Roger Ebert Video Interviews

As one who enjoyed and regularly used Roger Ebert's movie reviews, I found the following short interviews interesting.

The first one features Roger Ebert when he was interviewed by Leonard Maltin in 2009.

The second video pays tribute to the late film critic's influence and legacy as presented in a April 2013 special by CNN.

I hope you enjoy them, too.







See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Image Acknowledgement:

The image shows Roger Ebert's autobiographical book, Life Itself: A Memoir. It is a memoir that is "a singular, warm-hearted, inspiring look at life." In this book, Ebert shares the story of his life and career. Amazon calls it candid and the book description says that he shares everything from his loves, losses and obsessions to his alcoholism, marriage, politics and spirtual beliefs and, of course, his relationships with entertainment figures like Oprah Winfrey, John Wayne and Martin Scorsese. Learn more about Roger Ebert's book, Life Itself on Amazon by clicking here.




Interstellar

"Mankind was born on earth. It was never meant to die here."

I found this blu-ray cover artwork for the 2014 movie Interstellar on Amazon.co.uk. The movie is not available just yet on Amazon.com but no doubt the release date will be known shortly.

Interstellar is a space movie that stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain. It tells the story of explorers who are trying to ensure the survival of mankind when the earth becomes inhabitable. McConaughey, in my opinion, is perfect in this role.

I enjoyed the movie, even though I did not understand all of the science and I left the movie with a lot to think about. Among the real people that I have spoken to about this movie and even amongst the critics, it receives a mixed review. All are impressed with the cinematography; not all with the storyline.

Watch the trailer here:



Many say something along the lines of what blogger Ruth of Flixchatter says in her post, "Despite my gripes and that many reviewers call it a beautiful-but-flawed film, it is still very worthwhile to see.  It's stunning. However you feel after you have seen it, it is still a worthwhile experience that will make for a lot of interesting discussion afterwards."

How about it? Will you be buying Interstellar? Have you seen it? What did you think?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Check Amazon for Interstellar.





Tom Whalen's Lego Movie Print

Tom Whalen's The Lego Movie Print

From artist Tom Whalen comes this handsome and fun The Lego Movie print.

According to Whalen’s bio, he was raised by feral robot wolves in north-eastern Pennsylvania. His diet growing up was Arnold Schwarzenegger movies and Swedish fish. He is totally obsessed with anything that was giant or Japanese and that destroyed cities. He cannot wait for the world to be run by zombies, werewolves or vampires. He works as a graphic designer and editorial illustrator and has designed many movie-related posters, including this one for The Lego Movie..

This print measures 18 inches by 24 inches and was issued in a limited edition run of 475.  Framed or unframed, I think it would make a  totally unusual, unique and BRILLIANT gift idea for a Lego fan. You can search for it on eBay by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy your this The Lego Movie print on eBay. 
More Lego gift ideas.

Harry Potter Christmas Stocking

Discover a handsome, velvet Harry Potter Christmas stocking.
Every true Harry Potter geek should own one of these Christmas stockings to hang on the mantle at Christmas time.

This Christmas stocking is a velvet one that was originally sold by Warner Brothers. It is a classic red stocking with braided gold trim. It features a moon and stars, a purple wizarding hat, a hanging loop and tassels.

It seems that this stocking is fairly limited in supply. As I write this, you cannot find it on Amazon but you can look to see if it is available today by clicking here to Amazon but not on eBay though I could find this velvet Harry Potter Christmas stockings on eBay here. If you want a Harry Potter Christmas stocking but not necessarily this one, try eBay here.

Would you like to own a Harry Potter themed Christmas stocking?

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Best Harry Potter Gift Ideas.



National Geographic Sea Monsters Review

"A journey deep in time. A lost age. A prehistoric world, 82 million years in the making..."

For Halloween one year I learned about National Geographic's Prehistoric Sea Monsters.

Prehistoric Sea Monsters are monsters of a different kind from a different time...this nature documentary tells the story of a sea creature named Dolly who lived when North America was divided in two. The story goes back and forth between a fictional story set in Dolly's time and the scientists of our times.

Sea Monsters is a National Geographic film for the entire family. In this film, you travel more than 80 million years into the past. You meet the dinosaurs that lived then as well as other creatures who are swimming, hunting and fighting for survival. It shares the world and adventures of two Dolichorhynchops, or Dollies.

Fast Facts

ACTORS: Jerry Hoffman, Jennifer Aguilar, Michael Ashcraft, Michael Ashcroft and Paul Burmaster

DIRECTORS: Sean MacLeod Phillips

WRITERS: Mose Richards

PRODUCERS: Erica Meehan, Jini Durr, Lisa Truitt, Neal Allen and Tim Kelly

STUDIO: National Geographic Video

ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2007

DVD RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2009

RUN TIME: 40 minutes

RATING: Not Rated

My Take On Sea Monsters 

Is it good or not? Should you buy the 3D version or the ordinary version? I have not seen Sea Monsters yet. However, all of my research leads to a couple of simple conclusions.

