10 Responses to “Movietime–Maggie’s Reviews”

1. I see perhaps two movies a year, but I made a point of going to see Elizabeth recently (based on the trailer that I had seen last year). I have yet to see the first Cate Blanchett version, but I don’t know that it was essential. The movie is visually opulent–it looks like a Rembrandt painting much of the time. I also appreciated that the writers did not dumb it down–they do us the courtesy of assuming that we know something about English history.

   It’s worth seeing just for the visual properties (and the incredible wardrobe).

   by Sheila Connolly on October 23rd, 2007 at 8:56 am
   
   

2. I liked Michael Clayton, but did not love it. I thought the acting was fantastic but it seemed a tad…dry(?) at times. It was the director’s first time so that might be part of it.

   I think that Clooney has the protention to end up being remembered as one of the greats. Not just because of his acting (which has been outstanding in the last five or so years) but for his overall career. He has done well (thus far) with his forays into directing, producing and writing.

   If ten years ago, you told me that Clooney would be a bigger star than Hanks, I would have laughed. But in the last few years, Clooney’s career has had more hits and more critical praise (Ocean’s Twelve notwithstanding).

   The Brave One was good, but I am getting tired of watching Jodie Foster play the beaten down woman that must rise up and find her inner strength…seen it too many times already.

   by Jeremy on October 23rd, 2007 at 9:02 am
   
   

3. We don’t get the the theater to see many movies-we tend to wait for DVD releases, but we did see Michael Clayton last weekend and all three of us enjoyed it. Our daughter had some trouble following what was going on initially, but got caught up as the movie progressed. Both Beth and I enjoyed the Clooney aspect. While his initial move to movies was greatly aided by his “eye candy” appeal, he is steadily moving into the great actor category. My husband doesn’t like many movies that are not action flix, but he greatly enjoyed this one.
   Beth and I are planning on seeing Elizabeth this afternoon. Two movies in one week-that must be some sort of a record for us.

   by caryn on October 23rd, 2007 at 10:13 am
   
   

4. Sheila—I can’t wait to see ELIZABETH. I love Cate Blanchett and enjoy everything she does. What a wonderful actress. Of course, I love all the British flics. Even the goofy comedies. They’re so witty.

   by Maggie on October 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
   
   

5. Jeremy—You’re right on with that observation about Clooney. He has done a marvelous job of strategically managing his career and going for the gold-quality stuff. Yes, Oceans Eleven is the exception, but it’s the characters we love and why we watch. We want to see what “they’re up to.”

   As a series mystery writer whose strength is Characters, I can only hope: May it ever be thus.

   Ohhh, and remember Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou? I LOVED that movie, and Clooney was hilarious. Remember him waking up from a sound sleep w/his hairnet, worrying about his hair. Too funny.

   And that’s an astute comment on Jodie Foster. Yes, too many women who need to find their inner strength. Hmmmm, I wonder if that’s something the writers foist on her because the public “likes” that story better than watching one in which the heroine has already “found” her inner strength???

   Hmmmmm, Jeremy—-you may have given me a subject for my next post.

   by Maggie on October 23rd, 2007 at 7:23 pm
   
   

6. Caryn—Hey, enjoy those flics, however you get them. For me, movies are the quickest way for me to relax. Sit in a darkened theatre and watch another storyteller’s work. It’s amazingly refreshing as well as stimulating for my own creativity.

   by Maggie on October 23rd, 2007 at 7:25 pm
   
   

7. Loved Michael Clayton, The Kingdom, and Gone Baby Gone. The latter had us thinking for days and talking among ourselves about the hero’s moral dilemma in the end. Fascinating film and kudos to both Affleck brothers for creating such a good drama. Eastern promises was tough to watch - but another good film! I can’t wait to see Elizabeth. Cate is Queen as far as I’m concerned. I may actually have heard of some of the films at the Oscar’s this year - a major accomplishment for this mom of two wee ones. Thanks for the reviews, Maggie!

   by JB on October 25th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
   
   

8. I’m with you, JB. Cate is the Queen. I love to watch her work. And I can’t wait to see Gone BAby Gone. I saw a review about it on news and it REALLY looks good. Wow, we’re getting some good out there now. Serious stuff, too. That’s a double treat. I’m always glad Ben Affleck has shifted his creativity into moviemaking and produced something significant. Now, maybe the tabloids will leave the poor guy alone.

   by Maggie on October 26th, 2007 at 1:28 am
   
   

9. Gosh Maggie…you make me want to see all of these movies! Sounds like a lot of good stuff is out there right now. And I know what you mean about Viggo…..there is just something about him…..Did you see “A History of Violence” from a while back? That was a thought provoking movie and a good one.

   by Linda on October 26th, 2007 at 10:30 am
   
   

10. Linda—You bet I saw History of Violence. I loved it. It was suspenceful and pushed the edge. Love pushing edges, as you can tell. Viggo did a marvelous job. Fascinating characterization. And the other actors as well. Excellent work.

    by Maggie on October 27th, 2007 at 1:44 am
    
    

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