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Related post: Knitting and Crochet Projects for Harry Potter Fans
The thought of people driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol isn’t funny; however, this little film will make you grin.
I was able to catch Julie & Julia this weekend. It was fabulous! Meryl Streep is sure to get a nod from the Academy, and Nora Ephron deserves a prize for melding two books – Julia Child’s My Life in France and Julie Powell’s Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously – into a marvelous screenplay. Ephron also directed the film. Someone give the woman a prize now! I love Nora. Not too long ago, I read her book of personal essays, I Feel Bad About My Neck: and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman. There was something in all of her experiences that I could relate to, but that’s a topic for a different post.
This film is a three-pronged love story: there is the love the women have for food and cooking; the love each woman has for her husband, and the love each husband has for his wife. You can’t help but walk away from the film feeling good about these relationships, and I dare you to walk away without a strong urge to make Boeuf Bourguignon (recipe courtesy of Knopf). Since seeing the film I have tried to purchase Julia’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in two different bookstores. At each store the book had sold out. Apparently, the film has boosted sales. I now have one on order.
If you have not seen The Big Night, your life is incomplete. This film, above all other foodie films, makes you salivate and groan. I still remember how the audience moaned when every course was introduced to the diners on “the big night” – the night Louis Prima was to make an appearance at the restaurant. Your senses will truly be tested by this film. At its end, you’ll not only want to gorge yourself on some extraordinary Italian food, you’ll want to jump and jive to the sounds of Mr. Prima.
I need to only say three things about Chocolat: Johnny Depp, chocolate, and magic.
Bottle Shock is the little film that could. Everyone who loves wine, competition, and surprises should see this. If you’re an Alan Rickman fan, like I am, you’ll definitely want to watch it.
Here’s another film that includes fermented grapes – Sideways. Touching and humorous performances make this film worth cuddling up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn.
I have a keen interest in bees, and I’ve posted on the subject before. Watch this mini clip about life in a bee hive and observe the waggle dance. Though the narrator says its a dance that only bees do, I could swear I’ve seen some of my own species do it.
There are many sites with knitting projects for fans of Harry Potter. If you’re as eager as I am to see the new film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, then you might want to mark the occasion by creating a memento or something to wear. I’ve scoured several sites and have selected the projects I like best.
Knitting:
- Dobby Style House SockMark
- Harry Potter Bookscarf
- Golden Snitch Hat
- Dobby Hat
- Dark Mark Illusion Scarf
- Weasley Cell Cozy
- HP House Fair Isle Pouch Bag
- Quidditch Sweater
- Errol the Owl (owl belonging to the Weasleys)
- Harry Potter Wizard Scarf (pattern available for every house)
- Weasley Sweater
- Hermoine’s Cable and Bobble Hat
- The HiP scarf (a narrow, bias version of the Harry Potter striped school scarf)
- The Golden Snitch
- Professor Lupin’s Scarf
- Hermoine’s Cable and Eyelet Hat
Crochet:
- Luna Lovegood’s Cardigan
- Harry Potter Amigurumi: Hagrid’s Pets Norbert, Buckbeak & Fluffy
- Harry Potter and Hedwig Amigurumi
- Dobby Afghan
- Mini Hedwig Amigurumi
- Luna Lovegood’s Skinny Scarf
- Mini Molly Weasley Sweater
Related post: Harry Potter’s Magically Knitted Scarf
I remember seeing the TV ads in 2002 for The Gathering Storm and thinking it looked compelling; however, I did not have HBO at the time. The film had been in my Netflix queue for ages until I recently moved it to the top, desiring something besides the reality garbage doled out nightly on network and cable TV. Really, why does anyone give a flip about Jon and Kate Gosselin?
I was not disappointed in this film! It’s terrific. It is a two-pronged love story. Winston Churchill (Albert Finney) had two loves, that for his country and that for his wife. He loved his country beyond patriotism, and he had truly deep affection for his wife, Clementine (Vanessa Redgrave). While Mr. Churchill was wrong about some things (e.g., India’s quest for independence), his notions about Hitler’s thirst for power and world domination were right on track. This point was made clear in the film. Thankfully for us, Churchill and key others were paying attention to Germany’s rearmament. Some even took great risks to bring the truth to light – Ralph Wigram (Linus Roache).
Churchill came to his realization about Hitler when his own career was waning. At age sixty he was no longer viewed as an astute politician and keen orator. He was plagued by depression (coined “the black dog”), and his family stood on the brink of financial ruin. Much of his money had been lost in the stock market crash. Additionally, the political establishment were reluctant to make any decisions that might lead to another Great War. It also didn’t help that there were government contracts which supplied aircraft parts to Germany. (Often we’re our own worst enemies!) Despite all of these obstacles, Churchill persevered and was finally able to convince his peers and the nation of the danger Hitler and his Nazi party posed. He was a man possessed by the idea that it was his destiny to lead his country out of chaos.
At a point of intrigue in the film, “Clemmie” leaves Winston and their brood for a trip abroad. She is accompanied by an attractive bachelor whom Winston is certain has stolen his wife’s affection. Jealousy is yet another demon to plague the man.
I can’t speak highly enough of the cast. Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave were magnificent. I felt like a voyeur of the Churchill’s lives. Only great acting can give you a true sense of reality. The supporting cast are all sublime actors. The director, Richard Longcraine, captured the drama of Britian’s politics, and his actors skillfully projected the frustration, fear, and courage it took to win a battle for hearts and minds. The chemistry between Finney and Redgrave was believable. Their tender moments tugged at the heart.
This is one drama you should see, especially if you appreciate this momentous period in history and the work of accomplished actors.
I don’t understand the language, but that doesn’t matter. I love the music and the video is cool. Go here to learn more about Vitas.
I watched Dan in Real Life on PPV this weekend. It was my second time to see the film. I originally viewed the film alone at the movie theater. Sadly, I couldn’t find anyone interested in seeing the movie with me. Anyhoo… to the point – Steve Carell is a genius. It’s my opinion that comedians make the best dramatic actors. The reverse can’t be said of dramatic actors. More often than not dramatic actors make miserable comedians (for example, Hilliary Swank in P.S. I Love You).
So, what does one have to do to be as brilliant as Steve Carell? It’s pretty simple really. One need only follow these steps. I, of course, think his most profound recommendation is “know things”!
Last week, www.keepitinyourpants.org announced the five students from across the United States to have been selected as the finalists in their web-based video contest. A top prize of $5,000 for creating a public service announcement about the threat that “Debt Disease” poses to American consumers will be awarded on April 23rd. You can see all of the finalists’ videos here. I like the last film best – it has a laugh at the end.
This is a very cool film. Visit Bar Code Art to see more cool stuff.
