Miscellany

Hello there, peoples! *smile*  I haven't done a Miscellany post for a while, so get ready...

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There's a chance that Pastor Saeed Abedini could be granted clemency and released from prison!  Sign the petition and find out more at the BeHeard Project!

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The second video in the YouTube series The Monaco Files filmed, created, and edited by my talented bro and his production crew!

Follow their YouTube channel and stay tuned to see what Jack and Jason will be trying next!

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This week at Bible study, I invented the Hymnal Game.  The object of the game is to carry on a conversation using only the titles of hymns.  Try it sometime.  The results are hilarious and awesome!  For about 5 minutes, everyone at the study were looking through the index and shouting out titles while laughing until we couldn't breath. *grin*

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We watched Monsters University finally.  I was prepared for it to be good, but I wasn't prepared for it to be every bit as good as everyone said it was!  And it was!!  Little Mike was completely adorable, and Art made me laugh so hard.  Definitely a win, in my book.

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Well, we have snow again.  The first big snow of the year, finally!  We usually have over a foot of snow on the ground from just after Thanksgiving until sometime between March and the end of April.  So it was highly unusual to have no snow all through January.  But we have it now!

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Wednesday morning, I drove downtown to attend a volunteer orientation at the Open Arms Real Choices clinic.  It was snowing like crazy, the roads were bad, everyone was going about 35 mph on the highway, and I was so scared that my legs were shaking.  But, I made it, found the clinic, and was only 20 minutes late.  *grin*  I am so, SO excited about volunteering at Open Arms!  I've known that it was something the Lord wanted me to do for about 4 years now, but everything was so crazy at home that I couldn't until now.  Now, I just need to finish filling out the volunteer application, get some references, turn them in, have my interview, and start training.  So EXCITED!!!  You'll definitely be hearing more about this in the future!

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I've been so encouraged by this song lately.  The Lord does some of His most powerful and effective work in our lives when we've come to the point of giving up.  When we are weak, He is strong.

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What have you been doing this week?  I want to know!

Classic Movie May // Famous Classic Films I Don't Like

I'm linking up to...

Okay, here we go.  Those famous, well known films which everyone else may love, but I don't.

I know I get really upset when someone criticizes a film I love, so no offence is intended to those who love these films.  I happen to not like them, but I'd love to hear why you do! :) 

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Citizen Kane | Maybe I'm just stupid, but I honestly do not understand why this film is so often heralded as "the greatest film of all time".  Nope, I don't get it.  I mean, I don't just watch comedies - I'm perfectly capable of understanding a deep, complex, dramatic plot.  But this film wasn't any of those things.  The plot was flat, depressing, and just plain boring.  It's been a while since I've watched it, but I'm not wasting several hours of my life re-watching this film just so I can more accurately explain to you how much I hated it.  I do remember thinking that the cinematography was very good - fantastic, in fact.  But besides that...no.  Just because it's on every single "100 movies you must watch before you die" kind of list, doesn't mean you should actually watch it.  Believe me, it would be a complete waste of time.  You're welcome.

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The Philadelphia Story | You'd think with a cast like Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Katherine Hepburn, that I would love this film...but I didn't.  I wanted to like it, I really did.  But I couldn't.  The acting was good, of course - with those three it couldn't be anything but good!  It was the story I didn't like.  There was something missing.  You know when you're with someone who keeps trying to be funny, but isn't?  It felt like that.  Awkward.  I didn't like some of the plot twists either, and I especially didn't like Tracy.  What a spoiled little brat!  I do however enjoy the musical remake High Society - it's cute and fun.

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Rear Window | I know, I know...please don't hate me, but I just don't like this film.  Yes, it's Alfred Hitchcock!  Yes, it's Jimmy Stewart!  It's the plot that I don't like...also Grace Kelly (again, please don't hate me).  I found the entire concept of some guy murdering his wife, then chopping her up into pieces, and concealing them in a trunk extremely gruesome and disturbing.  I don't like Hitchcock's Rope for similar reasons.  Psycho, I like.  Please don't ask me to explain why, because I'm still trying to figure that one myself.   The concept of a photographer laid up with a broken leg and observing everything going on in his apartment complex is interesting, though.  I like that.

Grace Kelly is one of those actresses that I love in some films (like High Noon and The Country Girl) but greatly dislike in other films.  She was just irritating in Rear Window.  Please forgive me.
Also, I freely admit to having only seen this film once.  I'm willing to give it another try and see if my opinion changes...but I'm rather doubting it.

