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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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Have you seen any good movies lately? (Part THREE - 2010)
This weekend we watched "The Painted Veil" an epic movie, based on Somerset Maugham book of the same name. Starring were Naomi Watts and Edward Norton. The action takes place in 1925, starting in London, where the two meet and marry. Watts because of the pressure a young girl feels when spinsterhood looms on the horizon. They relocate to Shanghai, where Norton has a medical practice and she finds excitement. He volunteers to go to a cholera-infested remote area of China, taking her along as a punishment for her finding "excitement" in Shanghai.
What follows is where the love story really starts.
The feel of the movie was almost mystical, with soft shots of the countryside, as well as urban locations. There are some graphic scenes with the epidemic, but they fit into the story well.
I think that this was a showcase for the two lead actors and they were up to the challenge. Four stars!
When you watch the movie, it tells us all about it. I think it was a very important film and every American should see it.
Katherine, I saw that movie! It was very good. I agree, outstanding effort from both actors. I really like Edward Norton, he's underrated as an actor.Two really good movies he was in were:
Fight Club:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/
I thought it would be stupid, a bunch of guys fighting in underground clubs. What could be so appealing about that? Watch it, you'll see a really good story. I even bought that one.
American History X: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/
This was a mind-blowing movie about White-supremacist gang-member and how he changes his life while in prison and back out on the streets and tries to steer his younger brother away from the gang-life. Gripping storytelling, graphic, raw and realistic. Tremendous acting skills for Norton's portrayal of Derek. He deserved an Academy Award for that performance. Reminds me, I need to buy this one too.
Jackie wrote: "When you watch the movie, it tells us all about it. I think it was a very important film and every American should see it."OK, Jackie, I'll post after I watch "Charlie Wilson's War". I usually avoid political stuff, but now I'm getting curious.
Another good movie which can be considered "political" was about the gay politician, Harvey Milk, who was killed in CA. It was a sad story. He was such a good man.
"Milk" (2008)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Milk/701...
===================================================
Netflix description: "Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) in 1978. Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna co-star in director Gus Van Sant's compelling biopic, which also earned Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Brolin).
====================================================
I haven't seen it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I'll probably rent it one of these days. Unless you think it's a must-see?I did see Sean Penn as the Louisiana governor, but I forget the name of the movie. He's another good actor. But he'll always be Jeff Spiccoli, the stoner from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, to me, LOL
Katherine wrote: "This weekend we watched "The Painted Veil" an epic movie, based on Somerset Maugham book of the same name. Starring were Naomi Watts and Edward Norton. The action takes place in 1925, starting in ..."Katherine, I've always loved Maugham's writing. I'll put The Painted Veil on my To-Read shelf. Thanks for posting about it.
Ooops, I just realized that you were referring to the movie. I've put it on my Netflix queue.
"The Painted Veil" (2006)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Pain...
Wiki says:
"The Painted Veil is a 1925 novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The title is taken from Percy Bysshe Shelley's sonnet which begins 'Lift not the painted veil which those who live / Call Life'".
The novel has been adapted for the screen three times:
* The Painted Veil (1934 film with Greta Garbo)
* The Seventh Sin (1957 film)
* The Painted Veil (2006 film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pain...
Jackie wrote: "I haven't seen it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I'll probably rent it one of these days. Unless you think it's a must-see? ..."Jackie, I wouldn't say that "Milk" is a "must-see", but it's a "should-see".
OK then. I'll put it on my list. Oy, it grows daily, just like my to Read shelf.
Jackie wrote: "I think goodreads is inaccurate with the words: how it fueled the new jihadThe jihad was coming anyway. The movie illustrated how if the govt. had followed Charlie's full plan, we would not be t..."
Absolutely agree, Jackie.
Jackie wrote: "I haven't seen it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I'll probably rent it one of these days. Unless you think it's a must-see?I did see Sean Penn as the Louisiana governor, but I forget the name o..."
