May 27

Carol Frank, Yolanda and Betty correctly identified

"Some people can't believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first." 

coming from Good Will Hunting

Try this one:

“I don’t understand. All my life I’ve been waiting for someone and when I find her, she’s … she’s a fish.


In Theaters:

Forty Two - What a lovely movie!  The story retells how Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues. Branch Richey, played by Harrison Ford, was instrumental in making this happen. Ford is wonderful in the role.  It is amazing how far we have come in 65 years, but there is always plenty for us to go.  The actor playing Robinson was unknown to me, but as Sy said that was good as you focused on the person, not the actor. I believed he graduated from Howard University in DC.   For an inspirational movie, see this one.


On Netflix"

To Rome With Love - This is your typical Woody Allen movie. Not as good as Midnight in Paris, but interesting just the same especially if you have been to Rome. Many stories take place at the same time all in Rome. What I expected was they would all come together in the end, but that did not happen. A star studded cast with Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Fabio Armiliata, Alessandra Mastronardi, Alison Pill and Carol Alt.

Reread:

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - I had never read this novel before, but it was the classic read my book group chose for this month.  The author wrote this when she was I believe 23 and shows her insight into the human soul.  Happy book - no, Thoughtful book - yes.  I've put the film on my Netflix list to see how it was adapted for the screen.  Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke were nominated for Academy Awards for this roles; neither won.  It is a good book to either read for the first time or reread.

Haven't been to the movies or seen many Netflix for some time, but now that most of my TV programs are finished for the season, I will catch up on my movie viewing.

March 21

Carol Frank, Florrie, Betty, Martha H. correctly identified "Which one of you nuts has got any guts?  from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Try this one

"Do you know that place between being asleep and awake, where you still remember your dreams? That's where I'll always love, that's where I'll always wait for you."

Reston Community Players

next to normal - Well I finally got to see the production at the Reston Community Center and I was not disappointed.  As Sy previously wrote, it is a tough subject area to tackle.  Who would ever think to write a play about mental illness and a musical to boot.  For those of you who don't know the play's history, it started off Broadway to very mixed reviews.  The play was reworked and played at Arena  where it worked out the kinks.  On to Broadway where it received wonderful reviews, three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. That year the Tony went to a more mainstream musical, "Billy Elliott."   Will you go away singing and smiling; not unless you too need mental health help; but you will go away thinking how lucky you are to have a family that is close to normal.

On Netflix:

The Intouchables - This French film was panned by the critics, but what do they know.  It is a lovely, poignant film about the friendship between a wealthy paraplegic and his rough around the edges caretaker.  It is based on a true story, the caretaker in real life is not black, but Middle Eastern.  Although he is confined to a chair, you never feel sorry for Philippe.  That is exactly what he wanted from his caretaker and Driss does just that.  To see a film that will put a smile on your face and feel good, see this one. 

Interesting Read:

Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright - This month's book club selection is Albright's personal story of remembrance of war  1937-1948.  At first I thought it was not going to catch my interest, but as I read I learned a lot about Czechoslovakia and World War II.  The personal parts were quite interesting.  I am sure there will be a lively discussion next week when we meet.  I know a number of people cannot believe that Albright never had any kind of inkling that she was Jewish.  Sometimes we believe what we want to believe and close our eyes to what is right in front of us.  I would recommend you reading this account.

At The Library of Congress:

Words Like Sapphires - 100 Years of Hebraica at the Library of Congress 1912-2012 - One point of interest that tourists forget about when visiting Washington, DC is The Library of Congress.  Situated behind the Capitol it is not only a beautiful building and one of the largest libraries in the world. I went on a trip with a group to see this exhibit.  We were fortunate to have the curator, Peggy Pearlstein, as our guide.  As in any museum, you get so much more out of any exhibit if you go on a tour.  The docents know what to point out and items you might overlook.The reason for the title is that Hebrew writers throughout the medieval Jewish world used the image of "sapphires" to describe the clarity and brilliance of the well chosen word and beauty of the written page. The Library of Congress has been recognized as one of the world's foremost centers for the study of Hebrew and Yiddish materials If you live in the DC area, see it for yourself - you won't be disappointed.  For those of you who cannot make it to Washington, the exhibit is online at http://loc.gov/exhibitions

DWTS

Well my show got off to a quick start this week and I am sorry to say that Sy's girl Cheryl Burke will not be on long as her partner DL Hugley is terrible.  I think the women are the stronger contenders.  My favorites so far are:  Zendaya Coleman, Aly Raisman and Kellie Pickler.  Dorothy Hamill was no too bad either.  Besides Hugley in the cellar I think Lisa Vanderpump, Wyonna Judd and Andy Dick will round out those I think who should be off in the first couple of weeks.  Some of these performers have big fan bases so you can never predict what will happen.  Time will tell!

