Water for Elephants-2011-3.8 stars

I enjoyed this movie even though I had doubts about the subject matter.  It could use ClearPlay for some language, one steamy scene that went on too long, and images of an inappropriate book.  The one steamy love scene that went on too long didn't show anything bad really so it might not even get cleared out depending on settings, but I thought it was one of those instances when filmmakers overstep into the audience's imagination.  I was able to get past the adultery because the other character was really not like-able.  But, I wouldn't take a teenager to see it because it glamourizes the adultery in that the character gains a better life in the end for it.  The acting was pretty good even though I do think that Reese Witherspoon and Rob Pattinson are capable of better.  Christoph Waltz was probably a better actor in the movie even though you don't like his character.  I enjoyed seeing Rob Pattinson out of the Edward character.  :-)

Oh, there is also a scene about a circus side show a la stripper.  Nothing exposed but you definitely get the idea.  Just so you know.

Clash of the Titans 4 Stars

I liked this film (the witches freaked me out a bit, but I got over it). Sam whateverhislastname, is good and not bad to look at. I am loving all the movies about Greek mythology. It is refreshing to see a film where not necessarily every person lives (sorry won't name characters). I thought Io was fantastic- gemma Atherton.
Pop the popcorn and rent this film.

Me and Orsen Wells 2 Stars

I was disappointed with this movie. I did think that Zac Efron did well in a drama and Claire Daines is always adorable. However, the story just was too slow for me and the content was not to my standards.

Julie & Julia-4 Stars

This movie had one f-bomb but was generally a really clean movie. I really enjoyed it and thought both the main actresses did a good job. I did wonder how true it was to Julia Child's life. Amy Adams is just too cute. The shifts between time-lines were done really well and I wasn't ever confused. I don't think kids would enjoy this one. I don't have a whole lot to say, I guess... just wanted to put something on this blog since the last posting was in January!

The Proposal-3.5 stars

This was a very funny movie. It needs ClearPlay for some language and some nudity that isn't total but still enough to be considered porn! I watched it at a friend's and she doesn't have ClearPlay. A lot of the moments that were funny were just so awkward, so if you don't love that kind of "Office" type humor, you might not like it. I know a lot of people aren't Sandra Bullock fans but I thought this was a relatively good one. Plus, Ryan Reynolds is a plus in my opinion. Betty White is awesome... she is always funny, I think. imdb.com has this quick summary: A pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. Its funny that Ryan Reynolds is Canadian in real life. They could've done a better job of making the love story believable, but I let myself enjoy it anyway.

Martian Child - 4.5 Stars

This was a great, feel-good movie about a science fiction author played by John Cusack, who decides to adopt a child after losing his wife a few years past. He decides to go through our own foster care system and finds a 6-year-old boy who claims he is visiting here from Mars. "The fledgling father doesn't pay much attention to the boy's story at first. But an odd series of events prompts him to wonder whether his son could be telling the truth." - Netflix

I loved the message of unconditional love. Joan Cusack plays his sister and I love their interactions. She just plays a great, frazzled mom, too.

500 Days of Summer- 2 stars

I am glad that I had paperwork while I watched this movie. Some very inappropriate sex talk and just not my kind of movie.
It just came out and it has Joesph Levitt and Zoey something.

It is filmed in an independent nature.

Lady Hawke....4 Stars

I love this movie. I pulled it out of my cupboards and watched it again. All the actors are so young- muppet babies. Michelle Pfieffer and Matthew Brodrick are the stars with Rutger something.
I love it. The bishop is pretty creapy. Navar and Isabeau is what happens if Romeo and Juliet didn't die.
Check this out for a great action (sword fighting) and a love story.

I didnt' put on clearplay but my tv guardian picked up the bad words.

Star Trek....Live long and Prosper 5 stars

I unfortunately didn't get to see this in the theatres so I just watched it. Loved it. I laughed and thought the action was amazing. I had clearplay on and so not one bad word or any almost inappropriate scene.
I loved the doc- he had the best lines and who knew Chris Pine was so adorable.

Soccer Mom - 4 Stars (Maybe More)

I ran across this movie at the library and thought it looked interesting enough. I have to say that it was a very cute and funny movie. I thought Missie Pyle's part was the best. She was hilarious and did her "guy" roll really good too. I think anyone would like this movie. If you want to watch it for excellent acting it won't make you think Oscar but it's a teen movie and you wouldn't be watching it for that anyways.

Check it out from the library and watch it with your kids. It's funny enough. I can't remember if there is any bad stuff. Probably because there wasn't any.

