Sydney was full on. My flight was delayed more than any flight should be delayed. We boarded on time, but then we had mechanical problems. Not really something you want to hear when you have to stay on the plane. On the plus side, I read all but the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on the plane in preparation for Deathly Hallows. We had gorgeous, crisp, sunny days though. Just the way I want to spend the time on the harbour. Most exciting from a professional point of view - I won the award for best sales person in an operational role for the 2006 - 7 financial year. I was thrilled to get it - the decision is made by the state and national managers and the other nominees were all people I really rate. That and I've only been there since November. Nice people to give me a shopping voucher. Time for a freezer and a blender I think. Or books. Or shoes.
It's taken the best part of two weeks to catch up with everybody's blogs. I think I've finally caught up on everything I've missed. My highlight - Millie the dog. Thanks Jelly, you put a massive smile on my face.
We went and saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It didn't really do it for me. I think it was probably one of the harder books to put on the screen. How do you put all that whiny teenage boy stuff on screen? Still, I think it left way too much important stuff out. C-
Last night we saw The Simpsons movie. It was fun. I'm not sure it deserved the standing ovation it got at the end though. I was very unhappy to see the preview for the movie "The Dark is Rising". I'm not happy about it at all. I think they've completely messed with the premise. I adore those books. I'm furious that they have messed with them. I'm sure I'll have a full rant about it in the fullness of time.
I've been working with my brother and his fiance to put the music together for their wedding in September. We've nearly got all the music together for dinner, and we are just working the dancing part. Way too much fun. They are doing their bridal waltz to Billy Joel's "just the way you are". I'm not sure who was more disturbed though; my brother's fiance when he asked for some Whitesnake, or my brother when I showed him that I had the song he wanted on my ipod.
My gorgeous boy was worried that I wouldn't approve of the suit that he was planning to wear for the wedding. He doesn't wear a suit for work, and might wear a suit about 3 times a year. It turns out he only has the one suit, and he has owned it for 10 years. He is right, I didn't approve of it. He took it quite well, although he said that he was hoping to hear "honey, your suit is fine". So today he suggested that we go and have a look for suits, although he wanted to go to one specific shop to buy it. OK then. So we wandered around a few shops, and in one got some exceptional service. He was measured up, and pointed in the direction of suits that fitted his criteria. He looks damn sexy in his new black, 3 button, single breasted suit, with his new palest lilac shirt, and new diagonally striped tie. No nagging required :)
I bought only one thing today - a 3 DVD set for $19.99 - The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science.
What does this week hold? The Gwen Stefani concert, a screening of Amazing Grace (now I know what happened to Youssou N'Dour), training up my new assistant at work, a family dinner for my lovely stepfathers birthday, finding that last beetle in Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children, setting up the new DVD player for my parents, trying to restrict my Crackbook time.
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
8 is not enough
I'm slowing down a bit. I saw my 8th movie for the year last night.
Becoming Jane
2 second synopsis - the story of Jane Austen's life.
The thing that really stays with me after seeing this is the beauty of the cinematography, the clarity of the diction, the shininess of Anne Hathaway's hair, and my delight in seeing Maggie Smith as a grande dame again. She does it so very well. This was darker than the other British author pic I've seen this year - Miss Potter.
Very early in the film there was a shot of Mrs Austen leading her predominantly female family group to the Hall, and they were reflected in the water, looking like a mother duck leading her ducklings. The water moving over the reflected dresses was just stunning. I really think that whoever shot this film loved working with water - there were so many textured shots with water that were just stunning. It probably helps that water is my element of choice too.
I was a bit stunned by how shiny Anne Hathaway's hair was all the way through. It just looked freshly washed. I can't imagine that anyone living in those times could wash their hair as often as she appeared to. Oddly enough, no one else had hair that shiny. Maybe it is just genetic - it was just odd.
Having seen so many of the Jane Austen adaptations for film and tv (Colin Firth anyone?) I found myself comparing a lot of the "types" in the film to the adaptions. Julie Walters as Mrs Austen was not as overbearing as Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, although I can see where the character came from. She has some of the strongest lines in the film, and does it very well. One of the funniest scenes is very early in the film, and belongs to her and James Cromwell as Mr Austen. He was not as insipid as many of the male characters in Austen's books.
I found myself very sad though, for all of the women who had no control or choice over their lives, and were neatly pigeonholed into socially acceptable behaviours. It contrasted so strongly with the strong female characters of Mrs Austen, and Lady Gresham. Yet these women were still in the roles that society gave them.
And a new addition to the list - James McAvoy - he was in the Last King of Scotland, but he looks fabulous in Austen time :)
Becoming Jane
2 second synopsis - the story of Jane Austen's life.
