Good Bye, Lenin! - Daniel Brühl was fantastic.

Ann wrote: "Lol! Thanks for the warning, DJ! :D I'll be have to post back whenever I finally see it:>"

Looking forward to your take on it Ann!

Lol! Thanks for the warning, DJ! :D I'll be have to post back whenever I finally see it:>

I will be stunned if you don`t love it(the sound track might throw you a bit though...listen out for Tom Jones!.....

DJ wrote: "Ann wrote: "I wanted to inquire if anyone had seen "Easy Virtue."
I was anxious to see it (mostly because of Colin Firth ;>) but saw it received mixed reviews. Also, apparently it's rather dark!?..."

Thanks, DJ - I'll go ahead and add it back to my "to-view" list :)

I saw 500 days of summer with a group of friends and we all loved it.

I just saw 500 days of Summer and really liked it! at first I had mixed feelings and now I am sure that I loved it!

Has anyone seen (500) Days of Summer? (No spoilers, please!!) I was thinking about going to see it, if it's still in theaters. Is it any good?

Ann wrote: "I wanted to inquire if anyone had seen "Easy Virtue."
I was anxious to see it (mostly because of Colin Firth ;>) but saw it received mixed reviews. Also, apparently it's rather dark!? The trailer..."

Ann,EASY VIRTUE is absolutely fantastic!!!Even Husband enjoyed it and he isn`t intoPeriod Dramas!!
It`s more a touch of Black Humour,if you get a chance give it a go...

JULIE AND JULIA was a wonderful slice of unadulterated enjoyment....It didn`t feel as if it should be over!!
I want the proper book though not the film tie in as I think there will be more to the original...

Nearly all people in cinema were laughing out loud when Streep talked.

Anna wrote: "Julie & Julia was absolute great - funny and witty. Ans Meryl Streep was totally amazing. The way she was saying Bonjour or Bon Apetite was so funny. "

I almost started laughing right away when Streep started talking! lol!! Her accent and movements were so perfect I couldn't contain myself! :D

Julie & Julia was absolute great - funny and witty. Ans Meryl Streep was totally amazing. The way she was saying Bonjour or Bon Apetite was so funny.

I wanted to inquire if anyone had seen "Easy Virtue."
I was anxious to see it (mostly because of Colin Firth ;>) but saw it received mixed reviews. Also, apparently it's rather dark!? The trailer made it look so amusing. Can anyone shed light on all this??? Thanks!

Anna wrote: "I'm going to see Julie & Julia next week. Can't wait."

I hope you enjoy it, Anna! I'm awaiting it's release to DVD to see it again and share with my sister ;>

I'm going to see Julie & Julia next week. Can't wait.

Oh, I also wanted to comment (I don't *think* I've commented about it in this group yet) on Julie and Julia with Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. It really liked it! It seems like a good GG-type movie. I can see the Gilmore Girls going to the theater, enjoying the movie, and also scoffing at spending so much time in a kitchen (I'm sure it would be a very informative movie for them - I can hear Rory whispering: "See Mom, that's what normal people use ovens for" :> )

I quite enjoyed the movie, too. Not sure it was cinematic brilliance or anything, but, as movies go, definitely a fairly solid production. I agree, there were a few things I felt could have been left out (it just didn't fit with the rest of the movie), and in a way it felt like a book adaptation where you got the sense that there was more to be explained but wasn't (why wasn't it!?) but other than that I enjoyed it! I thought the choices for costuming and set design were fantastic and aiding in the story telling. I also must admit that the movie "got me" with some of the plot twists. Quite fun :)

My sister and I watched "Penelope" last night. Overall, it was an odd but fun movie. I was wrapped up in the romance by the end, sighing and swooning away hoping for the happy ending. It was a visually very beautiful and almost artsy film and I liked that it had a sort of enchantment about it. Plus, it was fun to see some British actors in diverse roles, MacAvoy and then the guy who played the young doctor in "Cransford"--totally different role in "Penelope" haha!

However, I had a few problems with it, too. For one, I am not sure what the target audience was. Unlike "Enchanted" which I felt could appeal to both adults and kids, "Penelope" seemed to really disregard young kids in terms of audience, choosing to include material such as affairs and illegitimate children, drinking, gambling problems and sexual innuendo.

