METTEL RAY

Thursday Movie Picks: Prodigy/Genius

This week’s theme is definitely a gem among the rest because I knew at least one movie I definitely wanted to recommend, and the others didn’t take long to follow. I wanted the list to be a mix of both, I wanted to have a genius and a prodigy, but then I figured I’d mention one of my favourites from last year as well that sort of falls into the genius theme. So here’s my very versatile list of really intelligent people.

1. GOOD WILL HUNTING, 1997

It’s no secret that Good Will Hunting is a really smart movie. If you think about it, there’s not much going on, and yet, you can’t help to enjoy every minute of it. Written by a then unknown duo, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting serves as a cinderella story inside and outside of the movie. I love the fact that our protagonist Will, is a genius and also very social, those two usually contradict each other but Will’s nothing like that, he can hold his own during a bar argument!

2. FINDING FORRESTER, 2000

Finding Forrester is one of those underrated movies that deserves more attention because it’s really good and some of the topics are just as relevant now as they were in the beginning of the century. An intelligent black high school student changes schools and soon becomes a prodigy to a recluse writer, who not only becomes a mentor to his writing but also to his life in general. They cast an unknown actor alongside Sean Connery, which worked out so well and I’m not gonna lie, I’ve watched this movie more than three times and I’d watch it again.

3. THE ACCOUNTANT, 2016

Who would have guessed Ben Affleck will be featured twice in this list!? But mentioning The Accountant became an obsession this week because it was one of those movies that caught me off guard. I didn’t expect anything from it, but then suddenly, I was thrown into a great action movie that showcased a savant kicking ass! The Accountant breaks stereo types, and it even surprises with a different kind of ending that I for one did not see coming.

THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES

 

 

mettelray

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25 responses to “Thursday Movie Picks: Prodigy/Genius”

  1. joelnox Avatar
    joelnox

    Good Will Hunting is shaping up to be one of the titles of the week. I’d never classify it as a favorite but it is a decent film bursting with the talent of Damon and Affleck. It was a nice surprise when I saw it in the theatre since I didn’t know too much about it walking in.

    I didn’t love Finding Forrester, it was okay but didn’t move me in the way it obviously has you. The Accountant is in my queue but I haven’t seen it yet. Your very positive feelings towards it gives me encouragement that it will be good.

    This week was much easier than last, there were so many choices I decided to do a theme within the theme focusing on musical prodigies.

    The Legend of 1900 (1998)-In the year 1900 Danny Boodmann, a stoker (Bill Nunn) on an American ship discovers an abandoned baby left on board. Taking him in to raise as his own he gives him a long unwieldy name eventually shortened to 1900 as the pair live their life at sea. As 1900 grows his musical genius becomes apparent and he becomes the ship’s mascot. After a tragedy befalls Danny 1900 remains on board growing to manhood (where he is played by Tim Roth) never touching dry land but continuing to hone his skill (including a fantastic sequence where he plays a waltz during a storm at sea). In time he befriends Max, a trumpeter in the ship orchestra (Taylor Pruitt Vince) and it is through his reverie we learn 1900’s story.

    Poor Little Rich Girl (1936)-Starring Shirley Temple, one of Hollywood’s premier musical prodigies (in terms of dollars & cents THE musical prodigy) as the rich girl of the title. Barbara (that would be Shirl) on her way to boarding school is left to her own devices when her nanny is killed in an accident. Barbara unaware of this but not wanting to go to the school wanders the city until she becomes acquainted with and is taken in by a pair of down on their luck performers Jimmy & Jerry Dolan (Jack Oakie & Alice Faye). Thinking she’s an orphan and realizing that she’s a musical prodigy they put Barbara in their act as their daughter. Soon they hit the big time with their own radio show overseen by ad exec Margaret Allen (Gloria Stuart of Titanic fame) where they’re heard by Barbara’s widowed father who has been searching for her frantically. One of the better Temple vehicles with a first rate supporting cast, both Oakie and Alice Faye get several chances to strut their stuff, and no matter how you feel about her Shirley was a bundle of talent.

    Amadeus (1984)-Multi Oscar winning story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and Antonio Salieri (an Oscar winning F. Murray Abraham) and how Salieri’s jealousy of Mozart’s genius lead to great tragedy for both. Amazing music, performances, set design and direction. An essential film.

