Random thoughts: 5 movies to help you get over your B&W film fears

Oh, the magic you have missed! If the lack of shiny technicolor is all that keeps you away from B&W movies, you just haven't seen the right ones. Watch the first 15 minutes of any of these and I guarantee you that the lack of color is not what you'll be thinking. Instead, it will be "How messed up is Rick and Ilsa's relationship?" or "Now I see why generations of men have obsessed over Marilyn Monroe and millions of women want her hair."

• Casablanca (1942): What, you've never seen this?!? This movie just gets better with age -- it and yours. Marvel over the electricity between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
• It's A Wonderful Life (1946): Yes, it was on all the time at Christmas and it still makes the usual appearances. But have you ever stopped to watch this from start to finish? Christmas is the least of it. While the feel-good ending is what people remember, it's actually a pretty dark film about someone who's lost hope.
• Some Like It Hot (1959): A Billy Wilder-directed and written comedy starring Marilyn Monroe. Also Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis who I don't like in much else besides this. But they all make beautiful music together.
• It Happened One Night (1934): OK, you know all those cliches in romantic comedies these days? Roguish reporter who verbally spars -- then loves -- a runaway bride. Only one hotel room available. Sharing pajamas (he gets the pants, she the shirt). These were all original plot points in this movie -- and it's in no way cliche here! Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert and Frank Capra just starting to hit their peak.
• The Best Years of Our Lives (1946): I challenge you to not feel anything about the characters! Three veterans of WWII from different circumstances return home and face difficult adjustments. Harold Russell, who lost his hands for real in WWII, plays a disabled vet (and won an Oscar). Two of my favorite scenes ever are in this movie: One, when Fredric March returns home to his wife (Myrna Loy); and two, when the fiancee of Russell's character helps him get ready for bed to show that she doesn't care at all he has hooks for hands.

"Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

One of my earliest movie memories is going to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark" with my sister and father in the theater the next town over because our town didn't have one. We arrived late, though, and walked into the dark theater just as the evil Nazi character was picking up the medallion from the fire and it burned an imprint into his hand! What a way to begin my Indiana Jones experience. Needless to say, I've been a big fan since then. So I was a little wary of the latest installment, "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." But I think I was so wary and had such low expectations that I was pleasantly surprised. It at least held its own with "Temple of Doom," but in no way competes with the first or third. I'm not rushing to see it again, but if I caught it on a TBS marathon or USA Network weekend, I'd stop and watch it. *****

"Prince Caspian"

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the first Narnia movie (although I was a huge fan of the books growing up). I was even more surprised to find that I like the second movie in the series, "Prince Caspian," even more. Great fight scenes, some good comedy, fast pace and a nice message. Although I didn't remember the books being so dark in mood, but I'm sure they were. This is proof that children's movies don't have to speak down to children and that adults can enjoy them as much as anybody. Good is good. I can't wait for the rest of the series. And just for the record: I'm a big "Lord of the Rings" fan, but have yet to read -- or see -- any freakin' Harry Potter. Maybe I'll like that, too, but I can't bring myself to watch.
*****

"Bella"

If you saw "Once," I know you loved it. "Bella" is similar in tone and message but without the songs. And no Dublin. The tough town backdrop is NYC. In this 2006 movie, a man and woman make a connection when they need each other most, but it's not the usual Hollywood fare. They build a friendship. Great characters, great conversations. If you haven't seen "Bella," see it! If you haven't seen either "Bella" or "Once," I feel so so so sorry for you. *****

The Savages

Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman never make my lists of all-time favorite actors; they are in some great movies and they are powerhouses, but they are more like siblings you have a comfortable relationship with. In The Savages, they play siblings, Wendy and John, who suddenly have to care for their elderly father. The plot could have gone all Lifetime movie, but fortunately for us viewers, it stays original and pretty true to life. Although some childhood abuse is alluded to, the characters don't have some epiphany or big dramatic moment confronting their father or each other. The ramifications are pretty clearly seen in their emotional problems. Also, there isn't some grand forgiveness scene with their father. As in real life, sometimes it's just showing up every day and taking care of someone who can't even remember who you are. Tamara Jenkins is the writer/director, who also did "Slums of Beverly Hills," another movie I enjoyed. Also check out "You Can Count on Me," with Laura Linney playing another suffering sibling. Good stuff. *****

I'm Not There

"Inspired" by Bob Dylan, "I'm Not There" is a little out there, but if you like that in Bobby, you'll like this movie, too. Six different actors play different personas of Dylan, not playing him specifically. This is definitely not a biopic. Cate Blanchett got all the publicity but it was deserved. Her part, the Heath Ledger/Charlotte Gainsborough storyline, and the Christian Bale part were the best. I liked the movie because it was different from most of what's out there but still moved fast for an art-house type movie (Todd Haynes "Far From Heaven" is the director). This is definitely one I want (need) to watch again. You'll like "I'm Not There" if you liked "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" or maybe "Full Frontal." *****