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Please use this ongoing general thread to talk about any movies or DVDs you've seen.

Last summer, I picked up (long story!) a DVD of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; the original is in Chinese, but the DVD includes a version in dubbed English. Last night, I finally got a chance to watch it. Made in 2000, it won four Academy Awards, including best foreign-language film and best cinematography (which is breathtaking); and I have to say this is one of the rare instances where I agree with the assessment of the Academy about the merits of a film.

It's an adaptation of the fourth and penultimate novel in the Crane-Iron series, by 20th-century Chinese novelist Wang Dulu, and is set in 18th-century China (1779 to be exact, though the film itself doesn't state this that exactly). It could be basically classified as a martial-arts movie, but it's much deeper and more serious than is usual for that sub-genre. There's a lot that could be said about it; but all I'll say here is that it's an extremely powerful film with very nuanced characters and an unpredictable plot. If Dulu's series is translated into Englsh, I definitely want to read it!

Here's the imdb link: . (The title comes from a Chinese poem from the 6th century A.D., and literally translates a Chinese idiom that refers to a place or situation in which formidable figures are masked or hidden.)

We watched an interesting movie last night, "The Japanese Bride," and I do recommend it visually, mostly filmed in India although parts in Japan. Intriguing premise. Off to a Lake house this afternoon/treasure trove of Indian museum quality artifacts throughout. We used to go, in very younger days, Ice boating with kites on this lake when frozen.

Werner and Nina, thanks for starting off this new thread!

We finally watched "Futureworld" last night. I've had it for a while, but just haven't found time for a movie in ages. It was pretty good. Had George Clooney & Hugh Laurie in it.

Jim wrote: "We finally watched "Futureworld" last night. I've had it for a while, but just haven't found time for a movie in ages. It was pretty good. Had George Clooney & Hugh Laurie in it."

Jim, I couldn't find it at IMDb. This is the one I found:
"Futureworld" (1976)

Jim wrote: "We finally watched "Futureworld" last night. I've had it for a while, but just haven't found time for a movie in ages. It was pretty good. Had George Clooney & Hugh Laurie in it."

PS-Perhaps you meant this one:
"Tomorrowland" (2015)


It's one of 10 of 2015's Worst Films. LOL See:

Yup, that's the one! Thanks, Joy. As for the critics' opinion, it's invalid. It was a fun movie, no worse than most of the dreck out there & far better than most.

Jim wrote: "Yup, that's the one! Thanks, Joy. As for the critics' opinion, it's invalid. It was a fun movie, no worse than most of the dreck out there & far better than most."

I believe you. :)

Just watched Star Trek:Renegades with Adrienne Wilkinson, Walter Koenig, & Sean Young. It was awful! It was a fan film & they're planning on making more. I saw something about them getting sued to stop it, though. I think the reason was making money. Should just be a crime against the Star Trek universe.

Thanks for posting, Jim.

Just watched "The Great American Broadcast," starring John Payne and Alice Faye. It was predictable and sometimes silly but overall a good history on the beginnings of radio. If any of you were young enough back then to have listened to it you would enjoy seeing this movie. My mother wrote in her diary about when she worked at the Kansas City Star newspaper and it was from there that they first broadcast our local radio station. She said they put pillows to cover all the windows and how thrilling it was to hear the sound and know it was going to all the homes in the city that night. we take so much for granted now.

Nina wrote: "Just watched "The Great American Broadcast," starring John Payne and Alice Faye. It was predictable and sometimes silly but overall a good history on the beginnings of radio. If any of you were you..."

Thanks for the recommendation, Nina.

Afte4r waiting patiently for the crowds to thin a little, a friend and I went to the theater to see Star Wars Vii: The Force Awakens. It was better than I expected, and the supporting roles by Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher well especially fun.

Hoping strongly that the sequel will keep up the quality.

Mary JL wrote: "Afte4r waiting patiently for the crowds to thin a little, a friend and I went to the theater to see Star Wars Vii: The Force Awakens. It was better than I expected, and the supporting roles by Harr..."

Mary JL, thanks for posting.

Today I watched TCM's airing of "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" (1963) with Glenn Ford, Ron Howard, and Shirley Jones.

It really drew me in. Of course, the young Ron Howard was adorable. Glenn Ford played the part well, very charming and touching... and his comedic expressions were priceless. Don't know why he never became as popular as Cary Grant.

This week I watched "Ryan's Daughter" (1970) via 2 Netflix DVDs which arrived at the same time even though I usually only get one at a time. I guess they go together as a special edition.



Don't read any summaries. If you don't know the plot yet, you'll enjoy it more if you see it without knowing anything about it.

