Down In The Mouth About Downton

HeloooooOooooo?

Am I the only one moping over here accross the pond & who's down in the mouth about

Downton Abbey

not beginning in the States until January 2013?

I have to admit,

usually I don't act much like a pouty person...

HOWEVER,

I AM pouty about this obvious rift in all that is good and holy about the BBC/PBS!

Oh the torture of it all...

...

I will be here,

moping.

Awaiting Downton...

patiently....

as much as is possible.

Hurumph.

 T.

xx

Movie Night Library...Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland is one of my all time favorite movies...Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet deliver some of their greatest performances in this small budget old fashioned film. Set in turn of the last century London, England; this film is about a man named Mr. Barrie. He is a man trapped in a loveless relationship and failing career. As his life seems to be spiraling downward, he meets a gaggle of rambunctious boys and their widowed mother. That is where the story really begins!

Sometimes we all need a little help with igniting our passions....Mr. Barrie needed a little help in the imagination department. Hanging out with a group of adventursome boys and their encouraging mother, Mr. Barrie finds his muse...his Peter Pan.

If you haven't seen this movie, you are truly cheating yourself of a good time. I laughed, I cried, I found myself crying some more while I laughed!!! :) Please find the time to see this beautiful film...I promise you will never look at Peter Pan the same way again! This movie can be watched by children...but adults will get the most out of it, as we find out why Peter Pan is SO important to every aging adult...why it would be so much easier to stay young forever in Neverland.

Some of my favorite scenes: Where Mr. Barrie walks into his bedroom and it's totally animated! ( I am a bit like that sometimes!  Yikes! ) Also, when the oldest boy ( George ) vanishes as a boy in the theatre right in front of Mr. Barrie's eyes....how poignant! Oh, I could go on and on....but I won't. You'll have to head out and rent it for yourself. You will thank me for it....I promise!

BONUS QUESTION:

Why am I showing photos of stamps with this movie??? Do you remember the stamp part??? Hmmmmm....I'll be waiting for your reply! ;o)

Trish

Movie Night....NO..... Matinee, Library!

For those of you who avidly read my blundering blog, you know that I (try to) feature one of my favorite movies every week in the form of Movie Night Library. I decided to go down a different  road this week. While still being true to the movie theme...I decided to feature what YOU THINK is a kids' movie....but which is ACTUALLY a hilarious adult movie in disguise! I believe you can watch this with any kid over the age of about 3 or 4....but you will get the most joy out of watching it with any fellow parent...preferably your spouse!

Starring Emma Thompson (LOVE) and Colin Firth (LOVE) you will be instantly charmed by the story line which is actually a bit like Mary Poppins....but without all the singing, and for modern day amusement. Here goes the description:

In this wickedly charming tale, EMMA THOMPSON portrays a mysterious woman with special powers who enters the household of the recently widowed Mr. Brown (COLIN FIRTH) and attempts to tame his seven very naughty children. The children have mangaged to drive away 17 previous nannies, but as Nanny Mc Phee takes control they begin to notice that their misbehaving has magical and startling consequences. -Universal Studios Home Entertainment

What I like the most is the absolutely wild use of color in the movie! The displays and design of every square inch of the movie have been meticulously arranged to perfection! Sure the story line is superb, the acting sublime, but the decor...well....the decor....can I just say "SHAZAM!!!!!"

 

Honestly, I laughed and I cried during this movie...I've seen it more than 10 times....and I love it so very much! The bit with the kids sick in bed is worth watching a bare minimum at LEAST twice! The performances of all the supporting actors and actresses is mind boggling. I don't know how to describe the feeling I get when I watch this film....but as best as can be said is this : "ALIVE and WHIMSICALLY CHEERED!"  If you need a little pick-me-up this weekend, get your laundry done early...and quit working out in the yard sooner than normal...sit down with a fun array of childhood treats...and watch a matinee! I guarantee you will want to watch this one twice!

Cheers!

Trish :o)

Movie Night Library...Something's Gotta Give!

Well, here I am again with one of my absolute favorite things to do....post about one of my favorite films!!! Something's Gotta Give is at the top of my intelligent comedy list. I just laugh when I start thinking of Jack Nicholson in his hospital gown!!!

