We're still in Texas, only our hero now has the accent and a shotgun on his knee. I give you Michael Caine in 2003's Secondhand Lions. The film opens with two old men flying a biplane around a wide stretch of Texas prairie. Actually, it's more like joyriding than flying. They even barnstorm an overpass … Continue reading They Really Lived
Victor’s Pageant Tips
The man, the myth, the legend... Michael Caine is nothing if not versatile, and among his many memorable roles, he played pageant consultant Victor Melling in 2000's Miss Congeniality. The film, of course, revolves around FBI agent Grace Hart (Sandra Bullock), who is as rough around the edges as they come. She dresses like a man. … Continue reading Victor’s Pageant Tips
Taking a Leap
There's one thing that pretty much all time travel films have in common: Gadgetry. Whenever characters hop across time periods, they step into a car, or a phone booth, or turn a dial on a necklace...you get my point. There's always a vehicle by which they travel. It's very few films that have time travel … Continue reading Taking a Leap
Origins: Peter Rabbit
Heh. I don't know about anyone else, but I never thought any of Beatrix Potter's stories would translate well to the big screen, least of all Peter Rabbit. Not that Potter's stories are bad or anything--they're classic and charming--but they're all so short. Even The Tale of Pig Robinson is only about one-hundred twenty pages long with big … Continue reading Origins: Peter Rabbit
Page To Screen: Confessions Of a Shopaholic
Chick-lit can be very one-note: High-end fashionista meets handsome stranger and everyone looks fabulous. That's pretty much all there is to books of that genre. The characters never snap a heel or get a run in their stockings. Or, heaven forfend, wear something from Sears. Yawn. However, I do like me some Sophie Kinsella. Her … Continue reading Page To Screen: Confessions Of a Shopaholic
TEDDYx Talks
One of Robin Williams' many unforgettable roles was that of Teddy Roosevelt in the Night At the Museum series. It wasn't the only time Williams played a President--he also took a turn as Dwight D. Eisenhower in The Butler--but his Teddy is memorable as well. While the real Roosevelt famously said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," … Continue reading TEDDYx Talks
This Is Your Life
The idea of life flashing before one's eyes is almost a cliché, but what if everyone else could see that montage after someone is gone? Moreover, what if one's entire life was stored on a microchip ready to be edited and presented in all its warty glory? Or shame, as the case may be. Robin … Continue reading This Is Your Life
Observe the Ramen
Who doesn't like ramen? The instant kind is the food of college students and those on budgets. And everyone else, because we just can't leave ramen behind. There are a million ways to make it and dress it up, not to mention there are tons of different brands and restaurants out there. To the Japanese, … Continue reading Observe the Ramen
They’re He-ere
The idea of life on other planets has always intrigued and fascinated some people. Me, I've never been one to believe in extraterrestrials. If they're out there, let them stay out there, and if they don't exist, then okay. I don't really care one way or the other, but when it comes down to it, … Continue reading They’re He-ere
Show Me Some Attitude
Disclaimer: Save the Last Dance is not exactly a family-friendly film. It's not Showgirls or anything, but it's not G-rated either. IMDb has a Parents' Guide if anyone feels cautious. There's something visceral about performing because there's so much emotion involved--it becomes part of a person's identity, and it's definitely a release. If that outlet is cut off for whatever … Continue reading Show Me Some Attitude
Why I Like the First “Pirates” Best
Have you seen the latest Pirates of the Caribbean yet? What did you think? If Leonard Maltin's review is any indicator, things aren't looking so good. Granted, the public is by no means tired of watching the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, and as long as a franchise makes money, new installments will keep coming. Personally, I lost interest … Continue reading Why I Like the First “Pirates” Best
A Way of Escape
The concept of escapism is something I've dipped my little toe into already on this blog, but when Ruth and Kristina announced their Things I Learned From the Movies blogathon, I decided to go a bit deeper--namely, the point at which I got what escapism means. I have grown up on old movies, mainly because of my parents. … Continue reading A Way of Escape
Taking Up Room 