Sunday Salon: My Favorite Movies & Soundtracks

Again, again, again (movies that I watched obsessively) in 2012...

Young Victoria (my post)
The Aristocats (my post)
The Music Man (my post)
Men in Black 3 (my post)
The Dark Knight Rises 

One movie that I watched obsessively was Jane Eyre. I watched TEN different adaptations of that one. Half of the adaptations were new to me. You can read all about that project on this post.

Out of my comfort zone...BUT... I liked it! 

Batman Begins and The Dark Knight (my post)
Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers (my post)
Inception (my post)
Prince of Persia (my post)

My comfort zone...period films

He Knew He Was Right (my post)
North and South (my post)
Pickwick Papers (my post)
Our Mutual Friend (my post)
Victoria and Albert (my post)
Lorna Doone (my post)
King's Speech (my post)
Bertie & Elizabeth (my post)

Classics...

The Shop Around the Corner (my post)
White Christmas (my post)
Holiday Inn (my post)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (my post)
High Society (my post)
On Moonlight Bay (my post)
It Happened to Jane (my post)
George Washington Slept Here (my post)

Can't Believe I didn't write posts for...

Loving Leah (2009)
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005)

My favorite soundtracks...

Young Victoria (Ilan Eshkeri, composer)
Inception (Hans Zimmer)
Jane Eyre (Alessio Vlad & Claudio Capponi)

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Other Movies Watched This Year

Batman Begins and Dark Knight. I was hesitant to give Batman a try, at first, but I am so glad I did! Even though it isn't a genre I typically seek out, it surprised me with its depth. Both films were intense and compelling. I thought both were well done--good storytelling, good dialogue, good acting, etc. I didn't realize how much stayed with me until I began reading Paul Asay's God On the Streets of Gotham which quotes quite a bit from Nolan's films. The scenes have depth and there is always something to think about or consider. The films feel thoughtful and rich. I haven't watched the third film yet; I hope to do so soon! These are films that I'd like to watch again.

Men in Black 3. I have always enjoyed the Men in Black films. So I knew this was one I'd want to watch. I was surprised by how much I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. For the first time in this series, there is something more to the story. Something substantive and rich in meaning and significance. On the surface, it is about men in black trying to save the world, once again. But. That's not the whole story. And this was the first time I felt there was sincerity and authenticity to the characters, the scenes, the story. Plus, it has TIME TRAVEL. The movie begins with a prisoner escaping from prison. Boris wants revenge on the agent who sent him to prison--the agent that caused him to lose an arm. He wants to go back in time and kill Agent K...and that is when J begins craving chocolate milk. I won't talk about what happens or even attempt to discuss what it all means. But. This film is one I LOVED. A film I've seen twice now. (I'm tempted to watch it again but I'm trying to fit some Christmas movies in before Christmas.)

Pittsburgh. Now this is a film (mockumentary/documentary) starring Jeff Goldblum. I would never have picked it up if there hadn't been a Music Man connection. In this "film" Jeff Goldblum is preparing to star in the role of Harold Hill in a local production of The Music Man in Pittsburgh. There are plenty of scenes showing rehearsals and giving a behind-the-scenes look at the show. In this case, the director trying to transform Jeff Goldblum into a somewhat believable Harold Hill. It was interesting to see him singing the songs I know so well--76 Trombones, Ya Got Trouble, etc. But there are more stories to follow in the film. Stories that didn't exactly interest me as much. I am glad I watched it even though I'd probably not watch it again.

White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I don't LOVE it as I do Holiday Inn. But I enjoy it. There are some really enjoyable scenes in White Christmas. The musical number "Sisters," the song-and-dance number "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing," the train scenes, and, of course, the opening and closing scenes with the focus on the song White Christmas. The ending IS magical.

