Steel Magnolias

I hadn't seen Steel Magnolias in years. I found it used at a good priced so I added it to the collection. I have quite a few films starring, Julia Roberts. This is film contains a great ensemble cast of female heavy weights. Shirley Maclaine, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakus, Daryl Hannah, and Dolly Parton. The males include Sam Shepard, Dylan McDermott and Tom Skeritt. If you've never seen this film I highly recommend it. It's about going for your dreams, keep no secrets, gossip and friendship. It's funny and has some great emotional moments. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Three movies in one day

It was a triple threat today of movies. I stayed in so was nothing else to do. I watched, Waterproof with Burt Reynolds, April Grace. Whitman Mayo and Janet DuBois. You may remember Whitman from Sanford and Son and Janet from Good Times. April Grace is a lovely actress that is coming into her own. She has appeared in such films as Playing by Heart and Magnolia. In Waterproof she has the lead which is the first time I've seen her in a lead role. It's an interesting film, sort of a comedy drama. Very touching and gives you something to think about.

French Kiss stars Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. I'm not a big fan of Meg Ryan. I don't know, maybe she's too cute. I saw her in When Harry Met Sally because of Billy Crystal. To see a film because it starred her well, it wasn't something I'd run out and do. It's an interesting film that also stars Timothy Hutton and Jean Reno.

The Mirror Has Two Faces rounded out the evening of films. The film stars Barbra Streisand, Jeff Bridges, Pierce Brosnan, Mimi Rogers, George Segal and Lauren Bacall. It's a good film about love, sex, relationships and mathematics. There has to be a formula to love. So far no one has figured that one out. All of the films were quite entertaining. Check them out if you haven't seen them. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Lady sings the blues

I decided to watch Lady Sings the Blues tonight. I've never seen this film all the way through. It's been a part of my DVD collection for a few months now. I had recorded it a long time ago when I had cable, but I was never in the mood to watch it. Tonight I felt up for it. It is a great film and Diana Ross gave a great performance in which she was nominated for an Oscar. I'm not sure who the competition was that year, but that's the politics of Hollywood. Although the film is based on a book by Billy Holiday, Diana plays the role looking more like herself then the Jazz legend. Perhaps the budget kept them from doing a serious make over. A few years later, Diana Ross did a television special, An Evening with Diana Ross. On that show she showcased her talents, not only as a singer, but as an actress. Diana had longed wanted to play the legendary Josephine Baker. There are even photos of her in the famous pose. On this special Diana played three of the all time greats, Bessie Smith, Josephine Baker and Ethel Waters. They were her audience as Diana in her Billie Holiday garb, stands on stage singing and the legends critique her. I wish they would release that on DVD. It's quite an entertaining show. Berry Gordy was determined to get all that he could out of Diana and the next film would be Mahogany followed by The Wiz which wasn't a great film. Long musical numbers and elaborate sets. It did use New York to its potential despite the fact that there was a garbage strike going on. Diana Ross did make two television films, one in which she played a woman who was schizofrenic and Platinum about an entertainer who neglects her daughter. I never saw that perticular film. If you've never seen Lady Sings the Blues or have an interest in Billie Holiday or just enjoy Jazz and blues. Give this film a look see. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

What you been watching?

The White Shadow and 21 Jump street. I’m still watching both of these television programs now available on DVD. They were both shows I enjoyed as a teenager and young adult. I had no idea The White Shadow was as cutting edge as it was. It touched on racisim a lot, along with homosexuality, gangs and of course basketball. I only recall Ken Howard doing one film and then he sort of vanished once the television show went off the air. Tell me that you love me Junie Moon, starred Liza Minelli and Ken Howard. It was a film about people being different. If you like watching your telelvision on DVD, then check out both of the series. I’m watching the first seasons. 21 Jump street also tackled some of the same issues along with pornography and prostitution. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Where did I leave off?

Above the Rim, is a so so film that stars Duane Martin, Tupac, Leon and Marlon Wayans. It has its moments. There are some great basketball moves. It's the typical story of a man with a promising career deals with the repercussions of what life presents when ones dreams fade away.

