Let's talk about movies!

Yesterday I bought a new film to my DVD collection. This one is titled Failure to Launch.

I must admit that thanks to internet, I knew about it long before it arrived to the big screen here in Finland. I had had my laughs about the title (come on, you must admit how funny that would have been if it had been a total box office failure) and my doubts about the content. But I had been equally excited about the actors (so far I've liked Kathy Bates in everything I've seen her). So off I bought the ticket and went to see it.

I have wondered often that what makes people turn up to see something and not something else? Back in my new hometown simply the fact that some films do not ever some here is one thing (which I deeply hate). I must admit that popularity of a film will not get me to see a film. Great actors and interesting story will. And romcoms and quality dramas have far better chance than thrillers and anything which has something to do with science fiction.

Films are funny things sometimes. And I don't mean comedy within the script or unintended funny moments. One can never tell in advance what movies will make it - not meaning the box office hit status - but their way to my heart. Few years ago it took one look and I fell for a film. These days it usually takes two screenings before I'll fall. That's happened so far with Love Actually, Something's Gotta Give, Stepford Wives and yes, Failure to Launch.

Some films do have this one specific moment or a scene or character, which makes it worth the ticket or getting the DVD. After all, with Rumor Has It, Shirley McLaine's performance alone would have made me get that (although I liked it in general as well). Stepford Wives had marvellous ending and, naturally, hilarious Bette Midler. When I went to see The Monster-in-Law, I thought that it had it moments, but on the second time it 'hit' me and now I'm chuckling already just the thought of the performance of Jane Fonda (she was amazing) and Jennifer Lopez had her moments as well (I just loved her miscivious look in once scene).

Then there are films like A Lot Like Love, which have all the potential, but yet there is something utterly wrong about them. But what? That one I cannot tell. I liked The Wedding Date, but still there was something missing from it. But that's movie chemistry, I suppose. Shall We Dance, Just Like Heaven and In Her Shoes simply have it. Some others never will.

Still, none of my brilliant theories will explain how my mum went to see Borat, Catwoman and Troy and loved all of them. I do get that she adored The Devil Wears Prada and Pride and Prejudice (with Keira Knightley), they are more "her" kind of films. But I suppose people, like films, will have endless level of depth, which is available for only few. Yet, nobody can make me watch Titanic again. No thanks, two times enough for a lifetime!