The Red Shoes

V: Only I watched this - a favorite of mine from childhood. NOT that this is a children's film, no, no, no. But I loved ballet, and this was about ballet, so I loved it. It's difficult for me to give it a very honest review because it is so tied to my nostalgia. I had seen it so often, knew the lines so well. What did I gain from it watching it 20 years later? Mostly an appreciation for Anton Walbrook, who played the obsessed owner of a ballet company, Lermontov. He was fantastic! The film is an artistic portrayal of the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Red Shoes. Particularly, the ballet that they produce of the same name, in the film, departs from reality to show what the ballerina, Victoria Page, is going through in her own struggle with her desires for both dance and love. It is a beautiful film, beautiful music, beautiful dance. Sad story. A classic. I love it. 4 stars

The King's Speech

M: Colin Firth is officially amazing. Loved it. It felt real. I was transported, and it felt effortless. The best performance I have seen all year. Geoffrey Rush was also fantastic. No explosions, no schemes, but a fantastic show with outstanding acting. A must see. 4 stars

V: What a wonderful film! Great acting, great filming, great music. I would recommend this to anyone. It is rated R, as you've probably heard, because they say the f-word a few times. But it's all in good fun. No really, it's pretty funny. It's not meant to be offensive. Loved it. 4 stars

My Fair Lady

M: Here is another movie that V introduced me to. A classic with great music and great characters. The dialogue is witty and fun. Audra Hepburn is fantastic, although it is a bit weird at time with the voice-over singing. Also, it seems to me that Professor Higgins, although enjoyably portrayed by Rex Harrison, should probably sing, instead of just talk. But, all in all, a great movie worth seeing. 3 1/2 stars

V:  I love this movie!!  I loved watching it as a kid, and I love it much more now that I understand the irony.  Cool costumes, wonderful music.  Rex Harrison is so great. This got Best Picture and Best Actor at the Oscars that year.  The dubbing in of Marnie Nixon's wonderful voice was a little rough sometimes.  But still . . . 4 stars.

Gone with the Wind

M: Believe it or not, I had never seen this movie. V finally got me to watch it. Great movie, beautifully acted. Nearly flawless. 4 stars

V:  It's a classic.  Vivienne Leigh is terrific.  I really liked Clark Gable, too.  Great acting, interesting characters.  I even enjoyed watching all the "making of" and actor biographies attached to the DVD.  4 stars.

Inception

V: What an interesting, unique movie! M and I sat through the credits and then walked out of the theater in silence, just so much to think about. It was a cool concept involving dreams and dreams within dreams. I won't include any spoilers, here. There are times with wild action and violence, but it's inside dreams, so the people are "pretend", and it doesn't seem so bad. Leonardo DiCaprio and the rest of the cast are great. There are some super-cool effects, and amazing images. I was thoroughly captivated and interested. I loved it. 4 stars

M: Great show. Took a while to figure out what was going on. Then, at the end, V and I could agree on what it all meant. But, I think that it is a deep and well thought out movie that is absolutely worth seeing. I would love to go further, but I can't think of what to say that would not include spoilers. After you watch it, which you should, call me, we can discuss. 3 1/2 stars

Ben-Hur

V: So I dragged out another classic for M to see. (It had been a long time since I'd seen it -- as evidenced by the fact that I remember the burping scene as my favorite. Yes, there's a burping scene, not really the most important part of Ben-Hur - which you surely realize if you've seen Ben-Hur. I mean, deep and heavy sweeping epic BEN-HUR . . . and I remembered the burping scene. I was young, OK?) The movie goes a little slowly for our modern taste. The people kind of pause and stare at each other for uncomfortably long, dramatic periods of time. And I wonder . . . did people really used to do that, y'know, back in the day? Were they actually slower than we are now? I digress. It is really, still, a very cool movie. Did you know it held the record for most academy awards until 1998's Titanic? Almost 40 years! It has amazing costumes and sets - and the chariot race! Even people who haven't seen Ben-Hur have seen the chariot race. And M's boss's dark humor was revealed when we watched the galley scene. "We keep you alive to run this ship. Row well . . . and live." Hey! says M, That's what my boss is always telling the associates! Ha, ha, ha. (watch this scene and you'll see. It's hilarious.) It's long. It's good, though. And I even watched the long making-of documentary afterward. (Well, this spread over a couple of days.) It's a winner. Who am I to say otherwise? 4 stars

