Sunday, January 25, 2009

Inkheart

All librarians love books. Inkheart, the movie, has books...books being repaired, books being carried, books being hunted for, books on shelves, books being burned (boo), and, here's the rub, books being read. Turns out certain human beings, when they read aloud, can make books come to life. The catch is that if something comes out, something else (usually a human) has to go in. And that is why Mortimer "Mo" Folchart, or Silvertongue (a "reader"), played by Brendan Fraser, is searching for a copy of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. By the way Mo, the Nesmith Library has a copy. Just look on the shelf for J FUN. Mo unwittingly reads several characters out of Inkheart until he realizes what he has done. Paul Bettany really shines as Dustfinger, one of the characters Mo has "read out", who only wants to go back home. Don't miss Helen Mirren as Aunt Elinor, she is spectacular! This great fantasy story has lots of adventure and plenty of special effects that will keep the whole family captive.

Check it out... Nesmith Library has Inkheart both in print (J FUN) and audio book (J AB and J AB/CD).

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Inlaws & Outlaws

My good friend, and fellow blogger, Diane told me about a movie being shown in a neighboring town that she was interested in seeing. I asked if I could join her...I’m glad I did. The movie, Inlaws & Outlaws by Drew Emery, is a documentary that explores what constitutes a marriage and what it means to exchange wedding vows. Through interviews with several couples, together and individually, we are privy to their stories, stories about all kinds of couples, young, old, gay, or straight. They share the love, the frustration, the hiding, the coming out, the joy and the sorrow of loving and being loved. I hope if you have the opportunity to experience this non-judgmental and heart-warming film you will.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Defiance

Now, here is Daniel Craig in a role you can believe. Tuvia, Craig, is the oldest of four Jewish brothers in Eastern Europe during World War II (Liev Schreiber does a wonderful job as Tuvia's next brother, Zus). When the brothers are forced to take refuge from the wholesale slaughter of Jews their knowledge of the local woods proves very useful. As others join them and the community grows the brothers make hard choices about survival, loyalty, faith, and responsibility. Defiance is the true story of bravery, faith, and love...a very moving story of survival in the worst of times.

Check it out...The Nesmith Library has this story both in print and audio book - Defiance : the Bielski partisans By Nechama Tec. 940.5318 TEC or AB/CD 940.5318.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Hotel for Dogs


I just spent the afternoon in a theater full of youngsters laughing, crying and running in and out to the bathroom. We were all enjoying Nickelodeon’s Hotel for Dogs. This sweet movie is a great outing for families, but not much more here than an after school special. Wait for the DVD, the kids will play it again and again.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Saturday, January 3, 2009

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I just received the best gift a movie maven can get... a good story, well told with great actors and awesome special effects. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was such a pleasurable experience, one I will repeat soon. It's worth the price of another ticket to really appreciate the cinematography and special effects. Brad Pitt is never hard to watch. Cate Blanchett looks beautiful at any age. Another gift to give yourself this new year.