Lollipops and The Sunshine Blogger Award

The Sunshine Blogger Award?

My first thought was surprise and huh, me? Thank you, Barry of Cinematic Catharsis! And then my brain had rivers of gratitude running through it that anyone would appreciate the few words I scribble here and there. But like usual, I also had to hear a song rolling on through my head.

Sunshine Lollipops and Feelin' Good

I was honored to accept the nomination. I will answer the questions to the best of my ability. Putting in a disclaimer about following all the rules though. Here they are:

   1. Post the award on your blog.

   2. Thank the person who nominated you.

   3. Answer the 11 questions they sent.

   4. Pick another 11 bloggers and let them know they are nominated.

   5. Give them 11 new questions.

Here's a go at the questions:

1. What famous (or infamous) lost film would you love to be re-discovered? Well, I'm not a film expert by any means, but I do love the innocence, fantasy and storytelling in silent movies. I would really like to see the complete British film The First Men in the Moon (1919). We can see from the stills that they let the set and costume designers' imaginations run wild. I wouldn't be surprised if industrial strength solvents were on deck, heightening the storybook in their minds. They were aiming for magic and art, and my money is on them succeeding at just that.

2. What hobbies do you enjoy outside of movie blogging? Daytripping. Little walking adventures and bus trips. Seeing what weirdness I can find in the world and taking a photo or two. Trying to find what's left of Americana before the grey box gets the best of it. Hopefully I've taken a few photos that can get the smile reflex working for some people. Once in a while I might throw a few words on paper and document an odd happening or two.

3. What do you believe to be the most annoying trend in modern cinema? With a few welcome exceptions, I find modern cinema extremely annoying. So much so, I would say that my sparse viewing of anything made past 1999 probably disqualifies me from the question, but I think I'll answer anyway. The word "trend" is a good indicator of one of the problems. Somehow in the Golden Age of Hollywood, they tried to entertain, but many also tried to be better in their arts and to expand our world. Granted, there are exceptions, but it seems like the money people today insist on formulas. "What made a trillion dollars last time? Do that, but have them wear something different". I may be one of a few people that has never seen a superhero movie after the Christopher Reeve Superman. I am so out of it.

I also have a problem with mainstream cinema's depiction of everyday life. Take the 1972 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Ronnie Neary was pretty representative of a middle class mom. The house wasn't perfect by today's standards. Ronnie and Roy were average folks. I seldom watch a new movie, but why is it when I accidentally watch a part of the drivel they make today, the family lives in a mansion and they're all decked out in whatever the fashion is and driving roadworthy vehicles. I suppose it's mostly gag inducing so-called comedies I'm talking about. I am so out of it. Am I curmudgeon?

4. Which actor or actress was your first film crush? Easy. Errol Flynn. The smile. The twinkle in his eye. The green tights. And swordsmanship. "Devil may care." I just fainted.

5. Name a non-musical film that would make an excellent musical. Ha! That's a good question. I like musicals, but not every movie should be a musical. A somber moment can be broken pretty instantaneously with a song and dance. First let me answer the opposite. I love Marlon Brando, but holy cow, in my book he should have never been in Guys and Dolls. Ok. The only movie I could think that could hold its own with a few songs would be Fatso (1980). Dom DeLuise could bring us to tears with a song about his lovelorn life and longing for Lydia, but then a few moments later our moods would be buoyed with a chorus from the gentlemen in the kitchen singing the praises of chocolate eclairs and Italian sausage and peppers.

6. Name a movie that you love, even though it's not objectively good. What do you like about it?

7. What was your most memorable moment visiting a movie theatre? 


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