This is a wonderful homemade video documentary of the Barstow Family’s dream trip to Disneyland in 1956, won by entering a nationwide Scotch Tape contest. Ah, the good ‘ol days! Reminds me of my childhood, watching homemade movies with the family’s 8mm film projector!
[ Link courtesy of BoingBoing.net ]
You know what music is? God’s little reminder that there’s something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars. —Wizard
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Shooshing Away The Critics
The problem with some critics, is that they forget what movies are all about… escapism, fantasy, magic, hope… sometimes we seek realism in movies when the fact of the matter is, the cinematic experience is pure story-telling on celluloid.
There is nothing wrong with fantasy. There is nothing wrong with happy endings. If you want realism and reality, watch the evening news. So…
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
The concept is simple yet fascinating. A young boy growing up in an orphanage believes that the way to find his long lost parents is through music. He somehow feels it all around him, even though he’s never played a musical instrument before nor had any formal music education. But he feels certain in his heart that he and his parents can be reunited once again through the language of music.
The music. I thought if I could play it, they would know I was alive. And find me.
—August Rush
A Boy’s Journey Through Musical Discovery and Hope
And so begins the tale of a boy’s journey through musical discovery and hope, in a quest to find the two most important people in his life.
I think in order to appreciate this movie, you have to understand that the story is a modern day fairy tale. And as long as one views it through the eyes of the child, the main character (performed wonderfully by the gifted, young Freddie Highmore), then this journey will truly be a magical one.
Without giving too much of the plot away: two musicians, concert cellist Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) and Irish singer-songwriter Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) meet romantically on a rooftop in New York City one evening. The two quickly fall in love under the light of the full moon, while a street musician plays Van Morrison’s “Moon Dance” in the distance.
In the morning, they agree to meet at Washington Square, but a tragic turn of events prevent the meeting from ever happening. Yet, as a result of their chance encounter a child was conceived.
Photo courtesy of wbmoviesgirl
The Cast of August Rush
I thought the principal actors, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and the young Freddie Highmore gave excellent performances. Especially Freddie Highmore, an acting prodigy who convincingly portrays a young musical prodigy, learned to play guitar, conduct a symphony orchestra, and replaced his British accent for an American one.
Terrence Howard is perfect as the counseler and Robin Williams does a superb job as the street urchin Wizard.
A Five Hanky Performance
This is a feel good movie that people simply need every-once-in-a-while, in a cinematic world that sometimes is too harsh and wanting to be too realistic for its own good. The things that the cinematic experience provides is escapism, fantasy, pure storytelling… inspiration, hope and magic…
August Rush provides all that, and if you allow yourself to be drawn in to the magic, then I think it’ll become a wonderful ride. And, I think the ending is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. I highly recommend this movie to the young at heart!
Just be prepared to have the kleenex handy. You just may need it.
So, last night I watched Invasion (2007), starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig (aka Bond 007) and Jeremy Northam.
Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman
The casting of Nicole Kidman opposite Daniel Craig… seems like a good one to me, though it wasn’t perfect chemistry. Daniel Craig seems a bit less “debonaire” and polished in this movie compared to how he looked in the James Bond remake, Casino Royale. Maybe it was the hairstyle.
Okay now, one reviewer on IMDB.com writes, “Don’t waste your time. Get a Nicole Kidman poster”.
Someone else writes, “Worst DVD cover art ever.”
I tend to agree with those statements. I mean, my wife rented this DVD from Blockbuster, and when I glanced at the cover I kind of said, “What the heck?”
The Nicole Kidman Show
But, seriously, Nicole Kidman (I must confess) looks stunning in this movie. I mean, for an actress approaching 40(?) she looks great. What’s her secret? And right away you can tell this movie appears to be a vehicle for her, as it primarily focuses on her character Dr. Carol Bennell a psychiatrist… hmm… I must admit it’s a bit of a stretch to picture Nicole Kidman as a psychiatrist, well anyway…
This movie is yet another remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). And there was another remake in 1978.
Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman (”The Hours”) and Daniel Craig (”Casino Royale”) star in the science fiction action thriller “The Invasion,” a nightmarish journey into a world where the only way to stay alive is to stay awake. The mysterious crash of the space shuttle leads to the… —RottenTomatoes.com
Anyway, I fell asleep while watching this movie because I did start it rather late last night. But what I did see was a decent remake of the 1956 classic sci-fi thriller. It’s not Oscar material, nor is it a mesmeriing work of cinematic art, but it looks like a good update to the original.
