I Like Killing Flies (2004)

I loved this movie.  Not just because it takes place in New York, though thats clearly a large part of it.  Its an interesting documentary about a restaurant called Shopsin's.  Its quirky, but interesting.  Kenny Shopsin, the owner of the restaurant is an interesting character. I think interesting is just the best word I can use, I know its weak...but I can't come up with anything better right now.  Just watch the damn movie and you will see why! I don't know if I would actually have the courage to actually eat at the restaurant...but I wouldn't mind checking it out one of my trips to NY.  Not sure if I have it in me to try one of the unique dishes (though Mac and Cheese pancakes does interest me) but maybe...
I Like Killing Flies

Just Like the Son (2006)

I am not even sure how this movie ended up in my queue, but I am glad I somehow ended up with it.  This was a very touching (though sometimes far fetched) movie about a down on his luck petty thief, who is forced to do community service at an elementary school as part of his sentence. You can tell he wants to get his life back in order, he is clearly at a low period.  He befriends this adorable kid Boone, who either is, or isn't an orphan (you never really get the whole story there...a sore spot with me) and ends up "kidnapping" him from a state home, and going on a cross country road trip to try to find the kids older sister. The relationship between the two is both sweet and sad.  It was hard not to get attached to either one of the characters.  This is the second or third time I have seen Mark Webber and have decided that he really is pretty great, and maybe he should be in every single movie of all time.  I totally think this is worth watching, its not super long, so good if you don't have hours to sink into a movie.  Its exactly the kind of movie I like, even if it was slightly predictable.
Just Like The Son (2006)

Memphis the Musical (2011)

Oh Holy Crap, I loved this movie/show/whatever you want to call it.  When I went to NYC, last June, "Memphis" had just won the 2010 Tony Award....I had absolutely no interest in seeing it. I remember the song was okay that I heard that night, but it didn't shake me up enough for it to even make it to my "maybe" list when we were thinking about things to see.  Now we all know what happened next...I saw American Idiot, and my life spiralled out of control for almost a year.  American Idiot, sadly, closed on Broadway on April 24, and I have to let it go for awhile until the tour comes around.  So I read about this special 4 day showing of Memphis (which had been filmed on Broadway during January of this year) and I thought, why the heck not?  It was certainly cheaper than another trip to NYC to see something and I could take my Mom as a Mother's Day gift.  I knew some of my Twitter friends really liked it, so it couldn't possibly suck...but I knew nothing about it. I was in for quite a surprise. First of all....I freaking LOVED it, so much that I haven't been able to get it out of my head.  Secondly, the filming was magnificent. I wish they would film all shows like that, even if just for the post-closing days when they know for sure people aren't going to be coming to see the show (until it tours of course) but doing this certainly broadens the audience a bit.  I know people from my tiny little town or area, are not flocking to the city to see shows anyway on a regular basis.  These are people who would otherwise miss a fantastic experience like this.  I will admit to only one drawback....the live audience experience. I do enjoy clapping when a song is done, and just feeling the excitement being in the audience having a shared experience with everyone else brings.  However, that being said...you couldn't have a better seat if you saw this live.  The different camera shots brought this thing bigger than life. It was fantastic, in crystal clear HD, the music was fabulous.  The performances were incredible. I am sorry I didn't see this live. I am not even sure that I won't sneak out on Saturday to see it one last time. (If anyone hasn't seen it, its still playing one or two more dates this week I think Friday and Saturday afternoon....you really should do it...for real) I am hoping that they release this version on DVD eventually because I will be buying it for sure.  The story is about a quirky little white DJ in Memphis, who falls in love with a beautiful black singer.  He goes over and beyond trying to get her music out there and change her life.  Its during the tumultuous period at the height of the civil rights movement that this show takes place, and its very powerful and moving.  I can't say enough good things about this, go see the live show if you can, and if not, check it out, you have a few days left to catch this incredible version in theaters!
http://www.memphisthemusical.com/about.html

I'm Reed Fish (2006)

I watched this awhile back and never blogged about it.  I only watched this movie because I really like Jay Baruchel.  I find him super endearing in that nerdy guy kind of way.  This movie was cute and quirky. Totally worth watching if not just for the peformances, but the quirky small town story was actually pretty great. Its about Reed Fish, this quirky small town guy who has a call-in radio show in a cute little (very Northern Exposure-esque)town. Everybody knows everybody kind of place. Reed is about to marry his childhood friend, played by the adorable Alexis Bledel, when his world is shaken up a bit when his high school crush (Schuyler Fisk, she of the incredible voice...)comes back to town.  I thought this movie was great, and will probably watch it again, due to the interesting ending, I wonder if it changes the way I view the entire movie.  Fun, quirky and cute, not to mention that the great Schuyler Fisk actually sings in the movie...I say its worth watching. Also its on Netflix Instant play so why the heck not?
I'm Reed Fish

