Movie #394 - The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn
1982 - Rated G - 1 hr 32 min
Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Tammy Grimes, Robert Klein, Christopher Lee, Keenan Wynn, Alan Arkin

This movie was always a favorite when I was a kid, but possibly because it was about a unicorn.  I had a unicorn phase, what can I say? I'm a girl!

And now as an adult, I've rediscovered the tragic beauty of this story.  Honestly, the only thing that makes it a "kids" movie is the animation.  Otherwise, it's dark and grim, filled with lots of evil characters and other scary fantastical beasts... all who want to hurt a poor, defenseless unicorn.

Then there's the love story.  I gotta admit, it makes me teary now that I'm all grown up and I understand what happens to this poor unicorn/woman.  To experience human emotions, fall in love, find real happiness... only to have it all taken away.  So sad, so poignant.

It's such a good story that even songs by America can't ruin it.

Movie #223 - Get Smart

Get Smart
2008 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Peter Segal
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terrence Stamp, Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Caan, Bill Murray, Patrick Warburton, Masi Oka

Another tribute to a TV show back in the day... but this reboot is blessed with the awkward comedy of Steve Carell.  He actually does a good job here, not too wacky, and comes out on top in the end.  The weird pairing of younger Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) with his older Agent 86 is explained away as a cosmetic procedure done in the line of duty to make her look younger.  But I bet those kissing scenes were still awkward to shoot.

Meanwhile, I love Alan Arkin, who makes a great department head. And Dwayne Johnson's bad guy turn is done pretty well. All in all, a fun one to watch and a nice tribute to the original.

Movie #177 - Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands
1990 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 45 min
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin

Oh, poor Edward! This dark "fairy tale" is so sweet and so sad and so utterly Tim Burton that I just can't help but love it.  The first time I watched this, the ending really frustrated me (and not just because Winona Ryder is the worst "old lady" ever) but now I can see that it ends the only way it can. And in a way, it's a happy ending. Kinda.

Johnny Depp, even though he has about ten lines, is awesome.  The way he moves his scissored-hands around seems almost natural.  His innocence is in every look, word, and movement.  And its easy to see how pure of heart he is, even if those around him can't see it.

This movie is also an interesting social study of the American suburb and human nature in general.  People are captivated by the new, but reject what they don't understand.  Edward is both of these at once and must suffer the changing moods of the surrounding neighbors.  He really is safer on his own and that simple fact is just too sad.

He could come and live with me anytime.