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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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What MOVIES or DVDs have you watched lately? (PART FOUR - 2011) (ongoing thread)
I liked the first Toy Story. I don't think I've ever watched the 2d one all the way through, though. I like cartoon movies. I think 'The Incredibles' was one of my favorites of the past few years.
It's always fun to have a "new" car. Once my husband bought me a new carthe day before going in for open heart surgery. He wanted to be certain I had the car just in case. The dealer had to deliver the car t before I left for the hospital. My husband recovered came home and a week later had another one. He is alive and almost well. Hope no more heart attacks. Three in one year is a bit much.
We recently bought a GTI. Had to get rid of the Jetta, it was one thing going wrong after another. There comes a time when it's not cost effective to keep putting money into it. We reached that time.I saw Toy Story a long time ago. Eric loves those movies, he even went to see the last on in the theater. He never watches kids movies anymore. Except for the Toy Story movies.
A new kids movie, Hugo, looks spectacular. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970179/
It's not animated but I really want to see it.
You're right, Jackie. Unfortunately, November seems to be my month for finding that out. I had to replace my truck for that reason last year at this time.Hugo does look interesting. Does Eric like stuff like "Vampire Hunter D"? That's an adult cartoon movie - not too adult, though. I found out the hard way to be careful of Japanese cartoon movies. Some are just disturbing, but many are very cool.
There are a couple of other cartoon movies I've been wanting to see, but Marg doesn't like them. Erin, Brandon & I do. 'Rango' was one. There were a couple of others, but I can't think of the names...
Nina, 3 heart attacks in 1 year is a horror show. Ugh.
Netflixed Hannahttp://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/p...
Shades of Dark Angel, the government is altering human embryos to make a super-soldier again. But it's not as cute as Dark Angel and didn't win my devotion, 2 stars out of 5. Lots of chasing and running. I'd like to see more of Saoirse Ronan, the athletic young star. The DVD was exceedingly irritating, I couldn't step past the dreck on the beginning of the thing, had to pick up a newspaper and read until it finally got to the movie. It did have subtitles, but when foreign language was spoken the English translation was too tiny to read, had to go up to within 3' of the tv.
Jim, I don't think Eric watches much TV. He goes to the movies sometimes. Some of the movies he's seen recently are The Thing, Contagion, In Time and he wants to see J Edgar. Earl, I didn't think Hanna was all that good either. Just another action film.
Nina wrote: "Today I went to Big Lots and bought gourmet doughnut shop coffee and even though I haven't opened the package the entire house smells like brewed coffee. It was five dollars. I hope it tastes as go..."Hah, five dollars. When our YMCA started giving us free coffee (well, they do request a donation, and guilt forces me to cough up a couple dollars a week)and the stuff is delicious. I found out they use a brand called Cool Beans, delivered by their bottled water company. Well, there are two Cool Beans outlets in town so I went to one and asked the price for a pound of coffee. $13 a pound! Sucker that I am I did buy a half pound. It wasn't as good as the YMCA's.
Nina wrote: "One of my favorite Dickens novels is "Our Mutual Friend." It is on DVD."Thanks, Nina, I've put it on my Netflix queue.
Werner wrote: "Joy, I only got to see bits and pieces of the Bleak House miniseries when it first aired, but I really liked what I saw! I'd love to see the whole thing sometime (and I definitely intend to read t..."Werner, believe it or not, I'm still watching Bleak House, a little bit at a time. Thank goodness Netflix keeps track of where I left off each time.
As for "Toy Story", I enjoyed it completely. Who can dislike anything Tom Hanks takes part in? (I enjoyed him in "The Polar Express" too.) I've put Toy Story II on my Netflix queue. Thanks for reminding me about it. I enjoyed reading your comments about the two films. I was definitely ready to suspend disbelief in that movie. I LOVED Buzz Lightyear (played by Tim Allen)!
Nina wrote: "Two yeas ago for a Christms present from our daughter we received the set of Dickens tapes. Included was "Bleak House," and i thought it was very good as were all the rest of them."What a great idea for a gift!
Nina wrote: "It's always fun to have a "new" car. Once my husband bought me a new carthe day before going in for open heart surgery. He wanted to be certain I had the car just in case. The dealer had to deliver..."Glad he recovered, Nina! What a nice man!
