Throwback Thursday- Mid 90’s Adam Sandler- Billy Madison (1995) & Happy Gilmore (1996)

Adam Sandler, no matter how old he gets or how many movies he makes, will always be known as the man-child to movie going audiences. He may be grown physically, but he has the emotionally capacity and the maturity of a 14 year old boy. While he may not be the most mature of men, he has a big heart and will eventually grow up.

Two of his early movies in the mid 1990’s, Billy Madison (1995) and Happy Gilmore (1996), cemented Adam Sandler’s man-child status.

Billy Madison is the only son of Bryan Madison, a man who made his fortune in hotels.  Bryan would like to leave his business to his son, but only if Billy can repeat grades 1-12.

Happy Gilmore has a dream of being a hockey player. But that dream has not become reality.  To save his grandmother’s house from being foreclosed on, Happy joins the P.G.A and discovers that he is pretty good at golf.

These movies are  not Shakespeare and are probably looked down by some people. But they are funny in a way that makes you laugh, regardless of whether or not you want to laugh.

I recommend both.

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Throwback Thursday- RIP Mike Nichols- The Graduate (1967) & Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf (1966)

Mike Nichols passed away last night. A child refugee from Nazi Germany, Nichols is on the very short list of entertainers who have an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award).

In honor of the many incredible films he made over the years, this Throwback Thursday post is dedicated to him.

The Graduate (1967)

Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) has recently graduated college. He has started sleeping with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), the wife of his father’s business partner.  The affair is short, but it comes back to bite Benjamin in the behind when he falls in love with Elaine (Katharine Ross), Mrs. Robinson’s daughter.

Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf (1966)

Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) and George (Richard Burton) are a middle aged married couple who seem to never stop arguing. Their arguments are fueled by alcohol and the fact that Martha’s father is the president of the university where George works as a history professor.  They invite Nick (George Segal), a young, ambitious biology professor and his mousy wife, Honey (Sandy Dennis) out for a night cap after a faculty event. That’s when sh*t gets real and the underlying issues between Martha and George come to light.

While both of these movies are very different, they are both very good and worth another viewing.

RIP Mr. Nichols. Thanks for the entertainment.

Throwback Thursday-The Truth About Cats And Dogs (1996)

Most people, when they seen an attractive stranger, if they have the courage to go up to them, will introduce themselves and try to be honest.

But what if they weren’t and what would the consequences be of that lie?

That question was answered in the 1996 movie, The Truth About Cats And Dogs. Abby (Janeane Garofalo) is a veterinarian who hosts a talk radio show. She is short and brunette. Noelle (Uma Thurman) is a model. She is tall, blonde and thin.  Brian (Ben Chaplin) has recently added a dog to his home and calls Abby’s show to get some guidance. After calming the dog down, Brian, wants to thank Abby in person.

At that moment, Noelle is visiting the radio station and Abby convinces Noelle to pretend to be her while Abby takes on the name of Donna.  Feeling self conscious, Abby convinces Noelle to continue with the charade. But when it becomes complicated, Abby begins to rethink the charade that she and Noelle have been pulling on Brian.

This movie is really cute. I like the idea of having a leading lady like Abby, who not only looks like most American women, but reflects the uneasiness that they feel when they look in the mirror.  Uman Thurman as Noelle is just very funny and Ben Chaplin as Brian, I just feel sorry for him. He just wants Abby, but Abby is a mystery.

I recommend this movie.