Maya’s Staff Picks: The Strange, the Weird and the Musical, Oh My!

I have always thought of movies as a way to look into the lives of others. Beautiful writing, music and editing are the key ingredients to a great film. With the simple clang of a cymbal or pounding of a drum, the act of opening a door can conjure up a powerful combination of emotions, evoking fear or suspense within any audience. The score, when done right, can artfully mimic the essence of the story and the time in which it is set. I can see the way others see the world and be transported into their lives. I become a traveler throughout time and space, simultaneously experiencing the lives of cinematic characters and their joys, pains and transformative journeys. Many of these movies I have selected are movies from my childhood that made an impact on me; ones that stuck out to me as I grew up and inevitably shaped who I am today.

Tune in Wednesday, August 30 to catch Maya’s picks on all four Hollywood Suite channels.

MAYA’S PICKS

Click on titles below for more info and additional playtimes

Hollywood Suite 70s Movies

Rocky  (1976)
Aug 30 at 9pm ET
Available on demand in August

Training montages galore. An inspirational film that centers around a boxing underdog with the chance to change his career for good. Watch THE Sylvestor Stallone as he trains for the fight of his life.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Aug 30 at 11:05pm ET

From the astounding Andrew Loyd Webber, this divine musical shares the last days of Jesus Christ, only it’s told through the eyes of Judas who is having some doubts.

House (1977)
Aug 31 at 12:55am ET
Available on demand in August

A wild and fantastical exploration of a mansion turns into a nightmare. Featuring art straight out of a colouring book for the slightly disturbed. A group of girls try and fight their way out of the house. Not sure if I will play the piano again or maybe I’ll pick it up – depends on the night I’m having.

Hollywood Suite 80s Movies

The Blues Brothers (1980)
Aug 30 at 9pm ET

You better think about Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi! These blues brothers are in a race to save their childhood orphanage. Along the way they perform some great hits, have a couple of run-ins with the police and give the show of a lifetime. Everybody needs somebody, so why not be with the blues brothers.

The Shining (1980)
Aug 30 11:15pm ET
Available on demand in August

I don’t think this one needs too much explaining. It’s the classic take a quick vacay up to the old abandoned hotel and go crazy whilst writing a novel trope. But really it is quite aMAZ(E)ing; you should definitely take a watch.

Lethal Weapon (1987)
Aug 31 at 1:40am ET

Mel Gibson’s mullet circa 1987 stars in this buddy cop movie. A buddy cop movie where two cops track down the criminals but this time it’s in the 80s!

Hollywood Suite 90s Movies

Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Aug 30 at 9pm ET

Time after time this movie is a delight to watch. True to form this Baz Lurhman hit sparkles and shines with great music and style. An unforeseen pairing of the girl next door and the professional ballroom dancer come together to compete in the national championship.

The Mummy (1999)
Aug 30 at 10:40pm ET
Available on demand in August

Speaking of time, The Mummy is a blast from the past when an ancient tomb is opened to release a monster. The beloved Brendan Fraser finds help from a group of strangers whom he meets along the way.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Aug 31 at 12:50pm ET
Available on demand in August

Director Anthony Minghella transports us and Mr. Ripley into the lives of the young and wealthy holidaying along the Italian Riviera. To what disturbing lengths will Mr. Ripley go to keep his foot in this lavish lifestyle?

Hollywood Suite 2000s Movies

The Other Guys (2010)
Aug 30 at 9pm ET
Available on demand in August

Life didn’t turn out like you wanted it? Get in line. Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) spend their days typing away at their desks. A simple case turns out to be a whole lot bigger and riskier than they could have ever imagined. The comedic duo make this treacherous case a comical one.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Aug 30 at 10:50pm ET

He’s not just a loser who goes to the local pub on a Tuesday… he’s a loser in a zombie apocalypse who goes to the pub on a tuesday. If dry humour and monsters are your thing Shaun of The Dead may just have to be next on your watch list.

Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Aug 31 at 12:35pm ET

I have never been more confused in my life… I love it! Truly unexpected turn of events throughout this crazy commentary on capitalism and corporate lifestyle. This magical universe will leave you saying “huh?” but in a good way.