Melissa's Idea Garden

Well, yesterday was movie day...not the best movie day we have ever had...in fact, we were barely batting 50% on this one. So here's the scoop of the Good, The Bad, The Ugly (but not necessarily in that order and some qualify for double awards).

28 Weeks Later - I hate Zombie movies. This was the sequel to 28 Days Later. I like end of the world kind of movies, but now zombie movies. They are some of the most grotesque films out there. Hubby loves zombie films....so every now and then as an act of a good wife, I will watch one with him (through veiled or averted eyes). This movie should never have left the cutting room floor...it should have been burned up. The characters were stupid, the story was stupid, and military people were stupid. The movie was stupid. Don't get this movie! Don't waste your time watching this movie... What an awful waste of ketchup and red jello or red cornsyrup or whatever they use!

We give this movie 2 thumbs down and 0 stars. Blech!!!!! It gets the bad and ugly award!

Continue reading "Movie Review Roundup: 21, Beowulf, The Curse of King Tut's Tomb and 28 Weeks Later" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just watched a wonderful movie from Netflix (there are so many great movies out there that I would never have known of without Netflix).

The Mighty was produced in 1998. It stars Kiernan Culkin ane Elden Henson. You will also see other wonderful performances by Gillian Anderson (X-files), Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands, and James Gandolfini (Sopranos) is some of the talent you will see in this movie.

The description from Netflix:

A rare physical affliction prevents Kevin, a near-genius sevent-grader who lives in the world of his imagination, from living a normal life. When Kevin crosses paths with the learning-disabled but extremely large and strong Max, he shares his fantasy world of knights and sorcerers with Max. Soon, the two outcasts combine their strengths at home and school to overcome their weaknesses.

Rated PG-13.

This movie will touch your heart and hopefully broaden your mind!

I give it five stars!!!!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today, after my appointment with Dr. Diminick, I met mom for lunch and to go see the movie Swing Vote. We ate yummy subs from Subway.

Swing Vote is a fun and hilarious movie that makes a wonderful statement! My mom and I (and the other patrons), laughed heartily throughout the movie. And there were moments where we were deeply moved. And if that was enough...we got to look at Kevin Costner too! Kelsey Grammar makes a wonderful President.

Warning, there is a fair amount of cursing in this movie.

We give this movie five stars and two thumbs up! Check it out!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes folks, my hubby and I love movies. We don't often go see movies at the theater because that requires us both being in the same state and having someone to watch the kids. By the time you count the costs of driving to the theater(45 mins), the babysitter, the movie and snacks/drinks...it is cheaper to stay at home. But because this was what I wanted to do for my birthday and since we really wanted to go see these movies...away we went.

First we saw the Dark Knight which we expected to be the best movie of the day. However, we were surprised as we liked it the least. Now, before you start throwing things at me, hear me out and remember, we have a right to our personal opinion. The Dark Knight has gotten a lot of press. All Batman movies do, but this one did in particular because of Heath Ledger. Curiosity drove many (me included) to see this much talked about performance of the late actor.

Continue reading "Day at the Movies Review: Batman, The Mummy 3, and X-Files" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

One thing we have enjoyed about our time in Bloomington is having a little more cash on hand to do things with. Daniel has been very generous to us so that the kids wouldn't get bored just being in a small apartment all of the time. Today we went to see Journey to the Center of the Earth.

I love Brendan Frasier and I have always enjoyed the tale of Journey to the Center of the Earth. Though I am not a Vernian, I do love the works of Jules Verne. So, the movie called to me from the first time I saw a preview.

When watching previews, I saw that in some theaters the movie would be shown in 3D. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the theater today to find that we were going to be seeing the movie in 3D (though it meant spending an extra 6.00!). The glasses we were given were nice ones and we got to keep them. They were plastic instead of the cardboard ones that fall apart so easily.

The movie was great! Watching it in 3D was so much fun. It was non-stop adventure once the adventure got rolling (a bit of introduction at the beginning). We laughed, we jumped and we had fun!

