9/22/10

Chick Flicks: Oddball and quirky

It's been awhile since I posted on my Chick Flicks Guide, and I thought it was time to cover the oddball and quirky category.  Why am I attracted to oddball and quirky? Why ask why? I just am...

Arguably, many, many chick flicks have some element of quirkiness.  These are just the ones that most come to mind for me. 

The Chick Flicks:

Breakfast at Tiffany's
5 stars
Audrey Hepburn as a quirky New York little-girl-lost, whose every moment is iconic in this film, from the tasseled ear plugs to the dime store Halloween masks to sitting in her window playing the guitar singing Moon River.  (Yes, I own the soundtrack.  It's good to listen to when you clean house!)


Music and Lyrics
4 stars
This movie is hard to categorize.  And I like that.  Hugh Grant is quirky as an 80s pop star lost in time who meets Drew Barrymore, a modern girl who gives him a chance.


You can't take it with you
3 stars
I love these oddball characters in this 1930s film starring Jimmy Stewart and Carole Lombard.  Their philosophy of doing what you love is so fun and inspiring and of course results in more than a few hijinx.  If you're feeling depressed by our current Great Recession - the news will do that to you - watch this movie that was made to bring people comfort in the Great Depression.



Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
4 stars
Of course Amy Adam's flighty and glamorous character gives this film the quirk-factor.  But it's Miss Pettigrew, played by Frances McDormand who wins your heart.  The last scene in the movie.... oh.  I love it.  Also a good one to watch if the Great Recession is getting you down.



I love you again
4 stars
I can't help it.  Myrna Loy and William Powell get me every time.  This kooky plot involves amnesia, a con man, revival of affection, and all sorts of comedy and love.



Still Breathing
3 stars
I remember this movie very fondly.   It captured a beautiful side of San Antonio that I didn't associate with San Antonio before I saw this movie - green and tropical with lovely old homes and history.  And Brendan Fraser played a dreamy, gentlemanly artsy sort of guy that I found so charming.  He builds rock sculptures - doesn't that sound like the perfect kind of man? Ha!



500 days of summer
Already duly mentioned on my blog.  But if you're in the mood for more modern quirkiness without being ridiculous, this is a good one. If you've seen the trailers, you get the hint that the romantic ending is not a conventional one.  But I thought it was still uplifting and positive so don't let that scare you away.


Benny and Joon
I know that Mary Stuart Masterson as Joon contributes 50% of the quirk factor here, but I can't help but remember Johnny Depp and his Buster Keaton obsession the most.



Excess Baggage
3 stars
90s flashbacks continue!  Alicia Silverstone as a spoiled little rich girl who fakes her own kidnapping, wrecking the life of Benicio del Toro in the process - and oh, they fall in love.  Of course.


A life less ordinary
3 stars
And here's Cammie Diaz, as another spoiled little rich girl, who is actually kidnapped by a rather funkified and young Ewan McGregor who is down on his luck.  And oh, they fall in love too.

Recommended Double Features:
  • Sweet and quirky men: Still Breathing and Benny and Joon
  • Quirky B&W classics: I love you again and You can't take it with you
  • If you want to fall in love, get kidnapped:  A life less ordinary and Excess Baggage
  • Stylish quirky girls: Breakfast at Tiffany's and 500 days of summer

5 comments:

  1. "You Can't Take it With You" is a favorite of mine. It was based on a play which is also great fun to read. I'll have to check out the others you mention which I haven't seen.

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  2. Yay for oddball and quirky! Several of these are faves of mine. I don't know Still Breathing--need to see about that one. Rock sculptures!

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  3. 'A Life Less Ordinary' was one of the first movies my husband and I saw together. I don't know if it is because of sentimental value or not, but it is one of my favorite movies. Found you from Brocante Home. Good luck with your novel!

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  4. That's Jean Arthur in 'You Can't Take it With You'. One of my favourite actresses.

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