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Writer's pictureBen Pechey

Classic Films I’m watching now…


Greetings to all of you on this (possibly) sunny day- it is raining as I write this- that's just the problem with summer, it cannot be relied upon. A day planned to be spent outside can soon be disrupted by good old drizzle. So it pays to have a backup plan. This brings me neatly to the classic film phase that the weather has got me going through.

So today I am going to talk your through the films I am watching right now - and bonus points if anyone works out the pattern !!

Working Girl

Meg Ryan, Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver star in this 80's financial class struggle classic. Stereotypes, legs and rules are broken as Tess McGill (Ryan) tries to make a name for herself with the help of (Ford). An iconic film set in 80's Manhattan, Carly Simon provided the soundtrack earning an Oscar in the process. This is a must see film.

Get it here

Witness

Starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis. An Amish boy is a witness to a crime, Detective John Book (Ford) and his mother (McGillis) do their best to protect him. Highlighting the difference between the modern world and the Amish communities in mid-America. This is well worth watching.

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Top Gun

Starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis this film focuses on the high octane world of the US' top Fighter Pilot programme. Lots of drama with a great soundtrack this is such a good watch.

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Rainman

Staring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. After his father dies Charlie Babbit (Cruise) finds he has a brother with Autism in an institution who inherited $3,000,000 while he receives none. Brilliant acting and a great plot make this one not to miss.

Get it here

Kramer vs. Kramer

Starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. A sad and honest film about the fallout of divorce, and how it affects all aspects of the lives of all involved. Brilliantly acted by Hoffman and Streep (both earned Oscars for their roles) not the most cheerful, but nonetheless a great film.

Get it here

Silkwood

A small disclaimer this is not a cheerful film, based on a true story, it has similarities to the themes in Erin Brockovich but instead, it focuses on radioactive material. Starring Meryl Streep as Karen Silkwood and Cher as Dolly Pelliker. Working in a Nuclear power plant Silkwood faces the risk of contamination from plutonium every day until she realises the true risks. She tries to seek answers and challenge the management, all this leads to a very unhappy ending. It may not be the happiest of films but it is so gripping.

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The Witches of Eastwick

Starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Phieffer. This is an odd film, good nonetheless but odd !! A strange man (Nicholson) comes to the quiet town of Eastwick whereupon he sparks the interest of three women (Sarandon, Cher and Phieffer). Any more and I will give the whole plot. However I will warn you as it is an 18, not for violence or horrific torture but namely a snake and Cher related incident, oh and some cherries...

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So if you like me feel like Summer is but a few days, indulge in some classic films. Unfortunately, these are not available on any streaming services, but if you shop second hand then together these films can be bought for under £20 which is a good deal.

So go forth and watch films this week. If you can manage to tear your eyes away from a Classic Meryl number then check back in with me on Friday for a new blog post !!! Until then, happy watching !!!

 

P.S. The pattern is that an actor from the first film appears in the next, so starting with Ford in Working Girl, he is then in Witness. Kelly McGillis stars in Witness, and stars in TopGun with Tom Cruise. Thus a nice pattern has developed...

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