It's A Druid Solstice Miracle!!

30 Rock...Jeanne doesn't usually care for it but the last episode, "Christmas Attack Zone," had us both laughing. I think Tina Fey is a comedy genius. And this episode is so quirky. It's really about the jacked up way people in big cities get to feeling about the holidays. The whole thing was a constant riot.

You can see it on Hulu if you missed it, but you need to see it while you can.

A Christmas Carol w-Jim Carey

With a great cast and wonderful director, how could this version of a Christmas Carol be a miss? And yet it was. Jeanne and I watched it all the way through Tuesday nite, the day of its' release and we were completely bored. Jeanne commented that there was nothing new that they brought to the story. The next day we talked about it again and agreed that there were some bits that had been interesting, but just not enough to carry the movie.

I didn't care for the animation on occasion when the characters would appear jerky. The style was that of the "Polar Express" but this movie was devoid of the magic of that movie. This was more of a ghost story, but one you didn't believe in.

One Good Man

There are many poor reviews on the Deseret News website and I think the folks that were reviewing were mostly those who hadn't seen the film. It's true that many LDS films are lousy, but this one isn't. It's real, sensitive and not afraid to let silence speak. A very well done, very entertaining view of what it's like to be LDS.

Jeanne says that it's the best of the LDS films and I agree.

Repo Men..R rated

Jude Law and Forrest Whitaker star in this first rate science fiction film. It's reminiscent of Blade Runner as well as Minority Report, but it's completely unique and fast paced. No science fiction film works if it doesn't have a solid plot, there has to be a story and this has a very clever story that held my attention. I really don't want to say more because I wouldn't want to ruin it for you. It is graphic in many blood and guts scenes, these repo men deal in organs and they went for realism.

Lone Star

I really enjoy the start of the new season. But I didn't think much of "Lone Star" It just didn't seem engaging. The main character is a con-man, married to two women and it just didn't grab me. I try to give each show a fair view, but they need to be fairly well executed. This had a fairly good cast, but the concept just wasn't engaging to me.

The Losers

This is a movie based on a graphic novel that DC put out under the Vertigo label. It was loosely based on the old series that featured Sarge and Captain Johnny Cloud...quite old comics, who were killed off during DC's crisis on infinite earth's (a series that got rid of a lot of older, less popular characters). The new series is a different group of misfits who are a lot like the originals. I didn't know anything about the comic before seeing the movie and didn't need to before seeing it. It is a good solid action adventure. It doesn't seem at all "comic" like, since it's based in a gritty "reality". Seems some soldiers are double crossed by the CIA and they want to settle a score. I found it to be entertaining throughout the film. If you are an action fan, you'll probably like it as well.

The Duchess Of Duke Street

Some friends loaned us their copy of The Duchess Of Duke Street, A BBC miniseries and we really enjoyed it. As I was getting ready to return it to them, I noticed that the box was marked "Series 1" and they don't usually do that unless there is another series. But the last episode of the series had seemed so final that we felt pretty sure that there wasn't any more to the story. Just to make sure, I checked on Netflix and to my delight, found that there is a second series, five more cd's that continue to follow the stories based on the true life of Louisa Trotter. We started watching one of the disc's this evening and were quite happy to find the stories to stand up just as well as the first season did. We love Louisa and are horrified by her dreadful Mother and Brother in the first episode. It was so great to see all of the returning characters when we had been sure that the series was over. What a delight!

The Book Of Eli

I don't recommend R rated movies often, but this is one that I have to suggest. Similar to "The Road" this is a more hopeful post apocalyptic story. We meet Eli, Denzel Washington, a wanderer, a walker, heading towards the West. By the title and the previews we have a good idea that he's got a book that is precious to him and he is driven to head West. Turns out, he's been on his journey for thirty years. There has been a war that burned the Earth and killed most inhabitants, but unlike "The Road" there is still life on Earth, birds, animals and people.

It got it's rating for some violence and well deserved, there are some well done action scenes. There are a few language moments, but they aren't so offensive that I felt bad about the scenes, but I wouldn't watch this with my five year old grand kids.

This is one of those depth of character roles that Denzel plays so well. Good Science Fiction.

Everybodys Fine

Jeanne and I watched this tender hearted movie this evening and enjoyed it all the way through. Robert DeNiro is so famous for his tough guy, bad guy roles that you forget that the man can really ACT! All the way through the movie, I wondered what was going to happen as Dad visits one kid after another. A slice of life movie, based on the Italian movie, "Stanno tutti bene," is just an excellent movie..not for kids, it's one that folks who have more life experience under their belt. Just plain excellent.

Amelia

We finally got around to watching "Amelia." It was a good flick, but easy to know what was going to happen. So you had to just let it go and enjoy the experience. I like aviation because my friend, Kevin Steadman liked it so much when we were growing up. It stuck with me although I never pursued aviation the he did.

Jeanne and I both admire Eleanor Roosevelt, we have a quote by her on our wall and so it was fun to see a scene or two where the two women meet. I'd give this movie a good recommendation for those who are mature and looking to learn a little more about history.