The kids and I give this movie 3 thumbs up, or 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you want to go see a fun adventure movie that your whole family can enjoy (except for the very young with a couple of scary 'monster' moments), then go see this and if at all possible, try to catch it in 3D!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you enjoy a good ghost story and don't mind subtitles, you should check out The Orphanage This movie was given 4 stars by Roger Ebert and called a superior ghost story.

This movie is well produced, has a good story line with an ending that I wasn't anticipating. A young woman and her husband return to the orphanage she grew up in. They plan to manage a home for handicapped children there (the orphanage is no longer in operation), but before long, things are definitely out of whack. Their adopted son starts speaking to invisible friends and even leads his mother on a treasure hunt that the friends have designed... (though she believes he set it up). The bizarre fun quickly turns to horror when the boy disappears and can't be found.

I give this movie four out of five stars. I really enjoyed it and it was a fantastic ghost story.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today, I took the kids to see Wall-E. I love PIXAR and Wall-E is a cutie. But I was disturbed to watch yet another movie that is very thinly guised as a sermon for children. Wall-E is the only surviving robot on an Earth filled with junk and he is plugging along trying to accomplish his directive alone. His directive is 700 years old and it is to clean up the junk left behind by the humans.

There are signs everywhere that indicate a huge company that was leading people around by their nose telling them to buy, buy, buy. Then the company creates spaceships and sends humans off into space on a five year vacation while the Earth gets cleaned up. 700 years and generations later, what is left of the human race is fat, drinks their meals from a cup, and rides everywhere on hover seats. Wall-E and a Captain with hope in his heart lead the way to a better future for everyone.

Wall-E is cute. The story is an oversimplification that I am afraid children, who look at the world very literally, won't be able to sort out the fun from the unlikely.

I give the movie 2.5 out of 5 stars.

The kids liked it a lot though...so they give it two thumbs up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

First, the summary:

Simon (Ian Michael Smith) and Joe (Joseph Mazzello) are best friends, bound by broken families and their misfit status: Simon is a dwarf, and Joe is illegitimate. As Simon searches for a destiny bigger than his underdeveloped body and Joe hunts for his father, the boys face a devastating blow. Ashley Judd plays Joe's mother, and Jim Carrey narrates this film based loosely on John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany.

Second, my thoughts:

This is an excellent story. Simon Birch is a movie that reminds us we all have a role to play in this world. It may be as small as a smile or as big as saving someone's life. And no matter what our size, our means, our social status, we have what we need to fulfill our role, if only we keep our eyes and our heart open and ready.

This movie is a tear jerker, so bring your tissues.

I give it 5 stars.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The kids and I just finished watching Underdog. When I was growing up, I loved watching the Underdog cartoons and when I saw they were making a movie of Underdog with a real dog, I was skeptical. But Jack put it on his Netflix list, so today we watched it. I have to say, I really liked it. It was cute, well done, and funny. Much like the 'real' Scooby Doo movies, the movie makers captured the essence of Underdog and moved it to the big screen.

Check it out, you and your kids will probably enjoy it!

The kids and I give this movie three thumbs up, or four out of five stars.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I just thought I would take a moment and talk about my movie and book reviews. I read a lot of books and watch a lot of movies. There are lots of books and movies out there. When I read things or see things I like (or don't like), I like to pass that along to maybe save you some time or maybe intrigue you into looking at something you wouldn't have otherwise.

My movie reviews are not designed to tell you exactly what is going on nor are my book reviews. I just want to give you a little bit of information to pique your interest, tell you why I liked it or didn't like it and move on. So my reviews are short and sweet. Plus, I figure with all of the information out there, you would probably like to have something short to read for a change!

And lastly, I always give a star or thumb rating or both. These are based on the movie and its particular genre. Just because I give Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a 5 and Gone With the Wind a five, it doesn't mean the movies are equal. It just means that for their genre, I think they are among the best.

Okay, now I will return you to your regularly scheducled program!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Eye with Jessica Alba is a good horror/thriller movie. This movie has similarities with The Sixth Sense, Stir of Echoes, and Final Destination. There are elements of the story that aren't new, but the way they are combined makes for a neat twist. Jessica Alba does a wonderful job as a woman who has been blind for 17 years, and now has a corneal transplant that will give her back her sight. With her new vision comes disturbing images that turn her world upside down. With the help of her vision therapist, she gets to the bottom of what is going on and life changes for many.

