December 26

Florrie actually corrected the quote to read "In case I forget to tell you later - I had a really good time tonight." which came from Pretty Woman. In addition to
Florrie, Yolanda, Jen, Betty and Lucy were correct in identifying this quote.

Try this:

"I swear to GOD, George, if you ever EXISTED I'd divorce you."

Linda Kamen writes:

"Just saw "True Grit" with my movie group. It was good. We all enjoyed it very much(12 of us).The acting was great and there were many scenes that we all laughed at. Although the story is basically the same as the movie with John Wayne, there were many changes as to how the characters acted. Jeff Bridges was very good and the young girl was perfect for the part. It was funny and well acted. I would recommend this movie as good fun,and light hearted."

Sy and I plan on seeing this film shortly. If the snows stay away, we'll go sooner than later. I'll give you my take next time.

In Theaters:

Burlesque - It is wonderful to see Cher in a movie again and she is wonderful. Her solo is terrific and I am sure it will be nominated for best song at the Academy Awards along with many of the other songs in this film. Christina Aguileia is marvelous. Her singing and dancing is superb. The story is predictable, but kept my attention. The supporting cast of Stanley Tucci, Alan Cummings, Kristen Bell, Cam Gigandet, Eric Dane and Julianne Hough (from DWTS) are all wonderful. For a feel good movie that will make you tap your feet, go see this film.

The Fighter - This is another wonderful film in local theaters this holiday season. It tells the true story of how Micky Ward captures the welter weight title with the help of his drug addicted half brother Dicky Eklund. Although Mark Wahlberg does an admirable job as Micky, Christian Bale steals the movie as Dicky. If the Academy Awards was fair, Bale would be nominated for best actor, but will probably be nominated for best supporting actor. Melissa Leo as their mother is a standout as well and over-shines Amy Adams who does a good job too. Even though it is a bit gory, it is worth the price of admission. Sy thinks it was better than three smiles, but I still give it

On Netflix:

Killers - This is the silliest movie I've seen in a long time. Although Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcner make a cute couple and it is fun to see Tom Sellick and Catherine O'Hara, their talents are wasted in this silly movie. There is a lot of shooting, car chasing and mass confusion, but all that cannot help this convoluted plot that doesn't make any sense. Don't bother with this film.



In the meantime, enjoy the movies and have a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Roberta

December 21

Betty, Yolanda, Wendy and ,Lucy were correct in identifying "

Two characters are talking. If I give you their names, it will give you unfair advantage.

"I wish every day was Negro day."
"In my house it is."
coming from Hairspray.

Try this one: "In case I forget to tell you later - I had a good time tonight."

On Netflix:

Date Night - This delightful comedy starring Steve Carrell and Tina Fey is a lovely way to wile away a cold evening. Since most shows on TV this week are reruns, Sy and I watched this movie tonight. Both of these actors are accomplished comedians and they prove their worth in this comedy. Although the story is implausable, it is fun to watch the two of them go from silly situation to yet sillier ones, but it does put a smile on your face. It won't win any award or make anyone's top ten list of films of 2010,but it will allow you to escape from the stresses of the day.

On Netflix and Instantly:

Inheritance - Paula suggested this documentary to me. It is of Monika Hertwig and her journey to help her understand her background. Her father was Amon Goeth, a Nazi responsible for killing thousands of Jews. As a young girl she does not know her father's background, but through some circumstances, she finds out about his horrible past. To help her come to terms with the guilt of being this monster's daughter, she finds Helen Jonas-Rosezweig, her father's Jewish maid and slave during the war. She arranges a meeting with her which is quite emotional. It was interesting to note that Goeth was portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in Shindler's List and that Helen was one of the people on Shindler's list. It is a powerful documentary.

Hopefully I will get to the movies over this holiday weekend and there are many movies I'd like to see. To my friends celebrating Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Roberta

December 18

With having a job once again for a while and attending a class, my movie time has been cut down a bit, but I am home sick and have had the opportunity to catch up on some of the movies I have backlogged especially on my instant list.

Carol Frank, Florrie, Betty,and Lucy correctly identified "The best good-byes are short. Adieu." coming from the classic The Maltese Falcon.

David Heymsfeld gave me the following quote. See if you know where it came from.

