So my eldest daughter is moving today to another state to start her new career. We didn't have a big weepy goodbye but I already miss her and feel sad that she won't just be an hour away, but 24. At least we can FB, Skype, and play Draw Something on our phones. For those things I am thankful.
This got me thinking about movie goodbyes. The first one that came to mind is the ending of Father of the Bride 2 where the daughter has accepted a new job across the country. He is happy for her, but heart broken. The ending always baffled me - there were hugs, there were "miss yous" but not any tears. Now I get it. Those would be saved for later.
Why is saying goodbye so painful? Living in Australia, I'm very far away from my entire family who all live in the States. Every time I visit I know I have to have the airport goodbye scene. It's in the back of my mind the moment I get off the plane in San Francisco and start the rounds of hellos and hugs.
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. I meet people every day that I'll never see again, and I'm not affected by leaving them because there wasn't a relationship built. It was merely an exchange of service and time. But the moment that my heart takes part in the process, there is risk of it being make sore by the very lives who enrich it. When I say goodbye to my loved ones, I hurt because I miss the physical involvement, the interaction, the voices, the facial expressions - everything that makes relationships so meaningful. and face it. I know that their lives will go on and continue without my being there, and that hurts a little too.
But when I say goodbye I hope that I can leave a little of myself behind each time. Words of encouragement, words of love. Anything that might make a difference. I see us all like individual tapestries made up of different coloured threads from people's lives that have influenced us. We weave our threads into other people, every day. I said earlier that in leaving some people, I'm not affected because there hasn't been a relationship built. But there can still be threads exchanged. Some might just fall to the ground without having been hooked, but I believe that even just one kind word or a smile can make a difference in the goodbye. I hope that the threads I leave behind can offer even the slightest bit of colour to someone's life. A large tapestry is made up of thousands of threads all woven together - each individual one being part of the final product, mine being included.
Today is Good Friday. Jesus made the most of His earthly goodbye. In His last week He saw all His good friends, had supper with them, washed their feet, prayed to the Father on their behalf, suffered and ultimately gave His life for them. and for us and all mankind. He was headed back home to heaven. His horrible, painful, excruciating last goodbye was so that we could have an eternal hello with God. And what makes all my goodbyes on this earth worth it is knowing that there will be a day I no longer have to say those words to my loved ones, and that we'll all be together forever.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Movie Review - Hunger Games
Well, I saw the Hunger Games tonight with my husband and two girls, aged 13 and 15. This is already the second time the oldest one has seen it (it only came out yesterday). I read the book first, and if you haven't read it yet, WAIT until after you've seen the movie. It will complement it better (and spare you some of the movie's tension if you're a sensitive type).
The premise of the movie is horrible really. It's futuristic North America (now "Panem" divided into twelve districts, governed by the "Capitol." Each year there is a lottery system where one girl and one boy aged 12-18 from each district is chosen to be a representative, or "Tribute" in The Hunger Games.
"Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives." (IMDB)
It reminded me a little of the short story written by Shirley Jackson called "The Lottery" and of the short story written by Stephen King called "The Long Walk." Unlike the second mentioned though, I didn't form any emotional ties to many of the participants in The Hunger Games. The audience is kept at a safe distance but of course you're pulling for Katniss to come home to her younger sister. She is deftly played by Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men: First Class"). Her character is strong but without the "kick-butt" attitude. She is strong because she has had to be for her fatherless family. But she makes mistakes along the way and doesn't come out unscathed.
I liked the acting, the directing, the costumes, the cinematography but I didn't like the story line. It's disturbing. It's violent. It's manipulative. I don't like the idea that 12 year-olds are pitted against 18 year-olds who have been brought up to win these Games. And I don't like the idea that the mothers of these 12 year-olds are forced to watch. It can do one's head in.
Two Tributes touch on the subject of having the fear of losing themselves or becoming someone they're not for the sake of the games and for the entertainment value. They know they are pawns that have to play the game in order to try and survive for others. A bit like "reality" television these days. We know there has to be editing magic and manipulation going on to pull in the ratings. In the movie, there has to be manipulation by behind-the-scenes choreographers in order to not bore the Capitol viewers (kind of like the Truman Show) when too much time has lapsed between killings. And some of the Tributes are conscious about that. But when is enough really enough? When does one stand up to change the rules? How far is one willing to lose oneself to survive? And how much are people getting desensitised for the sake of entertainment?
The book, written in first person, gives the reader much more depth into what Katniss is feeling and thinking, what her take on the Games is, and what her motive for doing things is. But Jennifer Lawrence does a pretty good job at showing the audience what she's on about.
The movie is rated M for violence and subject theme. Though there is not lots of blood and gore, there is quick camera action of brutality. I don't recommend it for young viewers (it made my 13 year old quite squirmy) and in fact, when someone asked me tonight if I recommended it, I had to pause and think. I'm not sure. The movie is made well and will definitely draw in the teens. It's much meatier than Twilight (and better acted). But I value life.
This is not a feel-good movie with a victorious, ball-goes-in-the-hoop in the last second and underdog team wins the game kind of ending. This is a story about a society whose value has been taken away and replaced with a sadistic, controlling, big-brother governing system. This is the first installment of a trilogy, so I'm hoping there will be some light at the end of this very long tunnel.
The premise of the movie is horrible really. It's futuristic North America (now "Panem" divided into twelve districts, governed by the "Capitol." Each year there is a lottery system where one girl and one boy aged 12-18 from each district is chosen to be a representative, or "Tribute" in The Hunger Games.
"Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives." (IMDB)
It reminded me a little of the short story written by Shirley Jackson called "The Lottery" and of the short story written by Stephen King called "The Long Walk." Unlike the second mentioned though, I didn't form any emotional ties to many of the participants in The Hunger Games. The audience is kept at a safe distance but of course you're pulling for Katniss to come home to her younger sister. She is deftly played by Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men: First Class"). Her character is strong but without the "kick-butt" attitude. She is strong because she has had to be for her fatherless family. But she makes mistakes along the way and doesn't come out unscathed.
I liked the acting, the directing, the costumes, the cinematography but I didn't like the story line. It's disturbing. It's violent. It's manipulative. I don't like the idea that 12 year-olds are pitted against 18 year-olds who have been brought up to win these Games. And I don't like the idea that the mothers of these 12 year-olds are forced to watch. It can do one's head in.
Two Tributes touch on the subject of having the fear of losing themselves or becoming someone they're not for the sake of the games and for the entertainment value. They know they are pawns that have to play the game in order to try and survive for others. A bit like "reality" television these days. We know there has to be editing magic and manipulation going on to pull in the ratings. In the movie, there has to be manipulation by behind-the-scenes choreographers in order to not bore the Capitol viewers (kind of like the Truman Show) when too much time has lapsed between killings. And some of the Tributes are conscious about that. But when is enough really enough? When does one stand up to change the rules? How far is one willing to lose oneself to survive? And how much are people getting desensitised for the sake of entertainment?
The book, written in first person, gives the reader much more depth into what Katniss is feeling and thinking, what her take on the Games is, and what her motive for doing things is. But Jennifer Lawrence does a pretty good job at showing the audience what she's on about.
The movie is rated M for violence and subject theme. Though there is not lots of blood and gore, there is quick camera action of brutality. I don't recommend it for young viewers (it made my 13 year old quite squirmy) and in fact, when someone asked me tonight if I recommended it, I had to pause and think. I'm not sure. The movie is made well and will definitely draw in the teens. It's much meatier than Twilight (and better acted). But I value life.
This is not a feel-good movie with a victorious, ball-goes-in-the-hoop in the last second and underdog team wins the game kind of ending. This is a story about a society whose value has been taken away and replaced with a sadistic, controlling, big-brother governing system. This is the first installment of a trilogy, so I'm hoping there will be some light at the end of this very long tunnel.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Top 200 Greatest Movie Performances of All Time
The list of the "200 Greatest Movie Performances of All Time" was released today by TotalFilm British Magazine. Here are the top 10:
10. Liam Neeson - Schindler's List
9. Paul Newman - The Hustler
8. Jane Fonda - Klute
7. Denzel Washington - Malcolm X
6. Marlon Brando - On the Waterfront
5. Emily Watson - Breaking the Waves
4. Al Pacino - the Godfather Part 2
3. Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will be Blood
2. Robert DeNiro - Raging Bull
and
1. Jack Nicholson as RP McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
So what do you think so far? My first question was: Where's Meryl? Well, she somehow ended up at No. 11 for Sophie's Choice. Hmph.
I have only seen 5 of those 10 so I can't say a whole lot, but I wouldn't have complained if Daniel Day-Lewis vied for number 2 or 1 because his role as Daniel Plainview was the movie. He was mesmerizing.