It is a sorry state of films out there.  Sy and I couldn't find one to go to so I guess we will continue to focus on Netflix. 

Roberta

March 31

Betty correctly identified the following quote: "Do you know that place between being asleep and awake, where you still remember your dreams?  That's where I'll always love, that's where I'll always wait for you" coming from Hook, but I will give Carol Frank credit as she said Peter Pan.

Try this one:

"If you love someone... you say it, right then, out loud. Otherwise... the moment just passes you by."

On Netflix:

The Sessions - I was not sure I would like this film as I had a preconceived notion that is would simply be a sex film and nothing else, but I was mistaken.  Based on a true story, Helen Hunt plays a sex surrogate for Marc O'Brien a young man who wants to experience sex. He is confined to an iron lung due to the effects from polio and can be out of it for only a few hours at a time.  John Hawkes who plays O'Brien does a wonderful job portraying the soul of this young man.  He is intelligent and funny.  Hunt, who I haven't seen for a while, does a lovely job portraying the surrogate who become a bit too close to her client.  William H. Macy's role as O'Brien's priest, confidant and friend is priceless.  He should have been nominated for his role.  The best way for me to describe this film is hopeful.  You will laugh, cry and never really feel sorry for O'Brien.  The supporting cast is also quite good.  Put this on your list, you won't be sorry. 

Won't Back Down - This film is loosely based on the parent group from Sunland-Tujunga Los Angeles, California who tried to take over several failing schools in the district.  Due to their efforts, parents were given the opportunity to change administration and teachers at failing schools and if that didn't do the trick, charter schools could be formed. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis play the two major principals in the film; one playing a disgruntled parent and the other a teacher at the school.  It does pull at your emotional heartstrings and puts the union in a horrible light.  Although I am not a person who believes in any kind of tenure, not sure the "bad" side was portrayed fairly.  An interesting tidbit I found out was that at the 2012 Republican and Democratic conventions, Michelle Rhee showed this film.  Also one of the producers was also a producer for the film Waiting for Superman.  Check it out and see what you think. 

On Netflix and HBO:

Snow White and the Huntsman - Since Sy had either food poisoning or the stomach flu, our plans for the weekend were canceled and I found this film on HBO so decided to watch it.  As some of you know, I enjoy "Once Upon a Time" and I guess fairy tales are an interest.  This one stars Charlize Theron as the evil queen and it does have a different twist as to why she is as she is.  For the teenagers, Kristen Stewart stars as Snow White and Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman.  I enjoyed Bob Haskins as one of the dwarfs.  Did I like it, not sure?  Did it hold my interest, yes.  Not really for young children. 

DWTS:

So no one got cut this week as Dorothy Hamil had to drop out on the advice of her doctor.  The two in the bottom - Victor Ortiz and Lisa Vanderpump deserved to be there.  I think Vanderpump should go.  Once again the women impressed with Zendaya (not sure of spelling), Kellie and Aly on the top of my leader board!

March 5

Carol Frank, Betty correctly identified " I shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine.And he shall be MY Squishy." from Finding Nemo

Try this one:
"Which one of you nuts has got any guts?"

On Netflix:

Pitch Perfect - If you are a fan of Glee like I am, you will love this movie.  It is simply a vehicle for a cappella groups to perform, but perform they do and so well.  It stars Anna Kendrick from Up in the Air.  Not sure if she is doing her own singing, but it is pure entertainment and joy.  Not much of a story, but what fun. 

At Reston Community Center for the next two weekends:

Next to Normal - We had tickets to the Reston Players and I came down with a bug.  I told Sy to go without me and here is his review of the performance.  After reading the review, I believe I have major competition in writing.  He, of course, is the writer in the family.

