March Madness is good time for underappreciated films

March 2006

        It's March Madness time, which is good for some, and not so good for others. And I don't mean just the collegiate teams, but families sitting at home. If you are not into basketball, this is a tough time to battle for the remote.

   Now, no doubt I watch too many videos. Or DVDs, depending on the age of the movie or my mood. Why else would I compile little lists in my head, like the five most interesting movies with a moral dilemma ... or the five best Anthony Hopkins movies ... or the five best Nazi war criminal movies.

   I have got to get a life.

       When I casually described to an associate a movie on a cable channel -- Encore, I suspect -- as one of the most "underappreciated movies of recent memory," it was suggested that might be an interesting list. With the Ides of March Madness upon upon us, I share just such a list, just in case tossing cheerleaders and listening to Dick Vitale is not your thing.

        What makes an "underappreciated movie" just that? Well it's not that it wasn't important or popular -- it may have been, but only for a moment. It's life was short in the public's mind. It fell from favor much too rapidly. More important, it's a movie that deserves a second look. It may be a movie that you remembering seeing, but it's been a while. Or one whose technique or message, intricacies or lingering warmth suggest that a first -- or second -- look is justified.

       "Searching for Bobby Fischer." Who knew chess could be exciting? Who knew chess could be the center core of an examination of family relationships. Great performances, great kids and a great 110 minutes.

     "Michael." After Nora Ephron hit gold with "Sleepless in Seattle," proving that a bouncy, loud soundtrack can drive a story, her second effort was this jewel. John Travolta dons angel's wings and mingles with regular ol' humans in a touching, funny, light and meaningful romantic comedy. Oh, yeah, the soundtrack is great, too.

"Music Box." Jessica Lange is an attorney who agrees to represent her father, who is facing charges he is a Nazi war criminal. No music whatsoever, just gripping drama that forces you to listen close.

        "Shine." An "Amadeus"-like examination of a genius-level musical mind. Part family drama, part biography, it's easy to see why Geoffrey Rush was nominated for an Oscar.

        "Moonlight Mile." Admit it. You've never heard of it. Can I tempt you with Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Jake Gyllenhall and a layered look at a family wrestling with the untimely death of a daughter about to married? Don't predispose it as a downer. It's more than that.

       "Ordinary People." A profound understated examination of a family under pressure. Yes, it's getting close to that "classic" genre. I mean, Mary Tyler Moore looks sort of young, so you know it's not a new movie. But it is still a great one.

"Changing Lanes." Yes, I know it is Ben Affleck, and, yes, I know he's made some stinkers. But watch this one with a remote control. Stop it every time a character in the film has to make a decision -- will he, won't he, yes or no, good or bad, which way will it turn now? -- and try to outguess the characters. A moral Gordian knot-kind of movie. One character in one scene does love that one R-rated Hollywood word, so look for the edited version if you want to.

        "The Verdict." A generation from now when someone asks, "Who was Paul Newman and why did people make a fuss?,"  they will pull out this movie. If you want to see a real actor, and if you want to feel pain and despair and long for a lucky break, right along with a down-and-out lawyer, who's down to his last hair-thin opportunity, here's your video. This is why they made a fuss.

     "Finding Forrester." You've already forgotten how much you liked it. See it again and ask yourself if you can keep a promise to a friend.

      And finally, here's one that's not out on DVD yet. When it comes, you'll want to find a good time to sit down and dim the lights. Be quiet. This is not a party movie, not even one you'll want to watch with more than one other significant person in the room. Forget what the first half of the movie was titled. That was a major mistake. You didn't see this one because of the first one, I know. But a major player on the underappreciated list is "God's Army 2: States of Grace." A look at grace and forgiveness and the need for forgiveness on a variety of levels. Maybe it will be out by Easter. That would be good.

  There's 10. Oh, by the way, none of these are at Redbox. You might have to look for them, but that's half the fun.

Maybe you can run find a couple during haftime.
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