July 28 Again

David, Estelle, Yolanda and Melissa (first time guesser) correctly identified "I know, I know. We are your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't you choose someone else?" coming from Fiddler on the Roof

David sent me this quote to use "Whatever life holds in store for me,I will never forget these words:’with great power comes great responsibility” “

Betsy wrote: I met a friend for lunch in Shirlington, and we went to the Cinema there, and saw a movie "I Am Love", it's an Italian film with English subtitles. The story is one that I can't stop thinking about. It stars Tilda Swinton, and has an R rating. There is one nude scene that deserves the R rating, but the cinematography of the Tuscan countryside, and the way this scene is done is very beautiful. The story surrounds an Italian businessman, the grandfather, his son and grandsons. The ending is quite unexpected. I would see this movie again, both the music, setting and photography is amazing.

I have this film on my Netflix list. In NoVa it is only playing at Cinema Arts and at a very early hour if it is still playing.

At local theaters:

Salt - What a great way to spend a hot summer day. This movie is non-stop action. It reminded Sy of Mission Impossible. Angelina Jolle is a CIA agent and I won't tell you any more. There are more twists and turns in this film than the roller coaster at Kings Dominion. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with the action and unrealistic story. I really went to this movie because I thought Sy would like it, but enjoyed every minute of it.

On Netflix:

Nine - This is a remake of the 1963 movie 81/2 loosely based on Fellini's life. The original starred Marcello Mastroianni and in this version Daniel Day Lewis assumes the role. Marion Cotillard, Penolope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench,Sophia Loren and Fergie play the various women in his life. I know I want to grow up and look half as good as Sophia Loren looks at 76. I thought the cinematography was wonderful. I really liked how they went from black and white to color. The musical numbers were enjoyable, but songs forgettable. I was surprised with the musical talent of the cast. No one will win an award for their singing, but they all did a passable job with their number. Still uncertain why it is called Nine.

Looking forward to some of the upcoming movies.

Roberta

July 28

David, Estelle, Yolanda and Melissa (first time guesser) correctly identified "I know, I know. We are your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't you choose someone else?" coming from Fiddler on the Roof

David sent me this quote to use "Whatever life holds in store for me,I will never forget these words:’with great power comes great responsibility” “

Betsy wrote: I met a friend for lunch in Shirlington, and we went to the Cinema there, and saw a movie "I Am Love", it's an Italian film with English subtitles. The story is one that I can't stop thinking about. It stars Tilda Swinton, and has an R rating. There is one nude scene that deserves the R rating, but the cinematography of the Tuscan countryside, and the way this scene is done is very beautiful. The story surrounds an Italian businessman, the grandfather, his son and grandsons. The ending is quite unexpected. I would see this movie again, both the music, setting and photography is amazing.

I have this film on my Netflix list. In NoVa it is only playing at Cinema Arts and at a very early hour if it is still playing.

At local theaters:

Salt - What a great way to spend a hot summer day. This movie is non-stop action. It reminded Sy of Mission Impossible. Angelina Jolle is a CIA agent and I won't tell you any more. There are more twists and turns in this film than the roller coaster at Kings Dominion. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with the action and unrealistic story. I really went to this movie because I thought Sy would like it, but enjoyed every minute of it.

On Netflix:

Nine - This is a remake of the 1963 movie 81/2 loosely based on Fellini's life. The original starred Marcello Mastroianni and in this version Daniel Day Lewis assumes the role. Marion Cotillard, Penolope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench,Sophia Loren and Fergie play the various women in his life. I know I want to grow up and look half as good as Sophia Loren looks at 76. I thought the cinematography was wonderful. I really liked how they went from black and white to color. The musical numbers were enjoyable, but songs forgettable. I was surprised with the musical talent of the cast. No one will win an award for their singing, but they all did a passable job with their number. Still uncertain why it is called Nine.

Looking forward to some of the upcoming movies.

Roberta

July 23

I have to say that some of you really know your quotes. I thought the last one was one of the toughest ones, but Florrie came through identifying: "Do you believe in God? The question is does God believe in me." coming from Lolita. Great Job!!

Try this one - much easier:

"I know, I know. We are your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't you choose someone else?"

On Netflix:

The Chorus- This French film is the heartwarming story about a teacher/musician who becomes the Perfect at a school for boys who are orphans and delinquents. He turns their lives and his life around when he detects that the boys have talent and organizes a chorus at the school. If you want a feel good movie and one that makes teachers look good, rent this film. It does have subtitles.

