Tonight we enjoyed the cutesy, American, feelgood, Christmas movie; One Magic Christmas. Starring Mary Steenburgen as the hard done by, no Christmas spirit, Mother of two; Ginny Grainger.
Ginny with her husband Jack and two children; Cal and Abbie, face a bleak Christmas, times are hard, Jack has no job, Ginny works at the local supermarket, presents will be thin on the ground this year. That is, until Christmas angel; Gideon (played by Harry Dean Stanton), turns up, tasked with rekindling the Christmas spirit within Ginny.
How does he achieve this, I hear you ask?
Well you'll just have to watch it to find out! It's only a short movie (88 mins), so it's an ideal feelgood film to slot into a free afternoon / evening whilst polishing off another couple of mince pies.
Be warned, it has a slow start and the story building takes some time, but stick with it, once you get to the point where Ginny's Christmas has hit it's lowest point, then when it is magically turned around it will leave you all reaching for the tissues!
One Magic Christmas, is a magical movie. Enjoy.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Bedtime Stories - 21st December 2010
So tonight we watched Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. A light hearted Disney family film, where over looked and under appreciated Skeeter Bronson (played by Sandler), makes magical bedtime stories come to life, with the help of his Niece and Nephew.<
The plot revolves around the ownership and management of a hotel. True to form, there are bad guys; played by Guy Pierce and Richard Griffiths and the good guys Sandler, Russell Brand, Courtney Cox and Keri Russell.
It is an entertaining escapist movie, where the bedtime stories seemingly come to life in reality. Adam Sandler is OK in this but I found that the best laughs came from Bugsy the boggle-eyed guinea pig.
As a film to get and keep on DVD, it may not get played that much, but as an occasional film to watch if it's on TV on a soggy Sunday afternoon, then I suggest watch it with the family, especially if you have kids from 8 to 80!
I'm not sure it will make it as an all time classic live action Disney film, but nonetheless it's not a bad 96 minute diversion to the stresses of reality!
Enjoy.
Oh and to all those of you that actually read this, can I just say, as this will be the last Film Night before Christmas; a Happy Christmas to all of you and as Tiny Tim observed; "God bless us, everyone"!
Please leave a comment.
The plot revolves around the ownership and management of a hotel. True to form, there are bad guys; played by Guy Pierce and Richard Griffiths and the good guys Sandler, Russell Brand, Courtney Cox and Keri Russell.
It is an entertaining escapist movie, where the bedtime stories seemingly come to life in reality. Adam Sandler is OK in this but I found that the best laughs came from Bugsy the boggle-eyed guinea pig.
As a film to get and keep on DVD, it may not get played that much, but as an occasional film to watch if it's on TV on a soggy Sunday afternoon, then I suggest watch it with the family, especially if you have kids from 8 to 80!
I'm not sure it will make it as an all time classic live action Disney film, but nonetheless it's not a bad 96 minute diversion to the stresses of reality!
Enjoy.
Oh and to all those of you that actually read this, can I just say, as this will be the last Film Night before Christmas; a Happy Christmas to all of you and as Tiny Tim observed; "God bless us, everyone"!
Please leave a comment.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
The Christmas Choir - 16th December 2010
So, a couple of days late due to Christmas commitments, we have our first real Christmas movie night.
Tonight it was an American movie, possibly made for TV judging by some of the heavy cuts every 20 or so minutes, which looked like it was time for a commercial break. So, the budget on the film may not have been high, but the story made up for that. Brilliantly written by; Donald Martin it follows the life of successful, workaholic accountant Peter Brockman, who, due to his inability to see what is going on around him, because he focuses too much on work, manages to break up with his girlfriend, who he was about to marry.
A chance meeting with a homeless guy, who played piano and sang in a bar for tips, sparks a friendship when they discover they share a passion for music. Bob, the homeless pianist, takes Peter to the Nun run shelter where he stays at night. This is where Peter discovers there is more to life than being an accountant. So he decides to help out. As it's coming up to Christmas, he tries to find ways to raise some cash for the guys in the shelter, this is when he hits upon the idea of a choir.
From here the story follows their struggles to get it together, tracing the highs and lows and where Peters' home life matches some of the issues of the guys he is trying to help.
The story from here is fairly formulaic, a typical heart-warming Christmas tale, but it is a good one. There is love, and laughs on the way, but watch out for the tear jerking moments at the end, you'd best have some tissues handy.
OK, so it was a made for TV film, but it is good nonetheless, in fact it picked up the Epiphany Prize for the Most Inspirational Film For Television in the 2009 MovieGuide Awards.
So if you see it on a TV channel near you sometime over the festive period, give it a watch, you won't be sorry. Or pick up a copy from Amazon, as it's only £2.99!.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Groundhog Day - 7th December 2010
Tonight's film, was going to be a Christmas movie, but due to one of our number being unavailable it was decided to postpone the viewing of the new Christmas movie, (don't ask, call back here next week for details).
