Author: BRWC

Cats In Film: My Favourites. By Laurie Wood.

Who doesn’t love a cat’s softness, happy vibrating purr, and those twinkling eyes? Did you know, there is a complex mathematical formula for cats and humans, it goes something like this… Cats + humans = happiness. Who can argue with that?  Well, probably dog lovers, however, a cat’s ability to just make your head tilt and go aww is a drop in the ocean to how much power they actually have over us, humans.

The above is why we love them so much, so it makes sense that cinema would adopt cats as new rising Hollywood stars. Cats are easily profitable, and if you’re like me, you can’t get enough of seeing their cute, fluffy, tuffy, smoodgey faces. 

In no particular order and in honour, of their fluffiness (or not fluffy if they’re short hair, i’m not prejudiced against any felines), I’m going to name my top 5 favourite cats in film. There are more than this, obviously, but I can’t name them all, so here’s a few.

Mr Tinkles

Film: Cats & Dogs (2001)
Favourite Quote:When I rule the world, you, will be the first, on my list…

Mr.Tinkles is majestic, long-haired cat. He is the main antagonist for the film Cats & Dogs and his aim is to take over the world, humans and dogs alike! His menacing plans and evil tone of voice makes him the perfect cliche of a villain, but, what makes him also lovable at the same time is he is just so cute! His white furr idealises innocence and purity, and throughout the film his owner treats him like a baby and dresses him up in funny little outfits. Mr Tinkles is the villain you hate to love but love to hate.

Sassy

Film: Homeward Bound (1993)
Favourite Quote:No, dummy, dummy, dummy, dummy…

Sassy, is a Himalayan cat and just like her name, has a sassy edge about her with witty comebacks and one-liners. She is a high maintenance kitty, who likes the good things in life, such as warmth, cuddles, and delicious meals ready twice a day without fail. Sassy resonates with audiences because she is arguably, one of the most realistic cats on screen and I don’t mean in the lack of CGI sense. If cats could talk, they probably would be high-maintenance and would expect cuddles and attention and us humans are saps who just give-in to any cats want and need….(I do, but, I mean, cats need to know I love them). Audiences love Sassy’s edgy attitude and endearing humour – she’s a kitty I think even dog lovers could get behind.

Garfield

Film: Garfield: The Movie (2004)
Favourite Quote:Love me, feed me, never leave me…

Everyone knows Garfield. He is the ginger, short haired kitty with a lazy attitude towards life. He expects his owner to wait on him hand and foot and gets jealous of any attention this housemate, the dog, gets. I remember watching the film as a kid and finding Garfield amusing, especially with Bill Murray voicing him. Murray is what makes Garfield such a character, his sarcastic tone of voice fits Garfield’s persona and his somewhat tiredness to his voice emphasises Garfield’s pure lack of motivation. If we had to be a cartoon cat, many people would choose Garfield, he gets pretty much everything he wants, he eats loads, doesn’t care about his weight and he’s happy. Many, including myself, envy him and the life we wish we could live.

The Cat

Film: Coraline (2009)
Favourite Quote:I don’t like rats at the best of times, but this one was sounding an alarm…

Efficiently named, The Cat, is a black, short-haired cat, who aims to help Coraline through her adventures… if you haven’t seen Coraline yet, you should, it’s fab. Although The Cat doesn’t have much screentime, he is an important cog in the whole story, without The Cat, it’s unlikely Coraline would have survived the whole ordeal, in which case, may have rated the film an 18 instead of a PG. He appears intelligent but we’re not sure whether to like his character or not as he presents himself as more of an ominous being on screen. Though gradually we realise this fits the story atmosphere and his character as well. He is a smart kitty with an added charm which I personally find insightful.

Puss in Boots

Film: Shrek 2 (2004)
Favourite Quote:Pray for mercy from Puss… in boots…

A notably badass of a cat, Puss in Boots. The ginger, short haired kitty with a bad attitude. Not many film sequels are just as good or better than the first film, but Shrek 2 really takes the cake and that is partly in thanks to Puss in Boots. We loved the Shrek and Donkey relationship, but now with Puss in Boots involved, the bants have changed between Donkey and Puss in Boots while Shrek is now the father figure, trying to keep the children out of harm’s way.