Muppet Christmas Carol. This is one of my FAVORITE Christmas films. It's so quotable too! I just love this adaptation of Charles Dicken's The Christmas Carol. I love that it's a musical. The music is just perfect. It is ESSENTIAL to view it with "When Love Is Gone" however even if that means watching it in full screen instead of widescreen. According to Amazon (and wikipedia) the song is NOT included in the newest Blu-Ray and DVD releases.

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Christmas Movies #1

I recently watched Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas in Connecticut, and Shop Around the Corner.

I really love Miracle on 34th Street (1947), I love how it gives viewers both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love watching Doris and Susan change throughout the film, how they both come to "believe." I love the romance of Doris Walker and Fred Gailey, I thought it was very sweet and lovely. And I just love Kris Kringle, of course. His time on trial is one of the highlights of the film. Love to see all the letters to Santa come into the courtroom! And the ending of this one is just right!!!

Christmas in Connecticut (1945) is a film I've seen only twice. It's classic romantic comedy. Secrets, everybody has secrets in this film! Elizabeth Lane, the heroine, writes a housekeeping column where she shares tips on cooking, keeping house, raising children, etc. Her secret? She's single, living in an apartment--her column boasts that she lives on a farm in Connecticut--and she can't even cook. Her boss wants her to invite a war hero to the farm to spend the holidays with her. She has every intention in the world of saying no. But she ends up inviting her boss too. What's a girl to do? Where can she find a husband, a baby, a farm on such short notice?! She does have someone who has been extremely eager to marry her even knowing that she doesn't love him at all. But what about the other details? Her would-be-husband, Mr. Sloane, is a man who prides himself on all the details, but does she trust him enough? How will she ever convince anyone that she knows what she's doing?!

It is a romance, but an odd romance with dozens of secrets.

Shop Around the Corner (1940) stars Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart. It is an odd romance that may feel quite familiar to viewers even if they've not seen it. For this basic plot is found in both In the Good Old Summertime (1949) starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson, and You've Got Mail (1998) starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. I prefer Shop Around the Corner. The film is set in Budapest in a little gift shop. Two clerks fight together all the time not aware that they are each others pen pals. Alfred Kralik discovers the truth first, and that's when things get interesting! There are some lovely scenes in this one. There is contrast in this film, as this young couple is falling in love, viewers see the break down of another relationship solely through the eyes of the husband who has just learned of his wife's infidelity. His crushed spirit and loneliness adds darkness and depth to the film. The film is in many ways about the human need to connect with others, to find friendship, love, family, a place to be loved and accepted. There are so many wonderful scenes in this one. I enjoyed all the connections between the characters. The dialogue was GREAT. 

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Reading and Watching The House Without a Christmas Tree

The House Without a Christmas Tree. Gail Rock. 1974. 84 pages.

 It had been years since I first read this one. This is a reflective book about a memorable-though-slightly-tricky Christmas. The narrator is reflecting on the Christmas of 1946. Readers meet a young girl who lives with her father and grandmother. Her father doesn't exactly know how to show love, affection, or concern for his growing-up daughter. In fact, he fails to see her as a human being, as the grandmother bravely points out in a tense scene. The child has no memories of her mother--who died the year she was born--and she's struggling to find her place in the home. She loves her father, but, she rarely feels approved of by her father. Every day no matter how hard she tries to please him, to interact with him, he puts her aside and/or criticizes her. Perhaps readers aren't told this is a year-round occurrence, perhaps it is jumping to conclusions, for maybe he is just crankier around Christmas, but, regardless he is a difficult person to love. In this one, the little girl wants a Christmas tree but is refused. It's not a matter of money--merely preference. The little girl misunderstanding this does think it more a matter of her father's stinginess and unwillingness to 'waste' money on something so trivial...so when she has an opportunity to win a tree, she does so with pride and hope...

The ending is predictable, I imagine. Most readers will guess that somehow, someway she will get her tree and somehow manage to make a connection with her father. But. It is a story worth reading at least once. (Though it is in some ways a children's book, there are a few words sprinkled throughout that some parents may want to know about before they read it aloud or share it with their children. I do think they are authentic to the story revealing the character of the father in his anger/rage.)

