The King's Speech

"...I have a voice!"

From the time I heard about this movie, I knew I not only wanted to see it, but that I would have to see it. What's not to love...Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Great Britain history about a monarch, and did I say Colin Firth? I was pleasantly suprised to see that unlike many movies that include this type of storyline, The King's Speech is actually playing at the mainstream movie theatres and showings were easy to find.

The father of the present Queen Elizabeth was a King that I knew a little about - he was the man that stepped in when his brother abdicated the throne for a woman, he died at a fairly young age and his daughter had to return home from a trip to become Queen. I knew he was the King during WW2 and that he was married to the woman I knew as the Queen Mother. So, to discover that he had a stammer was a new bit of information - and I was intrigued to learn more about this man. What I discovered was that I really liked this man...and he died too soon (he was only 52).

The storyline is about a man who is second in line for the British throne who unfortunately suffers from a stammer This is a problem because some of his duties include occasionally giving a speech on behalf of the royals. Although he is the second son, this serious man appears to be the more mature, more responsible son. Possibly a good choice in wives helped to give him the grounding that he needed. I really loved Helena Bonham Carter in her role as Elizabeth - the Queen Mother - and I felt that she is the "hero" of the movie. A strong woman, who was born a "commoner" pursued by His Royal Highness, Albert (Bertie to his family) even after she turned down not only one, but two marriage proposals. The decision to continue asking her shows that he really was an intelligent man, as this marriage was probably the thing that made him. She is the person who stood by his side as he struggled with this horrible stammer, but even more importantly, she found help for him, even after he said no more. Thank goodness she did, for her discovery of Lionel Logue was the turning point in the future Kings' ability to not only give a speech to the British people, but to give hope to them in a time of crisis.

The film is rated R for the language, because Lionel Logue discovers that "Bertie" doesn't stutter when he is cursing - so there is a large amount of cursing, but it isn't done in a way that offends. Actually, the film is quite funny when Lionel and Bertie are together and the two actors (Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth) are the best on-screen duo of the year! Their timing and chemistry together are perfect - they become these two men, that have so little in common, but have such a need for one another.

Gorgeous to watch (Colin Firth in uniform, as well), funny but heartbreaking - we also learn possible explanations for the stammer - this film should not only be a big winner with awards this year, it should be a big winner with the audiences.

"They were what Meghan wanted them to be, polite strangers who shared a blood type and an ugly childhood"

Between Sisters - Kristin Hannah

This story was a bit of fluff a easy to put down until the emotional end, when of course I had to finish to see how the bow was going to be neatly tied up.

This story is about two sisters in the Pacific Northwest - one in Seattle, the other living in the middle of nowhere in a small town. The sisters are adults living with remnants of a painful childhood where a mother deserted them to pursue her acting career. They are in all practical ways, strangers. Circumstances take over that give these two women a second chance at becoming the sisters they always wished they had been and had had. Forgiveness, redemption and love are all helped by a crisis situation where lives are changed forever and for the better.

Kristin Hannah has grown as an author over the years, and I recommend reading her later books if one is being chosen. As a "child of the 70's", I especially liked "Firefly Lane" and would hand it to anyone who doesn't want the bow so neatly tied at the end.

"Alice you cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours because when you step out to face that creature, you will step out alone."

When Alice in Wonderland first came out in theatres, I didn't have a desire to rush out and see it. I never was a big fan of the animated version (and I typically like Disney movies) and I thought that Burton (I usually am a fan of his movies) and Depp (one of my favorite actors) would maybe just be a bit too "weird" and over the top for me. But finally, I'd gotten into my head that I needed to watch it.

The thing is, I liked the film. I really liked it! Maybe it was the lower expectation I had going in? I thought it was beautiful to watch - I liked the color, I liked the costumes, I liked the CGI. I thought it was visually very pleasing to the eye.

I liked the actors in their roles - especially loved Helena Bonham Carter and thought she played wicked very entertainingly! I laughed at her wanting the pig for the footstool. I liked the supporting actors in the "real" world, I liked Alan Rickman as the caterpillar (where would I not like Alan Rickman?!), I liked Crispin Glover as the Knave (or is that King?) of Hearts. I liked Mia W. as Alice - thought she played the role of pale girl to the champion well. She grew on me as she went through her changes, although I do wish she would have not been so convinced she was dreaming for so long - that got a bit tiresome. Johnny Depp. Hmmm. Well, I think I expect him to be so good and weird, that I don't get overly impressed - but maybe that is the best part? He is spot on and I don't think to much of it. He makes it seem so natural and normal - probably why he can't get that Oscar!

I liked the storyline being developed from seeing what happens after Alice had visited Wonderland before. I liked seeing her family situation. It gave me the hook to care for the character. The "girl power" was a bit overdone for me, but it didn't irritate me to the degree that I focused on it.

