tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86547722930011103552024-03-12T19:52:30.125-07:00BoiceBoxLearn more about best-selling author Trina Boice and her books. Enjoy contests, freebies, tips and more!Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-73472323260902481802018-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:002018-06-08T18:09:11.153-07:00Movie Review Mom becomes a cartoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s0ixynY180/WxCaeTFgxUI/AAAAAAACOY8/oRUmFxNKYxccvWOd7ekcidq4Lx2Hz9khgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180523_115928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s0ixynY180/WxCaeTFgxUI/AAAAAAACOY8/oRUmFxNKYxccvWOd7ekcidq4Lx2Hz9khgCLcBGAs/s640/20180523_115928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I attended the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas last week and met an artist at one of the booths who drew this picture for me as the Movie Review Mom. Cute, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you think it looks like me?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwIeMuUY26s/WxCcxdmHzqI/AAAAAAACOZI/xj6VnAWt-G0hX7IOmY76FQaebtFIhCA9wCLcBGAs/s1600/boicet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwIeMuUY26s/WxCcxdmHzqI/AAAAAAACOZI/xj6VnAWt-G0hX7IOmY76FQaebtFIhCA9wCLcBGAs/s320/boicet.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-50127914987239991342018-05-27T16:09:00.001-07:002018-05-27T16:09:10.774-07:00I hope Sesame Street wins<img height="225" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/8HaHmBMLXrKaEgSJsJestyNNF3s1bQgmgNvpm6ocOCDD5-GqDXCEPYMwnvEnq_5TR05PibCvJ-l-km47S7mUytsNXSuGJ9R-lSUpkRC9kj2Kv1XJLvHDJdh25hXQMlANdYqAqhbf6opHf0JjjnMCM5kgC3gD1ihpwYcbnhc=s0-d-e1-ft#https://gallery.mailchimp.com/9cd14c8b7fc6deb904f55eda1/images/f35d90ab-4c5c-4ad6-a14f-036fb9a38a7d.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">The creators of the iconic children’s show </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Sesame Street</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"> are suing over an upcoming </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Melissa McCarthy</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"> film that they say hijacks the show’s brand to depict puppets engaging in lewd activities. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;">I hope they win. Have you seen the trailer for this movie? It's disgusting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">In a lawsuit filed this week against the </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>STX</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"> film studio, Sesame Street’s parent company says the R-rated movie, </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>The Happytime Murders</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">, threatens to damage its brand with “explicit, profane, drug-using, misogynistic, violent, copulating, and even ejaculating puppets.” The film, slated for an August release and directed by one of </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Jim Henson</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">’s family members, features the tagline, “No Sesame. All Street.” “Sesame seeks an injunction that forces Defendants to cease and desist their trading upon the goodwill associated with Sesame Street in furtherance of box office receipts,” the lawsuit says. “The promotion of The Happytime Murders should succeed or fail on its own merits, not on a cynical, unlawful attempt to deceive and confuse the public into associating it with the most celebrated children’s program in history.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;">STX responded by expressing disappointment that Sesame Street “does not share in the fun” and vowed to fight the lawsuit in court. Share in the fun? The trailer depicts absolutely disgusting behavior. STX needs to go back to kindergarten to learn the difference between right and wrong, distasteful and fun, as well as disrespectful and fun.</span>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-21049283095150968162018-05-25T20:16:00.001-07:002018-05-25T20:34:21.557-07:00Solo: A Star Wars Story gets passionate mixed reviews<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ysjIHMoDMPo/WwjLBw5W0PI/AAAAAAACOQY/Pi2YRfWi4_gi38x6HtLGFRh4jw83-1EygCLcBGAs/s1600/Solo%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ysjIHMoDMPo/WwjLBw5W0PI/AAAAAAACOQY/Pi2YRfWi4_gi38x6HtLGFRh4jw83-1EygCLcBGAs/s640/Solo%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: <span style="color: #3d85c6;">SOLO: A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Star Wars Story</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rating</b>: PG-13, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In a Nutshell: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
always really fun to watch a movie with an enthusiastic crowd, especially fans
of a beloved franchise like <span style="color: #3d85c6;">STAR WARS.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I've been a fan ever since I was a young girl when the very first one hit the Big Screen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The audience clapped every time a significant moment of introduction
appeared on the screen, like when Han Solo got his name, when he met Chewbacca,
and when he first set his eyes on the Millennium Falcon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience I sat with cheered and clapped,
but I admit I was surprised at how small the audience actually was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is everyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, they’re busy Tweeting about how
much they don’t like this movie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a lot of directorial drama and studio politics, Ron
Howard directed this prequel after saying no to the gig 18 years ago when he was asked to direct <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VF18WWG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VF18WWG&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=828a685a2425d9f65e5e072be533a415" target="_blank">Star Wars: The Phantom Menace</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00VF18WWG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. This becomes the first time an Academy Award-winning director ever made a
Star Wars film. Was it worth the wait? I'd love to hear what YOU think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-euGtZq3R1es/WwjU8uDQbpI/AAAAAAACOQw/Kg9hxUtXEc44WCxJVY-qUjNABT6stxXRgCLcBGAs/s1600/MovieReviewMom3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="700" height="101" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-euGtZq3R1es/WwjU8uDQbpI/AAAAAAACOQw/Kg9hxUtXEc44WCxJVY-qUjNABT6stxXRgCLcBGAs/s320/MovieReviewMom3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for
parents:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Lots of fighting and violence with a very high body
count.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Some profanity.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Han Solo and his team are in perilous situations almost all of the time.</span></li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good vs. evil</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trust and deceit</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friendship</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Loyalty</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKIv5-zOjY/WwjVApSj_3I/AAAAAAACOQ0/fch1Ux7pokYVKV5xSLdWRkUWC8dHxWg9wCLcBGAs/s1600/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="700" height="101" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EeKIv5-zOjY/WwjVApSj_3I/AAAAAAACOQ0/fch1Ux7pokYVKV5xSLdWRkUWC8dHxWg9wCLcBGAs/s320/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">This
new edition to the franchise includes fan favorites like Woody Harrelson,
Paul Bettany, Donald Glover, and of course, Emilia Clarke. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alden
Ehrenreich does a good job as Han Solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s charming and playful enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some fans are complaining that this movie doesn’t deepen Han’s
character, but that's due to the writing, not to his acting ability. I finally remembered where I had seen Ehrenreich before...the movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BFZL69M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01BFZL69M&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=4592880e55b7527d4d81b6601f0dca5e" target="_blank">Hail, Caesar!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01BFZL69M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNo
rmal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lots
of fun, new creatures to entertain and delight audiences.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are a lot of impressive action sequences and CGI.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I saw
the film in 3D, but it’s also good without it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a fun cameo appearance at the end of the movie that made the audience
squeal.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chewbacca
is so awesome.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some respectful nods to former episodes.</span></li>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jPEYpryMp2s" width="560"></iframe>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A lot
of people are complaining that the movie feels like an obvious money grab. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A lot
of the scenes are shot in dark places, so it might be hard to watch the
movie on a TV or computer monitor once it goes to DVD or streaming.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was
kind of hoping that the movie would include something that tied into how
Han Solo (Harrison Ford) got that scar on his chin.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">While
we get to meet the interesting L3-37 droid, the absence of R2-D2 and C-3PO is definitely felt. It's the first time they are both missing from a Star Wars movie.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
lines seen in the movie trailer don’t actually appear in the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, some of the scenes don’t appear
in the movie at all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
pacing could use some help.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
wanted an emotional moment that would make me cry, but it never happened
for me.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">There’s
no real evil villain that makes us shudder.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Social justice warriors" and </span><span style="font-size: large;">Kathleen Kennedy are being criticized for always casting "strong" women in certain roles in the name of diversity, often weakening the impact of those characters. What do YOU think of that? There is a reveal in this movie that made the audience audibly roll their eyes, as in "Oh brother!"</span></li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re
190 years old?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look great!” –
Han<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What
should we drink to?” – Qi’ra<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Let’s drink two and see where it
goes.” – Han<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You
will never have a deeper sleep than when curled up in a Wookie’s lap.” –
Rio Durant (voiced by Jon Favreau)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sorry
I punched your face.” – Beckett (Woody Harrelson)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“It happens more often than you
think.” - Han<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ve
got a really good feeling about this. – Han<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Assume
everyone will betray you and you will never be disappointed.” – Beckett (Woody
Harrelson)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Sounds like a lonely way to live.”