So How Did This Movie Rate?
IMDB.com’s reviewer rating is 6/10 stars. I need to finish the movie, but my own rating would be a 6.5, giving credit to Nicole Kidman for looking great at her age and maybe some credit to her personal trainer too.
RottenTomatoes.com wasn’t very forgiving, with the overall community giving it 47%.
By the way, do you watch movies in pieces whenever you’re watching DVDs at home, whether on TV or on your computer? I’ve been doing that lately. I have so much to do it seems, that I tend to break away from watching DVDs to do other things. Hmmm….
This is profoundly shocking and tragic news, especially when it involves a young actor who has enjoyed a highly successful career. He was an incredibly gifted actor. May you rest in peace Heath.
A possible drug overdose… very sad, shocking news today.
And the tragic story unravels on TMZ.com.
NEW YORK - Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan apartment, and police said drugs may have been a factor. The Australian-born actor was 28. Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the residence in the tony SoHo neighborhood, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said. A housekeeper who went to let him know the massage therapist had arrived found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
. . . .
Okay, now what really gets me are the replies on Digg.com (Lots of Britney bashing going on): Check this out!
How does he die and how the hell is Britney Spears still alive?
Or Lindsey Lohan for that matter.
Don’t worry Britney’s on that suicidal patch.
My thoughts exactly. I don’t often give much a shit about celebrities, but he wasn’t your standard Hollywood retard, IMO. I found myself saying “Oh No….” out loud when I saw it. RIP.
1.) Brad Renfro
2.) Heath Ledger
3.) ????????All bad things come in 3’s… no?
LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE
*Sigh* “People!”
Here’s a timeless classic… a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Audrey Hepburn sings “Moon River” on the fire escape. One of my favorite songs of all time. And favorite movies.
And here’s the same song used in an Audrey Hepburn tribute:
Last Sunday my wife and I saw the movie Atonement, and I fell in love with the music so I picked up the soundtrack.
The film stars Keira Knightley (Cecilia Tallis) and James McAvoy (Robbie Turner) and Saoirse Ronan (Briony Tallis).
I don’t wish to give the plot away, but here’s what IMDB.com says:
Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister’s (Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of a crime he did not commit. Based on the British romance novel by Ian McEwan.
The soundtrack is rather lush and haunting. I’m reminded of a few English composers, Vaugh-Williams especially… maybe John Rutter.
Okay, I confess I don’t read much fiction. But I just may read the book, Atonement, by English novelist Ian McEwan.
Also… there is a strong chance that my wife and I might see Atonement again in the theatres…
1. Little Nephew CJ breakdancing (he’s a kindergardener) and not getting tired for the next hour. And relatives throwing money at the little guy for being the life of the party.
2. Leaving my wallet at the health food store. Looking all over for it before finally calling the store and finding out they were holding on to it, and my two hundred dollars was still there! Something to definitely be thankful for… kind, honest people.
3. Eating enough vegan food (mostly raw) and still getting full. Actually, psychologically full from staring at all that food on the table.
4. Watching several DVDs: Wedding Crashers, Paris Je Taime, Hair Spray, Rescue Dawn, Ocean’s Thirteen, Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, Mrs. Palfrey at The Claremont.
5. Watching the Dallas Cowboys wrangle the New York Jets, 34-3.
6. Enjoying the sunny yet cool day, gardening and watering the yard.
7. Enjoying a bonfire at night out in the backyard with the kids.
8. Preparing all the food. I made a huge garden salad with two types of olives, herbs, lettuces, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, avocados, and slice almonds.
9. Picking up one of my nieces from the airport.
10. Enjoying the company of family and relatives.
11. Setting up white xmas lights around the gazebo.
12. And not being able to sleep for some reason.
I’ve never seen the movie A Little Princess. It came out in 1995 and I’m just wondering how I missed this one. It seems like a very touching story.
It’s supposed to be a children’s movie, so that might explain why I missed it, but aren’t we all children at heart? So, I’ll have to see this one sometime soon.
When her father enlists to fight for the British in WWI, young Sara Crewe goes to New York to attend the same boarding school her late mother attended. She soon clashes with the severe headmistress, Miss Minchin, who attempts to stifle Sara’s creativity and sense of self- worth. Sara’s belief that “every girl’s a princess” is tested to the limit, however, when word comes that her father was killed in action and his estate has been seized by the British government.
