The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Video Review

Photo from the Video Cover

"The Tale of the Bunny Picnic" is a wonderful children's classic video that is loved by all ages.   It is the perfect children's video for Easter, but will be treasured throughout the year.   

Jim Henson really out did himself when he created this story.  The story and the characters are beloved childhood memories for both of our children.  Actually, they still watch the video!

The Tale of the Bunny Picnic is an interesting twist to the "boy who cried wolf" story and has bunny rabbits for the main characters.

You'll love all of the bunnies, especially Bean.  You will even love the farmers dog.

 Jim Henson Video: The Tale of the Bunny Picnic [VHS]

The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Cover Story 

 

This adorable little bunny adventure is sure to win your heart!  The animated bunnies, dogs, people and other animals in Jim Henson's video, The Bunny Picnic," are all really endearing.

The story centers around Bean, a young, imaginative bunny who tells so many tales that when he really does discover that the farmer has a new dog to hunt rabbits, none of the other bunnies believe his warning.

The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Video Provided by: Heather Katsoulis

 

My Recommendation of The Tale of the Bunny Picnic

When my now grown children were little, this video played constantly.  We memorized the songs and some of the lines.  Even today, when one of us randomly starts reciting sections of the tale, the rest of us join in with the appropriate character responses.  I truly believe when a story has that kind of lasting effect, that must be the best recommendation that can be given.

Here is an excerpt of our favorite part of the tale:

Story Teller: "Fox, Fox, I'm the Giant Hedgehog and even though I'm really, really big and you're really, really small, I'm not gonna hurt you and do you know why?" 

Little Bunny: "No Why?"

Story Teller: "Because those who hurt others, hurt themselves."

How to Purchase Your Copy of "The Tale of the Bunny Picnic"

Because these videos are no longer in production, they are not always easy to find.  Plus, when you do find a copy, they are often quite expensive.  I have honestly found the best place to search for the video is on Ebay.  The video may be used, but it is still worth buying your own copy.

You may wish to check Ebay by Clicking Here for these hard to find items.

 


Review of "The Tale of the Bunny Picnic" was Written by:

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Bridge of Spies Movie Review

My husband and I went to the movies last weekend to see "Bridge of Spies." We don't go out to see movies very often, but this one attracted both of us, my husband because of the Cold War era setting (1957-1962), me because of the spy story. Other than knowing that the movie was inspired by actual events and that Tom Hanks was the star, I knew very little about it. I learned a lot during the 142 minutes we watched and that's what I want to talk about in this review.

There were a number of young people in the audience and by "young people" I mean teenage boys (Saturday night, $3 movie). There were a few old mature baby boomer-era folks like us, but most members of the audience were too young to remember first-hand much about the Cold War. As I watched and the story unfolded, I found myself wondering how much of this history the audience had ever read about, learned about in school, or knew about at all, and how they felt about the movie, the story, the characters, the historical significance, as the story was revealed.

"Bridge of Spies" tells the real-life story that centers around attorney James Donovan (Tom Hanks) and his role in defending accused (and widely presumed guilty) Russian spy Rudolf Abel, as well as Donovan's role as civilian negotiator, recruited by the CIA and tasked with securing the release of captured American U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers. Those two events become entwined in a tale of patriotism, duty, character, and the sanctity of the United States Constitution, the likes of which was impressive, to say the least.

It's hard to talk about the movie without giving away much of the story, so I'll focus on three impressions that I took from the film and try to avoid spoilers.

Berlin Wall, East German border guard
looks at the Kubat-Dreieck, July 1st 1988

First was the representation of the city of Berlin, where construction of the infamous wall dividing East from West was being completed as Donovan arrived to negotiate Powers' release. Today many of us remember that wall in its later life, graffiti covered and coming down in pieces following the urging of President Ronald Reagan. The movie gave a taste of how horrifying life actually was on the east side of that wall for the honest-to-goodness human beings who lived, and tried to escape from, there. As I watched the movie, that part of history really came alive to me and affected me as no history textbook ever did.  

My second impression is that, while there were humorous moments, there was a little more laughter in the theater than I thought appropriate. That brings me back to the audience. I almost wish I could have done a quick exit interview with some of the movie-watchers to ask how they liked the movie and what about it impressed them the most. I really hope some of the young people in the audience will remember the film as they study the post-World War II period in history class. I wish I would have appreciated my world history class more, 'way back when I was in high school, still in the midst of the Cold War years.

Third, and perhaps the impression that is most important to me, was the character of James Donovan. This was a man who stuck with his principles unwaveringly, going above and beyond, doing the right thing not only when his own reputation as well as his patriotism were questioned by friends, neighbors, and coworkers, but also when his wife's and children's very lives were threatened. I'm not sure what drove James Donovan, but how impactful his actions must have been to his children and even to his neighbors once his task involving Gary Powers was revealed!

