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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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What MOVIES or DVDs have you watched? (PART FIVE - 2012) (ongoing thread)
message 851:
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Werner
(new)
Oct 28, 2012 07:25PM
Thanks for those links, Joy! I'll have to explore this further.
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You're welcome, Werner. I was able to stream that one Poirot movie but Netflix's other Poirot movies aren't streamable. They're available only as DVDs by mail. Darn! So I've requested some from my local library. At my local library, only some can be requested online. I guess you have to go to the library to get the others.
The imdb link shows from 1989 on up. You have to click 'see more' for the earlier dates, they can't fit on that line. It has 13 seasons listed, with the 13th not aired yet and no definite date.
That's such a long run!
From 1989 to 2012 is 23 years; so with only 13 seasons, it didn't air every year. The usual way that PBS' Mystery! series did (does?) things is to show several episodes of adaptations about one detective or detective team for a few weeks, then switch to another protagonist for a few weeks, and so on; and they had several different sleuth protagonists they alternated, so it might be more than a year before they'd come back to one. But I haven't seen Mystery! listed on the TV guide channel or advertised for so long that I'd assumed it had been cancelled.
Thank you, Jackie, for posting about The Ovation Channel (Time Warner #365). I found a decent couple of movies there, one of which was Elizabeth the Virgin Queen(1998). http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/
Dunno how I could have missed a film this good till now.
I found it amusing that the Pope issued a Fatwah (a hit) on her. No idea if true, but I suspect it was. I'd be interested in knowing the number of such 'sanctioned contract hits' the Muslims and Christians have put out over the ages. At least the Christians are too politically correct to do it now (I THINK!)
I've just done some research on Wikipedia, and the mystery of Mystery! is solved! Mystery!, which has NOT been cancelled, buys rights to movies and TV show episodes from a variety of other producers (mostly British), and airs them episodically. Their David Suchet Poirot episodes were bought from the British TV series Agatha Christie's Poirot, which airs (present tense!) in the U.S. as Poirot. Suchet's ambition has been to adapt every one of the original Poirot novels and stories; and with the completion of the coming season of the series, that goal will have been achieved.The only thing Wikipedia didn't say was whether either series still airs in the Bluefield area. :-( Here are the Wikipedia links for further reference, if anyone's interested:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agatha_Christie...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery!
Earl wrote: "Thank you, Jackie, for posting about The Ovation Channel (Time Warner #365). ..."Yes, it's a great channel.
Werner wrote: "I've just done some research on Wikipedia, and the mystery of Mystery! is solved! Mystery!, which has NOT been cancelled, buys rights to movies and TV show episodes from a variety of other produce..."Thanks for the info, Werner. I guess that David Suchet enjoys Poirot as much as we do, as well as the income he must get from the show! :)
I found the following about David Suchet online. I thought it was well-worded with good descriptions of Suchet AND Poirot:
===========================================
"Since Suchet took on the role of Agatha Christie’s intensely alert, hyper-sensitive, trimly moustached Belgian detective for ITV in 1989, he has not only made it his own so far as British audiences are concerned – he has gone global. ...
... Authoritative and richly mellifluous of speech after 41 years in the business, he’s still affable and avuncular. Those brown eyes, so keenly penetrating on stage and screen, signal kindness behind donnish spectacles."
FROM: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/th...
===================================================
Earl, I've already seen Elizabeth but it was so outstanding that I recorded it too. I've saving up good movies for the lean TV time between Thanksgiving and January. Elizabeth had an excellent cast. Another good channel is REELZ, #429 in our area. I recorded a movie, Shackleton. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272839/ starring Kenneth Brannagh. Reelz also airs World Without End http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1878805/ on Wednesdays, based on the Ken Follett book. Both Pillars of the Earth and World Without End are excellent. I didn't read the books, because it's not my type of thing to read, but it's definitely my thing to watch.
As for Mystery on PBS, I watch Masterpiece Mystery on Sundays. As Werner said, it's not every week. Sherlock airs on MM on PBS. The only reason I know the overall program is called Masterpiece Mystery is because it's in my Series Manager List on the DVR. This version of Sherlock is excellent, written by my favorite TV writer, Steven Moffat. Cleverly written, great dialogue, excellent stories and casting. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/
Jackie wrote: "... I recorded a movie, Shackleton. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272839/ starring Kenneth Brannagh. ... Sherlock airs on MM on PBS ... This version of Sherlock is excellent, written by my favorite TV writer, Steven Moffat. Cleverly written, great dialogue, excellent stories and casting... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/"FROM NETFLIX:
Shackleton 2002 NR1 disc
This epic drama tells the story behind Ernest Shackleton's remarkable 1914 expedition to the South Pole, depicting the astonishing hardship endured by his crew and their incredible escape from seemingly certain death.
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Loo Brealey, Rupert Graves
FROM: http://dvd.netflix.com/Search?oq=&...
Sherlock2010TV-144 discs / 6 episodes
"In this updated take on Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved mystery tales, the eccentric sleuth prowls the streets of modern-day London in search of clues. At his side -- though hobbling -- is flatmate Dr. John Watson, fresh from the Afghan War."