– Han<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t
know if he said ‘tribe’ or ‘family’.” – Han<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s the difference?” - Beckett<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> @trinaboice </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-49827764831442492602018-05-20T08:02:00.000-07:002018-05-20T08:02:29.478-07:00The movie "Book Club" illustrates the power of books<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1r1yyvpLsA/WwCNOJCx2II/AAAAAAACOIE/oY3rQqIk520I84_JNOlBMmQ0tKh8KmdQACLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2BClub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1r1yyvpLsA/WwCNOJCx2II/AAAAAAACOIE/oY3rQqIk520I84_JNOlBMmQ0tKh8KmdQACLcBGAs/s640/Book%2BClub.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CYTJWR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07CYTJWR2&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=ea0c386494c271ceed4711f085bb99a7" target="_blank">Book Club</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07CYTJWR2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> B-</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rating</b>: PG-13,
104 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In a Nutshell: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you could say that this movie
puts the sex back into the word “sexagenarian", although the majority of the leading ladies are in their 70's and 80's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sex is the main focus of this movie which, honestly, disappointed me
because this talented cast could have done so much more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There are so many interesting topics that could have been explored to develop the characters better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The stellar cast includes four Oscar winners
and two nominees: Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy
Garcia, and Richard Dreyfus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Designed for an older viewing crowd, the audience I sat with
laughed non-stop, while I mostly rolled my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for
parents:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Some profanity, crude language, and 1 F-bomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Candice Bergan’s character says in
the movie, “Must you always be so crass?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Exactly.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">TONS
of wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone is drinking wine
or some other kind of alcohol in almost every single scene.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lots
of sex out of wedlock and LOTS of talk about sex, often with
metaphors. Just so you know, the four women in the BOOK CLUB read all of the books in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJYYKD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TJYYKD6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=c32ed61455b80839c5fd649783b7805f" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00TJYYKD6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> series, which is what triggers the focus. Sharon says, "I'm not sure this qualifies as a book." Exactly.</span></li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Reaching
millions of people doesn’t come close to reaching just one you love.” –
Arthur (Don Johnson)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I
know I’m getting older, but I’m still learning and one of the things I’ve
learned is that I deserve to be happy.” – Diane (Diane Keaton)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> Friendship</span></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Self-esteem</span></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love and connection</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The power of books!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0qNe2FVmw/WwCTEBtRYtI/AAAAAAACOIQ/qsGRYTiLZq4Xe6vLJ6Tr79wG1n42a6ivgCLcBGAs/s1600/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="700" height="101" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0qNe2FVmw/WwCTEBtRYtI/AAAAAAACOIQ/qsGRYTiLZq4Xe6vLJ6Tr79wG1n42a6ivgCLcBGAs/s320/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
thought Candice Bergan’s character was the most enjoyable and
realistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">As a federal judge, I
thought it was cute that she named her cat after Supreme Court Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She's 72 in real life. By the way, have you heard her famous hit TV show </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006N2EZA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006N2EZA&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=929b13ba7c994813c78ece278c5544a8" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Murphy Brown: Season 1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0006N2EZA" style="border: none; font-size: x-large; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-size: large;"> is coming back to TV? I used to </span><a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a15882384/murphy-brown-revival/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">love that show</a><span style="font-size: large;"> and am excited to see what they do with its revival.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
food at the ladies’ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CYTJWR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07CYTJWR2&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=476872ef275d413ea3d050ffbff96b5b" target="_blank">Book Club</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07CYTJWR2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> gatherings always looked so good.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jane Fonda is 80 and looks amazing. Have you seen her recent TV show <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AEOM79I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AEOM79I&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=8e9d64b099f86c6a9dac96dfe5c17009" target="_blank">Grace And Frankie Season 1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01AEOM79I" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> ? She's really great in it and looks stunning.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">You should read <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken" target="_blank">Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s great and referred to in the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do YOU think it means?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep watching the rolling credits at the end for a few more scenes.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen also played a married couple in the movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X75RCW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004X75RCW&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=717c23c7f10497793757f840ea22632a" target="_blank">The Proposal</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004X75RCW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. She is only 65, the youngest in the group. He's 74.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was Bill Holderman’s directorial debut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, he’ll bring more older actors and actresses to the Big Screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As evidenced by the large audiences I saw for this film on opening day, there is definitely a market there. Jane Fonda revealed that studio bosses wanted younger stars to play the characters in this movie. Ageism is alive and well in Hollywood.</span></li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As
much as I adore Diane Keaton, and I do, she pretty much plays the same
character in all of her movies, including her clothing style with
scarves, hats, and pant suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
even wore an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6304907729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=6304907729&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=b28dcdd3e7682f365525cee3f5d68993" target="_blank">Annie Hall</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=6304907729" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> hat in the pool scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like she’s just playing herself in
movies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, her character’s
name in this movie is Diane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha ha<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is such a huge age difference between Ed Begley Jr.'s character and Mircea Monroe's character that it was ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this is a comedy, but it was just
silly.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">This
is a true rom-com Chick Flick where all of the men fall all over themselves to please
the women (except one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
it’s annoying when everyone in a movie has unlimited time and money to do whatever they want.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
second half of the movie really dropped for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andy
Garcia played Diane Keaton’s nephew in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GJ19F4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GJ19F4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=bab3db3b89052ba76d45b5461f67bb91" target="_blank">The Godfather</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B001GJ19F4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, so I thought their
ages were unmatched in this film. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this movie, she says she was born
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1951.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In real life, she was actually born in 1946 and is 72 years old. Andy Garcia is 62.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
movie franchise of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJYYKD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TJYYKD6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=c32ed61455b80839c5fd649783b7805f" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00TJYYKD6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is so pornographic and I’ve never
understood how those movies could ever make it to mainstream box
offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don Johnson, who is one of
the leading men in this movie, is the real-life father of Dakota who stars
in those sadistic sex movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gosh,
isn’t he proud?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blatant brand merchandising always annoys me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This movie had tons, including Zillow, Bumble, Buca de Beppo,
Brooks Brothers, Mercedes, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Diane
Keaton’s character never says “goodbye” when she talks on the
telephone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know people in
real life who do that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So annoying.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to see more of Richard Dreyfuss and Wallace Shawn. They're both so awesome.</span></li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The
last time she went on a date, she got pregnant.” – Sharon (Candice Bergen)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t think that’s going to
happen this time.” - Vivian (Jane Fonda)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* "They say that memory is the second thing to go." - Arthur (Don Johnson)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "What's the first?" - Vivian</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I don't remember." - Arthur</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“</b>Cupid is blind.” – Sharon</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“</b>The choice should be ours.” –
Vivian </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> @trinaboice </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-68769175767008125982018-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:002018-02-02T19:27:02.714-08:00See my interview, along with 20 other successful entrepreneurs at this free online webinar series!<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The best deal for saving money is being financially free!</span><br />
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<br />Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-33093272751078690712017-12-04T09:31:00.000-08:002017-12-04T09:31:03.988-08:00The Man Who Invented Christmas is one that authors will relate to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjS35dy7C4/WiLE9A5lolI/AAAAAAAB91U/WGHdrwfs49g11U1H258oaB_59Ksp2TlDQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2Bman%2Bwho%2Binvented%2Bchristmas%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjS35dy7C4/WiLE9A5lolI/AAAAAAAB91U/WGHdrwfs49g11U1H258oaB_59Ksp2TlDQCLcBGAs/s640/The%2Bman%2Bwho%2Binvented%2Bchristmas%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here is my newest movie review and a film I think many authors will be able to relate to!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077MW1GFD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077MW1GFD&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=0b5f4666e41f31cf54e2f05513f34c76" target="_blank">The Man Who Invented Christmas</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B077MW1GFD" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: A-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating: PG, 104 minutes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> I admit
it. I loved this movie, because I'm an author. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a particular fondness for movies that peel back the curtains
on the life of a successful author and reveal the painful writing process,
including writer’s block, muses, and taking notes of people’s names (I do all
that too.) In this case, Charles Dickens is the author and the book that he struggles to write in less than 6 weeks is the famous, beloved <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449549357/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1449549357&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=e356638c66666e92912c812c4295f66d" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: Original illustrations by John Leech</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1449549357" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love that he was inspired
by life around him. Charles Dickens’
father warns, “We must not disturb the poet when the divine frenzy is upon him.” True THAT!
When I’m writing and “in the zone”, it makes me crazy when I get interrupted, so I got a kick out of watching Charles Dickens deal with the constant knocking at his door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Based on the book, this family friendly film is perfect for
almost all ages and will leave you with the desire to do something kind for
someone this Christmas season. In fact,
after <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449549357/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1449549357&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=e356638c66666e92912c812c4295f66d" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: Original illustrations by John Leech</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1449549357" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was released in 1843, charitable giving immediately surged. I hope this movie gets the same reaction.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“No
one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.” – <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Christmas…the
hope that our better natures will prevail.” - John<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you
fettered by chains that you have made in life? Jacob asked, “Do you know the link of
the chain you bear yourself?”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Poor vs. rich</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Dan
Stevens and those blue eyes! If you
wanted to see more of him since you first discovered him in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHM3BH6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XHM3BH6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=92b9a263ecf91384d4be213eee973dbc" target="_blank">Beauty and the Beast (2017) (Theatrical Version)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B06XHM3BH6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, you’ll love watching him star in this movie as Charles Dickens.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Christopher
Plummer was perfect as Ebenezer Scrooge.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
set pieces, furniture, and costume designs are really great. I loved the details like the oil lamps
for street lights. Speaking of
sets, some of the pieces from the TV series <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KACCIQM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KACCIQM&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=ac6f0a466ed000f528a0385cde5e3b90" target="_blank">Penny Dreadful: Season One</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00KACCIQM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> were used to
make this film. Despite the fact
that you really feel like you’re in 19<sup>th</sup> Century London, most
of the filming was done in Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some well-placed
humor.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
audience laughed when Charles Dickens’ publisher said, “There’s not much
of a market for Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">While
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452136491/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452136491&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=33f2c2b772082086baeb8deefcde6f26" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1452136491" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> addresses the spirit of Christmas more than particular
Christian beliefs, Charles Dickens’ book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684865378/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684865378&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=29caf875713e0b5c417facd40f62f9b4" target="_blank">The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0684865378" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> where he bears testimony of the Savior of the world and shares his Christian beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We don’t
often see PG live action movies, so this was refreshing to see playing in
theaters.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I love
how the characters in Charles’ books come to life for him and through him
and are a part of the cast in the film.
In fact, Charles explains, “Get the name right and the character
will appear.” I write non-fiction
and have always been fascinated with how the writing process works for
fiction authors who create characters and worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are several references to Shakespeare and, in fact, most of the cast in
the film are trained Shakespearean actors.
In real life, Charles Dickens adored “The Bard” and acted in some
of his plays. Many of them had also
previously worked on other adaptations of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452136491/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452136491&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=33f2c2b772082086baeb8deefcde6f26" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1452136491" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s a
little slow moving.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Neither
the title of the movie nor the original book are properly explained during the
movie.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
of the flashbacks were shown at odd times and might be a bit confusing for
children.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">While
a biopic of sorts, some of the story is fiction. We honestly don’t know as much about
Charles Dickens’ writing process as we would like to!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting quotes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Debt
is an ogre. If you’re not careful,
it can eat you up.” – Charles Dickens<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“People
will believe anything if you’re finely dressed.” – John Dickens (Jonathan
Pryce)</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m
the author here!” – Charles Dickens<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Allegedly.” - Scrooge<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJL4lZKxXjg/WiLK8Z9c4LI/AAAAAAAB91s/uN5xvK2PgN4RELJLBtsB3zmq4thmWqMwACLcBGAs/s1600/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="700" height="101" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJL4lZKxXjg/WiLK8Z9c4LI/AAAAAAAB91s/uN5xvK2PgN4RELJLBtsB3zmq4thmWqMwACLcBGAs/s320/MovieReviewMom2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for
parents: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If your kids have never heard or read Charles Dickens’
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452136491/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452136491&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=33f2c2b772082086baeb8deefcde6f26" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1452136491" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, then you’ll want them to become familiar with it
first.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids will be surprised to learn that Christmas wasn’t
always so commercial as it is now.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids also won’t know about “debtors’ prison” in England, where people were sent when they couldn't pay their bills. That always seemed strange to me, because there would be no possibly way for them to earn the money they owed while in prison!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Work
houses in England are also mentioned several times. Poor and destitute people were encouraged to go to work houses to live and earn money. The conditions and stigma were so terrible that people would rather die than go there.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I heard profanity twice. One of those times was the
British swear word “bloody.”<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
words your kids may not know are “nappies” (British word for “diaper”) and
“necromancer” (conjurer).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">@trinaboice </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-79372002655598210812017-11-11T13:59:00.000-08:002017-11-11T13:59:11.598-08:00Agatha Christi comes to life in a new version of her best-selling Murder on the Orient Express<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2wKbir_Pb0/WgdgHFgqbDI/AAAAAAAB9F8/uoPTszXLgOcLwyyyyodEDbLIMLdPFjvIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Murder%2Bon%2Bthe%2Borient%2Bexpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2wKbir_Pb0/WgdgHFgqbDI/AAAAAAAB9F8/uoPTszXLgOcLwyyyyodEDbLIMLdPFjvIwCLcBGAs/s640/Murder%2Bon%2Bthe%2Borient%2Bexpress.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As an author, I'd love to write a book that becomes a classic and endures through the years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Agatha Christie's murder mysteries are timeless. She was alive during the 1974 filming of Murder on the Orient Express. I wonder how she would have liked this new version. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's my movie review!</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062693662/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062693662&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=1fe1cc9eb1509ac703691444b735cabe" target="_blank">Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062693662" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: B</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating</b>: PG-13, 1
hour 54 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> With an incredible A-list cast, this is a well-made, stylish “Who-dunnit” mystery directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as the Belgium inspector
Hercule Poirot. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s extremely picturesque and beautiful, yet slowly fizzles with a disappointing reveal of who the murderer is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“We
seek the truth from within, not without.” – Hercule Poirot (Kenneth
Branagh)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sometimes
the law of man is not enough.” – Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“poison
of deep grief”, healing, peace<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Revenge </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Right vs. wrong and everything in between</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Truth</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
period pieces and costumes of the 1930’s are beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You
don’t often see movies that take their time telling the story. Both the time period and the style of
movie-making seemed old-fashioned. It was shot in 65 mm and really immerses you in the various environments. The sets are incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
all-star cast includes the talented Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench,
Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leslie Odom Jr., Daisy Ridley and Derek
Jacobi. Kenneth Branagh was absolutely outstanding. You might wonder how old
Judi Dench is…She was born in 1934, making her 82 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
was some humor, although the tone was a bit inconsistent, beginning with a
very light feel and then remaining mostly dark for the rest of the film.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
were some really great camera sequences.
One scene was shot from above the characters as they talked. Another scene was shot from outside the
train as it scanned the people walking down the hall through the windows. You really feel the movement of the train and feel like you're on one.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a reference to a murder on the Nile, possibly a sneak peek into a
sequel, but definitely a reference to another one of Agatha Christie's books called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002TVWZ6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002TVWZ6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=27b6c139a673982ca2f48c17219e4d9f" target="_blank">Agatha Christie's Poirot: Death on the Nile</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0002TVWZ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Speaking of the author, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074WJTFVJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074WJTFVJ&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=c313462abca07f34637b17eef967aa86" target="_blank">Agatha Christie's Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B074WJTFVJ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was her best-selling novel.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
movie begins at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem with some gorgeous vistas
and a funny sequence. One of these days, I'm going there.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are some beautiful vistas in Istanbul.
