February 20

In Theaters:

The Monuments Men - As most of you know, this film is based on true events.  A team of art historians and museum curators are put together to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.  The cast is amazing - George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and Cate Blanchett.  With that lineup you would expect an extraordinary film, but it wasn't.  It was good, not great.  The true story was so riveting, but the film not so much. I expected more tense scenes as the group found and then returned the art, but it just wasn't there.  Also, both Sy and I thought the music was inappropriate at times. It is an important story to be told, but I wish it had a bit more excitement.

On Netflix and Streaming:

Side Effects - Was surprised to see this on streaming so soon.  It was quite good.  Lots of twists and turns so I won't give away any details.  It has a good cast with Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta Jones and  Channing Tatum..  A young woman is given a drug for her depression and things go from bad to worse.  

At GMU Center For The Arts:

Peter Nero - Music of the Heart - When I asked Sy if he wanted to go to this concert, he replied. "Isn't he dead?"  Well we are here to say, at 79 he has more energy and talent than both of us put together.  We were amazed by his playing and stamina. His style is timeless as he played songs from Broadway hits (a 20 minute set of the entire score from West Side Story) to jazz greats from Duke Ellington.  He did not have a piece of music in front of him and played flawlessly.  We once again got tickets from Goldstar and for $33 a ticket this was a steal.  Unfortunately the concert hall was not filled.  My question to all of the people I went with was does he need the money or does he do it for the sheer pleasure of it.  It is probably a combination of the two, but we were the fortunate recipients of his marvelous talent.  If he plays at a venue near you, don't think twice, but go see him.

An Interesting Read

My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira - This histroical fiction story is set as the Civil War is just about to begin. It  tells the story of a determined midwife who longs to be a surgeon and how she obtains the skills to become one as she nurses soldiers on the battlefield as well as in horrible conditions in make shift hospitals in Washington DC.   The scenes of war are terrifying, but you learn so much about how things were especially the conditions in our nation's capital.  Although I know some found it a bit gruesome, it painted an accurate picture of the times and how women were treated and what opportunities they were given and limited to in the not so distant past.  A love story runs through the novel as well.  This is Oliverira's first novel and I think well written.  If you like history, read this historical fiction novel you won't be disappointed..

February 14

On Netflix:

Thanks for Sharing:  Although the topic seems raunchy, this film is very poignant and touching.  The film stars Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Joshua Gad and Pink as sex addicts.  It tells their story and how hard it is to maintain sobriety and a healthy relationship.  Gwyneth Paltrow costars as Ruffalo's love interest.  Carol Kane, from Taxi days, has a small role as Gad's mother.  The actors are outstanding and the story sweet, touching and thought provoking.  I would highly recommend you put this on your list.  

Last Vegas - With a snowy day and nowhere to go, Sy and I watched this film.  Will it win any awards - no, but it was a delightful way to spend a few hours.  The cast is great with Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Robert DeNiro playing best boyhood friends.  Douglas is planning on getting married and they all reunite in Vegas.  Nothing new, but as a more senior viewer, I enjoyed a lot of the jokes. 

At the Northern Virginia JCC:

Last weekend the JCC had their annual comedy show.  A number of our friends decided not to attend the show due to the very raunchy comic they had last year.  I am here to say the center learned their lesson.  This year they had not one , but two outstanding comics.  The opening act was Jay Szeck (not sure of the spelling)  He was a teacher in addition to a comic and did a fine job in opening the program with a short set.  Being in the education field, I laughed  the most at his teacher jokes.  The headliner was Monica Piper.  She is about 60 and had a lot of life experience to work with.  She is a writer and single Mom. Sy was impressed with her timing and in addition to just telling jokes, she would preface her story with , "I call this..." and then retell that story.  She was on for almost an hour and had the audience in the palm of her hand throughout.  If you have the opportunity to see either of these comics, do so you won't be disappointed.  

Reston Community Players:

Les Miserables - When I first heard that the Reston players were going to stage this production I thought no way.  It can't be good.  Well friends raved and I got tickets.  It was amazing!! For a community production it was marvelous.  The actors were first rate, scenery creative and lighting effective.  The orchestra was put to the test as the show is all singing and they played such an important part.  If I had one complaint, at times the orchestra was a bit too loud and the tempo of the music was faster than I had remembered.  These are really nit picking items as it was wonderful.  Since it was such a sellout, they will be performing an additional weekend so see if you can get any tickets.