The thing that really stays with me after seeing this is the beauty of the cinematography, the clarity of the diction, the shininess of Anne Hathaway's hair, and my delight in seeing Maggie Smith as a grande dame again. She does it so very well. This was darker than the other British author pic I've seen this year - Miss Potter.
Very early in the film there was a shot of Mrs Austen leading her predominantly female family group to the Hall, and they were reflected in the water, looking like a mother duck leading her ducklings. The water moving over the reflected dresses was just stunning. I really think that whoever shot this film loved working with water - there were so many textured shots with water that were just stunning. It probably helps that water is my element of choice too.
I was a bit stunned by how shiny Anne Hathaway's hair was all the way through. It just looked freshly washed. I can't imagine that anyone living in those times could wash their hair as often as she appeared to. Oddly enough, no one else had hair that shiny. Maybe it is just genetic - it was just odd.
Having seen so many of the Jane Austen adaptations for film and tv (Colin Firth anyone?) I found myself comparing a lot of the "types" in the film to the adaptions. Julie Walters as Mrs Austen was not as overbearing as Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, although I can see where the character came from. She has some of the strongest lines in the film, and does it very well. One of the funniest scenes is very early in the film, and belongs to her and James Cromwell as Mr Austen. He was not as insipid as many of the male characters in Austen's books.
I found myself very sad though, for all of the women who had no control or choice over their lives, and were neatly pigeonholed into socially acceptable behaviours. It contrasted so strongly with the strong female characters of Mrs Austen, and Lady Gresham. Yet these women were still in the roles that society gave them.
And a new addition to the list - James McAvoy - he was in the Last King of Scotland, but he looks fabulous in Austen time :)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Seven - lucky for some ...
On Saturday I went to the movies with my mum and sister to see my seventh movie of the year. My sister chose the movie, and off we all went to see The Last King of Scotland.
Gruelling. Draining. All three of us spent a whole lot of the film with our eyes closed, or our hands over our eyes, struggling to deal with the sheer violence and brutality of Uganda under Idi Amin. Being in the second row probably didn't help either.
For those of you who haven't seen it, or haven't heard much about the film, it covers the time in Uganda of Idi Amin's rise to power, and total takeover of the country and is seen through the eyes of an idealistic young Scottish doctor. The acting is superb, and Forest Whitaker deserved the Oscar he won (Best Actor). I'm not familiar with the work of James McAvoy who played the doctor, but looking him up on IMDB he is in the movie Becoming Jane which I'm seeing in a couple of weeks. Surprising cast members - Gillian Anderson - I haven't seen her since she and Mulder jumped the shark. I'm ashamed to say it took me a while to register, even though her name was in the opening credits.
I don't want to repeat seeing the film - once was definitely enough for me, but at the same time, I'm glad that I did. I was talking about it with my friend yesterday, and she said it was like Hotel Rwanda for her. It is one thing to hear about it on the news, or read about it in history, but to see it in front of you, with the resulting blood, screaming and agony can really bring it home.
We went out for dinner afterwards, although I have to admit that food was the last thing on my mind - I was dry retching on the way from the car to the restaurant. This film really got to me. My sister was all fired up, and wanted to know why people do things like that to each other, and why other people stand by and let it happen. She and my stepfather were discussing it at length - him from his very strong Christian point of view, and her from the feelings that she had after visiting the killing fields of Cambodia, Dachau, and Auschwitz. Unfortunately, I found myself zoning out, and reflecting on the incongruity of listening to their conversation with the background music of November Rain by Guns'n'Roses. Music will always distract me.
I haven't been able to put the film out of my head. I've had nightmares about it for the last few nights, and just keep seeing the scenes repeat over and over again when I go to sleep. I keep mulling over the story and the film, and thinking about the heroism shown by one of the other doctors.
Gruelling. Draining. All three of us spent a whole lot of the film with our eyes closed, or our hands over our eyes, struggling to deal with the sheer violence and brutality of Uganda under Idi Amin. Being in the second row probably didn't help either.
For those of you who haven't seen it, or haven't heard much about the film, it covers the time in Uganda of Idi Amin's rise to power, and total takeover of the country and is seen through the eyes of an idealistic young Scottish doctor. The acting is superb, and Forest Whitaker deserved the Oscar he won (Best Actor). I'm not familiar with the work of James McAvoy who played the doctor, but looking him up on IMDB he is in the movie Becoming Jane which I'm seeing in a couple of weeks. Surprising cast members - Gillian Anderson - I haven't seen her since she and Mulder jumped the shark. I'm ashamed to say it took me a while to register, even though her name was in the opening credits.
