Christmas Movie-thon!

Over the last week I have watched:
The Family Stone with Dermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton and a brilliant cast. A feel-good film with some hilarious moments as well as heart wrenching ones. I score this film 8/10(10 is high)


Noel - Love is the greatest gift with saucy Penelope Cruz and "looker" Paul Walker.Proves food for thought.I score this film 6/10(10 is high)


Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a romantic comedy featuring a dish - Warren Christie. Following his chance encounter enjoy watching a romance unfold. I score this film 7/10 (10 is high)

The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas - a fantasy for the family full of festive spirit! Father Christmas has lost his memory...
I score this film 6/10 (10 is high)
12 Days of Christmas Eve.. Whilst it did prove predictable it does bring home how some people can so often disconnect themselves with what makes their life have meaning especially at Christmas. I score this film 6/10 (10 is high)
Eve's Christmas - one for the collection of viewing...
I score this film 5/10 (10 is high)
All She Wants for Christmas - Tobias Mehler is a charmer in this film. Another film for the Christmas Season List. I score this film 5/10 (10 is high)

I scored these films individually - see above.
Happy viewing at Christmas....

Along Came A Spider

An off putting title for some (that includes me, for a quite while) particularly if you are not partial to spider's however this dvd presented as a gift, gave me a reason to watch it, the time it well deserved.

The web that unfolds that requires unravelling, makes the title quite clever.

The kidnapper is like a spider with a web. Book title, "Master Kidnapper - Hauppmann Story" figures in the storyline.

Morgan Freeman plays a detective and best seller Author Alex Cross. The story opens with the harrowing death of his partner and that baggage stays with him although he professional to keep focussed.

A senator's daughter is then kidnapped which leads to him being teamed with a Secret Service Agent who had been assigned to protect the Senator's daughter for some years.

A tangled web of deceit and danger is captivating with many twists and turns to keep up with. It will have you on the edge of your seat and has a few surprises to spring on you.

Morgan Freeman never disappoints!

A clever storyline, unlike some films that transpire to be predictable that are based around a kidnap.

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

Butterfly on a Wheel

Gerard Butler who I first came across in the movie "PS I Love You", is sleek in his delivery and cast well in this film. He comes across to me as having a good balance between rugged and raunchy.

In this film the character Gerard plays (Neil) is put into situations where he is taken completely out of his comfort zone and collides dramatically with extreme challenges.

On the face of it, he has a comfortable, secure existence providing for his much loved wife & daughter. From this setting he is spun into utter turmoil when he becomes powerless under the control of Tom played by Perce Brosman who appears abruptly from the back seat of their car with a gun to their heads and a threat to kill their daughter who seemingly has been taken hostage.

Finances, career, relationship, phobias and conscience are each tested to their limits.

Suspense from the beginning to the very end.... You will be glued!

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

Edge of Darkness

Mel Gibson provides another film worth viewing...

Right at the start, his daughter is visiting and soon after vomits blood before his eyes after a flow of blood just appears from her nose. As they are rushing out of the house she is gunned down. Driven to get to the root of why it happened, his life irrevocably changed, unfolds.

This film will have you jump out of your seat at least once, and will grip you to the end.

I score this film 8 (10 is high)

INSIDE MAN

Captivating movie that includes clever and subtle dimensions.

Many known and established actors in the cast: Denzel Washington and Clive Owen to name just a couple.

A Crime Thriller with a few twists worth making time to see.

I score this film 8 (10 is high)

A Single Man

If you are in any way sensitive to a gay lifestyle, the opening scene and indeed others within this film could revolt you.

Colin Firth who plays George continues to come across as tender, sincere but he has an awkwardness too, arising from having a conscience. He is quite a dark horse!

The sentiment, honesty and simplicity are all captivating features.

There are some great statements that those who have experienced bereavement of a loved one, can relate to, such as:

"Waking up actually hurts."

"Then cold realisation that I'm still here, slowly sets in."

"I can't see my future... every day goes by in a haze."

Looking in the mirror... it isn't so much a face looking back at me, as an expression of a predicament."

Not a film I would view twice though... The draw to see it once of course, was Colin Firth!

In the future, I will avoid seeing any films starring Nicholas Hoult, who played Kenny (otherwise known for his younger role in the film, "About A Boy") and Matthew Goode, in the role of Jim, (known for his part in "Brideshead Revisited") as they define the type of film to expect.

There is some "food for thought" from this film...

The small things in life are the BIG things in life.

Coming to terms with the feeling of isolation.

The importance of living in the present.

The struggle to find meaning to life after the death of a long-time partner.

I score this film 5 (10 is high)

She's Out Of My League

If you are in need of a good laugh, this is a MUST GO'n'VIEW film.


