Thursday, June 09, 2022
China Beach Complete Series
- Commentary: I worried, when I first bought this series (for, I must say, much, much, much less than it retails for now) that my memory of it might be disappointed. Didn't happen. It's my kind of war video, more character driven than action driven, surprising, moody, realistic (for the most part; sometimes, especially in the first season, it panders a little too much to the audience). I'm not at all sorry it's now a part of my permanent collection of video material. I read, somewhere, a long time ago, that it was the first war series/movie that was done from the women's point of view. Maybe that's why I like it, but I don't think of it that way.
My copy of this series is not the boxed set spoken of in the link connected to the title. When I bought the series, the seasons were still being distributed as separate entities. Thus, my "set" includes only 18 of the 21 discs this review touts. It includes all the series episodes, just not quite as much special feature material, which is fine with me. When my mother was alive, it was a bit irksome that there were no subtitles. However, I have no problem with that. Perhaps I will when I get older??? Perhaps, as well, I will want to replace my discs with the set. We'll see.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dana Delany 1st Lt./Cpt. Colleen McMurphy Nan Woods Cherry White Michael Boatman SP4 Samuel Beckett Marg Helgenberger Karen Charlene "K.C." Koloski Robert Picardo Cpt. Dick Richard Tim Ryan Cpt. Bartholomew Austen Concetta Tomei Mjr. Lila Garreau Brian Wimmer Cpl. Boonwell Lanier Jeff Kober Stf. Sgt. Evan Winslow Chloe Webb Laurette Barber Megan Gallagher Airman Wayloo Marie Holmes Troy Evans Mst. Sgt. Bob Pepper
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 1988-1991
Directed by several people, a few more women than usual, and some women who were regulars.
Labels: drama5, female-director1, historical2, jesse-borrego, military, period2, political2, TV1, violence2, war1
Breaking Bad Complete Series
- Commentary: I would never have watched this series had not one of my sisters, the one who has been the source of more than a few of my very favorite movies, been electrified by it and started sending me the seasons. Nothing else to say. I'm like everyone else, a staunch fan. Many (if not all) of the episodes continue to stick in my head and at least once every couple of weeks I become captured by one and have to watch it. Again. And again. My sister and I are still looking to hear from Jesse.
I want to link to one more review but, since I'm not sure how long it will be available, I'm not attaching it to the title of this post. Forbes published a review of Breaking Bad in 2013 at the end of the series. It's quite interesting. With any luck to me, and you, Dear Reader, it will remain accessible.
Once this series got going, there were many, many notable actors who participated in small and bit parts. I picked out as many as I could without rendering the following Actor/Table overwhelming.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bryan Cranston Walter White Anna Gunn Skyler White Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman Dean Norris Hank Schrader Betsy Brandt Marie Schrader RJ Mitte Walter White Jr. Giancarlo Esposito Gustavo Fring Bob Odenkirk Saul Goodman Jonathan Banks Mike Ehrmantraut Laura Fraser Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Jesse Plemons Todd Alquist Raymond Cruz Tuco Salamanca Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis John de Lancie Donald Margolis Danny Trejo Tortuga Steven Bauer Don Eladio Vuente
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2008-2013
Directed by mostly men, some women each season, a few female regulars.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama5, female-director1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, john-de-lancie, me-favorite1, satire1, thriller2, tragedy1, TV1, violence2
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
American Girl Movie Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: The "Mention" is only for one movie, but we watched all four with just about equal pleasure.
Although I'm sure there are excellent reasons to critique the movies, we just sat back and enjoyed them.
I understand yet another American Girl movie has been released, Chrissa. If Mom was still alive I don't think I'd be collecting this one because there is no obvious historical context and it looks like a highly moral 'tween version of Mean Girls. Much of the draw, for Mom and me, of this series, was the historical context.
