In film reviews, that is. In the last twenty-four hours I watched three different movies I’ve never seen before. That happens like NEVER. Equally astounding is the fact that I really enjoyed all of them! The planets were in alignment or something, I guess. So straight to the point….
Nanny McPhee Returns
Okay so I never would’ve picked this one to see at the theatre if I didn’t have kids. It was a rainy afternoon after school and we just had to get out of the house. Glad we did. It was adorable. My kids loved the original (we’ve seen it a hundred times at least) and I really like the story as well. It’s not a Disney version of a magical English nanny story–which is probably why I like it so much.
Anyway, to keep it short, the kids loved it. I loved it. It’s one of those feel good films that makes you want to slow down and appreciate life a little more. Set in Britain in the WWII era, there were no fancy gadgets or stunning effects. Just a fantastic setting and fun, colorful wardrobes. Maggie Gyllenhall plays the mum and did a super job with the British dialect. There’s also a fine cast including cameos by Maggie Smith, Ewan MacGregor, an Ralph Fiennes. Leaving the theatre I had the urge to pack up the fam and move to a bucolic farm in the lush countryside. I found myself longing for a time when technology didn’t exist to steal our attention away from our loved ones. Aside from that pesky old world war, I could step back to that time of life wthout qualms.
It’s Complicated
This DVD has been sitting next to my bed for three months. I find it hard to justify the two hours of my reading/writing time it takes away to watch a movie at home, but last night I just did it.
It was really great. Totally adult oriented, though not vulgar in any way. You have to love Meryl Streep–she’s such a believable actress. I prefer her in roles where she plays quirky moms. This movie made me laugh out loud a few times. One time in particular I laughed so hard I couldn’t stop for like five minutes. Alec Baldwin plays her ex-husband. He’s the epitome of arrogance to me. He does such a great job playing the pompous jerk, although this role was a little different. I couldn’t decide whether to like his character or not. Then you have Steve Martin (whom I love) in a nice guy, kind of geeky role. Great combination of actors there and fun movie.
My Life in Ruins
This was totaly unexpected. I just happened to be vegging out this morning in front of the TV. Wasn’t expecting to keep this one on, but so glad I did. I liked My Big Fat Greek Wedding alright and Nia Vardolos is adorable, but this film was even better. Maybe because it was set in beautiful Greece. Nia plays Georgia, an American Greek tour guide who is a little bit bitter that her tourists never seem to be interested in the history or architecture that Greece has to offer, but more so in the food and cheap souvenirs. lol! Loved the characters in this film—from the obnoxious Americans to the chill Canadians to the life-loving Greeks! This would be a great film to watch for those of my writer friends who may need a little inspiration on how to breathe life (and quirkiness) into their characters.
So now that I’ve met my movie maximum for the week, it’s back to the writing grindstone and beta reading. It’s good to take a little breathing room from time to time, but I’ll be back on track by tomorrow and no more such indulgences shall sway me from my duties…. unless, of course, chocolate is invloved. 
Have a super stellar weekend! Peace and love!
I’ve wanted to see all three of these, but wasn’t sure if they were worth it. Thanks for this. I’ll definately have to watch.
Seriously… there were some parts in “It’s Complicated” where I busted a gut laughing… uh, like the laptop scene in the bedroom. Oh my… and then poor Steve Martin. I felt so bad for his character!
I saw it in the theater and embarrassed my friend because I laughed so loudly. oops.