January 27

Lucy Cannon was the first to identify the quote “Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” coming from Patton which is her husband's favorite movie. Yolanda was right behind her and indicated it was her Dad's favorite film too. David Heymsfeld who gave us the quote also indicated that Richard Nixon watched this film three times before attacking Cambodia

Florrie Cohen sent this quote in and said it is a hard one:

"If you're not over here in fifteen minutes, you can find a new best friend."

On Netflix:

500 Days of Summer - This coming of age romance movie left me cold. I don't know if it appeals to the younger set, but I could not identify with anyone in the movie. We found it quite confusing, slow and not well developed. The movie's format is unusual and unique, but hard to follow at times. It tells the story of the relationship of two young people how it evolved and what caused it to fail. I would be interested to know how others who have seen this movie felt about it as it has a great deal of good buzz when it was released.

Local High School Theater:

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" - This past weekend HB Woodlawn Secondary School put on this production. As Sarah said after watching it, "They were amazing!" The students were very professional. Their voices were wonderful and the show was fun. I had to explain some of the plot to the girls, but all in all it was a good night for local theater. Once again Bill Podolski, the director and my friend, did a wonderful job in pulling this production together.

As I have said before, don't overlook local theater especially for family fare. In this time of watching our budgets, it is a good way for families to enjoy and become involved with theater. I believe shows like "Glee" on TV will encourage young people to not only become familiar with musical theater, but encourage them to become involved in productions as well.

Interesting Entertainment:

Jamey Turner, Glass Harpist - This week one of the many groups I belong to had this gentleman entertain for the the group. At first I thought it would be hokey, but it was quite a treat. Mr. Turner has appeared at the Lincoln Center, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra, The Tonight and Today Show, Disney World and all over the world. He "plays" glasses as you would play a piano. Each glass is a particular note that has a finite amount of distilled water in it. He rubs his moistened hands over the rims to produce the sounds. He explained the science behind the sounds and produced some amazing music, both popular and classical. He also played the saw and the wrench, as well as, the conventional clarinet. It was a joy to watch him and listen to his music. In the summer months, he appears in Alexandria. VA. If you see his name on a program, go see him you won't be disappointed.

Another book of interest:

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout - This novel is written in short story form. The main character Olive Kitteridge is featured in most of them. Most take place in and around the town of Crosby, Maine. Ms. Strout is a fine writer who uses words as a painter uses paint as she brings Olive and the many characters of this small town to life. Some stories were more engaging than others and Olive, in my opinion, is not a likable character. That being said, it is a good read, not great, but good.

Enjoy,

Roberta

January 21

This time both Yolanda and Florrie answered the quote correctly and credited the correct actor who said: "Don't take that tone with me, young man!" "I fought the war for your sort." "I bet you're sorry you won." as Ringo in A Hard's Day Night. Lucy was a very close runner up.

David Heymfeld sent the following quote in:

“Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”

On Netflix:

Whatever It Takes - This film is directed by Woody Allen and stars Larry David actually playing a Woody Allen like character so it seemed to both Sy and me. It was a funny story about a young Southern belle who hooks up with an older New York City eccentric. Other loony characters played by Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr. and Michael McKean star. I usually don't like Woody Allen movies and Sy usually doesn't like Larry David, but we both were pleasantly surprised that we enjoyed this movie.

The Ugly Truth - Another in a series of light romantic comedies starring Katherine Heigl and Gerrard Butler. This time Heigl is looking for the perfect man and has to deal with the uncouth Butler as she becomes his producer on a morning show where he gives advice to men and women. The language is quite raunchy as are some of the scenes. Sy liked it much better than I did. I found it silly and not very funny. (I would have rated it one and a half, but since Sy represents another segment of the population, I gave it the extra half!)

Judi Ornoff writes:

I recommend the TV series on PBS hosted by Alan Alda called "The Human Spark." The last installment is on tonight (Wednesday, January 20), but you can probably get the past ones on the computer, or watch for a replay. It is about research into what makes us human, especially the genetic and behavioral differences from our closest primate relatives.

Note: Most cable providers have an "On Demand" feature so you might want to look and see if this series is on the freezone of "On Demand."

For those "Damages" fans, the series resumes this Monday, January 26 on FX. Look for the time in your TV Guides. It either starts at 9 or 10.

The Golden Globes did not shock me at all. It just made me want to check out Avatar to see what all the hub bub is all about. Perhaps some time this weekend I'll go see it. I was glad to see one my of favorite show "Glee" win for the odd category it was in.

Enjoy,

Roberta

January 13

Both Yolanda and Florrie came up with the correct answer that “Thank God for the rain, to wash the trash off the sidewalk” coming from Taxi Driver but Yolanda also added the following information:

It is also in a song by The Clash-I think it is called Red Angel Dragnet

I can't seem to stump these two, but I'll try with this quote:

"Don't take that tone with me, young man!" "I fought the war for your sort.l" "I bet you're sorry you won."