La Femme Nikita, this is the original film in which Point of No Return was based. The film is quite violent with a bit of a twist. A con gets a second chance by being made a criminal with all the right tools. From Luc Besson, the film that paved the was for film like The Professional and The Fifth Element.

Cape Fear, I've seen Cape Fear quite a few times. I believe I saw the original once after learning this was a remake. The film stars Robert DeNiro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as the naive and trouble daughter. Lots of religious references. Robert DeNiro gives a great performance. Robert Mitchum who starred in the original makes an appearance in this one. Give it a look see. Great scenes and special effects. Cinematography is tops. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

The Truth About Charlie

Last night I didn’t watch a film, I was taking care of some other business. From time to time I do find some things that maybe just a little more important than watching a movie, but that is rare. LOL. Tonight I was having problems with the laptop so luckily I was able to watch the television and use the DVD player. I watched The Truth About Charlie which starred Mark Whalberg, Thandie Newton, and Tim Robbins. It’s an okay film, not one of Mark Whalberg’s best. Rockstar and Boogie Nights are tops on my list followed by The Big Hit and Fear. The Truth About Charlie is a remake of Charade. Seems Mark has been involved in two remakes, the first being The Italian Job. It’s an interesting thriller directed by Johnathan Demme. I’ll have to watch it again because the DVD did skip a few times even on the DVD player. I’ll also try cleaning my laptop DVD/CD Rom drive and see if that helps. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

2-13, Oxygen was the film for last night. The first stars Adrien Brody, Maura Tierney, and Terry Kinney. It’s an interesting story, more of a psychological thriller. We wait to see whether or not the victim will be found dead or alive. It’s a mind game between a kidnapper/killer and a cop with a dark side. Adrien Brody is great on screen in one of his earlier roles. If you’re not familiar with Adrien’s work, check out, Summer of Sam, The Pianist in which he won an Oscar or Ten Benny. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Hustle & Flow

I've own this film for almost a month now. I needed the right time to sit down and let myself be immersed in the film. I wanted to see this film because of the subject matter and because it starred Terrence Howard. Terrence Howard is now coming into his own as a leading man. He's played many supporting roles along side Harold Perrineau, David Arquette and others. In Hustle and Flow, he plays a pimp called Djay that has dreams. The performances by everyone are truly outstanding. The raps bring back that memphis sound all put together by Al Kapone. This film will make you feel emotion for every character on the screen. Isaac Hayes, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Ludacris, DJ Quall, Elise Neal and many others bring this film to life. If you only see one film, this is the one. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Making Love & Solo

Making Love & Solo, seems like titles for porn films, LOL. Actually, my DVD of Making Love arrived and so I decided to watch it. Solo was the scheduled film on my list. Solo stars Mario Van Peeples, I first saw Mario many, many years ago when he was a fashion model on the pages of GQ and other fashion magazines. It’s sort of like Universal Soldier, Terminator and Rambo rolled into one. Solo being the ultimate cyborg, learns to think for himself and all havoc breaks loose. There was also a surprise in this film. Adrien Brody appears as a doctor. So his screen time makes the film bearable. Mario isn’t the super hero type. It’s entertaining and has moments. Tomorrow nights feature will be Kung Fu Hustle. I'm hoping it will be a hoot. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

A Double feature

Airport ‘75 will always be my favorite out of the Airport films. Tonight I did a double feature, Airport ‘77 and Concorde, Airport ‘79. Every two years they were cranking out these all star resurrect the old timers careers. LOL. Airport ‘77 stars Lee Grant who I believe was nominated for an Oscar. I’m not sure if she won. I know the film was nominated for a couple of awards. Jack Lemon, along with Olivia DeHaviland, James Stewart, Robert Hooks, Christopher Lee and Brenda Vacaro star along with George Kennedy reprising his role. Chris Lemmon, Jack’s son has a small role in the film. All of Airport films were taken from the original film which was based on a novel by Arthur Hailey. In Concorde, Airport ‘79 we get another all star cast and this time the film takes a twist. The plane gets attacked lands and then gets into trouble again. The stars also change just a little. We get Cicely Tyson, which I don’t know if she needed the money or needed to fulfill a contract clause. Jimmy Walker shows up as a pop head sax player. Lots of International stars including Charo in a cameo, which is quite funny. George Kennedy has a bigger role this time and comes on board to fly the plane. Avery Schrieber, Susan Blakely, Robert Wagner and John Davidson round out the cast. If you have nothing better to do, pop some corn and enjoy the ride. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Airport '75

