Tom Hanks' Greyhound Movie Review (2020)

Last night we watched the new Tom Hanks movie, Greyhound. Greyhound is non-stop World War II movie based on the C.S. Forester 1955 war novel called The Good Shepherd. (Find the book here on Amazon.)

The story is based on true events during the Battle of the Atlantic, which for those who might not know, refers to everything that happened in the Atlantic during World War II. Truth be told, I did not know that until my husband told me last night.

The movie takes place almost entirely onboard the American ship the USS Keeling, whose call name was Greyhound. In 1942, she was one of the ships that escorted a convoy of 37 allied ships carrying soldiers and supplies across the Atlantic through an area know as the Black Pit to the battlefields of World War II.

For five days the apparently inexperienced U.S. Navy Commander Ernest Krause, played in this movie by Tom Hanks, led the effort to fight off Nazi U-boats and help the convoy arrive safely at its destination.  I think that Hanks does a fine job of portraying Krause as a personally modest but professionally decisive man.

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

WHAT IS IT RATED?

In the United States, Greyhound is rated PG-13 for war-related action/violence and brief strong language. It was definitely intense with a few tough moments but overall it was far from the toughest war movie that I have seen in terms of violence or language.

IS IT RECOMMENDED?

Greyhound is a very focused movie intent on showing one trip across the Atlantic and it did so with little in the way of character development. Some might be disappointed to not know more about the main characters and yes, I think that would have made the story richer, but historically, this movie is a fascinating look at what allied heroes did on the ocean during World War II. Yes, I recommend it for those who are interested in history and want a look at what it might have been like to be part of the convoys that helped bring goods necessary to Europe to end the war.

Writing for Roger Ebert's website, Brian Tallerico gave the movie a scant two of four possible stars. With reference to the sole focus of the movie of one trip across the Atlantic Ocean, he called it one of the "most purposeful war films ever made." He goes on to say that it is a "simple story of well-told heroism that’s almost refreshing." However, he also calls it more "shallow than lean." I think those are fair comments and good ideas to have in mind when you sit down to watch the movie. However, Tallerico closes with, "Hanks reminds us that heroes don’t wear capes and almost never call themselves heroes. Even with the minimalism of Greyhound, it is a comforting reminder in a time when it feels like we could all use a bit more heroism." A good reminder though I think that this year, 2020, with the world battle against coronavirus, we are surrounded by heroes.

Viewers on Rotten Tomatoes give the movie a better score, of 79 percent, with comments like "the role brings out another in the Tom Hanks gallery of seemingly unremarkable men rising to meet extraordinary challenges" and "a really interesting watch, even if it's stripped of the traditional creature comforts of the genre."

WHERE TO WATCH GREYHOUND?

Originally scheduled for release at the movie theaters on May 8, Greyhound fell victim to the coronavirus and eventually the theatrical release was cancelled. Instead it was released for streaming on Apple TV on July 10. As I write this, that is the only place you can watch this movie. It is unfortunate that such a big, loud film cannot be seen on the big screen.

If you do watch Greyhound, be sure to come back and let us know what you think!

Happy viewing! I look forward to the distant day when it is safe for us to return to the movie theater.

Brenda


Quick Links:

Buy C.S. Forester's The Good Shepherd on Amazon.
Tom Hanks in Saving Mr. Banks: A Review.

In The Name of the Father Ireland Movie Review (2013)

When we set off on this episode of our armchair traveller's trip to Ireland, I had not heard Gerry Conlon's story nor that of the Guildford Four. Conlon, as the Blu-ray cover says, was "falsely accused, wrongly imprisoned and had to fight for justice for his father's name."

Despite the R rating for language and violence, I did enjoy In The Name of the Father and thought that Daniel Day-Lewis did an excellent job of portraying the victim. The movie did not win any Academy Awards, but was nominated for seven, a definite indicator in my mind of a good movie.

