Have seen this movie once before, and really loved it.
It is an improbable plot and don't want to say too much about the plot, if you haven't seen the movie, it is a blast discovering the plot.
I love the scene in the airport when Sarah, (Jennifer Aniston) is briefing her fiancee, Jeff, (Mark Ruffalo) on how to talk to her father, Earl, (Richard Jenkins), who has an amazing depth in acting. The dialog in the rehearsal dinner is fantastic, I particularly adore the conversation between Sarah and Katharine, (Shirley MacLaine). During the toast, Earl lists the date he got married and since Jeff know her birthday, he says, "Your parents didn't waste much time", he points out the dates and it was a possibility she might have been pregnant when she was married, if not it had to happen within a few days of the wedding. Sarah decides she wants to know and decides her Aunt Mitsy, (Kathy Bates), would know. It is a bit part, she is an incredibly talented actress, remember Miss Sue in the Blind Side?
Sarah learns enough from Aunt Mitsy to know who the only possible love interest her mother could have other than her dad, she tracks him down. Beau Burroughs, (Kevin Costner), is giving a speech to a bunch of people that sound like venture capitalist. Some of the lines are pretty funny to a fellow techie and venture capitalist, my favorite is the conclusion of Beau's speech, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Internet isn't coming, it has arrived."
I love Beau's two most words he ever heard, "be present". I think I need to work on that. Can't say anymore than that or I will risk spoiling a plot that is meant to be enjoyed as it unfolds.
Parents, this movie probably is not suitable for children, it is primarily the conversations, there is no nudity, but there is a short scene which some folks would consider risque.
I am really glad to own the movie, and plan to watch it several times. There are some lines in the movie I want to commit to memory such as, "Life should be a little messy, otherwise it is just a bunch of Thursdays strung together".
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Jurassic Park 2 Lost World- 1997
I saw JP 1 in a theater, Kathy ended up leaving during the spitting dinosaurs scene. I checked out JP 2 from Blockbuster a long time ago. Had to watch it while Kathy was at women's Bible study. All I can remember is that I thought this was one of Ian's, (Jeff Goldblum), better performances and one of his lines. But then, he does get tossed some great lines.
The opening scene when the cute little girl meets the cute little dinosaur was really scary. The next scene in the house of John Hammond, (Richard Attenborough) bored me.
The preparation for the safari was kind of cool. There is some angst between Ian and his daughter, Kelly. She did not make her school's gymnastics team. The fictional Lindstradt air gun is way cool and very humane. Then they get to the also fictional island. The team has their first dinosaur encounter and one guy exclaims, this is fantastic and my favorite Ian line, (and the only one I remembered), ensues, "Oh yeah, oooh ah, that's how it starts, then later the running and screaming."
The arrival of the Imgen hunter posse team brings the dark element to the movie. I don't like them. Not against hunters and hunting, there are so many parts of the country that I am afraid to drive at dusk or dawn because of deers. If you think I am a chicken, wait till you hit one! So I am all for safe and compassionate hunting practices especially if deer are the prey.
I had a bit of cognitive dissonance with the baby tyrannosaur, would you bring one in your living facility knowing the parents would be looking for it. And it is hard to explain that they were just trying to fix the baby's leg to the parents.
Another great line from the movie happens when they are in the control center under attack from Velociraptors. Ian's daughter jumps out grabs onto a water pipe and starts spinning around like they do in gymnastics and then slams both feet into the raptor. Ian replies, "They cut you from the team?"
Need to be careful not to be a spoiler, but the scene in San Diego, while replete with all kinds of mayhem is kind of funny. My favorite line in that section, Sarah says, "How will we find the adult?" Ian replies, "Follow the screams."
Is this a great movie? Probably not. But I am glad I have it in the collection and will probably watch it again, but not often.
The opening scene when the cute little girl meets the cute little dinosaur was really scary. The next scene in the house of John Hammond, (Richard Attenborough) bored me.
The preparation for the safari was kind of cool. There is some angst between Ian and his daughter, Kelly. She did not make her school's gymnastics team. The fictional Lindstradt air gun is way cool and very humane. Then they get to the also fictional island. The team has their first dinosaur encounter and one guy exclaims, this is fantastic and my favorite Ian line, (and the only one I remembered), ensues, "Oh yeah, oooh ah, that's how it starts, then later the running and screaming."
The arrival of the Imgen hunter posse team brings the dark element to the movie. I don't like them. Not against hunters and hunting, there are so many parts of the country that I am afraid to drive at dusk or dawn because of deers. If you think I am a chicken, wait till you hit one! So I am all for safe and compassionate hunting practices especially if deer are the prey.
I had a bit of cognitive dissonance with the baby tyrannosaur, would you bring one in your living facility knowing the parents would be looking for it. And it is hard to explain that they were just trying to fix the baby's leg to the parents.
Another great line from the movie happens when they are in the control center under attack from Velociraptors. Ian's daughter jumps out grabs onto a water pipe and starts spinning around like they do in gymnastics and then slams both feet into the raptor. Ian replies, "They cut you from the team?"
Need to be careful not to be a spoiler, but the scene in San Diego, while replete with all kinds of mayhem is kind of funny. My favorite line in that section, Sarah says, "How will we find the adult?" Ian replies, "Follow the screams."
