Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Thursday Three

This week it's all about the

Eye Candy!!

You all know what I mean. The films that please the eye just as much (and usually more) than should be legal, no matter what the rest of the film is like. Some might call these Chick Flicks, which just may be my favorite genre. But they don't have to be. I'm sure men have their own versions of eye candy movies. (My husband's include anything having to do with Ellen Barkin, for instance).


BUT...all of the movies on my list are actually decent movies on their own. The visuals simply make them better.



#1. Pirates of the Caribbean (either the original or the sequel). Orlando Bloom. Keira Knightly for those who like female eye candy. And...


Johnny Depp. Sigh. Normally I wouldn't go for a guy who looks better in eye makeup than I do, but this is no regular guy. He can borrow my mascara any old time he wants to.


Johnny Depp. Sigh. I don't know how anyone who looks that skanky can look that good. Anyone see Chocolat? The man doesn't have a bad angle on him.


I have to stop now. The room is spinning.


When the first movie came out my mom and I took my kids to a multi-plex theatre to see it. (One of the few "kids" movies I've actively promoted going to see). At the last minute Surfer Dude decided it would be too scary and that he didn't want to see it. As luck would have it, Mr. Bean (with Rowan Atkinson) was playing at the same time and that's what SD wanted to see. Well, he was too young to go alone and he wanted me to go with him. My mom took the other two to see Pirates and I went to see...Mr. Bean.


If that isn't mother's love I don't know what is. And don't think I've ever let him forget it.





#2. The Italian Job. I would be hard pressed to think of a movie I sat down to watch with lower expectations that I enjoyed so much. This is a really fun film and I highly recommend it. It's fast, it's clever and it's pretty funny to boot.
It's also absolutely beautiful, both the locations and how it's shot. (That's the Mrs. Film Geek opinion anyway).

And then there's the cast. Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Seth Green (who may be my favorite in the whole thing, because we all know that I have a taste for nerds). To even it all out and bring in the other demographic there's Charlize Theron.
To say that she holds her own against a testosterone charged line-up is an understatement.


This movie even provides a hint of what Keifer Sutherland will look like in a few years, thanks to a small role by Donald Sutherland. (I think I prefer him now, thanks).





#3. Love, Actually. Right. Like this is a surprise to anyone. Just so we're totally straight on this - I actually love this movie. Not just like, not strong affection. I. Actually. Love. This. Movie. It is the perfect Christmas film.

Okay. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the candy. In a nutshell here's my opinion - if you can't find someone in this film who moves you somehow - you're dead. This is a classic example of something for everyone.

It's hard to know where to even start. Colin Firth. Liam Neeson. Alan Rickman. Swoon. Laura Linney. Keira Knightly. Emma Thompson- who I might even switch teams for. Amazingly enough, this is just the A-team of actors in this film. There are many more still to come.


And Hugh Grant. Don't even start - you've all made your opinions very clear to me on this, especially you British babes. But I can't help it. It's a sickness I can't get rid of. (Not that I want to, as much as I love you all and respect your opinions). He pretty much hits all cylinders in my book, although I could certainly do without the dancing. But still...


I'm now pausing for a short break in this Thursday Three to say that from here on out I'm through apologizing and I'm PROUD of my unpopular little fixation. So DEAL WITH IT!! Ahhh...I feel better now.










































Just disregard the bottom one, okay? 'Kay.

Now...back to the original topic...














Then there's the rest of the cast. Eye candy across the board. The actor who plays Karl, the art director that the Laura Linney character lusts after? Pictured ever so sweetly above.

Grrr..... Brother? What brother?

This is the one bad part of the film, because I always shout at the screen - TURN OFF YOUR PHONE!!!! It's painful to watch. The scene. Not him. He looks just fine. Doesn't hurt my eyes a bit.



And just for laurie, who commented "oh, and the only eye candy for me? Ciaran Hinds. you'd better post a big picture of him with your thursday three. hopefully, wearing that gigantic and absurd hat he wore in "persuasion," the best chick flick of all time bar none. in my book, you only need a thursday One this week. persuasion."

Couldn't find a shot with the hat, but I may have to check this movie out. If the picture is any indication...

29 comments:

Kim said...

Val Kilmer. Take your pick, but I love him in "The Saint". and "Tombstone". I loved him back when he did "Top Gun" and "Real Genius". Get it? I love him. Oh, yeah, and "The Doors". He's even hot when he plays gay in "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang".

And while we're on the subject of that movie, add Robert Downey, Jr. I know he's a mess, but he's so damn cute. My favorite one of his movies, though, is "Restoration", but this obsession goes way back, too; think "The Pick-Up Artist" and "Less Than Zero".

Last but definitely not least, the lovely, perfect, he-only-gets-better-with-age, Johnny Depp. John Christopher Depp. Oh, yeah, I have it bad. I've seen "Ed Wood". And kinda liked it. My favorite Johnny Depp movie, though, is "Don Juan DeMarco". But I'll sit still for "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" or "Benny and Joon", or "Donnie Brasco". Heck, I even saw "Secret Window". Now that, my friends, is devotion.

Kim said...

