Betty White Calendar 2011

If you're a Betty White fan or just a fan of what this amazing 88-year old woman has achieved in the last year it is NOT too late to order her calendar and there's a bonus for ordering it now from Amazon because Amazon has it on sale for 50 percent off.

For less than seven dollars you can enjoy a year of smiles with Betty and her amazing collection of hot and hunky young men. This calendar would make a fun gift choice for any woman, young or old, who enjoys Betty White. (Don't you wish it was YOU in that lounge chair?)

See you

at the movies!

Brenda

Quick Links:

Read more about the Betty White 2011 Calendar.

Order your Betty White calendar from Amazon.

Betty White Entertainer of the Year 2010

It is pretty hard to miss the iconic comedian, Betty White for these days she could be a bit, as she herself puts it, "overexposed." 

She's literally everywhere. 

This past year, she went from a Snickers commercial to guest host of Saturday Night Live. She appeared in a couple of movies and people loved her in the first season of the new sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which some say is oddly reminiscent of The Golden Girls.  She was chosen as one of Barbara Walter's 10 Most Fascinating People of 2010 and, most recently, Betty White was chosen Entertainer of the Year for 2010.

Learn more about Betty White's accomplishments at Entertainer of the Year 2010 and make sure to vote in the polls. Let us all know what YOU think of the funny lady, Betty White.

Share your thoughts on whether or not Betty White is the NEW Brad Pitt, whether or not Betty White is overexposed and whether or not you would like to walk in her shoes...

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Betty White: Recipient of the Entertainer of the Year Award for 2010.
Order your copy of Hot in Cleveland Season 1 from Amazon.

Best Johnny Depp Movies

The best Johnny Depp movies is a subject open for debate. My favorites are different than yours, and yours are different than your sister's...so I turned, as I often do, to the best movie lists provided by Amazon customer reviews and the result is an interesting movie list.

In my reading, I discovered that there are more than a couple of Johnny Dep's movies that I have yet to see that his work really does cross many movie genres. I also discovered that most of his movies are available on blu-ray.

If you are curious, you will find the list and a discussion of those movies at The Five Best Johnny Depp Movies on Blu-ray and DVD. On that page, you will also find a list of all of the movies and television shows that Johnny Depp has ever appeared in.

My favorite Johnny Depp movie still is Chocolat and I know I have written about it time and time again.  Now it is your turn...do you enjoy Johnny Depp movies? If so, what is YOUR favorite Johnny Depp movie and why?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Five Best Johnny Depp Movies on Blu-ray and DVD
Johnny Depp movies on Amazon. 

Why Is Tron (1982) So Hard To Find?

Wondering why the original Tron movie from 1982 is so hard to come by? Rumours have it that Walt Disney ceased the production in order to prevent people from viewing the original movie and deciding to pass on the new one.  Whether or not that is true, I do not know but what I do know is that the price for the DVD and the VHS videotapes of the original movie is extremely high right now and that, although I would like to see the original movie, I'm just going to have to wait for the price to come down (or find someone willing to lend it to me.) 

I did see the new Tron: Legacy movie and enjoyed it. Seems to me that it fits the profile of the original though~~ excellent effects and a plot that is not particularly strong but you know, of course, that the reason for seeing the movie is for the light-cycles and the technology, not the story.

See you
at the movies.
Brenda

Quick Links:

Disney’s Original TRON Movie Review (1982)
Disney's New TRON: LEGACY Movie Review (2010)

The Best Hallmark Movies Ever

The best Hallmark movies ever is a list that is hard to define. 

Have you taken a moment to think about the history behind the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies? Did you know that they have been creating quality television programming since 1951? That's a lot of movies and a lot of favorites so coming up with a list of the 'best' ones is difficult.

The shows Hallmark broadcast at the beginning were different than the ones they air now but they were considered quality television programming at the time.  I don't think many people would pick them as the best Hallmark movies today.

Since then, however, Hallmark movies have gone on to win more awards than any other television production. A best of list would be hard to put together but it would need to include a few movies like Promise, the movie which one the most awards; What The Deaf Man Heard, the movie which drew the largest television audience; and even the very popular Sarah Plain and Tall collection.