Is this a great movie? Probably not. But I am glad I have it in the collection and will probably watch it again, but not often.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Chicago - 2002
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have seen Chicago several times in the past and I love the movie. Love the way the movie opens with the jazz band. I have always enjoyed the jazz scene stretching from Chicago to New Orleans. The opening dance/music number All that jazz, with Velma Kelly, (Catherine Zeta-Jones) was fun to watch. The energy and complex dancing was awesome.
The second dance and singing number sets up a lot of the movie, and I enjoyed seeing the plot get established. Roxie Hart, (Renée Zellweger) who cheats on Amos had me strongly disliking her. I loved the scene right after they put her in the cell. The rhythm starts with a dripping water faucet and then moves into one of my favorite numbers in the movie, He had it coming. Very fun.
I loved the opening conversation between Roxie and Billy Flynn, (Richard Gere), which is quickly followed by the puppet scene which is full of little tidbits to look for if you have seen the movie a few times, (and yes, Richard Gere sings his own parts).
I know it is a musical and reality is suspended. But, Mr. Cellophane, always makes me a bit sad. I have even sung a few bars, for instance in restaurants when I can't get water or a check. I am guessing there is a bit of cellophane in all of us.
My favorite scene bar none is the razzle dazzle, (only slightly edging out He had it coming), especially the tap dance on the back end of it, that is also Richard Gere. Awesome.
Glad this movie is in the collection, have every intent of watching it again.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Caribe - 1987
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I had not seen this movie before, nor even heard of it. I found it in a second hand shop and the price was low enough that if it totally goes South, I could just put it in the trash.
Helen, (Kara Glover), looks like an Arquette. You have to give it violence points, not surprising, the main theme is arms smuggling. However, it was less violent than I expected.
The screenplay says it is in Belize. I like some of the scenery. It reminds me of a cross between Kauai and Cable Beach Australia. The waterfall and small boat scene was great.
I enjoyed the discussion between Helen and Jeff, (John Savage, British intelligence) up in the really cool ruined building on the top of the mountain which they call a pyramid.
And then reality is suspended :) the wood dugout canoe chases the motorized barge up the river. Next, Helen, an accountant, rigs a set of explosives like an expert. But the wick is noticed and put out. Next, the barge full of explosives catches on fire. big time, and does not explode. And Jeff gets shot two different times in the jungle, once in the shoulder the other in the leg, and lives even though he has no antiseptics. It was an OK section of the movie, but when it is not believable, it is hard to really ride in the adventure.
Favorite line in the movie, after Jeff is shot in the leg, has no weapons and tells Helen to run ahead and blow up the barge and he would stop the bad guy. Helen says, "oh yeah, what are you going to do, bite him in the knee".
Bottom line, to me this is a bit like holding McDonalds stock in 2013, it is OK, but there are better opportunities. Kathy says she would watch it again, I would prefer not to. I have a friend that is planning to move to Belize, maybe I can mail him the DVD.
I had not seen this movie before, nor even heard of it. I found it in a second hand shop and the price was low enough that if it totally goes South, I could just put it in the trash.
Helen, (Kara Glover), looks like an Arquette. You have to give it violence points, not surprising, the main theme is arms smuggling. However, it was less violent than I expected.
The screenplay says it is in Belize. I like some of the scenery. It reminds me of a cross between Kauai and Cable Beach Australia. The waterfall and small boat scene was great.
I enjoyed the discussion between Helen and Jeff, (John Savage, British intelligence) up in the really cool ruined building on the top of the mountain which they call a pyramid.
And then reality is suspended :) the wood dugout canoe chases the motorized barge up the river. Next, Helen, an accountant, rigs a set of explosives like an expert. But the wick is noticed and put out. Next, the barge full of explosives catches on fire. big time, and does not explode. And Jeff gets shot two different times in the jungle, once in the shoulder the other in the leg, and lives even though he has no antiseptics. It was an OK section of the movie, but when it is not believable, it is hard to really ride in the adventure.
Favorite line in the movie, after Jeff is shot in the leg, has no weapons and tells Helen to run ahead and blow up the barge and he would stop the bad guy. Helen says, "oh yeah, what are you going to do, bite him in the knee".
Bottom line, to me this is a bit like holding McDonalds stock in 2013, it is OK, but there are better opportunities. Kathy says she would watch it again, I would prefer not to. I have a friend that is planning to move to Belize, maybe I can mail him the DVD.
Hackers - 1995
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have seen this movie several times, when you are in the business of cyber security it is always fun to be able to insert a quote from the movie into a conversation. This was the third movie that was on the Angela Jolie and the main reason I bought the DVD. The other two were Love is all there is and Original sin.
I had to smile when the movie opened saying Seattle 1998, I am in the Seattle area :). When the storm troopers run into the house, I had to laugh, soon as they are in the door they are shouting "upstairs". Really? You can tell from a modem what floor it is on? I certainly never learned that.
Of course the movie is a bit dated, but the social engineering in the second scene of the movie was awesome and just as valid to day as it was then. And dumpster diving, (looking for sensitive information that has not been shredded), is just as effective today. There are also some tibits that are very far reaching, "The FBI has files on 20 million people"; close. "You need an army, an electronic army".
