Entries categorized as ‘movie’
This is embarrassing?! After, getting such a flying start with my blog- I haven’t done a thing for a long time ! Ah well, back in the saddle again !
Three things I have really enjoyed recently:
Persepolis is a wonderful movie. Using illustration, it very effectively translates to the screen the autobiography of an Iranian woman which was published as a graphic novel.
The Monk Downstairs and The Monk Upstairs by Tim Farrington are a gentle reads ! I found “Upstairs” first and read this sequel before I read the previous title (A National Book Award winner). In it, the monk (Mike) is marrying his landlady and lover. Mike was a cloistered Roman Catholic monk for twenty years and Rebecca is truly worried that, at forty-years-old, he will not be able to “make it”. Truth is, she may chicken out first. Mike’s love and care for Rebecca, her eight-year-old daughter, and Rebecca’s handicapped (because of a stroke) mother, are delightful. I can hardly wait to start “Downstairs” ! I recommend this book for people who like to read Jan Karon and Sue Monk Kidd.
Finally, I froliced all last week with people affiliated with the Arizona Aloha Festival. I was lucky enough to meet and greet the major entertainers and spent last weekend at the Festival itself. More about this in my next blog.
Categories: Biography · Book · Children · Fiction · Graphic Novel · Iran · Monk · Roman Catholic · Stroke (Medical Condition) · movie
One more time, I don’t agree with the general critical review for a film. Even though it deals with two men who know they are dying, this is NOT a “downer” film. Rather it celebrates life and knowing, before one dies, what is important in life. I don’t know why critics will consider a film like this “sentimental” and slam it for being unrealistic, and won’t do the same thing with an action thriller where people die and there is no blood or remorse !? In the film, both men make a “bucket list” (a list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket)- and then, thanks to one character’s wealth, they do them !
It is a blast to watch Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the same film. Much like watching Michael Caine and Robert Duval in Secondhand Lions.
One sidebar on my movie-going experience. I attended a showing where there were a number of older people (with walkers, canes, etc.). Obviously, one of the local assisted living places was having a field trip ! I noticed how much they enjoyed the humor… that added to my enjoyment also ! Someone told me that the critics were saying that people over 70 years old would enjoy the film. Well those of us over fifty enjoy it, too !
Categories: Bucket List · Dying · Freeman · Nicholson · movie
I was not going to see this movie because the critics had panned it so badly; I am so glad that a friend had seen it and recommended it. It focuses on the year long grieving process of a young (30) widow, Holly Kennedy. Holly’s husband has left a series of letters for her in which he asks her to do various tasks. Surrounded by caring friends and a caring, if emotionally aloof, mother (played wonderfully by Kathy Bates), it reflects perfectly the various stages of grief. I know this sounds like a downer- but it is not. The script is excellent and the soundtrack fits the mood perfectly.
As a sidebar: Part of the film was underwritten by the Irish Gevernment- and the scenery in this film ALMOST had me grabbing the next plane to Gallway !
Categories: Ireland · friendship · grief · movie
