October 31

Betty, Carol, Estelle, Suzanne, Jen, Ursula and Eric correctly identified   "Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end." coming from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Try this from one of my all time favorite movies:
"My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you."

At George Mason University:

"Into The Woods" - This production performed by the Center for the Arts Department of Theater and School of Music rivaled any Broadway revival.  The students for the most part had wonderful voices and acted with poise beyond their years.  The actors playing the Witch, Baker's Wife, Cinderella, Prince Charming and Baker were outstanding.  The scenery design was well crafted and the production was done with flair.  The show which debuted in San Diego in 1986 and went on to Broadway with Bernadette Peters as the Witch and Joanna Gleason as the Baker's Wife did not win the Tony for best musical that year as it was against Phantom of the Opera.  The lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are intricate and melodies aren't ones that you come out humming, but I must admit even though I am usually not a Sondheim fan, I did enjoy the show.  It is not a show for children as the second act is very dark.  I did read that a children's version is done that leaves out the second act entirely.  The show runs for over three hours.  I am now interested in seeing the DVD version.  Once again, don't overlook regional productions done by local colleges; these young people are the stars of the future.

On Netflix:

Peace, Love and Misunderstanding - This indie film stars Jane Fonda and Catherine Keener.  It is a relationship story of mother and daughter.  There are love stories as well between involving the daughter and her children.  Although it was fine, it was not fully developed and wasted the talent of these two accomplished actresses. 
On Netflix and Instant Streaming

Monsieur Lazhar - This French indie film tells the story of an Algerian immigrant who takes  the job as an elementary school teacher.  I won't give any more than that so as not to give anything away.  It is a lovely story of caring and healing.  Since I was stuck in the house due to Sandy, it passed time in a pleasurable way.  

We Have a  Pope - I am not sure if this is a comedy or drama so I'll call it a dramady.  This Italian film tells the story of a cardinal who is elected pope, but doesn't want the job.  Some of the scenes, especially with the other cardinals, are quite funny.  Since I am not Catholic, I wonder how this film is viewed by those of the faith.  I found it good, not great, but good. 

DWTS:

Once again the judges are rigging the results.  Kirstie Alley is not in the same league as the other contestants, but they continue to give her better scores.  Giving her the extra two points for the group dance, was just not right.  I was sorry to see Sabrina go.

The pickings at the movies are slim in my opinion.  Hope with the holidays around the corner, some good films will be in our local theaters.

Roberta

October 27

Betty, Carol, Yolanda  correctly identified "Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them." coming from Tin Cup.

Try this one (once again courtesy of Sy):

"Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end."

Betty Jenkins wrote:

I loved your review of Legally Blonde.  My friend's daughter co-wrote the book with her college friend Amanda Brown.  She gave up all her rights, as her mother did not think she should be associated with that trivial book.  :-)  However, she did get a good sum of money and was invited to the opening of the musical on Broadway.  :)

On Netflix:

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds - Once again I had to get my "black" groove on (no offence intended) and saw this movie.  Perry's movies are almost formula driven.  He usually plays the good guy who saves someone.  This film is no different.  Here he plays a CEO of a company.  He is the good son who has always done what was expected of him and is very unhappy.  In walks into his life a beautiful janitor in his building and you can fill in the blanks from there.  I don't know where he gets such beautiful people, but one person is more attractive than the other.  Thandie Newton playing the janitor and Gabrielle Union playing his fiancee are gorgeous!.  For a feel good movie, see this one. 

On Netflix and Streaming:

Mirror, Mirror - This adult spoof of the fairy tale Snow White stars Julia Roberts as the Wicked Witch as she narrates the story.  It is not for kids and is a hoot.  Nathan Lane plays her assistant and is hysterical.  The seven dwarves are great and although have a shady line of work, they are Snow White's protectors and heroes.  It appeared that all the actors had fun with the production..  For an adult version of the story, see this film. 


At Kennedy Center:  (Note:  I wrote this review before the one that appeared in Friday's Washington Post and was happy to see that they actually noted some of the same things I did and even used similar wording.)

War Horse - This British transport arrived in New York in 2011 and won the Tony that year for best drama.  Kennedy Center's rendition of it is quite good.  Most of you have seen the movie that was up for an Academy Award last year I believe, so you know the story - boy's love of his horse.  The magic of this play is the technology.  The horse, Joey, is a mechanized type puppet run by three humans.  Although two or three are under the casing, one puppeteer is visible throughout.  After awhile you don't even see him.  How they get the very movement of the horse is almost lyrical. There were some scene that could only be described as poetry in motion.   I was happy I had seen the movie beforehand as some of the dialogue was hard to decipher and I think I would have been lost in the story.  Theater tickets are out of sight in price, but Goldstar has some discounted tickets as well as the Kennedy Center.

