Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion
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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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Have you seen any good movies lately? (Part THREE - 2010)
Oh, forgot to mention...we borrowed some DVD's of Have Gun, Will Travel from the library. I watched it when I was a kid. Great series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Gun...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Gun...
I loved "have Gun, Will Travel". Richard Boone was great.
Jackie wrote: "...So far Madea's Family Reunion was my favorite."That's the one on my Netflix queue.
Netflixed Truckerhttp://www.netflix.com/Movie/Trucker/...
It was pretty good for a semi-tearjerker. 3 stars.
Pontalba wrote: "We watched Sunshine Cleaning last night, I'd had a few doubts about watching it, but it turned out to be a sweet and interesting film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine...
The women's ..."
Here's the Netflix description:
Sunshine Cleaning (2008)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Sunshine...
"Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) teams up with her unreliable sister ... to start a new company that specializes in biohazard removal and crime scene cleanup. ... Rose is finally ready to use her entrepreneurial spirit to tidy up her own life."
Pontalba wrote: "Oh, forgot to mention...we borrowed some DVD's of Have Gun, Will Travel from the library. I watched it when I was a kid. Great series. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Gun..."I see there are quite a few episodes of "Have Gun Will Travel" at Netflix:
http://www.netflix.com/Search?oq=&...
Earl wrote: "Netflixed Truckerhttp://www.netflix.com/Movie/Trucker/...
It was pretty good for a semi-tearjerker. 3 stars."
Part of the Netflix description says: "James Mottern writes and directs this unconventional take on motherhood, estrangement and family."
Earl, I can see where that might be a bit of a tearjerker. "Estrangement"... a sad word.
I think I'm burnt out on movies, I'm not enjoying anything lately. I started Imaginarium and quit after a half hour. I think I need a time out from movies. The good news is I read 1/3 of Sail last night.
Jackie wrote: "I think I'm burnt out on movies, I'm not enjoying anything lately. I started Imaginarium and quit after a half hour. I think I need a time out from movies. The good news is I read 1/3 of Sail la..."Hmmm, I checked out the GR description of Sail. At first I thought is sounded good: "In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again."
Oh, I said to myself, sailing sounds nice.
BUT THEN... I read: "Written with the blistering pace and shocking twists that only James Patterson can master, SAIL takes "Lost" and "Survivor" to a new level of terror.
Ooops, I can't take terror.
Are all Patterson's books in the terror genre? I've never read any of his work.
I wouldn't call it terror. Maybe thriller at best. Suspenseful, yes. I like his fast pace and he really knows how to get you to read that next chapter! He does an series about a detective Alex Cross which are good.
2 movies were made of the Alex Cross novels starring Morgan Freeman: Kiss the Girls and Along came a Spider.
Jackie wrote: "... He does an series about a detective Alex Cross which are good.2 movies were made of the Alex Cross novels starring Morgan Freeman: Kiss the Girls and Along came a Spider."
Hmmm, I thought I had replied to this. Guess it didn't go through for some reason. Anyway, I'll try those movies. Morgan Freeman is terrific.
The novels translated well onto film. A rarity.
Netflixed Whip Ithttp://www.netflix.com/Movie/Whip_It/...
Not bad. Not heartwarming enough to be nauseating. I was hoping for more content about roller derby and less about teenage angst. I give it 2½ stars.
I've caught up on Dexter, Rescue Me, MI5 and have switched from 2-at-a-time($15) to 1-at-a-time($10) Netflix.Everything in my Netflix queue is 'waiting for availability' now. I may have to discontinue if I can't get at least 3 decent dvds/month from Netflix for $10/month.
Earl, do you still have to pay them if you don't receive any DVDs due to 'waiting for availability'? That waiting was my only reluctance to join Netflix.
About Netflix, you can call them and ask questions. They're very helpful.The tel. # is: 1-866-716-0414.
If you enjoy talk shows, there's the following at Netflix:
The Merv Griffin Show: 40 of the Most Interesting People of Our Time (3-Disc Series) (1962):
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Merv...
