P.S., I Love You Review & Comments

So here is the thing. I don't watch many regular television programs so have never seen some of the supporting cast and their trademark 'acts.' I have never read the novel, P.S, I Love You. Or any other Ahern writings. Never have seen any of the actors except Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates. I don't know anything about walk-up apartments in New York. (Seemed to bug some people.) I'm not an 'expert' on Irish accents.

I caught the film for the second time 12/30 at the 10:35 a.m. showing; there was an amazing crowd for a Sunday morning. The projection was perfect. No microphones (complaints on some boards) on view. The sound was great. That end song over the credits is a winner!

And I loved it more that I did the first time on the opening Friday morn, the 21st.

Holly is a real person, imperfect and annoying at times. Hilary Swank is perfect. Those who want a 'babyface" child/woman to play Holly are not living in the real world. There are more look-alikes for Hilary than the usual cookie-cutter cute young things Hollywood usually casts. And Hilary has the chops to make us understand this childish woman and how she starts the healing and growing up, with her Gerry's memory to help.

I loved Lisa Kudrows questions to protentials. Very funny. I loved Holly's quirky sister and thought she brought energy and sunshine to her scenes. The boat scene is cliche' but funny all the same.

I still say the ballpark scene was not needed. They could have cut it and the expense, and had the reading of the letter as voiceover. Daniel and Holly [i]were over[/i] in the restaurant, and the audience knows it. Daniel is an interesting "other man" and a new type. More interesting than usual. But did anyone really think they would end up together? Not me.

Bates is always good, but I just don't see that her part is 'wonderful' as others keep saying. It's a part Bates can do in her sleep. The Mother had never reconciled to the marriage and seemed waspish. Holly had to overlook her disapproval while trying to find her way with her husband.

I wonder how many scenes with James Marstars and Gina Gershon were left on the cutting room floor. They were hardly in the film.


And Jeffrey Dean Morgan, although good looking in a grinny-goofy way, hardly has any lines to say. And they are one-note. So not a great impression.

The cinematography is gorgeous, from the streets of New York to the Irish countryside.

Our audience today clapped when the 'Mustang Sally" scene started. More energy and excitement there than in all the rest of the film. Gerry Butler is Mr. Wonderful. Singing, flirting, great body language, and a delicious deep kiss, at last. *sigh*

I've upgraded my rating to a 9 from a 7.


Postcript: I didn't read this book and I have promised myself that I will never buy a book thinking I will see it on film. Never happens. I have promised myself I will not see every preview and teaser of a film before I go to the theater.

The previews of PSILY were clips chopped up from 5 to 10 seconds and did not show what the scenes they were from were about. I went thinking I was seeing quite a different film, just from all the clips we were able to see online and on TV. My first viewing was clouded by that fact. I did not see what the preview seemed to say I should be seeing.

From now on I will go in like I did for "Phantom Of The Opera" - knowing nothing, never having seen a preview. But I knew I loved the music.

Or last years "The Departed." I had never even heard of it and went because I wanted to see the "300" preview on a big screen. But I loved it.

This has taught me a lesson. I've seen one preview of "Nims Island" - the next Butler film, out in April, and love what I see. Don't want to read the book. I'll not be watching or reading about the film. Don't want any more information than I have right now. That way, it is just me and what's on the screen - and that's what it's all about. One person in the dark, reacting to what the director, crew and actors have made for them. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Bummer! Illnesses mar Christmas cheer,

Well, the Big Day came and the Grinch stole all the fun. Both daughters ended up very ill with a mean virus that lasted 36 hours and makes you weak as a kitten for another day or so. eek! They both had to call in sick.

They went to a party Sunday evening and, it seems, almost everyone there came down with this same flu like illness. So they stayed away from me and my house - I'm too old to be getting that sick without ending up in hospital -which was thoughtful. I ran to the store and handed chicken soup through the door for one. The other has good friends running by with anything she needs going and coming from work.