Jackie wrote: "... A new kids movie, Hugo, looks spectacular. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970179/It's not animated but I really want to see it."
Jackie, thanks for mentioning it. I put it on my "saved" queue at Netflix:
Hugo (2011)
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Hug...
Netflix description:
"When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo's destiny."
Here's the IMDb description:
"Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton."
I sometimes enjoy comparing the different descriptions of IMDb and Netflix. Some seem better than others.
Earl wrote: "... The DVD was exceedingly irritating, I couldn't step past the dreck on the beginning of the thing..."Earl, I hate it when they force you to look at previews at the beginning of a DVD. They have some nerve, especially when they take up a lot of time. My sister says to click on the button for the menu, but that doesn't seem to help.
You know what really gets me? Nowadays, at the theater, you have to sit through commercials! I'm paying to see a movie and possibly some good previews, not commercials. You all know how I feel about commercials, and now I have to pay for them too. It makes going to the theater even for of a pain in the butt than it already is.
Earl wrote: "... When our YMCA started giving us free coffee (well, they do request a donation, and guilt forces me to cough up a couple dollars a week)and the stuff is delicious. I found out they use a brand called Cool Beans ..."Earl, speaking of coffee, The Harry & David store at the outlets in Queensbury has a brand of coffee called "Moose Munch Coffee". It has an interesting and unusual flavor: "Like our delicious Munch, this coffee's dark and nutty, with notes of caramel and chocolate. Whole beans are hand-harvested and expertly roasted in the Pacific Northwest. Truly satisfying, with a remarkably hearty aroma and flavor."
Unfortunately it's temporarily unavailable:
http://www.gifts.com/search/product/H...
I'm glad I bought a bag a short time ago.
I recently watched Maggie Smith in "My House in Umbria" (2003) adapted from the book My House in Umbria (1991) by William Trevor. My review is at:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Maggie Smith made it a movie worth watching. So did the Italian setting and scenery. Magnificent!
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/My_...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323332/
"An unlikely group of people find solace and friendship after being thrown together in the wake of a terrorist attack."
I love Maggie Smith! Umbria is going on my To Rent List. TY
Jackie wrote: "You know what really gets me? Nowadays, at the theater, you have to sit through commercials! I'm paying to see a movie and possibly some good previews, not commercials. You all know how I feel a..."I hardly go to the theater anymore now that I have Netflix. I love the way Netflix keeps my film-watching history for me. Otherwise I might order a film which I've seen already. I know you like to keep up with the latest, Jackie, but thank goodness I don't have that requirement.
Jackie wrote: "That sounds like a nice blend, Joy."It is Jackie and it's like nothing I've ever tasted before. Even the Moose Munch they sell doesn't taste very much like it.
Lately, when I feel the need for a cozy drink, I add chocolate syrup to my coffee. I guess it's a kind of mocha, my own kind.
Jackie wrote: "I love Maggie Smith! Umbria is going on my To Rent List. TY"Jackie, please let us know how you liked "My House in Umbria". I'd like your take on it.
Strangely, IMDb didn't have links to the Ebert or Berardinelli reviews like it usually does. I wonder if they reviewed the film at all. I just searched and all I could find was the following from Richard Roeper of Roeper and Ebert:
"The scenery in this film is lush, the acting strong. But the material wanders and falters."
Yes, I found that to be true. Some reviewers at Netflix warned that it was slow-moving, not full of lots of action. But it's a thoughtful movie. Maggie Smith plays a sentimental sort of person who's come through a difficult life and is longing for better things.
As I said in my review, there's an excellent review at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article...