Huey Long
Jackie wrote: "Katherine, I saw that movie! It was very good. I agree, outstanding effort from both actors. I really like Edward Norton, he's underrated as an actor.Two really good movies he was in were:
I first saw Norton in "Primal Fear" starring Richard Gere. I knew after seeing him that he was one to watch. He hasn't disappointed me yet.
I find it amusing that he has the same name as Ralph Cramden's sidekick, Ed Norton, played by Art Carney.
Which is probably why he goes by 'Edward', LOLI saw Primal Fear also, another great movie.
Yes, Huey. Good movie.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I haven't seen it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I'll probably rent it one of these days. Unless you think it's a must-see? ..."Jackie, I wouldn't say that "Milk" is a "must-see"..."
I watched "Milk" mostly because of it's historical interest. It's still hard for me to believe that I'm old enough to have lived through events that are now considered "Historical". Anyways, Sean Penn deserved the Oscar for that one.
The setting is San Francisco, which is also the setting for "And the Band Played On", another movie of historical interest. Has anyone seen the movie or read the book? The movie was quite good, and the book riveting.
Katherine, I haven't seen or read "And the Band Played On".Below is a link to the Netflix description:
"And the Band Played On" (1993)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/And_the_...
Here's the link to the book at GR:
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts.
I tend to shy away from medically related subjects. They make me nervous. But the subject of the book and film is obviously an important one. Hopefully, some day they will find a cure for AIDS.
I saw part of And the Band Played On on TV. I'd always meant to watch the whole thing but forgot.I saw Daybreakers. It was OK at best. The only reason I even mention it because of the darkness. Most of it was filmed at night and they used that filter which tints it blue. It was the darkest movie I ever saw. In Pitch Black they used that blue tint but only in the daylight scenes so it was fine but this was ridiculous. You couldn't see much of anything in the night scenes and what you could was tinged with that blue. It ruined the movie for me. I cannot recommend this movie. Even if you're tempted, don't.
Jackie wrote: "... I saw Daybreakers. It was OK at best. ... It was the darkest movie I ever saw. ... You couldn't see much of anything in the night scenes and what you could was tinged with that blue. It ruined the movie for me. I cannot recommend this movie. Even if you're tempted, don't."Jackie, thanks for the warning about "Daybreakers". In case anyone is curious, below is a link to the Netflix description:
Daybreakers (2009)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Daybreak...
I just saw The Notebook - based on the book- it was wonderful- While the flashback scenes were excellant- I could not get over how tender James Garner was as the elderly husband to Gena Rowlands - when one thinks of Mr Garner- one thinks of Rockford or maverick - but in this film- he was so real, so heartfelt as the husband of a lady he loved so much that he moved in with her - to a nursing home - so fine a movie- an no curse words needed!
Katherine wrote: "I just finished watching "The Soloist" with Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx. It's the true story of Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez (Downey) who writes a story about homeless street musici..."I saw the film in the theatre- and then bought the book- The Soloist- very good movie- steve lopez is a reporter whose numbers are growing fewer by the day- the reporter who really cares about his story.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I love Kevin Kline, I'm going to record it right now, thanks Joy!"More about the Broadway show here:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitts...
"Kevin Kline's ..."
sorry- I hear Cyrano de Bergerac - I think Jose Ferrer!
Rick, I read the book as well as saw the movie The Notebook. It's one of my favorite movies, even my son and husband liked it. It was the best love story I've ever encountered. And the movie stayed true to the book, an rarity. Everyone should see this movie, and everyone should have a love so great.
Jackie wrote: "Rick, I read the book as well as saw the movie The Notebook. It's one of my favorite movies, even my son and husband liked it. It was the best love story I've ever encountered. And the movie sta..."Jackie- what was yoor opinion of James Garner's perfomance?
Loved it. I'm partial to Mr. Garner anyway, but he was wonderful in The Notebook. So gentle and sweet.
