Thursday, April 29, 2010
"How to Train Your Dragon" was recommended to me, and I have to admit it was very well done, had excellent voices delivering the dialog, and certainly the animation was great. (Red-bearded Vikings -- loomed large, especially in comparison to ourhero, a scrawny young boy, introspective and inventive, obviiously not cut out to be a dragon slayer) It was even educational, if you want to learn the names of various species of dragons. The story actually had a worthwhile message: how an apparent "failure" can become a great success when he finds his proper calling -- being who he really is -- though it may not be what his father wanted him to be. My problem with the movie was that I just don't care about dragons. Never have. Probably never will. Sorry. My apologies to those who really enjoyed the 3D illusion of riding the back of a dragon. (and lots and lots of fire-breathing, swooping dragons.) I never liked roller coasters, either. That's it for the movie section.
Now, for those of you who haven't already read it, THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY, a marvelously well written non-fiction book by Erik Larson, reads like fiction, a first-rate mystery thriller. Two main plots that intersect, one about the creation of the Chicago World's Fair (I think it was called an Exposition) in the late 1800s, which was a monumental success and a huge undertaking -- and the other about the murders that took place in that city at the same time. Fascinating book! Larson also wrote another, similar in style and again a comparative study in creative genius (Marconi and his tireless and frustrating pursuit of achieving wireless communication) and another serial killer who went undetected for years. This book is called THUNDERSTRUCK. It wasn't as gripping a page turner as the first book, but still a good read. (Especially appealing, I would imagine, to readers with a physics or scientific background.)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Catchng up on Movies Still Playing
Monday April 26, 2010.
In case you missed "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," and can handle the heavy torture scene (I should have known better, because I had read the book) - as a film, it is excellent. But not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, for a light-weight, don't bother unless there's nothing else playing, you might enjoy (or not) "The Joneses." Despite the interesting (and probably all too true) premise, of a "unit" of people, hired to pose as a family, who move into a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood with the intention of infiltrating/making 'friends" with neighbors who will envy (and therefore buy) the furniture, golf clubs, autos, special cell phones, etc. that the Joneses display. Somehow, perhaps it's the script? The movie just isn't that good, though I do like David Duchovny. Oh, and to add to the mix, the teen-age "daughter" is really kind of a slut, and the "son' has his problems, etc. etc.
Going back several weeks PB (Pre-Blog), I really liked "Alice in Wonderland." Fortunately, I knew that it wasn't supposed to be remake of the original story, but rather a sequel, and so I was not disappointed, and particularly loved Johnny Depp (doesn't everyone?) as the Mad Hatter -- a perfect casting choice! I don't know why they bothered with 3D, because I don't believe it added anything necessary to the film. (Except a higher ticket price.) One of the ways I avoid too much disappointment is to go in with low expectations, and that's why I wasn't too critical of "Date Night," though it really missed the mark, despite the pairing of Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, both of whom are such wonderful comic talent on their home turf on TV. As some critics have noted (I look at http://www.metacritic.com/ for quick takes on films, some comments I disagree with, but still worth scanning), "Date Night" seemed to be trying for a "Nick and Nora Charles" kind of pairing. Sorry, nobody can do it like the originals! (Again, maybe it was the script - or the direction -- I'm not a professional critic, I just go to the movies to be entertained, and hope not to be bored. Which leads me to my latest viewing, a film starring Jeff Daniels (marvelous acting!!!) and Emma Stone (equally outstanding, a young actress I don't remember seeing before ) in "Paper Man." A rather strange story, (He has an imaginary friend, "Captain Excellent") -- Whether Daniel's character, a failed author, is just neurotic, or truly mentally unbalanced is hard to tell, but I kept hoping for it to reach a conclusion that I'd like. Actually, it really didn't. But, the performances of those two lead actors were so marvelous, that I didn't regret my time spent. But I can't honestly recommend it without the above caveat.