Here's the second lot of ten:
11. Meryl Streep - Sophie's Choice
12. Gene Hackman - The Conversation
13. Michael Caine - Get Carter
14. James Stewart - Vertigo
15. Tom Cruise - Magnolia
16. Jodie Foster - The Accused
17. Sylvester Stallone - Rocky
18. Hilary Swank - Boys Don't Cry
19. Peter O'Toole - Lawrence of Arabia
20. Bette Davis - All About Eve
My second question was: Where's Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch? Can you believe...number 81! What? and Tom Cruise at number 15? Where's Tom Hanks?
When I looked at the whole 200 on the list, almost everyone who has been around in the business for more than 30 years is on there for one role or another. So that kept me happy enough. The youngest of the lot I believe is Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone coming in at number 30-something. A few times I thought of a different movie than what was chosen for a particular actor, like Rain Man for Dustin Hoffman instead of the Graduate, or Cool Hand Luke instead of the Hustler for Paul Newman.
There were a few that didn't make it on the list at all...Ernest Borgnine (Marty), Sally Field (Norma Rae), Bruce Willis (Die Hard) (hey, even Hugh Jackman came in at no. 129 for Wolverine) and Robin Williams for Mrs. Doubtfire (or Good Morning Vietnam).
And the shocker of the whole list was #197... Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. Huh? Over BBC's Jennifer Ehle? I don't think so! I have a list of several ladies I could think of that weren't mentioned that could easily take that spot: Glenn Close (who changed the whole culture of infidelity in Fatal Attraction), Judy Dench (who else can play "M" in Bond?) Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl). I'd even choose Joel Haley Osment who saw dead people over Keira Knightly.
Well, here's the whole list. See what you think and then Let's talk Movies and don't forget the popcorn!
10. Liam Neeson - Schindler's List
9. Paul Newman - The Hustler
8. Jane Fonda - Klute
7. Denzel Washington - Malcolm X
6. Marlon Brando - On the Waterfront
5. Emily Watson - Breaking the Waves
4. Al Pacino - the Godfather Part 2
3. Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will be Blood
2. Robert DeNiro - Raging Bull
and
1. Jack Nicholson as RP McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
So what do you think so far? My first question was: Where's Meryl? Well, she somehow ended up at No. 11 for Sophie's Choice. Hmph.
I have only seen 5 of those 10 so I can't say a whole lot, but I wouldn't have complained if Daniel Day-Lewis vied for number 2 or 1 because his role as Daniel Plainview was the movie. He was mesmerizing.
Here's the second lot of ten:
11. Meryl Streep - Sophie's Choice
12. Gene Hackman - The Conversation
13. Michael Caine - Get Carter
14. James Stewart - Vertigo
15. Tom Cruise - Magnolia
16. Jodie Foster - The Accused
17. Sylvester Stallone - Rocky
18. Hilary Swank - Boys Don't Cry
19. Peter O'Toole - Lawrence of Arabia
20. Bette Davis - All About Eve
My second question was: Where's Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch? Can you believe...number 81! What? and Tom Cruise at number 15? Where's Tom Hanks?
When I looked at the whole 200 on the list, almost everyone who has been around in the business for more than 30 years is on there for one role or another. So that kept me happy enough. The youngest of the lot I believe is Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone coming in at number 30-something. A few times I thought of a different movie than what was chosen for a particular actor, like Rain Man for Dustin Hoffman instead of the Graduate, or Cool Hand Luke instead of the Hustler for Paul Newman.
There were a few that didn't make it on the list at all...Ernest Borgnine (Marty), Sally Field (Norma Rae), Bruce Willis (Die Hard) (hey, even Hugh Jackman came in at no. 129 for Wolverine) and Robin Williams for Mrs. Doubtfire (or Good Morning Vietnam).
And the shocker of the whole list was #197... Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. Huh? Over BBC's Jennifer Ehle? I don't think so! I have a list of several ladies I could think of that weren't mentioned that could easily take that spot: Glenn Close (who changed the whole culture of infidelity in Fatal Attraction), Judy Dench (who else can play "M" in Bond?) Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl). I'd even choose Joel Haley Osment who saw dead people over Keira Knightly.
Well, here's the whole list. See what you think and then Let's talk Movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Book to Movie or Movie to Book?
After you watch a movie you've liked, do you find the book and read it? Or once you read a book do you see the movie? Someone once asked me what my favorite book-turned-movie was and I must admit I haven't seen that many movies after first reading the book. If anything, I much prefer to read the book after I've seen the movie. The only way I got through the Lord of the Rings trilogy was having the characters' faces and voices in my mind, along with the scenery that I thought the movie beautifully captured. I loved hearing Sean Astin's voice in my mind as I read about faithful Sam and Ian McKellan's rich baritone Gandalf. And I discovered that the movies stretched the battle scenes way over the paragraph they got in ink.
And I've just finished reading the ever popular The Hunger Games and there is great anticipation for the movie that comes out in a couple of days. The previews I've seen look promising and so far seem to match the book. I'm happy for who they've picked for the female lead, though because of the book, I had someone different in mind for the starring male. And because I've read the book, I hope it doesn't spoil the already known ending or some of the bits in the middle that us readers have been privvy to.
I have come to accept that movies will have scenes in them that weren't in the book, or dialogue is changed, or characters added or omitted. Directors need to change things from paper to make sense visually for an audience and they only have so much time to tell a story. What I like about reading is that it fills in what a movie can't explain. In The Help for example, there was more explanation on why poor Celia Foote was seen as a social outcast and more depth to Constantine's story. Once I read the book, the movie became more meaningful to me because I knew more truth about the characters' plights and what they were thinking about.
So do you prefer watching a film or reading the book? Do you have a favorite book-turned-movie or vice versa? Can you think of any books you've read that you think shouldn't have been made into a movie? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
But, after having said that, I clearly remember reading Charlotte's Web as a child and crying when dear Charlotte died. So when I saw the animated movie after reading the book I was delighted to hear the voices and the songs and see on screen what the book had first captured in my imagination. And I still shed tears along with poor Wilbur when Charlotte didn't come back to the barn (and just for the record, I personally think Debbie Reynolds had a much better voice for Charlotte than Julia Roberts in the later version, and hurray for Paul Linde as Templeton).
And I've just finished reading the ever popular The Hunger Games and there is great anticipation for the movie that comes out in a couple of days. The previews I've seen look promising and so far seem to match the book. I'm happy for who they've picked for the female lead, though because of the book, I had someone different in mind for the starring male. And because I've read the book, I hope it doesn't spoil the already known ending or some of the bits in the middle that us readers have been privvy to.
I have come to accept that movies will have scenes in them that weren't in the book, or dialogue is changed, or characters added or omitted. Directors need to change things from paper to make sense visually for an audience and they only have so much time to tell a story. What I like about reading is that it fills in what a movie can't explain. In The Help for example, there was more explanation on why poor Celia Foote was seen as a social outcast and more depth to Constantine's story. Once I read the book, the movie became more meaningful to me because I knew more truth about the characters' plights and what they were thinking about.
So do you prefer watching a film or reading the book? Do you have a favorite book-turned-movie or vice versa? Can you think of any books you've read that you think shouldn't have been made into a movie? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Movies: Labor of Love...Having Babies in the Movies
Having babies is an obvious part of life. It has been happening since the First Couple was kicked out of the garden but as far as movies go, they have been telling the story for just over 70 years, first starting with Gone with the Wind ("I don't know nuffin' about birthin' no babies Miss Scarlett!").
I read an article from birth-media.com entitled "What do you REALLY need to know about birth?" written by Vicki Elson, MA, and childbirth educator. She had watched 62 television and movie birth scenes just to know what was being presented to the public and whether this type of exposure was helpful or harmful to future parents, and how childbirth educators can offer balance with a "dose of reality."
From these clips, there were "...the frantic rushes to the hospital, attacks of laboring women on men, questionable competency of the doctor and/or nurses, car births, and the desperate cry for drugs" to list a few of the scenarios. And it's not to say that these situations don't happen - the writers have to get their ideas from somewhere.
This list then brings to mind any number of movie birthing scenes. I'm doing this by memory. There is the absolute ridiculous scene from Micki and Maude, directed by Blake Edwards and starring Dudley Moore as a bigamist. Of course, both his wives (who don't know about each other) are delivering babies at the same time, in the same hospital. The only thing I clearly remember is Dudley running around like a crazy man between both rooms and Amy Irving (his second wife) standing on the hospital bed, acting like a male gorilla claiming dominance.