It was not easy to watch, however. The fact that Conlon was a drifter and a petty thief did not make his tale of gross injustice any easier to watch. The level of police corruption was definitely disturbing.

In The Name of the Father is set in Belfast, Ireland and in Guildford, England in the 1970s. The IRA bombed a pub in Guildford and Conlon and his friends had the misfortune of being Irishmen in the vicinity at the time.  Using the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the police arrested him and his friends and eventually 15 members of his family.  In 1989, after the Guildford Four had spent 14 years in prison, Conlon's lawyer found a piece of evidence that had been hidden by the police, proving the innocence of Conlon but also of his father who died while in prison, his friends and his family.

Blogger Oscar Champs reports in his post that the story is not completely accurate, which is usually true of historically based stories and most movies and the director of In The Name of the Father eventually said that he changed facts, dates, etc. to suit his story. With this regard, the New York Times said that the film is "faithful to the larger facts while taking minor liberties," which seems reasonable to me. Even if the movie is not completely accurate, I believe that it tells a story that needs to be told and that it provides another look into Ireland's history. 

In his 1994 review Roger Ebert said that the story is really of how Conlon grows while in prison from an "unbalanced, angry homeless man" into a man who is "sober, intelligent, radicalized." He called the film interesting because "much of it is inspired by the love of the father for his son." Despite such praise, he gave the film 3 stars.

In closing their review linked above, The New York Times said, "A personal tragedy and a plea for reason, this tough, riveting film succeeds on both scores." 

Is this movie recommended by me? Yes, if you are interested in a look at this period in Ireland's history, if you are interested in a totally unbelievable story that is actually true and if you keep in mind that it is rated R for violence and language. There is a lot to think about here.

You can learn more about In the Name of The Father or buy your copy on Amazon by clicking right here. If you want more story, you might check out Conlon's book Proved Innocent on Amazon, too. Presumably, it does a better job of sticking to Gerry Conlon's version of the facts.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

More About Ireland:

Buy In The Name of the Father on Amazon.
Read my My Left Foot Movie Review.
Read my Michael Collins Movie Review.

My Left Foot Irish Movie Review (1989)

I had no expectations from the 1989 movie My Left Foot and picked it up because it was set in Ireland. Yes, it was to be another movie in our armchair traveller's trip to Ireland.  Anyway, I thought that the movie started off slowly and that it seemed dated but in the end the story of Christy Brown and his family reeled both myself and my husband in.

Christy Brown was born with cerebral palsy in 1930s Dublin in a time when most born with that disease and many others were shipped off to care facilities. However, Christy was born into a poor family who could not afford to send him away and was raised in the interesting and economically struggling environment that he was born into. Despite the many challenges provided by this home, he was loved and was included and eventually goes on to become a painter and the author of numerous books including the one of his own story as shown below.

Here’s a look at the movie via the original trailer:

Is My Left Foot recommended by me? YES.

We totally enjoyed this story despite the uncertain beginning. But don't take my word for it, this movie was unexpectedly successful and widely circulated in the end but originally produced for the local Irish market. When it received wider circulation both the critics and the audiences liked it. Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for Best Actor and Brenda Fricker for Best Supporting Actress. Other nominations for the film were for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and for Best Picture.  I believe that the cast, which also included Ray McAnally and Fiona Shaw, was indeed excellent and that the movie drew us in in large part because of the performances put in by that cast.

Roger Ebert said, "It is the story of a stubborn, difficult, blessed and gifted man who was dealt a bad hand, who played it brilliantly, and who left us some good books, some good paintings and the example of his courage."

The Guardian calls it, "A moving portrayal of an astonishing man with a brilliant brain trapped inside a damaged body."

If you like a good story about one person's battle to express himself and you don't mind that it is a bit gritty and dated, I think you might enjoy My Left Foot. While it is not meant to be about Ireland, it is a good peek into Dublin in the 1930s. Let me know what you think of it if you do check the movie out.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Find the Christy Brown book and movie on Amazon.
Fifty Dead Men Walking movie review.
Michael Collins movie review.

