It's almost a month since my last post. Sorry about that. I've been a bit busy learning things.
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour
I think that was the title, I watched it at the gym with BH, who was able to translate some of the more incomprehensible parts for me. Four comedians with a bit of a redneck theme. Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and a couple of others. What can I say? Two countries divided not only by a common language but by humour that just does NOT translate across the Atlantic. According to these guys, the definition of a redneck is somebody with no sophistication at all. Apparently that is something to be proud of. Give me Ricky Gervais any day.
The joke about shooting the horse was funny, kept me chuckling for days. I am not a horse hater, it was just so unexpected.
Thelma and Louise
Yay, girl power! I think BH was a little perturbed at my approving reaction to the murder and mayhem that Thelma and Louise dish out in this classic cult movie. Not sure if it is a widespread cult fave, but for me and my BFF (33 years, that's getting close to forever) who shall remain nameless, it's our ongoing fantasy. I have to admit, this is the first time I have actually seen the movie and I think we may have to tone our planned road trip down a little. Yes to the convertible, the scarves, Brad Pitt and lots of laughter. Yes to a scenic trip to the Grand Canyon. No to carrying guns, killing people or rapists however much they deserve it, holding up convenience stores and blowing up semis. We probably wouldn't do the cop in the trunk thing either. Definitely no to not stopping at the edge of the Grand Canyon.
I really liked this movie. There are some great recognisable and memorable moments, characters, actions and reactions going on. Thelma's husband, the look on Harlan's face, Thelma's grin whenever she thinks of JD, Thelma's husband's reaction to JD's taunts, the final encounter with the truck driver, Harvey Keitel's character's reasonableness. Perfect music, great scenery and a nice little car. Yep, a teal T-bird convertible - my kind of car. Brad Pitt is very young and has a very low body fat percentage. Worth a look.
So, nameless BFF, I am looking for a convertible, you bring the scarves, and let's do it!
Still winter. Had some snow. Drove through a lot of snow. When driving, I prefer the snow to be on the ground and not still falling. Kitties are doing well.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Staying warm
I woke up with a stiff neck so drove to the pleasantly warm gym, with difficulty, to stay warm and watch a movie. Otherwise it was stay in bed with the electric blanket on.
Couples Retreat
What a silly movie. When I tell you it stars Vince Vaughan you will know what I mean. Four couples go to a retreat where they are supposed to strengthen or save their marriages. It's pretty stupid, and not in a good way. I think it is safest to avoid Vince Vaughan movies. However ... there are some good people and one funny scene that my children would enjoy. I watched this on a big screen in Blu-ray and the visuals were pretty darn good. As one of the characters says "it's like a screensaver". I spent a while trying to work out if it was real or CGI. I think it was real. Impossibly blue sea. Blu-ray does make even the real look a bit unreal, a bit "better than life".
The good people? Jason Bateman from Arrested Development, as a similar character, and Chang from Community - as a therapist. And who was that other therapist, the guy with the glasses, I've seen him somewhere before, maybe Community? Just IMDb'd it and he is Professor Whitman from Community. Vernon Vaughan plays the grandad, and yes he is the father of Vince, Victoria and Valeri ??? Just the one set of nametags then, V Vaughan for the whole family. The wonderful French actor Jean Reno plays, surprise, a Frenchman, ably assisted by Dr Ropata, who is most definitely not in Guatemala but appears to be auditioning for Rank movies. Okay, it's Temuera Morrison who once was a warrior. I know what I'm talking about, even if nobody else does.
The funny scene - a kind of Duelling Banjos piece. Please pay attention to the dialogue after the duel. So funny, and all done with a straight face. Best bit of the whole movie, Sctanley's speech. That's not a typo.
If you watch this movie, skip the first bit before they get to the island, total waste of time.
No snow, blue skies, sunshine, shame I live in the back of beyond and so far from the beach, although there is plenty of sand.
Couples Retreat
What a silly movie. When I tell you it stars Vince Vaughan you will know what I mean. Four couples go to a retreat where they are supposed to strengthen or save their marriages. It's pretty stupid, and not in a good way. I think it is safest to avoid Vince Vaughan movies. However ... there are some good people and one funny scene that my children would enjoy. I watched this on a big screen in Blu-ray and the visuals were pretty darn good. As one of the characters says "it's like a screensaver". I spent a while trying to work out if it was real or CGI. I think it was real. Impossibly blue sea. Blu-ray does make even the real look a bit unreal, a bit "better than life".