Robin Williams played a foreign, incompetent doctor in 9 Months. There were two simultaneous births, a video taping dad, a fight scene, and a mad dash to the hospital complete with the car full of strangers. The baby/daddy bonding scene at the end is sweet, nonetheless.
Junior - Arnie having a baby? And told to push during a c-section?
Father of the Bride 2 - "Older" mother Diane Keaton finds out she is pregnant at the same time her daughter is. Personally I can relate to this one a little bit since my youngest son is only six years older than my first grandchild. I loved watching Steve Martin catering to these two women in his life and of course, going between both hospital rooms when they go into labour at the same time.
Parenthood - a good movie showing the ups and downs of being a parent. The triumphs, the mistakes, the hilarity, the frustration, and the need for family. The birthing scene at the end is short, but sweet, and also encompasses the waiting room anticipation.
I have been blessed to be able to birth six children. All in hospitals (six different ones). All while I was sitting up in a bed, wearing a gown (I fit the composite average). All but the last one drug free. I trusted each of the nurses that helped me and the doctors that delivered my 3 sons and 3 daughters. One doctor introduced himself after delivering my speedy 2nd child, one nurse stayed after her shift was over and helped me through my epidural. I've never strangled anyone, cursed at anyone, jumped up and down on the hospital bed, or told my husband I hated him. But I did ask my friend who was driving me to the hospital to run a red light (mad dash scene with speedy 2nd child). And I did question to myself the competency of the older nurse who told me at 7 cms I couldn't have any drugs (and was very thankful to the nurse who took over after her she'd give me an epidural until I was ready to push).
I understand the need in the entertainment industry to keep the audience glued to the screen, to present every day scenarios with a dramatic flair, or an over-the-top wild imagination, but what is Hollywood presenting us here with their childbirths? How do first time-to-be parents react to some of these things? Are they encouraged or frightened? Do these movies present good role models or do most movie goers see it as no more than entertainment? Should there even be birthing scenes on screen or should it be left a private thing?
Are there any movie birthing scenes you have found memorable for good or bad reasons?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
I read an article from birth-media.com entitled "What do you REALLY need to know about birth?" written by Vicki Elson, MA, and childbirth educator. She had watched 62 television and movie birth scenes just to know what was being presented to the public and whether this type of exposure was helpful or harmful to future parents, and how childbirth educators can offer balance with a "dose of reality."
She found dozens of variables from "39 (63%) television birth scenes and 23 (37%) movie birth scenes. There were 24 (39%) comedies, 30 (48%) dramas, and 4 (6%) actual births (i.e. documentaries)."
Her find was interesting. If you drew up a composite "average" birth scene from these 62 clips, "the mother would be married, white, upper-middle-class, heterosexual woman in her 30’s, happy to be having her first baby. The father would be present but distracted. The birth would take place in a hospital. It would be fast and hard. The mother would be semi-sitting, wearing a hospital-issue “johnny” and screaming. The person in control would be a white male doctor. The nurses would be white women. The baby would be a healthy boy (who looks about three months old). The music would certainly be cloying in the immediate postpartum bonding scene." Not too encouraging for the ready-to-be parents.From these clips, there were "...the frantic rushes to the hospital, attacks of laboring women on men, questionable competency of the doctor and/or nurses, car births, and the desperate cry for drugs" to list a few of the scenarios. And it's not to say that these situations don't happen - the writers have to get their ideas from somewhere.
This list then brings to mind any number of movie birthing scenes. I'm doing this by memory. There is the absolute ridiculous scene from Micki and Maude, directed by Blake Edwards and starring Dudley Moore as a bigamist. Of course, both his wives (who don't know about each other) are delivering babies at the same time, in the same hospital. The only thing I clearly remember is Dudley running around like a crazy man between both rooms and Amy Irving (his second wife) standing on the hospital bed, acting like a male gorilla claiming dominance.
Robin Williams played a foreign, incompetent doctor in 9 Months. There were two simultaneous births, a video taping dad, a fight scene, and a mad dash to the hospital complete with the car full of strangers. The baby/daddy bonding scene at the end is sweet, nonetheless.
Junior - Arnie having a baby? And told to push during a c-section?
Father of the Bride 2 - "Older" mother Diane Keaton finds out she is pregnant at the same time her daughter is. Personally I can relate to this one a little bit since my youngest son is only six years older than my first grandchild. I loved watching Steve Martin catering to these two women in his life and of course, going between both hospital rooms when they go into labour at the same time.
Parenthood - a good movie showing the ups and downs of being a parent. The triumphs, the mistakes, the hilarity, the frustration, and the need for family. The birthing scene at the end is short, but sweet, and also encompasses the waiting room anticipation.
I have been blessed to be able to birth six children. All in hospitals (six different ones). All while I was sitting up in a bed, wearing a gown (I fit the composite average). All but the last one drug free. I trusted each of the nurses that helped me and the doctors that delivered my 3 sons and 3 daughters. One doctor introduced himself after delivering my speedy 2nd child, one nurse stayed after her shift was over and helped me through my epidural. I've never strangled anyone, cursed at anyone, jumped up and down on the hospital bed, or told my husband I hated him. But I did ask my friend who was driving me to the hospital to run a red light (mad dash scene with speedy 2nd child). And I did question to myself the competency of the older nurse who told me at 7 cms I couldn't have any drugs (and was very thankful to the nurse who took over after her she'd give me an epidural until I was ready to push).
I understand the need in the entertainment industry to keep the audience glued to the screen, to present every day scenarios with a dramatic flair, or an over-the-top wild imagination, but what is Hollywood presenting us here with their childbirths? How do first time-to-be parents react to some of these things? Are they encouraged or frightened? Do these movies present good role models or do most movie goers see it as no more than entertainment? Should there even be birthing scenes on screen or should it be left a private thing?
Are there any movie birthing scenes you have found memorable for good or bad reasons?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Music in Movies
What music inspires you?
Music is a powerful tool used in the movies to help manipulate the audience to feel what the director wants conveyed: sadness at loss (Romeo and Juliet theme), joy at triumph (Rocky's "Gonna Fly"), tension when being chased (the chaotic piano banging in The Fugitive). There are some music segments made so famous in the original movie that they can never be used in anything else, from the likes of Psycho, and the opening credits from Star Wars and Indiana Jones, to name a few (even at the mere mention of these movies you might find yourself humming one of the tunes).
Some movie characters have their own few bars of music, like the obvious Darth Vadar. I worked this out one night when my husband and I listened to (not watched) the movie Dave through our stereo while lying in bed. If you want to have a fun time using your recall skills, try this sometime. Find a favorite movie of yours and just listen to it (it's also fun for the kids). One of our favs is Dave. We quote lots of lines from it, but the music is not too memorable. But when we just listened to it, we noticed that there were several characters that had their own theme that played when they entered the scene. I was able to isolate the music and really pay attention to it. I have yet to do this with another movie, but I'd like to try it on an action flick and see how music is used to bring the heart level up.
It would also be fun to do the opposite. Watch a movie with just the dialogue, no music. Imagine Jaws without those famous two notes or Beaches without Wind Beneath My Wings. It just wouldn't be the same, would it? We wouldn't be as scared or crying as much. Or perhaps we'd be left feeling uncomfortable. I watched the dramatic French film "Incendies" not long ago and one thing I noticed was the lack of music within the film. It didn't use music to milk the emotions or pad the dialogue. The movie had enough tension, drama, and devastation brought on by the plights of the main characters. Their stories made you squirm and feel exhausted by the time you were done watching. I think the absence of music was very effective in this case. On the other hand, I appreciated the movie The Artist for the use of its music. It was a black and white silent film, so a lot depended on music, scenery and facial expressions to bring across the movie's plot. It was done beautifully without being over the top.
Tonight I watched the last scenes in The King's Speech just so I could hear one of my favorite pieces of music: "Symphony no. 7 in A Major: Allegretto" by Beethoven. This music inspires me. It makes me want to listen to it over and over again (I usually play it several times so I can really soak it in). It makes my heart soar and I'm convinced that it's God-inspired. When I saw this movie in the theatre, there were tears running down my face during the particular scene when King George VI is giving his first wartime speech. Seeing Colin Firth's fear and insecurity, Geoffrey Rush's guidance, Helena B-C's hope, a nation holding their breath while listening to their unsure monarch, all while this fabulous music was slowly leading to a crescendoing triumphant finish rendered me speechless. There really haven't been too many times in my movie watching life where I have thought that a particular scene and its music went so well together as in this scene. I thought the whole movie was brilliant, but this scene gave it the Oscar for me.