Creation (2009)

I must be in one of those "period pieces aren't working for me lately" kind of mood.  Because this was just okay for me.  I found a lot of it interesting, because, as the product of a Lutheran school education from K-12, I really didn't learn much about Charles Darwin. I think I was hoping for a bit more about him in this film. I got glimpses, but not a whole lot of background. This was most definitely a movie about a very specific time and crisis in his life.  Darwin is played by Paul Bettany, who I think I love....then I watch something and I think I might not like him so much.  He was fantastic in this, but I wasn't in love with him if that makes any sense at all.  Jennifer Connolly, (Bettany's real life wife) plays his wife in the movie, and she has grown on me over the years. I thought she did a really good job here.  The story takes place during the period just before he publishes "On the Origin of Species" and really focuses more on his inner turmoil over the untimely death of his young daughter.  Its touching, emotional and very interesting. The scenes with the Orangutan were especially beautiful and heartbreaking to me. But, I was hoping for more of the science than the struggle of the man himself...yet this was still interesting. And I still recommend it, because it really is worth watching,  if not just for the incredible performances alone. (I was especially impressed by the young actress that played his precocious daughter Annie). That being said, I wasn't jumping up and down over this one. I might have to try it again earlier in the day when I am feeling more ambitious
Creation

Japanese Story (2003)

I think that this is one of the more difficult blog posts to write about anything I have watched to date.  Its not that I can't tell you what I thought about it...though my feelings about this movie changed from moment to moment.  Sometimes I was in love with it, the beauty of the cinematography was stunning, and much of the movie is quiet with very, VERY little dialogue during the two main characters interaction.  Sometimes I hated it, it felt slow, and well...slow.  But the performances were spectacular, especially Toni Collette, who I have yet to see in anything that I didn't like.  She is so fantastic, not needing to speak to convey a mountain of feelings.  The reason I hesitate to post too much is because too much will really spoil this film.  I feel like its absolutely worth watching, you are either going to love it or hate it, or love parts and hate others.  I will say that I cried like a baby, and I don't do that so often anymore.  This was a beautiful movie.  Plain and simple. I won't be horribly offended though, if you say you watched it and wondered, "what the hell were you thinking?"  And thats okay too.
Japanese Story (2003)

Doctor Who Seasons 4-5

Okay, I realize these are not movies, but since they have been the addiction that I couldn't kick for the past few months, and the last week of my life was dedicated to catching up nearly two full seasons in time for season 6 to start on Saturday night, I feel it deserves a post.  I have to say. I love Doctor Who.  I am so sorry that I am new to this game, because I wish I had more time to just sit around, go back to the beginning and catch up, but there are far too many episodes to really watch them all in order. Though I praise anyone who has or is trying to do it, because you are my freaking hero.  David Tennant was my Doctor.  I thought that was not the case after season one.  I really thought that Christoperh Eccleston was my Doctor.  When season 1 ended, I didn't think I could really watch it after that. It took me about halfway through the first episode of season 2, before I not only softened at the idea, but I fell instantly in love with him and I never wanted his episodes to end.  Don't get me wrong...I adore Matt Smith, his Doctor is both innocent and sort of sexy at the same time. But I miss David Tennant, he had that something special to me.  Season 4, by far was my favorite season of all. I loved Donna Noble, his companion throughout Season 4. I loved the storylines, I loved everything.  Season 5 was just okay for me.  I liked it, I thought that it really seemed more accessible to new fans, but I miss David.  That is all.  I am really enjoying Season 6 so far, its difficult for me to watch in real time, because I am so used to being able to start the  next episode right away, but I will get used to it.  Now back to watching some movies again!
Doctor Who

Conspirator (2011)

Okay so I lied. I actually got a few minutes out this week with my girls and we saw a grown-up movie.  I hadn't heard anything about this movie, but was looking for something (anything) worth driving the hour and 15 minutes down to the city to see a movie...any good excuse (like: well....that movie isn't playing at the more local half an hour drive theater) I found one.  Conspirator was directed by one of my favorite boyfriends, Robert Redford.  Its about Mary Surratt, the lone woman accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. I was pleased to find out that it was definitely more of a court-room drama (my favorite kind) and had a long list of great actors wandering through.  James McAvoy stood out the most for me, as the young man in charge of defending her. Of course, there is also the beautiful and talented Robin Wright who plays Mary Surratt.  The movie was interesting, and sometimes coming uncomfortably close to modern political issues, and actually entertaining.  I haven't seen a historical movie in awhile that actually kept my interest and made me want to go home and read more. I really recommend this one.  So glad I made the trip down to see it, I encourage you to see it if you get a chance.
Conspirator