A touch of irony that the star, Liesel Matthews (heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune), had gone through a similar fight in real life to gain back her fortunes.
This is the most facsinating movie to watch. It is the kind of movie that takes your breath away with its mystery, emotion, color, life, and intensity. The theme of India is so exsquisitly woven into the story with that robust color and mystery. The little girl is cherished by the audience. The emotion of her trials and joys causes goosebumps on my arms. This is ‘A Little Princess’ masterpiece.
The song from the movie (Kindle My Heart) came up in the top searches at Technorati:
. . . .
So, those of us who have been participating this month in NaBloPoMo are pretty much in the final stretch. We’re definitely over the hump and it’s smooth sailing from here.
The thought of having to write a blog entry a day for a month was daunting at first, but it’s definitely made me realize how easy one can write every day, and also how easy it is to come up with something to write about. Though, boring as it may seem, the subject matter. *smile*
Still, I was at a point where some days I could write several entries in a day. So once I put my mind to it, the task wasn’t all that tough.
Unless…
I lose internet access for a whole day (it’s happened before). But then I would just have to go to a local Internet Cafe or Starbucks to blog my entry.
I just watched Michael Moore’s documentary film, Sicko, about the Healthcare system in the United States.
Okay, if you haven’t seen this movie yet, it might be a hard movie to watch because it shows the darker side of the U.S. healthcare system.
And, you might laugh at the guy stitching his own leg because he can’t afford medical coverage, but for the most part, listening to the woman who lost her husband because their medical coverage rejected their proposed treatment as experimental, or seeing a couple lose their home because their medical bills overwhelmed them… well…. it’s just downright depressing but a bleak reality of healthcare in America, which for the most part is NOT free!
I can only hope this movie wakes some people up, especially those flag waving people who keep on repeating slogans like “greatest country in the world” etc. This could be a serious wake up call for a proud nation. I have always wondered how people can still call it the greatest country if it does not have universal health care, but maybe the reason is, they don’t know any better. They do not realize that in other western countries this has been done for ages and it works.
Personally, my first thought and reaction to this movie was….
“I want to move to Canada, England, France or….. CUBA!”
“Cuba has a free universal healthcare system?”
Frankly, I’m not sure just how good the healthcare systems are in Canada, England, France or Cuba, but man… FREE? As in if you have a life threatening illness you’ll still be hospitalized FREE!
England has had a free health care system (NHS) since 1948.
The movie is very good. I don’t understand why Americans hate Mr. Moore so much. He does these movies for you, to open your eyes, to change things for the better, not to make propaganda. Wake up! People in other countries don’t care for your problems, these issues are yours.
Okay, this really bothers me that every time I have to visit the doctor, it’s going to cost me $30 per visit co-pay! I mean, this has doubled from the $15 per visit co-pay 2 years ago. And the cost of medications has gone up dramatically along with our gas prices.
I think the U.S. should start a Universal Healthcare System that is FREE. It’s just sad that people are being turned away because they can’t pay or don’t have the insurance. Patients are being dropped off out in the streets in front of Rescue Missions, by the hospitals!
Perhaps the exponents of expediency just haven’t met the rescue heroes of September 11 still plagued by debilitating respiratory illnesses, but unable to get the healthcare they need in the country they volunteered to help in our hour of despair.
I might consider moving to Canada. Perhaps Vancouver is a nice place since it’s still on the West Coast. Or better yet, England. I’ve always loved England anyway. C’mon… FREE Universal Healthcare?
If I get a life threatening illness I don’t want to lose my home or become bankrupt….
*sigh*
SICKO is right on target. The US is 37th in the world in terms of quality of health care–slightly ahead of Slovenia, but behind Costa Rica–but number one in terms of per capita health care spending, or $7,000 per person per annum.
Sicko is an excellent documentary, but it depresses me quite a bit. And makes me seriously want to leave the country.
Someone please tell me this ain’t true about American Healthcare….
By the way, I don’t have any healthcare coverage as a musician. And I’m a dependent on my wife’s medical insurance at her work.
I got the idea from Zombie Drive-by…
These are also going into my “about page”:
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Movies
The Matrix
Shawshank Redemption
The Wizard of Oz
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Star Wars IV - A New Hope
Albums
Keith Jarrett - The Koln Concert
Water (Soundtrack)
Pat Metheny - Offramp
Weather Report - Heavy Weather
John McLaughlin - Belo Horizonte
Songs
Peter Gabriel - Red Rain
Damien Rice - Cannonball
Frank Sinatra - Once Upon A Time
Judy Garland - Over The Rainbow
Sarah McLachlan - I Will Remember You
Sites
Google
Rice Bowl Journals
Lifehacker
YouTube
Digg
You’re all familiar with the Internet Movie Database, I’m sure… but, have you checked out the Internet Movie Script Database yet? Very cool!