I liked the words. Some very good lines, including my post title! Just overall well-written and a lot of fun to hear various characters and what they said. I wanted to pay attention and hear them.

Definitely glad I purchased this one and can see myself rewatching!

But the thing that makes Woody special is he'll never give up on you...ever.

Toy Story 3 is a winner on so many levels, that it is hard to know where to start.

The animation is top of the line - the quality is superior and although I saw it in 3D, I didn't feel it was necessary to view it this way for this particular film. PIXAR has always done an outstanding job, but it is apparent they don't rest on their laurels, because they continue to improve by leaps and bounds. The expressions of our favorite characters are even more realistic and each detail is done expertly.

The humor is spot-on! From the great one-liners of Hamm and Mr. Potato-Head, to the addition of Ken, the comedy alone is enough to recommend the film to everyone. Especially funny is Buzz Lightyear in Spanish mode and the ensuing antics of the rest of the toys.

The emotional storyline has just the right tug on our hearts and minds. The heroes in our story are back and we love them even more than before. They are loyal and no one is going to get left behind. We are reminded why we wanted to see this third installment, and what a wonderful part in our collective history that Woody, Buzz, Rex and the others have really played. Not only will you laugh out loud at the actions and writing, you will need a tissue or careful swipe at the tear that is sure to appear during the film.

As close to perfect as can be done, this is one movie that I can whole-heartedly recommend to anyone of any age. See it once and don't be suprised that you want to see it again!

Everything you know is about to change.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

The second installment of The Chronicles of Narnia films is not an entirely faithful adaptation of the book it is based on, however, it is an enjoyable epic battle/fantasy movie. The film loses some of the spiritual themes of the book, but the basic storyline is still there.

The fans from the first Chronicles of Narnia film will not find as much whimsy and fantasy as before, due to the darker themes of betrayal and persecution. However, enough light-hearted moments (especially involving Reepicheep) and solid acting from the main characters, as well as a very strong supporting cast make for an overall entertaining film.

In this installment, we are introduced to Prince Caspian - the rightful heir to the throne of Narnia. Although it has only been one year in the Pevensies world, over 1,000 years have elapsed in Narnia. As happy as they are to return to Narnia, soon the children discover that much has changed and it has not been for the better. Battling an organized army, in some overlong sequences, Peter struggles, while Lucy never loses faith in Aslan saving them.

I enjoyed the film for what it was and hope that it would encourage some to pick up the books to read, although I worry in this day and age that is not necessarily the case. In light of the fact that the third movie in the series is already being advertised in the movie theatre trailers, I hope that it will lead some to use the summer to read, as I am "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

I love this place at night. The stars...there's no right or wrong in them. They're just there.

Platoon -

Sgt. Elias, so well-played by Willem Dafoe (someone I think is an underappreciated actor) demonstrates the side of "good", while Sgt. Barnes (potrayed by a disturbingly good Tom Berenger) is "evil". The fact that the platoon is divided equally down the two sides is indicative of the division the Viet Nam war caused in the United States.

Watching the innocent volunteer soldier, Chris (played by Charlie Sheen) as he encounters the atrocities of war firsthand, we are given a frightening view of the reality of war, not a glamourized version designed to encourage enlistment. It is almost impossible to reconcile in the mind that Platoon and Top Gun were released the same year.

To watch "Platoon" is to take a step into a world most wish never to physically be a part of - where fear, loss and betrayal can come at any moment. But, we must take the time to watch, so that we can learn from and appreciate those who do the "grunt" work so that we don't have to. As Chris says "They're the bottom of the barrel and they know it. Maybe that's why they call themselves grunts, cause a grunt can take it, can take anything. They're the best I've ever seen, Grandma. The heart & soul."

The drug use and the language do not make this a movie for those who are strongly offended by these type of actions, but they help to portray clean-cut boys, who also become victims of war. The world would never be the same, and neither would the lives of the men who fought there.

You can change the world one bite at a time.

Watching:

Food, Inc. - Nominated for Best Documentary Feature.

I highly recommend this fundamentally important film. It takes a look at a problem many of us may want to ignore, but shouldn't. I was disturbed, horrified and ultimately inspired to become more proactive. I have been gradually changing the way our family eats, but this film is a call to change that cannot be ignored.

Public Enemies -

I wanted to love this film. It not only has Johnny Depp, but also Marion Cotillard, Christian Bale and a strong supporting cast. However, the awful cinematography could not distract me from the cliched dialogue and the lack of character development. All I can say is, if you want to watch a film about bank robbers, might I suggest "Bonnie & Clyde" - now that is what a gangster movie should be!