Drama Month (2024) – Based on True Events

The movie selections for Drama Month are those that are inspired by or are based on true events. I’m always a sucker for biopics and movies of significant historical figures and events. Again, I will write short reviews about each film but I will try to keep each review brief. Last month I may have been a bit loquacious.

I finished my watchlist early so this post is coming to you just before the end of the month. I do not anticipate fitting any more movies in before Comedy Month starts.

I’ll start with the list, again so you can click on each item to take you straight to the movie or you can skip straight to the Bonus and Special Event movies.

• Oppenheimer (2023)
• Fat Man and Little Boy (1989)
• Sound of Freedom (2023)
• Ford v Ferrari (2019)
• The Imitation Game (2014)
• Immortal Beloved (1995)

Oppenheimer (2023)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr
My Rating:

This is an amazing movie. I found myself frequently captivated by the science and the acting. It is not an “I’ll put it on in the background” kind of movie; you have to sit and absorb it. This movie has an amazing cast. It has to win Best Picture; there shouldn’t even be any debate about it. By the way, I highly recommend Peaky Blinders which also stars Cillian Murphy.

Fat Man and Little Boy (1989)

Directed by: Roland Joffé
Starring: Paul Newman, Dwight Schultz, Bonnie Bedelia
My Rating:

25 years before Cillian regaled us with his Oppenheimer, Dwight Schultz brought us his version. Fat Man and Little Boy focus more on the development of the bomb and less on the FBI investigation. I did enjoy this film but I think Oppenheimer is a better film. Similarly to Oppenheimer there are other actors you should recognize (other than John McClane’s wife). John Cusack, Laura Dern, and John C McGinley are also in this; and keep your eyes peeled for a young Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson).

Sound of Freedom (2023)

Directed by: Alejandro Monteverde
Starring: Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp
My Rating:

Given the subject matter of this movie, it could be hard for some folks to watch. It is a really good movie but knowing that it’s all true is somewhat gutwrenching. Jim Caviezel is such a great emotional actor, he makes it so easy to become attached to his characters. Everyone should be watching this film, not just for the acting but to understand how horrifying sex trafficking is.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Directed by: James Mangold
Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
My Rating:

This is a “bloody fantastic” film (as Ken Miles would say). This movie has moved into my top five. I could watch this repeatedly; in fact, this might even be my third time watching it. I’ve always been a Ford Mustang fan since I was a child and the 1967 Shelby GT500 is one of my absolute favorite cars. My grandparents used to own a 1964 1/2 convertible Mustang, the first year the Mustang was made, and it’s my other absolute favorite car. I’ve been a Mustang fan since the first time I rode in that car.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Directed by: Morten Tyldum
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
My Rating:

As someone who uses computers daily, this is almost a required film since “turing machines” evolved into the modern-day computer. Benedict Cumberbatch provides an amazing portrayal of Alan Turing and this film has a pretty decent soundtrack. I’m a big fan of Keira Knightley and she does a great job as well. It’s a good movie and I recommend it, especially if you’re a techie.

Immortal Beloved (1995)

Directed by: Bernard Rose
Starring: Gary Oldman, Jeroen Krabbe, Isabella Rossellini
My Rating:

This is a story about Ludwig Von Beethoven and a mysterious letter he left to his “Immortal Beloved” upon his death. The movie explores to whom that letter was addressed. This was my late neighbor’s favorite movie so I really wanted to watch it. Gary Oldman gives a great performance as the famous maestro and Beethoven’s music plays throughout the movie. I highly recommend this film.

Bonus and Special Event Movies

Are you getting a sense of deja vu? Bill Murray can relate given the special event movie for February is Groundhog Day. This is a classic film that I never get tired of watching. Do you want to know a fun fact about Groundhog Day? According to Harold Ramis (RIP), Phil relives the same day for 10 years but only 38 days, full or partial, are depicted in the film.

The bonus movie this month was the latest MCU movie The Marvels. The movie performed terribly at the box office, which is a shame. While there are one or two minor issues I had with the movie, overall I did enjoy it. You can read my full review here.

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