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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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Have you seen any good movies lately? (Part THREE - 2010)

WARNING: Spoilers below! :-)
I didn't really think of this movie as fantasy, since the exotic elements derive from archaeology, not magic --its feet are planted in the natural world. And I didn't really have a credibility problem with the idea that there could be a spectacular find on a privately-owned mountain somewhere, waiting to be found. What I was calling "logical gaps" had to do with the internal logic of the plot itself, mainly: how did the Earl of Lansdowne, away off in Scotland, have any clue in the first place that this mountain held Aztec treasures? Exactly what advantage was there to Uncle Henry faking his own death for 18 years --as opposed to calling the cops on Nigel? (Dana said Nigel wasn't arrested because there were "no witnesses" --hello, what were Dana and Henry, chopped liver?) And how did Henry pull that off, and employ a computer specialist in Zurich when he was "dead?" Finally, how did not one, but two --count 'em, two!-- lawyers not tumble to the fact, once they knew Henry was alive, that Dana couldn't legally sell the land? You can't sell land you have no title to, and you can't "inherit" title from a live person; her signature on that deed wouldn't have been worth the paper it was written on, obviously. Mind you, none of that ruined the movie for me; it's still good, wholesome entertainment. :-) But that kind of thing affects my estimation of its quality.


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The film had a slow start and I almost bailed out. So I put the DVD on pause and went back later. That's when it started to get interesting.
The movie was filmed in New England during the fall season. The colorful scenery was beautiful. The background music was lovely too.
Now I shall go read some of the external reviews at IMDb.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1244659/
A drama centered on the efforts of John and Aileen Crowley to find a researcher who might have a cure for their two children's rare genetic disorder.
Teary at times, when we see what the parents and children go through with such a devastating disease as Pompe. The movie focusses largely on the difficulties in bringing a medical theory to clinical trials. Cut-throat scientists and ruthless investors. Frustrating at times, but inspirational at the same time. I admired the determination of John Crowley, never giving up and truly taking extraordinary measures to save his children.

A drama centered on the efforts of John and Aileen Crowley to find a researcher ..."
Jackie, I can see how that movie would be an intense experience.
The Netflix description says the movie is "... based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure."
Below is the full title of the book as Goodreads shows it:
The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--And Bucked the Medical Establishment--In a Quest to Save His Children by Geeta Anand
Below is the Netflix link:
"Extraordinary Measures" (Crowley) (2010)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Extraord...
It says that Harrison Ford plays the "unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill".
PS-As an aside, today (by coincidence) I was thinking how Harrison Ford reminds me Liam Neeson.

This is the second time that I've watched this tape (the first time being years ago) and the first time that I read the box carefully. Of course, I'd known since the first time that Thompson's performance here is stellar, but I learned today that she also wrote the screenplay (and won an Oscar for it); she's a multi-talented lady! (The film was nominated for six other Oscars, including best picture, and did win the Golden Globe award for best picture.) And I knew that Hugh Grant was perfectly cast as her love interest; but I realized today that another star here is Alan Rickman (best known as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies), showing his range by doing a wonderful job as, for once, a sympathetic character. One of the minor characters is also played by a well-known actor I didn't recognize the first time around: Hugh Laurie, probably best known as TV's Dr. House. (I don't watch that show, but remember him from my son-in-law's Blackadder tapes. :-))


I saw that version of Sense and Sensibility; it was excellent. Emma Thompson is a treasure. If you ever get the chance, watch her as Nanny McPhee which she wrote the screenplay also. A delightful children's movie. I just saw an interview of her on Jonathon Ross (BBCA) and there will be a second Nanny McPhee, Yay!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396752/

