Thursday, August 19, 2010

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!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

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.

Friday, August 13, 2010

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.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

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

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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!