Movie Clip O’ the Day: Batman Returns

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Batman Returns because someone online mentioned it just now and instantly I thought of this one scene that pops into my head regularly.

When a neighbor or stranger says hello to me while I’m out walking around, 9 times out of 10, I’m going to reply with, “Hello there.” And when I do, in my mind I’ll see a flash of Selina Kyle busting out the T and the O on the hot pink neon sign that hangs in her apartment.

The good movies really do stick with you in weird ways. And I don’t know about you Miss Kitty, but I love that.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Wall Street

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Wall Street because greed seems to be running rampant out here in my corner of the world. Gordon Gekko said “greed is good” and instead of learning the lesson there, we ate it up until we puked and then started eating that too. Gross, right? Yeah, so is unchecked greed.

Ok now that I’m done raining on your parade, get out there and have a fabulous holiday weekend. Go see a movie, read a book, have a nice dinner, take yourself to a concert. Do something nice for yourself.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: This Is Where I leave You

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from This is Where I Leave You because love and loss are heavy. Eventually we’re all going to need some help carrying. So here’s to those who step up, help out and get us through.

Also, I love this movie and saw it when it first came out. Always wondered why it went mostly unnoticed at the time. In retrospect it looks like actual critics didn’t like it as much as I did. However, it landed on Netflix last week and quickly hit the US Top Ten. In case you missed it, this is me telling you to add it to your list.

This is Where I Leave You (2014)

After their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes, and might-have-beens.

IMDB

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Defending Your Life

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Defending Your Life because last week I was talking to my friend for the first time in a minute and I wanted to relate something in our conversation to a scene in that movie. However, I realized before saying anything that I wasn’t sure if she’d ever seen the movie, so I figured I’d ask before getting into it. As it turns out, she hadn’t seen Defending Your LIfe. Learning someone hasn’t seen a movie I love dearly is always a shock to me, I don’t know why. At the same time, it also presents an exciting opportunity for me to sell the movie and try to get this person to watch it for the first time with me. I love doing that, watching their reactions or lack thereof and then judging accordingly. Unfortunately, even if I were able to convince my friend to watch this with me, it would be a little tricky to set it up because she lives in Madrid and I live in California.

I’m feeling compelled to send her a copy of the movie so she can get the full effect. That’s better than a bunch of YT clips, right? Or maybe we can do a watch party. Wait. Can you do international watch parties when your time zones are super different? I guess we’d need to be on the same streaming platform for that as well. Feels like a lot of stars that need aligning for a movie night. While I love that she’s living her best life in Spain, I miss when we used to live in the same area. But, life is too short not to hang out with the people that mean something to you even if it’s done virtually.

Appreciate when you have your friends nearby, man. Life is beautiful and weird. People scatter. Remember to hang on to the good ones.

Defending Your Life (1991)

In an afterlife way-station resembling a major city, the lives of the recently deceased are examined in a court-like setting.

-IMDB

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Halloween (1978)

The opening sequence of the original Halloween always captivated and impressed me as a kid. Back then though, I didn’t have the knowledge to really understand what it was about this scene that was grabbing at my attention. To be completely honest, I’m not sure I’ve amassed the knowledge necessary to properly express what it is that makes this sequence special even now. Instead I’ll leave it to the professionals:

The long take that begins "Halloween" works for several reasons: First, the unmounted camera, steady though it is, wavers just enough to keep us unsettled, off balance, vulnerable to shock even if slightly prepared for it. Second, the shot establishes the motif of the subjective camera as the killer's point of view. Third, and most important, the shot draws us into the action by a point of view that is unedited. Had the opening sequence been presented conventionally, as a mounted sequence of shots, the viewer's mind would become an editor's mind, classifying, comparing, and relating the shots to assemble the story -- in other words, a mind participating in the creation of the work and therefore more conscious of it as a work. The single take suppresses the artistic detachment that comes from mental montage, creating instead a direct involvement that-like real life -- we are unable to edit. The impact, in other words, is visceral, not intellectual.

- Robert Cumbow via RogerEbert.com

That is one long take up until you see Michael / the unknown killer put on the mask. Putting the mask over the “eyes” was the solve for having to cut and edit that opening scene without disrupting the effect of the long take. There’s a second cut in there too. It comes comes moments later after the killer / Michael hits the top of the stairs. And that bit of trivia is my Halloween treat for you. I hope you liked it.

🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Call Me By Your Name

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Call Me By Your Name because pristine advice doesn’t have to come from your real dad. It can come from anywhere anytime, like for example Mr. Pearlman (Michael Stuhlbarg) in the clip below. So keep your eyes & ears open because you never know when you’re going to be hit with the kind of wisdom that’ll reach deep into your chest and rip out your heart just to show you how to properly care for it.