Also, I wondered, was it really necessary for Penelope to be beautiful? Truly, there was nothing "hideous" about her except the pig-nose and while the overall message is one that is commendable (i.e., you are not your looks) the very fact that Penelope's end looks are ones that most girls would envy seems to undermine things just a bit. I'd have rather Penelope been an average-looking girl, who happened to have the pig-nose--she could still wish for the pig-nose to go away so she could be "normal" but at least "normal" would have really been NORMAL rather than movie-star beautiful.

Still, overall, it was an enjoyable film. I just include these cautions since it really seemed billed as a "family" movie but I would not want show it to my little kids.

Ditto, Kathryn! I was pleasantly surprised by it's originality given it's era:)

I finally saw "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable and Caludette Colbert. LOVED IT!!! So funny and romantic and sexy and wonderfully "old fashioned" yet more clever and interesting than a lot of today's movies.

Maggie Smith is perfect as McGonagall. Rupert is always great.

Dini wrote: "Ann, I also loved the Ron/Hermione parts. I wish they explained a bit more about the Half-Blood Prince, though. "

Yeah, that was odd... it wasn't really explained that Snape is a half-blood himself, was it? Huh...

Anna wrote: "I also loved Ron/Hermione parts. I think that Rupert Grint has natural comedy talent - I liked the scene when the trio stand in front of McGonagall, who says like Why always when there are trouble ..."

Lol! I LOVED that part, Anna! (Plus, I think Smith is so perfect as McGonagall) and yes, I'm never disappointed in a Rupert performance :)

I loved the movie, too, and echo all your comments, Ann! I do think it was a little anti-climactic when the identity of the Half-Blood Prince was revealed (it was such a key mystery of the book--especially once we all knew the title and could start pondering!!!)

I also loved Ron/Hermione parts. I think that Rupert Grint has natural comedy talent - I liked the scene when the trio stand in front of McGonagall, who says like Why always when there are trouble you're three are involved, and Ron answers I also wonder about it. I don't remember exactly this conversation.

Ann, I also loved the Ron/Hermione parts. I wish they explained a bit more about the Half-Blood Prince, though.

I've now seen Harry Potter twice! Huzzah! I've never seen an HP film twice at the theaters and was SO glad I did! I LOVED IT! I was incredibly pleased with how it turned out!!! :D

I thought the acting was brilliant yet again, and I'm always amazed at the incredible casting job. I even thought Gambon was good as Dumbledore-I'm afraid I never warmed up to him, always thought Harris WAS Dumbledore, you know? But, happily, I can't fault Gambon's performance this time around:)

Of course, I'll always be a little sad at what's been left out, but overall I thought the script writing and editing were practically perfect! They even added back in Ron in Quidditch (which was SO great!). I thought the choices made for which memories to see were appropriate and there was a great mix of humor and seriousness. I cried and laughed both times I saw it!! Oh, and I was delighted by all the tiny nods to the book that might not be noticed by fans of just the movies, but for those of us who have read the books: how awesome was it that Ginny had her puffskien? Or the love potion in Fred and George's shop? Or Ron calling the group "The Slug Club"? Or Crookshanks in the background? I thought all these details were just wonderful, and I felt like the writer/editor/director were all fans of the story. I thought the Half-Blood Prince story line took second (or third) seat to everything else, but I totally understand why.
All in all, a fantastic film and a fantastic adaptation! I loved it and can't wait to see it again!:D

If I recall correctly, there are some Miyazaki fans among us so I wanted to mention that my husband and I saw his latest film, "Ponyo" in theaters on Saturday. It was the first of his films that I actually saw in theaters and it was neat seeing it on the big screen--he is always so visually "magical" with the animation and the music is stirring. Sadly, there were only about a dozen people in the theater and we went on the day after opening day. Well, at least they brought it to the US and I know his largest audience/fan base is definitely Japanese. The movie itself was great--among his best, I think (or, at least, my favorite of his!). It seemed to combine some of the more magical elements of, say, "Howl's Moving Castle" with more of the young-child focus of "Totoro" and of course the "Little Mermaid" source material--yet made it wholly unique ;->

Marion, it's great because the same director that did the last (#5) film directed this one and also will be doing the final two. I think he has a wonderful feel for the essence of the book and including things for those of us who love the book while of course being sensible that they do have to condense for movie (though, frankly, I'd love an HP miniseries or something so we could have EVERYTHING in there!!!) They even show the pink puffskein that Genny purchases; just a small moment but I thought it was a nice touch! Of course, there are some things omitted but overall I think they got things just right!

