Best Original Song - 1956

"Friendly Persuasion" from Friendly Persuasion sung by Pat Boone

Movie Synopsis: The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"True Love" from High Society sung by Bing Crosby and Niki Schenck

Movie Synopsis: The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Julie" from Julie sung by Doris Day

Movie Synopsis: A terrified wife tries to escape from her insanely jealous husband who is bent on killing her.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" from The Man Who Knew Too Much sung by Doris Day

Movie Synopsis: A family vacationing in Morocco accidentally stumble on to an assassination plot and the conspirators are determined to prevent them from interfering.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Yes, Doris Day plays it so her son knows she's there.

Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Written on the Wind" from Written on the Wind sung by The Four Aces

Movie Synopsis: Alcoholic playboy Kyle Hadley marries the woman secretly loved by his poor but hard-working best friend, who in turn is pursued by Kyle's nymphomaniac sister.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

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So what won?
"Que Sera, Sera" from The Man Who Knew Too Much.

What would I have voted for?
"Que Sera, Sera" from The Man Who Knew Too Much.

This is a classic song that has remained memorable...at least I think. Even if the kitsch is the only thing keeping it in people's memories. The scene in the movie is very touching for some reason. This is a very rare occurrence when the song is vital to the plot.


Analysis
All the songs this year are pleasantly 50's. Even the songs from thrillers and psycho dramas. I find this very sweet and nostalgic. It's odd that all genres of film get the same kind of song.

Addams Family Values (1993)

Amanda: "Why are you dressed like that? Why are you dressed like somebody died?"

Wednesday: "Wait."

 Title: Addams Family Values

Genre: Comedy

Year: 1993

Rated: PG-13

Starring

Joan Cusack as Debbie Jellinsky
Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams

Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester

Raul Julia as Gomez Addams

Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams

Plot: A black widow posing as a nanny takes care of the Addams' new baby, sends Wednesday and Pugsley to camp, and attempts to seduce Uncle Fester.

Tagline: The family just got a little stranger.

First Viewing: Rented on VHS in the early 90's.

Added to the list: A.B.T.

Comments
I have recently discovered, much to my personal delight, that Addams Family Values is the first movie I ever saw in theatres...sort of. It's a sliver of a memory. I was at the theater with my dad. (I'm certain it was more his idea to see the movie than it was me.) We were about halfway through the movie when the projector broke and we walked out with a full refund.

Not the best story, I know. But little did me or my father know that AFV would one day be one of my favorite movies of all time. After moving to Oakesdale, I remember it being on TBS (or was it TNT?) a lot. It was a Thanksgiving standby that I looked forward to every year. With repeated viewings, I grew to love it, and thusly, added it to my list.

Really, what can you say about Addams Family Values? It's funny. No more, no less. It's not one of those comedy films that is trying to say something about American society (Borat, cough, cough) nor is it a movie trying to appeal to a specific demographic (Fanboys). AFV is just a really, really, really funny movie.

It's a sequel to 1991's aptly titled The Addams Family which was based on a 60's sitcom also called The Addams Family which was based on a single paneled comic strip in The New Yorker...also named The Addams Family. The family consists of patriarch Gomez, his wife Morticia, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, their grandmother (Grandmama), Uncle Fester, Cousin Itt, their butler Lurch, and dismembered hand, Thing. They are all obsessed with the macabre, which makes it prime entertainment for the early 90's.

In the first movie, the titular family is reunited with the long lost, brainwashed Uncle Fester. At least, that's what I recall. I've only seen the first movie a few times, and many years ago. Truthfully, the sequel is the superior film. I think this is the general consensus among movie watchers everywhere. I am not here to compare and contrast the two. I just wanted you all to know of this movie's back story.

Addams Family Values introduces several new characters, but most importantly, Baby Pubert, who serves a plot device and Debbie Jellinsky, the nanny who is hired to take care of said plot device. Debbie is a black widower who sets her sights on lonely, rich men, marries them, murders them, and runs off with their money. When Wednesday and Pugsley get wise to Debbie's game, she manipulates Gomez and Morticia into believing the kids want to go to summer camp, despite any protests they may voice.