We give this movie 2 thumbs up, 4 stars out of 5.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Drillbit Taylor is a fun movie with Owen Wilson. This is a comedy and should be enjoyed as such. It is a feel good movie about kids needing to learn to deal with school bullies. Owen Wilson is a homeless guy looking to make money for a trip to Canada. He ends up getting hired to be a bodyguard and helping the kids and helping himself.

This movie is full of laughs and if you like Owen Wilson, you are sure to enjoy it. Be warned, this movie is a meant for a teen audience, so you get some of that teen humor that isn't always appreciated by adults.

We give the movie 2 thumbs up, 4 stars out of 5.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sleepwalking received high praise from some, but Daniel and I don't agree. It is a movie about a mom who has some really messed up priorities (but is still an improvement from the person her own father is). It is a movie about an uncle who does the best he can by his abandoned niece and in so doing, ends up having to confront his own past and his father. In the middle is a young girl who vascillates between being difficult and being agreeable (pretty much a normal teenager). The movie just didn't do much for us.

You may enjoy it, but if you don't like 'real life drama' type movies, I would stay away from this one.

We give it two stars out of five.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yep, I know The Hustler is 47 years old, but it is very good. I had never seen it before, but Daniel picked it up a couple of weeks ago. He is a big Jackie Gleason fan.

You may not believe that a pool game can be exciting, but this movie will change your mind.

Add that drama to top notch performances by Jackie Gleason, Paul Newman, and George C. Scott. Then stir in real life drama and the excitement of the hustle, and you have a movie from the past that still is a great movie to watch today.

We give this movie two thumbs up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tonight, I was surfing through the 5 million channels and actually found a couple of movies that looked interesting. I chose The Invisible because it was listed as a suspense movie and it looked like it was a supernatural story. Reminiscent of Sixth Sense, Dragonfly, and Ghost, this story is about the thin line between life and death and our ability to walk it. This is a story about redemption, love, and understanding. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to anyone who likes the movies I mentioned.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

My most recent Netflix movie was The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn. In fact, it is finishing up while I am typing this...

The description from the Netflix envelope:

"Small-town farmer Noah Dearborn (Sidney Poitier) lives an uncomplicated existence till shady developer Christian Nelson (George Newbern) tries to usurp his family's land. Nelson will do anything to take Noah's property, including hiring a shrink (Mary-Louise Parker) to have him declared insane. What Nelson doesn't anticipate is Noah forming an unbreakable bond with the doctor that proves stronger than anything the land baron can dish out."

This is a story of how we think our modern way of life is best and how our 'meaningful helpfulness' can be very misguided. It is also a story of the corporation versus the 'little guy' and the 'little guy wins'. Sidney Poitier still does excellent work! If you want a movie that will warm your heart, I recommend this one.

This movie is PG and it is excellent. I give it 5 stars!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The Songcatcher was a movie that I picked to watch from Netflix. I picked it based on the Netflix description.

"During a visit to her sister in Appalachia, gifted musicologist Dr. Lily Penleric (Janet McTeer) stumbles upon a musical treasure trove -- dozens of Scots-Irish ballads that have been preserved for generations by the local populace and are unknown to the outside world. Intent on collecting the beautiful songs, Dr. Penleric comes to admire the locals, who live a tough, hardscrabble existence without complaint. "

I have an interest in stories about Appalachia and I have a friend who has written a book about a song-catcher, who did pretty much what Dr. Penleric was doing. But I was not impressed with this movie that seemed to be trying to use a real life situation to slide in their own political agenda.

Continue reading "Movie Review: The Songcatcher" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The Great Debaters saved the day for us movie wise.

This movie is based on a true story of a man, Melvin Tolson played by Denzel Washington, who had a vision for a better tomorrow and who worked towards that vision one step at a time in the ways that were available to him. He creates an amazing Debate Team and that Team goes on to challenge the Harvard Debate Team in 1935.

