Thanksgiving Film Festival 2006

Posted at 12:54 PM on November 20, 2006 by Euan Kerr (4 Comments)

Loyal "Movie Natters" readers (and you know who you are, all three of you) will know that the Kerr Family has a tradition of choosing films for Thanksgiving viewing. The idea started out as a way for the overbearing parents to get the two kids to watch, and ideally enjoy, some of the important movies of the past.

The first year, 2003, we all sat down for "To Kill a Mockingbird" which everyone enjoyed, although it scared the tar out of the youngsters. We also watched Stacy Peralta's skateboard flick "Dogtown and Z-boys" which created a couple of documentary fans almost instantly. In 2004 we watched "The African Queen" and "Eating Raoul" which stimulated a great deal of conversation, for many, many reasons.

Last year we broadened the audience to six, by bringing in a set of grandparents, and allowing the kids to pick too. It produced some interesting results.

So here we go for this year: we will have the same six. The rundown is two hip grandparents in their 70's, two overbearing parents in their 40's, an 18 year old high school senior girl, and a smart alec sophomore in the last few days of his 15th year. The idea is to have a fun family experience, see a little classic cinema, and ideally start a good conversation or two about some of the issues too.

As in years past I am turning to you, the readers, for suggestions. "Wild Strawberries" a suggestion from last year is already a possible, as is a copy of the original "The Manchurian Candidate." There is also a copy of "Paint Your Wagon" floating around the house, which could be good if only to see Lee "Wandering Star" Marvin and Clint "I talk to the trees" Eastwood break out of their molds.

But nothing is carved in stone. Some James Dean or Munroe perhaps? A little "All Quiet on the Western Front?" Someone suggested "Pieces of April" last year, but we have already seen it.

We need your help!

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Comments (4)

Not exactly a classic, but WHAT'S COOKING? is a really fun Thanksgiving themed movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0197096/

Posted by H | November 20, 2006 12:57 PM

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Classics:
Night of the Hunter
All About Eve
The Wages of Fear

More modern:
The Devil's Backbone
The Dinner Game
Mostly Martha (another good food movie)

Posted by Mary Burke | November 20, 2006 2:19 PM

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Favorite food movie: Big Night (but you'll want to forgo the turkey for lasagna after seeing it)
Great family saga movie: Antonia's Line (powerful women; lovely story)
Another great family movie: Secret of the Roan Inish
And then there's always Men In Black for a good time. Or a Marx Brothers movie-fest.

Have Fun!

Posted by Sharon | November 21, 2006 8:56 AM

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My ideas... could be good or bad, depending on your taste:

Planet of the Apes (the original). My personal favorite. You've got to love the social commentary.

The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Evil Dead II. I have a hard time finding anyone who doesn't enjoy this movie. It's just great.

Posted by Jimmy Z | November 21, 2006 11:55 AM

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