August 20

Yolanda, Florrie, Carol Frank correctly identified "What if someone you never met, someone you never saw, someone you never knew, was the only someone for you?"  from Sleepless in Seattle

Try this one:

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are... it is our choices."

At Theaters:

The Butler - Although this film does not break any new ground, the story is an important one of notable events of the 20th century and the civil rights movement.  It is  told through the eyes of Eugene Allen the actual White House butler who served 34 years from the Eisenhower through Reagan administration..  Allen's name was changed  to Cecil Gaines for the film.  Although Oprah has gotten rave reviews playing Gloria, his wife, I thought Forest Whitaker as Gaines was the most outstanding cast member.  An ironic casting of Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan brought a smile to my face.  For an interesting look back into the not too distant past, see this film.  

On Netflix:

Footnote - This Israeli film deals with the strained relationship between a reserved Talmudic scholar and his ambitious son; both professors at the same university.  A mix-up ensues regarding an award and as they say, the plot thickens.  Not too happy with the ending, but the beginning and middle both dramatic and funny.  Worth the viewing.  

On Netflix and Streaming:

The Great Gatsby - Since my book group had read this last month, we decided to see the 1974 version starring Robert Redford, Mia Farrow and a very young Sam Waterson.  I have not seen the latest version so have nothing to compare it to.  Waterson was the star of this movie. His Nick Caraway was excellently portrayed.  My one complaint is with a running time of close to two and a half hours; it was way too long.  The movies volume level was also a problem.  At times it was very loud, especially during the party scenes, and other times the actors were whispering.  Was it true to the novel, pretty much so.  Did I enjoy the movie - I enjoyed the company better.  Decide for yourself.  

At Wolf Trap:

Chicago (the group not the show) - Chicago has been one of Sy's favorite bands forever and when he saw that they were performing nearby, he wanted to go.  We were not disappointed.  Out of the nine members, four are original; which is saying something.  They have been together in one form or another since the 70's. They put on an entertaining show featuring their all time favorites including "You Are My Inspiration"  the song Wendy and Howard danced to their first dance as husband and wife..  They were loud and some of the songs sounded alike.  The vocalist who sang songs that Peter Cetera made famous had big shoes to fill and for those of us who remember Cetera, he doesn't quite fill them, but gives it the old college try.  When he sings newer songs, he is more successful.    It was a lovely way to spend a comfortable summer evening.

Two recently read novels for my book group:

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier - This novel by the author of the Girl With a Pearl is a very quick read and engrossing as well.  It is about an English Quaker woman who comes to America and learns about and helps with the runaway slaves.  The historical information is fascinating.  I learned quite a bit about the times and the people and although fiction, I am sure many who were part of the "railroad" were as brave as the characters in this novel. There is only one episode that does not make sense for this character and felt like it was put in to sell books, but for an engaging book, pick this one up.

The Round House  by Louise Erdrich - Although I learned quite a bit about Native Americans and the injustice that they have to live with regarding how crimes are dealt with, I was left cold after reading it.  It deals with a horrific crime and how a family and the community deals with it and the consequences it has on them all.   I felt the ending was ridiculous, but am in the minority as most of my friends loved the novel.  Why not pick it up and decide for yourself.

A number of movies out now I want to see.  Hopefully I'll get to see them, if not in the theaters, my living room!