I don't want to repeat seeing the film - once was definitely enough for me, but at the same time, I'm glad that I did. I was talking about it with my friend yesterday, and she said it was like Hotel Rwanda for her. It is one thing to hear about it on the news, or read about it in history, but to see it in front of you, with the resulting blood, screaming and agony can really bring it home.
We went out for dinner afterwards, although I have to admit that food was the last thing on my mind - I was dry retching on the way from the car to the restaurant. This film really got to me. My sister was all fired up, and wanted to know why people do things like that to each other, and why other people stand by and let it happen. She and my stepfather were discussing it at length - him from his very strong Christian point of view, and her from the feelings that she had after visiting the killing fields of Cambodia, Dachau, and Auschwitz. Unfortunately, I found myself zoning out, and reflecting on the incongruity of listening to their conversation with the background music of November Rain by Guns'n'Roses. Music will always distract me.
I haven't been able to put the film out of my head. I've had nightmares about it for the last few nights, and just keep seeing the scenes repeat over and over again when I go to sleep. I keep mulling over the story and the film, and thinking about the heroism shown by one of the other doctors.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Choc top anyone?
It's been a big year for movies this year. So far I've been to the movies 6 times. I suspect that is more times than I went last year. I really enjoy the experience of going to the movies, and even more now, that most cinemas have the liftable armrests so I can snuggle. Is that just me?
I thought I'd actually make the effort to write what I thought about some of them, so that I don't forget. I wonder too, if I'll think of them differently if I see them again on DVD.
Music and Lyrics
I'm a sucker for a romantic comedy, and Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are two of my faves. Hugh Grant is a disturbingly good 80's hair band pop star and just revels in some of the dancing and performing he does. He has that glint in his eye that says he isn't taking it seriously, but he is having a damn good time doing it. Lots to giggle at, and I had fun, even if the boy was so tired he kept yawning, even while he laughed.
Dreamgirls
Man, Jennifer Hudson can sing. Every time she opened her mouth she blew me away. I got a bit annoyed by the breaking into song mid conversation though - that was getting really annoying. I know that moving a musical from the stage to the screen can be just a little awkward (anyone else see the movie Hair? bad, just wrongtown) but they did a pretty good job. I just wished that the conversation/singing was a little more seamless. Eddie Murphy did a stellar job - I really enjoy watching actors move out of their comfort zone and doing something different. I suspect this is the only Eddie Murphy movie I'll be seeing this year - might skip Norbit. The last Eddie Murphy movie that had him playing multiple characters that I enjoyed was Coming to America.
The Pursuit of Happyness
OK, happyness is spelt wrong and really annoyed me. I understand why, but I don't have to like it. It still gave us one of the best exchanges of the movie. Run, Will Smith, run. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (to give him his full & credited name) was just adorable, and totally lit up the screen. The father/son relationship was really strong, and I think the movie did really benefit from the real life relationship of the Smiths. Damn Will Smith is one of those very likable actors, but he managed in this film to stop me remembering that he is Will Smith. Last time he did that for me was Ali. So nice not to see a film where the lead actor isn't just being the lead actor.
Miss Potter
I need to say upfront that I really don't like Renee Zellweger. There is something about her that just really annoys me, I don't know what it is, it could be a completely irrational thing, but I just don't like her. Gwyneth Paltrow has the same effect. Shame really, because they both star in some of my favourite movies. I was really looking forward to seeing this - I loved Beatrix Potter books when I was a kid, and thought she had done amazing things buying up huge chunks of England and bequeathing them to the National Trust to protect them from development. I was disappointed that the movie didn't mention the way that she learnt the anatomy - I was always fascinated that she would boil the corpses of animals so that she could study the skeletons. I really wanted to see Renee Zellweger doing that. Yes, I'm twisted. I'm always happy to see some Ewan McGregor on the big screen too. Confession time, I cried at one point.
The Queen
Helen Mirren deserved every award she got for this film. I suspect that it will find its way into media studies courses within the next 5 years too. I really hope that the editors get all the awards they deserve for this too - they did a masterful job. I was intrigued that anyone would have the temerity to create a film around the Queen's reaction to the death of Princess Diana. After watching it, I really wanted to know if anyone in the royal family had their press secretary co-operate with the film makers - at deep throat level of course. I cried in this one too - not as much as I did watching the funeral first time around though.
Charlotte's Web
Better for DVD. Fern didn't need a boyfriend. I really thought we were going to have the whole cinema to ourselves until a family came in during the ads. Weird. It was good, but it didn't blow me away.
