The Wizard of Oz: Everybody's seen this one on T.V., but there's no way it can compare to seeing it on the screen and letting jack Haley, Burt Lahr, and Ray Bolger dance you off to the Emerald City in the sweetest fashion this side of a tornado. This movie just doesn't seem to fade--and how could it, with classic songs, great cameos, and munchkins to boot. Cynics in the crowd may yell "Cora!" when the wicked witch appears on the screen, but those are the kind of people who liked Animal House and so be it. This is undoubtedly the ultimate Hollywood fantasy movie from the good old days of the Depression. See it and be a kid again.
Animal House: Speaking of which.... If you can stand a theater full of basically grievous-type people constantly yelling "Toga, Toga," laughing hysterically at the word zit, and generally making complete asses of themselves, well, then you go to it. This movie actually has some very funny moments in it, and John Beluchi is a terrific commedian--but beware--for every good joke there are at least five sophomoric oldies that'll make you cringe. The move just never quite gets it together; it sort of piddles to a conclusion. The only possible reason for seeing this movie is to be a part of what Time Magazine called the "Return To College Hijinks"; even that doesn't apply anymore, since Time has a reputation for picking trends that last about as long as Chester Arthur. Sorry, but togas just aren't that big. Don't bother.
Alice's Restaurant: God, it's positively embarassing to see this movie in the late '70's. The whole peace and love and macrame-in-the-Berkshires generation never looked so damn silly. It's not necessarily that generation's fault--this is just a very bogus movie which even Arlo regretts making, since it uses the rather dubious device of a dying Woody Guthrie to serve as young Arlo's motivation to grow up and resist the draft, the squares, and all the rest of the unbeautiful things in the world. You will be amazed at how dated this film looks--all the moreso because it wasmade by a bunch of amateur filmmakers who, for all their good-heartedness, simply didn't know where to put the camera. Ah, well-dreams die. It's interesting to see it as a kind of relic, but that's about it. You'll suddenly feel very old.
Singing In the Rain: Possibly the best musical Hollywood ever produced. A slick, colorful and very witty story about, you guessed it. Hollywood itself. There are so many great moments in this movie. Gene Kelly's wisecracking, Donald O'Connor's unrivaled comic dancing, and some great, great music. Corny? Naw. It's fun; if you've ever pattered through a puddle and whistled the one verse you know from the title tune, you owe it to yourself to see the film again--even if only to learn another verse. A must, with someone you love.
Here Comes Mr. Jordan: The original Heaven Can Wait and, believe me, it was no coincidence that the remake was a success. You can't kill a good idea, and this one was a classic from the start. In fact, it's even better than the Beatty version. A goody. See it with your guardian angel.