I recently read a movie review by friend and fellow reviewer Cynthia in which she gave the movie a low rating in large part because the writers strayed so far off the real-life incident on which that particular movie was based. That got me thinking and wondering how accurate "Bridge of Spies" is, in relation, especially, to the portrayal of James Donovan. So I went looking and quickly found this article from Forbes which confirmed that screenwriter Matt Charman felt "just how important it was to tell this story right and do justice to everyone involved." He also confirms in his interview, regarding the Donovan family at the movie premiere, "... their reaction was the most wonderful review you could ever get and I feel proud we put the real man up there." I was very happy to read those words.

The movie is suspenseful, historically significant, a thriller that held my attention all the way through. Based on my impressions from watching the movie and what I have since read about the real events, I give this movie 9 stars out of 10 and highly recommend it for families including children over age 13 (based on the intensity of the subject).

"Bridge of Spies" stars Tom Hanks, directed by Steven Spielberg. Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor, Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel. Release date: October 16, 2015. DVD release date February 2, 2016.



LINKS:
Recommended Reading: Strangers on a Bridge: The Case of Colonel Abel and Francis Gary Powers by James Donovan (#1 NYT Bestseller)

Buy or Rent "Bridge of Spies" from:

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Photo Attribution: Berlin Wall Photo CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

~Susan
Meet the Reviewer

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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Reviewing Mildred Pierce

A Classic Story Revisited

My husband and I just recently watched Mildred Pierce together. The version that we watched was the HBO mini-series first released in 2011. It had 5 parts to it that for the most part were 1 hour each so it didn't take us very long to get all 5 episodes finished. Over the course of a couple of evenings we were engrossed in the twists and turns of the plot.

Kate Winslet played the divorcee in this adaption of James M. Cain's classic novel from 1941. Oh the struggles that poor woman went through! The story takes place during the depression so life is pretty darned tough for everyone. Mildred lives in Glendale, California and is struggling to make ends meet by baking cakes and pies for neighbors and friends. She has a good business sense about her and eventually starts her own restaurant which is a huge success even in the dire economic climate of the 1930's. No small feat for a woman back then!

Mildred has a daughter named Veda that is just the most spoiled rotten kid you would ever want to meet. Veda is very demanding and wants a much better life for herself and she will stop at just about nothing to get what she wants. Her mother, Mildred, makes so many sacrifices trying to give Veda what she wants but it just never seems to be enough. Throughout the story that girl betrays her mother so many times!

We, my husband and I, really enjoyed watching this HBO version of this classic book and film but I have to admit that I really liked the original movie from 1945 that starred Joan Crawford better. Crawford won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Mildred Pierce. In fact, the movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards that year.

I have not read the original novel but I think that I might put it on my reading list because I loved both of the adaptations of it so much. What I find remarkable about the story or plot that James M. Cain gives us is that he wrote it in 1941 at a time that we just didn't see the real struggles of a single mother portrayed in book or movie form. Having been a child in a single parent home, he pretty much nails just how hard it is and was for a woman to get by back then.

Being an antiques enthusiast, we really enjoyed the costumes and set designs in the mini-series, too! Oh my goodness! I kept noticing things that people collect now. There was one scene where Mildred is serving some coffee or tea and the pot is a Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf long spout tea pot that so fits the time frame of the story! She served the beverage in what was then Anchor Hocking mugs but would later become Fire King. It was the attention to detail in the surroundings that made the series so enjoyable. Sure, we loved the plot itself but those little period things just really added to the entertainment factor. The architecture was to die for!

So, if you love a good drama I can highly recommend watching either the original movie or the HBO mini-series of Mildred Pierce. You won't be disappointed in either version.

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The Revenant Movie Review

The Revenant may sound like a movie that most women, including myself, would not be interested in seeing due to it's graphic violence.  Any of the trailers for this movie tell you well in advance that this movie is going to be hard to watch for the tenderhearted.  I can tell you from experience now, that it is hard to watch even for the not so tenderhearted. 

However, it is loosely based on the true story of a real life frontiersman, Hugh Glass.  Therefore, it is an enticing movie to history buffs.

The actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, is a major draw for this movie.  He already has a very large group of fans that will flock to his movies regardless of plot. His acting in this particular movie is quite likely to add even more followers to his "club". 

Plus, the scenery in the movie is breathtaking. 

The True Story of the Real Hugh Glass 

The Real Revenant - Revenant means "one that returns after death or a long absence"

"Hugh Glass News Article" by The Milwaukee Journal - Yahoo News. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons

• The historical Hugh Glass enlisted with the second Ashley-Henry expedition to the Rocky Mountains in 1823.  He was an expert marksman / hunter for the party and was in fact mauled by a mother bear with 2 cubs.

