A very long time since my last post.
Hugo
A young boy lives in the walls of a Paris railway station, his job is winding the clocks. This is a delightful movie, thought-provoking and very attractive. Despite being French, all the characters speak with totally English accents. Some big players in this one - Ben Kingsley, Frances de la Tour, Christopher Lee, Sacha Baron Cohen. Yes, Borat plays the policeman, closely modelled on the English policeman in 'Allo, 'Allo, the English television comedy series about the French resistance. Fine performances, a few odd silences, perhaps the result of choppy editing, or possibly for effect. Beautiful lighting, great richness. We saw it in 3D and it was well worth seeing it that way. A movie with depth in more ways than one.
Hugo has an automaton he wants to repair. He steals parts from the toyshop, run by Kingsley who plays George Melies, the early French film maker. This movie is about the history of movies, as well as a gentle adventure. Not really a movie for children but a visual feast for adults. One of the best movies I have seen.
The Help
A young journalist in the South interviews coloured maids to get their take on what it is like working for white people. Set in the early 1960's with the civil rights movement growing, this is an edgy subject, beautifully handled. I think white Americans might feel a little bit ashamed and embarrassed watching this. Some brilliant performances. Emma Stone plays the journalist and she is good. I think she has quite a future as an actor. The maids are wonderful. Some oscar nominations there I expect, for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Great clothes and makeup, some nice scenery. Bryce Dallas Howard is wonderful in her role as Two Slice Hilly.
You have to see this movie. It sticks very closely to the book, so read that too.
Sooo... I now have six cats, 3 sets of twins, aged 18 months (Tui and Lotto), 8 months (Harley and Belle) and 3 months (Moxie and Blot). I finally caught the mother (Angie) and got her fixed, she is a little friendlier now, actually jumped in the window today. The babies will probably get fixed this weekend, then we have to find homes. That will be difficult because we love all these cats. Did I tell you that Lotto had the rest of his tail removed and instantly grew bigger, fatter, and generally got healthier and happier.
Compliments of the season to you all.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Left speechless
Why did I never watch this movie before?
The Shawshank Redemption
A masterpiece. I was left speechless and breathless. Tim Robbins is the actor's actor, so understated, so believable. Morgan Freeman is just real. I sound like a Shawshank groupie.
This is a prison story, with all the horrible prison stuff that happens, but it has an ending that is so satisfying. It is a must-see.
Five Children and It
An adaptation of an E. Nesbit children's story. I was a big E. Nesbit fan and I had read this book, many years ago. It has been made into quite a good movie. That nice lad from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (no, not Johnny Depp) stars, along with several well-known English actors, including some Harry Potter teachers. Eddie Izzard plays It and does it very well, with humour, as you would expect. A nice movie.
Cougar Town
My daughter made me watch the first two seasons and it is not bad. Ellie, the neighbour, is played by Jordan from Scrubs, so of course it is good. Funny, alcoholic, stupid at times, but entertaining.
21
Based on the true story of MIT students using their intellect to beat the casinos. Jim Sturgess (from "Across the Universe") stars and does a passable American accent. Enjoyable.
Pirate Radio
Now in other countries this movie is titled "The Boat That Rocked". Now why would they change it for the American market? Was it too subtle? They changed the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to something about a sorceror's stone. Dumbing down or what?
Anyways, this is an English movie (which almost automatically makes it good in my book) with some wonderful actors, including Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby, the manager from Flight of the Conchords. This movie is also based on a true story, about Radio Caroline I believe, in the early days of rock and roll, when the BBC would not broadcast such stuff. Some great characters, fashions, and situations. The dvd cover says: 1 boat, 8 DJs, no morals. Then there is the nail-biting drama, faced with remarkable sangfroid (as always) by the English.
I will be watching this one more than once. It's fun and it has it's own Dunkirk moment.
Angie had her kittens, we haven't seen them yet, but now the previous two, Harley and Belle, are part of the household. We really need to find good homes for them but we are very attached to them now. Won't make that mistake with the next lot. And yes, I have tried very hard to catch Angie to get her fixed, but she is super-smart and avoids springing the trap. I'll try again when these kittens are old enough to do without her for a day or so.
The Shawshank Redemption
A masterpiece. I was left speechless and breathless. Tim Robbins is the actor's actor, so understated, so believable. Morgan Freeman is just real. I sound like a Shawshank groupie.
This is a prison story, with all the horrible prison stuff that happens, but it has an ending that is so satisfying. It is a must-see.