One of these days, I’m going there too.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Michelle Pfeiffer sings "Never Forget", which was co-written by director/actor Kenneth Branagh. Wow, he was really busy with this film.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The photo of Katherine, Hercule Poirot's lost love, is actually Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh's real ex-wife.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mq4m3yAoW8E" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
say it grinds to a halt, rather than get more intense. Yeah, it's true. The ending is anti-climatic.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In the
1974 version of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076KLCTKL/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B076KLCTKL&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=453a0027ff79105b1dbc4937b4584a49" target="_blank">Murder on the Orient Express</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B076KLCTKL" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, the star-studded ensemble had equal moments of importance;
whereas this version doesn't have much character arc and kind of fizzles. A lot of movie critics are comparing it to the movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RKGC52/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008RKGC52&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=d941e882471da7a536deb775bfc6ca56" target="_blank">Clue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008RKGC52" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which was able to develop characters much better.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Daisy Ridley’s
character is way too young for her character, who should be much older.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Sergei
Polunin is a famous ballet dancer in real life, but we don’t get to see
him dance at all! Instead, we get
to see him beat up some people.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">All of
the actors were great, but felt underutilized. So much talent wasted.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I
heard a lady sitting near me say, “That mustache has to go!” Hercule
Poirot’s double-decker mustache is ridiculous, but his mustache mask is even worse. Ha ha When the 1974 movie of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076KGWZFT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B076KGWZFT&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=9477a6d26496701ce0080d999f2d97de" target="_blank">Murder on the Orient Express</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B076KGWZFT" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Agatha Christie was still alive and she commented on how much she didn't like Albert Finney's mustache on his Hercule Poirot's character.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Romance
never goes unpunished.” – Hercule Poirot<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“To a
man with a hammer, everything is a nail.” – Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley’s
character is actually quoting Mark Twain.)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“There
is right. There is wrong. There is nothing in between.” – Hercule Poirot (He learns about grey areas.)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Vice
is where the devil finds his darlings.” – Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz)</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Did
we die?” – Hercule Poirot</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for
parents: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Young
children may get bored, as it’s a “talking” movie that unfolds slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are some subtitles when two people speak German.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">French
is spoken, but there are no subtitles.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IE16NXUOkw/WgdliHFBE3I/AAAAAAAB9GM/v11KlxnsnVMb16GpC2lOOqr54_uOU0c6ACLcBGAs/s1600/MovieReviewMom1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="700" height="101" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IE16NXUOkw/WgdliHFBE3I/AAAAAAAB9GM/v11KlxnsnVMb16GpC2lOOqr54_uOU0c6ACLcBGAs/s320/MovieReviewMom1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE REVIEW MOM<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">@trinaboice </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-5871831400983408032017-01-05T20:38:00.001-08:002017-01-05T20:38:53.273-08:00Boice Box now on Blog Lovin!<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9517131/?claim=e9h3em54hpm">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-23886529128685462592016-12-24T12:47:00.000-08:002016-12-24T12:49:06.447-08:00Merry CHRISTmas from author Trina Boice<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Merry CHRISTmas! </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Thank you for reading my blog in 2016! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
@TrinaBoice<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrLoWt2tfqg" width="560"></iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-55640892282640917112016-12-24T12:37:00.002-08:002016-12-24T12:37:10.114-08:00Nocturnal Animals shows powerful writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNttAkXXxAs/WF7WjiLgDuI/AAAAAAAAMKY/MhMlAIKQG-4dFaOczLB9DEBmdYJFd6hngCLcB/s1600/Noctunral-Animals-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNttAkXXxAs/WF7WjiLgDuI/AAAAAAAAMKY/MhMlAIKQG-4dFaOczLB9DEBmdYJFd6hngCLcB/s640/Noctunral-Animals-Poster.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As an author, I always enjoy movies about other writers. I would love to have my writing affect a reader so powerfully as Edward's did on Susan. This is the book the film </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">was based on: </span> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1478970634/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1478970634&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=419c158b939c11a3545e8a93a96f7569" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1478970634&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1478970634" style="border: none; font-size: x-large; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Below is my post from my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmom.com/" target="_blank">movie review blog:</a></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAG5VL9/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01NAG5VL9&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=133c1213b1ddbfe1f61f98ab8ecb355d" target="_blank">Nocturnal Animals</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01NAG5VL9" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><o:p></o:p></span></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: B+<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating</b>: R, 115
minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b>This disturbing,
stylish drama is very cleverly written and unfolds perfectly. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Ford wrote the screenplay and
directed this movie. He is a great
storyteller and does an excellent job layering three stories over and under
each other. Did you know he got his start as a fashion designer?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Do
you ever feel like your life has turned into something you never intended?”
– Susan Morrow (Amy Adams)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Regret,
emotional scars.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Believing
in someone.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I love
Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaall in anything. They’re both super talented and deliver
fantastic emotional performances.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You
begin to understand the symbolism at the same time Susan does.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael Shannon does a great job as a crusty old cop who is dying physically and
emotionally.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Aaron
Taylor-Johnson and Karl Glusman make you so angry as the sleazy scumbag
criminals you want to see get what they deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought
the movie poster was really clever. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoNormal" li="" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This film will stay with you. The more you think about it, the more you'll notice the connecting cues throughout the movie.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It
annoyed me when Susan described her conservative, religious parents as
racist, as if all of those things are naturally connected.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
very talented actors had very small parts (Laura Linney, Michael Sheen, Armie
Hammer, Jena Malone) and I would have loved to see more of them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s
emotionally very dark.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/juFmTNbFh8g" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Enjoy
the absurdity of our world. It’s a
lot less painful.” – Carlos (Michael Sheen who has another movie out in
theaters right now: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2TC6OJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N2TC6OJ&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=dc4eb41b1d915ebdc7539a749ae0ad4b" target="_blank">Passengers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N2TC6OJ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Susan
asks, “Why are you so driven to write?”
Edward answers, “I guess it’s a way of keeping things alive. I’m saying things that will eventually
die. If I write it down, then it’ll
last forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“My
husband used to call me a nocturnal animal.” – Susan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">‘I’m
not scared. I’m unhappy.” – Susan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“They
say we all become our mother.” – Anne Sutton<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Funny lines: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Do
you not trust your nanny?” – Susan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No, I do. I just hate her.” – (Jena Malone)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for
parents: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This
is not a family-friendly movie that children should watch. It is a very dark Rated R film with mature
themes.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Vulgar
profanity.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion
and portrayal of a brutal rape attack.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You
see a guy sitting on a toilet naked.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Abortion,
marriage infidelity, illegal activities.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">@trinaboice</span> </b><o:p></o:p></div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-91603062115140961182016-11-13T08:21:00.004-08:002016-11-13T08:21:56.704-08:00Arrival is a fascinating look at language and communication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDTcJ1s1VHU/WCh-HwFyv_I/AAAAAAAALSo/oJiOyJVyo2EsBvgBEM2K99sLO6RLz9kKQCLcB/s1600/arrival-movie-poster-01-1281%25C3%25972000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDTcJ1s1VHU/WCh-HwFyv_I/AAAAAAAALSo/oJiOyJVyo2EsBvgBEM2K99sLO6RLz9kKQCLcB/s400/arrival-movie-poster-01-1281%25C3%25972000.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This blog is reserved for my random ideas about writing. As an author, I'm fascinated with communication, so I simply had to share this movie review I just posted on my <a href="http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2016/11/arrival-will-tickle-your-brain-and-warm.html" target="_blank">movie blog!</a></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ4WK2S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LZ4WK2S&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=080c7b77db1a226e008b9ef82a57ffc3" target="_blank">Arrival</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01LZ4WK2S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: A<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating</b>: PG-13,
116 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b>Earning 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes,
this intelligent sci-fi thriller features an outstanding performance from Amy
Adams that already has garnered Oscar buzz. This fascinating film will tickle your brain and warm
your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t want to post my review right after I saw it,
because I wanted it to percolate in my head and process it for a while
first. The more I thought about it, the
more I loved it. It’s hard to write a review without giving too much away, so I apologize for the spoiler alerts below. It’s better to see the movie “blind”, so to
speak, so that you get to experience the unfolding of the story. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Arriving" at the end of the movie and understanding it is a satisfying journey when you have to work it out in your own mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know a movie has done its job when the audience claps
and then slowly walks out of the theater, as they try to contemplate what they
have just experienced. That’s what
happened when I sat in a packed theater Friday night. I can’t wait for you to see it and read your
comments!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Language
is complicated and messy and sometimes it can be both.” – Dr. Louise Banks<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This
is less about aliens and science fiction, but instead, more about humanity and working together.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“If
you could see your whole life start to finish, would you change things?” –
Dr. Louise Banks I loved the
movie</span> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G0SJU8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004G0SJU8&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=598285909e66ee28409f4aa9725fcda1" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">City of Angels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004G0SJU8" style="border: none; font-size: x-large; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-size: large;"> and how, despite life being hard and even
heart-breaking at times, it’s still worth living….every minute.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Director
Denis Villeneuve usually makes violent, profanity-laced Rated R movies like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0162LLCA2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0162LLCA2&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=f868ecaf5219f5bc5e9d080fbc137a2f" target="_blank">Sicario</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0162LLCA2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GT2GUZW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GT2GUZW&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=ed340ec6df244ae3b59be0ec1014ba37" target="_blank">Prisoners</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00GT2GUZW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />,
so I was happy to see him offer something else more family-friendly and
cerebral. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
cinematography is fantastic. One of
the best takes is when we first see the alien spacecraft in a field in
Montana with fog drifting over the ridge. Gorgeous. The camera rolls in almost a 360 degree span that is absolutely
stunning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It
reminded me a little bit of the movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HME4MF6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HME4MF6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=77b6c699c04bac150dd2784f7d292da6" target="_blank">Signs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00HME4MF6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> , which I loved, because of the lingering
uneasiness that lasts throughout the entire movie. The tension is handled very well. It also reminded me of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJUJC8C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FJUJC8C&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=a92bb3bfb6db5afb3d009b55ecb57aa5" target="_blank">Close Encounters Of The Third Kind</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00FJUJC8C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AH6ZWY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001AH6ZWY&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=c19cf11a4a353fcfce6e4859bbc48f5d" target="_blank">Contact</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B001AH6ZWY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, because of the lessons we learn about humanity and our
connection to the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I
loved the no-gravity chamber inside the spaceship, especially when the
people inside could look far down below at the people walking around. Super cool. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m
such a nerd that when Dr. Banks’ lecture on the Portuguese language was
interrupted, I was disappointed that I didn’t get to hear it. Ha ha
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We’ve
never seen aliens like this before.
We’ve never seen a spaceship like this before. We’ve never seen a written language like
this before. Three cheers for
creative writers!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I was mesmerized with how the spaceships left the atmosphere….soooo cool. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Did
you catch Louise’s earrings at the fancy event when she was talking to
General Shang of China (played by Tzi Ma)?
If you look closely, you’ll also see that same image repeated on her daughter’s
notebook. Pay attention to other places you see a bird in a cage too.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a little bit of humor, which audiences always appreciate.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">SPOILER ALERT. As a university professor who teaches English, I LOVE that the film revolved around language and trying to communicate with the aliens, yet was really about how we humans communicate with each other. Amy Adams’ character (also a college professor) wrote, “Language is the cornerstone of civilization.” The gift that the aliens brought was perfect. </span><span style="font-size: large;">An intriguing idea in the movie is that language shapes the way we think more than the way we think shapes our language.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">HUGE
SPOILER ALERT!!!! I LOVED the way
that time was used in the movie.
Because we’re human, we view time as linear. That simple fact makes us believe that
what we’re seeing at the beginning of the movie is the beginning of the
story. The movie folds over on
itself, just as the language of the aliens does. Once Louise realizes that, we also
realize what is happening in the story.