As I mentioned, I don't recall seeing Airport '75 on the big screen. It wasn't until years after it won an Academy award or two that I got a chance to see the film. It hailed and all star cast including some new up and coming stars that would make their way to television. Sharon Glass and Eric Estrada among them. The film stars Karen Black as the lead stewardess who must fly the plane after the pilot is injured when a twin engine plane crashes into a 747. Karen Black's unusual features are what makes her so good. I believe she was nominated for an Oscar, but not sure if she won. George Kennedy reprises his role as the builder of the Columbia airlines jet. Gloria Swanson came out of retirement and plays herself in this film. Everyone who is anyone is in this picture. You've got Linda Blair who you get the eerie feeling that she may just barf or turn her head. This was her first film after the success of The Exorcist. You have Helen Reddy who plays a singing nun. I guess Sally Field wasn't available. There's Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Charleton Heston, Myrna Loy, Sid Caesar, Jerry Stiller father of Ben Stiller, and many others. Once again we see what maneuvers would be conducted if a plane needed assistance and could actually be helped. Tomorrow nights feature, Airport '77, it was a two year thing. Incidentally, Airport '75 was inspired by the film Airport. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Airport 1975 changing things

Airport

Tonight I watched the film Airport. This was the first in the genre of disaster flicks for the big screen. At least it was the first one I recall. I never saw this one on the big screen. Airport stars Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes and Jaqueline Bissett to name a few. The film has interesting visuals and sort of has that soap opera feel to it. Bad marriages, love affairs and secrets, lots of secrets. Tomorrw I will watch Airport '75 which I've seen many times. I like Karen Black. It wasn't until Airport 77 that I actually went to a theater to see an Airport film. The main focus of these films was to show the attempts that are made if and when a disaster in the sky occurs. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Do you speak Spanglish?

 The first time I saw this film I was on a flight to Kona, HI. It was a double feature, Spanglish and Because of Winn Dixie. The film introduced us to several child stars. The most I’ve ever seen in one film. Paz Vega is easy on the eyes. Tea Leoni who I’ve liked since her days on the Fox network gives a great performance along with Cloris Leachman and Adam Sandler. I’m not a big fan of Adam Sandler, but every now and then he gives a performance that is real. He was good in Punch Drunk Love. If you haven’t seen this film I highly recommend it. it’s a film that makes us look at not taking life so serious and accepting things for what they are. We can’t all be perfect. Who is perfect anyway? Okay, I’ve just started a debate. Cool. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Do you speak splanglish

Brokeback Mountain

Is it me or what? I had heard so much about Broke Back Mountain. It’s based on a short story about two cowboys who fall in love back in 1963 and their meetings every four years for twenty years to be together. Sort of reminds me of the film, Same time next year. I was not impressed with this film. It is definitely not a gay film. There’s no singing and dancing, both guys are quite masculine and the film moves slowly for me. I will say the cinematography is excellent. Watching the sheep roam the mountainside of Wyoming. It seems the parts of the film most people have a problem with are what I like about the film. Anne Hathaway gives another great performance as the wife of Jack Twist. She sort of poor white trash who gets money. Michelle Williams of Dawson Creek Fame plays the wife of Ennis who actually gets to see her husband in the act of making out. The scene works very well and it happens to be the first scene shot in the film. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal have a screen presence and most of the story is told through their eyes when they raise up their heads or aren’t wearing their cowboy hats. If there were more rodeo riding or bar fighting I would say this would be a great buddy film. Many of the cliches show up in this film in a subtle way. Two guys get drunk, a cold winters night, the sheep are so far away so they end up in a pop tent together. Hey, did someone drink too much last night. The struggle and aggressive nature of the sex adds some intensity, but there are openings that need to be filled. There could be an intentional pun there. What made Jack attracted to Ennis? It seems Ennis already knew what Jack wanted. Deep down he had feelings himself, but didn’t know how to deal with them exactly. Jack’s assistance helped and at the same time created a struggle within himself. It’s a film you’ll have to decide if you wish to see it. I was surprised at the ending, but that’s life. We all make decisions and we have to live with them. You may want to wait until it arrives on DVD instead of paying $6.25 or more depending on where you live. Here in Austin the Matinees are $6.25. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