The movie provides viewers with a look at the way things were in the 1930s and the obstacles that African Americans had to overcome.

This film is full of top notch performances. It is a moving story and one that will pluck at your heart strings.

We give this movie a two thumbs up.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, I know Surf's Up came out awhile ago. I refused to even take my kids to the dollar movie to see it. But, hubby, wanting to get something for the kids, picked it up this weekend. And Katrina wanted us all to watch it together, so I agreed.

We put the movie in. Within five minutes, Jack had left saying he really didn't want to watch it. About 20 minutes later, Daniel left to go read a book in another room, only to start snoring loudly shortly after. About the same time as the sounds of sleeping issued forth from the next room, Katrina announced that this movie wasn't what she thought it would be. But we watched it anyway...the blundering through watching a movie of people making a movie. The trite, trite, trite story line. At the end, we quietly put the DVD back into the box and sadly walked away.

If you saw Surf's Up and liked it...good for you! It does take all kinds of people to make the world go around. If you saw it and felt you got ripped off, then you and I are on the same page. If you haven't seen it, but are thinking about it, please don't! Watch March of the Penguins instead! And you can play Save the Egg at Nationa Geographic too! I managed to get to level 13 before my egg died.... I don't think I would make a good penguin Dad.

We gave Surf's Up 4 thumbs down....

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daniel and I have been eagerly anticipating the release of The Happening. We loved Sixth Sense and Signs. I was disappointed with Lady in the Water and with The Village. The Village reminded me of a Scooby Doo show for grown-ups (though I did think that the actors did a great job and I love Joaquin Phoenix). Lady in the Water was an interesting idea and I felt better about it overall than The Village, but these movies did not draw me in like Signs and Sixth Sense.

Daniel and I had seen the trailers for The Happening and we knew we wanted to see it, hoping that this time would return us to the genius of those earlier flicks. Beware, there are spoilers here...mainly because all the reviews I am reading tell the whole story...such as it is. And partially because I want you to not waste your money. Go see Kung Fu Panda instead. The kids said it was great!

I am sorry to say that M. Night Shyamalan may have been a two hit wonder. This story, much like the stories of Mothra and Godzilla, is a direct reflection of what is most on our minds these days - the destruction of our planet and the life on it. It is not uncommon throughout history that we go through decades of horror movie types. They allow us to face the worst case scenarios and breath a sigh of relief when the end comes and we know we are safe (and sometimes maybe a little wiser).

Continue reading "Movie Review: The Happening by M. Night Shyamalan" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

We watched four movies yesterday. It was a 50/50 weekend. Half of them were really good and half were not.

First with the not so good (I always like to get the bad out of the way first).

I picked up a movie titled Thicker Than Water for 5.00 at Wal-mart. Now the reason I chose that movie was because Lindsey Wagner (Bionic Woman) and Melissa Gilbert (Laura on Little House on the Prairie) were in it. I have always admired both of these actresses. And when I was a child and the only Melissa I knew, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson were my favorites...but I digress. This movie had a poorly written story. It went all over the place, was predictable and not all that captivating. All the good actors and actresses in the world could have made this a good movie. But it was at least tolerable to watch.

Knock Knock...a slasher movie picked up by Daniel, was horrible. Not only were the slasher scenes horrific (me with eyes closed or averted), the story was a dumb rip off of Nightmare on Elm Street. The characters were cardboard cut-outs who couldn't have delivered a compelling line if a gun had been held to their head. I wanted to take the disk out and break it up into little bitty pieces and send it back to the producer of this horrible movie, but Daniel said we had to keep it as a reminder of what makes a bad movie bad.

Now onto the much better movies....

Continue reading "Movies to Watch and Not To" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday, Daniel, Jack, Katrina and I joined the multitude in seeing one of this summer's most anticipated blockbuster movies.

The kids give the movie two thumbs up and say it is their second favorite Indy movie (right behind The Last Crusade). Katrina did point out that she had seen some of the actions in previous movies (searching for the city of Gold and a tilting tablet - National Treasures 2) incredible sword fighting (POTC). We are already turning our kids into movie critics...oh dear.