Wednesday and Pugsley are sent to Camp Chippewa, a stereotypical summerland of fun for "privileged young adults". To say the least, the Addams kids don't fit in. The head counselors Gary Granger and Becky Martin-Granger and Wednesday's bunkmate, Amanda Buckman, make it particularly difficult. However, they find a friend in nebbish, nerdy Joel Glicker.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Debbie succeeds in making Uncle Fester fall in love with her. Gomez and Morticia also encourage the match. The two are married, and right on par, Debbie attempts to kill him on their Hawaiian honeymoon. But being fucking Uncle Fester, he survives when she throws an 80's boombox into his tub.

Debbie decides to use this to her advantage and enslaves Fester into a "sexual spell". He writes his family telling them he can never see them again. Gomez falls into depression. Baby Pubert becomes a golden locked angel. And Wednesday and Pugsley ruin Camp Chippewa's Thanksgiving play, A Turkey Named Brotherhood, before escaping to freedom.

After another thwarted murder attempt, Debbie somehow manages to hook the entire family up to electric chairs to kill them all simultaneously. While she shows them a slide show of her awful life and former husbands, some shit happens and Pubert saves the day. Debbie is dead, and the Addams resume their lives. Uncle Fester even meets a new gal, Dementia, who is bald just like him.

Like I said, not the most clever or original movie ever made. But it's funny. Most of the humor comes from the awesome one liners. And how! The entire script is made of one liners. Zing after zing after zing. It gets to be predictable after awhile, but you don't care, because you are laughing so hard.

Here are some of my personal favorites (other than the one at the top):

Pugsley: What does chippewa mean?
Gomez: It's an old Indian word.
Wednesday: It means orphan.

Morticia: Wednesday's at that age when a young girl has only one thing on her mind.
Amanda's Mom: Boys?
Wednesday: Homicide. 

Amanda: Is that your bathing suit?
Wednesday: Is that your overbite? 

Debbie: These Addams men, where do you find them?
Morticia: It has to be damp.

[While reading The Cat in the Hat.]
Morticia: I know it is wet, and the sun is not sunny. But we can have lots of good fun that is funny. [turns the page] Oh no. He lives.

I guess I wouldn't be me if I didn't discuss the romantic subplots within Addams Family Values. First there's Gomez and Morticia who are, as Joel puts it, "very involved with each other." Joel and Fester view them as sort of role models of the ideal romantic couple. Much of Fester's depression comes from not having a relationship just like his brothers.It's very rare in film when a positive, happy marriage is shown. So kudos, Addams Family Values, kudos.

Then there's Joel and Wednesday. Considering how it all turns out, (I won't spoil it for you), I think this is more a gag relationship to show Wednesday's dark character. In the series, Wednesday and Pugsley are children, but due to the actor's aging in the movies, there was a need for more mature plotlines. It's interesting to see how a character like Wednesday would fall in love for the first time, and who she would fall in love with. Overall, the romance in Addams Family Values is not remotely related to my liking it.

Addams Family Values is one of my favorite movies because it makes me laugh so damn much. Sometimes, that's all you need. I love the sarcasm. I love the silliness. Only watching it will do it justice. Only watching it will make you love it too

Best Original Song - 1988

"Calling You" from Bagdad Cafe sung by Bob Telson

Movie Synopsis: A lonely German woman ends up in the most desolated motel on earth and decides to make it brighter.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? D-.

"Two Hearts" from Buster sung by Phil Collins

Movie Synopsis: The story of Buster Edwards, one of the thieves involved in "The Great Train Robbery" of 1963.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Maybe.

Is it important to the plot? Could be.

Is it pleasing to the ear? D+.

"Let the River Run" from Working Girl sung by Carly Simon

Movie Synopsis: When a secretary's idea is stolen by her boss, she seizes an opportunity to steal it back by pretending she has her boss's job.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits I think.

Is it important to the plot? Gets you pumped.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B.



So what won?
"Let the River Run" from Working Girl

 What did I vote for?
"Let the River Run" from Working Girl

 It wins by default, although not a bad song. 


Analysis
No wonder there were only three songs. Is this really the best that came out? I am so ashamed of the year of my birth. I found it extremely difficult to believe that these were the best. So I looked up the Golden Globe nominees. What the fuck, Academy, you didn't include "Kokomo" from Cocktail or "Why Should I Worry?" from Oliver & Company? I feel ill.

