FILM: Take Me Home (2011)

Take Me Home (2011)
Rated PG-13
Starring Sam Jaeger, Amber Jaeger

Has anyone heard of this film?  I stumbled upon this little gem on Netflix one night when my husband was away.  I was specifically looking for something he wouldn't watch with me (I have to take every opportunity!), but I actually think he would have enjoyed it too.  It's billed as "Romantic Comedy" and I suppose that's accurate (there is comedy and romance) but the drama seemed more prominent, and that's what pulled me in. 

The premise is interesting.... a down-on-his luck man ends up driving a distraught woman across the country in his cab.  As they spend the days together they deal with their own personal issues, rely on each other in unexpected ways, and form a deep friendship.  There is particular scene of intense honesty that took my breath away.  It's a simple story really, but something about it stuck with me; one of the best films I never heard of.  

There is some language (no F-bombs... whew!), but no violence, nudity, or sex, though it is briefly implied. 

P.S.  This isn't really a spoiler, but it is...sort of... since I didn't know this before hand.  (And I'm glad I didn't know.)  So, in case you, like me, like to be surprised, don't read on.   The two starring actors are actually married in real life. 

BOOK: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders
by Georgette Heyer

I had taken a break from Georgette Heyer for a while, so it was time for another one.  Oh, yes, I was seriously overdue.  I realized again how much I truly enjoy her books!  It's true, not everyone can enjoy these books... only those who don't mind challenging language, as in archaic and old-fashioned.  And yes, it's true, I find I sometimes have to re-read passages to make sure I understood what was just said.

But the books are wonderfully witty and fun, and the characters are delightful and varied.  This one is filled with drama, adventure, humor, romance, and even a little mystery.  It kept me guessing, giggling, and grinning.  And I couldn't put it down.  I think it might possibly find a spot in my top-ten favorite books!

Recommended for:  Jane Austen lovers, and those who enjoy great wit

BOOK: Darth Paper Strikes Back

Darth Paper Strikes Back
by Tom Angleberger

This sequel to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is just as fun and clever as the first book.  Once again it's written as a case file with the narrator changing occasionally in order to tell their side of the story.  The story is very clever, partly a mystery, with a surprise ending that no one will see coming.  It's also very positive in that the kids in the story learn good lessons and behave appropriately for their age.  I really appreciate that the book contains nothing offensive. 

And coming later this year, The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee.  Hee hee. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10 and up

FILM: Knight and Day (2010)

Knight and Day (PG-13)
starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz

This is a classic action flick (a la Mission Impossible) with plenty of humor, some language (several uses of the s-word, one f-word), lots of action and violence (mostly just lots of shooting and car chases, not gory, and in fact it's usually humorous, meant to poke fun at action violence), and one suggestive comment.  The chemistry between Cruise and Diaz is great, and they are both very funny.  It's not a great movie, but it's very entertaining, though fairly predictable (I believe it's meant to be, since it's mostly a parody).  It's definitely not for kids, and would be better if edited for language.

FILM: This Means War (2012)

This Means War (PG-13)
starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine

I will watch anything with Reese Witherspoon in it, and my husband thinks Chris Pine is funny, so this seemed like a great choice for date night.  It has a cute premise, a nice romance, plenty of action, lots of humor, and appealing stars.  Great recipe.  It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed it.

BUT, there is way too much sex and language.... we were both very surprised it had received a PG-13 rating rather than an R.  (We avoid R-rated movies unless they are edited.)  Maybe we are prudes (probably).... or maybe movie ratings have gotten more lax through the years (definitely).  The language is pretty bad (lots of the s-word, one f-word, lots of sexual references), but the sexual situations are worse.  There is quite a bit of action violence (spy stuff), but it's generally mild and never graphic or gruesome.

I should have read the "fine print."  It would have been better to wait for the DVD and watch it on our ClearPlay.  Oh well.  Lesson learned.

FILM: Leap Year (2010)

Leap Year (PG)
starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode

I realized that I don't bother posting about many of the movies I watch because they are just OK... entertaining but nothing worth taking the time to write about.  (Or, it's so popular, like Harry Potter, that I needn't bother.)  But this one is worth it.