Crazy Heart - This is the film that won the Academy Award for Jeff Bridges for best actor. He did a fine job not only with the acting, but singing the songs. I thought this was going to be "The Wrestler Goes Country," but I was wrong. Although the story was thin, the music was wonderful and I am not a country music fan. I couldn't believe the singing of Colin Farrell who has a small role (in fact his name is not even in the credits just in the cast of characters!) The love story between Bridges and Giyllenhaal was a bit unrealistic, but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

I wanted to get Roberta's Reviews out today to give you a head's up on an offer at AMC theaters this Sunday. They are selling any size fountain drink and popcorn for $1.00: Go to wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/44468 to download your coupon. Salt has received a great review so to relax and cool off this hot weekend you might want to find an AMC near you.

Enjoy,
Roberta

July 15

Carol Frank, Vic Podell and Florrie correctly identified "Frankly, you're beginning to smell, and for a stud in New York, that's a handicap." coming from Midnight Cowboy.

Try this one; it is VERY hard:

""Do I believe in God?" "The question is: does God believe in me?"

Bill writes: "Wondering if you have caught TV Land's new comedy "Hot in Cleveland" with Betty White and others.. Being big fans of The Golden Girls, Mark and I had to tune in to see the 88 year old Betty still doing her thing! In some ways this show is a reincarnation of The Golden Girls, though a bit younger. It has some very funny moments, particularly those surrounding Betty White. Essentially she plays Sophia, but actually is that age!" (I have and found it funny.)

Netflix plus instantly on your computer or through your Wii system:

Pressure Cooker - This documentary is a feel good story about a culinary arts program in an inner city school in Philadelphia. It follows three seniors who are in the program and how their teacher, Wilma Stephenson, leads them with tough love to achieve their dreams of not only escaping from their environment, but receive scholarships to schools where they can further their dreams of becoming chefs. If you are a teacher, you will love it and even if you aren't you will feel good after seeing this. I don't rate documentaries, but give it a try.

Olney Theater - Olney Maryland

"Forever Plaid" - This week I went to the Olney Theater and saw this production. Although I think I had seen it before, it is such fun. The premise is that a singing group has been killed and come back to finally perform the show they never had the opportunity to do. They perform songs from the 50's like "16 Tons," "Moments to Remember," "Perfidia," "Cry' and "Catch a Falling Star." It took me back to my childhood when my Dad would listen to these songs. Not sure the younger crowd would like it, but if your are 50 or older or simply love the songs of this era, try to catch this or any production of it. The four young men playing the "Plaids" had lovely voices. Whenever I see shows like this, I realize how many talented people are out there.

I wanted to post today as my family from California is coming and I won't have time to watch any films between now and next week.

Roberta

July 12

Carol Frank and Yolanda were correct in identifying ""Meyer, we have known each other since we were too young to f***" coming from Bugsy. Good going!

Try this one:

"Frankly, you're beginning to smell, and for a stud in New York, that's a handicap."

In Theaters:

Knight and Day - I do like Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz and the trailers were promising for this light comedy, but it was so implausible!! The narrow escapes, the shootings with neither of the main characters getting hurt, and the situations (where did they get the clothes when they fled locations???) were too much for me to take. Sy said he enjoyed it because after awhile it was so ridiculous it became a farce to him and he enjoyed it that way. I must say it is mindless and an enjoyable way to spend two hours, but I have seen many other films that the critics didn't like that, in my opinion, were much better.

At the Kennedy Center:

Mary Poppins - Who doesn't know the story of "Mary Poppins" and can't sing at least a few of the songs? This touring company of the Broadway show provided a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon with my granddaughters. Seeing Mary soar over the audience into the highest balcony (where we were seated) was worth the price of admission. The show stopping song was "Step In Time" as Burt actually danced on the ceiling. (My granddaughter pointed out the string just in case my eyesight had failed me!) Would I have enjoyed it as much without the girls? Not sure, but it was performed by an able cast with pleasing voices and great dancing skills. The set was very clever. Amanda noted that it looked like a doll house, which it did. So if you have a little one to take, see if there are any tickets left for this limited performance. You won't be disappointed.

TV Alerts:

This week a few of my favorite shows are returning to cable plus two promising shows will also premiere. Tonight, Monday, July 12 "The Closer" returns on TNT. It is always a delight to see this ensemble cast as they solve the weekly crime. Kira Sedgwick is wonderful as the lead. Following that "Rizzoli & Isles" will debut. This new series stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander as a detective and medical examiner who are partners in solving crimes. It seems like a good mix. Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 13 "White Collar" returns on USA. Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay make an unusual team as the convict and agent who solve crimes, but the chemistry is undeniable. Following that a new drama "Covert Affairs" starring Piper Perabo and Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty's first love) premieres This one is about the CIA. It seems there is a theme here. Hopefully they won't be repeating the same story lines with different characters. Needless to say, my DVR will be getting a workout this week!