Opinions on the 3D aspect of this movie are definitely split. I have read reviews by some people who love it and reviews by some who I expect are familiar with the current 3D films, who do not like this film in 3D. If you are buying the 3D version, remember this is not done in the latest technology for viewing blu-ray 3D films at home. It does not require a 3D blu-ray player nor a 3D high definition television and, therefore, it is not going to measure up to movies being made for those devices nor the movies you have seen lately at the movie theatre.

In terms of the film itself, people are generally very pleased with the way the story was put together, the content and the quality of the film.

Amazon Customers say things like:

"Even from the comfort of my couch the 3D is amazing."

"Visual qualities are quite good. Story is rather cleverly layed out. I recommend it for any age group!"

"I was blown away at the presentation. It felt like they were swimming in my living room. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves 3D movies and documentaries."

The experts like The New York Times say, "...the film's true raison d'tre: digitally recreated prehistoric sea beasts that seem as real as whales and sharks." High-Def Digest says, "Sea Monsters tells a compelling tale while never failing to dazzle with its wonderful visuals..." FinallyBlu-ray.com says, "Sea Monsters' transfer is crisp and striking..."

Hopefully, this information will help you decide whether or not this is a film you want to see. If you have seen it, what did you think? Would you recommend it?  I will try to report back when I have finally viewed it.

See you
at the movies!

Quick Links:

Order your copy of National Geographic Sea Monsters from Amazon.
The Best Nature and Adventure Imax Documentary Films...





Harry Potter Travel Poster - London to Scotland via the Hogwarts Express

Harry Potter Travel Poster - London to Scotland via the Hogwarts Express

What Harry Potter fan would not love to travel from London to Scotland via the Hogwarts Express? I certainly would! This is the first in a series (I hope) of movie-themed travel posters.

If you could and you did have the opportunity to board the Hogwarts Express, what would be the most important part of the trip for you?

Would you be eagerly anticipating the friendly plump witch and her trolley with the treats from the Honeydukes Sweetshop? Treats like Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Jelly Slugs, Liquorice Wands and Pumpkin Pasties?  Remember though that Harry chose a bit of everything to share with his friend Ron Weasley on his first trip on the train. Maybe that is what you would like to do.

Or maybe you would rather simply meet the passengers. In the first year, we enjoyed the company of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Fred and George Weasley. You would not have wanted to be on the train on September 1, 1997 though would you? That is the year that the Death Eaters raided the train looking for Harry.

I love this retro-inspired themed travel poster celebrating that the Hogwarts Express.  It is an art print with sharp colours that is printed on thick paper like that of a greeting card or postcard and available in an assortment of sizes. You can find it at Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy this poster from Amazon.
How to make your own chocolate frogs.
A page of Harry Potter quotations.



Star Wars Coffee Mugs

I love this I Am Your Father coffee mug. Perfect for Star Wars fans.

One of the most important movie lines or quotes of all time is that of Darth Vader to Luke when Vader says, "No, I am your father."

It is an iconic movie moment from Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back that is surely embedded in every Star Wars fan's mind.

This famous line is often misquoted as, "Luke, I am your father" and was nominated for the American Film Institute's 100 Movie Quotes List.

Watch this short video and relive the moment in which Darth Vader makes history and releases his secret to the world.



The importance of the line to movie history makes this I Am Your Father coffee mug the ultimate inexpensive and practical Star Wars themed gift idea for dad. It is a handsome black and red Hallmark coffee mug, reading simply "I am your father."

Another I Am Your Father coffee mug featuring the iconic quote by Darth Vader.

Definitely a most appropriate gift for any Dad who loves the Star Wars franchise and even more so for one, like my husband, who shared the love of Star Wars with his children. Unfortunately, these mugs can now be hard to find. In May, 2021, they are no longer widely available but you may have luck here on eBay.

Or you can choose one of the following Star Wars themed mugs. They're all fun choices:

Yoda's Calm You Shall Keep and Carry On You Must Coffee Mug 

A variation on Keep Calm and Carry On, this mug features Yoda speaking and reads Calm You Shall Keep and Carry On You Must. Yes, hmmm.

All Star Wars fans can talk like Yoda, which makes this green mug one of the most popular Star Wars mugs. "Calm You Shall Keep and Carry On You Must," advises the wise Jedi Master Yoda. Look for it on eBay here.

Darth Vader You Don't Know the Power of the Dark Side Coffee Mug 

Darth Vader You Don't Know the Power of the Dark Side Coffee Mug

Another nice choice is this black and red Darth Vader coffee mug.  It's by Vandor and the black and red colouring and image of Darth Vader are, in my opinion, perfectly done. Find all of the Star Wars Vandor mugs currently available on eBay by clicking here or look at the collection on Amazon by clicking here.

Yoda May the Force Be With You Coffee Mug

Yoda May the Force Be With You Coffee Mug

Another mug by Vandor, this one features Yoda and reads in typical wise fashion, "May the Force Be With you." You can find it on eBay by clicking here.

Is there a Star Wars fan at your house? A Star Wars mug in your future?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

More Reading:

Star Wars Christmas gift ideas.








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