Along the lines of the Toy Story series, I was reminded last night, when the Disney channel re-ran Up, that I saw that movie when it aired earlier this year. It's made using the same techniques as the Toy Story movies, and also pitched to child audiences; but with a main character who's a retired senior citizen, it might have an inherent appeal to some adults as well. The credibility problems here aren't much less than in the above-mentioned movies: none of the characters are toys, but some of them are neurologically-enhanced dogs; and the central premise of the film is a house traveling vast distances by air, propelled by hundreds of colored balloons. But if you interpret the latter as a metaphor, it's one that works very well; because this is first and foremost a movie with the message that we should let our dreams take flight and lift us off the ground --even if we're at an age when society tells us we ought to be through dreaming and adventuring. It's a good, over-the-top adventure yarn, with an unlikely intergenerational friendship at its heart. If that description sounds intriguing, you might like the film!Unlike my wife, I don't really mind previews on videos or with movies in theaters; actually, I kind of like them, because they often make me aware of other movies I might like. But I'm completely with Jackie when it comes to commercials in theaters! Of course, that innovation reflects the fact that theater chain owners are no longer raking in the kind of profits they want from the sale of tickets and refreshments alone, so they're looking for other money-making ploys. (Better movies and lower prices would undoubtedly generate more ticket sales; but obviously nobody in the industry wants to try anything THAT radical.... )
Received Extraoridnary Measures in mail from Netflix. Had my account on hold for 2 months - don't recall putting this movie on my list. A heartfelt drama based on a true story of the Crowley Family. About 2 young chldren who are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease. Starring Harrison Ford.
Maybe that's why its on my list - Harrison Ford. Good actor.
Anyone watch this movie? From 2010.
Yes, I saw it. It was good. Emotional and touching and inspiring. It's worth seeing. I didn't like Harrison Ford's character so much but Brendan Frasier's was great. I'm pretty sure I had tissues handy.
Werner, I enjoyed watching "Up". I didn't think of the metaphor while watching but I have to agree that at times "we should let our dreams take flight and lift us off the ground", as you say.By coincidence, yesterday I saved the following quote to my collection:
=============================================
"It's almost a cliche in literature that characters who take refuge from reality in their dreams or imagination are doomed. But sometimes a certain detachment from reality is necessary, even restorative."
[From review of film "My House in Umbria".
Review by David Wiegand of the San Francisco Chronicle]
=============================================
Linda wrote: "Received Extraoridnary Measures in mail from Netflix. Had my account on hold for 2 months - don't recall putting this movie on my list. A heartfelt drama based on a true story of the Crowley Fa..."
Linda, I've had that movie ["Extraordinary Measures" (2010)] in my Netflix queue for a while. I just now moved it up on the list. Thanks for reminding me about it.
I see that that the book it's based on was called:
The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--And Bucked the Medical Establishment--In a Quest to Save His Children by Geeta Anand. Amazing story.
Jackie wrote: "Yes, I saw it. It was good. Emotional and touching and inspiring. It's worth seeing. I didn't like Harrison Ford's character so much but Brendan Frasier's was great. I'm pretty sure I had tis..."
Uh, oh. I better be armed with a box of tissues. I cry at commercials!
Joy H. wrote: "Linda wrote: "Received Extraoridnary Measures in mail from Netflix. Had my account on hold for 2 months - don't recall putting this movie on my list. A heartfelt drama based on a true story of the..."
Read reviews about the book - now I'm interested in watching the movie. Might have to wait until after Thanksgiving. Perhaps Saturday night. I'll skip the popcorn and replace with tissues. No fun choking on popcorn.....
I saw the movie, "My House in Umbria," and enjoyed it immensely. Just watching a great actress like Maggie Smith is a treat in itself. Did I tell you I saw her in a play in London and when she entered the stage before she uttered a word she got a standing ovation. I don't even remember the play but do remember her.
Arrrh! We went ot the vid store today for Conan The Barbarian and I forgot to get My House in Umbria! I even called a few days ago to make sure they have it. Ah, the old brain ain't what it used to be! lol
Jim wrote: "You're right, Jackie. Unfortunately, November seems to be my month for finding that out. I had to replace my truck for that reason last year at this time.Three heart attacks is a horror and the dr said he was definitely not a candidate for any of them; not overweight in the least; active, low cloreterol. Not that it mattered but he also looked ten years younger than seventy. No one believed he was that age. Somehow he survived but it was scarey at the time.Hugo does look interesting. Does Eric ..."
I watched Conan The Barbarian with Jason Momoa in the title role. It was a good sword-wielding adventure fantasy. I like the story better in this one than in the original. And Jason Momoa can actually speak, unlike Arnie, lol
Glad to hear it was watchable, Jackie. I'm a Robert E. Howard fan & have most of his stories that are available. I've had to go so far as to create a spreadsheet to keep track of them. For such a short lived author, he was amazingly prolific. Over 600 short stories before he killed himself at 30.Anyway, there have been so many poor rip-offs of his work that I usually don't bother watching them until/unless they come out on TV. I might make an exception with this one. The trailer I saw for it was awesome, even if it was not part of Conan's 'real' history.