Diane Keaton is a master at performing as an uptight middle aged woman ripe for the upsetting. Jack Nicholson is the ultimate bachelor who's never going to settle down! Amanda Peet is great as a young and neurotic workaholic. Frances Mc Dormand is the perfect hippie chick sister. And last but not least....Keanu Reeves is the ultimate young hot Doctor ready to deliver romance on que!

Set mainly in the Hamptons, this film is lovely to watch. I ADORE the house in the Hamptons...especially the kitchen! The Soundtrack is AMAZING! I think you would really enjoy the movie altogether...the morals are a bit iffy...but I think that Harry (Jack) learns his lesson in the end....and it is just priceless.

I laughed, cried, and sobbed...and sobbed...and sobbed....No not really...if you've seen the movie, you know what I mean....I actually laughed my tushie off!!!! I love it when a movie makes me think this much...and is truly intelligently this funny!!! With this stellar of a cast...how could you ever go wrong?!?!?!?!?! This film does have one special ending...and let me just say this...Ooh-la-la!

Enjoy!

Trish :o)

P.S. If you've seen the movie, let me know what you thought of it ok? I love feedback!!! What do you think of my photos? Are you getting the glasses thing??? :o) 

Trivia: What is the name of Harry's Record

company???

Movie Night Library Time...bet you thought I forgot!

Ok, so here I am again with another favorite movie.....Under the Tuscan Sun. I know this is older...but it's a goodie!

If you haven't watched it in awhile, well....now is the time! Starring Diane Lane, this movie is a portrayal of the life of authoress Frances Mayes. I think this is one of my favorite movies because "Frances" is so real. Are you wondering why the chocolate bars and chocolate bells??? WELL,  "the bells in the square go ding dang dong, instead of ding dong ding" and of course... "enormous amounts of chocolates....and a car in which to drive off a cliff when this turns out to a terrible mistake!"

This movie is hilarious, romantic, and absolutely beautiful! If you are visually inspired like I am, you will adore the transformation of Frances' lovely villa. I wish I could take a little trip to Cortona...well, at least I can put this dvd in any time I want....and I can see the "creepy Italian trees"! :o)

So, if you are having a rough day, pop this one in and lay back waiting for the lady bugs....lots of ladybugs!

Can you tell I've seen this one too many times???? That should say just how good it is!!!

BONUS: WHAT WAS THE COLOR OF FRANCES' GLASS VASE??? This is just for fun....and also to see if there is anyone out there reading all of this stuff!!!! :o)

Enjoy your weekend, and your movie night!

Cheers, Trish :o)

Movie Night Library...A Good Watch.

Can I just say...this movie is a super sleeper HIT! I can't believe how many people have not heard of this movie! If you are one of those folks...well let me introduce you to "A Good Year".

Set in Provence, France; this lovely film is at once intoxicating....no... not just because of the wine you'll be instantly inspired to crack open. On the contrary. Starring Russell Crowe (Gladiator) and Marion Cotillard (Edith Piaf) this is a very playful film. I must add that Albert Finney and a lovely cast of colorful characters adds to the talented couple. Set in present day Maximillian Skinner (Crowe) harkens back to yesteryear growing up on his uncles' vinyard. Now an adult business mogel, Max is all about money....and shortchanging the other guy. He learns a few lessons about how to treat folks when he learns of his uncles' death, and his inheritance of the seemingly defunct vinyard.

 

Released in 2006, and rated PG-13, there are a few language faux pauxs...but I was able to get over those. The morals slid a bit....but I think that it shows how Max is growing in his appreciation of the most precious pleasures...being LIFE.

I'm always surprised to pull this movie out of my collection and watch it again...I'm instantly charmed by the hilarity of Max's life situations! Just wait till you see the parking lot scene! :o) Also, I'm sentimental when I live the flashbacks with Max...oh Uncle Henry. You will laugh until your sides are in pain, and you will tear up smiling at memories. If nothing else the designer in you ( like me!) will marvel at all the sets, architecture both modern and vintage, and scenery. All of this is captured by Ridley Scott, who is a master film maker. As a cherry on top...you will LOVE the soundtrack!

When you've enjoyed yourself, and your wine to the final drip...make sure you look into the special features to see Russel Crowe and his band do an interesting music video...yeah, who knew?!?!?

Your hubby will absolutely watch this movie with you...it may look a bit romantic and girly...but I can guarantee you that your man will totally "get" Max. Trust me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts when you watch it....or any thoughts from you if you already have.