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West Side Story | I wish I could just copy Kristin's paragraph on why she dislikes this film, because she said everything I want to say. *grin*
I watched this film for the first time last week.  First, you have to know that I have an intense dislike for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  I'm sorry, but I don't.  I get frustrated reading it, because all of the tragedy could have totally been avoided if everyone had just done one simple thing.  Communicate!!  So, I knew West Side Story was basically R&J set in NYC with the feuding taking place between two gangs.  That actually sounded rather intriguing to me and I like Natalie Wood, so I thought I'd give it a chance.  I'm sorry to say that I didn't like it.  I'm not much for the "love at first sight" thing, add to that Maria's complete insensitivity to the fact that her brother is dead, singing about her love for Tony in front of  her brother's girlfriend.  Yeah...that didn't do much for me.  The rest...well, it was a musical.  And I love musicals.  But the musical numbers just didn't do much for me.  Gangsters dancing ballet??  I mean, really!

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The Third Man |  Another film that is so often hailed as a masterpiece.  It's certainly interesting from a visual perspective, with very unusual camera angles and uses of shadow and light.  I typically love film noir...but not this one.  Once again, a convoluted and sometimes extremely dull plot.  It wouldn't be fair to say that the entire film was boring, because there are some really exciting bits (the escape through the sewer tunnels had me on the edge of my seat), but mostly boring.  Also, the music.  Nothing but an unseen zither-player through the entire film.  I like unique and original film scores, but this just got monotonous.  And last, but not least, the romance...or lack thereof.  They had something going there for a bit, but it totally fizzled out at the end, leaving me feeling like the story was incomplete.

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So there you have it!  Five Famous Classic Films which I don't like.

Question: What are some famous films that you don't like?  I want to know!   

Classic Movie May // Favorite Actors

I'm linking up to...

If you know me at all, then you know I adore classic films and the stars of the silver screen!  Given the chance I could talk for hours about my favorite films, actors, and actresses.  Sometimes, I do. *grin*

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Steve McQueen | Respectful silence, please...the King of Cool is about to come on screen.  That's me every time I watch a Steve McQueen film.  Of all the actors I've seen, he's the one that I completely fell in love with.  I thought he was the greatest thing I'd ever seen, and I still do to a certain extent...I've just grown up a bit since then, and gotten over my movie star crush. *smile*  I love his style of acting, the manly characters he played, and his rugged good looks.  So yes, pretty much everything about him.  During his acting career, he proved he could play any role, though he was very much type-cast.  If you're looking for a good biography to read about him, then I highly recommend Steve McQueen: The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon by Marshall Terrill.  Very good read.  Steve's life was certainly not perfect, but he achieved the ultimate victory by accepting Christ towards the end of his life.

My favorite of his films (that I've seen) are The Blob, The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery, Never So Few (some content and language), The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and of course the TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive.

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Jimmy Stewart | Who doesn't love Jimmy?  He's the tall, good-looking, generous kind of guy that we'd all like to know!  I love the way his eyes reflect his thoughts so you can see what he's thinking.  His eyes and face do much of his acting for him.  Serious or comedy, he could do it all.  And the westerns he made?  If anyone was meant to play a rugged cowboy, it was Jimmy.  My favorites of his films (that I've seen) are Made For Each Other, After the Thin Man, The Shop Around the Corner, Destry Rides Again, You Can't Take It With You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life, Call Northside 777, The Stratton Story, Winchester '73, Broken Arrow, Harvey, Bend of the River, The Naked Spur, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Vertigo, The Spirit of St. Louis, Night Passage, Mr. Hobbes Takes a Vacation, and The Rare Breed.


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Frank Sinatra | There never has been and never will be another Frankie.  I adore him.  How could anyone resist those big, blue eyes?  Not only did he have a simply divine voice, but he could really act, too.  The way he sang as if he really meant every word he was singing was amazing.  No wonder I love listening to him sing love songs. *wink* My favorite of his films (that I've seen) are On the Town, Young at Heart, Suddenly, Guys and Dolls, The Tender Trap, High Society, Never So Few (with Steve McQueen! too much awesome for one film!), A Hole in the Head, and Von Ryan's Express (some content and language).






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Errol Flynn | Best known for his swashbuckling, adventure roles, Errol is quite possibly the most handsome actor ever, at least in my humble opinion.  He was perfection itself as a sword wielding hero.  His comedic timing was perfect too, and it's a shame he didn't star in more comedies.  The films I enjoy most are those he made with Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood being my all time favorite film in the history of ever.   Those two made a brilliant screen couple, and made eight films together.  My favorite of his films (that I've seen) are Captain Blood, The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Prince and the Pauper, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Four's A Crowd, The Dawn Patrol, Dodge City, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The See Hawk, Santa Fe Trail, and The Died with Their Boots On.