Michael Collins Irish Movie Review (1996)

Next up on our armchair trip to Ireland is the movie Michael Collins, which is yet another story of troubled times in Ireland that is based on a true story. It is set in that beautiful country but once again it is definitely not a beautiful movie as it tells another extremely violent story.

Michael Collins is a historical biopic film that tells the story of the man of the same name who led a guerrilla war in Ireland against the United Kingdom and eventually went on to create the Irish Free State and lead the National Army during the civil war. It is set roughly between the years of 1916 and 1920.

IMDB says that this movie was given the rating of PG in Ireland because of the historical value of the film despite the fact that it includes so much violence. They wanted the film to be available to young people who needed to know about that time frame in the country’s history. The film is more appropriately rated R elsewhere.

Here’s a look at the movie via the original trailer:

The New York Times says Collins was, “a leader who experienced a sea of change during his brief career, evolving from a pioneer of modern-day terrorism into a proponent of compromise and peace.” I believe that Liam Neeson does a solid job of portraying Michael Collins. Also in the cast are Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman and Julia Roberts. 

Is this movie recommended by me? Well, yes, if you are interested in a look at this period in Ireland's history and if you can tolerate the unpleasantness. The Guardian says that Michael Collins is, “A watchable and mostly well-judged film on a worthy subject, but one that is undermined by a couple of careless liberties with the facts.” For my and possibly your purposes of understanding a bit more about the history of Ireland, this film works even though it may not be 100 percent accurate. I would hazard a guess that most historical movies have taken liberties with the facts. Learn more about Michael Collins and/or buy your copy on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Order Michael Collins from Amazon.
Visit Ireland in the 1980s via my Fifty Dead Men Walking movie review.

Fifty Dead Men Walking Ireland Movie Review (2008)

We are taking a trip from the comfort of our family room to Ireland by checking out numerous movies set in that beautiful country. The first story is brutal and there is nothing beautiful about it. Fifty Dead Men Walking was released in 2008 and features Ben Kingsley, Jim Sturgess, Kevin Zegers, Natalie Press and Rose McGowan. It is based on an autobiographical book of the same name. The story is that of a young man who worked for the IRA but became a police informer. Set in the late 1980s during a time period known as The Troubles, it is claimed that the young man in question saved fifty people from certain death while he worked undercover.

Definitely a brutal film. Rated R, it is loud, nasty, gritty, violent, horrible. It has torture and it has a sex scene. I had to look away many times but I appreciated the chance to learn a bit about Ireland’s history of that time period even if we are unsure exactly what "inspired by a true story" means. The author says that indeed it was inspired by rather than adapted from his book. In any case, the trailer shows exactly what you can expect from the 2008 movie:

Is the movie Fifty Dead Man Walking recommended? Well, yes, if you are interested in a look at this period in Ireland's troubled history and if you have the stomach for the nastiness. The Hollywood Reporter calls the performances stunning. I'd agree and this movie will definitely leave you with something to think about. It might even make you want to read the book by Martin McGartland. You can learn more about the movie or buy your copy on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Buy Fifty Dead Men Walking on Amazon.

The Finest Hours Book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman

In advance of the release of Disney's new movie, The Finest Hours, you might wish to read this book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman.

The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue is readily available on Amazon in all formats from hardcover to paperback to Kindle and audio.

Definitely in advance but even after the movie release, this book would make a great movie-themed birthday or Christmas present.

Add it to your reading list now so that you can do the right thing and read the book before you see what looks like an amazing movie in January of 2016.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy The Finest Hours on Amazon.

Disney's The Finest Hours - Chris Pine to the Rescue

Some movies trailers give me goosebumps and the trailer for Disney's new movie The Finest Hours sure does. It is a period drama set in the middle of a nor’easter in the Atlantic Ocean in 1952. It tells of two ships, the Pendleton and the Fort Mercer, both oil tankers that split in two in the midst of the storm leaving the crews at the mercy of the Atlantic and the subsequent rescue attempt.