What makes Puss in Boots so charming is his fighting personality inside such a small, kitten-like body. It almost mocks the traditional sense of a cat being selfish, lazy and high-maintenance and turns it on his head by making him a little fighter. And if that doesn’t work, Puss in Boots has another power, the power of cuteness. My most memorable scene from that film was watching the big eyes scene for the first time in cinema, I was in hysterics because not only was it genuinely funny, but relatable as well. You can’t stay mad a cat very long, especially when they stare at you with those doe eyes. Puss in Boots is confident, loyal and wouldn’t take any crap from no-one. He is the leader all cats need to get behind.

Follow me @LaurieWoodUK for film, cats and social media!

Asleep On Film: Can Movies Help You Fall Asleep Faster? By Frankie Wallace.

Sleep deprivation is nothing to yawn about. It can lead to a bad mood and poor performance at work; increased appetite, especially for unhealthy foods; and road rage, which is a dangerous problem if you have a long commute or your job requires you to drive a lot (like being a chauffeur or truck driver). Getting a good night’s sleep is the most effective and natural way to improve everything about yourself: your outlook, focus, health, appearance, and more. However, some of us simply can’t shut our eyes and fall asleep on the spot. 

Some movies are meant for the troubled sleeper — not to keep you distracted all night, but to help you get your rest. While the verdict is still out on whether movies can improve your sleep, there is a case to be made for watching a calm, soothing movie that relaxes you enough to fall asleep. Choose your film wisely and lower the backlight on your TV so the light doesn’t keep you up.

A Movie Designed for the Sleeper

According to director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, it’s best to drift off to sleep during any of his movies because you’re supposed to surrender yourself and your senses to what’s happening on screen. In his film “Cemetery of Splendour,” soldiers come down with an unexplained sleeping sickness that sends them to bed indefinitely. While they rest, their bodies are possessed by the ghosts of past military members. If you’re able to drift in and out of sleep while watching this one, you’ll remain in a heady, in-between-sleep-and-waking state that will only add to your experience. 

Bedtime Stories in Movie Form

If your favorite way to fall asleep when you were a kid was by listening to your mom read a fairytale, you’ll want to put on “Big Fish” for a similar experience. The film is a series of tall tales that chronicles one man’s life, regardless of how much his son wants to deny his stories. The movie is heartwarming and fantastical — the perfect way to ensure you’ll have vibrant dreams of your own. There’s nothing scary or threatening about the tales, even if they are fantasy-based, and the movie is emotionally satisfying enough to quell your mood and ease you to sleep.

While not the same as a fairytale, a modern bedtime story is one that evokes the most nostalgia. Any movie that you’ve seen numerous times can help you nod off, which is the premise that led to the Shine app. The app retells the stories from movies you’re most familiar with from the ‘90s and 2000s, like “Clueless” and “She’s All That.” If you want the visuals to help your eyes get heavy, though, just put one of those movies on — the mix of familiarity and nostalgia is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep.

Slice-of-Life Movies to Help You Sleep

There’s a thin line between boring and soothing, and some slice-of-life movies straddle that line expertly. You may have seen some of these movies over and over, making them so familiar they practically lull you into sleep. Overall, the stakes in these movies are low, which gives you permission to fall asleep without worrying you’ll miss a must-see scene. 

• “Aloha” is a slow-moving film by Cameron Crowe with a soothing score and simple dialogue that you can grasp even if you’re half-listening. The visuals of Hawaii are so sweeping and beautiful that you may dream of palm trees that night.
• In “Away We Go,” a married couple that’s about to have a baby decide it’s time to move, but they’re not sure where to settle down. As they visit acquaintances across North America, they discuss family, love, and the meaning of home. If you fall asleep and then wake up now and then, you’ll see their stop in a new location every time your eyes flicker open.
• “Boyhood” follows a young boy through 12 years of his life to show his changing and complex relationship with his parents, as well as their relationship with each other. The movie is subtle and lowkey, and it’s also nearly three hours long, so you have plenty of time to get sleepy while watching it.

The fact that these movies can help put you to sleep isn’t a knock against them. You’re already in bed, the lights are out, and it’s late, so you’re close to dreamland anyway. Some films simply provide the perfect dose of relaxation to help you on your way. 