If you want to know more about some of the best Hallmark movies ever, please visit my detailed page The Best Hallmark Movies Ever by clicking here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Best Hallmark Movies Ever.
Order your Hallmark Event Films Collection.

Black Swan Natalie Portman's Psychological Thriller Ballet Movie (2010)

Black Swan may not be the movie you think it is. Natalie Portman's new ballet movie has been generating plenty of talk, including lots of Oscar buzz. Innocently, I was expecting the story of a ballet dancer...but this movie is a LOT more than that.

Words that I have seen or heard used to describe this movie include, but certainly are not limited to: thriller, horror, art, porn, big, crazy, weird, dark, twisted, interesting, amazing and intense. The video trailer makes you agree with those words and makes me question whether or not I really want to see this movie.

I haven't decided if it is a horror movie or an art movie so I started a debate, Natalie Portman's Black Swan: A Horror Movie or An Art Movie?

If you have seen the movie I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. If not and you are looking for the video trailer, more information and a few reviews of the movie, you might want to check the page out.

I'll be waiting to hear what you think...

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Natalie Portman's Black Swan: A Horror Movie or An Art Movie?
Click here to buy your copy of Black Swan on blu-ray or DVD.

Cowboys and Aliens, A 2011 Western Movie

Cowboys and Aliens are coming to a theatre near you this July and no, I'm not pulling your leg. With a cast which includes Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, Ron Howard producing and Steven Spielberg as executive producer, this movie should be good. Or should we say could be good...the premise is a bit, ah, odd.

The story?  Well very simply put, a spaceship arrives in the wild west and the cowboys try to protect their world. It is based on a 2006 graphic novel created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley.

Somehow Cowboys and Aliens reminds me of Gunless, the Canadian story of the cowboy...without a gun. Possibly because they are westerns with a twist and boy does this one have an unusual twist!



Cowboys and Aliens opens in movie theatres July 29, 2011.

I'm not sure what to think of Cowboys and Aliens...how about you?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Cowboys and Aliens official movie website.
Click here to order your copy of Cowboys and Aliens on blu-ray or DVD.

Christmas With Tucker, The Sequel To A Dog Named Christmas

Christmas with Tucker is a brand-new book by Greg Kincaid. It is the prequel to the story A Dog Named Christmas and promises to be just as good. The story is that of a 12-year old boy being given a dog after his father has died and his mother has abandoned him at his Grandparents.  Not welcome at first, the dog soon becomes a best friend to the boy and helps him navigate the growing up years.

"This simple but strong story celebrates the beauty of everyday things, the power of love and humility, the singular grace that is a good dog, and the mysterious ability of that grace to transform the human heart. A perfect Christmas read." – Dean Koontz

Amazon customer reviews are equally enthusiastic with comments like this one from Rebekah Sue Harris, "For Christmas with Tucker to be truly heartwarming, everything had to fall into place, and it did. Author Greg Kincaid did a wonderful job keeping the flow going without writing a story that was trite or clichéd. This is a wonderful book for a day when you're wrapped in a quilt, sipping hot cocoa, and wanting to be warm and cozy. This lovely Christmas story is recommended for teenagers and adults alike."

The combination of this new book by Gregory Kincaid with the old book and/or a copy of the Hallmark movie, A Dog Named Christmas would make a lovely gift idea.  Christmas With Tucker is available as a hardcover book, as a CD audiobook and for your Kindle.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Order your copy of Christmas With Tucker.
Order your A Dog Named Christmas DVD.
Read my review of A Dog Named Christmas, the movie.

24 T.V. Show The Complete Series DVD Set

My husband loved the television series 24 although I am not sure if he was able to keep up with it until the very end. What a surprise then to see the 24 t.v. show complete series DVD on sale for 60 percent off today on Amazon. That makes the cost of many, many, many hours of television viewing less than $140, a pretty good deal, needless to say.

This DVD set starring Keifer Sutherland  includes the entire television series, Series 1 through 8, 24 Redemption and a bonus disc with many special features. In total, this set contains a whopping 56 discs.

Amazon customer Karl said, "Nothing short of great TV. Loved watching it and always looked forward to the next show. Edge of your seat, white knuckle action!"