Watch the trailer here for yourself and see what you think.

Customer reviews of the book version of the story say things like "Gripping Tale of Sacrifice and Heroism." I'm looking forward to the movie version of The Final Hours when it arrives at movie theatres on January 29, 2016. What do you think?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy the book version of The Finest Hours on Amazon.

Downton Abbey: Team Gillingham or Team Blake?

As we approach the end of Downton Abbey Season 4, the internet and indeed perhaps the whole North American continent is abuzz with talk about Lady Mary's potential suitors, which has me wondering...

Who would you pick?

Team Gillingham or Team Blake?

Here is what the cast of Downton Abbey thinks:

 

If you've a preference, do tell. If you tell, I will, too and rightly or wrongly, I have a definite preference.

And of course, we have not touched on the subject of how long after the parting of Matthew is appropriate for Mary to begin looking for a new husband...

See you on Sunday
because my Sundays
are spent at Downton!
Brenda

Click here to order the My Sundays are spent at Downton t-shirt from Amazon.

Downton Abbey Social Media & More Resources

As a Downton Abbey fan, I am always looking to read more about the hugely successful Masterpiece Theatre mini-series and I just stumbled across a number of really interesting places to follow the series and I thought I would share them here with you. 

First on the list, is Instagram. I am not very familiar with Instagram but was impressed when I discovered a whole page of pictures and links about Downtown Abbey, which you can find here.

From Instagram, I found the official Downton Abbey page on Facebook. If features more great information and pictures as well as bonuses like a quiz to determine which character you would be in the series. You can find the Downton Facebook page here.  I th ink that the Facebook page will be a great source of information about future developments in the world of the Crawleys.

Then I found the official Pinterest Downton Abbey Page. As you would expect, it is full of wonderful Downton Abbey pictures for browsing, more links for reading and, if you are on Pinterest, for pinning.

I always enjoy blogger Flixchatter's postings and you might enjoy her post, "Musings on Downton Abbey - Seven Things That Got Her Hooked on the Show." As a fan, you will likely agree with all seven of her points. You can find her post here.

As a family that had lots of Lego around, I was interested to discover Eric Stevens' Lego recreation of Highclere Castle and the characters in Lego form.  He used his talents to design it for his girlfriend as a Christmas present.  You can check out his Downton Abbey Lego creations here.  Wouldn't it be great if Lego created a Downton Abbey set for those of us who are less creative than Eric Stevens?

For a complete behind-the-scenes look at the world of Downton Abbey, you  might consider the book shown here on this page. Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey is "The Official Backstage Pass to the Set, the Actors and the Drama."  Find it on Amazon by clicking here.  It is one of the most recent publications about the miniseries.

Hope that these resources give you a bit of a contact with the world of Downton Abbey!

See you

on Sunday!

Brenda

Downtown Abbey Season 4

For those of us watching Downton Abbey season 4 in North America on television the slow way, week after week after painful week, the news that the new season is available on DVD and blu-ray disc on January 28, 2014 may be is welcome. After having watched seasons 1 through 3 on blu-ray disc at my own speed in three marathons, I personally find the weekly watching of each episode particularly torturous.

Of course, whether you simply want to be free to watch the series at your own pace or you missed the opening two-hour special, you will find it all right here on this release bundled together with all of the other episodes from season 4 along with some bonus features.

In case you missed it, here's a peak at season 4 through the official trailer:

How about you? Are you watching the program weekly or are you simply going to buy the season on disc when it is available?

My Sunday nights
are spent at Downton.
How about yours?
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order Downton Abbey Season 4 from Amazon.

