Reel Recs
Every week, staff from the Monroe County Public Library recommend favorites from the collection.
You can request DVDs online by logging in to the catalog and choose from more than 30,000 streaming films and TV shows from the Kanopy app – and you get unlimited plays on Kanopy Kids! If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? Email info@keyslibraries.org.
Paper Moon (1973)
Why: This is probably the textbook example of a road movie pairing a disgruntled adult with a precocious child. Ryan O’Neal and his daughter Tatum O’Neal have a natural chemistry that you don’t always find when family members work together on screen. This chemistry is so dynamic, it earned Tatum an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress – the youngest winner in any competitive category. Peter Bogdanovich’s direction balances striking black and white photography with amusingly understated performances with astonishing ease. On top of that, you’ve got the great Madeline Kahn making the most of her short screentime in this breezy, funny romp.
Where: This movie is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming service.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Grizzly Man (2005)
Why: You probably watched this, or heard about it, when it was released in 2005, but it’s worth a revisit. Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog follows failed actor and self-styled environmentalist Timothy Treadwell into the wilderness of Alaska’s Katmai National Park, where Treadwell spent 13 summers living among the grizzly bears that congregate there. Using Treadwell’s own video diaries and interviews with friends, family and park employees, Herzog paints a picture of a deeply troubled man convinced that he alone can protect these enormous carnivores from encroaching civilization. In reality, the grizzlies are very well protected—it is Treadwell (and his girlfriend, who accompanies him on the fatal trip) who is in danger. What seems at first merely the tale of an unusual life and tragic death turns out to be an incredibly moving meditation on humans and their place in nature, and a meta-commentary on the power of film. A great starting point for anyone looking to get into Herzog’s incredible body of work.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
Recommended by: Laura Bernazzoli, Library Associate, Key West Library
Summertime (1955)
Why: Can’t take that luxurious summer vacation you wanted? Let Katharine Hepburn take it for you, and in Venice, no less. Under the direction of David Lean, this film is a true love letter to the city, beautifully showcasing its architecture and sun-drenched atmosphere in glorious Technicolor. It’s not just a travelogue, however, as it also offers an effective examination of both loneliness and the midlife crisis. If that may sound daunting and depressing, don’t worry. There’s plenty of humor milked out of the fish-out-of-water trope, not to mention a steamy romance at its center with Rossano Brazzi.
Where: This film is available as a DVD from the library.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
The Third Man (1949)
Why: Celebrating its 75th anniversary, this has all the elements of a perfect film noir: Oscar-winning cinematography of postwar Vienna bathed in rich shadows, a plot with more twists than a Chubby Checker song, delightfully droll one-liners, and an enticingly magnetic supporting performance from Orson Welles. Even with its psychologically dark elements, there’s a cheekiness to it found in the best Hitchcock films – no surprise given that this is actually a British production rather than Hollywood. If none of that is enough to entice you, it’s worth pointing out the zither-infused score directly inspired the music for “Spongebob Squarepants.”
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Knox Goes Away (2024)
Why: Though met with mixed reviews when it was released theatrically earlier this year, Knox Goes Away is a sharp character study amid a pulpy film noir with a decidedly convoluted plot that is very much worth seeing. Of course, the film’s primary strength is a first-rate Michael Keaton performance that’s on the same tier as his turns in The Founder, Birdman, and Spotlight. He’s mesmerizing — cold and calculating but devolving into dementia and suddenly wholly vulnerable. I know that a film about a hitman developing dementia seems gimmicky and easily dismissed, but it’s a dark comedy with a genuinely great feat of acting by one of the most accomplished actors around.
Where: You can get this film from the Monroe County Public Library in DVD or Blu-Ray format.
Recommended By: Michael Nelson, Acting Director of Libraries
Shōgun (1980)
Why: With a highly acclaimed remake currently available on FX and Hulu, check out this Emmy-winning adaptation of James Clavell’s epic novel from more than 40 years ago (which we also have, naturally). It still holds up remarkably well thanks to its stately production values and charismatic lead performance by Richard Chamberlain. As an adaptation, it streamlines the story to focus on Jack Blackthorne’s journey yet still manages to feel substantial at an impressive 10 hours. The world-building is so immersive, however, that this running time flies by. It’s worth noting that this miniseries isn’t available to stream anywhere, so physical copies of it have been in high demand since the launch of the remake.