I had forgotten how Dade, (Jonny Lee Miller), was so cynical with his mother, I didn't like that. I understand what they are trying to do from a plot perspective, but I found myself identifying more with his long suffering mother than Dade when the two of them are talking in the apartment in New York. In fact, I was amazed at how many of the details I had forgotten.
I really enjoyed the interplay between Dade and Kate, (Angelina Jolie). I thought the hacking contest to harass FBI Agent Richard Gill was very well done.
And love the ending though I have no intention of being a spoiler.
I have seen this movie several times, when you are in the business of cyber security it is always fun to be able to insert a quote from the movie into a conversation. This was the third movie that was on the Angela Jolie and the main reason I bought the DVD. The other two were Love is all there is and Original sin.
I had to smile when the movie opened saying Seattle 1998, I am in the Seattle area :). When the storm troopers run into the house, I had to laugh, soon as they are in the door they are shouting "upstairs". Really? You can tell from a modem what floor it is on? I certainly never learned that.
Of course the movie is a bit dated, but the social engineering in the second scene of the movie was awesome and just as valid to day as it was then. And dumpster diving, (looking for sensitive information that has not been shredded), is just as effective today. There are also some tibits that are very far reaching, "The FBI has files on 20 million people"; close. "You need an army, an electronic army".
I had forgotten how Dade, (Jonny Lee Miller), was so cynical with his mother, I didn't like that. I understand what they are trying to do from a plot perspective, but I found myself identifying more with his long suffering mother than Dade when the two of them are talking in the apartment in New York. In fact, I was amazed at how many of the details I had forgotten.
I really enjoyed the interplay between Dade and Kate, (Angelina Jolie). I thought the hacking contest to harass FBI Agent Richard Gill was very well done.
And love the ending though I have no intention of being a spoiler.
Original Sin - 2001
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
Our neighbor was in the hospital and is in a rehabilitation center for a couple of weeks. He called and asked is there was mail in his mailbox; it was so full I filled a Trader Joe's shopping bag with the contents. Today we drove up to Enumclaw to deliver the mail. On the way back we stopped at Buckley, and there was a second hand store. We found they had DVDs for $3.00 and one of them was Angelina Jolie movie collection with three movies. Kathy and I already watched Love is all there is.
I had not seen this movie before or read about the plot. I now know this is a remake of Mississippi Mermaid - 1969.
Loved the opening scene, they are an arranged marriage, (hope that is the right term, she appears to be a mail order bride). The have both lied in their letters to one another, but the logic in both cases is reasonable. However, Julia AKA Bonny, (Angelina Jolie), says something that ignites my curiosity, "we have something in common, we both can't be trusted".
Early on I start to sense this will be a dark film. When Luis, (Antonia Banderas), signs over this bank accounts to Julia, I was immediately concerned. To put it simply, it is clear this is not going to be a comedy.
The movie is sad and it is gripping. If is also a reminder of the importance to be careful in relationships. However, it does explore the idea of total commitment and love.
Parents, there is nudity,violence etc in this film. I would not show it to my kids. I doubt seriously I will watch the movie again, but it certainly is suspenseful.
Our neighbor was in the hospital and is in a rehabilitation center for a couple of weeks. He called and asked is there was mail in his mailbox; it was so full I filled a Trader Joe's shopping bag with the contents. Today we drove up to Enumclaw to deliver the mail. On the way back we stopped at Buckley, and there was a second hand store. We found they had DVDs for $3.00 and one of them was Angelina Jolie movie collection with three movies. Kathy and I already watched Love is all there is.
I had not seen this movie before or read about the plot. I now know this is a remake of Mississippi Mermaid - 1969.
Loved the opening scene, they are an arranged marriage, (hope that is the right term, she appears to be a mail order bride). The have both lied in their letters to one another, but the logic in both cases is reasonable. However, Julia AKA Bonny, (Angelina Jolie), says something that ignites my curiosity, "we have something in common, we both can't be trusted".
Early on I start to sense this will be a dark film. When Luis, (Antonia Banderas), signs over this bank accounts to Julia, I was immediately concerned. To put it simply, it is clear this is not going to be a comedy.
The movie is sad and it is gripping. If is also a reminder of the importance to be careful in relationships. However, it does explore the idea of total commitment and love.
Parents, there is nudity,violence etc in this film. I would not show it to my kids. I doubt seriously I will watch the movie again, but it certainly is suspenseful.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Love is all there is - 1996
This blog post is not a review or a plot description there are plenty of those, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I had not seen the movie before and didn't know anything about the plot line. It was a a far piece into the movie when I finally figured where they were taking the movie.
I loved the opening. The narration is very well done. Listen carefully to the opening, she says "subtle" in a way we used as an inside joke.
Some of the outfits Sadie and Mona are wearing in the beginning are just a scream, clearly the folks putting this on have a sense of humor. The naked candles were another hilarious touch. The interplay between Sadie, (Lainie Kazan, from Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Mona, (Renee Taylor, who co-wrote the script and plays the psychic.
The movie does make me laugh. It is not the funniest thing I have ever seen, in fact it gets a bit slow from time to time. That said, I love remakes of the great themes, I think I have five or six Camelot/King Arthur films and three Robin Hoods. It never occurred to me someone would attempt a comedy version of the Romeo and Juliet.
There are some great dialog scenes in the kitchen catering that is a high point of the movie. If you liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you might like this. If you are Italian, you probably will enjoy the movie.
