Couch Theater – June 11, 2020

#Middlebury #DVD #movie

Each new month means new material available for streaming, and there are typically a few gems each month for savers. My appetite for distraction sometimes means these “new to free” are not “new to me,” but I treat them like new releases just the same – popcorn on my lap and the lights turned down for a maximum Couch Theater experience. Today, I was streaming “Rocketman,” the Taron Egerton-led Elton John musical, and it got me thinking up a set list of some of my favorite biopics about music makers. In no particular order:

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980): Sissy Spacek’s iconic, unforgettable turn as Loretta Lynn. This film had legions of us gals affecting a Kentucky accent and rooting for the famous country musician.

“Bird” (1988) – Clint Eastwood directed Forest Whitaker to moody perfection as Charlie Parker, the jazz phenom nicknamed “Bird” who pioneered new styles and techniques.

“Sound of Music” (1965) – The Julie Andrews/Christopher Plummer sensation that’s based on a Broadway musical that’s based on a memoir of a girl named Maria. The hills are alive, I tell you, in this sticky-sweet but catchy last of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals.

“La Bamba” (1987) – Lou Diamond Phillips pulls off a sincere and heartwarming rendition of California’s Mexican-American phenomenon Richie Valens, whose songs – especially the titular “La Bamba” – will make you want to “bailar” the night way. Esai Morales plays Richie’s half-brother, and Los Lobos provides the music.

“Funny Girl” (1968) – “Hello, gorgeous!” Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand), famous singer and comedian, brings humor and delight to the big stage while dealing with a rocky personal life. Full of snappy songs and memorable lines, this film will never rain on your parade!

“Amadeus” (1984) – With eight Oscar wins, “Amadeus” was a critical success, but Tom Hulce’s over the top turn as the 16th century composer and F. Murray Abraham as his archrival Antonio Salieri stands the test of time. My dad still quotes this movie.

“What’s Love Got to Do With It?” (1993) – Tina Turner, all 12 miles of leg packed into a 5-foot-4 frame, is perfectly embodied by Angela Bassett. Bonus: soul-searing R&B, plus the scene-stealing performance by Laurence Fishburne as the aggressively jealous Ike Turner.

New Releases
“Robert the Bruce”
“1BR”
“Extra Ordinary”
“Harley Quinn: The Complete First Season”
“Watchmen” (HBO Limited Series)

© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.