I have decided that on the last Sunday of each month I will publish my favorite movies for that month. Some months I might have only a few and other months, I might have more. Karen and I have what we call “Friday Night at the Movies” where she makes Friday dinner and I set a table in front of our TV and we watch a movie that I have chosen. I often have two or three prospects, and I give her a choice.
Many of the movies I select are very old. Some will be more recent. Just the other day, Karen and I went to the real movies to see Sheep Detectives. I highly recommend it. I often run any prospective movies by Rotten Tomatoes to get some idea of their content and themes as well as ratings.
If you are looking for horror movies and slasher movies, sorry, you will need to find another list. I am not very big on seeing people get their heads cut off. If you are looking for “Cowboys in Space” movies where each hero kills twenty villains with one shot, you should also look elsewhere. I have watched my share of these in the past and they are so predictable, it is like watching the first half of an NBA basketball game.
If you are looking for a “Zombie Invasion” movie, NADA. I grew up on Frankenstein, Dracula, Werewolf, the Mummy and other great characters. Zombies all seem to be cloned from the same casting office. Finally, If you like to see what I call “Vengeance” movies with a guaranteed kill rate, you will be very disappointed. I think there is only one on screen murder in my entire list. And sorry no blood.
Here then is my inaugural list. Some of these are from many years past, but since this is my first month’s list, I thought I should include some of my all-time favorites. If you have any recommendations for me, please feel free to list them in the comments section.
Keep the Change – 2018
A warm, funny, and deeply authentic romance between two adults on the autism spectrum that celebrates love, individuality, and acceptance.
The Story of the Weeping Camel
A breathtaking documentary from Mongolia where an ancient musical ritual helps reunite a mother camel with her rejected calf.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – 2011
An eccentric dream of bringing salmon to the desert becomes an uplifting story about hope, faith, and unlikely partnerships.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
A delightful ensemble comedy-drama in which British retirees discover that new beginnings often arrive late in life.
Call Northside 777
A determined reporter uses persistence and emerging forensic science to uncover the truth behind a decades-old murder conviction.
The Petrified Forest – 1936
A tense desert drama where dreams, desperation, and danger collide in the unforgettable performances of Humphrey Bogart and Leslie Howard.
Captains Courageous – 1937
A spoiled boy learns courage, humility, and responsibility after being rescued by a hardworking fishing crew.
A Nice Indian Boy
A charming romantic comedy about family, culture, and love as an Indian American man introduces his fiancé to his traditional parents.
The Talk of the Town – 1942
Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Ronald Colman shine in a witty blend of romance, comedy, and thoughtful debate about justice and democracy.
After Love – 2020
A quietly powerful drama about grief, identity, and unexpected family secrets revealed after the death of a husband.
Aging Capriciously 