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Fred Astaire | I affectionately refer to Fred as "good ol' light bulb head". *smile* He wasn't dashingly handsome, but you forgot all about that as soon as he started singing and dancing his way into your heart.  He was the perfect, charming gentleman, and his dancing was incomparable.  Especially delightful are the ten films he made with Ginger Rogers.  Those two could really dance!  I just wish I could have seen Fred and his sister Adele dancing together.  From everything I've read, she was even more talented than he was!
I highly recommend his autobiography Steps in Time.  A thoroughly delightful, well written, humorous read.  My favorite of his films (that I've seen) are Roberta, Top Hat, Follow the Fleet, Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Holiday Inn, Easter Parade, The Barkleys of Broadway, Three Little Words, Royal Wedding, The Band Wagon, Daddy Long Legs, Funny Face, and On the Beach (some content and language).

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I really have way too many favorite actors to write a little bit on each of them, so here are a few honorable mentions: Ronald Reagan, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Coleman, Dean Jones, Roy Rogers, Charlton Heston, Cary Grant, Anthony Perkins, and Paul Newman.

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Question: Who are some of your favorite silver screen actors?  I want to know!

Saturday Matinee | no. 7

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PG for some rude content

The Decoy Bride | The famous movie star Lara Tyler is marrying the love of her life James Arber, a bestselling author.  Wanting a simple wedding without being besieged by the paparazzi, they slip away to the Scottish island of Hegg.  But when a particularly persistent photographer follows them and Lara goes into hiding, there's only one thing her management team can do.  Get a decoy bride and fake a wedding! They recruit Katie, an unattached local girl who has given up on love, as their decoy.

Very much reminiscent of a screwball comedy from the 30s or 40s, this film was absolutely delightful from the crazy beginning to the happy ending!  Yes, I watched it in the first place because of David Tennant, but I fell in love with the setting, story, and cast after just a few minutes.  What could be better than a rom-com set in Scotland with the one and only DT?  Um, not much.  The only downside is that DT is playing a British character.  Yep, he doesn't get to use his native Scottish accent.  Tragic.  But DT wearing plaid pants and "playing" the bagpipes more than makes up for that, trust me!  I think the PG rating is fair.  Not really any language to speak of, some innuendo, and yes, some rude/crude content, but nothing to terrible in my opinion.  Well worth watching, and then watching again.

My mom watched it for the first time this week and loved it!  Although she did have a wee bit of trouble understanding what they were saying - if you don't watch a lot of British/Scottish films, it can be difficult to tell what they're saying, especially if they're talking fast.  But the solution to that is watch more British movies!

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PG-13 for some violence and language

O Brother, Where Art Thou? | Loosely based upon Homer's "Odyssey", this is the story of three convicts who escape from a chain gang in 1930s Mississippi to recover the loot from a bank heist before a flood hides it forever.  Everett, Pete, and Delmar have one adventure after another as they evade the law, get baptized, encounter sirens, a cyclops, a KKK lynch mob, and assist bank robber George "Babyface" Nelson.

Right from the beginning, I found this film completely charming and delightful.  Beautifully filmed and acted, not to mention the fantastic music.  Oh yes, the music!  Old-time gospel and bluegrass. *bliss* I just bought the soundtrack the other day because I loved it so much. *smile*

There is a lot of language, so be warned.  The violence is mostly shoot-outs with the law (no one is hurt and it's not graphic), and one cow being shot with a machine gun and another hit and run over by a car (not graphic, although I found it disturbing).  One scene that some might find objectionable is the siren scene.  Nothing bad actually happens, but it's suggested, and the sirens are a bit scantily clad.  The PG-13 rating is appropriate.

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PG-13 for language

The Nanny Diaries | Fresh out of Montclair State University, 21-year-old Annie Braddock is ready to begin her career as a ---- what?  What does Annie want to do?  Undecided, Annie sits on a bench at the park and ends up saving a little boy from getting run over.  When his grateful mother, Mrs. Alexandra X, mistakes Annie's name for "Nanny", Annie is hired to be Grayer's new nanny.  But high society and life as a nanny is more difficult than she expected, especially after meeting the X's neighbor, "Harvard Hottie".

I saw a preview for this film and immediately decided I had to see it because it looked both cute and hilarious.  I was not disappointed!   There's no question that this film is cute and hilarious, but there's also a surprisingly touching message in this story that needs to be heard by more modern mothers these days.   You're little boy is only a child for a short time - don't waste that time.  There are a few scenes that had me in tears, my heart ached for that little boy so much.