Very cool.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ4WK2S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LZ4WK2S&linkCode={{linkCode}}&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId={{link_id}}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01LZ4WK2S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01LZ4WK2S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
viewers have complained about the slow pace, but I didn’t mind, because it
gave my brain a chance to consider all of the different story angles and
messages.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Each encounter
with the aliens cut off too soon. I
wanted them to last longer.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Renner delivers a good performance.
Unfortunately, his character doesn’t contribute much and he admits
that they wouldn’t be anywhere without Louise. He figures out one thing without her and
he makes a really strange decision in the end that I didn’t like. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">What
was the deal with Forest Whitaker’s weird accent?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a lot of quiet mumbling, making it often difficult to understand what
people are saying.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
things were out of focus, which was annoying. I recognize that was an artistic choice,
forcing us to focus on a specific thing, but sometimes it just annoyed me; I wanted to see everything!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTNJtEXYsyw" width="560"></iframe>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“If
all I ever gave you was a hammer…” – Louise<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Every answer is a nail.” – Colonel
Weber (Forest Whitaker)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“</b>Memory is a strange thing. It doesn’t work like I used to
think. We are bound by time, by its
order…” – Louise<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“There
are days that define your story beyond your life.” - Louise<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Funny lines: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“You
made quick work of those insurgent videos.” – Colonel Weber<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“You made quick work of those
insurgents.” – Louise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“When
was the last time you did something stressful?” – Army doctor<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Does this count? Just saying…” – Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah. That just happened.” – Ian Donnelly<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Trust
me. You can understand communication
and still end up single.” - Louise<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tips for
parents: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids
will think the aliens are cool, not too scary.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Yay
for science and math! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are some subtitles your kids will need to read or have read to them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
one and only person who dropped an F-bomb happened to be an Avenger…Jeremy
Renner. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The movie is based on a short story by Ted Chiang entitled </span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1101972122&asins=1101972122&linkId=0372b358ab23cd385eba3d41279eae7c&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cool alien movies you must see:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0525433678&asins=0525433678&linkId=24370da0a9998fd15176f0145a0eeae9&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00005JL3T&asins=B00005JL3T&linkId=2e07b48db45a7bec6b7515214cc61803&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00FJUJC8C&asins=B00FJUJC8C&linkId=481eae772337f4a9457100d19ee62117&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001AH6ZWY&asins=B001AH6ZWY&linkId=8332527582ac8b39ce756e7c2bf5a488&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-23548942063194573202016-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:002016-08-11T16:39:46.911-07:00He Named Me Malala movie and book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YO2CIsXbgBU/V60Ek29ogaI/AAAAAAAAKBA/VZFDP-6LxDctbnsfQ8kW14kw2OsAfqrBgCLcB/s1600/he%2Bnamed%2Bme%2Bmalala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YO2CIsXbgBU/V60Ek29ogaI/AAAAAAAAKBA/VZFDP-6LxDctbnsfQ8kW14kw2OsAfqrBgCLcB/s400/he%2Bnamed%2Bme%2Bmalala1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here is an example from a powerful story and book turned into a less successful film. The following is from my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review web site.</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: He Named Me Malala<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: B-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating: PG-13, 87 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> This
true story is one that needs to be told. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the film is underwhelming considering the importance of
the subject material. It is informative,
but not engrossing enough to create raving fans or high box office sales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The film is a powerful educational tool for teenagers and
even comes with free discussion guides for teachers to use in a classroom
setting. #WithMalala Hopefully, teens, especially girls, will be
inspired and motivated to make a positive difference in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Stand
up for what is right. Stand up for
rights.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Countless
unsung heroes have paid the price for freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“It’s
better to live like a lion for one day than to live like a slave for a
hundred years.” – Malala<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“It is
so hard to get things done in this world.
You try and too often it doesn’t work, but you have to continue and
you never give up.” – Malala<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Change
matters.” – Malala’s father<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Education
is power. Malala’s father stated,
“When you educate a girl, it transforms her. It transforms our world.” So true.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“There’s
a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up.” -
Malala<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsnVnbrmhY0/V60Ev3_jvmI/AAAAAAAAKBE/dLSKKwupGpwNITPwV8mg1cqV_ZScKBMiACEw/s1600/he%2Bnamed%2Bme%2Bmalala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsnVnbrmhY0/V60Ev3_jvmI/AAAAAAAAKBE/dLSKKwupGpwNITPwV8mg1cqV_ZScKBMiACEw/s1600/he%2Bnamed%2Bme%2Bmalala.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It was
smart to use animation sequences to separate the past from the present, as
the film jumps back and forth in time. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Malala’s
father is truly remarkable. The film explains that his family pedigree
only included the names of men for 300 years, until he was the first to
add his daughter’s name to it. He has such a better way of seeing the
world than is common in his culture.
He has done a lot for women’s rights and forward thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s
impressive to hear the profound things Malala says and then remember that
she is still a teenager. She received
the Nobel Peace Prize and was listed in the Top 100 Most Influential
People by <i>Time </i>magazine.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I
thought it was interesting that, although Malala would be killed if she
returned to Pakistan, she still wanted to go back. She said, “I miss the dirty streets.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are so many positive lessons to be gleaned from Malala’s story and
life. Her father stammers sometimes
and she said that she was impressed with his persistence and never let his
speech impediment slow him down.
She suggested to him that he simply choose another word when he
stumbles on a particular word, but instead, he persists until he finally
gets it right. Impressive man. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQpLTnRhj2w/V60HTu-UrsI/AAAAAAAAKBU/zqjSQVWkEnIu4aozeGoFavzKRF-eyDT-QCLcB/s1600/malala4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQpLTnRhj2w/V60HTu-UrsI/AAAAAAAAKBU/zqjSQVWkEnIu4aozeGoFavzKRF-eyDT-QCLcB/s640/malala4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
it’s hard to understand Malala’s accent.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It
took me awhile to get into the movie, but by the end, I was glad I spent
the time to learn more about Malala and her story. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
beautiful home in England where Malala’s family now lives and all of the
media coverage make you wonder who it was
who pushed for all of the attention and how much money was made
from her story. Some people have
been critical of Malala’s father, saying that he orchestrated all of the
coverage in order to gain money and notoriety. When confronted with that criticism, Malala
stated, “My father gave me the name Malala. He did not make me Malala. I chose this life.” Good answer.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It
feels more like a documentary than a feature film.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Malala’s
little brother talks about how she slaps him every day. She explains it’s a loving gesture. I understand the filmmakers were trying
to show her playful relationship with her siblings, but considering the film is
about violence, I wouldn’t have highlighted that interaction. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A clip
shows Malala saying, “I believe there is no difference between a man and
woman,” but then immediately says, “A woman is more powerful than a
man.” Huh? While Malala says some very insightful
things in the film, that inconsistent logic shouldn’t have been included.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There isn't very much humor, so the movie can feel very heavy after awhile.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vE5gSHJkusU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting and
inspiring lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Dear
sisters, don’t be fooled by superstitions.” – radio host who inspired
Malala as a young girl<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“School
was my home.” – Malala (Her father
was a school teacher, so she spent many hours playing and studying in the
school where he taught.)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I
think she’s not independent and free because she’s not educated.” – Malala
said this about her mother <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I
think she’s addicted to books.” – Malala’s brother said this about her. Later, she explains “One book can change
the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I saw
her completion in me and I saw my completion in her.” – Malala’s father
said this about when he first met his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“God
is not that tiny.” – Malala<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">An
interviewer asked Malala’s father who shot her. He answered, “It was not a person. It was an ideology.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">In
speaking about the Taliban, Malala stated, “They were not about
faith. They were about power.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“If my
rights are violated, and I keep silent, I should better die than live.” –
Malala’s father<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Let
us pick up our books and our pens.
They are our most powerful weapons.” – Malala<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“A
conscience exists in the world that extends beyond all boundaries.” –
Malala’s father<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvOf86w90s/V60HAfMP_QI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/CYQhJTYsybAmMZln6pSyWW0tPxZU5loMgCLcB/s1600/malala3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvOf86w90s/V60HAfMP_QI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/CYQhJTYsybAmMZln6pSyWW0tPxZU5loMgCLcB/s640/malala3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">TIPS FOR PARENTS</span></b><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Young
children may be bored. The topics
are serious, political, and often dark.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a scene that describes when Malala and some of her classmates were shot
on a school bus. You see some blood
on the bus, which could be frightening for young children.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is some live footage of past events, but most of the violent history is
shown in animation.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">No
profanity.</span></li>
</ul>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-15908088547926061932016-07-10T10:26:00.000-07:002016-07-10T10:26:00.279-07:00Disney turns Roald Dahl's book The BFG into a fun family flick<span style="font-size: large;">Here's another book that has been turned into a summer blockbuster on the Big Screen! This one is fun family entertainment for most all ages. This movie review is from my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review blog</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPd1LWtzIeg/V4Ec-jxx6YI/AAAAAAAAHtA/wVvVoxy0Qk46vHCZHrhz4hdzt46D2kIcgCLcB/s1600/the-bfg-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPd1LWtzIeg/V4Ec-jxx6YI/AAAAAAAAHtA/wVvVoxy0Qk46vHCZHrhz4hdzt46D2kIcgCLcB/s640/the-bfg-movie-poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The BFG<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: B+<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating: </b>PG, 115 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> In an
interview with Regal Theaters, Steven Spielberg said “This is one of the best
experiences I’ve ever had.” It was a reunion of sorts with some of his old team
from the E.T. movie days. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Director
Steven Spielberg and musical composer John Williams are both film legends, so
it’s awesome to see a new film that uses both of their talents again. They introduce us to a magical world based on
the 1982 novel by Roald Dahl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
world is more giant than you can imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
healing power of friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">"Dreams
are quick on the outside, but last long on the inside." - The BFG<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark
Rylance truly shines as the Big Friendly Giant.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">John
Williams’ musical score conjures a magical spell that rests lovingly on
this old-fashioned tale. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I love
all the fun words the BFG makes up.
He says, “I cannot be helping it if I saying things a little
squiggly.” English teachers will
be delighted and frustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Ruby
Barnhill is fantastic and one of Spielberg’s best child talents ever. She
is extremely entertaining with a bright future ahead of her.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Technically,
this movie is stellar, mixing CG and motion-capture images as one. Of that impressive blend, Steven
Spielberg said, “Motion capture makes you believe a little girl and a big
giant can exist in the same shot.” The animation itself was incredibly
detailed and realistic-looking.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I have
never read The BFG by Roald Dahl, but I hear that there are some darker
elements in the book that Spielberg and writer Melissa Mathison decided to
leave out in lieu of a more family-friendly, feel-good flick. You don't have to read the book to enjoy or understand the movie.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the conversations are pretty funny.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The movie definitely takes its time to develop, but the
second half of the movie got bogged down a little bit. The breakfast scene with the queen was
fun, but definitely slowed down the pacing of the movie even more.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Exactly
what The BFG does for a living is a little fuzzy. I mean, was he self-appointed to his job
and who is he going to pass his trade on to?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">No women giants. The BFG explains that giants don't have parents, so apparently, female giants aren't needed.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Am I monster to admit I was a little bit bored a few times?</span></li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y1fZg0hhBX8" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>You is an insult to giant people.” – Fleshlumpeater
(Jemaine Clement)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Well,
what I says and what I means is sometimes two different things.” – The BFG<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips for parents: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This
is a sweet family film for most all ages.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Very
young children might be frightened by the bad giants or the thought that a
giant gives them dreams by sneaking into their room at night. They might worry that, like Sophie, they could be snatched out of their beds at night.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">No profanity.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
BFG calls farts “wiz poppers.”
