Braveheart (1995)

9/11... how do you pick a movie today? Do you go with a direct 9/11 related movie? Or do you just leave that alone because there is enough to remind you of the anniversary without direct stimulus? Do you go for inspirational to lift your spirits and make you believe that good can happen in this world? What about a comedy to just completely ignore the whole thing?
It's all pretty personal and difficult. Unless you just don't care about remembering what happened 12 years ago.
I don't know which category you fall under and ultimately, that's your decision. I'm just a guy that makes dumb recommendations about movies to watch. And as such, if you are interested, here they are:

Oh crap! Another Mel Gibson movie! 2 days in a row! That's history for ya...today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Sterling Bridge. In 1297, William Wallace and Friends had what was basically their finest moment in Scots vs English fighting as they soundly kicked the bums of the invaders. Kind of a high point for the sword throwing enthusiast and it kind of went downhill after that. Obviously, you can enjoy more blue-painted madness by watching that epic Scottish flick, Highlander Braveheart, and perhaps take a little extra pride in screaming "FREEDOM!" at the end.

Happy Birthday! Brian DePalma turns 73! Might I suggest The Untouchables? I mean, DePalma works some magic because it's a non-baseball movie where Kevin Costner isn't unbearably annoying.

And another birthday for an actor who has passed away almost a year ago but was one of my favorites. Herbert Lom was probably best known as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus, the recipient of unintentional misfortune by one Inspector Clouseau (you know, Peter Sellers) in several Pink Panther films. But he was extremely accomplished and appeared in many memorable films. For today, I'm going with The Ladykillers (the 1955 original) where he plays quite the scoundrel and appears with the aforementioned Peter Sellers and the iconic Sir Alec Guinness.

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

On this day in 1915, legendary actress Ingrid Bergman was born. On this day in 1982, legendary actress Ingrid Bergman died. It was not the best result for a 67th birthday party. Bergman died from breast cancer.
She won lots of awards over her career and some folks consider her the best ever. The obvious pick for today would be "Casablanca," but a) it's too obvious and b) I think it's overrated. Instead, I'm going with one of her later films, "Murder on the Orient Express." Granted, she wasn't the lead, but she did win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this film (the only award this film won out of 6 nominations). Double points for the Bogart connection where Bergman appears with her Casablanca co-star's last wife, Lauren Bacall.

That's Harsh, Man - It's the Christian Feast Day for the beheading of John the Baptist! How about a salami sandwich and a viewing of "Godspell"?

Now You're Just Being Silly - 1825: Portugal recognizes Brazil's independence. Terry Gilliam's film "Brazil" has absolutely nothing to do with that.

Ingrid Bergman's Bacon number is 2
Lauren Bacall's Bacon number is 2
Terry Gilliam's Bacon number is2

Police Academy (1984)

Another fun birthday pick! Happy Birthday to the legend G.W. Bailey! He turns 69 today! Even if you don't immediately recognize the name, you will recognize the face as Bailey has been on the large and small screen for almost 40 years now. Some of his notable early TV roles include "M.A.S.H." and "St. Elsewhere" and he is currently in his 8th year as the loveable curmudgeon Lt. Provenza originally from "The Closer" and now "Major Crimes."
And while Bailey is probably best known for his television roles, he will also be fondly remembered as the unfortunate villain of "Police Academy" (and several unfortunate sequels), Lt. Thaddeus Harris. I'm not sure which is worse... having to be a clown of a villain or being shown up by Steve Guttenberg.

Alternate More Obvious Pick - "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" cuz Paul Reubens turns 61 today

Alternate Completely Out There Pick - "Batman: The Movie." Why, you ask? Well, today is Lyndon Baines Johnson Day (in Texas) celebrating the 36th President's Birthday. Van Williams had an uncredited role as the "voice" of LBJ in the 1966 camp classic "Batman". More trivia fun, Van Williams went on to star as The Green Hornet and guest starred as the same on the subsequent "Batman" television show.


G.W. Bailey's Bacon Number is 2.
Steve Guttenberg's Bacon Number is 1.
Paul Reubens Bacon Number is 2.
Van Williams Bacon Number is 2.

The Birdcage (1996)

On August 26, 1940 Donald Leroy La Fontaine was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He was better known as simply Don LaFontaine and while you might not know his name, you know his voice.
Don LaFontaine was the deep voiced announcer for thousands of movie trailers... you know... the "In a world where blah blah blah" kind of thing.
Anyway, Don wasn't really an actor, but sometimes he'd be brought in for narration or as kind of an inside joke within a movie or TV show. Two movies come to mind: "The Birdcage" and "Scrooged"
Since "Scrooged" is a Christmas movie, we're going to ignore that one for now.
The 1996 release "The Birdcage" stars Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. Williams and Lane are a couple who run a nightclub featuring drag performances (Lane is the featured performer) while Hackman is a conservative politician trying to distance himself from scandal. And how does it all mix together? Williams has a son, Hackman has a daughter and they want to get married. Hijinks ensue!
Don LaFontaine has an uncredited role as the voice of "Radio Newscaster." It isn't a major role, but so what. The man is a freaking legend and today is his freaking birthday... so honor him, ya mooks! He would have been 73 today (he died in 2008).

Don LaFontaine's Bacon number is 2
Robin Williams's Bacon number is 2
Nathan Lane's Bacon number is 1
Gene Hackman's Bacon number is2