Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... Dirty Dancing

 

"Nobody puts baby in a corner."

Johnny Castle ( Patrick Swayze )

Dirty Dancing

I am pretty sure everyone on the planet has seen, Dirty Dancing, but if you haven't, it's the ultimate rom-com, which always makes me sob my eyes out. And for those reasons I won't recap the plot, I will just say, Patrick Swayze was amazing. What a performer, be it dancing, singing, or being impressive as an actor. My two favorite Swayze films are Dirty Dancing, and Too Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar. Jerry Orbach, another lost favorite actor of mine, delivers a heartbreaking turn as the perfect father, who expected perfection from his eldest daughter, Baby.

Baby: "Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I'm scare of walking out of this room, and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you."

Trivia: "Hula Hana" was co-written by actress, Julia Brucker, who played Baby's sister, Lisa Housman, and choreographer, Kenny Ortega. 

Watch the movie, and just try to get the song, I've Had The Time Of My Life, out of your head!

Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything Julie Newmar

 

"I'm the Latina Marilyn Monroe. I got more legs than a bucket of chicken."

~Chi Chi Rodriguez

Too Wong Foo Thanks For Everything Julie Newmar

Vida, Noxeema and their young friend Chi-Chi, are three feisty, glamourous, and fun filled young women who decide to take a road trip together, in search of a crowning moment, but only if they win the, Drag Queen of America, contest in Hollywood. So off they go, in a very cool Cadillac convertible which suits the ladies, but which has a few years on it. The travel from New York to Los Angeles has a few eye opening moments for the ladies, including lessons about love, friendship, standing up for what's right, and yes, racism, homophobia and the devastation of being rejected by one's own family. This film is filled with magnificent heart, but make no mistake there are also a ton of laughs. The serious moments makes their point, and puts you right next to the ladies side. Robin Williams has a very funny cameo, that makes the movie all the more charming. The supporting cast is terrific, particularly Stockard Channing as a woman dealing with domestic violence. Watch this enormously enjoyable film, it's a cool little gem that shouldn't be overlooked. 

 And don't forget to pop the popcorn!