We paid $3.00 at a second hand shop for a 3 movie DVD with Angela Jolie, this was one of them. I think I will watch it again. Oh, by the way, some of the reviews say there is nudity in the film. Not to say they are wrong, but I sure did not see any. However, there is a sense of pre-marital sex that parents should be aware of.
I had not seen the movie before and didn't know anything about the plot line. It was a a far piece into the movie when I finally figured where they were taking the movie.
I loved the opening. The narration is very well done. Listen carefully to the opening, she says "subtle" in a way we used as an inside joke.
Some of the outfits Sadie and Mona are wearing in the beginning are just a scream, clearly the folks putting this on have a sense of humor. The naked candles were another hilarious touch. The interplay between Sadie, (Lainie Kazan, from Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Mona, (Renee Taylor, who co-wrote the script and plays the psychic.
The movie does make me laugh. It is not the funniest thing I have ever seen, in fact it gets a bit slow from time to time. That said, I love remakes of the great themes, I think I have five or six Camelot/King Arthur films and three Robin Hoods. It never occurred to me someone would attempt a comedy version of the Romeo and Juliet.
There are some great dialog scenes in the kitchen catering that is a high point of the movie. If you liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you might like this. If you are Italian, you probably will enjoy the movie.
We paid $3.00 at a second hand shop for a 3 movie DVD with Angela Jolie, this was one of them. I think I will watch it again. Oh, by the way, some of the reviews say there is nudity in the film. Not to say they are wrong, but I sure did not see any. However, there is a sense of pre-marital sex that parents should be aware of.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Cocacola Kid - 1985
I love this movie. There are some inappropriate scenes, but I taught classes for SANS over ten times in Australia and this maps to ground truth in many ways. This movie quite fairly makes fun of the US and I think of Coca Cola corp as well. The interplay between Eric Roberts and Greta Scacchi is all smiles.
Appreciate the opening scene when they are spraying the plane after it has landed to eliminate bugs. They really did used to do that. Kathy and I have been sprayed. Fantastic choice of the first office scene with the Sydney opera house in the background.
A US marine, coming down to change sodapop drinking habits in rural Australia is a recipe for humor, (and heartbreak). I enjoy seeing him be kind to Greta's daughter at the copy machine.
The first visit to Anderson valley is a gas. A bunch of surprises. Can't say one is above another, but even after viewing the movie multiple times, I smile on that series of scenes.
I am very glad to have this one in our library. In fact, this is the second copy. This movie is not for everyone, but Kathy and I were in Australia in the late 90s and we sort of "get it".
Appreciate the opening scene when they are spraying the plane after it has landed to eliminate bugs. They really did used to do that. Kathy and I have been sprayed. Fantastic choice of the first office scene with the Sydney opera house in the background.
A US marine, coming down to change sodapop drinking habits in rural Australia is a recipe for humor, (and heartbreak). I enjoy seeing him be kind to Greta's daughter at the copy machine.
The first visit to Anderson valley is a gas. A bunch of surprises. Can't say one is above another, but even after viewing the movie multiple times, I smile on that series of scenes.
I am very glad to have this one in our library. In fact, this is the second copy. This movie is not for everyone, but Kathy and I were in Australia in the late 90s and we sort of "get it".
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Ghostbusters - 1984
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have seen this movie many times before, and was in the mood for a laugh, so I stuck it in the player.
I forwarded it to the scene where Dana Barrett, (Sigourney Weaver), comes to the firehouse to talk about her kitchen. The earlier scenes do a fine job of casting Peter Venkman, (Bill Murray), as a creep, and there are some funny scenes, but for me the rest of the movie is funnier than the beginning.
I picked up a bit more about the interplay between Dana and Peter this time. But really enjoyed the scene where Dana is overtaken by Zuul.
This time I noticed some of the special effects are a bit dated, doesn't lessen my enjoyment, but it shows how much they have progressed over the years.
For me, it is still a hoot after probably 15 different viewings. I am glad it is in the library and I am certain, that I would enjoy seeing it again.
Gran Tourino - 2008
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have never seen this movie before. Walt Kowalski, (Clint Eastwood) is a combat veteran and a very cynical person. I suppose the intent is to have us not like the character, but I have seen him as a grumpy, dangerous person before and I kind of like the way he plays the role. I can almost hear him say, "Do you feel lucky punk".
I enjoyed seeing him stand up to the first gang with an M1 Garand and the second, with an M911A1. I love all the dialogs between Walt and Sue, (Ahney Her), his neighbor that ignores all the slights and dishes them right back. He has a similar relationship with his barber. Kind of reminds me of Grumpy Old Men.
I felt serious empathy with the relationship between Walt and the young boy next door, Thao, (Bee Vang), that they are trying to induct into a local gang. I loved the "I take the top or I'm out of here" line where Thao finally shows some pluck. That warmed my heart.
By the time we get to the barber ship scene where Walt and Martin teaching Thao, "man talk", I am really loving the movie and the interplay. To be honest I did not expect it to be either heart warming or funny, that is in between scenes of violence.