  

• After the bear encounter, the expedition party made the decision to move on, leaving 2 men behind to care for Glass. 

Quote from the article above:  "Delay of the party in this hostile Indian country might mean disaster to all and a lengthy council was held to determine which course to take.  Finally Major Andrew Henry induced two men by reward of $82 to remain with Glass until he should expire, as not the slightest hope for his life was entertained."

• After 5 days, those 2 men did indeed abandon him, leaving him without any supplies or weapons.  They then rejoined the expedition party reporting the Glass had died and that they had buried him.  

• Hugh Glass did indeed survive in spite of being abandoned by his companions.  He did, in fact, crawl 100 miles alone to the safety of Fort Kiowa.  He also did eventually find one of the men who left him to die. 

However, that is as much as the real Hugh Glass and the movie have in common.

The Movie Revenant

 The Revenant [Blu-ray]The movie starts with the hunting party, which included the widower Hugh Glass and his son, Hawk, being attacked by Indians.  Only a small regiment of men escape the massacre by reaching their boat and setting off downstream.  They are, of course, pursued by the Indians on the cliffs surrounding the river.  Hugh Glass advises Capt. Andrew Henry that their best chance would be to abandon the boat and track across land back to their fort.  Not all of the men agreed with Glass, but Capt. Henry makes the decision that they will follow Glass.

At this point, John Fitzgerald, the man who most vehemently disagreed with Glass, takes the opportunity to verbally attack Hugh Glass and his half Native American Indian son.  Even suggesting that he has previously killed an army officer.  Anything seems to be an acceptable accusation from the man who wished to diminish Glass in the eyes of the Captain and the other men.

Later, as Hugh Glass is out scouting, he encounters a mother bear and her two cubs.  He is mauled by the mother bear before he is able to kill her.

The hunting party arrives on the scene and pulls the dead bear off Glass.  They build a stretcher for Glass and try to carry him along with them as they traverse through the woods back to their fort.  When they come to an exceptionally difficult mountainside to climb, they make the decision to leave Glass with 2 of the men who are willing to be paid to stay with him until he dies.  Ironically, one of the men who stays for the pay is none other than John Fitzgerald.  Hawk, his son, also stays by his side along with another young volunteer named Jim Bridger.

John Fitzgerald kills the son in front of the incapacitated, but very much awake Glass.  Fitzgerald lies to Jim Bridger saying that he has spotted a group of a dozen Indians by the river and they must flee to save their own lives.  He acts as if he has no idea where Hawk is, but that they must leave immediately. 

They abandon the still living and breathing Hugh Glass after dragging him into a shallow grave, which Fitzgerald did take the time to do even though they needed to make their getaway.  

Just as the real Hugh Glass, this fictional Hugh Glass miraculously survived and crawled to the safety of the fort across the rugged, mountainous, freezing terrain.   He survived by eating whatever he could find, including abandoned buffalo meat.

The fictional Hugh Glass did get help along the way, including having his wounds stitched up somewhat and treated.  There is no report that any such aid was provided to the real Hugh Glass.

Amazingly, the fictional Hugh Glass also managed to rescue the Pawnee Chief's captive daughter when he witnessed her being raped by one of her abductors.   


The Best Parts of the Movie "Revenant"      

I have no doubt that by now you already know how I felt about this movie.  You may even wonder why I stayed until the end.  

I stayed mostly because I was not alone.  I went to the movie with my husband and my son.  However, I did find a few things to enjoy while I was being mentally battered by the violence.

I loved the scenery in the movie!  Perhaps that is simply because it was real and not filmed in a studio.

I also appreciated the very believable acting job by Leonardo DiCaprio.  This is probably his best ever acting.  Of course, even I recognize that his "acting" was truly real.  The man was freezing to death out there.  Still, I admire his fortitude and determination.  I must tell you, he so clearly communicated that he was freezing, that I started freezing.  I put on my coat and gloves right there in the theater and I was still cold! 

I also feel somewhat better prepared should I ever be mauled and abandoned in the wilderness.  He exhibited some excellent survival skills by eating after wolves, catching and eating live fish, using the carcass of a death horse to warm himself and stay alive.  I am hoping I never need to use these lessons, but I do feel better prepared now.

My Conclusion and Why I Give the Movie "Revenant" Low Ratings

Would I recommend this movie to anyone?  Absolutely not!  It was violent from beginning to end.

I do understand folklore and how stories as they are handed down from generation to generation are embellished.  However, I have a real problem with the extreme liberties that the movie took since they used the history of a real men and completely submerged it in fiction.   I do not embrace revisionist history even if it does make a story "more entertaining."