If you have not yet heard the term, learn for yourself what a moodle is...

Mike Vogel who plays Jack is one to watch - he will just make you ladies melt!

The quick thinking remarks of Kirk's mates will make you roar with laughter - so funny!

Scenes such as one which demonstrates how not to meet your partners parents is an absolute gem and another that begs the question... why did I choose this colour blazer to wear to this restaurant? will make you double with laughter!

I could go on and on and on and on.....

A light, hilarious, therapeutic film offering escapism from those daily stresses!

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

Dear John...

All it took was 2 weeks to fall in love... when Savannah Curtis(Amanda Seyfried) met John Tyree (Channing Tatum) who has something that charms the ladies!

The excitement and energy that surfaces when chemistry ignites passion, is very moving.

John's Dad is totally absorbed in collecting coins... by showing some interest Savannah develops initial communication with him, which is both curious and informative to observe.

The relationship between John and his Father is agonising at times. You can relate to the pain that parents often feel in their role, quietly accommodating and accepting circumstances as those nearest and dearest journey through their lives.

Later in the story, Savannah and John experience one year apart, when John goes away with a special force following the events of 9/11, to fulfill his duty to his country. Love letters are exchanged regularly, then after a period of one-sided correspondence, a "Dear John" letter arrives that takes some reasoning.....

For your information... A "Dear John" letter is believed to have got its name and association by Americans during World War II, when large numbers of American troops were stationed overseas for many months or years, and as time passed many of their wives or girlfriends decided to begin a relationship with a new man rather than wait for their old one to return.

There is joy and tragedy throughout this motion picture, based on a novel by contemporary author Nicholas Sparks.

I am not wishing to uncover too much detail as it is a film worth viewing.
Be prepared for some twists as well as heart-wrenching moments.

I score this film 7 (10 is high)

Remember Me...

Be prepared to be thrust into a shocking start to this film. A very young daughter is with her Mother when she is murdered on a platform of an underground station.

After that point the film does not flow for a short section whilst it jumps in its introduction to two men that share a flat who are out with girls when they witness an unfair situation to which Tyler muscles in. He comes across, what later transpires to be Ally's dad(a cop)Chris Cooper.

When the daughter, Ally(of the murdered Mum)is older she is pursued by and forges a relationship with a young man, Tyler who has his own issues as he speaks of the tragic death of his brother.

He has a strained relationship with his father and she can feel suffocated by her fathers’ inbuilt investigative and protective instincts.

Whilst you realise early on, the film is set in New York, it is very late in the movie that you realise it is in the year 2001.

Robert Pattison proves to be brilliant in his role as Tyler, a rebellious student who has quite definite views on world affairs yet even though he is in and out of trouble (principle-led)shows true love and support to those he links with chemistry-wise.

Pierce Brosnan, on the other hand whilst pulls off the high-flying lawyer with fatherhood at an arms-length, is not so convincing when he is in the midst of the 11th September events at the twin towers or at the graveside.

It is not a film I would wish to purchase on DVD or one I’d recommend as a “have-to-see” flick!

Yes, it has action, sentiment and some passion but it is in some ways flat.

I score this film 6 (10 is high)

Shall We Dance....

I'm not a Richard Gere fan, however he is so well cast for this film. Disposition, facial expressions, demeanor - all so incredibly believable. Susan Sarandon on the other hand, whilst an established and fine actress, has eyes that bulge and can be almost frightening, so in my view can be off-putting at times.

Jennifer Lopez provides sensuous moves which are captivating. She dances with such feeling, honesty and passion. The music is igniting in parts.

His wife simply asks John (Richard) to tell her one thing that he wanted that comes in a box. Family man John, an overworked Estate Lawyer finds his life has become a bit humdrum and he is tempted to seek excitement from the challenge of dancing, a pursuit prompted since he took a glimpse of a young lady stood in an upper window of a Dance Studio where he signs up for lessons.

Body connection follows with humour along the way.

He realises the partner he really wants is his wife and romantically invites her to dance with him - so touching! "The Book of Love" is played, the lyrics of which are very moving.

Yes, you've guessed it... he receives a gift of dance shoes that come in a box!

For light escapism that has a feel good factor, this is your film whether you like dance or not.

I score this film 7 (10 is high)

Prime...

She is 37 (Uma Thurman as Rafi) just out of a divorce when she meets a new “him” (Bryan Greenberg as David) who when he tells her he is 23, she replies with a wonderful line,
“I have t-shirts older than you!”

His friend visits a girl he finishes with and plunges a cream cake into her face. Her immediate reaction is to call upon macho support so there is an immediate and amusing chase.

