ON IN THE BACKGROUND.

a pick six

by Hunter Jon

Very few movies are designed to be watched casually. In fact, I’d argue one never has been. But some can be. Watched casually, that is. I would recommend giving your full attention to any movie you’re watching… however, certain movies don’t necessarily need it, especially beyond that first viewing. Some movies (and trust me - the list is small) almost work better as background movies, so to speak. Their narratives allow you to take a break from them without hitting pause and when you return, while you’ll certainly have missed something, it’s kind of… just… okay. Whether your attention wanders or you’re physically stepping away for a moment, you’re safe to jump back in at any given moment. So if you’re looking to throw something on in the background to keep you company as you go about some other business, simply want to watch something that you can miss bits of and not feel guilty about it or are even just looking for snippets to watch online without committing to a full viewing, here’s a list of my go-to ‘casual movies’.

(I've included an inappropriate amount of honourable mentions) 

GOOD TIMES (1967)

Sonny & Cher bounce around spoofing various classic Hollywood scenes in this variety movie directed by William Friedkin (he was young). It’s an absolutely terrible movie, so proceed with caution. If the above screen shot gives you a headache - stay away. But if you’re a fan of these two and have never seen this - give it a whirl.

CHELSEA GIRLS (1966)

I think everyone wishes this was better than it is. It’s directed by Andy Warhol. It’s over three hours long. It’s presented entirely in split screen, exhibiting two scenes of no relation next to each other. The ‘scenes’ in question are, uh, experimental to say the least. But it’s consistently fascinating, even when not working very well. Look up the poster, though - it’s more impressive than the movie it’s promoting.

MONDO CANE (1962)

This "shock-umentary", which takes you around the world and shows off various bizarre, strange rituals of all cultures, rocked the world upon its release. It’s one hell of a macabre mosaic and not only spawned countless rip-offs that worked ‘Mondo’ into their titles, but an entire Mondo sub-genre of guerrilla filmmaking. Not for the faint of heart... or anyone with taste.

HOTEL MONTEREY (1973)

A few movies directed by Chantal Akerman could be on this list, but this one fits best. It’s a series of soundless shots taken inside a hotel. That’s it. That might sound boring, but with Chantal at the helm nothing ever is. It’s a profound study in everything from human nature to geometry. You enter a sort of hypnotic state watching this thing - great for visual meditation.

THE TRIP (2010)

Continuing to blur the line between fiction and reality, director Michael Winterbottom and co. follow Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they drive around England on a tour of restaurants. But rather than food, the focus becomes the comedic bits and bickering - all improvised. This was a TV series in the UK but edited down and released as a movie everywhere else, and became the first in an unlikely franchise. They worked more fictional melodrama into the saga with every entry, which I personally believe wasn’t the best idea. So go back to the beginning with this one, when all that was stitching the thin plot together were battling Michael Caine impressions.

HOW TO IRRITATE PEOPLE (1969)

Long before Christopher Guest and friends popularized the concept, John Cleese and Graham Chapman delivered this “mock-umentary”, which, as the title suggests, explores irritation. It aired the same year that “… Flying Circus” debuted. So if you want a break from the same old Python sketches but desire comfort-food-viewing with a similar flavour, munch on this.

ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS (2007)

Basically “Robot Chicken” in general could have made the list, but TV shows don’t qualify. However, this double sized, one-off special does. It was made when these gents were in their prime and features some of their absolute best bits. They really impress when satirizing things they genuinely love, so all the “Star Wars” material they churned out in the early days was particularly strong (and hilarious). And if you don’t like a sketch, just wait a few seconds (literally) and you’re onto an entirely new one. What other program can you say that about? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched the “Palpatine on the phone” sequence (shown above). It holds up over ten years later.

WAKING LIFE (2001)

The IMDb summary of this movie is: “A man shuffles through a dream meeting various people and discussing the meanings and purposes of the universe.” I think that sums it up pretty well. I like the description of him “shuffling” through the dream as opposed to simply walking. My two cents: it’s like a cinematic kaleidoscope of all things Richard Linklater; a kind of animated companion/ode to “Slacker”, complete with a reprise of Hawke and Delpy as Jesse & Celine before the “Before…” series was even a series.

