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

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!

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!)

Bottle Shock

Who: Bill & Melanie
What: Bottle Shock
Where: Borrowed the DVD from our neighbor
Why: It takes place in the Napa Valley

In 1976 the Napa Valley had an emerging reputation of growing high quality grapes, which resulted in some outstanding wines. But outside of a handful of wine connoisseurs, few people were aware of this. Bottle Shock tells the story of a small family-owned winery called Chateau Montelena, and how its wines and other California-based wines (many produced in the Napa Valley) "shocked" the world when they bested the more-established French wines at a blind taste testing known as The Judgement of Paris.

Filmed primarily in the Napa Valley (with nearby Sonoma being used for scenes taking place in Paris), Bottle Shock is an entertaining and enjoyable story with a unique blend of actors of past and present "vintage": Bill Pullman as Jim Barret (owner of Chateau Montelena), Chris Pine as son Bo Barret, Alan Rickman as Steven Spurrier (the man who organized the blind taste test), Rachael Taylor as Samantha, Freddy Rodriguez as Gustavo, Eliza Dushku as a street-smart local bartender named Jo, and Dennis Farina as Maurice.

I was raised in Napa, so anytime I hear of a movie that takes place or was filmed there, it immediately gets my interest. Bottle Shock was one such film. It premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and had a limited run in theaters. Most people probably still have not heard of the movie. It is worth seeking out, not only for its compelling story, but for its incredible cast. In particular, Chris Pine wasn't well known when Bottle Shock was being filmed. That has since changed with his acclaimed performance as the young James T. Kirk in the recent re-launch of the Star Trek franchise. His comes from an acting family: mother Gwynne Gilford has had small roles in TV shows and movies over the years and father Robert Pine is best-known from co-starring in the long-running series "CHiPs". Eliza Dushku has appeared in many popular movies such as True Lies, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and a recurring role in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. She is currently starring and co-producing in Joss Whedon's latest television series Dollhouse. Rachael Taylor has appeared in a number of recent movies including the 2007 blockbuster Transformers.

Because Bottle Shock is about wines and wine-making, one enhancement to your enjoyment would be to watch the movie with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir-- preferably from the Napa Valley of course. Salud!

Escape from Alcatraz

Who:  Amber
What:  Escape from Alcatraz
Where:  @ home on AMC
Why:  I think Alcatraz is cool

I was shocked to find out that Clint Eastwood played the main character (Frank Morris) in this movie.  I read that in the credits.  I didn't even recognize him!  I'm so embarrassed.

This movie was slow moving, and not much action.  And the title pretty much gives away the ending ... 3 men successfully escape from Alcatraz.  After I watched the movie, I tried to find out if it was true, and nobody can really confirm or deny it.  Nobody ever found the 3 men or their bodies.  And they never got arrested again (even though they were career criminals - only the worst of the worst end up in Alcatraz).

Basically this movie shows how day to day life is in Alcatraz.  You have a teeny tiny cell all by yourself.  You eat crappy food.  And working for 15 cents a day is a big time privilege.

Escape from Alcatraz chronicles Frank Morris and 2 brothers who hatch a plan to escape.  Over the course of about a year, they slowly chip away at the grates in their cell.  They made paper mache' (sp?) grates out of newspaper, so during the day nobody could see a huge gaping hole in the cell.  They also made paper mache' heads, so guards would think they were sleeping at night.

They managed to steal small tools to chip away at the cement.  They stole hair from the barbershop to make their paper mache'.  And they stole some raincoats to make a life raft for the final escape across the San Francisco Bay.

There wasn't much action in this movie, but it was interesting to watch their plan, and see how it all worked out.

Now I'm in the mood to watch The Rock!

Leatherheads

Who:  Jonathan and Amber
What:  Leatherheads
Where:  @ home - recorded off HBO
Why:  It's about football

While I won't classify this movie as "great" nor in the "I will watch it again category", it was an enjoyable flick.

In the 1920's, professional football is crap. It's played on cow pastures, nobody is making any money, and teams are folding like crazy. On the other hand, college football is super awesome, and over 40,000 people show up to watch it!

George Clooney (Dodge) has been playing pro football forever. His team is about to fold. When he hears about how many fans college player (and war hero!) John Krazinski (Carter) has, he has a brilliant idea. Invite Carter to play for the Duluth Bulldogs, and all his fans will flock to pro football.

