English Enamor

For as long as I can remember, I have let my eyes wander during a movie. I often stray from the main action and wonder about the extras--the people on the periphery. I like to try and see if I can find something that wasn't meant for the camera, or sometimes I imagine what the extras might be thinking... like, "Will I ever get a decent role?" or "Man, I look hideous next to Angelina"or "I only got this part cause I'm 300 lbs with the nose of a wife beater." Though I'd never want to be one, it's oftentimes the "nobody's" who intrigue me in a film. In the same vein, I have also thought about the servants in a grand household--the people you find in every English novel and film; the ones you pity. There they are, serving the soup and keeping quiet with only the occasional nod and "yes, mum" to mark their presence...never knowing who they are, where they came from or what they are thinking. Until now. Unleash your aprons and let loose your bow ties, as the servants of Downton Abbey take center stage; it's intrigue and drama from the very first episode!

The show is set in the fictional Downton Abby, home to Earl Grantham, during the early reign of King George V, and a few years before World War I. The news of the sinking of the Titanic sets the storyline in motion, as it follows the (anything but dull) aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.

If you haven't seen this fabulous first season, you are the lucky one. What I would give to sit down and start again. Watch it instantly on Netflix. Go now... don't wait. I'm serious. Go now.

"You're the BEST around!

Nothings gonna ever keep you down!"

We all sat down after dinner tonight and watched skinny, little Ralph and Mr. Miyagi form an unbreakable bond. I totally forgot he gave him that sweet, pale-yellow, vintage car in the end! I remember this show playing over and over at my house when I was growing up. I can't recall anymore who's favorite it was, Mitch or Johnny's, but being that Mitch had an unparalleled love for Pete's Dragon I'm going with John. I turned to Nick near the end and said, "I'm SO glad I grew up in the 80's!" Really, that decade put out the BEST in tv, teenage movies, and music. No question. Seriously, don't fight me on it, cause I'm right. Anyway, this movie was as good as I remember it (surprisingly!) not like Man From Snowy River which was a sore disappointment when I saw that again a few years back. So Nick and I decided we are going to watch old movies (70's and 80's mostly) with our kids every Sunday of the summer. We hardly ever watch movies with them and it was fun. We got a kick out of watching Mitchell, re-enact pretty much every last move--totally oblivious to our watchful eyes. He literally couldn't stay in his chair. The karate moves you would expect, but I really chuckled when he, with furrowed brow, furiously rubbed his hands together and then touched his shoulder under his shirt to see if he too could achieve the same burning/healing effect achieved by Miyagi. Funny. Anyway, here's what I'd like to watch again.

•Back to the Future

•Goonies

•Stand By Me

•Indiana Jones

•Footloose

•Parent Trap

That's as far as I got. I have a horrible memory for that stuff. My kids have not seen much. Anyone who reads this, please chime in. We've seen Anne of Green Gables and Star Wars, but can't think of many others. What are your faves from the good old days or the present. Do tell.

Young Victoria

a romantic love story of the most severe kind

Not that many people read my blog, but if you do I urge you to see this film. It is so incredibly wonderful. If you go only to see the beautiful decor of Buckingham Palace the stunning, colorful dresses and the lush English landscape you will be mesmerized. I loved these aspects of the film, but it was the history and romance that captured my heart. Queen Victoria is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing and fascinating rulers in history, reigning the United Kingdom for more than 63 years. It’s natural that her long life would be an interesting subject for a movie--although I would have preferred a mini-series like BBC's Pride and Prejudice since this short little movie left me wanting much more, like five hours more.

The film focuses mainly on Queen Victoria’s ascension to the throne and her relationship and early years of marriage with Prince Albert. We see a romantic 18 year old girl who likes to have fun and be free but who struggles to be herself and not be manipulated and controlled by those around her. I thought the casting was perfect and the romance completely sweet and touching and times. Queen Victoria (Ruthie Pigface Draper)* was adorable to watch and very believable as the young queen, and I loved the chemistry between she and Albert (Rupert Friend). As always, Nick and I left the nearly empty theater wondering why we only get a gem like this once every year or two, and why they aren't more popular in our culture. Go see it. You'll love it. Oh, and don't miss the song at the end by Sinead--that's being downloaded now.