Taking a week off for "Doctor Who Week"

So, my son is obsessed with Doctor Who. Its my fault really, I made him watch an episode a few months ago thinking he would enjoy it and it became an obsession for him.  Suddenly we have something we can share and watch together.  However, the new season is about to start on BBCAmerica and I am still an entire season behind.  I will spend my next week catching up with The Doctor and not watching other movies.  I might review a little when I am done.  I highly recommend this show (I am sure I already did that in my review of "Blink") for everyone. I can't tell you how much I love it.  It is well written, the actors are awesome, they get some great guest stars and its just a really great show.  You can watch the first 4 seasons of the new series on Netflix (and some of the older episodes from the 60's and 70's too) and its on BBCAmerica (not sure which episodes they are showing right now) a few times a day, with Season 6 starting on the 23rd of April.
Happy Doctor Who Week Everyone!
Doctor Who Official Site

Little Women (1994)

I feel like a complete cheat and loser for using this movie today.  I did watch it today, so at least that isn't cheating. Of course I have seen in many, many times...and the one I watched today?  On the OWN network, not even DVR'd, I actually had to sit through commercials.  I happened to have the channel on, the movie started, and I couldn't stop watching it.  I really love this particular version of this movie.  Little Women is like the opposite of Jane Eyre for me.  Its my other all time favorite book, but there isn't a film version that I don't like at least a little bit.  This one by far is my favorite because it stays pretty true to the book, while blending things from Lousia May Alcott's life into the plot.  I loved, loved, LOVED Susan Sarandon as "Marmee" and though I am not the biggest Winona Ryder fan in the world these days (and probably wouldn't have cast her here either...) I thought she was tolerable. Do I think she deserved an Oscar Nomination for her role that year? No way.  Then again, I don't remember who else was fantastic that year. I remember being surprised at her nomination for this movie. The score by Thomas Newman really worked for me as well.  Christian Bale is the perfect Laurie and Claire Danes was incredible as usual, as the heartbreaking Beth.  Sometimes that girl takes my breath away she is so incredibly beautiful and knows exactly how to rip your heart out with just a look.  I will never get tired of watching this movie, if you haven't seen it....you totally should. If you have never read the book?  Get off the computer and dig it out, download it, do whatever it is you do with books in your world. I think everyone should read this book at least once. That's my PSA for the day.
Little Women (1994)

Wonderful World (2009)

I almost gave up on this movie because it felt like such a downer. I am really glad that I stuck it out.  I really do love Matthew Broderick, I think he is super talented, and I wish I could see him do more things like this.  He plays Ben Singer, a former childrens musician who has a really sad outlook on pretty much everything.  He is divorced and has a daughter who is struggling with some things, and he lives with a roommate who has a health emergency.  When his roommate's sister Khadi comes to stay while her brother is in a coma...his life  is turned upside down.  I ended up really liking this movie. I thought Matthew Broderick was subtle but awesome and the little girl who played his daughter, gave a realistic and touching performance. I didn't think this was predictable, though I thought it might be...it had some little surprises.  Great performances, a nice script. Worth watching.
Wonderful World (2009)

P.S. (2004)

So since I was in the mood for more Laura Linney....I dug this one back out.  I am pretty sure I already watched this before but I really didn't remember that much about it.  Laura Linney plays Louise, a divorced woman who never really got over her first high school love (who of course....died in a car accident) she meets a boy (the absolutely adorable Topher Grace) who she starts to think is like a reincarnated version of her dead boyfriend Scott. They even share a name.  I kind of liked this, and not just because Laura Linney got to be all forward-older-woman-seducing-adorable-Topher-Grace (though that didn't hurt) but because I really like Laura Linney and I don't know if I have ever seen her in a bad role.  This one was just okay in parts, but as usual her performance stands out.  Plus its nice to see Topher Grace in something other than the cheesy romantic post teen comedies that I have seen him in so far.  I realize this was a few years ago, but hopefully it means that he has these kinds of movies in him....just need to drag them out!
P.S. (2004)

Maze (2000)