Best Original Song - 1937

"Whispers in the Dark" from Artists & Models sung by Connie Boswell

Movie Synopsis: N/A

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A

Is it important to the plot? N/A

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A

"Remember Me" from Mr. Dodd Takes the Air sung by Kenny Baker

Movie Synopsis: A small town electrician becomes a hit singer in New York and gets involved with a gold digger, a thief, an opera singer and the woman he loves

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A

Is it important to the plot? N/A

Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A

"They Can't Take That Away From Me" from Shall We Dance sung by Fred Astaire

Movie Synopsis: A budding romance between a ballet master and a tapdancer becomes complicated when rumours surface that they're already married.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 

Is it important to the plot? Ginger looks quite sad as Fred sings it, so I'm thinking yes.

Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"That Old Feeling" from Vogues of 1938 sung by Virginia Verrill

Movie Synopsis: A young fashion model falls in love with her designer and achieves success.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 

Is it important to the plot? It is sung at a nightclub.

Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Sweet Leilani" from Waikiki Wedding sung by Bing Crosby

Movie Synopsis: A beauty contest winner takes part in a publicity scheme in Hawaii, and is pursued by an advertising executive for the agency doing the promotion.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? My guess is yes.

Is it important to the plot? Eh.

Is it pleasing to the ear? F.

---------------------------------------------------------------

So what won?

"Sweet Leilani" from Waikiki Wedding

What would I have voted for?

"They Can't Take That Away from Me" from Shall We Dance

 It's the best of the bunch.

Analysis

Since I've only heard 3 out of the 5 songs, it's not really a fair fight. I can assure you that the real winner sucks. Have a listen if you don't believe me. I've grown to dislike Bing Crosby's style of singing, and that hasn't helped. Generally, the songs in these Fred and Ginger movies have been consistently memorable. I wonder if it's symbiotic.

Best Original Song - 1979

"It's Easy to Say" from 10 sung by Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews

Movie Synopsis: A Hollywood songwriter goes through a mid-life crisis and becomes infatuated with a sexy blonde newlywed.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It looks important from the clip, but I can't exactly know the full weight of everything.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Through the Eyes of Love" from Ice Castles sung by Melissa Manchester

Movie Synopsis: A blind ice skater is coached by a boy she is falling in love with.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know.
Is it important to the plot? To give her hope?
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"The Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie sung by Kermit the Frog

Movie Synopsis: Kermit and his new found friends trek across America to find success in Hollywood, but a frog-legs merchant is after Kermit

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It expresses Kermit's dissatisfaction.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"It Goes Like it Goes" from Norma Rae sung by Jennifer Warnes

Movie Synopsis: A young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Not sure. Sounds like a credits song.
Is it important to the plot? Don't know.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

"I'll Never Say Goodbye" from The Promise sung by Melissa Manchester

Movie Synopsis: A rich student's fiancee has her face destroyed by a car accident, and refuses to return to him fearing the loss of his love

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Love confession?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C. 

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So what won?
"It Goes Like it Goes" from Norma Rae

What would I have voted for?
"The Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie

It's the most memorable. And I really love the Carpenters version. (So good!)

Analysis
5 movies, 5 melancholy songs. All of them are slow! What's up 1979? And two by Melissa Manchester! How does that happen? Maybe the Academy was growing depressed at the ending of the decade. Who knows. I rather like these kinds of songs, and it makes me want to go out and find more random movie tracks from forgotten 70's flicks. Sigh...

Best Original Song - 1940

"Down Argentine Way" from Down Argentine Way sung by Betty Grable and Don Ameche


Movie Synopsis: An American girl on vacation in Argentina falls for wealthy racehorse owner.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? Uhh...
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-. 

"Who Am I?" from Hit Parade of 1941 sung by Kenny Baker and Frances Langford 


Movie Synopsis: A small radio station is saved of getting bankrupt by a backer, who invests money for a TV equipment. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? The singer is being spied on. Maybe? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"It's a Blue World" from Music in My Heart sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: Unknown.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know. 
Is it important to the plot? Ditto.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio sung by Cliff Richards


Movie Synopsis: A wooden puppet is guided by a cricket so he can become a real boy.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Establishes the theme.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Only Forever" from Rhythm on the River sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: A lyricist and a musician join up after their other partner proves to be false. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Love confession? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Love of My Life" from Second Chorus sung by Fred Astaire


Movie Synopsis: When two college students are forced to make it on their own, the competitive pair get jobs with a band and reunite with their ex-manager.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Convincing the girl to like him?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Waltzing in the Clouds" from Spring Parade sung by Deanna Durbin


Movie Synopsis: Unknown


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yeah, she's waltzing with a guy...romance?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Our Love Affair" from Strike Up the Band sung by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney


Movie Synopsis: Two high school friends want to compete in a band competition but lack the entry fee.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it shows the guy's ignorance for the girl's love for him.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"I'd Know You Anywhere" from You'll Find Out sung by Ginny Simms


Movie Synopsis: The manager of Kay Kyser's band books them for a birthday party bash for an heiress at a spooky mansion, where sinister forces try to kill her.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Just a performed song. Randomly.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+.