And my final topic for today (are you still with me?) is that I really, really don't care about 3D! If a film has to depend upon special effects, and things flying at me from the screen, then it can't have a very interesting story, or very accomplished acting. Stay tuned for my next venture out into movieland, probably Wednesday. Blessings, always, SP
In case you missed "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," and can handle the heavy torture scene (I should have known better, because I had read the book) - as a film, it is excellent. But not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, for a light-weight, don't bother unless there's nothing else playing, you might enjoy (or not) "The Joneses." Despite the interesting (and probably all too true) premise, of a "unit" of people, hired to pose as a family, who move into a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood with the intention of infiltrating/making 'friends" with neighbors who will envy (and therefore buy) the furniture, golf clubs, autos, special cell phones, etc. that the Joneses display. Somehow, perhaps it's the script? The movie just isn't that good, though I do like David Duchovny. Oh, and to add to the mix, the teen-age "daughter" is really kind of a slut, and the "son' has his problems, etc. etc.
Going back several weeks PB (Pre-Blog), I really liked "Alice in Wonderland." Fortunately, I knew that it wasn't supposed to be remake of the original story, but rather a sequel, and so I was not disappointed, and particularly loved Johnny Depp (doesn't everyone?) as the Mad Hatter -- a perfect casting choice! I don't know why they bothered with 3D, because I don't believe it added anything necessary to the film. (Except a higher ticket price.) One of the ways I avoid too much disappointment is to go in with low expectations, and that's why I wasn't too critical of "Date Night," though it really missed the mark, despite the pairing of Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, both of whom are such wonderful comic talent on their home turf on TV. As some critics have noted (I look at http://www.metacritic.com/ for quick takes on films, some comments I disagree with, but still worth scanning), "Date Night" seemed to be trying for a "Nick and Nora Charles" kind of pairing. Sorry, nobody can do it like the originals! (Again, maybe it was the script - or the direction -- I'm not a professional critic, I just go to the movies to be entertained, and hope not to be bored. Which leads me to my latest viewing, a film starring Jeff Daniels (marvelous acting!!!) and Emma Stone (equally outstanding, a young actress I don't remember seeing before ) in "Paper Man." A rather strange story, (He has an imaginary friend, "Captain Excellent") -- Whether Daniel's character, a failed author, is just neurotic, or truly mentally unbalanced is hard to tell, but I kept hoping for it to reach a conclusion that I'd like. Actually, it really didn't. But, the performances of those two lead actors were so marvelous, that I didn't regret my time spent. But I can't honestly recommend it without the above caveat.
And my final topic for today (are you still with me?) is that I really, really don't care about 3D! If a film has to depend upon special effects, and things flying at me from the screen, then it can't have a very interesting story, or very accomplished acting. Stay tuned for my next venture out into movieland, probably Wednesday. Blessings, always, SP
Saturday, April 24, 2010
"Sita Sings the Blues" and the Festival of Books
Saturday April 24, 2010
I thought that "The Secret of Krells" was an outstanding, fabulous, original, wow! animated film ---- and I still do. However, today I saw another animated film that is so unique, and brilliant, I don't know how to praise it enough, and I'm running out of adjectives. (Of course, I'm definitely enthusiastic today, having spent a couple of hours at the intellectually stimulating - though exhausting - LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA -- my alma mater. --- well, OK, so I didn't graduate, but I was a freshman there in 1948. The campus seemed big then, and now it's beyond HUGE. More about the Book Festival later.) Meanwhile, back to "Sita Sings the Blues." The centerpiece of this brilliant film is "The Ramayana" (pronounced ra-MY-uh-na) , the classic tale from Hindu mythology. "Sita Sings the Blues" is a fantastic combination of the epic of Rama and Sita Ravana, and Hanuman told in several ways, including stylized "Betty Boop" like illustrations singing sultry blues songs from the '30s, narrated hilariously by voices from obviously Indian commentators, who kind of make up some of the details of the story. And also, woven in is the contemporary tale of the break up a marriage in San Franciso, animated in an entirely different style. This remarkable creation was conceived, written, animated, and produced by one woman! (Nina Paley) The Los Angeles Times Calendar section today carried a great review of it, that I can't begin to equal. Just want you to run, don't walk to see it! I don't know if it will be equally appreciated by people who are not familiar with the epic tale of Rama and Sita, and her abduction by Ravana, etc. -- but I think all of you gentle readers will get it!