THE ARISTOCRATS (2005)

Literally one hundred comedians tell the infamous “Aristocrats” joke, which has the potential to be the filthiest joke ever told and has been a backstage tradition since vaudeville, allegedly. The movie itself is a cool look at different sensibilities and styles tackling similar material, as they’re all basically telling the same joke - but one that leaves plenty of room for each to make it their own. And the style of this documentary is inadvertently ahead of its time; each telling resembles the haphazard, phone-captured viral videos of today, encapsulating the same energy/urgency.

JACKASS NUMBER TWO (2006)

People think the stunts are the appeal. That watching people get hurt is funny and that’s why these things are popular. To believe that is to seriously minimize what “Jackass” offers. The main draw here is, and always has been, the camaraderie. It’s infectious. Even better - the raw format of this franchise makes you feel like you’re a part of it, like you’re one of the gang. There is profound healing power in knowing you’re not alone. And even more power in laughter… especially when sharing it. That’s why these guys are popular. Dare I say it? Alright, I will: they are my generation’s Python. Jonze being Gilliam, naturally. If you ask me, this movie is the highlight of their cinematic career… so far. They worked out all the kinks and upped the ante. Plus it's bookended beautifully.

SAMSARA (2011)

Ron Fricke directed this. He also directed “Baraka” and was the cinematographer on “Koyaanisqatsi”, directed by Godfrey Reggio. This movie is very much in the same vein as those seminal works. It’s essentially a montage of overwhelmingly beautiful and/or profound footage, shot all over the world in glorious 70mm. Some critics said the visuals made up for the narrative flaws, but to presume this movie has any narrative aspirations to begin with is pretentious and entirely missing the point. The point is: awe inspires. Seeing this on the big screen might change your life. But, in the meantime, just leave it on in your living room as a favour to your soul.

THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE (1977)

John Landis, Jerry Zucker, David Zucker and Jim Abrahams all went on to bigger things. But first they gave this rolodex of rude. It’s probably the closest a movie’s ever come to equating an issue of MAD or Cracked. The ‘comprised-of-crude-sketches’ formula had been tried before with movies like “The Groove Tube and “Tunnel Vision” and many times after with “Loose Shoes”, “Jokes My Folks Never Told Me”, etc. And by the time Landis circled back around with “Amazon Women of the Moon” the idea had pretty much run its course. But this is the golden goose of the flock, if you ask me. Perfect for pick-n-choose viewing.

AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH (2002)

 Long before podcasts, Kevin Smith found an outlet for skillfully spinning epic yarns in college campus Q&As. Even people who don’t like the man’s movies seem to get something out of this. Smith managed to build a whole second career for himself as a general raconteur on the shoulders of this one DVD release - it’s that strong. And it’s over three and half hours long. So throw it on and spend a whole afternoon with the guy. I’ve done so many times myself and always come out the other side feeling better, because if laughter is the best medicine than this is like running a marathon.

ESSENTIAL THOUGHTS BY HARRY NILSSON.

a playlist

FAVOURITE MOVIES NUMBER SIX.

a countdown

This follows these:

http://almostentertainment.blogspot.com/2021/04/my-top-100.html

http://almostentertainment.blogspot.com/2021/04/tupperware.html

http://almostentertainment.blogspot.com/2021/05/favourite-movies-number-three.html

http://almostentertainment.blogspot.com/2021/05/favourite-movies-number-four.html

http://almostentertainment.blogspot.com/2021/11/favourite-movies-number-five.html

The list continues…

326. Cool Hand Luke (1967)

325. Sarah Prefers to Run (2013)

324. Space Jam (1996)

323. Awakenings (1990)

322. Love Actually (2003)

321. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

320. It Started with Eve (1941)

319. Chicken Run (2000)

318. Do the Right Thing (1989)

317. Uncle Buck (1989)

316. The Station Agent (2003)

315. Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967)

314. Remember the Night (1940)

313. The White Ribbon (2009)

THE SECOND

AUNT LISA LIST.