The movie. Well, I thought the movie stayed close to the book which was nice. And I thought the movie did a nice job capturing the tone of the book, especially capturing the heroine's love of art and her creativity. It is a good reflective, historical Christmas movie. But it isn't a favorite.   

Read The House Without a Christmas Tree

• If you enjoy historical fiction with a holiday theme
• If you enjoy coming-of-age stories with a holiday theme

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Holiday Inn (1942)

Holiday Inn is one of my favorite, favorite Christmas movies. There are so many magical things about it. While there are two or three scenes that I don't like, for the most part, it is a great film, a great romantic holiday film.  It stars Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, and Virginia Dale. It has many song-and-dance numbers. Jim Hardy, Ted Hanover, and Lila Dixon are in show business. Jim is supposed to marry Lila and settle down. But, after his "last show" on Christmas/Christmas Eve, he learns that Lila is breaking off their engagement, she's "in love" with Ted and wants to stay in show business. Jim becomes a farmer for a year until he gets the brilliant idea to open Holiday Inn, a place open on holidays. Linda Mason--who can sing and dance--is his first discovery. Jim singing "White Christmas" to her, telling her it's the song he would have sung tonight if the inn had been open that night, is easily one of the most magical scenes. I just LOVE Bing Crosby singing White Christmas! But all does not go smoothly for Jim and Linda, for soon Ted Hanover comes around...his dance partner, Lila left him for another man. Now Linda is destined to be the love of his life...but not if Jim has anything to say about it. I love the songs, "I'll Capture Her Heart," "Easy to Dance With," "Happy Holidays," "White Christmas," "Be Careful It's My Heart," and "Easter Parade." Some of the other holiday-themed songs (Washington's birthday, Lincoln's birthday, 4th of July, etc.) didn't wow me, but, still the film is definitely worth watching! I just LOVE the ending. It is oh-so-magical!

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Sunday Salon: Watching Music Man

Music Man is one of my favorite, favorite musicals. And easily the musical I could watch most often with never tiring of it. I love it from start to finish. It stars Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Pert Kelton, Ron Howard, and Buddy Hackett. Robert Preston IS the music man. I am not sure anyone else could have done it right, so convincingly. "Professor Harold Hill" comes to River City, Iowa, to "sell" boys bands. While a few people remain skeptical of his "credentials" throughout, most take very little convincing. Even Miss Marian becomes convinced that he's brought only good things...in part because she witnesses how his arrival transforms her brother. And that transformation from miserable-and-lost little boy grieving his father to a life-loving happy kid IS magical to witness. That scene where he sings Wells Fargo Wagon is magical. He brings life, love, and music with him, true, his intentions are less than honorable, as the song "The Sadder But Wiser Girl" reveals. But surely the film reveals his transformation as well. There are so many songs in this one. But a few of the highlights include, "76 Trombones," "Ya Got Trouble," "Marian the Librarian," "Wells Fargo Wagon" "Till There Was You," "Good Night My Someone," and "Shipoopi." The feature, "Right Here in River City: The Making of Meredith Willson's The Music Man" is well worth watching!!! It was so fascinating to discover Shirley Jones' secret!

Do you have a favorite song or favorite scene from The Music Man?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Philadelphia Story

