Author Topic: Movies & Books Into Movies (Read 591961 times)

Frybabe · « **Reply #2360 on:** February 19, 2012, 01:40:32 PM »

So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?

And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?

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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!

Your Discussion Leader: pedln

Yes, I'm kind of excited about it. Here is an extended trailer. Opens in theaters May 4.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/

CallieOK · « **Reply #2361 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:38:01 PM »

Theaters here are all ready running the trailer. What a contrast between Maggie Smith's character in this one and Downton Abbey!

pedln · « **Reply #2362 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:50:40 PM »

Roshanarose, thanks.

Oh boy, Golden Girls, Cocoon and what else, all rolled into one. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sounds like it will be Nol 1 on my queue someday. What a cast.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2363 on:** February 19, 2012, 03:12:08 PM »

I look forward to it as well and all. Shades of Tea With Mussolini, Ladies in Lavender, Enchanted April and so forth and so on. I never tire of this type of film.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2364 on:** February 19, 2012, 04:55:42 PM »

Oh it looks GREAT - and it opens here on Friday. Enchanted April is one of my favourite films, as is Ladies in Lavender.

In our Radio Times there are little interviews with quite a few of the cast members. Apparently Bill Nighy had to learn to ride a motorcycle for the film - with Judi Dench on the back, riding side-saddle. He said he wasn't worried about his own safety, but he knew that if he killed Dame Judi he'd never be able to set foot in England again.....

Rosemary

roshanarose · « **Reply #2365 on:** February 20, 2012, 01:15:28 AM »

Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson aren't too shabby either.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2366 on:** February 20, 2012, 03:08:08 AM »

Too right Roshanarose - looking forward to it......

JeanneP · « **Reply #2367 on:** February 20, 2012, 04:08:19 PM »

I brought up our Local library and most of the DVD you are mentioning above the have already. Some have a pretty long waiting list but they go through them fast.

I have been putting in "Masterpiece Theatre" and amazed at how many DVD they do have along with many other British movies. I think that I watched 6 last week. 4 of the DVD were from Catherine Cookson books that I had not seen.

Better do some housework today.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2368 on:** February 24, 2012, 01:18:49 PM »

Apparently The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is from a book written by Deborah Moggach and titled These Foolish Things.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2105615/Best-Exotic-Marigold-Hotel-review-Dame-Judi-Dench-magisterial-best.html#ixzz1nKBmp5U2

pedln · « **Reply #2369 on:** February 24, 2012, 01:24:21 PM »

Housework?, JeanneP. What's that?

I've never read or seen any Catherine Cookson, but I see Netflix has a lot of her DVDs, so will follow up sometime on your suggestion.

I've got two others here from Netflix but I think they're pretty dark, and wonder why I chose them -- Taking Shelter, watched part last night and it tenses me up, something ominous is going to happen, I'm sure. The other is Contagion and I just can't bring myself to watch it. Has anyone seen it?

So, are we all set for the Academy Awards Sunday night?

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2370 on:** February 24, 2012, 01:40:58 PM »

Finally saw The Help yesterday. I thought it was quite good and true to the book. I have it from the library and will watch it again before i return it. I thought the acting was good by the main characters. The only criticism i have is that the white characters were overly insipid and obnoxious, so stereotypical. Altho that's the way she portrayed them in the book, seeing the behavior on the screen made them seem really overdone.

Babi · « **Reply #2371 on:** February 25, 2012, 08:33:24 AM »

Good point, JEAN. Perhaps I simply never moved in those social circles, but I don't recall ever
seeing that kind behavior. Of course, we never had a maid, either. Yet there is no doubt that
the Southern servant generally had a lousy life of it.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2372 on:** February 26, 2012, 12:58:38 AM »

Just popping an "oldie but a goodie" for you to check out.

There is a most delightful Australian movie I am sure all you here would enjoy. It is called "The Dish" with Sam Neill. It is about one of those dishes they put up to search space and is based on a true story, ie Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon. It has one of my favourite movie moments in it, but I won't tell so as not to spoil it for you.

http://thedishmovie.warnerbros.com/

pedln · « **Reply #2373 on:** February 27, 2012, 10:02:23 AM »

That sounds like something to put you in a good mood, Roshanrose. I'll put it on my queue.

Has anybody seen The Artist? or Hugo? They seemed to walk away with the most last night. Is Hugo a 3D movie? Can you watch it without it and still get enjoyment?

marjifay · « **Reply #2374 on:** February 27, 2012, 01:10:26 PM »

Pedln, a friend and I saw Hugo in 3D. The cinematography was wonderful, but the story got kind of boring after about a third of the way thru. We stayed to the end but felt like walking out long before that. I would only recommend it for the 3D effects.

Haven't seen The Artist yet.

So far my favorite of the nominated films was Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.