The Dick Cavett Show: Comic Legends (4-Disc Series) (1968):
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Dick...
I find them very interesting and very relaxing.
PS-Earl, you can put your Netflix account on "hold". You should call them and ask them about it.
Joy & Jackie,Thanks for the input. Yes, I probably should suspend my account if that's really possible. Right now I have 3 movies in my Netflix queue with upcoming release dates:
Law Abiding Citizen, The Damned United, Bronson, and two are 'Short Wait': District 9 and Public Enemies. So I'll delay any action another month anyway. I watch my Roger Ebert emails and read his blurbs to pick what goes in my queue. I've only been doing this since last August so most of what's in the queue is fairly recent. Joy, I'd rather watch paint dry that watch talk shows, sorry. I gotta admit I'm pretty picky. That doesn't mean I watch quality stuff, by any means, it just means I like what I like.
This is why I engage in file-sharing, I get to see movies immediately upon DVD release and sometimes I get to view Award Consideration copies before the film is released to the theater. Love those torrents.
Earl wrote: "Joy & Jackie, Thanks for the input. Yes, I probably should suspend my account if that's really possible. Right now I have 3 movies in my Netflix queue with upcoming release dates:Law Abiding Citiz..."
Earl, note that putting your Netflix account on "hold" is different from discontinuing it. When you put it on "hold", they keep your records (lists) for a couple of years, as I understand it. They will clarify that info when you call them.
Jackie wrote: "This is why I engage in file-sharing, I get to see movies immediately upon DVD release and sometimes I get to view Award Consideration copies before the film is released to the theater. Love those..."Jackie, since I don't enjoy the hassle of keeping up with the latest releases, I find it more relaxing to pick and choose from Netflix at my leisure, whenever I'm in the mood. There are countless movies which I haven't seen yet. So I have a huge choice at Netflix.
I've seen everything I wanted to see in the past, so I only have whatever's new for my options. When I first moved up here, I hadn't seen any movies, so Anthony and I spent a long time catching up. But that's been done for years, so we only watch new movies. It does limit my options.
I understand, Jackie. Our movie needs are different.Last night I streamed "Iris" (2001) from Netflix.
http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/Iris/6...
Another sad story. It was based on two books: Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch and Elegy for Iris, both written by her husband, John Bayley, the British literary critic.
At least I learned something about Iris Murdoch, the writer, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease in her later years. The acting was great and the film was up for many awards.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280778/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280778/a...
Kate Winslet and Judi Dench both played Murdoch, one at a young age and another one the older Murdoch.
My records show that I've read four of Murdoch's books, including: A Severed Head, The Unicorn, The Italian Girl and The Green Knight. I read them a while ago and can't remember a thing about them. I should try to find my notes on them. My records show that I didn't like _The Green Knight_.
I just watched Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns, starring Angela Bassett. Good movie, some parts were funny, some were uplifting. Madea appears for a short segment. I like Tyler Perry's movies because they always center around family, hope. Always a positive message.
Jackie, we can all use a positive message and hope.Netflix is sending me "Madea's Family Reunion" today. It should arrive tomorrow, along with "The Merv Griffin Show: 40 of the Most Interesting People of Our Time: Disc 2".
It should be a cheery weekend.
Excerpt from the Madea DVD:
"Madea's Family Reunion" (2002)
"... the extensive Simmons family gathers for a funeral, wedding and reunion over the same weekend. Recorded in New Orleans, this live stage presentation precedes the 2006 feature film adaptation."
Hmmm, I just realized that I should have ordered the following film version:
"Madea's Family Reunion" (2006)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Madea_s_...
It's based on the stage production.