Five Children and It
An adaptation of an E. Nesbit children's story. I was a big E. Nesbit fan and I had read this book, many years ago. It has been made into quite a good movie. That nice lad from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (no, not Johnny Depp) stars, along with several well-known English actors, including some Harry Potter teachers. Eddie Izzard plays It and does it very well, with humour, as you would expect. A nice movie.
Cougar Town
My daughter made me watch the first two seasons and it is not bad. Ellie, the neighbour, is played by Jordan from Scrubs, so of course it is good. Funny, alcoholic, stupid at times, but entertaining.
21
Based on the true story of MIT students using their intellect to beat the casinos. Jim Sturgess (from "Across the Universe") stars and does a passable American accent. Enjoyable.
Pirate Radio
Now in other countries this movie is titled "The Boat That Rocked". Now why would they change it for the American market? Was it too subtle? They changed the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to something about a sorceror's stone. Dumbing down or what?
Anyways, this is an English movie (which almost automatically makes it good in my book) with some wonderful actors, including Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby, the manager from Flight of the Conchords. This movie is also based on a true story, about Radio Caroline I believe, in the early days of rock and roll, when the BBC would not broadcast such stuff. Some great characters, fashions, and situations. The dvd cover says: 1 boat, 8 DJs, no morals. Then there is the nail-biting drama, faced with remarkable sangfroid (as always) by the English.
I will be watching this one more than once. It's fun and it has it's own Dunkirk moment.
Angie had her kittens, we haven't seen them yet, but now the previous two, Harley and Belle, are part of the household. We really need to find good homes for them but we are very attached to them now. Won't make that mistake with the next lot. And yes, I have tried very hard to catch Angie to get her fixed, but she is super-smart and avoids springing the trap. I'll try again when these kittens are old enough to do without her for a day or so.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Goodbye Harry
Lots of movies, not a lot of motivation to review.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two
The last of the Harry Potter story. How very sad. Anyway - an excellent movie. As good as the first one, and I liked it better than the ones in between, although they were excellent too. All those children have grown up but they retain the magic. Neville in particular has grown up to be quite spectacular. Didn't see that coming.
Fame
I was a fan of the television show back in the 80's, but not this movie. I watched probably a third of the movie and had not developed any interest in any of the characters or the non-existent plot, so sorry, can't even review it with any interest.
Burlesque
A vehicle for Cher and Christina Aguillera to be seen and heard. Good dancing, costumes and makeup, weak, unoriginal plot, but it's a feelgood film that had me singing in the shower afterwards.
The Big Bang Theory
Continuing with this television series and loving it. So clever, so real and such adorable characters. I think Sheldon is my favourite, for his single-mindedness. So funny.
Jeff Dunham
An American comedian who is also a ventriloquist using various stereotype puppets. What can I say? English and American humour just don't translate. I found the humour in this to be at a level that might amuse a 5 year old and I found some of it offensive. The dead terrorist puppet character was truly offensive on many levels, including politically. I wonder if Jeff Dunham is on any terrorist hit lists. I wouldn't be surprised.
Why do Americans find death and decay so amusing? The Halloween merchandise in Walmart is horrible. I don't think it is right that dead bodies and severed body parts should be presented as fun and acceptable party props for children. As a medical professional and a human being I believe in the sanctity of the human body both before and after death, and I find the mocking of the dead to be offensive. Speaking of Halloween, why would you want to encourage children to knock on stranger's doors and demand unhealthy food or perform acts of vandalism if it is not forthcoming? And then tell children not to accept candy from strangers. They can have pumpkin baskets to collect their loot. Sounds like a protection racket to me, pay up or else. It also encourages greed and gluttony and quite possibly, tooth decay. I don't think Christianity is into witches and dead bodies and the general glorification of evil that Halloween celebrates. I don't think children should be exposed to thoughts of death and decay before they are old enough to put it in perspective. Wow, a whole nation of bad parents and creepy retailers.
Expecting more kittens any day. Possibly today even as Angie is not around for breakfast. Her last two are inside getting tamed and will be getting "fixed" asap. Maybe after this litter I can catch Angie and put an end to her over-enthusiastic breeding.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two
The last of the Harry Potter story. How very sad. Anyway - an excellent movie. As good as the first one, and I liked it better than the ones in between, although they were excellent too. All those children have grown up but they retain the magic. Neville in particular has grown up to be quite spectacular. Didn't see that coming.
Fame
I was a fan of the television show back in the 80's, but not this movie. I watched probably a third of the movie and had not developed any interest in any of the characters or the non-existent plot, so sorry, can't even review it with any interest.
Burlesque
A vehicle for Cher and Christina Aguillera to be seen and heard. Good dancing, costumes and makeup, weak, unoriginal plot, but it's a feelgood film that had me singing in the shower afterwards.