Marj

Babi · « **Reply #2375 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:23:58 AM »

I've only seen two of the nominated films; I plan to see some of the others. I was surprised
to see Meryl Streep won best actress. She is a great actress, I know, but every comment I've
read here about the film was negative.
I suspect 'Artist' won because is was so different. A black-and-white silent, in these days! Well
done, obviously. Val and I plan to put it on our queue and see if we think it deserved 'Best Film'.

marjifay · « **Reply #2376 on:** February 28, 2012, 12:35:37 PM »

Babi said, "I was surprised to see Meryl Streep won best actress. She is a great actress, I know, but every comment I've read here about the film was negative."

Meryl Streep was very good in the film, but the film itself was disappointing. Too much about her retired years when she was old and becoming confused, and not enough about her years as PM. I have bought her book Downing Street Years (a biggie) to read about her earlier years.

I noticed how affectionately she spoke about her husband in her Academy Award speech. Per IMDB, they have been married to each other since 1978. Unusual for most celebrities.

Marj

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2377 on:** February 28, 2012, 12:43:05 PM »

I didn't see the ceremony, but I have heard Meryl Streep on the radio, and I am always really impressed at how she has a 'normal' family life, and keeps it largely under wraps. It just shows that these celebs - like the ghastly Beckhams, etc - who moan on endlessly about press intrusion actually court it - Streep has just said 'no' and has concentrated on being an actress rather than a Famous Person. I admire her hugely. Another actress who has done that is Julie Walters.

Rosemary

MaryPage · « **Reply #2378 on:** February 29, 2012, 08:47:44 AM »

I am going to ask my son to try to get The Dish for me to watch.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2379 on:** February 29, 2012, 12:14:24 PM »

My History Newsletter had a column that reminds us of a previous film about maids in the 60s South, The Long Walk Home w/ Whoopie Goldberg and Sissy Specek. The column gives an interesting contrast between the two films. I don't think either film was supposed to be a docuumentary of the period, but Long Walk did provide more factual information about the period. Long Walk is no longer available for sale, but netflix or your library may have a copy.

http://hnn.us/articles/will-helps-oscar-revive-interest-long-walk-home%20

pedln · « **Reply #2380 on:** February 29, 2012, 01:31:43 PM »

A very thorough article, Jean, and it sounds like a very worthwhile film. Unfortunately, Netflix does not have it in hand. You can put it on the "Save" queue. I know I've seen it in stores, probably in the "bargain barrel," but now that it's unavailable through places like Amazon, B&N, etc. it will no doubt be hard to find. I wish I'd known more about it earlier.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2381 on:** February 29, 2012, 11:22:47 PM »

MaryPage - Good for you and your son re The Dish. See if you can pick my favourite scene? I think you know me well enough

.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2382 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:04:56 PM »

I saw The Long Walk Home years ago. Good film.

My son has tried, but he cannot get The Dish. I have tried to buy it, but do not want to pay nearly fifty dollars for it!

I will find a way to view it eventually.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2383 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:39:06 PM »

Now the "Dish " our library has it. I just put my name in.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2384 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:47:11 PM »

MaryPage - That's a real shame. I will see if I can find a copy and send it to you. Problem is that the DVD set up may be different there.

JeanneP - Have fun.

marjifay · « **Reply #2385 on:** March 02, 2012, 01:04:56 AM »

Well, I finally saw the movie The Artist tonight. My view of it: They really needed the cute little dog in that film. Maybe that was what pursuaded the judges to give it an award. I can't believe it beat Midnight in Paris.

Marj

JeanneP · « **Reply #2386 on:** March 02, 2012, 03:31:09 PM »

DVD will not work in UK that are from USA. Also I received a VCR of a wedding and it would not work here either. Did have it transfered but was expensive.

I took some DVD over just 2 years ago. Also some CDs. CDs sounded like the chipmunks. Funny. Strange that our DVD will play in Germany.

pedln · « **Reply #2387 on:** March 03, 2012, 12:49:19 PM »

Marjifay, I just watched Midnight in Paris the other night. So wonderful, so delightful. Five Netflix stars. It has been a long time since I've rated a Netflix film 5 stars. This is one to watch more than once. I'm so glad it got an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Believe it or not, this is the first Woody Allen film I've seen.

The Artist arrived in town yesterday, and since it won't require captions or subtitles, I'm looking forward to seeing it in a theatre.

My library has The Dish, so I've got it on hold. Unfortunately it does not seem to have The Long Walk Home

Last week I watched Contagion, after having avoided it for several days because I was afraid it might be horror/sci-fi. It turned out to be quite a medical thriller, about tracing the origins of an epidemic. Maybe a little bit overdone in some parts, but good entertainment. I gave it four stars.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2388 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:01:27 AM »

Hi Pedln - thanks for the recommendations. Hope you enjoy the Dish. It is so homespun. You will understand what I mean when you see it.

Babi · « **Reply #2389 on:** March 04, 2012, 08:50:49 AM »

Do you think 'Contagion' was as good as Andromeda Strain, PEDLN? I love that one,
and have seen it three times.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2390 on:** March 04, 2012, 09:55:09 AM »

I haven't seen Contagion, but I have seen both versions of Andromeda Strain. I liked the original better.

pedln · « **Reply #2391 on:** March 04, 2012, 11:37:45 AM »

Babi and Frybabe, I haven't seen Andromeda Strain, nor have I read the book. Will have to keep your recommendations in mind.