Daniel and I thought it was a good movie. Daniel gives it a 3 and I give it a 3 1/2. It was neat having ends tied up from the past. The action scenes are awesome, though some do leave you shaking your head and wondering if those things could ever happen. Indiana is still his indestructible, intelligent and funny self. This movie had a lot going on it. I felt like the writers were trying to introduce Indiana to a new generation, tryng to tie up old lines for the long time fans, giving long time fans insight into what Indy had been up to, and trying to introduce a new character that can carry the stories forward. Plus there was the fact that they had to be searching for something. That is a lot to cram into a 2 hour movie!

I do want to say Kudos to Harrison Ford for doing such a good job and proving that being older doesn't mean you have to put your feet up on the front porch and sit in a rocking chair!

Be sure to check out the official Indiana Jones site for information, videos, wallpaper and more!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just finished watching the movie, Into the Wild

This movie is based on a true event that was written about in the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. The movie is directed by Sean Penn.

Continue reading "Movie Review: Into the Wild" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night I watched a movie from 1969, Anne of the Thousand Days. I believe it was recommended to me by my friend, Sherry, over at Frugal Domestic Goddess.

At any rate, it is a fantastic movie and if you love historical movies, you will surely enjoy this. The costumes are fantastic. Richard Burton and Geneviève Bujold do a wonderful portrayl of King Henry and Anne Boleyn. There are other great actorsand actresses in this movie. Irene Papas, Anthony Quayle, and John Colicos to name a few.

I know very little about this period in history, but as I made connections of what I was seeing with what I knew, I was completely drawn into the tale. I couldn't believe what King Henry had done due to the desire of a woman and what he resorted to after that desire ran out.

I give this movie 5 stars out of 5!

Here is the trailer from the movie that I found on You Tube. This movie was rated PG on my Netflix movie folder. On this trialer, it is said to be rated M for Mature. There is a scene in this trailer that is probably one of the more intense moments and the worst language.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

An American Rhapsody is rated PG-13. This period piece follows a family fleeing Communist Hungary in fear of their lives. Three of the four members escape with the help of a gentleman who does not take babies because they cry. The fourth family member is an infant who is to be smuggled out another way, but as the woman smuggler talks about drugging the baby so it will sleep and putting it into a sack that makes her look like a large, fat woman, the grandmother of the child decides this is not to be. So she keeps Suzanne and the child is taken to a family in the country where she will be safe until she can reunite with her parents.

Continue reading "Movie Review: An American Rhapsody" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This movie is an oldie, but a goodie. I don't recollect seeing The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit before and when I pointed out to the children that young Ronnie grows up to be the Dad in Sky High, they were amazed!

Dean Jones, a staple Disney actor back in the 60's and 70's, is the father who is trying to hold on to his job, fulfill the role of mother and father, and give his daughter the thing she most desires, a horse. This is a feel good movie with a relatively predictable ending, but the children and I enjoyed it. It was amazing how tense we got when Aspercel, the horse) was making his jumps in the competition. You find yourself wanting to leap with the horse over the high barriers. If your child loves horses they are bound to like this movie. And if you want a movie that you can let them watch without worrying where it is going, you will love this movie!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night, I watched the movie Atonement. I wanted to see it because I mostly have seen Kiera Knightley in her POTC role as Elizabeth Swann, I wanted to see her in something else to get an idea of her depth as an actress. While I am not going to comment on Elizabeth's acting skills, she could certainly stand to put on a few pounds. She is way too thin.

Okay, on with the review. This is a period movie that mainly takes place during the years of 1935-1940. There are a couple of usages of flashback so you must watch closely. I got caught by the first one because I looked away at the wrong moment. While this is a period piece giving us a bit of insight into the times, it is a story of love and of innocent betrayal. It is a story of how the grown-up world can look in a child's eyes and when combined with her own 'heartbreak', this can lead to tragic events. I find myself still thinking about the complexities and injustices of this movie. But it is hard to place blame considering the circumstances. Do you blame a child who may have made an honest mistake, or may have seen a way at getting back at someone who hurt her? Life for the passionate couple would certainly have been different had this child not done what she did. And it brings up interesting questions regarding atonement.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

Just so you know, this is a very grown-up movie and is rated R for good reason.