The Big Bang Theory
Continuing with this television series and loving it. So clever, so real and such adorable characters. I think Sheldon is my favourite, for his single-mindedness. So funny.
Jeff Dunham
An American comedian who is also a ventriloquist using various stereotype puppets. What can I say? English and American humour just don't translate. I found the humour in this to be at a level that might amuse a 5 year old and I found some of it offensive. The dead terrorist puppet character was truly offensive on many levels, including politically. I wonder if Jeff Dunham is on any terrorist hit lists. I wouldn't be surprised.
Why do Americans find death and decay so amusing? The Halloween merchandise in Walmart is horrible. I don't think it is right that dead bodies and severed body parts should be presented as fun and acceptable party props for children. As a medical professional and a human being I believe in the sanctity of the human body both before and after death, and I find the mocking of the dead to be offensive. Speaking of Halloween, why would you want to encourage children to knock on stranger's doors and demand unhealthy food or perform acts of vandalism if it is not forthcoming? And then tell children not to accept candy from strangers. They can have pumpkin baskets to collect their loot. Sounds like a protection racket to me, pay up or else. It also encourages greed and gluttony and quite possibly, tooth decay. I don't think Christianity is into witches and dead bodies and the general glorification of evil that Halloween celebrates. I don't think children should be exposed to thoughts of death and decay before they are old enough to put it in perspective. Wow, a whole nation of bad parents and creepy retailers.
Expecting more kittens any day. Possibly today even as Angie is not around for breakfast. Her last two are inside getting tamed and will be getting "fixed" asap. Maybe after this litter I can catch Angie and put an end to her over-enthusiastic breeding.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Appreciating diversity
Two months since my last post. I've been busy. I have my daughter staying with me. I get to do girly things, I have a familiar accent around and she gets my jokes. She is being extremely successful as a kitten wrangler.
Harry Potter
I've re-watched the first six, preparatory to seeing the final episode. Loved the first one, not so keen on the second, but enjoyed seeing my old friends again. These movies are so well-made and well written, great believable effects (have to say this - watch, listen, and take notes Mr Cameron - both the effects and the writing). Scary movies, not for children.
Crazy stupid love
A time filler while my daughter attended a Warped tour gig. It was the best of a bad bunch and turned out pretty good. Some interesting messages and some funny bits. Yes - enjoyed it. Best bit, heralded by gasps from the female members of the audience, including myself, was when Ryan Gosling took off his shirt.
Glee 3D concert movie
I quite like the Glee television show, some good characters, great singers and dancers and some wholesome messages about diversity, tolerance, acceptance etc. This movie is basically a concert with a few other bits thrown in. One reviewer referred to it as evangelical and he has a point. I enjoyed it, energy, likeable people and good singing. My faves - Rachel (for the voice) and Kurt.
When Harry met Sally
At last I have seen this movie. Billy Crystal (remember Soap?) and Meg Ryan. Nice. She is sweet and goes through a series of hairstyles which illustrate the passage of time. Another Ephron story like Sleepless and Mail, with the same sort of music. If you like that music you will love Rod Stewart's American Songbook albums. Yep, nice, funny, with a happy ending. Check out the hair and fashion of the era. And of course you can't miss the iconic coffee shop scene with the "I'll have what she's having" line.
New kitten, Harley, black and white, cute as a bug, no he's way cuter. Was going to give him away but that may not be possible now he has bonded with the daughter. Have another kitten to catch, not being at all successful with that despite complicated rope and pulley arrangements. The mother is pregnant AGAIN. I'm over this, kittens are hard to house due to the over-supply
Harry Potter
I've re-watched the first six, preparatory to seeing the final episode. Loved the first one, not so keen on the second, but enjoyed seeing my old friends again. These movies are so well-made and well written, great believable effects (have to say this - watch, listen, and take notes Mr Cameron - both the effects and the writing). Scary movies, not for children.
Crazy stupid love
A time filler while my daughter attended a Warped tour gig. It was the best of a bad bunch and turned out pretty good. Some interesting messages and some funny bits. Yes - enjoyed it. Best bit, heralded by gasps from the female members of the audience, including myself, was when Ryan Gosling took off his shirt.
Glee 3D concert movie
I quite like the Glee television show, some good characters, great singers and dancers and some wholesome messages about diversity, tolerance, acceptance etc. This movie is basically a concert with a few other bits thrown in. One reviewer referred to it as evangelical and he has a point. I enjoyed it, energy, likeable people and good singing. My faves - Rachel (for the voice) and Kurt.