So, the Festival of Books. Another wow! Thousands of people, hundreds of forums, a mind boggling gathering of authors and categories. I listened to a panel discussion moderated by David Ulin, the Book Editor of the LA Times (and an author in his own right), called"Rebooting Culture: Narrative and Information in the New Age." The panelists were Nicholar Carr, David Shields, and Ander Monson. All extremely articlulate and interesting. Basically, it dealt with the trend toward other mediums of infomation beyond the hard copy (that I'm loyally addicted to), their books about it, and what is happening to our brains as a result of the changes. Next year, I hope to plan ahead and make a reservation for tickets to presentations that appeal. I just kind of fell into this one, because it was near where I had parked! (The Festival is free, but the parking is $10 for the day, except for those of us with Handicap placards -- three bucks only!) UCLA provides information and helpful guides all over the place. One young student (Engllish major, she told me) walked me all the way to an elevator -- to avoid the daunting steps that otherwise marked my chosen path. And, standing in the "ticketless" but hopeful line, I got into a conversation about books with a very nice young man who kept me company. I have found that wherever I go, there's always someone to help --- Guru's grace for sure! See you at the movies, or in a bookstore! SP
I thought that "The Secret of Krells" was an outstanding, fabulous, original, wow! animated film ---- and I still do. However, today I saw another animated film that is so unique, and brilliant, I don't know how to praise it enough, and I'm running out of adjectives. (Of course, I'm definitely enthusiastic today, having spent a couple of hours at the intellectually stimulating - though exhausting - LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA -- my alma mater. --- well, OK, so I didn't graduate, but I was a freshman there in 1948. The campus seemed big then, and now it's beyond HUGE. More about the Book Festival later.) Meanwhile, back to "Sita Sings the Blues." The centerpiece of this brilliant film is "The Ramayana" (pronounced ra-MY-uh-na) , the classic tale from Hindu mythology. "Sita Sings the Blues" is a fantastic combination of the epic of Rama and Sita Ravana, and Hanuman told in several ways, including stylized "Betty Boop" like illustrations singing sultry blues songs from the '30s, narrated hilariously by voices from obviously Indian commentators, who kind of make up some of the details of the story. And also, woven in is the contemporary tale of the break up a marriage in San Franciso, animated in an entirely different style. This remarkable creation was conceived, written, animated, and produced by one woman! (Nina Paley) The Los Angeles Times Calendar section today carried a great review of it, that I can't begin to equal. Just want you to run, don't walk to see it! I don't know if it will be equally appreciated by people who are not familiar with the epic tale of Rama and Sita, and her abduction by Ravana, etc. -- but I think all of you gentle readers will get it!