High Society (1956) has always been one of my favorite movies, and one of my favorite musicals. High Society stars Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly. (Also features Louis Armstrong!) It adds a jazz element to the story not found in the original. Philadelphia Story (1940) is a movie I've only seen twice. It stars Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant. Philadelphia Story has greater complexity perhaps in the plotting. The plot was simplified and/or clarified for the retelling in High Society. Some of the best lines in High Society are straight from Philadelphia Story. It was interesting to watch Philadelphia Story since I am so familiar with High Society. What I noticed most are the differences--in dialogue, in scenes, in story and plot--between the two. For example, in Philadelphia Story Macaulay ("Mike") Connor is actually a writer with a published book, though not a writer-who-can-support-himself. One of the conflicts between Tracy and Mike is that she offers to help him out financially enabling him to quit his reporting job. But he finds her offer condescending, he doesn't want to live off someone else. Another difference is Dexter's "drinking problem" which doesn't quite carry over in High Society. Because viewers know that one of the reasons she split with her first husband was her disapproval of his drinking habits, of how he acted when drunk, that makes her fall from grace--getting drunk and flirting around--all the more telling. George also has more lines, I believe, in this one. In High Society he was a pathetic character from start to finish. I did enjoy Philadelphia Story. How could I not enjoy it? It has CARY GRANT!!! And Grant and Hepburn made some WONDERFUL films together--I've enjoyed so many of them! I'm not sure I love it more than High Society though. It is a good movie, a good romantic comedy. And it would be easy to recommend!

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Sleeping Beauty and Enchanted

I had so much fun watching Snow White and Cinderella that I decided to watch Sleeping Beauty. This is a Disney film that I'm not that familiar with. While I enjoy the song "Once Upon a Dream," the movie isn't as much a favorite of mine. It has playful and argumentative fairies, true, but for me it's just not as magical a movie. (Though I must admit that Prince Phillip is better developed as a character, especially when compared with Prince Charming from Cinderella.) Watching the behind-the-scenes feature helped me to appreciate this one a little more. The Disney film doesn't exactly resemble the fairy tale--at least not as told in the Blue Fairy Book. But. That might not be a bad thing!!!

I also decided to watch Enchanted. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the movie Enchanted. It is such a great feel-good film. So fun, so playful, so satisfying, so giddy-making!!! I love the songs, the story, the characters; I just love it all. I think it was fun to watch Enchanted again after having just seen Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty.

Do you have a favorite scene from Sleeping Beauty or Enchanted?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Cinderella (1950)

Cinderella is a lovely film. I don't think Walt Disney's Cinderella is as lovely and romantic as it could be, or should be. But as an animal fantasy, or, cat-and-mouse adventure it works quite well. Prince Charming doesn't matter in Cinderella, for the most part. His personality and character are practically nonexistent. (Unless you want to say that he waltzes well?) Almost all of the animal characters (even Bruno and the horse) get more time and attention. Gus is probably my favorite, favorite mouse. But all the mice--including Jacques--are fun additions to the story. I really appreciate the cat-and-mouse scenes with Lucifer (and sometimes Bruno). And Cinderella herself is lovely, I enjoy the opening scenes of the film, and just love A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes. I also LOVE Sing Sweet Nightingale. In one of the special features (I think it was under Backstage Disney, The Cinderella that Almost Was?) there is mention of how at one time there was a music teacher and discussion of how the scene was much longer (and probably funnier). I watched all of the Special Features of the 2005 release, and almost all of them were fascinating and well worth the time!!! (There's even a clip of Perry Como, the Fontane Sisters, and Ilene Woods singing together.) And I love the ending, of course, when she's rushing down the stairs trying to get her turn to try on the slipper...it can be quite magical at times.

Do you have a favorite scene or favorite song? Is this your favorite adaptation of Cinderella?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Snow White

I recently watched Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I also watched the "Making of Snow White" feature which called it "the merriest and scariest" I just have to agree with that assessment. This is a dark tale in many, many ways. The dark scenes are terrifying. The sequence starting with the Queen's order to the Huntsman to kill Snow White and put her heart in that box to Snow White's calming down surrounded by forest animals is intense--to say the least. Not to mention the Queen's "transformation" into the old hag where she is conjuring magic spells and plotting to poison Snow White. For better or worse. I personally prefer the lighter, merrier side of the film. My favorite moments of this film are ones that feature the seven dwarfs. I love the Dwarf's Washing Song, for example, but my favorite, favorite, favorite is "The Silly Song" (The Dwarf's Yodel Song). (Another light moment I enjoyed was the turtle going up/down the stairs.) I can appreciate the sound effects, the score, and many of the songs. (Though I don't care for Snow White's singing. I do like the Prince's singing. His "One Song" is a favorite.)  I think it's a great soundtrack overall, and I learned that it was the first soundtrack album for a feature film. I found the making-of feature to be fascinating! It pointed out that there had been nothing like it before, and that this was something brand new with great wow-potential for the audience.

