September 19

Carol Frank and Betty correctly identified "Love don't make things nice. It ruins everything. It breaks your heart. It makes things a mess. We aren't here to make things perfect. The snowflake is perfect. The stars are perfect. Not us. We are here to ruin ourselves and to break our hearts and love the wrong people and die."coming from Moonstruck

Try this one:

"Sometimes when I've got a ballplayer alone, I'll just read Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman to him, and the guys are so sweet, they always stay and listen. Of course, a guy will listen to anything if he thinks it's foreplay. "

In Theaters:

Drive - This movie starring Ryan Gosling got rave reviews from critics alike so when we were deciding what film to see and our friends had seen ones we wanted to see, we chose this one. Although the acting is good, cannot recommend this film to the faint of heart. It is VERY violent. The review in The Washington Post did not indicate this at all. Blood is everywhere!!! I also found it slow. I know that sounds odd, there are many moments where I wanted to shake the Gosling character and say. say something. If violence doesn't bother you, you'll probably like this film. It is a bit of an art house film. In fact, Carol Flicker, thought it should have played in Cinema Arts. See for yourself.

On Netflix:

Tamara Drewe - After seeing such a violent movie, see above, Sy and I were ready for something light. This English export is thought provoking, but fun. The story is adapted from a comic strip and explores themes such as unrequited love, envy and lust. The ending, as most English comedies, ends up in a bit of a farce, but picks up all the loose ends quite nicely. All of the cast are English actors so no one I knew, but all did a fine job. I think the young girl who pines for the rock star steals the movie. See it for yourself.

On Netflix and Instant Streaming:

I Love You Philip Morris - For anyone who is homophobic, this is not the movie for you. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor star as lovers. It seems a bit far fetched, but I went back and checked and was surprised to learn it is based on a true story. What happens to the Carrey character and what he does for love is fascinating. He reminds me of the character in Catch Me If You Can, but the movie is not as good.

DWTS:

Well it is that time again and Dancing With The Stars returns tonight. At this point, I don't have a clue who will be contending, but think Ricky Lake might be good as she starred in "Hairspray." We will all have to wait and see.

September 12

Jen Kenney, Allison, Lucy and Carol Frank were correct in identifying "The vision to see the treasured past comes as the timely shadow crosses in front of the house of Pass and Stow." coming from National Treasure.

Try this: (I am getting this quote from a different source, so it is longer than the others.)

"Love don't make things nice. It ruins everything. It breaks your heart. It makes things a mess. We aren't here to make things perfect. The snowflake is perfect. The stars are perfect. Not us. We are here to ruin ourselves and to break our hearts and love the wrong people and die."

Limited Release at Theaters:

The Guard - This Irish import is a delightful pairing of Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle playing law enforcement officials from each side of the pond. Although the language is salty and the accents are a bit difficult to decipher, the story is a good one and one that will make you smile even though there are murders involved. The story is thin, but the relationship between the two players is a great one. Gleeson, in particular, is great fun to watch. For a good movie, see this film.

On Netflix:

Potiche - This must be my foreign film week. This film stars Catherine Deneuve. She still looks fantastic! She plays the typical trophy wife who puts up with the dalliances of her husband. Due to certain circumstances, she takes charge of the umbrella factory he manages and has to deal closely with the union boss played by Gerard Depardieu. Their relationship is involved and at times quite touching. Sy did not like this film as much as I.

The rain has finally stopped, so enjoy this lovely weather while it lasts.

Roberta

September 6

Carol Frank correctly identified "Well I wouldn't kick Mick Jagger out of my bed, but, uh, I'm not a homosexual, no.from Hair.

Try this one courtesy of Sy:

"The vision to see the treasured past comes as the timely shadow crosses in front of the house of Pass and Stow."

In Theaters:

The Help - As one of the many fans of this book, I anxiously awaited the film and can say I was not disappointed. Although some things were slightly changed, the main focus of the book remained. Viola Davis and Octavia Spenser as Abilene and Minnie do a great job and Emma Stone as Skeeter is just adorable. As Hilly Holbrook, Bryce Dallas Howard does a fine job making us dislike her character, but Sissy Spacek as Hilly's mom is a hoot and Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote steals the show. It is beautifully shot and Jackson, Mississippi never looked so good. This is not a chick flick as I went we two other couples and all the guys liked the movie as well.On Netflix:

Welcome to the Rileys - This film starring James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo and Kristen Steward tells the story of a family devastated by their daughter's death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) finds solace in other women until he connects with a teen call girl girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart) You won't recognize Melissa Leo as his wife who joins him in trying to save Mallory. Although sweet and touching, it is quite slow.

On Netflix and On Demand HBO:

Our Family Wedding - This is the first time I've used the On Demand feature of my cable company for a movie I missed on HBO. I have to say that I have liked America Fererra since she appeared in the title role of "Ugly Betty." This film is a lightweight one and has been done too often. Ferrera and Lance Gross, her black finace are faced with their two fathers who do not approve of this marriage due to the cultural difference which in this day and age doesn't make a lot of sense. The original Guess Who's Coming to Dinner was the gold standard and since that movie, all the others have been pale copies. I was surprised to see Forest Whitaker in the role of the African American father as he is too good of an actor, but I guess you take jobs as they come. With that said and since I did not have to use a netflix choice or pay additional for the movie, it was a pleasant way to spend 90 or so minutes.

With ugly weather this week on the east coast, a good time to take in some movies.

Roberta