I'll order it and then compare them. I enjoy comparing presentations.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Jackie, we can all use a positive message and hope.Netflix is sending me "Madea's Family Reunion" today. It should arrive tomorrow, along with "The Merv Griffin Show: 40 of the Most Interesting Pe..."
if i don't capitalize it's because i can't use my right hand. it is in wrist brace. i think i have torn a ligament and it is quite painful. haven't had it x-rayed yet. will do so on monday if it isn' better. who would get a gardening accident in jsnuary? me! i was trying to pry large fern that was straggley from it's moorings in a large plastic pot in order to put it in today's trash pick=up. i used a trowel and was worried i might break the handle; not my wrist. if i don't reply often know i am still readig and enjoying all of the comments. nina please excuse any mistakes
Nia,An x-ray will only rule out broken bones. You should go now and have it looked at. Ligaments are harder to heal, so if it is a torn ligament, you'll want to start the healing process right away. Whatever it turns out to be, you should ice it for 20 mins, off 20 mins, back on for 20 mins and on and on. The closer to the time of injury you use the ice, the better it reduces the swelling and allows the doctors to determine what it is.
I hope everything is fine and at worst, a sprained wrist. Take it easy, and let me know right away as soon as you find out what it is. Sending positive healing thoughts your way...
Nina wrote: "if i don't capitalize it's because i can't use my right hand. it is in wrist brace. i think i have torn a ligament and it is quite painful. haven't had it x-rayed yet..."Nina, that's a shame about your wrist. It must be frustrating to lose the use of your right hand. I hope it will heal quickly. (Jackie gave you good advice.) Meanwhile, don't worry about typos and capitals. You're a good sport to keep up with us at the group.
Now that your motion is limited, you have a good excuse to sit and read or watch films and TV.
Ouch! Ligaments are no fun to tear. Hope it's better soon, Nina.
Oh Nina, I know that is painful, hope it heals fast, and I third Jackie's advice regarding the ice. Ice is practically a miracle worker. I've iced a wrenched ankle, in an all night marathon, and it was practically better in the morning. So, I know it works!
Healing vibes coming your way. :)
Healing vibes coming your way. :)
Just watched The Nanny Diaries starring Scarlett Johansen, Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti (sp?)It was good, worth watching.
From imdb: A college graduate goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Ensconced in their home, she has to juggle their dysfunction, a new romance, and the spoiled brat in her charge.
More like the parents were the spoiled brats; indifferent to their child and each other. You have to feel sorry for the child. But in the end it all works out fine as all romantic comedies have a habit of doing.
Jackie wrote: "Just watched The Nanny Diaries starring Scarlett Johansen, Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti (sp?) It was good, worth watching. ..."Thanks for the review, Jackie.
Below is the link to the Netflix description:
"The Nanny Diaries" (2007)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Nann...
Excerpt: "The film was adapted from the best-selling novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, who based their book on their experiences working for Manhattan's wealthiest families."
The book: The Nanny Diaries (2002)
Haven't read it and I don't think I've seen the movie but it sounds very familiar.
I recently netflixed the DVD of "Madea's Family Reunion" (2002), which is a video of the live stage presentation. This play preceded the 2006 feature film adaptation.Netflix page: http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Madea_s_...
IMBd page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359639/f...
This was my first experience seeing Tyler Perry, either as himself or as Madea. He plays the hilarious and outrageous mother of a large, grown family. Madea (aka Mable) comically shoots off guns to scare her family into behaving.
As Jackie has said, the story centers around the family. It took me a while to get used to all the different characters but as I caught on to the story and the character of Madea herself, I began to appreciate the show, its comedy, and the messages behind it.
I hadn't expected all the musical numbers. It was almost like a modern operetta. The song at the end was lovely. I wish I could remember its title. It taught some lessons about life. In all the humor of the story, there is a serious message about life and staying on the proper path.
I enjoyed the bonus feature of the DVD in which Tyler Perry tells about his path to success. It required perseverance and determination after some past failures. Tyler Perry is a very likable fellow.
I am wondering of the film version of this play will contain as many musical numbers. I'll be renting it soon from Netflix to compare it to the play itself.
All in all, seeing this DVD (and meeting Madea and Tyler Perry) was a new and entertaining experience for me.
