Your life. What things are chance, and what things are you predestined for? Do the choices you make affect the rest of your life? Or is your life already mapped out for you, and you're just following that predetermined path? What if you deviate from that plan? Do you mess things up for good, or is there a new path created for you? And do little things - like missing your bus because you spilled coffee on your shirt and had to go back home to change it - affect what happens in your day...or even your life?
This is the stuff of The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Matt Damon plays David Norris, a politician who accidentally meets Elise (Blunt) in a men's restroom one evening. (She's hiding from Security for crashing a wedding, and he is about to give a concession speech). But sparks fly when they meet each other. Matt Damon's acting is amazing, because as he meets her and is captivated by her, it was his eyes and his facial expressions that said all that he was feeling, and not necessarily the dialogue. Naturally, David wants to see Elise again.
But quite by accident, he discovers the Adjustment Bureau, those unseen forces that make sure your life goes according to plan. (He would have never met them if he had spilled his coffee on his shirt that day and been 10 minutes late for work...) And by the way, he needs to stay away from Elise and forget he ever met her, because that's not in the plan. And if he tries to find her, he will set off a chain of events in both their lives that they will both regret.
This is quite a philosophical movie. I couldn't help but think of some stories we heard about 9/11 - people who escaped the attack because they overslept, or had to stop and buy a band-aid for a blister on their foot. I also thought about my hubby, who was on his way out to start a job at a small store, but heard his phone ringing as he was leaving. He came back in to take the call (he had no answering machine!), and it was a job offer in his current profession. Had he never taken that job, I would have never met him many years down the line through mutual friends! Or..would we have met anyway? I mean, if there's a plan and you mess it up, can your life be "recalculated" to get back on track, just like a GPS unit?
I really enjoyed The Adjustment Bureau. It was serious in parts, and fun in parts. There were a few scenes, that seemed almost comical, and I started thinking it was sort of corny...but the funniness added charm. It also made the men in the Bureau not so menacing, as we realized that they weren't perfect either.
From the perspective of a Christian - its pretty obvious that we humans pretty much always deviate from the perfect plan for our lives. But God in His wisdom already knows where and when we will go off our path! The bible says that all things work together for good to those who love Him. And its true. If we take a wrong turn, He is there to teach us something or change us in some way that is for our good. And He is always there to pick us up and put us back on the path that we are supposed to be on.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
I'm sure you know that I'm talking about Paul Newman and Robert Redford, who starred as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They're lovable outlaws who spend their time running from the law, then relaxing at the local brothel before the next big heist. But when they find it difficult to outrun one particular posse, they hightail it out of the U.S. and head to Bolivia.
There were a couple of scenes that seemed to drag on unnecessarily - in one particular part of the movie, they are shown traveling through the desert and wilderness, and it just seems to go on and on...we watch them ride their horses for what seems like forever. Another scene that also seems unnecessarily long, is when they travel to Bolivia. We are shown still shots of their trip..and that part also seems to go on for a while! Those parts almost felt like they were just there to fill time. But I so loved the rest of the movie, that I was willing to overlook those scenes. And actually, it was ok, because those long scenes gave me time to run to the kitchen for something to drink!
The dialogue was great- very funny lines, and I especially loved the deadpan delivery they each had. In one scene where they were cornered by the posse, Butch is trying hard to convince Sundance to jump off the cliff into the river below. Finally, Sundance admits he cant swim. Without missing a beat, Butch says, "You cant swim? Hell, the fall alone will kill you anyway!"
This movie has immortalized these two actors - I'm sure that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the first movie we think of when we hear either of their names. They are at their prime here - extremely handsome and charming! This is a must see! I might even watch it again!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Country Strong
Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw play husband and wife Kelly and James Canter in this story of a troubled country singing star. When we first meet them, Kelly is in rehab, flirting with Beau (Garret Hedlund), a young employee at the facility. Beau also happens to be a country singer and songwriter. James is taking Kelly out of rehab, because he's anxious for her to get back on the road.
We soon learn that Kelly is not only an alcoholic, but that a fall she took at a show, because of her drunkenness, caused the death of her unborn child. Needless to say, this incident was bad for her career. James, who is also her manager, has one goal in mind - to get her going on a comeback tour, to prove to her fans that she is "ok" now. It soon becomes evident that she left rehab way too soon. Sadly, their relationship is so distant, that he cant see that its the career that's killing her. All he can think about is saving her image to save her career.