FROM: http://dvd.netflix.com/Search?oq=&...
Sherlock is streamable! Yay!
Jackie, I'm currently streaming and enjoying "The Good Witch" which you told us about. Thanks. http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The...
PS-Netflix also has:World Without End - 2012-2012 - NR Seasons 1 DVD
"With 14th century England as the backdrop, this epic sequel to "The Pillars of the Earth" picks up events 200 years later as the king leads the country into the Hundred Years War, and the plague begins to spread throughout Europe."
Cast: Ben Chaplin, Charlotte Riley, Nora von Waldstätten, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Rupert Evans, Tom Weston-Jones, Tom Cullen, Blake Ritson, Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Richardson
http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/World-Wi...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1878805/
Not streamable.
I'm all caught up on The Good Witch movies. I like them a lot. I'm glad you're enjoying it, Joy. There's nothing like a wholesome movie, since they've become so rare!Sherlock must be paid attention to while watching, very quick and clever dialogue. Benedict Cumberbatch is absolutely fabulous in the title role. And Martin Freeman is just as wonderful in the role of the steadfast Watson. (Both actors will be in the new Hobbit movies.)
I'm looking forward to seeing Shackleton. I know his story but I'd really like to see this dramatization of those events.
World Without End will not be available for DVD or streaming for a while. It's final episode just concluded in the UK last week and we're halfway through in the US. I would advise watching The Pillars of the Earth first, that must be available by now. It was very well done. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1453159/
I tried watching PILLARS but couldn't get into it.About WORLD WITHOUT END, you're right. It's only "save-able" (my word) at Netflix (i.e., put on a saved list until it available).
I like the gal who plays THE GOOD WITCH. Catherine Bell.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004738/
She seems well-cast for the part.
PS - Cumberbatch, what a funny name! LOLhttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm1212722/
Gee, he looks familiar!
PS-He was in AMAZING GRACE which I saw last year via Netflix.
Sherlock airs here, too, though I've never seen any of it; I guess I'm a bit prejudiced against moving it from Doyle's time into a contemporary setting. But I suppose I shouldn't be; I greatly enjoyed the 1987 made-for-TV movie The Return of Sherlock Holmes, in which Holmes had himself put into cryonic sleep (long story!) and was reawakened at the film's beginning by Dr. Watson's modern-day descendant, P.I. Jane Watson. That's actually one of the better Holmes pastiches I've seen; Michael Pennington is an excellent Holmes, the mystery storyline is a good one, and Holmes' reactions to the modern world are a lot of fun. Maybe the factor that makes the difference for me is that the movie has a plausible explanation (okay, an explanation of sorts! :-) ) for Holmes showing up in today's world, that's still consistent with Doyle's canon. (The imdb link to the movie is: www.imdb.com/title/tt0093850 .
Yes, Sherlock is on "Masterpiece Mystery!". I'll let you guys know when it returns. It'd be a good idea to see the first one http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1665071/ just to see the relationship between Watson and Holmes.I am a believer in watching in order anyway, as some things from earlier episodes have a bearing on the newer ones. That seems to be the trend these days, that little hook so you feel as if you missed something by not seeing earlier episodes.
I didn't see Return but I'm intrigued by the write up on imdb and that you liked it, Werner. Another one to add to my Watch List. It's getting as big and as bad as my To Read List, lol
If and when you watch it, Jackie, I hope you like it!
I'll be lucky if I see ANY of them in ANY order. Yes, the lists are getting too big. Unless I live 200 years, I'll never be able to fit them all in. :)
Thanks for the explanation of clabber. I really couldn't remember exactly what it was but thought it was milk with lumps in it. I think my grandmother put sugar on it; possibly sorghum. I might have been around four when I ate it.
Werner, my vid store doesn't have it, boo hoo! I'm hoping the library system has it. I'll call tomorrow to see.I know what you mean, Joy. I spend far too much time with the TV as it is.
Netflix doesn't have "The Return of Sherlock Holmes". Please let us know if the library has it, Jackie. Thx.
OK, I will. Maybe we could watch it together.
Jackie wrote: "I can hardly wait for Downton Abbey! January 6th!"Yea! Thanks! I put it on my calendar. Watched all the series on my Kindle this summer! Loved it.
And Shirley MacLaine will be on this year as Cora's mother. I can't wait to see her and Violet clash!
Jackie wrote: "OK, I will. Maybe we could watch it together."That would be nice, Jackie.
Joy H. wrote: "Werner wrote: "I've just done some research on Wikipedia, and the mystery of Mystery! is solved! Mystery!, which has NOT been cancelled, buys rights to movies and TV show episodes from a variety o..."I watched the entire Poirot series some time ago and all were good. They were on PBS at the time.
Nina wrote: "I watched the entire Poirot series some time ago and all were good. They were on PBS at the time."Nina, I can't believe I missed them. Now I have to catch up on them.