</span><span style="font-size: large;">There are several discussions and BIG displays of farts. Kids will think it's hilarious.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
</span></li>
</ul>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-34277434530451931362016-07-09T10:17:00.001-07:002016-07-09T10:17:37.768-07:00The Legend of Tarzan dusts off Burrough's book and turns it into a summer blockbuster<span style="font-size: large;">This blog is where I write about writing. When I was a little girl, I always knew I'd be an author. I just didn't know what I was going to write about! As it turns out, all of my books are non-fiction on a variety of topics.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fiction writers have my utmost respect and admiration, because I think conjuring up new worlds that don't really exist is hard! I'm especially impressed with timeless stories that see success for generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tarzan is one of those books. AGAIN it has been remade into a movie. Here is my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review</a> of the newest interpretation of Edgar Rice Burrough's story:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqWduYfrcI0/V3_MYgrmn8I/AAAAAAAAHsM/M3BtVG19ll43CYCYc-deE-SMgnlLujDzQCLcB/s1600/The%2Blegend%2Bof%2Btarzan%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqWduYfrcI0/V3_MYgrmn8I/AAAAAAAAHsM/M3BtVG19ll43CYCYc-deE-SMgnlLujDzQCLcB/s640/The%2Blegend%2Bof%2Btarzan%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Movie Title: The
Legend of Tarzan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: B<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rating: </b>PG-13,
109 minutes<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b>Director
David Yates is most known for his work with the last four Harry Potter films. This time he brings us a new take on Edgar
Rice Burrough’s Tarzan. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of Hollywood’s
first silent films was the Tarzan story, shortly after the original book came
out. While the story is flawed, and many feel like there was no need for a remake, the lush, romantic images in this movie will make you
feel like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bocall could float down the river at any
minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you ever see the 1984 movie “Greystoke”? I loved it and highly recommend it. This story...sort of....begins where that movie left off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“A
normal man can do the impossible to save the woman he loves. My husband is no normal man.” - Jane Clayton<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Honor,
friendship, loyalty, revenge, respect.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The value of human an animal life.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
musical score sounded very exotic and mysterious from the very beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Christoph
Waltz is fantastic in anything.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Alexander
Skarsgard makes for a perfectly believable Tarzan. I loved it when he greeted the lions he
had known since they were cubs. So
sweet. Great CGI moment! As a 6'4" hunk of muscle and abs, Alexander convincingly plays a kind Tarzan who can easily kick butt when needed.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Margot
Robbie makes a lovely, spunky Jane Porter. She's a British actress playing an American, while Alexander Skarsgard is an American playing a Brit. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Samuel
Jackson. Ha ha He looks like he's having fun. His character is actually based on a real person.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful
scenery and settings.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Tarzan
thinks those pincer ants taste like bacon.
Ha ha<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a lot of action and movement from start to finish. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some emotional moments akin to Bambi losing his mother.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
movie jumps back and forth in time and could become confusing for some
people.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
the apes and animals looked real; other times the CGI looked too fake.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a LOT of narration so that the audience can understand what’s going on. The problem is that the movie almost talks down to the audience. Show us; don't just tell us.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Samuel
L. Jackson’s existence in the movie is merely for comic relief. He represents an American emissary,
which doesn’t make a lot of sense in the story line.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> You hear Tarzan's famous yell, but you never actually see Alexander Skarsgard do it. You also hear him growl like lions and other animals, but again, it's a soundtrack behind him and you never see his face while he's making those sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ve
already been to Africa. And it’s
hot.” – John Clayton (Tarzan)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“I
never take the stairs. I usually
take the curtains.” – John Clayton<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“You
DO know that the right side of your mustache is just a little bit lower
than the left?” – Jane<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“How
are we supposed to catch a train going 40 miles an hour?” – Samuel L. Jackson </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Gravity.”
- Tarzan</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“He’s Tarzan. You’re Jane. He’ll come for you.” – Captain Rom
(Christoph Waltz)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“They
say an elephant’s eye speaks the greatest language. Who else can say so much without
speaking a word?” - Tarzan<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“These
are what you came for? What will
you do for them? – Chief Mbonga (Djmon Hounsou)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Whatever is necessary.” – Leon Ron
(Christoph Waltz)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">* No man ever started with less.” –
Jane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Your
husband’s wildness easily disturbs me more than I can easily express,
whereas your spirit…” Captain Rom<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“That
woman!” - Captain Rom<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“What
was that?” – Captain Rom’s assistant<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Tarzan, although it sounded
different than I thought. Better.” –
Captain Rom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tips for
parents: </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a LOT of violence. Man vs. man. Man vs. animal. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
profanity, usually out of the mouth of Samuel L. Jackson.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
issues of African slavery, mistreatment of the American Indians, and “blood
diamonds” are addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is a before and after sex scene, but the audience doesn’t see what
happens in between.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-15463214455128224892016-04-17T10:32:00.000-07:002016-04-17T10:32:36.824-07:00Rudyard Kipling's book still lives on<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MatnaPUPMZA/VxO6RmbgqrI/AAAAAAAAF7c/uAWe91Pti1cWC3p49f3LQaKmCiJ0eG1IwCLcB/s1600/the-jungle-book-character-poster-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MatnaPUPMZA/VxO6RmbgqrI/AAAAAAAAF7c/uAWe91Pti1cWC3p49f3LQaKmCiJ0eG1IwCLcB/s400/the-jungle-book-character-poster-3.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As an author, I'd love to think my books are timeless and will live on long after I'm gone. I'm also a realist and recognize that probably won't happen! ha ha</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rudyard Kipling has definitely achieved immortality in the sense that his children's story has been loved by many generations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Below is my review of the newest remake of his story, which I shared on <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my movie review blog.</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Movie Title: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GDT5T9Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GDT5T9Y&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=64WRIBJ2TLTZDW6E">The Jungle Book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00GDT5T9Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: A<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating: PG, 1
hour 51 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> What do you get when you mix 90% CGI with a
Rudyard Kipling remake? Surprisingly, a
beautiful family friendly film. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Director
Jon Favreau gives a respectful nod to the 1967 Disney original, while crafting
a new one that is fresh and full of heart.
See it in 3D if you can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> Baloo says, “Everyone’s got a song.” A
strong message that comes out in the film is to be yourself, your best
self. We all have our unique
strengths and others around us will be blessed when we are true to
ourselves and use our talents.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Another
wise thing Baloo says is, “You say you want to go the man village. I say you can be a man right here.” We need to stop waiting for something to
happen before we live up to our potential.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Friendship, courage, love.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Neel
Sethi plays Mowgli, the only human in the movie, yet there is great
humanity in the film. He does an
excellent job and is completely adorable.
I love the realistic detail of some scars on his shoulder and
chest. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Even
if we don’t get to see the talented Ben Kingsley, it’s a pleasure to hear
his voice as the protective teacher Bagheera.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Who
doesn’t love the carefree Baloo?
Bill Murray’s voice fits perfectly and provides plenty of comic
relief, making the audience I sat with laugh almost every time the lovable
bear was on the screen. This ain’t
no bear from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AB7GMB2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AB7GMB2&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=HFDVHIYWUUNHBVIQ">The Revenant</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B01AB7GMB2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Casting
Christopher Walken as the creepy, funny King Louie was perfect. Walken has that reputation in Hollywood.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Idris
Elba voices the scary Shere Khan and provides a villain who is
frightening, yet not so much that young children won’t be able to watch
the movie.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlett
Johansson’s soothing, tempting voice was also a great choice for Kaa.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
wolf oath has been borrowed by the Boy Scouts of America, because it
teaches some important principles still today! The 8 year old boys in Cub Scouts repeat
a somewhat different version each week in their gatherings.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Adorable,
yet realistic creatures in the jungle.
The porcupine was an especially popular character for the
audience. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Pay
close attention to this fascinating detail…there is a water scene where
you actually see water splashes on the camera…but is there really a camera
there or was it all CGI?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Honey
IS actually good for scratches and bee stings!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is nothing at the end of credits, so feel free to leave the theater after
the last scene. I was disappointed,
because they could have easily added any number of fun nuggets to surprise
and delight audiences.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some
of the CGI looks a little fake, but most of it is actually stunning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5mkm22yO-bs" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Bears don’t hibernate in the jungle.” –
Bagheera <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Not full hibernation, but I nap…a
lot.” – Baloo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“</b>I realize you weren’t born a
wolf, but couldn’t you just act like one?” - Bagheera<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“If
you can’t learn to run with the pack, one of these days, you’ll be someone’s
dinner.” – Bagheera<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“He’s
walking on two legs!” – animal child at Peace Rock<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Don’t stare!” – animal’s shocked
mother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“What
did I tell you? He’s special.” –
Baloo talking about Mowgli<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I know. I raised him.” - Bagheera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“If it’s
meant to be, it will be.” – Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“You
have never been a more endangered species than you are in this moment.” -
Baloo</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tips for
parents: </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There are
some animal fight scenes that might frighten very young children.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Shere
Khan has a scarred eye that makes him look scary.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">No
profanity.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Other great versions I loved of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GDT5T9Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GDT5T9Y&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=64WRIBJ2TLTZDW6E">The Jungle Book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00GDT5T9Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
:</span></div>
<div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00HBX93IE&asins=B00HBX93IE&linkId=CKJACTNP4Z7I72H6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CQR75LW&asins=B00CQR75LW&linkId=X46U7WZ2MOWPZCIR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
</div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-72539717982468678012016-03-22T21:46:00.001-07:002016-03-22T21:46:26.421-07:00When a movie messes with a book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FenEjFTyw1w/VvIX_jGE7FI/AAAAAAAAF1s/QlHneiRZyjMAt9C3B6QuLQeJw8WsEaPbA/s1600/allegiant-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FenEjFTyw1w/VvIX_jGE7FI/AAAAAAAAF1s/QlHneiRZyjMAt9C3B6QuLQeJw8WsEaPbA/s400/allegiant-movie-poster.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's a great example of when a movie really messes with a book and overstays its welcome...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Movie Title: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D0SVUFC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01D0SVUFC&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=2ZAJ3SQYKUS37IIP">The Divergent Series: Allegiant</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B01D0SVUFC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grade: D<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rating: PG-13,
2 hours 19 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a Nutshell: </b> Filled with TONS of CGI and special effects, this third
installment in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J59ZKV6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J59ZKV6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=JGJQQY37TGFKPLH4">Divergent</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00J59ZKV6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
franchise stretches out the story probably more
than it should.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You definitely need to have seen the first two movies in the
series in order to understand what the heck is going on in this one. This isn’t really a stand-alone movie.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read my movie reviews for <a href="http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2014/03/divergent-movie-review.html" target="_blank">Divergent</a> and <a href="http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2015/03/see-divergent-before-you-see-insurgent.html" target="_blank">Insurgent</a> and be sure to watch the movies in the correct order so they make more sense. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Great leaders don’t seek power. They’re called out of necessity.” – Johanna (Octavia Spencer)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">What
do we do when we lose our humanity?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">‘I don’t
know who told you that being different was a bad thing…” – David (Jeff Daniels)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Maybe
it’s time to start embracing everyone instead of dividing them into
groups.” - Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Shaleilene Woodley looks more grown up and beautiful. Super cute hair cut.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I liked the concept of the cool bubble things that surround
people and allow them to float, although it definitely looked CGI and fake.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Everything
looks fake. While “Star Wars
Awakens” used a lot of CGI, they were successfully able to create enough real sets that made the scenes truly believable.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Characters
are paper thin. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Lots
of crowds of extras yelling and shaking their fists halfheartedly.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Purify
the human genome” sounds a lot like what Hitler was trying to do…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s
hilarious that the other side of the wall has such advanced technology, yet a
lot of their areas still look like beat up warehouses.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The
chase scene towards the end was super fake and lame.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the actors seemed as bored as the audience.</span></li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0G0C-vMHcQY" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>“This is fun. I’m glad we did this.” – Peter (Miles Teller)<b> </b></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“You
are the only one worth saving.” - David</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Hello. I come from outside the wall, where we
have all but destroyed each other.” – narrator</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">"We