Carter agrees to a huge salary, and the fans arrive!  Pro football is becoming super awesome.

Did I mention Carter is also a war hero? America just loves him. He's cute, a great athlete and an all American hero. Although his war story seems a little too good to be true. A bunch of Germans just dropped their guns and gave up for no reason. The Chicago Daily Tribune is suspicious.

Send in Renee Zellweger (Lexi Littleton). She travels aroaund with the now super famous Duluth Bulldogs and tries to get the REAL story out of Carter. Meanwhile, Carter is falling for her, and so is Dodge.

Who will Lexi pick?  Will the world ever find about about Carter's real war story?  Can old man Dodge (he's like 45 and still playing football - impressive) survive the new, faster game of pro football?

Side note:  Randy Newman (of Pixar fan - "You've Got a Friend in Me") did all the piano side music in this movie.  Watch the scene in the bar, and you'll see Randy playing his piano.  You go Randy!

To Kill A Mockingbird

Who:  Amber
What:  To Kill A Mockingbird
Where:  borrowed it from a friend at work
Why:  2nd book in the Summer Fun Book Club

Am I the only person who never read this book in high school?

I wasn't very pumped about reading an "old" book for my book club.  Honestly, I'm normally ot a fan of "old things" or "things that win awards".  Black and white movies - forget it.  Oscar winning movies - snooze patrol!  But, it's 1 book a week, so I had to get over it.

I actually really enjoyed this book!  It confused me for a while, because the back cover said, "something about a black man raping a white woman ...".  But after 7 or 8 chapters there was no word on the rape.  I was just about a bunch of kids playing and going to school.  Not that I was excited for a rape, but where was it?  And it's not one of these cute kids is it?!?

Thankfully, this book wasn't all about a rape, it was more about a family living in the 30's (I think?).  Atticus is the father, who is a lawyer.  He defends a black man (the N word is in abundance in this book) who is charged with raping a white hill billie girl.  The trial only lasts about 1 chapter.

Most of the book is about Scout and Jem, Atticus's kids.  They are normal, smart, inquisitive children.  Scout is a little girl, who is a total tomboy, which is really frowned upon.  She should be wearing cute dresses and drinking tea.  But Atticus (a single dad) is a super smart dude, and he's raising his kids to think on their own.

Read about their adventures before, during and after their father's trial.  Defending a black man is not the normal thing to do back then, but he stands up for what he believes it.

Read on!

Water for Elephants

Who:  Amber
What:  Water for Elephants
Where:  Cagan Crossing Library
Why:  1st book in the Summer Fun Book-a-week club

My friend Julie wanted to do a book club this summer for 2 reasons:  stop watching so much stupid summer TV and to read more books.  Even though I don't really read much at all, I decided to go for it.  Water for Elephants was the first book on the list.  I believe the author is Sarah Gruen (sp?).

I highly recommend this book!

The first chapter is awesome.  It details an animal stampede at a circus and a murder.  Oooooo.  Who is murdered?!?

Fast forward 70 years, and Jacob Jankowski is in a nursing home, miserable.  He's over 90 and bored out of his mind.

The chapters go back and forth talking about Jacob randomly joining the circus and working as a vet and then old Jacob in the nursing home.

I don't really want to give anything away, but Jacob has some crazy circus stories and he's dying to get out of the nursing home.  I'm not sure how accurate all these circus stories are from the 1930's, but I bet most of them are pretty true.  It sounds like a wild and wacky place to work!

I'm probably making it sound lame, but it's a great book!  I little romance, a lot of wackyness and a little drama thrown in.  I may have even shed a teeny tiny tear at the end.

The Hangover

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Hangover
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  It's got "Andy" from the office

I love a good 'ole raunchy comedy (Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), and this movie was no exception.  It was raunch and hilarious!

Doug (the sidekick from National Treasure) is getting married.  He is headed to Vegas with his 2 best friends (Bradley Cooper who is so cute and Ed Helms) and his future brother in law, who looks like a cave man.

They check in to a huge hotel suite, do a few shots to toast the evening then .... it's morning.  The room is trashed, a chicken is walking around, a tiger is in the bathroom, a chair is slightly on fire, a baby is crying from the closet and Doug is nowhere to be found.

