perfectly polite about this, and everything else she does which is something we can all keep in mind.

Gidget does not give up! Persistence pays off. I'll quote directly from the film for this one.
Kahuna "Don't you ever give up?"
Gidget "Not when I want something. If you want something bad enough you work for it"
And boy, she does!

Gidget has her own interests and excels at them. Sure they may not always fit along the lines of what girls are 'suppose' to do but she doesn't let that get in her way! Go surfer girl go.

Gidget believes. In herself, in her friends, even in people that others have given up on. Sure, at times it is slanted at a bit of naiveté, but it's also comes from the heart. This in turn inspires those around her.

Along with all these awesome positive traits, the movie is just plain fun. Or, better yet "It's the absolute ultimate!"

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I watch it again and again
I recommend it

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

With the release of the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, just days away what better time to share all things Bond? Thanks to Piper at Lazy Eye Theatre we have a place to gather and enjoy all things Bond in the James Bond Blog-A-Thon. Be sure to check out the rockin' banners, the 001 Day of posts and a great Bond inspired Top 5 Tuesday.

Before you hop-skip-jump to Pipers, remember to vote for your favourite Bond on the poll to your right. Looks like Timothy & George could use some love!

Dir: Peter MacDonald (Rambo III, The Neverending Story III)
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Paul Kynman, Steven Berkoff, Nicholas Farrell, Ana Sofrenovic
USA, 1998

Seen: August 16, 2008

Reason to see: A challenge! Cinexcellence is hosting a Sight Unseen Blog-a-thon, where the idea is to buy, watch and review a film that is on sale for $5 or so. The trick is, you pick a film you would normally pass on by.

I have to say, picking the film was the hard part. I went to HMV as they usually have DVDs for sale in the suggested price range. But then I looked at the choices (see below) and knew I was in trouble. First off, I had seen almost everything! But after those, the ones left I actively didn't want to see. I really wanted to participate so I kept looking. I settled on Legionnaire as it stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, and since I'm really hyped for his film JVCD which will be at TIFF'08 I felt like this could be a rekindling to his work.

Right from the beginning I was intrigued. The idea of the Legion, a place where you can sign up as a mercenary, no questions are asked and the benefit is the possibility to get a second chance on life. This is a great theme for a film. But, then it started in 1925 Marseilles in a club with can-can girls. Hmmm. That isn't the desert, is it? I was expecting training, fighting, bonding and harsh times - and there is all that but somehow they manage to get in romance, drama and even a little gangster-ness. It felt like the film was trying to get too much in it and spent a fair amount time getting to where it said it would be. The film did have some great characters including Van Damme's Alain Lefevre and Luther played by the delightful Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. There are a few fighting scenes, but no where near the amount I thought there would be. Overall, it plays mostly as a drama, where the story and characters are the highlight. The score really adds to the film, with majestic music bringing in moments to really hit home.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it light historical war drama

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© Shannon Ridler, 2008