So, the Festival of Books. Another wow! Thousands of people, hundreds of forums, a mind boggling gathering of authors and categories. I listened to a panel discussion moderated by David Ulin, the Book Editor of the LA Times (and an author in his own right), called"Rebooting Culture: Narrative and Information in the New Age." The panelists were Nicholar Carr, David Shields, and Ander Monson. All extremely articlulate and interesting. Basically, it dealt with the trend toward other mediums of infomation beyond the hard copy (that I'm loyally addicted to), their books about it, and what is happening to our brains as a result of the changes. Next year, I hope to plan ahead and make a reservation for tickets to presentations that appeal. I just kind of fell into this one, because it was near where I had parked! (The Festival is free, but the parking is $10 for the day, except for those of us with Handicap placards -- three bucks only!) UCLA provides information and helpful guides all over the place. One young student (Engllish major, she told me) walked me all the way to an elevator -- to avoid the daunting steps that otherwise marked my chosen path. And, standing in the "ticketless" but hopeful line, I got into a conversation about books with a very nice young man who kept me company. I have found that wherever I go, there's always someone to help --- Guru's grace for sure! See you at the movies, or in a bookstore! SP
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010 My Movie Memories: an Introduction
Sat Nam. This blog is for my friends who listen patiently to my movie reviews and other miscellany of my life. Here goes: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was the first movie I can remember seeing. It was released in December of 1937. I was 8 years old. I liked the movie. I didn't like standing in line waiting to get in, miserably overheated as I was bundled up in the typical snow suit kids wore to keep out the freezing Minnesota weather. I determined never to have to stand in line for a movie again! (so far, I've succeeded) -- and I see lots of movies. I grew up in Hollywood, California in the 40's - the Golden Era of movies. Television was still a thing of the future, and everyone went to the movies. And, movies were censored, there was the Hays Office, which made sure that a certain code of language and behavior was followed. Seems laughable in these days of flagrant nudity and prolific profanity, but back then it made all movies accessible, Sure, some of them seem corny now (I watch old movies a lot on TCM or AMC television ), but lots of them were gems. You know the classics, "Gone With the Wind" (Over 3 hours long, there was an intermission in the middle!) and "The Wizard of Oz" -- both from 1939 when I was ten. Jumping way ahead in time (probably in the 80s?), let me mention one of my two favorite movies: First, "Things Change." It's about an Italian shoemaker who bears a remarkable resemblance to a crime boss who has been convicted, and is about to go to jail, but one of his 'entourage' finds the shoemaker and convinces him to go to jail in place of the actual crook. (Of course for a great deal of money.) Anyway, I love this movie!
Moving right along, to Now playing, in 2010, my second most favorite movie: "The Secret of Kells." Based on an Irish legend, it's about an Illuminated" Manuscript. Done in exquisite animation, not computer generated, but absolutely gorgeous, original, unique, stylized characters play out a fascinating story. Kaleidescope colors and images. Don't miss it!
OK, now for current reviews, please keep in mind I do not see horror movies, I don't care about special effects, and I avoid movies with torture. I don't mind violence -- in fact I'm sure it allows me to vicariously vent any pent up hostility I might have. So, my basic guidelines for me to enjoy a movie are: 1) It isn't offensive (I may draw the line closer than you might, I try to avoid movies that rely on vulgarity to attract attention); 2) It holds my attention so that I'm not thinking about the Soap Opera that is my life outside the theater. 3) the story is interesting, the acting is good, and the dialogue is clever.
I might interject here, that enjoying movies (and books, I'll get to those later) makes us quite godlike! As you probably know, according to ancient Hindu Philosophy, God created this creation in order to entertain Him/Her/Itself. It's called "Leela" --- "God's Play." And of course, we are all actors in this drama/comedy/. Well, speaking of Philosophy -- there's a charming book I recently discovered, called Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar. It uses jokes to illustrate the various schools of Philosophy, lots of fun!
OK, back to the movies. Top of the line currently: "The Ghost Writer," Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor. I've seen it twice and enjoyed it both times! Very clever plot, flawless acting, every detail pitch perfect (Photography, etc.). Pierce is a retired Ambassador, and Ewan is hired to complete a Biography started by a previous ghost writer who just died "accidentally" ??? by drowning. Plot twist and turns.
"City Island." Title unfortunately doesn't grab you, as a title should, because the movie is a real treat! (City Island is a little fishing village connected with the Bronx) With Andy Garcia and Julianna Marguelies as husband and wife, a college age daughter and an adolescent son, this hilariously disfunctional family ( all with great Bronx accents) has so many secrets that you can barely keep up with them. Andy's day job is as a Corrections Officer (Don't call him a Security Guard!) but his secret ambition (He's afraid to tell his wife, she may laugh at him) is to be an actor. So he tells her he has a poker game every Wed. nite -- she suspects he's having an affair -- but that's the night he's taking acting lessons in a group led by Alan Arkin. Hilarious.