Three things led me to watch this film.  First, I'm always excited when a movie is rated G or PG.... there seem to be so few these days.  Second, I love Amy Adams.  And third, it's a romantic comedy, which I always enjoy... and this is a very good one.  Most films in this category are very predictable, and though this one isn't exempt in that area, it also has plenty of surprises.  Plus it's pretty clean (a few mild swear words, a short, mild fight scene in a pub, and some mild innuendo), the love story is cute and "real" (based on real depth, not just physical), it's funny, the characters seem to have morals and values, there is good chemistry between the actors, and there is a traditional happy ending that is very satisfying.  What can I say?  It's the perfect formula for a romantic comedy. 

P.S.  I won't post about them, but two movies I really enjoyed over the holidays were the new installments of Sherlock Holmes and Mission Impossible.  Super fun!

BOOK: Son of the Mob

Son of the Mob
by Gordon Korman

I have enjoyed reading books by this author before (for our elementary school library) so I decided to give this one a try even thought it's not for kids.  The premise was intriguing.... a straight-arrow teenager whose father is head of the New York mafia manages to avoid getting involved in the family "business" and enjoys a fairly normal, traditional family life (two loving parents, typical older brother, home in the suburbs), but things get complicated when he falls in love with the daughter of the FBI agent who has been investigating his father for many years.

Korman's writing is fun and the story is very entertaining; part mystery, part love-story, part comedy.  Now for the "buts."  There is some violence....nothing extreme or graphic, but as you might expect there are a few instances of mob members doing what they do.... the events don't "happen" in the story but they are mentioned.  There is some mild language, but very little.  The most uncomfortable parts for me were the (mostly subtle) sexual references, including a scene where our 17-year-old hero narrowly escapes an awkward situation with a call-girl hired by his older brother.  But Vince is a good kid, and he does the right thing.... throughout the whole book. 

Recommended for 16 years and up

BOOK: The Death of Disco Dancer

The Death of a Disco Dancer
by David Clark

My cousin is a friend of this author so I was offered a free copy to review.  The majority of this "Mormon" novel tells the story of several months in the life of the protagonist at 11-years-old, with a few* "flash-foward" moments when he is 40-something. 

The details of growing up in Mesa, AZ in 1981 are funny (and presumably semi-autobiographical), though I'm not sure if that's because I was also 11-years-old and living in Mesa in 1981, or if they will resonate with anyone my age.  However, I think just about any grown man will be able to relate to Todd's feelings and predicaments.  It's very real.  (There is a fair bit of "language," crude humor and "locker-room-talk" that I suppose are "normal" for guys, but made me a little uncomfortable.) 


There are also very moving moments that brought me to tears.  The story is fairly compelling, and the writing is pretty good for a first-time novelist. 

Recommended for:  Men who came-of-age in the last half-century, especially the 80's

* The flash-forward moments interspersed throughout the novel are a little disjointed, probably because they are very brief (averaging half a page) and only occur every few chapters, which was a little disappointing for me since those are the parts I enjoyed the most.  I felt like they might have been more effective combined and then used as a prologue and/or epilogue.

BOOK: These Old Shades (Georgette Heyer)

These Old Shades
by Georgette Heyer

OK, one more Heyer book and then I'm taking a break from "Regency Romance" for a while.  But I had to write about this one because it's quite different from the other books of this genre I have read by the author.   Actually, that's not completely true... each one has been surprisingly different from the others, even though they are all "similar" over all.

This one was different in, well, different ways.  First of all, the story takes place mostly in France, rather than England, so many of the characters are French... that's enough difference right there.  (Stereotypically French rather than stately English.)  Secondly, the hero is more the center of the story rather than the heroine, and it's told more frequently from a male point of view, and in quite a different voice.  (Besides, I hated the hero at first.... until I got to know him.)  Lastly, although there is a romance, the.... "Intrigue" is more central to the story.  Yes, that's just the word for it... intrigue. 

Because of these marked differences it took me a while to "get into" this book.  But once I did I was hooked... yet again.

Other good words to describe this book:  clever, witty, and shocking.