At Kelly's request, James reluctantly, asks Beau to join them on as the opening act on the tour. They also take young beauty-pageant-queen turned-country-singer, Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester) as another opening act. As you can guess, all the relationships get a little complicated.
Kelly needed to dull the pain she felt in her life, and drinking was how she did it. It seemed that the life of a star became too much for her. James didn't seem to care that she wasn't "all better". He just wanted her to look as if she was, so that her career could carry on. Kinda reminded me of a scene in the movie Coal Miner's Daughter, where Loretta Lynn - about to have a nervous breakdown on stage - said, "Patsy always said, 'Little girl, you've got to run your life'...but I fear my life is running me".
Country Strong was slow at times, and a bit predictable. But it was an OK movie with good acting and good entertaining music. A good home DVD movie.
We soon learn that Kelly is not only an alcoholic, but that a fall she took at a show, because of her drunkenness, caused the death of her unborn child. Needless to say, this incident was bad for her career. James, who is also her manager, has one goal in mind - to get her going on a comeback tour, to prove to her fans that she is "ok" now. It soon becomes evident that she left rehab way too soon. Sadly, their relationship is so distant, that he cant see that its the career that's killing her. All he can think about is saving her image to save her career.
At Kelly's request, James reluctantly, asks Beau to join them on as the opening act on the tour. They also take young beauty-pageant-queen turned-country-singer, Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester) as another opening act. As you can guess, all the relationships get a little complicated.
Kelly needed to dull the pain she felt in her life, and drinking was how she did it. It seemed that the life of a star became too much for her. James didn't seem to care that she wasn't "all better". He just wanted her to look as if she was, so that her career could carry on. Kinda reminded me of a scene in the movie Coal Miner's Daughter, where Loretta Lynn - about to have a nervous breakdown on stage - said, "Patsy always said, 'Little girl, you've got to run your life'...but I fear my life is running me".
Country Strong was slow at times, and a bit predictable. But it was an OK movie with good acting and good entertaining music. A good home DVD movie.
Monday, February 07, 2011
IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS, By Jan Karon
This is the most current release by Jan Karon, author of the beloved Mitford Series books. After completing the Mitford books, Karon began the new "Father Tim" series. This one is the second of those books ("Home to Holly Springs" is the first)
If you've read my past reviews on Karon's previous books, I'm sure you know that I was excited to see this book at the store. Couldn't wait to read it! I'm sad to say, it was a huge disappointment. In fact, I couldn't wait for it to end.
As the story begins, Father Tim and wife Cynthia have arrived in Ireland, for the trip of a lifetime that he'd been promising her for years. They arrive at a Bed & Breakfast, where we read about what they ate, what they wore, what the dog did, how many swans were in the lake...it seemed that for most of the book, it was one dull detail after another. Cynthia had hurt her ankle, so they were stuck at the Inn for most of the time. It was over 100 pages into the story before anything of note happened. Additionally, since the dialog was written in an Irish accent, it was very difficult to understand what was being said between characters.
Tim and Cynthia discover and old journal at the lodge, and spent a lot of time reading it, since they cant do much else because of her ankle injury. Long passages from that journal are written out for us, and wouldn't you know it, the journal is also full of dull details!
Toward the end, a little drama starts happening, but since we're about 3/4 of the way into the book, its hard to really care. I felt no connection with the characters at all, in fact, it was hard to keep them all straight! There was the family that ran the Inn, and the additional staff, the guests, and the rest of the family and staff at a nearby home - not to mention all the people that were written about in the journal! I finally gave up trying to figure out who was who.
I was determined to finish it, and I did. But it was difficult. So disappointed in this one.
If you've read my past reviews on Karon's previous books, I'm sure you know that I was excited to see this book at the store. Couldn't wait to read it! I'm sad to say, it was a huge disappointment. In fact, I couldn't wait for it to end.
As the story begins, Father Tim and wife Cynthia have arrived in Ireland, for the trip of a lifetime that he'd been promising her for years. They arrive at a Bed & Breakfast, where we read about what they ate, what they wore, what the dog did, how many swans were in the lake...it seemed that for most of the book, it was one dull detail after another. Cynthia had hurt her ankle, so they were stuck at the Inn for most of the time. It was over 100 pages into the story before anything of note happened. Additionally, since the dialog was written in an Irish accent, it was very difficult to understand what was being said between characters.
Tim and Cynthia discover and old journal at the lodge, and spent a lot of time reading it, since they cant do much else because of her ankle injury. Long passages from that journal are written out for us, and wouldn't you know it, the journal is also full of dull details!