Two characters are talking. If I give you their names, it will give you unfair advantage.

"I wish every day was Negro day."
"In my house it is."

On Netflix:

Why Did I Get Married Too - This is a sequel to Tyler Perry's movie of the same name without the too. It stars the same actors and is a good movie. Once again the couples reconvene for an annual retreat and hash out their problems which extend after they return home. It is a bit melodramatic and a little too long, but somehow I relate to them. Sy swears in a former life I was African American. It is a good way to wile away two hours especially when you aren't feeling well.

On Netflix and Instant:

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story - This documentary produced by the sons of Richard and Robert Sherman is an interesting look into this song writing team. As in most collaborators, these two did not get along outside their business relationship. One was outgoing and the other pensive, but they wrote some of the most wonderful music. Their crowning achievement was Mary Poppins. I don't think there is anyone on the planet who does not know at least one song from the score. During their many years working with Disney, they produced songs that are part of the Disney experience like the Tiki Tiki room and for the World's Fair and then incorporated into the Disney ride "It's a Small World After all." I know that song will live within me having spent many turns on the ride the first time we visited Disney World and Eric found this to be his favorite (sorry Eric!) I don't rate documentaries, but if you are interested in music and how collaboration works, see this film.

I Am Loved - This Italian movie with subtitles stars Tilda Swinton about a family and all their pent up emotions. It is VERY slow with lots of atmospheric drawn out scenes. In fact I could walk away from the TV and come back and miss none of the dialogue. The ending left me cold and the story a bit incoherent. Save yourself about two hours and don't watch it.

Joan Rivers; A Piece of Work - This documentary was overlooked by the Academy Awards for best documentary this year. Although I did not see most of the documentaries nominated, this should have been up there. Rivers is a woman who is clinging to this life on the show biz merry go round even at age 75. Most of you know her story; how she was blackballed by Johnny Carson after taking a job at FOX; her numerous plastic surgeries and her need to work. It is a sad story, but engrossing.

I know there are many good movies in the theaters right now and hopefully over the winter break, I'll get to see some of them too. In the meantime enjoy the holidays.

Roberta

December 3

Mark Bunney, Yolanda and Florrie correctly identified ""God made man.' "Man made slaves." coming from The Ten Commandments. (Can't believe that was first shown in 1956!)

Try this one:
"The best goodbyes are short. Adieu."

Sandy Esterson writes: "I just watched a very moving Chinese film on Netflix called Not One Less. I watched it on my computer..you might want to check it out."

In Theaters:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 - I have to come clean and tell you I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I've read all the books and seen all the movies. That being said, if you didn't read the book, you will be lost in this movie. It is difficult to follow and the actors mumble their words at times. On the other hand, if you have read the books, you won't be disappointed. It stays true to the book, moves at a rapid pace and holds your attention throughout the two and half hours. It is nice to see the three main characters, whose names escape me, grow into their parts and do a fine job with it. Lots of past characters are in this next to last chapter. The final film will be released in the summer. For Harry Potter fans, it is a must see. Those of you who have not read the book, stay home and wait for it to come out on DVD.


On Netflix:

The Last Station -This film explores the last year of Leo Tolstoy. It is a wonderful film starring Helen Mirren as his wife, Christopher Plummer as Tolstoy and Paul Giamatti as Vladimir Chertknv a Tolstoy devotee. Rounding out the cast is James McAvoy who plays the writer's assistant Valentin. In addition to learning a lot about Tolstoy and the movement he founded in his later years, you get a glimpse into his personal life, his wife and how Chertkov influenced him. Both Mirren and Plummer were nominated for Academy Awards which they both deserved. Although a bit slow at times, an excellent film to see.

A Classic Book:

East of Eden - Our book group just finished discussing this Steinbeck classic. I had never read it before and it is a page turner. The question was asked, "What makes a classic?" We decided that not only does it endure the test of time, but the themes therein are relevant to readers today. This novel meets both criteria. The modern day Cain and Abel story is set at the end of the 19th century beginning of the 20th century in California. Steinbeck's family plays a role in the novel. I won't give any more away, but even it you read it in High School or College, it is worth the time to read it again. If you haven't read it at all, by all means get a copy out of the local library and you won't be disappointed.

In the meantime enjoy some of the very good movies out now.

Roberta