we don't get out to see many movies in theatres anymore. too pricey, and there's just not enough time. but rain city video and the seattle public library have provided hours and hours of entertainment, with no end in sight.

the usual eclectic mix doesn't seem all that varied these past few months, however. i'm on a colin firth/hugh grant kick, though i've no idea why. i've also found i enjoy the old films rather more than the newer ones. maybe i'm getting old and reminiscent. who knows? and then, of course there are all those christmas and holiday movies. they are tons of them, and i can't get enough of any of them!

the movie list
may, 2010

where the light is - john mayer live in l.a. -- i have recently been on a john mayer kick. love his music and am jazzed about his incredible guitar work. so, though i already own this cd, it seemed only right to use a recent barnes and noble gift card on this dvd. and what an excellent purchase it was! i can watch him play for hours, though the conversational bits between the sets are a tad irritating - i think he should just stick to playing his music and not pontificating. it was worth the price of the dvd to watch him play! so, if you're a fan, or if you just appreciate some good guitar playing, this dvd is worth a viewing!

the movie list
july, 2008

wall-e -- i adored this movie. words that come to mind are smart, fun, tender, feel-good. the hello dolly connection was delightful and there was even a smattering of social commentary for those who appreciate a little conscience in your movies. i recommend it highly.

the movie list
january, 2008

reign over me -- i am not a big adam sandler fan, but have to say i thought this movie was excellent. loved the chemistry between him and don cheadle. thought the storyline was powerful, and found sandler to be moving in his grief and inner chaos. kudos to a film dealing with grief and mental illness in such a strong, passionate way.

brokeback mountain -- when this movie came out, i had no desire to see it - mostly because there was just so much hype - and i tend to shy away from movies that i'm told i 'have to see'. i am sorry it took so long for me to finally watch this. it may have been hyped as a movie about two gay men having a relationship, but in reality, brokeback mountain is a deep, tender love story between two people. they just happen to be two men.

the movie list
december, 2007

olive, the other reindeer -- one of my all-time favorite christmas movies. there's not much more i can say. love the animation (by the folks that do the simpsons), love martini the penguin and i think drew barrymore is outstanding as olive! catchy tunes you'll find yourself humming while you're doing your holiday shopping, it's a definite quick pick-me-up when you're wrapping gifts or decorating the tree!

the movie list
november, 2007

love actually -- it's beginning to look a lot like christmas, la la la! and so i've started watching my favorite holiday movies. this is so much more than a holiday movie, it's just such a gift-wrapped love-fest, that it always makes me smile - and there's always a tear or two. i'm a sap, what can i say?!

the polar express -- i love the animation in this movie, and never tire of watching it. if you haven't seen it, plan to include it in your holiday movie list this year! it's really worth it!

the movie list
october, 2007

harry potter - the first four movies -- so, we've gone back and watched the first four harry potter movies, just because we really, really enjoy them!

the movie list
july, 2007

harry potter and the order of the phoenix -- so terrific that we actually went to see it twice in the movie theatre!

the movie list
april, 2007

the holiday -- kate winslet is lovely in this movie, and i enjoyed the performances of jack black and _____. the movie is a charming, yet predictable film, but a nice romantic comedy for the holidays. i could have done without cameron diaz - she is thoroughly annoying in this film, but the others make up for her annoyances.

the movie list
march, 2007

akeelah and the bee -- i loved this movie. warm, sweet, fun, great character development and spelling! what could be better than that?!

o brother, where art thou? -- this is a fun, interesting and delightful film, and i love george clooney in this movie. not being a clooney fan, i was pleasantly surprised!

little miss sunshine -- quirky film, and actually i was a bit surprised that it had been nominated for an academy award, as it's not the usual award fare. dysfunctional family story surrounding a little girl's quest to be a beauty queen. i'm glad i saw it, but i'm not sure i'd go back for a second viewing.

wordplay -- what a fun documentary, featuring my favorite puzzlemaster will shortz! highly recommended for anyone who enjoys crosswords, word play and documentaries.

the movie list
february, 2007

star trek, the next generation -- a christmas gift for owen, we have many, many, many episodes to work our way through. considering i never watched any of the star trek series, this is a new adventure for me. the few non-next generation episodes i have watched have been silly and boring to me, but i love the next generation episodes. absolutely adore patrick stewart - and the ensemble combination works really well. i'm enjoying them, though there certainly are a lot of them!

the movie list
january, 2007

the secret laughter of women -- another colin firth movie. colin plays a great role, while nia long is a lovely leading lady opposite colin, and the little boy that plays her son is delightful. a charming film, set in europe, i'm not sure i would call this a romantic comedy as the liner notes indicate, but certainly a pleasant film, with beautiful scenery, and some terrific character development, especially in the supporting roles.