The catch? This is a one-day only special -- December 14, 2010 although I'd wager a guess that it will still be on sale tomorrow just not at quite such a deep discount. Anyway, if you have a man on your list who enjoyed bits and pieces or even all of 24, this would make a top-rated Christmas gift idea.

And, oh yes, 24 The Complete Series, is NOT available on blu-ray. Pity that, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Order your copy of 24 The Complete Series from Amazon.

New Blu-ray Christmas Movies 2010

Always curious, I set about discovering what Christmas movies would be released on blu-ray in 2010.  The result, was this list. All of these movies are available on blu-ray disc and, of course, on DVD.  I hope you find it helpful.

Disney's A Christmas Carol
George C. Scott's A Christmas Carol
White Christmas
Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage Movie Trailer
The Christmas Hope
Santa Claus: The Movie
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Year Without A Santa Claus
The Peanuts Ultimate Holiday Collection

If you are interested in reading more about these blu-ray movies, visit my page about the best new Christmas movies of 2010. Alternatively, to read more about any single one of these blu-ray movies just click on the title shown above to see what Amazon and equally importantly, what Amazon's customer reviewers have to say about each one.  Don't forget to take advantage of Amazon's FREE shipping on orders worth $25 or more and to check out the Amazon Daily Deals while you are there.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Top 10 Best New Christmas Movies of 2010 on Blu-ray (and DVD)

Which Will Be The Best True Grit Movie?

Which True Grit movie is the best?

As I write this post, I realize it is a just a bit early but I cannot help but wonder if Jeff Bridges' 2010 version of True Grit will be able to measure up to John Wayne's 1969 version.

Will it go on to become "one of the major entertainments of the year" as the New York Times said about the 1969 version and will it still be a popular movie, forty plus years later? Only time will tell...

When you have seen both movies, be sure to visit my new page Which Is The Best, John Wayne's Or Jeff Bridges' 2010 Version Of True Grit and let us know what you think. Heck, you might even be able to use my page to decide whether you WANT to see the new version.

So tell us, what do you think? Can a remake of a western classic hope to compete?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

True Grit Blu-ray Movie Release 2010

Literally just in time for Christmas comes the 1969 John Wayne True Grit blu-ray movie. I think it creates the possibility of a magnificent Christmas gift for anyone in your family who loves John Wayne movies and owns a blu-ray player.

Simply buy a copy of John Wayne's True Grit movie on blu-ray and add a movie gift certificate for the new 2010 True Grit movie which opens in movie theatres on December 25th and you have the makings of a very nice Christmas gift for any western movie fan.

You can preorder your copy of True Grit on blu-ray from Amazon, where they have already reduced the price by almost 30 percent. Amazon's preorder guarantee means that if the price goes down between now and December 14th, you will receive the lower of the two prices. This movie qualifies for release-day delivery, which means it will be delivered to your door on the day it is released and Amazon will even gift wrap it for you, if that helps.

Unfortunately, it is too early to know what the experts think of this blu-ray movie release in terms of blu-ray quality.  For that information, we will have to wait a tiny bit longer but we do know that True Grit featured John Wayne in one of his most memorable roles and that it is the movie for which John Wayne won his only Academy Award. Not to mention that many people will want to be comparing the original True Grit with the remake of True Grit.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order your copy of John Wayne's True Grit on blu-ray from Amazon.
More John Wayne movies on blu-ray.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas 2010 Hallmark Movie

Another brand-new Hallmark movie coming to a television near you this holiday season is An Old-Fashioned Christmas, the sequel to An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving.

This new movie was shot in beautiful Ireland and features an equally beautiful Jacqueline Bisset. The story is continued from the first movie and finds a grandmother travelling around the world in order to give her granddaughter lessons about character and refined living. 

An Old-Fashioned Christmas airs tonight, December 6, 2010. Unfortunately, it is only airing on the Hallmark Channel meaning that some people (like myself) will have to wait and see it when the DVD is available or when and if it airs on other channels.

