Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Movie #1438 ........................."My Christmas Dream"
Movie #1438 "My Christmas Dream" -- Danica (Winnie from "Wonder Years") has a dream to run the McDougal store in Paris, so from the beginning of the film & throughout, that's obviously what she is interested in --- even though, there's a little boy and his dad tugging on her heartstrings every time she meets up with them --- which is quite a bit. that's kind of it, but the conflicts seem real and universal --- the woman wants to have it all, and why can't she? Most of the audience probably feels that she should give her dream up because she has fallen in love, but the film doesn't go down that rabbit hole. And I'm glad it didn't! I'd give this 4 stars out of 5.
Movie #1437 ........................."Angels Sing"
Movie #1437 "Angels Sing" has a ton of music that I think most people who enjoy music in their films would enjoy. Yes, it has a storyline, but the music enriches it in so many ways (and scenes) --- it's always in the background (and sometimes in the foreground). I'm thinking Harry Connick, Jr insisted on it, and he had friends come along to do their thing as transitions, etc. Anyway, the storyline includes a bah humbug kind of attitude that the dad has (due to a past tragedy during the xmas season) which now goes to the son when his grandpa dies in a car accident that he thinks he might have caused. To get the son revved up for the season, the father must decorate and get excited so it rubs off on his son. That's a very universal idea that works for this film, and it carries along the audience with it, I am guessing. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
"ANGELS SING" 2013 1 hour and 30 minutes PG
"ANGELS SING" 2013 1 hour and 30 minutes PG
December 25 holds no joy for Michael Walker, whose brother died on Christmas decades ago in a tragedy Michael still blames on himself. After purchasing a house in a yule-mad neighborhood, however, Michael begins to see beyond his own sadness.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Movie #1436 .........................."A Joyous Christmas"
Movie #1436 "A Joyous Christmas" was a pretty ho hum film about the Christmas season --- it was hard to identify with anyone because they all had baggage ---- but I did enjoy watching Bonnie Bedelia (the grandma in tv. show "Parenthood" and Bruce Willis' wife in the "Die Hard" series) -- there was a show to be put on, there were bureaucrats putting pressure on the lead girl (who was so laid back, I thought she was asleep part of the time). The guy was spunky and good and made the film much better to me. Still I'd just give it a 3 out of 5.
"A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS" 2027 3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A successful motivational speaker learns the true meaning of Christmas when she is rescued from a near fatal accident by a stranger. This close encounter leads her to discover that helping others is not only the key to true success, but just might lead her to finding true love. Stars Natalie Knepp, Michael Rady, Bonnie Bedelia and Steve Bacic.
"A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS" 2027 3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A successful motivational speaker learns the true meaning of Christmas when she is rescued from a near fatal accident by a stranger. This close encounter leads her to discover that helping others is not only the key to true success, but just might lead her to finding true love. Stars Natalie Knepp, Michael Rady, Bonnie Bedelia and Steve Bacic.
Movie #1435 ........................."Wonder"
Movie #1435 "Wonder" --- In my opinion, I don't think I'll be seeing a better movie this year than this one --- it has everything, and it's for everybody (just like the book was) , and it comes just at the right time. In this day and age with a bully for a president, there are good lessons on how to deal with bullies, how to really see people and not judge them on the color of their skin or the way they look. It's a clean film about young, innocent love, about what it is like to be the sister of a shunned boy, not to mention what it is like to be the shunned boy himself who has to work so hard for acceptance --- all he wants to be is accepted by the others. But the film doesn't preach to be like everyone else but to reach for the stars! to be yourself!!! The book had various narrators, and I'm so glad the film kept that because point of view is terribly important to walk around in the shoes of others, like his best friend Jack. And from what I recall, the film shares some key moments of the book (but not all) and I esp. liked the "Out Town" segments, which again (to me) ties in so well with our tough times these days........ I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I sat in awe.......how can you NOT like this film? If this isn't up for best picture, I don't know what should be! But it's the story, it's the essence of Auggie that sustains the film, although the acting is very good. And the film looks good. It's a winner and a 5 for me! I think the first one for 2017 for me!
"WONDER"
"WONDER"
Entering fifth grade will be momentous for Auggie -- because at last, he'll get to be ordinary. While his facial deformity has previously kept him from attending regular schools, Auggie is determined to make his classmates see beyond his face.