The real Hugh Glass's struggle to survive after being abandoned, eating berries and whatever he could steal from wolves would be a fabulous movie without all of the other social agenda and ridiculous attempt for romanticism.  

There is certainly no need to add a fictional son who is killed by the men left to care for the mauled man.  Being abandoned in the wilderness to die without any means to even defend yourself is indeed sufficient incentive to seek revenge.

In my opinion, the only true redeeming points for "The Revenant" were the exceptional acting and the gorgeous photography.   Oh!  And, the fact that it did have an end even though I wondered for nearly 2 hours if the movie was ever going to end.


  
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review

Expect the Unexpected!

We recently went to see "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and I was actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed the movie.  You see, I am a huge Star Wars fan.  The very first "Star Wars" movie came out when I was a teenager so you could say that I have grown up with "Star Wars".   Almost 40 years of Star Wars influence and I was not ready to let go of the original characters and embrace a new generation.

Daily, I am surrounded by Star Wars characters.  Yoda sits at my kitchen sink overseeing all my activities.  Darth Vader hovers by my the coffee pot and frequently speaks to me. Well when I push his little button, he speaks to me.  I also own a Ewok plush.  And to this day, Jabba the Hut totally grosses me out.  Oh, yes!  I even have Star Wars Christmas decorations.  Wanna see Yoda in a Santa suit?  Just come to my home next Christmas.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - My Biggest Surprise

 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Deluxe Figure Play SetBased on the trailers I had seen, It appeared that the new Disney made Star Wars movie was moving beyond my favorite things and characters.  I didn't think I could stand watching that happen.  When my son wanted me to go see the movie with him,  I decided spending time with him was more important than hanging on to the past.  However, I was in for a huge surprise!

Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) were back and even Peter Mayhew returned to play everyone's favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca.  I do want to make one note here.  There were actually two actors who played the part of Chewbacca in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens".  Joonas Suotamo stepped in to cover the action scenes for Peter Mayhew. 

In addition to these fabulous actors who made the characters come to life in the original "Star Wars" movie nearly 40 years ago, "The Force Awakens" also included C-3PO and R2-D2. 

Plus, the Millennium Falcon is back!

I missed Yoda, but otherwise it seemed like a wonderful reunion until the unthinkable happened.

 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Plus Bonus Features)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review for Original Star Wars Fans

If you are an old Star Wars fan, by now you already know that this movie takes place decades after the original confrontation with Darth Vader, but there is a new Dark Side, just as there is a new generation that is strong with the "Force" fighting for the Republic. 

Sadly, just as Darth Vader was Leia and Luke's father, Kylo Ren is Leia and Han's son, Ben.  It seems to be a family trait to betray the Republic and move to the dark side. 

We were never meant to like Darth Vader, and we most certainly do not like Kylo Ren.  The atrocity he commits to "prove" himself will forever define him as the greatest villain in the "Star Wars" series of movies. 

If you are a huge original "Star Wars" fan, prepare yourself!  Things will never be the same again.

This Reviewers Opinion of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Movie Review

 

 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Visual DictionaryMuch to my surprise, I really liked the way they tied the old with the new.  There does come a time in life to pass the gauntlet to the young.  To let them have their own generation of heroes and villains.  I have no doubt there are more revelations and surprises for the "Star Wars" future films.

I also really liked the new characters.  I look forward to seeing Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron take on this new generation of the dark side.  Plus, it appears as if we will be seeing a lot more of Luke Skywalker as he assumes the tasks of Jeti mentor and instructor.  I anticipate really liking the mature Mark Hamill, perhaps even more than I did when he was oh, so very young.

I assure you, I will cheer wildly when they finally take down Kylo Ren.  I await the day when his empty helmet sits next to the disfigured Darth Vader headpiece in a lineup that demonstrates that good will conquer evil even if evil rules for a day.   

May The Force Be With You!

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Krampus Movie Review

To be completely honest, I didn't really know what to expect when "Krampus" was the family choice Christmas movie this year.  From the trailers, it seemed scary and macabre to me.   It certainly didn't seem like the perfect family Christmas movie.  However, I survived the viewing and I am here to tell you, it was actually pretty awesome. 

There is an underlying lesson that we all need to hear and consider.  It just might change how we interact with the people we love and often seem to take for granted.  Have you ever criticized the food choice, the clothing choice, the decor choice, the table setting choice, anything about the family Christmas day celebration?  Or have you been the criticized host, hostess or attendee?  If so, you will totally get the message of the movie.  Of course, you may have just observed these bad actions.  If that is the case, you will have no trouble grasping the plot.  I suspect we can all identify in one way or another.   Perhaps, even cheer the Krampus.