House of Cards Returns:

Sy and I just watched the first episode of the second season of House of Cards and all I can say is OMG!!!  There is a real surprise element in it.  Spacey and Wright are still their most evil selves, but it is like a car wreck, you don't want to look, but you  can't take your eyes off of it

Stay warm and be safe as you drive in this snow, ice and then 60 degrees later this week in the Northeast!

Roberta

February 5

Netflix and Streaming

Invisible War  - My AAUW group showed this a while back and I am just getting to see it.  It is so powerful.  The documentary follows a few women and men from every branch of the service who have been sexually abused.  It is amazing how this problem has been brought up time and time again with no real action being taken.  I was particularly incensed by the women in charge who constantly defended the preventive programs and said things were being done.  The only hope was in the very last screen shot when the producers indicated that Leon  Panetta, the then Secretary of Defense, had changed the organizational structure of reporting sexual abuse from that of being to your commanding officer to an outside force.  It is horrifying that so many of our men and women are not only subjected to this abuse of power, but are helpless once it happens.  It is an important film for all to view.

At the JCC - Jews Who Rock:

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia has recently upped their game in the types of performances they are offering. Recently we saw the group "Gathering Time"  They are described as a high energy Peter, Paul and Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills and Nash.  The title of their performance was Jews Who Rock.  They sang songs from great Jewish composers from Simon and Garfunkel to Carole King to Neil Diamond to Carly Simon and so much more.  It was a walk down memory lane as all the songs they sang were ones we grew up with.  They finished the official concert with "Light One Candle" and as an encore did an original piece.  The group is made up of Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny. They offer other programs such as Great Folk Rock Festival (featuring the acoustic classics of the 60's and 70's) and Songs of Conscience (focused on songs of social justice).  Go see them if they play a venue near you, you won't be sorry.

A lovely story:

I posted this on my Facebook page, but am posting it again here so that those of you who are not my facebook friends might hear this wonderful story  Recently we met friends for brunch at Chef Geoff's in Tysons Corner. Before Sy and I arrived, the waiter had spilled the coffee creamer on our friend. They did apologize and offered him a choice of pre brunch item or dessert. In addition they offered to dry clean his pants, which in itself was the right thing to do and was appreciated. A little while later, the manager came over and asked how he was doing. Since he was going to a performance after brunch, he mentioned that and had previously asked if they had a hair dryer to dry the pants. Well you won't believe what happened next, the manager asked his size and went and bought him a new pair of pants at Norstroms. I can't believe this and needless to say we will be back. The restaurant has a number of sites in Northern VA, MD and DC and the food is very good and reasonable. Do yourself a favor and patronize this restaurant!

Where Frustrated Actresses Go!

As many of you know, Sy and I went out to visit with the Shermans in San Francisco this past weekend.  Lisa got us tickets for the San Francisco Children's Theater production of Cinderella.  First of all, all the actors were females and not to be nasty a bit over the hill.  Even Cinderella wasn't young, but had the dress.  After the show the actors met with their fans and signed autographs.  The four of us almost fell asleep during the production, but Abby was enthralled.  She loved every minute of it and got all the major players' autographs.  I will say that the wicked step sisters were the best.  During our stay. Abby and I spent a lot of time reenacting Cinderella and I must say our version rivaled theirs!

A place off the beaten path:

The Walt Disney Museum - Located on the Presidio in SF is the Walt Disney Museum.  It is a loving tribute to the man by his daughter.  This museum is NOT for children as they would be bored, but a fascinating trip through Disney's life. Through photographs and interactive exhibits, it retold how he first became an artist, animator, film maker and finally the inspiration behind the construction of Disney Land.  We spent about two hours there, but could have easily spend another hour.  In addition, they show movies that are included in the price.  When we were there, Mary Poppins, was playing.  We thought getting to the museum we thought would be tough, but we were able to take BART to a nearby shuttle that took us right to the museum. The shuttle was free and a bonus was that it went through Chinatown and other parts of the city.  The cost for the museum is $20, but $15 for students and seniors.  

The Northeast is bracing for yet another storm.  Will this winter ever let up!!  Have your supply of movies on hand!!

Roberta

January 25

Netflix Streaming and DVD:

Haute Cuisine - Continuing to clean up my streaming list, I watched this French film that is based on real characters and lives.  Hortense Laborie was the personal chef for the president of France.  The film takes us on her journey as the outsider who cooks food for the President that he enjoys that may not be in his best health interest.  She has to deal with the many personalities in the palace, but always puts the taste and likes of the President before anything else which causes some concerns for her.  For a lovely film, see this one.

