Movies I’m Looking Forward to Watching Soon (And Two I Already Saw)

I spent about a month not wanting to watch anything new, and while I had a grand old time revisiting several favorites, it’s been fun to get back in the groove. Here are some movies I’m looking forward to seeing, including some movies being re-released in theaters!

Before I finished this post, I caved and watched two of the films on this list:

Girl Crazy (1943)

When Mickey Rooney passed away in 2014, a wonderful tribute was published in Vanity Fair by Nancy Jo Sales. (I enjoyed it so much that I have it saved on my computer as a PDF in case it ever becomes unavailable online.) The last paragraph references a musical number in Girl Crazy, and it brings tears to my eyes every time. (Here’s the article, if you’re interested.)

As a kid, I spent many a weekend with Mickey and Judy Garland’s musicals, but Girl Crazy somehow slipped past me. This was an utter delight. It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed so much or had such fun watching a movie. There are also appearances by three different actors from Good News, four years before they went to Tait College: June Allyson, Robert E. Strickland, and Peter Lawford! (Peter shows up for maybe five seconds, but it was enough for me to have a mini heart attack.) I also found out that Cookie from Stalag 17 can sing beautifully!

Up to His Ears (1965)

I’ve been on a Jean-Paul Belmondo kick lately, and this has been on my list for ages. It did not disappoint — it was hilarious, intentionally ridiculous, and easily the most chaotic movie I’ve ever seen. It was also a treat to see Belmondo in a very different role than what I’m used to seeing him in. Here, he’s a far cry from the moody anti-hero in À bout de souffle; or the mysterious, ambiguously-intentioned man from Seven Days… Seven Nights. But as it turns out, he can shove people out of air balloons, masquerade as a burlesque dancer, and dish out witty one-liners with the best of ‘em. Up to His Ears is a sequel to (what I’m told is the arguably better) That Man From Rio, but the plot of the former has always appealed to me more, so I watched that one first. The DVD set I ordered from the library conveniently includes both, so I’m excited to compare them!

What’s Next:

In the Mood for Love (2000)

This’ll probably be tonight’s film. If I actually go through with it, I’ll be three for three on the films I’ve most immediately been planning on watching, which is a huge accomplishment for me!

Pierrot Le Fou (1965)

Another Belmondo movie that’s been on my list for ages. I’m saving this one for after I return the others from the library. I need to pace myself!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You:

Bau, Artist at War (September 26th)

The love story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau (the couple shown getting married in Schindler's List) is getting its own film, coming to theaters in less than a month! I’ve been wanted to see this since last September. I am very excited, and will be bringing MANY tissues. Tickets go on sale September 17th. In the meantime, check out their website to view the trailer!

Blue Moon (October 24th)

Ethan Hawke stars as Lorenz Hart (of Rodgers and Hart), and the film takes place in Sardi’s on the opening night of Oklahoma! (which Richard Rodgers collaborated on with his new creative partner, Oscar Hammerstein II).

Having seen the 1948 musical biopic about Rodgers and Hart, titled Words and Music, I’m very curious how this new film will treat the subject matter. I’m already guessing that comparing the two will be like comparing apples and oranges, but nevertheless, I’m eager to know if any parallels can be drawn between them.

Watch the trailer for Blue Moon here.

And last but not least... When it comes to movies, I have two loves of my life. They are both returning to the big screen in the next two months!

The Sound of Music (1965)

First, The Sound of Music will be in theaters for 6 days (depending on your location) in September! I can’t believe it’s been 60 years since it was first released. For more information on its big screen return, click here.

Back to the Future (1985)

Second, Back to the Future is coming back to theaters on October 31st, celebrating its 40th anniversary (I repeat: Where did the time go?)! I saw it on the big screen a few years ago, and it was FANTASTIC. I’m looking forward to seeing it again! (Select theaters will also be screening it with “special visual effects.”) Shoutout to my friend Elissa of @timeless.sinatra for telling me about this year's screening!

What are you looking forward to seeing in movie theaters (or at home) in the coming months?