Oh, and that first picture of Hugh Grant? I'm melty.

Susan said...

Does Monster's Inc. count?

Altaglow said...

SEAN CONNERY--anything with him!!!Once in Edinburgh I actually went to see the house he grew up in. I've never told anyone that before so maybe there's still help for me.

Irene said...

I see that I need to go out and rent some DVD's before I can start swooning myself. I am hopelessly behind in my movie watching. I am persuaded to watch Persuasion, there is somebody very beautiful in it. I don't care much for old Hugh, he knows he is good looking and he is too much of a heart throb for me. I am glad you made this list. It's been very helpful. Thank you!

Pam said...

well you already know that love actually is my all time favorite christmas movie...yep, eye candy up the wazoo. colin firth is my man hunk of choice, but hugh in notting hill *sigh* (i also liked him in music & lyrics) and yes, the guy who plays carl...you feel like shouting to the screen DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE! but then we all know that she has to. man, oh, man he had squeezable buns. trying to think he else would make my list....right now i'm frazzled from my christmas dinner w the inlaws so i'll have to report back later.

Stacie said...

I've got the Jonny Depp thing bad, too. I watched 21 Jump Street and was eternally hooked. There isn't a thing you can do to him to make him ugly. You have to be pretty darn good looking to be able to say that about you!

I'll agree to the Hugh Grant thing as well. He even looked good in his mug shot. Again, you've got to start off hot to look good there.

I have been debating who the third hotty would be. I can't decide so I'll give you some contenders: young Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Matt Damon, Denzel Washington, and Pierce Brosnan (the voice doesn't hurt him one bit).

Flowerpot said...

Sean Connery, Alan Rickman (his voice reduces me to shreds) and Liam Neeson for me.

laurie said...

wow, from Mr. Bean (at whose face i almost coughed my coffee back up) to ciaran hinds!!

i couldn't find any picture of him in that ridiculous hat either, but i'll take the one you posted.

as for those other movies? the only one i've seen was "love, actually," which was delightful.

did you ever see hugh grant in "sense and sensibility"? he was wearing one of those high stiff collars and he acted like he couldn't move his neck. every time he bobbed onto the screen, moving his entire upper body every time he wanted to turn, i laughed. so now that's what i think of whenever i see him. i laugh.

laurie said...

ok, hold the phone...HOLD THE PHONE!!!!

has nobody mentioned John Cuscak? specifically, John Cusack holding the boombox over his head in the rain with that mournful and love-soaked expression on his face in "Say Anything????

you'd better post that picture, too, Rotten.

laurie said...

oh, and by the way, re comment funk?

you're gonna smoke me today. my blog posting is about a dying old uncle. yours is about ciaran hinds (and all those other guys).

i'll be eating your dust.

Kim said...

I had a hard time deciding between Robert Downey, Jr., and John Cusack. I really loved him in "Gross Pointe Blank". And "Serendipity". Then there's "High Fidelity" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". I've been in love with him since "Better Off Dead" and "One Crazy Summer".

Kim said...

Does your high comment count make you smile even when half of them are from me and Laurie?

Jo Beaufoix said...

Ahh RC. I think Hugh Grant is ok sometimes. It's just he seems to overplay the dithering Englishman a little too much you know.

Now,
1. Pirates of the Caribbean - I agree.
2. Love Actually - Yes, and in the minor cast there is also yummy Andrew Lincoln (The best man who is n love with Keira Knightly.)
3. The Outsiders - Patrick Swayze, Matt Dilon, Rob Lowe, C.Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez...there's almost someone there for everybody right??
When I first saw it in 1991 I was about 16 and in love with Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon and Rob Lowe. I used to love Brat Pack films.
Big sighhhhh.

Jen said...

Okay, I agree with Kaycie on Val Kilmer in "Tombstone", although there may be something wrong with us that we think a consumptive, alcoholic character with tuberculosis is hot.

I also agree with those who mentioned Liam Neeson ( I like guys with big noses, sue me), and John Cusack. And I agree with with Jo about the Brat Pack films, but for me, back then, it was Judd Nelson.

I suppose I can keep my girl card after all!

Potty Mummy said...

OK, I know it's really cliched, but I can't believe that NONE of you have mentioned Ocean's 11. Or 12. Or 13. I mean, come on! George Clooney. Brad Pitt. And last but by no means least, Matt Damon. In fact, anything with Matt Damon in it will work. Let me say that name again. Matt Damon. Breathe, PM. Breathe, damn it!

Kim said...

I had a really hard time leaving David Duchovny off my list. There is an X-Files marathon on SciFi today, and I just watched him in all of his angsty glory. My favorite Duchovny movie is probably "Return to Me" but I also loved "Evolution". Then there's "Julia Has Two Lovers". And I've seriously considered getting Showtime just to watch "Californication".

I also know every word to "David Duchovny" by Bree Sharp.

That's kind of sad, isn't it? Now, back to my X-Files marathon. Please don't bother me while I watch.

the rotten correspondent said...

kaycie - If you had of told me all those 21 Jump Street years ago that the man would look even better now - I would have laughed in your face. But damned if he doesn't. Rober Downey Jr. has something about him. Val Kilmer has never done much for me personally, but I can see where he would. And I think David Duchovney rocks. I guess moody and broody is a type I like.
Thanks for the Hugh backup. I needed it!