created factions to create peace.” - narrator (What kind of logic is that?)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sometimes
walls are designed to protect us.” – announcement lady on screen</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“It’s
impossible.” – Tori (Maggie Q) “So.” – Tris</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“People
are sheep and they need a shepherd to guide them…and when they resist,
they are slaughtered.” – Max (Mekhi Phifer)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“Why
did you go to war with Janine if you were just going to become her?” –
Four (Theo James) </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tips for
parents: </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Point
blank shooting in the head.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You
see Shalene’s naked body (silhouette) in the dark.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of shooting, explosions, fighting</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Dead bodies on the ground</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">No profanity.</span></li>
</ul>
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</iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-84899862507301571902016-02-13T13:15:00.001-08:002016-02-13T13:17:12.018-08:00What's your favorite book about true love?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhcko1oKgMw/Vr-Zizyw4QI/AAAAAAAAFqk/BmpMIYx2UBQ/s1600/the%2Bchoice%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhcko1oKgMw/Vr-Zizyw4QI/AAAAAAAAFqk/BmpMIYx2UBQ/s400/the%2Bchoice%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
I wanted to feature a romantic movie on this special day. Unfortunately, there are 2 mediocre chick flicks in theaters right now, nothing I can highly recommend. <br />
<br />
One of them is based on the newest Nicholas Sparks books, and because this blog is all about reading and writing, I thought I'd feature this one below from my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review blog.</a><br />
<br />
One of my all-time favorite movies about true love is "The Princess Bride." <b>What is yours?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Movie Title: The Choice</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Grade: C-<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: PG-13,
1 hour 49 minutes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>In a Nutshell: </b> My husband says that the definition of a Chick
Flick is when two good-looking guys fall all over themselves for one spoiled
girl. If that’s true, then this is definitely
a Chick Flick, although not a very good one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the obvious choices in this formulaic movie isn’t
just which guy to choose, but there are several others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Life just
keeps unfolding. If you sit still,
it’ll pass you by altogether.” – Gabby (Teresa Palmer)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Life
is held together by choices – all sizes.” – Gabby<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Opportunity
is missed by most people, because it’s dressed up in overalls and looks a
lot like work.” – Thomas Edison, as quoted by Shep (Tom Wilkinson)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Every
path you take leads to another choice.” – Travis (Benjamin Walker)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Most
of the movie takes place lakeside with beautiful views.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Cute
puppies!<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Teresa
Palmer looks like the All-American girl next door.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Nicholas
Sparks tries to add depth to his romantic stories. His most recent tale-turned-Chick-Flick
was <a href="http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-longest-ride-surprises-with-depth.html" target="_blank">“The Longest Ride.” You can see my movie review of that film here.</a> That film did it much better than this one.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">If
you’re thinking about cheating on your boyfriend, you’ll see what a
two-timer feels like.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">There’s
a funny proposal scene.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Everything
about this movie is clichéd, even the clothing. For example, he wears a tank top to show
off his muscles and she wears a white t-shirt in the rain.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A lot
of movie critics are begging Nicholas Sparks to stop writing such cheesy
love stories that then get turned into sappy movies.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Benjamin
Walker drinks bottles of beer in a weird way. I know that seems nit-picky, but it
bugged me.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">They
try to have clever chit-chat, but it comes out forced and predictable. The actors look like they’re acting.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">SPOILER
ALERT: A happy ending is an easy
out. The harder ending would have
been to write something more interesting.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Both
Travis and Gabby are too cocky for my taste. They fight and bicker from the very
first moment they meet, which is a clichéd, although not appealing, form
of flirtation.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">What kind of character does a girl have who jumps in bed with another guy when her boyfriend has only been gone a few days on a business trip? Does true love excuse lack of integrity or morality? Um...nope.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3igwHv6Msjo" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b>Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"> “What are you doing?” – Gabby<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Walking towards you real slow.” –
Travis<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Why?” - Gabby<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Cause if I ran, I’d scare you.” - Travis<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Mama,
he’s a walking cautionary tale.” - Gabby<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Has
anyone ever said no to you?” – Gabby<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“No.” – Travis<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Then, I’m making history.” - Gabby<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Your
friends, family…that’s all you can count on in this world. That’s what I believe.” – Travis<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“I
kind of fell into the Bible. He
wanted to burn it.” – Shep<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“If
you see a man sleeping on the cold floor, there’s sure to be a pretty
woman nearby.” – Shep<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“There’s
no shame in being a broken man. I
should know. You just pick up the pieces and start rebuilding.” – Shep<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“That’s
all any woman wants…a man who’s going to fight.” (for her) - Monica (Alexandra Daddario)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tips for
parents: </b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Girls
falling out of their bikini tops.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">One
girl flips the bird.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Some
profanity.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Two
people jump in bed together on their very first date.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Take
the opportunity to talk to your family about “Do Not Resuscitate”
orders. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-6387110797951543032016-02-06T21:58:00.002-08:002016-02-06T21:58:57.167-08:00Pride and Prejudice mixes Zombies with British humor<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As an author, I admit I'd love to achieve the legendary status as Jane Austin, not to mention her loyal fan base. <br />
<br />
Many versions of "Pride and Prejudice" have been written and turned into film over the years. Adding zombies to the tale may have never crossed our mind, but writer and director Burr Steers thought "why not?"<br />
<br />
Below is my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review from my other blog.</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Movie Title: Pride
and Prejudice and Zombies</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Grade: B-<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: PG-13,
1 hour 40 minutes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>In a Nutshell: </b> Why? I
guess writer and director Burr Steers thought “why not?”<br />
<br />
Who exactly is the target market for this
film: fans of Jane Austin or “The Walking Dead”? Is there a third category of people who love
both? If so, this movie is their dream
come true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s an odd mash-up, for sure, kind of like “Abraham
Lincoln, the Vampire Slayer”. Like that movie, real history is mingled with
fiction in flirty fashion. In the
beginning of the movie, we are given a quasi-history lesson which tries to make
the rest of the movie make sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve seen many different kinds of zombies in movies and TV
shows before, and this movie brings us another version: one that can talk, run
fast, and act human…with a British accent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"> “My courage always rises at every attempt
to intimidate me.” – Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Keep
your swords as sharp as your wits.” – narrator<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">True
love always wins the day.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">I adore Lily James. I first fell in love with her in Cinderella. She is a lovely Elizabeth Bennet.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Matt
Smith plays a delightful Mr. Collins, who has some of the best lines in
the movie. He is a hilarious dancer
too.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">There
is a scene where Elizabeth Bennet catches flies with her fingers as they
fly by. I actually knew a man who
could do that. It was fascinating
to watch.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">There’s
a funny proposal scene involving punches and a wrestling match.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">SPOILER
ALERT: The zombies gather in St.
Lazarus church, which is an appropriate name if you’ve read the
Bible. In fact, there is quite a
bit of mention of the Book of Revelations and the Anti-Christ with the attempt
to make the story appear more credible.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I
first noticed the delightful Sally Phillips on the British comedy “Miranda”. She is an equally enjoyable Mrs. Bennet.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Did
you know that Natalie Portman is one of the producers?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Jack
Huston is the perfect Mr. Wickham, as well as the most changed Jane Austin
character. Did you know that he
comes from Hollywood royalty on his father’s side of the family (his
grandfather was the famous John Huston) and British aristocracy on his
mother’s side of the family? He is
currently working on his starring role as Ben Hur in the remake to be
released later this year.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Who
doesn’t like proper ladies with swords and pistols?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">One of
the tidbits of information we’re given in the history lesson at the
beginning includes something true that I only learned last summer when I
visited London: there actually was a wall that surrounded the city of
London. Here are a few pictures of
London I took on my recent trip there.<o:p></o:p></li>
<br />
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY38IVYGVOo/VrbUICCKmFI/AAAAAAAAFoY/HcsQ0BLe7BI/s1600/20150624_102950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY38IVYGVOo/VrbUICCKmFI/AAAAAAAAFoY/HcsQ0BLe7BI/s640/20150624_102950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Men will
like watching a cat fight.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">It’s
just odd…<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Zombie
lovers will be disappointed that there is more Jane Austin than zombie
action.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Jane Austin
fans will keep asking “why?”<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5N7OyoTCXg" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“I was
unaware that zombies possessed such acuity so as to set such traps. Before we know it, they’ll be running
for Parliament.” – Mr. Collins (Matt Smith)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Daughters
do not dance well with masticated brains.” – Mr. Bennet<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Lady,
may I take a moment to compliment you on your pantaloons. Function or fashion?” – Mrs. Bennet<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Function.” – Lady Catherine<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Flattery
will get you everywhere, Miss Bennet.” – Mr. Collins<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“You
have a very small estate here.” – The cocky Lady Catherine (Lena Headey)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“And yet we endure it.” – Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“May I
inquire as to the measure of this discomfort?” – Giardana<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“I would much rather show you.” –
Elizabeth, getting ready to punch her<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Mr.
Darcy, you’re as unfeeling as the undead.” – Elizabeth </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Anything
is preferred than to be married without affection.” – Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“I’d
risk a cold before I’d risk Darcy’s blade.” – Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“My
daughters were trained for battle, not the kitchen.” – Mr. Bennet (Charles
Dance) <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Of
all the weapons in the world, I now know love to be the most powerful.” – <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“I
shall never relinquish my sword for a ring. – Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“For the right man, you will.” –
Jane Bennet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“The right man wouldn’t ask me to.”
– Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Their
hubris will be their downfall.” – captain guy<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“I don’t
know which I admire more, Miss Bennet: your skill as a warrior or your
resolve as a woman.” – Lady Catherine<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tips for
parents: </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">You
will hear wonderful types of profanity like “Oh fuddle!” and “Bugger!”<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Homosexual
innuendo.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">There’s
not as much blood and gore as there is in “The Walking Dead”, but there is
still plenty of shootings, stabbings, smashed skulls, and other forms of violence.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-74411754865554148302015-12-22T10:15:00.001-08:002015-12-22T10:15:18.319-08:00Writing Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsOY919IemQ/VnmTGy750qI/AAAAAAAAFXM/IzD65xp9S7o/s1600/how%2Bto%2Bwrite%2Bgood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsOY919IemQ/VnmTGy750qI/AAAAAAAAFXM/IzD65xp9S7o/s640/how%2Bto%2Bwrite%2Bgood.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-33924734869856507352015-12-15T17:05:00.000-08:002015-12-15T17:15:44.679-08:00Moby-Dick meets Hollywood: In the Heart of the Sea<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHfyBPZcKUw/VnChaGvOdjI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/MzuSEYHWmmE/s1600/in-the-heart-of-the-sea_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHfyBPZcKUw/VnChaGvOdjI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/MzuSEYHWmmE/s640/in-the-heart-of-the-sea_poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
I write several different blogs, but this one is supposed to be all about writing.<br />
<br />
Moby-Dick is one of the greatest novels of all time and now we have a retelling of the epic story through the movie In the Heart of the Sea!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here is my movie review for it, shared from my movie review blog called <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"Movie Review Maven."</a></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Grade: A-<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 1 minute<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>In a Nutshell: </b> 1820.
A giant, vengeful whale. A ship. A determined captain. Man vs. beast. Imagine Entertainment and Director Ron Howard
create a visual masterpiece with unbelievable cinematography, sailing you to
the “edge of insanity.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This seafaring yarn graphically illustrates how Herman
Melville’s famous novel <i>Moby-Dick </i>came
to be. While the screen definitely captures
your attention, the storytelling has movie critics disappointed. I was entertained and intrigued, as well as
disgusted and exhausted. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
As always, the book is better than the movie, but these special effects are innovative and effective.</div>
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<b>Uplifting theme: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">“Can
man bend nature to our will? – Captain Pollard (Benjamin Walker)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Persistence
and tenacity will see you through.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Integrity
is worth more than reputation or money.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->THOR! If
you’re not in awe of the giant whale, then you have handsome and studly Chris
Hemsworth to stare at.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Believe it or not, I actually like it when there
are water spots on the camera lens. That
tells me there was real water in the scene and not just CGI. Then again, some of the scenes made me wonder
if the water spots were CGI! If so, nice
detail! The water scenes are so well
done that sometimes you even feel like you’re going to get splashed on.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The scene with the blood raining from above was
disgusting and extremely powerful.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I liked learning more about Melville, the author
of <i>Moby-Dick, </i>and played by Ben
Whishaw.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->How did they get some of those amazing
scenes? Drones? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Interesting camera angles. I also love how the camera goes under the
water and back above the water seamlessly.