You see, Krampus is a rather evil dude who comes in place of Santa to those who have been, shall we say, "naughty".  He even brings evil toys and minion elves with him.

[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The History of Krampus

Krampus is an old folklore figure that resembles the image of the devil we are all accustomed to seeing.  He has cloven hooves and goat horns.  He is a hairy "devil" with a long tongue.  

In the old tales, he is the antithesis of Santa and punishes children who have been bad.  In the movie, he is referred to as the "shadow of Santa". 

Making it Personal

I never like to ruin a movie for anyone by giving away too much of the plot, so in this case I am going to give a personal example.  Just this year, my mother spent a day before Christmas helping me wrap gifts.  I always enjoy the time with my Mom.  I can be just "me" with Mom, which makes these laborious activities much easier.  However, I am still always tired by the end of the day.  

As it was getting dark, Dad came in and offered to take us to look at the Christmas lights.  I confess, I was still in my pajamas.  I honestly can't remember if Mom and I stopped for lunch or if we just snacked all day when hunger pains hit.  At first, I grumbled to myself that I didn't want to go look at stupid Christmas lights.  Then I thought, but it would make a fantastic opportunity to take pictures.  So, I grabbed my house shoes and camera and jumped in the car.

When we got to the town square, I was literally overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the entire square decorated with garland, ribbons and lights.  I wanted to take pictures from the car, but there were cars parked in the way, so I grumbled about the cars being in the way.  Dad drove around the square to give us a view of the lights from every angle and to find a good photo spot.  As he was cruising around, this woman slowly crossed the street in front of us, because she was looking at the lights as she walked and not the traffic.  I grumbled about how people really needed to pay attention to cars to avoid being run over.  After all, the driver of the car could be looking at lights too.  Than, a toddler came running toward the street.  (Remember the cars were parked in every parking spot and the child could only be seen due to movement catching our eyes.)  I grumbled that parents really needed to be watching their children. 

It was at this point, that I recognized myself that every word out of my mouth since we got in the car had be negative.  I started laughing and said, "grumble, grumble, grumble!  Bah, Humbug!  I guess I am going the spend the whole holiday grumbling!"  My parents laughed.  You see, they know me well and take my grumbling in stride.

I used this real life illustration because the grumbling and criticizing others is exactly the kind of attitude and action that would bring the Krampus to MY Chimney!

Just so you know, I never got that picture, but I did get a Filet O' Fish from McDonalds on the way home.  Wait!  That is not truly accurate.  I got 2 Filet O' Fish sandwiches.   I felt much better after getting out of the house for a bit, spending time with my parents, looking at the beautiful Christmas lights, and eating.   Go Back in Your Hole, Krampus! 

Krampus, the Movie 

The movie starts with an exaggerated version of something we have all experienced. Christmas shopping and how crazy people get over getting the "last", the "only", the "must haves".

The children's Christmas play is interrupted by a fight between children.   The mall Santa Clause is shown to be a pervert.  And then, the out of town family arrives, with surprises!  Seriously, don't people know you don't surprise the hostess at Christmas!!!

When Max's letter to Santa is read at the dinner table, Max is embarrassed, upset that his private thoughts had been shared with the entire family, and deeply distressed that others were hurt by those words.  He destroys the letter and throws it out the window.  It is immediately gathered into the sky.  What happens next will scare the Christmas socks right off your feet!

Keep Krampus Away!   Watch the Movie and Behave!

 Krampus [Blu-ray]

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Begin Again - A Movie Worth Watching

It's all about FEELING. You'll Feel from the beginning to the end, And When it Ends, you'll Want More.

Begin Again, starring Keira Knightley and, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine, transports you to a place where the ugliness of personal mistakes takes a back seat. At the same time, you become a participant in the artist's musical life. The music is the focus; the characters follow, and everything works. 

If along with realism, music and art, you intimately understand the hidden mystique of a city, you'll feel even more from this movie

The story centers around the once Grammy Award-winning success of Dan Mulligan. Still, currently, down-on-his-luck character Dan Mulligan, played by Ruffalo, meets a recently heartbroken yet fiercely independent singer-songwriter, Gretta James, played by Knightley. They decided to make an outdoor album with each song performed in different locations of New York City, making this the energy that fuels the music. The city's heart automatically beats with the music, and although the city isn't directly a dramatized focal point, its pulsating imperfections connect every aspect to the characters.

If you're drawn to movies that depict the intimate flaws of people but can still manage to ooze beauty via the complex backdrop of urban life and the souls within, this one wins.