Timer

I don't watch very many R rated movies, but this one seemed like a good plot. It came up as recommended for me on Netflix and I watched it on the watch instantly Que. But I didn't watch it instantly, I watched half of it and then watched the other half later. Which makes this a real keeper, because I wanted to come back and finish it. It's set in the near future where half the population has implanted timers that will indicate when you've met your one true love. A cute premise and many variations on the theme. It's rated R for the 4 or 5 F words, otherwise perfectly acceptable as if it were PG-13

Holmes On Homes

My new favorite show is "Holmes On Homes." I've been watching it faithfully for months and I LOVE this show! You can find it on the HGTV channel. It's just so good. First you are dumbfounded by the horrendous building that some contractors get away with and they take advantage of so many home owners.

Then Mike comes to the rescue! They take things apart and put them back together the way they should have been done in the first place. Some of the older episodes are interesting because he's gotten better over time and he does things even better than he did in those first episodes.

I'm still a big fan of "This Old House." But Holmes is my new favorite!

Kingdom

I like Stephen Fry from his portrayl as Jeeves the Butler and as his role as the psychitrist turned chef on Bones, so I was happy to stumble on this "Dramedy". I looked it up on netflix and they only have season 2 and 3, so we went to hulu where we found the first season. We watched the first episode this evening and it was enjoyable, although a little choppy. Hulu must have had a lot of viewers at the time because the broadcast got worse as it went along. But in spite of delivery problems, it looks to be an excellent series.

Fry plays the part of a small town lawyer andthere are plenty of quirky characters to make the series promising.

2012

Really a great flick. Surprisingly, I hadn't seen it till this week. I had it collecting dust in my collection, but got it out and watched it with my friend Bob. We both thought it was great, really worth watching! I couldn't get over how well written and organized it was. When there was a point where they could go for the easy way to further the plot along or the hard way, they always chose to do it the hard way, so we as an audience are challenged, wondering how are they going to get out of this.

Two thumbs and two big toes up. Haven't seen it, you need to..already seen it, you probably want to see it again. Oh, really a poor choice for the cover art on the box.

The Lovely Bones

This is quite a departure for Peter Jackson after doing the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy and King Kong. I didn't know he directed this until the closing credits began. There were many times that I was reminded of the movie, "What Dreams May Come," as I watched this thriller. I was compelled to watch this drama and there were a few times when I worried that it was going to become too creepy. Well acted, visually fantastic, very thought provoking.

I'm not sure how my friends will feel about this flick, should I recommend it? Yes and No, it was very engaging, but the subject matter, murder of a kid was tough. You make the call..you won't be bored.

An Ideal Husband

An Ideal Husband came out on dvd in 2000. It might seem dated, but as it is set in another time period, it could have been made yesterday. Jeanne and I watched it again last night and found it to be just as good as the first time we saw it.
I liked it because it was a light comedy that dealt with the principles of honor and virtue. It wasn't stuffy or preacy, but there were interesting moral dilemas presented throughout and we never really knew if it would end in diaster or not. Excellent acting by Rupert Evertt, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and Minnie Driver make this a delight and worth seeing again.

Gentlemen Broncos

I lasted 36 minutes into the film..Jeanne was ready to quit viewing it after 10 minutes, WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP!!!
Sick writing, bad characters, and a disappointment. I was looking forward to it, a good premise, a kid writes a novel and it gets ripped off. But the execution is just sick..so I'm giving it a definite thumbs down.

Alice In Wonderland

We went to see it at the dollar show and found it to be very entertaining. Most people we've met were telling us that they didn't care for it, but my belief is that those who read the books appreciate the clever writing. This new movie is worth seeing..as Terry Gilliam likes to say, "Lower your expectations and enjoy the show!"

The Box

I really liked it. A true thriller..I was really involved. It was taken from a short story and while you are on the edge of your seat, you'll be thinking about choices and life. I can't say much more about the flick because I don't want to ruin for you.

The Dresden Files

I liked this short lived series when it was on the scifi channel. Awhile ago I tried to recall what it was titled so I could look it up..but I just couldn't recall the name of it. Then recently Netflix recommended it as something I might enjoy. Would I? I immediately requested it (only three discs for the entire series of twelve episodes).

This is why I have a Netflix account..to be able to revisit video that is noteworthy. Dresden is a guy who knows magic and pits himself against dark magic and helps the police solve crimes. Based on a series of books, I recently reserved one at the library so I can give it a try when it comes in.

Larkrise To Candleford

We've been faithfully watching this series each week as it's broadcast on PBS. We find it such a delight that we recomend it to all our friends. The Murphy's found it at the Orem public library and I've got it coming on Netflix.

We like it so much that we'll watch the new episode on Saturday evening and then give it a second viewing on Sunday evening. The characters are so interesting and real. Dorcas Lane is the Postmistress in Candleford who employes a niece from Larkrise in the post office. From the start we are introduced to the differences between the town and the village.