The good people? Jason Bateman from Arrested Development, as a similar character, and Chang from Community - as a therapist. And who was that other therapist, the guy with the glasses, I've seen him somewhere before, maybe Community? Just IMDb'd it and he is Professor Whitman from Community. Vernon Vaughan plays the grandad, and yes he is the father of Vince, Victoria and Valeri ??? Just the one set of nametags then, V Vaughan for the whole family. The wonderful French actor Jean Reno plays, surprise, a Frenchman, ably assisted by Dr Ropata, who is most definitely not in Guatemala but appears to be auditioning for Rank movies. Okay, it's Temuera Morrison who once was a warrior. I know what I'm talking about, even if nobody else does.
The funny scene - a kind of Duelling Banjos piece. Please pay attention to the dialogue after the duel. So funny, and all done with a straight face. Best bit of the whole movie, Sctanley's speech. That's not a typo.
If you watch this movie, skip the first bit before they get to the island, total waste of time.
No snow, blue skies, sunshine, shame I live in the back of beyond and so far from the beach, although there is plenty of sand.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Great performances
I watched a movie at the gym today. This was the first title I could identify without my glasses.
Precious
A startlingly good movie with a harrowing story. Disadvantaged (in many ways) teenager Precious gets sent to an alternative school and her life changes. Precious is overweight, almost illiterate, pregnant, it gets way worse than that. Amazing performances. So amazing I did not recognise the actors. Mo'Nique is positively evil as the mother, but with a weird, off-base vulnerability, totally appropriate to the story. Mariah Carey plays Mrs Weiss, and does it well, almost without make-up. Lenny Kravitz is a male nurse. I didn't recognise them, as I was so convinced and captivated by their characters. Gabourey Sidibe is a complete novice. She plays Precious so well. I imagine she has a solid future as an actor.
This is a very good movie full of excellent performances. Worth watching and somehow uplifting despite the subject matter.
Winter continues, but not particularly cold at present. Little cat has improved.
Precious
A startlingly good movie with a harrowing story. Disadvantaged (in many ways) teenager Precious gets sent to an alternative school and her life changes. Precious is overweight, almost illiterate, pregnant, it gets way worse than that. Amazing performances. So amazing I did not recognise the actors. Mo'Nique is positively evil as the mother, but with a weird, off-base vulnerability, totally appropriate to the story. Mariah Carey plays Mrs Weiss, and does it well, almost without make-up. Lenny Kravitz is a male nurse. I didn't recognise them, as I was so convinced and captivated by their characters. Gabourey Sidibe is a complete novice. She plays Precious so well. I imagine she has a solid future as an actor.
This is a very good movie full of excellent performances. Worth watching and somehow uplifting despite the subject matter.
Winter continues, but not particularly cold at present. Little cat has improved.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Location, location
Some movies are a visual feast with no need for high tech tricks.
The Tourist
This movie is worth seeing just for the backgrounds. Actually, I forgot to review this because I forgot I saw it. Sorry Johnny. Big stars in this movie - Paris, Venice and a couple of actors. It's a ripping yarn of mayhem, murder and mistaken identity. Sort of. There is a twist in the tale.
An action movie set mostly in beautiful Venice, starring arguably the most beautiful woman on the planet. Angelina Jolie is particularly beautiful in this role. She wears wonderful costumes, especially the black off-the-shoulder ballgown. On that occasion she has her hair up in a style with some width to it and at first glimpse she strongly reminded me of Sophia Loren. She also sports an impeccable Home Counties English accent. If I hadn't known she was American, I would have totally accepted her as an English actress. She is a secret agent, with a secret.
Johnny Depp plays the tourist, a stranger Jolie picks up on a train in order to confuse the baddies regarding the identity of the elusive A, her close friend who sends messages that she dramatically burns on sidewalk tables at Parisian cafes. Phew! Depp gives this movie it's humour despite his role as somewhat plodding American teacher and tourist. His acting can be so understated. On one occasion he is in police custody and the Inspector lights a cigarette. Depp's character is trying to stop smoking and you can see the longing in his eyes, an expression so subtle as to be almost unnoticeable, but powerfully present. Other scenes are rather more slapstick, involving rooftops of Venice and Depp in pyjamas.
The police are a little "Keystone Cop-ish", led by the over-religious albino from one of Dan Brown's anti-Catholic blockbusters. No self flagellation, just a lot of frustration as he is constantly outwitted by goodies and baddies. Jolie drives a mean speedboat, rescuing Depp from the scrapes in which he finds himself. Yes it's a good story, pretty and undemanding, but entertaining. I would watch it again at home on dvd.