So what is it about music that inspires us? Think of some of the movie soundtracks you listen to. What makes them so enjoyable? How did the music add to the movie? Have you ever found any music in a particular not suitable or distracting? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Music is a powerful tool used in the movies to help manipulate the audience to feel what the director wants conveyed: sadness at loss (Romeo and Juliet theme), joy at triumph (Rocky's "Gonna Fly"), tension when being chased (the chaotic piano banging in The Fugitive). There are some music segments made so famous in the original movie that they can never be used in anything else, from the likes of Psycho, and the opening credits from Star Wars and Indiana Jones, to name a few (even at the mere mention of these movies you might find yourself humming one of the tunes).
Some movie characters have their own few bars of music, like the obvious Darth Vadar. I worked this out one night when my husband and I listened to (not watched) the movie Dave through our stereo while lying in bed. If you want to have a fun time using your recall skills, try this sometime. Find a favorite movie of yours and just listen to it (it's also fun for the kids). One of our favs is Dave. We quote lots of lines from it, but the music is not too memorable. But when we just listened to it, we noticed that there were several characters that had their own theme that played when they entered the scene. I was able to isolate the music and really pay attention to it. I have yet to do this with another movie, but I'd like to try it on an action flick and see how music is used to bring the heart level up.
It would also be fun to do the opposite. Watch a movie with just the dialogue, no music. Imagine Jaws without those famous two notes or Beaches without Wind Beneath My Wings. It just wouldn't be the same, would it? We wouldn't be as scared or crying as much. Or perhaps we'd be left feeling uncomfortable. I watched the dramatic French film "Incendies" not long ago and one thing I noticed was the lack of music within the film. It didn't use music to milk the emotions or pad the dialogue. The movie had enough tension, drama, and devastation brought on by the plights of the main characters. Their stories made you squirm and feel exhausted by the time you were done watching. I think the absence of music was very effective in this case. On the other hand, I appreciated the movie The Artist for the use of its music. It was a black and white silent film, so a lot depended on music, scenery and facial expressions to bring across the movie's plot. It was done beautifully without being over the top.
Tonight I watched the last scenes in The King's Speech just so I could hear one of my favorite pieces of music: "Symphony no. 7 in A Major: Allegretto" by Beethoven. This music inspires me. It makes me want to listen to it over and over again (I usually play it several times so I can really soak it in). It makes my heart soar and I'm convinced that it's God-inspired. When I saw this movie in the theatre, there were tears running down my face during the particular scene when King George VI is giving his first wartime speech. Seeing Colin Firth's fear and insecurity, Geoffrey Rush's guidance, Helena B-C's hope, a nation holding their breath while listening to their unsure monarch, all while this fabulous music was slowly leading to a crescendoing triumphant finish rendered me speechless. There really haven't been too many times in my movie watching life where I have thought that a particular scene and its music went so well together as in this scene. I thought the whole movie was brilliant, but this scene gave it the Oscar for me.
So what is it about music that inspires us? Think of some of the movie soundtracks you listen to. What makes them so enjoyable? How did the music add to the movie? Have you ever found any music in a particular not suitable or distracting? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sci-Fi Movie Review - Signs
My girls and I watched the movie Signs yesterday - a 2002 sci-fi/drama movie starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. IMDB description: A family living on a farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields which suggests something more frightening to come.
I never get tired of this movie. I know what happens but I still hide my eyes in certain parts and get teary in others. On the surface, it's about "signs" left in the form of crop circles all over the world and the world dealing with the idea that earth has been visited by extra-terrestrials.
The family in focus is barely surviving after a tragedy has shaken them to the core. Mel Gibson's character Graham has turned his back on God and his position as a reverend of the local church. The youngest child, played gorgeously by Abigail Bresler, has a hang-up about drinking water, and the older son, played by young Rory Culkin, suffers from asthma and takes life too seriously. Joaquin Phoenix is Merrill, their uncle, who once was a promising baseball player, and is now living with them in the house and going through his own self-esteem issues.
Because of an emminent attack by ETs, the family must come together and Dad must rise up and protect them. Lacking faith, he is trying to muster up the courage to defend his family and to make decisions. Where he might have relied on God before, he now is blaming Him and angry with Him.
Graham has a discussion with Merrill about the perspective of coincidence - about there being two groups of people who look at a lucky situation in different ways. Group 1 sees it as a sign, that someone is up there watching out for them, which leads to hope. Group 2 sees it as pure luck, a happy turn of chance. But whatever happens happens and they are doing it alone, which ultimately fills them with fear. Graham then asks, "See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?" Merrill states that he's a miracle man. Graham then states that there is no one watching out after them and that they are alone. This presents the deeper level of the movie - whether everything happens for a reason.
This is not just a believers movie, but I see Signs as more than just an alien movie. I think that things do happen for a reason, things that seem inconsequential serve purpose, and that bad things that happen can be turned around and serve good purpose. I would consider myself a part of Group 1, that I am being watched out for. I see signs of God everywhere and I am filled with great hope.
But I leave this to judge for yourself - I recommend this drama/sci-fi/mystery/thriller movie. There are a couple of intense scenes that might disturb younger viewers and there are a few expletives, said in distress.
Do you see yourself in Group 1 or Group 2? Signs or coincidences? Does everything happen for a reason or que sera, sera? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
I never get tired of this movie. I know what happens but I still hide my eyes in certain parts and get teary in others. On the surface, it's about "signs" left in the form of crop circles all over the world and the world dealing with the idea that earth has been visited by extra-terrestrials.
The family in focus is barely surviving after a tragedy has shaken them to the core. Mel Gibson's character Graham has turned his back on God and his position as a reverend of the local church. The youngest child, played gorgeously by Abigail Bresler, has a hang-up about drinking water, and the older son, played by young Rory Culkin, suffers from asthma and takes life too seriously. Joaquin Phoenix is Merrill, their uncle, who once was a promising baseball player, and is now living with them in the house and going through his own self-esteem issues.
Because of an emminent attack by ETs, the family must come together and Dad must rise up and protect them. Lacking faith, he is trying to muster up the courage to defend his family and to make decisions. Where he might have relied on God before, he now is blaming Him and angry with Him.
Graham has a discussion with Merrill about the perspective of coincidence - about there being two groups of people who look at a lucky situation in different ways. Group 1 sees it as a sign, that someone is up there watching out for them, which leads to hope. Group 2 sees it as pure luck, a happy turn of chance. But whatever happens happens and they are doing it alone, which ultimately fills them with fear. Graham then asks, "See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?" Merrill states that he's a miracle man. Graham then states that there is no one watching out after them and that they are alone. This presents the deeper level of the movie - whether everything happens for a reason.
This is not just a believers movie, but I see Signs as more than just an alien movie. I think that things do happen for a reason, things that seem inconsequential serve purpose, and that bad things that happen can be turned around and serve good purpose. I would consider myself a part of Group 1, that I am being watched out for. I see signs of God everywhere and I am filled with great hope.
But I leave this to judge for yourself - I recommend this drama/sci-fi/mystery/thriller movie. There are a couple of intense scenes that might disturb younger viewers and there are a few expletives, said in distress.
Do you see yourself in Group 1 or Group 2? Signs or coincidences? Does everything happen for a reason or que sera, sera? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Admiring Meryl
I'm not too big into fawning, drooling, or tripping over someone, but I can't talk about movies without mentioning my all time favorite actress who I greatly admire, Meryl Streep. Of all the Oscar shows I've watched, at least 35 of them or so, she has had a nomination in almost half of them. I have been watching her since 1978 when I first saw her in the devastating t.v. mini series Holocaust. And I just watched her today on one of my DVDs. I feel like I've grown up with her.
Between all the award shows sprinkled around the US and other countries, she has been nominated 152 times and has won 121 of them. Do the math. Not too shabby.
I admire Meryl for several reasons. Often when you see an actor just starting out and you continue to see them throughout the years, you might notice that their performances improve and they grow into their roles. They blossom and mature...or they fizzle out and you see them on the "Whatever happened to. . .?" midweek t.v. show. But as I've thought about Meryl's performances throughout the years, they seemed to have started out strong and near perfect and have only gone up from there, if that's possible. She has an uncanny ability to be persistently brilliant.
How does she do it? One thing she has said in regard to how she gets inside a role is, "One of the most important keys to acting is curiosity. I am curious to the point of being nosy. What that means is you want to devour lives. You're eager to put on their shoes and wear their clothes and have them become a part of you. All people contain mystery, and when you act, you want to plumb that mystery until everything is known to you."
Meryl is known as a perfectionist when preparing for her roles (when preparing for her role in "Music of the Heart", she learned to play the violin by practicing 6 hours a day for 8 weeks) and she is known for the ability to master almost any accent (British, South African, Australian, Polish, German to name a few).