This is a gentle and delightful drama. If you haven't been watching it..don't start now because you'll want to watch from the beginning and follow the story..get to your library or video source and begin from the beginning.

Doc Martin

This series is one of those little gems you stumble across and feel as if you've found gold. It was on my reccomendations on Netflix and I watched the first episode instantly, then we rented the discs which were available.

The story is of a doctor who goes to a small town and has a hard time fitting in. He's so gruff and clueless, he would have a hard time fitting in anywhere. With every episode, Jeanne and I keep wishing he would get a clue..but he can't and so we love the show but don't quite love Doc Martin.

If you are a fan of BBC type humor, you may want to give this a try.

Mad Men

This week I got Mad Men season 3 from Netflix and watched it. We don't get AMC on the satellite package we have right now, so it was nice to catch up on the action. This show is really politically incorrect as it's a pretty accurate portrayal of the 60's and I like it. The morals are often lousy, but you seem to get a good representation of true life. You do bad, you have negative consequences..now or later.

The Devil Wears Prada

This movie is a treasure! It was well received when it came out and stands up to the test of time. Anne Hathaway is the girl who doesn't understand fashion and they did a great job in bringing her from clueless to clued in. This type of show usually takes the girl and dresses her as an ugly duckling, a caricature rather than a person, so the change will be more dramatic. But they didn't do this here and so the movie and the changes are all that more convincing and dramatic.

Meryl Strepp is so good as the driven woman of business who runs the fashion magazine with the passion that it requires to be the best in your field. Stanley Tucci is good as the designer who takes pity on Anne occasionally and gives her harsh criticism and advice as needed.

This is a great comedy because it shows us a fresh glimpse of an industry as we follow a girl who follows the strength of her convictions.

Music And Lyrics

After watching a dissapointing movie, I dug out Music And Lyrics. I needed to see something I liked. It's a very cute little romantic comedy with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. I watched it with my son Dane, who complained throughout the movie. And I wonder if who you watch a movie with effects the results, because the jokes didn't seem as funny, the songs weren't as crisp and I enjoyed the movie less. Guess I should have seen it when Jeanne was around, she's a better audience.

I love this movie, it's a very happy, upbeat comedy that truely entertains.

All About Steve

Folks are really blasting Sandra Bullock about this movie. She was given the razzie for worst actress. But she wasn't that bad in the movie, it was just the wrong role for her. Her character is meant to be a bubble headed type and she really couldn't carry it off. Past roles for her have been smart, tough women, so this departure either needed to be extremely convincing or it would flop. Sorry to say, it just wasn't that convincing. This is a case not of bad acting, so much as bad movie choice. I want to know what's wrong with her agent. They should look out for her and help her avoid mistakes.

There were other problems with the movie, character development between the three news people could have been so much better and since it wasn't it felt flat. The scene in the van on the first date was awkward and embarrassing. If it had been directed and edited with a little talent, it might have worked but this is the point where the picture really tanked.

This is the type of picture where the team let down the talent and the results is a disappointing story. With all that said, I still would recommend you see it. It's not wholly without value, just a let down.

Cold Souls

This is a strange movie. They call it a comedy and it is but it so strange and quirky. Definitely a dark comedy. I really like Paul Giamatti a lot who is not yet a really well recognized actor. I first recognized him in "Fred Claus" and later admired his work in the HBO project, "John Adams." Then I saw "The Illusionist" again and recognized him. I'm going to go back and re-watch "The Lady In The Water." I saw on-line that he's in it.

Because it is so different and thought provoking, I recommend it..but don't expect the same old thing, this is anything but "normal."

Millions

This incredibly quirky comedy is one that I really enjoyed. It's not a laugh out loud comedy, in fact it's not so funny at times. But it really gets you to thinking and you'll want to know what will happen. I wonder what others will think of it since it is so strange..you may think I'm off my rails, so after you watch it, let me know what you thought.

Video Warning

On the FOX news the other night, there was a report that scientists in the UK had put together that says that if you watch four or more hours a day of television, it will significantly shorten your life. They tracked over 8000 people and found that those who watched two or fewer hours of television per day had fewer life threatening problems than those who watched four or more hours. So now, my attempts at watching less video has taken on another dimension. They also say that those who spend the same kind of time on computers or any other sedentary activity run the same risks. Oh great!

Adam

Julie and Julia

January 5th, I've been avoiding watch TV this year (five whole days)to get more done and have a better quality of life. We went to some friends' home and watched Julie and Julia. It was so good, I wanted it to tell more of the story, I didn't want it to end. It showed two very compelling stories. Meryl Streep nailed it, she was so convincing as Julia Child. Sometimes I don't care for her because she plays the part of brooding serious women and no matter how good the performance, I don't care for the character...but this is not the case with this wonderful, thoughtful movie.

It got all of us thinking about food and we are planning another movie night where we bake some great recipes. You'll want good snacks before and during this movie!