Jolie is stunning, Venice is magnificent, Depp is just plain. Maybe he is acting plain because normally he is rather handsome. There is absolutely NO chemistry between Jolie and Depp. I read in the gossip mags that Depp deliberately kept away from Jolie off the set, at the request of his partner, Vanessa Paradis. Probably a smart move, Vanessa.
Two black cats are charging their solar cells outside on a 1 degree C day. Later they will curl up together on the sofa for a long afternoon nap.
The Tourist
This movie is worth seeing just for the backgrounds. Actually, I forgot to review this because I forgot I saw it. Sorry Johnny. Big stars in this movie - Paris, Venice and a couple of actors. It's a ripping yarn of mayhem, murder and mistaken identity. Sort of. There is a twist in the tale.
An action movie set mostly in beautiful Venice, starring arguably the most beautiful woman on the planet. Angelina Jolie is particularly beautiful in this role. She wears wonderful costumes, especially the black off-the-shoulder ballgown. On that occasion she has her hair up in a style with some width to it and at first glimpse she strongly reminded me of Sophia Loren. She also sports an impeccable Home Counties English accent. If I hadn't known she was American, I would have totally accepted her as an English actress. She is a secret agent, with a secret.
Johnny Depp plays the tourist, a stranger Jolie picks up on a train in order to confuse the baddies regarding the identity of the elusive A, her close friend who sends messages that she dramatically burns on sidewalk tables at Parisian cafes. Phew! Depp gives this movie it's humour despite his role as somewhat plodding American teacher and tourist. His acting can be so understated. On one occasion he is in police custody and the Inspector lights a cigarette. Depp's character is trying to stop smoking and you can see the longing in his eyes, an expression so subtle as to be almost unnoticeable, but powerfully present. Other scenes are rather more slapstick, involving rooftops of Venice and Depp in pyjamas.
The police are a little "Keystone Cop-ish", led by the over-religious albino from one of Dan Brown's anti-Catholic blockbusters. No self flagellation, just a lot of frustration as he is constantly outwitted by goodies and baddies. Jolie drives a mean speedboat, rescuing Depp from the scrapes in which he finds himself. Yes it's a good story, pretty and undemanding, but entertaining. I would watch it again at home on dvd.
Jolie is stunning, Venice is magnificent, Depp is just plain. Maybe he is acting plain because normally he is rather handsome. There is absolutely NO chemistry between Jolie and Depp. I read in the gossip mags that Depp deliberately kept away from Jolie off the set, at the request of his partner, Vanessa Paradis. Probably a smart move, Vanessa.
Two black cats are charging their solar cells outside on a 1 degree C day. Later they will curl up together on the sofa for a long afternoon nap.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Foreign movies
Not so foreign - UK and Australian movies of uniquely UK and Australian stories.
Tomorrow When the War Began
This is the movie of the first in a series of seven books by John Marsden. There are also three extra books about the main character. The first book is required reading in Antipodean schools. I read the first book, got hooked and had to very quickly read all the rest. I'm telling you this so you understand my credentials for reviewing this movie. I suggested my mother read the books and I think she got through all seven in a fortnight. She really liked them too.
It's about a group of teenagers who are out of town on a camping trip when Australia is invaded by an unspecified enemy. The story follows how they cope and fight back. They are very different characters and the contrasts and group dynamics add to the interest. It's the Secret Seven with guns, for all you Enid Blyton fans, and seriously, who doesn't love Enid Blyton.
So - did the movie do justice to the book? Yes it did. Mostly unknowns, all the teenagers did a great job while appearing to be real people, not actors. The lighting was great and there was some excellent music. The tone of the movie was suspenseful and terrifying. I watched it on dvd at night and when I went to bed there was a helicopter circling overhead, echoing a scene in the film. I was scared. Fans of the book should be satisfied with the film's treatment of the story. Apparently it was okayed by the author. Those new to Ellie and her friends will probably enjoy the movie as an adventure movie. Oh and it's not all happy ever after. Bad stuff happens.
The ending was not a conclusion, leaving the way open for further films. Maybe not all seven books, perhaps condense them into another three.
One thing I really liked. Their campsite is beautiful.
The King's Speech
How could a film about a speech impediment and a speech therapist be interesting? When the person with the stammer is King George the sixth it gets pretty good. Colin Firth is a wonderful Bertie, with Helena Bonham Carter playing his wife in a way that is recognisable to those of us who knew a little about the Queen Mother, mainly from television news coverage. Guy Pearce (remember - Mrs Mangel's nephew in Neighbours) is a suitably self indulgent Edward who abdicates, forcing his brother to become king. Mrs Simpson and their "set" admire Mr Hitler. I wasn't so impressed with the two little princesses, but they are not so important to the story (apart from the abdication changing the course of Elizabeth's life of course). I thought they were a bit common. Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist is excellent. He plays an Australian (as in fact he is) and doesn't stand on ceremony when working with his royal client.