Wow, Kathryn, this review makes me really curious to see HP 6 ;) I didn't like the movies 1-4 because they omitted SO much and sometimes even changed the storyline and was only ok with the fifth movie, but I really hoped, as the fifth was better, that the sixth would finally be good. Which means that I'm really happy and excited now ;) Hope I get to see it soon.

Just saw it today. IT WAS AMAZING!!! (HP) I thought they really captured the essence of the book, adding little things here and there (like Crookshanks in the background! the butterbeer!) that are so dear to fans but sometimes omitted from the other movies. And they did a good balance of the humor and dark aspects from the books. All the parts with them becoming "grown-up" and developing romantic feelings for one another were SO great! I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I cringed--everything was perfect! I even finally approved of Michael Gambon as Dumbledore and I've been a firm foe of his portrayal in all the other films.

Harry Potter 6, anyone? I loved all of the Ron/Hermione parts.

I agree about "Up"

And I loved Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman in "Last Chance Harvey"--they really made the movie for me and I was totally absorbed!

Arctic wrote: "you're in good company regarding Patrick Stewart fandom - if I recall correctly there's more than a few fans in this group. :) I saw him perform Othello once in DC and he was only like ten feet a..."

Arctic - I really liked Gran Torino, and I love the way Eastwood has such a subtle sense of humor about his own aging, as in Unforgiven when his horse kept throwing him off, and the scene in Gran Torino when he aims the shotgun at the fighting gangbangers and does that terrific Dirty Harry as an old man with, "Get off my lawn!"

you're in good company regarding Patrick Stewart fandom - if I recall correctly there's more than a few fans in this group. :) I saw him perform Othello once in DC and he was only like ten feet away from me - it was heaven! *sigh*

I had the same reaction to UP. thought it was pretty gutsy to make a kids movie about an elderly man. but at the same time I think it's great to try to get kids to relate to people outside their age range. plus as you mention, plenty of kiddie elements to draw them in regardless. what it made me think of in some ways actually, was Gran Torino (excellent Eastwood film btw).

about Last Chance Harvey - definitely an understated piece. At the end I found myself wishing it had lasted longer though.

Ann wrote: "Planning to see it next week, I'm so excited!
(and congratulations on your anniversary, Deborah! :>)"

Artic, I know this is late to reply, but isn't Stewart so awesome as Jean Luc!? I think he's a completely interesting captain! I really appreciated the philosophical-ness (like my new word lol) of ST TNG.
Oh, and yes, Mr. Pine (and Mr. Quinto, too, IMO ;>) were helpful in solidifying the new movie into my a top award getter for my 2009 awards. But yeah, I was really pleased with the film! I can hardly wait to see it again!!!

I liked UP, too. It was really different than I'd expected. Sadder, in a way. But, in a sweet way. But the characters were all great, yet again! I wonder how kids will relate to it compared to other Disney/Pixar films... but I think with the bird and the dog and Russel, there's plenty for them to enjoy (I know I did;>)

Deborah, I watched Last Chance Harvey about a month ago now (gosh - where has the time gone!?) And I did like it. I can see why a lot of people find it boring - not a lot "happens." But, I liked it just because I enjoyed watching the incredible acting abilities of Thompson and Hoffman, I thought they were both really good, and really carried the film to higher heights than just the story alone would have.

Arctic wrote: "haven't seen Righteous Kill yet, but I do intend to see it at some point. The reviews I've read haven't been great, but who can resist the De Niro / Pacino combo?

Just got back from Terminator Sa..."

I would probably go see DeNiro/Pacino read the phone book ...

We took the DVD of Last Chance Harvey to my husband's mom's house yesterday and watched it after dinner. Both my husband and mom fell asleep. I asked my sister in law how many stars, on the netflix rating system, equaled "half the room fell asleep"? It wasn't a bad movie, but I guess it started a little slow for a warm summer evening.

I loved Star Trek as well. Great summer popcorn movie. Would love to see TS.

haven't seen Righteous Kill yet, but I do intend to see it at some point. The reviews I've read haven't been great, but who can resist the De Niro / Pacino combo?