[ link via Zannah ]
Catch up on who wore what, or review what the stars wore just one more time!
E! Online gives us the best and worst of last night’s Oscars.
Theatrical Release: 10 November 2006
MPAA Rating: R
DVD Release: 20 February 2007
Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Screenplay by: Guillermo Arriaga
This is the kind of film that you’re either going to immediately love, or hate. Well, I saw this when it first came out in the theaters last year and loved it. Though, the themes and stories within are somewhat depressing and randomly interconnected in a tragic way.
So, I finally saw the film again last night on DVD, and it just renewed my love for this movie. The direction is great, in that Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 grams) to me achieves a sense of ominous tension and a fractured randomness that is similar to his previous films, and if you’ve seen “21 grams” you know what I mean. “Memento” is another film that doesn’t follow chronological sequence.
Brad Pitt gives a superb performance, as well as Kate Blanchett, but the truly standout performances are by oscar nominees, Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi. Both have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
But, I did see Little Miss Sunshine, basically because my wife dragged me to theater to watch it. I’m sure my wife’s happy Grey’s Anatomy won.
Anyway, here are the big winners from last night:
Cast in a Motion Picture: “Little Miss Sunshine”
Male Actor: Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland”
Female Actor: Helen Mirren, “The Queen”
Male Actor, Supporting: Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls”
Female Actor, Supporting: Jennifer Hudson, “Dreamgirls”
Ensemble, Drama Series: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Ensemble, Comedy Series: “The Office”
Kudos go to Jennifer Hudson, the American Idol runner-up who actually beat out Fantasia for the role in Dream Girls. Another example of AI runner-ups out-shining the ones who won!
Growing Evidence
There seems to be overwhelming evidence that CO2 and greenhouse gases are impacting the Earth on a global level, and it’s not a cyclical event, like the skeptics are claiming. Nor is it a total hoax (the hoax claim states that our industrialized way of life has no affect on our environment at all) that is made up by “greenies”, or environmentalists.
Affecting The Planet
As a matter of fact, environmentalists came to be because there have been very apparent observations that our way of life is affecting the planet… like pollution (just try to see downtown L.A. on a very smoggy day, for instance), acid rain, dramatic climate changes, a significant increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes and tornadoes. The stats are already far higher than those in the past 100,000 years or so. Pretty scary stuff to ponder.
You can calculate your global footprint to find out how much of an impact you are having on the planet. I’ve been trying to reduce my driving time and we bought a smaller car to save gas and reduce emissions. My global footprint was 16 (I think being a vegan really helped my score) and the average American global footprint is 24. The overall average global footprint is 4, so most Americans need to do more to reduce their global footprint.
Is Global Warming Fact or Fiction?
Sure, it’s convenient to say that global warming is the biggest hoax, but what if it really is true? Shouldn’t we always be concerned for our environment? The de-forestations and pollutants being launhed into the air? Carcinogens in our environment? The Industrial Revolution began a little over 100 years ago, and one must at least wonder if our continued Industrialization is having an impact on our planet? At least the growing evidence is beginning to be acknowledged by corporations.
Stifling A Legitimate Cause
It’s important to note just who are the people claiming that Global Warming is a hoax, when logically, it is a likely probability. Could these people be connected to the automotive industry? Or the oil companies? Why would these people be quick to right off the possibility of Global Warming?
The current Bush administration has been doing all it can to stifle growing evidence on global warming. Why? I’ll just hint to the connection between the current administration and the oil and energy corporations.
Just something to think about…
“I hope people enjoy what I do. That would make me happy because I’d be bringing others pleasure while doing something I like.”
—-Heather O’Rourke (1975 - 1988), of Poltergeist fame
My Rating: 9/10
I am obviously a sucker for movies about musicians and entertainers. And though I like Country music, I was never really a big fan of the Country & Western genre. Granted, my Father loved Country & Western, and I remember when I was little… riding in the family car while listening to KSON (the local Country & Western station) on the car radio.
But I also remembered that LIVE recording from Folsom Prison, because my Dad had the album…
So, I just finished watching “Walk The Line” yesterday. It’s an excellent movie, and Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both give Oscar calibre performances respectively as Johnny Cash and June Carter.