So we didn't get to see P.S., I Love You on Christmas Day. And with all the snow, sickness and such, I don't know when I will go to the theater again.

But since I last did an entry, I have continued watching my Holiday veiwing list. First, I watched "Christmas In Connecticutt" on TCM. A charming film with the great Barbara Stanwyke, Dennis Morgan, S.Z. "Cuddles" Zakall and other wonderful character actors. This is what the studio systen did so well. Instead of loading their romantic comedies with young stupid 'dudes' doing revolting things, they had a roster of great actors to call on for secondary roles. Everyone is this film is mature, intelligent and utterly delightful. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/

Next was "Holiday Affair" with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. According to TCM - RKO wanted to see if the public would accept Mitchum as a romantic lead, instead of his film noir flawed gents. It wasn't too popular then, but has been rediscovered and is now a holiday classic. Janet Leigh in those tight sweaters they had her wear - was it Howard Hughes influence? - was darling and beautiful. Mitch was Mitch and a real hunk! A bad boy we gals loved. LOL
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041473/

I received my DVD of Shattered/Butterfly On A Wheel on Christmas eve day and watched it with the Director and Writer commentary and then all the extras. It was interesting to hear what they had to say about the characters. They evidently meant for the viewer to have much more rapport and sympathy for the characters played by Pierce Brosnan (Tom) and Maria
Bello (Abby) than for the man they break - Neil (Gerard Butler). But I thought they were verging on nut cases, and after their scheme was played out, I would hope Neil would sue both of them. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489664/

On Christmas Day after getting the ill daughter medicine and settled down, we watched the tape of American Ballet Theaters 1995 version of "The Nutcracker." So Christmasy. Lovely. Eggnog, great music and great dancing.

And yesterday evening I finally watched my tape of "An Affair To Remember." Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are delightful. But I still like the black and white version with Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne better. From my Mothers era, they were two stars who were elegant and played the script with the light touch. The Christmas ending in both is heartwarming.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050105/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031593/

With another snow storm predicted for overnight tonight, I'm sure I will be in my chair by the fire watching more holiday films.

Christmas

Winter arrives - More bad weather; more good films

The Solstice - winter is officially here - so we are having another messy sleet and snow storm here in the Heartland. Another day by the fire watching films.

Today I watched one of my Holiday movies - Hepburn and Tracy's "Desk Set." One of the few films that gets the "office party" as we knew it, in the days when they were still crazy and fun, right. Love the clothes the women wear too. Watch it every year, at least once.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050307/

Yesterday I went to the 10:35 a.m. showing of "P.S., I Love You" with Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. It is what I call a romantic drama, with funny episodes. I gave it a 7/10 on IMDb. I will see it again with my daughters and nieces on Christmas and then write my review. Gerry is charismatic as usual, and lights up the screen.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0431308/


Last night I got my tape of "We're No Angels" out and enjoyed the charm of a dark comedy. It is the Humphrey Bogart version and for a holiday film, shows how the dark side can be handled with the light touch. Great cast. I wonder if this years Sweeny Todd will be as charming.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048801/

Also, watch a wonderful old musical with Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. It was one of their only Technicolor films and is a beauty. Her wardrobe by Adrian, the great MGM designer, is stunning. A happy film with touches of comedy among the songs. I love it.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030817/

Yesterday I watched a DVD from Blockbuster called "A Shot At Glory." It was recommended to me because it was filmed in Scotland. A football (soccer) movie, that was not too interesting, except for the beautiful scenery. That was worth the rental fee.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0193854/

And finally, "Home Alone." That little blond boy framed in that window with snow falling, is a real Christmas card. What a fun film. When Marv uses the crowbar to swat the tarantula on Harry's chest, I can't help it, I laugh out loud every time. Farce, slapstick, but heartwarming just the same.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

I also did what little Christmas shopping I still do yesterday. The clan getogether for a meal is the main celebration we have now that we have no little ones to enjoy. And donate to the Salvation Army.