M: I agree that Ben-Hur is, well, epic. It is absolutely amazing how many costumes and actors are in this movie. No special effects, just tons of man-power and time. And a 3 1/2 hour originally composed sound-track to boot. Really pretty amazing. For me, the whole religion thing clashed a bit with the rest of the show. I know it was an important part, and I am probably a bad person for saying that, but it didn't quite fit for me. That is perhaps the only thing keeping this movie from getting absolute top marks. Even still, Ben-Hur is amazing to watch. There is no way this movie could ever be made today. No way. I cringe when I hear that Titanic broke the record for academy awards. Titanic?! My nemesis. Check out Ben Hur. It is worth seeing an epic that doesn't rely on computerized graphics. A classic. 3 1/2 stars

North & South, BBC

V: This is not the war mini-series. This is the love across cultural lines mini-series. And I really liked it. It's quite romantic, great leads, good chemistry, and all that. It's an interesting look at social differences and injustices. The characters are malleable and likable. It was addictive. Really well done. I had the teeniest of qualms with one scene - I would have preferred a quieter, humbler character than a rude one . . . but, I really enjoyed this, so . . . 4 stars.

M: Really good. Another great job by the BBC. Beautiful music. Beautifully made. Very real and intriguing characters. My qualm is that the hero is way to grumpy. Way to grumpy. It gets to the point that you are not convinced that he is redeemable. Still, it is a great show. I loved the mother, and the other characters, they were flawed, but real, and I liked that. I felt that the movie presented a very believable and compelling story. A great show to watch with your love. 3 1/2 stars.

Corner Gas

M: Let me introduce you to my favorite TV series, hands down: Corner Gas. A Canadian TV show that aired for 6 seasons on CTV. The show is based in the fictional town of Dog River, in Saskatchewan, Canada. Dog River has one gas station, Corner Gas. Brett Leroy--played by comedian, producer, writer, and sometimes directer, Brett Butt--owns and operates the station with the help of his employee, and real life wife, Wanda. Attached to the gas station is the town diner, owned by Lacy, the girl from the big city. Other regulars include Brett's best friend and town laze-a-bout Hank, Brett's cranky parents, and the two lovable but incompetent local cops. I was introduced to this series by my sister, and through me, a think quite a few have now watched and, I hope, loved it. I love Sienfield, the Simpsons, and Arrested Development. They are all great shows. They also, at times, are not all that wholesome. They leave you laughing, but feeling bad that you are laughing. This is where Corner Gas shines. While it's not perfectly squeeky clean, it is more so than anything you can find on US television. It is also a lot better, funnier, and far more endearing.

The first thing that struck us about the show, as we start watching, was its slow, gentle pace. There is no laugh track, so you have to figure out when and if to laugh all on your own; I like this, it adds to the calmness of the show. As the show's opening theme states "You think there's not a lot going on, look closer, your so wrong. And that's why you can stay so long, where there's not a lot going on." The more I watched, the more I learned to absolutely love all of the characters, each quirky and delightful in their own way. When we got down to the last episode, I couldn't bring myself to watch. Each night, V would ask, "should we watch the last Corner Gas tonight," my response each night was, "not tonight, conditions have to be perfect." I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend. Cheesy, I know, but true. Fortunately, we missed a few episodes along the way, V more than me because we watched one season in the Hospital after a baby, so she viewed it through very sleepy eyes. So, we have started again from the beginning. Corner Gas' offbeat humor, quirky and hilarious characters, and willingness to do a sitcom without dragging its viewers through the gutter is what makes Corner Gas the best comedy series ever. It is why we "can stay so long." It is why we can't get enough.