Rick wrote: "I just saw The Notebook - based on the book- it was wonderful- ... I could not get over how tender James Garner was as the elderly husband to Gena Rowlands - when one thinks of Mr Garner- one thinks of Rockford or maverick - but in this film- he was so real, so heartfelt as the husband of a lady he loved so much ..."Rick, good point about James Garner. He has quite a range as an actor... tough or tender. I loved him in Victor Victoria (1982). He showed his ability to do comedy there as well.
"How sweet it is when the strong are also gentle." -Libby Fudim
Rick wrote: "sorry- I hear Cyrano de Bergerac - I think Jose Ferrer!"Rick, that's true, but Kevin Kline treated the part a bit differently, I think. He gave the character some humor. It seemed to be a different take on the story. Or did Jose Ferrer's portrayal contain some humor as well?
Jackie wrote: "Rick, I read the book as well as saw the movie The Notebook. It's one of my favorite movies, even my son and husband liked it. It was the best love story I've ever encountered. And the movie sta..."I too read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and also saw the movie. The story was a good one, with much meaning behind it, but I have reservations about Spark's writing skills. He just doesn't have enough sophistication for my taste.
Yes, simple writing but still good as far as entertainment.
Jackie wrote: "Yes, simple writing but still good as far as entertainment."Yes, the movie was great but the writing in the book wasn't. It wasn't just that the writing was simple. As one of the GR reviewers said, it was "sappy and corny". At times I cringed. It's a matter of style. The theme was a good one though.
What good love story isn't sappy and corny, LOL
Jackie wrote: "What good love story isn't sappy and corny, LOL"Well... "Casablanca" for one.
Try this one:
Till Morning Comes by Suyin HanThis is one of my favorite books of all time.
See the 5 star ratings at GR.
Also see the comments at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553...
There must be many more quality love stories!
I would venture to say that it's the telling that determines whether a story is overly sentimental (i.e., sappy) or not. It's not the story itself.
Anyway, this is something to think about.
It sure is. And you are right, it's all in the telling.
BTW, I just found out (by surfing the Net) that author Suyin Han (whom I mentioned above) wrote a book entitled A Many-Splendored Thing (1952) which was made into the 1955 film "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing". It also also inspired the famous song.See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Many-S...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048316/
Hurray for author Suyin Han!
PS-Oh my goodness... she's also a physician!
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Suyin
I just watched an old Heath Ledger movie because Eric said it was good. 10 Things I Hate About You.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/
A modern take on Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew set in a highschool. At first I wasn't sure if I'd like it but I found myself enjoying it and smiling a lot. I think I may even buy it one of these days.
Jackie, I watched 10 Things I Hate About You on TV back in the 90s because my daughters recommended it. I really liked it, too! Heath Ledger was a fine actor, and this was another example of it; he's sorely missed. And Julia Stiles is eminently watchable, too --she's the same actress who delivered a great performance in The Prince and Me. (In the two sequels, they replaced her with a different actress, and it was never the same. :-(
I like both actors. Both were really good in it. And they palyed good likable characters. How fantastic was it when Heath sings 'You're Too Good To Be True'? He won my heart right then and there!I didn't see The Prince and Me. I'll see if I can find it.
Like 10Things I Hate About You, The Prince and Me is a romantic comedy-drama. Stiles gets the guy there, too (that's no spoiler --after all, there aren't many romantic movies where the couple doesn't end up together!), but his personality and background offer some significant differences from those of Ledger's character in the other movie. But in this film, too, the lead couple prove to be "good, likable characters" --which is important, IMO!
Jackie wrote: "I just watched an old Heath Ledger movie because Eric said it was good. 10 Things I Hate About You.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/
A modern take on Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shre..."
Jackie and Werner - I've put both of those movies on my Netflix queue (thanks for the recommendations):
"10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/10_Thing...
(This one is streamable too! That's good!)
"The Prince & Me" (2004)
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Prin...