Movie #1434 ........................."Dear Santa"
Movie #1434 "Dear Santa" was kind of "out there" in nuttiness, due to the goofy things the lead girl would say or do (or the faces she made). She was playing a twenty something girl who never finished college and is now aimlessly moving from one job to the next. But she has figured out that she really doesn't have to work with her parents always busy working and making lots of money. She knows that is not what she wants to do, but she can't seem to find a place for herself --- then, all of a sudden, a letter blows into her window (ah, I know, that miracle of the season thing that I dislike, but it's small this time, so I looked the other way -- hah!) that ends up to be a xmas letter to Santa asking for a wife for her father...........she thinks what the heck, this might be fate -- why don't I at least check the situation out and she does --- she finds out he works part time at a food place, and the other times he isn't there he is working in snow removal, and digging cars out of ditches, and everything else the town needs him for, besides trying to raise his little daughter without a mother. Crystal (the young woman) becomes quick friends with both the dad and the daughter --- meanwhile, the dad has been dating a former girlfriend whom he dropped when he had met his wife (who is now dead) --- that lady clearly doesn't care about the daughter, so Crystal feels she could do some good here --- things of course fall apart in the last half an hour of the film, that seems a bit blown out of proportion, but the people are good enough to pull it off. I'd give this a 4. I liked it a lot!
"DEAR SANTA" 2011 1 hour and 32 minutes 4 out of 5 stars
Finding a letter mailed to Santa by a girl asking for a new wife for her daddy, twenty something Crystal sets out to make the girl's wishes come true.
Staring: Amy Acker, David Haydn-Jones, Patrick Creery, Gina Holden, James Dugan
Director: Jason Priestly (we know him!!! from 90210)
"DEAR SANTA" 2011 1 hour and 32 minutes 4 out of 5 stars
Finding a letter mailed to Santa by a girl asking for a new wife for her daddy, twenty something Crystal sets out to make the girl's wishes come true.
Staring: Amy Acker, David Haydn-Jones, Patrick Creery, Gina Holden, James Dugan
Director: Jason Priestly (we know him!!! from 90210)
Movie #1433 ........................."Christmas Kiss II"
Movie #1433 "Christmas Kiss II" --- oops! I think I missed Christmas Kiss I --- maybe that's why I could never get into this movie --- a bad one to me. The guy was Mr. Pretty, always hitting on women, taking them for granted, rolling in dough, etc. The girl (I like her --- she was in CSI the last couple of years and I enjoyed watching her there) overacts here --- I think she can't help it, since she might as well be talking to a wall, with the particular guy they cast her opposite. Anyway, she sees right through him --- and then we are supposed to accept that he changes in a couple of minutes (and without hitting his head on anything?!) That was hard to believe ---- the title is dumb, the plot is dumb, the love story is dumb, I give it a 2 out of 5 --- a don't bother.
"CHRISTMAS KISS II" 2014 1 HOUR AND 28 MINS
A handsome billionaire's kiss under the mistletoe sparks his thoughts of romance, but the working girl he kisses, wonders if he's serious.
Starring: Elisabeth Harness, Adam Mayfield, Lola Glaudini, Elisabeth Rohim, Johnathan Bennett
Director: Kevin Connor
"CHRISTMAS KISS II" 2014 1 HOUR AND 28 MINS
A handsome billionaire's kiss under the mistletoe sparks his thoughts of romance, but the working girl he kisses, wonders if he's serious.
Starring: Elisabeth Harness, Adam Mayfield, Lola Glaudini, Elisabeth Rohim, Johnathan Bennett
Director: Kevin Connor
Movie #1432 ........................."Mistletoe Inn"
Movie #1432 "Mistletoe Inn" was different from a lot of the others. Yes, there are two fun personalities here --- and yes a relationship starts to build between the two of them, but this one seems to take most of the two hours allotted to this film -- and there's a bigger surprise than normal by the very end. The mystery kept me watching until the end -- and I esp. liked that the subject matter was mostly about writing, since it centers at a writing conference. Nice job --- I'd give it a 4 -- a fun watch for me!