The closing theme describes Saskatchewan, "It's a great big place, full of nothing but space, and its my happy place." Corner Gas is my "Happy Place." Give it a try, maybe it will be yours too. 4 stars.

V: M is right. Corner Gas is a delight! We are now watching it over again from the beginning. (Can you believe M chided me for falling asleep during some of the episodes - while I was in the hospital? The nerve. Morphine is stronger than even the draw of Corner Gas. Besides, it hurts to laugh after a c-section. It was self-preservation.) I especially love Wanda. The "Conjunctivitis" and "Queasy Rider" episodes are some of my favorites. Also the one where Hank whines after losing at golf was pretty funny. I think that one caused me some pain in my hospital bed. And then there's "The Brent Effect" and the one with the Archie's characters, and well, you'll just have to watch. We love Corner Gas. It's a gas, gas, gas. 4 stars

Avatar - no spoilers!

V: It's that special time of year again: the time we see a movie in a movie theater. (In general, we feel it's a financially silly thing to do when you could just wait a few months and pay a buck for it at the redbox.) But you must, you really must, see Avatar and see it in the theater. And I would say watch it in 3D, too. Imagine watching Cirque du Soleil on a 22 inch television. Not the same, right? I'm itching to watch a "making of" because this was just really cool to see. James Cameron has created a beautiful world with beautiful creatures that need to be seen up close. Try not to draw comparisons-- whether or not they were intended, (which I suspect they were) and despite the strong urge to do so-- to world politics. (I wonder how members of the military community will react to this film.) I also heard mention of Pocahontas. But I think the story stands on its own, and is more interesting (less annoying) that way. Just take a deep breath, and let your mind go. Avatar is almost 3 hours and I ate it all up. I only have a very few complaints: a little less swearing would have been nice. I like my swearing as much as anybody, of course, but in this fantasy-land it was distracting and too pedestrian. And I wish they would have held the very last shot for a couple more seconds. And they had to include a pop song right after all that coolness, really? I guess they were hoping for another "My love will go on" money-maker. Despite those little things, this film is an easy 4. It's an amazing accomplishment. I'm not usually much concerned with special effects, but this was . . . just so cool. I read that Avatar is the second largest grossing film of all time internationally. The first is Titanic (also Cameron.) He takes his projects seriously, apparently. I love the concept of the Avatar, and the two worlds, the split consciousness. I loved it. 4 stars

M: No spoilers! Well that spoils things. I think V gave that title as a warning to me, which I will heed. As V and I left the movie, V commented that Avatar is a feat of movie making and an accomplishment for mankind (ok, so I am paraphrasing). She was right, and my paraphrase is right too. This is the most beautifully made movie I have ever watched. I had a few minor complaints, I didn't like the narrating, and some scenes were a bit long - ala King Kong (full disclosure, I loved King Kong). It is also fairly violent. Nevertheless, this movie just floored me. You have to see it on the big screen. I thought the characters and the world were so beautiful, lifelike, and full of expression. Do not miss this movie. It is 3 hours, so be prepared. And as V said, don't get caught up in what political statements you can draw from the story. Just sit back and be entertained. Amazing. The best show of the year, and the best show I have seen in a long time. Wow. 4 stars

Fiddler on the Roof

V: If I'm asked what my favorite movie is, I usually say Fiddler on the Roof. I watched this again with Mike (who had never seen it!) over Christmas break and I had chills and dewey eyes the entire time. I'm way too biased to give this a new review because of the memories it conjures from when I watched it growing up - with that, added to my now adult understanding of the world and family, all objectivity is lost. I love this film. For me it will always be 4 stars.

M: I had never seen this. Thank goodness for V. Great movie. Very funny and touching. Great music. A bit of a downer at the end, but such is life. 4 stars.