Also disappointing is the lack of a video trailer to watch online. I am absolutely curious about this movie...but remind myself that patience is a virtue. If you are able to watch An Old-Fashioned Christmas tonight, be sure to come back and let us all know what you think!  Seems like the Hallmark Channel needs to go mainstream.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Read More:

The New Hallmark Christmas Movies For 2010

Hallmark Holiday Collector's Sets: Buy Eight Hallmark Christmas Movies For Under $25

Disneynature's African Cats 2011 Nature Documentary

The next Disneynature film is going to be African Cats.  African Cats follows three other successful Disney Nature productions...Crimson Wing, Earth and Oceans.  All were magnificent, if Earth was somewhat controversial.

Lovers of African mammals will likely love this new documentary set in the African savanna and following, as it does, the lives of two wild cat families ~ lions and cheetahs. Following Disney's tradition with these new nature documentaries, African Cats arrives in theatres around the world on Earth Day, April 22, 2011 and yes, once again, Disney will make a contribution on behalf of everyone who attends the movie during opening week this time in support of 'African Cats, Save The Savanna.'

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Read More:

Disneynature African Cats ~ A Wild Cat Nature Documentary Movie
Africa: The Serengeti Imax Blu-ray Movie Review
Click here to buy your copy of African Cats.

Disneynature Oceans Blu-ray Review

Disneynature Oceans arrived on blu-ray and DVD on October 19, 2010. A beautiful documentary film for which the blu-ray was NOT a disappointment.  The experts raved:

"No matter how you look at it, the Blu-ray edition of Oceans is a must-own," said Blu-ray.com.

"DisneyNature's Oceans comes highly recommended," said High-Def Digest.

Take a peek and see for yourself:

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Read more about Disneynature Oceans.
Order your copy of Disneynature Oceans on blu-ray or DVD.

The Best Christmas Songs Ever...

If you were challenged to come up with the very best Christmas music of all time, what would YOU put on the list? As with all lists that is a pretty tough question but let me share with you three of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. I am sure you will probably NOT be surprised.

First on the list is of course, White Christmas by Bing Crosby (1942).  Then comes The Little Drummer Boy by the Harry Simeone Chorale (1958) and finally, Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (1957.) If you are curious about the rest of the list, visit Christmas Music All Year Long where you will not only find the rest of this list of the best Christmas songs of all time but you will also find lists of the best pop, rock, doowop, rockabilly, rhythm & blues and  twisted Christmas songs.

What do YOU think are the best Christmas songs ever?

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Christmas Music All Year Long 

The Christmas Box Hallmark Movie

Richard Paul Evans wrote a hugely successful Christmas story called The Christmas Box and Hallmark followed with a sweet Christmas movie.

The story is that of a cash-strapped family who are caregivers in an apartment complex. They are given the opportunity to move to a local mansion and be the caregivers of the home as well as assume the responsibilities of looking after the owner, a lady named Mary, who lives alone in the house. Mother and daughter quickly become close to Mary but the husband, who works long hours, struggles to get along with her. Eventually, however, Mary teaches him some important secrets about the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Box is a 1995 Hallmark movie with an all-star cast which includes starred Richard Thomas, Maureen O'Hara and Annette O'Toole.

Unfortunately, it is an expensive DVD choice because the DVD seems to have only been released as a double feature with the prequel, Timepiece, which has been discontinued.  If you are still able to play VHS videotapes, you will find it slightly easier and less expensive to purchase a copy of this movie in that format.

If you enjoy Hallmark movies, I think you will enjoy this one. 

See you
at the movies.
Brenda

Quick Links:


The Christmas Box Hallmark Home Entertainment Movie Review
Buy The Christmas Box on Amazon.

Hallmark's Farewell, Mr. Kringle, a New 2010 Christmas Movie

Next up on Hallmark's Christmas movie release schedule for 2010 is the new movie, Farewell, Mr. Kringle.

A skeptical (and widowed) journalist must cover the story of Kris Kringle's 50th birthday even though she really does not want to. Of course, as she covers the story, she opens up to Kris Kringle, the wonders of Christmas and the possibility of falling in love again.

Farewell, Mr. Kringle, stars Christine Taylor, Christopher Wiehl and Vivica A. Fox and  premieres on the Hallmark Channel on December 4th.



You can watch the official movie trailer here to determine whether you will be adding this movie to your Christmas movie list this year.

What did you think? Doesn't Farewell, Mr. Kringle look like a charming Christmas movie?

See you

at the movies!

Brenda

Quick Link:

The New Hallmark Christmas Movies For 2010