Moderation in all things

Needed to see my favorite actor, Gerard Butler, in something, so pulled out the tape I made of "Shattered" (2007) when it was premiered on TV last September, and watched it again. This is the fifth time. I like it more all the time and I enjoyed it the first time.

It is a study in extremes. The extremes that two of the partners, in marriages so full of secrets and lies that no one is sure what is going on, are willing to put their spouses through.

Since it is estimated that at any one time in this country, 1/3 of couples have one partner cheating, I won't call Neil Randall (Gerard Butler) a slimeball. He is a good-looking opportunist. In every aspect of his life, he seizes the opportunity.
He gets away with it because others let him. His wife, Abby (Maria Bello) doesn't have to put up with him - she could have left after he cheated once before in Denver. His colleague at work could have been more assertive and called Neil for the double-cross.
What Tom (Pierce Brosnan) and Abby cook up to get back at their cheating spouses is extreme to say the least. They are in pain, but to almost kill two people?
I thought about what would happen after the fade at the end of the film. Judy and Tom get back together? I don't think so. Neil stay with Abby even if she decides she wants it? Doubt it. These people have been 'shattered' and will have to start all over. IMHO.

As the release of the DVD will be December 25th, I will be watching the DVD extras over the New Years eve/day period just to see what the director has to say. Hope they did a really good extra's segment.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489664/

MONSTER IN LAW (2005) is farce, but not done too well. Jane Fonda as the grooms mother-from-Hell is great as usual. Jennifer Lopez tries but some of her scenes just don't come off. And the male lead is just too bland. Why would two dynamic women fight over him?

The scenery is pretty. The dogs are great. But when you would rather watch the dogs and the ocean, you know this movie has problems. I gave it 6/10 at IMDb.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369735/

Fans - & the rise to stardom.....

From the beginning of the movie industry, through the studio system, when an actor or actress has a film that is very popular, and they start getting lots of fanmail, the industry notices. Bit parts for some actors have gotten so much mail that the actor or actress was rushed into another movie to capitalize on the buzz.
I know because I'm old enough to have seen it happen to a few of my favorites back in the 'good old days.' Van Johnson, Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, and even Paul Newman were either bit players who were discovered by fans and written to, or were talents who were deluged with mail after their first appearance on the screen and the studio made sure they were given a role in another picture immediately. Some new stars were glad to have the studio staff write back to fans who wrote asking for pictures or autographs. I had a huge collection back in the 1940's. It's nothing new.
Now, it is the agencies and each actor who has to be the entity to capitalize on the buzz and mail, and blogs and fan sites after a big film hit. Which is what happened after "300". I would imagine the flood of snail mail, email and blogging going on about the film and Gerard Butler, was so much it could not be ignored.
And Gerry is reaping the rewards of offers for more projects. And he is doing what a smart actor should do. Get the next few projects nailed down, do good work, and hope it all continues.

The public that becomes an audience, and an audience that becomes fans, are all part of the whole picture. :)

Saturday Night & Sunday Morning

Bright sunshine and snow covering everything again. Fireplace going and stack of films by my chair.


Yesterday I watched "Miracle On 34th St." (1947) with Edmund Guinn as Kris Kringle, Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and a very young Natalie Wood. An almost perfect movie. All the great character actors filling the smallest of roles make it a lot of fun to watch.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124930/


Today was "The Bishops Wife" with Cary Grant as the Angel, David Niven as the Bishop, and lovely Loretta Young in the title role. Again the character actors in secondary roles are the icing on the cake.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039190/

Both of these films have been remade over and over, but the charm of the originals has not carried over to the new films. Maybe it is because they are remade in color, and that means more reality, while the black and white and greys give an unreal and dreamlike quality to the first films. Whatever it is, these films are great for Holiday viewing.

