Author Topic: Movies & Books Into Movies (Read 592049 times)

Babi · « **Reply #2920 on:** October 01, 2012, 08:37:55 AM »

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.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln

Those 'visions' sound like something Valerie and I would really like. I wonder
if Netflix has them. Valerie was able to visit Italy and the Med. coast, lucky
girl, and treasures the memories...and pictures.

Johnny Depp is definitely an experience, LORAC. The man is perfectly ready to take
on any type of role, and does them all splendidly. Any movie he stars in, I want to see.

PatH · « **Reply #2921 on:** October 01, 2012, 09:21:33 AM »

I enjoyed the first Pirates of the Caribbean very much. Jack Sparrow is a seriously goofy character, and the sailing is a hoot. The sequels aren't as good.

joyous · « **Reply #2922 on:** October 01, 2012, 10:18:16 AM »

I watched CALL THE MIDWIFE last night on PBS and think it is a KEEPER-----LOVED IT!
joy

JoanK · « **Reply #2923 on:** October 01, 2012, 07:19:58 PM »

I loved it too. As with many Britcoms, sometimes the accents were a problem and I had trouble following it. But definately a keeper! (and the stars were on afterwards talking about having to ride those bicycles over the cobblestones. hilarious).

MaryPage · « **Reply #2924 on:** October 02, 2012, 08:08:42 AM »

I loved Call The Midwife. And I always used my closed captioning so I can read the words. Works for me!

Pedln, Visions of Greece, Italy, etc., has no plot. No actors. There is a small plane with a most excellent pilot and photographer, and they fly low over all of the country of the DVD. A woman with a soft voice and an accent narrates where they are. They also put captions for some of the regions. There is soft music in the background: the music of the featured country.

It is heavenly and very, very soothing. But also mind boggling and amazing. They fly so low, people wave at the plane. The views of the famous places we are all used to seeing in still photographs taken from ground level are just too, too wonderful, and they grab the heart big time. The gardens are, I swear, better seen from above than in any other manner. The country estates are opulent and staggering to the imagination.

But then, there are the monasteries; many built long centuries ago. They are up on the top of CLIFFS. They lifted all of the building materials IN BASKETS! They fill out many of the clifftops, and you wonder not only at the amazing things man can accomplish, but I, at least, also experience heavy vertigo seeing, in my mind's eye, myself down there at one of those monasteries.

Does anyone else love this series as I do?

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2925 on:** October 02, 2012, 08:13:12 AM »

So glad that Call the Midwife was a success over there! I don't know if Miranda Hart will have 'arrived' yet (she is one of the midwives) in the programme(s) you have seen. She is just wonderful - she is really a stand-up comedienne, who also has her own sit-com type show on TV, which my daughters and I love (she is very funny but not in the standard modern way - no swearing, v little sex, just hilarious characters). In Call the Midwife she plays a serious character, and I think everyone wondered whether she would be able to carry it off, but she does so, brilliantly. She was actually contacted by the lady who wrote the books (about her own experiences as a midwife in London) and asked to play a certain part because she reminded the writer so much of one of the girls she worked with.

Rosemary

pedln · « **Reply #2926 on:** October 02, 2012, 01:38:30 PM »

I'd never heard of the "Vision" series, but they sound lovely and I've added Italy to my Netflix queue.

Thanks for the tip off about Call the Midwife. It sent me searching and this week's episode is being shown twice -- at 3 am, the next episode gets a Sunday prime slot. So, hopefully my VCR can do the middle of the night duties.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2927 on:** October 02, 2012, 05:35:05 PM »

Pedln, do let me know how you like Visions of Italy. That is a good one to start with. It is divided into North and South, North being my favorite. The Greek one is heavenly, as well, as they tell you the ancient history of the islands you fly over. Oh, oh, oh! The whitewashed houses climbing up the hillsides, all or most with bright blue doors, and the blue, blue of the sea. They go from island to island to island, and if you have not already traveled the world, here is your chance! Plus you see stuff tourists never, ever see!

All of these have appeared many times on Public Television. I am an avid viewer of PBS documentaries, and that is how I became introduced to these some years ago.

MaryPage · « **Reply #2928 on:** October 03, 2012, 10:35:45 AM »

I saw the MOST wonderful documentary on PBS last night which was made from a book by the same name:

HALF THE SKY

Oh my gosh, it was so scary and so powerful. George Clooney and a lot of movie stars put in money and appearances to make this film become possible. You will sob and you will be enraged and you will be uplifted by the efforts and abilities of OUR SEX! Go Women!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/10/01/pbs-half-the-sky-meg-ryan-diane-lane-america-ferrera/

JoanK · « **Reply #2929 on:** October 03, 2012, 03:25:28 PM »

I saw the same program: two parts of it. It reallyinspired me. I got the book (Half the Sky) for my kindle. In the back of the book are lists of things you can do to HELP, and I really want to pursue this.