'The Secret in Their Eyes." Prize winning foreign film from Argentina. (I love subtitles, because I am "hearing challenged" -- and these were done really, really well!-- so the dialogue is clever. The cornerstone of the plot is a murder mysery investigation. A man is trying to write a novel about the murder, which happend a lot of years ago, and then gets caught up in finding the actual criminal. Flawless performances by accomplished actors. A Who movie to savor.
"Who Do You Love?" That's a song title, used as the title for this movie about the Chess brothers, two New York Jewish boys who formed the Chess Records Company in the 40's(?) and made stars out of Black performers like Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. The music in this film is fabulous, I had such a good time hearing it as the story unfolded, showing the love that the older brother had from an early age for the blues, and then rock and roll that preceded Elvis. Of course there's some melodrama about the personal life of the older brother who was so obsessed with the music and the musicians he neglected his wife and family, but overall this is another on the "Don't miss this movie" list.
Moving right along, to Now playing, in 2010, my second most favorite movie: "The Secret of Kells." Based on an Irish legend, it's about an Illuminated" Manuscript. Done in exquisite animation, not computer generated, but absolutely gorgeous, original, unique, stylized characters play out a fascinating story. Kaleidescope colors and images. Don't miss it!
OK, now for current reviews, please keep in mind I do not see horror movies, I don't care about special effects, and I avoid movies with torture. I don't mind violence -- in fact I'm sure it allows me to vicariously vent any pent up hostility I might have. So, my basic guidelines for me to enjoy a movie are: 1) It isn't offensive (I may draw the line closer than you might, I try to avoid movies that rely on vulgarity to attract attention); 2) It holds my attention so that I'm not thinking about the Soap Opera that is my life outside the theater. 3) the story is interesting, the acting is good, and the dialogue is clever.
I might interject here, that enjoying movies (and books, I'll get to those later) makes us quite godlike! As you probably know, according to ancient Hindu Philosophy, God created this creation in order to entertain Him/Her/Itself. It's called "Leela" --- "God's Play." And of course, we are all actors in this drama/comedy/. Well, speaking of Philosophy -- there's a charming book I recently discovered, called Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar. It uses jokes to illustrate the various schools of Philosophy, lots of fun!
OK, back to the movies. Top of the line currently: "The Ghost Writer," Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor. I've seen it twice and enjoyed it both times! Very clever plot, flawless acting, every detail pitch perfect (Photography, etc.). Pierce is a retired Ambassador, and Ewan is hired to complete a Biography started by a previous ghost writer who just died "accidentally" ??? by drowning. Plot twist and turns.
"City Island." Title unfortunately doesn't grab you, as a title should, because the movie is a real treat! (City Island is a little fishing village connected with the Bronx) With Andy Garcia and Julianna Marguelies as husband and wife, a college age daughter and an adolescent son, this hilariously disfunctional family ( all with great Bronx accents) has so many secrets that you can barely keep up with them. Andy's day job is as a Corrections Officer (Don't call him a Security Guard!) but his secret ambition (He's afraid to tell his wife, she may laugh at him) is to be an actor. So he tells her he has a poker game every Wed. nite -- she suspects he's having an affair -- but that's the night he's taking acting lessons in a group led by Alan Arkin. Hilarious.
'The Secret in Their Eyes." Prize winning foreign film from Argentina. (I love subtitles, because I am "hearing challenged" -- and these were done really, really well!-- so the dialogue is clever. The cornerstone of the plot is a murder mysery investigation. A man is trying to write a novel about the murder, which happend a lot of years ago, and then gets caught up in finding the actual criminal. Flawless performances by accomplished actors. A Who movie to savor.
"Who Do You Love?" That's a song title, used as the title for this movie about the Chess brothers, two New York Jewish boys who formed the Chess Records Company in the 40's(?) and made stars out of Black performers like Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. The music in this film is fabulous, I had such a good time hearing it as the story unfolded, showing the love that the older brother had from an early age for the blues, and then rock and roll that preceded Elvis. Of course there's some melodrama about the personal life of the older brother who was so obsessed with the music and the musicians he neglected his wife and family, but overall this is another on the "Don't miss this movie" list.
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