The Mistletoe Inn (2017)
Kim Ross (Witt), an aspiring romance novelist, finds herself unceremoniously dumped by her soon-to-be-published romance novelist boyfriend, Garth. She decides to take a leap and signs up for a romance writing retreat at a quaint Vermont Inn shortly before Christmas. There, a top romance novelist is scheduled to attend. Shortly after Kim's arrival she meets Zeke, whom she finds to be intrusive. As luck would have it, he ends up being her assignment partner and worse yet, the ex-boyfriend is also at the retreat. Despite various bumps Kim manages to step outside her comfort zone, surprising herself. Even more surprising is the unstoppable attraction that seems to be building between her and Zeke, that will change her life in ways she never imagined. Based on the bestselling novel by Richard Paul Evans.
Director:
Alex WrightWriter:
Richard Paul Evans (based on a book by)Movie #1431 ........................."Gift to Remember"
Movie #1431 "Gift to Remember" --- I liked this one because the two people searching for his identity have winning personalities, and they have chemistry with each other, to boot! There's not only a love story here, but a mystery, with a few twists and turns that keep you watching. Sure, it has an amnesiac as a major character (and that is overused), but there's a switch in it that tends to work. I would give this Hallmark film a 3.8 and recommend it, if you have the time or inclination to watch it.
A Gift to Remember (2017)
Based on the book by Melissa Hill, Darcy finds romance with a handsome stranger with amnesia.
Director:
Kevin FairThursday, November 23, 2017
Movie #1430 ........................."Marry Me on Christmas Day"
Movie #1430 "Marry Me on Christmas Day" is really an appropriate title that tells it like it is....it is about this famous actor's sister getting married in a small town , and how he comes to support her and gets so much more.....yep, you guessed it. Love. With the woman who is helping his sister put the wedding together. How original. Just like the title. Enough said. 3 stars out of 5.
"MARRY ME ON CHRISTMAS DAY"
"MARRY ME ON CHRISTMAS DAY"
Marry Me at Christmas (2017)
A bridal boutique owner (Rachel Skarsten), who is deep in the flurry of planning an exquisite Christmas wedding, is unexpectedly swept off her feet by the bride's brother (Trevor Donovan).
Director:
Terry IngramMonday, November 20, 2017
Movie #1429 ........................."The Lovers"
Movie #1429 "The Lovers" should be called "The Losers" because no one wins in this film, including the audience. Not sure why I even finished this one --- I guess I was hoping it would go somewhere, do something, say something to us --- it's a one note story --- two "old" married people "abuse" their partners by having long and involved relationships with each a special someone, and it's hard to tell whether they know --- I think they do, so it's become part of their routine until......they start to get turned on to each other just all of a sudden, and seems to come out of nowhere. The first 45 minutes showed them lying to everyone to cover up their secretive relationships.... and none of that seems to bother the other one --- it bothers their lovers, but not their marriage partners. When the son comes with his girlfriend, it turns to sadness, despair, craziness....... we find out this has been happening for a while. How does it end? with a little hope, but at that point many of us think, "Move on" --- the marriage isn't worth holding on to..... so I think that deflates what the film was trying to say, but I'm not sure. I give this 2 stars and I have already wasted enough time seeing this film, much less writing about it. It's a don't bother. I just saw it because I saw that Debra Winger and Tracy Letts (from Steppenwolf theatre in Chicago) were in it.
"THE LOVERS" 2017 1 HOUR AND 34 MINS R RATED
"THE LOVERS" 2017 1 HOUR AND 34 MINS R RATED
With spouses Mary and Michael each pursuing affairs, they agree to divorce. But on the brink of their split becoming official, a sudden burst of passion between them leaves both feeling guilty for cheating on their lovers.
Movie #1428 ........................."A Bramble House Christmas"
Movie #1428 "A Bramble House Christmas" had a bit of a weird story, to me. Usually in these stories, there's some conflict that separates the two people either at the beginning or at the high point of the story --- in this case it starts the film. And usually I go along with the way they make up --- but this one, not so much. It really stretched things in order to come to some sort of happy ending. Along the way, it was an okay film, with a good subplot, but the little boy seemed "too cute to believe". I lightly recommend it and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
"A BRAMBLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS
"A BRAMBLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS
While settling his father's estate, a man becomes suspicious as to why the man left his nurse $50,000 after knowing her for less than two months before he died.
