Got Netflix?

[goodbird]

We do. It is the best deal going for movie rentals. For a set price each month, you can get by mail current movies that have only just recently completed the theater circuit. I thought about sharing my review of movies like I do in the Dining Forum.

"A Touch of Frost" - This is a British TV series about a "Chief Inspector" (detective) who goes about doing things his way while solving crimes. The plots are wonderful in that they keep you guessing who the culprit is. Jack Frost, the main character is beset by his Chief Constable who wants the glory and insists Jack does things according to the book, which Jack doesn't do. He is assisted by rookies. There is some comedy too, but it is very British. The season's series are edited into a two hour movie for a total of four seasons. I recommend it to those who enjoy whodunits.

"Mama Mia" - If you missed this delightful musical about a young girl who invites three potential fathers to her wedding, now is your chance to see it. Full of good contemporary music, and lots of good cheer plus some bewilderment, the acting is superb (Merle Streep, Pierce Brosnan) and the music will have you tapping your toes. Strong recommend here. No one doesn't like Mama Mia.

"Valkyrie" - Just done in the movies, starring Tom Cruise, this story about World War II is based on the actual events. Dissension in the ranks of Hitler's armed forces attempt a coup and assassination of Adolf Hitler. The story is well told, with great acting, attention to detail. Valkyrie was the code name for the coup. Great suspense, derring do, and factual. I liked it because I am infatuated with World War II history. I am also watching the old "Victory At Sea" series from 1952.

More as I see them. Comments welcome.

[goodbird]

"The Changeling", starring Angelina Jolie is based on a true story that took place in L.A. in the late 1920's. This is the first time I can recall seeing Ms. Jolie in a film, and I must say she was very convincing. The story is about a child who disappeared from his home, the rampant corruption in the LAPD, and how the whole affair was swept under the rug. In the course of the story, a courageous woman fought back, and brought down the police department chief AND the mayor.

Rated "R" for a couple of F bombs and one scene of partial nudity, not to mention moments of violence, it holds your attention throughout the story. If you're not squeamish, you'll enjoy this flick.

[goodbird]

"Knowing" is a sci-fi thriller starring Nicholas Cage who is always excellant. The movie leads the viewer astray several times as the plot opens, keeping you guessing. "John" is an astrophyicist who has come into possession of a set of numbers written 50 years ago that when interpreted predicts disasters to happen. He gets caught up in a tangle between himself and his family, trying to protect those he loves, while ultimately making the supreme sacrifice of his son.

Those familiar with Biblical predictions will see a similar thread in the plot, intertwined with science fiction. Hard to report on, I can say this; I was entralled throughout the story, and recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stuff. It can be scary for the sensitive, but provides some thoughtful ideas. Check it out. Rated PG-13 for a couple of expletives and scary scenes.

[zjer]

You liked Knowing?

I wanted Nicholas Cage dead after that movie....(not literally of course).

[goodbird]

Originally Posted by zjer

You liked Knowing?

I wanted Nicholas Cage dead after that movie....(not literally of course).

His death (in the story) was assumed, after his son was taken by the entities, when the earth was destroyed.

I liked the story, not because of how it ended, but how cleverly the plot unfolded. My wife and my stepson and his family are watching it right now, and they are transfixed, what a good movie should do for its audience.

[goodbird]

We've been enjoying the Netflix feature that allows some movies to be viewed via streaming video. Tonight, we watched two good movies that way: "Tortilla Soup" and "The Visitor". Probably not big hit movies in theaters, and possibly came out ten years ago. But, good entertainment nonetheless.

The way it works is you sign on the Netflix internet website, select a movie marked "play it now", and it streams to your computer. We use a laptop and wireless internet connection, and it has HDMI connections to the TV and the audio goes to the home theater. Viola! Instant movie without any extra charge. We still get DVD's mailed to us which are played via DVD player. Heck of a deal.

[goodbird]

Because it was so cold and windy yesterday, the motorcycle sat in the garage, and we watched two streaming movies from Netflix. One was "As Good As It Gets" starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. I hadn't seen that one before, but as usual, Nicholson hits it out of the ballpark. Excellant movie about a maladjusted music writer and his coming of age into a caring type a guy. Lots of humor, weird characters, yet excellantly written and acted.

Then we watched "The Princess Bride". It was a sort of fairy tale fable kind of movie with a commoner became princess, a damsel in distress, some pirates and swashbuckling, even a giant. Kind of a hokey movie but entertaining if you don't ask too much of the plot.

Just finished watching "In Her Shoes" starring Cameron Diaz and Shirley McClain. A story about two sisters who are different as night and day, and how one finds love unexpectedly, while the other finds herself and leaves behind her ditzy ways. Set in Philadelphia and Florida, with a Jewish background, there are some humorous moments and some that make you choke up. All in all a great movie, well acted, with a happy ending. I gave it four stars. You will too.