Relish today. Ketchup tomorrow. (Sorry. Couldn't help myself.) :-)
Glad you're OK and Sandy has gone but I heard from my friend in Detroit area it even did quite a bit of damage there. My granddaughter who is is Frane heard tht her house had only minimal damage; window blown out in basement and she is one block off Long Island Sound. Lucky house; lucky her.
Yes, Nina, I'd say that your granddaughter was very lucky indeed! It's sad to hear about so many people who lost their homes and those who lost their lives.
Coincidence: I had not heard of the author Jacquiline Windspear or her main character, Maisie Dobbs until a week ago when the woman sitting next to me on the plane from CA mentioned she thought I'd like her books. Then today the Goodreads message that came had her book advertised alongside the regular message. Tonight I am begining her book. Do any of you know of her?
Nina wrote: "Coincidence: I had not heard of the author Jacquiline Windspear or her main character, Maisie Dobbs until a week ago when the woman sitting next to me on the plane from CA mentioned she thought I'd..."Yes, Nina. I read the book, Maisie Dobbs. Below is a link to my review.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I enjoyed the story and the character.
P.S. I also read Winspear's Pardonable Lies. another "Maisie Dobbs" story. Here's the link to my review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Just watched Dark Shadows and it was good. From the commercials it looked like a full on comedy but it's not. Depp has some good one liners, but there's a story there. It's not scary like the TV show. Great 70s music too. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1077368/
We actually saw "Dark Shadows" in the movies. It was very good. Depp, as usual, made the show.
Oh yes, without Depp it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun. He's good in these offbeat roles he usually plays. And Eva Green was pretty damn good too. I'm really glad I watched it. I almost didn't. Sometimes Tim Burton gets a little too weird for me, (you know that's saying a lot, lol), so I wasn't sure what I was getting into but it's really a movie that almost anyone can enjoy.
Haven't seen "Dark Shadows". But I did watch (via streaming from Netflix) the film adaptation of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. I've always wondered what that play was all about! It's about time I found out! :) I have not read the book but now at least I know the storyline of this celebrated play.
The film (which came out in 1999) was long and a bit slow getting started but I was eventually drawn in. Charlotte Rampling was excellent. I enjoyed the background music by Tchaikovsky.
I can understand the sorrow of giving up one's home after many years of living there. It can be a heart-wrenching experience. The story resonated strongly with me since I've experienced it.
I'm looking forward to seeing the 2 film versions starring Judi Dench. Netflix has them available on a DVD. It will be interesting to compare the all performances.
See more at my review at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
My review has links and descriptions of the films.
BTW, Gerard Butler had a small part in the film version I watched. Alan Bates had a larger role.
I watched "Abe Lincoln: Vampire Slayer" over 3 days. Not terrible. Definitely a B movie, but it gave an interesting alternate explanation for the events in Lincoln's life. Kind of stupid, but fun.
Coincidence. I plan to go see the new "Lincoln" film with my sister this week. It's supposed to be excellent. Stars Daniel Day-Lewis. Here's a review: http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/...I sent the link to my sister. She wrote back: "TMI". LOL
Jackie wrote: "Too Much Information"Thanks, Jackie!
I have just finally seen "Prometheus"---nothing short of a masterpiece imo. Requires 2 or 3 viewings to get its full meaning, though. Well worth it!
I'd be interested in hearing what made Prometheus so good, Arnie. I must have missed a lot.
Arnie wrote: "I have just finally seen "Prometheus"---nothing short of a masterpiece imo. Requires 2 or 3 viewings to get its full meaning, though. Well worth it!"Arnie are you referring to the 2012 film?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446714/
Prometheus (I) (2012)
124 min - Adventure | Mystery | Sci-Fi
Ratings: 7.3/10 | Metascore: 65/100
"A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race."
Haven't seen it.
PS-About Prometheus, reviewer James Berardinelli says:=================================================
"Prometheus has a little too much going on. It's a story of big ideas and, as is often the case with movies designed to be about something, the human characters are marginalized. Even the best developed of them is a little two-dimensional and many of the secondary characters are defined only by recognizable traits. It's difficult to argue that any of the individuals in Prometheus has what could be considered a satisfying character arc."
...
"Whatever its pedigree, however, one thing is clear: Prometheus is the antithesis of the "big, dumb summer movie." Its visuals and special effects can stand toe-to-toe with any of the season's spectacles, but are audiences ready for something with an intelligent, thought-provoking screenplay where the action is secondary? Prometheus is flawed, but stupidity cannot be numbered among its missteps."
FROM: http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_t...
=================================================
PPS-ABOUT PROMETHEUS - From Wiki:===============================================
"In the Western classical tradition, Prometheus became a figure who represented human striving, particularly the quest for scientific knowledge, and the risk of overreaching or unintended consequences. In particular, he was regarded in the Romantic era as embodying the lone genius whose efforts to improve human existence could also result in tragedy."
================================================
Does this jive with the theme of the 2012 movie?
Yes. Prometheus is the name of the ship. The crew goes in search of our origins and find something unexpected and not in a good way. The movie has nothing to do with the mythological figure except in those metaphorical parallels.
Jackie, thanks for that info about the movie, Prometheus. One wonders how they arrive at these movie titles.
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