*Dan in Real Life..it took me a minute, but I got it!

Pretty Things

I've been wading through pretty things all week. Well, to be honest there's a fair share of ugly ducklings at my ankles, but with paint, luck and prayers--the quackers just might evolve into swans? This week I've tagged leopard scarves, pearl jewels, cozy wool throws and Parisian crown candle holders... I've painted side tables and frames, mirrors and old windows. Papin, {our fabulous and oh so skilled (I hope) Calleva guy} is painting all my big stuff...which is making the entire process bearable. I am having fun but everytime I blink I think of something else I need to do or buy or make a list for. The funny part is it feels like I'm spending $5,000 just to make $6,000, since I've had to buy so much stuff just to get inventory. Oh well...that's the adventure, I guess, seeing how it plays out in the end. I will take tons of pictures once I start making sense of all the piles...

On Tuesday I was out at the farm in the "shop" (bus garage) taping up dresser drawers and what not when Papin looks at a few of my chairs that need to be reupholstered. "Are you leaving those like that?" he asked me. I told him I needed to figure out how to recover the chair but I'd worry about it another day. "In my country I learned how to do it." Say whaaaat? Seriously these Costa Ricans never cease to amaze me...he asked me how soon I could get the fabric and he'd give it a go. Would that be incredible if I just found someone to do that for me? It costs a small fortune to hire that stuff out. Crossing my fingers compadre!

So you get the drift of my days...how's about the night? Mitch recommended Prison Break and we're loving it. Just wrapping up season one tonight. It's super intense and perfect to space out to a few times a week. Wentworth up top is another Pretty for sure.

Crack

When I disappear it's for a good reason. This time is no exception. I can't quit and I'm savoring my addiction. Tonight I even locked my door at 6:30 and feigned illness to sneak one in. Is that a red flag? I'll be up and runnin' tomorrow. As for now, got season one, episode nine... rushing my veins.

Are you an addict?
Come clean.

Thumbs Up

After reading about a bazillion reviews, I realize this is a LOVE or HATE movie.  As for me, I loved it.  I don't mind slow and thought provoking, in fact it's my first choice; I prefer films that are layered with meaning.  I would definitely give it a look. I thought the message was beautiful and touching and that Will Smith ain't bad on the eyes neitha!  I don't have the brainpower to give you all my reasons why, but check it out....I'd like to know what YOU think. 

Anybody seen this?

Thumbs up or down?

Here Comes the Sun

Little Darlin'

Man I'm happy! Like practically giggly. I'm sure it has lots to do with Spring and the sun shining hot but there's plenty of good stuff putting a skip in my step starting with baby Jocelyn up there. She's three weeks old and is absolutely beautiful. What an awesome surprise for Johnny and Kelley after three boys. I am thrilled for them and love that little doll.

Or perhaps it's my new poison. I've been taking this for a week and feel like a new woman. Who knows, it could be my new bra, but I feel great and figure this must have something to do with it. Anjie, our resident health care technician, swears by it so I jumped aboard. She knows her stuff and so far so good. I'm cleaning fast and furious and feeling energized. Buy it here and it's two for one.

Did you know baby sister is moving East? She's bringing her husband and kid along and is ready to make her way on the opposite end of the earth. We are more than willing to bring another into the fold, making the score 4:2 East Coast sporting a healthy lead.

Only nine more days till Ma and Pa land. Hopefully they won't be carrying any measles or swine flu on their person. I'm just curious as to whether or not they'll still be wearing their masks when they kiss the kids.

In order: Jill, Kelley, Kolette and Jen. Today was a fine day for laying out. That's right. I plugged in some 80's tunes, made salad and we sunbathed like schoolgirls on the back lawn. It was a fabulous afternoon if I do say so. We so modest.