the movie list
december, 2006

it's a wonderful life -- it's not the holidays without my favorite movie. though i do watch this movie throughout the year, so i guess it just doesn't have to be december to enjoy this movie!

a christmas wish -- there's no doubt about it - this is the absolute worst christmas move ever made. pair jimmy durante with a dancing squirrel. seriously. i can't make this stuff up.

the bells of st. marys -- bing crosby at his best. yes, i am a big softie, but i love both bing and ingrid bergman in this film.

going my way -- another bing... i guess this month is a good time to enjoy those older bing movies... and barry fitzgerald? what can you say? he's the best in this movie!

the movie list
september, 2006

donovan quick -- an updated version of the story of don quixote, produced by the bbc and starring colin firth. interesting, a bit dark at times, but a moving piece.

the movie list
august, 2006

mona lisa smile -- very typical julia roberts. but enjoyable. very dead poet's society meets, well, i don't know. but it was a good rainy day movie.

the movie list
july, 2006

the simpsons - season seven -- these can't come out fast enough. i can't believe i never watched the simpsons until after my hubby introduced me to them. continues to delight me!

the movie list
june, 2006

pure country -- it wouldn't be a trip back east if we didn't see this movie at least once on dish network. it's one of poppy's favorites, and he would watch it every day, if my mother let him. :-)

the movie list
may, 2006

love actually -- well, how many times can i watch this? it's a pick-me-up, and it never ceases to do the trick!

the movie list
april, 2006

garden state -- what a strange little film about relationships and, well...to be honest, i'm not sure what the heck this movie was about. interesting. but odd.

broadway - the american musical -- this three-disc set is just filled with show-stopping numbers from all of my favorite musicals. a pbs special, musical theatre fans should add this to their dvd collection!

the movie list
march, 2006

lost in translation -- interesting, poignant and somewhat odd film. bill murray was excellent in this quirky film.

the movie list
february, 2006

conspiracy -- an hbo drama, available on video, with kenneth branagh, stanley tucci and colin firth. outstanding piece of film, depicting the dramatic recreation of the wannsee conference where the nazi final solution phase of the holocaust was devised. not light entertainment, but very well done.

a thousand acres -- a 1997 film starring jessica lange, michelle pfeiffer and jason robards. set in iowa, this drama is about a midwest american family and their secrets. colin firth interestingly plays a neighbor's prodigal son, complete with midwestern accent. interesting movie. again, not light entertainment.

the turn of the screw -- this masterpiece theatre version of the henry james novel gave me the creeps, similar to my reaction when i first read the book. i mainly watched it to continue treading my way through the colin firth film library. firth plays the master, and i'm not sure his brief screen time was worth my viewing the film.

christmas with the kranks -- i enjoyed this film version of john grisham's "skipping christmas" novel. tim allen and jamie lee curtis are terrific together, and the frosty storyline made me howl. free frosty! first fun movie i've watched all month!

the movie list
january, 2006

princess diaries 2 -- not as good as the first, but enjoyable entertainment nonetheless.

the three musketeers -- you can't go wrong with douglas fairbanks!

duck soup -- though i have to be in the mood for them, i do find the marx brothers quite enjoyable from time to time. harpo makes me laugh out loud.

the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy -- this was an interesting, odd movie. i gather the book by douglas adams was better than this current movie version. i may have to read the book.

state fair -- this is the original, non-musical version of this movie. i've been on the lookout for it for a number of years, and santa and his very clever elves hit the jackpot! since it's pre-hollywood ratings, there's an interesting, racy undertone with one of the pairings - i won't give it away. best just to get yourself a copy and watch it!

the movie list
december, 2005

the bells of st. mary's -- bing at his best. what more needs to be said?

christmas in connecticut -- i love barbara stanwyck in this role. and i want that farmhouse in connecticut!

beyond christmas -- this is a little known christmas movie that's worth the viewing time. lovely, a bit melancholy, but sweet in its simplicity, it really is a good one to add to your holiday fare.

elf -- will farrell in a story about an elf. what more can i say?

olive, the other reindeer -- terrific animated movie about olive the dog, who thinks he's santa's other reindeer. drew barrymore is olive, and we love this movie! share it with every kid you know - and every adult too! martini the penguin is a classic animated character!

the movie list
november, 2005

miracle on 34th street -- what's thanksgiving without this movie? i love the macy's thanksgiving parade, and love every bit of this movie! especially when those postal employees bring in all the sacks of santa letters. gets to me every time!

the christmas secret -- it's that time of year again. this magical story stars richard thomas and beau bridges as an excellent st. nick!