What Maisie Knew - Another film that has been on my instant streaming list for awhile.  This is based on the Henry James novel where a perceptive six year old is bounced back and forth from parent to parent as she gets caught in a custody battle.  The two caring adults in her life make the movie interesting.  Neither parent deserves her.  They are played by Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan of Philomena fame..  Throughout the film I kept on saying where is CPS (Child Protective Agency) and why isn't anyone calling them.  The ending was unsatisfied, but otherwise good especially the little girl playing Maisie, Onata Aprile.

Any Day Now - Does Alan Cumming do anything wrong?  This film too had been on my streaming list and as I battle a lingering winter cold  it was just the right medicine to help me get through yet another day housebound.  The topic is not uplifting, but the performances are outstanding.  Cumming plays Rudy a female impersonator, and Garret Dillahunt plays Paul the local DA, who are lovers and partners  living in California in 1979.  Rudy takes in a Down syndrome young man, Marco played by Isaac Leyna, who is abandoned by his junkie mother.  His relationship with Paul becomes so much more when both of them decide to adopt Marco when his mom is sent to prison.  1979 was not a time of acceptance even in California for gay couples.  In fact, they were routinely prejudiced against.  See this film to see how this true story plays out.  Make sure to have tissues on hand..

On Netflix:

The Bling Ring - This film is based on the rash of burglaries in California by a group of teenagers who targeted homes of "stars" when they knew they were out of town.  It amazed both Sy and me as these home were left either with doors unlocked or had keys under the mat.  Security was limited and the burglars took items like they were shopping in a department store.  The film dragged on and on as they showed the many break-ins.  After awhile, it was just tedious. We both said to each other we got the message, but they had to fill 90 minutes.   Needless to say, these kids got a slap on the wrist.  If they were African American they would have probably served their entire prison term and their sentence would have been much longer.  Also throughout the entire film, we kept on saying where are the parents.  Sad state of the world today.  (See comments about lack of parent controls below)

Important Topic:

Today my AAUW group along with the NACW and Circle of Giving hosted a program about human trafficking in Northern VA.  The presenter conducted a lively discussion on the topic and one of the many concerns brought up was Where are the parents? Something that The Bling Ring brought to mind as well.  I wanted to direct your attention to a You tube entitled "Do You Know Lacy?" It is a must see for any parent, grandparent and concerned adult to watch and share with their daughters and sons.  It is only a few minutes, but very powerful!  Here is the web site:    

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfo2pmBVrCI

Stay warm this coming week.

Roberta

January 21

It has been a snowy day in Northern Virginia and in addition to that I have a cold so it was a good time to catch up on some of the films I had on streaming.  As you can tell from my reviews, some were good and some were just horrible.

On Netflix streaming only:

The Short Game - If you or anyone plays golf or knows anyone who plays golf, this is for you. It follows eight grade-school golfers as they compete in a junior-level championship at the prestigious Pinehurst golf course in North Carolina. Children come from all over the world to compete. It is the same formula as the crossword and spelling bee documentaries, but you will be so impressed with these kids' talent. I particularly enjoyed watching the young boy from Africa. He and his parents had just the right attitude. Allan Kournikova, Anna of tennis fame's brother is featured. They must have the sports gene in spades. Watch this, you won't be disappointed. 

On Netflix and streaming:

I Give It A Year - I put this on my list because I enjoy Rose Byrnes so much.  It is a British romantic comedy that also stars Simon Baker and Anna Farris of "Mom."  The storyline was tried and true - boy meets girl, fall in love, marry in haste, find they are not compatible and attracted to others.  At times the film was a bit crass and was not good enough for these actors. Maybe I just don't get British humor.   I probably would skip this one and not even watch it if it ever gets to TV. 

 

Drinking Buddies - Another film I had on streaming and a good day to watch as the snow fell.  Good movie though, no.  This one starred Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick and Ron Livingston (who will forever be remembered for breaking up with Carrie Bradshaw on Sex in the City on a post it, but I digress)   I found absolutely no redeeming value in this film.  Wilde and Johnson are coworkers who enjoy each other's company drinking after work and I was not sure if they really wanted to hook up or not. Kendrick and Livingston were their respective boy and girlfriends.  It was 90 minutes of wasted film.  Don't see this one either. 

