I should have seen it coming. Everyone told me it would happen but I didn’t listen. I was overwhelmed by denial and calmly disregarded the warnings of family and friends. It would at least wait a few more weeks. Needless to say I was hurt and a bit angry when the cold, vile rain began to fall, bringing my spirits down with it. Fortunately, over the years, I have found ways to cope with the initial shock of bad weather. Every year when the first real rain comes I like to spend at least one day just chillin’ at home with a few good movies.
The Shawshank Redemption
is perfect for a rainy day. The film is based on a short story written by Stephen King and was directed by Frank Darabont (The Green Mile.)
It is the story of Andy Dufresne, a man convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in the
Shawshank prison. Andy’s story is told by his fellow inmate “Red,” played by Morgan Freeman. The tone of the film is dark but Andy’s eventual redemption makes it decidedly uplifting. I realize that this movie can be seen on cable television, but I would recommend renting it.
After a film like Shawshank, it is wise to move on to something more upbeat like
High Fidelity. John Cusak will always be great, even as he plunges headlong into sellout territory.
This movie is based on a novel of the same name by Nick Hornby. Cusak plays Rob Gordon, a record store owner who spends all of his time trying to figure out why he can’t hold on to a girlfriend.
His two employees, Barry and Dick played by Jack Black (Tenacious D) and Todd Louiso are the best part of the movie. They are huge music snobs who spend all of their time spouting off useless facts and making fun of people with bad musical taste. This movie has some really funny moments, and as Barry says “it’s a brilliant film … and the soundtrack kicks fucking ass.”
Finally, a rainy day would not be complete without a film that actually features rain. Angela’s Ashes,
while not commercially successful, is a decent movie. It is also based on a memoir of the same name by Frank McCourt.
The book is one of my favorites so I have to admit that when it came out I made no effort to see it in the theater. When I finally did bring myself to watch it I was pleasantly surprised.
The story chronicles the life of Frank McCourt from the age of five up until he leaves Ireland for America at 18. Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson are both fantastic actors. They play Malachy and Angela McCourt, Frank’s parents. The subject matter of the film can feel overwhelmingly depressing; it is the story of a poor Irish family who practically starve to death every day because Malachy spends all of their money on pints of Guiness.
As for this weather it won’t take long to get used to, but I wonder if the people who adjust the heat around here will find a happy medium between sauna and freezer?