Queen Margot

"To cement a partnership between Protestants and Catholics in France, Margot de Valois (Isabelle Adjani) agrees to an arranged marriage to Henri of Navarre (Daniel Auteuil). Although she's a staunch supporter of Henri, she's not a loyal wife and takes up with a Protestant lover (Vincent Perez). During the St. Bartholomew's Night Massacre, she helps her lover escape, setting off a chain of events that alters their lives and the course of history."

I really liked this movie. It was definitely complex because of the plot and all of the twists and turns, but having some prior knowledge of the subject I was able to figure out what was going on and this further clarified my understanding of St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Though this movie is based on Alexander Dumas' novel about the events surrounding this period, and there are creative liberties taken, the general story is based in fact. It was definitely more risque than most movies I am used to, but I felt that it was done in a very artistic rather than distasteful way. It simply depicted the violence and debauchery of the time in a realistic manner. If you are interested in watching the film, I would recommend reviewing the topic a bit to best enjoy the film. (Wikipedia: Catherine de Medici, Henri of Navarre, Margot de Valois, Charles IX, Henri III, House of Guise, St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre)

Rating: * * * * .5

Mrs. Brown

"Grieving widow Queen Victoria (played imperiously by Judi Dench) withdraws into sadness for years, until plainspoken manservant John Brown (Billy Connolly) disrupts her mourning. Their friendship grows, resulting in personal and political ramifications for both. Funny, exquisitely shot and featuring sparkling performances, Mrs. Brown brilliantly portrays the woman behind an empire and the man who helped her live again."

I enjoyed this film though I struggled to watch it all in one piece. It was not a long movie but I kept trying to watch it as I was going to bed, and continuously fell asleep. Once I finally buckled down and watched it, I really liked it. Judi Dench and Billy Connolly were really great and the story is intriguing. It definitely inspired me to learn more about Queen Victoria, who was not even mentioned in our text book despite the fact that she has the longest reign of all English monarchs.

Rating: * * * *

Fun Clip as You Await More Movie Posts

Thought this was adorable! Had to share.

Can Someone Explain This to Me?

Alright so I am a country music fan. And I am also a fan of Brad Paisley, but his newest song baffles me.



What is this? How does this disaster happen? Like country or not, this is shameful!

In case you couldn't understand what he was saying...

Every time you take a sip
In this smoky atmosphere
You press that bottle to your lips
And I wish I was your beer
In the small there of your back
Your jeans are playing peekaboo
I'd like to see the other half of your butterfly tattoo.

Hey that gives me an idea
Let's get out of this bar
Drive out into the country
And find a place to park.

'Cause I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks.

I know the perfect little path
Out in these woods I used to hunt
Don't worry babe I've got your back
And I've also got your front
Now, I'd hate to waste a night like this
I'll keep you safe you wait and see
The only thing allowed to crawl all over you when we get there is me.

You know every guy in here tonight
Would like to take you home
But I've got way more class than them
Babe that ain't what I want.

'Cause I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks.

You never know where one might be
There's lots of place that are hard to reach
I gotcha.

I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you baby way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks.

I'd sure like to check you for ticks...

Girl With a Pearl Earring

"Sometimes, inspiration is found in the most surprising places ... or people. In this cinematic adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name, Scarlett Johansson stars as Griet, the young housemaid with a hidden appreciation for art who becomes the muse of Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer (Colin Firth), famous for capturing the luminosity and grace of women in their domestic setting."

Though I am a fan of both Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth, this movie was pretty slow and boring. My understanding is that the novel the movie is based on is an historical fiction of the possible story behind Vermeer's painting. The story was intriguing in that sense, but it just didn't draw me in. I did however appreciate the cinematography as it successfully captured the look and feel of Vermeer's Dutch genre art, as well as 17th century Holland. Overall though, it was just pretty boring.

Rating: * * */2 (that is 2 1/2 stars)

Saint Ralph

"Ralph (Adam Butcher) is a typical teenager with atypical questions, the largest of which concerns his mother. She's fallen into a coma, and the 14-year-old has set his sights on winning the 1954 Boston Marathon in a makeshift barter with God to make his mother well. His teacher, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), wants to encourage his dream, but in doing so, he goes up against the reserved, ever-realistic Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent)."

This movie is fantastic! Kasey selected this one, but I had to post about it. It truly captures you from the very beginning because of the awkard adolecsent, Ralph. He warms your heart through his honest and apology-free approach to some very difficult situations that he faces. I have not been this inspired to truly root for the main character since Rudy. I was seriously cheering at the tv (as quietly as possible so I didn't wake Kasey) because I was that into it! Now it may be hard to believe that very few movies make me cry, but it really is true. Even drawing a single tear is a huge feat for a film. Yeah, with "Saint Ralph" I was sobbing... I think the most I have ever cried in a movie. SO GOOD!

Rating: * * * * *