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      I figured it will be, Will is like the underdog genius that everyone loves ! And the fact that the script was written by then unknown Damon and Affleck just makes this whole movie something special.

      Let me know what you think of The Accountant when you watch it!

      I’ve heard about Amadeus this week a couple of times so I might give it a watch when I get a chance.

      Reply
  2. Big Screen Small Words Avatar
    Big Screen Small Words

    I don’t really know what The Accountant was about but now I’m interested to watch it. Great picks!

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      You should.. because I really want to know if it’s as bad as the critics made it out to be or am I just loosing my mind for liking it that much.

      Reply
  3. Birgit Avatar
    Birgit

    I have seen Good Will Hunting which is so smart and well done. I love Robin Williams who take Matt Damon’s character under his wing. I have seen Finding Orrester and thought it was a real nice little gem. I enjoyed it. I have not seen The Aaccountant but I want to so this seals the deal

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Oh indeed, Williams, he was the big name they attached to the project to finally get some money and get the movie going. So it’s Williams who helped Damon and Affleck out in a way, such a great man!

      Reply
  4. Paskalis Damar AK Avatar
    Paskalis Damar AK

    I love Good Will Hunting and I’ve seen a little of Finding Forrester! Gus van Sant really knows how to play out with genius back then! Kinda missing his ol’ film, though. I almost forget that The Accountant is about genius despite of his condition. I love the movie, though!

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      I know, you wouldn’t think a math savant would be able to kick so much ass but I sort of like that about his character. Maybe it’s unbelievable maybe a little unrealistic, I don’t care, I like to think it’s possible!

      Reply
  5. Dell on Movies (@w_ott3) Avatar
    Dell on Movies (@w_ott3)

    Great call on Good Will Hunting. Fantastic movie. I still need to sit and watch the entirety of Finding Forrester. I’ve only seen a few bits and pieces. I plan on seeing The Accountant really soon.

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Forrester is worth it, at least once! I could watch7listen to Connery talk all day long though!

      Reply
  6. Sonia Avatar
    Sonia

    I guess it’s not normal but I’ve never heard of Finding Forrester before. It sounds interesting though.

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      It’s completely normal! It ran under the radar back then and I think it’s still quite unknown.

      Reply
  7. Brittani Avatar
    Brittani

    I love Good Will Hunting! The Accountant disappointed me a little, but it wasn’t bad. I’d probably watch it again if it came on TV.

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      I mean, was it rotten bad? I don’t think so! That’s why I’m giving it some love this week!

      Reply
  8. Courtney Young Avatar
    Courtney Young

    Good Will Hunting is a solid choice for this series. Robin Williams will forever be the MVP of that magnificent movie ❤

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Yes! Agreed!

      Reply
  9. sati Avatar
    sati

    OK I will break the Ed Harris string of movies and see Accountant this weekend 🙂

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Woah.. that’s saying something!

      Reply
  10. Cathy Kennedy Avatar
    Cathy Kennedy

    I added “Good Will Hunting” to my Netflix cue and just found “Finding Forrester” on YouTube, which looks good. I’m not sure about the first flick. “The Accountant” trailer I saw televised but didn’t think much about it but with your recommendation then I might watch it if it finds its way on Netflix (streaming). Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend! 😉

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Did you watch anything yet? What did you think!?

      Reply
  11. SheLikesMovies Avatar
    SheLikesMovies

    Might give The Accountant a watch (if it appears on Netflix) and that is a glowing review of Finding Forrester, made me think twice.

    Reply
    1. mettelray Avatar
      mettelray

      Hah, well, I love almost every movie about writing and writers. I just.. it’s like sports movies, I just love them! 😀

      Reply
  12. Cathy Kennedy Avatar
    Cathy Kennedy

    Yes, I watched Poor Little Rich Girl. It was a delight as every Shirley Temple movie I’ve seen. That’s the first time in years to see one of her films & I’m glad that you mentioned this to me. 😊

    Reply
  13. Wandering through the Shelves Avatar
    Wandering through the Shelves

    I heard The Accountant was bad. Might still watch it if it was ever added to a streaming service.

    Reply
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