I'm surprised how much time has passed since I posted a review of any movie. Time flies. Things are busy. Yet here I am ready to rejoin the blogger world.

Today I wish to talk about Yesterday starring Himesh Patel as Jack Malik. I was very excited when I saw the preview to this movie. Growing up I was not an over zealous Beetles fan. I owned 1 "cassette" of the Beetles with the song Back in the USSR. The whole reason I wanted the cassette. I don't know the album name. Yet I found myself ready to be thrilled to hear the music in a new way. Having now seen the movie I can tell you I was not let down.

Jack Malek (Himesh Patel) delivers the energy and desire to make me believe in him. Which I did. He is like most singers trying to become known to a world where battling to be heard in bars, shops, outdoor venues and the internet make it a struggle to stand out in the world venue. He doesn't have the best voice I've ever heard, I still liked his voice.

Lily James is such a favorite. As Ellie she is love sick for Jack. He sees something there but doesn't feel he can go forward with a love relationship and a work relationship.  She evokes all her joy and sadness of unrequited love. 

One evening a weird world wide event happens. Causing things to go missing in the world. One of them is the Beetles repertoire or anything about the famous group. Jack stumbles on that fact when playing guitar and singing for his friends.  Claiming never to hear the songs. He doesn't believe them and goes to google and sure nough they don't exist. Well, Jack takes advantage of this and sings their songs. He has to remember the lyrics to their songs. Which is comical and you feel his struggle. Soon he has followers that are a little creepy. Showing up in the back of the room to watch him. (I'm trying hard here not to give away too much) When they reveal themselves it is crazy!

At one point Ed Sheeran (Wow, Fun, Love-playing himself) gives Jack advice about lyrics and gives him help to be successful. Through Ed he meets his new manager, Kate McKinnon who plays Debra Hammer. Frankly Kate McKinnon's performance is just like some of her questionable characters she portrays on Saturday Night Live. (I'm not a fan of her work, or her). I wish she would break out of her smutty persona and do a character of worth. I think I could like her...Oh I don't know.

Anyway, Himesh does what anyone would and sings the Beetles songs as if they are his own. The songs are not always performed the way the Beetles did.  Surprises are in the show. I had a great time, my Mom and Sis went to the show with me and we (okay ME) sang and laughed. It's a light show and doesn't take life to seriously.

This is a traditional romance with plenty of angst, disappointment, hope, and love.

I don't remember if I used to rank the movie or not. I think I will do that. I give this show a 4 out of 5. Okay, this isn't my best revue. That's ok cause I'm so out of practice. I'll try to get better. 

I've been putting my time into seeing a couple of movies. I'll get my thoughts together and then I'll share. I am trying not to forget to remember. Sometimes I get distracted and just can't remember why I got out of my chair. AHHH. I'll cope. Reviews coming shortly.  😀

Maleficent

I was so careful to not hear anything about this movie. I was really excited to see this.

I got my favorite drink and popcorn from the snack bar and settled in. I always bring my blanket because I freeze in the theaters. So, after propping up my legs and sufficiently being wrapped up I was ready.

This is not the tale you know begins Maleficent. So, true. I loved the magic, delight, sparkle, the lore of true love, the science and fantasy, the bitterness and joys. 

Angelina Jolie was amazing. I'm not a hard core fan of her. Yet I am drawn in by her unique beauty. I do admit to having seen some of her movies. She delightfully surprised me in this role. I don't want to give any spoilers. I think she did this evil villain justice.

Elle Fanning plays a sweet innocent caught between the fairy kingdom and that of her own family kin. She is adorable and personifies joy, love, and wonder.

As in any Disney movie, there is a villain. Is it the culprit the one we are familiar with? The villain, as always becomes consumed in their own hatred, anger, and fear to the detriment of their own life and the ones they touch.

There is a wonderful moral to this tale. Greed, hatred, vengeance, sorrow, envy, joy, generosity, forgiveness, wonder, sacrifice, and tenderness. All these emotions sum up this tale which I highly recommend.  I give this wonderous tale 3 stars and a big thumbs up.

Noah and Heaven is for Real

Well folks, this is my religious movie re-viewing. Still haven't seen God is Dead or Son of God I do hope I will.