Kit Kittredge [Directed by Patricia Rozema. Release Date: 2008]; Mom's favorite. It's the one that takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930s. This is the movie that elicited the most enthusiastic response from her, possibly because she was a child during that period. This movie so far, has been the only one to be reviewed by a major film critic, Roger Ebert. I've attached his review as the link for this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Abigail Breslin Margaret Mildred 'Kit' Kittredge Chris O'Donnell Jack Kittredge Julia Ormond Margaret Kittredge Joan Cusack Lucinda Bond Stanley Tucci Jefferson Jasper Rene Berk Jane Krakowski May Dooley Madison Davenport Ruthie Smithens Austin MacDonald Roger Willow Smith Constance Wallace Shawn Mr. Gibson Glenne Headly Mrs. Howard Colin Mochrie Mr. Pennington
Felicity [Directed by Nadia Tass. Release Date: 2005]; My favorite. It's the one that takes place just prior to the American Revolution.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Shailene Woodley Felicity Merriman Marcia Gay Harden Martha Merriman Katie Henney Elizabeth Cole John Schneider Edward Merriman
Samantha [Directed by Nadia Tass. Release Date: 2004]; This one is the Christmas movie in this collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role AnnaSophia Robb Samantha Parkington Kelsey Lewis Nellie O'Malley Mia Farrow Mary Edwards Jordan Bridges Gardner Edwards
Molly [Directed by Joyce Chopra. Release Date: 2006].
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maya Ritter Molly McIntire David Aaron Baker Dr. James McIntire Molly Ringwald Helen McIntire Thomas Brodie-Sangster Boy in Spelling Bee
Although I'm sure there are excellent reasons to critique the movies, we just sat back and enjoyed them.
I understand yet another American Girl movie has been released, Chrissa. If Mom was still alive I don't think I'd be collecting this one because there is no obvious historical context and it looks like a highly moral 'tween version of Mean Girls. Much of the draw, for Mom and me, of this series, was the historical context.
Apparently, American Girl movies continue to be made. I just scrolled through Amazon and several are out there, including some that are free to watch if you're an Amazon Prime member (and, of course, some require a rental fee, as well). I haven't watched any of the movies we acquired when Mom was alive since she died. All other links are to Wikipedia pages, I'm afraid, but the main article has some interesting information about the series history and almost every movie in the series has an additional Wikipedia link of its own. In time, I might scan through Amazon Prime (to which I subscribe) and check out the free movies. Should be interesting.
Update 8/26/21: Out of curiosity, I decided to check to see if any more American Girl (same link as in the title of this post) movies have been produced. As of 2017, 10 more, aside from the initial four which we own, have been released. Four of them appear as a four-pack on Amazon. Two are stand alones. Four, so far as I can tell, have only been released on Prime Video.
Will I be watching them? I doubt it, but you never know. They're pretty sleek productions.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Labels: Christmas, coming-of-age1, female-director1, historical3, kids, marsha-gay-harden, period3, popcorn-and-soda3
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
American Splendor
- Who's watched: M & G, both more than once
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: My relationship with Harvey Pekar began through a former boyfriend of mine who was a rabid fan of his comics. He introduced me to the wonderful world of adult comics, but, more than that, he was sure I would have an affinity for American Splendor. He was right. He is also long dead as I write this, but, when I watch this movie, I imagine him looking over my shoulder approvingly and say, "I knew this was movie material! I knew they'd make a movie of it!" He did. And he was right.
Mom 'caught' me watching this the afternoon I purchased it when she was napping. I was surprised that she was as seduced by it as I am. I think his character displays a sensibility that she learned well during her young-to-middle adult years, having been born in 1917.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published February 6, 2005. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Giamatti Harvey Pekar Hope Davis Joyce Brabner Judah Friedlander Toby Radloff James Urbaniak Robert Crumb
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini.