Great underwater scenes. You
might feel like holding your breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I thought the whale pins were cool. In order to earn one, young Tom Nickerson
(Tom Holland) is told that “you have to thrust a killing lance into one of the
largest beasts to grace this earth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I love the mention of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Tom Nickerson asks “Have you read Hawthorne,
Mr. Melville? There’s a writer, great
writer.” Apparently, Herman Melville was
quite taken with Hawthorne and even dedicated <i>Moby-Dick</i> to Hawthorne whom he compared to Shakespeare and called a
genius. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Great sound effects, although sometimes a bit
too loud.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve always liked Charlotte Riley and wonder why
we don’t see her more often. She was
really great in Ridley Scott’s medieval drama “World Without End.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I’m always impressed with characters who rise
above their temptations, like Cillian Murphy’s character, Matthew Joy. His resolve
to not drink alcohol, even when things got tough, was inspiring and not seen
often enough in movies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I love that they included a quick shot of the
words “Call me Ishmael” on the screen, which is the first sentence in the
book <i>Moby-Dick.</i><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->See it in 3D if you can, unless you get motion
sickness. You might get sea sick
watching some of the scenes. Just close
your eyes for a few seconds and you’ll be fine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some scenes have so many loud noises between
people yelling and waves crashing and boats creaking that you can’t quite
understand what anyone is saying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Animal activists will find many of the scenes
unnerving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I’ve never understood how all those sails and
ropes work, but it’s always fascinating to watch sailors work it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The scene that shows the ocean view from Owen’s
house looks terribly artificial, but all of the other CGI scenes were very
believable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-H35Mpj4uk" width="560"></iframe>
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<b>Interesting lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Sometimes, the fewer questions one asks, the
better.” - Matthew<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I’ll come back as quick as a summer’s eve.” – Owen<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Just come back.” – Peggy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Without you, the world plunges into darkness.” –
Pollard senior<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Monsters, are they real or do the stories exist
to respect the sea’s dark secrets? The
question both vexes and excites me.” – Herman Melville<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“The whale?
So, it’s true?” – Melville<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes. Too much is true.” – Nickerson<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“The devil loves unspoken secrets.” – Melville<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“No right-minded sailor discards what might save
him.” – Owen Chase<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
* "We will surely perish out there." - Captain Pollard<br />
"We might also survive." - Mr. Chase<br />
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<b>Tips for
parents: </b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">The
sailors draw a picture of a topless woman.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Some
profanity.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Several
intense scenes with lots of blood and guts. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Skeletons
of dead guys might frighten young children.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Explain
to your kids that a “greenhorn” is the old-fashioned way of saying “newbie”.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<b>Sailing definitions:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Doldrums: an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with
unpredictable and often no winds<o:p></o:p></div>
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Port side: left-hand
side of a ship<o:p></o:p></div>
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Squall: a sudden
violent storm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I always do all the “talking” in these reviews, but I want
to hear what YOU liked and didn’t like!
Please comment below!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-15388264346991592802015-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:002015-10-18T08:43:26.682-07:00What authors can learn from R.L. Stine and his Goosebump books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNHn5Yvj-98/ViLbJ_YtpOI/AAAAAAAAE-M/_pRIQ90r36o/s1600/goosebumps-movie-poster-01-1230x1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNHn5Yvj-98/ViLbJ_YtpOI/AAAAAAAAE-M/_pRIQ90r36o/s400/goosebumps-movie-poster-01-1230x1920.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<b>I don't always post my <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie reviews</a> here on my author blog, except when they talk about books, so this one is perfect!</b><br />
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<b>Movie: Goosebumps<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Rating: PG, 1 hour 43 minutes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Grade: A<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>In a Nutshell: </b> If
you grew up reading R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books or were a parent who read them to your
kids like I did, you’re going to get a kick out of this homage to comedy horror
stories and the author who gave them to us.<br />
<br />
Sony Pictures Animation does a great job at blending reality with
fantasy, mixed with sarcasm and romance. Thanks for releasing it in time
for Halloween! “It gives me…oh what’s
the word…goosebumps.”<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Uplifting Theme:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“It’s time to face your demons…” – R.L. Stine<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Connecting with real people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->As an author, I love how the ink literally comes
to life off the pages of the book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I love how Slappy actually looks like Jack
Black/R.L. Stine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->You gotta admire the way the real R.L. Stine is
bringing new life and sales back to his books!
Brilliant!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Good for Amy Ryan for starring in 2 movies in
theaters at the same time! (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015WSYGK4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015WSYGK4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=UF6WIYM7G3MAHSAF" rel="nofollow">Bridge of Spies</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B015WSYGK4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
) I’ve always adored her ever since
I first saw her do a Yoda impression on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024FAD9W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0024FAD9W&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=BA2J342UJECD6O6O" rel="nofollow">The Office: Season 5</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0024FAD9W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->See if you can spot the real R.L. Stine in his
cameo at the school. This is what he
looks like in real life:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_SFqb3phL0/ViLf66u3ihI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/oCD8CZB7eXM/s1600/R.L.%2BStine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_SFqb3phL0/ViLf66u3ihI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/oCD8CZB7eXM/s1600/R.L.%2BStine.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It was a little bit scawy…<o:p></o:p><br />
- It would have been fun to see more of the other characters R.L. Stine created in the movie.<br />
- Jack Black didn't have a mole on his forehead like the real R.L. Stine does.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Funny lines:</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Dude, we should call the cops!” – Champ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“Have you met the cops in this town?” –
Zach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Is that your scream?” – Zach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“Don’t judge me.” – Champ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“What is that?” - Aunt
Lorraine (played by Jillian Bell)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“I rub myself in cilantro every morning.” –
R.L. Stine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I don’t remember writing about a giant preying
mantis! (it then spews s sticky ick
from its mouth) “Right, now I remember.”
– R.L. Stine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Let’s split up!” - R.L.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“No!
Haven’t you read any of your books?
We’re never supposed to split up!”
- Champ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Look at this kitchen!” – Gale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“We don’t cook.” – Zach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“Well, look at all this counter space to
put take-out on!” – Gale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I’m going to get a start on decorating my room…knock
it off my Bucket List.” – Zach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I know I speak for the entire administration
when I say how excited we are about this weekend’s dance. We can’t
stop twerking about it.” – Gale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Shut your mouth!” – Cop<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
“Ok, but that’s not going to help.” - Slappy
(the ventriloquist dummy)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things you learn
about writing from R.L. Stine:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Every story ever told can be broken down into 3
distinct parts: the beginning, the middle, and the twist.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->R.L. Stine wrote”THE GHOST NEXT DOOR book. I guess he wrote about it twice. Think about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“The night was cold. Cold was the night.” Word order is powerful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“No, it doesn’t work unless it’s a real R.L.
story with twists, turns and frights…and personal growth for the main
character.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Champ asks R.L. “Why did you have to come up
with something so freaky?” The author
simply replies “I just have a knack for it.”
In other words, write what you know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Steve King wishes he could be me! I sell way more books than him, but no one
ever talks about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Why couldn’t you have written stories about
rainbows and unicorns?” - Champ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“Because that doesn’t sell 400 million copies.” R.L. Stine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“Domestic?” – Champ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“No, international, but it’s still a very
impressive number. Shut up!” R.L. Stine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“That typewriter is special. It has a soul of its own.” – R.L.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tips for Parents:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Some of the monsters can be pretty scary. There are plenty of creepy things too, like
clowns, ghouls/zombies, drooling werewolf with frightening teeth and claws, evil garden gnomes, dolls, bugs, aliens, etc. R.L. Stine said in a recent interview with <i>Plugged In</i> that he didn't want to traumatize children who see the film, so you won't see any blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span>Explosions, violence, suspenseful chase scenes.<br />
- Topics addressed include evil, revenge, and love.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<b>Can't get enough of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps? Check these out!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=054582124X&asins=054582124X&linkId=4M5EGLSIMCHZAXJF&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1742839207&asins=1742839207&linkId=JPOBGFKQI5XOGASA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545847303&asins=0545847303&linkId=2EMZ5N3T3CQCXNI6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002RCXO2U&asins=B002RCXO2U&linkId=U6Y2LOW67D6M4ZMZ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545417988&asins=0545417988&linkId=O4TUDA4HDZSAJY45&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0545035171&asins=0545035171&linkId=IJWDLL4TLCHV7LDU&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-37220882667523206332015-08-15T08:28:00.001-07:002015-08-15T08:28:43.855-07:00Deseret News loves Base Hits and Home Run Relationships book!Wow! Another great review about my newest book just hit Deseret News!<br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; border: solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid #E1E1E1 .25pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 23.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Book review: Mom-son
duo offer advice in 'Base Hits and Home Run Relationships'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: #014881; border-left: solid #E1E1E1 1.5pt; border: solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #E1E1E1 .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #E1E1E1 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Rachel Chipman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the Deseret News<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Published: Saturday, Aug. 15 2015 5:00 a.m. MDT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Updated: 12 hours ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys
Knew" is by Trina Boice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cedar Fort Publishing
& Media<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Men and women of all relationship statuses can benefit from this
practical and fun dating and marriage baseball-themed guide titled "Base
Hits and Home Run Relationships."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<a href="http://www.cfibooks.com/base-hits-and-home-run-relationships-trina-boice/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #648eac; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">BASE HITS AND HOME RUN RELATIONSHIPS</span></a>: What Women Wish Guys
Knew," by Trina Boice, Cedar Fort, $18.99, 288 pages (nf)</span></b><span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it comes to the game of love, everyone strikes out from
time to time. And some people feel they can't even figure out the rules.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luckily, author Trina Boice, who is a member of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her oldest son, who she dubs,
"Coach Cooper," a recent Brigham Young University graduate, are here
to help with the book "Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women
Wish Guys Knew."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This baseball-themed book about dating and relationships,
including marriage and pleasantly passes along solid advice and gentle humor,
whether the reader just needs a few pointers on improving that batting average
or relationship, or the opposite sex seems to be playing a whole different
game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each chapter contains Trina Boice's introduction, a baseball
comic, Coach Cooper's input, advice for women titled "A League of Their
Own" and four activities at the end, with varying levels of difficulty
noted by a single, a double, a triple and a home run. In one of the chapters,
the double is talking to a woman the man previous doesn't know, the triple is
talking to a woman who usually isn't the guy's type, and home run is asking a
woman out who he feels is out of his league.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The baseball analogy gets a little cheesy, of course, but it
shows that this book does not take itself too seriously, preventing the
preachiness that pervades too many self-help books. It was also refreshing to
get both young and old and male and female perspectives. The activities really
set this book apart. The single, double, triple and home run options allow
readers to progress at their own pace, but add specificity to what had to be a
rather generic book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many, many dating books exist. However, the beauty of "Base
Hits and Home Run Relationships" is that it does not become obsolete at
any point of the dating process — even after marriage. The authors share
reminders that the core of any home run relationship at any age is the right
balance of selflessness and self-respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Base Hits and Home Run Relationships" is primarily
aimed at LDS men, but there are sections targeted at women. It would be a great
resource for men or women looking to improve their interpersonal skills.