When Harry met Sally
At last I have seen this movie. Billy Crystal (remember Soap?) and Meg Ryan. Nice. She is sweet and goes through a series of hairstyles which illustrate the passage of time. Another Ephron story like Sleepless and Mail, with the same sort of music. If you like that music you will love Rod Stewart's American Songbook albums. Yep, nice, funny, with a happy ending. Check out the hair and fashion of the era. And of course you can't miss the iconic coffee shop scene with the "I'll have what she's having" line.
New kitten, Harley, black and white, cute as a bug, no he's way cuter. Was going to give him away but that may not be possible now he has bonded with the daughter. Have another kitten to catch, not being at all successful with that despite complicated rope and pulley arrangements. The mother is pregnant AGAIN. I'm over this, kittens are hard to house due to the over-supply
Monday, June 20, 2011
Good news
Some good news and a good movie.
Midnight in Paris
I went to this movie alone, actually I had a whole day in town alone to give BH some home alone time and for me to do girly stuff (chick flick, picnic, dead Egyptians, shopping). Midnight in Paris is a new movie starring Owen Wilson. When I read the blurb I thought Owen Wilson was all wrong, but he surprised me and was quite suitable for the part.
Some Americans go to Paris - delightful depictions of the "ugly American abroad", a cheap shot but relevant to the story. Gil (Wilson) is a writer, Rachel McAdams, his fiancee, is just horrible and wears a selection of really unflattering clothes. Odd. Rachel's mother is Dharma's mother from Dharma and Greg, but in this she is so much more like Greg's mother in Dharma and Greg. They meet up with a couple from home, he is a pedantic know-it-all (I'm sure I know him) and she provides some tiny but excellent background comic moments as she second-guesses her own French pronunciation. I really like that detail.
Gil gets a bit tired of the lack of appreciation for Paris and goes out walking at night, gets lost, gets in a car with strangers (NEVER do that) and ends up in the 1920s with the Fitzgeralds and the magnificent Hemingway. The retro celebs that he meets are wonderful. Kathy Bates is a great Gertrude Stein, and Salvador Dali provides light relief with his talk of rhinoceros - not sure what the plural of that animal is. The First Lady of France, Carla Bruni has a cameo role and she is very good. An inter-era love story that all ends fairly happily.
Paris is, of course, beautiful. The lighting is superb and atmospheric, the music delightful, the makeup and costumes gorgeous. Woody Allen directs and does a good job, as far as it goes. There is the potential for a much deeper, more complex story, but I suppose it would have been a different story then. I refer you to my most favourite tv series, Goodnight Sweetheart, for more of the time travel love story genre. I liked Midnight and I am still thinking about it, mostly as escapism. It may be time to go back to Paris with BH and hope he finds it as romantic as I do.
When I left the movie theatre, I found myself at the riverside (it was the Riverside Theatre) with the Truckee in flood, dozens of beautiful pink and mauve hanging baskets of flowers and a young man playing the flute. It could have been Paris. It was a beautiful day. I'll be buying the DVD.
Now the good news: Lotto came back! He was away 10 days and returned this morning looking well and not starved. He does have a big chunk out of his nose so I guess a fight scared him away. I am so happy to have him back and so is his brother. This morning Lotto was asleep in Tui's arms. I had given poor Lotto up but he proved me wrong. I am so glad he came back.
Midnight in Paris
I went to this movie alone, actually I had a whole day in town alone to give BH some home alone time and for me to do girly stuff (chick flick, picnic, dead Egyptians, shopping). Midnight in Paris is a new movie starring Owen Wilson. When I read the blurb I thought Owen Wilson was all wrong, but he surprised me and was quite suitable for the part.
Some Americans go to Paris - delightful depictions of the "ugly American abroad", a cheap shot but relevant to the story. Gil (Wilson) is a writer, Rachel McAdams, his fiancee, is just horrible and wears a selection of really unflattering clothes. Odd. Rachel's mother is Dharma's mother from Dharma and Greg, but in this she is so much more like Greg's mother in Dharma and Greg. They meet up with a couple from home, he is a pedantic know-it-all (I'm sure I know him) and she provides some tiny but excellent background comic moments as she second-guesses her own French pronunciation. I really like that detail.
Gil gets a bit tired of the lack of appreciation for Paris and goes out walking at night, gets lost, gets in a car with strangers (NEVER do that) and ends up in the 1920s with the Fitzgeralds and the magnificent Hemingway. The retro celebs that he meets are wonderful. Kathy Bates is a great Gertrude Stein, and Salvador Dali provides light relief with his talk of rhinoceros - not sure what the plural of that animal is. The First Lady of France, Carla Bruni has a cameo role and she is very good. An inter-era love story that all ends fairly happily.
