Pop Culture Buzz

HOUSEKEEPING (1987)

“Housekeeping” set in the 1950s, it is a faithful adaptation of Marilynne Robinson’s book. The plot centers on two orphaned girls who fall in love with their happy-go-lucky Aunt Sylvie (Christine Lahti) when she comes to live with them. However, the girls discover she has a reputation for being eccentric in her small town and they struggle with adapting to their new life.

This period piece is Lahti’s best film in my opinion; she should have been considered for an Oscar nomination. “Housekeeping” was marketed as a comedy but it a serious drama with glorious performances by the female leads. This is a great rainy day Netflix rental for people that love a smart emotional “chick flick”.

PARADISE (1991)

“Paradise” is a 1991 film written and directed by Mary Agnes Donoghue. Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson (at the time married to each other) play Lily and Ben Reed, a young couple torn apart by a family tragedy. With help from a summer guest named Willard (played by Elijah Wood) they are able to overcome their grief and rekindle their love.

I never thought I’d say these words but, this film highlights Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson real acting skills. Their subtle performances pull at the heart strings without coming off like a made for TV movie on the Lifetime Network. The great performances by the young cast and a tender plot make this not just another run of the mill tear jerker.

TESTAMENT (1983)

“Testament” is a 1983 drama film directed by Lynne Littman and starring Jane Alexander. Originally produced for PBS television’s American Playhouse series, it was given a theatrical release instead (although PBS did subsequently air it a year later).

The film tells the story of how one small Bay Area town near San Francisco slowly falls apart after a nuclear war destroys outside civilization. As a child this movie hit close to home. I was the same age as the young actor Lukas Haas who stars in this film and his performance make this film heartbreaking and eerily too real.

LEAP OF FAITH (1992)

Leap of Faith is 1992 film starring Steve Martin as a fraudulent Christian faith healer named Jonas Nightengale who uses his revival meetings, in Rustwater, Kansas, to bilk believers out of their money. He eventually sees the error of his ways after a hilarious and touching revelation.

This is one of Steve Martin’s biggest big screen flops to date and I find it a little miracle. A strong performance by Debra Winger (where is she these days??), a fabulous soundtrack and Steve Martin’s humble charm keep this film from slipping into oblivion. I often recommend this movie to people who want to find a small movie with big heart.