All of you Goodreaders Have a Happy Thanksgiving.My son is coming from CA, driving and he just called and is an hour and a half away. He is bringing a son who is on leave from the Navy and a daughter who hasn't seen her granddfather for fifteen years. She was working as a missionary in Siberia and Africa; now lives in Baja CA. It will be so wonderful to be together once again. nina
What a wonderful Thanksgiving you'll have, Nina! Enjoy!Jim, in this 3 minute featurette, Momoa states that they're drawing from many different Robert E Howard stories: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3588...
If you're a Conan fan, or Howard fan, then you should really see it.
Today, Eric, Sarah and I watched What's Eating Gilbert Grape because Sarah has never seen it. It's one of those movies that's just as good as the first time, no matter how many times you've seen it. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an Oscar-worthy performance, he's never been this good, not even in Titanic. Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis are also excellent. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108550/
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.That was interesting, Jackie. Thanks. Are you part of the REH group? For some reason, I don't recall seeing you there, but it's not very active.
No, I'm not. I haven't read any of his work.
Quite a bit of it is free & since it's mostly short stories, easy to read online. We have links to most of it. Marg is going to read one of his books right now. It has 4 short stories in it, The Sowers of the Thunder.
My grandkids are watching, "Chasing Ned Devine." As my son said, and I agree; It is a funny movie without being stupid.
"Hugo" got a rave review in our paper today. Didn't one of you recommend it?
I mentioned that I want to see it, but that'll have to wait for DVD, I'm not a fan of the theater. It looked really good, and when Ben Kingsley is involved, what's not to like?
Happy Thanksgiving to all. I've been busy getting ready. I have a Netflix DVD of "The Incredibles" (2004) for my grandkids to watch (if they haven't seen it already). I haven't seen it yet.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The...
My son recommended "The Family Stone" (2005) (a romantic comedy):
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356680/
"An uptight, conservative, businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life."
Cast: Cast: Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes, Luke Wilson, Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Tyrone Giordano, Brian J. White, Paul Schneider, Elizabeth Reaser
Nina wrote: "My grandkids are watching, "Chasing Ned Devine." As my son said, and I agree; It is a funny movie without being stupid.""Nina, I've put "Waking Ned Devine' (1998) on my Netflix queue.
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Wak...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166396/
"When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money."
Genres: Comedies, Independent Movies, Irish Movies, Independent Comedies
The Family Stone looks good. I may have seen it, I can't remember but it sounds familiar. I put it on my list to pick up next time at the vid store.
I forgot to mention about Conan, the sound. Ugh. Once again the background sounds are much louder than the speaking parts. I spent a lot of time with the remote going up or down. Down for the effects sounds, up when they spoke. It was annoying, I don't know why they do this.I also saw another good movie on Showtime Beyond, "The Other Side of the Tracks", an indie film from 2008. The description doesn't tell much and I cannot say more either without giving away spoilers. Just know it's supernatural and ghosty.
It reairs on the 28th, if anyone is interested.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1006929/
Jackie wrote: "... I also saw another good movie on Showtime Beyond, "The Other Side of the Tracks", an indie film from 2008. The description doesn't tell much and I cannot say more either without giving away spoilers. Just know it's supernatural and ghosty. ..."Re: "The Other Side of the Tracks" (2008)
Jackie, I see that one of the user-reviews at IMDb says: "It's hard to categorize this movie as it seems to qualify as a romance, thriller, horror, and perhaps even drama."
You might enjoy reading the review at the following link:
http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/hau...
The reviewer puts the movie on trial and gives his verdict.
I definitely wouldn't classify it as romance, horror or even thriller. Drama would be about as far as I'd go in classifying it.Obviously the reviewer hated it. Apparently this reviewer has no imagination and needs the have everything spelled out for him. That is something I personally can't stand, I want to think, I want to try and guess what's going on. The story is far from pointless. I think it was too deep for this particular person. People hate what they don't understand. Ah, well, different strokes.
Jackie, I like the way you think.
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Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group
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I bought a car today. A 2006 Chevy Cobalt to replace my 2008 that I had to give to Erin. It took some looking, but I found one under 50K miles for a decent price. I'll be glad to stop driving Marg's truck. It cost me twice in gas what the Cobalt did.