At your local theater:

Young Victoria – This period piece tells the story of Queen Victoria and her taking over the throne as a young girl of 18 after her uncle dies. It also tells the story of her romance with Prince Albert and how their marriage was a true love story. Emily Blout does a lovely job portraying Victoria and Rupert Friend, who I didn’t like in Cheri, plays Albert; this time a much more pleasing character. If you are interested in period pieces, love stories, or English history, see this film.

On Netflix:

The Taking of Pelham 123 – Although I usually don’t like remakes, this one was quite good. John Travolta and Denzel Washington play the two main characters; Travolta the criminal and Washington the dispatcher. It is a very suspenseful movie and well constructed and directed. Sy felt there was too much violence; so if you have a queasy stomach or don’t like those types of movies, this is not for you or young children. I thoroughly enjoyed so what does that say about me!

Instantly on your computer:

Is Anybody Here? - This poignant story tells the tale of a young boy living in a nursing home who is consumed by ghosts and deaths. Into his life comes a new resident who is a retired magician who helps him deal with his feelings and shows him how to live among the living. Michael Caine stars as the old man. As usual he turns in a great performance. The young boy, Bill Milner, does a convincing job in his role.


Teresa Lin sent me this information about this film. Thought I'd pass it along as it looks intriguing. I have put it on my Netflix list.

I had been longing to see the movie Departures - the Best Foreign Film 2008; English sub-title. Finally, we were able to get it thru a DVD outlet store here last week. It's very well directed; and has much substance in the film. Even for us, it's a very cultural film as well.
It will be available after 1/12 in Neftlix. As stated in the Netflix synopsis it is a drama about finding your bliss.

Another film Teresa liked and one that I have seen too is Central Station. She says:
"Central Station" is a Brazilian film. One of my many unforgettable films. It got a nomination for 1998 Best Foreign film. It's available in Netflix.
This is a story of the bond between Dora, a person who writes letters for illiterate people and a young boy trying to locate his estranged father.

Enjoy,

Roberta

January 9

Once again Florrie Cohen was the first and only person to correctly identify "I know you better than you know yourself. You never had a camera in my head."coming from The Truman Show.

Try this one:

"Thank God for the rain, to wash the trash off the sidewalk."

On Netflix:

Away We Go - This small indie film created a lot of buzz when it first appeared in the theaters a few months ago. The gal from "Saturday Night Live" Maya Roudoph and John Krasinski play the leads with many familiar faces (Allison Janney, Catherine O'Hara, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jeff Daniels) in co-starring roles. The premise is that they are looking for the perfect place to live and raise their soon to be born child. Along the way they meet various characters that are funny, wacky and poignant. It is a sweet story that you will enjoy.

Cheri - Save your Nerflix picks and don't order this film. I thought it would be a good one to see starring Michelle Pfeiffer, but it was terrible. It is based on a novel by Colette and takes place at the end of the 19th century. The movie itself is beautiful with beautiful scenery and beautiful people, but the story is slow and uninteresting. I really disliked the male lead, Rupert Friend, and Pfieifer's character. Don't waste you time on this one.

A Good Read:

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See - This novel is set in the 1930's through 1950 in China and the United States. It tells the story of two sisters and how their privileged life changes when the Japanese invade China and of their life in arranged marriages in the United States. It also includes the Red Meance hysteria of the US, and brings to light the way people were treated and reacted during that time in history. See is also the author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Informative, fast reading and engaging. A good read.

The weekend of January 23 my friend Bill Podoski will be directing his second production at HB Woodland Secondary School in Arlington, VA. He wrote this to me when I asked him about getting tickets. If you are free and especially have children or grandchildren who like musicals this is a great event for them. I plan on taking Sarah and Amanda on Saturday, January 23. Here is Bill's invite to all:

Please feel welcomed to see the show. This year we are producing Thoroughly Modern Millie. It is comedy set in 1922 in NYC. It is about a young girl who moves from Kansas so that she can become modern, become famous and marry rich. Enjoy the tap dancing and humor as she tries to avoid being trapped into White Slavery and the love triangle that ensues. It truly will be a fun show. Tickets will be available next week online. Do try to buy tickets in advance since it is cheaper and good seats go quickly. This year you will be able to choose your seats ala professional theater. The web address will be www.aspva.us/woodlawn.

Enjoy.

Roberta

January 3

Florrie Cohen was first once again for correctly identifying "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." coming from Goodfellas, but David Heymsfeld checked in shortly after her and not only identified the movie but was able to identify the character who said those words. Congrats to you both.

