Cruise Control

In honour of Tom Cruise’s new movie, Edge of Tomorrow I thought I’d do a round-up of some of the Tom Cruise films that I feel you should get around to seeing, or dusting off and seeing again! Now, I’ve never been a big Tom Cruise fan. In fact, anyone that knows me knows that I really dislike him most of the time (I even wrote an essay on it in College!). But overlooking the strangeness that is Tom Cruise, and my inability to really become a fan, he does have some pretty good, entertaining movies out there to be enjoyed!

So lets get started:

Cocktail
Cocktail

“A talented New York bartender takes a job at a bar in Jamaica and falls in love”.

There is a lot more to this film that just that synopsis above. Made in 1988 it is still a great story today, with some great acting (as much as is pains me to say that!)! It may not have won any awards (except a Razzie for Worst Picture in 1989…) but it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. Which is a feel good, classic love story.

image via IMDb

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Top Gun

Top Gun“As students at the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be the best in the class, one daring young flyer learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom”

Classic 80’s description right? This film has everything; romance, comedy, tragedy, action, and a whole lotta cheese. Including a classic motorcycle scene and the unforgettable beach volley-ball scene complete with denim jeans and hilarious song choice. You could not ask for more. Also, enjoy how young and svelte Val Kilmer looked. You’re welcome.

image via IMDb

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The Outsiders

The Outsiders“When two poor greasers, Johnny, and Ponyboy are assaulted by a vicious gang, the socs, and Ponyboy kills one of the attackers, tension begins to mount between the two rival gangs, setting off a turbulent chain of events.”

We were made to watch this film in English class when I was about 14, and we all loved it. Everyone is in it, Tom Cruise isn’t even a lead character. It’s a great story and is very much about friendship, coming of age and acceptance. Definitely a must see if you haven’t already. A classic.

image via IMDb

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Days of Thunder

Days of Thunder

“A young hot-shot stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.”

This may just be my favourite Tom Cruise movie. I’m not a racing fan, or much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I found this really enjoyable and fun. It doesn’t get rave reviews and it’s certainly not the best film ever but it’s a guilty pleasure. His character name is classic Tom Cruise…Cole Trickle, and the film is full of mistakes (including someone calling him Tom at one point instead of his characters name) but it’s exactly what you’d expect and is easy to enjoy. Tom Cruise met Nicole Kidman on the set of this film and the rest of the cast is great. A brilliant 80’s flick.

image via IMDb

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A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men

“Neo military lawyer Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder; they contend they were acting under orders.”

This was on TV the other day and we all happily got completely engrossed in it all over again. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen this film, it’s brilliant. The cast is fabulous and the story is even better. With classic quotes and scenes, and one of Jack Nicholson’s best performances, you can’t go wrong! This is a very close second to being my favourite Tom Cruise movie!

image via IMDb

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And there you have it! My favourite Tom Cruise films! Notice how they’re all from the ’80’s…I can’t be doing with any of that Vanilla Sky, Eyes Wide Shut nonsense.

Let me know your thoughts on these films, and your favourites of course!

😎

A Song For Your Saturday

Mrs. Doubtfire is one of those movies that, when it’s on TV, you can’t not watch it! It’s still hilarious and moving, and is definitely on our list of favourites. Last month it was announced that they’re making a sequel to the 1993 Robin Williams classic (please please please don’t screw it up!!). It will either be the best thing ever or will be a gigantic mistake. My fingers are crossed!

Anyway, in honour of everyone’s favourite nanny (other than Mary Poppins of course!) the song this week is Dude (Looks Like A Lady) by Aerosmith…they just don’t make music videos like this anymore…

Have a great weekend!  And if the weather isn’t great where you are, maybe just curl up on the couch and enjoy a nostalgic afternoon with a great movie, and let Robin Williams remind you why he’s a comedy legend!

Oscars Overload

I found that one of the good things about living in Vancouver was the time zone it’s in. Vancouver is behind everyone so it means that a show that airs at 8:30pm in Toronto is on at 5:30pm over there…perfect for someone like me who is over the late nights, and who likes to get a full 8 hours sleep! (I’m a bit of a granny like that!). Unfortunately being back in England meant the Oscars weren’t on until 1:30am here.

So it’s safe to assume I wasn’t one of the people pulling an all-nighter to see who got the golden statues. Instead I very sensibly recorded the big show and happily enjoyed soaking it all in this afternoon (somehow managing to avoid any spoilers before hitting play!). Complete with the fast forward button for the many advert breaks…just the way I like it.

I thought Ellen did a great job, and made me want pizza half way through!  The clothes were beautiful and the awards went to the right people (albeit a tiny bit predictable…but that’s ok!)
Lupita was stunning, Jared Leto inspiring, Gravity cleaned up, Jim Carey was hilarious, 12 Years A Slave rightfully won Best Picture, and Bill Murray was there being his usual awesome self.

I don’t remember other years having a theme, maybe they did and I just didn’t notice, but this one did and it was heroes. They filled the show with a ton of hero montages which, don’t get me wrong, were so cool but made it way too long. Again, glad for that fast forward button!

My favourite outfit of the night belongs to…well it’s a tie, between Lupita and Kate Hudson:

Lupita Nyong'osource
Lupita looking like a princess

Kate Hudsonsource
Great choice, old Hollywood glamour.

Some special mentions going to Cate Blanchett, Olivia Wilde and Camila Alves:
Cate Blanchettsource
This dress looked so beautiful on screen. Not very risky, like her usual choices, but very pretty.

Olivia Wildesource
So elegant and classic. Love that it has pockets too.

Camila Alvessource
This colour makes me smile, and she is so gorgeous

I didn’t hate anyone’s dress but I wasn’t keen on the choices of Anne Hathaway or Anna Kendrick:

Anne Hathawaysource
Bit boring for me…sorry Anne!

Anna Kendricksource
I love Anna Kendrick, and usually her dress choices, but this was so wrong.

I’ll end the post with some eye candy…the best dressed Men of the evening. Let’s be honest though, it doesn’t matter what this lot wear, we’re happy looking.   
I’m going with Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper and Pharrell Williams (can you believe Pharrell is 40!? 40! Amazing):

Leonardo DiCapriosource
Your name might not have been called this year Leo,  but don’t worry my friend, your time will come. In the meantime…keep looking like this, ok?

Bradley Coopersource
Bradley Cooper pulling off ‘dressed up rugged’ pretty well.

Pharrell Williams, Helen Lasichanhsource
Only you Pharrell, only you.

Pharrell’s performance was one of my favourite parts of the show. Getting Lupita, Meryl and more up dancing with him was great, the dancers on the stage were brilliant and that song just really makes you happy (funny that…)!

Did you watch the 86th Academy Awards? What did you think of the show?

Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

🙂