We met Joan and she proved to be the accordion teacher of our dreams. She said that Nicholas is very talented and will make a fine little music maker. Mitch, who is mocking our choice of 2nd instrument, suggested bagpipes in lieu of the squeezebox. He said Nicholas is on the fast track to this if I don't reconsider. I beg to differ. Accordions are making quite a comeback my sources tell me.

Nick started carrying a purse. He hasn't lost his wallet OR his lipstick in days!

STATE OF PLAY. Though I am an ardent lover of Russell Crowe ("Maximus stop!") I do not have much hope for the movie. We just finished this BBC miniseries and it was so awesome! I would definitely watch this over the new one coming out. We loved it and stayed up late, late, late to finish. Super fast paced, complex plot...way good. Read more here.

Puppy love. Just not on my part. Little chick is loving every minute of her life watching Aunt Natalie's new pooch. Gracie is Darcy's replacement who was squished in the road about six weeks ago by her own dad. Sad but true. The little puff is nuts and sounds like a hysterical, suffering bird when Natalie leaves for school. When Nat plays the flutophone (which is what we used to call them) I mean the recorder (per her correction) she howls like a coyote on helium. Pretty funny. But the best is watching Camille slyly pick up her little cigarette turds with bare fingers and run them to the toilet before her mean mother can see what's happened. Atta girl. No squeamish kids here.

And last (but certainly not least) you can kiss your Kotex good-bye with the final item on my happiness-inducing list. I daresay nothing's come out this innovative since the Norelco Body Groomer. If you are a stranger to the Menstrual Mooncup, click here. Due to the private nature of this item I won't mention any names (anjie) but my good friend recommended this to me and from what I can tell it's a brilliant contraption. Not that I've ever used it, but with the going green movement growing ever stronger, I'd imagine it's the way of the future...

Sun, sun, sun here it comes!

Running on Empty

I am pooped. I have been out of my mind busy the last few days...staying up way too late and company in town.  I am really too tired to post what I had planned but wanted to say a little something.  I finished John Adams last week and bawled my eyes out.  After it was over I tried calling all kinds of people but no one answered and I was going crazy.  Whenever I see a movie I love I immediately find a phone and just start dialing.  No one answered.  Finally, after three tries Mom picked up. When I said, "Mom?"  She knew immediately I had been crying--she blurted out, "What's the matter!!!"  Don't you just love mothers!  She was quite relieved to know my stuffed up nose was over a movie.  It had such a profound affect on me.  Probably with all that's going on politically, I took it to heart more than I normally would have, I don't know, but I loved it so much.  The acting was superb and so well cast I couldn't believe it.  It was fun to see so many familiar scenes as much of it was filmed in Williamsburg and we've been there countless times.  

Without a doubt it was the most moving, educational and inspiring show I've seen all year and it is now one of my all time favorites. It really got me thinking:  How do the current candidates and their superfluous rhetoric measure up to the sacrifice and leadership of the Founding Fathers?  This series puts today's dumb-downed politicians in stark contrast to Adams and the other Revolutionaries who risked everything on behalf of real principles. What a notion that is in this day and age.  Watch this miniseries of you like an excellent story, and to remind yourself why we are whom we are.  Five stars from me!

***** 

Have you seen it? 

What'd you think?

I got one for ya!

North & South

Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novel explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England's industrial north, it follows the experiences of Margaret Hale. Margaret is a privileged, middle class southerner who is forced to settle in the northern town of Milton. She takes instant offense to the town and its people. She becomes terribly lonely and hates the dirt, noise and lack of civilization, blaming their new way of life for her mother's ailing health. Her distaste for the town and its people extends to handsome and charismatic cotton mill owner John Thornton, (Richard Armitage--oooh baby, baby!), whom she believes epitomizes everything she dislikes about the North.

However, Margaret gradually begins to settle in Milton. Her social conscience awakens and she befriends some of the local mill workers, learning about their poverty and workplace struggles. As events conspire to throw Margaret and Thornton together, the two spirited characters have to overcome their repressed physical attraction for one another and conquer prejudices of class and circumstance.

