10 Flicks: Lazy Day Movies

March 2nd, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in 10 Flicks | Featured Posts | Movies

Every once in a while, when you’re really in the mood to watch a good movie, there’s nothing like a good drama.

These are the types of movies you plan to watch days in advance. Endearing classics starring Tom Hanks that you look forward to watching.

Lazy day dramas

Honorable Mention: Jerry Maguire, Good Will Hunting (Mostly because I’ve spoken about the films many times on this site already.)

Cast Away

“Wilson!!!!”

There aren’t many actors out there who can carry an entire movie by themselves. Even fewer can pull it off the way Tom Hanks does in Cast Away. I have a concept for a movie which features one actress. I haven’t written it yet because I’m still trying to find a way to fill out the rest of the movie. Cast Away is a great example of how to keep things interesting and entertaining.

About Schmidt

“Dear Ndugu”

Jack Nicholson carries this movie in a similar way. I think movies like this depend entirely on an endearing lead character. I could watch Jack in anything. I remember buying this movie for exactly that reason. I wasn’t disappointed.

The Pursuit Of Happiness

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something.”

Will Smith is my favorite actor. From Fresh Prince all the way up to the blockbuster action movies that established him as a box office guarantee. However, he’s proven time and time again that he can shed the tears needed to capture audience’s hearts. The Pursuit Of Happiness is an amazing and uplifting story that’s perfect for a quiet evening at home. (Or a Rainy Sunday for that matter.) Extra points for being a true story.

Patch Adams

“Why don’t you like me? You’re a prick and I like you.”

Robin Williams leads the way in this drama that again gets extra points because it’s based on a true story. You never really know where this movie is heading the first time you see it but the journey is absolutely fascinating.

Apollo 13

“We just lost the moon.”

Thought I was going to go with “Houston we have a problem” didn’t you? I saw Apollo 13 during the old ‘Network Premiere’ era. I remember vividly being completely frustrated during every single commercial break. I’m a young guy, I didn’t know what happened. I needed to know and again, Tom Hanks delivered.

Mr. Holland’s Opus

“Enough of us already think “time” is a magazine.”

I’m not sure why this movie makes me sad but it does. Regardless, it’s still an unbelievable and original story. I’m a big fan of stories that span multiple decades. Some of the most memorable movies in history tell their stories in this way. Do you think we’ll start seeing some 80′s, 90′s and 00′s in the near future?

Forrest Gump

“Sometimes, there just aren’t enough rocks.”

If there is a definitive movie that spans multiple decades, it’s Forrest Gump. Tom Hanks makes his third and most important appearance to this list. I looked around for my copy today and then I realized that I don’t even own it! That’s a big problem. I think Forrest Gump is my favorite drama of all time. I’ll put some thought into it but I think it would be the winner.

My Life

Michael Keaton’s performance really makes you take a step back and examine your own life. Sounds pretty intense for a list like this but it’s important to remind yourself where you are lucky in life. This movie is a perfect way to inspire those thoughts.

Garden State

“I thought you killed yourself? That wasn’t you?”

If you haven’t seen this movie and you’re looking for a good quirky and well written drama, look no further than Garden State. Essentially, it’s about a man who returns home after a long absence for his mother’s funeral but the movie is so much more than that. It’s so interesting and thoughtful but who am I kidding? You’ve already seen it right?

Almost Famous

“I’m always home. I’m uncool.”

I’m really big on originality. Don’t get me wrong, I love sequels and remakes and big budget franchises but you won’t find any of them on a list like this. This list is reserved for amazing characters and touching stories. I keep going back to Almost Famous when I think about new characters and how they fit in my stories. Every single person in this film is interesting in unique ways. Not to mention it’s an incredible movie. If you’re going to watch any film on this list, I’d recommend you start with Almost Famous.