The Man from Snowy River- 4.5 Stars

It has been a long time since I watched this film. Some old fashion film directing but it is one of those films that stands the test of time. I love the piano music. Jim and Jessica are so cute. It is a great family movie and we love horses here and so it is a winner.

Strictly Ballroom- 4.5 Stars

This movie came out about 10 years ago and for some reason my parents didn't let me see it. So, now that I am an adult I rented it. It is a cute show. It is funny in some parts. It pokes fun to some extent to the ballroom world. The mother is crazy, funny and you want to punch her at times. I loved Fran. If you want to a fun time rent this. Some language, but it was silenced out on my tv gardian and i didn't have clear play filter for it.

Fireproof - 5 stars

"Fireproof seems to have it all comedy, drama, thrills, and a few tear-jerkers. But, what it all comes down to is a simple message of love."

"From acclaimed writer/directors Stephen and Alex Kendrick comes their third feature film. Fresh from the resounding successful Facing the Giants, Sherwood Films presents Fireproof. The film is a story about a crumbling marriage between a couple who have both given up on each other and love. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) and his wife Catherine (Erin Bethra) are finished trying to reconcile with one another and decide to call it quits after seven years of marriage. That is until Caleb’s father imposes a challenge in the form of a book. For 40 days Caleb will learn to recapture his wife’s heart. But it’s not as easy as he thinks, nor is his wife accepting of her husband’s changes. Can Caleb learn the truth about love in time to rescue his wife before their marriage goes up in smoke?"

I really liked this movie. I have to say that the quote at the top is exactly what you get. It's a Christian movie and it has a wonderful message. I think everyone and their spouses should watch this movie. Bryan even stayed up to watch it last night. That's saying a lot too since he goes to bed early. This movie makes you want to be a better person to your spouse. And love them all the more.

The Gods Must be Crazy I& II - 4 Stars

These two movies are from the 80s. Totally weird, and totally funny. My husband LOVED them and couldn't stop laughing throughout. The movies looked pretty stupid at first to me, but once you sit down to watch them they are pretty enjoyable. Totally different from anything I've seen in a long time.

The Lincoln and Rocklin Libraries both have the combo DVD of 1 and 2. Your hubbies will probably like them. :)

Editorial note...

Can we do only one movie per post? What do you think?

Prime - 4 Stars

Prime was released in 2005 starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, and Bryan Greenberg (PG-13). I just recently saw it for the first time with my husband and we both really enjoyed it. There were a few sex scenes, but no nudity. I would have given this 5 stars if they hadn't had so much sex and discussions of it.

Uma Thurman is a 37 year old divorcee' who goes to a therapist (Meryl Streep). She then unknowingly starts dating the therapists 23 year old son (Bryan Greenberg). She says a lot of inappropriate things to her therapist about him and it's actually quite funny. This romantic comedy was very real and funny. The storyline wasn't typical and might not be what you expect.

My husband normally doesn't enjoy these types of movies, but it was something fresh and Greenberg's best friend in the film is also good for some laughs. We even watched all the deleted scenes and extras because we enjoyed it so much.

We own it if you want to borrow it.

Passengers, Cranford

I didn't care too much for this film. It was slow until she figures it out and then boom, she reacts, she gets it, film's done. It was an interesting idea, but not developed well.

Cranford was alright, slow, predictable, cute at times. I don't know what else to say about it. I do like Dame Judy Densch.

Left Behind 2.5 stars

I had higher hopes for this movie, especially being a Christian based film. It was a little odd for me. The children and "good" people were taken to heaven and those that needed "help" with faith and life struggles were "left behind". It was odd.

Wuthering Heights 4 stars

Yet again another period drama that I have now seen on my own! I am not converting by the way! This is the newest one I assume since the date on the back is 2009. I read the book years ago, so I didn't remember much of it until I started watching it. I saw it yesterday and it still pops into my head throughout the day today, so I guess I liked it. It's retched how intolerable Heathcliff is! My clearplay is not working at the moment so I would not recommend this to you if you are going to watch it with children in the room. Thankfully, Lanea had just barely gone to bed when there was an inapropriate scene for little eyes. (Husband and wife relations type of scene) It was well done and I cared for the characters and wanted it all to turn out well even though I already knew it wouldn't. Couldn't someone just remake the movie into a happy ending? I like happy endings!