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So what won?

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinnochio

What would I have voted for? 

"When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinnochio

I mean, come on!


Analysis

Out of nine songs, only one was above average! The rest were incredibly 40's forgettable. This is one time they definitely got is right. "When You..." is a wonderful movie song, which has become a de facto theme song for Disney in general. Against these songs, it would be a crime if it lost.

My Dinner With...

I forgot how much I loved Myspace surveys and memes. Since this is my Goddamn blog, I figured I could rectify that by publishing one here since Facebook doesn't dabble in that sordid stuff. 

1. Pick a single person, past or present, in the film industry who you'd like to have dinner with, and tell us why you chose this person.

Tobey Maguire. Perhaps there are more profound people to pick, but he would be it. I have loved him (and I use love in the 7th grade, his name is all over my Trapper Keeper kind of way) since I saw him in Pleasantville back in 1998, was I was the tender age of ten. He is my favorite actor and I've seen nearly everything he's been in, and that's including all of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas even though he's only in two scenes and he's a creepy, greasy haired blonde hitchhiker.

2. Set the table for your dinner. What would you eat? Would it be in a home or at a restaurant? And what would you wear? Feel free to elaborate on the details.

Well, Tobey is a vegetarian, so I would probably make lasagna or macaroni and cheese. Everyone likes that, right? I'm not one for restaurants and I wouldn't want everyone staring at us, so I would opt to eat at home...which is a dorm room. (That'll be fun). I would wear something nice but comfortable. Definitely jeans. This isn't a date. He's married.

3. List five questions you would ask this person during dinner.

1) What is your favorite movie? (I ask everyone this question).

2) What has been your favorite role and why? (Boring, but I'm curious).

3) Will you and Leo ever make a movie together?

4) Did you get to keep one of your Spider-Man costumes?

5) Can I have a hug? (Then I would proceed to hold on a little too long and I would NOT be the first to let go).

Best Original Song - 1965

"The Ballad of Cat Ballou" from Cat Ballou sung by Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye 


Movie Synopsis: A woman seeking revenge for her murdered father hires a famous gunman, but he's very different from what she expects. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes, and then some credits.
Is it important to the plot? It introduces Cat Ballou.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.


"The Sweetheart Tree" from The Great Race sung by Jackie Ward 


Movie Synopsis: Comedy about an early 20th century car race across three continents. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know...I think so. 
Is it important to the plot? To the love story. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+.

"The Shadow of Your Smile" from The Sandpiper sung by Jack Sheldon 


Movie Synopsis: A free-spirited, young, unwed mother seduces a Episcopalian priest. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know. 
Is it important to the plot? Ditto.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"I Will Wait For You" from The Umbrellas of Cherboug sung by Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo 


Movie Synopsis: Two young lovers are separated by war. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? Yes...it's the lovers vow to one another.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"What's New Pussycat?" from What's New Pussycat? sung by Tom Jones 


Movie Synopsis: A playboy who refuses to give up his hedonistic lifestyle to settle down and marry his true love seeks help from a demented psychoanalyst who is having romantic problems of his own. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I don't know.
Is it important to the plot? Establishing mood?
Is it pleasing to the ear? C+. 


So what won?
"The Shadow of Your Smile" from The Sandpiper

What would I have voted for? 
"I Will Wait For You" from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg 

I, like so many, was introduced to this song through an episode of Futurama. (The one with Fry's dog. Yeah, you know the one). This is just a beautiful song and integral to the plot. The two vow to wait for one another, and then both go back on the promise. It sort of makes the song a lie, making it all the more heartbreaking. 


Analysis
Going into the 60's, we can see a shift to more "popular" music, at least with "What's New Pussycat?" I'm also pretty sure "The Shadow of Your Smile" had some radio success. On a personal note, I'm glad I found the cheesy "The Sweetheart Tree".