On Golden Pond

M: V and I took a break from our Halloween movie spree to watch the 1981 movie On Golden Pond. I am glad we did. I cannot say enough about this movie. Here it is, 11:15 at night, we just finished the movie, and I had to sit down and write. This movie is both heart wrenching and heart warming. Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda play two "old poops" (their words, not mine) spending a summer at their cabin on a lake in the woods. They learn to cope with their increasing age and the inevitability of death, while mending their relationship with their adult daughter (Jane Fonda) with the help of her 13 year old step-son to be. The wit and love between the main characters is so fun and touching. Henry Fonda gives a masterful performance, well-deserving of the many awards he received for the part. In fact, On Golden Pond was nominated for academy awards for best picture, best actor, best actress, best supporting actress, best screenplay, and best director (a total of 10 nominations). It won best actor and best actress, deservedly. Chariots of Fire edged it out for best picture. The music and filming are beautiful and add the final touch to this masterpiece. Plenty of swearing, but all done in good humor. This is an absolute must see. One of the best movies I have ever seen. 4 stars.

V: The dialogue in On Golden Pond is some of the best and most charming I can remember in a movie. It was clever and funny and, at times, really touching. The final scene is so very poignant. The acting was wonderful, the setting so beautiful - in New Hampshire - I want to go to there. It really was a pleasure to watch. The relationship of this couple who had been together for decades was so sweet and tender. Am I using "so" a lot? It was just so good. Cuddle up with your sweetheart and watch this. Rated PG. 4 stars.

Up

V: I think the only thing I didn't love about this movie is the title. But maybe it was hard to come with something that didn't sound cheesy - and I really had very little idea what was going to happen in this movie after the old man went "up." So I guess that added to the fun. This movie was very funny and very sweet. I almost cried twice. But I held it together. (And you can't prove otherwise because the theater was dark.) The montage of the man and his wife was one of the greatest things I've seen - so sweet. This movie is full of heart, so I don't recommend it to ornery curmudgeons. The rest of you will love it. 4 stars.

M. I agree with V, that the montage and the movie were very-very touching, and up to the point when they took flight, the movie was absolutely fantastic. From there, it got a little silly for me. I didn't care for the bad guy and all his dogs. Maybe I got too much hype going into this one, and had unrealistic expectations. Don't get me wrong, this is a very well done movie, and I loved the idea, and the first half-hour. I just wasn't blown away by where the movie went from there. So, it could definitely be higher, and I am on the fence, but I have to give it, 3 stars.

John Adams

M: One of the best films I have seen this year. Originally airing on HBO, John Adams is an interesting and inspiring look at the life and times of founding father John Adams. Without sensationalism or over-sentimentalism, the series tells the story of the beginnings of our nation; it simply blew me away. Paul Giamatti, (as John Adams) was brilliant. Laura Linney played Adams' patient and loving wife superbly. This is a must-see. 4 Stars

V: Absolutely. It was so good. I was really sad when we finished watching it. (It is in 7 parts. Each part is over an hour. We ate it up.) Paul Giamatti is just really great, as always. Wonderfully directed, acted, and written. 4 Stars

Wall-E

M: Loved it. Wall-E is the funnest character. Very sweet. The movie is simply fun, clever, and worth seeing and owning. 4 stars

V: I really wanted to watch this movie again almost as soon as I was finished seeing it. That's a good sign. It was so sweet and clever. I've got a soft spot for that little trash compactor. One thing I appreciated was that - though there was an obvious environmental message - there was no preaching or moral-stating, they just told the story. Wall-E, so darling and love-starved, just kept shoveling away through centuries. I loved the plucky way the people approached their "new" home at the end. It was very optimistic. 4 stars

Kung-Fu Panda

V: I know everyone else has already seen this. Like I said, we're red-boxers. Hey, did you get to make Gyoza and eat them while watching this show in the theater? I didn't think so! I'm a big Jack Black fan, so I was pretty sure I was going to love this. And I did! Great characters, some hilarious lines. Good moral. My 4-year-old adds, "It was pretty fun, and just a little bit scary." We might even buy this one. (We kinda hate collecting movies, so that's saying something.) I wrestled with this a bit, but decided to just embrace the joy: 4 stars.

M: This legendary movie was the stuff of legend. 4 stars.

All About Eve

V: Today was a sick day for V. I usually don't like to watch movies without M, but since I had hours of lying in bed ahead of me, and it was an old show, I thought I'd go ahead. I had picked up a pack of old Best Picture winners from the library and out of four, this was the one I picked.

