793. Rain Man

Rain Man
1988
Directed by Barry Levinson

I suspect that this is the last Dustin Hoffman movie on The List, which is quite disappointing.  I think it actually might be the last Tom Cruise movie on The List too but I am less upset about that.  Oh no, horror of horrors.  I just remembered Magnolia.

Charlie Babbitt learns that his estranged father died and left the bulk of his estate to a mental institution that houses a brother he never knew he had.  Charlie is determined to get a hold of the money, since a recent business went south and he's desperate.  He meets his brother Raymond, an autistic savant.  Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution, hoping to gain custody of him thereby getting control of the money.  They travel to Los Angeles, but Raymond doesn't make for the easiest companion.

I am fighting to keep my eyes open, but I want to finish this post before I go to sleep.  I can't take the constant complaining that I don't post often enough!  Ahem...Anyway, I think the thing we all appreciate here is that the movie never enters sappy territory.  In fact, I read that the director wouldn't allow string accompaniment so that it wouldn't feel too sentimental.  And, of course, Dustin Hoffman is  perfect in his role.

Mental health issues can be a sticky topic for filmmakers, but they pretty much nailed here.  I mean, the mere fact that they had a character who stayed at a mental hospital and didn't end up murdering everyone was a step in the right direction.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Many airlines deleted the scenes where Hoffman would talk about plane crashes for in flight viewing.

764. Good Morning, Vietnam

Good Morning, Vietnam
1987
Directed by Barry Levinson

So far I have skillfully dodged Robin Williams movies where he is at his most Robin Williams-y (i.e. Mrs. Doubtfire) and have only seen him in decent films like Good Will Hunting and Aladdin (if that counts).  Unfortunately, after I saw this, my innocence was gone.

Adrian Cronauer is a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Service in Saignon during the Vietnam War.  His attitude pisses off his superiors.  Basically, the whole film is Robin Williams being better than everyone else and Sergeant Dickerson not being able to stand it.

So I knew going into this that the broadcasts were going to be almost unbearable, as it would just be uninterrupted improv.  My worst nightmare.  I had hoped that the rest of the scenes would be better, but no such luck.  We were supposed to think Adrian was just the most likable, rebellious man in the world.  For example, when Cronauer is taken off the air, another man takes his place.  This man isn't funny and will only play polka music.  Are we really expected to believe that if Adrian didn't exist, no one else would ever tell a joke or play decent music?

If it was a true story, it would be a bit more interesting, but the real Adrian Cronauer said the film is only 45% accurate.  It just seemed over the top and ridiculous to me.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

All of Adrian's broadcasts were ad-libbed by Robin Williams.

720. The Natural

The Natural
1984
Directed by Barry Levinson

I have a friend in Florida who amazingly enough, actually takes my movie suggestions instead of just nodding and looking for the nearest exit.  I had him watch When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall, which not only are great films, but might actually help him with the ladies (not that you need it, Cole, if you are reading this...ahem).  In return, I watched Major League and The Natural.  I really think I got the raw end of the deal here.

This is the story of Roy Hobbs, who at a young age shows a promising talent for baseball.  His dreams are seemingly shot to hell (teehee) when a serial killer shoots him with a silver bullet.  He survives, but believes he will never be the great baseball player he was destined to be.  Sixteen years later, Hobbs is signed to the New York Knights.  Still, he is haunted by his part and must deal with the corruption of his team.

So Barbara Hershey plays a serial killer who dresses in black and goes after promising young athletes.  And that is not what the movie is about?  I would much rather watch a film about a creepy lady serial killer than watch a "heartwarming" film about baseball.  I'm not sure what that says about me.

I knew I wouldn't enjoy this movie, since I hate sports.  Perhaps if you are into baseball you will enjoy it more, though it still is undeniably long and predictable.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The movie differed greatly from the novel in an attempt to be more uplifting.

687. Diner

Diner
1982
Directed by Barry Levinson

I had seen this film a few years ago and the only thing that stood out for me was what a jack ass Steve Guttenberg was.  If someone made me take a quiz on football before they agreed to marry me, there wouldn't be a wedding, there would be an assault charge.

A group of male friends reunite for the wedding.  There is no real plot here; just a series of vignettes about the characters.  Think Big Chill, with less likable characters.

That's exactly the problem with this film.  I didn't like any of the characters, which, in a film like this, is very important.  Why would anyone like these characters?  Maybe you are not supposed to like, you were just supposed to find their antics entertaining.  I was so repulsed I couldn't even manage that.  I do have to give the film props for smart dialogue, but that's as far as I go.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The main characters met up in Baltimore before filming began to build a rapport.  They did this by picking up women and going out to clubs.