Bleak House 3.5 stars

I actually watched a period drama from my own choosing and I did enjoy it. It wasn't great, but by the second disk I had to find out what was going to happen to all the characters. There are a lot of them and they each intertwine somehow, so it's interesting to see the connection and try to figure out who done it! Too many people died for my taste, I wanted a little more happy endings for some of the characters. Overall, a cute movie and I would recommend it to those who enjoy period dramas. Beware though, there are three disks and each have 5 episodes on them! So, MAKE HASTE and be not excessively diverted!

Surrogates 3 starts

My Dad took me to this movie and was another interesting twist on humans taking a back seat to living life. I was entertained while watching it, but it was out of my head by the time I got in the car to go home. Bruce Willis likes to get blown/beat up and he does in this movie too. I would give it 3 stars. Wait until it's free at the library to watch it.

Monsters Vs. Aliens - 4 stars

This was a really cute kids' movie. It could use Clear Play for some of the Oh My Gs which is too bad. Simon thought it was scary but the big kids really enjoyed it. I liked the fact that it is about a strong woman.

Sixteen Candles - 3.5 stars

It was a cute movie but I have to warn you that there is swearing (that includes at least 2 F words) and also some frontal nudity. Thanks a lot. Not what I was expecting. If it didn't have those things in it I would say watch it for fun. Unless you have a clean version don't watch it.

The Holiday- 4.5 Stars

I love this movie. Jude Law is adorable, Jack Black is hilarious but lovable, Kate Winslet is just so dang cute and Cameron Diaz is priceless. I thought the comedic timing was excellent and the four play off each other so well. I grabbed this movie when Target at it on sale for $5. The language is the only thing that is not desirable but clearplay just cleans that up. This is a must watch.

The Mistress of Spices - 3.5-4 Stars

Well, this was a cutesy, cheesy movie that was kinda fun anyway. Kristine was wholly unimpressed by Dylan McDermott, but others think he is just dreamy in this flick. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects but my husband said he'd never seen a movie where the main antagonist was a vegetable before. 2005. No ClearPlay filter available. And I'm putting Anita's name in the labels since she's the one who owns it.

Wives and Daughters- 5 stars

Yes, I love period dramas. Some are better than others and this is one of the best. The characters are very rich. Some are full of flaws and others flawless. I can't even begin to pick which character is my favorite because they all add a ton to the story. Roger is great, both dads are wise, the stepmom you love to hate, Molly is wonderful, etc.
If you like these kinds of films, this is a must. It is four hours, but you want more when it is over. The scene at the end in the rain is one of the best ever.

Persuasion- 5 stars

By far, my favorite. I love the new version of this Jane Austen book. Capt Wentworth is great and not bad to look at. Masterpiece theatre redid a lot of the Jane Austen movies. This movie has an amazing score and beautiful cinematography.
The one you want to watch is with Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins. I can't tell you how I LOVE this movie.

The Note and The Note II- 4 Stars

IF you like the Hallmark shows, you will enjoy these 2 films. I just walked by them one day at the store and got them. Both are just a feel good movie. THe first is set around Christmas time and the second is a follow up that has a great story of finding long lost love. Clean and great.

Need to know

Has anyone seen the movie "Push" with Chris Evans and Dakota channing? How is it? Is it worth renting?

The Painted Veil- 3.5 Stars

I am really glad that I took the time to watch this movie. I had clearplay on and it skipped just a few times during some "family relations" time- one which I deducted was an affair.

Edward Norton is fantastic in this film and Naomi Watts is good too. It is about a couple that got married in the 20s and moved to China. He loves her, but she married not out of love. Hence the tension. After an exposed affair, he takes her with him to a northern part of China to help cure a cholera epidemic.
It is at the time their relationship really develops. It was great. The scenery is lovely. Not a fast action film but a great one to watch.

Cranford - 4.5 stars

I really liked this movie. It takes place in a little town called Cranford where the influences of London have not reached. It is in the year 1842 (there abouts) and is about the lives of all those who live there. There are changes that occur as people start to move in to the town.

It's a BBC production and you know how much we like those. I got this from the library so I think it would be worth it to check it out.

It is 291 minutes long. The movie is based off of three books by Elizabeth Gaskell.



Next movie? "Wives and Daughters" Same author.

17 Again- 4 Stars

Ok, I am surprized that I liked this movie enough to give it 4 stars.
I watched it this morning and thought it was cleaver and funny. I did watch it without clearplay- so there is some language and nothing else. Zac Efron did a great job playing an adult being a teenager (like Lindsay Lohan and what's her name in Freaky Friday).
I thought the humor was cleaver and some of it really sutle. None of it was gross.

Watch for a good time