Some Movie Facts:

• Begin Again premiered in September 2013 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
• Keira Knightley learned to sing and play guitar for the movie
• The song 'Lost Stars' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song
• Fans of The Voice will remember Adam Levine performing Lost Stars with Season 7 finale contestant Matt McAndrew
• The soundtrack for the movie was released in June 2014, with most of the songs performed by Knightley and Levine.

Lost Stars, a magnificent song, is now part of my playlist. Here's the video of Adam Levine performing Lost Stars, from the scene in the movie:

Personally Speaking, Begin Again is among my top ten all-time favorite movies. Mark Ruffalo's character is powerful; he is also one of my famous actors... and I also appreciate what he stands for off-screen.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Drageda.com

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A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Review

The Christmas Classic Movie

I feel as if I have always known Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang.  They were not only a part of my own childhood years, but they were a part of my husband's childhood.  Of course,  we introduced them to our children when they were little too.  Therefore, our household has literally had decades of being entertained, and multiple generations taught, by the magnificent Charles Schulz characters.

In 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" made it's debut on television.   It is one of the Christmas classics that I must watch every year.  I even find myself singing or humming "Christmastime is Here" while I am cooking or decorating our tree.

The Peanuts gang is an entertaining group for every age and every member of the family.  Watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" together is a wonderful family tradition.

Each year, my heart is touched by the message shared in this Christmas classic to such a degree that anyone watching me would think I had never seen the show before.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Ice Skating Party

The opening scenes of everyone ice skating are beautiful with the snow falling and the loving sense of happiness.  The theme song softly plays in the background.  As I mentioned earlier, it is such a simple melody, that it often plays in my mind throughout the Christmas holiday.

While they are walking to the ice, Charlie Brown is telling Linus about his general depression surrounding the holidays and his own lack of understanding for his absence of excitement and enthusiasm.    
(You can view that in the video scene below)

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Did You Know? 

When A Charlie Brown Christmas was made, the producers broke a lot of unwritten rules. 

* No canned laughter was inserted 

* References to the Bible were used to reinforce the true meaning of the season 

* Real children did the voices of the gang instead of adults talking like children 

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Setting the Stage for "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Moving past the tranquil opening scenes, we find Charlie Brown seeking advice from Lucy about his holiday depression.  Lucy takes her station in the lemonade stand as a Psychiatrist to help Charlie Brown determine why he is depressed.  In an effort to help, she appoints him as the Christmas play director.

Meanwhile, the beloved beagle, Snoopy, sets out to win a decorating contest by decorating his dog house.  Even though Charlie Brown detests the commercialism of it all, the dog house really is very pretty when it is decorated and later wins 1st place in the competition.

 Hallmark Peanuts Snoopy on Doghouse Christmas Ornament 2015

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
~ Charlie Brown from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

 

The Christmas Play

When it is announced that Charlie Brown will be the Christmas play director several people, including Snoopy, express disappointment.   Lucy takes over and assigns everyone their parts and the practices begin.  Then, Lucy sends Charlie Brown and Linus to bring back a Christmas Tree for the play.

The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

It's so sad...

Against Linus' objection, Charlie Brown chooses the Christmas tree that needs him.  Of course, he is laughed at and criticized by his peers when he returns with a real tree instead of a modern aluminum tree.

It is at this point that Linus steals the show with his description of what Christmas is really all about.  His eloquent delivery of the true Christmas story is the reason why this show rates as one of my Christmas favorites.

Heeding Linus' words Charlie Brown determines not to let commercialism ruin his Christmas.  He takes his little tree home to decorate it.  After using one ornament from Snoopy's decorated dog house, the little tree bends under the weight of the ornament. Charlie Brown believes he has killed the little tree and walks away even more depressed than before.

 Charlie Brown Christmas Tree with Blanket 24 (We have this very tree in the center of our kitchen table

Showing Love 

Again at Linus' suggestion, the gang comes together to show a little love and decorates Charlie Brown's tree.  When Charlie Brown sees what his friends have done for him and for his tree of course, he is overjoyed.  The entire group breaks into song:  "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing".

 A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition)Check Price

Amazing isn't it?  Charles Schulz was actually allowed to make a Christmas story that tells of Christ's birth and it became a classic.


A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Review

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

It will come as no surprise to any of you who have read my Hunger Games book review that I was in line for my ticket on opening day of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 movie.   Since I had read the entire book series several times, there were no stunning revelations for me in the movie, but I wanted to be there nonetheless.  I sat in a packed theater with great anticipation, as if I didn't know what was about to happen.

If you haven't seen the previous movies, especially "Mockingjay Part 1", then this movie will be rather confusing.  It is not a stand alone movie.  Because there is no description or explanation at the beginning, a new viewer would be clueless about the sequence of events that lead up to the opening scenes much less the subsequent actions.