I watched part of this movie a few months ago, I really liked what I saw and somehow I forgot about it and it got deleted from my queue.  I remembered about it and it was still available for instant viewing so I started it over again and I am so happy I did.  I really, really liked this movie.  Sometimes it did feel a little lifetime movie of the week but with really amazing performances.  Maze is about an artist (Rob Morrow) who struggles with Tourette Syndrome, he doesn't want to take any medication to try to help his symptoms because he is afraid it will affect his work.  He falls in love with the pregnant girlfriend (the great Laura Linney) of his very noble best friend Mike (Craig Sheffer).  Mike leaves the country to work with Doctors without Borders not knowing that Callie is pregnant with his child and Lyle (Morrow) is left to try to help her work through the pregnancy by herself.  It sounds far more melodramatic than it really is.  I thought this was a really good movie.  Rob Morrow cowrote the story as well as directed this film and I think it was a fantastic effort. Then again, I have been a fan of his since Northern Exposure and that crush never really went away.  Excellent performances and a really decent movie.  Check it out if you feel motivated.
Maze (2000)

Hop (2011)

Yes, it was a kids movie weekend for me.  Sorry to all the adults that can stomach these kinds of flicks.  I actually am a little ashamed to say I enjoyed this one.  I realize part of it is that I got to look at a very pretty James Marsden for an hour and a half, and that doesn't hurt really.  I thought that the story was cute (though kind of predictable) just like a Christmas movie for Easter kind of thing.  Russell Brand did a great job with the Bunny voice, and overall I just found it pretty amusing for a kid movie.  Sometimes I feel like pounding my head against a wall during these movies, especially ones that are live action/animation mash-ups.  This wasn't too painful and I am glad I bothered seeing it.  Ian loved it (mind you, he is 11) and it was nice to get out to see something together that we actually both enjoyed.
Hop (2011)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Ah....of course, to follow up Toy Story....logic would tell you that tonight I watched Toy Story 2, but nope. Couldn't find the disc, and besides that. Toy Story 2 is not my favorite adventure in the series.  I liked it of course, but didn't love it like I love the first and last.  Now about this heartwrenching movie....maybe its not so bad if you don't have kids.  Maybe its not even so bad if you have younger kids....but if you have kids that are just about ready to "age out" of playing imaginary games with their toys, this one hurts.  I don't mean like, it might bring a tear.....I mean I cried so hard the first time that I gave myself a headache, and the second time??? Not much better.  This was probably my 5th full viewing and I finally only cried a little at the end. This was by far, my favorite movie of the year last year.  I can't think of another that I could sit through as many times as I am sure I will sit through this one.  Its a great story, which you don't always find in the 3rd in a series.  But for real....this one really works.  If you have seen any of the others, and have gotten attached to these characters, this is just so good.  I wish I could be more eloquent, but I just love it.  That's it. Plain and simple. See it. You must.
Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Story (1995)

Its been awhile since I have watched this movie in its entirety. Its usually just on in the background while I do "Mom" stuff, or I can hear it from the back seat of my car while driving.  It was nice to just sit and watch it this time.  I don't think Toy Story ever really gets old.  I still remember the first time I saw it, before I even had kids, and I knew it was something special.  The characters were so lovable, a nice little adventure, but most of all, it was different.  Not the usual princess meets the boy story.  For once it wasn't a romance, but a real adventure, for all kinds of kids (and adults) I feel just as strongly about it today as I did the first time I saw it.  I loved it then, and loved it again tonight! Oh, and I am assuming everyone that is reading this has seen it...but if for some reason you haven't....you totally should!
Toy Story (1995)

Jane Eyre (2011)

I actually went out like a regular person this week and saw a real live movie....like at a theater!  I had to drive an hour and 40 minutes to get there, since it was only playing in two theaters in Michigan and both of them well over 90 miles away...but I did it.  I am so happy I bothered.  Jane Eyre is definitely my favorite book. I think I read it the first time in 9th grade, and I have read it almost every single year at least once.  I have never grown tired of it. However, in movie form...I have seldom been satisfied.   I saw the Orson Welles Version several years ago, so I can't really remember what my issues were with that one.  I do know that I absolutely hated the 1996 version with William Hurt, who in my opinion was the worst Mr. Rochester of all time.  This version wasn't perfect.  There is always either too much of something and not enough of others for me.  This time it was lacking in the early years, both before and after Lowood School those were some of my favorite parts in the book and I always yearn for more in the film versions.  This was by far, my favorite Jane (played by the incredibly talented Mia Wasikowska) and Mr. Rochester (played by the finally interesting enough...Michael Fassbender) so there was no issues there.  I was very pleasantly suprised, and am sure that I will be seeing this again if it comes to a theater a little closer to me.  Its about time someone got a great classic novel right on screen!  See if if you get a chance, I don't think you will be sorry.
Jane Eyre (2011)

Gone With The Wind (1939)