It shows the condition of women in many countries, and introduces you to amazing local women who are making a difference in the lives of the women around them.

I hadn't thought of this in terms of SeniorLearn. When I read the book, I'll think if it's suitable for reading on SeniorLearn. I'll also let you know what opportunities the book opens up.

Babi · « **Reply #2930 on:** October 04, 2012, 09:12:23 AM »

Two really strong endorsements, MARYPAGE & JOAN. I'll definitely look for this one.

serenesheila · « **Reply #2931 on:** October 04, 2012, 07:07:29 PM »

I,too, watched "Half The Sky" a few nights ago. It was very informative, and extremenly moving. Now I want to know more. I was in my fifties when I first learned about female circumcision. I feel very blessed, as a woman. that practice is not done in this country. I am amazed that it is still being done in so many different countries.

Sheila

Frybabe · « **Reply #2932 on:** October 05, 2012, 03:12:38 PM »

I tried once again to watch that new Sherlock Holmes knock-off last night. Couldn't stand it. Turned it off after about 20 minutes. Instead, I tested out my new Roku box and free month of Amazon Prime by watching Rango. I was very much surprised to see it on the free instant video list.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2933 on:** October 05, 2012, 04:37:02 PM »

Hubby and I watched the Sherlock Holmes "Elementary" again last night, and his comment was, "Well, you find something you like, when will they cancel it"? This from a man who rarely makes a comment about liking a new show. Dislike, yes! I think it is just crazy enough to make it into another season. We shall see. I get weary thinking of all the shows I have liked over the years that came on...did one season or two...and then were promptly axed! Then I get really made thinking about some of them that were really pretty good. And they leave this "dreck" on like How I Met Your Mother, etc.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2934 on:** October 05, 2012, 07:44:32 PM »

I am glad you like it Tome. Jonny Lee Miller is a good actor, and he makes a good Sherlock. I don't care for the portrayal of Watson. Mind you, not that Watson is a female in this one, but that she seems to go stomping around angry half the time. The bickering between the two is more than I care for.

Babi · « **Reply #2935 on:** October 06, 2012, 08:54:22 AM »

My solution to the total loss of the original Sherlock, is to divorce the two entirely. I
could enjoy the new show by viewing it as an entirely different pair of people, having
nothing to do with A. Conan Doyle' characters.

pedln · « **Reply #2936 on:** October 06, 2012, 09:29:00 PM »

I first heard about it here and finally got to watch my taped version of Call the Midwife. Terrible living conditions, but I really enjoyed the show and look forward to more. Amazing, how even those in the worst circumstances persevered. 1957 -- interesting to hear the characters note the differences they find in medical science then compared to earlier years.

Thanks to those who first mentioned this program.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2937 on:** October 07, 2012, 09:33:36 AM »

Glad you are back, Pedln.

I was all set to watch the European version of Girl with the Dragon Tatoo last night in my PrimeInstantVideo which is supposed to be all free listings. They listed it for pay. The other two, on the other hand are free so far. Do you have to watch or read these in order?

MaryPage · « **Reply #2938 on:** October 07, 2012, 11:08:43 AM »

Yes, definitely!

I loved those 3 books, and strongly recommend you read the books prior to watching ANY of the movies. Why? Because just as is true with all other movies made from books, they can only get the highlights in and you miss, if you just see the film, who many of the people are and where they are coming from and what has occurred that the film makers cannot make room in the script for.

The whole time I was watching the Swedish film of the first book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I could not help but say to myself, No one could possibly follow this if they had not read the book first!

Loved the books. Loved the 3 Swedish movies with subtitles. Loved the first American movie. Am a huge fan and I mourn the fact that the 7 sequels about Lisbeth Salander the writer had in his head died with him. A huge loss.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2939 on:** October 07, 2012, 12:44:39 PM »

Thanks MaryPage.

pedln · « **Reply #2940 on:** October 15, 2012, 11:33:43 AM »

Wow! It's been a while -- must be the debates and the playoffs. Has anyone seen anything good, recommendable? My ancient VCR has started piling things up -- I've got two Wallendars to watch, an Agatha Christie, and an Upstairs, Downstairs. Too much. I love that new PBS series Call the Midwife. Wonderful.