What would you call a play that consisted of a bi-polar, suicidal wife, obsessed with the death of her infant son, a daughter that felt all but forgotten by her parents and a husband who lived in denial of a family living on the edge of crisis. The producers of the production now playing at the Reston Community Center would call it Next to Normal, but I’d call it about as far away from “normal” as you can get. The plot features characters that are extreme, making it difficult to relate to, that is assuming you have any aspect of normal life in your family. Next to Normal is an operetta, set in modern-day suburbia.  The voices of the cast members are surprisingly professional making it easier to enjoy a very difficult storyline.  This ambitious production is worth seeing, but expect to leave somewhat shaken-up and feeling lucky that your life was a lot closer to normal than some.

Roberta

February 28

Carol Frank, Yolanda, Betty, Eric, Florrie, and Lucy correctly identified  "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." coming frrom Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Try this one: " I shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine.And he shall be MY Squishy."

I shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine. And he shall be MY Squishy.” — Finding Nemo - See more at: http://www.pajiba.com/guides/the-other-100-best-movie-quotes-of-all-time.php#sthash.T3S0XnZm.dpuf

shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine. And he shall be MY Squishy.” — Finding Nem - See more at: http://www.pajiba.com/guides/the-other-100-best-movie-quotes-of-all-time.php#sthash.1sRA8cj3.dpuf

shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine. And he shall be MY Squishy.” — Finding Nem - See more at: http://www.pajiba.com/guides/the-other-100-best-movie-quotes-of-all-time.php#sthash.1sRA8cj3.dpuf

In Theaters:

Quartet -   I had hoped this film would be like the Marigold Hotel from last year and although it dealt with the same issues, the former was a bit lighter.   The cast and acting is excellent.  I love Maggie Smith in everything she does and Billy Connolly is a hoot.  Tom Courtenay is still a very handsome man and good actor.  The premise is that a retirement home for musicians is putting on its annual celebration on Verdi's birthday and the quartet who sang this are residents at the facility.  Smith and Courtenay have history and that's all I will say.  Perhaps if I were 40 and not closer in age to the people in the movie, I would have enjoyed it better.  That being said, it was a good movie.  During the credits, photographs of the actors as they were in their younger days appears next to their present photos.  Many of the ensemble are actual performers.  The music is lovely. 

On Netflix:

Flight - Denzel Washington was up for the Academy Award for his portrayal of the alcoholic pilot.  Does Denzel Washington ever do anything poorly?   His character does a stunning job landing a plane and the action goes from there.  John Goodman is wonderful in a quirky role as his friend and "dealer." He has portrayed some very interesting characters this year.   Don Cheadle is also a good steady actor and he proves his worth in this film as well as the strong, no nonsense attorney. and Melissa Leo, who was unrecognizable to me,  also appears as the official from the National Board investigating the accident.  For an exciting, thought provoking film, put this one on your list. 

An Odd Read:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - This was the latest book I read with my book group.  To say it is odd is an understatement.  It is a mystery, suspense thriller.  The best way I can describe it is that is it like a car accident - you shouldn't look, but can't help yourself.  In this case, I didn't like the characters or story, but could not put it down.  Does that make it a good book?  Not sure.  Flynn said in an interview she wanted to explore violent women, not violence on women; simply violent women.  If that was her goal, she accomplished it in spades!  It is about two dysfunctional adults who find each other and so that I don't spoil the story, that is all I will say.   One person in our group described it as "beach" read.  I understand Reese Witherspoon has picked up the options on the book and I will be anxious to see it although many in the group said they would avoid it.

Well the Academy Awards were handed out and for the most part not many surprises.  No one film took it away and I agree as there were so many good films and performances.  I am very happy Argo won for best picture.  And even though the Post wrote a real snarky account of Seth MacFarland's job as host, I thought he did a great job.

Believe it or not Dancing With The Stars returns soon.  The new cast of "dancers" was revealed earlier this week.  Will I watch it - you betcha!

Roberta

February 14

Carol Frank, Florrie and Yolanda correctly identified "Sometimes I wish I had never met you. Because then I could go to sleep at night not knowing there was someone like you out there." coming from Good Will Hunting. 

Try this one:

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

On Netflix:

21 Jump Street - Do yourself a favor and do not, I repeat,  do not see this film.  I thought it would be a good way to relive the TV program and I like the two stars in it -  Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.  It turned out to be crude, lewd and rude.  The story juvenile, gags gross and just plain stupid.  The target audience is for individuals with limited taste.  I can't even give it any stars!!

