On the Big Screen: The Help (No Spoilers)

I just left the theatre, where I saw "The Help" on the big screen.

The movie was superbly done, and addresses a subject that is more talked about now than in the past, but is still hairy: race relations.

I am from Mississippi. I am not proud of the slavery my state participated in past years. Most of us aren't.

That's not all, though.

There are many things I'm not proud of that people I love have done. I still love the people, though, especially in cases where they change, and see the need for a difference, and at the time, sometimes might not have known better.

Sometimes, I've been that person. I'm thankful my friends and family love me anyway. I'm guessing we all are, and that we're grateful for those who believe in us and the improvements we can make.

That's all on that subject.

My favorite thing about "The Help," which I blogged about after I read the book, is the way the story's told. The writing and use of voice are excellent, and from the perspective of a former Jackson junior leaguer, certain nails are hit squarely on the head. I really want to meet the author.

My thoughts for those who haven't read the book: read the book. See the movie. Share it all with a friend.

My thoughts for those who have read the book: see the movie. Share it and the book with a friend.

Well done. Very well done.

Julie & Julia.

I didn't read Julie & Julia, but I did see the movie.

I love anything related to blogging, and setting a personal goal for oneself. The cooking part was great fun for me, too! As I understand it, had I read the book, I'd have been grossly -- in all senses of the word -- disappointed in the graphic, grody details of the book, yet the movie was just right for this particular chiquita banana.

A couple of takeaway quotes for me from the movie were:

• It's 10:30 in the morning, and I'm already running behind. This is hardly unusual, but it pisses me off every single time.
• It's a good thing there's always another disaster to poke a hole in the old self-esteem before it gets dangerously inflated.

Eat, Pray, Love (no spoilers)

I love to be entertained.

Books, movies, stories, plays, travel -- you name it.

And although I love movies like there's no tomorrow and prove that via Netflix each month, there have been very few times I can remember a movie following its precursor book closely enough to satisfy my cinematic expectations.

"Eat, Pray, Love," however, was spot on.

If you liked the book, I think you'll like the movie. If you didn't like the book, chances are you won't like the movie. If you didn't read the book, I still think you'd like the movie. If you are not okay with the premise of the whole thing, you probably won't like either.

See? No spoilers. :-)

Henry Poole Is Here (no spoilers included).

I watched "Henry Poole Is Here" on Netflix, thinking it would be more of a comedy than a deep-thinking indie film. (I also assumed I was in the mood for a comedy, but this was perfect for me at the time I watched it.)

Even if I don't agree with them all, I love reading books and watching movies that make me think in different ways, and this one did just that. Starring Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchell, and other recognizable actors (like George Lopez), the film was well put together, and definitely made for something I'll be mulling over for a while.

So, without adding any spoilers, if you like that sort of thing, too, I highly recommend checking this out.

But maybe not if you know you need an out-and-out comedy. ;-)

On the Film Reel

I recently rented "New in Town," a romantic comedy that I thought would be right up my alley for my mood that particular day.

The movie stars Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr., so how could I not like it?! And like it I did, but only like. I definitely didn't love it, or consider it a genre classic (like I do "When Harry Met Sally" or "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days").

I do think that certain movies call for certain moments, and maybe my movie/mood stars just weren't aligning for "New in Town." I mean, it was cute, but not something I'd want to purchase. Or maybe I was feeling more cynical than necessary for something so light and fuzzy?

At any rate, I did walk away with two distinct observations:

1. I do love that Harry Connick, Jr.

2. Renee Zellweger and Ellen Pompeo (Meredith on "Grey's Anatomy") could easily play sisters. At times, the similarities in their physical and personality characteristic are downright uncanny!

Ellen Pompeo, left

Renee Zellweger, right

Bella.

I just watched the movie "Bella" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I was in the right mode for it, though...I like all kinds of movies and entertainment, but some are made for specific times. Like quiet nights alone, when introspection is welcome.

At any rate, I enjoy anything that has to do with real decisions, and of course, I like language variations and the occasional subtitle, too. (I know, I'm weird.)

Sweet movie. Good RJ time.


1 Comments
2 Kudos

Jammit
I just Watched the Mini-series "Ice Road Truckers" in its entirety. I think I was in the right mode for it, though... I like all kinds of Hardcore, Crazy, Mindless shows, but some are made for specific times. Like veg'ing on the couch after a 3 day "Beer-a-thon" when watching mindless rednecks traverse frozen oceans and rivers in the name of Xtreme global transport is welcome. At any rate, I enjoy anything that has to do with loud, dirty, heavy machines, and of course, the only Language variations and subtitles would not be welcome on Bekah's Blog (How weird is *she*)...Great series! New episode next sunday night! Dane-O

Posted by Jammit on July 8, 2008 - Tuesday - 8:32 AM