As usual, good lighting, good writing, low key characters, nice settings and a lot of historical accuracy, with some dramatic license taken. I thoroughly recommend this movie, but once again, like "Made in Dagenham", it's not made for the American market. There are no explosions.
Cat news: the damaged part of the tail fell off, there is a suspicion that the other cat bit it off. The remainder of the tail has fur but is paralysed. It doesn't seem to worry him. His growth has been quite severely stunted, as his brother is a big cat now and Lotto has stayed about the size he was when the accident happened. He is also crosseyed so I guess there was a bit of brain damage too. But he is a smart, active, affectionate and apparently happy cat so he's okay. The two still get along well and curl up to sleep together.
Tomorrow When the War Began
This is the movie of the first in a series of seven books by John Marsden. There are also three extra books about the main character. The first book is required reading in Antipodean schools. I read the first book, got hooked and had to very quickly read all the rest. I'm telling you this so you understand my credentials for reviewing this movie. I suggested my mother read the books and I think she got through all seven in a fortnight. She really liked them too.
It's about a group of teenagers who are out of town on a camping trip when Australia is invaded by an unspecified enemy. The story follows how they cope and fight back. They are very different characters and the contrasts and group dynamics add to the interest. It's the Secret Seven with guns, for all you Enid Blyton fans, and seriously, who doesn't love Enid Blyton.
So - did the movie do justice to the book? Yes it did. Mostly unknowns, all the teenagers did a great job while appearing to be real people, not actors. The lighting was great and there was some excellent music. The tone of the movie was suspenseful and terrifying. I watched it on dvd at night and when I went to bed there was a helicopter circling overhead, echoing a scene in the film. I was scared. Fans of the book should be satisfied with the film's treatment of the story. Apparently it was okayed by the author. Those new to Ellie and her friends will probably enjoy the movie as an adventure movie. Oh and it's not all happy ever after. Bad stuff happens.
The ending was not a conclusion, leaving the way open for further films. Maybe not all seven books, perhaps condense them into another three.
One thing I really liked. Their campsite is beautiful.
The King's Speech
How could a film about a speech impediment and a speech therapist be interesting? When the person with the stammer is King George the sixth it gets pretty good. Colin Firth is a wonderful Bertie, with Helena Bonham Carter playing his wife in a way that is recognisable to those of us who knew a little about the Queen Mother, mainly from television news coverage. Guy Pearce (remember - Mrs Mangel's nephew in Neighbours) is a suitably self indulgent Edward who abdicates, forcing his brother to become king. Mrs Simpson and their "set" admire Mr Hitler. I wasn't so impressed with the two little princesses, but they are not so important to the story (apart from the abdication changing the course of Elizabeth's life of course). I thought they were a bit common. Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist is excellent. He plays an Australian (as in fact he is) and doesn't stand on ceremony when working with his royal client.
As usual, good lighting, good writing, low key characters, nice settings and a lot of historical accuracy, with some dramatic license taken. I thoroughly recommend this movie, but once again, like "Made in Dagenham", it's not made for the American market. There are no explosions.
Cat news: the damaged part of the tail fell off, there is a suspicion that the other cat bit it off. The remainder of the tail has fur but is paralysed. It doesn't seem to worry him. His growth has been quite severely stunted, as his brother is a big cat now and Lotto has stayed about the size he was when the accident happened. He is also crosseyed so I guess there was a bit of brain damage too. But he is a smart, active, affectionate and apparently happy cat so he's okay. The two still get along well and curl up to sleep together.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Essex girls
Seems like there is a whole new palette of movies to try.
Made in Dagenham
A winner! Best movie I have seen in ages. A really good movie. Not made for the US market I'm guessing. It's about a strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, England in the 1960s. A true story, they talk to some of the women involved during the credits. Wonderful lighting, as always, great photography (hyper-realism?), cool 60's clothes and makeup. Those fantastic English actors making it totally believable. Kenneth Cranham (Harvey Moon - does anyone remember that great series?), comedian John Sessions, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson (Queenie from Blackadder), Geraldine James (remember Blot?) and a stunning leading part by Sally Hawkins. Apologies to those I have not named, this movie had a fantastic cast of skilled thespians (I mean actors, not citizens of the ancient Greek city of Thespiae, thanks Wikipedia). Is everyone in England an actor?