I really could take or leave Noah. If you are looking to see a movie that is line for line the Bible. This is not the movie for you. Minor Spoiler: There is a scene in the movie when a young girl is caught in a trap. The young girl dies so tragically. I thought about this scene after the movie ended, and thought how wrong it was. It left me emotionally scarred. This is Not a movie to determine your faith upon. Only take children that can distinguish the story of the Bible with this Movie because they aren't the same. I knew going in it was different, but WoW didn't know how different. The visuals are crazy good. The acting...Well lets just say I do think that Russell Crowe was better in this than in Les Miserables.  I wanted more from Jennifer Connelly. Initially she gives very little, towards the end she shows some real emotion. Ray Winstone's character is creepy.  Sir Anthony Hopkins lives up to his title. I would give this movie a thumbs up with 2 stars.


Heaven is for real was a little bit of a surprise for me. I really enjoyed Greg Kinnear as a father, firefighter, preacher. Kelly Reilly convincingly plays his loving wife. Connor Corum steals the show. What a little doll! As I said, this was a surprising movie for me. At one point I was so moved I started to cry. I realized that I could hear a group from an Elder home that was in the theatre with me. I could hear a couple of them sobbing. I think the movie was very moving. I would give this movie 3 stars and a thumbs up.

Trader Joe's & Copper Bowl

Scott and I had such a great day Saturday.  I have set a goal to try new things (within my limits).

We try to run errands on Saturdays. So after the general ones we headed toward Salt Lake.  To my surprise Scott was taking us to Trader Joe's.  I didn't know what to expect.  They have been in Utah about a year. It's a grocery store. I guess I thought it was like a Sears or sporting store.  We have had a couple of those open up so I thought more of the same.  Scott wanted to get Super Bowl food for or private party.   He obviously had an idea what they are about. We did get some real tasty treats.

On our way back from Salt Lake we stopped at the Copper Bowl. It's Indian food.  Best I've ever had! 5☆ way nummy. When We walked in the x restaurant went quite.  We were the only white people there. So good! 

 On 6th south and 2 west in SLC

Despicable Me 2, Gravity, Frozen, Monuments Men, The Hunger Games, and Winter's Tale

     It's been awhile since I've posted anything. I guess you'd say, I keep forgetting to remember to do it.

     I still have seen a few movies. I don't remember when I saw these movies. Some were at the dollar movie theatre and the rest at matinees. I'll give my personal thumbs up or down to the movies as I can remember them.

    The first movie I remember is Despicable Me 2 or as my younger brother calls it, the Twinkie Movie. Well I loved it. I laughed more than I ever expected to. Most times a sequel is not as good. I really think this one was fun. Spoiler alert: Gru (Steve Carell) is a doting dad and Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) is a traitor. The minons are laughable as expected.  The girls are darlings. It's a great show for anyone. A big Thumbs Up, out of 1-3 stars it gets 3. Can't wait for the spinoff, Minions to come out in 2015.

     Gravity. Well, really I don't get it. I do not feel that Sandra Bullock deserved the Academy Award. I guess I just figured a woman hired as a medical engineer would be able to figure out how to start the engines and guide a machine. Especially, since she was acting as the software engineer trying to download and correct the space shuttle, whether it be in English, Chinese, or Russian. I was disappointed in the fact that she was dumb, frantic, screaming, and pretty much useless when things went wrong. I expect a woman of intelligence could and would handle herself more appropriately. Women have worked hard to advance in all professional fields. I just felt this belittled all the hard work women have done. Spoiler: I also didn't get the George Clooney's character just saying good bye and letting go. I don't think that was real. Especially since he risked his life for her. I thought Bullock was reckless. I think she could have prevented the fire that she really caused in the shuttle.  Everyone said to see it in 3D and on IMAX. So I did and paid the bigger bucks. What is up with her in her skivvies in the fetal position, spinning ever so slowly? Sex appeal? Although I believe the acting was lacking, Cudos go to  Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography, Steven Price's musical score, Cuarón's direction, and Framestore's visual effects. This gets a thumbs up because of the Cudos and gets 2 stars for the acting. If you love the actors you will love this movie. I think kids would get bored.

     My next movie I have seen is Frozen. What a fun sweet movie. Love Love Love the them song, Let it go sung by Idina Menzel. She has such a strong powerful beautiful voice. From all the advertising I did expected to see the comical snowman earlier in the movie. So in that regard I was a little disappointed. I thought the Reindeer was delightful. The story is about an older sister that tries to protect her sister from the strange power she has and goes off to her ice castle. The younger sister wants to be with be with her sister. She feels sad and lonely and misses the relationship she once had with her. The young sister sets off to bring her sister home. Their is a villain, a love story, and many laughs included. Great for all the the family. Definitely a 3 star and thumbs up.

