Someone is going to die

Here is a double feature of tearjerkers.  The recommendation is first from 2012, "Now Is Good" followed by, from 2017, "The Book of Love." Turn away because you don't like the genre. Don't watch because the plots are obvious and manipulative. Leave them to those of us who will, heart openly, take them in and cry.

"Now Is Good" follows 17 year old cancer striken Tessa as she awaits her end. Dakota Fanning is the actress breathing life in to the role.

"The Book of Love" follows Henry whose life capsizes and forces him to build a raft. Jason Sudeikis is the actor telling this story of grief.

Both films are fulfilling efforts to get your tears flowing.

Dangerous when cornered

Here is a double feature with assassins.  The recommendation is first from 2017, "Atomic Blonde" followed by, from 2011, "Hanna."  These films are for people hoping to have the skill to meet their adversaries.

"Atomic Blonde" stars Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, a United Kingdom Spy dispatched to Berlin in November of 1989. Music helps evoke the excitement and uncertainty of the moment when the Berlin wall fell.

"Hanna" stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular Hanna Heller; a fifteen-year-old raised under the shadow of a malevolent nemesis Marissa Wiegler, as acted by Cate Blanchett. Music by The Chemical Brothers helps evoke the uneasy feeling that there are no good choices.

Both films have intimate portrayals of heriones who want lives their enemies won't allow.

Counter-intelligence

Here is a double feature of movies that hinge on keeping secret the time and place of amphibious invasions of World War II. The recommendation is first from 1956, "The Man Who Never Was" followed by, from 1981, "Eye of the Needle." The pair are for those who like a bit of social engineering more than Computer-generated imagery.

"The Man Who Never Was" is a spy vs spy tale based on a British Intelligence plan to create disinformation about the allied invasion of Sicily. The Germans try to uncover the plot and much hinges on the heroic cooperation of a woman to keep it secret.

"Eye of the Needle" is a spy vs spy tale based on Allied counter-intelligence to disguise the true time and place of the invasion of France. A german spy discovers the truth and is hunted. Much hinges on the heroic cooperation of a woman to keep it secret.

Both movies have a feel of storytelling from an earlier era and provide tension in an unambiguous good versus evil tale.

Falling in love with Brendan Fraser

Do you enjoy Brendan Fraser being on his best behavior? Find here two movies where this actor shows how to bring to life a character who learned well how to be polite. First from 1999, "Blast from the Past" followed with from 1996, "Mrs. Winterbourne." These two movies are for the people who want the good boy to get the girl.

"Blast from the Past" is a boy meets girl with Mr. Fraser and Alicia Silverstone playing Adam and Eve respectively. She's very modern; He's more traditional. The cast rounds out with actors Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek, and Dave Foley. If you have had enough of the girl running away with the bad body, this is for you.

"Mrs. Winterbourne" is a boy meets girl with Mr. Fraser and Ricki Lake playing Connie Doyle and Bill Winterbourne respectively. Well, actually Mr. Fraser portrays both Bill and Hugh Winterbourne. There is a bad boy throwing a wrench in things in this one but everyone is well mannered about it. The cast rounds out with actors Shirley MacLaine and Miguel Sandoval. If you want to watch a great set of in-laws, this is for you.

Each movie turns more of less on the believability of Brendan Fraser's character's good nature. Watching good behaviour feels good.

Two in Tokyo

Find here two very different films set in Tokyo, Japan. First from 2003, "Lost in Translation" and next from 2008, "The Ramen Girl.". They don't seem the same yet there is a pinch of isolation, a spoon of romance, and enough ambience to make you feel like you know something about the place even if you've never been there.

"Lost in Translation" is an atmospheric blanket that will wrap you in it's mood and bend your thoughts to it's world. For whom are our obligations if not to those who we affect and are also affected by? Confused Charlotte brought to life by Scarlett Johansson finds herself only truly seen by confused Bob Harris played by Bill Murray. Out of place in Tokyo, soul meets soul.

"The Ramen Girl" follows Abby portrayed by Brittany Murphy as she finds the strength to form a new dream. Out of place in Tokyo, she adopts a new culinary culture and aspires to be more than the waif she is. This movie has an 80s feel for those old enough to remember that decade.

Both movies will put you in a new place and ask you how you feel.