On Netflix and Instant Streaming:

Vanity Fair - As I mentioned earlier, I am taking a class about this novel.  We have been reading it and seeing clips of this film and the BBC version. Since I was strapped for time and there was no way I would finish the book by the next class, I sat down and watch the film.  It is quite good, but not as good as the novel.  Reese Witherspoon does a wonderful job as the sneaky Becky Thacker.  The other actors are quite good as well although I think the actor who plays George is miscast.  I do intend to read the rest of the novel over the next few weeks.  Lots of scenes and characters were left out of the film which was disappointing, but then the film would have run more than three hours.  For a lovely adaptation of a novel, see this film. 

1st Stage in Tysons

I had heard about this venue, but never thought to go until Goldstar had a deal I couldn't refuse.  For $33 including service fee, Sy and I saw Italian American Reconciliation a play written by John Patrick Shanley who wrote Moonstruck and Doubt.  There was an 18 year gap between these two productions.  This play was performed beautifully by a fine troupe of actors.  The story had many themes from Moonstruck. It is a dramady about an Italian man divorced from his abusive wife who decides he cannot live without her and tries to win her back with the aid of his lifelong friend.   This play was first performed in 1988 a year after Moonstruck.  All that being said, it is worthwhile to make your way to this out of the way strip mall to see the production.  It will be there until February 24.

Once again the pickings are slim at the theaters, but still want to see Quartet.

Roberta

February 7

Juli and Betty correctly identified  "Do, or do not. There is no "try" coming from The Empire Strikes Back.

Try this one:
"Sometimes I wish I had never met you. Because then I could go to sleep at night not knowing there was someone like you out there."

I am taking a few classes at OLLI (Osher Life Long Learners) that are showing films.  One class had us reading Goodbye Columbus and then we watched the film and the final week we will be comparing the two. Another class we are reading Vanity Fair and clips have been shown in the class.  I will watch it on Netflix after the class is over and the last class is just showing films to warm the heart.  Here are some of them.

On Netflix:

The Girl in the Cafe - This is an older film that  was originally shown on HBO in 2005.  It is a sweet story about a lonely civil servant played by Bill Nighy from Hotel Marigold who meets a young girl played by Kelly Macdonald of "Boardwalk Empire" and how she influences not only him, but the United Kingdom members at the G8 summit in Iceland.  Macdonald was nominated for an Emmy for her performance. The May December romance is tender and sweet.

Goodbye Columbus - This film was released in 1969.  As I watched the film, I thought it was a very true adaptation of the novella.  I was surprised that  this film was the one in which  Ali MacGraw' made her debut performance. It did bring back memories of the late '60's and '70's and showed how film making has changed.  If it were done today, the nudity would be much more obvious..  I enjoyed seeing both Richard Benjamin and Jack Klugman. This is a satire that touches on boundaries of class, race and religion as seen through a romance between two Jewish individuals; one who is a struggling librarian and the other a wealthy college student.   For a walk down memory lane, see this film.  The novella is very short so you can read it and compare the two as well.  I'll give you an update about the classes' reaction next posting.    

On Netflix and Instant Streaming:

Cosi - This 1996 Australian/New Zealand film is a touching story about an unemployed director who takes a job at a psychiatric hospital to stage Mozart's Cosi fan tute.  The story does not make fun of these people, but tells how through the arts they start to cope with their problems.  Of course the plot is predictable, but enjoyable just the same.  The cast includes Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths and Jacki Weaver who is up for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Bradley Cooper's mother in Silver Lining Playbook.  The other actors were not familiar to me.  This was a lovely film that will leave you smiling at its end. 

High School Theater:

Once again I need to give a shout out to my friend Bill P. who directs the annual H-B Woodlawn musical production.  This year the students staged How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.  The show was originally on Broadway with Robert Morse in the 60's and I remember it well.  The students did a lovely job with the play. I particularly liked the clever staging.  My granddaughters enjoyed it; especially the choreography.  The finale with the singing and dancing of of "Brotherhood of Man" was a hoot.  Way to go Bill and your talented cast and crew!

Not much at the theater, but I do hope to see Quartet as a number of you have told me how much you enjoyed it!  To my friends in the Northeast, stay safe and warm.  The weather forecast is not good!

Roberta