Interesting Place to Visit:

Last week I visited the town of Occoquan and Gunston Hall the historic home of George Mason.  It was a beautfiul day which added to the enjoyment.  Occoquan is a small version of Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown.  The shops are quaint and the town is right on the Occoquan River makes it a very serene setting.  Walking around the streets and window shopping was fun.  A number of years ago, Wendy and the girls took me to tea at the Bicyle Cafe.  There are many places to have a bite to eat.  After an hour or so there, my group rode off to Gunston Hall which is about 15 minutes away.  I am always in awe of historical homes and this one was no exception.  Our docent was terrific which added to the fun.  For a lovely day trip, take the drive out to these areas.
This weekend the east coast is gearing for a whopper of a storm.  If you have electricity, you can wait out the storm by catching up on some videos.
Roberta

October 16

Carol, Lucy and Betty correctly identified "If he even so much as twitches, I'll blow him straight to Mars" coming from The Hunt for Red October.
Try this one:
"Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them."

At Theaters:

Argo - All I can say is WOW!  This true story had me on pins and needles, the stress was almost too much to take!  Ben Afleck has directed and starred in a wonderful movie about the incidents surrounding Americans caught in Iran at the height of the takeover of the Embassy in 1979.  Although you know how it ends, the suspense it unbelievable.  John Goodman and Alan Arkin provide some comic relief, but the story is wonderful.  Do yourself a favor and see this one, you won't be disappointed. 

On Netflix:

Bernie - I have to say at the outset I am not a fan of Jack Black, but he is wonderful in this role and who knew he had such a lovely singing voice.  This is yet another movie based on a true story about Texan mortician Bernie and his relationship with the meanest widow in town.  I don't want to give too much away, but it is a black comedy (no pun intended.)  Shirley MacLaine plays the widow and Matthew McConaughey plays the local DA.  After you view it, I know you will have the same reaction as Sy, this can't be true, but it is.  It is played as a pseudo-documentary where members of the cast talk directly to someone off camera about Bernie.  Look for McConaughey's mother as one of the townspeople. 

Community Theater:

Reston Community Players in "Legally Blonde" - All I can say is the actors outperformed the play.  All the actors sang, danced and performed in a very professional manner, but the story is silly and lame.  If you can get passed the story and go simply for the lovely singing and dancing, you'll have an enjoyable evening of theater.

Book Review:

Defending Jacob by William Landay - This book is wonderful.  It has a surprise ending that makes you think - could you do what she did?  I won't give any more details than that.  It is an easy and fast read that will keep with you long after you finish reading it.

DWTS:

I know a lot of you have given up on this show, but actually it has turned out to be quite a good season as most of the dancers are at least finalists from seasons past.  Last evening although the two lowest performers - Bristol Palin and Kristy Alley danced the best they ever have, the other dancers really danced rings around them so one of them should go home!  My prediction for the finals will be another showdown with Giles Marini and Shawn Johnson and I am once again not sure who will come out on top.  That said, last night's performances by Kelly Monaco was a sizzler!

Roberta

October 3

David, Carol Frank, Juli, Betty, Wendy correctly identified   Striker:  Surely you can't be serious."
Rumack:  "I am serious....and don't call me Shirley."  coming from Airplane.
Try this one courtesy of Sy:

"If he even so much as twitches I'll blow him straight to Mars.:

 

At theaters:

 

Trouble With The Curve - This is the perfect movie for women and men alike.  I am not going to identify who will like what, but it is a relationship movie involving father and daughter as well as a romantic story between daughter and scout.  In addition, there is plenty of baseball for the sports fan.  Clint Eastwood plays Clint Eastwood - cranky old man like he was in Gran Torino.  Amy Adams is always delightful and once again she is as his lawyer daughter. Justin Timberlake plays a scout and Adams' love interest.  For a feel good movie, this one won't disappoint. 

At theaters and On Demand:

Arbitrage - Richard Geer stars as a billionaire who finds himself in trouble at work, home and with the law.  Sy thought it would be more about finance, but it was more of a story about a man who digs himself into a hole and how he crawls out of it.   I found it engaging and Geer plays a cad quite well.  It co-stars Susan Sarandon.   My friend Melissa said when she saw it her friend didn't like the ending. See it for yourself and decide.

On Netflix:

Contraband - I have always been a fan of Mark Wahlberg and this film in which he stars does not disappoint.  Although it was a bit violent as it dealt with drug lords and smuggling,the violence was not gratuitous.. Wahlberg plays a reformed smuggler who has to return to the life for one last job to save his brother in law.   Kate Beckinsale costars.

DWTS:

I promised myself I would not watch this edition, but like an addict, I couldn't control myself.  I did miss the first episode, but was pulled into it again this week.  A lot of my favorites are dancing so it is fun to watch.  At this point in the game some of my front runners are Giles, Sabrina, Shannon and Apollo.  I do have to say Emmett is always a favorite as he is dancing with Cheryl.  Why Bristol and Christy are still on and Joey was voted off surprised me, but at least most of the dancers can dance!