Ex-Roommate Yossi is planning a movie night for the shul. In one of this typically creative ideas he’s arranging for showing at a local theater on Christmas Eve (no word on Chinese food). The only question is what movie to show? Here are the requirements:
- Appropriate for a shul event.1
- Able to draw people with diverse tastes across age demographics.
- Preferably being able to maximize the “big screenness” of the event
Right now the first choice is Princess Bride, but we need a few backups just in case we’re not able to show it.2 Other suggestions included the original Star Wars for the camp factor along with The Muppet Movie or The Great Muppet Caper.3 The Breakfast Club was also suggested, but then Yossi pointed out that most of the people were born too late to appreciate it.4
There where we are right now, and the topic is hereby open for discussion. Any thoughts?
1. This is highly subjective, especially considering a diverse religious community which likely includes some people thinking that all movies are assur. I trust my Loyal Readers to have good judgement, or at least more sense than I did when as an NCSY’er I picked History of the World: Part I simply because I hadn’t seen it and thought it would be funny. Good times.
2. There are currently technical limitations in terms of getting the reel. While there is a possibility of being able to project a DVD, but in the meantime we can’t count on that.
3. Personally I’d love to have a community-wide sing-along of Happiness Hotel.
4. Sigh.
Good luck! Maybe Muppets in Manhattan?
Life of Brian…unless seen as a political choice *evil grin*
Ushpizin?
I’m with that sigh. Too young for The Breakfast Club?
How about “Raid on Entebbe”? Not only was it a great movie starring Yaphet Kotto (A Jew), it is also timely given the release of The Last King of Scotland, a movie about Idi Amin.
I’d go with Ushpizin!
We will not show “Ushpizin”, or “Operation Thunderbolt”, or “Raid on Entebbe”, or “Yentil” or “fiddler on the Roof” or “schindler’s List”, or “Paper Clips” or “The Passion of the Christ”. These movies are bad ideas for this event because I am looking for a movie for people to go to and have a GOOD TIME. Not to show up and wonder how many billions of people in this world are anti simetic, or see a movie about a stupid chareidi man who’s taken advantage of by chilonim. These movies may be important, thought provoking… but they are not FUN.
I am tempted to show the “The Muppet Movie” I just wonder if it has broad enough appeal.
I would love to show Monty Python but if “the powers that be” in the shul seem to have slight issue with the princess bride I’m not sure how I’m going to get the scene with Brian completely naked addressing the throngs at his door, past the censors.
Does a movie like the original Star Wars have appeal to anyone but scifi geeks?
What about Indiana Jones? What about Batman begins–or were they too recent?
How about other suggestions?
Thanks.
Yossi
Ah, but Yossi, do you see what would be slightly politically incorrect about showing Life of Brian on christmas eve.
Though for a more serious option I would say Shrek. Lets put it this way: My dorm has a following for that movie. (then again, we also all really love Mystery science theatre…so umm)
For communal events, you can never go wrong with Pixar. Finding Nemo? The Incredibles? They work for all age groups, are a fun time, and no possible frumkeit issues.
October Sky, or Second Hand Lions.
Searching for Bobby Fischer – it’s a really great movie, and it’s totally appropriate for a shul event.