Thursday Movie Picks: Underdogs

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This week's theme from Wandering Through the Shelves is one you probably won't see coming. It's the underdogs. The ones we either don't see or root for despite not being the obvious choice. There's a lot to choose from this week, here are some that I enjoy.

 1) Zootopia

 I actually had a different pick here at first, then I realized I wanted to use it later. Luckily, Allie accidentally posted her Underdog picks a few months ago and I was so inspired by one of her choices that I stole it. lol Judy is the perfect underdog.  

 2) Dodgeball

 This is one of my all time favorite comedies. It's completely ridiculous but how can you not love this thrown together dodgeball team?

 3) The Replacements

 This one is more for the nostalgia factor. My friend and I used to watch this DVD quite a bit in high school when we couldn't decide on something else. It's not the greatest, but it brings back good memories. 

Comments

  1. BirgitMarch 23, 2017 at 6:45 AM

    I have to see Zootopia because it sounds like such a great animated film. I almost picked Dodgeball because it's sooooo funny from the car wash scene to the new uniform scene. I love it. I have not seen the. 3rd pick at all.

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  2. DanielMarch 23, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    OMG LOVE Zootopia! Can't believe it never even crossed my mind for this topic. Judy Hopps is a true hero. Love that gif, too. That movie is so clever.

    I haven't seen the other two.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 23, 2017 at 9:34 AM

      Zootopia is great. I never complain when my kid wants to watch it again lol

      Delete
  3. Sonia CercaMarch 23, 2017 at 8:46 AM

    Zootopia is such a great pick! I'm not sure but I think I've seen Dodgeball, it was funny.

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  4. Big Screen Small WordsMarch 23, 2017 at 10:02 AM

    All great picks! I've started to warm up to Zootopia (still not in love with it but it's really good). Love Dodgeball, very funny. I don't think I'd like The Replacements if I watch it now but I did like it before. I would watch it then with Speed for a Keanu Reeves fix.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 23, 2017 at 1:10 PM

      Yeah, I'm not sure how The Replacements would hold up with me now. I haven't seen it in years.

      Delete
  5. MyerlaMarch 23, 2017 at 2:30 PM

    If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball!

    Haha. I love Dodgeball. One of my faves too!

    Nice pick with Zootopia but she's more of underrabbit than an underdog...sorry...

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  6. thevoid99March 23, 2017 at 6:30 PM

    I haven't seen Zootopia as I'm waiting for it to arrive on Starz! I have seen Dodgeball which I do like a lot and The Replacements which I think is quite underrated.

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  7. Paskalis DamarMarch 23, 2017 at 10:11 PM

    I love Zootopia! The rookie - smallest of her ranks - to become one that matters.

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  8. DellMarch 23, 2017 at 11:14 PM

    Zootopia is an inspired choice - definitely fits, though. Very good movie, too. All nice picks, actually. I mean, who doesn't love Dodgeball? And that gif is of one of the best scenes ever.

    ReplyDelete
  9. joel65913March 24, 2017 at 12:22 AM

    I know you'll be shocked knowing my indifference to animation that I've never seen, nor be tempted to see, Zootopia but it sounds like it fits well. I have friends who just love Dodgeball but it never worked for me. I did like the Replacements, it's not the greatest but a pleasant view and who ever expected to see Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman paired in a film. It's funny I hate football but almost invariably enjoy movies about the game.

    This was a fun week, I love a well done underdog film. If they're done right they lift my spirits. These are three that fit the bill.

    Little Miss Sunshine (2006)-Young Olive (Abigail Breslin) has a dream shared by her grandfather (Alan Arkin). She wants to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine contest but that requires a road trip with her dysfunctional family, inventor dad Richard (Greg Kinnear), willfully mute brother Dwayne (Paul Dano), suicidal Uncle Frank (Steve Carell) and flustered mom Sheryl (Toni Collette). At first it looks doubtful but then they all pile into the van and go on a bumpy road to give Olive her chance despite the odds. Just quirky enough to be charming without wearing out its welcome thanks to a great cast all doing terrific work. Arkin won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

    Miracle (2004)-The true story of Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) the hockey coach who took the rough material that was the US hockey team and whipped them into Olympic gold medal winning shape. Wonderfully detailed with athletes rather than actors as the team mates, though they perform their lines well, and a powerfully convincing lead performance from Russell, one of his best. Despite the known outcome the film is quite involving and the end exciting.

    October Sky (1999)-Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is just another backwoods teen in a slowly dying coal town in the 50’s until he witnesses Sputnik flying by one night. Filled with the wonder of space and encouraged by his young teacher Miss Riley (Laura Dern) he convinces his friends O’Dell & Roy Lee to work with him to try and build rockets. Enlisting the school outcast and brain Quentin they plunge in against many obstacles, including the stubborn resistance of Homer’s good but pigheaded father (Chris Cooper). Meeting with some success they determine to enter the national science competition in pursuit of college scholarships. A great film with tremendous performances full of determination to succeed against seemingly insurmountable odds and all around American can-doism with one of the most beautifully evocative and fitting scores ever.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 24, 2017 at 6:45 AM

      I've seen all three of your picks this week! Little Miss Sunshine is my favorite. Miracle I thought was pertty extraordinary in the fact that you know the U.S wins, but during the movie itself they made you feel like they may lose.

      Delete
    2. joel65913March 24, 2017 at 11:22 AM

      Well it had to happen sooner or later where I'd actually pick three you've seen!! :-)

      I feel the same way about Miracle. It's one of those films along with Apollo 13 and Hidden Figures that are so well made that they engage your emotions despite the end result being known.

      Delete
    3. Brittani BurnhamMarch 24, 2017 at 1:55 PM

      Of course it's because you picked films from the 90's on lol.

      Love the comparison with Apollo 13 and Hidden Figures. That's perfect.

      Delete
  10. Katie HoganMarch 25, 2017 at 6:08 AM

    Have so much love for Zootropolis. Not a fan of Dodgeball and never heard of The Replacements, is that Rhys Ifans?

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  11. GetterMarch 26, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    I've only seen Dodgeball and I can't remember it almost at all. I do need to get to Zootopia, I guess.I mean, that gif alone is giving me the feeling I should watch it TODAY! :D

    ReplyDelete

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