Supplemental Approaches to Get Your ZZZs

For people who have trouble sleeping, one solution may not be enough. If well-chosen movies are helping you get more sleepy but still not putting you out completely, combine it with another method:

• Drink a warm mug of milk topped with cinnamon or have something to eat if a grumbling tummy is keeping you up. 
• Use a bit of CBD oil in your midnight snack, which can help you unwind. 
• Make the room a bit cooler since it’s hard to sleep in a hot room. 
• Make sure your mattress is comfy enough — an old or low-quality mattress can work against you. 

It’s likely that there’s some combination of tactics that will make it easier to switch off for the day and get your much-needed rest.

Best Golf Movies in Celebration of National Golf Month. By Frankie Wallace.

August is National Golf Month, and a lot of people have a reason to celebrate. After all, over 23.8 million people in the United States play golf. Many celebrities take part in this popular sport. Samuel L. Jackson even has a clause in his film contracts that ensures he gets to play a round at least twice a week while he’s shooting a film. 

It’s really no wonder why golf is so popular. It’s fun, relaxing, and a great way to socialize. Despite its calm undertones, golf also has a lot of health benefits. It’s great exercise for burning calories, building muscle, and strengthening your heart (plus, it’s really fun to drive a golf cart!). 

Golf has its stereotypes, of course. When some people picture it, their mind goes to stuffy country clubs and businessmen. However, there’s so much more to the sport — which is why it continues to be popular across the country!

So, in honor of National Golf Month, let’s take a look at some of the best golf movies to ever grace the big screen. We’ll focus on some Hollywood favorites for this article, but there are plenty of golf and other sports documentaries out there for you to enjoy too. If you’re an avid golfer, you’ll love both!

Caddyshack

It’s hard to think about golf movies without “Caddyshack” coming to mind. The 1980 film was made by the same director who wrote classic comedies like “Animal House,” so it was destined for hilarity from the start — and it didn’t disappoint!

The premise of the film is a comical look into the workings of country club caddying. With big names like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray, this movie became an instant hit with golfers and non-golfers alike. 

It’s also one of the most “quotable” sports movies of all time. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “So I got that going for me, which is nice,” you can thank Bill Murray’s character (Carl Spackler) in the film. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this classic, August is the perfect time to be reminded of why it’s so great! Just don’t watch it before you go swimming … 

Happy Gilmore

1996’s “Happy Gilmore” follows Adam Sandler as the titular character who makes the transition from hockey player to a pro golfer in a very unique way. Because of Happy’s hockey background, he ends up having quite the golf swing when he hits the course. Realistically, though, it could have caused one heck of a case of golfer’s elbow — or worse. 

Happy changes the face of the sport, creating a more relaxed vibe, encouraging rowdy cheering and brings in a whole new demographic of golf watchers. He takes on professional golfer Shooter McGavin — a nemesis throughout the film — in a final match of 18 holes to prove the underdog can come on top. It also crushes the old stereotypes of who a golfer needs to be (no, you don’t need to be a doctor to enjoy the sport) and who the most avid golfers really are. 

If you haven’t seen this one yet, you can’t call yourself a true golf fan! You’ll be laughing through this entire movie. 

Tin Cup

Kevin Costner is no stranger to sports movies, but 1996’s “Tin Cup” was his first venture into the world of golf films. Costner plays Roy McAvoy, a former pro who has become cynical over the years and finds himself working as a driving range instructor. When he’s lured back into playing in the US Open, his unique playing style immediately raises eyebrows and brings new attention to the sport. 

If you haven’t seen “Tin Cup,” we won’t give away the ending. But, we can tell you Costner’s “mission” in his last game was inspired by a real-life story! This is a great romantic comedy that golfers and non-golfers alike will enjoy. 

The Legend of Bagger Vance

This Robert Redford-directed movie was released in 2000 and is based in Depression-era Georgia. Will Smith plays Bagger Vance, who works with a local golfer named Rannulph Junuh (played by Matt Damon). Junuh was once a promising golfer, but World War I took him off of that path. Now, with a high-stakes game on the horizon, Junuh will have to compete against some of the brightest stars in the sport. 

This film has some charming and shining moments, and it’s a nice change of pace from the stereotypical golf comedy. If you’re looking for a more serious movie about the sport to watch, give this “legend” a try. 

There is certainly no shortage of golf movies to enjoy this month. It’s a good excuse to binge-watch some of your favorites and discover a few new golfing movies you may have never seen before. Whether you’re into comedy, biopics, or something more dramatic, you don’t have to be a golf enthusiast to appreciate the sport and the films that depict it.