Who: Bill
What: True Grit
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: A classic John Wayne movie
No performer defined the western film genre better than John Wayne. One of his most defining performances is the character Rooster Cogburn in 1969's True Grit, which earned Wayne his only Oscar.
When her father Frank Ross is murdered, young Mattie (Kim Darby) embarks on a search to find his killer. She is smart, tough and emboldened with, well, "true grit". On her quest, she learns of the aging, tough and gritty U.S. Marshall named Cogburn. Mattie seeks his assistance, but Cogburn has doubts. Nonetheless, Mattie's determination and stubbornness impresses Cogburn who finds that Mattie reminds him a lot about himself. Also looking for Ross's killer is a Texas Ranger named Le Boeuf (Glen Campbell), who joins Cogburn and Mattie. He also hopes to collect a reward for capturing the outlaw named Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey), who had earlier killed a Texas Senator.
John Wayne excels as Rooster Cogburn in all the character's irritable, hard-drinking, unclean, patch-wearing, anti-hero glory. You simply DON'T MESS with Cogburn. He is one tough SOB. Period. This was a tailor-made role for Wayne, then at the pinnacle of an extremely successful career. Adding credibility to their roles are Kim Darby and Glen Campbell. Darby continues to occasionally appear in movies and on television as well as teach acting classes. Campbell of course is a popular Grammy-winning country singer and its been said that Wayne personally selected him for the part of La Boeuf. He also sings the film's title song. Other performers of note include Robert Duvall as Lucky Ned Pepper, Dennis Hopper as Moon, and John Fiedler as a lawyer named Daggett, whom Mattie references throughout the story.
Wayne would return to play Cogburn in 1975's aptly titled Rooster Cogburn with Katharine Hepburn. A TV movie with Warren Oates as Cogburn titled True Grit: A Further Adventure would follow in 1978, and in 2009 it was announced that Joel and Ethan Cohen are planning a remake of the original movie which would more closely follow the novel upon which it was based.
Showing posts with label Adaptation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adaptation. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Who: Amber
What: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where: cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!
What: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where: cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!
In my mini Harry Potter mania, I watched the 4th (I think???) movie, the Prisoner of Azkaban. This book/movie was probably the most suspenseful, both Sirius Black (the deranged killer on the loose) and Professor Lupin (the sucker who took over the Defense Against the Dark Arts job) aren't who they really seem.
Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!
This movie was very long, and very intertwined. Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence! Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?
The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black. He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry! Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break. 12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death! Or is he …
Be sure to either read this book or see this movie. One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif. When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.
Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!). So is that dog really a dog? And how about that rat with only 9 fingers? Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?
Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!
Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!
This movie was very long, and very intertwined. Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence! Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?
The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black. He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry! Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break. 12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death! Or is he …
Be sure to either read this book or see this movie. One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif. When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.
Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!). So is that dog really a dog? And how about that rat with only 9 fingers? Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?
Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Who: Bill
What: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: Had never seen this movie
When you're feeling sick and only have enough energy to do little or nothing, an excellent way to pass the time is to watch a three-hour long movie. And when its a GREAT movie, it is time well spent (sick or not). Such is the case with The Bridge on the River Kwai, a true cinema classic from 1957 that won seven Oscars, three Golden Globes, and numerous other awards.
Set in the middle of World War II, the story takes place in a Japanese prison camp. The newly arrived POW's are a group of British soldiers who will be forced to build a railroad bridge over the Kwai River. Their commander Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is steadfast in refusing to let all his men work on the bridge. He is punished by spending days in a locked box, about the size of a doghouse. He survives the ordeal and ultimately works out a deal with the camp leader Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) to supervise the completion of the bridge to the highest British specifications-- an odd move considering the condition the prisoners are being subjected. Meanwhile, an American POW named Shears (William Holden) escapes from the camp and eventually regains his health. Just before he is to be sent home, his true identity is uncovered and he is "persuaded" to join the British Special Forces in an attempt to destroy the bridge.
Based on the book of the same name, The Bridge on the River Kwai offers plenty of intense drama and outstanding performances from some of the finest actors of the 20th century. The film has been so highly regarded and significant in motion pictures, that in 1997 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Additionally, Alec Guinness and director David Lean would team again for the epic dramas Lawrence of Arabia(1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Passage to India (1984)
But even if you don't watch those other Guinness/Lean films, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a movie that should be a definite "must see".