Teenage boys and new husbands especially will find some valuable information in
"Base Hits."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is no sexual content, foul language or violence in this
book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #464646; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rachel
Chipman graduated with a bachelor's degree in family life and human
development. Her current goals are to read more, to write more and to learn to
type while holding her infant daughter. Her email is<a href="mailto:racheldchipman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #648eac; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">racheldchipman@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634599/Book-review-Mom-son-duo-offer-advice-in-Base-Hits-and-Home-Run-Relationships.html?pg=all">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634599/Book-review-Mom-son-duo-offer-advice-in-Base-Hits-and-Home-Run-Relationships.html?pg=all</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Deseret News<o:p></o:p></div>
Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-14908087139105545612015-08-12T10:35:00.000-07:002015-08-12T10:35:31.669-07:00Fantastic advice for single guys<br />
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<td style="height: 7.5pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">My editor just sent me the link to <a href="http://www.nauvootimes.com/cgi-bin/nauvoo_column.pl?number=102822&author=laurie-williams-sowby#.Vct_hHFVhBe" target="_blank">another fantastic review for my newest book!</a><br />
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<tr><td class="headline2" colspan="2" style="color: #444444; font-size: 22px; vertical-align: top;">New Books: Love and Relationships</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="maintext" colspan="2" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: top;">by Laurie Williams Sowby</td></tr>
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The topic of relationships gets top billing in this week's two book selections, with high recommendations for both. I can't say enough good things about either.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00V5IE8JU/hatrrive-20" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><img align="right" border="1" class="column_image" hspace="10" src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/P/B00V5IE8JU.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" style="max-width: 430px; text-decoration: none;" vspace="10" /></a></div>
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The first is for those in the dating stage. Relationship building is treated with humor, insight, and practical advice in <strong><em>Base Hits and Home Runs: What Women Wish Guys Knew</em></strong><em></em> (Cedar Fort Publishing 2015, 276 pages in soft cover, $18.99). The woman speaking from experience here is Trina Boice, who enlists sports metaphors and the aid of her twenty-something son, "Coach Cooper," in rallying eligible young LDS bachelors toward more meaningful relationships with the opposite sex.</div>
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The topics are on-target as the book moves from simply playing ball to the minor leagues and then the majors. How to flirt, dress, compliment, plan dates, listen, score points with her friends, and work up to the first kiss are all covered, along with crucial aspects such as defining the relationship and continuing courtship after marriage and even after children. Boice's explanations (translations?) of what women are thinking in various situations and stages of a relationship could be a major revelation to male readers.</div>
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Interesting stats, assignments to put the principles into practice, and quotes from sports figures round out the chapters. The author is careful to reference scriptures, quotes, and research without detracting from the lively conversation. For less than 20 bucks, this book is a great investment for any young man who wants to get serious about finding--and being--"the one."</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1629720860/hatrrive-20" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><img align="right" border="1" class="column_image" hspace="10" src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/P/1629720860.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" style="max-width: 430px; text-decoration: none;" vspace="10" /></a></div>
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More serious in tone is <strong><em>Love is a Choice</em> </strong>(Deseret Book 2015, 273 pages in hard cover, $24.99). Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy approaches the topic of maintaining relationships through modeling them on principles of the gospel and attributes of the Savior.</div>
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In the first part, "Choosing Love," he speaks of "growing in love" as opposed to the more temporary "falling in love" and teaches about the Lord's way as opposed to "the wrong way," both obvious and less so. Elder Robbins presents it all in the context of families and the eternal perspective. Scriptures and gospel-centered explanations address couples at all stages, from newlyweds to parents and eventually empty-nesters.</div>
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He goes into depth in chapters on agency and love in marriage, accepting the responsibility to repent and forgive that comes with agency, following the Savior's example and understanding how his Atonement can strengthen marriage and family, the interconnectedness of love and self-reliance, respecting children's agency, and <em>choosing</em>happiness.</div>
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Part II offers additional "Resources for Practicing Great Choices," with a look at financial unity in "One Heart, Mind, and Bank Account" and helps for family home evening in another chapter. Some 60 pages of appendix are devoted to "Christlike Virtues" which could individually be studied and discussed in relation to their role in creating strong, loving relationships.</div>
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Both books are solid resources for readers who want to improve their relationships by improving themselves.</div>
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Copyright © 2015 by Laurie Williams Sowby</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=wwwboicebox0a-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1462114032&asins=1462114032&linkId=QA3FFU5KSJDGFRTR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-89754239960170170092015-07-03T17:23:00.001-07:002015-07-03T17:23:28.524-07:00Love is like baseball<div class="MsoNormal">
I just received another fantastic review for my newest book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462114032/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1462114032&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=THVPDWQPPLLUHNDF">Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1462114032" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Here is a book review written by Melanie Valderrama who reviews a TON of books on her blog at on <a href="http://www.melsshelves.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">www.melsshelves.blogspot.com</a> To read more about her review, you can <a href="http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-base-hits-and-home-run.html?showComment=1435969213289#c7523301207271458566" target="_blank">go to her site.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462114032/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1462114032&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=ZXKIOQLZHXOLBO4D" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1462114032&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20" height="200" width="132" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1462114032" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Love is like baseball, so hit a home run in your
relationship! With Trina Boice's advice, any man can learn how to step up to
the plate. Learn tips, stats, and skills to make a powerful and lasting romance
whether you're in the “minor leagues” of dating or the “major leagues” of
married life.<br />
<br />
I like the idea of this book and think it's full of great advice! There are
three main sections, or "innings." The first inning is "Play
Ball!" where the author explains how her book is set up. She gives some
advice, then turns it over to her son, Cooper, who shares his
perspective on the topic being discussed and shares tips and examples to help
be successful in dating and relationships (yes, he's tried and tested these
ideas himself). She also shares Stats in each chapter and has assignments which
are various challenges and go along with the baseball theme. Women aren't off
the hook, either. She has a section for them at the end with advice,
assignments and challenges as well.<br />
<br />
The second inning is "The Minor League." Most of the chapters are in
this section and some of the topics include first impressions, how to flirt,
when to call a girl, courting and dating ideas (these work for relationships at
every level), persistence, first kiss, defining the relationship, and finally,
the proposal.<br />
<br />
The third and final inning is "The Major League." This deals with
marriage. There are topics that cover newlyweds, sex, continuing courtship in
marriage, forgiveness, communication and avoiding divorce.<br />
<br />
No matter which stage your relationship is in, there is something for everyone
in this book. Dating can be scary and I liked how Trina and her son,
"Coach" Cooper, break it down and explain it. The baseball theme
makes this book fun to read and is something men can relate to. I enjoyed their
stories, get to know you games and questions, questions to reflect on, and
advice. I also thought the body language discussion was interesting.<br />
<br />
I had to read through it quickly this time and plan to go through it again
slowly. There's a lot of information and assignments so it will take quite a
while to get through all of it if you're looking to improve your relationships.
I also plan to share it with my son when he starts dating so he can feel more
confident in the dating game. Guys (and girls), this is a book worth reading
and you'll want to follow through on the assignments!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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</iframe>Movie Review Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452710128237251313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654772293001110355.post-27851009419549365482015-07-01T20:37:00.000-07:002015-07-01T20:37:24.285-07:00Another Nicholas Sparks book turns into a Chick Flick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A34H-XT0Un0/VZSprxAFV7I/AAAAAAAAEkU/qXgEEjm8Mro/s1600/The%2Blongest%2Bride%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A34H-XT0Un0/VZSprxAFV7I/AAAAAAAAEkU/qXgEEjm8Mro/s400/The%2Blongest%2Bride%2Bmovie%2Bposter.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<b>I write a <a href="http://www.moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">movie review blog,</a> but whenever the movies come from books, I like to include those reviews here on <a href="http://www.trinaboice.com/" target="_blank">my author web site!</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Movie: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VWQ2P8G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VWQ2P8G&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=K26IYOQVBAUWGKAU">The Longest Ride</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00VWQ2P8G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Pg-13, 2 hours 8
minutes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Grade: B+<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>In a Nutshell: </b> What
I thought would just be a sappy, preditable Chick Flick turned out to be a
romance with great depth and heart. We
recently saw the beautiful Britt (Brittany) Robertson in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y2DPYQ6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Y2DPYQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=M7T5W63OQXOY2CRR">Tomorrowland</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00Y2DPYQ6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, looking
like a spunky teen with gorgeous hair. A
minute later, she’s all grown up and falling in love. Her boo is the handsome Scott Eastwood whose
life revolves around the “toughest sport on dirt”, bull-riding. He’s the old-fashioned gentleman and hero
that every girl wants.<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name
by Nicholas Sparks. Also featured in two love stories for the
price of one are: Alan Alda, Oona Chaplin, and Jack Huston. I love it when stories intersect and it works
well in this movie.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Uplifting Theme:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Ruth asks “What right do I have to be happy when
there is so much suffering in the world?”
Young Ira wisely states “What right do you have to not be happy?” Despite life’s trials and challenges, we need
to find our own happiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Even an accident will have purpose and
direction.” – Black Mountain College art teacher <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Luke explains to Sophia that “All bull riders
get hurt. It’s not a matter of if, but
when.” I think that’s true for humans in
general. We’ll all get hurt emotionally
in our lives. The idea is to get through
it gracefully and with love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Love requires sacrifice. Always.” – Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“We focused on all the things we had, rather
than the things we didn’t.” - Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Things I liked:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I live in Las Vegas where “Cowboy Christmas”
takes over the town every December. It
was fun to see the bull-riding trials before that big championship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I love the cute look of a skirt with cowboy boots. Another good look is a shy cowboy holding a bouquet of
flowers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The film is full of great country music from the
Pistol Annies, Black Pistol Fire, The Wild Feathers, Ryan Adams and more. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U897LN2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U897LN2&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=4O5BOCGXIR3OXJQD">The Longest Ride (Original Soundtrack Album)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00U897LN2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> will surely be popular.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Beautiful North Carolina scenery near where my
mother grew up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The first kiss can really say a lot. Ira explains “Our first kiss – it was the
promise of everything to come.” Couples
often spend their lives trying to recapture that original magic. An older Ira sadly noted “It’s a scary thing
how the people closest to you can become strangers.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->SPOILER ALERT: I love inspiring World War II
movies. I was surprised to see a cowboy
chick flick include a war twist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sophia explains that her favorite comfort food
is a Polish dumpling called “Koldenny”. Want to see what it looks like? <br />
<o:p></o:p><img src="http://f.tqn.com/y/easteuropeanfood/1/W/I/c/-/-/pyzy-dumplings-3.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I thought Ruth was so sweet to her students. A good elementary school teacher can truly change
the direction of a child’s life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The film touches on childless couples and the
painful process of adoption.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->SPOILERT ALERT: The target audience will love
the sweet, fairy tale ending.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xegecYytb6A" width="560"></iframe>
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<b>Things I didn’t like:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Over two hours long, some guys in the audience may
find new meaning to the title <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VWQ2P8G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VWQ2P8G&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwboicebox0a-20&linkId=DNORVJT2X52M7SWI">The Longest Ride</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwboicebox0a-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00VWQ2P8G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The ingredients are pretty predictable. Somebody’s gotta get wet and have to get
undressed at some point, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Both couples include a spunky girl and a quiet,
country boy. Maybe more variety would
have added increased depth to the characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Funny lines:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I want a cowboy!” – One of Sophia’s sorority
sisters<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“She has the coldest hands I’ve ever felt. I think she soaks them in ice water before
she comes by.” – Ira Levinson (the
wonderful Alan Alda)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“How are you feeling?” - Sophia to Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“The better question is how do I look?” –
Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Very handsome.” – Sophia<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s all I care about.” - Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sappy lines that
girls fall for every time:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Our chance at being together was greater than
being apart.” – Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Today started out like any other day, but when
you walked through the door of my father’s store, looking so beautiful and
vibrant, I knew my life would never be the same.” – Young Ira (Jack Huston)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I just don’t know how to make this work.” –
Luke<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
“I don’t either, but I know that I want to.”
– Sophia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“I love you so much, even if that means it doesn’t
include me.” – Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“it’s only 8 seconds. That girl could be the rest of your life.” –
Kate (Lolita Davidovich)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Ruth had an eye for talent. I only had eyes for Ruth.” - Ira<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tips for Parents:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->There are moments when you see some naked parts
during pre-marital sex, including Scott Eastwood’s bum. Both couples end up in bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span>Mild profanity.<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Good for Britt Robertson for having two movies out this summer!</b><br />
<br /></div>
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