Here is the trailer if you would like to get a glimpse.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

This week, I borrowed the movie The Devil's Arithmetic from Netflix. This movie is an excellent way for you to help your children get their first exposure of the horrors of World War II.

This movie is based on a book written in 1988 by Jane Yolen. I have not read the book, but after reading the synopsis, the storyline is a bit different and of course more complete than the movie.

However, I think you will be pleased with either the movie or the book and you can choose based on what best suits the needs of your household.

The story sends a modern day Jewish girl back to live during World War II via a time travel type experience. Before she goes, she really doesn't understand or appreciate her Jewish heritage and she ignores her older family members when they try to enlighten her. Her experience in World War II, gives her new insight and understanding. In the movie you will see Jewish people put in cattle cars, but not the true extent of the horror of a four day trip of standing room only. You will see the Jewish people pushed, their hair cut, their valuables confiscated. You will see men be hanged after an escape attempt. And near the end, women will be herded together, told to undress (but you don't see any private parts), and walked into a building where gas pellets are dropped down on them and they die. I tell you this because I want you to have a good sense of what your child would see and whether or not you feel it would be appropriate for your family.

The most important message in this film and book is that we not forget our past.

I gave this movie five stars when I ranked it at Netflix.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First of all, this is a big change from my recent movie watching of Sweeney Todd, I Am Legend and The Mist. I was in need of a change too and this movie is one of the most positive movies I have seen in a long time.

I realize I may be the last person on the planet to be aware of The Secret. But just in case there is someone reading my blog who has not seen the movie or read the book, I would like to encourage you to put it on your must have list (either as a purchase or as a Netflix rental). And, personally I would encourage you to purchase the book if you watch the movie first because you are going to want to refer to it often! And to take notes!

Here is the summary on my Netflix envelop:

Believed to have been in existence for thousands of years, The Secret is only now being shared to the world. It's supposedly what brought success to such greats as Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein and Andrew Carnegie. In this video, The Secret is revealed and taught by over 50 teachers, including writers, philosophers, doctors and scientists, to empower viewers to achieve success in their careers, relationships and health.

I give this movie 8 fingers and 2 thumbs up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Friday, Daniel and I got to watch some movies. Three of them were movies that I had been wanting to see since last fall and one was a movie we have been looking for in stores for a month. Nothing like a day full of movies and crocheting!

First we watched Stargate: The Ark of Truth. If you are a Stargate fan and watched all 10 seasons, you are going to love this movie that ties up a major story line and shows these characters all at their best and bravest. It is action packed and the effects are fantastic! The Stargate lovers in our household give this movie a two thumbs up!

Second we watched I Am Legend with Will Smith. I have never read the book this story is based on, but I saw The Omega Man as a child and it frightened me senseless. I enjoyed the movie, but my husband tells me the book had a better ending. I have always been fascinated by end of the world type movies. It is so very hard to imagine what it would be like to be one of a handful of those left. The solitude. The obstacles to overcome. We give this movie 1 thumb up. It was good. I enjoyed watching it. But Daniel wasn't crazy about it. Mainly the way it ended.

Continue reading "Movie Reviews: Sweeney Todd, Ark of Truth, I Am Legend, and The Mist" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Last night I watched a movie I had borrowed from Netflix. The title was The Painted Veil. This is a period story It is mostly set in 1920s China It is a historical love story The cholera epidemic plays a large role in this movie.

But the real story is between a man and a woman A marriage that comes 1/2 out of love and 1/2 out of a desire to escape family. Mistakes are made and a husband who has been wronged seeks to punish the wife that has hurt him. Trial and time work to heal the wounds and true love blossoms The end isn't the happy one we might wish for, but it is uplifiting and it offers us hope that redemption is possible.