The 2 best friends and the brother in-law try desperately to remember what happened the night before, but they have no clue.  Cutie pie Bradley Cooper is wearing a hospital wrist band, so they start there.  As the day goes on, and Doug is still lost, the boys discover more and more about what happened last night.  

Why is Ed Helms missing a tooth?  Why is Mike Tyson in their hotel room?  Whose baby is this?  And where is Doug?!?

As the boys drive around Vegas following their clues, each gag is funnier and funnier than the first.  If you love comedies, I highly recommend this movie!

I think the credits were actually my favorite part of the movie.

Duel

Who: Bill
What: Duel
Where: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Why: One of the first movies directed by Steven Spielberg

Mild-mannered salesman David Mann (Dennis Weaver) is on his way to meet a client. Traveling on a remote two-lane California highway he gets behind a slow-moving, exhaust-spewing old tanker truck. He bypasses the truck, but very quickly the truck bypasses him. Soon, Mann finds himself in a high-speed, life-threatening "duel" between his four-door sedan and the menacing tanker truck, whose driver's face is unseen. Call it an extreme case of road rage.

Duel was first seen Saturday, November 13, 1971 on ABC's "Movie of the Weekend", which along with that network's Tuesday night "Movie of the Week", consisted entirely of made-for-TV feature films. Each movie was budgeted at no more than $450,000 and just long enough to fit into a 90-minute time slot. "The Movie of the Week" was a huge hit upon its debut in 1969, as viewers enjoyed the World Premiere of a new motion picture presented for free each week. When Steven Spielberg was assigned to helm Duel, he had already established himself as an ambitious young director for Universal Television, working on episodes for popular shows such as Rod Serling's Night Gallery, Marcus Welby M.D. and Columbo. What could have been an average TV movie thriller, Duel is made unique by Spielberg's direction with minimal dialog and effective camera angles which add to the overall suspense of the story. These are especially effective in the chase scenes between the plain red early-70's Plymouth Valiant and the dirty, sinister tanker truck squaring off in a fight to the death. Of equal merit is Dennis Weaver's performance as the stalked driver, who can't understand why he is being terrorized for simply passing another vehicle on a lonely road.

Duel is one of the most famous films presented as part of ABC's "Movie of the Week" franchise. A few weeks after its airing, another acclaimed TV movie had its premiere: Brian's Song. Both movies were so well received by critics and viewers that they were even given theatrical releases. In the case of Duel, this involved the addition of several scenes and some mild profanity. This is the version that has aired on TCM, and seen on a special edition DVD. Duel is recommend not just to observe some of the best early career work of Steven Spielberg, but as an effective suspense thriller.

By the way, if you want to see how Duel was first presented to viewers, check out its preview clip on You Tube by typing "ABC Movie of the Weekend" in the search box. You can also see openings from "The Movie of the Week" and other network movie programs from the 1960's through the 1990's.

Star Trek

Who: Scott & Kerri
What: STAR TREK
Where: Showplace 14, Machesney Park, IL
Why: Cause we were kidless and wanted to see a movie

I must preface this - I am NOT a Trekkie. I repeat I am not a Trekkie. I'm totally a Star Wars Girl. Although had this movie come out when I was a kid instead of that first piece of crap Trek movie, I would have been all in. This movie Rocked!

Even though I'm not a Trekkie, I know a "little" about the Star Trek Universe, but I don't know the ins and outs. Like I cracked up at "Dammit Jim I'm a Doctor not a Physicist." But was like "Spock's half human, did I know this?"

Just so you know where I'm coming from on this.

Again, This movie flippin Rocked!

It was fun, the effects were great, it had a lot of humor without being a parody of itself. It had action without making you feel worn out. There was really great character development, it let those of us who weren't born Klingon feel that we got a chance to know the characters and didn't feel left out of the film.

It starts off with James T Kirk being born, following him and Spock both through their childhoods with some quick scenes, where they meet at an Academy, and are suddenly thrust into action on the USS Enterprise. Did I mention the effects were great?? Did I mention it also made me laugh?

I don't want to really say too much more as to give the plot away, although everyone else in the world has probably already scene it, but for you three that haven't, GO WATCH NOW! We'll wait for you.