Her therapist turns out to be her new man’s Mum! Confiding the most explicit of moments to her therapist, she receives some absolutely believable facial and body language responses from Meryl Streep who is cast so well.

Guy tells Mum (her therapist) she is 27 when he knows full well she is 37. She tells her therapist (his Mum, although she does not know it during the initial consultations) that the new man on the scene is 27 making him 10 years younger than herself which is a hard enough nettle to grasp.

Coming to terms with age difference presents issues. He believes age is nothing to get hung up about. She blurts out to the therapist he’s 23, a lie through embarrassment.

When the therapist discovers after a series of subtle questions - a process of elimination, it’s her son, the quandary that unravels is amusing.

I guess chemistry is an essential ingredient to achieve living, loving and laughing to the maximum.

It’s a stark reminder how support, attention and spontaneity are important features of sustaining romance and a healthy, positive relationship.

A must for anyone’s collection of Films DVD’s/blue ray etc

It will make you wear a broad beam of a smile, a number of times. Good therapy!

The music chosen throughout this film is also just brilliant.

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

LEAP YEAR (although 2010 is not a leap year!)

Many laughs along the way, during the viewing of what is a most enchanting twist of fate, witty banter and yes, romance.

The film is so much better for being located in Ireland,with all its' charm and exquisite landscape.

Anna is played by Amy Adams who is cast so well, not only for her acting but for her fresh and fair skin. Declan is a guy she turns to once in the Emerald Isle, played by Matthew Goode who is not immediately handsome, but is credible for the setting and storyline.

Sentiment flowed, and in one part it especially moved me, when a bride's words to her newly wedded husband were,
“May you never steal,lie or cheat.
But if you have to steal, then steal away my sorrows.
If you have to lie, then lie with me all the nights of our life.
If you have to cheat, then cheat death because I don’t want to live a day without you.”

A movie to warm the cockles of even the best of us...

I score this film 7 (10 is high) yet I would purchase it to view on DVD.

My Sister's Keeper

An astonishing story... based on a novel thoughtfully written by author Jodi Picoult. A must to see....
Cameron Diaz is magnificent in her role as Sara(Mum)and Jason Patric as Brian(Dad)

At age 2 Kate is diagnosed with leukaemia. When no one in the family is a match to become a donor her Mum,Sara goes ahead with a plan to have a specifically designed baby that will become the source to keeping her daughter alive. However, when Anna is older, she instigates legal action to gain the right to control her own body.


I do not believe anyone could watch this compelling movie and not find deep emotion gets the better of them.

You encounter fractures that develop within an otherwise harmonious family as varying challenges need to be met and decisions made. The all absorbing way her Mum, almost on auto, pursues to keep Kate alive. How a husband and father who has a job that in itself saves lives, observes and attempts to maintain a balance and quality of life for each member of the family, proves riveting and tear jerking. Wow,the list could go on....

The value of "family", devotion and dignity are just some of the issues that this film demonstrates.

Soon after Kate's burial, Anna received documents declaring her officially and medically emancipated.

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

P.S. I Love You...

Where to start...

Second time of viewing this "feel good" film and it remains thought provoking.

It's loaded with sentiment and... yet has just the right balance of humour.

Very true to life's tapestry.

The beginning casts you in... It shows a couple playing with words; I imagine most of us can relate to that, talking in riddles when really the best way is to simply come straight out with it, telling each other just what you want and how it is.

Gerard Butler has a great making-up routine as he approaches their marital bed which is really funny, masterful and saucy even though I wouldn't regard him as a "pin-up".

A candid tale of positive chemistry with a dimension of
principles v spontaneity.

Laughter and acceptance saves the day... An effictive cocktail to reach peace of mind.

There are scenes in Ireland which I loved.

What comes to mind are two quotes:
Settle with the past
Engage in the present
Believe in the future

Wish for the serenity to accept the things I can't change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

I score this film 9 (10 is high)

Passion and fearlessness...

Movie: Julia & Julie (Julia Child & Julie Powell)

For me, once over the irritating voice of “Julia Child”, there are romantic moments. Humour and an innocent honesty is forthcoming via Julie Powell played by Amy Adams.

On reflection, I can’t help thinking, this film based on two true stories, is an example of how an innocent passion, without realising when it happens, can become an obsession that if allowed to develop excessively, can override precious harmony.

To survive ambition with all the: zest, energy, fearless resilience that is an integral part, there has to be a foundation of solid friendship within a relationship that will enable that dream to overcome the many testing times and knock-backs to one day realise your dream.

An element of disappointment for me was that Julie never actually met.