Actor Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, X-Files, Ladder 49, Firewall) gives a great performance as Johnny Cash’s Dad.
I didn’t know that June Carter wrote the song, “Ring of Fire”, one of my favorite songs that Johnny Cash turned into a big hit.
the taste of love is sweet
when hearts like ours meet
i fell for you like a child
oh, but the fire went wild
—-Ring of Fire, by June Carter & Merle Kilgore
Anyway, I recommend this one if you haven’t seen it yet. I wasn’t really interested in the movie when it was out in the theaters… and I’m glad I finally got to rent it on DVD. Two thumbs up!
My Rating: 9/10
This movie was made available for the first time on DVD, so I just had to pick it up from the store this morning. Excellent movie, though purists/fans of the beloved BBC version might think otherwise!
The truth remains that I happen to love BOTH the BBC version AND this newer 2005 version, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, and now I own both on DVD! I just happen to appreciate them both in different ways.
Keep in mind that the original BBC version was made for TV and was a mini-series that is 6 1/2 hours long… The newer, shorter version (just over 2 hours long) is excellent and has a completely different feel.
The director also wanted to cast a younger Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet which is more realistic to the novel, plus the setting is truly set during the precise period in which the novel was first written… in the late 1700s, and not in the early 1800s when the novel was first published. Many females loved Colin Firth’s version of Mr. Darcy, but the fact remains that he seemed a bit old for the role. So “dashing-ness superceded age.
Also, there was the original version in 1940 starring Greer Garson (as Elizabeth Bennet) and Sir Laurence Olivier (as Mr. Darcy) which is also very highly rated. Both Garson and Olivier were rather old for the roles as well.
In total, there were at least 6-7 different versions of “Pride and Prejudice” either on the silver screen or made for television. Each version was an “adaptation” of the original novel.
While the original BBC version is arguably the most faithful to the novel, the newer 2005 version in some respects is just as faithful, in regards to time period, ages of the characters, and the setting and costumes of the period. But the newer version was admittedly from the start an “adaptation” of the novel, as remarked by the director, Joe Wright.
In summary, the 2005 version is more passionate and emotional. And who’s to say that the characters weren’t passionate back in those days? The BBC version seems to lack a certain passion and emotion as if it were set in the Victorian Era, but the Victorian Era was from the early 1800s to the early 1900s… and though the novel was published during the early days of the Victorian Era, the story was actually set in the late 1700s when the novel was first written! So, which version is more faithful to the novel then?
Anyways, there have been many versions/adaptations to this beloved novel by Jane Austen, even one set in India (Bride and Prejudice)…. which one is the best? Well, is quite a subjective issue, really.
I thought Keira Knightley was superb as the witty, strong-willed and outspoken Elizabeth Bennet…. and she deservedly earned herself an Academy Award nomination for it. And although she may not win the Oscar, her performance will shine regardless….
And Matthew Macfadyen was just as superb as Mr. Darcy, a younger version and someone all the girls can swoon over, just as much as Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy…
My Rating: 8/10
My recent DVD purchase was the 2001 Romantic Comedy Serendipity, starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack.
One thing to note is that Serendipity was filmed just before 9/11 and the destruction of the World Trade Center towers. The twin towers were digitally removed from skyline shots by the time the movie was released in the theaters. Read more »
I’ve been watching a ton of movies lately… both in the theater and on DVD.
Last night I watched When Harry Met Sally, one of my all-time favorite romantic comedies. Read more »
You could be happy here, I could take care of you. I wouldn’t let anybody hurt you. We could grow up together, E.T.
—-Elliot from E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial
The family and I have been getting into E.T. lately, being that I recently purchased the DVD of the 2002 20th anniversary limited edition. Yes, it’s really a limited release for some reason so I was actually looking for it in stores and finally found a copy in a local Borders Books & Music store.
I still love the original theatrical release… simply magic. The new 2002 version, with newly added CGI effects of E.T. and other nuances (like switching the guns of the government agents to walkie-talkies) was rather lame I think. I mean, why ruin a perfectly great classic film?
Anyways, the original E.T. still brings tears to my eyes. I guess when you’ve been fortunate enough to have seen the movie in the old huge theatres of old and witnessing a wonderful theatrical event like this in a packed theater, then it’s truly an amazing experience one will never forget. Buying the DVD and watching it again
brought that experience back home. Read more »
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