Instead we settled down (one viewer short) to enjoy; Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.
I probably do not need to re-tell the storyline for Groundhog Day, as it has been seen many times before I'm sure, but it is a belter of a story and one I shall never tire of. It must be in my top three best films of all time.
Bill Murray plays local Weatherman Phil Connors, who ends up in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2, for the annual Groundhog Day. After going through the uneventful day and getting stuck in the unforseen blizzard trying to get back to Pittsburg. Connors, Rita (Andie MacDowell) and Larry the camera are stuck in Punxsutawney.
Although some are more stuck than others, as Phil finds out when he awakes next morning, to find it is 6am on February 2 again.
And so, he goes through Groundhog Day again and again and again.
As I say, I will never tire of this romantic comedy, it's a treat to watch, even though we know the story, and the repetitive storyline. There's something magical about it.
I like it!
Instead we settled down (one viewer short) to enjoy; Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.
I probably do not need to re-tell the storyline for Groundhog Day, as it has been seen many times before I'm sure, but it is a belter of a story and one I shall never tire of. It must be in my top three best films of all time.
Bill Murray plays local Weatherman Phil Connors, who ends up in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2, for the annual Groundhog Day. After going through the uneventful day and getting stuck in the unforseen blizzard trying to get back to Pittsburg. Connors, Rita (Andie MacDowell) and Larry the camera are stuck in Punxsutawney.
Although some are more stuck than others, as Phil finds out when he awakes next morning, to find it is 6am on February 2 again.
And so, he goes through Groundhog Day again and again and again.
As I say, I will never tire of this romantic comedy, it's a treat to watch, even though we know the story, and the repetitive storyline. There's something magical about it.
I like it!
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Seven Pounds - 30th November 2010
An absolutely brilliant film tonight. Seven Pounds is an intriguing tale, with Will Smith in the lead role.
However, this is going to be the shortest Tuesday Night is Film Night review, as I cannot really tell you much about the film, without spoiling the plot. Needless to say it is intriguing, heart warming, clever, well written and definitely worth a watch.
It was described as a life affirming movie. This is very true.
It was slightly tricky to follow at the start, but stick with it, all will be revealed and it is well worth it.
Will Smith is fast becoming one of my favourite actors and he plays his character with conviction and honesty, it's a beautiful story.
Watch it!
However, this is going to be the shortest Tuesday Night is Film Night review, as I cannot really tell you much about the film, without spoiling the plot. Needless to say it is intriguing, heart warming, clever, well written and definitely worth a watch.
It was described as a life affirming movie. This is very true.
It was slightly tricky to follow at the start, but stick with it, all will be revealed and it is well worth it.
Will Smith is fast becoming one of my favourite actors and he plays his character with conviction and honesty, it's a beautiful story.
Watch it!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Role Models - 23rd November 2010
Well, Sky billed this film as a; "feelgood comedy", which it was, but it was more than that. It was a laugh out loud, rude, crude, expletive packed, giggle fest, feelgood comedy!
So the story is, that a couple of energy drink rep's are selling their Minotaur Energy drink around the local schools, when they hit on a problem, as their truck is about to be towed away. The ensuing argument and truck crash land them in court and the choice of jail or Community Service. They opt for the Community Service and are enrolled in a buddy scheme, where they pair up with a couple of kids who have lost their way in life.
Danny, played by Paul Rudd is paired up with the nerdy Augie (fantastically played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Augie is into dungeons and dragons role play, is shy with girls and doesn't really fit in. His Mother and step Father don't help either.
Wheeler, played by Seann William Scott, is paired up with the young, street-wise, slick talking Ronnie (portrayed by Bobb'e J. Thompson, another fantastic casting).
This is where the trouble really starts. Danny who has lost his girlfriend of seven years. Wheeler thinks anything in a skirt is an easy lay and they have to buddy up with two kids and be role models.
It's not easy, and their adventures which play out through the middle section of the film, is hilarious! Again, no real spoilers on here, you'll just have to watch the film to witness all the fun.
One word of warning, it's a 15 rating and there is almost gratuitous use of several popular swear words, but it is used to comedic effect and should not offend those of a delicate nature. It does enhance the comedy, but be aware if you have ones with little ears!
Absolutely loved this film. We do love the feelgood movie genre, this one followed the predictable pattern of;
Another great film for Film Night.
So the story is, that a couple of energy drink rep's are selling their Minotaur Energy drink around the local schools, when they hit on a problem, as their truck is about to be towed away. The ensuing argument and truck crash land them in court and the choice of jail or Community Service. They opt for the Community Service and are enrolled in a buddy scheme, where they pair up with a couple of kids who have lost their way in life.
