Day 70: The First Wives Club

Three women are reunited after their friend from college commits suicide (Stockard Channing, how much would I have loved for you to be in the rest of the film? Such a loss). All three have been ditched for younger women and they decide that rather than feel bad about themselves, they’ll do good for the women in the community and open a Crisis Centre. Of course, in order to do that they need money. And who better to get money from than their ex husbands?

This film balances the tears and the laughter so well. Every single time I watch them go down the outside of the building in the window washer lift I just crack up laughing. When Bette Midler does her sad eyes I just start blubbing, I can’t stop myself. The three women are excellent together, I love the ending where they dance down the street singing You Don’t Own Me.

Seriously though, is anything better than this film? Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn? Lesbian daughter (“I’m a lesbian. A big one.”)? Women coming together and realising they are strong and can do things for themselves? Ah, I love it so much. I think I’ve watched this film at least twice a year since I saw it as a youngster, I just think it’s great.

“You think just because I’m a movie star I don’t have feelings, well you’re wrong. I do have feelings. I’m an actress, I have all of them!”

10/10

Day 33: Benny and Joon

I forgot to say yesterday but for the whole of February I am watching the favourite films of 28 people that I asked/begged. I’m not watching them in any particular order (except for one birthday special) so it’s just a whatever-mood-I’m-in kind of thing.

So, we’re off to a bad start. I hate The Proclaimers and their stupid 500 miles. I hate it so much. But I didn’t let it affect my viewing (despite a loud “UGH” as soon as it started). Sadly it also ended on the song (my notes: “Fuck me it ends on it too”) but whatever, that was the only bad point of the entire film so I can look past it.

Benny (Aidan Quinn) has spent years forsaking his own life in order to look after his sister, Joon (Mary Stuart Masterston), who is mentally ill. She’s creative, likes her routine and doesn’t like stressful situations. Unfortunately she also doesn’t get along too well with the housekeepers and Benny finds himself in a difficult situation; should he try to find another housekeeper or should he put Joon in a group home? Luckily the decision isn’t up to him. They soon find their lives completely changed by the arrival of loveable eccentric Sam (Johnny Depp).

I’m usually not a fan of Johnny Depp but I loved this character right off the bat. As soon as I saw him in the tree I was immediately smitten. My favourite part about his character is that he sees past the mentally ill label and treats Joon like a person, quite unlike her brother. He sadly seems to be fixated on the fact she’s ‘sick’ rather than anything else. And, of course, Sam scales a building for her. I mean, how could I not love him? Their relationship is sweet and lovely and exactly what she seems to need. Too often those with mental health issues are reduced to a label and people forget that they want just as much as anybody else.

Really loved the film despite having not too much to say about it.

9/10

Day 1: Clueless

I have seen this film many times but it still makes me laugh every time. It manages to be funny but without becoming a joke in itself or making the characters into jokes. You get the impression that while they are young and a tad on the shallow side, they are still going through important things and developing their personalities accordingly.

It is a '90s film so obviously it has to feature a makeover. While usually the makeovers always seem to be undertaken by the nasty ones, Cher and Dionne are actually nice people and don't use their popularity to bully others. Unfortunately Tai gets a little power crazy and becomes a bit of a bitch but it's temporary and she realises the error of her ways almost instantly. Also I've lost count of how many times I've seen this film but apparently this is the first time I've noticed they used coke cans as curlers. Fantastic!

I think what really makes this film better than so many other films of a similar type is that the main character is likeable even though she seems a bit clueless (ha). She clearly cares for other people and wants to see them happy despite how bad she's feeling herself. Her Dad is a big gruff lawyer type but they still have a close relationship; he takes an active interest in all aspects of her life despite being massively busy and she tries to make sure he eats right and tries to help him with an important case he's working on. She tries to help Tai feel welcome at school, albeit by dramatically overhauling her personality and appearance. Her intentions are good, which I think is important and I always like to see it.

Also, perhaps the best indication of its ability to last is the fact it is so quotable.

(I still say "way harsh" which is a direct result of watching this film)

I've fallen into a Clueless tumblr search spiral... ANYWAY. I love this film and think everyone should see it at least once in their lives.

8/10