Enjoy,

Roberta

July 5

Yolanda was correct in identifying ""If he just pay me what he's spending to make me stop robbing him, I'd stop robbing him." coming from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Try this one:"Meyer, we have known each other since we were too young to f***." (I think this is hard!)

Laurie writes:
Saw Knight and Day over the weekend and thought it was a lot of fun. I don't really like Tom Cruise but I love Cameron Diaz and I thought she was great. It has a lot of action and funny lines and the time goes very quickly. I suggest it for a carefree, non thinking, movie.

On Netflix:

Amelia - This is the true story of Amelia Earhart. Hilary Swank and Richard Geer star. Although you know the ending, it is an engrossing film. I didn't care much for the accent both actors put on for their roles. Swank in particular was a bit annoying, but perhaps that is how Earhart actually sounded. It is a good movie for girls to see as the message is go for your dreams no matter what the risks. A good way to spend a hot afternoon.

Local Theater:

Shenandoah Summer Music Theater on the campus of Shenandoah University - Last week we traveled out to Winchester to see Oklahoma performed by this theater company. Believe it or not, I don't think I ever saw this play or the movie. As most of you know, the music by Rogers and Hammerstein is wonderful and you leave the theater singing one of the songs. The actors are very professional. David Murgittroyd who played Curly, is a member of actor's equity. Most of the performers are students in the drama department of this university which is noted for its theater department. The lead female Catharine Kuntz who played Laurie was just a sophomore and in my opinion has a bright future ahead of her. The theater is large and quite comfortable and the tickets are very reasonable. The one drawback is the distance from Northern VA, but on a Saturday afternoon you can make it in a little over an hour. The ride is pleasant and the countryside quite inviting. Their next production is Seussical the Musical and then White Christmas. An odd choice for the middle of the summer, but a fun show. If you find you have a free Saturday afternoon, I would suggest taking the trip out.

This coming week the temperature is to soar to 100. A good way to stay cool is to go to the movies!

Roberta

July 1, 2010

Betty, Lucy and Wendy correctly identified "Generally, you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance." coming from Ghostbusters.

Try this one:

"If he just pay me what he's spending to make me stop robbing him, I'd stop robbing him."

On Netflix:

Avatar - If Dances With Wolves, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings had a baby it would be this movie. It's storyline is very similar to Dances with Wolves. It has the major war scene at the end as did Star Wars and Lord of the Rings and it has the magic of Harry Potter. That being said, I still liked it. I am sure it was much more amazing in 3D, but even so the action was non-stop, the scenery was beautiful and the story, although secondary to the tech stuff, touching. I am glad it did not win for best picture as its strength was the technology. I also felt the beginning was a little disjointed. In fact, both Sy and I thought we were missing something and started the DVD again just to make sure. It is very long! We watched it in three sittings with it being almost three hours. I think it could have been edited a bit. With all it's flaws, I still give it

NSO Pops Series

I have always wanted to see the NSO with Marvin Hamlisch leading in the Pops Series and finally get part of my wish as we saw the Classical Mystery Tour this last week. It was Beatle music at its best. Unfortunately Hamisch did not conduct, but there were four men who portrayed the Beatles singing their songs in original arrangements. Listening to the orchestra do a Beatles medley overture was wonderful. Sy had to hold me in my seat as I swayed to the music, tapped my toes and tried not to sing along. They did three encores with the audience joining in on "Hey Jude" and "Twist and Shout." Except for two songs I knew they all. Next year's series looks as good. The lineup includes: An Evening with Patti Lupone, Frank Loesser Songbook, Happy Holidays, Disney in Concert, Pink Martini, and Jon Secada and Tito Puente Jr. I purchased my tickets through Gold Star so they were only $34.00 with a $7.00 service charge. Do yourself a favor and see one of these performances.

Harman Hall

On Wednesday afternoons from September to June, Harman Hall, one of the Shakespeare Theaters in DC, offers free entertainment. This week was their last presentation of the season. I was fortunate to see Furia Flameca a Flamenco dance company. It brought me back to Spain. The dancers were exciting and very talented. Accompanying them were Torcuato Zamora a singer and guitarist and another gentlemen who played on what appeared to be a milk carton, but was a percussion instrument. They too were very professional. Next season go on line to the Shakespeare Theatre Company education programs and see their offerings. It is located right across the street from the Verizon center so there are lots of restaurants in walking distance in addition to the Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian.

This coming week is a busy one for me as we are heading out to the Shenandoah Theater in Winchester to see Oklahoma and next Sunday, July 11 we are taking the girls to see Mary Poppins at the Kennedy Center. So far the summer movies don't look that promising especially since I am not a Twilight fan, but it is just the beginning so I'll keep looking for that star movie.

Roberta