Continental Divide (1981)

Featuring: John Belushi, Blair Brown. Director: Michael Apted.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 31st. Act fast!

John Belushi is one of the comedic gods of the last half century. His life was cut tragically short, but his comedic genius has influenced countless others that followed him. He was the wild card that made SNL edgy and interesting early on. Without his influence it probably wouldn't still be around today. Unfortunetely, his own intensity and excesses are the reasons  he isn't with us anymore.

In Continental Divide we see Belushi's attempt at going mainstream in a romantic comedy that plays out to mixed results. The plot is completely ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure that is standard fare for romantic comedies. Blair Brown plays an outdoorsy type woman who studies bald eagles way up in the rocky mountains and Belushi plays a rough around the edges Chicago journalist who is doing a story on Brown's character. The movie would be completely awful if "rough around the edges Chicago guy" wasn't the character that Belushi played best.

Despite the problems with this movie, having Belushi involved makes this a pretty decent romantic comedy. He packs in enough good jokes and puts on just enough of that Belushi charm to make this a worthwhile view. Don't go into this expecting Animal House or the Blues Brothers, but if you're a big  Belushi fan (as you should be), then check this one out.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/31/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? John Belushi is one of my heroes. We share a love of excess.

Is it artsy? No, it follows the standard Hollywood format.

What stood out the most to you? Little gems that Belushi would sneak in there from time to time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A little romance Belushi style.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

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Priceless (2006)

As I mentioned yesterday I'm completely infatuated with Audrey Tautou. So infatuated in fact, that I watched not only a romantic comedy because she was in it, but a french romantic comedy at that. Wait, not only did I watch a french romantic comedy - I enjoyed a french romantic comedy. Oh the things I would do for those big brown eyes.

Putting aside my own silly crushes, Priceless is about  a gold digger who mistakes a hotel bartender for someone wealthy. Things happen, yada yada yada, I don't want to give any spoilers, and they fall in love. The movie had a number of cute parts and despite not being a fan of romantic comedies at all, there were some parts that really made me chuckle.

If you like romantic comedies, chances are you'll enjoy this one too. If you're a guy who avoids them at all costs (like I normally am), and your lady friend is going to make you watch a romantic comedy, you could do a lot worse than recommending this one. Be proactive, at least you get to watch Audrey Tautou be sexy all movie and even have a few laughs.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? My unhealthy obsession with Audrey Tautou.

Is it artsy? No, but it is French and has subtitles.

Best thing about the movie? Audrey Tautou looking incredibly sexy.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to score points with the girlfriend or looking to punish the boyfriend by making him watch a romantic comedy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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It Happened One Night (1934)

Clark Gable has to be one of the funniest leading men of all time. He just seemed to be a natural smart ass in his films and in this one he can be riotously funny. He paired with Claudette Colbert and director Frank Capra to create a film that was funny, romantic, touching and brilliant. I mean really, how many romantic comedies do you see me reviewing let alone loving? This movie is so good it actually won Oscars for best actor, best actress, best director and best picture. Has that ever happened before or since? That's not rhetorical, I really don't know and I'm too lazy to investigate.

The film is about an heiress whose running away to marry a man that her media tycoon father doesn't approve of. She's not that street-smart and runs into Gable's character who is a bit of a dodgy newspaper man whose going to sell the story of her misadventures to the papers. They of course fall in love en route to New York and have some pretty funny shenanigans along the way. This is a great movie to grab your girl and curl up on the couch with.

Click here to add to your queue.

This movie is scheduled to stop streaming on 1/1/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I think I got on an add Clark Gable movies kick.

Is it artsy? No, it's just a good movie.

Best thing about the movie? Clark Gable's timing.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to score points with the girlfriend.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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