Labels: animated, biography2, dramedy2, female-director1, film-art2, hope-davis, me-favorite4, paul-giamatti
Thursday, July 29, 2021
The Virgin Suicides
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Woods Ronald Lisbon Kathleen Turner Sara Lisbon Kirsten Dunst Lux Lisbon Josh Hartnett Trip Fontaine Michael Paré Adult Trip Fontaine A. J. Cook Mary Lisbon Hanna R. Hall Cecilia Lisbon Leslie Hayman Therese Lisbon Chelse Swain Bonnie (Bonaventure) Lisbon Jonathan Tucker Tim Weiner Noah Shebib Parkie Denton Andrew Gillies Principal Woodhouse Mairlyn Smith Mrs. Woodhouse Robert Schwartzman Paul Baldino Scott Glenn Father Moody Danny DeVito Hayden Christensen Joe Dinicol Dominic Palazzolo Sherry Miller Mrs. Buell Kristin Fairlie Amy Schraff Giovanni Ribisi Narrator
Here is the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1999
Directed by Sofia Coppola.
Labels: §, Criterion3, female-director1, james-woods, kirsten-dunst
White Material
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Isabelle Huppert Maria Vial Christopher Lambert André Vial Nicolas Duvauchelle Manuel Vial Isaach de Bankolé Le Boxeur Adèle Ado Lucie Michel Subor Henri Vial William Nadylam Chérif David Gozlan Hamudi
The Wikipedia write-up for this movie is here.
Release Date: 2009
Director: Claire Denis.
Labels: §, Criterion3, female-director1
Smooth Talk
- Commentary: I watched this film a couple of months ago when I first received it. It was probably the one film in the batch that arrived that I was most excited to watch. I mean, Joyce Chopra as director? Teenage angst over sexuality? Laura Dern and Treat Williams? Of course I was on board.
Much is said about the yearning and excitability of naive, sexually awakening young women but nothing is explicit. Because of this, so much more is left unsaid. We are never told, for instance, what the details are of Connie Wyatt's partially forced, partially willing assignation with Arnold Friend, whose given name in the movie, by the way, I almost immediately began to doubt. Treat Williams plays Arnold's finagling touch with naivete so expertly that, although I was fearful for Connie when he visited her house and convinced her to go for a ride, I was a curious as she, remembering my own excitement and curiosity about men and sex when I was her age.
I purposely did not read anything in depth about the movie before I watched it. I wanted to wonder at the outcome of Connie's adventure, rather than know. Good choice because although she arrives back home, my heart had already sunk, pondering what happened to her and what she learned, and how perfectly this movie outlines the treachery of male sexuality in a patriarchal world. And, the fact that Connie perceives that she has no choice, being female, but to accept that treachery and attempt to negotiate around it, as all the women, especially the adult women, in her life do. Now, though, she's going to put that off, for awhile.
It is a deep, sobering, heartbreaking, on point film, but something tells me you have to be a woman to perceive this. Roger Ebert kind of got it, his review is attached to the title of this post, but, for all his sensitivity, not quite. He referred to Connie as "a certain kind of teenager". Oh, Roger, the point is, she's all teenage girls. Now. In this world. And for centuries before this.
One of my (many) final takes was, why, in the world, did Wonder Woman ever leave Themyscira, drowning man be damned, and, having left, why would she not return, immediately, whether or not she delivered her cargo safely? Turns out, although directed by a woman, Wonder Woman was written by men, three of them. Honeys, don't try to save the world of men. Leave it to its insane devices and let it destroy itself. You find a place to hide out in the meantime. Men are too entrenched, anymore, to learn and you are too valuable to risk destruction in order to teach.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Treat Williams Arnold Friend Laura Dern Connie Wyatt Mary Kay Place Katherine Wyatt Margaret Welsh Laura Sara Inglis Jill Levon Helm Harry Wyatt Elizabeth Berridge June Wyatt Geoff Hoyle Ellie
Here's the link to Wikipedia's write-up to this film.
Release Date: 1985
Directed by Joyce Chopra.
Labels: Criterion3, female-director1
My Brilliant Career
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Judy Davis Sybylla Melvyn Sam Neill Harry Beecham Wendy Hughes Aunt Helen Robert Grubb Frank Hawdon Max Cullen Mr. McSwatt Aileen Britton Grandma Bossier Peter Whitford Uncle Julius Patricia Kennedy Aunt Gussie Alan Hopgood Father Julia Blake Mother David Franklin Horace Marion Shad Gertie Aaron Wood Stanley Sue Davies Aurora Gordon Piper Barman Simone Buchanan Mary-Anne
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Gillian Armstrong.