L. A. Law The Movie

L. A. Law was one of my favorite television shows. I've always been interested in law, ever since I saw Perry Mason for the first time. L. A. Law The Movie picks up 10 years later and is a reunion of law partners of McKenzie and Brackman. The original cast, Harry Hamlin, Corbin Benson, Susan Dey, Richard Dysart and others show up along with some new faces. It's entertaining, but it's not the series itself. That's life. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Tomorrow nights film is Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Shue.

Chill Factor

This film stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Skeet Ulrich. Why would someone name their child Skeet? Has to be short for something or a nickname and he wanted to be different. He just skeet on out of there. LOL. Must have been a running joke when he was growing up. The film is an interesting action film about a nuclear type formula that can wipe out a thousand mile radius. Cuba and Skeet young guys who've had run ins with the law are our unlikely heroes as they try to do good while dealing with their own insecurities and their differences with each other. I've seen this film many times. Its good entertainment. Today I'll go out and see if I can find any other films to add to my collection. Next week I hope to have Making Love. I've waited a long time for this film to be released. Just two more, Cruising with Al Pacino and Mahogany with Diana Ross. Tonights feature, L.A. Law (The Movie). Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Coming to America

It has been years since I've seen this film. Although I didn't find it laugh out loud funny it does have some moments. There were people in this film that I didn't know were apart of it at the time. Of course they weren't famous either. Eric LaSalle, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Garcelle Beauvais, Vanessa Bell, Paul Anderson, Shari Headly, James Earl Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Madge Sinclair, John Amos, Asenio Hall and of course Eddie Murphy. There was some controversy surrounding this film when EM was accused of stealing the story for the film. I think that's probably why I saw it originally. I love a controversial film. Thursday night's feature is Chill Factor with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Skeech Ulrich. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Upcoming films I'll be watching, A Time to Kill, Harlem Nights, Above the Rim, Cool World, Priest, johns and Wild River. Check 'em out with me.

Good Fence

From Havoc to Good Fence my film choices are trying to tell me something. LOL. The Oscar nominations came out and the only film nominated that I saw is Crash. It’s the only film I remember. I’ll have to look at the entire list, but I only saw a handful of new films last year. I do remember seeing Sin City. I think that was last year. Things come and go so quickly and then they pop up on DVD. That was the case with Good Fence and perhaps Havoc. I don’t recall either of these films having a release in New Orleans. So is life. Our city gets passed by because we just aren’t a target audience or so they say. Maybe if they gave us some good quality films we might see things differently. Broke Back Mountain is breaking records, but why? It’s like when Making Love came out in the 80’s. Everyone wanted to see what the hoopla was all about. Of course Michael Ontkean and Harry Hamlin weren’t well known stars. I still think Making Love holds up well, but there are people that would say otherwise. I think the story is true in today’s world. Broke Back Mountain is a period piece to a degree and it stars two young up and coming stars. Most people are running out because they hear about the kiss. Controversy always gets them in. LOL. I’ve not seen the film yet so I won’t say anymore. Good Fence stars Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover as wife and husband moving up the ladder of success and how the past brings them into the future. Our behavior from the past makes us react to different situations in ways that some people just don’t understand. It’s a film about being perceived a certain way. Trying to fit in and the scars that it leaves on every level. From start to finish. Check it out. Tonight's feature, Coming to America. Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.