Do you have a favorite song or scene from this movie?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Six Hero Movies

I recently watched Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), Captain America (2011) and The Avengers (2012). Each film had strengths and weaknesses in my opinion. I did prefer the first Iron Man to the second. (Tony Stark's ego in Iron Man 2 was beyond obnoxious, taken way past any tolerable extreme. And there were so many absolutely ridiculous things in the film.) I enjoyed The Incredible Hulk more than I thought I would. I found the story (minus the ridiculous fight scene at the end) quite compelling. 

Two definitely stand out as being my favorites: Captain America and Thor! I loved Thor!!! I really, truly loved it. I enjoyed Thor and his conflict with his brother, Loki. I liked seeing how his "fall" to Earth helped him to be a better "god" in a way. I really enjoyed seeing Stellan Skarsgard, Natalie Portman, and Kat Dennings. Also the Thor and Jane Foster romance was very fun to see!!! There were just some great scenes--great moments there. And I definitely LOVED Captain America. It was a great movie. I enjoyed the character, Steve Rogers/Captain America. I enjoyed the setting of the film, World War 2, and I liked getting a glimpse of Tony Stark's father, Howard. I loved seeing this good guy become a great hero. Great story, great characters, good dialogue.

 Did I enjoy The Avengers? Yes. Did I love it? Not really. I did LOVE Thor and Captain America. I really enjoyed their scenes in this one, for the most part. And I loved some of their lines in the film. There were many, many enjoyable moments throughout the film--not just with Thor and Captain America--but with many if not all of the "heroes." But there was just too much fighting overall. A movie where one fight scene leads to another to another to another to another to another to another with barely anything in between...is not my kind of movie. I want more story. I definitely saw improvement in Tony Stark's character, and so I definitely liked this one much better than Iron Man 2. So I definitely liked this one; loved in some places, just liked in others. I am very glad I watched these movies.

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching and Reading The Hunger Games

I decided to reread The Hunger Games before watching the film adaptation of The Hunger Games. It was a great opportunity for me to revisit this great dystopia. I think I want to reread the rest of the series now, I'm curious to see if my feelings change as I revisit the story.

I thought the adaptation worked really well. In fact, it may be the best adaptation of a novel to film that I've seen in recent years. What details were changed in the movie seemed to make complete sense. While novels will always allow a reader more of a chance to get to know characters, I thought the movie did a GREAT job with the characters. (For example, I thought the movie did a GREAT job at portraying the relationship between Rue and Katniss. It was amazing.) While the "love triangle" annoyed me in the book, I wasn't as bothered by the portrayal on film. Perhaps because a few silent scenes can convey much more than whining words on a page.

I do think the film was able to capture some things better than the book. I thought they did a GREAT job with the hunger games. I thought they did a great job at showing the corruption of the system, of how calculated, heartless and manipulative the games are. I thought the behind-the-scenes look at how the games are manufactured were great. As a reader you get a little of that, of course, because Katniss seems always aware of the fact that there is an audience, etc. But I thought the film did a great job at bringing everything to life.

Have you seen this one? What did you think? Do you prefer the book or the movie?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Bertie and Elizabeth

I recently watched Bertie & Elizabeth, The Story of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth. I just LOVED it. After watching and LOVING King's Speech, I wanted to know more about this royal couple...and I found Bertie & Elizabeth to be equally compelling and satisfying. It also provides a fuller portrait of this royal family, of this at times dysfunctional royal family. (The conflict between brothers was so well done!!! And Wallis Simpson makes for an intriguing villain in this one.)