Labels: §2, Criterion3, female-director1
Friday, July 16, 2021
Certain Women
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Laura Dern Laura Wells Kristen Stewart Elizabeth Travis Michelle Williams Gina Lewis Lily Gladstone Jamie James LeGros Ryan Lewis Jared Harris William Fuller René Auberjonois Albert John Getz Sheriff Rowles
Here is the link to the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 2016
Directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Labels: §2, Criterion3, female-director1, kristen-stewart, rené-auberjonois, women's-movie2
Friday, May 07, 2021
Dance, Girl, Dance
- Commentary: Under Construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maureen O'Hara Judy O'Brien Louis Hayward James Harris Jr. Lucille Ball Bubbles/Tiger Lily White Virginia Field Elinor Harris Ralph Bellamy Steve Adams Maria Ouspenskaya Madame Lydia Basilova Mary Carlisle Sally Katharine Alexander Miss Olmstead Edward Brophy Dwarfie Humblewinger Walter Abel Judge Harold Huber Kashulian Sidney Blackmer Puss in Boots
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1940
Directed by Dorothy Arzner.
Labels: §2, Criterion1, dramedy1, female-director1, feminist, pussy-flick
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Margot Robbie Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn Mary Elizabeth Winstead Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress Jurnee Smollett-Bell Dinah Lance/Black Canary Rosie Perez Renee Montoya Chris Messina Victor Zsasz Ella Jay Basco Cassandra Cain Ali Wong Ellen Yee Ewan McGregor Roman Sionis/Black Mask
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up on this movie.
Release Date: 2020
Directed by Cathy Yan.
Labels: §2, dramedy1, female-director1, super-hero1
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Confucius
- Commentary: I almost didn't acquire this movie. I found out about it, looked for it at the local library, couldn't find it and figured, well, I don't want to take a chance on it if I can't pre-view (yes, the dash is intentional) it. I mean, I'm familiar with some of Chow Yun Fat's work, martial arts stuff, find him riveting as an actor but knew almost nothing about Confucius except for the dubious details that our culture pawns off on us. When I discovered the movie, by accident, I was intrigued enough to go looking for information on the man, himself. It was this research, which is voluminous, that whetted my interest in the movie. There is a great deal of information on Confucius, but the most intriguing bit of information is that there is some (little) historical doubt as to whether he or his renowned teacher, Laozi, even existed in anything other than legend. Regardless of whether either figure actually existed or were combinations of several Chinese philosophers and legends, the impact of both figures on both Chinese and global society cannot be denied.
So, based only on Confucius' impact, my appreciation for Chow Yun Fat's work and finding the movie, new, at a good price, I decided to purchase it.
I'm pleased I did. Whether Confucius is legend or fact, the movie is so well done and very involving. It swept me up and delivered me into a life full of action and intrigue. Extraordinary man. His life, legendary, actual, whatever, was a touchstone. If such a person hadn't have lived, he surely would have been invented, by the best minds of his day and the days to come.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Chow Yun-fat Confucius Zhou Xun Nanzi Xu Huanshan Laozi Yao Lu Duke Lu Dinggong Ma Jingwu Duke Jing of Qi Bi Yanjun Duke Ling of Wei Wang Huichun Li Chu Li Huan Kuai Kui Chen Jianbin Jisun Si Lu Yi Jisun Fei Wang Ban Shushun Wu Wu Liansheng Mengsun He Kai Li Lady Qiguan Qiao Zhenyu Kong Li Chen Rui Kong Jiao Ren Quan Yan Hui
In case you're curious, here's the Wikipedia page on this film. It's a sad affair, especially since most of its wordage is about (some) of the controversies surrounding the film. The review linked to the title of this post is from ScreenAnarchy and, I think, is a much fairer representation of the film, including the constroversies it stirred. Don't be surprised if I link to more of their content in the future.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Hu Mei.