I DO appreciate what you and laurie are doing for my comment count. Merci beaucoup.

my two cents - say what??

altaglow - Sean Connery is hot. No question. When he's 90 he'll still be hot.

sweet irene - well, go and rent some of them, then. You can thank us all later for giving you such a comprehensive visual guide.

ciara - I've always been a huge Liam Neeson fan, but I have to say that in Love, Actually I think that Colin Firth is THE best part of the whole thing.

Stacie - I totally agree about Johnny Depp. How is it possible to not even have ONE bad angle? I also love Matt Damon and Will Smith. (I always thought it was funny that Ben Affleck got tagged as the "heartthrob" between he and Matt Damon. Says who??)

flowerpot - I could listen to Alan Rickman talk all day.

laurie - I'm on a roll, as it seems that my Mr. Bean picture has vanished as well. Day-um. I did see Sense and Sensibility, now that you mention it. Would I be likely to miss a movie that has Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson AND Alan Rickman?

And I don't know what in the world you mean about him moving his neck all weird. He was just in character, okay? You know - Hugh Grant, noted method actor?

John Cusack - yeah, baby!

Jo - I know that deep down you really have a thing for Hugh and cover it up just for the sake of appearances. It's okay, sweetie. Your secret is safe with me. Truly.
Ah yes, the Brat Pack. I remember the Outsiders well. That was one heck of a cast.

Jen - have you bought Love, Actually yet? You can keep your girl card for now, but we'll validate it after you've seen this.

potty mummy - I am so there with you on Matt Damon. I think he's absolutely fabulous. And I think George Clooney is another one who just gets better with age. And he was pretty fine to start with. Ocean's (fill in the #) was a contender with me, believe me.

Anonymous said...

Oh my god! I thought it was only me who thinks Ciaran Hinds is a god. That picture gives him credit. Hugh Grant I'm not so sure about. I just think he's awfully smarmy.

Johnny Depp - no.

Crystal xx

Akelamalu said...

I love Johnny Depp and Hugh Grant! Love Actually is a great film even MWM enjoyed it!

Kim said...

Oh, about my two cents comment? The characters are all candy colored.

laurie said...

yay, crystal! i'll arm-wrestle you for him. or let's just go together to see that movie.

queencake and titangirl said...

1)MUSIC AND LYRICS with-surprise surprise- HUGH GRANT!
2) BEAUTIFUL GIRLS with a lovely Natalie Portman
3) THE HOLIDAY with ( bis sigh here) JUDE LAW
i luv this. truly, madly, deeply:-)

queencake and titangirl said...

oh no! just read the comments, after i posted mine: how on earth could i forget about john cusack,alan rickman and colin firth? and george clooney? and hugh jackman? and willem dafoe? am ashamed now. i`m going to make you all soooooooo jealous now: this february,at the berlin film festival, matt damon smiled at me! yes, yes, yes, i have eye witnesses:o) it made my day.
oh and i love rob lowe in THE WEST WING and in BROTHERS AND SISTERS. can`t stop now, so i`ll stop: bye bye...

queencake and titangirl said...

oh no! just read the comments, after i posted mine: how on earth could i forget about john cusack,alan rickman and colin firth? and george clooney? and hugh jackman? and willem dafoe? am ashamed now. i`m going to make you all soooooooo jealous now: this february,at the berlin film festival, matt damon smiled at me! yes, yes, yes, i have eye witnesses:o) it made my day.
oh and i love rob lowe in THE WEST WING and in BROTHERS AND SISTERS. can`t stop now, so i`ll stop: bye bye...

Happy in the Abyss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Happy in the Abyss said...

I am LOVING your topic today, sis! You rock at this...as if you didn't know that already.

My #1 has got to be John Cusak. He is the guy I want to grow old with. “I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen” is my favorite line from a movie. I just watched “1408” and still he does it. Insane, freaked-out, mother f’er and still I get hot and bothered. I think there is something seriously wrong with me. Well, maybe not????

#2- Hard Candy. Since I just saw it last night, Patrick Wilson is my new "it" dude at the moment. He really just takes the cake. I mean, he is being castrated (or so he thinks???? Did I forget to say Spoiler Alert?) and when the tear rolls down his perfectly sculpted cheekbones, I get tingly in my nether regions.

#3- What about a step back in time? St. Elmo's Fire. Rob Lowe. Emilio Estevez. Andrew McCarthy. Judd Nelson. ROB FREAKIN LOWE, people! His blue eyes pierce you through the screen. Jules, as you know I am too addicted to the geeks, so Andrew McCarthy is it for me. Pretty in Pink...Fresh Horses....anything!

OH, and Julie...two words
DIVINE BROWN

Nuff Said???? LOVE U BUNCHES, Sis

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I'm with you on Hugh Grant, babe. Mmmmhmmm....

Pam said...

i totally forgot about andrew lincoln....yes, he was hot, too. thx jo for reminding us about him