Paris is, of course, beautiful. The lighting is superb and atmospheric, the music delightful, the makeup and costumes gorgeous. Woody Allen directs and does a good job, as far as it goes. There is the potential for a much deeper, more complex story, but I suppose it would have been a different story then. I refer you to my most favourite tv series, Goodnight Sweetheart, for more of the time travel love story genre. I liked Midnight and I am still thinking about it, mostly as escapism. It may be time to go back to Paris with BH and hope he finds it as romantic as I do.
When I left the movie theatre, I found myself at the riverside (it was the Riverside Theatre) with the Truckee in flood, dozens of beautiful pink and mauve hanging baskets of flowers and a young man playing the flute. It could have been Paris. It was a beautiful day. I'll be buying the DVD.
Now the good news: Lotto came back! He was away 10 days and returned this morning looking well and not starved. He does have a big chunk out of his nose so I guess a fight scared him away. I am so happy to have him back and so is his brother. This morning Lotto was asleep in Tui's arms. I had given poor Lotto up but he proved me wrong. I am so glad he came back.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Lotto lost
A movie and some sad news.
That's what I am
A rather nice high school movie, a bit Napoleon Dynamite but not such a comedy. The geeks, the bullies, the popular girl. Based on true events. I enjoyed it, but not in the mood for an in-depth review because of the sad news.
I haven't seen Lotto for 3 days. That is completely out of character and I am thinking the worst - car or coyote. I'm really sad about it. He was a valiant little cat, surviving a nasty injury and his tail dropping off. He was a very smart and agile boy, very affectionate and much loved. His brother is a bit lost without him. But I have seen the new kittens. I think there are two, black and white like their mother.
That's what I am
A rather nice high school movie, a bit Napoleon Dynamite but not such a comedy. The geeks, the bullies, the popular girl. Based on true events. I enjoyed it, but not in the mood for an in-depth review because of the sad news.
I haven't seen Lotto for 3 days. That is completely out of character and I am thinking the worst - car or coyote. I'm really sad about it. He was a valiant little cat, surviving a nasty injury and his tail dropping off. He was a very smart and agile boy, very affectionate and much loved. His brother is a bit lost without him. But I have seen the new kittens. I think there are two, black and white like their mother.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Mind expanding
Rehoused the dvds and found a few I hadn't seen.
High School High
Mostly stupid but funny and even clever in parts. That's all.
Leo Villareal
An exhibition I saw at a certain Museum of Art a few weeks ago. Villareal is an artist with light. Actual lights, fluorescent, LED, cool stuff. So I'm walking around, looking at the pretty lights, then one installation catches my eye. A sort of kaleidoscope of brightly coloured swirling ever-changing patterns. I was transfixed. I sat and watched it for half an hour. I had a kaleidoscope as a child and this artwork brought back memories of the beautiful iridescent irretrievable patterns and a flood of other previously forgotten childhood memories. It was a blast, an overwhelming trip down memory lane, a reliving of childhood moments - not just the moments but the feelings that went with them. It was an amazing trip and I am grateful to Mr Villareal for unlocking those parts of my brain. A magic experience.
Meanwhile, BH wandered off to look at the also excellent Ansel Adams exhibition. He got some colour and light from Villareal's artworks, I got my childhood back.
Hot now, after snow last weekend. Somebody told me I was pretty the other day. A nice if unexpected compliment. I'm not accustomed to that sort of thing. Thank you. The Post Office in our tiny and somewhat isolated community may be closing. Disaster!
High School High
Mostly stupid but funny and even clever in parts. That's all.
Leo Villareal
An exhibition I saw at a certain Museum of Art a few weeks ago. Villareal is an artist with light. Actual lights, fluorescent, LED, cool stuff. So I'm walking around, looking at the pretty lights, then one installation catches my eye. A sort of kaleidoscope of brightly coloured swirling ever-changing patterns. I was transfixed. I sat and watched it for half an hour. I had a kaleidoscope as a child and this artwork brought back memories of the beautiful iridescent irretrievable patterns and a flood of other previously forgotten childhood memories. It was a blast, an overwhelming trip down memory lane, a reliving of childhood moments - not just the moments but the feelings that went with them. It was an amazing trip and I am grateful to Mr Villareal for unlocking those parts of my brain. A magic experience.
Meanwhile, BH wandered off to look at the also excellent Ansel Adams exhibition. He got some colour and light from Villareal's artworks, I got my childhood back.
Hot now, after snow last weekend. Somebody told me I was pretty the other day. A nice if unexpected compliment. I'm not accustomed to that sort of thing. Thank you. The Post Office in our tiny and somewhat isolated community may be closing. Disaster!
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