I don't like spoilers, but I will say that the movies packages its ending up very well. I am glad this one in in our library and will look forward to seeing this again.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Leap Year - 2010
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
This is going to be short. I have seen this movie before and love it. It is a romantic comedy and the first 1/3 of the movie is disaster after disaster. I would have a cardiac. But it is funny and having seen the movie before, makes the craziness less stressful, in fact, downright enjoyable. I call this type of movie a "hockey stick"; learned the term from Dr. Eric Cole, a SANS Instructor. He is also the primary author of SANS' flagship course, SEC 401, Security Essentials, which is a tough course to maintain; ask me how I know, *smile*.
Think about the Nike Swoosh. From left to right it goes down, then hits bottom and works its way up. For me, the bottom is just before the bed and breakfast scenes. Now there will still be twists and turns, (lots of them), but they start to move up.
Eric taught me that any presentation to senior management should include a hockey stick, "We encountered some difficulties then made some adjustments to turn things around and now we are not only on the road to recovery, but we see an opportunity for further improvement ahead.
Well this is the hockey stick of love and it is a well done presentation. I treasure the scenery, the interplay and when the bus and coffee scene happens, I find I am rooting for the couple and the movie even throws in a romantic song. By the time they get to Dublin, I am really rooting for them. One of the things I like about the movie is how it depicts marriage, so many long time couples are in the movie, loved the kissing scene at the B&B.
I am deeply thankful to have this movie in our library and certainly intend to watch it again.
This is going to be short. I have seen this movie before and love it. It is a romantic comedy and the first 1/3 of the movie is disaster after disaster. I would have a cardiac. But it is funny and having seen the movie before, makes the craziness less stressful, in fact, downright enjoyable. I call this type of movie a "hockey stick"; learned the term from Dr. Eric Cole, a SANS Instructor. He is also the primary author of SANS' flagship course, SEC 401, Security Essentials, which is a tough course to maintain; ask me how I know, *smile*.
Think about the Nike Swoosh. From left to right it goes down, then hits bottom and works its way up. For me, the bottom is just before the bed and breakfast scenes. Now there will still be twists and turns, (lots of them), but they start to move up.
Eric taught me that any presentation to senior management should include a hockey stick, "We encountered some difficulties then made some adjustments to turn things around and now we are not only on the road to recovery, but we see an opportunity for further improvement ahead.
Well this is the hockey stick of love and it is a well done presentation. I treasure the scenery, the interplay and when the bus and coffee scene happens, I find I am rooting for the couple and the movie even throws in a romantic song. By the time they get to Dublin, I am really rooting for them. One of the things I like about the movie is how it depicts marriage, so many long time couples are in the movie, loved the kissing scene at the B&B.
I am deeply thankful to have this movie in our library and certainly intend to watch it again.
Green Mile - 1999
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have not seen this or even read about it. For some reason, I thought was a war movie. I loved the way the older man in the nursing home, Paul Edgecomb (Dabbs Greer), gets out and walks, it grabs my attention and I want to know more.
The TV scene at night with all the residents of the home was interesting. The men are all on our left, women on the right, while Paul is sitting next to Elaine.
I really enjoyed the scene when young Paul, (Tom Hanks) first meets John Coffey, a giant of a man. Unlike the last movie I watched, Vanilla Skies, this one is making sense, and a genuine plot is emerging.
The mouse scene really cracked me up. When I was in college I was sharing a huge apartment with four other guys. One of them was not the tidiest guy in the world, in fact Chip's bedroom looked a lot like the storage room in the prison where the mouse would disappear. One day, a mouse came into our apartment. We were chasing it hoping to put back in the wild area, (our apartment was next to the Rappahannock river). Any way, we weren't able to catch the mouse and he made it into Chip's room, we all looked at one another and shrugged. Funny thing is we never did see the mouse in our apartment again.
The mouse in the movie does come back and in more than one way than one.
The execution chamber scene was really tough. The movie makes really easy to dislike Percy, (Doug Hutchinson), dude is messed up.
Things take an interesting turn after that. The plot still remains on track, but the character interactions continue to deepen and I keep getting sucked in. For ten years of my life I was an active member of a Kairos prison ministry team. It is fascinating, the first time you go in, they are all really big and scary. Then you start to get to know them. And you get to watch their interactions with each other. Prison or not, people form relationships and over time and through shared experience they deepen. I find I am happy when the good guys score and quietly cheer when the really bad people have really bad things happen to them.
The I'm tired speech really hit me between the eyes, I could completely empathize with John. The last 4th of the movie really pulls you in.
This is the part where I stop, it seems to be a good movie though a bit sad. But then, death row in the 1930s is going to have a lot of sadness; I think the actors and directors all handled it well. I really appreciated the touch Tom Hanks put into his character.
I am glad this movie is in my library and fully expect to watch it again.
I have not seen this or even read about it. For some reason, I thought was a war movie. I loved the way the older man in the nursing home, Paul Edgecomb (Dabbs Greer), gets out and walks, it grabs my attention and I want to know more.
The TV scene at night with all the residents of the home was interesting. The men are all on our left, women on the right, while Paul is sitting next to Elaine.
I really enjoyed the scene when young Paul, (Tom Hanks) first meets John Coffey, a giant of a man. Unlike the last movie I watched, Vanilla Skies, this one is making sense, and a genuine plot is emerging.