I loved Scarlett Johansson as Annie, and who wouldn't love Chris Evans as "Harvard Hottie"?  Who knew that Black Widow and Captain America dated each other once upon a time?  Ahem, sorry, fangirl crossover there... *wink*

There was a bit of content, some innuendo, quite a bit of language (mostly uses of sh*t), but not enough to spoil this absolutely charming story.  The most objectionable scene would be the one where Grayer pulls Annie's pants down in the back just as Harvard Hottie shows up.  You do see Annie's underwear, but she's completely covered.  If you've seen the preview/trailer, than you've already seen the worst this film has to offer.  Not that bad, right?  Also, Annie deceives her mother by not telling her that she's become a nanny.  She does this because her mom has such high expectations for Annie's career.  Lying to your parents is never good, and the fact that Annie does that does bother me, although I can also understand where Annie is coming from.  The PG-13 rating is appropriate in my opinion.

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As I've said before, please do your own research and use your own judgement when choosing films to watch.  Keep in mind that everyone's standards are different and that I'm a 24-year-old adult.
Thanks and happy watching!

Question: What have you been watching this week?  I want to know!

Miscellany

This month has been going by so quickly, and I'm finding it hard to believe that next Sunday is the last day of the month!  Wow.  Time flies when you're having fun, and believe me, I've been having fun.  Lots of it. :)

Last weekend was a flurry of Game Night (don't let the mean trees get you!), getting ready for our church's music night, and finally the music night itself.   Which went very, very well, despite the fact that I was so nervous I was visibly trembling beforehand.  I kid you not.  You may all call me Miss Stage Fright.  But minutes before it was my turn to sing the Lord gave me peace, took away the butterflies, and I was able to walk up without my knees knocking together.  And my voice didn't shake either, thank the Lord!  It was such a blessing to enjoy the others sharing their music, and to be able to share mine with them.

Spring has finally won up here, although we're still going a bit below freezing at night.  I can't wait till we can turn the water down at the sheep pens back on.  Carrying water by bucket from the creek is way overrated, folks.  I'm tired of pretending to be Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I began starting plants for my garden today.  My dad saw me pulling the plastic plant flats out of the garage and asked, "Does this mean it's spring?!"  Yes, nothing says spring like tiny baby plants lining the windowsills in our kitchen.   I love gardening.  There's something about being able to grow your own food, providing for your family.  It's wonderful.

Last week I got the spring seeding in the lower sheep pasture checked off my list.  Still waiting for the snow to melt off the shaded sections of the small sheep pasture and the orchard so I can seed those.  It's so good to get some outside work done again.  I love working outside, especially after being cooped up in the house all winter.

I'm not the only one seeing this, am I?  Andrew Garfield looks eerily like Anthony Perkins, and his acting style is so similar (innocent, naive, stammering, shy, etc.) it's just creepy!
Just look at them and tell me that's not creepy...

My sheepies should be lambing any time after April 9th.  I'm eagerly anticipating having little lambs running around again!  Hearing their little baas, seeing them wiggle their tails, frisking about with each other.  Yes, I love this time of year.  The Lord has blessed my flock these past few years, and I can't wait to see what He does with it this year.

Okay, loving this method of transforming a pair of jeans into an adorable skirt.
Totes adorbs!  Totally doing this!!

Speaking of things that are totes adorbs, the last few episodes of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries have been AMAZING!!!  Like, I almost exploded from suppressed squeals amazing.  Finally, they're together!!!  I'm heartbroken that this Thursday is the last episode.  People, please cry with me...I'll provide the kleenex.

Wool & What-not's Anniversary Sale ends on the 27th.  My blog readers will get an additional 10% off by using the coupon code MARCH1, just because I love you all!  Now's the time to buy if you've had your eye on anything in the shop. :)

I spent a most pleasant afternoon visiting some of my "older" friends who live close by.  I love talking to those who are older and more experienced than I am, learning from them, being encouraged in my faith.  These two special couples have been such a blessing to me.  I'm so glad they live close enough for me to pop in for a spontaneous visit!  I also stopped by the library (where I picked up the long awaited Decoy Bride - they finally bought a copy!!) and the Post Office where I mailed an Etsy order.  Then I rolled down the windows (it was 53*F today!!!), cranked up the volume on my iPod (which isn't saying much - my speaker system is rather pathetic, but hey, it works;) and sang my heart out all the way home.  Life is fantastic.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Farragut Park with friends for a picnic. It's supposed to get up to 60*F!  :D

And now I must leave you all to go finish watching Iron Man so I can start watching Iron Man 2.  I'm refreshing my memory, getting ready for Iron Man 3 in May. ;)

Happy Trails, y'all!
Question: what's on your spring checklist?  I want to know!