Sarah Miles is lovely in this story. Robert Mitchum, IMO, is cast well in an unusual role for him. (Some disagree that he was cast well, so what do *I* know!) Trevor Howard is great as the old priest. David Lean's cinematography is gorgeous! The setting is Ireland, by the sea, with scenes of the wide sandy beaches of the Dingle Peninsula* and the wild ocean. A Netflix review says it's "visually breathtaking at times." Very true.

*Wiki indicates on a map where the Dingle Peninsula is:

I think I've seen Ryan's Daughter but so long ago I am ready to watch it again thanks to you bringing it to my attention.

Nina wrote: "I think I've seen Ryan's Daughter but so long ago I am ready to watch it again thanks to you bringing it to my attention."

I thought it was a Western when I saw Robert Mitchum's name! LOL Of course it wasn't. :)

Saw a fun movie last night with Ethel Mermam, "Call Me Madam."

Nina wrote: "Saw a fun movie last night with Ethel Mermam, "Call Me Madam.""

That's a real oldie, Nina!

I remember seeing that years ago. But I don't think I could stand hearing Ethel Merman again. She really belted the songs out. I wonder how Tyne Daly did in the stage version in 1995, in the role which Ethel Merman had. I'll bet she was terrific!

Joy, I expected that from Ethel M. but actually it wasn't too bad and most of the songs were good/Irving Berlin.

Yes, Nina, Irving Berlin's songs are always wonderful!

I really enjoyed that movie and also watched another oldie that I'd seen before this, "SunVally Seranade," with Sonja Heine. I might have spelled that wrong and Glenn Miller. You Joy are enough younger that you might not have been as enarmored with his as I was at that time. I was so impressed with S. H. as a child watching her ice skating and surprisingly I sometimes skated on the same rink in CA that she did her practicing on when I was nineteen.

Nina, I enjoyed the Sonja Heine movies. And I wasn't too young to enjoy Irving Berlin's music. It's universal. :) I love the music of the 40s too.

I recently watched "The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing" (1955) via a Netflix DVD. I thought the acting left a lot to be desired but the story was interesting because it was inspired by true events. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing is the true story of Evelyn Nesbit Shaw, a beautiful showgirl caught in a love triangle with elderly architect Stanford White and eccentric young millionaire Harry K. Thaw."

"Broadway showgirl Evelyn Nesbit (Joan Collins) is the object of affection of two men: playboy architect Stanford White (Ray Milland) and wealthy but unstable Harry Thaw (Farley Granger). (view spoiler)[She marries Thaw (hide spoiler)], but White's continued pursuit puts him in the path of Thaw's volatile temper. Inspired by true events that occurred at the turn of the 20th century."

Today I am viewing the movie via the DVD from our public library.
"King of the Wind" (1990)


Adapted from the book: King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian (first published 1948) by Marguerite Henry

My book review is at:
/review/show...
(I had listened to the audio version of the book.)

I owe all this pleasure to Werner who first told our group about the book. Thank you, once again, Werner!

PS-Here is our public library's page for the movie mentioned above, "King of the Wind":

PPS-Also see our group's topic on "Books About Horses" at:
/topic/show/...

Just watched "Music Man," for the umteenth time and no, they don't make them like that any more.

Nina wrote: "Just watched "Music Man," for the umteenth time and no, they don't make them like that any more."

Wonderful film! So many great tunes. I love Robert Preston in that movie.
Wiki says: "... musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey."


The name of Meredith Willson rings so many bells. Seems to me I heard it a lot years ago on the radio. Could it have been another person with a similar name?

PS - About Meredith Willson, Wiki says:
=========================================
"During World War II, he worked for the United States' Armed Forces Radio Service. His work with the AFRS teamed him with George Burns, Gracie Allen and Bill Goodwin."

"He would work with all three as the bandleader, and a regular character, on the Burns and Allen radio program."

"He played a shy man, always trying to get advice on women. His character was dizzy as well, basically a male version of Gracie Allen's character."

"He also worked on Jack Benny's radio program, and hosted his own program in 1949."

"For a few years in the early 1950s, Willson was a regular panelist on the Goodson-Todman game show The Name's the Same."
FROM:
===========================================

So THAT'S where I must have heard his name so much! Most probably on the Jack Benny show, as I remember it. And/or Burns and Allen program.

YouTube seems to have lots of the old radio programs.
For example:
[This one has Meredith Willson in the radio skit.]

I had no idea he was on the George Burns program. I will check these websites out.

I didn't mind watching Music Man again just to listen to the music.

Nina wrote: "I didn't mind watching Music Man again just to listen to the music."

Nina, I can understand that. Certain kinds of music always give me a lift.

Here's a song that really touches my heart:


It's "THE SONG IS YOU"
Music: by Jerome Kern - Lyrics: by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Thomas Hampson. BEAUTIFUL! - PERFECT!

