5 Reasons I Love Dennis Quaid

Come on, look at that face. How can you resist? It's Dennis Quaid! A funny family man and the most charming shoeless rebel rocker around! His brother is pretty amazing as well, but we can save that list for another day. I have plenty of movie viewing still ahead of me to catch up on the work of this amazing actor, but I'm sure it would just extend my recommendations and my goal is to keep things simple. I'm not saying the following selections are necessarily his best work, just a few of the reasons why I think he is pretty shcweet. Whether you are a fellow movie fan or just a curious spectator, here are a 5 good reasons you may also enjoy some DQ...









FREQUENCY








One of my first dvd's and by far the most watched Dennis Quaid movie on my shelf, Frequency is a sci-fi-esque thriller with a wonderful mix of comedy/drama/suspense. An amazing cast brings together a touching story of one man's loss and a chance at once in a lifetime redemption 30 years in the making. Some movies, or TV shows for that matter, have a way of pointing out the faults or mistakes of others in such a way that encourages you to take steps in your own life to keep from adding more regrets to your list. What would you do with a chance to alter your past? Can you learn from your mistakes to prevent future ones? Whether you are interested in the time altering elements, you want to see Dennis Quaid's charming Fireman smile, or you think you can spot a young Michael Cera in one of his first film roles, there are many good reasons to watch this movie.








INNERSPACE








Until I lost my VHS copy of this movie at the age of 13, it was by far my favorite. I was also a HUGE Martin Short fan (and still remain to this day) but it was the earliest dose of DQ I received as a youngster that stuck with me. For the time, the FX were pretty amazing and had me glued to the screen, so it was no surprise to find out later that it took home the 1988 Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Its random premise is awesomely ridiculous (the IMDB describes its plot as "A hapless store clerk must foil criminals to save the life of the man who, miniaturized in a secret experiment, was accidentally injected into him."), but the cast brings it together creating a memorable comedy classic.






SMART PEOPLE








"Sometimes the smartest people have the most to learn."
This is probably one of his best comedies in a long time that no one seems to have seen. I love character comedies and when you mix a smart script with a great group of actors, you can't help but enjoy yourself. This is one of my favorite comedies of the past few years and has been added to my list of "serial repeaters". Ellen Page, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Thomas Haden Church round out this great cast in a comedy about the complications of life and its relationships. Quaid gives us a great performance as a bitter widowed college professor who is too smart for his own good (though still has a few lessons to learn himself), but Church is definitely my favorite of the bunch turning out a great performance as his unemployed adopted brother. The character clashes between Church and the rest of the cast make for some wonderfully funny moments and though I know its not for everyone, I wish more people had seen it.









JAWS 3-D








Don't laugh at me! Okay, you caught me, I can't keep a straight face, laugh all you want. I don't care. I like some pretty horribly wonderful movies for many odd reasons that I just can't justify in any way other than the fact that I watch way too many of them or I linger on holding attachments to movies I watched as a kid. I came across this one during my Jaws phase. I have seen this movie only once as an adult and its pretty ridiculous, but it cracks me up. For example:














Sure, at the time, a few audiences responded as the actors did, but we've come a long way since 1983 and it takes a little more than a 3-D shark to entertain an audience. In interviews, even Quaid has replied, "I was in Jaws what?" But at the end of the day, each actor has their stepping stones, some solid, some a bit caddywompous, but all in all, I've seen much worse. Young Dennis Quaid had to get his feet wet somehow, why not in a Sea World theme park over-ridden by great whites?


Speaking of sharks, we have come to my final recommendation and it has nothing to do with movies...









DENNIS QUAID AND THE SHARKS









Wondering what I was talking about when I called him a shoeless rebel rocker? Nope, I was not talking about his days in Great Balls of Fire or even his turn as a country singer in The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia. Jerry Lee Lewis was a shoe-clad rock-n-roller back in his day, but that is not how Mr. Quaid likes to rock the house.

I have only heard a few selections from this band and I missed their show in LA last fall, but I love them. From what I've seen and heard, I will not miss my chance the next time it comes around. They play for fun, they play for charity, and Dennis Quaid prefers to play without shoes. Why? I have not found that little tidbit of information yet, but I still find it awesome. Playing selections from his movie roles as well as other hits spanning from country to rock, his shows are full of energy and rhythm as he makes his way around the stage rocking on his guitar or playing the keyboards, all the while continuing to be the lead vocalist. There is no holding back whether he attempts to rock your socks off, or if he is slowing it down to try and make you a little misty. You can check them out on YouTube or Google them for further information, but if you hear about one of their secret shows happening somewhere, I better be the first person you inform if you want company!





So there you have it, he may not be your favorite actor of all time, but I'm sure you have enjoyed one of his films at sometime or another. And for the rest of you who enjoy a good DQ movie, here's a quick trip down memory lane--