A film by Tony Richardson, based on John Irving’s novel. Starring Rob Lowe, Jodie Foster, Paul McCrane, Beau Bridges, Lisa Banes, Jennifer Dundas, a young Seth Green and Nastassja Kinski. The film talks about a family that weathers all sorts of disasters and keeps going in spite of it all, and has a wonderful assortment of oddball characters.

I must say I’m surprised by the unfavorable reviews. When I watched this for the first time, I loved it for the very reasons that some people seem to hate it. It was deliciously weird. Our heroes are in an incestuous relationship, and the movie is uncritical of this. That gets the brain working from the start. Then you discover the other bizarre characters/family members, who deal with topics like rape, death, incest, fame, prostitution, hotels, Dr. Freud, politics and more - and the movie becomes extremely lovable. Also the writing is exquisite. Admittedly, Rob Lowe’s acting isn’t up to much, but there’s great work, as usual, from Jodie Foster to compensate. To top it off “The Hotel New Hampshire” achieves great effect without being overly sentimental, which is rare. And remember, keep on passing open windows!

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibUBoYL_6vk

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Based on the novel from S.E. Hinton directed by Francis Ford Coppola, staring young and now very well known actors C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise. Coppola keeps the themes and emotions simple. One of the reasons for this story’s lasting power is that it was written by a teenager, and so accurately reflects kids’ perspective.

Plot:

The movie details a town split between the wealthy South Zone gang called ‘The Socials’ and the poor North Zone gang called ‘The Greasers’. Dallas Winston, Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade from ‘The Greasers’ befriend the rich Cherry Valance and Marcia at a drive-in. Later that night, a group of ‘The Socs’ chase and beat up Johnny and attempt to drown Ponyboy in a fountain. However, Johnny stabs one Soc and kills him, saving Ponyboy. The desperate boys seek Dallas who finds a hideout for them in a nearby town. One week later, Johnny and Ponyboy decide to return to their hometown, with Dallas, to claim the murder as self-defense. But on their way back, they see the church on fire and Ponyboy and Johnny help the children trapped in the church and become heroes. However Johnny is badly wounded and confined to the hospital. Meanwhile The Socs and The Greasers prepare to fight.

Trailer:

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1667761433/

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