By Michael Lyons
We now look back at the year that was and compile our Year End (and now, Decade End!) Movie list. As we do this, let us not forget those films that celebrated some major milestones in 2019:
The Green Mile (1999) - Celebrating 20 Years
Stephen King’s massive novel was made into a massive movie from director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”). The story of a death row prisoner with mystical, healing powers runs so deep with emotion and messages that it’s no wonder this film is still discussed two decades later. To hear more about “The Green Mile,” check out the Dark Tower Radio Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-tower-radio/id1173774601
The Little Mermaid (1989) – Celebrating 30 Years
It’s been three decades since the animation renaissance that transformed the Disney Studio kicked off with this film. There has been so much that has happened in animation and at Disney since Ariel traded her voice for legs, but “The Little Mermaid” still carries with it a special magic that has never been duplicated.
The Muppet Movie (1979) – Celebrating 40 Years
Films don’t get more magical than The Muppets first appearance on the big screen and forty years later, the Rainbow Connection is still there. Kermit and the gang set out to realize their dreams in Hollywood and no matter how many times you’ve seen it, you always go along with a smile on your face. Plus, Steve Martin’s cameo as a waiter still ranks as one of film’s funniest scenes.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – Celebrating 50 Years
Five decades has done nothing to dull the unmatchable chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford in this extremely unique Western penned by famed screen writer William Goldman. Sharp and contemporary in its attitude, it set the tone for many genre changing films that followed.
Gone with the Wind (1939) – Celebrating 80 Years
Film historians consider 1939 one of the greatest years for cinema, with so many, now masterpieces, released during those 12 months and this film, no doubt, is one of the reasons why. The big screen adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel created the epic film and became a watershed moment for American film. In addition to its so many now iconic characters, scenes and dialogue, “Gone with the Wind” is that rarity among film, as it is still in the conversation among aficionados who are now several generations removed from its initial release 80 years go.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Celebrating 80 Years
One of the other reasons that 1939 is so notable as a year in film. What more can be said about one of movie’s most popular stories, other than there truly is “No place like home.”
As we head into New Year’s Eve, any and/or all of these films would make for the perfect marathon, as you count down to midnight.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Sources:
Wikipedia
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