Movie #1427 ........................."Sleigh Bells Ring"
Movie #427 "Sleigh Bells Ring" -- I usually dodge this "type" of Christmas movie (i.e. the ones with actors playing Santa, or mysterious things happening to prove the "magic" of xmas), but this one slipped by me because it centers on some mysterious sleigh that disappears and reappears in various places. Duh! I Didn't like that part of the story, but the rest of it was okay. There was a cute couple, a cute kid, and a cute town. BUT there was some slow moving story stuff going on here --- I think there was a 10 minute scene fixing up the sleigh --- sanding it, painting it, etc. I'd give this one only a 3. I don't recommend it.
"SLEIGH BELLS RING"
"SLEIGH BELLS RING"
Sleigh Bells Ring (2016)
A busy single mother begins organizing her city's Christmas parade. While prop hunting, she finds a beautiful sleigh that seems to have a mind of its own, and it begins nudging her back to an old flame.
Director:
Marita GrabiakSaturday, November 18, 2017
Movie #1426 ........................."Ice Sculpture Christmas"
Movie #1426 "Ice Sculpture Christmas" was another fun Hallmark Christmas film that I enjoyed. The conflict was a tad weak (actually there were two, one between the two lovebirds thinking the guy had a girlfriend already, and the other some sub ice sculpture contest which is used to get the two together , weak). But the main two actors,and the secondary people, were quite competent and could pull off the thin, hard-to-believe-in- spots story. I give it 3.8 stars out of 5, and it's cute and a little different --- love story is believable, the secondary one, tough to believe.
"ICE SCULPTURE CHRISTMAS"
"ICE SCULPTURE CHRISTMAS"
Ice Sculpture Christmas (2015)
Callie, an aspiring chef, with her childhood friend David, enters Callie into a club's annual Christmas ice sculpting competition against her boss. Callie's passions for cooking and ice sculpting are met with romance and Christmas spirit.
Director:
David MackayWriter:
Tracy AndreenMovie #1425 ........................."The Christmas Note"
Movie #1425 "The Christmas Note" was different from a lot of these Hallmark films in that there is a very serious story taking place here, and it is also NOT a love story between a guy and a girl, but between two women --- not sexual love, but strong friendship, and that makes this one stand out more than the others. The acting is okay --- they try to be natural, but really the kid steals a lot of the scenes. I liked it for trying to do something different --- a search for this female neighbor's sister or brother --- it keeps the story going....I give it 4 stars out of 5.
'THE CHRISTMAS NOTE"
'THE CHRISTMAS NOTE"
The Christmas Note (2015)
- The new original film is based on a bestselling novel by Donna VanLiere. "The Christmas Note."Having just moved back to her hometown without her serviceman husband but with her young son, Gretchen Daniels (Sigler) finds her life in disarray as Christmas approaches. But she discovers new purpose when she helps to deliver a message to her neighbor, Melissa (Gibson), which makes her an ally in the quest to find the neighbor's sibling she never knew she had. The women become bonded not only by the search, but by the understanding that being there for each other means they're no longer alone. This friendship becomes the greatest Christmas gift of their lives.
Director:
Terry IngramStars:
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Leah Gibson, Lynda BoydThursday, November 16, 2017
Movie #1424 ........................."Song for Christmas"
Movie #1424 "Song for Christmas" is one of the sappier Hallmark Christmas movies that came out new this year , mostly because of the female lead who keeps mooning over the farmer's son. Basic focus, basic theme, nothing new here, and sappy lines like: "You saved the farm!" I guess if you haven't watch a lot of these movies, and you like music and watch people getting joy out of singing and writing songs, then you might like this, but there's so much sappiness and hammy acting, I'm not sure. I'd give it 3 stars out of 5.
A Song for Christmas (2017)
Pop superstar Adelaide Kay is left behind in Preston, Virginia when her tour bus, controlling manager and entourage accidentally leave without her. She finds herself stranded in the freezing cold with no money, no phone and no plan. A local family, the Lapps, take her in. They know the true meaning of the season, even if they're close to losing their Christmas Tree farm. No one in the family recognizes Adelaide except Dillon, the oldest son--an emerging musician, hoping one day to follow his heart and move to Nashville. Adelaide enjoys the break from stardom and begins writing a new song with Dillon that shows her true voice, as opposed to that of her bubble-gum pop writers and manager. As Adelaide falls for Dillon, she realizes that their song has a chance at saving the farm.