Toward the end, a little drama starts happening, but since we're about 3/4 of the way into the book, its hard to really care. I felt no connection with the characters at all, in fact, it was hard to keep them all straight! There was the family that ran the Inn, and the additional staff, the guests, and the rest of the family and staff at a nearby home - not to mention all the people that were written about in the journal! I finally gave up trying to figure out who was who.
I was determined to finish it, and I did. But it was difficult. So disappointed in this one.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
A fun little movie!
And by the way, it served as the basic story for the later, modernized remake which was "You've Got Mail", with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan!
The Shop Around the Corner was set in 1940's Budapest, in a gift shop where the two main characters were co-workers who could barely tolerate each other! What they didn't realize, was that they were corresponding with each other by mail, and had fallen in love with each other through their letters!
The "pen pals", Klara and Alfred, are played by James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. James Stewart is soooo handsome and looks soooo young in this movie. He was only 32 year old in this! The supporting cast are wonderful characters too! From the lovable and funny "Pirovitch" to the adorable "Pepi", this was a very entertaining ensemble and a great movie! Yes, it probably is as predictable as "You've Got Mail", but in this genre, predictable is ok!
And by the way, it served as the basic story for the later, modernized remake which was "You've Got Mail", with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan!
The Shop Around the Corner was set in 1940's Budapest, in a gift shop where the two main characters were co-workers who could barely tolerate each other! What they didn't realize, was that they were corresponding with each other by mail, and had fallen in love with each other through their letters!
The "pen pals", Klara and Alfred, are played by James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. James Stewart is soooo handsome and looks soooo young in this movie. He was only 32 year old in this! The supporting cast are wonderful characters too! From the lovable and funny "Pirovitch" to the adorable "Pepi", this was a very entertaining ensemble and a great movie! Yes, it probably is as predictable as "You've Got Mail", but in this genre, predictable is ok!
Monday, January 17, 2011
It's Always Fair Weather
At the end of the war, three soldiers promise to meet in 10 years, just for the sake of proving that they will always, always be best of friends! Well, they keep their "appointment", but soon discover that they have nothing in common, and can hardly stand being with each other!
Each guy has his own issues, but the story focuses mostly on "Ted", played by Gene Kelly. Through circumstance, Ted meets a program coordinator (Cyd Charisse) for a live TV show, where the 3 friends are going to be suprise guests. It amazes me that this movie was made in 1955, and yet the premise involved somewhat of a "reality" bit in the show!
I LOVED this movie - I loved the dance sequences and the story was great! Gene Kelly is AMAZING...I mean, he tap dances with ROLLER SKATES on his feet!! Tap Dances. With ROLLER SKATES!! Loved it!!
And I cant really say that I love ALL musicals...In OTHER musicals, I've found myself forwarding past the music, which defeats the purpose of watching a musical, right? I guess what I dont like is when the story comes to a screeching halt, the "scene" fades away, and then a song is thrown in. But in this type of musical movie, the song is part of the story progressing within the scene...which I love!
This is my 2nd Gene Kelly movie...but I tell you..I'm gonna dig up and watch all his stuff! (I decided this after the first time I saw him!)
Loved it - recommend it!
Each guy has his own issues, but the story focuses mostly on "Ted", played by Gene Kelly. Through circumstance, Ted meets a program coordinator (Cyd Charisse) for a live TV show, where the 3 friends are going to be suprise guests. It amazes me that this movie was made in 1955, and yet the premise involved somewhat of a "reality" bit in the show!
I LOVED this movie - I loved the dance sequences and the story was great! Gene Kelly is AMAZING...I mean, he tap dances with ROLLER SKATES on his feet!! Tap Dances. With ROLLER SKATES!! Loved it!!
And I cant really say that I love ALL musicals...In OTHER musicals, I've found myself forwarding past the music, which defeats the purpose of watching a musical, right? I guess what I dont like is when the story comes to a screeching halt, the "scene" fades away, and then a song is thrown in. But in this type of musical movie, the song is part of the story progressing within the scene...which I love!
This is my 2nd Gene Kelly movie...but I tell you..I'm gonna dig up and watch all his stuff! (I decided this after the first time I saw him!)