Upstairs Downstairs (2011) Period Drama

As a fan of period drama movies, I’m always on the lookout for more good programs. This past week, I discovered Upstairs Downstairs (2011) and just now discovered that it is a continuation of the 1970s TV series, which I have not watched.

I enjoyed this newer version of Upstairs Downstairs, even without having seen the original programs. It was an entertaining look into the life of the aristocrats and the servants of 1936 England and consists of three one-hour episodes.

 I’m sure that if you enjoy period dramas like Downton Abbey and you are looking for more similar programs, that you will enjoy this one. Take a peek at the trailer:



Personally, I’ll be looking for the original series, which ran from 1971 to 1975 and which I see is available in a boxed set called Upstairs, Downstairs: The Complete Series.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order the 2011 version of Upstairs Downstairs.
Order Upstairs, Downstairs: The Complete Original Series.

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler Hallmark Movie

Recently I watched an exceptional Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie called The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler and I was impressed. This movie is about a young woman who worked tirelessly during World War II to save, in the end, 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland.

The movie was well done, taking into account that it is a made-for-television movie, which really only means that it is not a big budget movie and that it might perhaps be a little easier to watch than something made for the big screen.

The story was good enough to make me want to read the book, which was released in 2005. The real Irena Sendler, was nominated for a Nobel Prize in 2007 and, unfortunately, passed away in 2008 before the movie was released in 2009.

If you are interested in learning something about a largely unsung female hero or heroine, you should check out The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler. It is not available on blu-ray but it is readily available on DVD.

See you
at the movies.
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler movie review.
Buy your copy of The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler from Amazon.

Mia Wasikowska is the New Jane Eyre (2011)

Mia Wasikowska is the next Jane Eyre and will appear in the upcoming 2011 version of the movie. In a short video, she spoke briefly about a number of issues related to the movie including what she thinks of Jane Eyre, the costumes for the movie, working with Michael Fassbender (who plays Edward Rochester) and, of course, working with Judi Dench (who plays Mrs. Fairfax.) I will admit that I have great respect for Judi Dench's work and cannot wait to see her in this movie. 

Mia Waskiowska, by the way, was Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland last year and before that, she may be best known for her work on The Kids Are All Right, although she has been involved in numerous other projects. For a full filmography of Mia Wasikowska, visit IMDB.

Anyone else looking forward to the 2011 version of Jane Eyre?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order Jane Eyre (2011) from Amazon.

Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Eyre Movie Review

With the arrival soon at the movie theatre of the new version of Jane Eyre, I went looking for other movie versions of Charlotte Bronte's story and as a result, I watched and thoroughly enjoyed Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Eyre.

What did I like? Well almost everything. The casting was superb as was the cinematography. The story was dark and brooding, which was exactly as it should be.

Was there anything I did not like? Well, if I were to be really picky. I think that there is a bit at the end that is odd but that comes after the conclusion of the story and just makes you wonder why they added that bit on at the end.

For Jane Eyre fans who are into Blu-ray, I am sorry to report that at least until the 2011 Jane Eyre is released on Blu-ray, there are no options to watch this period drama in that format but please do not let that stop you from checking out Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Eyre.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Click here to buy the Masterpiece Theatre version of Jane Eyre from Amazon.

Jane Eyre Movie with Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender

I love period movies and I was excited when I saw the trailer for the new Jane Eyre movie. This version of the 1847 book by Charlotte Bronte stars Mia Wasikowska, who appeared last year in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie. Rumours say that this film will stay fairly close to the storyline.

I was excited enough to find myself wondering what other versions of Jane Eyre had been made and right now I am smack in the middle of and enthralled with Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Eyre. Plus, I see there are a number of others versions to be had.

See you

at the movies!

Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy the Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender version of Jane Eyre on Amazon.

Russell Crowe's Robin Hood Movie

An interesting turn of events when we went to see Russell Crowe's Robin Hood movie this weekend.

A couple of months ago, we were very excited that a new version of Robin Hood was coming out, but when it did finally arrive, we were disappointed with the movie reviews including the one in our local paper which gave the movie just 2.5 stars.