All About Eve (1950) garnered a record 14 Oscar nominations (not tied until Titanic in 1998). The star, Bette Davis, didn't win the best actress Oscar, (but got the Golden Globe, NY Critics, and Cannes award) though many felt it was the best performance of her career.

All About Eve is the story of a young woman who flatters and deceives her way into stardom at the expense of those who offered her help. It is also the story of an actress who is beginning to feel less valued because she has reached the ripe old age of 40, worrying about her identity as an actress and a woman. The script is great. The acting is really great. The story is interesting and engrossing as you follow the variety of characters. I'd heard of this movie and have meant to see it for a long time. I'm glad I did. It was especially fun for me to see Bette Davis in action, who is a Hollywood legend, but of whom I knew little. I would be embarrassed not to give this film 4 stars, since it is one of the classics, and who am I to say otherwise. But I also think it really deserves it. There is great tension throughout, great story, great characters. 4 stars

M: Oooh. Sounds good.

Iron Man

V: I've been a long time fan of Robert Downey Jr. - even annoyed my college roommates by posting an ode to him on our shared refrigerator. He did a really great job in this, and I'm glad things are good for him right now. So, Iron Man . . . First of all, it says a lot when we see a movie in the theater - and not even the dollar theater. This happens 3 or 4 times a year, at most. (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for watching our kids!) It means we expect big, big things, and Iron Man didn't disappoint. The pace of the movie was great, always kept you into the action, moving forward, not too much or too little, and never boring. Downey, as Tony Stark, was funny and cool. These movies easily find themselves in cheesy, bad-lines territory, but this one never did. The bad guys were bad. The gizmos were awesome. The love interest was well-handled. It was exciting! You may find yourself searching for something to hold on to. (Sorry M). I really enjoyed it. The end really surprised me. Not good or bad, but I just wonder what they're going to do with it. One small critique and that is that I thought Pepper (Paltrow) was moving pretty slowly when being pursued by a big, bad robot monster thing. But she did have on some really tall heels. And maybe she didn't know he meant her as much ill will as he did. But anyway, even with that I give it 4 stars. (And don't forget to stay all the way through the end of the credits. It's important to know who the Additional Second Assistant Director is.)

M: It took me a while to suspend my belief in this one. I suppose I should have been prepared upon entering the theater to accept without question what I saw, after all, the movie is based on a comic strip about an iron man. But still, there I was saying, how did this guy build this contraption in a cave in the desert in a few days . . . no way . . . couldn't happen. Well, once I allowed myself to get into the show, I thought it was really good. Downey did a terrific job, as did Paltrow. The effects were sweet and the show, fairly unpredictable. Go see this show. 3 1/2 stars.

Dan in Real Life

M: Good Show! We love Steve Carell. The first time we saw him in Bruce Almighty, he stole the show. He is also fantastic in The Office. And now, we find that he makes a good-- weird-- but good, leading man in a romantic comedy. Dan's insecurities and his funny relationship with his family made the show for me. Line of the show: "This corn is like an angel." Makes no sense sitting here on this blog, but watch the show, it is one of many lines that left us laughing out loud. As a bonus, the show had very little swearing, if any, and no sex scenes. A few innuendos, but light. 3 1/2 Stars

PS - I (V) watched the bonus material and it turns out the "corn is like an angel" line was an ad-lib by Carell.

V: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! Another take on Cyrano de Bergerac, Steve Carell (who does have a pretty big schnoz) is a writer and the less-likely candidate for the affections of the lovely Marie (Juliette Binoche) who is dating a younger, more "manly" man. The humor was perfect - I laughed at everything they intended to be funny. There were also some very sweet and touching moments. (kleenex grab, tear dab) Carell and Binoche, of course, were great. No one in the cast bugged me. The family was diverse and endearing. The script was unique and realistic. I liked the filming, the soundtrack, the story. Almost a PG show, too. I have no complaints - and am so happy to have seen it! Excellent. 4 stars