Cinema Paradiso

Me? I love the movies more than almost everything. Except peoples, books, bikes and cupcakes. And seals.

When Jonah was young, and we had not figured out how to leave him for more than 45 minutes, the only thing I really missed was going to the movies. There is something so incredibly romantic and wonderful about sitting in the dark letting the stories sink in to you. I remember my Grandmother telling me so nostalgically about going to the movies hand-in-hand with my Papa every Saturday night. And the experience of going has really not changed at all in the last 100 years.

My top thirteen movies? I'd be glad to. And I want to hear yours!

Of course, it's so personal and changeable but today I would say:

(alphabetical order)

1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (especially that dreamy bicycling scene)
2. Children of Men
3. Election
4. The Fifth Element
5. Grosse Point Blank (The 80s alternative soundtrack is amazing too.)
6. Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000 (yes, that's what he's named for)
7. Leaving Las Vegas
8. A Little Romance (Laurence Olivier and a very young and beautiful Diane Lane in Paris and Venice)
9. Lost in Translation
10. Manhattan
11. My Brilliant Career
12. The Piano
13. Rushmore (This is why my nephew Max is called Max! Plus the Wild Things.)

And this leaves no room for the Red, White and Blue Trilogy, Before & After Sunset, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars.

Anyway—I may change the list tomorrow. But this whole post is to say that since Orion is such a champion sleeper, I get to see movies again because we can get a sitter (Thanks Rye Rye! And Thanks Kati and Jessica!) and go out! Out out out. Even dinner and a movie.

So in the last few weeks I've seen three brilliant, wonderful movies that everyone will love:

1. The Darjeeling Limited (Adrian Brody is so hunky. And it's amazing. I love the scenes with the Kinks song "This Time Tomorrow.")
2. Once (I play "When Your Minds Made Up" every day now.)
3. Two Days in Paris (Julie Delphy directs! And acts! And Adam Goldberg whines and frets.)

I hate reviews and critics, so I will say no more.

You will LOVE these movies—I know you—and they are perfect for you.

Love,

A fan