And Cary Grant was one gorgeous man!

Two days; Five films---

I watched films on DVD from my que at Blockbuster;

Mr. & Mrs. Smith
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356910/

The Hoax
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462338/

from my own collection of video tapes;

Mr. 880
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042742/

and on TCM;

The Jolson Story
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038661/
and
Jolson Sings Again
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041530/

These last two were films my favorite girlfriend from highschool and I, went to see multiple times. We thought Larry Parks was a dreamboat.

Mr. 880 is such a sweet film with Santa Claus - whoops, I mean Edmund Guinn as the Skipper, in another of his loveable roles.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith was a hoot. The premise was interesting, but for most of the film I could not decide if they were really going to kill each other or not. Maybe that was the point, but it was a strange way to keep viewers interested.

And The Hoax was not as good as I thought it would be. Confusing - or maybe my brain was tired of watching films. LOL It happens.

The break in the weather here in the Heartland meant I could get out and about and shopping I went! The sun out made everything look sparkling and almost too bright after 5 days of gloom.

I have not had the news on or read it for the last few days. Is that a bad thing? Think of it this way: in the early days no one knew what was happening over the next ridge, unless someone walked over or rode a horse or cart to see. So days and weeks would go by with only your little island in the universe for reference. Is that bad or good?

Personally, as I have gotten older and older, I need to know what it happening every minute of every day less and less. The weather if it looks stormy out the window. For the rest, about every other day I check the headlines. If nothing has blown up in my city, or other major disaster, I don't need to know. I'm happier and calmer not worrying about what I cannot change. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Jingle-bells etc.

More sleet, ice, rain ! and just miserable weather. So the movie watching continues.

Last night it was "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) The ordinary life of an ordinary man. It reminds me so much of my father, and so many fathers in our neighborhood. They just got up and did what needed to be done, with all the worries and burdens of life in the depression era. We see so many 'hero' films these days, but to my mind, George Bailey and the men like my father, were true heros. Takes grit to keep on keeping on.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/

James Stewart was just perfect in this role. The whole cast was very good. It is no wonder it has stood the test of time and is still played numerous times during the Holidays.

The Frozen Heartland USA

Icy streets and sidewalks are not fun. Snow on the lawn and trees and shrubs looks pretty, and does give them protection from arctic winds that blow across the plains. Winter will arrive on the 22nd of December, but we are already having a taste.

Movies I watched since I last posted are "Love Story (1939) with Irene Dunne & Charles Boyer.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031593/


I love this version even though the Grant/Kerr version is the one most people see as "An Affair To Remember." I'll watch it later in the month. But this one is just so charming, played with a light touch. And Irene Dunne sang her own song, which Kerr did not.


Last night I sat through "Cinderella Man" with Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. I am so glad I did not spend money going to see this in the theater. What a downer the first 2 hours is. I was a kid during the depression and things were bad and we knew our parents stuggled to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. But we still were able to play and it wasn't so bleak as the first part of this film. And the boxing scenes went on too long. At least for this viewer. I gave it 6/10 at IMDb. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0352248/


Last night was the premier of "P.S., I Love You" In Hollywood. The stars were there on the red carpet. Here is a picture of the leading actors. Left to right: Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

A Cozy Fire & A Movie

Some snow melted but then the freezing rain and sleet moved in and when I went to the mailbox, I tapped my brakes and slid right on out into the intersection. I hate when that happens. Good thing I live in a very quiet area of clu-de-sac patio homes for senior citizens, empty nesters and singles. No one on the streets. Caught the mailman and he took my mail and I didn't even get out of the car.


So back to sitting by the fire watching films, having a glass of Red Rose'.