What: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: Had never seen this movie
When you're feeling sick and only have enough energy to do little or nothing, an excellent way to pass the time is to watch a three-hour long movie. And when its a GREAT movie, it is time well spent (sick or not). Such is the case with The Bridge on the River Kwai, a true cinema classic from 1957 that won seven Oscars, three Golden Globes, and numerous other awards.
Set in the middle of World War II, the story takes place in a Japanese prison camp. The newly arrived POW's are a group of British soldiers who will be forced to build a railroad bridge over the Kwai River. Their commander Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is steadfast in refusing to let all his men work on the bridge. He is punished by spending days in a locked box, about the size of a doghouse. He survives the ordeal and ultimately works out a deal with the camp leader Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) to supervise the completion of the bridge to the highest British specifications-- an odd move considering the condition the prisoners are being subjected. Meanwhile, an American POW named Shears (William Holden) escapes from the camp and eventually regains his health. Just before he is to be sent home, his true identity is uncovered and he is "persuaded" to join the British Special Forces in an attempt to destroy the bridge.
Based on the book of the same name, The Bridge on the River Kwai offers plenty of intense drama and outstanding performances from some of the finest actors of the 20th century. The film has been so highly regarded and significant in motion pictures, that in 1997 it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Additionally, Alec Guinness and director David Lean would team again for the epic dramas Lawrence of Arabia(1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Passage to India (1984)
But even if you don't watch those other Guinness/Lean films, The Bridge on the River Kwai is a movie that should be a definite "must see".
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Harry Potter 6
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: I just re-read the book
What: Harry Potter 6
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: I just re-read the book
I just love everything and anything Harry Potter. I'm kind-of embarrassed about it, but I just can't help it. JK Rowling is some sort of genius.
Movie 5 ended with the death of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and only real 'family'. Remember in movie 4 Harry's classmate Cedric Digory died? There seems to be a "movie ending with death" theme going on here … and movie 6 continues with that. Although I won't tell you who dies, but I guaranteed you'll be surprised (that is, unless you read the book).
This movie is less action and more character development. The Hogworts kids are all around 16-ish, so love is in there air. It's actually quite adorable. Hermoine is really into Ron, but he's such a doofis, so he has no clue. He just wants to date anybody to be cool, and Lavender Brown (a semi-ditzy girl) steps in. Lavender and "Won-Won" are snogging all over Hogworts. In the meantime, Hermoine is crying and obviously upset (Ron has no clue). Harry has a thing for Ron's little sister (Ginny), but it conflicted. #1, Ginny has a boyfriend. #2, it's Ron's little sister -- will that cross the line?
Did I mention that Ron's older siblings have a magic shop, and their hottest selling item is a Love Potion? Let's hope the girls at Hogworts don't get their hands on that! (duh - of course they will).
Besides all the lovely, dovey stuff, the main part of the story is Harry and Professor Dumbledore trying to learn everything they can about Lord Voldemort. They figure anything they learn about him will help. We see flashbacks to little Voldemort's life pre-Hogwards and life at Hogworts. Voldemort has discovered a very dark magic trick. You can actually split your soul into pieces and put your soul into a random object. This way, if your body dies, you don’t actually die! In typical Voldemort fashion, he's split is soul into 7 pieces. Dumbledore has found one of them, and takes Harry on a crazy journey to find it and destroy it.
I won't ruin anything else about the movie. The ending is a total shocker (if you've been living under a rock and didn't read the book … or had somebody who read the book ruin it for you) … so go see the movie!
Movie 5 ended with the death of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and only real 'family'. Remember in movie 4 Harry's classmate Cedric Digory died? There seems to be a "movie ending with death" theme going on here … and movie 6 continues with that. Although I won't tell you who dies, but I guaranteed you'll be surprised (that is, unless you read the book).
This movie is less action and more character development. The Hogworts kids are all around 16-ish, so love is in there air. It's actually quite adorable. Hermoine is really into Ron, but he's such a doofis, so he has no clue. He just wants to date anybody to be cool, and Lavender Brown (a semi-ditzy girl) steps in. Lavender and "Won-Won" are snogging all over Hogworts. In the meantime, Hermoine is crying and obviously upset (Ron has no clue). Harry has a thing for Ron's little sister (Ginny), but it conflicted. #1, Ginny has a boyfriend. #2, it's Ron's little sister -- will that cross the line?