Not all her performances have been top-rated of course. She went five years without an Oscar nomination, from "She-Devil" in 1989 to "The River Wild" in 1994. But despite the lack of good leading female roles in those years, she was still nominated for four Golden Globes.
I've observed several things about Meryl when I've watched award shows that I like: I appreciate the fact that she has been married to the same man for over 30 years and still thanks her husband Don Gummer (NOT Mr. Streep!) when she accepts an award. I like that she seems genuinely modest and surprised when she wins. She is thankful for her fellow thespians and Hollywood family and speaks highly and graciously of them. She is truly happy for a fellow nominee who wins in the same category she was nominated in.
So she has true God-given talent, character, grace, work ethic, kindness, perseverance. I think she's the type of woman I'd love to have living next door to me who could modestly dish out life's advice while dishing out a perfect apple pie. And maybe she'd do my ironing. She once said, "I try to lead as ordinary a life as I can. You can't get spoiled if you do your own ironing."
Do you have a favorite Meryl movie? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Between all the award shows sprinkled around the US and other countries, she has been nominated 152 times and has won 121 of them. Do the math. Not too shabby.
I admire Meryl for several reasons. Often when you see an actor just starting out and you continue to see them throughout the years, you might notice that their performances improve and they grow into their roles. They blossom and mature...or they fizzle out and you see them on the "Whatever happened to. . .?" midweek t.v. show. But as I've thought about Meryl's performances throughout the years, they seemed to have started out strong and near perfect and have only gone up from there, if that's possible. She has an uncanny ability to be persistently brilliant.
How does she do it? One thing she has said in regard to how she gets inside a role is, "One of the most important keys to acting is curiosity. I am curious to the point of being nosy. What that means is you want to devour lives. You're eager to put on their shoes and wear their clothes and have them become a part of you. All people contain mystery, and when you act, you want to plumb that mystery until everything is known to you."
Meryl is known as a perfectionist when preparing for her roles (when preparing for her role in "Music of the Heart", she learned to play the violin by practicing 6 hours a day for 8 weeks) and she is known for the ability to master almost any accent (British, South African, Australian, Polish, German to name a few).
Not all her performances have been top-rated of course. She went five years without an Oscar nomination, from "She-Devil" in 1989 to "The River Wild" in 1994. But despite the lack of good leading female roles in those years, she was still nominated for four Golden Globes.
I've observed several things about Meryl when I've watched award shows that I like: I appreciate the fact that she has been married to the same man for over 30 years and still thanks her husband Don Gummer (NOT Mr. Streep!) when she accepts an award. I like that she seems genuinely modest and surprised when she wins. She is thankful for her fellow thespians and Hollywood family and speaks highly and graciously of them. She is truly happy for a fellow nominee who wins in the same category she was nominated in.
So she has true God-given talent, character, grace, work ethic, kindness, perseverance. I think she's the type of woman I'd love to have living next door to me who could modestly dish out life's advice while dishing out a perfect apple pie. And maybe she'd do my ironing. She once said, "I try to lead as ordinary a life as I can. You can't get spoiled if you do your own ironing."
Do you have a favorite Meryl movie? Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Death - Transition from Here to There
Dying is not something to be feared but to be welcomed, when you have the assurance of where you're going and Who is escorting you there.
In the last week of January in 2003, I saw my cancer-riddled mother struggle before she left, straddling the fence between this earth and all she held dear, and the world she would soon enter, the one as a Christian she looked forward to going to. It seemed to me that she was bargaining, or trying at least to have the last word with her Creator. She wanted to make sure all would be well with those she loved after she died - her kids would be alright, her grandkids would be safe and sound, her list of prayers would be answered. For one week, from the Monday to her last Friday, her tears flowed unashamedly and her arms were raised to the heavens, but she was restless, discontent, obviously not at peace. All was well with her own soul but she wasn't sure about all the loved ones she was leaving behind. Letting go of her motherly and grandmotherly influence over us all was difficult. This struggle I saw within mom was disconcerting to me and left me ill at ease each time I saw her.
Then on a sunny Saturday morning, the first one in February, and my mother's last - I witnessed a beautiful thing. She was outside with my brother-in-law. I was watching them as he pushed her in her wheelchair around the court. Her face was raised to the sun, feeling its warmth, and the look on her face told me she had finally given everything to God and "crossed over." She had made her peace with Him. She had a permanent smile on her face, a knowing, if you will, like her spirit was already gone and her body, or tent, was on its way out. What a gift and privilege it was for me to see this. Evidence of her faith - of Who she believed in and of where she was going, was written on her face, in the calmness and stillness of her eyes, in that peaceful Mona Lisa-like smile she had. It confirmed in me what my faith all boils down to - the place it takes us to - to the last few minutes on earth. When we have that choice to make.
I am thankful we had time with her, that her death was not sudden. And I'm thankful that I was able to witness that transition in her. It spoke truth to me. It is something I will never forget and it's something I myself look forward to. Going from temporary citizenship on earth to my true homeland, to the place I was made for, to the place my heart yearns for.
Then on a sunny Saturday morning, the first one in February, and my mother's last - I witnessed a beautiful thing. She was outside with my brother-in-law. I was watching them as he pushed her in her wheelchair around the court. Her face was raised to the sun, feeling its warmth, and the look on her face told me she had finally given everything to God and "crossed over." She had made her peace with Him. She had a permanent smile on her face, a knowing, if you will, like her spirit was already gone and her body, or tent, was on its way out. What a gift and privilege it was for me to see this. Evidence of her faith - of Who she believed in and of where she was going, was written on her face, in the calmness and stillness of her eyes, in that peaceful Mona Lisa-like smile she had. It confirmed in me what my faith all boils down to - the place it takes us to - to the last few minutes on earth. When we have that choice to make.
I am thankful we had time with her, that her death was not sudden. And I'm thankful that I was able to witness that transition in her. It spoke truth to me. It is something I will never forget and it's something I myself look forward to. Going from temporary citizenship on earth to my true homeland, to the place I was made for, to the place my heart yearns for.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Oscar, Oscar, Oscar
Well it's old news by now, the Artist taking best film, along with 4 other wins. I was glad about that. Out of the 9 movies nominated, there were only 2 that I wanted to see again immediately after watching it, The Artist was one, The Help was the other.
I can't believe the whole show ended 20 minutes ahead of schedule. I can't believe there was no singing number, and I can't believe they didn't have the Cecil B DeMille award.
The speeches were definitely short...too short, some of them. I really think Octavia Spencer could have said more, and I really wanted to hear what she wanted to say. It was her first win after all.
There were some stunning women out there - Glenn Close, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Williams. There were no hideous, out-there, over the top, see-thru Cher-like gowns this year, only the usual Jennifer Lopez-like "what can I get away with" dress worn by...oh yeah, Jennifer Lopez.
Every year I have a "God vs. Mom" tally from acceptance speeches. Been doing it for years. In the last few years, God hasn't been doing very well. Unless Denzel Washington happens to be winning something, He hasn't gotten any credit. Why is that? Actually, Mom hasn't been getting as much credit either. And now that the axe-man is standing below the podium making the cutting action across his throat when the winners are giving their speeches, we now may only hear, "I'd like to thank the Aca..."
I miss Steve Martin as emcee. Billy Crystal is definitely a step back up from last year. How about Billy and Steve together?
They've been working hard at keeping the show entertaining while fulfilling what they must in presenting awards. But really, at what age does a person starts watching the Oscars (if they watch them at all)? I've been watching them since I was a kid. I remember the TV Guide used to have a ballot printed in it which made it exciting. I loved checking off the boxes as names were read. I still print a ballot off each year so I can make my guesses and circle the winner. And it's still exciting to me. When the Oscars are approaching, I get that holiday feeling in me. 30 days or so before it airs, it's movie-crunch time and I watch as many as the movies as I can that are accessible. I start planning the food I'm going to prepare for the little Oscar party I have (I think there are only 3 or 4 of us in the whole of Australia that watch it). I read reviews, have Oscar chats with my sister - it's serious stuff.
What's the thrill and draw to it? Tradition is one. But mostly it's seeing recognition get made for the work behind the screen, for the talent displayed, for the films that moved me, made me laugh or cry. A lot of these people I have grown up with. I've known Meryl for almost 30 years now. I first saw Christopher Plummer when I was younger than 16 going on 17. Steven Spielberg has introduced aliens and heroes to me. We watch dreams come true for these people when they sit in those theatre chairs and hope their names are called. Perhaps we dream a little ourselves and imagine what it would be like to hold one of those statues or be among the glitz and glamour for one night. I wouldn't even mind being a seat filler. Whatever it is, I'm unashamedly drawn in and grabbed for a few hours, being part of the Oscar entertainment.
So do you watch the Oscars? What are your thoughts on the whole glitz and glamour evening? Why do you think people love the movies?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
I can't believe the whole show ended 20 minutes ahead of schedule. I can't believe there was no singing number, and I can't believe they didn't have the Cecil B DeMille award.
The speeches were definitely short...too short, some of them. I really think Octavia Spencer could have said more, and I really wanted to hear what she wanted to say. It was her first win after all.
There were some stunning women out there - Glenn Close, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Williams. There were no hideous, out-there, over the top, see-thru Cher-like gowns this year, only the usual Jennifer Lopez-like "what can I get away with" dress worn by...oh yeah, Jennifer Lopez.
Every year I have a "God vs. Mom" tally from acceptance speeches. Been doing it for years. In the last few years, God hasn't been doing very well. Unless Denzel Washington happens to be winning something, He hasn't gotten any credit. Why is that? Actually, Mom hasn't been getting as much credit either. And now that the axe-man is standing below the podium making the cutting action across his throat when the winners are giving their speeches, we now may only hear, "I'd like to thank the Aca..."
I miss Steve Martin as emcee. Billy Crystal is definitely a step back up from last year. How about Billy and Steve together?
They've been working hard at keeping the show entertaining while fulfilling what they must in presenting awards. But really, at what age does a person starts watching the Oscars (if they watch them at all)? I've been watching them since I was a kid. I remember the TV Guide used to have a ballot printed in it which made it exciting. I loved checking off the boxes as names were read. I still print a ballot off each year so I can make my guesses and circle the winner. And it's still exciting to me. When the Oscars are approaching, I get that holiday feeling in me. 30 days or so before it airs, it's movie-crunch time and I watch as many as the movies as I can that are accessible. I start planning the food I'm going to prepare for the little Oscar party I have (I think there are only 3 or 4 of us in the whole of Australia that watch it). I read reviews, have Oscar chats with my sister - it's serious stuff.
What's the thrill and draw to it? Tradition is one. But mostly it's seeing recognition get made for the work behind the screen, for the talent displayed, for the films that moved me, made me laugh or cry. A lot of these people I have grown up with. I've known Meryl for almost 30 years now. I first saw Christopher Plummer when I was younger than 16 going on 17. Steven Spielberg has introduced aliens and heroes to me. We watch dreams come true for these people when they sit in those theatre chairs and hope their names are called. Perhaps we dream a little ourselves and imagine what it would be like to hold one of those statues or be among the glitz and glamour for one night. I wouldn't even mind being a seat filler. Whatever it is, I'm unashamedly drawn in and grabbed for a few hours, being part of the Oscar entertainment.
So do you watch the Oscars? What are your thoughts on the whole glitz and glamour evening? Why do you think people love the movies?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Movie Review - Moneyball
Just in time for the Oscars, I finished watching Moneyball: "Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players." (IMDB) Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill both delivered fine, Oscar nominated performances. I don't always go out of my way to watch sports movies but I have a few on my shelf, generally because the story is inspirational. That's what sports does to people - it inspires them. There is nothing better than seeing the underdog score the winning goal in the last 2 seconds of the game, or fire off a ball over the fence in the bottom of the 9th. But in Moneyball, irony plays her hand and the main guy never quite wins. He gets close lots of times, but he never wins. Instead, others win using his formula that changed the way some look at baseball.
I think Brad deserves his nomination - he gave a really good performance. I didn't really like his character though. When the chips were down I never found myself cheering him on to get up. I can see why his movie wife Robin Wright left him. I can see why he exasperated those around him. I never was exactly convinced where his heart was.
Jonah Hill was quite good and I liked him. He was contained and eventually found his voice when he needed to but there was often a lot said by the expression on his face. This is his first Oscar nod and I'm glad to see him step out from roles like Knocked Up and Superbad.
I found myself nervous a couple of times in the film because I didn't know how it would pan out. I even found myself getting out the computer and looking in Wikipedia to read about Billy Beane and this shot in his history - suspense kills me when the story is true. I have to know what happens. And if you happen to wonder if I sometimes read the last few pages of a book when I'm only half way through, the answer is yes. I have to prepare myself for bad news or I look forward to good news. I have to be put at ease.
I don't think this movie will win Best Picture but it's very enjoyable. And you don't even have to like baseball or understand it. It was a bit bothersome to see how players are treated though. They are traded as easily as bubble gum cards and discarded as thoughtlessly as the wrapper if they don't keep up their standard. But I love one part in the film where a very overweight player is shown smacking the ball pitched to him. It was explained that he's usually afraid to run to second, but after that hit, he tries. He rounds first base and then falls and crawls back to first and owns it. He won't let go of it. The first base coach and short stop are laughing and grabbing at him. What the player doesn't know is that he hit the ball over the fence and they were trying to get him up to finish running the bases to home. As it was then asked, "How can you not get romantic about baseball?"
The movie is rated PG-13 (M) for low-level language (2 F-bombs and a couple of other words) and content.
As a point of trivia, in the film Brad Pitt's character Billy wears a wedding ring though he is divorced. This made me wonder if he was still devoted to his ex or something. Actually though, Billy got remarried but you never see his second wife.
So do you have any favorite sports films? If you saw Moneyball, what was your opinion of the movie?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
I think Brad deserves his nomination - he gave a really good performance. I didn't really like his character though. When the chips were down I never found myself cheering him on to get up. I can see why his movie wife Robin Wright left him. I can see why he exasperated those around him. I never was exactly convinced where his heart was.
Jonah Hill was quite good and I liked him. He was contained and eventually found his voice when he needed to but there was often a lot said by the expression on his face. This is his first Oscar nod and I'm glad to see him step out from roles like Knocked Up and Superbad.
I found myself nervous a couple of times in the film because I didn't know how it would pan out. I even found myself getting out the computer and looking in Wikipedia to read about Billy Beane and this shot in his history - suspense kills me when the story is true. I have to know what happens. And if you happen to wonder if I sometimes read the last few pages of a book when I'm only half way through, the answer is yes. I have to prepare myself for bad news or I look forward to good news. I have to be put at ease.
I don't think this movie will win Best Picture but it's very enjoyable. And you don't even have to like baseball or understand it. It was a bit bothersome to see how players are treated though. They are traded as easily as bubble gum cards and discarded as thoughtlessly as the wrapper if they don't keep up their standard. But I love one part in the film where a very overweight player is shown smacking the ball pitched to him. It was explained that he's usually afraid to run to second, but after that hit, he tries. He rounds first base and then falls and crawls back to first and owns it. He won't let go of it. The first base coach and short stop are laughing and grabbing at him. What the player doesn't know is that he hit the ball over the fence and they were trying to get him up to finish running the bases to home. As it was then asked, "How can you not get romantic about baseball?"
The movie is rated PG-13 (M) for low-level language (2 F-bombs and a couple of other words) and content.
As a point of trivia, in the film Brad Pitt's character Billy wears a wedding ring though he is divorced. This made me wonder if he was still devoted to his ex or something. Actually though, Billy got remarried but you never see his second wife.
So do you have any favorite sports films? If you saw Moneyball, what was your opinion of the movie?
Let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
My Own Personal Chick Flick Night - Might Contain Spoilers!
In one of my more sappier, hormonal moments, I had a weepy evening at home instigated by taking my favorite chick flicks from my shelf and watching the last 10 or 15 minutes of each. I had wanted to do this at a girl's evening but it never came to pass, so I had my own personal girly evening. My husband thought I was crazy.
I started with the ultimate weepy movie Beaches. Just thinking about it makes my eyes water. Any time that movie is mentioned in conversation among women, the reaction is always the same: "I love that movie! It's so sad! It always makes my cry." So the moment I put it in and found the spot where Bette Midler's character brings Barbra Hershey to the beach, the tears started falling. Hearing Bette sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" kept them coming (that song always gets me choked up because I dedicated that one to my dying mother 9 years ago). Tears are so cleansing. Even when they're artificially induced.
Next on my list was the Lakehouse, with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. I love that movie. I love movies that are narrated, and I love looking at Keanu Reeves, even wooden that he may seem. I find him very handsome, or maybe it's just his dark eyes and dark hair...I don't know. And his voice. My husband is convinced that he smoked too much stuff as a teenager. But the point is, I love the ending cuz they meet each other, finally, and he is so purposeful in seeing her.
I then went to Ever After, the Cinderella story with Drew Barrymore. She had loved him, he loved her, he publically humiliated and dumped her, she felt horrible and worthless, and he comes back to rescue her and sees her for who she really is, though just a peasant. I love when he slips her mother's beautiful slipper on her foot, after pulling off her tattered one, and asks her to be his wife. All her dreams have come true because her true self has been found. (And I also love how the evil stepmother and stepsister get theirs too. Very satisfying.)