Saturday Matinee | no. 6

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PG-13 | for sequences of action violence, and some suggestive content 

Fantastic 4 | After being accidentally exposed to a cosmic energy cloud while conducting a genetic experiment in space, Dr. Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm, and her brother Johnny, begin to develop superpowers.  Not accepting that this is how they will have to be for the rest of their lives, Reed begins developing a machine to duplicate the cosmic energy which he hopes will return them to normal.  Meanwhile, the fifth member of their space team, Dr. Victor von Doom, who unbeknownst to them was also exposed to the cosmic energy, begins to cultivate and embrace his new found powers.  But unlike the Fantastic Four, as they are now called, he intends to use those powers for revenge...on them.

I enjoyed this film, although not nearly as much as The Avengers.  The cast was very good with Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, and Julian McMohan.  I thought it would be odd to see Chris Evans in a role so opposite from Captain America, but possibly because they were so dissimilar it didn't bother me at all.  There were some scenes that were inappropriate for younger viewers, mostly because of modesty issues.  Some language.  If you've seen the other Marvel films, this one was most comparable content wise to Iron Man 1 & 2.  I think the PG-13 rating was appropriate.  Please watch after doing your own research and with caution.

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PG | for suggestive content, language, and some rude behavior

Bride Wars | Friends since childhood, Liv (a successful lawyer) and Emma (a school teacher) do everything together.  When their boyfriends propose to them on the same day, they immediately set in motion their lifetime goal - to be married in June at the Plaza hotel.  But when their weddings are accidentally booked on the same date, things start to go out of control as they go from best friends to enemies.  Who knows the best way to sabotage your wedding day?  Your best friend, of course! Dance lessons gone wrong, blue hair, too many sweets, threats, insults - could things possibly get any worse?  Will they both make it to the alter...alive?!
I laughed until my stomach hurt watching this film!  So, so funny!  Anne Hathaway was her beautiful, charming self as always, and Kate Hudson was hilarious as her best friend.  Just watching it made me think of my own best friend and what would happen if we ever became enemies.  I'm doubting that that could ever happen, but if it did...watch out!  Hehe.  There was some objectionable content, one scene in particular, and some language.  Also, both girls are apparently living with their boyfriends before they are married.   A PG-13 rating would have been more appropriate, in my opinion.  The laughs definitely outweigh the bad in this film, but please do your own research and view with caution. 

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And that's all I have time for this week - would anyone like to see reviews of O Brother, Where Art Thou?  and Nanny Diaries next week?

Tonight I'm headed to an evening of Bluegrass awesomeness at the INBA Showcase in Spokane.  The fabulous Panhandle Polecats are playing!  I can't wait!! :D

Happy Trails, y'all!

Saturday Matinee | no. 4

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1967 - G

Thoroughly Modern Millie | She's fun, feminine, and she's modern.  Millie (Julie Andrews) is on a mission.  To land a job as a stenographer and marry her boss.  Simple, right?  Wrong.  Between white slavers trying to kidnapMiss Dorothy (Mary Tyler Moore), an elevator that won't run unless you dance in it, a laundry hamper with squeaky wheels, and Jimmy Smith (James Fox), there isn't much that can't go wrong in 1922 New York!
One of the wackiest, silliest, corniest musicals ever, but I LOVE it!  With Julie Andrews, how could you go wrong?!  It's rated G, but I think PG would be appropriate.  Some more mature content, although most would go right over younger children's heads.  I'd recommend this for young ladies 16 and up...although my bro certainly enjoyed watching the last 10 minutes with me.  He was laughing harder than I was, and that's saying something. ;)

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1966 - Not Rated

How to Steal a Million | Nicole Bonnet's father owns an impressive art collection.  And he paints.  He's an art forger, actually, a very talented one.  His collection includes Monet and Van Gogh, all fakes, and a sculpture of Venus by Cellini, which is also a fake.  Bonnet loans the Venus to be put on display at a museum despite Nicole's protests that he risks being found out.  Everything appears to be going well, until Bonnet signs a document insuring the Venus for $1,000,000, unwittingly giving the museum permission to have an art expert inspect the sculpture.  There's only one thing to do - steal the Venus!
One of the most delightful comedy heist films ever!  Who knew a boomerang was a tool every burglar should carry?  Snappy dialog, great chemistry, and an excellent supporting cast.  However, some would have a problem with this film for one reason - the Venus sculpture, which figures prominently in the story, doesn't have any clothes on.  Not a thing.  As far as naked statues go though, it's not too bad.  There is no other inappropriate content.  You have been warned. ;)

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And that's about all I watched this week...well I did watch The Dirty Dozen, too.  But I'm not sure what I think of it, and I certainly don't feel comfortable recommending/reviewing it here.  It was good, but also disturbing.
Anyway...I hope you all have a blessed and restful Sunday!