FILM: Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Strictly Ballroom (1992)
rated PG

I first saw this delightfully quirky Australian film many, many years ago... and several times since.  I watched it again recently first the time in years and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.  It's a charming and funny story with hilarious characters, touching moments of truth, and a lovely "Cinderella" twist.  There is a bit of mild language*, the ballroom costumes show quite a bit of skin and some of the dancing is a bit on the sensual side, but it's fairly tame.

And should you think that your tough-guy hubby or boyfriend won't like it, think again.   If he has a sense of humor, he will.

[I give out 5 stars only very infrequently, and only after careful deliberation.  Before I gave it much thought I was going to give this film 4 stars, but after thinking about it a moment longer I realized there is really nothing wrong with it, and MUCH that is excellent... a story filled with great characters, touching moments, and timeless themes of romantic love, family love, friendship, loyalty, perseverance and hard work... plus lots of humor.  There is something for everyone, and it deserves 5 stars.]

* Apparently, but I didn't catch any, possibly because there are a few un-subtitled phrases blurted out in Spanish, or, more likely because of the heavy Aussie accents. 

BOOK: The Nonesuch (Georgette Heyer)

The Nonesuch
by Georgette Heyer

I know, I know; I'm sort of obsessed with Georgette Heyer right now, but I just can't help myself.  I had some fairly major surgery last week and I'm required to "take it easy" for a while.  This kind of book is perfect for saving me from boredom... the characters are interesting, the story is entertaining, and it's quite funny and witty too.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker, and I get sucked in.

A word of warning:  Heyer's "Regency Romances" are of a distinct genre and style, and they certainly don't suit everyone.  If you aren't used to the language you might perhaps be utterly bored and confused, but if you persevere you just might find yourself enchanted and supremely entertained.  (Now read that again, out loud, in your best British accent.)

BOOKS by Georgette Heyer

Well, I have been reading a lot lately, but they have all been books by Georgette Heyer.  I'm totally loving them!  Since I already posted about one of her books recently, I'm just combining several into one post.  They all fit into the same category anyway.

Here are a few I have read in the last month (I guess I'm sort of obsessed):

Black Sheep:  Fun and interesting characters and plenty of humor.

Sylvester:  Good story and characters, change-of-heart themes a la Pride & Prejudice

The Grand Sophy:  Great heroine, hilarious antics, perfect ending

Arabella:  Lots of humor, fun romance, and even a moral... always be truthful!

Thankfully there are plenty more out there for me to enjoy.


-

BOOK: I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This (Bob Newhart)

I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This
by Bob Newhart

I crack up just thinking about hearing Bob Newhart on one of his "phone calls."  This memoir of his life and experiences in the comedy business includes the script of some of those "calls," though they don't always translate well to the printed page.  For the ones I hadn't seen, I immediately went to YouTube and watched him perform them and laughed and laughed.

I really appreciate clean comics, and Bob Newhart is one of them.  He has been around a long time for a good reason.  He became a comedian quite by accident, and the story of how he got there is interesting.

Now I'm headed to the library to pick up the DVD set of season 1 of "The Bob Newhart Show."  I'm ready to laugh some more.

FILM: When In Rome (2010)

When In Rome (PG-13)
starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel

This is a pretty typical romantic comedy featuring two ridiculously beautiful and successful people who find love and happiness after several trials that keep them apart.  You know the drill.  Cute and safe.  It was entertaining and Josh Duhamel is incredibly easy on the eyes.  I don't recall any "language" but there are a couple of mildly "suggestive" moments, and a few glimpses of nude art, but nothing obscene or blatantly offensive. 

BOOK: A Long Way From Chicago (Richard Peck)

A Long Way From Chicago
by Richard Peck

Even though this book precedes A Year Down Yonder, there is no harm in reading them out of order, as I did, since they are actually quite independent of the other, and have different narrators.  But I enjoyed this one just as much.  It's actually a series of short stories detailing the adventures of siblings Joey and Mary Alice who spend a week each summer with their feisty grandmother in a small town.  Great characters, lots of humor, and more.  This book is perfect for both children and adults. 