I had a movie from my que at Blockbuster - "Disclosure" (1994). Demi Moore at her most beautiful and relishing playing a woman of power who wants what she wants. Michael Douglas is the object or her manipulations.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109635/



This afternoon after lunch, I watched another in my series of Holiday Films: "I'll Be Seeing You" (1944) Two lost souls meet on a train and end up spending Christmas and New Years with her Uncles family. Lovely title song was danced to by many a couple during the last days of WWII.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036940/

From my office window I can see my Christmas decorations on the snow covered lawn. Three small trees with white lights and 2 large presents in green and red lights. On the front porch I have a blanket light over a pot tree. So I can see cheerful decorations whenever I look outside. Brings out the inner child and makes me happy.

A Winters Tale

The winter storm started yesterday morning and we were covered in snow by late afternoon. Pretty. I had the bird feeders all full, so there was lots of activity. Red squirrel was in the platform feeder just before dark. What a sneak!

Continuing with my Holiday films, in the afternoon, I watched a film from 1938 called "Holiday. "

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030241/

Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant at their most charming. A pleasant 90 minutes.

After dinner I had my second seasonal feature - "Sleepless In Seattle." (1993) It begins on Christmas Day and ends at Valentines. Sweet and romantic. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are so watchable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/

Here is a picture of an actor I think is in the "classic" movie star mold. His name is Gerard Butler and he was King Leonidas in this years "300."

His most popular web site: http://www.gerardbutler.net/

Opening December 21st is his next film: "P.S., I Love You" with Hilary Swank.
But I first came to view him as extraordinary when I went to see 2004's the Phantom Of The Opera" during the holiday season. I will be writing more about this fine actor soon.

More Holiday Films & this and that

More Holiday Films & this and that---- Yesterday was cleaning day at the nest and after it was done, I settled down to watch an old 1940's film - "It's A Date" with the wonderful Deanna Durbin. She sings 3 or 4 songs and ends the film singing "Ave Maria." Wonderful voice, frothy story, fun and happy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032644/



Later in the day, after I had filled the bird feeders and fixed a bite to eat, I watched "Donovans Reef (1963)." Christmas on a tropical island. The lovely Dorothy Lamore, 49 years old and a Woman, with a capital W, sings some of "Silent Night" in a deep contralto.Lee Marvin has a very funny role as Gilhooly, who received a choo-choo train for Christmas and is thrilled and mesmerized as he watches it go around the intricate track set-up.Nice island music score, and ole John Wayne even manages to be pleasant.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057007/


COMMENT:
From pleasant to unpleasant. The 19 year old shooter who killed 8 and wounded many more at the Omaha, NE mall just gives me the willys. Where are we safe from troubled and addicted fools these days? No where it seems.Hard to imagine but back when I was a girl, this boy would have been committed by his family to a hospital until Doctors said he was stable. Sometime in the 60's it was decided that was cruel and patients had the right to say if they felt they needed to be in a facility.Don't think I am unsympathetic because my own sister was mentally ill for years. She was part of the system before the 1960's and after. Believe me, before was better in that we knew she was clean, had heat and food, and wasn't sleeping in some doorway. Which she did later.I hope the victims and families of this crazy guy will take comfort from the prayers being said for them. Because the system has let them down - badly. The Ancient Pelicans opinion, folks.

1st Holiday Movie & 1st Post

My first 2007 Holiday season movie was "In The Good Old Summertime" (1949) with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. The title is silly because the whole film takes place in the winter, except the opening and closing scenes. A charming remake of "The Shop Around The Corner." Judy looks pretty and happy in this film. I have a video I taped off TCM quite a few years ago. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041507/

It is a complete frustration for this ancient pelican why we must change every few years from one way to have our films to another way. The video tape was a miracle for this ole gal, who always dreamed of having a movie screen and projector back when I was a kid, watching the Saturday afternoon cartoons, 2 serials, a cowboy movie, or two, and maybe a mystery/detective movie.

And it happened, but by television. But now I have hundreds of video tapes of films, and have to replace or copy to DVD. Not fair, I say. Oh well, at least we can sit in our own place and watch what we want.