The movie started where The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay Part 1 ended.  The opening scene is a doctor checking the severity of the damage done to Katniss's throat and vocal cords during the attack by Peeta who nearly strangled her to death.  If you are familiar with the movie, you will remember that Katniss did not fight back when Peeta attacked because she knew that he had been tortured and somehow brainwashed by President Snow.  But now, she has an even stronger desire for revenge against the capital.

The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 Review

Review Written by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

Although Peeta recognizes the people around him, he has been so completely brainwashed that he truly believes Katniss was responsible for everything bad, including his families deaths.  Because he has been "programmed" to kill Katniss, he is placed in isolation where he will undergo medical attempts to reverse the psychological damage he has suffered.  Peeta doesn't remember that he loved Katniss so much that he willingly placed himself in harms way several times to protect her, or that she also protected him.

For the Resistance, the time has come to take their attacks straight to the capital and President Snow.  Katniss wants the honor of killing President Snow herself.  She is assigned to a troop led by Boggs, the right hand man to the president of the resistance.  Boggs was previously assigned by President Coin, leader of the resistance, to protect the Mockingjay.

Katniss's troop of soldiers also include Gale and Finnick.  Much to everyone's surprise, President Coin decides to send Peeta to join their troop when the mission is well underway.  In addition to trying to carry out their objective, the team now finds themselves having to watch over Peeta, but they know the "real" Peeta, not the monster that Snow has created.  They truly desire to help Peeta overcome the demon in his head and try to help him discern what is real and what memories are not real.

One of the first tragedies of this movie is when Boggs is killed as they enter the capital city.  While he is dying, his last words are spoken directly to Katniss, "Don't trust them. Don't go back. Kill Peeta. Do what you came to do."   Katniss then assumes the leadership role of the troop and the members of the troop choose to follow her straight into the capital city and into harms way.  They each have their own score to settle with Snow and they are prepared to die in order to help Katniss achieve her goal.

That's it!  That is all I am going to tell you.  You absolutely must see the movie for yourself. 

My Personal Note About The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay Part 2 Movie 

I expected this to be my favorite of the movies.  By all rights, it should have been since it is the end to the actual Hunger Games and an end to President Snows "reign".  Plus, Katniss is finally able to lay down her bow of defense and start a life of her own choosing.  All those things happened, but there was such overwhelming sadness over the deaths of some of our favorite characters.  Of course, they died in the book too, but there is still something really different about seeing it happen on the big screen.

I also want to note, even though Haymitch, played by Woody Harrelson, did not join Katniss and the Star Squad on the mission to take the capital city, he is still very much a part of the movie.  Plutarch, the game maker, which was played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in his final role, was also featured in The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay Part 2.  Both Woody Harrelson and Philip Seymour Hoffman are exceptional actors who really brought personality and flair to their respective characters.

Even though Katniss, Peeta and Gale are the primary roles in The Hunger Games, the movies would not be as fabulous without the talents of all of the actors and actresses who made it a phenomenal success.  Each one became the face of the character from the book, and each one establishes a place in your heart just for them.  I might add too, that while we don't "love" him, Donald Sutherland did an outstanding job playing the role of President Snow.

The Movies You Should See Before You Watch The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

 The Hunger Games The Hunger Games: Catching Fire The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

In all of The Hunger Games movies there were some differences from the book.  Some I did not like.  Some I did not think were improvements, but overall they did not harm the integrity of the story.  Still, I would have preferred it if they had not changed the origin of the Mockingjay pin and the character who helped Peeta initially in his recovery to regain his real memory.  


The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

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For Love of the Game – a Movie Review

As the baseball season winds down once again, I begin to make plans for my wintertime baseball replacements.  I am a died-in-the-wool, I LIVE for This baseball fan who is not happy without a daily dose of baseball in some form or other.  This means that during that WINTER season (as per my favorite Bill Veeck quote “There are only two seasons – winter and baseball”) I find books and movies about BASEBALL to fill the time until Spring Training returns once again!

For Love of the Game

I have many favorite (baseball) movies I love to re-watch each winter.  One of the top ten on my list is For Love of the Game which stars the actor I consider the best and most believable at playing the part of a baseball player ~ Kevin Costner.

Costner's character in the movie is a Detroit Tigers pitcher named Billy Chapel.  Billy has an on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jane (Kelly Preston) who tells him she's leaving him and moving to England just before what is most likely Billy's last professional game.  It's the last game of the season against rival team the New York Yankees.  Vin Scully (playing himself) announces the game.

This 1999 movie was filmed in the real Yankee Stadium where a 40-year-old pitcher (Billy Chapel) is pitching the final game of his 19-year career. Battling a sore arm and coping with the news that the team has been sold and he will be traded, on top of learning that his long-time girlfriend is leaving to take a job in London, Billy enters the game fighting both physical and emotional limits.