Director:
Unknown ArtistMovie #1423 .........................."Engaging Father Christmas"
Movie #1423 "Engaging Father Christmas" was the sequel to "Finding Father Christmas," which I also enjoyed. Its basic premise concerns a well-off family that discovers the patriarch had a relationship with an actress and had a baby --- so they have a new family member, played by Erin Krakow. She has never known who her father is and is now thrilled she has a family --- falls in love with the town and a really nice guy who lives in the town that she has visited to know about her dad. First movie ends. This one picks up with her visit to that family during the holidays. They have been keeping her a secret, which she agreed to, but of course a journalist found out and threatens to expose Erin and her new family so that prompts her to rethink about moving out to this town and marry the nice guy from the first movie. It all worked, and it was a nice continuation of interesting secondary characters, one in particular is played by Wendie Malick. If you saw the first one, I recommend this one. If you didn't see the first one, the characters are still winsome enough to sit through this one, as well. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
"ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS"
"ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS"
Engaging Father Christmas (2017)
Miranda is flying back to Vermont from her home in Seattle to reconnect with her family over the holidays -- and to see Ian, a local handyman she fell in love with on her last trip to the Green Mountain State. But when changing planes in Boston, Miranda runs into old boyfriend Josh who chases her to Vermont, where Miranda learns of an old family secret that could destroy her family. Can Miranda keep her family -- and her love for Ian -- together and intact, or will she forever lose her chance at a beautiful winter wedding?
Director:
David WinningMovie #1422 ........................."Murder on the Orient Express" (2017)
Movie #1422 "Murder on the Orient Express" (2017) has been done, yet again. For those of us who know the ending, the only interest we would have in seeing this is the extensive list of talent that was cast for this film --- but don't rush to the theatre for that reason, because I think Dame Judy Dench has about 5 lines....... If you are a Branagh fan, or Michelle Pfeiffer, both of those are used quite a bit, but as far as Branagh, it was very tough hearing/understanding him with his put- on accent, and somewhat mumbling style of talking that he evidently took on to play this character. When I read Christie's books, Kenneth Branagh was far from what I would picture as the great Hercule Poirot --- I always imagined him a bit on the weighty side (because he is either eating or thinking about eating throughout the books he is in) and loud talker with an ebullient personality. None of these were portrayed by Mr. Branagh. The film's style is a bit stilted, as if these great actors were told to pose for a photographer. One time, in particular, (but this one I appreciated) they were lined up to look like the last supper. Such a big train, and only these people were on it? hard to believe..... I knew the ending of the film, and I was looking for the few lines that set the big reveal up, but I missed it, so that doesn't say a lot for the film's set up. I can't say it wasn't fun to watch the film this time knowing the ending all the way through, but other than that and to check in on the few times the actors were used, I can't highly recommend it. It was okay, esp. if you haven't seen one of the many versions that have been made on this classic book. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
"MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS" 2017 PG-13
"MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS" 2017 PG-13
In this retelling of Agatha Christie's classic mystery, a train ride through Europe on the famed Orient Express becomes the setting for murder when an American passenger is slain -- and almost everyone on board is a suspect.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Movie #1421 ........................"Great Gilly Hopkins"
Movie #1421 "Great Gilly Hopkins" is a gem of a film --- what a find! I wasn't aware of the book it is based on and not aware it was a family film. I just thought it was a funny title to a film with the competent Kathy Bates --- the young girl looked intriguing, and then I looked her up and found out I have spent lots of film time with her ("The book Thief" and "Monsieur Lazhar") -- what an amazing young actress. I want to make sure I continue to watch her in future films. Anyway, this one is not about foster care parents who fail, but it is inspiring on what power they can have on one person's life. It's about how love and kindness can change a person for the better --- we all want to believe in that, don't we? There are lots of films on the counter topics, but once in a while we need to feel good, to be inspired to get through the day! What I esp. liked about the film is its realness --- its goodness --- there was no sugarcoating here (example: when mom comes back) and what a boost to the film when Glenn Close appears toward the end of the film (not giving anything away if you look at the list of credits). You can tell people believed in this film and wanted to be in it, and I'm glad I chose it to watch last night. 4.5 out of 5. P.S. My favorite scene was the one with Octavia Spencer --- very powerful, from a teacher's standpoint!
