Jonesing on Great Movies

I admit that I am one of those people who can watch a movie about 30 times and still laugh at the punch lines—this does not mean, however, that I am easily impressed with mediocre movies. Even though I could happily watch Green Street Hooligans for the eighth time, I’ve been itching for some new movies lately. To alleviate my new movie itch, I reached deep into my piggy bank and actually went to a movie theatre. Well, let me tell you, that was the best $9 I have ever spent.

The movie I saw was Lawless; a true story about moonshiners during the prohibition. It’s based on the novel The Wettest County In The World. Not only was it brilliantly casted—Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy, among others—but there was violence, wit and emotion all stitched together like a big movie quilt. It was pretty violent though so those of you who aren’t too fond of films that have shooting and killing and whatnot, don’t go see it.

Those of you that want to see Tom Hardy, who is British, take on a deep southern accent, and Shia Lebeouf get beefed up then beat up, see this movie. It’s a boy movie, but in a non-offensive way.

One of my favorite places in Duluth is the Zinema. It’s a movie theatre where you can see certain independently made films. So, if you see “in select cities” on a movie trailer, don’t get discouraged, chances are the Zinema will be playing it at some point. You can watch your selected movie while guzzling wine and chomping on popcorn, which in itself is a treat.

One of my favorites shown at Zinema, was Midnight In Paris, a Woody Allen film, which I’m almost positive is in redbox right now. Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson star in the movie as a newly engaged couple on a trip to Paris. Wilson is a writer suffering from major writers block (welcome to the club Owen) and McAdams is his neurotic fiancé who would rather shop than walk the streets of Paris.

Wilson ends up boarding a taxi which takes him straight back to the ‘20s where he meets the likes of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald along with Salvador Dalí portrayed brilliantly by Adrian Brody. The film is classic Woody Allen with a little twist of magic. It’s somewhat of a romantic comedy but with smart historical anecdotes.

I’d say it’s for art, history and literature lovers, but I am none of the above and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so give this movie a try even if Woody Allen puts you off—movie snobs, I’m talking to you.

Stay tuned for my top-5-horror movie list, closer to Halloween of course.

BY ILIA JONES

Photo credit: DRs Kulturarvsprojekt at flickr

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