On Netflix:

The Big Wedding - Not quite sure how or why this one was on my list, but happy it was.  It is a predictable romantic comedy, but has a wonderful cast.  Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigi, Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams headline this all star cast about a couple who has to pretend they are still married to placate the groom's birth mother who would not approve of divorce.  Needless to say, mayhem ensues, but it is fun, touching and a good way to pass a few hours.  I always love to see Robin Williams and he is great as the family Priest.  (BTW if you have not tuned into his new comedy "The Crazy Ones' do so; it is well written with a great cast and anything David E. Kelley does is worth watching!)

At the JCC:

Mr. Benny - This one man show, starring Tim Newell as Jack Benny, was a walk down memory lane.  The first act takes place just before Benny is about to start his television program.  He reminisced about the old days of radio and how he got his start.  The second act was right before he was to go on his last TV program.  He was being beaten out in the ratings by Gomer Pyle.  It was a kind and gentle show, but one that warmed the heart.

A note about local entertainment:

Don't dismiss activities right in your backyard.  As mentioned above, we saw a delightful one man show and when I look at the JCC's website, there are other programs of interest.  These programs are usually much cheaper than the "professional" productions and many times just as good.  The Reston Community Center has a good production of Les Miz according to many of my friends who have seen.  Will try and get tickets for it before it closes.

In the meantime, my friends in the Northeast, stay safe and warm.  And my west coast friends and family, please send some of your warm weather this way.

Roberta

January 7

In Theaters

 

The Wolf of Wall Street - Sy wanted to see this film and I tagged along.  It is almost three hours and it goes pretty fast.  One of my friends said she felt like she was watching a soft porn film so a word to the wise; if you don't enjoy watching nudity, seeing people abuse drugs or dislike hearing four letter words, see Frozen not this film!  The film is based on the memoirs of Jordan Belfort, a securities stock broker. Black Monday hits and he loses his job.  He starts his own firm, Stratton Oakmont,  which was your typical "boiler room, bucket shop" that hawked penny stocks to unsophisticated investors.  This type of establishment is a far cry from the major investment houses. The excesses that were depicted were common in the 1990's.  You can read what happens to him and his firm, Stratton Oakmont, I won't give it away here. The film is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars two of my favorite actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill.  Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner and Kyle Chandler have smaller roles.  Although it is based on a true account, I found it so over the top that it was a bit unbelievable.  Wall Street with Michael Douglas is a better film .That beings said, I would definitely put it on your Netflix list when it comes out.

 

Over the break OLLI (Ocher Life- Long Learners)  are showing movies.  This is the one I saw last week.  It is also available on Netflix::

 

The Gods Must Be Crazy - This 1980's film plays like a documentary at first then becomes a Keystone Kops, Marx Brothers silly film.  It was the perfect way to spend a cold, snowy afternoon.  This film is a South African comedy.  It is set in Botswana and tells the story of Xi a member of the bushmen and whose tribe has no knowledge of the world beyond their little piece of the world.    Many stories intertwine and play like an English farce where everyone comes together and in the end all is well. Silly, unsophisticated, but fun.

 

 

A Wonderful Read

 

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton -  This novel has it all - mystery, thievery, murder and love.  It tells the story of a daughter who has witnessed a murder and fifty years later tries to find out what really happened. The book is written in present day and flashes back to  to pre- World War II, England through the blitz to the fifties and beyond. The ending will blow you away.  For a good read, pick this one up, hang in there and you won't be sorry.

The country is going through very low temperatures even in Florida; not sure about CA, but since you will be probably staying indoors, catch up on your Netflix streaming if you have that service.  I have only two episodes left for "House of Cards."  I put off watching it when it first came out and I liken it to a car wreck, you hate it but can't stop looking.  Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are despicable, but wonderful in their roles.  I just hope government is not run like this, but I am sure there is some truth to what the show depicts.

Stay warm,

Roberta

 

 

January 2

Happy New Year!

At Theaters:

Saving Mr. Banks -  Emma Thompson gives a convincing Oscar worthy performance as P. L. Travers the author of Mary Poppins in this true story about her relationship with Walt Disney. Disney spent twenty years trying to convince Travers to turn over the rights of her book so a film could be made.  The film shows how Mary Poppins is a parallel to Travers childhood and does this by flashing back from her childhood in Australia to the 70's.  Tom Hanks as Disney and Colin Farrrell as her father are very good in their roles as well.  It was a very heartwarming film and one I highly recommend.