Loved it - recommend it!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
NUMBER THE STARS, By Lois Lowry
Set in 1943 in occupied Denmark, this fictional story is about 10-year -old AnneMarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen. At this time in their young lives, Copenhagen is filled with Nazi soldiers, watching their every move. But thats just the start. Soon, the Jews of Denmark are to be "re-located", so Ellen's parents flee, leaving Ellen to pretend to be part of AnnMarie's family.
Although it is fiction, this book is based on actual people and events, including the work of the Danish Resistance, who protected the Jews at that time by smuggling them into Sweden. The story was told through Ann Marie's point of view, and I think the author captured the fear and anxieties that this young girl faced as she risked her life to help out her beloved friends.
This is a 5th grade book, and the winner of the 1990 Newbery Medal. I read this along with my 10 year old son, who's class was reading it together. The story was sad, but it was also interesting and yes, educational. I found myself Googling various topics from the book for further reading and info. It seemed as if the author did her research on the topic. Its an excellent book to use to introduce children into the difficult topic of the Holocaust.
Monday, January 10, 2011
My Darling Clementine
Wow - does Henry Fonda look YOUNG in this movie! Indeed, he was 41 years old when he played the Marshall Wyatt Earp in this! I love me a good Western, and this was a good one! Of course, part of my enjoyment is that it's set in Tombstone, Arizona. (I grew up in a nearby town!) I loved seeing the stagecoach marked "Bisbee - Tombstone - Tucson"...yes, all those places are quite familiar to me! Last time I was in Tombstone was in 2008. Here's how it looked then:
I can just see the Earp brothers herding their cattle through this land, can't you?
As the movie opens, the "Earp" brothers are traveling towards California with a herd of cattle. One evening, 3 of the Earp brothers go into town and leave their youngest brother to watch the cattle. When they return to camp, the cattle is gone and their brother is dead. So Wyatt decides to take the Marshall job in Tombstone until he finds out who killed his brother. Enter Doc Holliday - who pretty much runs the scene in town. Basically, its a retelling of the feud between Earp and the Clanton gang, and their famous shoot out at the OK Corral.
Here's some more pics of modern day Tombstone:
I can just see the Earp brothers herding their cattle through this land, can't you?
I really enjoyed the movie! I've seen old Westerns that are corny and over-acted, but this one stands the test of time. Worth your time to watch it if you enjoy classic Westerns!
Saturday, January 01, 2011
TRUE GRIT (2010)
I was kinda curious about how good this movie would be. I was raised by the biggest John Wayne fan, so a movie like this had potential to be really great or really bad. I purposely did not re-watch the original True Grit before seeing this one, because I wanted to judge this one on its own merit. Im happy to say that this movie was AWESOME!
Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld plays14-year-old Mattie Ross, who has decided she needs to make sure her father's killer is brought to justice. Unfortunately, the case is not high on the list of priorities for the local law. So she hires a Marshall that she hears is the meanest around - Rooster Cogburn. They strike up a deal to track and find Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the murderer.
Texas Ranger, "Mr. Lebeof", played by Matt Damon, has been tracking Chaney unsuccessfully for months. After much bickering about who should and shouldn't go, the three of them head off to get their man. At first, the men tried to go without Mattie, but she was stubbornly determined that she was going to be a part of this job.
What follows is bad weather, arguments, shoot-em-up scenes, crazy mountain men, whiskey-drinking, and everything you would expect to see in a good western! This movie was GREAT! Jeff Bridges played a great Rooster Cogburn, & Matt Damon played a great Leboef. Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross did an outstanding job - a very big role for a new young actress!
You MUST see this movie - it's a great story to begin with, and it's retold beautifully!
Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld plays14-year-old Mattie Ross, who has decided she needs to make sure her father's killer is brought to justice. Unfortunately, the case is not high on the list of priorities for the local law. So she hires a Marshall that she hears is the meanest around - Rooster Cogburn. They strike up a deal to track and find Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the murderer.
Texas Ranger, "Mr. Lebeof", played by Matt Damon, has been tracking Chaney unsuccessfully for months. After much bickering about who should and shouldn't go, the three of them head off to get their man. At first, the men tried to go without Mattie, but she was stubbornly determined that she was going to be a part of this job.
What follows is bad weather, arguments, shoot-em-up scenes, crazy mountain men, whiskey-drinking, and everything you would expect to see in a good western! This movie was GREAT! Jeff Bridges played a great Rooster Cogburn, & Matt Damon played a great Leboef. Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross did an outstanding job - a very big role for a new young actress!
You MUST see this movie - it's a great story to begin with, and it's retold beautifully!
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