A bunch of movie related social media accounts shared snippets of this scene yesterday since it was Father’s Day and this is one hell of a father-son moment. However, none of the posts that I saw included the whole thing. There’s a lot to take in with this scene, so I searched for the best clip I could find.

You know, it’s too bad everyone doesn’t get this kind of moment of guidance from someone they trust and respect growing up, we’d live in a completely different world if we did.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant.

-IMDB

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Before Sunrise

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Before Sunrise because Jesse and Céline met 28 years ago on this day. Twenty eight years ago I got to be a fly on the wall and absorb every word of their 24-hour conversation. All those years ago, I knew instantly that I would count this movie among my favorites. I never anticipated that 28 years later, it would still top the list. Good movies give me life, just like good conversation.

Before Sunrise (1995)

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

-IMDB

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Goodfellas

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Goodfellas because we lost Ray Liotta this week, and of course I was going to share a clip from this movie in his honor.

I read something just now on the bird app about Goodfellas that made me both happy and sad simultaneously. Since it’s movie related, I figured I’d share.

Reconsider Cinema @coenesqued2

Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco will forever enter through the kitchen in “The Copa Shot.” One of cinema’s touchstone moments for its technical achievement in serving as the magic doorway into Henry Hill’s exclusive world. Scorsese has the couple walk in a circle to achieve depth.

Touchstone moment is right. The Copa scene is beautiful and incredibly effective. The music, the dialogue, the lighting and warmth, it’s all perfect. You’re spiraling into this world alongside Karen. And you’re equally as excited to see where it takes you.

I love the Copa scene, so yes to everything in the original tweet but at the same time: Goddamnit, Ray.

Ray Liotta

December 18, 1954 - May 26, 2022

Movie Clip O’ the Day: If These Walls Could Talk

Trigger Warning: It’s about abortion and this clip gets graphic.

You still with me? It’s a lot I know, but considering what’s going on out there with the Supreme Court of the United States, I felt this particular movie was entirely too relevant for me not to share. Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from If These Walls Could Talk because we keep telling ourselves “never again.” We keep saying we’ll “never forget” and yet our absent minded asses keep slipping.

If you’re old like me, you’ll remember when If These Walls Could Talk came out. Abortion was just as controversial then as it is now. It’s never been something we could talk about openly so when this came out I was floored. I remember watching it and thinking how relieved I was to live during a time when a person’s right to choose was protected. I didn’t anticipate seeing the end to that era in my lifetime. I guess complacency got the better of me but then it’s not like the law means a whole hell of a lot these days. All I know is we can’t let the complacency win. Fuck that.

If These Walls Could Talk (1996)

If These Walls Could Talk is a 1996 American television film, broadcast on HBO. It follows the plights of three different women and their experiences with abortion. Each of the three stories takes place in the same house, 22 years apart: 1952, 1974, and 1996. All three segments were co-written by Nancy Savoca. Savoca directed the first and second segment while Cher directed the third. The women's experiences in each vignette are designed to demonstrate the popular views of society on the issue in each of the given decades.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Road Trip

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Road Trip because being prepared isn’t always enough. Most of the time you’re still going to need a bit of luck to get by. It’s actually incredibly aggravating how much rests on chance.

Road Trip (2000)

Four college buddies embark on a road trip to retrieve an illicit tape mistakenly mailed to a female friend.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Ghostbusters

Today’s Movie Clip O’ The Day comes from Ghostbusters because we lost the legendary Ivan Reitman this past weekend. He was 75 years old.

As one of two producers of the Lampoon’s money-minting Animal House, Reitman both helped establish and ensured his place in a new kind of movie comedy. He quickly proved it wasn’t a fluke. Starting in 1979, he directed three back-to-back hits: Meatballs, Stripes and Ghostbusters. Each remains the standard by which similar movies are judged. Usually — and certainly with the many misbegotten ‘Busters spinoffs — they’re found to be inferior.

Critic’s Notebook: Ivan Reitman’s Mainstream Craftsmanship Was a Gift - hollywoodreporter.com

Ghostbusters (1984)

Three parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: The Color Purple

Today’s Movie Clip O’ The Day comes from The Color Purple because I hope we can all come to the realization that we’re all something too. And while we’re at it, let’s promise to do whatever it takes to remember our names because they’re one of the few things we really ever have.

The Color Purple (1985)

A black Southern woman struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over four decades.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: American Psycho

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from American Psycho because hustle culture is one hell of a double edged sword.

Pun fully intended

Burnout is real and can extinguish even the mightiest of fires. I’ve seen it happen, not with myself personally (I’m too much of a slacker) but it’s heartbreaking to see, regardless. Some folks don’t have the luxury of down time, so if you do—make use of it.

Merry X-Mas, everyone. 🎄

American Psycho (2000)

A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Bridget Jones’s Diary

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Bridget Jones’s Diary because tis the season to be less of a dick. Tact is still a thing and disdain is still unattractive, even when it’s coming from peak Colin Firth. Besides, it’s the Christmas season and we’re all supposed to be a little extra nice, considerate and understanding—all things we should strive for most days of the year, but we only seem invested in the attempt during ugly sweater season.