Joy, I'm pretty sure the movie has less musical numbers. I only remember one; when everyone gets up to sing and dance together, it was set outdoors at the reunion.I'm so glad you liked the movie, Madea, and Tyler Perry. He certainly is likable. He's a true success story; work hard and you will succeed.
Jackie wrote: "Joy, I'm pretty sure the movie has less musical numbers. I only remember one; when everyone gets up to sing and dance together, it was set outdoors at the reunion. I'm so glad you liked the movie..."I'm glad there will be less musical numbers in the film adaptation. The plot will move at a faster pace.
"Madea's Family Reunion" (2006)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Madea_s_...
I watched 'Saving Sarah Cain' today. I was pretty upset with Sarah and I can see why she needed to redeem herself. You'll have to see the movie to understand why, I'd rather not give away any spoilers. Just know that it's worth watching.Michael Landon Jr. produces and directs on this film. It's nice to see the positive character traits of his father passed on to him.
Jackie wrote: "I watched 'Saving Sarah Cain' today. I was pretty upset with Sarah and I can see why she needed to redeem herself. You'll have to see the movie to understand why, I'd rather not give away any spo..."Yes, Jackie, I enjoyed that movie too. I saw it after you had seen the preview and recommended it. I posted my comments at:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...
Messages 73 & 75
Netflix description at:
"Saving Sarah Cain" (2007) (an adaptation of the book: The Redemption of Sarah Cain)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Saving_S...
I'm surprised at how well I'm remembering the movie. That must mean it made an impression on me.
It took a while for the library to get it, but I'm not complaining. Free DVD rental is good no matter what!I had to re-read your comments.
I too thought the scenery was beautiful in the Amish community. I could believe when Sarah took the kids from every thing they've ever known. And for a self-serving reason, no less.
Her apartment was over the top. I don't see how she could afford it. But I do agree with you that it was probably for contrast, and added to the culture shock the kids must have been experiencing.
I loved the kids, all of them. Unique in their own ways and so lovable. I was so happy when Sarah realized that being a guardian meant doing what's truly best for the children. She came a long way and the children taught her so much. I was proud of her in the end.
I saw Revolutionary Road this afternoon. I didn't think it would of my taste, and I was right. I got it because my friends in Colorado were telling how great it was. And if I'm not mistaken, Kate Winslet was up for the Academy Award for it, so I thought I give it a try. I found it dull and entirely too predictable.
Jackie wrote: "I saw Revolutionary Road this afternoon. I didn't think it would of my taste, and I was right. I got it because my friends in Colorado were telling how great it was. And if I'm not mistaken, Kate..."I watched "Revolutionary Road" on a Netflix DVD in October of last year. I gave it only two stars. Just now I tried to refresh my memory of it by watching a trailer at IMDb, but evidently the movie didn't make much of an impression on me because, even after watching the trailer, I can hardly remember a thing about it.
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Revoluti...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0959337/
Detailed Synopsis: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0959337/s...
Even after skimming the synopsis, I can hardly recall the movie.
I don't think it'll be memorable for me either.
NetFlixed District 9.http://www.netflix.com/Movie/District...
After you skip/index past the previews and junk, you come to a screen with two symbols: human and alien(I guess). I looked for subtitles behind the 'human', didn't find any, proceeded into movie and was so frustrated with the South Afrikan english that I back-tracked and tried the 'alien' symbol. Finally found the subtitles there, dunno if I missed them the first time.
Anyway, it's a decent sf movie. The main plot idea is good, but they leave so many unanswered questions that the movie makes little sense. I would still give 3 stars though. Way too much CGI and 'action' crap, per usual.
Earl wrote: "NetFlixed District 9.http://www.netflix.com/Movie/District...
After you skip/index past the previews and junk, you come to a screen with two symbols: human and alien(I guess)..."
Earl, I see that "District 9" has been nominated for 4 Oscars, one of them being: "Best Motion Picture of the Year":
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136608/a...
