My other issue with Becoming Jane, aside from all the other historical inaccuracies, notion that Jane somehow needed Tom LeFroy in order to become a great author, which I find somewhat sexist, and also patently untrue. (Jane had already completed the first draft of Pride and Prejudice before the met LeFroy.) For an Austen biopic, I far prefer Miss Austen Regrets, which includes excerpts from her actual letters. That TV film is one I highly recommend.

I scarcely seem to watch anything that is less than fifty years old.

Ha! I watch a few contemporary films too, but mostly I'm in the same boat with you. Apparently two of my friends were recently discussing movies and how most people our age only see what's new and popular, and one of them said, "And then there's [lysander, aka, me]. He's the complete opposite. Stuck somehow in the 1940s."

Funnily enough, I also watched The Talk of the Town for the first time a couple of weeks ago. My family is still talking about it; it certainly made an impression. We laughed so hard at the "No, no, no, no, NO! It is not your egg morning" bit.

Last night I watched Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest for the first time in several years. I've always enjoyed the film, but I think now I enjoy it more than ever. It is certainly the most exciting and accessible film in Hitch's oeuvre, and I think now that it is probably the best of his lighter work as well (and this is coming from someone who named To Catch a Thief among his favorite movies for years untold). It is a beautifully paced film, moving from big set pieces (the famous crop-duster and Mt. Rushmore scenes), to incredibly witty dialogue scenes, to frantic chases. Bernard Hermann's score, which I didn't like much when I listened to it on CD, works beautifully in the context of the film, an ideal balance of frenzied and romantic elements. Ernest Lehman's screenplay is also excellent. And Hitchcock's direction of the aforementioned is perfectly judged.

Cary Grant is mostly just coasting here, compared with a few of his dramatic performances (in Hitchcock's Notorious and Suspicion) and his many great comic turns. Still, his typical wryness, breeziness, savoir faire are perfect for the role, and the movie wouldn't be the same without him. When I was a child, I always wished that Grace Kelly had taken the Eva Marie Saint role here, and I'm sure that Hitchcock would have at least considered her if she was still acting. But on reflection, Kelly's upper-crust, pampered persona might not have been quite right here: the steely, knowing earthiness that Saint brings is what is really needed. James Mason is wonderful as always in the main villain role, Jessie Royce Landis provides comic relief, and Martin Landau makes a stronger impression than the size of his role should have allowed.

Highly recommended.

Elanor: Well, it just happened. And wow, never thought I would guess it right.

I just watched Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs and all I can say is that I find it very entertaining and worth watching. I like the cast, the concept, and the lesson of this story. I felt a bit sad when

Spoiler

Flint's dad wasn't much proud of his son and just acts blind bout some of Flint's achievements. The ending was touching though!

That's a cute movie - a little bit stupid, but enjoyable. I saw it in the theatres. I like that part too.
And I saw God's and Generals for the millionth time lately. It's such a great, and sad movie. I cried so so much in the end . .

I watched Meet Dave in StarMovies and I was laughing all the way in the movie. It really is funny and I just love when Eddie Murphy acts. The parts I remember that are funny are

I watched Letter to God last night. It's a pretty good movie with a very strong Christian basis. Not the best movie in terms of acting or script but very good message about faith, hope, and fighting the good fight to the end.

^^ I love that movie! I cried! it's awesome!

Yeah, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was one of those movies that, for me, was really funny in some parts, and really stupid/gross in others.

Last night I watched In the Good Old Summertime, a 1949 movie musical starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson. I only saw it once before, years and years ago, but watching it again, I think it may be one of my favorite romantic comedies, and definitely one of my favorites from Garland. For those who don't know, it treats the same lovers-who-correspond-anonymously theme that also appeared in The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail.

Despite Judy's top billing and five (count 'em, five) musical numbers, it's Van Johnson's movie. He narrates, and it's his character who gets the best development. I've always liked Van Johnson -- maybe not a great actor, but very charming in certain kinds of roles -- and this is a great fit for him. It's nice to see him in a leading role for once. Garland does very well in her role (and her numbers!) but again, pales a bit dramatically next to Johnson. I think the balance of the picture would have been better if she had been given a couple more non-singing scenes alone, and Johnson had been worked into one or two of the musical numbers, since he could, after all, sing and dance.

It also features some nice supporting performances from the likes of S. Z. Sakall, Spring Byington, and Buster Keaton. Favorite scenes: Johnson and Garland's initial run-in, at the end of which he has ruined her hat, parasol, and dress; and the finale.

One of my favorite movies ever is Penelope. It came out, I believe the same year as PC, and was about a girl who was cursed to have a pig's nose. The plot sounds a bit silly, but it was really a very cute and beautiful movie. Has anyone else here seen it?

~Riella

Well, 'A Christmas Story' is running for 24 hours and for me, it is a must see every year. Like, 5 times in a row I must see it! An absolute classic!

The rest of my family hates that movie and I will never understand why!!!

Penelope is such a sweet movie, Ithliwen.

And, mm, that is the best Christmas movie ever...well, one of the best ,anyway. My Dad and I are obsessed with it. Don't know if we could stand 5 times in a row though!

For Christmas I got two movies...Marie Antoinette, and Enemy at the Gates. Both I've seen before and love, and am excited to see again!!

It's A Wonderful Life - no better movie, IMO, to watch on Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Recent Movies I've seen:

Enemy at the Gates

I think this is probably one of the best, most realistic war movies I've seen. Not that I would necessarily be the expert on WWII or anything...but it just seems more...legit, and less "romantized", even though there's a romance and a hero and everything.
The first 20 mins or so of the movie sum up to me, war. It's not beautiful, there's no glorious speeches or heroics. It's just pure terror and death. I think too often war is really glamourized in movies, with inspiring speeches and dramatic death scenes. Sure, throughout the movie there's the tear-jerker moments, and the romance, and everything, but particularly in the beginning it's stripped of all the extras. And plus, it's based on a true story.

Marie Antoinette
I love this movie. I definetly think it summed up her life well, although I wish it could go slightly more in depth. It did pretty well getting the main "snapshots" in. The whole thing is basically a feast for your eyes. I don't think the average movie-goer would get a TON out about Marie Antoinette's life from the movie,but if you already have some knowledge about her, or if you research her after, it will be more worthwhile.

The Royal Tenenbaums
Someone told me I'd probably like this movie if I liked "artsy" and "quirky" films. Soo glad I listened, cause it was awesome! Both funny and sad and amusing and thought-provoking. I love movies about weird people, and I loved Margot with her little striped polo dresses and fur coats and pin-straight hair. Gwenyth Paltrow did an excellent job of portraying her. I'd never really seen her act before except in Shakespeare in Love (where she did well, but I didn't really think deserved the Oscar she won or the role)...but she's obviously good.

From what I remember from Enemy at the Gates it was really good.
Another really Good realistic war movie is Blackhawk Down, that is the best war movie I have ever scene besides We Were Soldiers.

I watched Star Wars episode 4 with my family on Christmas day. R2-D2 is the cutest robot ever

One of my favorite movies ever is Penelope. It came out, I believe the same year as PC, and was about a girl who was cursed to have a pig's nose. The plot sounds a bit silly, but it was really a very cute and beautiful movie. Has anyone else here seen it?

~Riella

I've watched it! I agree with the plot being silly, but there is still a lesson out of it. Christina Ricci really matured a lot cause the last time I saw her was in Casper.