It was heartening to see that ordinary people could make a difference, in this case a worldwide difference. I appreciated the feminism, the strength of the trade unions, the receptiveness of the British government and their refusal to bow to pressure from the US. I guess that changed.
A must-see movie for those of us of the English persuasion. Perhaps a little too subtle for others. Also - you will need to turn the subtitles on, most of these people are speaking Essex.
Harry Potter 7
What can I say? Really good. Very scary, not for children. Fantastic effects, so good they don't look like special effects (James Cameron, take a look and see how it's done). I believe there is a population of house elves somewhere, some of them being excellent actors. Apparently those house elves are CGI, but I couldn't be sure. An appealing "shadow-puppet" story sequence. This HP story is dark and gritty and grownup, with very little glamour but a little ... sex? Not quite, but the scene where Ginny asks Harry to zip up her dress is laden with you know what.
All those wonderful British actors, like old friends. Rupert Grint has certainly grown up. He's a big lad. Emma Watson is now a style queen in real life. Daniel Radcliffe continues to play Harry with total commitment. Harry Potter - always a treat. The time passed very quickly and I was surprised when the sudden ending happened. I thought maybe it was intermission - is anyone old enough to remember that? Waiting for the next one.
Remember my black cats? The one who had the accident is now in excellent health and we are just waiting for the damaged part of his tail to drop off. Very Pirates of the Caribbean in the moonlight. The three extra kittens I rescued all went to a great home. It's nice that they are all together. It was SO nice having all those cats and kittens. My next career move - cat lady.
Made in Dagenham
A winner! Best movie I have seen in ages. A really good movie. Not made for the US market I'm guessing. It's about a strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, England in the 1960s. A true story, they talk to some of the women involved during the credits. Wonderful lighting, as always, great photography (hyper-realism?), cool 60's clothes and makeup. Those fantastic English actors making it totally believable. Kenneth Cranham (Harvey Moon - does anyone remember that great series?), comedian John Sessions, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson (Queenie from Blackadder), Geraldine James (remember Blot?) and a stunning leading part by Sally Hawkins. Apologies to those I have not named, this movie had a fantastic cast of skilled thespians (I mean actors, not citizens of the ancient Greek city of Thespiae, thanks Wikipedia). Is everyone in England an actor?
It was heartening to see that ordinary people could make a difference, in this case a worldwide difference. I appreciated the feminism, the strength of the trade unions, the receptiveness of the British government and their refusal to bow to pressure from the US. I guess that changed.
A must-see movie for those of us of the English persuasion. Perhaps a little too subtle for others. Also - you will need to turn the subtitles on, most of these people are speaking Essex.
Harry Potter 7
What can I say? Really good. Very scary, not for children. Fantastic effects, so good they don't look like special effects (James Cameron, take a look and see how it's done). I believe there is a population of house elves somewhere, some of them being excellent actors. Apparently those house elves are CGI, but I couldn't be sure. An appealing "shadow-puppet" story sequence. This HP story is dark and gritty and grownup, with very little glamour but a little ... sex? Not quite, but the scene where Ginny asks Harry to zip up her dress is laden with you know what.
All those wonderful British actors, like old friends. Rupert Grint has certainly grown up. He's a big lad. Emma Watson is now a style queen in real life. Daniel Radcliffe continues to play Harry with total commitment. Harry Potter - always a treat. The time passed very quickly and I was surprised when the sudden ending happened. I thought maybe it was intermission - is anyone old enough to remember that? Waiting for the next one.
Remember my black cats? The one who had the accident is now in excellent health and we are just waiting for the damaged part of his tail to drop off. Very Pirates of the Caribbean in the moonlight. The three extra kittens I rescued all went to a great home. It's nice that they are all together. It was SO nice having all those cats and kittens. My next career move - cat lady.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Be angry
There is a whole big wide world out there, and some good ideas. Universal free health care is one of the best.
Sicko
A very watchable and entertaining film by Michael Moore. It's about health insurance ...
Every American should watch this and be ashamed, embarrassed and very, very angry.
Why do you put up with it? There are alternatives - just take a look at every other country in the western world.
I wish you good health, God knows you need it.
Sicko
A very watchable and entertaining film by Michael Moore. It's about health insurance ...
Every American should watch this and be ashamed, embarrassed and very, very angry.
Why do you put up with it? There are alternatives - just take a look at every other country in the western world.
I wish you good health, God knows you need it.
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