As for films, has anyone seen The Magic of Belle Isle, with Morgan Freeman, about an author who regains his creativity after he arrives at Belle Isle and becomes involved with his new neighbors? I finally got it from Netflix, looking forward to watching it with friends at our next movie and snacks night. Best Exotic Marigold is due at Netflix tomorrow -- long wait.

salan · « **Reply #2941 on:** October 15, 2012, 05:36:53 PM »

Pedlin, I watched the Magic of Belle Isle sometime back, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Morgan Freeman is always worth watching, imo. I saw the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The acting was very good; but I was disappointed in the movie. I found it rather depressing....not what I expected.
Sally

maryz · « **Reply #2942 on:** October 15, 2012, 06:22:13 PM »

pedln, I'm interested to hear what you have to say about the movie of Marigold. Interested to hear your opinion, too, Sally. It was so highly touted here, and I was eager to read it. I have to admit I was disappointed in the book. To me, it was very disjointed, and I never did get a good handle on who was who. I'd guess when you can associate faces with the characters, it might make more sense, but ... $:-\$

Babi · « **Reply #2943 on:** October 16, 2012, 08:19:29 AM »

Oh, good, PEDLN. Maybe now I can start expecting my copy of 'Marigold' soon. I always
like Morgan Freeman; he's a great actor. I'll add that one to my queue.

marjifay · « **Reply #2944 on:** October 18, 2012, 12:16:39 PM »

We saw two movies last night (a double feature) at the drive-in theater. I didn't like either of them altho they both got very high ratings at IMDB:

ARGO directed by Ben Affleck, based on a true story of how six members of the American Embassy in 1979 Iran were helped to escape when the Embassy was captured by rioting Iranians. The story was too predictable and not that interesting. (They pretended to be making a sci-fi picture by Canadians in Iran -- that in itself seemed pretty dumb -- why of all places would they make that kind of a film in Iran??) Altho maybe not, as it was mentioned in the movie that before the Ayatollah Khomeini took over, the most watched films were those that were pornographic.

The other was LOOPER, a sci-fi, time travel film. I usually like a film with Bruce Willis, but not this one. The screen lighting was so dark you could barely see what was going on, and the story lost me from the opening scenes. We left about half-way thru.

Marj

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2945 on:** October 19, 2012, 07:27:33 AM »

The church in our next village, Athelstaneford ('birthplace of the Saltire') showed "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" one night last week, so Madeleine and I went. We really enjoyed it - neither of us having read the book. Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Maggie Smith - all wonderful.

It was a really nice evening - they even stopped half way through for tea and biscuits. The pews were a tad hard - think I will take a cushion next time - but it was lovely to be able to see a film so near to home (otherwise we would have to go into Edinburgh), and I think the elderly ladies in the village in particular had a great time, as they would never get into town to go to the cinema.

Rosemary

pedln · « **Reply #2946 on:** October 19, 2012, 11:19:17 AM »

Rosemary, don't read the book. It's very disappointing.

A tea and biscuit intermission? Lovely. Does this church show films often? It sounds like a thoughtful event forl the senior members of the congregation.

Netflix tells me it's in the mail and I'm hoping it comes today, for our movie night tonight.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2947 on:** October 19, 2012, 11:27:12 AM »

Pedlin, I think you will enjoy the movie. I didn't read the book, and after seeing various comments, I don't think I will. I was pleased with the movie version, which is not always the case!

maryz · « **Reply #2948 on:** October 19, 2012, 01:56:30 PM »

pedln and tomereader, I'm glad to hear your comments about Marigold, book and movie. I thought I was the only one who was disappointed with the book, and was thinking about cancelling it from my Netflix queue. Guess I'll leave it on now.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2949 on:** October 19, 2012, 03:41:03 PM »

In "Marigold", a deep vein of sadness touches each of the characters, as respects their own personal problems, but there is so much joy and beauty to be found, if only they will take the opportunity to let it happen. The, shall I say, senior members of the cast are simply triumphant in their portrayals. And young Dev Patel, who is attempting to make a go of the "Marigold Hotel" is charming and funny, his "hyper-ness" playing beautifully against the seniors' fears
and their unfamiliarity with the country, the food, the people, the culture. I sincerely hope that everyone who decides to watch it, will be as moved as I was.

joyous · « **Reply #2950 on:** October 19, 2012, 03:49:25 PM »

After a LONG wait for Marigold to arrive in Netflix, I received it this week and I must admit I was
VERY disappointed in it. As someone in here said---it was very disjointed and hard to keep up
with. I have absolutely no desire to read the book.
JOY

MaryPage · « **Reply #2951 on:** October 19, 2012, 04:51:16 PM »

And I adored the movie. Never read the book, and don't feel inclined to, but Oh, the Joy of seeing such a superb job of acting by Dame Judi Dench and the ever amazing Maggie Smith and the rest of the great cast.

One of my all time favorite movies. So you see, we all possess different buttons to turn on our happiness!

I put Marigold right up there with Tea With Mussolini. Remember that one?