The crescendo in the middle is enough to bring tears to my eyes. I can listen to it over and over again!

How could anyone not be moved by that song?

Nina, I'm glad you feel the same way I do about the song. I do believe that the singer's voice (Thomas Hampson's) had a lot to do with it. Such timbre! Such a rich baritone voice, with such emotion!

For those who missed it, here's the link:

Beginning a new phase, I am now checking out DVD's from the library rather than purchasing them. Saw a lot of videos in January and February of this year.

I really enjoyed "Stand and Deliver" starring Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Philips. It is based on a true story of a teacher who inspires his class in a poor area of LA. He tutors the class and encourages them to aspire to college-. Well worth watching.

Mary JL wrote: "...I really enjoyed "Stand and Deliver" starring Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Philips. ..."

Mary JL, I'll keep that one in mind. Thanks.

Mary JL wrote: "Beginning a new phase, I am now checking out DVD's from the library rather than purchasing them. Saw a lot of videos in January and February of this year..."

That makes sense. I rarely watch a movie or listen to an audio book twice. Happy viewing!
:)

They are already predicting Oscar winners in the paper this morning. The only one that sounded interesting to me was, "Lion," about a five year old boy who gets on the wrong train and ends up in Australia. I don't know where he started from but it might be worth watching.

There are many TV series' and movies I have missed. Now that I am retired I hope to catch up with some of them. Like books, I will be unlikely to find them all.

Anyway, I borrowed the second season box set of "Matlock" starring Andy Griffth. One episode in particular I liked was "The Billionaire" and it was set in England. Loved the court scenes! The prosecutor is there in his wig and robe per British custom. Matlock is over in the defense chair with that folksy grin, going for the "I'm just a country boy" look----but of course---this IS TV--he wins out over the fancy prosecutor.

I enjoyed sampling a few episodes but there is not enough time to see all 5 or seasons. If you like light, puzzle type mysteries, it would be a fun series to try.

We saw a few Matlocks years ago. They were fun. There are too many new, fun shows on now to watch old ones. iZombie & Gotham are two of my favorites now. Marg won't watch either one, but we enjoy "The Black List", "Grimm", & several others together.

Nina wrote: "They are already predicting Oscar winners in the paper this morning. The only one that sounded interesting to me was, "Lion," about a five year old boy who gets on the wrong train and ends up in Au..."

Oscar talk already? I wonder who will be the host next year.

Mary JL wrote: "There are many TV series' and movies I have missed. Now that I am retired I hope to catch up with some of them. ..."

Mary JL, good luck in your retirement!

I tried watching "Fried Green Tomatoes," again after not seeing it for several years and wonder what I ever saw in it the first time. Somehow I had in my mind that it was funny. NOT. Tragedy for the first forty minutes and I couldn't stand any more of it. Do any of you remember it?

I'm afraid I don't remember anything about it, Nina.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

"A housewife who is unhappy with her life befriends an old lady in a nursing home and is enthralled by the tales she tells of people she used to know."
Writers: Fannie Flagg (novel)
Stars: Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson


"Evelyn Couch [Kathy Bates] is having trouble in her marriage, and no one seems to take her seriously. While in a nursing home visiting relatives, she meets Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), an outgoing old woman, who tells her the story of Idgie Threadgoode, a young woman in 1920's Alabama. Through Idgie's inspiring life, Evelyn learns to be more assertive and builds a lasting friendship of her own with Ninny. "


In this adaptation of Fanny Flagg's novel, flashbacks reveal the remarkable and mysterious story of soul mates Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker), whose antics cause an uproar in their rural Southern town during the 1920s.

I have been watching old June Haver movies. Some good and some boring but she was a lovely looking lady and not a bad actress and how amazing that she became a nun.

Nina, was June Haver the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee? OOPS! No she wasn't. I was thinking of June Havoc. :)



I can ever remember which is which.

Last night I went to a Toastmasters meeting. I was a member years ago. It was great being there again! Very stimulating. Too bad I threw away most of my Toastmaster records. That's why I hate to throw things away. Sometimes we regret doing that.
The Toastmaster's Handbook: Workable Ideas for the Toastmaster
The Toastmasters International Guide to Successful Speaking
The Toastmaster's Treasure Chest
Complete Speaker's and Toastmaster's Library
Heart of a Toastmaster

Thought I'd see what would come up. :)

Watched another old movie last night, "For My and My Gal," and I have to say Judy Garland was certainly darling as a young twenty year old and oh could she sing.

Yes, Judy was such a talent. Too bad they overworked her.

I think Shirley Temple escaped ruining her life thank goodness. She certainly was a darling child.