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Our movie guy, James Finnegan’s Netflix recommendations this week are a pick n mix selection of romance, comedy, drama and family fun, which are sure to entertain…
I haven’t recommended a musical yet in these reviews, so let’s have a look at one of the classics. West Side Story (1961) is a musical romance based on Romeo and Juliet, and the 1957 Broadway Musical.
The blood rivalry between the Sharks and Jets is only the start of the social problems that get in the way of the romance between Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer).
The winner of ten Academy Awards, directed by Robert Wise and, of course, the music of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, it will be interesting to see how the new Steven Spielberg remake compares when it arrives at the end of the year – hopefully.
Continued below…
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Speaking of Star Crossed Lovers, can a man and a woman just be friends? That’s the central question When Harry Met Sally (1989).
This is not your typical romantic film, but is full of classic moments, indeed more that the one that has just come into your head. Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, written by the late Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, this is classic gentle comedy at its best.
Still on a romantic theme, but definitely not a comedy, is Out Of Africa (1985). This is the true story of Karen Blixen and her marriage of convenience in 1913.
It is also a love story of how she fell in love with Africa, the country and the people. Brought to life by Meryl Streep (Karen Blixen), Robert Redford and Klaus Maria Brandauer, directed by Sydney Pollack and with stunning cinematography and an outstanding soundtrack, perhaps one of his finest, by John Barry, this is an old fashioned epic romance that won the Best Picture Oscar in 1986.
If you have not yet seen The Irishman (2019), now is your chance. Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) is a truck driver who becomes a hit man working for a mafia family led by Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and who eventually is involved with Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino).
This is engrossing top quality drama. Yes, it is three and a half hours long, but I did not find that a problem, nor the de-aging special effects. It is strong in performance and script and when you see the names above, you know what you are getting into. I would strongly recommend.
Last, but by no mean least, is a film for all the family. Matilda (1996) is a comedy fantasy based on the Roald Dahl story. Mara Wilson plays Matilda, a young girl who is not treated well by her family and her teachers.
She develops psychokinetic powers which she uses to deal with those who are unkind in a joyously appropriate manner. Danny DeVito directs and also stars in this underrated film. Enjoy and stay safe.