I loved this biographical film. It follows his life from his courtship of Elizabeth to his funeral. I loved it as a romance. I loved it as a feel-good film showing that anything is possible with hard work, determination, courage and diligence. I also found the section on World War II to be fascinating!

I would definitely recommend this one!!!

Have you seen this one? What did you think?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Return to Me

Return to Me is one of my favorite feel-good films. It's definitely an emotional film, I won't lie. The beginning, oh the beginning, it gets me every time. But it's a hopeful healing film, the kind that values family and friendship and living life to the fullest and making the most of your life.  I love the relationships in this one, I do, the friendships, the sense of community, of belonging. I love how easily Bob is accepted into the group, and how Bob does treasure these new relationships. And I absolutely adore the courtship of Grace and Bob, I do. It is magical and giddy-making. I love almost all of the characters--or at least the characters we're meant to care about. (I wasn't so fond of "water-lady"). It has its dramatic moments, of course, but it also has its humorous ones. And there are just some scenes that are WONDERFUL. (I love the bowling scene, for example, also the scene with "At Long Last Love." Well, I love most scenes.) If I could change just one little thing in this one, it would be some of the language in the film. Still there is enough in this film that makes it more than worthwhile. I just love it!!!

Have you seen it? Did you like it?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Robin Hood, Season 1

I recently watched the first season of the BBC Robin Hood series. While I didn't exactly LOVE it, I did find it compelling enough to keep watching. I'm not sure when I'll try to watch the rest of the series. But at some point, I probably will go back to the show. I like quite a few things about the show. For one, it has Richard Armitage.  He plays Guy of Gisbourne. I like the action, in many ways. Though it doesn't really compare to Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone. Much (played by Sam Troughton) was probably my favorite character overall. I enjoyed him even more than Robin Hood (played by Jonas Armstrong). In some ways the show does improve after the initial episodes, in other ways, however, I thought the show declined. There was definitely promise and potential. Overall, I liked the basic idea of the series, but individual episodes disappointed or frustrated me. The costume design definitely disappointed me.

Have you seen this series? Did you like it? Should I watch season 2?

Watch Robin Hood, the BBC series

• If you enjoy the story/legend of Robin Hood and don't mind modern changes to the story (dialogue, costumes, stories and plot twists)
• If you enjoy BBC dramas
• If you enjoy action with a little bit of romance
• If you enjoy action, adventure stories. Lots of chasing, fighting, escaping, etc.

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Perry Mason, Season 1

While I've always enjoyed the occasional episode of Perry Mason, this summer I decided to watch the entire first season of Perry Mason--all thirty-nine episodes! It was WONDERFUL treat for me. And just what I needed after spending so many weeks with Jane Eyre! I enjoy many things about the show. I love the mysteries; I love trying to guess who really did it. I love the characters and the relationships, particularly the teasing banter. It is great to see Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in the courtroom! And I've always enjoyed Lieutenant Arthur Tragg too.

What I've come to love are the small things, the little details, of each episode that make it unique. So even though it might be tempting to say that all episodes are the same, I'm not sure that is really true. (But even if it is true, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Especially in the case of Perry Mason.) To me the judge of a "good" show or a "great" show is how it does with repeated viewings. Any show can entertain once or once in a while, but to stay interesting no matter if it's your first time or your fifth time, that's what counts.

Watch Perry Mason

• If you like mysteries and murder mysteries
• If you enjoy courtroom dramas
• If you enjoy classic TV shows

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Sunday Salon: Watching Aristocats (1970)

Aristocats is one of my favorite animated films! It is charming and delightful. I love the characters. I love the story. I love the songs and the score. I love it all.

Which cat is your favorite? O'Malley? Duchess? Berlioz? Toulouse? Marie? Or perhaps one of the jazz cats? I love them all, but I especially love the kittens.