The mouse scene really cracked me up. When I was in college I was sharing a huge apartment with four other guys. One of them was not the tidiest guy in the world, in fact Chip's bedroom looked a lot like the storage room in the prison where the mouse would disappear. One day, a mouse came into our apartment. We were chasing it hoping to put back in the wild area, (our apartment was next to the Rappahannock river). Any way, we weren't able to catch the mouse and he made it into Chip's room, we all looked at one another and shrugged. Funny thing is we never did see the mouse in our apartment again.
The mouse in the movie does come back and in more than one way than one.
The execution chamber scene was really tough. The movie makes really easy to dislike Percy, (Doug Hutchinson), dude is messed up.
Things take an interesting turn after that. The plot still remains on track, but the character interactions continue to deepen and I keep getting sucked in. For ten years of my life I was an active member of a Kairos prison ministry team. It is fascinating, the first time you go in, they are all really big and scary. Then you start to get to know them. And you get to watch their interactions with each other. Prison or not, people form relationships and over time and through shared experience they deepen. I find I am happy when the good guys score and quietly cheer when the really bad people have really bad things happen to them.
The I'm tired speech really hit me between the eyes, I could completely empathize with John. The last 4th of the movie really pulls you in.
This is the part where I stop, it seems to be a good movie though a bit sad. But then, death row in the 1930s is going to have a lot of sadness; I think the actors and directors all handled it well. I really appreciated the touch Tom Hanks put into his character.
I am glad this movie is in my library and fully expect to watch it again.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Vanilla Skies - 2001
This blog post is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
This is my first time to see this movie. In the beginning of the movie I empathized with David, (Tom Cruise). I can remember when I would pick the grey hairs from my beard, like fast cars, and also have a Mustang GT 5.0. I was also a sleep deprived senior executive that didn't fit the mold.
The near accident scared the heck out of me.
By the time we get to the birthday party I was totally confused. When he chose to pick up
Brian Shelby's girl, Sofia Serrano (Penélope Cruz), I found myself not liking David anymore. The Cameron Dias car off the bridge scene was pretty strange and now I don't know what I feel. Actually thinking about turning the movie off.
The next few scenes are an emotional roller coaster for me, do I like David? No. I understand that he has been through a lot, but the movie starts to get to be painful to watch and listen to. Nothing like what David had to go though, but I have had some significant setbacks of late and yet try to be graceful to those around me.
Not going to go any further into the plot, but reality can sometimes be elusive. Will this stay in the library? I simply do not know, Kathy said it best, this is a strange movie.
This is my first time to see this movie. In the beginning of the movie I empathized with David, (Tom Cruise). I can remember when I would pick the grey hairs from my beard, like fast cars, and also have a Mustang GT 5.0. I was also a sleep deprived senior executive that didn't fit the mold.
The near accident scared the heck out of me.
By the time we get to the birthday party I was totally confused. When he chose to pick up
Brian Shelby's girl, Sofia Serrano (Penélope Cruz), I found myself not liking David anymore. The Cameron Dias car off the bridge scene was pretty strange and now I don't know what I feel. Actually thinking about turning the movie off.
The next few scenes are an emotional roller coaster for me, do I like David? No. I understand that he has been through a lot, but the movie starts to get to be painful to watch and listen to. Nothing like what David had to go though, but I have had some significant setbacks of late and yet try to be graceful to those around me.
Not going to go any further into the plot, but reality can sometimes be elusive. Will this stay in the library? I simply do not know, Kathy said it best, this is a strange movie.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Magic of Belle Island - 2012
The is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have seen this movie once before, but I can't remember anything about it. I do know I enjoy watching movies with Morgan Freeman, he is one of my favorite actors.
Monte Wildhorn, (Morgan Freeman), was great, so it the story. I laughed, felt good, and even cried. I tried to figure out which of the Belle Islands this movie referred to, never did succeed. While trying to look it up, I found that the movie was filmed at Greenwood lake in New York.
As the movie opens, Henry, Monte's nephew is driving him to the isle. The first ten minutes have some touching moments, some fun such as Charlotte standing on the roof wetting it down, there was a fire on the other side of the lake. Henry says, There's something you do not see every day, a beautiful woman on a roof. Charlotte saying, "Girls its not polite to stare" and then they all resumed staring at Monte as he heads up the ramp after arriving at the lakefront cottage. As I write this, I am writing from a lake house and lake living has been a part of my since I was a boy, seeing the lake scenes. was very nostalgic for me.
As much as I like Morgan Freeman, it is hard to like Monte, he is such a grumpy guy. When I first saw Charlotte O'Neil, (Virginia Madsen ) in her strategic location next door to Monte, I found myself wondering is there was a possibility of a deep friendship, or even love, (after all age difference means what to who?). Though have to say, the first time they met, Monte did everything he could to alienate her.
Monte is watching his neighbor on the opposite side of the house play basketball and drop with what I think is a massive heart attack. Monte says, "That is why I always refrain from any sort of exercise."
As the movie progressives Monte starts to develop some relationships and mellow out and I start to like him. In particular I loved his talks with Ringo, er, uh Spot, the labrador he is taking care of.
The relationship between Monte and Finnegan is my favorite. They do have a special bonding and it is touching. The angry Finnegan approached by Monte is a wonderful scene and leads to a stronger appreciation for both characters. I start to feel a happy ending is within the realm of possible futures.