"GREAT GILLY HOPKINS" 2016 1 hour and 37 mins PG
Rebellious Gilly Hopkins has been in and out of a slew of foster homes. But when she moves in with Maime Trotter , Gilly may have met her match.
starring: Sophie Nelisse, Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Julia Stiles
Director: Stephen Herek
"GREAT GILLY HOPKINS" 2016 1 hour and 37 mins PG
Rebellious Gilly Hopkins has been in and out of a slew of foster homes. But when she moves in with Maime Trotter , Gilly may have met her match.
starring: Sophie Nelisse, Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Julia Stiles
Director: Stephen Herek
Movie #1420 ........................."Sweetest Christmas"
Movie #1420 "Sweetest Christmas" was a cute hallmark offering that checks off most of the boxes --- cute little kids, congenial good friends, the sisters or brothers are competent actors, the love story works because the two leads have chemistry, christmas themes are loud and clear --- I really like this Lacy actress who has been in most of my favorite hallmark christmas films.......but the conflict seemed a bit far fetched --- it's over some gingerbread contest. Yes, the money would get her out from under and start again, but the boyfriend's secondary story doesn't hang well --- he owns some big company that she works for (she clearly is better than her job) , and that relationship seems on again off again......when he screws up and instead of proposing marriage proposes a job promotion, we (and she) think it's over, as it should be ---but it lingers without them talking much (which is strange) and then escalates into something that isn't believable. Other than that, it's good, full of lots of good baking scenes as she builds her gingerbread creation -- made me hungry and I don't even like gingerbread. 3.8 out of 5.
The Sweetest Christmas (2017)
"When struggling pastry chef Kylie Watson learns she's made it to the finals of the American Gingerbread Competition, she thinks her competitive spirit has finally paid off and hopes the ...See full summary »
Writer:
Erinne DobsonThursday, November 9, 2017
Movie #1419 ........................."Goodbye, Christopher Robin"
Movie #1419 "Goodbye, Christopher Robin" was surprisingly a very sad movie. I thought it was going to be inspiring and delve into the creativity of the famous books, but it's very different from that. Yes, there is a kid and his teddy bear at the center of the story, but this is a very adult story that deals with adult subject matters. For example, how to deal with being famous, how to deal with writer's block, some parents aren't necessarily effective because they can't show love or never really wanted children, war causes lasting scars even if you aren't hurt physically, how much effect your parents have on the rest of your life, growing pains and how difficult it is to grow up when no one wants you to.........so it isn't a kids' movie at all. It is a beautiful film, esp. the walks through the forest ("100 acre wood) and the drawing of the character Christopher Robin dissolving into the real little boy. There were so many times while I watched the film where my eyes were filled with tears because of watching the mistreatment of this little kid just in the way they talked of him, to him, behind closed doors about him, etc, along with the treatment of this little kid by fans --- wow! I wanted to shake the parents, but thank god there is a nanny very well portrayed by Kelly MacDonald that saves the day with this kid, so there is some balance (thank God!) I really loved the film --- it isn't perfect in every way, but enough in it is worthy of seeing --- I have never read any of the books, not sure why, but the first thing I did when I got home was to find the books in the Mickey Mouse room and put them in the queue to be read next by me! that makes the film worthy to me -- 5 stars out of 5! Why isn't it being seen by more people and in more theatre????? Big question.
"GOODBYE, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN" 2017 PG (? effects of war pervade this film) 1 hr 47 mins
"GOODBYE, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN" 2017 PG (? effects of war pervade this film) 1 hr 47 mins
The world of Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne comes to life in this illuminating biopic that focuses on his relationship with his son (and inspiration), Christopher Robin, and how the books' phenomenal success affected the family
A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories inspired by his son C.R. Milne.