Did I mention that Ron's older siblings have a magic shop, and their hottest selling item is a Love Potion? Let's hope the girls at Hogworts don't get their hands on that! (duh - of course they will).
Besides all the lovely, dovey stuff, the main part of the story is Harry and Professor Dumbledore trying to learn everything they can about Lord Voldemort. They figure anything they learn about him will help. We see flashbacks to little Voldemort's life pre-Hogwards and life at Hogworts. Voldemort has discovered a very dark magic trick. You can actually split your soul into pieces and put your soul into a random object. This way, if your body dies, you don’t actually die! In typical Voldemort fashion, he's split is soul into 7 pieces. Dumbledore has found one of them, and takes Harry on a crazy journey to find it and destroy it.
I won't ruin anything else about the movie. The ending is a total shocker (if you've been living under a rock and didn't read the book … or had somebody who read the book ruin it for you) … so go see the movie!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
Who: Amber
What: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HP5)
Where: borrowed it from my friend Dawnita
Why: I'm getting ready for the next Harry Potter movie
Hi, I'm 33 years old and I love the Harry Potter movies and books.
This movie was great, as they all are, but extremely long. It seems like it would never end!
This movie starts where the 4th movie ended. Cedric has been killed by Voldemort, who is 100% back. Unfortunately, only Harry has seen Voldemort, so nobody really believes that he's back for good. Everybody is pretty much in denial. Harry is annoyed and ticked off at everybody who fails to believe him.
Thankfully, the Order of the Phoenix believes Harry. The Order of the Phoenix is a group of all the 'good guys' who plan to fight Voldemort. Ron's Parents, Sirius Black, Lupin, Tonks, etc. They are all living and planning things together at Sirius's boyhood home. Harry, Ron, Hermione are all staying there for the summer as well. As usual, the adults don't really tell Harry much of anything, which also really annoys him.
Since Harry knows Voldemort is back, and most of his friends believe him, they decide to take action. They need to learn how to defend themselves, and fast. Harry creates the "D.A." (Dumbledore's Army), and they sneak around after classes, practicing spells and jinxes.
The big finale is a huge showdown at the Ministry of Magic. There is a random prophecy that Voldemort needs (for some reason …). Since the prophecy is about Harry, he is the only one who can retrieve it. I can't remember why Harry thinks it's a good idea to retrieve the prophecy, but he does. In a "we're friends till the very end!" moment, Ron, Hermione and 3 other friends go with Harry to help him. Voldemort shows up, along with his powerful Death Eaters, and the showdown begins! Spells, jinxes, broken prophecies and the death of a major character later … (should I tell you the ending … I think not!)
What: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HP5)
Where: borrowed it from my friend Dawnita
Why: I'm getting ready for the next Harry Potter movie
Hi, I'm 33 years old and I love the Harry Potter movies and books.
This movie was great, as they all are, but extremely long. It seems like it would never end!
This movie starts where the 4th movie ended. Cedric has been killed by Voldemort, who is 100% back. Unfortunately, only Harry has seen Voldemort, so nobody really believes that he's back for good. Everybody is pretty much in denial. Harry is annoyed and ticked off at everybody who fails to believe him.
Thankfully, the Order of the Phoenix believes Harry. The Order of the Phoenix is a group of all the 'good guys' who plan to fight Voldemort. Ron's Parents, Sirius Black, Lupin, Tonks, etc. They are all living and planning things together at Sirius's boyhood home. Harry, Ron, Hermione are all staying there for the summer as well. As usual, the adults don't really tell Harry much of anything, which also really annoys him.
Since Harry knows Voldemort is back, and most of his friends believe him, they decide to take action. They need to learn how to defend themselves, and fast. Harry creates the "D.A." (Dumbledore's Army), and they sneak around after classes, practicing spells and jinxes.