Julia died in 2004, age 91 – her book, ”Mastering The Art of French Cooking” was published. Julia Powell’s book was published in 2005, one year after Julia’s death entitled “Julie & Julia” which was made into this film. Julie realised her dream, to become a writer.

I just have to share a wonderful quote from this movie:
"You are the butter to my bread and the breath to my life...”

Wow, this has to have come from the depths of the heart, love and trust.

Always hang on to dimensions of hope...

I score this film 7 (10 is high)

Movie "Last Chance Harvey"...

Emma Thompson is such a great actress, never disappointing who brings any role she plays to life. Dustin Hoffman is his usual solid, unassuming rock who gets under the skin of any part he plays, hence the character is very real!

This film is romantic and had enough sentiment to pull on my heart-strings.

Kate and Harvey have their own domestic turbulence that is preoccupying them. When an opportunity presents itself, providing them a chance for friendship and a relationship, they go for it.

One scene they sit at a childrens' table when they arrive at his daughter's wedding reception where later you see a small lad asleep with his head on the table - so sweet!

The background music is easy listening and provides a "feel-good" factor.

A pleasant film, one that I regard as an ideal "Sunday afternoon" flick.



I score this film 6 (10 is high)

Film "Motherhood"

Uma Therman is in this movie and after her great performance in "Prime", prompted me to stay with the storyline and remain open minded.

Whilst I don't regard her as someone that will attract an audience for her looks, she is an actress who is very credible, off-beat and who can readily be related to.

In this, the character she plays has a "to do list" which is most ambitious. In itself that demonstrated to me how, as a Mum, it's so easy to spread yourself too thinly.

An overloaded Mum at some stage will show a dimension of rebellion - present homecare v prior to children ambition or have "what ifs" come into the forefront, which can cloud judgement or set the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of unsettling behaviour.

A light, pleasurable film which turned out to be ideal for Mother's Day.

Left me with worthy sentiments...
"Look to your children because they know how to inhabit brief periods of time with extreme passion."

"Search for and hold on to your own true self."

"Motherhood is about accepting the limitations of time and energy which stretch beyond you even though sometimes it feels like it could consume you."

I score this film 6 (10 is high)

Movie: "Valentine's Day"

A recipe for generating that happy, underlying feeling. I'm pretty sure I wore a smile almost the whole way through this film, adding a sprinkling of laughs now and again.

Well if Patrick Dempsey does it for you, this will be good to watch anyway, even though he doesn't appear often enough and does the dirty!

Similarly, Bradley Cooper can draw an audience so he will not disappoint you. However, he seems to have eyes for Julia Roberts in this film, yet still manages to provide a surprise... She does too thinking about it...

For light escapism, you can relax to this nice film with a storyline that revolves around one day.

It's fast approaching St Patrick's Day and I have only just watched Valentine's Day! If you wish to put this film within a category, in many respects it's a type similar to the film "Love Actually", for its' cast of many familiar celebrities and quantity of scenarios that dovetail in.

I score this film 7 (10 is high)

"I Love You Phillip Morris"

I was quite baffled that the basis of this film was on real events, that this actually happened and the man still lives today? 93 minutes of film based on Steven Jay Russell, a con-artist with a string of prison breaks and imposter.

Not my personal taste of movie, even though I prefer films based on true life stories. I guess Jim Carrey should have sounded the alarm bells for me. Ewan McGregor plays the cell mate Phillip Morris who he falls in love with - in my view not the best choice for this role and for me, will not do him any favours.

All I can say is it was an ideal opportunity to experience the luxury cinema at Cabot Circus... all seats roomy and comfortable with plenty of leg room.

I would have preferred to view "The Blind Side" in the environment provided by this cinema.

This film I score 2 (10 is high)

Trust, honour and courage... "The Blind Side"

When at the cinema, "The Blind Side" will not disappoint you - a must to see! This morning I was fortunate to go to a preview of what transpired to be a most captivating film.

It's based on a remarkable true story of Michael Oher(Baltimore Ravens) who contributes to the evolution of American football due to his offensive left tackle. It touches so many issues: growing up in the inner city housing projects, being homeless, coming from a broken home, having a mother who is a drug addict, accepting an absentee father, the intervention of family services and the impact of doing the foster homes circuit!

It touched heart strings for me, even though it proved a well paced film with a solid storyline to follow. Hard to imagine someone not having a bed until their late teens. Hard to witness someone bumping into a brother not seen since a toddler. Trust, honour and courage are thought provoking aspects of this story.

I felt so much better for watching this movie. I wouldn't normally go to see a film about American Football, even though I lean towards films based on a true story.

Do make time to see "The Blind Side" with its' excellent choice of cast. I am not on commission, honest!

This film I score 9 (10 is high)