Werner, thanks for the excellent recommendation. I've put it on my Netflix queue. I notice that Netflix also has 2 other film versions of it. See all 3 at the following link:
http://www.netflix.com/Search?v1=Sens...
The 3 different versions came out in the following years: 1971, 1995, and 2008.
Yes, Emma Thompson is terrific. Whenever I think of her, I'm reminded of her touching performance with Anthony Hopkins in The Remains of the Day. The novel by
Kazuo Ishiguro was wonderful too: The Remains of the Day .
Hope that by now you've recovered from your bad cold. Nice that the film distracted you from it for a while. :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396752/ "
Jackie, thanks for the recommendation to Nanny McPhee (2005). I had never heard of it. Netflix has descriptions of both of the Nanny McPhee films (2005 & 2010) at:
http://www.netflix.com/Search?oq=&...
I'll try to watch them with my grandkids as well.
The Netflix description says: ... "Nanny McPhee -- a character based on the popular Nurse Matilda books by British author Christianna Brand ".
A couple of the book titles are:
Nanny McPhee
and
Nurse Matilda



I'm scheduled to receive the Netflix DVD of Sense and Sensibility tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. It's nice to know that I can look forward to the music too.


Some fight scenes which seems to be inevitable these days. It was left open for more, which made me curious. I found out it's based on the first three books of 12 by Darren Shan, interestingly enough Darren Shan is also the title character.
I think I'd like to read the series some time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque_D...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450405/


Thanks, Jackie. Here's the Netflix link containing a short description of the movie:
"Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" (2009)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Cirque_d...
Here's the direct link to the plot summary of the movie at IMDb:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450405/p...
About the books the movie is based on, I followed your Wiki link and found this:
==========================================================
"Cirque du Freak (Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare in the United States) is the first novel in "The Saga of Darren Shan by Darren Shan". It is part of the "Vampire Blood Trilogy", which comprises the first three of the 12 book saga."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque_D...
===========================================================
Below are links to the first three books:
A Living Nightmare (Cirque Du Freak, #1)
The Vampire's Assistant (Cirque Du Freak, #2)
Tunnels of Blood (Cirque Du Freak, #3)
PS-Here's more from Wiki about "The Saga of Darren Shan":
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The Saga of Darren Shan (known as Cirque du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan in the US) is a young adult 12 part book series written by Darren Shan about the struggle of a boy who has become involved in the world of vampires. As of October 2008, the book is published in 37 countries around the world, in 30 different languages. A movie based on the first three books in the series was released in theaters October 23, 2009."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saga...
(The above web page lists all 12 books and indicates the plot outline.)
(The 12 books are divided into 4 different trilogies of 3 books each.)
----------------------------------------------------------
PPS-WOW! And I've never heard of it before this! Where have I been? :)

"Sense and Sensibility" (Thank you, Werner.)
and "Nanny McPhee" (Thank you, Jackie.)
Both movies were wonderful! (I rented them via Netfix.)
"Sense and Sensibility" (1995):
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Sense_an...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114388/
(Emma Thompson not only starred in this movie but also wrote the screenplay. The Bonus Materials include a clip of Emma Thompson's Golden Globe's acceptance speech which is clever all by itself.)
Wow! Check out all the awards this movie won:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114388/a...
"Nanny McPhee" (2005):
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Nanny_Mc...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396752/
(Even Eddie enjoyed this one. It's great for adults as well as kids because it draws you right in immediately, thanks to the talents of Emma Thompson who not only starred in it but also wrote the screenplay.

"Now You Know" is a movie written and directed by Jeff Anderson. You may know Anderson best from his role in the Kevin Smith "Clerks" movies. This one was advertised in the "Clerks 2" box and I thought it might be worth a try. It's the story of a couple who've been together since high school and are engaged until she calls off the wedding. They travel back from Vegas to New Jersey to sort out what went wrong.
There's also a subplot about two guys who break into houses and rearrange furniture in order to help sell security systems. They also have a lawn care business.
The big problem I had with this movie is that it's trying hard to be new and original all while falling back on every romantic comedy cliche in the book. The characters, for the most part, work well enough but there are still some huge coincidences that have to take place in the final half hour or so. I don't mind if a movie takes the conventional formula, but at least offer a new character or some better dialogue as we go along. I will admit I was disappointed by this one and I realize that Anderson's better when Kevin Smith is supplying the lines.
As for "Brothers," I have to admit the marketing campaign on this one really sells it short. It's not at all what was advertised. It's a fascinating character and not quite the love triangle the previews would have you believe. It's got some strong language in it, but it left an impression on me and still has me thinking about it a few days later.