American Hustle - This movie has had Oscar buzz surrounding it and I can see why.  It is a fun, touching and intelligently made film.   Not sure why Jennifer Lawrence is getting all the hoopla as Amy Adams is just as good if not better in this film.  Bradley Cooper as the FBI agent and Jeremy Renner as the mayor do a wonderful job with their roles, but the real star of the film is Christian Bale playing the con artist Irving Rosenfeld.  Other supporting players round out this amazing cast including Louis C.K. Many of these actors starred in previous films by the director and they gel together to make a wonderful ensemble.   A famous actor has a small cameo and doesn't get screen credit, see if you recognize him.  The story is loosely based on the Abscam scandal of the early '80's when an FBI agent exposes corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and PA. Some call this film a drama, some a comedy - I'll split the difference and call it a dramedy.  No matter what you call it, it is worth seeing.  

As many of you know Sy and I spent the Christmas week on a cruise on the Celebrity Summit cruising to St Croix, St Kitts, St. Thomas, Dominica and Tortola.  On our Delta leg of the trip, I chose the following films to watch:

We're The Millers - What a pleasant surprise.  Jennifer Aniston heads this cast of Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts and Will Poulter who pose as a family who smuggle drugs across the border.  What makes this film work is the chemistry between the four actors.  Aniston and Sudekis show off their comedic chops.   For a fun movie, see this one.

The Family - Roberta DiNero, Michelle Pfieffer and Tommy Lee Jones head this all star cast, but why would they do this film.  It is two hours of my life I will never get back and I could not leave the theater.  I could have shut it off, but hoped it would get better.  No such luck.. It has gratuitous violence, a poor story line and an undeveloped plot.  The only mildly funny part was when DiNero, who is in hiding in France and posing as a writer, is invited to critique a film, but when that film does not appear they show the alternate - Goodfellas which is funny.  Don't bother seeing this.

 

Note about the cruise:

This was our first time on Celebrity lines.  The ship was smaller than others we have been on. It held about 2400 passengers and 900 crew which is small for the big ships.   I must say we could not have been happier.  The ship is quite lovely, staff attentive and food marvelous.  We met a lot of nice people and escaped the cold for a few days.  What could be bad.  I would recommend doing the flexible dining.  This way you have the opportunity to sit with different people each night or just have a quiet time with the person or persons who come with you.  Sy had two complaints - you know how much he loves his coffee and they just couldn't make it to his liking.  Even in the speciality coffee area, he tried, but just didn't quite make it the way he likes it.  Also he felt the dealers in the casino needed to lighten up. This was not high stakes blackjack.  We played at a $6 table and the dealers who were mostly Ukrainian were unfriendly, unhelpful and dealt very fast.  Although we lost money, it was not a lot and I always attribute it to entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, we found, as we have before, that the entertainment in the lounges tend to be not only more intimate, but of good quality.  The guitarist on board, Justin Wade, had a lovely voice and played well.  He favored James Taylor and did a find job with his songs.  The piano player, Will Foraker, reminded us of Eric.  He played so well and liked to play jazz.  Finally an acapella group called Four Sail was fun and very talented.  The ports of call were fine.  We got in three beach days and really each island has the same things; waterfalls, beaches and a fort, but we liked the idea that each day except for Christmas we were at a port and could get off the ship   This time we came in two days before the cruise started.  We did it for a better flight schedule and reduce the already high airfare, but it is something we would do again.  Instead of worrying if you are going to make the ship and be exhausted the first day on board, we spent two night in Puerto Rico relaxing on the beach and getting to the boat early so we could take advantage of the lunch and be relaxed for dinner and the show.  We would stay an extra day if we did this again as the ship gets you off early in the morning, but tells you not to book a flight before noon.  Our flight was not until 3:20 so we spent the entire day waiting around the airport. It will take us a few years before we are ready for another cruise as we now need to lose the weight we gained, but it was all worth it!

A Note about lost luggage:

In all our years of traveling, we have never had our luggage lost, but this time the spell was broken.  On our return flight, we had to not only make a connection, but go from Delta to United in Atlanta.  When we arrived at Dulles, our bag did not show up on the carousal.  We went to the United baggage office and put in a claim.  The representative was able to ascertain that the last time our bag was put into the system was in Puerto Rico.  As Eric said to me, our bag needed more time in the sun.  They give you a number and a site to go on to check.  The next morning I checked with Delta and they were able to locate the bag and said it would be on their 9:30 flight out of Atlanta so it did make it out of Puerto Rico.  Long story short, our bag arrived by 4 Sunday.  You can even check on a web site :wheresmysuitcase.com and it tells you exactly where it is.  Ours was a story with a happy ending.  Hope all yours are too.

I wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy New Year and keep going to the movies!

Roberta