Yolanda was the first to identify "I know you don't think I'm giving this four million dollars to a bunch of nuns!"
coming from Ghost starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoppi Goldberg. What a great date movie!
Recently at a dinner party, Sy asked some of the guests if they knew where the following quote came from. To his and our surprise, it was featured in not one, but two movies. See if you can guess at least one.
"That's some bad hat Harry!"
On Netflix:
He's Just Not That Into You - Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson, Kevin Connelly (from Entourage) Ben Affeck, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Gennifer Goodwin (third wife in Big Love) and Drew Barrymore star in this nice romantic comedy. It is about the challenges couples go through as they learn how to read human behavior. We especially enjoyed the story involvingGennifer Goodwin and Justin Long. They made an adorable couple. All the actors are easy on the eyes and it is a nice way to spend two hours. 
On Netflix and Instant Viewing:
Lymetime - Another all star cast in this movie involving two families and their problems. It was interesting to see Long Island in the early 1970's. The story was a bit odd and the ending unusual. One of the characters getsLyme disease on a hunting trip hence the title. A major flaw in the film is that you never really care about any of the characters. In fact, I felt they all got what they deserved. The only reason I would recommend it is to ask others what they thought the ending meant. It starred Alex Baldwin who was also one of the producers. The cast included Timothy Hutton, JillHennessey, Cynthia Nixon and Kieran Culkin. Watch it online. 
Spinning Into Butter - I must start off by saying I like Sarah Jessica Parker and I guess I put this on my Netflix list simply on the basis that she was in it. Once again I watched this on my computer and once again I am glad I didn't waste a mail delivery for it. This is a drama about racism and how it effects everyone in a small Vermont college campus when a black student receives threats. A black reporter played byMykelti Williamson and one of the administrators, Parker, try to get to the bottom of it. It does have an interesting, but predictable twist at the end. Watch it online if you have 89 minutes to share.
DWTS Update:
Although the rose has lost it's bloom on this show, I do still watch or more accurately DVR this show. As it has come to the midpoint of the run, finally many of the contestants who should go have, but two in particular need to pack their bags: Louie the snowboarder and the football player. We'll see what the public decides tonight. My top choices are still the same. Last night when the stars did the group dance of the hustle, I thought DonnyOsmond looked so much like Marie. That made me laugh!
The east is experiencing a cold fall, but good weather is on its way so enjoy the outdoors while you still can and continue to watch those movies.,
Roberta
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
October 20
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11
This quote is courtesy of Sy:
"I know you don't think I'm giving this four million dollars to a bunch of nuns!"
On Netflix:
Nothing But the Truth - This film starts off with a disclaimer similar to "Law and Order." Although events are similar the story is not true, etc...... That being said the story is indeed taken from the headlines. This film is loosely based on the Judith Miller case where she spent over 80 days in jail for not revealing her source in her bringing down Valerie Plame a CIA operative for the government. Miller didn't actually write the articles about Plame, Robert Novak of the Washington Post did. With that as a background, this movie takes it one step further; the sentence is longer and tougher, depiction of family is more evident and people get killed. Kate Beckinsale plays the reporter who refuses to reveal her source to the despicable special prosecutor played by Matt Dillon. Alan Alda and David Schwimmer have roles too. Alda, who will forever be Hawkeye Pierce to me, plays her attorney who grows on you; Schwimmer, of Friends, plays her husband and Noah Wyle and Angela Bassett, ironically both of ER, play attorney for the paper and editor respectably. Vera Farmiga plays the CIA agent. A very good cast. It is a good film especially if you are into first amendment issues. (note: I wonder what we did before the Internet, I got all my information about Judith Miller and Valerie Plame from Wikipedia.)
Didn't get a chance to see any other movies this week, but wanted to get this review out tonight. Two of my favorite TV shows are on tonight; the season finale of "Drop Dead Diva" and I am a still fan of "Desperate Housewives." What did I do before DVRs or any other kind of recorders. Enjoy the nice weather on the east coast. (Believe it or not it is in the 90's in Florida!)