I can't tell you which is better. I tend to shy away from things that I think will be sci-fi. Contagion is not sci-fi, very realistic, and at times, scary.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2392 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:04:52 PM »

I use to love Scary movies. Had not seen one in a few years. the other night I got a DVD at the library. Put it on. The type were people buy old property. Move in with one 8 year old child. After about 15 min. I was sort of scared with it. Turned it off. Had sort of Rats eating on people. Won't try those type of movies again. Can't believe I no longer love them.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2393 on:** March 04, 2012, 07:08:35 PM »

My sister is the one who likes horror movies. Not me. What I find annoying these days is that the original idea, name and formatting of a lot of channels has gotten corrupted. The SciFy channel is mostly horror flicks now. The AMC channel which always showed old movie period, has started showing TV series - the same ones everyone else has had on for several years. The science channel had added some SciFi shows, History channel now shows very few actual history related shows. History Channel International changed its name and followed suit. The Green channel is more ancient Egypt and paranormal than anything else - no green in sight. There are some channels that have stayed true to their name and original format, like National Geographic, Animal Planet, Smithsonian, Military Channel and DIY.

Babi · « **Reply #2394 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:14:26 AM »

There's scary, and then there is horror. I avoid horror movies; generally really
gross.
Too true, FRYBABE. With so many channels competing, many have had to resort to
whatever seems to attract the most viewers, or what they can afford. Like re-runs.

pedln · « **Reply #2395 on:** March 07, 2012, 11:29:41 AM »

Quote

I can't believe it beat Midnight in Paris.

I’m with you there, marjifay. I can understand Best Actor, Best Director, but not Best Picture. I’m glad I went as I don’t often get to see big screen, but I sure didn’t come out raving. No doubt I had different expectations. I thought there would be more dancing, and I expected some kind of tribute (that’s not really the word I want) to silent movies of the past. Someone who is really a student of films and filmography, etc, will probably find a lot more in the film than I did. The beginning was good, the ending was good, it was kind of long in the middle.

JeanneP, you’ve got to tell us the name of the horror flick so we can either rush out to find it, or avoid it.

I got The Dish from the library, and doggone if the disc isn’t damaged. Couldn’t close the DVD drawer.

Has anyone seen Dear Frankie ? It’s one of the few fourstars on my Netflix Queue, and I don’t recognize the names of any of the actors. Set in Scotland. It may be a Canadian film, I’m not sure. 2004, has good reviews on Netflix.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2396 on:** March 07, 2012, 01:10:14 PM »

Oh, Frybabe, I SOOOO agree with you!

Arts & Entertainment used to have such great shows. It was like PBS only with ads. You could see such wonderful classical and modern stuff. Now it is nothing. Just reruns. I guess it is a matter of finances.

Same with the History channel. They used to have really good, informative and accurate stuff. Now, again, it is reruns and it panders to the lowest sort of mind set with just an awful lot of superstitious nonsense and myths that have long since been discredited.

And the Discover channel was chock full of really amazing, fascinating science. Again, it is now almost as bad as I hear Jersey Shore is. Mind, I have never watched Jersey Shore, but I am sure not interested in show after show after show of men racing madly around in big trucks or fishing in rough seas.

I counted upon those wonderful channels at one time for my continuing education. What a disappointment! What a let down!

Frybabe · « **Reply #2397 on:** March 07, 2012, 02:52:32 PM »

A & E and The Learning Channel were the first of the PBS like channels to offer quality entertainment and educational programming. Discovery was not far behind. The Learning Channel was by far the first to recreate itself into something other than it's name implies.

The Science Channel's Through the Wormhole just opened its new season last night. Unfortunately I kept falling asleep on it. I will have to catch in on a rerun or on On Demand.

Babi · « **Reply #2398 on:** March 08, 2012, 08:02:43 AM »

I've noticed the same with the History channel, MARYPAGE, and it is most disappointing.
When we first got ATT, I was looking forward to the Discovery channel as well, and that
has also been disappointing. Any time one of you finds something really good on either,
please post about it. It would make such a nice change.

I'm not sure we get the Science Channel, FRYBABE. I'll have to take a look.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2399 on:** March 08, 2012, 09:33:21 AM »

Well, Babi, pseudo-science has encroached on the Science Channel some nights, but they still run a lot of programs that are good. Aside from Wormhole, there is The Universe, which I think, is all reruns now, Science of the Deep, Prophets of Science Fiction (Isaac Azimov, Arthur C. Clark, Robert Heinlien, Phillip K. Dick, George Lucas, Jules Verne, and H. G. Wells this season), Steven Hawking's SciFi Masters (which I haven't seen yet, but looks like dramatizations of SciFi stories rather than documentary), and Secret Life of the Brain (I was watching this one this morning). There are a few technology programs like Modern Marvels and How It's Made for techno buffs.

News:

Author Topic: Movies & Books Into Movies (Read 591961 times)