Question: What movies did you watch this week?  I want to know!

Saturday Matinee | no. 3

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Not Rated

High Noon | One hour until noon, one hour to prepare, one hour...and then they're coming for him.  Starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, and some of the best character actors in the business.
One of my absolute favorite westerns ever, even though Grace Kelly's character drives me nuts for about half of the film.  I mean, what's wrong with you, woman?! You should be backing your man up 100%!!  Good grief!!!  *end rant*  But she comes around in the end.  So yes, all in all one of my favorite westerns.

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Not Rated

Harvey | What would you think if a man walked up to you and said, "Hello, I'm Elwood P. Dowd, and this is my friend, Harvey."  Only, there's no one with him.  What would you think?  Ahuh...that's just what everyone else thinks, too.  But stick around for a while, you may be in for a surprise.
Jimmy Stewart.  End of story.  Seriously, one of the funniest, screwiest, and happiest films ever.

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TV-PG

Star Trek: Voyager |  Space...the final frontier.  Only this time, we're not on the Enterprise.  We're on the USS Voyager, on a mission to track down a ship of rebel Maquis.  But somehow, we've been pulled far from Federation space to the far side of the galaxy, more that 70,000 light-years from Earth.  And it's going to take us 75 years of traveling through space to get back home.  
Follow Captain Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Tom Paris, B'Elanna Torres, Neelix, Kes, the Doctor (not The Doctor;), Harry Kim, Seven-of-Nine, and the rest as they encounter strange sights and civilizations on their long journey home.
This is a 7 season series, each season representing a year...and just how they managed to get home in 7 years rather than 75, you'll have to discover for yourself. ;)  I just finished Season 4, and so far I'm loving this series!  Great characters and interesting plots.  Lots of excitement, aliens, and even some romance.   I'd say the TV-PG rating is fair - there is some of what I would call mature themes throughout, as well as some mild language.
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Question: What did you watch this week?  I want to know!

Saturday Matinee | no. 2

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Not Rated

Yours, Mine, and Ours {1968} | So many of you recommended the original version of this film that I could hardly wait for it to come in at the library!  And I was not disappointed.  Starring two of my favorite silver screen stars, Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball, this film was utterly charming from beginning to end.  Differing slightly in plot from the version I reviewed last week, they're both excellent films in their own way with a focus on the importance of love and family.  Don't ask me which one I liked better, because I honestly couldn't tell you. ;)

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PG-13 {for brief strong language}

Kate & Leopold | Pulled through time from 1876, Leopold, Duke of Albany, finds himself in present day New York City.  Walking the dog, burning his toast, and auditioning for a margarine commercial, Leopold is quickly learning to adapt to the modern lifestyle.  And he might just be falling in love while he's at it.  But he can't stay.  He must go back to his own time.
A charming romp through time and love, this film was a delight from the moment it began.  Hugh Jackman was fantastic in this role!  What a voice. *melt*  I wasn't so thrilled with Meg Ryan's character.  She seemed to lack depth, in my opinion...and who told her to cut and style her hair like that?!  But all in all, I loved this film.

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R {for some language}

The King's Speech | Bertie has had a stammer since he was 5-years-old.   Speech therapist after speech therapist, all with no results.  Oh, and did I mention Bertie is really Prince Albert, Duke of York?  Yes, second in line to the throne.  The Duke has given up on ever being cured, but his wife isn't ready to give up yet.  Enter Lionel Logue, determined to help the Duke whether he wants to be helped or not.
And then the king dies, and Bertie's brother takes the throne.  But when David abdicates, Bertie becomes king.  A king with a stammer.  A king, who must learn to speak.

Ratings are relative.  And this film deserves a review.  If you're as fascinated by British history as I am (ahem, and adore Colin Firth's accent as much as I do), you will love this film.  Aside from one scene which includes strong language, this film is totally clean, although it does contain what I would term mature themes.  And you'll definitely know when the objectionable language scene is coming, so it's very easy to skip. 
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Have a lovely weekend, dears!

