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Reviewing a Movie for Romantics That’s Not a Hallmark Channel Creation
*** Readers of my blog, by now you are probably quite aware that I’m a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic and that I’m endlessly addicted to Hallmark Channel. I also write romance, so I decided to share a film with you that I just watched and thoroughly enjoyed. The movie is from 2015, and I knew nothing about it prior to two days ago. A one-time CRAZY movie buff, over the last several years I’ve pulled away from films and have been sucked into various shows made for television, and some of my favorites have included the following: Game of Thrones (the best television I’ve ever seen; in fact, one of the…
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Tears from the Heart
This past Friday night, I took my daughter to see Broadway Across America’s Phantom of the Opera in Baltimore at the Hippodrome. We were both excited for the show—she even more so than I because it was her first time seeing it. Truthfully, I’ve lost count as to how many times I’ve seen it. My daughter may not be thrilled that I’m going to divulge this type of information here on the blog, but I think it’s important to share it, especially when it’s all quite natural. And, furthermore, because she and I are so very similar. At the very end of the Phantom, something very meaningful and somewhat tragic…
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Hollywood Comes to Annapolis in March
Who said neon lights and movie premieres can only take place in Hollywood? Next month, Annapolis will play host to the third annual Annapolis Film Festival (AFF) as it brings some bling to town from March 26th through the 29th. Movie lovers will get to see some edgy and intelligent films as Annapolis showcases some of the best independent features, shorts and documentaries. St. John’s Key Auditorium will host Opening Night with the Loews Annapolis Hotel as Festival Central and O’Callaghan’s Hotel as the main venue for Panels and Workshops; the Festival screening venues include Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, St. John’s College – Key Auditorium, Asbury United Methodist…
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“Austenland”—Creative, Funny, and Just What the Doctor Ordered
As I’ve mentioned in past posts, I’ve hunkered down in an attempt to finish my second novel, so I’ve been a bit out of touch. I’m getting really close to completion, but in order to get there, I’ve had to put other things on hold. Unfortunately, blogging has been one such thing… But we all need a break sometimes, and so last night was movie night with my friend Jenny. We picked a winner. Creative, silly, ridiculous, but with great writing and acting, “Austenland” came to life. Produced by “Twilight” novelist Stephenie Meyer and directed by Jerusha Hess based on the book by Shannon Hale, the film stars Keri Russell,…
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Disagreeing with the Critics—And Adam Lambert—About “Les Miserables”
He had me at “The King’s Speech.” Tom Hooper, director of the aforementioned film, has now tried his hand at directing a musical: the film adaptation of the Broadway sensation “Les Miserables.” To clarify, the gentleman did not just try his hand at directing this emotional musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, but he succeeded with high marks. It is a moving tribute to the book, and Hooper’s camera glides effortlessly from scene to scene, leaving you amazed in parts because you are so riveted by the actors’ performances. The film opens with prisoners pulling in a large ship in the pouring rain singing “Look Down.” Jean Valjean, played…
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Bull Durham, Kevin Costner, and Me…Still Loving the Bull in “Bull Durham.”
Last night, I took a moment to channel surf in between Olympic commercial breaks. After Gabby Douglas lost out on a medal for the uneven bars, I let my fingers do the walking. It isn’t often I get complete control of the remote, but my husband had fallen asleep. You would have thought I would have latched on to some PBS British series, but no. I went the other way. Enter “Bull Durham.” It’s one of those rare films that I enjoy so much, I just can’t glide by it when it’s on. I have to stop. I have to partake of adorable Kevin Costner and the rest of the…
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Why I Can’t See “Titanic” in 3D
Dear Readers, So it’s here: “Titanic” in 3D. It’s been 15 years since we’ve seen the film on the big screen, and now it’s back as that mogul James Cameron tries to lure film buffs to return to theatres to see it in a new way. The James Cameron 3D way. I’ve discussed “Titanic” with many of my friends and students. It typically goes like this. “Professor Verni, don’t you want to see ‘Titanic’ in 3D?” “No.” “Why not?” they ask. “You’re a romantic. It’s one of the great love stories in the movies.” This is certainly true, but apparently, they don’t know me well enough to understand how I…
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Romantic Comedies for Valentine’s Day
*** If you don’t want to fight-fight for a reservation at a restaurant or if you happen to be spending the holiday solo, have no fear. We can laugh and giggle at some great rom-coms that have been made over the years for our viewing pleasure. They may be light and airy, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a touch of sweetness to them all. Now, I realize not everyone has the same sense of humor, nor does everyone have the same taste in romantic comedies. That said, I decided to post a list of my favorite romantic comedies—ones I either own or have bought for someone else to own…
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Does “Harry Potter” Deserve an Oscar Nod?
*** As a movie enthusiast and an Oscar Party hostess for the last 20 years, it is my humble opinion that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” should get an Oscar nod. My fingers are crossed for it. While I usually prefer book to film, the cinematic experience of seeing this novel come to life was phenomenal. Viewing “Harry Potter” in the theatre last summer—first, not in 3D, and then a second time in 3D—was an absolute thrill. The way Hogwarts came to life, the dueling between Harry and Voldemort, the burning and destruction of the school, Snape’s murder, and Harry having a conversation with Dumbledore in Heaven…