"A Good Year" is a Great Movie Night!

Cheers!

:o) Trish

Movie Night Library Time Again!

Ok people, I got a very good response from all of you Jane Austin movie fans out there last week with Pride and Prejudice. This week we are going to move in a different direction with The Illusionist. Have you seen it? Well, if not, here's the low down sure to get you to the rental store in a jiffy!

Rated PG-13 it is very clean in regards to today's standards. I will warn you however there are a few suspense scenes that will have your spine tingling! Nothing too scary, and deffinately NOT yucky in any way. I would like to focus on the elaborate beauty in this film... the landscapes are breathtaking and even sometimes erie. The interior scenes are unbelievably accurate ( hey I am an Interior Designer you know! ;) The Costumes are also very believable.

 

This film is described as "Mesmerizing" (Entertainment Weekly) and "Beautifully Acted" ( Good Morning America) But  most importantly...it is a film that "teases you until the very end" ( The New York Times).

Jessica Biel is just fabulous in the movie playing an aristocratic heiress. Rufus Sewell is perfect as the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold. Paul Giamatti is GREAT as the inspector....in fact I think he steals the show in many ways. It is Edward Norton however who is spellbinding as Eisenheim the Illusionist. I am a HUGE Edward Norton fan, and this is in my opinion one of his best roles yet.

If you've not seen this movie before, or have'nt seen it in awhile....well, the time is now people. It is the sort of movie you should watch on a dark and stormy night....and time is running out for those sorts of nights as Spring will soon be upon us. I think that you will find it so incredibly romantic....mind bending....and I GUARANTEE you will want to watch it again as soon as it's over....I'd almost make bets on it!

I hope you can find it at your local movie store, online, or by streaming it to your home. If you like a little magic in your life....this is the choice for movie night. In fact, I'm going to do a little magic trick myself right now: I'm going to make this little sundae dissappear! :o)

Cheers!

Trish

Hey, I want to hear your feedback on the movie by way of comments right here....got something to add? Please do!

Movie Night Library

I've come up with an idea for all you movie no-goers. You know who you are! I seem to have a group of friends who are always coming up short with what to rent when they end up at the movie store. See, my hubby and I used to go to all kinds of movies when we were first dating. We went to a few less when we first married, and now that we have little ones at home, well....we don't attend at the theatre much anymore. HOWEVER, that being said; we still LOVE movies and own a little library of dvds that we happen to like very much. Here is your chance to take a moment and write down the name of the movie I'm giving you....and run to the video store, Blockbuster Online, or Netflix.

My husbands library tends to consist of "manly" movies like U-571 and Stealth. I however tend to have a broader range of great films I enjoy watching over and over again. I actually enjoy watching action adventure with Chad too! I really like most movie styles, well except stupid gore like The Texas Chainsaw Massecre types. I try my hardest to watch "clean" movies....but sometimes you just need to watch R rated movies...for instance Schindler's List...I mean come on....a must see, but most deffinately rated R. So here I am to try my hand at doing a weekly or every other weekly post on movies. You let me know if this is something you like, ok? If not....well, we'll ditch it. I only have one request: please share your feelings about each movie I post once you've watched it, so others can benefit. I will not be offended if it's not your cup of tea. But please be polite, ok?

This week's movie is Pride & Prejudice. I mean seriously folks, you can't go wrong here. Don't mistake this for stuffy old fashioned BBC type versions of Jane Austin.....this movie is smokin' good! It is rated PG and could be watched with kids around....although I think you'd enjoy it more without them as there are so many great lines to catch. It is an instant classic, and if you've never taken the time to watch it before....well here is your chance. I challenge you to go out and get it ASAP. Truly this is one of the greatest love stories of all times; and honestly my husband who loves those action movies??? Well, even he can watch this one. Don't tell him I said so!

Enjoy your weekend, and be on the lookout for Pride & Prejudice from Focus Features. Kiera Knightly, Matthew McFadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, and Judi Dench are the showstoppers here. Pay close attention to all the fabulous interiors, impeccable costumes, enchanting music, and most especially the sweeping landscape shots. You will be an Anglophile, and a Jane Austin fan in less than 1/2 an hour, I promise!
Enjoy!!!

Have you seen this? What do you think? Do you have anything to add? Please do! :o)
Trish