I give it 2 thumbs up.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

When we were at the library this week, an interesting DVD caught my eye. The title: Mr. Krueger's Christmas. Now I know it isn't Christmas, but it has a plain beige cover and it says it stars Jimmy Stewart and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I love Jimmy Stewart and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir produces beautiful music, so I brought it home. The story is lovely and if you get a chance, I advise you to try and see it. The story with Jimmy Stewart is only about 26 mintues long and it is excellent. Then there are other features which show the beginning of the Mormon faith, the Nativity and Christmas songs sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The movie has lots of heart and Jimmy Stewart does a fantastic job portraying a lonely man with a heart and imagination as big as all outdoors.

Guess what, I was looking for a picture of Jimmy Stewart in this role and I found the whole thing on YouTube!

Enjoy!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night the children and I sat down and watched The Astronaut Farmer (better late than never, right?). I enjoyed the movie. It was a nice role for Billy Bob Thornton, and unusual as he doesn't often play a nice guy. It is a movie about having dreams and pursuing them. There is even a homeschooling moment (though I don't think he filled out the proper paperwork.) There was a moment that I was quite taken aback (and if you have already seen the movie, you probably know what I mean). I was expecting one thing to happen, and I was shocked by what happened instead.

This is an inspiring movie. A movie about having dreams and working to see them come true (no matter what others may say or the failures you may have to overcome). This is a movie about a family working together and believing in one another. You can't go wrong with watching it.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Last week when I was at the library looking at the DVD selection and trying to decide what I would borrow, another lady was looking too. I picked up Apt Pupil and she mentioned what a good movie it was. I replied that I knew as I had seen it years ago. Then she pointed to another DVD called Jim Henson's The Storyteller.

I thought it looked delightful so I brought it home. There are two discs in the definitive collection. One disc has nine little known fairytales and one disc has four Greek myths. These are wonderful episodes with fantastical creatures that only Jim Henson can create. The Greek myths are advised for children ages 8 and up. Katrina, Jack and I have really been enjoying these tales.

The fairy tales are told by John Hurt who is the Storyteller (he also plays Mr. Ollivander in Harry Potter). The Greek Myths are told by Michael Gambon (the second Dumbledore).

We give this collection 3 thumbs up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I watched a very good movie this weekend called Neverwas. Neverwas is full of star power! Nick Nolte, Ian McKellen, Aaron Eckhart, and William Hurt.

In this story a young man is trying to come to terms with a past he doesn't quite understand. And with guilt that comes from his feeling that he failed in the worst kind of way. As he tries to atone for his past by working in a psychiatric hospital and helping others, he soon finds himself treating a patient who knew his father. The patient has an insanity that is intricately entwined with the young doctor.

In the end the young doctor has to let go of his doubts and believe for both his patient and himself to find peace.

I gave this movie five stars on Netflix! It is one of those rare hidden gems that you may not have heard of and that you might overlook if you were browsing movies to watch. Let me assure you that it is well worth your time to see!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Today I watched the movie Mrs. Brown with Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. This movie is about the grieving widow, Queen Victoria, and a plain spoken manservent who brings her back to life from her deep sadness. This movie was very good. It was funny and interesting and the acting was fantastic! I know very little about that period in British history, so I have no idea of the accuracy of the movie, but if you like historic movies, you might want to check this one out! BTW, it is rated PG from 1997...however there is a scene where Billy Connolly and his brother are running naked into the surf. It is a side/behind shot, but beware because that is not what we expect to see in those PG rated movies!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I borrowed a movie called "In America" from the library and watched it today. It is an excellent story. A story of an Irish family coming to America illegally in search of the American Dream. I am not happy about the number of immigrants coming into our country illegally, but having said that, when you watch this story, it shows us how a family can be drawn by the dream for a better life for themselves. There are obstacles, there are happy times, there are sad times. This movie really touched my heart. You may wish to see it yourself.

From the back of the box:

From Academy Award nominee Jim Sheridan comes this deeply personal and poignant tale of a poor Irish family searching for better life in America. Through the eyes of their daughters, two anguished parents find hope and the ability to once again believe in love and magic...even amidst the dangers of New York's harrowing Hell's Kitchen. With mesmerizing performances by Samantha Morton and Djimon Hounsou, In America is "a classic" you will never forget.