With a smile on my face (and my husband shaking his head), I put in Shall We Dance? with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. She is misunderstanding his thing for dancing and is feeling left out and distant from him, and he is feeling guilty because even though his life is good and he loves his wife and children, he's apologetic that he feels bored with the mundaneness of it all and therefore loves to go to his dancing lessons. Though not at the end of the movie, the heart-stopping, breath-holding moment of him dressed up in his tuxedo, holding a rose, coming up on an escalator, looking for his wife, does it for me every time. When my sister and I saw it in the theatre, we both audibly gasped when we saw him in that scene. He's not just physically attractive (note: dark hair, dark eyes), but he's handsome (can I say sexy?) because he's coming for his wife, the woman he has been "dancing" with for 15 years.
I then popped in "Sense and Sensibility" a movie I have watched many times (though all these movies I've watched over and over again). I started it in the place where Edward (Hugh Grant) comes over and all the Dashwood women run around in a panic. Thinking he's married, he gets around to telling them that he's not. Elinor Dashwood, who has loved him from the beginning and held in her feelings and pain because he was engaged to someone else, finally lets all come out. She hysterically cries, sobs, and gasps, realizing all at once that he's available and he's there for her. I love that. It all comes together and her long silenced suffering is rewarded. My other favorite part is earlier, when Colonel Brandon, also a long time sufferer in love with Marian Dashwood, is finally recognized and acknowledged by her. His face tells it all, though he stays a lot more composed than Elinor did.
Which brings me to my last movie, Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam (again, dark). When she finally realizes that she loves Mr. Knightly and thinks he loves someone else, she is devastated. When he turns an awkward conversation into one she's been waiting for and asks her to marry him, she can hardly believe her ears. I love his expression right before he kisses her. She is shy and awkward, and he's ready to gobble her up. The music throughout this movie is one of my favorites as well. It's a beautiful orchestral swirl that I have often listened to over and over again.
I'm not sure where this brings me. I was once concerned and over-analyzing of myself after watching all these chick flicks, thinking that maybe I wasn't happy enough at home. I have the most wonderful husband, and although he's not dark haired or dark eyed (love his blue eyes though), I wouldn't trade him for anyone. He is so devoted to his family (which, BTW I find very attractive) and is the most faithful of men. So I was relieved to find within myself that my heart is where it belongs and is happy.
When I look at these particular movies, there is a common thread of good, honest people who are long-suffering who finally get their hearts' desires, or of loving friends who look after each other, or of people who see that love has always been at home and it's worth fighting for. And so I think that's what I like and that's what I believe in. Love. True love is patient and it is kind and it bears all things. It protects, trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. And true love never fails. So for this reason I will always love chick flicks. Bring on the sappiness and the tears and I'll unashamedly cry and watch them over and over again.
So if you love chick flicks, what are some of your favs? And if you don't like them, why not? What is it about them that girls (and some guys out there somewhere) love?
Let's Talk Movies and don't forget the popcorn!
I started with the ultimate weepy movie Beaches. Just thinking about it makes my eyes water. Any time that movie is mentioned in conversation among women, the reaction is always the same: "I love that movie! It's so sad! It always makes my cry." So the moment I put it in and found the spot where Bette Midler's character brings Barbra Hershey to the beach, the tears started falling. Hearing Bette sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" kept them coming (that song always gets me choked up because I dedicated that one to my dying mother 9 years ago). Tears are so cleansing. Even when they're artificially induced.
Next on my list was the Lakehouse, with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. I love that movie. I love movies that are narrated, and I love looking at Keanu Reeves, even wooden that he may seem. I find him very handsome, or maybe it's just his dark eyes and dark hair...I don't know. And his voice. My husband is convinced that he smoked too much stuff as a teenager. But the point is, I love the ending cuz they meet each other, finally, and he is so purposeful in seeing her.
I then went to Ever After, the Cinderella story with Drew Barrymore. She had loved him, he loved her, he publically humiliated and dumped her, she felt horrible and worthless, and he comes back to rescue her and sees her for who she really is, though just a peasant. I love when he slips her mother's beautiful slipper on her foot, after pulling off her tattered one, and asks her to be his wife. All her dreams have come true because her true self has been found. (And I also love how the evil stepmother and stepsister get theirs too. Very satisfying.)
With a smile on my face (and my husband shaking his head), I put in Shall We Dance? with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. She is misunderstanding his thing for dancing and is feeling left out and distant from him, and he is feeling guilty because even though his life is good and he loves his wife and children, he's apologetic that he feels bored with the mundaneness of it all and therefore loves to go to his dancing lessons. Though not at the end of the movie, the heart-stopping, breath-holding moment of him dressed up in his tuxedo, holding a rose, coming up on an escalator, looking for his wife, does it for me every time. When my sister and I saw it in the theatre, we both audibly gasped when we saw him in that scene. He's not just physically attractive (note: dark hair, dark eyes), but he's handsome (can I say sexy?) because he's coming for his wife, the woman he has been "dancing" with for 15 years.
I then popped in "Sense and Sensibility" a movie I have watched many times (though all these movies I've watched over and over again). I started it in the place where Edward (Hugh Grant) comes over and all the Dashwood women run around in a panic. Thinking he's married, he gets around to telling them that he's not. Elinor Dashwood, who has loved him from the beginning and held in her feelings and pain because he was engaged to someone else, finally lets all come out. She hysterically cries, sobs, and gasps, realizing all at once that he's available and he's there for her. I love that. It all comes together and her long silenced suffering is rewarded. My other favorite part is earlier, when Colonel Brandon, also a long time sufferer in love with Marian Dashwood, is finally recognized and acknowledged by her. His face tells it all, though he stays a lot more composed than Elinor did.
Which brings me to my last movie, Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam (again, dark). When she finally realizes that she loves Mr. Knightly and thinks he loves someone else, she is devastated. When he turns an awkward conversation into one she's been waiting for and asks her to marry him, she can hardly believe her ears. I love his expression right before he kisses her. She is shy and awkward, and he's ready to gobble her up. The music throughout this movie is one of my favorites as well. It's a beautiful orchestral swirl that I have often listened to over and over again.
I'm not sure where this brings me. I was once concerned and over-analyzing of myself after watching all these chick flicks, thinking that maybe I wasn't happy enough at home. I have the most wonderful husband, and although he's not dark haired or dark eyed (love his blue eyes though), I wouldn't trade him for anyone. He is so devoted to his family (which, BTW I find very attractive) and is the most faithful of men. So I was relieved to find within myself that my heart is where it belongs and is happy.
When I look at these particular movies, there is a common thread of good, honest people who are long-suffering who finally get their hearts' desires, or of loving friends who look after each other, or of people who see that love has always been at home and it's worth fighting for. And so I think that's what I like and that's what I believe in. Love. True love is patient and it is kind and it bears all things. It protects, trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. And true love never fails. So for this reason I will always love chick flicks. Bring on the sappiness and the tears and I'll unashamedly cry and watch them over and over again.
So if you love chick flicks, what are some of your favs? And if you don't like them, why not? What is it about them that girls (and some guys out there somewhere) love?
Let's Talk Movies and don't forget the popcorn!
Movie Review - Extremely Loud and Up Close
Today I saw the Oscar nominated movie Extremely Loud and Upclose. The premise is easy enough - it's one year after 9/11 and a young boy is trying to make sense out of "The Terrible Day."
A lot of reviewers didn't actually like the film too much, but I did. I can usually find something I like in the movies I watch. There are some worth seeing again and there are some that get the honor of being bought and finding space in my bookshelf. If I want to see a movie again, most of the time I rent it and see it a second time that way. There are the chosen few I'll actually pay twice to see on the Big Screen (The Help was one of those). This film I will see again, by rental.
But back to Extremely Loud. I was impressed by the young actor Thomas Horn who played Oskar Schell in the film. Amazingly, this is his first film. Before this, his five minutes of fame was on Jeopardy! where he won $31,000US on kids week. Somehow that win led to this movie. Hopefully it won't be his last. Something tells me he might be a bit similar to the character he plays in the movie in that he had to be some sort of whiz kid to win all that money, and in the movie he's a walking encyclopedia.
I'm wondering to myself why he wasn't nominated for his role. There have been a few other child stars that have been lucky and talented enough to walk the red carpet - Tatum O'Neil (youngest to win a supporting actress Oscar, at age 9) and Anna Paquin (the second youngest to win in the same category). (Can you name the movies they were in?) I think young Thomas is deserving of an Oscar nod, and I'm sure there are people definitely looking his way in any case.