Since I knew some of Gaskell’s life and 1850s industrial England, I anticipated a sad story full of suffering and social injustice. Instead, I found an exciting love story intertwined with rich detail on the harshness of industrialization for owners and workers alike. John Thornton is the “Master” of a doomed cotton mill in the fictional town of Milton. He has triumphed over poverty but is a tradesman materially better off than the educated clergy, but not held in high social regard. John is hard, principled, conservative and in love with Margaret Hale, an upper class daughter of a non-conforming former parson recently moved North from the South.  She forms her first impression of Thornton as she witnesses him brutalizing a worker. Both carry the weight of the world on their shoulders but in different worlds. Both live with crushing loneliness.  Their progress to love is captivating and believable. 

The cast was great.  I had a few complaints, but I won't taint your experience. John’s mother and Margaret’s father are vital relationships for the pair: she is tough and devoted to her son, he soft and oblivious to most things. This series reminds us why we believe in and covet true love. Aren't the British the best at portraying yearning? It is strongly reminiscent of Pride in Prejudice in Margaret and John's outward disdain for one another, but the setting and plot are much different.  Both Nick and I loved it and thought it was our best rental in ages. Watch it--this weekend!

P.S. DO watch the interview with Richard Armitage afterward.  Crush City!

Sorry Johnny (he thinks his silly sisters are always crushing on someone make believe!)

A MUST SEE

I saw Bella for the second time last night and cannot praise it enough.  It was even more amazing the second time around.  I am such a lover of beautiful movies that contain substance and depth, promote good values and present a variety of thought provoking themes. Gosh, that sounded like a thesis!  But truly, if you have not seen Bella check it out soon.  I won't lie, Nick and I shed quite a few tears.  It is so moving and sad in a parts that you have to catch your breath, but don't miss out; it might change the way you view some things.  I love discussing good movies and how they affect me.  This is one I'd like to write a mini paper on, because there are so many inspiring themes throughout.  I won't give anything away...just see it.

One cool thing I wanted to mention, is the main actor Eduardo V. used to be a successful model and actor in Mexico until he decided he wanted to change his focus. He vowed he would only involve himself in projects that have positive messages. So not only is he gorgeous but he's a good guy too.  Here's a little bit of an interview he did which I think is worth reading:

I realized that the only way you can control the message is if you become a producer. So I opened this production company with that intention of making films that will have the potential not only to entertain, but to make a difference. Films that will touch people’s hearts and minds, and light a candle in their heart. My hope as a producer now is that when people see Bella or any of the films that we will produce, they will leave wanting to love more and judge less. They will leave wanting to forgive more and complain less. They will leave with a candle in their heart. They will leave inspired to use their talents to serve others. They will leave with hope and love and wanting to be a better person.

I think there’s nothing more beautiful than really using this amazingly powerful means – television, film, music, whatever you do in the media, journalist, reporter, actor, musicians – sometimes we have so much responsibility and we forget that whatever you do, whether you like it or not, you are going to affect how people think, how they live, and how they behave. Young people live according to the standards of what they see in the media. Just recently somebody told me that the average percentage between parents and children having meaningful conversations is only six minutes a day. But in front of the media, more than eight hours a day. So we know that if parents are not educating their children, schools either – then who? Well, the media. Now, there’s nothing wrong with the media. I think it’s an amazing opportunity, but I think sometimes what comes out of the media is not the best thing for young people or not the healthiest thing. Because we have this tendency and this inclination to imitate and to copy what we see in films or television or whatever we’re reading – magazines, newspapers – or what we hear on the radio. We’re very influenced by that. So that’s when it hit for the first time in a way that I decided, ‘Okay, so why am I here? What am I going to do?’

I think it is so important to support good movies that are trying to make a difference.  This movie received many awards but was gone from the theaters in no time.  That's what I think is so pathetic about our society as a whole.  We'll have something stupid like "Fantastic Four" in the theaters for months on end but so many quality films aren't given the time of day. Well, enough from me.  I loved this movie and if I still haven't convinced you to see it, let me give you three more simple reasons:

Uno

Dos

Tres

Este hombre es MUY GUAPO!