lost empires -- this seven-episode series by granada television was interesting, though at times a bit tedious. colin firth plays a young richard herncastle, traveling and working with a variety act a la burlesque. very character-driven, coming-of-age type of storyline. don't expect to watch it in one sitting, though, because you'll need a bit of a break between episodes.

the movie list
october, 2005

the wedding date -- i needed a little light-hearted entertainment - what can i say? pretty thin plot line, along with an okay performance by debra messing and a pretty stiff and boring performance by dermot mulroney. not much more than a time-passer.

good night, and good luck -- i actually paid good money to see this at the uptown. very documentary-like in feel, this movie depicts the mccarthy era and newsman edward r. murrow's 'battle' to have the truth be told. the film, beautifully shot in black and white and incorporating real footage from the mccarthy hearings, is a testament to what hollywood can do with a low budget and a bit of heart. a highly recommended film.

the advocate -- odd movie, with colin firth having to defend a pig in long-ago france. no, not a scoundrel. literally, a pig. also known as the hour of the pig, this movie will best be remembered for numerous naked shots of c.f.

circle of friends -- enjoyable movie i see every few years. i'd forgotten a mustached mr. firth was nan's love interest.

shakespeare in love -- i really enjoyed this movie. joseph fiennes is enchanting as will shakespeare, and colin firth plays a really good rascal.

the importance of being earnest -- nice film version of oscar wilde's classic - this one with rupert everett and colin firth. loved judi dench in this movie, also!

trauma -- creepy. that's all i can say. i won't be watching this one again! somehow, seeing ants crawling on colin firth is not my idea of a good time. though he's outstanding as a man going over the edge. this movie's a bit more drama than i was in the mood for!

hope springs -- yowser! two of my favorite things: mr. firth and a small town in maine. with that combination, this movie can't go wrong. lots of quirky new england characters, some lighthearted romance with colin, and scenes of autumn in new england. fun movie. i may put it on my christmas list!

my life so far -- as my colin firth obsession carries into october, i picked up this quirky film for viewing. a sweet story, and lovely scottish environs make for an enjoyable movie, though I would have liked more developed characters.

a month in the country -- interesting colin firth/kenneth branagh/natasha richardson film set in 1920 oxgodby, england. worthwhile viewing.

the movie list
september, 2005

valmont -- alright, so i'm on a serious colin firth kick. this movie's based on the classic novel les liaisons dangereuses and is both dark and amusing. roger ebert said this movie was "sensuous and voluptuous", and in a number of scenes, i will have to agree.

fever pitch -- another of the recent entries in the firth-fest going on in my house this month. interesting movie, and i can relate, being a mets ("we won't quite do it again this year") fan.

pride and prejudice -- this bbc mini-series was outstanding. true to the book, the chemistry between colin firth's darcy and his miss elizabeth bennett is enough to make even the most cynical of us swoon.

apartment zero -- creepy movie about two roommates, one being colin firth. a dark movie about two whackadoos. afraid to say it's not even worth the rental price.

bridget jones - the edge of reason -- rehash of the original, but it's always nice to see colin firth and hugh grant.

the girl with the pearl earring -- nicely done movie chronicling the making of this vermeer painting. colin firth with lots of beautiful hair and an almost piercing torment. very much worth the time.

what a girl wants -- a fun movie - and colin firth to boot!

bridget jones' diary -- i'm not a big zellweger fan, but I do enjoy colin firth and hugh grant. colin's pretty lovable in this one, and hugh is the boy you love to hate. looking forward to seeing the sequel.

the greatest show on earth -- boy, what a terrible movie! endless, and pretty darn annoying, even if jimmy stewart is in it!

calendar girls -- a very fun, uplifting movie!

the shop around the corner -- have i mentioned that i adore jimmy stewart? this is a lovely film, with stewart being classic stewart. and the movie ends with a christmas eve scene - you know i love those holiday movies!

national treasure -- i'm not a big nicholas cage fan, but this movie is a fun, action-packed adventure with lots of history mixed in. it's like a big treasure hunt! and i love that world below trinity church - makes me wish it really existed. maybe it does?...

the movie list
august, 2005

notting hill -- some may think it's a bit cheesy, but i never tire of this movie and find it quite enjoyable. good soundtrack!

love actually -- another film with hugh grant. great collection of excellent actors.

it happened one night -- gable/colbert classic. very fun.

my little chickadee -- wc fields/mae west. i just can't warm up to his humor.

four weddings and a funeral -- not his best. he's still cute as a button, but i just don't see the chemistry between him and andie mcdowell.

the englishman who went up a hill but came down a mountain --what a quirky, delightful film! yes, another with mr. grant, but charming and surprising and smart.

double indemnity -- fred mcmurray, barbara stanwyck and edward g. robinson. film noir, from the afi top 100 list. robinson plays a good guy!