10 Guilty Pleasure DVD Rentals
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007How do I define a guilty pleasure? Well I have many, many, many guilty pleasures when it comes to music “one hit wonders” but what about those movies that don’t get seen by many folks, or those films that are torn apart by the critics but loved by lots of movie fans? I’m not talking cult films, just movies that didn’t work on many levels but some how worked for me, or maybe you!? It’s o.k. to be slightly embarrassed if you like these titles.
Some movies below are recent films that were duds and some movies are mis-fires or just have never been heard of before for some reason or other by many folks. I personally have watched these movies over and over and have recommended them to the casual DVD renter and movie fan. They are hardly artistic or great pieces of art, but they entertained me. Have you seen these titles?
1.) “ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK”
Sad to say, but this is one of my favorite film comedies ever. I was a gay little 11 year old when this came out and I must have seen it in the theaters at least 3 times (and many many times on VHS). It holds up to today’s comedy standards pretty well I think. Although it should be rated PG-13 and not PG.
2.) “THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN”
“Fair is Fair!” is this films catch phrase which still echoes in my mind and the hit Pat Benatar song “Invincible” still rocks today. I love the underlined teen empowerment message this movie has. As a kid I wanted to shave my head and start a revolution. Although this movie is dated, it sure is fun to watch.
3.) “PAULIE”
3 years after “Babe” came out “Paulie” was released. Buddy Hackett lost the role of the voice of Paulie the parrot to Jay Mohr who did an impression of Budddy Hackett. This charming family film will pull at your heart strings and the ending will leave you in tears.
4.) “SOAPDISH”
The brilliant ensemble cast and inspired soap opera ending of this movie are to die for. I loved the over the top acting, plot and twist ending in “Soapdish” so much I watched this film 3 times in the theater when it was released in the summer of 1991. Sally Field is comic gold in this movie, she has never been so hilarious!
5.) “DROP DEAD GORGEOUS”
This fake documentary or “mock-umentary” is chock full of hilarious site gags and jokes about beauty pageants. Kristin Dunst is great in one of her first starring roles. The movie’s ending will leave you in stitches. And look for the scene with a previous beauty pageant winner performing Melissa Manchester’s “Don’t Cry Out Loud”…priceless.
6.) “WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER”
This film is a farce much like “Airplane”, “Hot Shots”, “Naked Gun” and “Scary Movie”. This time around teen sex comedies from the late 70’s early 80’s like “Meatballs”, “Porky’s” etc. mocked. This movie is full of SNL cast members, members of “The State” and some comedy veterans (Paul Rudd, Jenean Garofalo). I love the subversive silly over the top humor in this movie.
7.) “LADY IN THE WATER”
This movie is reviled by critics and wasn’t touched by movie fans last summer. I personally was touched by the fantasy elements and the performances by the cast. Parts comedy and part fantasy/bedtime story, this movie is cute enough for repeat viewings, but still leaves me feeling guilty for loving it so much.
8.) “CLUE”
This is a fun movie, with classical comedic actors like Madeline Kahn and Tim Curry. The multiple endings are fun and innovative for a film. Who really makes movies based on board games? Well currently there are movies in the works based on “Battleship”, “Candyland” and “Monopoly”.
9.) “HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT”
This is a total “chick flick” and a manipulative weepy, but it works. Think of this as the white persons “Joy Luck Club” or “Waiting to Exhale”…with old chicks. I love Winona Ryder in this movie more than the dreadful “Girl, Interrupted”.
10.) “SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW”
This awesome, sleek, fun movie didn’t make a dent when it was released at the box office. It is a repeated entertaining film with great visuals and nuanced performances. This is the little movie that should have been bigger in my book.
























































































































