What To Watch This Weekend at Carthage

Not only does Hedberg Library have a variety of DVDs for checkout, they also have online video resources. Each week, they will feature three suggested films and tell you how, and where you can get them. Here is the latest entry in the continuing series of weekly faculty/staff recommendations begun by Carol Sabbar.

This week Professor Cathy Duffy recommends her movie picks that date back to the 1980s and are classics in their own way.

“Pretty in Pink” (1986)           

I recently watched this movie with my helplessly romantic 7-year-old daughter and couldn’t help but be wrapped up in the story. No matter how old you are, this movie can take you back to the trials and tribulations of high school. The 1986 film follows the relationship that develops between Andie (Molly Ringwold), a girl from the not so wealthy side of town, and Blane (Andrew McCarthy), the rich boy. While wrestling with mixed feelings about dating Blane, Andie must confront her dysfunctional father and longtime friend and admirer, Ducky (Jon Cryer). Besides being an uncomplicated story, the movie has an awesome 1980’s soundtrack and wonderful retro feel. It’s fun to watch more established actors during their younger years.

“Making Mr. Right” (1987)

A very quirky movie about a woman who helps develop a male robot into a man. How do you teach a robot to be a man? This fun movie stars Ann Magnuson and John Malkovic.  While the movie is light and entertaining, it points out the intricacies of social norms that we take for granted. The movie explores what it means to act and feel like a human being. This is another film with fun music and a strong female lead character with a great retro-feeling wardrobe.

“Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988 with Spanish subtitles)

This early Pedro Almadovar film is absolutely hilarious. Set in Madrid, the film follows a number of seemingly unrelated stories and unrelated characters who end up being connected in the most unlikely ways. The film features a very young Antonio Banderas and was nominated for a variety of awards.