Tag: Movies

Movie reviews

Movie Review: “The Sting”

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Redford in tux and trench- WOW!!!  Sigh…

I just saw this 1973 buddy/crime movie today for the 1st time.  This film has a lot of twists and turns, but it’s basically about con men (in Chicago) who are trying to get revenge for the (unnecessary) death of an old friend, and making a LOT of cash.  The ending is VERY unexpected!

The draw was (of course) Paul Newman and Robert Redford.   I would watch them read the dictionary.  Frankly, I don’t think it’s FAIR to have two amazing, super-hot actors (like these guys) in ONE film b/c the audience doesn’t know who to look at when they’re in a scene together!

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It’s a fun film w/ upbeat music (from 1930s period) and great costumes (esp. those worn by Redford).  He looks GORGEOUS (as usual) and has terrific chemistry w/ Newman (who acts as a mentor in the film).  Redford has a lot of running, jumping, and hiding to do in this film, which is fun.

Below is a shirtless pic of Redford.  (Who wouldn’t want to see him shirtless!?)

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My fave P&P lines: Part 1

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I’ve been watching The Complete Jane Austen (PBS) lately, and Pride and Prejudice (or P&P as we say on the web) is showing this month.  IMHO this version (from 1995 w/ Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle) is one of the BEST TV shows/films!  Jane Eyre (2006) is pretty awesome too…  BTW- I learned a while back that Jennifer Ehle is an American (from NC, no less!!!) but trained as an actress in UK (just like Christopher Reeve). 

Here are some of my favorite lines from P&P:

“A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” -Lizzie after the fam 1st hears of Mr. Bingley arriving in their ‘hood

“…just be careful to make sure the man you fall in love with is rich!” -Lizzie jokes w/ Jane

“…my dear, they [your nerves] have been my constant companion these 20 years at least.” -Mr. Bennett to wife after Mrs. Bennett complains that he has no sympathy for her nerves- LOL!

“No!  You shall go on Nellie!” -Mrs. B. tells Jane she shall ride their old mare to Netherfield after Bingley’s sis invites her to dinner; the weather looks gloomy though!

“We  neither of us are willing to speak unless we are sure to amaze the entire room.”

-Lizzie to Mr. Darcy during their 1st dance

“Until there are enough [dance] partners to be found, we shall have to be philosphers.”

-Lizzie to her serious, bookish lil sis (Mary) at Lucas Lodge ball

“I have determined that only the deepest love will induce me to marry!” -Lizzie to Jane

“As for pride… where there is a real superiority of mind…” -Mr. Darcy to Lizzie re: his character

“…they [Lizzie’s eyes] were brightened by the exercise.” -Mr. D. to Caroline Bingley after Lizzie’s very long walk (3 miles!!!) to see a sick Jane at Netherfield

“Oh lord-  for he has threatened to dance with us all!” -Kitty to Lizzie re: Mr. Collins

“But before I am run away with emotion… let me state my reasons for marrying.” -Mr. C. to Lizzie in the (hilarious) proposal scene

To be continued next wk…

Update re: myself… and movies to (definitely) check out

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey all! 

I have been sick (yes, even after being pretty sick in October) since last Sunday!!!  Well, it wasn’t THAT bad last Sunday, but it quickly became worse… and worse… and worse.  I went to my local dr. on Wed p.m., and he said I have strep throat.   I got meds to take for 7 days, and am being v. careful re: rest, eating, and drinking (tea, water, o.j.).  I don’t have health insurance yet, so had to fork over $50 to doc!!!  Oh, also got flu shot (recommended if you work w/ kids).  Also, my mom (Happy B-day today!!!) said I should do some exercise and eat yogurt (since ppl on antibiotics need that).  My dad is moving (again) to Washington D.C. area today!  I heard he was a bit emotional b/c he has to live away from my mom and lil bro (yes, again)!     

Okay, on to the main topic of the day!  Recently, I’ve seen some AWESOME movies that y’all should check out (when you get time).  Last week, I saw Atonement over at Kaufman Astoria.  What can I say- it’s like being transported to another time/place (esp. in the last 30 mins. or so).  It’s terrific, but in an understated way!  I heard that the book is really about words (the importance of language) and imagination.  However, the movie was marketed more as a romance.  The director is young, but does NOT do anything too flashy w/ technique.  I REALLY enjoyed the jumps forward and backward in time (used to show the little girl’s perspective and then what REALLy happened).  On to the actors…

Well, many ppl know by now that James McAvoy is a FABULOUS actor (and at such a young age, too.)  His role perfectly suited him, his background, and natural abilities!  I thought is was a BIT weird that some people (mainly online) commented that he was NOT good-looking enough for them!  Okay, so he’s not the TRADITIONAL leading man, but his looks really suited his role, Robbie.  If you see him, even back in his TV days, you can tell there is a lot of commitment he gives to his characters.  Hmmm… how about Keira?