The big finale is a huge showdown at the Ministry of Magic. There is a random prophecy that Voldemort needs (for some reason …). Since the prophecy is about Harry, he is the only one who can retrieve it. I can't remember why Harry thinks it's a good idea to retrieve the prophecy, but he does. In a "we're friends till the very end!" moment, Ron, Hermione and 3 other friends go with Harry to help him. Voldemort shows up, along with his powerful Death Eaters, and the showdown begins! Spells, jinxes, broken prophecies and the death of a major character later … (should I tell you the ending … I think not!)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Running Man
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: The Running Man
Where: @ home off cable
Why: Jonathan has never seen it, and it's a classic in my book
In the far future ... 2017 ... the world economy has collapsed. Sounds familiar huh? Well, in the late '80s, the year 2017 was far away.
The US has become totally controlled by the government, even TV. The most popular TV show is called The Running Man. It shows a couple criminals running away from "the stalkers" whose job is to kill them. Literally - kill them. People love seeing criminals killed by the stalkers!
Ben Richards (Schwarzenegger) used to be an Army military pilot. On a routine mission, the Army asks Ben to fire on some innocent people. He refuses and his Army captain knocks him out, and fires on the innocent people. Then he frames Ben, and he goes to jail for 2 years ... until he escapes!
Unfortunately, he doesn't get very far. Next thing he knows he's on The Running Man, along with 3 of his good buddies.
Richards is a tough dude. Unstead of being killed by the stalkers, he takes them out one by one.
This movie is a cheesy ball of goodness! Although, I highly recommend the short story by Richard Bachman (aka: Steven King). It's a fantastic read! Way better than the movie!
What: The Running Man
Where: @ home off cable
Why: Jonathan has never seen it, and it's a classic in my book
In the far future ... 2017 ... the world economy has collapsed. Sounds familiar huh? Well, in the late '80s, the year 2017 was far away.
The US has become totally controlled by the government, even TV. The most popular TV show is called The Running Man. It shows a couple criminals running away from "the stalkers" whose job is to kill them. Literally - kill them. People love seeing criminals killed by the stalkers!
Ben Richards (Schwarzenegger) used to be an Army military pilot. On a routine mission, the Army asks Ben to fire on some innocent people. He refuses and his Army captain knocks him out, and fires on the innocent people. Then he frames Ben, and he goes to jail for 2 years ... until he escapes!
Unfortunately, he doesn't get very far. Next thing he knows he's on The Running Man, along with 3 of his good buddies.
Richards is a tough dude. Unstead of being killed by the stalkers, he takes them out one by one.
This movie is a cheesy ball of goodness! Although, I highly recommend the short story by Richard Bachman (aka: Steven King). It's a fantastic read! Way better than the movie!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Marley & Me
Who: Monica & Andy, Mom & Dad
What: Marley & Me
Where: Hiram, GA
Why: We love a great doggie movie!!
Warning: Could be spoilers ahead~ Read at your own risk!
Marley is "the world's worse dog" as described by his owner. You know from the beginning that this movie is going to make you laugh. It is based on a true story and book by John Grogan. I tried to read the book at the beach, but couldn't get into it. (Which is odd because I love to read almost anything.) John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston) get married and move to Florida to start their lives together. They are both writers and work for local papers. They start their family with a lovable gold lab, named Marley!
The first hour is wonderful. If you have ever owned a dog, you will relate to almost every scene in this movie. It is hilarious and heart warming. I whispered many times "look familiar" to Andy?! I absolutely loved the first half. I laughed my head off, great fun!!
Possible Spoiler Ahead:
If you've owned and loved a pet (and even if you haven't), you know that they aren't with us forever. If you are a true pet lover, to you loosing a pet is like loosing a member of the family. I am not sure if it's because I'm emotional (aka: pregnant), we have 3 dogs of which one is getting very old and possibly near the end of her life or just that I can't take the passing of a pet in general. I absolutely fell apart the second half of this movie. I cried until I was into the blubbering ugly cry and couldn't hardly breathe, I got up to go to the restroom and try to compose myself.
I couldn't seem to get over it and continued to cry on the way home. I couldn't (can't) appreciate the first hour of the movie any longer after having been so upset by the second half. It was portrayed in a very real way. It took time, showed what the family went through and was very realistic. I know that pets aren't going to be with us forever, but I have to say that in a funny and heartwarming movie, I didn't want to be reminded of it.
What: Marley & Me
Where: Hiram, GA
Why: We love a great doggie movie!!
Warning: Could be spoilers ahead~ Read at your own risk!