Labels: §2, action2, adventure2, biography1, cgi-animation, drama2, female-director1, historical1, period1, political1, reflective, spectacle1, spiritual1, war1
Friday, September 13, 2019
`black•ish - First Season
- Commentary: I don't own a standard television, don't live in an area that has easy access to a universal television signal (like, the networks, etc) and don't subscribe to cable tv, so I almost never know what's "on the tube". My Florida Sister, though, will often tweak my consciousness on what I should look for in the DVD section of Prescott's library system (which is, surprisingly, relatively up-to-date). This time, though, she just outright sent me the first season of this show, so sure was she that I'd enjoy it. She was right! First of all, Laurence Fishburne is in it. I could watch him playing a mushroom and be satisfied. Secondly, the writing is smart and spot on. Thirdly, the actors are well-picked; not a false performance in the group. And, take note of this, I laughed out loud several times watching the episodes. If you don't think that's a high recommendation, consider how many times you laugh out loud when you are watching, reading or hearing something by yourself. Almost never happens! Laughter is generally a social signal.
I'm looking forward to watching subsequent seasons. Much to my surprise (I live in a relatively small community), my library system has the first season in their collection. With any luck, they'll be adding seasons. Next time I'm there, I'm going to suggest it. Honks, honks, honks, again, My Florida Sister!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anthony Anderson Andre Johnson Sr. Tracee Ellis Ross Dr. Rainbow Johnson Yara Shahidi Zoey Johnson Marcus Scribner Andre Johnson Jr. Miles Brown Jack Johnson Marsai Martin Diane Johnson Laurence Fishburne Earl Johnson Anna Deavere Smith Alicia Johnson Nelson Franklin Connor Stevens Beau Bridges Paul Jackson Raven-Symoné Rhonda Johnson Wanda Sykes Daphne Lido
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Premiere Date First Season: 2014
Episodes directed by: James Griffiths: 1, 3, 4; Rebecca Asher: 2, 8, 13; Claire Scanlon: 5; Matt Sohn: 6, 18; Victor Nelli, Jr.: 7, 19, 22; Ken Whittingham: 9, 20, 21; Elliot Hegarty: 10; Michael Schultz: 11, 16; Stuart McDonald: 12; Phil Traill: 14; Millicent Shelton: 15; John Fortenberry: 17; Anton Cropper: 23; Jonathan Groff: 24. Whew! I don't know why I bothered to list every director for each episode. I won't be doing that again!
Labels: comedy1, female-director1, laurence-fishburne, satire1, TV1
Monday, February 05, 2018
Designated Survivor 1st Season
- Commentary: There's an excellent possibility that I won't be owning this first season of Designated Survivor long. I was thoroughly disappointed in it, but my expectations were uninformed, to say the least. After having read short descriptions of the second season episodes that have aired, I have no intention of watching, let alone purchasing, it. Why am I writing it up, then, if I'll soon be donating it to the library (which, as of right now, does not have a copy of the first season and I'm sure would like one)? In order to complain, frankly. When I learned from my Colorado brother-in-law that he had begun watching a series called Designated Survivor on TV and it began with a full Capitol Dome explosion in which almost everyone in government was murdered, I was excited. I have, off hand, for years, decades, even, wondered what the effect would be of such an event. I've wondered, too, if the effects might be salutary, since it seems that this country is stuck in oligarchy and can't wrench itself away from plutocratic control, seeing as how strict democracy has been killed, and all. When the first season became available I purchased it, sight unseen, especially since my brother-in-law was enthusiastic about it. We had not discussed, however, what I was expecting from such a series versus what he was seeing. Big mistake. I had imagined a series in which the entire idea of government, particularly in the U.S., was suddenly subjected to severe scrutiny and questioning. I was surprised that this might happen on U.S. network TV but impatiently looked forward to it. Of course, this is not the thrust of the series. The idea, structure and operation of government is never questioned in the series. It continues as usual, with different people. The group that perpetuated the disaster is presented as a fanatical, farcical out-group that, of course, would never be taken seriously, except for the violence it produces. The "dilemmas" that are featured in each episode could have been taken directly out of the womb of 24 impregated by The West Wing. I only watched a few episodes of 24 and found it full of violent silliness. I liked The West Wing. Their child, though, is ugly and ill-gotten. I know the U.S. imagination is better than this because my imagination is better than this. It is, I think, this populist U.S. imagination, though, that network television, being headed by people whose literal fortunes are tied to our present government, would never allow, let alone acknowledge. So, the library will be getting this DVD set. I'm sure they'll be pleased. I imagine there are lots of people inquiring about the possibility of checking out this series.