Not going to talk about some more scenes, but the movie is incredibly touching, they take us through the range of emotions and keep unveiling new plot bits.
I am thankful to have this movie in my lakehouse library and I want to see it several times in the months to come.
I have seen this movie once before, but I can't remember anything about it. I do know I enjoy watching movies with Morgan Freeman, he is one of my favorite actors.
Monte Wildhorn, (Morgan Freeman), was great, so it the story. I laughed, felt good, and even cried. I tried to figure out which of the Belle Islands this movie referred to, never did succeed. While trying to look it up, I found that the movie was filmed at Greenwood lake in New York.
As the movie opens, Henry, Monte's nephew is driving him to the isle. The first ten minutes have some touching moments, some fun such as Charlotte standing on the roof wetting it down, there was a fire on the other side of the lake. Henry says, There's something you do not see every day, a beautiful woman on a roof. Charlotte saying, "Girls its not polite to stare" and then they all resumed staring at Monte as he heads up the ramp after arriving at the lakefront cottage. As I write this, I am writing from a lake house and lake living has been a part of my since I was a boy, seeing the lake scenes. was very nostalgic for me.
As much as I like Morgan Freeman, it is hard to like Monte, he is such a grumpy guy. When I first saw Charlotte O'Neil, (Virginia Madsen ) in her strategic location next door to Monte, I found myself wondering is there was a possibility of a deep friendship, or even love, (after all age difference means what to who?). Though have to say, the first time they met, Monte did everything he could to alienate her.
Willow Tree, (Madeline Carroll), the oldest of Charlotte's daughters, shows up very early in the movie. She is your classic disaffected teen permanently attached to her smart phone. I suppose that I have a bias against rude teenage girls. One of my close friends and his wife came to visit us, (we have guests quite often, seeing as we live at a beach when we are not living on a lake). Anyway, they had one of these rude teens in tow and it was amazing how uncomfortable she could make us feel. But, Willow had her first, but not last, moment of decency and that was a turning point for Monte.
Monte is watching his neighbor on the opposite side of the house play basketball and drop with what I think is a massive heart attack. Monte says, "That is why I always refrain from any sort of exercise."
As the movie progressives Monte starts to develop some relationships and mellow out and I start to like him. In particular I loved his talks with Ringo, er, uh Spot, the labrador he is taking care of.
The relationship between Monte and Finnegan is my favorite. They do have a special bonding and it is touching. The angry Finnegan approached by Monte is a wonderful scene and leads to a stronger appreciation for both characters. I start to feel a happy ending is within the realm of possible futures.
Not going to talk about some more scenes, but the movie is incredibly touching, they take us through the range of emotions and keep unveiling new plot bits.
I am thankful to have this movie in my lakehouse library and I want to see it several times in the months to come.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Minority Report - 2002
The is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
In the opening scene, they are working in their very high tech office. I gotta get me a workstation like that! I also love their removable media!
They are working furiously to locate a man about to commit murder. Finally they mobilize in high tech flying machines, the movie does a great job of building suspense. I have seen this movie once before, but still felt the intensity.
After the first four scenes, Captain John Anderton (Tom Cruise). is still a mystery to me. Do I like him? I think I like him more than the opposite, but there are so many mysteries.
The interaction between Anderton and the precog had plenty of startle factor.
Now we learn the system is not perfect. I had been thinking the FBI guy, ( that I thought was a jerk), when he questioned the integrity of the system,turned out to be right. The system, in terms of computers and network, may be perfect or nearly so. But as the FBI agent said, its the people, the flaws in just about everything. The stunt with the cars was pretty intense, but I was pretty sure he would not fall to his death, they need to chase him for a while I suspect.
The intense stunts, action, and Aderton's ability to improvise against overwhelming odds remind me of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
The deadly plants scene is the last one to reflect on, I never get comfortable with moving plants that can poison or cut. And in the greenhouse, he learns about his one chance not to get put-away with pre murder.
I doubt I will watch this as often as Mama Mia, or Overboard, but I glad this is in my library and expect to see it again some time.
In the opening scene, they are working in their very high tech office. I gotta get me a workstation like that! I also love their removable media!
They are working furiously to locate a man about to commit murder. Finally they mobilize in high tech flying machines, the movie does a great job of building suspense. I have seen this movie once before, but still felt the intensity.
After the first four scenes, Captain John Anderton (Tom Cruise). is still a mystery to me. Do I like him? I think I like him more than the opposite, but there are so many mysteries.
The interaction between Anderton and the precog had plenty of startle factor.
Now we learn the system is not perfect. I had been thinking the FBI guy, ( that I thought was a jerk), when he questioned the integrity of the system,turned out to be right. The system, in terms of computers and network, may be perfect or nearly so. But as the FBI agent said, its the people, the flaws in just about everything. The stunt with the cars was pretty intense, but I was pretty sure he would not fall to his death, they need to chase him for a while I suspect.
The intense stunts, action, and Aderton's ability to improvise against overwhelming odds remind me of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
The deadly plants scene is the last one to reflect on, I never get comfortable with moving plants that can poison or cut. And in the greenhouse, he learns about his one chance not to get put-away with pre murder.
I doubt I will watch this as often as Mama Mia, or Overboard, but I glad this is in my library and expect to see it again some time.