Big cheat here. It just happened to be "new" on Netflix streaming and I just can never resist it.  Sure its flawed, sure when I was a kid I thought the bad guys were the Yankees....but it never gets old for me.  The costumes, the beautiful Vivian Leigh, the music. I love Gone with the Wind.  I keep thinking someday I will watch and wonder what the heck was I thinking....but that day is not today.  I have been watching this movie since I was probably knee high.  I loved Scarlett O'Hara, I "got" her obsession with Ashley Wilkes (unlike almost everyone else in the world...I was totally with her on that!) I loved, loved, LOVED the cockiness of Rhett Butler, played by the dashing Clark Gable. To me this was Hollywood at its finest.  I highly recommend it, and I try to force everyone to watch it at least once, just to say you tried.  Come on...take a few hours this week and give it a shot if you have never seen it before!
Gone With The Wind

Too Far Behind...(week of March 28- April 4)

Okay, so as usual...I have started to fall too far behind to catch up by doing new posts and fixing the dates to work it out.  So I am going to admit that I skipped a few movies, do what I like to call "the week of failure" for my project in one lump post.  As a disclaimer, apart from this movie project, I also have been planning my kids curriculum for next year, starting to work on going back to school myself and...more importantly.....trying to catch up on Doctor Who before the new season starts on April 23! So last week was an I'm-trying-to-catch-up-as-fast-as-I-can week, but it didn't work out. I will try to see exactly how many movies I am short and squeeze them in this summer during quieter times!  So what I DID watch was:

Beeswax (2009) : Not a fan.  There were things I found endearing about this movie.  But for the most part, I felt it was kind of a waste of my afternoon!  Its really a super, super tiny movie, that wasn't really "about" anything.  Its a few weeks in the life of twin sisters (played by non professional actors) and the changes and struggles they are going through.  What it felt like though...was that there wasn't really a story.  I felt like I came in partway through the movie, missed what was really going on (though you can kind of gain insight of parts of it during the film) and it took awhile to figure out what the point was. There doesn't seem to be one.  The film was kind of nice to look at. I thought both girls were interesting and did a good job for not being professional actors.  But I didn't "get it" and I can handle small movies.  This just didn't work for me.

13 Most Beautiful..Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests (2009)  Again...I guess I just didn't get it. Don't get me wrong, I find Andy Warhol pretty intriguing. I almost always will watch movies that have anything to do with him.  This was just okay.  I loved the music, but watching the actual film (just several actors and actresses, including Dennis Hopper doing silent screen tests) was boring from time to time.  I can't say I hated it.  But I definitely got bored.  Perhaps the time I watched it (2am) had something to do with it.  But unless you are a huge Warhol fan, or have an hour that you won't mind sitting and watching silent actors and nice music....I don't really recommend it.

Worlds Greatest Dad (2009) Absolutely loved it.  I will probably even watch it again with my husband because I know he will like it as well. This was a pretty dark comedy but really, super smart, and so worth watching.  Beware, its definitely on the dark side, and has some pretty rough language and plotlines. The basic story (so as not to give anything big away) has Robin Williams playing a Dad who loses his son to an unfortunate freak accident.  His son....not such a nice kid....and his "legacy" sort of takes on a life of its own.  As usual, Robin Williams does a fantastic job in a more serious role, reminding me that he really is a great actor and not just a funny guy.  I definitely think this one is worth watching.  It reminded me a bit of one of my favorites...the classic "Heathers" in ways...and also I think has a lot of scary truths hidden in there. Great stuff directed by one of my favorites: (and I am not ashamed to admit it) Bobcat Goldthwaite....check it out if you dare!

Happy Tears (2009) I think its interesting that all the movies I actually watched this week were released in 2009!  Okay...so for awhile I thought I might not even finish watching this because I couldn't get into it.  Parkey Posey plays a clearly unsatisfied woman who comes home to help her sister played by Demi Moore, decide what to do with their father who is slowly slipping into dementia.  The father is played by the always interesting Rip Torn.  I ended up really liking this.  There were parts I hated.  Jayne (the Parker Posey character) often has these surreal visions/dreams.  I think they were supposed to be artistic, but ended up just being annoying to me most of the time.  Demi Moore was beautiful as always, and I thought that this was both painful and amusing throughout.  I think for the most part it aims to be a dark comedy, but sometimes comes off as being the typical independent drama with a few laughs.  Overall, I wasn't sorry I watched it, but I don't think its going to work for everyone.

Here is hoping that I catch up and get back on track this week.  If I didn't lose you all already....thanks for sticking around. I will try to do better, I promise!
Beeswax
13 Most Beautiful...Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests (not listed on IMDB...check out Netflix.com for more info!)
World's Greatest Dad
Happy Tears