Update 2/10/18: That's right, folks. I did it, two days ago. I donated this DVD series 1st season to my library.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kiefer Sutherland President Thomas Kirkman Natascha McElhone First Lady Alexandra Kirkman Adan Canto Aaron Shore Italia Ricci Emily Rhodes LaMonica Garrett SSA Mike Ritter Tanner Buchanan Leo Kirkman Kal Penn Seth Wright Maggie Q Hannah Wells
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015-2019
Various directors for this season, one of whom is female.
Labels: drama4, female-director1, political2, presidential, TV1
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Across the Universe
- Who's watched: Watched and bought this movie AMD
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Although this movie was released before Mom's death, I didn't watch it until after she died, when it became available for rental. On first watching I determined that I wasn't particularly interested in owning it, even though it was entertaining. I wasn't impressed by the story. I did, however, find myself keeping the movie for several days and re-viewing the music segments, some of which I found captivating, and playing it in the background because I found that the reproductions of the songs by various artists added flavor to the compositions. I still resisted owning it, though, until I stumbled across a severely marked down copy. I don't find it an adequate substitute for The Beatles, but it's an interesting and informative adjunct.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Evan Rachel Wood Lucy Jim Sturgess Jude Joe Anderson Max Dana Fuchs Sadie Lynn Cohen Grandmother Karrigan Dylan Baker Mr. Carrigan Carol Woods Gospel Singer Harry Lennix army sergeant James Urbaniak Manager Bill Bono Dr. Robert Eddie Izzard Mr. Kite Salma Hayek Bang Bang Shoot Shoot Nurses
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Julie Taymor.
Labels: animated, audio-visual, drama6, dylan-baker, fantasy2, female-director1, film-art1, musical1, period3, romance1, spectacle1
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Dog Whisperer - 1st Season
- Who's watched: M & G (marginally)
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This video was a surprise I would not have considered on my own. One of my sisters sent it to me for my 2006 birthday. It was an excellent choice. Aside from the comments above, I think it is turning Mom into a watcher of the TV show. I noticed, when she watched the video, that she smiled through the entire three episodes, which were watched, pretty much, back to back. The reason I list myself as having watched it "marginally" is that I was doing chores and preparing dinner while it was on. However, I caught quite a bit of the episodes; enough so that, Mom and I had extended conversations about dogs, our previous ownership of dogs and possible future ownership (I'm still thinking, out of the question, but, you never know).
In order to access the article linked to the title of this post, you might have to register for a free account with The Age, an Australian newspaper. I had to register to access the whole article.
Update 2/7/18: I no longer have this DVD in my collection, unfortunately. I didn't voluntarily weed it. A few years ago I lent it to a friend who always owns a passel of dogs and sometimes has trouble controlling them. She must have found the DVD valuable because she never returned it and has left the neighboring city in which she lived for parts unknown. I've designated it, by color, as a "no longer owned" video, but I have hope ... I think it would be one of those videos where I'd watch it and remind myself of Mom and me watching it.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004-2012
Directed by SueAnn Fincke & Jim Milio.
Labels: animal, audio-visual, female-director1, TV2
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Boston Legal, Seasons 1 - 5
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3* *4*
- Commentary: It never fails to amaze me that Mom enjoys this show as much as I do. I didn't expect her to. I thought she'd find the broad satire tense and boring, but it's not uncommon for her to find it laugh-out-loud funny and the legal issues intrigue her.
It never fails that, after a show, we find ourselves discussing some aspect of the show we've just viewed. We'll definitely be watching and collecting all seasons.