Have you seen Bella?

What'd you think?

Do you want to see it?

Luck o' the Irish!

I have lots of things to write about like our wonderful baptism last weekend and a fun day trip with the girls, but with Mom and Dad here, and things moving a mile a minute, I just don't have the brain power for it, so I thought I'd write about two of my favorites Irish films.  These are oldies but goodies.  They have been on my mind lately (I can't remember why) but something reminded me of Ned Devine the other day, and I just smiled thinking about how MUCH I loved that movie the first time I saw it.  It is a joyful experience!  If you haven't seen it--you must!  I remember seeing it about ten years ago in Vegas at the Gold Coast, with lots of fun friends and family in a completely full theater.  It was one of those great movie experiences where the crowd is totally into the movie and laughs and cheers in all the right places.  I think I even remember everyone clapping in the end, but I might be making that up.  Anyhow, it is a DARLING film.  If you look it up and see "nudity"--don't shy away--it's only the backside of an eighty year old man--and will most likely do nothing for you.  The other movie, "The Secret of Roan Inish" is a wonderfully magical film. It is one of those unexpected and rare movies that you don't know much about, but end up loving.  I especially liked the folklore and the familial theme.  It speaks to your heart and mind and is a movie that both parents and children can enjoy. I am planning on renting it again to watch with the kids.  I think it's one they will really enjoy.  Put these in your queue!

Have you seen these?

Any other suggestions?

SHORTCUT... ANYONE?

Okay, let me just say that my two year old knows most of her letters and the sound they make. One of my favorite outlaws told me to get these, and they are truly amazing.  I didn't send Mitchell to preschool this year, (because I am just too engrossed in offering stimulating activities at home--psyche!) and have worried a little he might be behind next year.  Well--one week with these little miracles, and he was a new man!  I was truly blown away at how quickly everything clicked with both kids.  They are cute, clean and a lot cheaper than preschool!

I love....

Tonight I was browsing my Netflix account and all the movies we've rented over the past year. I've decided that foreign films are usually my very favorite.  Below are just a few.

This is just a precious film.  The characters are so adorable and endearing you can hardly believe it.  It is about a really poor, but loving family in Iran, who is struggling to make ends meet.  The oldest child, a boy, loses his little sister's shoes and the movie is about their attempt to share his shoes each day for school and keep the secret from their parents.  It is truly so well done and such an insightful glimpse into another culture.  After Nick and I saw it, we showed it to our kids (that was fun translating the subtitles to Mitchell) because it is such a wonderful depiction of love and loyalty within a family.  Not to mention, it was a great lesson in gratitude for all the riches we have--compared to other places on earth.  They really loved it and could grasp the story line perfectly, without understanding a single word.  

Another winner.  This is a British film about Lizzie, a single mother who lies to her deaf and mute son, Frankie, about the whereabouts of his father; she tells him he is aboard a ship.  After years of pretending, including sending Frankie fake letters detailing his dad's adventures, she is faced with a dilemma when the boy learns the ship is docked by their home.  Lizzie, has to find a man to pose as Frankie's father immediately.  I just love movies like this that ease you into the characters so slowly that by the end of the movie you have fallen in love with them.  This is such a sweet, human film--it shouldn't be missed.  

Last but NOT least, the French have done it again.  This is truly a beautiful and charming film. The scenery and costumes are so authentic, you feel as though you have been transported back to the years after the war. It is the story of a music teacher who gets a job at a boys' boarding school for delinquents and orphans--and run by a militant headmaster.  The gentle teacher senses potential in the boys and forms a choir to transform them through the power of song. The music is beautiful and haunting, the acting amazing and the story line so captivating, I hated it to end.  I love French films, and this one is no exception.  This little gem goes straight to your heart, with an ending that will stop your breath and bring on the tears.  You'll want to download songs from this one.