Director:
Simon CurtisMovie #1418 ..........................."Our Souls at Night"
Movie #1418 "Our Souls at Night" - is the third Robert Redford/Jane Fonda film, and I liked it. It too its time --- it told a simple story --- it showed two very very capable actors working together once again in the twilight of their years to prove that what they are experiencing is worthy of a film --- that just because they are old, they deserve to be heard, to show love, to continue to mentor the young, and so much more. The film takes its time, for sure, and can be considered very slow in its detailing, in its storytelling, in its character development.......and I wish the opening of the film was less abrupt in "getting to the story" so quickly , but other than that, I recommend this film. Greer has one powerful scene, the little boy (who is now Young Sheldon on t.v.) handles his scenes with aplomb, his dad in the film ("Far from the Madding Crowd") acts well at being the hurt son with lots of baggage, even Bruce Dern plays well the old codger at the breakfast place who loves to annoy Redford with his innuendos about his energy to start a new relationship at age 80. (yeah! these two actors are 80! Redford with no work done looks it, but Fonda with no doubt lots of work, looks great and younger than he is). I give this a 4.5 (just that opening could be a tad better) and recommend it!
"OUR SOULS AT NIGHT" 2017, 1 hour and 43 mins
After widowed neighbors Addie and Louis begin sleeping in bed together platonically to alleviate their loneliness , a real romance begins to blossom.
Starring Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Bruce Dern Matthias Schoenaerts, Iain Armitage
Director: Ritesh Batra
"OUR SOULS AT NIGHT" 2017, 1 hour and 43 mins
After widowed neighbors Addie and Louis begin sleeping in bed together platonically to alleviate their loneliness , a real romance begins to blossom.
Starring Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Bruce Dern Matthias Schoenaerts, Iain Armitage
Director: Ritesh Batra
Movie #1417 ........................."Christmas in the Air"
Movie #1417 "Christmas in the Air" was on t.v. last night, and it was one that I hadn't seen before. I esp. wanted to see it because I have enjoyed watching Eric Close in the past ("Without a Trace", etc.). And he was very good in this as a father who is recently widowed, left with two kids (elementary school age) and a toy shop to run with his brother. He lives and breathes work --- so much so that when he hears a suggestion to get some help, he hires a woman who says she can save his time by organizing his life. And, of course, as these stories go, on the journey to organization, comes love. But not before both members of the couple learn much from each other; in this film, it means he learns how to organize his life much better so he can get to his son's hockey games, his girl's theatre rehearsals and show, and his work's meetings, AND offer a vegetarian dinner to his boss and his wife! Whew! But she learns how to do more whimsical activities for pure enjoyment, rather than organizing EVERYThING in her life, like falling in love. The kids were winning, the themes were strong, it wasn't too maudlin, and the toys were fun to watch being made, but I never warmed up to the girl. She was too cold to me --- and they had little chemistry together. That's why I would give this film a 3.5 out of 5.
"CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR" 2017
"CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR" 2017
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Movie #1416 ........................"The Perfect Christmas Present"
Movie #1416 "The Perfect Christmas Present" --- it's that happy time again? Anyone who has read my blog knows that I just recently (past couple of years) developed an interest in the Hallmark Christmas movies, so here I go again. And this is an awful movie to start with. I didn't like this one at all --- the story was predictable (even more so than the others); when it looked like the two leads were going to get together, you could guess what the conflict would be over! duh! The two actors were weak, esp. the female. She kept giving the lead guy a dirty look and she's supposed to be falling in love with him? yikes! And then he wins back her heart by playing the tamborine? ooh! impressive! Nope, you don't need to see this one --- I'm saving you the time! 2 stars out of 5.
"THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT" 2017
In this film Tom Jacobs has built a business around helping clients find the perfect gift for their loved ones. When he's hired to find a gift for his friend's girlfriend, he finds himself in a bit of trouble: The more he researches her, the more he likes her.
Tara Holt, Sam Page
directed by Blair Hayes, Written by Blaine Chiappetta
"THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT" 2017
In this film Tom Jacobs has built a business around helping clients find the perfect gift for their loved ones. When he's hired to find a gift for his friend's girlfriend, he finds himself in a bit of trouble: The more he researches her, the more he likes her.
Tara Holt, Sam Page
directed by Blair Hayes, Written by Blaine Chiappetta
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