To Kill A Mockingbird

After over two years, finally Netflix got it and they FINALLY sent it to me.

Jeanne and I watched it this evening. We've both seen it before and since then, she read the book for her book club and then went to the play. It's a heart felt story of innocence set in the deep south where some children are growing up and being reared by a single father who is truly heroic.

Black and White and just superb this is in my top ten favorites!

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The Story Of Film

You've got to be a serious film buff to enjoy this series, the narrator will put you to sleep if you're no careful and some of the very obscure films and directors are less interesting. But after watching over half of the 15 episodes, I'm viewing life and art differently. They talk about lenses and shots and how one director did something which inspired other directors and that makes me view art in those cinematic terms and also life..how would you best set this shot?

It's eye opening and dry as a bone!

I'm finding films to rent that I either haven't seen or haven't seen in a long time.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

This is an easy one to have missed. I found it on Netflix and began to watch it. Almost turned it off because it seemed childlike and goofy, but there was something about it, quirky and off the wall that held my attention so I kept watching and the subtle strangeness of the adventure began to grow on me.

It was only later that I discovered that it was based on a graphic novel and the writer/director was Luc Besson (fifth element) It was probably a miss at the box office because it's in french and you have to read subtitles, but once you get into it, that isn't a problem.

This little gem is worth a try.

Ken Burns..The War

I just finished watching "The War" a seven episode documentary by Ken Burns. It's a very in-depth coverage of World War Two. Available on demand on Netflix.

By watching each episode, it gets you ready to appreciate the last part #7. In it, you see the utter devastation discovered in Germany when it was liberated. And you get a feel as to why dropping the bomb was a reasonable decision.

The Burns documentaries are always so well done (I recently watched the one on Prohibition) They make history come alive and give you an appreciation for what you've got, whether it's the right to drink, the relief from economic and physical ruin or the simple freedoms we enjoy.

Trumbo - an essential watch for movie lovers

This is an important film that every movie lover should watch. It is so important that we value our freedoms and stand up for the freedoms of others.

This film is available on Netflix and on Amazon. It is well done and, to me, very gripping. It doesn't take much of a leap to think that the kind of hysteria that gripped the US in the late 40's and early 50's could happen again.

In fact, it has at times in my lifetime.

As a movie buff, it is amazing that Trumbo wrote some of the movies that are classics under a pen name and some of them are my favorites.

A Good Day To Die Hard

This is easily the weakest of the die hard franchise. McClain wants to rescue his son, who doesn't seem to need help. His often heard tag line, "I'm on vacation!" which he repeats over and over doesn't work because he's NOT on vacation.

The chemistry between Father and Son is poor. The Son isn't nearly as interesting or as likeable as the computer hacker kid McClaine was protecting in the last movie.

So even with a good budget and good actors, you can't create a good movie without a well written compelling script.

Some of the action is very good in this movie but because you don't care as much, it fails. Usually John is helplessly trapped in some kind of scenario where he can't walk away, in this turkey, it feels like he can walk away at any time, but he's just an angry warrior.

The Love Guide

This little gem is one we found on Netflix. I never would have picked it, it must have been a suggestion that came up because of something else we watched.

I viewed a few minutes of it alone and felt that Jeanne might get a kick out of it. It started out with these people on a chicken farm and then switched to Parker Posey hosting a goofy meditation show. Very tougue in cheek, camp, silly. So we watched it and it how it's ups and downs, but was a pretty entertaining show.

Back To Eden Film

Jeanne found this film, it was recommended by a friend, Lynde Mott. You can watch it for free by going to the website, www.backtoedenfilm.com

This is a little documentary about a Christian man, Paul Gautschi, who has been a gardener for 55 years and has developed a system of growing food that is unique. He moved to Washington state in 1979 and has been able to raise enough food for his family and friends ever since. He has seven children, has been published in many articles and gives tours of his orchards and gardens.

This is a truly unique film because it's not a waste of time, it builds character and desire in the viewer. Gardening principles mixed with strong fundamental Christian values, it is a thought provoking and inspiring film.

This is an hour and forty minutes of time well spent!

Creating Video Through the night!

So..this is true..I really am a video junkie! This said after staying up all night (it's 5:20 am) working on video.

I've been creating commercials for videos we sell on Amazon and I up loaded an extra take we did on a wood working project.

If you want to view the wood working project video it's at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObW3yRKYoBo 
the other clip I up loaded is at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T25UAguocI
I also fixed links from a video page so that folks could click and go to clips we've already created. And even though I'm a little tired, I have to admit, I've really enjoyed the evening!

Playing For Keeps

I hadn't seen the cover and knew nothing about this film, so I expected it to be a low budget B movie. Jessica Beal was a known star, her husband didn't stand out and the lead actor was familiar but I didn't remember his name (Gerard Butler).

Then all of these stars showed up during a soccer game, Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta Jones. Hmm, this might be more than a B movie. It was pretty good. Jeanne and I liked it, but it was a lot like a Hallmark movie. You know, fairly predictable plot. Happy ending..but wait, maybe that ending wasn't so happy.

Anyhow, it was worth seeing. I'm not sure if this is one I'd need to see again but it was a good evenings entertainment. Judy Greer was in a great supporting role and I loved what they did with her character.