Roberta
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October 6
Another hard one:
"Is drinking a way of killing yourself?" "Or, is killing myself a way of drinking?"
On Netflix:
Sin Nombre - I haven't watched a foreign film for a while and this one fit the bill. It is quite violent involving an MS 13 gang member who flees the gang along with an unlikely companion he protects as they make their way across the border to the United States. Teenagers who are contemplating joining a gang should be required to see it. The callous way the members view life is horrifying and seeing a "child" being initiated into the gang is hard to watch. Not for the faint of heart,but well done.
New book out:
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown - Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you have heard about Dan Brown's new novel. The author of the Da Vinci Code has parlayed that success into another best seller even before it was out. It was a fast read with short chapters and an engaging story. In fact, I felt it was Da Vinci Code replaced in Washington DC. Since I live in the DC area, it was fun to read about places I have visited and now want to visit them again looking for interesting things he points out in the novel. He gets a little esoteric at the end and I believe should have ended the novel 80 pages sooner. If I remember correctly, I felt the same way about Da Vinci Code. Although he says everything is true, some of it is a bit hard to believe. Read it for yourself and be the judge and be able to join the conversations that will definitely stem from his theories.
DWTS Update:
I continue to watch this show, although I think it is on its last leg, no pun intended! Either Tom Delay, the football player or the wrestler should go this week. I was surprised that Debi Mazur was in the bottom two last week, but I believe it is a backlash to her partner Max. I believe the producers were greedy and put way too many contestants on the show. By doing this, the show is too long and dancers dancing too short of a dance. My picks for the best dancers thus far are: Donny Osmond, Mya, the swimmer Natalie, the iron chef Mark, Aaron Carter, the model dancing with Derek Hough. See if my predictions are correct.
Enjoy,
Roberta
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28
This is a real hard one:
"Your car is uglier than I am. Oops, that didn't come out right."
On Netflix:
New In Town - Sometimes you just want to watch a movie that you can predict everything about it before it even starts and this is one of them. Why Renee Zellweger decided to star in this movie is beyond me, but maybe sometimes she too wants something that is just fun. Harry Connick Jr. plays the love interest in this light hearted comedy. Will it win any awards, not even close, but it a movie to forget your worries and cares and just relax and watch. It is a chick flick so a word to the gentlemen reading this.
So Far on DWTS:
There have been no surprised on DWTS. Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray were the correct choices to be eliminated. I don't think it will be hard this coming week as well. Kathy Ireland has absolutely no rhythm. On the male side, I would probably choose the wrestler. Tom Delay won't be on long, but there are a few less talented dancers who will go before him.
New Shows:
Although I haven't watch many of the new offerings, "The Good Wife" with Julianna Margulies was excellent. I have been fond of her since "ER" and she has finally landed a role that highlights her talents. I am partial to lawyer shows and this one fits the void left since "Raising the Bar" has gone off until January. Also if you didn't catch the season premiere of "House" look for it on Hulu or Fox online. It is one of the best. It is no wonder Hugh Laurie is nominated year after year for his portrayal of Gregory House.
Between movies the new TV season, reading Dan Brown's new book, there doesn't seem to be enough time to do it all, but I try. So go out there and enjoy everything there is to offer.
Roberta
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19
Yolanda was the first with Lucy Cannon hot on her heels correctly identifying the line "Money is the world's curse." "May the Lord smite me with it!" "And may I never recover!" coming from Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol in 1971
An oldie but goodie:
"Then one day I hear "Reach for it mister." I spun around, and there I was standing face to face with a six year old kid. Well, I just laid down my guns and walked away. Little bastard shot me in the ass!"