Just got back from Terminator Salvation and Christian Bale goodness. :) I can't believe reviews for it haven't been better. I definitely enjoyed it more than T3, and thought overall it was a decent addition to the Terminator franchise.

Has anyone seen A rightous kill?

oh yes - I saw Star Trek as well and absolutely loved it. I'm a fan of the original tv series and The Next Generation with *swoon* Jean Luc, but have not had the Trek bug for awhile now. After this movie though (and (ahem) Mr. Pine(!)), I'm already itching for its sequel! :) Yay popcorn action movies! Most Enjoyable film of 09 for me so far.

More recently I also saw Up which was a completely pleasant surprise. I'd heard it was good but knew nothing about it otherwise, and ended up really enjoying it. Great short at the beginning too, as usual with Pixar.

Planning to see it next week, I'm so excited!
(and congratulations on your anniversary, Deborah! :>)

"Sta-a-ar Trekkin' across the universe/boldly going forward, cuz we can't find reverse!"

Saw the movie today with my husband for our 37th anniversary, and we really loved it. Very true to the original concept, but with boffo special effects.

I just can't get into Star Trek. It brings back bad memories of when my brothers wanted to watch it and I wanted to watch Brady Bunch or Donny and Marie or something!

I saw Star Trek yesterday with my companies Engineering department (I am in HR). It was great to watch it with a bunch of Trekkies! While I enjoy Star Trek I would not consider myself a trekkie - but I loved this movie! Bones was my favorite - which is funny because I didn't care for the original Bones. I kept waiting for him to say "He's dead Jim", but he never did! However he did say "damnit, I am a doctor not a..."

whichwaydidshego? wrote: "OH. MY. G*D. I just saw Star Trek last night. It was so incredibly good - so far beyond anything I expected. I saw Wolverine last weekend, and it was fun... pretty good. But this movie! Wow! ..."

Yay! I've been anxious to see this ever since I first laid eyes on the teaser trailer - I hope to go this weekend.:)

whichwaydidshego? wrote: "OH. MY. G*D. I just saw Star Trek last night. It was so incredibly good - so far beyond anything I expected. I saw Wolverine last weekend, and it was fun... pretty good. But this movie! Wow! ..."

I'm so glad to see this review, Michele. I have been looking forward to the new ST movie, well... perhaps a bit too much! ;-p I got a bit nervous when the previews started up with the "Not Your Father's Star Trek" bit as I was worried they might simply use the basic premise and character names but go off on some new-fangled tangent and not stay true to the ST spirit. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a Trekkie, but I've always loved the theory of ST and was a huge fan of "The Next Generation" :-)

ooh, i loved doubt too.

I have a question about Wuthering Heights -- which Masterpiece Theatre version do y'all like better? The Tom Hardy/Charolotte Riley one from this year or the Robert Cavanah/Orla Brady one from 1998? I can only get one for my library and want to get the best. Thanks!

OH. MY. G*D. I just saw Star Trek last night. It was so incredibly good - so far beyond anything I expected. I saw Wolverine last weekend, and it was fun... pretty good. But this movie! Wow! Honestly I couldn't find anything wrong with it. I even cried a tiny bit - twice - in the early going because it was so touching... but mostly it was exciting and surprising and, yes, fun and funny and "classic" and yet also revolutionary.

I loved how - oh wait! Mustn't give away a plot twist. I will simply say it is WELL worth a gander... most especially if you were EVER a fan. See it. Seeitseeitseeit.

And yes, you all know I'm a big fan of SciFi (and the geeks that like it), but beyond that aspect it's worth a look. Promise!

Oh a couple weeks before those two flicks I saw State of Play. Not bad... I think it's just that I have a twisted mind so that even when a film throws out four or five major twist that turn back on themselves, I seem to have them figured out early on. Still, interesting enough. More of a rental film, though. We saw it because we just wanted to go to the theatres and it was the next thing playing, so we went.

Arctic,
I loved "Doubt"! I was so caught up in the tension and great acting that I would have watched it again right away but I had to go to work in the morning!
I can't wait to watch it again!

ok. so monsters v aliens was really cute. I wish I'd seen it in 3-d though, it would have been even better! still a really fun movie though and very different than I had expected.

I just watched Doubt on dvd last night and found it to be really well done. I highly recommend it to any one looking for a good drama.