What are you watching? Readers recommend 'The Muppet Christmas Carol,' 'Dr. Strangelove'
Monitor TV and movie fans share what they've been watching lately.
Monitor TV and movie fans share what they've been watching lately.
I recently watched Seymour: An Introduction, which is a documentary film directed by actor Ethan Hawke. I found this film to be captivating, authentic, and charming. Seymour Bernstein is a retired concert pianist and piano teacher for very advanced students.聽
Hawke and Bernstein take us on a journey that is revealing; themes include classical piano music, stage fright, solitude, life, and the connection between life and music. This is a thought-provoking look at classical music and the impact it has had on the inner journey of Bernstein, who is a mature, insightful artist.
鈥� Betsy Green, Chicago
For a favorite holiday movie, I absolutely adore The Muppet Christmas Carol! I love the message of the movie. It isn鈥檛 simply about being nice and giving presents once a year. There is a very large focus on spreading joy and love, so much so that they devote multiple songs just to that concept. I try to watch the movie every year, or at least listen to the song 鈥淚t Feels Like Christmas.鈥� And the Ghost of Christmas Present sings.
鈥� Miyoko Dunn, Columbia, S.C.
For movies that I love to watch over and over, the sentimental choice is The Sound of Music. Artistically, my choice would be the film Baraka. Dr. Strangelove is a classic. I also enjoy any 1930s screwball comedy film. 鈥� Robin Bartholet, New York聽
A movie that I find myself watching over and over is Sixteen Candles. It鈥檚 one of the best teenage movies ever. Actress Molly Ringwald is superb. Gotta love those grandparents, too!
Another movie I watch over and over again is Saving Private Ryan.聽 This is how director Steven Spielberg does a war movie (this, and the amazing 鈥淪chindler鈥檚 List鈥�).聽 Tom Hanks is great, of course, but what makes this one amazing is the gut-punching violent reality of the combat scenes.聽
This is not your sanitized John Wayne World War II movie.
鈥� Tom Kuekes,聽Bakersfield, Calif.
I have been watching Young Sheldon, which airs on CBS. It鈥檚 a spinoff of 鈥淭he Big Bang Theory,鈥� but with a very different, tender, tone.聽
It鈥檚 the story of a boy genius and his family. Wallace Shawn is delightful as the professor whose class Sheldon audits and who dates Sheldon鈥檚 grandmother.
鈥� Marguerite Boone,聽Worcester, Mass.
What are聽you聽watching? Write and tell us at whatareyouwatching@csmonitor.com.