Are you back? Wasn't it great?

(Am I the only Star Wars Geek that was waiting for Han to show up on the snowy planet? That was HOTH wasn't it? ;) sorry, I digress)

Up

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  UP
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  It's Pixar!

I had been seeing previews and photos for UP for about 8 months now.  Since it was Pixar, I knew it would be good, but I wasn't so sure about the story and if it would be as good as all the other Pixar movies.

And, as a friend mentioned to me today, if I told you the plot and the funny scenes of the movie, it would just seem ridiculous and lame.  But the movie is WONDERFUL.

Maybe because I'm such a sap for seeing movies with cute old couples who have been happily married for ever ... or maybe because my life is kind-of like Carl and Elle Fredrickson.  They are happy to be around each other, and they happily just live their lives.  They aren't really extravagant or noteworthy.  They just build a home for themselves and enjoy being married.

If you don't really want to see UP, or if you're embarrassed that you want to see UP, but your friends won't see it with you, I highly encourage you to at least watch the first 15 minutes.  After that, you're ok to leave.

Also, the classic Pixar short film before the the movie is adorable.  I think it might be my favorite yet!

Go see this movie immediately!!!  Adults will love the romance, kids will love the adventure.  It's a win/win!

Changeling

Who: Liz
What: Changeling
Where: my living room
Why: I heard it was good

Angelina Jolie played mom Christine Collins, mom of Walter Collins. She is a supervisor at a telephone company in 1928 Pasadena CA. She has been called in to work and so she has to go, leaving Walter, a 9 year old, home alone for the day. When she gets home, Walter is gone, vanished. This movie is about her search for Walter. I thought it was a little slow going, but then, boy did it get better.
This is 1928 and I don’t know my history, but according to the movie, Los Angeles was filled with rogue cops and was really a corrupt place to live. Christine reports her child missing as soon as she gets home, but they tell her she has to wait 24 hours. So she does and then reports him missing. Time goes by and he is not found, then about 5 months later, the police claim to have found Walter. So she goes to the train station to pick him up and it’s not him, but the police insist it is and tell her to take him! Unbelievable! She knows it’s not her son and can get proof from the dentist, the neighbors, the teachers, and some others, but the police still don’t believe her and won’t continue to look for Walter. Case closed.
In the meantime, a decent cop is trying to find a young boy to deport back to Canada from a ranch and the boy ends up telling a really grisly story. There is also a minister who is trying to tell people about the corupt politicians and cops and he comes to help Christine.
What happens next is really scary to me and I have a hard time believing that this was the US and that people could be treated the way that Christine was treated. You'll have to watch the movie to see what happens!
I wouldn’t say this was a really enjoyable movie, but it kept me intrigued and wanting to root for Christine to get through this time in her life. I would say that this movie is not for everyone, its definitely not a “feel good” movie, but I liked it.

Fireproof

Who: Emily, Scott, & Kerri
What: Fireproof
Where: At home, On Demand special .01 movies
Why: Picked it at random

I really did like the story, and the message. It is rare that you mix so much faith in a Hollywood movie, especially concerning love and marriage. Generally movies are 'get out when the going gets tough' on marriage but this movie showed a man trying to save his marriage, and it wasn't until he understood the love of Jesus for us, that he realized how to truly love another. This kind of message is actually very powerful and I think everyone could learn from it.

The downfall of this movie? There was some really bad acting. The male lead is Kirk Cameron (you may know from Growing Pains!), but he seemed to be surrounded by people who'd never acted before in their lives, or were doing a local production of a play. At times I found that distracting. The actress who played his wife was beautiful, but at times her line delivery took me out of the movie.
Scott said it felt like an afterschool special for adults. And there's some truth to it.

I think if you can get past the acting, and listen to the message, you will take something valuable from this movie.

Ever After

Who: Kerri & Emily
What: Ever After
Where: on DVD
Why: We wanted something to watch, and it's an old favorite we hadn't seen in awhile.

This movie is 11 years old now, but I enjoy it every time. It's supposed to be the 'real' story of Cinderella. Drew Barrymore, Angelica Huston and Dougray Scott star.