The film took place in New York. I was thinking while I was watching it that I'd like to research how many movies have actually taken place there, how many of the shops, stores, etc. that are featured are actually real, and what actor has been featured in the most movies taking place in New York. I know, who cares right? That's my trivia thirsty brain on overload. And I'd also like to make a list of places to visit when I go to New York someday, that have been featured in films, like Central Park, and those boulders that you see being climbed with the skyline in the background. In Extremely Loud there is a swing set that is near those boulders. Are they really there? Cuz if they are, I want to swing on them!
Watching a film that takes places after 9/11 made me think through that day again. It made me think about the people who experienced it, who didn't survive it, the surviving thousands of people personally there that will never be the same because of it, who inhaled dust for days after being in the same vacinity as the collapsed buildings, the terrible noises of the planes crashing and the buildings imploding and people screaming and ambulances screeching and fire trucks blaring, and about the people of New York that looked each other in the eyes after that day with a different type of look, a knowing and understanding.
Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks offered strong roles along side Thomas, as did Max van Sydow. Viola Davis (The Help) was among the many people given less screen time, but not without importance. I liked the many people that Oskar Schell meets on his journey - all who were somehow touched by 9/11 and who were touched by Oskar. This movie identifies with pain and the importance of finding a way through it and past it, and allowing others to share and help in the process. None of us are excluded from pain in our life, but how we find hope on the other side of it is important.
Do I think this movie will win the Oscar for Best Pic? No. Do I recommend you see it? Yes. Either in the theatre or at home will do. I think it's a good movie for teens to see that can lead to some good discussion, though younger children might find it a bit long and might be disturbed by some of the movie's images of 9/11. (Just because there is a young boy in it doesn't make it a kids movie.) Rated M, mostly for content and subject matter, with one F-bomb if I remember correctly, and a couple of other milder expletives used in playful bantering.
Questions to ponder or to answer, if you'd like.
So, if you've seen this movie, what did you think? Have you been to New York and what do you recommend for sight-seeing (this California girl needs suggestions!)? What do you say to someone who is going through emotional pain that needs help and hope?
So let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
A lot of reviewers didn't actually like the film too much, but I did. I can usually find something I like in the movies I watch. There are some worth seeing again and there are some that get the honor of being bought and finding space in my bookshelf. If I want to see a movie again, most of the time I rent it and see it a second time that way. There are the chosen few I'll actually pay twice to see on the Big Screen (The Help was one of those). This film I will see again, by rental.
But back to Extremely Loud. I was impressed by the young actor Thomas Horn who played Oskar Schell in the film. Amazingly, this is his first film. Before this, his five minutes of fame was on Jeopardy! where he won $31,000US on kids week. Somehow that win led to this movie. Hopefully it won't be his last. Something tells me he might be a bit similar to the character he plays in the movie in that he had to be some sort of whiz kid to win all that money, and in the movie he's a walking encyclopedia.
I'm wondering to myself why he wasn't nominated for his role. There have been a few other child stars that have been lucky and talented enough to walk the red carpet - Tatum O'Neil (youngest to win a supporting actress Oscar, at age 9) and Anna Paquin (the second youngest to win in the same category). (Can you name the movies they were in?) I think young Thomas is deserving of an Oscar nod, and I'm sure there are people definitely looking his way in any case.
The film took place in New York. I was thinking while I was watching it that I'd like to research how many movies have actually taken place there, how many of the shops, stores, etc. that are featured are actually real, and what actor has been featured in the most movies taking place in New York. I know, who cares right? That's my trivia thirsty brain on overload. And I'd also like to make a list of places to visit when I go to New York someday, that have been featured in films, like Central Park, and those boulders that you see being climbed with the skyline in the background. In Extremely Loud there is a swing set that is near those boulders. Are they really there? Cuz if they are, I want to swing on them!
Watching a film that takes places after 9/11 made me think through that day again. It made me think about the people who experienced it, who didn't survive it, the surviving thousands of people personally there that will never be the same because of it, who inhaled dust for days after being in the same vacinity as the collapsed buildings, the terrible noises of the planes crashing and the buildings imploding and people screaming and ambulances screeching and fire trucks blaring, and about the people of New York that looked each other in the eyes after that day with a different type of look, a knowing and understanding.
Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks offered strong roles along side Thomas, as did Max van Sydow. Viola Davis (The Help) was among the many people given less screen time, but not without importance. I liked the many people that Oskar Schell meets on his journey - all who were somehow touched by 9/11 and who were touched by Oskar. This movie identifies with pain and the importance of finding a way through it and past it, and allowing others to share and help in the process. None of us are excluded from pain in our life, but how we find hope on the other side of it is important.
Do I think this movie will win the Oscar for Best Pic? No. Do I recommend you see it? Yes. Either in the theatre or at home will do. I think it's a good movie for teens to see that can lead to some good discussion, though younger children might find it a bit long and might be disturbed by some of the movie's images of 9/11. (Just because there is a young boy in it doesn't make it a kids movie.) Rated M, mostly for content and subject matter, with one F-bomb if I remember correctly, and a couple of other milder expletives used in playful bantering.
Questions to ponder or to answer, if you'd like.
So, if you've seen this movie, what did you think? Have you been to New York and what do you recommend for sight-seeing (this California girl needs suggestions!)? What do you say to someone who is going through emotional pain that needs help and hope?
So let's talk movies and don't forget the popcorn!
So Let's Talk Movies!
I thought it would be fun to talk about movies. I love movies and always have. I grew up in a household of women that loved movies. When I'm feeling a bit blue or hormonal, I watch movies. My favorite website is IMDB (International Movie Data Base) because I love to know about the people who make movies. I love information. I love trivia. So when I am watching a movie I often have IMDB open so I can be looking up the stars and co-stars and seeing what other movies they're from and any interesting facts and bloopers as well. Does anyone else do this out there?
And I love getting my kids in on the action. I often ask them while we're watching something where they've seen the leads actors before. It's fun to see whether they can put a voice to a name when we're watching an animated movie.
I don't expect to share anything new but perhaps it'll help someone out there or will start conversation. What I post is only my opinion. I don't confess to know anything about professional movie critiquing, but I'm just an average person who likes to watch movies and likes to have conversations with other people about them too.
Whenever I get out of a movie, I'm dying to talk about it with someone. I like feedback, I like to see what other people thought of what I just saw and compare notes.
So let's see what happens.
I might also talk about some of my favorite movie stars and my favorite movies I have in my collection and see what are other people's favorites. I'm not deep and philosophical but I love to see other people's talent and what they're trying to bring across the big screen. I love to be moved to tears, I love happy endings, it's necessary for the good guy to win at the end, I love justice, but I also love eccentric, quirky, subtitles, and sci-fi. I pay attention to details sometimes - I love to look at the background of room sets and see what's on the bookshelf or the wall. If I could be handed a movie set job, it would be set decorator or continuity director. Not to say these jobs are easy or the people who have them aren't brilliant already, but I think it would fun, which is probably showing how much I don't really understand about those jobs.
So there might be some chatting about different film genres, favorite movie sets or locations, wardrobe, and favorite movie lines.
But, I don't just see movies to see movies. I generally avoid MA+ rated movies ("R") in the theatres but I might rent one from time to time and keep my thumb on the fast-forward button of the remote. I avoid very violent, evil, or raunchy movies (which will tend to be MA+ anyway). I will read reviews on these sorts and ask people their opinion of the movie and most likely, will still not see them. I'm a very visual person so lonnnnngggg after a movie is over I will still see pictures in my head that I wished I wouldn't have seen. Sometimes just a movie short will do it for me. That's why I've never seen Pulp Fiction, Hannibal Lector, or Heath Ledger as the infamous Joker.
It's important to know our weaknesses and to avoid them at all costs. It's important to take care of our spirit and to watch what goes in so what comes out is good and encouraging. That's why I love happy endings, but I don't want to compromise to get to them. Even if Hannibal and the Joker get their just desserts at the end (which I don't know if they do since I've never see the films) I don't want to see their evil and mayhem first. But again that's me. I don't mind seeing an alien blown to oblivion by a tough, gun-toting chick, but I hate seeing guns held to human heads and having the trigger go off. I love seeing two people fall in love, but I don't want to see how Hollywood gets them to express it in the bedroom. And if a character even looks evil, I'll probably avoid the movie (hence not seeing Silence of the Lambs or Dark Knight, which says a lot for the makeup department!).
So for starters, what are your favorite sort of movies? Are there any you purposely avoid? If your name could appear anywhere in the credits, where would we see it? Let's talk movies, and don't forget the popcorn!
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