[goodbird]

Sunday is a good afternoon to watch an old movie. We picked "Being There" starring Peter Sellers and Shirley McClaine. Released in 1979 we are treated to a man who spent his entire life in the care of an old man who had a garden. Other than television, the main character "Chauncy" charms his new acquaintances who are the powerful rich by his innocence and knowledge of gardening. Giving him more credit than he deserved, he influences power brokers, diplomats, and even the U.S. President in dealing with the economy, foreign policy, and other D.C. shenanigans.

Shirley McClaine is the much younger wife of the old man who has befriended Chauncy, and becomes enamored of the much younger newcomer. romantic overatures are lost on the innocent Chauncy, giving a comedic moment or two

Not an adventure story but it leaves the viewer with a warm fuzzy feeling for someone who is 'not quite there" mentally, but in ways transcends the elite in efficacy. Worth seeing.

[goodbird]

Who hasn't seen "The Devil Wears Prada"? starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. We just finished watching this 2006 movie. While some may consider this a "chick flick", I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and especially the performance by Ms. Streep, who I think is one of the best actresses of our generation.

Set in the fashion magazine publishing world, Streep plays an incorrigible tyrant editor in chief who goes about demeaning those who work for her with alarming viciousness. Enter in a young hopeful journalist who becomes the latest in personal assistants, looking to make her resume look better having worked for the Runway Magazine. The story line is full of choices as "Andrea" works her way to the satisfaction of her demanding boss lady. Ultimately, Andrea decides to return to her roots, and surprise, much to the admiration of "Miranda Priestly", who recommends her for a new position as a journalist.

Rated PG-13 for a bit of sensuality but nothing really offensive, and some gutter language spoken in anger. All in all, a great movie for mature audiences. I recommend it to anyone wanting to be entertained, and to fans of Meryl Streep.

[goodbird]

"Saving Sarah McCain" is about a Portland, OR columnist who is the aunt of some Amish children. Her sister died and the kids were under age, so guardianship fell to Sarah. The two worlds belonging to Sarah and the Amish kids provide an interesting interchange of culture, love, and commitment.

Very well written, directed, and acted. I think this movie was produced by a sort of Christian company, but often these types of moviemakers give us very thought provoking commentary on life on the spiritual, human side.

We enjoyed it very much, though I don't like to get emotional watching movies. However, it often can't be avoided. This movie rated 4 stars with me.

[goodbird]

"Iron Man" starring Robert Downey Jr. with Gwyneth Paltrow co-starring, is about a weapons company owner who finds himself in Afghanistan where he discovers his munitions are ending up in the hands of the enemy forces. The story tells how he survived the capture by creating an "Iron Man" using new technology, and made his escape.

Back home in the U.S., he improves on the Iron Man machine he's created and uses it to rout out the corruption within his company, and to save the indigent people of Afhanistan from a warlord operating there.

This sci-fi film is full of good special effects and action. Us guys will like it a lot, though the girls may think its a bit violent (which it is, sort of). I recommend it. Rated PG-13.

By the way I just saw "Sherlock Holmes" at the theater Christmas Day, also starring Robert Downey Jr, with Jude Law. Absolutely top film. Action and sleuthing yes, but Downey does himself proud throughout. Go see it, if you haven't already.

[goodbird]

We ordered the movie "Grapes of Wrath", a movie made from the John Steinbeck book of the same name. This is a story about the worker migration from Oklahoma to California. It begins with farmers losing their lands, very often having had their farms in the family for generations. Dustbowl conditions made raising crops impossible, due to overplanting the fields and plowing them, and the prevailing winds eventually blew the topsoil away.

Released in 1940, and starring Henry Fonda, it told the story of how migrant workers, all of them American, were being taken advantage of as they tried to get work in the fruit orchards of California. Migrant camps sprung up near the orchards, and landowners provided meager housing. The police were largely corrupt and raided the labor camps regularly on the premise of arresting criminals.

It is really a sad story of discrimination, desperation, family ties, of a life without means and just barely surviving. It runs two hours in black and white. I found it especially interesting because my father came from the same generation, and I recognized many of the landmarks from my life in California. When you compare life in the 1930's to today, you realize how far we've come, and in some ways, how little has changed. See it.

[lee]

I was talking to friends about funniest movies. A lot were brought up but most agreed Mrs. Doubtfire with Robin Williams was a favorite. I think it was made in the early 90's. Agree?

[goodbird]

Robin Williams is always funny. I've seen him on talk shows, and he is funnier there than on film.

I've been derelict in posting more movies we've watched via Netflix, but nothing has been so impressive as Grapes of Wrath. We watched a 2008 movie last night, "Definitely, Maybe", and it was sort of a romantic movie, which I'm not fond of (my wife is though), but this one had intrigue in it, which always appeals to me. I wasn't familiar with the actors, and some of the acting wasn't high caliber, but the story line was fun, and the ending was very sweet, which makes me get a lump in my throat. (or maybe it was the entire bag of popcorn I ate?)

I'd recommend it if you enjoy romantic movies. What I didn't care for was how loose people played with the sex, relationships, and language, but I guess I'm a prude on stuff like that.

[FRE]

I like Will Ferrell's movies. Talladega Nights where he played that character named Ricky Bobby was one of the funniest he's done. I look forward to seeing his new one just out now.