1222. The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist
1988
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan

The List had one last William Hurt movie up its sleeve. I've only read one Ann Tyler book, and I found it to be so full of colorful characters that it made me feel ill. This film's characters were a bit more toned down, although Geena Davis had enough quirks to go round.

Macon and Sarah Leary are facing a difficult time in their marriage after the murder of their 12 year old son Ethan. Sarah leaves Macon and moves into an apartment. Macon breaks his leg and then decides to move in with his siblings. He hires Muriel to train his dog, and Muriel pursues Macon in a not-so subtle way. 

I guess we are on a kick lately of having movies focus on grieving family members. But this film had a better sense of humor than the other entries. This made some of the more dramatic sceness easier to swallow. 

But I can definitely see why this was removed from subsequent editions. In the end, I don't think anything particularly profound happened here, and it was a disposable Hurt movie. The List is filled to the brim with those.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Kathleen Turner was second billed, even though Geena Davis' part was bigger.

First film adaptation of an Anne Tyler work.

Scored by John Williams.

697. The Big Chill

The Big Chill
1983
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan

This is my sister's all time favorite film.  I think it is partly because of the soundtrack and partly because the characters are alumni of University of Michigan, which is her alma mater.  I personally think her favorite movie is actually Grease, but she denies such claims.  Which is rude, because obviously I would know best.

Seven former college pals are reunited after their friend Alex kills himself.  I don't know why, but I love a story that starts at a funeral (Amsterdam, anyone?).  The reunion manages to rekindle old romances and provide new opportunities for everyone.

That was a pretty shitty summary and one that would probably garner a scolding from my older sister.  But honestly, I am pretty exhausted and really just want what any young woman wants: to eat three more Cadbury fudge bars and go to sleep.  This is a great movie, it is everything that Diner should have been.  I complained about A Christmas Story was too nostalgic and dated.  But this film was nostalgic in the best way.  There is nothing like old friends, especially when Ain't Too Proud To Beg is playing in the background.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The actors had three weeks to get to know each other before filming began.

673. Body Heat

Body Heat
1981
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan

We haven't had a good film noir movie in ages and yet every other film seems to be about war.  Damn the late seventies.

Ned Racine has an affair with Matty Walker during a Florida heat wave.  Matty and Ned begin to explore the idea of offing Matty's husband to get his money and continue their sweaty love story.  Of course, these things rarely go smoothly, especially when there is a woman with a husky voice involved.

I really enjoyed this film, although I have to say I am not a huge William Hurt fan.  I always find him to be like a duller version of Kevin Costner.  I did love the feeling of the film, as the characters always seemed to be sweltering, desperate for some kind of release.  The ending was definitely not what I was expecting and manages to still work, even if it is a bit implausible.

I miss the forties.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

William Hurt and Kathleen Turner introduced themselves to each crew member naked to make them feel comfortable filming their love scenes.