Angelica plays the evil stepmother to absolute perfection, her disdain for Danielle (the Cinderella Character) is absolutely unforgivable. She cannot find it in her heart at all to love or care for Danielle, and turns her into the servant for her and her two daughters after Danielle's father unexpectedly dies.

Danielle accidentally meets (and yells at) the prince while disguised as a noblewoman. She gives her mothers name and over the course of the week, they fall in love. All while keeping out of her step mothers eye - as step mommy is trying to get her own daughter married off to the prince.

A fun entertaining movie with some laughs and some love and some tears, and a glass slipper. What more could you want?

Oh, and they do live, happily ever after!

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Who:Kerri & Emily
What: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Where: At the movies
Why: We wanted to see a movie

I would rate this movie as "cute yet typical romantic comedy."

It is a fun little movie with good humor, but the story is really nothing new. Matthew McHottie plays your typical leading man too hot for his own good can't commit womanizer, who finds his way.

I did like Michael Douglas' role of the dead ghost (the Jacob Marley character) who guides him through with his three spirits, it was through his uncle that he learned his womanizing ways, and his uncle has come back to make sure that McHottie doesn't end up dying alone and unloved. And the Ghost of Christmas past who took us on a middle school trek to the 80's was a lot of fun.

Jennifer Garner was likable enough in this role, although something about her tends to bug me, I can't put my finger on it, really her role could have been done just as well with probably a little more chemistry with any number of other actresses.

I wouldn't say run out and go see this movie, nor necessarily buy the DVD on day one, but in the marked down bin, or netflix, it's a fun Saturday afternoon popcorn flick.

X Men Origins: Wolverine

Who: Kerri, Scott & Mitchel
What: X Men Origins: Wolverine
Where: Showplace 14, Rockford IL
Why: Because it's Hugh Jackman!!

Now I preface this entire review on the fact that I am not into the comic books, I do NOT know the back stories as written in the comics, nor am I aware of how the comics and movies differ. This review is entirely based on what I do know, the XMen trilogy that came before this one. (And the fact I really like Hugh Jackman) There may also be some light spoilers, I will try not to give too much away, if you've read the comics I'm sure nothing will be new here.

This movie takes place prior to the trilogy - and you learn the story of Wolverine. We pick up with him as a child in 1845, he's ill and his father is taking care of him, a friend of his is also at his bedside. We learn that he's ill a lot, and his friend had been to, then one day just got better. Basically the mutation is starting to mature. Through accident, a young Logan realizes he has bones that can protrude and retract and his skin heals. He's also discovered a half brother. We watch as the two go through time as seen through them fighting in wars, from the Civil war through Viet Nam.

His brother has the ability to heal as well, and each appears as though they are only in their early 30's and are discovered by Gen Stryker (who you will remember in the XMen Trilogy). They join this elite team, but ultimately his brother grows darker and meaner, and Logan wants nothing to do with it. He leaves and finds a quiet life, and love.

Through loss and ultimately betrayal Logan agrees to undergo the antimantium procedure voluntarily. We do put some pieces together, where he got the name Wolverine, why he doesn't remember what happened to him, even where he got his leather jacket. I really liked Liev Shreiber as his brother, who eventually becomes Sabertooth. This is the one point I don't like Liev was a great Sabretooth, but differs so greatly from the same Character we saw in the first Xmen movie. I'm thinking they are taking great creative license here, or maybe there is something in this character's history that changes him over this time period as well and even made him forget his own brother?

It was an enjoyable movie a lot of great action, and if you like the character you should enjoy this movie. If you are a die hard comic guru, I'm sure there will be plenty that will make your skin itch, as there usually is in book to movie translations.

21

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: 21
Where: @ home - free Starz weekend
Why: Looked entertaining

Oliver & Company

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Oliver & Company
Where: DVR recording from The Disney Channel
Why: Bill had never seen it.

The classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” has been adapted to film numerous times, both as a drama and even as a musical-- 1968’s Oliver!, which itself was adapted from a musical play in England and on Broadway. In 1988, Walt Disney Pictures gave the story a contemporary animated “twist” set in the gritty streets of New York City and featuring all-star vocal talent.

Oliver (Joey Lawrence) is an abandoned kitten who is befriended by a group of street-smart dogs led by Dodger (Billy Joel). The pack‘s owner, bumbling but good-hearted Fagin (Dom DeLuise), owes a huge debt to a powerful loan shark named Sykes (Robert Loggia) and in danger of losing his life if Fagin can‘t come up with the needed funds. Meanwhile, Oliver is soon befriended by a sweet young girl named Jenny much to the chagrin of her spoiled prize-winning poodle Georgette (Bette Midler). The kitten unexpectedly departs his new friends, but they haven’t forgotten about Oliver and manage to get him back in the pack. But Fagin plans to hold Oliver for ransom once realizing the wealthy nature of Jenny’s family. This being a Disney movie, of course there has to be a happy ending for all involved… but maybe not.

Disney animation was on the verge of a second “golden age” of highly successful features when Oliver & Company came out in 1988. In addition to Billy Joel and Bette Midler, musical contributions are provided by Huey Lewis, Barry Manilow, Ruth Pointer (from The Pointer Sisters) and lyricist Howard Ashman. Other characters in the film are voiced by Cheech Marin, Richard Mulligan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Roscoe Lee Browne and the versatile Frank Welker. And for the first time, CGI effects were put to extensive use in supplementing the hand-drawn animation. Yet while an entertaining movie, Oliver & Company is lacking as an overall engaging story. Certainly Oliver the kitten is cute enough, but none of the other characters are especially lovable. The music is well-done, but ultimately forgettable. Still, its worth recommending as fine family entertainment and possible musical nostalgia for children of the 80’s. For fans of Disney’s animated classics, look for cameos from dogs seen in Lady and the Tramp and the original One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

The Reader

Who: Liz
What: The Reader
Where: my living room
Why: I heard it was a good movie

This was a fabulous movie. I believe Kate Winslet won the Oscar for this role. She played Hanna, and Ralph Fiennes played Michael. Basically, they were the only real characters in the movie. In the beginning of the movie it is 1958 and Michael gets sick in an alleyway and Hanna helps him out, it seems he has scarlet fever, so he goes to bed for three months. Michael comes searching for her to say Thank you after the 3 months and she seduces him. Mind you, at this stage of the game, Michael is only 15 years old and Hanna is about 35. They have this affair, yet she is very cold and he falls in love with her. He lets his life be run by Hanna. She wants him to read books to her and he does. Its very sweet. After a little while, of course an affair like this ends.
The movie jumps 8 years and by this time Michael is in law school and Hanna is on trial for being a guard in Auschwitz….who knew? There wasn’t an indication in the beginning of the film. I don’t want to give away the rest of the movie, I just want to note that Kate Winslet definitely deserved the Oscar for this role. She played Hanna with such fervor. This woman ,whose life just got away from her and didn’t really turn out the way she wanted. Ralph Fienne’s character’s life is also consumed by her. This movie showed how one event can change someone’s life forever. Sometimes we have to let things go and just can’t. It was a great movie. Be aware there is a definitely adult theme in this film, as well as nudity.

Henry Poole Is Here

Who: Jaclyn 
What: Henry Poole Is Here
Where: At Home
Why: Who doesn't like Luke Wilson?

I briefly remembered seeing preview for this movie a while back and then never heard about it again. Thankfully for Netflix, I was able to check it out. 

This movie is about Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) who buys a house from a kooky realtor and insists that he'll pay whatever they, the sellers ask and he doesn't want any repairs done on the house. The realtor thinks this is odd so she has someone come to fix the house up after he purchases it.

Turns out, Henry believes he doesn't have much time left to live so he's not really worried about the state of his house. 

Henry has a neighbor that knows everything about the neighbors and one day comes to visit him and notices the face of Jesus on the side of Henry's house. He believes that it's just a stain from a bad paint job but the neighbor isn't buying it.

The whole movie revolves around the stain/image of Jesus and it's somewhat endearing. Henry finds hope (though he fights it every step of the way) and finds a friend in his other neighbors. 

I'll admit, I fell asleep during this movie...but I was also doped up on Benadryl. But what I saw, I liked. 

Blind Dating

Who: Jaclyn
What: Blind Dating
Where: At Home
Why: Netflix

Blind dating is about a man named Danny who has been blind since birth (he was born 3 months early). He is desperately seeking love and his brother Lorenzo tries to set him up with all the trashy women he knows. Danny doesn't like any of them and gets mad at his brother.

