Tina's April Movies

April turned out to be a great month for movies, with three terrific documentaries and two of my ATFs on the list. I have already seen more than 50 movies, putting me on track to equal or surpass last year's total of 110. Here is what I watched in April.

43. 12 Angry Men (TV) – We made a film at J&J in 1976 that featured top management – all white men – in shirts and ties, discussing making decisions that affect the business of the company. We refer to that film today as “12 Angry Men,” and it isn’t all that different from this first class tale of 12 men sequestered in a jury room, deliberating the fate of a young man who allegedly killed his father. Henry Fonda stands between the men and a guilty verdict, and he is determined to talk it through any degree of reasonable doubt. Personal history and biases are revealed as the men debate the case. This movie is the best possible testimonial to the American justice system and a real triumph. 4½ cans.

44. In Love With An Older Woman (TV) – John Ritter is a young (under 30), ruthless lawyer who falls in love with divorced mother Karen Carlson, a mature 43-year old woman who teaches him how to be a real man. Ritter is adorable and earnest in this made-for-TV movie. My dear friend Andrea called me early one morning to let me know it was on, but I was already recording it. She and I may be the only two people who know this movie, and it isn’t great, but it is very sweet, and we both love it. And, you know, 43 doesn’t seem quite so old anymore. 4 cans.

45. The Shawshank Redemption (TV) – This movie is an ATF (all-time favorite) and is in my top five movies. There’s so much I love about this movie, the story of inmates in a Maine prison. From the plaintive score to the languorous pacing that mirrors the slow passage of time for the men, from the formation of friendships to the affirmation that hope keeps us alive, this is a wondrous film. Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman as Red are superb as they build a bond of respect and humanity. The last scene, which you would expect to be a close-up, instead pulls away to a broader view that is brilliant and inspired, like Andy himself. 5 cans and a Coke.

46. Mr. Holland’s Opus (TV) – A musician turned reluctant teacher, Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfus) initially is unable to reach or teach his equally reluctant students. You know that won’t last, as Mr. Holland brings his passion for music to decades of students, often at the cost of time spent with his wife and ironically deaf son. This movie is a case study for the importance of the arts and music in the classroom and features a bravura performance by Dreyfus in the title role. 4 cans.

47. The September Issue (On Demand) – If you have seen “The Devil Wears Prada,” you are familiar with at least the notion of the fashion uber-editor portrayed by Meryl Streep. In this documentary, Anna Wintour, iconic editor of Vogue magazine, feared and followed by the entire fashion industry, wields her considerable power in shaping the 600+ page September 2007 issue. The September issue each year marks the beginning of a new season, and to make it work Wintour has to make tough decisions with looming deadlines, budget constraints and disagreements with her dedicated staff. I’m no fashionista, but this film has style. 4 cans.

48. Date Night (at Hillsborough) – Steve Carell and Tina Fey are well-matched as a believably boring married couple from New Jersey in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy/action adventure movie. In their effort to break free of their usual date night routine, they venture into the city and take someone else’s dinner reservation at an expensive and snooty restaurant when the other couple fails to show up. Shortly after, they become the victims of mistaken identity and mayhem and pole dancing ensue. Also starring Mark Wahlberg and his pecs. Not a classic in the “When Harry Met Sally” sense, “Date Night” nonetheless had me at Tripplehorn. See the movie to understand what I mean. 4 solid cans.

49. Winged Migration (TV) – With its stunning photography, this documentary delivers a bird’s-eye view as various species of birds migrate north and south each year. From the 620-mile trek of the King penguin to one species of birds that travels thousands of miles from the Arctic to Antarctica, this fascinating film makes you realize how much effort it takes to flap your wings and fly. The Canadian geese look too big and broad across the chest to fly at all, while other birds land on such spindly legs that you wonder how they can support their weight. I would have liked more information – any, in fact – on exactly how the cinematographer managed to fly like an eagle. Pretty, amazing stuff. 4 cans.

50. The Graduate (TCM) – This movie became my favorite movie of all-time when it was released in 1967 and it still ranks at the top of my list. A tale of the turbulent late 1960s, this film totally eviscerates the establishment while making you question what you really want out of life. Or at least that is what it did to me (and “plastics” wasn’t the answer). Perfectly cast and played by an unknown Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft (who was only a few years his senior) and Katherine Ross (“ELAINE!!!!”) and expertly directed by Mike Nichols in his directorial debut, “The Graduate” is comedy, drama, social commentary and irony in one neat and classic package. And then there is the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack, an amazing use of contemporary music that works within the storyline and setting. 5 cans and a brownie.

51. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (TV) – Drag queens Miss Vida, Nozema Jackson and Chi Chi Rodriguez (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo) are on their way to Hollywood when their car predictably breaks down in a smaller-than-one-horse town in this delightfully silly little ditty. Somehow, these “ladies” manage to bring style, grace and more than a little self-esteem to the land that time forgot. Snappy dialog and outlandish get-ups make you forget how preposterous the whole thing is. This is a really sweet little movie and I am glad I finally got the chance to see it. You go, girl. 3½ cans.

52. The Heart of the Game (TV) – This heartwarming documentary follows college tax professor Bill Ressler as he brings his unorthodox coaching methods to the Roosevelt High School Rough Riders girls basketball team in Seattle. He may encourage his players to attack like wolves but he has the heart of a lion as he serves as coach, mentor and father figure to his team. When the naturally gifted Darniella Russell arrives at his school, Ressler has to deal with her talent and her troubles, defending her right to play despite a ruling by the state association that would have banned her. This movie, shot over seven seasons, is the female equivalent of the classic high school boys documentary “Hoop Dreams.” 4½ cans.