Question: what films did you watch this week?  I want to know!

p.s.
I would like to point out that at 23 I'm an adult and make my own choices on the movies I watch.  All families have different standards for the movies they watch, so please take the time to look these films up for yourselves.  If there's one thing I do not want to be, it's a stumbling block for my younger readers.  The parent advisory section on IMDB has excellent information on most films.
Thanks. :)

Saturday Matinee | no. 1

After some long talks with myself, I have made an official decision.

This blog, needs something new.

Okay, so that really didn't take all that long to figure out.  My first brilliant idea for new blog content is this...

: : Saturday Matinee : :

I'll be sharing the {excellent} movies I watched during the week, with a short review for each one.

So, here goes week #1...

PG-13

Just Like Heaven | Our story begins with Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon), a workaholic doctor.  On her way home from work she's involved in a car accident.  We're left here to wonder how serious of an accident it really was. 

Enter, David (Mark Ruffalo).  David is looking for an apartment to rent.   He finally finds the perfect apartment (perfect because it has a nice couch), but it's only available for lease on a monthly basis.  Deciding to take it, he moves into the furnished apartment.  We soon realize that David is grieving over someone as we see him letting himself go downhill.  One night, he's suddenly confronted inside the apartment by a blonde woman who insists that the apartment is hers.  And then...she disappears into thin air.  We recognize her as Elizabeth.  Just what is going on here?  Is Elizabeth dead?  Why is David the only one who can see and talk to her?  

It was basically love at first sight with this adorable romantic comedy.  Some language and one scene in particular which I skipped, but it's totally skip-able and not even necessary...which always makes me wonder why did they even put it in there?!  Anyway...I laughed, I cried, I loved this movie.  

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G

Ramona and Beezus | Ramona Quimby, age 8, oftentimes known as the pest and the scourge of Klickitat Street.  But at heart, she's a little girl who just wants to have fun, help her family, and stay out of trouble.  Based on the books by Beverly Cleary, this is a cute and family friendly film.
This film totally does justice to the books.  It includes the romance of Aunt Bea and Hobart, plus so many of my favorite Ramona escapades.  My mom and I watched this one together and totally loved it.

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PG

Yours, Mine, & Ours | He has eight kids...she has ten.  When former high-school sweethearts Frank (Dennis Quaid) and Helen (Rene Russo) meet again and decide to combine forces, get ready for fireworks and fun!   With eighteen kids trying to sabotage their parent's mistake marriage, a host of pets, and Mrs. Munion, there is never a dull moment.
A hilarious and delightful story which my brother and I enjoyed very much.

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PG

The Trouble with Harry | Poor Harry.  Harry is dead.  How very tiresome of him.  But who killed him?  Everyone seems to think they're to blame.  Not your typical Hitchcock thriller, this gem of a film is full of "dark" British humor and dry comedy, set in the picturesque New England countryside.  With a stellar cast including Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, and Shirley MacLaine in her first screen role.
I, for one, very much enjoy dark humor and this film was an absolute treat to watch!
Fun Fact: you'll see a very young Jerry Mathers (Leave it to Beaver) in this film!
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Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Question: have you seen any "new" films this week that you just loved?  I want to know!

Miscellany

I'm enjoying wonderful weather here - it's cool in the mornings and evenings but pleasantly warm and sunny during the day.  Love this early fall weather so much...except for the days getting shorter.  I'm going to miss our badminton evenings at Farragut very much.

Yesterday, I got to go canoeing on the lake with friends.

More pictures coming later. :)

After I washed my hair this morning, I stepped out in the sun on the front porch to speed up the drying process.  I'd not been there a minute when I heard stones rattling on the hill across from our driveway to my left, and looked up to see a huge bull moose with an impressive rack coming down the hill.  Um, wow!  I hopped inside quickly, partially because I didn't want to be outside with a bull moose (they can be quite dangerous) and partially to tell everyone there was a moose outside.  That sort of made my day. :)

Sorry, but I didn't get any pictures - he walked down the driveway and back into the bushes before I could get the camera.

I finally had the opportunity to watch The Hunger Games last week.  Wow!  That was a seriously awesome movie.  It totally did justice to the book, in my opinion.  Great casting and acting.

We had a totally awesome movie night on Wednesday watching The Avengers.  Now there's a totally awesome movie, one which I would watch over and over and over again.  I love watching movies with good friends, especially when it's one you've all seen before.  Then you can talk and laugh and make up alternate story lines for the characters without disturbing anyone.  So much fun! :D

And, as if I haven't had enough epic-ness in my life, I got Series 6 of Doctor Who from the library today!  I'm not saying how many episodes I've watched already, but more than three. *grin*

My lambs will be heading off to the butcher's on October 11th.  I've been focusing on getting them fattened up and ready for that - I cannot wait to have our freezer full of meat!  And after that, the ewes will be heading out for their month long holiday, visiting Earl the ram.   Life on the farm goes on.