Age recommendation:  10 and up

TV SERIES: Mr. Bean (1990-1995)

Mr. Bean
starring Rowan Atkinson

If you haven't been introduced to the joys of "Mr. Bean," then go to YouTube and watch any (or all) of the clips of Mr. Bean episodes. You can't help laughing. And your kids will too. You gotta love anything that's funny and clean and that the whole family can watch together.
We purchased this DVD set, "The Whole Bean" which my kids love.  We also enjoyed "Mr. Bean's Holiday." By the way, don't bother with the "Mr. Bean Animated Series." It's just not that funny. You have to see Rowan Atkinson doing his stuff.

TV SERIES: Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

Pushing Daisies (TV-PG)
starring Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Kristin Chenoweth

I was totally smitten with this show while it lasted, which, unfortunately, was only 2 seasons. It is the perfect blend of funny/quirky, sweet/romantic, with a little drama and action to boot. I also love that the creators aren't afraid to throw in cheesy musical numbers, ala "Grease" and "They Might Be Giants." No one can blame them. After all, with the hilarious and talented Kristin Chenoweth among the fabulous cast, how could they help it? Not to mention "the" Prince Charming himself, Lee Pace, and the absolutely darling Anna Friel. Add to that the eye-popping sets and "Chuck's" gorgeous wardrobe, and there is enough eye-candy to last until the next episode. Even Jay likes it.   And that's saying something.

TV SERIES: Monk (2002-2009)

Monk (TV-PG)
(Seasons 1 & 2)
starring Tony Shalhoub, Bitty Shram, Ted Levine

My sister turned me on to this brilliant series.  (Thanks Liz!  You were right... Jay and I both love it!)  I've watched the first 2 seasons so far, and I'm looking forward to more.

Adrian Monk is a brilliant nut-case former police officer-turned-freelance detective with severe OCD.  He is sadly hilarious and yet utterly believable.  (Either Tony Shalhoub suffers from OCD in real-life, or he is a brilliant actor.)  He makes you laugh, but you feel sorry for him.  He is so lovable that you just want to give him a big hug (though that would absolutely freak him out), and at the same time ring his neck.  I laugh all the more because I have a few OCD tendencies myself.  (Shh!)

Sharona, Monk's long-suffering assistant, is hilarious in her own way.  She is a divorced single-mother who dresses like a hooker much of the time, yet she is very likable and you can't help rooting for her.  The police captain and his first right-hand-man are fun characters too.... they are not actually buffoons, but often seem so when the brilliant Monk frequently outwits them.  There is plenty in this show to laugh about.

The cases Monk solves are often crazy, but he always put the pieces together somehow.  Naturally, since the subject is murder, this is not a kids' show, though, thankfully, there is usually very little violence or gore (it mostly occurs off camera), and only the occasional mild profanity (after all, many of the characters are hardened police detectives and murderers). 

TV SERIES: Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)

Lark Rise to Candleford
Based on the memoirs of Flora Thompson
(Seasons 1 & 2)

This is the perfect costume-drama/period-series... it just ended its fourth and final (sadly) season.  I devoured season 1 and I'm half-way through season 2 and I'm addicted!  You can't ask for more than this; a wonderful cast of colorful characters, great acting, delightful stories, sweet romances, and plenty of humor.... AND it's clean!

Yes, it's silly that I feel like I know these people personally and I'm so interested in their lives.  I root for them.  I get wrapped up in their sorrows and joys.  And I can't wait to find out what happens next.

FILM: The Great Buck Howard (2008)

The Great Buck Howard (PG)
starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt

I stumbled upon this delightfully quirky film on Netflix (sounds familiar).  Colin Hanks, Tom's son, does a great job... and reminds me of his dad a bit.  (Tom Hanks has a bit part playing the screen-dad of his real-life son.)  John Malkovich is larger than life (perfect for this role) and Emily Blunt is charming as ever.  I laughed out loud once or twice and found myself smiling through most of the movie.  Jay said he was going to bed but ended up staying up and watching it.  It's that kind of movie.  Not award material, just fun and enjoyable.  Also, it's relatively clean....a few mild profanities and one scene where it is assumed that a couple sleeps together.