Nearly two years ago I posted The Aunt Lisa List. It was a collection of ‘nice’ movie recommendations dedicated to my aunt (who is a nurse practitioner) in an uncertain, stressful and frightening time. I never imagined that these many, many months later times would be just as nerve-racking and scary. And I certainly never imagined that I’d post a second edition of this list. But, sadly, it seems needed. Not just for my frontline-working aunt, but for everyone. So here are another batch of ‘nice’ movies to help you unwind and, hopefully, put a smile on your face and/or hope in your heart.

With special appreciation for all the frontline workers out there, especially Aunt Lisa.

This movie is nothing without Garbo and her arc. There’s some dumb plot about a necklace and plenty of political commentary in it, but both are useless. However, watching the character of Ninotchka, and Greta herself, literally learn to laugh is one of the greatest pleasures the screen has ever known. I defy you not to match her joy as she slowly but surely comes to enjoy and embrace life and all its little pleasures… such as foolish hats.

Guys… this movie is called “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”… and it’s about salmon fishing in the Yemen. I don’t know why that tickles me so, but it does. Ewan is charming. So is Blunt. It’s all too cute with a sweet message about the virtues of swimming against the current - pun intended. I’ll have you know that this movie was nominated for three, count ‘em three, Golden Globes. Including Best Picture. Damn straight. Oh, and it’s directed by Lasse Hallström. Who doesn’t love that guy?

If you know anything about Tig’s life, you’ll smile watching her cut carrots. Which makes her job as a comedian both easier and harder. Because she doesn’t have to work that hard to make you laugh - you’re already half way there. But this also means that if the belly laughs don’t occur… you're left thinking she’s not as funny as you thought she’d be. Or as she used to be. Not to worry, Tig. You always bring the seriously funny and we leave satisfied. She’s past the tragedy that defined her act for so long in this special and well into living the too-good-to-be-true life, so watching it is especially uplifting.

Cheesy? Yes. Corny? Yes. Catchy? Hell yes. Look, I understand - to a lot of people this movie is a nightmare. It represents everything they hate about big Hollywood fluff. A simple still photo from it is like visual nails on a chalkboard. Even people who normally like musicals will run away from this one. I get it! I was once in that headspace, too. But I’ve since rid myself of such cynicism and given into this sort of thing, and very specifically this movie. Because it’s fun. Simple as that. Fun fun fun. And fun is fun to have. I could use a little of it in my life. So could you (probably). So wrap that feather boa around your neck and dance like a queen. The sequel is also lots of fun, but be warned - it’s also a tearjerker.

So many Hayley Mills movies could be on this list, but what better one than this? Pollyanna has become such a ‘thing’ that it’s easy to forget that she’s an actual character and a damn well written one. She’s all cheer and sunshine, love and faith, lollipops and kittens… until the dark side of life hits her directly. Then all her admirable attributes go out the window (at least for a time) and she’s not so adorable anymore. It’s the ultimate example of learning how to take your own advice and how generously privilege provides optimism, almost to the extent of ignorance. Anyway, this movie tastes like a peach. Mills won a juvenile Oscar (‘member those?) for it, her debut role.

I saw this movie. Once. I thought it was fine. I guess. But every time I see a list online touting feel-good, guilty pleasure or uplifting movies, this is without fail on it. Everywhere I look I’m constantly reminded of how beloved it has become. And just because it’s not necessarily my thing doesn’t mean I fail to understand why it’s everyone else’s. So here it is. Actually, now that we’re here and all - I’m realizing I would happily rewatch this. Dammit Reese! You’ve done it again.

This documentary tells the charming, inspiring story of Young@Heart, a chorus of senior citizens who cover rock songs new and old. Everything from the Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated” to Coldplay’s “Fix You”. They tour around with one goal: spread joy. At one point in the movie they even perform at a prison, much to the delight of the inmates who welcome them with open arms. Now, any touching movie about seniors this old is bound to include a death or two, so be braced for that. Still, I couldn’t help but include it.