Danny is due to be part of an experiment to allow him to see and in the process, ends up falling for a girl who works as a receptionist at his doctor's office. However, this girl is already engaged. 

It's a cute fluff story about how a man with self esteem issues overcomes his fears to find happiness. Sounds cheesy, but I was amused.

Mamma Mia!

Who:  Amber, Jonathan and friends
What:  Mamma Mia!
Where:  Leu Gardens, Orlando FL
Why:  It was outdoor movie date night!

I've always been curious about this movie, but I know Jonathan would never want to see it. Thankfully, his work friends were all going to a local garden to watch their monthly "date night" outdoor movie - and it was Mamma Mia!

20-year-old Sophie lives with her mother Donna (Meryl Streep) in Greece Donna runs a a cute and rundown hotel. Sophie is about to get married and wants her father to give her away. The problem, she has no clue who her father is. After reading her mother's diary, she discovers that she "got busy" with 3 guys the same month 20 years ago. One of them must be her father!

So, what does any bonehead 20 year old do - invite all 3 of them to the wedding. The moment she sees "her dad", she'll just know ... right?

Wrong! All 3 guys are pretty cool, and she has no idea. The 3 guys finally figure out what is going on, and they all 3 assume they are her father. Donna is mortified all 3 of these guys are staying at her hotel.

Hilarity ensues, Sophie's fiance is getting jittery, but the wedding goes off with out a hitch. Not! Come on, this is the movies remember?

The entire time I was dying to find out which guy is Sophie's dad is! It was such a suspenseful movie! Is it cutie Pierce Brosnen (sp?). Some crazy hippy guy with eye tattoos on his knees and butt (yes, we see some old man butt). Or the business suit guy who just might be gay.

Did I mention that every 10 minutes, somebody would break out into singing an ABBA song? It was pretty clever how all these random songs fit together to make a movie musical.

If you like cheese ball weddings and cheese ball music, then I recommend this movie. It was fun, cheesy and the location was gorgeous!

Grosse Point Blank

Who:  Amber
What:  Grosse Point Blank
Where:  @ home on cable
Why:  John Cussak (sp?) is always fun!

Martin (Cussak) and is a tough hitman, but he's a little messed up in the head. He has recurring dreams about his high school girlfriend, who he stood up on prom night 10 years ago.

Thankfully, his 10 year class reunion is coming up! And, he's got a hitman job to do around the same time, so he heads home to Grosse Point, Michigan.

His high school girlfriend Debi (Minnie Driver) is kind-of a moron. She seems stuck in the 80s, and she's pretty annoyed at Martin for ditching her at prom. Martin is pretty open and honest about being a hitman, but nobody seems to A) believe him or B) care. Martin and Debi hang out and have a great time at the reunion ... until another hitman shows up to get rid of Martin. Seems like his agency has decided that he's no longer needed. I think there was a back story that I missed or didn't really understand.

Debi finally realizes that Martin is a real killer (when she finds him sitting next to the hitman who came to kill him, and Martin is covered in blood) and totally freaks out!

Remember the hitman job that Martin has in Michigan. Could it be a good friend of Debi's? Will she finally realize Martin loves her, and give him another chance?

Dog Park

Who:  Amber
What:  Dog Park
Where:  @ home on cable
Why:  I like Luke Wilson

A laid back guy, Andy (Luke Wilson) is in mourning. His girlfriend has just left him, and he's all alone. He's not too upset about the girlfriend (she was a little nuts), but she's taken his dog! Mr. Mogley!

He meets Lorna at a single's bar with the pick up line, "Haven't I seen you before?" She thinks it's a corny piece of junk, but he actually has seen her before at the the local dog park. They go home together, but she ends up throwing up all over the place, and is horribly embarrased. She refused to take his phone calls or accept his flowers.

This movie is kind of slow moving, but still a lot of fun. All the characters are inner twinded, even though they don't realize it. Everybody seems to be connected by the local dog park. Andy's girlfriend (and dog!) have actually moved in with Lorna's ex. Andy's friends who seem to be in a great relationship are actually having an affair with one of Lorna's co-workers. It's a big relationship mess.

It all kind-of get's sorted out in the end, but not in some fairy tale, lovey dovy moment. It's all kind-of realistic and very refreshing!

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!