Take the lead - 2006
The is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I enjoy watching Antonio Banderas, he has an incredible range of roles he can play intently. Kathy and I have seen this movie before. In this movie he is an accomplished dance instructor and the calmest most patient person I can imagine. Kathy was a teacher in an inner-city school teacher, so we empathized with the plot.
I am not going to make any attempt at the names of the students in detention. In the opening scene where we had the angry high school student with the ticket to the dance and they would not let him in, I felt for him and the social injustice, but then he took matters in his own hands. I served with Kairos, a prison ministry group for a number of years and can't tell you how many times I was speaking with an inmate that said, "I just made a mistake". Throughout the movie he has several opportunities to "make a mistake", but largely avoids serious legal problems.
He is patient through the gaining trust phase with inner city high school students and I would begin to wonder if he was ever going to get through to the students. Since I have seen the movie multiple times, this was a bit boring for me and I read my email waiting for the scene where he does the tango with the gorgeous, but somewhat bitchy blond pro dancer. Even though I have seen the movie before, it is still an emotional roller coaster, you are impressed with her skill and performance and then in one verbal comment, I no longer empathize with her. But it was surely enough for a state change with the students.
I enjoy watching Antonio Banderas, he has an incredible range of roles he can play intently. Kathy and I have seen this movie before. In this movie he is an accomplished dance instructor and the calmest most patient person I can imagine. Kathy was a teacher in an inner-city school teacher, so we empathized with the plot.
I am not going to make any attempt at the names of the students in detention. In the opening scene where we had the angry high school student with the ticket to the dance and they would not let him in, I felt for him and the social injustice, but then he took matters in his own hands. I served with Kairos, a prison ministry group for a number of years and can't tell you how many times I was speaking with an inmate that said, "I just made a mistake". Throughout the movie he has several opportunities to "make a mistake", but largely avoids serious legal problems.
He is patient through the gaining trust phase with inner city high school students and I would begin to wonder if he was ever going to get through to the students. Since I have seen the movie multiple times, this was a bit boring for me and I read my email waiting for the scene where he does the tango with the gorgeous, but somewhat bitchy blond pro dancer. Even though I have seen the movie before, it is still an emotional roller coaster, you are impressed with her skill and performance and then in one verbal comment, I no longer empathize with her. But it was surely enough for a state change with the students.
Pierre Dulaine, (Antonio Banderas), is now getting through to his dance students, ( also known as detention, because that is why they are there). I loved the way they move to the conclusion, little subplots add dynamic tension right up to the end when Rock arrives after the competition waltz has already begun to dance with LaRhette.
NOTE: In real life Pierre's program "Dancing Classrooms" continues to expand. We just closed on the sale of our house in Richmond VA and they were trying a kickstarter campaign to get the program started in the local area:
http://rvanews.com/entertainment/ballroom-dancing-making-a-difference-in-richmond-public-schools
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
While you were sleeping - 1995
The is not a review or a plot description, this is a record of how the movie made me feel.
I have seen this movie multiple times and love it and am a real Sandra Bullock fan as well. After the dramatic rescue where Lucy, (Sandra Bullock), jumps on the subway tracks to help Peter, (Peter Gallagher), who is thrown from the subway and is unconscious on the tracks. Lucy had managed to develop a crush on Peter who does not know she exists. I find I am rooting for Lucy and also quite aware that being with an unconscious man on an active train track is a bit scary.
They avoid getting crushed by the train. And at the hospital the drama begins, a rumor gets started that she is his finance and while she was careful about what she said, she did not stop the story. I feel conflicted, oh my this is not going to work out well.
In the deliver the furniture scene, Lucy and Jack, (Peter's brother played by Bill Pullman), take a long walk together and while we still have to conflict coming when Peter wakes up, I find myself rooting for the potential the couple has.
This is a comedy and the funniest exchanges are between Lucy and her boss Jerry. Kathy and I could not keep from laughing when they had their exchanges.
They do a great job of keeping the dynamic tension up until almost the very end. When Peter was willing to accept any and everything, I felt bored really, I think they could have eliminated that scene.
I do not want to go any farther for fear of spoiling the ending for anyone that has not seen the movie.
I have seen this movie multiple times and love it and am a real Sandra Bullock fan as well. After the dramatic rescue where Lucy, (Sandra Bullock), jumps on the subway tracks to help Peter, (Peter Gallagher), who is thrown from the subway and is unconscious on the tracks. Lucy had managed to develop a crush on Peter who does not know she exists. I find I am rooting for Lucy and also quite aware that being with an unconscious man on an active train track is a bit scary.
They avoid getting crushed by the train. And at the hospital the drama begins, a rumor gets started that she is his finance and while she was careful about what she said, she did not stop the story. I feel conflicted, oh my this is not going to work out well.
In the deliver the furniture scene, Lucy and Jack, (Peter's brother played by Bill Pullman), take a long walk together and while we still have to conflict coming when Peter wakes up, I find myself rooting for the potential the couple has.
This is a comedy and the funniest exchanges are between Lucy and her boss Jerry. Kathy and I could not keep from laughing when they had their exchanges.
They do a great job of keeping the dynamic tension up until almost the very end. When Peter was willing to accept any and everything, I felt bored really, I think they could have eliminated that scene.
I do not want to go any farther for fear of spoiling the ending for anyone that has not seen the movie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)