There are three things going right here that make this movie just good enough…

1. There’s a thin line between cute and cutesy, which is to say between tolerable and insufferable. This movie lands comfortably in the tolerably ‘cute’ category.

2. Jennifer Garner.

3. A lot of movies have tried this formula, “Big” obviously being most successful. So on the surface this may merely appear to be next off the assembly line, trying to recapture that “Big” magic. But the closer you inspect this thing the more you’ll find that it’s greater than the sum of its parts. It comes off as fresh rather than a rip-off.

Rarely do you find a remake that is on par with its original. These movies line up against the light pretty perfectly, both in hitting narrative beats, warm tone and overall quality. Sure, there are definite differences. Spencer is more of an old curmudgeon whereas Martin plays his usual in-over-his-head nice-guy role. But both are well oiled Hollywood flicks; heartfelt and humorous.

This movie features a lot of verbal abuse, so you might wonder why it’s on this list. I’ll tell you why - because the main character, brilliantly brought to life by Sally Hawkins, has enough positive zest for the bright side of life to counteract any negativity around here. We should all take a page out of Poppy’s book. Her approach to life is simple: don’t take anything too seriously and have fun. Google defines ‘happy-go-lucky’ as “cheerfully unconcerned about the future”. What a lovely thing to be, especially right now.

Long before Gilligan and the gang took their three hour tour, there was this tale of Carole Lombard and her prissy pals getting stranded on an island along with a singing sailor. Once settled, they come across a nutty husband-and-wife research team who live on the not-so-deserted isle. Ethel Merman is one of the pals, Bing Crosby is the sailor and Gracie Allan and George Burns are the scientist pair. C’mon - why aren’t we watching this right now? Did I mention Bing sings while brushing a bear? Or that just prior said bear jets around a yacht’s deck on roller-skates? All kidding aside, Gracie wears a really pretty dress in this. And she delivers the funniest punchline of her career while playing an accordion.

Indispensable “Family Ties” writer Marc Lawrence is probably best known for co-writing “Miss Congeniality”, which is great pandemic viewing in its own right. But he made his feature directorial debut with this - one of my all-time favourites of the genre. It’s a classic rom-com set-up. But, as we know, that’s only half the battle. Not only does this line ‘em up exactly how you want, it knocks ‘em down in similar fashion. You get what you came for; total Hollywood satiation. And there’s an actual arc to Grant and Bullock’s relationship, starting as strangers, then boss & assistant, then bickering like siblings and finally falling in love. Its progression feels natural, which is rare in these cookie-cut pictures. It’s endearing and romantic. Which I believe can (mostly) be attributed to two things: in their own right, these stars are at the peak of their guilty-pleasure powers. And together? They showcase irresistible chemistry.

It’s like “Some Like It Hot”, except the duo on the run are women so they disguise themselves as men… disguised as women. Well, drag queens. So they’re pretending to be men pretending to be women, but they’re actually just women to begin with. Get it? Ha! Anyway - this was written and stars Nia Vardolas, and whatever came after “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was destined to be deemed a failure, as this was. But unfairly so. It’s an appropriate hoot, and Debbie Reynolds makes an appearance playing… (wait for it)… Debbie Reynolds!

Lucy and Desi go on their honeymoon in a huge trailer… and everything you’d expect to happen happens. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to enjoy this movie. It was directed by Vincente Minnelli (like, at the height of being Vincente Minnelli) and is my favourite of the few movies this infamous couple made together. Their usual relatable patter is on full display, as are Ball’s comedic abilities. There’s a moment when she goes flying out the trailer door and into a ditch of soupy mud that still kills me (although her wonderful stunt double Alice Broderick probably deserves a lot of credit for this gag’s great execution). Arnaz plays a character named Nicholas aka Nicky in this. Listen closely - I swear Lucille calls him ‘Ricky’ a time or two. And Madge Blake is in it! Playing someone’s aunt, no less! Well, now you have to watch it.

EDUCATOR ENTERS.

BASH-AH BOO-LAT.

a playlist

(originally made for my mother)

THIS TOUGH GUY.