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2952 on:** October 19, 2012, 05:29:08 PM »

Thank you, Mary Page, for validating my take on the movie. Yes, it does take all kinds to make a world, and I suppose we are better for it in the long run. I have this little quirk, I quit, several years ago, putting any stock in what the critics had to say about movies, stage plays, symphony concerts, etc. I even use that little quirk to basically ignore Book Reviewers, especially NYT. Most of what they find "wonderful" turns out to be boring or, at least, non-sensical when I read the book. Our f2f book club here does a great job of reading something and finding it thumbs up or thumbs down, and discussing the reasons why we thought so. I can tell you after 6 yrs with that book club, I have found myself reading in genres I never would have chosen before. Of course, there are some that I don't find exciting or interesting to me, i.e. fantasy or sci-fi.

Babi · « **Reply #2953 on:** October 19, 2012, 05:29:34 PM »

Thanks for the warning, MARJ. I usually make it a point to see a Bruce Willis movie,
too, but I hate it when the director uses the dark lighting. You can't see half of
what's happening.

Wouldn't it be great, ROSEMARY, if the church could do that, say, once a month? A
lot of the local people there may seldom have an opportunity for an evening at the
movies. (Especially one that serves tea and biscuits!) I remember what a thrill it
was when I was a youngster, and one of those troupes of traveling actors would arrive
with their tents and put on a play. They always had at least one silly comedy that we
children loved.

salan · « **Reply #2954 on:** October 19, 2012, 06:10:33 PM »

I, too, hate movies that are so dark that you can't tell what is going on. I also hate that the background music is so loud that you can't understand the dialogue (and I don't have a hearing problem). Whatever happened to actors speaking distinctly?? Between low talking, mumbling and loud background music....I wish there was a button where you could mute the background music!
Sally

pedln · « **Reply #2955 on:** October 20, 2012, 12:18:52 PM »

"Marigold" arrived yesterday -- I was really surprised to get it so quickly, as earlier in the week my queue said "very long wait." So my friends and I had dinner and movie night and thoroughly enjoyed the film. There were some really good lines and much to laugh about. Yes, and there was pain, too. At first, except for Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, I had trouble sorting all the characters and keeping them straight, but that soon passed.

And I agree with you, Tomereader, on your Dev Patel assessment. Sooo good.

MaryPage, I do remember Tea With Mussolini. I'd like to see it again. And that brings another film to mind -- only because it deals with the Holocaust in Italy. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis. I saw it on Netflix some years back, but it is no longer available there, and Amazon shows it as one of those $75 DVDs. The others are Region 0 -- not playable on US machines.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2956 on:** October 21, 2012, 02:05:20 PM »

Rosemary.

My friends live in a small town in Yorkshire. They have one cinema house that does that on Wednesday morning 11 am show. Serve coffee, tea and biscuits with a 15 min.break in the movie. They say usually all seniors in there. They also drop the ticket price down low.
I think it should be done everywhere. So expensive for tickets here now. Many people have not been for years. I still enjoy the large screen and a few hours in a Theatre.

Frybabe · « **Reply #2957 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:04:16 PM »

My sister watched Marigold last week. I am surprised that she liked it.

I watched all three of the Swedish version of the Girl With movies from Steig Larsson's books. The first, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was subtitled. The other two were English dubbed. Since Larsson was going to write more in the series, I wonder if the third, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, neatly wrapped up the story line because of Larsson's death or if the third book really ended that way. It seemed a good stopping point since it resolved her family problem which ran through all three, and won her back her freedom, competency, and citizenship rights.

JoanK · « **Reply #2958 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:12:50 PM »

"I hate it when the director uses the dark lighting. You can't see half of what's happening. "

Boy, do I agree with you! And it seems to be getting more popular!

marjifay · « **Reply #2959 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:47:42 PM »

I've only read and watched the first of the Steig Larsson trilogy. Saw both the Swedish and American films, both very good. Don't plan on seeing/reading the other two.

I put the Marigold film on my Netflix queue. I have a feeling it might be kind of like Tea With Mussolini, which I thought was a fairly good melodrama (3/5).

I like films, most of which a lot of my friends would probably not care for. Some I saw during the past year and liked: THE DANCING BOYS OF AFGHANISTAN (sad but interesting), HORRIBLE BOSSES (hilarious), THE QUEEN (with Helen Mirren who's always great) , ANGEL HEART (1987 thriller), MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE (w/Daniel Day-Lewis, great acting, interesting story).

My son, who loves noir and other movies I like, drives me to the theater. He hates to see a film in the theater because people talk during the movie, so we go on a weekday early in the day when the place is almost empty.

Marj

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Author Topic: Movies & Books Into Movies (Read 592049 times)