Happy Trails, y'all!  

Movie Review: The Great Escape

All looks as it should, with the prisoners of war wandering quietly about the compound at Stalag Luft III - a special prisoner of war camp built specifically to keep the best POW airmen escape artists from doing just that. 

Yes, all is quiet...unless you were to go 30 feet under huts 123, 122 and 104.  Those are the huts which house Tom, Dick and Harry.

Who are Tom, Dick and Harry?

Perhaps you should ask what are Tom, Dick and Harry.

Why, they're tunnels, old boy!

And they're progressing rather nicely right now, all aimed towards the woods on the other side of the camp fence.

Aimed for escape and freedom.

Source: artofmanliness.com via Natasha on Pinterest

The true story of the 1944 mass escape from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III, based on the book by Paul Brickhill, a prisoner in the camp, although he didn't participate in the actual escape.  Seventy six men escaped that night.  Seventy three were recaptured, and fifty of those gallant men were shot by the Gestapo.  Only three made it to England and freedom.  The book and the film are dedicated to the fifty.

Like the book, the film (1963) covers the planning, execution and aftermath of the escape.  The creativity and ingenuity of the men in the camp is incredible.  The cleverly hidden tunnel trap doors, not to mention the wire cutters, picks, air pumps for the tunnels, forged passes and identity cards, civilian clothing from uniforms, etc. all made from items scrounged around the camp, and stolen or traded from the Germans.   Full of excitement, narrow squeaks and some of the best movie lines ever, you will not want to miss The Great Escape.

Plus, it's starring Steve McQueen (*squeal*), and you won't want to miss his amazing motorcycle ride!

Source: theimpossiblecool.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Happy watching, folks!

Movie Review: Funny Face

I was planning on doing a review of Rebecca, one of my newly discovered favorite Alfred Hitchcock films, but I was having trouble coming up with words worthy to describe it.  I'll continue to work on it and maybe someday it'll see the light of day.  Maybe.  I'm not promising anything, though... ;)

Instead, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite musicals of all time...

Funny Face! 

Fred Astaire...Audrey Hepburn...singing...dancing...beautiful clothes...Paris - what's not to like?

Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) works at a quiet, small, hole-in-the-wall bookstore in Greenwich Village, NYC...at least, it was quiet until Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson), editor of Quality fashion magazine, Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), her photographer, and a bevvy of pink clad helpers arrive to take pictures for the magazine.  In a whirlwind of events, Jo finds herself on the way to Paris to model a new clothing line for Quality.   In the midst of many fun singing and dancing numbers, she'll see the sights and have a few adventures... and maybe even fall in love.

The incomparable Audrey Hepburn was already fabulous enough, but singing and dancing?!  

With Fred Astaire?  

Magic

Here's one of my favorite musical numbers...of course, they're really all my favorite musical numbers, but this will have to do. :)

I just love the lyrics to that song.

And here's a desktop wallpaper I made for this wonderful film, just for fun.

 {full sized image here}

Well, that's all for now folks.

If you watch this film, or already have, do tell me what you think of it!

Happy Trails!

Miscellany

Last Saturday, we went to see Sherwood Pictures' latest movie, Courageous.

All I can say is, it was AMAZING!

In all seriousness, "I laughed. I cried.  It moved me Bob."

I highly recommend it.

It was so refreshing to sit down, watch an immensely entertaining, funny and intense film, and not have to worry about bad language or other bad stuff. 

Keep up the good work, Sherwood Pictures!  I can't wait to see what you come up with next! =) 

Source: bing.com via Trish on Pinterest

Here's the song Courageous by Casting Crowns.

I'm trying a new vintage inspired hairstyle today.  Pin curls in the front with the back hair in a bun.  I think this is going to be one of my new favorite styles.  Super simple.  Maybe I'll get pictures at some point.

I need to buy more bobby pins.  Where do they all disappear to, anyway?

Along the same line, I finally found a crochet pattern for a snood that I think will work.

I found it through this fun blog, Noir Girl.

Check out this wonderful movie review for The Spirit of St. Louis (starring Jimmy Stewart  *swoon*) on my dear friend Kellie's blog.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kellie on Pinterest

Your eyes do not deceive you - that's a blonde Jimmy.  Yes, it scared me, too. ;)

Just got a bunch of classic film noir movies from the library, so I've got some serious movie watching ahead of me.  There might be a movie review or two coming...

Happy Trails, y'all! :)