Try this one:

"I know you better than you know yourself. You never had a camera in my head."

In Theaters:

Invictus - This is a marvelous movie about the success of the South African rugby team and how it mended a country at its crossroads. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela is an on spot match for him. Matt Damon plays the captain of the rugby team and has the accent down pat. That being said, at times it was hard to understand the actors during the film. It was directed by Clint Eastwood who tends to make these wonderful movies that touch the heart. If you are interested in politics or sports, this is a film for you.

Invictus, meaning unconquered in Latin, is a short poem written in 1875 by an English poet William Ernest Henley. It is the poem Mandela had during his years of imprisonment and apparently gave to the Rugby captain for inspiration. For those of you interested in reading it in its entirety, here it is:

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul

On Netflix:

Imagine That - This heartwarming film is just the ticket for the whole family to sit around and enjoy. Eddie Murphy, who in recent years has starred in more bombs than good movies, hits a home run in this film. It is the story of family and what is truly important. Does it break any new ground, no, but it makes you feel good after seeing it. On a cold afternoon or evening sit down and enjoy it with your whole family.

My brother Jeff is a great Bruce Springsteen fan and he wrote this about the recent Kennedy Honors program:
Quick review of the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast last Tuesday on CBS.

Every year, this show is so well produced. This year was especially important to me because I've followed Bruce Springsteen's career since 1973! Just wanted to let people in on an inside joke offered by Ben Stiller. When he was honoring Bobby DeNiro, he uncontrollably addressed Bruce saying,' I saw you when I was 16 years old at the Nassau Coliseum; you played for 9 hours...you changed my life. Well, it turns out that when Mr. Stiller was 16 years old, Bruce played a New Years Eve show at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. Paula and I were lucky to be in the auditorium that night, and Bruce Fanatics can tell you that it was the longest concert that he ever performed; being onstage for over 4 hours.

Final thought....I thought Melloncamp was just OK. Melissa Ethridge was good. Ben Harper and Jennifer Nettles were very good and Eddie Vedder and Sting were excellent.
Made me proud to be a Springsteen fan.

As you can see, I've been busy going to the movies lately. All four first run movies I saw were worth the price of admission. Both The Blind Side and Invictus touched my heart; Up in the Air made me think about what is important in life and It's Complicated made me laugh.

Enjoy.

Roberta

January 1

Florrie Cohen was the first to correctly identfiy Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he" coming from It's a Wonderful life.

Try this one:

"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."

In Theaters:

It's Complicated - For an enjoyable two hours, see this film. Although it won't win any awards and if you have seen the trailers you know the whole story, it is fun to watch Meryl Streep, Alex Baldwin and Steve Martin make their way through this predictable story. Alex Baldwin, in my opinion steals the movie. He is very funny. It also further proves why Meryl Streep gets all the fanfare she gets. She does comedy as well as she does drama. It's also nice to see people of a certain age portrayed as vital, sexy individuals in healthy and not so healthy relationships.


On Netflix and instantly on your computer:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Vera Farmiga, the same actress in Up in the Air costars as the mother in this powerful story of WWII,. Although the backdrop is the war and its related atrosticities, it is the power of friendship and the innocence of children that the story focuses upon. The young actors playing Bruno, Asa Butterfield, and his friend Schmuel, Jack Scanlon do an amazing job as the two young boys who form an unlikely friendship. I know the high school here in Reston has the students watch this film and I agree that this is a movie everyone should see. The ending will shock you!!

Alvin and the Chipmunks, the "squeakquel"...Guest reviewer Wendy Kamen with comments by Sarah and Amanda Kamen

At 88 min. it is tolerable for any adult. There is an actual story line with a tiny climax and happy ending. The Chipettes are the new group in town and battle the chipmunks to represent the school in a contest. There are plenty of recognizable, current songs that are woven into the script including the Chipettes singing Beyonce. There are many famous actresses in the movie voicing the Chipettes but they are so altered to chipmunk tone that you don't know it's Anna Faris, Amy Poehler and Christina Applegate. It was a nice break on Christmas day.

Sarah says "it was better than the first one and there are a lot of modern songs"

Amanda says "I liked it, it was funny, I would see it again."

Oldie but goodie:

The Pajama Game- When I retired Maggie Maylott gave me this DVD as she and I are fans of old time movie musicals. I watched it last night with my granddaughters and we all loved it. The story is thin, but the music is marvelous. Songs such as "Hey There" Hernando's Hideaway" "Steam Heat" and "I'm Not At All In Love", had me singing along with John Raitt,(for the younger set Bonnie Raitt's Dad), and Doris Day. Don't overlook these classics.

I still plan on seeing a few more films this weekend as there are so many to see and so little time.

Once again, Happy New Year.

Roberta