I know I have too many movies on my N-queue, but at least it gives me a lot of choice when I'm in the mood!
And it's a great way to fill time while waiting on more recent titles. There's plenty of good older movies to occupy us all.
When you watch these, Joy, let us know how you like them!
Werner wrote: "When you watch these, Joy, let us know how you like them!"OK, Werner. Will do.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "BTW, I just found out (by surfing the Net) that author Suyin Han (whom I mentioned above) wrote a book entitled A Many-Splendored Thing (1952) which was made into the 1955 film "Love ..."FACINATING JOY! I never knew that! loved the film with William Holden -
I just watched Charlie Wilson's War- 3 1/2 stars out of five- good movie- piqued my interest to read the book. Resfreshing to see a politician who is currupt and not ashamed of it! no croc tears for Charlie!RIP
Rick wrote: "I just watched Charlie Wilson's War- 3 1/2 stars out of five- good movie- piqued my interest to read the book. Resfreshing to see a politician who is currupt and not ashamed of it! no croc tears f..."I should be receiving the DVD of "Charlie Wilson's War" from Netflix tomorrow. I'll post here after I watch it.
Today I watched "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999). I streamed it from Netflix after Jackie and Werner recommended it. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger make an excellent couple with good chemistry between them. Stiles was great playing the role of a cold shrew. Ledger had what they used to call "it", back in the 1920s. Too bad he's gone. David Krumholtz played a good part as Michael and Joseph Gordon-Levitt was perfect as Cameron. Larry Miller was amusing as the father.
The school had an excellent location on the waterfront. Beautiful scenery. The building was extremely unusual for a school. The trivia at IMDb says: "School used in film is Stadium High School, Tacoma, Washington. The school was first built as a grand, chateau-style railroad station hotel but after it suffered fire damage, was renovated into a high school."
The trivia page also says: "The title '10 Things I Hate About You' sounds remotely like "Taming Of The Shrew" (on which this film is based)." Yes... remotely is right! :)
TRIVIA PAGE: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/t...
That last scene with the band on the roof was scary... so high up. My stomach did flip-flops. The performers must have arrived there by helicopter, unless it was done by CGI.
Just finished watching WITHOUT HER- a heartbreaking Canadian film with Julie Christie and Gordon Pinset about the effects alzheimers has on a husband when his wife develops it- a real well acted tearjerker- well worthwhile.Pichot was superb- Christie is still beautiful
Rick wrote: "Just finished watching WITHOUT HER- a heartbreaking Canadian film with Julie Christie and Gordon Pinset about the effects alzheimers has on a husband when his wife develops it- a real well acted t..."Rick, do you mean "Away from Her" (2006)?
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Away_fro...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491747/
The movie was adapted from Alice Munro's short story, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" aka Away from Her (1999).
There's an article about the movie and Julie Christie at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/18/mov...
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Rick wrote: "Just finished watching WITHOUT HER- a heartbreaking Canadian film with Julie Christie and Gordon Pinset about the effects alzheimers has on a husband when his wife develops it- a real..."YES! sorry about the mis-title- It really was a wonderful movie- but so heartbreaking- Julie Christie's mental decline coupled with her husband's guilt over past indiscretions as well as his devotion to her - not for fans of action movies- perfect for fans of intelligent- well acted films.
Rick, as you said, it is "heartbreaking". I haven't seen the movie but it sounds very sad.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Rick, as you said, it is "heartbreaking". I haven't seen the movie but it sounds very sad."It is heartbreaking- but to dismiss it as just another tearjerker is to deprive one of a film that it ultimately uplifting and chronicles the fact that we all face the harshness that life throws at us- yet true conquers all- you must watch the film to understand how a movie with such subject matter can make one embrace life even more
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Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group
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The jihad was coming anyway. The movie illustrated how if the govt. had followed Charlie's full plan, we would not be t..."
Jackie, thanks for the clarification.