Update 5/14/2002: We did, indeed, collect all five seasons and Mom watched every episode with much enthusiasm. Frankly, I think she may have a crush on William Shatner (she is a Trekie), or maybe James Spader. Or both. I wouldn't put it past her.
And, Candice Bergen (she is also a Murphy-ite). She always has time for Candice Bergen!
In the table below I am listing only actors and their corresponding roles that are most recognizable to Mom.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Spader Alan Shore William Shatner Denny Crane Candice Bergen Shirley Schmidt René Auberjonois Paul Lewiston Mark Valley Brad Chase Meredith Easton Bethany Horowitz Julie Bowen Denise Bauer John Larroquette Carl Sack
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004-2008
Directed by several people; female directors sparse and only in Seasons 1, 2 and 4.
Labels: candice-bergen, female-director1, james-spader, legal, rené-auberjonois, satire2, shared-favorite, TV2
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Big
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom has to be in the right mood for this movie. As a former elementary school teacher she is all too aware of how children long to be adults and that the truth of the matter is that adults may long to be younger adults, but they don't long to be children. Ever.
Despite my mother's discomfort, and disagreement, with this film, watching it always puts me in the right mood, but, then, I was never a teacher, formally, and never had kids, on purpose. Penny Marshall is a sentimental genius.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Hanks Joshua Baskin David Moscow Young Josh Elizabeth Perkins Susan Lawrence Robert Loggia Mr. MacMillan John Heard Paul Davenport Jared Rushton Billy Francis Kopecki Jon Lovitz Scotty Brennen Mercedes Ruehl Mrs. Baskin
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Penny Marshall.
Labels: comedy2, coming-of-age2, fantasy3, female-director1, john-heard, popcorn-and-soda5, tom-hanks
Monday, February 21, 2005
Antonia's Line
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This is a little symphony of a movie that I discovered some years ago on the Sundance channel, stayed up after my first viewing long enough to set up tape for a second run, and showed the tape to my mother the next day, knowing that despite the movie being in Dutch with English subtitles, she'd love the movie and especially Antonia, because there is much of Antonia's spirit in my mother, even though their lives are quite different. We watch this movie fairly often, now, whenever one or the other of us needs to revel and refresh ourselves in the strength of lineage and the march of time.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Willeke van Ammelrooy Antonia Els Dottermans Danielle Jan Decleir Farmer Bas Victor Löw Harry Elsie de Brauw Lara Marina de Graaf Deedee Jan Steen Lippen Willem Veerle van Overloop Thérèse Catherine ten Bruggencate Malle Madonna Dora van der Groen Allegonde Mil Seghers Kromme Vinger Thyrza Ravesteijn Sarah
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Marleen Gorris.
Labels: dramaB, female-director1, haunting2, period5, shared-favorite, women's-movie1
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Deep Space 9: Entire Series
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3* *4* *5* *6* *7* *8* *9*
- Commentary: This series is like school for both of us. We watch anywhere from 3 to 7 episodes a week. They are played throughout the day, spark conversation, sometimes I use them to keep Mom awake a little longer.
We are, by the way, nowhere near the end. I think, at this posting, we're lost somewhere in the third year. There is always a year's block on our floor in front of the dvd player, in case Mom wants to watch TV and there's "nothing on", and Animal Planet has lost its charms.
I still, by the way, have not seen how Judsea Dax dies.
Important!: I found the ultimate review (set of reviews, really) for this series, and it's a hummer of a review compendium. The write-up(s) for this series is linked to the title of this post. Each episode, linked on the first page, has its own review as well. Check it out!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Avery Brooks Benjamin Sisko René Auberjonois Odo Nana Visitor Kira Nerys Alexander Siddig Julian Bashir Michael Dorn Worf Armin Shimerman Quark Terry Farrell Judsea Dax Colm Meaney Miles O'Brien
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993-1999
Directed by various people, some women.
Labels: aliens, female-director1, leonard-nimoy, rené-auberjonois, science-fiction2, shared-favorite, star-trek, TV3