Danny, played by Paul Rudd is paired up with the nerdy Augie (fantastically played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Augie is into dungeons and dragons role play, is shy with girls and doesn't really fit in. His Mother and step Father don't help either.
Wheeler, played by Seann William Scott, is paired up with the young, street-wise, slick talking Ronnie (portrayed by Bobb'e J. Thompson, another fantastic casting).
This is where the trouble really starts. Danny who has lost his girlfriend of seven years. Wheeler thinks anything in a skirt is an easy lay and they have to buddy up with two kids and be role models.
It's not easy, and their adventures which play out through the middle section of the film, is hilarious! Again, no real spoilers on here, you'll just have to watch the film to witness all the fun.
One word of warning, it's a 15 rating and there is almost gratuitous use of several popular swear words, but it is used to comedic effect and should not offend those of a delicate nature. It does enhance the comedy, but be aware if you have ones with little ears!
Absolutely loved this film. We do love the feelgood movie genre, this one followed the predictable pattern of;
- this is the situation;
- down on luck individuals;
- things go wrong;
- need to do something about it;
- fail;
- try again;
- fail again;
- try something else;
- and finally win the day.
Another great film for Film Night.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Dreamgirls - 16th November 2010
OK then, what can we say about Dreamgirls? Well it's the story of a trio of singers growing up in Detroit in the 50's and 60's and trying to make their way into the big time.
After trying out at many auditions, they bump into Curtis Taylor Jr (Jamie Foxx), who promises them the big time, but only if they start at the bottom and do backing vocals for James 'Thunder' Early, played by the inimitable Eddie Murphy, who is one of the saving graces for this movie. And yes he can really sing.
What follows is the story of how they progress from backing singers, to big time recording artists, charting the highs, the lows, the break ups and the getting back together again's.
It is a fairly predictable story, so much so that I guessed one of the characters would die, I shan't tell you which one though!
Beyoncé Knowles puts in a great performance as Deena Jones, who eventually becomes the lead singer of "The Dreams", but at the cost of a long friendship, as Effie White who clearly has the better voice is relegated to backing vocals. Effie is played by Jennifer Hudson and is a great singer and ideal for this part.
Other notable stars are Danny Glover, who plays Jimmy Early's first manager; Marty Madison. And Keith Robinson as C.C. White, Effie's Brother and The Dreams' songwriter. The third member of The Dreams is played by Anika Noni Rose who is the youngest member; Lorrell Robinson.
There's also a cameo appearance from John Lithgow.
Anyway, back to the movie, it is a film adaptation of a Broadway musical, and it started off OK, there was dialogue for the talking bits and there were songs where there should be singing, but then about a third of the way into the movie, it went all musical and they started to sing the dialogue, which spoilt it a bit for us. Yes, we should have been prepared for this, but when you have a music biopic, is there a real need to have sung dialogue as well? We get enough singing with the songs, surely?
Anyway, it is a good film, the storyline is a bit thin, but if you like R&B and soul music then it is a great one to watch. It also finishes as one would expect with a happy ending, but it takes awhile to get there.
Well worth a viewing if you haven't seen it, check out some trailers first though!
After trying out at many auditions, they bump into Curtis Taylor Jr (Jamie Foxx), who promises them the big time, but only if they start at the bottom and do backing vocals for James 'Thunder' Early, played by the inimitable Eddie Murphy, who is one of the saving graces for this movie. And yes he can really sing.
What follows is the story of how they progress from backing singers, to big time recording artists, charting the highs, the lows, the break ups and the getting back together again's.
It is a fairly predictable story, so much so that I guessed one of the characters would die, I shan't tell you which one though!
Beyoncé Knowles puts in a great performance as Deena Jones, who eventually becomes the lead singer of "The Dreams", but at the cost of a long friendship, as Effie White who clearly has the better voice is relegated to backing vocals. Effie is played by Jennifer Hudson and is a great singer and ideal for this part.
Other notable stars are Danny Glover, who plays Jimmy Early's first manager; Marty Madison. And Keith Robinson as C.C. White, Effie's Brother and The Dreams' songwriter. The third member of The Dreams is played by Anika Noni Rose who is the youngest member; Lorrell Robinson.
There's also a cameo appearance from John Lithgow.
Anyway, back to the movie, it is a film adaptation of a Broadway musical, and it started off OK, there was dialogue for the talking bits and there were songs where there should be singing, but then about a third of the way into the movie, it went all musical and they started to sing the dialogue, which spoilt it a bit for us. Yes, we should have been prepared for this, but when you have a music biopic, is there a real need to have sung dialogue as well? We get enough singing with the songs, surely?
Anyway, it is a good film, the storyline is a bit thin, but if you like R&B and soul music then it is a great one to watch. It also finishes as one would expect with a happy ending, but it takes awhile to get there.
Well worth a viewing if you haven't seen it, check out some trailers first though!
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