Tennant was featured in the new production of Hamlet that aired on PBS last night. Interesting that he went from one iconic pop culture roll to one of the most iconic acting roles in the history of stage.
The production features Tennant and Patrick Stewart. I DVRed it and am eager to see it.
If you missed it, it hits DVD next Tuesday (May 4)
Last week we went to see a double feature of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Ghost Writer, both based on novels. I'd read the former, in fact the whole Millennium series by Stieg Larsson.
The film certainly does it justice! It's a Swedish film, done with subtitles. You hardly notice the subtitles, the action is relentless, and absolutely beautifully done. It follows the book very closely...a few details are different, but it doesn't affect the ambiance in any way. Some of the sequences are hard to take, a rape scene in particular. However the comeuppance is exquisite. Particularly since I know what further happens to that particular character in one of the following books.
The Ghost Writer is very well done also, and I've just bought the book. The film plot was a little lacking and I have a feeling the few questions I have will be answered by the book. Otherwise, it's a slick production, beautifully filmed. Amazing landscapes and gorgeous and very different architecture in the film.
Both well done action films. But much more. Highly recommended.
The film certainly does it justice! It's a Swedish film, done with subtitles. You hardly notice the subtitles, the action is relentless, and absolutely beautifully done. It follows the book very closely...a few details are different, but it doesn't affect the ambiance in any way. Some of the sequences are hard to take, a rape scene in particular. However the comeuppance is exquisite. Particularly since I know what further happens to that particular character in one of the following books.
The Ghost Writer is very well done also, and I've just bought the book. The film plot was a little lacking and I have a feeling the few questions I have will be answered by the book. Otherwise, it's a slick production, beautifully filmed. Amazing landscapes and gorgeous and very different architecture in the film.
Both well done action films. But much more. Highly recommended.

Thanks, Michael. Below are the Netflix links:
"Now You Know" (2002):
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Now_You_...
Genres: Comedy, Romantic Comedies, Indie Comedies
This movie is: Witty, Romantic, Quirky
"Brothers" 2009:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Brothers...
Genre: Military & War Dramas, Romantic Dramas
This movie is: Romantic, Emotional
Michael wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I just watched the latest Doctor Who episode with the new Doctor, Matt Smith. He's very good, I'm so pleased with his performance. Playing such an iconic role is intimidating as it..."
The only thing I've seen Tennant in is a film of Casanova, Tennant as the lead. He was miserably miscast, and that has kind of put me off of him in general.
The only thing I've seen Tennant in is a film of Casanova, Tennant as the lead. He was miserably miscast, and that has kind of put me off of him in general.

I think you have me confused with someone else...LOL.
My name isn't Werner. :)

Thank you, Michael. Below is the Netflix link with a description:
"Hamlet" (2009)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Hamlet/7...
I like the Netflix web pages because the plot description is the first thing you see, unlike IMDb, where you have to look around a bit for the plot description. Of course, IMDb offers much more information about each movie and many more links to related info.


I think you have me confused with someone else...LOL.
My name isn't Werner. :)"
Ooops! I'll fix that error right now. Sorry, Michael. It was a "senior moment". :)

Thanks, Werner. It's nice to return and find the joint still jumping. :)
I agree about the satisfaction given by recommendations... in both directions, to the giver and to the receiver. That's one of the many reasons I enjoy Goodreads.

I saw it already, he was fantastic in the title role. I've had a crush on Patrick Stewart since my 20s, I'll never pass up an opportunity to watch him. Both of them were great, award winning performances IMO.
Katherine M wrote:The only thing I've seen Tennant in is a film of Casanova, Tennant as the lead. He was miserably miscast, and that has kind of put me off of him in general.
I can see that. I liked Casanova and Tennant in it, but I already was a fan of his so that of course colored my enjoyment of the film. I definitely agree he was miscast, there are plenty of British actors who would have suited the role better.