     Monuments Men is a historical movie. Prior to seeing the movie I had started the book. This movie makes all that weren't alive when world war 2 occurred be aware of another precious sacrifice lost. It is so sorrowful that evil reigned for a period of time in that part of the world. And to know that the evil still has lasting effects on us to this day. The monuments men risked their lives and there were some that literally gave their lives to save art for the rest of the world. I know their names are not remembered, but the appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice has not. There are swears in this and violence and blood. This is appropriate for the tweens and up. Thumbs up and 3 stars.


     I have seen The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. For those living in the closet, this is the second installment in the series. This movie went fast. Before I knew it was over. To me that means I was entertained. I did read the series before the movie-which I don't like to do because for me it usually ruins the show. I believe they were pretty true to the book, only leaving out some details that aren't too major. I anticipated Katniss' dress turning into fire and was not disappointed with the special effects. I don't think any of the actors were disappointing in their performances. I have to admit I generally don't care for Woody Harrelson, but I think this role is perfect for him. I think this movie was a thumbs up, and it's a 3 star show. I'll be upfront now. I didn't like book 3. To stretch it into 2 movies is going to be questionable. I haven't heard anyone think the third book is good. So good luck to the writers of the screenplay.


     I saw Winter's Tale around Valentines Day. I love Colin Farrell (Peter) and I miss Jessica Brown Findlay (Willa) in Downton Abbey. This is a sad tale of love and loss, heaven and hell. Russell Crowe gives a great performance. So much better than when he was in Les Miserables. Yay he doesn't sing in this. There is a surprise appearance by Will Smith. I hadn't heard he was in this. William Hurt plays the very devoted father of Willa. Willa and Peter cross paths, fall in love. Evil and Good thrust themselves into their lives, giving up's and downs. There are back stories that I won't go into as I don't want to give the story away. The back stories are intriguing and give this movie the heart beat. This is an adult movie. There is a lot of violence, heartache, and the story could confuse young ones. I think this is a thumbs up. I am softy and think this is 3 stars. Bring the tissues.
     Well, that catches me up on the movies I've seen (that I can remember). If you have questions give me a shout out. So many great movies.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

READ all the way thru this post before you judge, please. I wish we could celebrate one holiday at a time. The other night, Nov 1 we were driving home from a lovely night out. We turned into our neighborhood and were struck

with Christmas. Mind you, I love love love the holiday. But, shouldn't we take the time to be grateful for what we already have before we bring Christmas out. The marketing part of it. That's what gets me. It's been in the stores for weeks. I went to a store on Halloween and they were clearing the shelves to put out more Christmas, which has been out for weeks. 

 

Back to my story: We turned onto another street and again. Wham! 2 more houses with lights and actual Santa's and reindeer out on the lawn not just the lights.

 

Christmas is about the birth of a child and the gift of life, the gift a child gave to us. So glorious is the holiday. I'm just not ready to give up being thankful for the gifts I have previously received. Thank You so rarely used. Isn't there lights or stickers or something to put up to honor Thanksgiving.  The holiday is more than pilgrims. 

 

I just want to share some thoughts about having a heart full of gratitude.

 

 God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say “thank you?”  ~William A. War

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
 November 30th

So, I've had some time to think about my pre-post. This now being 2 days after Thanksgiving: First of all, I'm grateful that other families can celebrate Christmas whenever and how they choose. I was wrong to judge the joy. I'm sure they all have their own reasons why they put out the decorations. Maybe someone has been called to active duty, or someone passed away and the lights remind them of that person. Maybe, just maybe they have so much love in their heart that it's just so hard to contain in those short Dec weeks. I am sorry for the rant. FYI, still not happy about the stores and their excuse that if the people didn't buy they would stop.

I have so much to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving makes it 2 years since the beginning of the hospital purgatory, bed rest, infection, pain, and surgeries. I am so very thankful that I can watch the snow fall from inside my warm house, instead from a hospital bed. I am thankful I can open my pantry and have choices for dinner, instead of the hospital food. I am thankful for my best friend, Scott who is the kindest and most loving man, Any other man may have not faced all that I bring and just stick with  me. I am thankful for my first son and his wife, and my second son. Thankful for so much more.

 

What are you grateful for?