So, get out there and be a decent human being to someone you’d normally sneer at because that social media platitude is right: We don’t know what people are dealing with at any given moment in their life/day, so why not show them a little grace? ❤️❤️❤️🎄🎄

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Goodfellas

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Goodfellas because Christmas is upon us and what better time than now for this important reminder:

Stuff is just stuff. And, too much stuff will almost always lead to trouble. Take it from me and Jimmy. He knows because he’s seen things and I know because I just moved my parents from VA to CA and it turns out they were closet hoarders this whole time.

This was me for three solid weeks in VA—every single closet, every single time.

In the end, too much stuff will just render you incapable of actually enjoying it all.

🎄Merry Christmas🎄

Goodfellas (1990)

The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen Hill and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito in the Italian-American crime syndicate.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Session 9

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Session 9 because the mind is a complex thing and we all process our experiences in lots of different ways. The important thing is that we take the time to process.

Also, it’s almost Halloween and this is the ideal time of year to give Session 9 a go if you’ve never seen it before. For the full effect watch it alone & in the dark.

Every now and again I’ll think of this movie—usually when I’m about to walk into a creepy space by myself—and Simon’s voice will pop into my head for a split second. It’s instantaneous, “Hello Gordon…” and that’s all I need to feel the fear wash over me and the chills tickle my skin. So, if you’re into that sort of thing, I can’t recommend this movie enough. Enjoy. 🎃

Session 9 (2001)

Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.

Movie Clip O’ the Day: Dumplings

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Dumplings because it really is what’s on the inside that counts. And I cannot stress enough just how disturbing that sentence is given the context of this movie. But don’t worry, I won’t ruin it for you and tell you what’s inside. If you think you can stomach it, go watch and find out for yourself. Fair Warning: the truth is probably more disturbing than whatever you’re guessing right now. Trust me.

The use of sound in this movie is absolutely phenomenal. I didn’t think I’d get queasy sorting through clips for this post since I have seen it at least twice, but then that visceral reaction kicked in and I felt the internal recoil of a dry heave blossoming. It happened every single time with this clip, so I figured why not share the implied horror? It is October after all.

Boo!

In the late 90s and early 2000s I was heavy into Asian cinema but especially Asian horror movies. I’d watch anything and everything I could get my hands on. That obsession is what lead me to movies like Ringu, Ju-On: The Grudge, the original One Missed Call, Audition, the original Dark Water and of course, Dumplings. This one is disturbing on the same kind of level as Audition, so tread lightly and don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Dumplings (2004)

Aunt Mei's famous homemade dumplings provide amazing age-defying qualities popular with middle-aged women. But her latest customer - a fading actress - is determined to find out what the secret ingredient is.

Movie Clip O' the Day: The Cabin in the Woods

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from The Cabin in the Woods because it’s been my experience that the words / thoughts / energy we put out into the universe—good or bad—always come back to get us in the end.

🎃 Happy First Day of Spooky Season! 🎃

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin, where they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin in the woods.

Movie Clip O' the Day: Deliver Us From Evil

Don't watch the clip if this sort of thing (description at the bottom of the page) is upsetting. It really does cut right to the bone.

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day is gonna be a bit of a downer. Sorry about that, but while it’s true that life is replete with beauty, it’s also painful as fuck. And, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you choose to look at it) none of us will make it out unscathed. Not. A. One.

This is a clip from a documentary. It came to mind while I was scanning the day's news headlines. I saw a story about an abusive priest who'd essentially been sentenced to praying on it, after being found guilty of abuse. Well, praying on it in addition to being defrocked. Anyway, I’m sure you can imagine my immediate & acute outrage. Since I can't keep that sort of stuff rolling around in my head all day, I put it into a post.

Happy Saturday, everyone. And please, feel free to come back whenever you’re in need of a ray of sunshine to lift your spirits.

Deliver Us From Evil (2006)

Documentary about Father Oliver O'Grady, a Catholic priest who was relocated to various parishes around the United States during the 1970s in an attempt by the Catholic Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children.

Movie Clip O' the Day: Stand By Me

Today’s Movie Clip O’ the Day comes from Stand By Me because reputations don’t count for much if there’s no follow through.

Also, River Phoenix would have turned 51 today. Gone too soon and it still stings. When I was a kid, my room was covered in posters and the vast majority were of him. I was completely obsessed for a very long time. And then one day, poof, River was gone. Now that I think about it, he’s likely one of the reasons I have such high standards when it comes to acting. I need actors to put their backs into it for me to fully appreciate the movies I choose to watch. With my high standards though comes a deep appreciation of the work.

Happy Birthday River Phoenix

& thanks for all the great work.