Below are the GR links to the books those movies are based on:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Ghost by Robert Harris (2007)
Movie: "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2009)
aka "Män Som Hatar Kvinnor"; Millennium: Part 1: Men Who Hate Women)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Girl_wit...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1132620/
Movie: "The Ghost Writer" (The Ghost) (2010)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Ghos...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139328/
I also found the following unrelated books with the same titles:
The Ghost Writer by Philip Roth (first published 1979)
The Ghost Writer by John Harwood (first published 2004)

The bonus features were excellent:
-I hadn't realized that Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey were so influential in bringing the story to the screen. They were co-producers.
-It was interesting to see and hear the book's author, Sapphire, tell about how the book and movie came about.
-The interesting running commentary by director, Lee Daniels (one of the bonus options), gave added insight into the movie and its production.
Links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0929632/
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Precious...
PS-WOW! Check out the awards page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0929632/a...

Sapphire herself is pretty impressive.


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1228705/
Two previews for movies I'd like to see are:
Inception:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/
http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline...
The Last Airbender:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0938283/
http://www.worstpreviews.com/trailer....

Our local newspapaer reviewer really panned, it, so of course I had to see for myself.
It was a worthy sequel; but I personally liked the first Iron Man just a tiny bit better.
And the first Rhodey WAs much better than his replacement.
Still, a nice enjoyable actio picture and a pleasant afternoon.

Did you see the same previews as I did?


"An Education" (2008/2009)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/An_Educa...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1174732/c...
I found this movie very interesting. Since I had no idea beforehand what it was about, I was pleased that it kept me interested right to the end. It was a very different type of movie... a bit sweet and a bit eerie at the same time. It won many awards and nominations. It was adapted from Lynn Barber's memoir, An Education.
The second movie I watched was:
"Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Desperat...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089017/c...
This movie made me laugh out loud so many times. The plot was funny and absurd. Cleverly done.

Though the movie was made in Norway (and stars European and African actors not well known in the U.S.), the main setting here is Botswana. The four major characters are a Bushman from the deep Kalahari Desert, who's walked out into the modern world on a (to him) VERY important mission, and is experiencing culture shocks galore; a plucky and beautiful South African journalist who's escaping the rat race by volunteering to serve as a teacher in Botswana; a doctoral student in wildlife biology who's smitten with her; and a ruthless rebel guerrilla leader with a band of murderous thugs, who are fleeing from the pursuing military of a republic further north, after an assassination attempt and firefight. It's primarily a comedy, but it swerves nicely into action adventure territory when these characters converge.
The main technical flaw in the 1984 American VHS edition, which we have, is that the English narration and dialogue is obviously dubbed (the original was in Norse, presumably), often with a resulting disconnect between the character's speech and lip movements. It manages to be pretty good otherwise, however. There is some verbal humor, but physical comedy is more dominant, and the execution of it is hilarious; all three of us laughed out loud in places, though Barb and I have seen it at least twice before. Despite the humor, though, it has some serious thoughts to offer about life, society, "civilization" and cultural values. Throw in good use of African local color, and a sweet, low-key romance that will make any guy who's ever felt klutzy and tongue-tied around a woman really feel for the hero, and you've got 109 minutes of entertainment that's well worthwhile.
There's at least one sequel; but though we have that one on VHS too, we've never watched it (at least, not that we can remember)! We'll definitely have to remedy that omission sometime. :-)

Werner, thanks for telling us about that movie. I will definitely put it on my Netflix queue. It sounds like fun. Below is the movie's Netflix link:
http://www.netflix.com/Search?oq=&...
The above web page describes both the movie and the sequel.
"The Gods Must Be Crazy" (1980)
"The Gods Must Be Crazy 2" (1988)
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http://dadomatic.com/secrets-of-the-m...
Among other things, it says:
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"There was one very short scene in the movie with the kids father and it depicted a disagreement between him and Dana. I personally think there is lack of programming on TV today that portrays families with strong father figures. Too many shows today display fathers as bumbling idiots (Homer Simpson or Ray Romano) or a testosterone-fueled disaster waiting to happen (Tim Allen).
"I understand that single mothers have a unique set of challenges I and don’t want to diminish those, but for a large segment of the population a family is a complete family unit that contains a mother AND a father. If Walmart and P&G want to really create family-friendly TV it would be appropriate for that programming to include an entire family.
"I hope that the next production can produce produce some content for the whole family and not leave us dads out in the cold."
FROM: http://dadomatic.com/secrets-of-the-m...
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