The politics of being a student

Find here two films about acedmic institutions. Who administrates? Who participates? And what is learned? Both heroes have a drive to defy the ordinary and be the type of maverick only youthful exuberance allows.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is written and directed by John Hughes. It follows a truant Ferris (Matthew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), and Cameron (Alan Ruck) the essential third wheel, as they eschew the classroom and search for what is essential. Parents, Principals and Siblings are roadblocks but navigating them is practiced.

"The Trotsky" is written and directed by Jacob Tierney. It follows Leon Bronstein (Jay Baruchel) as he enters a new school and picks a fight with leaders and followers alike. Every cast member turns in a perfect performance. This movie was released in 2009, the year John Hughes died. I feel it honors Mr. Hughes in it's tone and respect for the students.

Are we treating young adults like children because they misbehave or do they misbehave because we treat them like children?

Band battles

Find here two films about that terror known as highschool and the legendary competition to rise above it known as the battle of the bands. First from 2009 "Bandslam" followed by 2022's "Metal Lords". It's time to dust off your instrument and practice.

"Bandslam" follows Will Burton, played by Gaelan Connell, who just can't manage highschool; So he's gonna manage a rock band. How is Sa5m pronounced? If you can't go on, how do you go on? It takes an encyclopedic knowlege of eclectic music and and unknown inner strength to get all the answers and rock your school.

"Metal Lords" follows Kevin Schlieb, played by Jaeden Martell, as he is forcefully baptised in drums as interpretted by the Heavy Metal genre and his single minded best friend. Love who you love, be loyal to your inspiration, and stray not from the path of glory.

Both boys need the help of girls to become an unstoppable force, an immovable object, a warrior in the battle of the bands.

Great and small Wizards

Here is a double feature of films from the animation studio of Topcraft and production company Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. The recommendation is first from 1977, "The Hobbit", followed by 1982's "The Last Unicorn". Expect story telling with a bit of folk music.

You may recognize the voice of John Huston as Gandalf the Wizard in "The Hobbit", who sets all in motion by roping his meek friend Bilbo into an outsized adventure.

You may recognize the voice of Alan Arkin as Schmendrick the Wizard in "The Last Unicorn", who accompanies said mythical creature to the castle of King Haggard in search of others like herself.

Both movies have a style that is sure to satisfy those who love fantasy in dreamy melodic story telling.

American ambition

Here is a double feature about the American businessman abroad. The recommendation is first from 1972, "Avanti!" followed by, from 1985, "The Coca-Cola Kid." These are for headstrong, self starting, Americans who haven't left their native land.

"Avanti!" stars Jack Lemon as Wendell Armbruster, Jr. who is called to Italy to make arrangements after the sudden death of his family patriarch. Juliet Mills plays Pamela Piggott, the distraction that he just can't delegate away.

"The Coca-Cola Kid" stars Erick Roberts as Becker, an American troubleshooter sent by Coke to help it's cola penetrate a small valley in Australia where sales lack. Greta Scacchi plays Terri, the distraction that he just can't plan around.

Both movies illuminate the American by showing how odd his behavior appears outside of America.

May we laugh together?

Here is a double feature of culture clash situation comedies. The recommendation is first from 2010, "The Infidel" followed by, from 2005, "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World." These are for people who see the humor in our different perspectives.

"The Infidel" stars Omid Djalili as Mahmud Nasir, a Muslim man who balances the arrival of conservative potential in-laws during a personal identity crisis.

"Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World" is written, directed by, and stars Albert Brooks as a doppelganger of himself who is sent by the American government to India and Pakistan to document what makes Muslims laugh. Only Albert Brooks doesn't know the answer isn't Albert Brooks.

Both movies find fun in what is and isn't shared by us all.

Brainy beauties blossom

Here is a double feature of movies about girls in transition. The recommendation is first from 1998, "Girl" followed by, from 2009, "An Education" These are for everyone who doubts that woman are made from unbreakable stuff.

"Girl" stars Dominique Swain as Andrea Marr, a bright well raised high school senior who pursues her rock idol, Sean Patrick Flanery as Todd Sparrow. Once you've seen this movie you'll forever say "Todd Sparrow" with a breathless sigh.

"An Education" stars Carey Mulligan as Jenny Mellor, a bright well raised Oxford bound sweet sixteen who is pursued by Peter Sarsgaard as David Goldman. Thirty something David does not have her best interests in mind and it's the first lesson she won't learn fast enough.

Both movies respect their heroines and remind us of the disorienting effects of losing ourselves in first love.

All the world is a stage

Here is a double feature of movies about ego, acting, and heroic personalities. The recommendation is first from 1982, "My Favorite Year" followed by, from 2008, "Me and Orson Welles." These are for everyone who loved larger than life idols of any kind.

My Favorite Year" stars Mark Linn-Baker as Benjy Stone, a junior writer of a comedy/variety television show, trying to keep a leash on his guest star and childhood silver screen hero Alan Swann, played by Peter O'Toole.

"Me and Orson Welles" stars Zac Efron as Richard Samuels, a novice swept up in the 1937 production of "Julius Caesar" by the Mercury Theatre. Orson Welles is played by Christian McKay and Sonja Jones by Claire Danes as the ingénue who attracts both men.

Each movie views an enormous personality through the rose colored glasses of an admirer and the magnifying glass of the close personal contact that comes from trying to produce entertainment together.

Something for the wrist of us

Here is a double feature about the time destiny chooses. The recommendation is first from 2009, "TiMER" followed by, from 2006, "Stranger Than Fiction." Each movie revolves around a useful piece of wrist jewelery. These are for those of us who look at the runtime of a movie before we decide to watch it.

"TiMER" stars Emma Caulfield and Michelle Borth as two woman who haven't met their soulmates, and have good reason to believe that meeting isn't imminent.

"Stranger Than Fiction" stars Will Ferrell as Harold Crick, a meek agent of the IRS and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Ana Pascal, the object of one of his audits. Also in key roles are Emma Thompson, Queen Latifah, and Dustin Hoffman.

Both films are set in a familiar reality with a tiny adjustment that sets a big idea in motion.

Woman not at war

Here is a double feature about the lives of a few who weren't at war. The recommendation is first from 1992, "A League of Their Own", followed by from 1987, "In the Mood." These are for second class citizens, woman and minors.

"A League of Their Own" stars Geena Davis and Lori Petty as woman who help keep baseball alive in the states while the men are away.

"In the Mood" stars Patrick Dempsey in this dramatized true story of Ellsworth "Sonny" Wisecarver, an accidental Don Juan in short pants.

These movies are superficially about life as it was adjusted by world war II, but more deeply about life in American culture of any era.

Truely bad behavior

Here is a double feature about the lies we tell ourselves. The recommendation is first from 2003, "Shattered Glass" followed by, also from 2003, "Party Monster." These are for humpty dumpty.

"Shattered Glass" stars Hayden Christensen in this dramatized true story of Stephen Glass, a reporter for The New Republic who lied his way to the top.

"Party Monster" stars Macaulay Culkin in this dramatized true story of Michael Alig, an Indiana born ne'r do well who self promotes his way to the bottom.

These movies take us right inside the lives of two people who believe their own lies. You know, the ones where they tell themselves they don't do anybody harm.

Troubled friendships

Here is a double feature about that albatross around your neck; your best friend. The recommendation is first from 1985, "The Falcon and the Snowman" followed by, from 1998, "Rounders." These are for the ultra loyal among us.

"The Falcon and the Snowman" stars Timothy Hutton as Christopher Boyce, an idealistic college dropout with access to federal intel and Sean Penn as Daulton Lee, his drug troubled best friend. The movie tells the true story of how they successfully smuggled secrets to the Soviets during the cold war.

"Rounders" stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton as two New Yorkers who make the rounds playing big stake poker in underground games.

These movies have complex friendships where the fallout of one party's dangerous choices are visited on both.

Love and music

Here is a double feature of movies about people who make music. The recommendation is first from 1996, "Grace of My Heart" followed by, also from 1996, "That Thing You Do." These are for everyone who like a soundtrack to their love stories.

"Grace of My Heart" stars Illeana Douglas as an aspiring singer/songwriter and her life long pursuit of personal and professional dreams.

"That Thing You Do" stars Tom Everett Scott as a band member in 1964 Pennsylvania who climbs from obscurity to stardom in a few short months.

Both movies have a lot of heart and quite a bit of insight in to the star making machinery of the music industry. Laugh, cry, and clap your hands.

Comic book heroes

Here is a double feature about men who create comics. The recommendation is first from 1994, "Crumb" followed by, from 2003, "American Splendor." Here are two films for people who want their comics with a heavy dose of reality.

"Crumb" is a documentary of the comic book writer/artist Robert Crumb. It is unsettling and challenging to watch this very human story.

"American Splendor" is the mostly dramatized story of comic book writer Harvey Pekar. This film feels as true to life as "Crumb" although it is not strictly speaking a documentary.

Both films are really about the human condition. You don't have to be a comic book fan to enjoy these movies.

The world isn't ready for her

Here is a double feature about woman at the center of the entire universe. The recommendation is first from 1995, "Cold Comfort Farm" followed by, also from 1995, "Clueless." Each movie has a heroine comfortably in the middle of it all.

"Cold Comfort Farm" stars Kate Beckinsale as Flora Poste, a very modern young woman in the 1930's who undertakes sorting out the lives of relatives upon her arival at their farm.

"Clueless" stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a very modern young woman in the 1990's who navigates the rapids of highschool and it's associated social responsibilities.

Both films are hillarious glimpses of the world through the eyes of quick, warm hearted beauties.

Whit Stillman

Here are two both written and directed by Whit Stillman. The recommendation is first from 1990, "Metropolitan" followed by, from 1998, "The Last Days of Disco." These are for people who are all talk.

"Metropolitan" depicts the lives of young, upper-class New Yorkers during a debutante ball season.

"The Last Days of Disco" depicts the lives of young, upper-class New Yorkers precursing the Reagan 80s.

Both films are dialogue driven studies of class, culture, and character.

To be, or not to be, your boss

Here is a double feature about strong woman, and the strong woman they work for. The recommendation is first from 2006, "The Devil Wears Prada" followed by, from 1988, "Working Girl." This pair is for ambitious girls.

"The Devil Wears Prada" stars Anne Hathaway as Andy and Emily Blunt as Emily, co-assistants to Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, a super high powered fashion magazine editor.

"Working Girl" stars Melanie Griffith as Staten Island-raised Tess McGill, a secretary working in the mergers and acquisitions department of a Wall Street investment bank.

Both films are about the challenges faced by those who are professionally dedicated.

Nature lovers

Here is a double feature for those of you who love the great open wild. The recommendation is first from 1981, "Continental Divide" followed by, from 1983, "Never Cry Wolf." Both movies feature modern man adapting to nature again.

"Continental Divide" stars John Belushi as Ernie Souchak, a hardened Chicago newspaper columnist sent to the Rocky Mountains to interview Blair Brown as Dr. Nell Porter, an eagle researcher.

"Never Cry Wolf" stars Charles Martin Smith as Farley Mowat, an underprepared researcher of wolves on the Canadian tundra.

Both movies are alive with humor and beauty as people we can relate to fight to make peace with wilderness.

American classics

Here is a double feature based on work by acclaimed American authors. The recommendation is first from 1988, "Mr. North" followed by, from 1982, "Cannery Row." The pair are for those who aren't snobbish about movies made from novels.

"Mr. North" is based on Thornton Wilder's 1973 book "Theophilus North." It is set in aristocratic Newport, Rhode Island, in the 1920's. It stars Anthony Edwards with Robert Mitchum, Lauren Bacall, Harry Dean Stanton, Anjelica Huston, Mary Stuart Masterson and Virginia Madsen.

"Cannery Row" is based on John Steinbeck's 1945 book of the same name and is set near a sardine fishery in Monterey, California during the Great Depression. It stars Nick Nolte and Debra Winger and is narrated by John Huston.

Both movies rise up to their excellent pedigrees.

For the kids

Here is a double feature to watch with the kids. The recommendation is first from 1984, "The Neverending Story" followed by, from 2007, "Bridge to Terabithia." This pair is for people with imagination.

"The Neverending Story" tells the tale of a boy who, bullied by his school mates, takes refuge in a story about a magical land and finds himself as part of the narrative.

"Bridge to Terabithia" tells the tale of a boy whose life is changed when a new girl moves in next door and befriends him. A strong caution that this movie deals with death.

Both movies have themes about the power of imagination.

We love teachers

Here is a double feature about great teachers who help engender great students. The recommendation is first from 1988, "Stand and Deliver" followed by, from 2006, "The Ron Clark Story." For anyone who ever had, or ever wanted to be a teacher, here are two tributes worth the watch.

"Stand and Deliver" is based on the experience of Jaime A. Escalante, a Los Angeles math teacher of poor minority high school students. It stars Edward James Olmos.

"The Ron Clark Story" is based on the experience of Ronald Lyle Clark, Jr. who left North Carolina to teach in Harlem, New York. Matthew Perry stars as Clark in this dramatized story of Clark's first year teaching in Harlem.

Both movies are inspirational tales of how exceptional teachers inspire students.