The movie opens with Billy taking the mound to pitch.  The loud sounds of the crowd slowly diminish as Billy enters his 'zone' where he blocks out everything to concentrate on pitching, leaving a total silence as he winds up for the pitch.  We hear his thoughts as he approaches each batter and each pitch, giving us a glimpse into what a real life professional baseball pitcher goes through. 

What makes the movie most interesting is that the entire movie takes place during this one baseball game and the story of everything that led up to this day is reflected in flashbacks.  Girlfriend Jane is shown in subsequent scenes as she watches the game on TV at the airport while waiting for her overseas flight.  The suspense of the game builds as one out after another is recorded, leading toward the crowning glory moment for a baseball pitcher, a Perfect Game. 

Movie Trailer

 

Kevin Costner as Billy Chapel giving us 'one more day of summer' in the movie For Love of the Game. 

To me, For Love of the Game is the perfect title for this baseball movie, as it is exactly how I feel about the game of baseball.  My wintertime will be filled with this and my many other baseball movies and my home library of books about baseball until my favorite time of year (Baseball's Opening Day) returns. 

Enjoy the off-season and join me again when my favorite phrase resounds in baseball parks around the country ~ “Play Ball”.

For Love of the Game is available on Amazon.

*Kevin Costner has starred in several movies with a baseball-theme, such as Chasing Dreams, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, For Love of the Game and The Upside of Anger. I own most of them!

*Review written by Wednesday Elf (10/31/2015)

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Crimson Peak Movie Review

Crimson Peak is the perfect mystery movie for Halloween!  Of course, it would be a great horror flick anytime of the year, but the release of this movie was perfectly timed for Halloween in 2015.

This movie actually has a lot to recommend it and I was not disappointed.   Crimson Peak is not just a scary horror movie, even though the ghosts are the scariest I have ever seen, bar none.  The movie has a fantastic mystery plot.   At one point, you may think you have it figured out, only to be stunned by the truth when it is revealed.

Tom Hiddleston is also a huge draw for this movie.  He has that perfect "innocent", disarming and enchanting personality with just enough edge to be fascinating and mesmerizing.  Just like his performance as Loki in the movie Thor, as Sir Thomas Sharpe in Crimson Peak, the audience embraces him.  We want to trust him!

The two beauties in his life are equally beguiling.  His sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain), is the embodiment of old world grace and style on the surface with just enough arrogance and talent to broadcast her existence of entitlement.

Even though she is from an equally wealthy background, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is like an open book.  Her childlike charm and exuberance announce her naiveté.  It is obvious that her father has protected and cherished his only daughter.

Synopsis & Review of the Crimson Peak Movie Plot

Written by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

 Crimson Peak Tom Hiddleston as Sir Thomas Sharpe Poster Promo 8 x 10 Inch PhotoThe movie starts at a very difficult time in young Edith's life when her mother has just died of black fever.  We are told how she never got to even say goodbye to her mother.  It isn't long before Edith is visited by the ghost of her mother with a warning to "beware of Crimson Peak."   Years pass, and unfortunately, it isn't until after Edith is married that she even identifies the location of Crimson Peak.

Sir Thomas Sharpe breezes into Edith's life and doesn't hesitate to show his interest in the pretty young woman.  He pursues her and singles her out publicly as his choice of dance partner.  Although Edith has a long established affection and friendship with Dr. Alan McMichael (Charlie Hunnam), she is still totally and completely captivated by Sir Thomas's attention.

After the unexpected death of her father, Sir Thomas Sharpe swoops in as a buffer to Edith's indescribable pain over the death of her remaining parent.   She marries him without hesitation and moves to his family mansion in England which she soon learns is also known as Crimson Peak.

At Crimson Peak, Edith is haunted by even more ghosts who are trying to communicate with her.  When she suspects she is being poisoned, she starts to summon the ghosts and to listen to her eerie messengers.

Recommendation of Crimson Peak

First, let me start here by telling you that Crimson Peak is rated "R" for a reason.  Not only is it violent and scary, it also has crude language and adult content.  In all honestly, there were a few times when I had to hide my own eyes.  I knew I didn't want those images replaying in my head for years to come.

As a whole, and largely because of the mystery plot, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who has the stomach for it and an interest in horror flicks.

Ironically, considering the mystery plot, the ghosts and grotesque scenes seem to "fit" this movie.  They are not contrived to booster the rating to R.  It is truly a well earned "R" rating, but do be warned, it is not for the faint of heart.

It is truly the perfect Halloween movie!

Happy Haunting!

---

 Crimson Peak [Blu-ray & DVD] Crimson Peak: The Official Movie Novelization

 

 

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