Keira Knightley is NOT as strong as James, or even Romola Garai (she’s the older Briony), but she has GROWN a lot over the yrs.  Sorry to Keira haters, but Cecilia is a good role for her- a young woman who is rich, reserved, sheltered, but v. strong on the inside (you’ll see the decision she makes after Robbie is put in jail).  Romola, looking very unglamorous, does a GREAT job in this film (as usual).  One of her co-stars from Amazing Grace plays a villain in the movie.

The little pre-teen girl in the movie did a TERRIFIC job!  The viewer was seeing a LOT of things through her eyes (later on through Romola’s and Vanessa Redgrave’s).  She had QUITE an imagination!  What I liked most about the movie was that SO many young actors (under 30) demonstarted that they could do serious work.  Also, there were no wild theatrics or action put in to distract from the 3 main characters struggles and hopes.  Honestly, that flash-bam stuff wouldn’t have fit in this film. 

I just saw (today) a little foreign (Russian) film- The Cuckoo.  It is from a FEW yrs. back and is also very character-driven.  The time is the tail end of WWII (1944) in a remote area of Finland.  There are 3 v. different ppl put in a situation where they need each other to survive: a young Finnish soldier, a middle-aged Russian capt., and a young widow.  The widow lives alone on a little farm (her hubby went off to war more than 4 yrs. back).  The woman saves BOTH their lives, and brings them to (eventually) live in peace.  They give her something v. precious (you’ll see at end of film- don’t wanna give it away!)  The odd thing- none of these characters speak the same language!  It is not needed b/c the issues in the film are universal.  Believe me, if you like smart, sweet, quirky films- you’ll LOVE this one! 

Directors

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My fave directors: Pedro Almodovar: This guy is a legend in his native Spain, and his films are unabashedly colorful, emotional, and well… out there (for many American viewers).  He can hook you in w/ his passion for his material, though, and the ride is worth it! Spike Lee: He’s colorful, bold (usu funny), and has his pulse on what is going on NOW; his characters (even the historical ones) pop off the screen b/c they are so easy to relate to; the music he chooses for his movies is always interesting as well.  The convos his characs have sound like REAL people, not movie people.  There is such a variety in this world, and he shows us a wide spectrum of black experiences, dreams, problems, etc. Mira Nair: She lives in-between many worlds, and her movies reflect the conflicts that generations of family members struggle with everyday.  How does what has come before affect someone today?  There is always a positive/hopeful thread woven in her films because most people (in the world) are trying to do the right thing.  John Sayles: He writes his movies as well, so that is a BIG advantage for those working w/ him; he loves to learn about communities (here and across the border in Latin America).  This guy does not use fancy camera tricks because his writing and character development are the focus.  His movies are about regular people and real issues (gentrification, international adoption, immigration, etc.)  

Bollywood movies and related stuff…

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey all! 

I’m not a HUGE fan of Bollywood, but I’ve watched a FEW movies in the last 3 years.  I’m sure some of you know about Lagaan and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.  I loved the songs and womens’ fashions in KKKG!  Another movie with great songs is Humraaz(kinda like A Perfect Murder.)  In fact, the director of that movie copied some shots directly from A Perfect Murder.     

My dad recently saw Swades and LOVED it!  I don’t know what it’s about or anything, but if you’re into popular Hindi (Bollywood) stuff, check it out.  My mom (who usually abhors Bollywood) REALLY liked Hum Tum (based on When Harry Met Sally).  Tonight, I saw Yuva– it has 3 interwoven stories involving 3 very different young couples.  It has Ajay Devgan (who I like somewhat) and Rani Mukherjee (who I really like).  Warning: Rani’s character is a TOTAL doormat.  You CAN’T take Bollywood too seriously… 

Ooh, a good movie w/ both Ajay and Rani is Chori Chori.  It has great scenery and cute dialogue.  CC reminded me a little of While You Were Sleeping b/c Rani plays a drifter who is welcomed into Ajay’s big, bubbly family (who all think she is his fiancee from the big city).  In truth, she just came to a country house he is building (Ajay’s an architect) b/c she has nowhere to stay!  Ajay already had a gf, but he doesn’t like her that much- LOL. 

I used to be against any such style of movie, but I suppose Bollywood has it’s place in the world.  Many country (rural) people LOVE these “popcorn” films- all fluff.  People somtimes ask: why are those movies SOOOOOO long?  Well, people want to sit inside a air-conditioned theater for as long as they can!  And let’s face it, the women of Bollywood (and a FEW of the men) are drop-dead gorgeous!  

I prefer stuff by Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair.  Also, I LOVE Nandita Das and Shabana Azmi, and want to see more of their films.  In 15 Park Avenue Shabana Azmi plays a complex, well-rounded character (unlike any I’ve seen for a woman her age).  Hell, there aren’t good roles written for middle-aged actresses here in the U.S.!  One actress who can pretty much play any part is Konkona Sen Sharma- she’s NOT self-conscious at all!  She takes on VERY challenging characters- you can’t see the acting.  She has done independent films (she’s in 15 Park Avenue), but does make a few appearances in Bollywood pics as well.  Amir Khan is making some meaningful pics as well…

Do you have any thoughts on this topic?  Let me know!