I definitely love Roquefort the mouse!!! I recognized his voice immediately! He's voiced by Sterling Holloway who voiced Winnie the Pooh?! And he wasn't the only voice I recognized! So many talented voices in this one!!! The dogs Napoleon and Lafayette were great fun in this film!!! They were voiced by Pat Buttram and George Lindsey. (Lindsey voiced Trigger in Robin Hood; Buttram voiced the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood). O'Malley is voiced by Phil Harris who was Baloo in The Jungle Book and Little John in Robin Hood. Duchess is voiced by Eva Gabor. I also liked the geese in the film, Abigail and Amelia!!!

Do you have a favorite scene or a favorite song?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

I love watching musicals, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of my favorites. It's not that I love each and every song, there are only a few musicals that I can say I love EVERY song. But I love so many things about it. To me it's a fun, feel-good film. I love how Millie teaches the remaining single brothers how to court a woman, how to make conversation, how to dance, etc. I love the barn-raising scene. That section is one of my favorites!!! I love the singing and dancing. I also love the song the women sing as the snow falls and the seasons change. That whole sequence has always been a favorite of mine. And there are plenty of scenes that make me smile every time! While I don't necessarily like the attitude of all of the characters, all of the time, there is just enough about the film for me to love. It is also interesting to me that my "favorite brother" continually changes.

Do you have a favorite musical?

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Sunday Salon: Watching King's Speech and Wallis and Edward

Wallis & Edward is a mostly sympathetic portrayal of the relationship between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.  The film stars Joely Richardson and Stephen Campbell Moore. (I really, really loved him in the role of Hugh Stanbury in He Knew He Was Right.) The film follows their courtship leading up to his abdication of the throne so he could be with the woman he loved. This portrayal shows an incredibly vulnerable Wallis Simpson being pursued by the King, highlighting her reluctance to take this relationship seriously. (She was married at the time.)

While I enjoyed Wallis & Edward, it wasn't a movie I could love.

The King's Speech, on the other hand, was an incredible movie that I just LOVED. The film stars Colin Firth as King George VI, Helena Bonham Carter as his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. This was a movie that I loved almost from the start. I loved so many things about it! I loved the relationship between husband and wife. And I loved seeing him as a father with his two little girls. Loved seeing the juxtaposition of the king's private and public lives. The scenes between the king and his therapist were so wonderful, so compelling.  And this wasn't just the king's story either. We also caught glimpses of Lionel Logue's private life, his time with his wife and children. (Loved all the Shakespeare references, for example!!!) There were so many things that I absolutely loved about this movie.This film, of course, covers the same span as Wallis & Edward, but the portrayal is very different. And there are scenes between the two brothers that are difficult to watch.

I am planning on watching Bertie & Elizabeth when the library gets a copy.

Watch these two:

• If you are interested in the royal family
• If you enjoy the 1930s

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Sunday Salon: Mini Movie Recommendations

Watch The Egg and I

• If you like Claudette Colbert
• If you like Fred MacMurray
• If you like black-and-white romantic comedies
• If you like funny movies about city people trying their hand at farming; in this case raising chickens
• If you want to meet Ma and Pa Kettle
• If you enjoy movies like GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE and MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE.

Watch High Society

• If you like Bing Crosby
• If you like Frank Sinatra
• If you like Grace Kelly
• If you like Louis Armstrong
• If you like musicals (this one is Cole Porter)
• If you like jazz and jazz festivals
• If you like The Philadelphia Story
• If you like romance
• If you like classic movies
• If you like movies that explore human frailty; this movie has some great characters, great scenes.

 Watch Puss in Boots

• If you love the character Puss in Boots from the Shrek movies
• If you are interested in the character's back story
• If you love twists on fairy tales
• If you love cats 
• If you have a high tolerance level for Humpty Dumpty

© 2012 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews