On my blog today, I have Cate Woods, author of Just Haven't Met You Yet, sharing with us her go-to movies. Over to you, Cate!In my perfect world there would be global peace, an end to poverty and I would get to go to the cinema every week.
In my perfect world there would be global peace, an end to poverty and I would get to go to the cinema every week.
I am rarely happier than when sitting in the popcorn-scented darkness, watching the trailers before the main event begins - although since having children it’s a rare treat. Thank god for Netflix.
Over the years there have been many films that I have loved, but there are only a handful that I could – and do – watch over and over again. Here, in no particular order, are those chosen few:
Forrest Gump
Film snobs might be sniffy about its sentimentality and mass-market appeal, but while it may not be the coolest of movies it has the biggest of hearts. There’s just so much to love: the sheer scope of the story, the brilliantly quotable script and, at the centre of it all, Tom Hanks at his most delightfully Hanksian (yes, I did make that word up). “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is…” Gaaaah, I’m welling up just thinking about it!
Bridesmaids
Oh Kirsten Wiig, when will you move to London and become my best friend? Bridesmaids is that all too rare beast, a woman-centric comedy, and IMHO it offers more laughs than any other movie I can think of (only The Hangover comes close) but with genuinely touching moments too. Having said that, I always skip through the bit in the wedding dress shop where they get food poisoning...
The Big Lebowski
The Coen Brothers are filmmakers of utter brilliance, and I am so looking forward to seeing their latest, Hail Caesar. Although I could have picked any of their films for this list, this one steals it for the loveable characters, surreal moments (including possibly the most brilliant cinematic dream sequence ever) and deadpan wit. The Dude abides…
The Lord of the Rings
I am a total fantasy geek. Give me some dragons and a wizard or two and I’m hooked. It was thanks to Tolkein’s writing that I fell in love with reading – and the movies more than do his books justice. If I want to escape reality for a couple of hours (or indeed a whole day – these films are long) then this would be my DVD of choice, with Avatar coming a close second.
The Sting
Start watching this to see Robert Redford and Paul Newman in their prime, stay for the cracking crime-caper storyline. The Sting doesn’t have any particular message or deeper meaning, but it’s cool, fun and very entertaining. It’s also gorgeous to look at, with its stylish recreation of 1930s Chicago – oh, and did I mention Redford and Newman…?
Tootsie
Yes, it’s Dustin Hoffman in a dress, but it’s so much more than that. Apparently a poll of Hollywood stars voted this the greatest film ever made and while I might not go that far this has made my list because a) it’s very funny, b) I love Hoffman almost as much as I do Hanks and c) it was one of my dad’s favourite films when I was growing up, so watching it is like a lovely, cosy nostalgia trip.
The Usual Suspects
I still remember experiencing the brain-frying shock of the ending for the first time, but even after you know the killer twist this repays repeat viewing, even though you'll probably be left more confused than ever. Actually, I think the final five minutes are the best of any movie: the mug dropping on the floor, the picture emerging from the fax machine (well, it was made 20 years old) and that final tracking shot along the street... Goosebumps.
Finding Nemo
If you look up ‘heartwarming’ in the dictionary you will find, alongside a photo of a tiger cuddling a piglet, a picture of a little orange fish called Nemo. I had to have a Pixar movie in here, as I have watched them on repeat with my daughter – and now my son, too – but never got bored (unlike the tales of a certain pig whose name rhymes with ‘Beppa’). Even after the 78th time of watching I still worry that Nemo’s father, Marlin, will disappear into the blue before he’s reunited with his son. My Pixar runner-up: Up.
Just Haven’t Met You Yet
What did you say? You’ve never heard of this movie? Well, that’s because it hasn’t been released yet. Or made. No, or even commissioned... But those are just formalities! When Hollywood does turn my new novel into a hilarious rom-com – and it’s only a matter of time, surely! – it will star Amy Schumer along with a famous Chris (Pratt, Pine or Hemsworth), although they will have to work on their English accents, as it’s set in Norwich. See you at the premiere, folks!
Cate Woods's debut novel, Just Haven't Met You Yet is out now!
Percy James has everything a girl could want: a comfy flat, a steady relationship and a truly lovely group of friends. Then she is approached by Eros Tech. Eros is 'the future of love' - an agency that brings together soulmates using phone data. Percy has been identified as a match for one of Eros's super wealthy clients. The only problem is she already has a boyfriend . . . but what if this is *destiny*? Would you - could you - pass up a chance to meet your one true love?
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