Well that positively proves my theory: 90% of the time, a movie has to be awful to get nominated. There was nothing good about it: senseless violence, extreme prejudice and not a good story at all. Nothing to redeem itself.
Jackie wrote: "Well that positively proves my theory: 90% of the time, a movie has to be awful to get nominated. There was nothing good about it: senseless violence, extreme prejudice and not a good story at all..."I just came across an article online about "art vs mass entertainment". It makes an interesting point about why it's good that there are ten pictures on the Oscar nominee list this year instead of the usual five.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/st...
Jackie wrote: "Well that positively proves my theory: 90% of the time, a movie has to be awful to get nominated. There was nothing good about it: senseless violence, extreme prejudice and not a good story at all..."I never pay much attention to the nominations, I figure it's political. But I have to disagree with you on District 9. The plot hypothesis that a non-human species is dumped onto some receiving nation and become nothing but a burden WOULD set the scene for 'extreme prejudice' and likely result in they're being treated very much like they were in the movie. The story chooses S. Africa (probably because of apartheid?) but it would be the same anyplace in the world. It would be SO much easier to execute/terroize/torture an alien than another human. It rings true for me. The plot device that a human is FORCED to finally come around to the alien viewpoint is what makes the story tick. My only objection is the insufficient explanation of the aliens - HOW did they get stranded? Why don't they use their advanced weaponry to resist/conquer? Why does only one of them seem to know anything technological? etc etc
If they didn't take them off their ship and force them to stay on Earth, they wouldn't have been a burden. Obviously something was wrong with the ship, I guess whatever caused it to stall and hover there was the same reason they couldn't use their weapons. ??? Maybe a power issue.
I found it hard to believe also, that only one of them knew anything technological. But even so, if they allowed that one to work and not have to scavenge and work in secret, they could have left much sooner. The 'burden' was of the human's making.
I just feel District 9 showed the worst of human nature and shouldn't be celebrated.
Jackie wrote: "I just feel District 9 showed the worst of human nature and shouldn't be celebrated."
I think the movie kinda lampoons human prejudices. The anti-hero is kind of a stupid bungler. And the plot premise was FRESH. That counts for lot with me. And it entertained me, what can I say? There's reams and reams of stuff on NetFlix that don't.
Earl wrote: The anti-hero is kind of a stupid bungler.I felt sorry for that guy, he was set up to take a fall in case things went south. Unfortunately for him, things went more than south for him. That was pretty gross when he was changing into the alien.
And: I think the movie kinda lampoons human prejudices.
For sure it was over the top mirroring human prejudices. Lampooning, I'm not sure, I certainly didn't see anything funny about it.
But in the end you're right, if you were entertained then that's all that counts. I'm sure there's plenty of movies I like that others don't. It's all a matter of taste. And it's what makes us all so wonderfully unique. What a boring world it would be if we all saw things the same. Yay to individuality!
A day or so ago, I saw a comment somewhere which was written by Jim. In it he said he was uncomfortable with something about the book, something he couldn't accept (even though it was a pretty good book). I'm not sure if it was something about the author or not. In any case, today I came across a similar situation in one of my past handwritten comments.In my comment, I complained that the main character was a woman (speaking in the first person, "I") but the author of the book was a man. It didn't sit right with me. The author was Nick Hornby and the book was How to Be Good. The story was about a marriage that almost falls apart. They stay together but not too happily.
How do you feel about an author of one gender writing a story using the voice of the other gender? (i.e., a man writing in the voice of a woman, or vice versa.) As for me, I don't think a man can express things from a woman's point of view and be believed, i.e., how can we be sure that a man would really know how a woman would think about certain things?
I've read other books by Nick Hornby which I liked, but there were several things about How To Be Good which bothered me besides the aspect mentioned above, e.g., a weak plot; too much meandering with silly ideas and characters.
I DO recommend Nick Horby's A Long Way Down.
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Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine...
The women's lives were the main thrust, and although they started a 'bio-hazard' cleaning business, no dead bodies were spotted. The opening scene was startling, but as I said, no details of the body were ever seen.