Where: This movie is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library system.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Summer Stock (1950)
Why: Kick off the beginning of summer with one MGM’s most charming musicals starring two of the studio’s greatest stars – Judy Garland (in her last film for them) and Gene Kelly. You’re probably familiar with the iconic number “Get Happy” featuring Garland in a waistcoat and fedora. That alone should be reason enough to recommend this film, but luckily it features much more than that. Where else can you see comedian Phil Silvers lose control of a tractor? Or Gene Kelly use newspapers as part of his choreography? It’s a feel-good piece of cozy Americana, and sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Why: The Coen brothers have made a lot of excellent movies and “The Big Lebowski” is the cult classic everyone loves to quote, but for my money, “Fargo” is their best work. It’s the story of sad sack Jerry Lundegard (William H. Macy) and his idiot plan to have his own wife kidnapped to raise ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law. Everything goes wrong for him, especially when cop Marge Gunderson (the magnificent Frances McDormand, who won an Oscar for her role) is on the case. The writing is brilliant – there’s a line from Fargo that applies to almost any situation in life. And even if the plot seems initially cartoonish, you wind up caring about these characters and wondering who will survive this mess – and how. Almost 30 years after it first blew me away in a theater, I’m still thinking about this movie. The TV anthology series it inspired is also pretty good – but it wouldn’t exist without the original text.
Where: This is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, Community Affairs Manager
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Why: Forty years later, this first sequel to the legendary “Raiders of the Lost Ark” has been reappraised by viewers given the controversial sequels that have come since. The very reason the PG-13 rating was invented, it’s the darkest and most violent entry in the series. But don’t let that scare you away. You’ve got the charmingly funny Ke Huy Quan (now experiencing a resurgence himself) as Short Round keeping Indy in check. Plus, the minecart chase is one of the most thrilling setpieces in the franchise. We completely understand, however, the necessity to mute your screen whenever Willie goes into her signature shriek.
Where: This movie is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library system.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Why: Don’t watch silent movies? “Sherlock Jr.” is the perfect gateway. At a brisk 45 minutes, this film doesn’t wear out its welcome nor does it rely on too many title cards for dialogue. Instead, it packs in a great many gags and visual trickery all done in-camera. The story of a projectionist who wants to be a sleuth is a simple one, but it’s just the thing on which to hang enough death-defying stunts by the great Buster Keaton to make you ask, “How did they do that?” Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this still holds up as hilarious and creative.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
Why: Every Earth Day, people are reminded of their responsibility in stewarding the resources given to them. “FernGully” to this day remains one of the most relevant and effective arguments for conservationism. Essentially the film James Cameron redressed and called “Avatar,” it offers the same message and same outsider’s journey but with one extra key ingredient: Robin Williams. Williams recorded his role as Batty before taking the world by storm as the Genie in “Aladdin” a few months later, and he brings that same manic energy here. And with rumors of a live-action remake on the horizon, what better time to catch up?
Where: This movie is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library system.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Matilda (1996)
Why: We recently marked National Library Week, and what better way to celebrate than with the patron saint of literacy – Matilda Wormwood? You may have fond memories of Roald Dahl’s classic book as well as this film adaptation directed by Danny DeVito. We’re happy to say it not only holds up, but there are layers to unpack in it as an adult. The film has a dark streak that offsets any potential saccharine qualities you might expect from any story dealing with young children. It also has a quirky sensibility that effectively renders it both funny and timeless.
Where: “Matilda” is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch
Jazz On A Summer’s Day (1959)
Why: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with this legendary concert filmed at Rhode Island’s Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. Directed by world-renowned photographer Bert Stern, this isn’t a run-of-the-mill concert film. Stern’s eye for interesting subjects means bold colors, dynamic camera angles, and many shots of the attendees on their boats and at the fairgrounds. These cutaways not only keep things visually interesting, but they cement a specific time and place that can no longer be captured. With jazz powerhouses like Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and Anita O’Day, this is both the perfect introduction to the genre if you’re new or the definitive celebration if you’re already a fan.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the Library’s streaming app.
Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, Library Assistant, Islamorada Library Branch