Marley is "the world's worse dog" as described by his owner. You know from the beginning that this movie is going to make you laugh. It is based on a true story and book by John Grogan. I tried to read the book at the beach, but couldn't get into it. (Which is odd because I love to read almost anything.) John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston) get married and move to Florida to start their lives together. They are both writers and work for local papers. They start their family with a lovable gold lab, named Marley!
The first hour is wonderful. If you have ever owned a dog, you will relate to almost every scene in this movie. It is hilarious and heart warming. I whispered many times "look familiar" to Andy?! I absolutely loved the first half. I laughed my head off, great fun!!
Possible Spoiler Ahead:
If you've owned and loved a pet (and even if you haven't), you know that they aren't with us forever. If you are a true pet lover, to you loosing a pet is like loosing a member of the family. I am not sure if it's because I'm emotional (aka: pregnant), we have 3 dogs of which one is getting very old and possibly near the end of her life or just that I can't take the passing of a pet in general. I absolutely fell apart the second half of this movie. I cried until I was into the blubbering ugly cry and couldn't hardly breathe, I got up to go to the restroom and try to compose myself.
I couldn't seem to get over it and continued to cry on the way home. I couldn't (can't) appreciate the first hour of the movie any longer after having been so upset by the second half. It was portrayed in a very real way. It took time, showed what the family went through and was very realistic. I know that pets aren't going to be with us forever, but I have to say that in a funny and heartwarming movie, I didn't want to be reminded of it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Secret Life of Bees
Who:Terry
What:Secret Life of Bees
Where:Rockford Theater
Why:Cause I love the book
What:Secret Life of Bees
Where:Rockford Theater
Why:Cause I love the book
Every since i heard this was a movie I just couldnt wait to go. Kerri, Emily, Mitchel and I went today, and I wasnt disapointed. They stayed pretty much along with the book. The movie is set in the 60's, racial strife, disfuctional family, ect. The story is about Lily, who's mother left her father when she was 4yrs old and left her behind. Lily's father is one mean ass jerk and is horrible to Lily who ends up running away from home with Rosaleen, their housekeeper to find out the truth about her mother. I wont spoil what happens, but it's a good movie. Dakota Fanning is one awesome little actress, she had me in tears in multiple scenes. Queen Latifa was so perfect as the part of August Boatwright, and Alicia Keys as her sister, June, is one person that I wouldnt want pissed off at me. Man the looks that girl gave people!!! I couldnt help but tear up about every scene with Jennifer Hudson, thinking of her recent pain and suffering, so heartbreaking. This will be a movie I buy. Go see it, you wont be disapointed.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Fast Food Nation - I've lost my appetite!
Who: Katie
What: Fast Food Nation
Where: Home - rented via Netflix
Why: Two or three years ago, I read Fast Food Nation, which is a non-fiction eye-opening study of the fast food industry from the marketing to a stomach turning journey of how things get from cow to hamburger patty. The fact that this was turned into a full length feature film was surprising to me so I rented it without seeing the trailer. The film, in collaboration with the original author, made a fictionalized tale highlighting the key issues in the fast food industry - marketing, teenage workers, poor quality meat, and undocumented workers in harsh/unsafe conditions. Overall, the film covered these points and wove them into a story. However, the fictionalized portion of the film left me wondering if audiences would think this was over dramatized, exaggerations.
What: Fast Food Nation
Where: Home - rented via Netflix
Why: Two or three years ago, I read Fast Food Nation, which is a non-fiction eye-opening study of the fast food industry from the marketing to a stomach turning journey of how things get from cow to hamburger patty. The fact that this was turned into a full length feature film was surprising to me so I rented it without seeing the trailer. The film, in collaboration with the original author, made a fictionalized tale highlighting the key issues in the fast food industry - marketing, teenage workers, poor quality meat, and undocumented workers in harsh/unsafe conditions. Overall, the film covered these points and wove them into a story. However, the fictionalized portion of the film left me wondering if audiences would think this was over dramatized, exaggerations.
All though true to the slaughter process, I turned green enough reading the book and seeing all the blood and guts was enough to insure that red meat is back off my diet again for awhile.
Fast Food Nation is not necessarily a film to be enjoyed. The book is a much better told story and much more detailed. The ensemble cast included cameos by Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, and Avril Lavigne amongst others, but the stunt casting seemed forced and unnecessarily distracting.
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