Needless to say, because of that review and because of others, we did not go to see the movie at the theatre. That is, until this weekend when it was showing at The Rainbow Theatre, our local discount movie theatre, when our teenage son was treating us to a movie for our birthdays.

I'm still surprised because I think I liked it.

Well that's not quite fair. I really did enjoy the movie. 

I looked at my previous post about Robin Hood where I said, "I am trying to picture Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and I'm coming up...empty." 

Well, any doubts that I had were mistaken because Russell Crowe was perfect. He WAS Robin Hood and the rest of the cast was also pretty amazing. I had a bit of a time getting used to Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian at the beginning and my husband was disappointed with the treatment and inconsistencies of King John's character.  Robin's merry men, were perfect.

The cinematography was nicely done, too. The sets and the costumes all seemed 'right' to me. I am certainly not a historian but they just felt appropriate to me for the time period.

And I really enjoyed the story although it did present a slightly different but not unbelievable take on the Robin Hood we think we know. Purists might be disappointed.

What, then, is keeping me from saying I loved this movie? Well, I guess it would be the violence of which there was a lot.  If you like action packed adventure movies and you don't mind violence, you will probably enjoy this one. By the way, it is rated PG-13 for violence in warfare some sexual content. I think the violence was extreme for a rating of just PG-13.

I'm still forumlating my opinion of Russell Crowe's Robin Hood and wonder, if you have seen this version of Robin Hood, what you thought of it.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Russell Crowe's Robin Hood movie.

Who is Colin Firth?

Colin Firth was born in England on September 10, 1960. He is an Oscar-nominated actor who has appeared in many movies, on television and on the stage.  Perhaps his most well known role is that of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 version of the period piece, Pride and Prejudice.

His list of films is impressive and some of the ones that I have enjoyed are Bridget Jones's Diary, Circle of Friends, The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, The Importance of Being Earnest, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Love Actually and Nanny McPhee.

More recently, Firth has been working on A Single Man (for which he received an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA for best actor) and The King’s Speech.

A Single Man is a drama movie based on a novel written by Christopher Isherwood. Firth appears as the leading figure, a gay university professor in 1962 who has struggled to be happy ever since his partner died in a tragic car accident. The film takes place in a single day when we visit his past and his ‘empty’ future.

Currently, he is working on The King’s Speech, a historical drama set to appear in a limited release in theatres on November 26, 2010. In this story, Firth plays King George VI. When his father abdicates the throne, he must assume it and the film chronicles his efforts overcome his stammer.

You can watch seven of Colin Firth’s movies on blu-ray.  Which Colin Firth movies do you recommend?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Colin Firth movies on blu-ray.

The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter Blu-ray and DVD

A friend asked me today, "Why was I watching The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter?" I couldn't answer except perhaps to say that I do like many of the Rolling Stones songs and I am intrigued by the history of both the band and the era.

Gimme Shelter is a remastered Criterion Collection release that is available on both blu-ray and DVD. A 1970 film, the new versions were released on December 1st, 2009.

Some call Gimme Shelter "the greatest rock film ever made" and "one of the greatest documentaries ever created." It follows the Stones on their 1969 U.S. tour with a particular focus on the 300,000 person free concert at San Francisco’s Altamont Speedway. I am thankful that the cameras were there as they recorded an unbelievable era and a concert the likes of which I hope will never happen again.

Of course, it features the band members -- Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman -- a few years younger than they are now. It was supposed to feature The Rolling Stones Altamount Speedway free concert in Northern California and it did.

That concert at the speedway was also supposed to be the West Coast’s version of Woodstock but things went badly wrong from the very beginning when Jagger was hit in the mouth and the concert and film wound up being a very dark experience with everything from bad acid trips to the stabbing death of a concert goer. It turned out to be a concert and documentary like no other and may have helped end the 'Peace and Love' hippy movement, a time as evidenced on this documentary, without rules and order.