On Netflix:
Taken - This was an action packed movie that kept Sy and me glued to the screen for the entire 93 minutes. Liam Nielsen plays a retired spy who uses all his skills to track down a kidnapping ring. I don't want to give too much of the story away so that's all I'll say. You need to take a vacation from reality as you watch this film, but it is exciting, engaging and a story of good versus evil. There is a lot of violence, so a word of caution if you don't like those types of films.
At National Theater in Washington DC
700 Sundays - This is Billy Crystal's love letter to his family especially his Dad who he lost when he was only 15 years old. The title refers to how many Sundays he spent with his Dad. The first half was hilarious. Crystal is a master of timing and his delivery is spot on. Many of you will relate to his relatives as they are identical to some of yours. When he talked about the Catskills, I could picture it as the Rubins were frequent visitors there. The second half took a more serious tone as he talked about his life after losing his Dad. Although many patrons, who I overheard as we were leaving the theater, liked the first half better, the second certainly showed his versatility as a comedian, storyteller and actor. We certainly got our money's worth as he ran almost three hours. We were impressed with his stamina as this was a matinee and he had another show to do that evening. If you have the opportunity to see it, go - you won't be disappointed.
Recent Books I've Read:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by MaryAnn Shaffer and Annie Barrows - this is a story about life on Guernsey (one of the islands between England and France) during and right after World War II. The cast of characters are engaging and the information you learn about life on this island and the hardships these people had to endure is interesting. It is written in letter form which is a bit unusual, but makes you feel privy to the intimate details of the lives of these people. I enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - this novel has recently been made into a movie and I am anxious to see how well the screen writers held to the basic story. Although it is about a man who time travels, not by choice but by a genetic mutation, it is not science fiction, but a love story. It is told through a first person narrative by both the time traveler Henry DeTamble and his wife Clare Abshire. It can be confusing at times since Henry goes from present to past and even the future. I have mixed feelings about the book. Although it held my interest and the love story is touching, the format was not to my liking. Give it a try and make up your own mind.
Save the Date:
Next Saturday, September 26 from 10-5 on the National Mall is the Library of Congress' National Book Festival. If you live anywhere near DC, this is a must. Wonderful authors present their novels and tell great stories about how they write, who influences them and take questions from the audience. This year David Balducci, Judy Blume, Ken Burns, Paula Dean and host of others will present. Tip: If you really want to see a particular author, go to that tent the author before so you can secure a seat. For more information go to loc.gov/bookfest/
Next week is a week of premieres on TV. Just a head's up to "House" fans. The two hour premiere is Monday of course conflicting with day one of Dancing With The Stars so warm up your DVR, DVD and any other taping devices you have. I have a class Monday night so I will be spending Tuesday morning catching up on DWTS then.
So much to do, so little time so make the most of it - read, see a movie, go to a museum, but do something!
Roberta
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14
Try this one:
"Money is the world's curse." "May the Lord smite me with it!" "And may I never recover!"
On Netflix:
The Wrestler - Mickey Rourke was nominated for his role as Randy "The Ram" Robinson a washed up boxer in this come-back movie for him. Sy liked this movie more than I did. The wrestling scenes are quite violent, although staged. In my opinion, Mickey Rourke played Mickey Rourke. I thought I would feel about this movie as I did the original Rocky, but I never really got into feeling for the character. You do feel sorry for him and all the other athletes who make money, lose it and then have no where to go. Marisa Tomei playing a stripper was also nominated for an Oscar in her supporting role. It is definitely not a movie for children with the violence and nudity, but an interesting study in the human condition.
Last Chance Harvey - Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson were nominated for golden globes this year for their work in this film. It is a breathe of fresh air to see a romantic dramedy directed towards the older set. It is just a lovely story about loneliness and how two unlikely souls come together. Kathy Baker and James Brolin have supporting roles. Rent it for a film that will bring a smile to your face.
On TV:
If you haven't already seen the pilot or the first episode, please try out "Glee" the new Fox series. It will make you smile. Although not as intense as Fame, the music and the talented actors make it a joy to watch. Some of the subplots are silly to the point of campy. They do portray the administrator as a boob which of course would offend me, but I can overlook that. It is a fine way to spend an hour. It airs Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m.
