Confessions of a Shopoholic

Rebecca Bloomwood, Isla Fisher, could be any of us girls who like to shop... big designers, big purses, big shoes, and big debts. The switch here is that Rebecca, a journalist, writes financial advice for "dummies" in Confessions of a Shopoholic, a comedy based on Sophie Kinsella's series of books*. Isla Fisher could double for Amy Adams and Hugh Dancy, Rebecca's boss and heart throb, is cute and sexy. Joan Cusack and John Goodman play her frugal parents. And don't miss Lynn Redgrave's "run in" with Rebecca in the ladies room. This was worth the ticket but less depth than the aforementioned He's Just Not That In To You, and certainly do-able on DVD.


Check it out...Nesmith Library has eight of Sophie Kinsella's novels, most in both print (F KIN) and audio book (AB/CD KIN).

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He's Just Not That Into You

Yesterday a few of the "girls" got together to see He's Just Not That Into You. I was prepared to sit through a simpering chick flick, instead I found myself engrossed in this entertaining romantic comedy. The title "He's Just Not That In To You" was originally a single line in an episode of Sex and the City. Ken Kwapis used the line as the title of his self help book* about dating and relationships. Screenwriters, Marc Silverstein and Abby Kohn (Never Been Kissed and Opposite Sex) show a realistic look at dating and relationships: good, bad, frustrating, and satisfying. The ensemble of actors (Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, and Ben Affleck) make this romantic "not always so comedic" movie a pleasure to watch. Ginnifer Goodwin as Gigi is delightful. If you miss this at the theater girls, rent it.

Click here for another take on the "not into you" phenomenon.

Check it out... "He's Just Not That In To You"* is available at the library in print (306.7 BEH) and audio (AB/CD 306.7 BEH) and Never Been Kissed is available on DVD (DVD NEV).


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Taken

I have been a fan of Liam Neeson since I saw him as Dr. Jerome Lovell in Nell* in 1994 with Jodie Foster. Since then I enjoyed him as Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey*, Daniel in Love Actually*, Priest Vallon in Gangs of New York, Mikhail Polenin in K-19: The Widowmaker, and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables*, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Rob Roy in Rob Roy*, Martin Brogan in High Spirits (which is less known but an all time favorite of mine), and last but not least...Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List*. So I was somewhat surprised to see that he was starring in Taken, yet another retread of a tired plot: military guy who single-handedly goes after the bad guys after they kidnap (and or kill) one or all of his family. You know, Steven Seagal or Jean-Claude Van Damme, lots of action, lots of violence, and so forth and so on.... need I say more about this flick? If you must see this story played out yet again... rent.

Check it out...* these films are all available at the Nesmith Library.

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Etiquette at the Movies

A couple of blogs ago I mentioned sharing my movie experience with children. For the most part the children were well behaved. I enjoyed sharing their laughs and cries with them and the characters on the screen. There have been other theater outtings where I have had to give up my choice seat. It seems that some theater goers have forgotten how to behave in a public venue. They think they are sitting on their sofa at home. Ergo, these parents haven't taught their children how to behave either. It is generally understood that loud talking, yelling at the screen, yelling at each other, and leaving their electronic equipment on to beep and blat during the screening is unacceptable. I would like to mention some things that are not as obvious. If you wear perfume, or cologne, keep it down. Many of us have allergies and don't want to interrupt your experience with our sneezes and coughs. Unfortunately, I have to say it... PLEASE BATHE. I once had a family of three sit in front of me... I almost had to leave the theater. (Note: Most theaters will give you a return ticket if you have to leave the movie without seeing it.) I'd love to hear your biggest gripes or how you resolved a bad movie situation. PLEASE... comment!

Artwork and more information from Advanced Etiquette
or this article in Entertainment Weekly

Check it out... For materials on etiquette for all ages look for 395 on the shelves.

Push

PUSH is a high energy thriller about telekinetic Nick Gant, played by Chris Evans, and Cassie Holmes, Dakota Fanning (who can see the future by drawing it). Nick and Cassie are looking for Kira, a "pusher" (someone who can put thoughts into others minds). So are the agents of a super secret government agency who wants to create their own psychic army. All this intrique and special effects take place in Hong Kong, a kinetic energy of dark alleys, hideaways, and strange folk. This sci-fi flick would have been just as good on DVD.

Check it out...If you're interested in reading up on psychic abilities you'll find titles like 10 Minute Crystal Ball or The Complete Idiots Guide to Being Psychic on the shelves at 133.8.

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Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road is the insightful novel by Richard Yates about Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet). This is the story of a young couple struggling to shirk "white picket fence" conformity in 1950s America... trying to retain their independence and be extraordinary. This movie reminds me of some old great dramas, like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Streetcar Named Desire". Told with few players (Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, and Zoe Kazan) the story unfolds as April and Frank try to keep their marriage together and their relationship fresh while searching for an unconventional life...moving to Paris seems just the change they need. Revolutionary Road is definitely worth watching.

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