Let me warn you that, while this film is interesting from a history and music perspective, it is also disturbing. Not rated, it has plenty of alcohol, drugs, nudity and violence to be aware of. The video, which follows, gives you a peek at the contents of this film.



Because I have limited access to blu-ray movies, I watched it on DVD and therefore turn to the experts to see what they have to say about the blu-ray format of Gimme Shelter. High-Def Digest is able to highly recommend it and considers the blu-ray a good transfer, considering the quality of the original 16 mm material. Others concur that this is the best Gimme Shelter will ever look.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Buy your copy of The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter on Blu-ray or DVD from Amazon.

P.S.  I read just now that The Grateful Dead refused to go on stage and I thought thank goodness someone had some sense...

Bright Star, A Moving Period Piece and John Keats' Love Story

Bright Star is a beautiful 2009 period piece set in England in the 1800s, which tells of three years in the life of poet John Keats. A love story, it focuses on his romantic relationship with Fanny Brawne. Fanny was his ‘Bright Star.’

The film appeared in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival and was released to the public on May 15th, 2009. It does include the recitation of some of Keats’ poems including The Eve of St. Agnes and Ode to a Nightingale. However, I definitely do not think you need to be a fan of poetry or a fan of John Keats to fall in love with this movie.

Bright Star was based on a screenplay written and directed by Jane Campion who also directed The Piano and The Young Victoria. She took her inspiration from Andrew Motion’s biography of Keats and from letters actually written by Keats. Lines from those letters appear in this film.

Bright Star is considered exceptional in two areas including the wonderful performances put in by actors Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw and Paul Schneider who were, in my mind, perfectly cast, which resulted in a Best Supporting Actor award from the National Society of Film Critics.

The other area it is considered exceptional in is the way it presented life of the time period. As a result, the movie was nominated for an Academy Award at the 82nd Academy Awards for Best Achievement in Costume Design and it received awards for Best Technical Achievement For Cinematography from the British Independent Film Awards and a Truly Moving Sound award from the Heartland Film Festival.

I think anyone who loves a period piece, loves poetry or who enjoys a good love story will enjoy this movie. It is a quiet film and truly beautiful. Poetry lovers, of course, would take special enjoyment from Bright Star but, as I said earlier, I really do not think you have to be a poetry fan to love this movie.

If you are interested in buying it, you will find it on Amazon by clicking right here. I was disappointed to learn that this film was not released on Blu-ray.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) Movie on Blu-ray and DVD

Have you seen the 1959 version of The Diary of Anne Frank? If you have not and you are interested in Anne Frank and that part of our history, I do recommend you see this movie.

It is a black and white film so be prepared for that.

And it is long, so be prepared for that. (Some movies from that era, this one included, actually have an intermission built into them.)

It is a simply done film on a set that is a replica of the Annex where the Frank family hid for two years. I have been in the Annex so I particularly enjoyed that aspect of this film.

It is a well-done representation of the tensions that two families experienced living in a situation with the constant threat of discovery hanging over their heads.

This version of The Diary of Anne Frank is available on DVD and on blu-ray.  The DVD is said to be a definite improvement over the VHS version and the blu-ray version receives top marks and is recommended by the blu-ray experts. 

This film would be of interest to anyone who has read the story of Anne Frank's diary with the caution that it is considered inappropriate for children under 12 years old. Younger children may find the constant tension, the world events and the tragic ending of this movie a bit much.

This movie was well received when it was released, receiving eight Academy Award nominations and winning three and it was well received by me. In the language of the experts, I would have to say, "RECOMMENDED."

Buy your copy of The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) in Blu-ray or DVD by clicking here to Amazon.

See you
at the Movies!

Brenda

Quick Links:

Our Visit to Anne Frank's House.  

The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) Movie Review.

More Anne Frank Movie Reviews.