Casino Royale
This one gets a special mention - it was nearly this year when I saw it. Daniel Craig = very yummy Bond. I would have liked tighter editing towards the end of the film - it dragged a bit and didn't add a huge amount to the story. About 25 minutes could have been compressed into 5 with no impact. The stunts were spectacular, and everything you expect from a Bond film.
Movies I'm looking forward to seeing this year
Bridge to Terabithia, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (mmm, Alan Rickman, and yes, I will cry), The Simpsons Movie, Shrek the Third, Man of the Year, Meet the Robinsons, Razzle Dazzle, Scoop, The Good German, Bobby
Movies I've missed and need to see on DVD
Little Miss Sunshine, Happy Feet, The Devil wears Prada, Marie Antoinette.
What movies have you seen and recommend? What don't you recommend? What are you hanging out to see?
I thought I'd actually make the effort to write what I thought about some of them, so that I don't forget. I wonder too, if I'll think of them differently if I see them again on DVD.
Music and Lyrics
I'm a sucker for a romantic comedy, and Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are two of my faves. Hugh Grant is a disturbingly good 80's hair band pop star and just revels in some of the dancing and performing he does. He has that glint in his eye that says he isn't taking it seriously, but he is having a damn good time doing it. Lots to giggle at, and I had fun, even if the boy was so tired he kept yawning, even while he laughed.
Dreamgirls
Man, Jennifer Hudson can sing. Every time she opened her mouth she blew me away. I got a bit annoyed by the breaking into song mid conversation though - that was getting really annoying. I know that moving a musical from the stage to the screen can be just a little awkward (anyone else see the movie Hair? bad, just wrongtown) but they did a pretty good job. I just wished that the conversation/singing was a little more seamless. Eddie Murphy did a stellar job - I really enjoy watching actors move out of their comfort zone and doing something different. I suspect this is the only Eddie Murphy movie I'll be seeing this year - might skip Norbit. The last Eddie Murphy movie that had him playing multiple characters that I enjoyed was Coming to America.
The Pursuit of Happyness
OK, happyness is spelt wrong and really annoyed me. I understand why, but I don't have to like it. It still gave us one of the best exchanges of the movie. Run, Will Smith, run. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (to give him his full & credited name) was just adorable, and totally lit up the screen. The father/son relationship was really strong, and I think the movie did really benefit from the real life relationship of the Smiths. Damn Will Smith is one of those very likable actors, but he managed in this film to stop me remembering that he is Will Smith. Last time he did that for me was Ali. So nice not to see a film where the lead actor isn't just being the lead actor.
Miss Potter
I need to say upfront that I really don't like Renee Zellweger. There is something about her that just really annoys me, I don't know what it is, it could be a completely irrational thing, but I just don't like her. Gwyneth Paltrow has the same effect. Shame really, because they both star in some of my favourite movies. I was really looking forward to seeing this - I loved Beatrix Potter books when I was a kid, and thought she had done amazing things buying up huge chunks of England and bequeathing them to the National Trust to protect them from development. I was disappointed that the movie didn't mention the way that she learnt the anatomy - I was always fascinated that she would boil the corpses of animals so that she could study the skeletons. I really wanted to see Renee Zellweger doing that. Yes, I'm twisted. I'm always happy to see some Ewan McGregor on the big screen too. Confession time, I cried at one point.
The Queen
Helen Mirren deserved every award she got for this film. I suspect that it will find its way into media studies courses within the next 5 years too. I really hope that the editors get all the awards they deserve for this too - they did a masterful job. I was intrigued that anyone would have the temerity to create a film around the Queen's reaction to the death of Princess Diana. After watching it, I really wanted to know if anyone in the royal family had their press secretary co-operate with the film makers - at deep throat level of course. I cried in this one too - not as much as I did watching the funeral first time around though.
Charlotte's Web
Better for DVD. Fern didn't need a boyfriend. I really thought we were going to have the whole cinema to ourselves until a family came in during the ads. Weird. It was good, but it didn't blow me away.
Casino Royale
This one gets a special mention - it was nearly this year when I saw it. Daniel Craig = very yummy Bond. I would have liked tighter editing towards the end of the film - it dragged a bit and didn't add a huge amount to the story. About 25 minutes could have been compressed into 5 with no impact. The stunts were spectacular, and everything you expect from a Bond film.
Movies I'm looking forward to seeing this year
Bridge to Terabithia, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (mmm, Alan Rickman, and yes, I will cry), The Simpsons Movie, Shrek the Third, Man of the Year, Meet the Robinsons, Razzle Dazzle, Scoop, The Good German, Bobby
Movies I've missed and need to see on DVD
Little Miss Sunshine, Happy Feet, The Devil wears Prada, Marie Antoinette.
What movies have you seen and recommend? What don't you recommend? What are you hanging out to see?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
