Youth--Movies About Being Young / Coming of Age

Cropped screenshot of Judy Garland from the trailer for the film The Wizard of Oz. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The films that I'll be listing in my April postings may not necessarily be films that I'd call my favorite films, but they will be favorites in the genres I'll be naming.   The A to Z genres are very specific micro genres as opposed to the broader genres like action, romance, or comedy.

        This category is huge.  In fact it probably could cover more than one category, but being for the letter 'Y' I'll just say this micro-genre will be about being young--anything from childhood to teens.

         Some of my favorites may be yours too, but if I missed one of your favorites tell us about it in the comments:

Heidi (1937)--There are so many Shirley Temple films that I could put on this list, but I'll pick just one.  They used to show this on television every year when I was a kid and I never missed a showing.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) --Judy Garland was a teenager when she made the film that would become one of the most beloved of all time.  It's the story of a young Kansas girl who gets carried away by a tornado to the Magical Land of Oz where she meets a truly memorable array of characters.

The Exorcist (1973)--Innocent young girl becomes possessed by devil and priest is brought in to perform exorcism.  One of the scariest films ever.  This was a huge box-office hit and has continued to make money with releases and spin-offs.  Not for the kids or the highly sensitive.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)--One of best science fiction-fantasy stories about kids.  This film by Steven Spielberg is ideal family viewing.

The Goonies (1985)--The ultimate adventure with kids searching for a stash of pirate treasure.  A great film with an excellent cast.

 Stand By Me (1986)--Based on a Stephen King story, the film tells about a group of boys who trek along a railroad track to find the body of a missing boy who was struck by a train.  Funny and sad--one of the best coming of age stories.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)--Boy befriends projectionist in local theater and learns to love movies.

Home Alone (1990)--Kid accidentally gets left behind when the family goes on vacation leaving him to fend off bumbling burglars.  Funny film that spawned a series of sequels.

My Girl (1991)-- A sweet film about a girl who lives in a funeral parlor with her single father who is the mortician.  A story of death and first love.

Almost Famous (2000)-- Inspired by the real life story of rock journalist Cameron Crowe, this film tells the story of a 15 year old hired by Rolling Stone magazine to tour with a popular rock group  and write an article about it.

Juno (2007)-- Sixteen year old becomes pregnant and has to decide what to do about it.

        What other films about youth can you name?   Which on my list are your favorites?   Is there a youth movie that you particularly relate to in your life?

          Are you ready for the Blogging from A to Z Challenge Reflections Post?   Starts Friday May 3rd with the list open for a week.   For more information go to the A to Z Blog.

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Xenophobia in Film ( #atozchallenge )

Cover of Enemy Mine

The films that I'll be listing in my April postings may not necessarily be films that I'd call my favorite films, but they will be favorites in the genres I'll be naming.   The A to Z genres are very specific micro genres as opposed to the broader genres like action, romance, or comedy.

       This has been my toughest micro-genre of all.  I know many other films related to xenophobia have been made, but I've either not seen them or I'm just not remembering what I have seen.  Let's get some help from you readers because I'm drawing a blank other than these few:

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)--I'm going to cheat on this one because I've never seen this film from beginning to end.  I've seen most of it in pieces here and there and I know what the film is about.  Since it fits into the category of distrusting foreigners I am including it in my list.  What I have seen is good enough to make me want to watch it like it should be watched.

Enemy Mine (1985)--In this sci-fi film human and alien who are intense enemies must learn to get over prejudice and work together in order to survive after they both crash their spacecraft on a hostile uncivilized planet.  

Far and Away (1992)--Irish immigrants arriving in 19th century America are not very well-liked by those long established in the U.S.  Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in the immigrant roles.  An entertaining film of epic proportions.

Gangs of New York (2002)--More Irish hating during the mid-nineteenth century in one of the toughest neighborhoods in America's history--Five Points.  This is a big film with some powerhouse acting talent.  Good stuff, but rough.  

Gran Torino (2008)--Clint Eastwood plays a grumpy widowed war vet who is not happy about the Asians moving into the neighborhood.  Important lessons are learned by all.

District 9 (2009)--  Extraterrestrials stranded in South Africa are subjected to segregation and xenophobia by distrustful humans.  Fantastic science fiction with social relevance.

         Okay, help me with this one--can you name any films with xenophobia as a prominent theme?   Have you seen the ones I've named?   Are there any topics concerning xenophobia that you think should be covered in film?

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Writers in Movies

Cover of The Shining [Blu-ray]

The films that I'll be listing in my April postings may not necessarily be films that I'd call my favorite films, but they will be favorites in the genres I'll be naming.   The A to Z genres are very specific micro genres as opposed to the broader genres like action, romance, or comedy.

        If writers write what they know then it makes sense that they might write about writers.  If that holds true then it makes sense that there would be a lot of films about writers since films are usually based on works by writers or are original screenplays written by writers.   Yes, this mini-genre of films is about writers.  And there are a whole lot of them.

         Here are some of my favorites:

8 1/2 (1963)--Okay, I know I already used this film in my post Movies about Making Movies, but that's how much I like this film.  This is one of my top ten films.  If you are a serious writer you should see this film and take it to heart.  A masterpiece of the genre of thinkers' films.  Forget this one if you're an action fan unless you're in the mood to just sit, listen, and learn.  I'll warn you that it's in Italian and you'll have to read the subtitles if you don't know the language.  I just can't rave enough about this film.  Oh, and did I say it's good?

The Shining (1980)-- Jack Nicholson stars as a writer who gets more than he bargains for when he secludes himself and his family so he can get some writing done.  Chalk up another hit for Stephen King.  One writer's nightmare is another writer's dream. A shot of Red Rum anybody?

Misery (1990)--Famous novelist crashes car and is rescued by his "number one fan".   Fans like this we don't need.   Stephen King strikes again.

Shadowlands (1993)-- Based on the true relationship between author C.S. Lewis and poet Joy Davidson, this one's a weeper.  Grab the popcorn and the Kleenex.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)-- A liberal dose of poetic license results in a lot of fun with one of the most famous writers of all time.  This film won a few awards as well.

Adaptation (2002)--Great cast of actors in a curious tale.  This is one of those films that I rewatched as soon as I had watched it the first time.  Great film.

Secret Window (2004)--Johnny Depp as a writer suffering from writer's block.  But it doesn't end there. Now he's being accused of plagiarism and it only gets worse.  Oh yeah, and Stephen King is in on this one too.

Sideways (2004)--If the writing career is not working, you can always go get drunk.  The focus of this film is wine, but it's really about a writer and writing.


Freedom Writers (2007)--Brand new idealistic English teacher gets assigned to tough class of inner city students.  She gets them involved in journaling and they in turn fall into the writing life.  Inspirational film about teaching and the power of words.


Midnight in Paris (2011) -- In one of the best films directed by Woody Allen, a writer vacationing in Paris time travels back to the 1920's and meets famous authors and others.   Doesn't matter if it's a dream, a fantasy, or what--it's fun.

       What are some of your favorite films about writers or writing?   If you like movies about writing, why is this?   Have you seen 8 1/2 yet?

Ready to do some more writing after the A to Z Challenge ends?    Join us for the A to Z Reflections post starting Friday May 3rd.   For more details be sure to visit the A to Z Blog. 

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