This week we are off to the National Theater for see Billy Crystal in 700 Sundays. Will let you know how we like it.
Roberta
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8
Even when I choose hard quotes from old movies that could be easily confused with others, Yolanda comes through as she did last time identifying the quote :"Cosmo call me a cab." "OK you're a cab." coming from Singing in the Rain, 1952 starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. They don't make movies that those today.
Try this one:
"Four dollars/" "You know what four dollars buys today?" "It don't even buy three dollars!"
In theaters and soon to DVD:
Night At the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian:
During the last week before school started, I watched Sarah and Amanda and wanted to find a movie we all would enjoy and this one really fit the bill. It is a sequel to Night At The Museum starring Ben Stiller reprising his role as Larry Daley. A few of the former actors return in their previous roles; Robin Williams, Owen Wilson to name a few. But the delightful addition to this film is Amy Adams as AmeliaEarhart . It is a fun movie, similar to the first, with lots of action and chuckles for all. It was shown in an independent theater that shows movies that are about to go to DVD, but seeing a film in a theater adds to the enjoyment. Add to that we went to $2 Tuesdays where admission, popcorn and soda were all $2 a piece. Where else could you go for a fun afternoon for those prices?
As noted above, I did watch my granddaughters last week and in addition to the movie we did some interesting things:
Mount Vernon - I don't remember the last time I was there, but since then they have added a visitor's center with two galleries, museum and movies. It is very interesting. The house, grounds and the guides are first rate. Make sure to visit Washington's tomb at either 11 or 2 as they have a very nice wreath laying ceremony. You don't need to go on a guided tour as as you go through the home docents are in each area telling you about the house. All of us got a kick out of Lady Washington as she stayed in character throughout our visit to her house. Although there is an admission fee, it is well worth it. We were there for about four hours and could have stayed at least an additional hour as well.
DC Ducks - This is a tour bus that goes around downtown Washington leaving from Union Station and then turns into a boat and sails on the Potomac. Although the girls liked it, especially the duck horns they got, it is 90 minutes and quite costly. Adults are $32.00 while children are about $15. Although I could have saved $9.00 on two adult and two child tickets, I opted not to after reading the fine print. Although you are guaranteed a seat, it might not be for the day you go if the tours are sold out. Save your money and go to a museum.
Postal Museum - After the Ducks we went to the Postal Museum which is part of the Smithsonian and right next door to Union Station. It is a very kid's friendly museum with lots of interactive activities. It is small and can me done in an hour.
This past weekend we went to a Bar Mitzvah in Baltimore and had some free time to explore Baltimore Inner Harbor. Once again it has been quite some time since we were there so it was pleasant to revisit it on such a beautiful weekend.
Dragon Paddle Boats - This was a fun ride in the harbor. Wendy and Eric were the paddlers while Amanda and I were the passengers. It was hard paddling especially in the hot sun, but we all enjoyed our trip. While we went there, Sarah and Howard went to the Railroad Museum which they found interesting,
Baltimore Aquarium - This is a great aquarium. We spent about about three hours there seeing all the exhibits. The sharks, stingrays and jellyfish were favorites. A note of caution. You need to get there early. The tickets are timed and even though we got there by 10:15, we were shut out of the dolphin show for the time we wanted. By noon, everything was sold out. They also have an IMAX movie that was vetoed by the majority, so we skipped that as well. There are no online discounts, but you can purchase your tickets online.
Camden Yards - Sy, Eric and Howard took in the Baltimore Orioles game. This ballfield as described by them is cozy and family friendly. The pulled pork (bar b que) sandwiches were also a hit.
There is so much to do in the Washington DC area so get out and see some of it while the weather is good. Those of you not living here are invited to come and explore.
Happy First Day of School to those in Fairfax.
Roberta