All Consuming : TajLV

A story about "Enchanted (Full Screen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:47:50 GMT

Thoroughly enchanting! Disney takes a twist on its own fairy tales by sending the imaginary characters into the real world, instead of vice versa. Lots of magical scenes with the “animals” of New York, and some clever insights into New York behavior vis-a-vis anything cute, nice or romantic. If you have kids, this is one to buy and own. If you don’t, it’s one to watch at least a couple of times. Good one, Disney!

Consumed "Enchanted (Full Screen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:47:50 GMT

Enchanted (Full Screen Edition)

WORTH IT!

A story about "The Wilby Conspiracy"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:30:56 GMT

The Wilby Conspiracy

by Ralph Nelson

Hollywood’s action genre heads to apartheid South Africa for a prolonged chase scene with sex, missing diamonds, light humor, and stiff acting. It was actually filmed in Kenya because the SA government would not grant permits in 1975 for a film that addressed the country’s overt racist policies. Unfortunately, the character development is poor. Sidney Poitier gives an only so-so performance, and the chemistry with Michael Caine never quite comes about on the screen. Despite the action, it’s like they were sleep walking. Can’t really recommend it, but Poitier buffs might enjoy the dentist office’s “closet” segment.

Consumed "The Wilby Conspiracy"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:30:56 GMT

The Wilby Conspiracy

by Ralph Nelson

Consumed "A World Apart"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:23:22 GMT

A World Apart

by Chris Menges

WORTH IT!

A story about "A World Apart"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:23:22 GMT

A World Apart

by Chris Menges

Well acted by Barbara Hershey as reporter Diana Roth, a mother of three whose husband has fled South Africa in the early 1960s to avoid arrest for being a communist. Jodhi May gives a memorable performance as the troubled eldest daughter. In fact, the three female leads shared a 1988 Cannes Film Festival award for their roles in this anti-apartheid film. David Suchet has a supporting role as the chief interrogator. A dark film, based upon a true story of an era of hate, fear and racism.

Consumed "A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:34:04 GMT

A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition)

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A story about "A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:34:04 GMT

A Christmas Story (Full Screen Edition)

I had to show this to a class of High School seniors when subbing for their English teacher and was amazed how intently they watched it. Dated, but still funny 25 years later. Darrin McGavin as Dad Parker is a hoot. “Fudge” and the fight scene will take any boy right back to the lowest lows of childhood. “Bad Santa” is priceless, as is Mom Parker’s relationship with #2 son Randy…the snowsuit / piggie at the trough / under the sink. A classic Christmas film, well worth seeing.

A story about "Star Trek"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:13:04 GMT

Star Trek

by J.J. Abrams

I grew up with the original Trek, loved TNG and Voyager, saw all 10 of the movies, and watched every episode of Enterprise on DVD. I skipped seeing this in the theater because I was sure I would be disappointed. Now that I have seen it on DVD, I can honestly say I think it is a fine addition to the Star Trek family. Different, like a redhead amid a family of brunettes, but very likable and a surprising fit. I enjoyed the way JJ Abrams gave each charater a twist, an edge, and fit them into the existing saga. In the special features, he said Star Trek was classical music and he wanted to add some rock & roll to it. Achieved. I would happily pay to see the sequel on the big screen.

Consumed "Star Trek"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:13:04 GMT

Star Trek

by J.J. Abrams

WORTH IT!

Consumed "The Game Plan (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:47:51 GMT

The Game Plan (Widescreen Edition)

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A story about "The Game Plan (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:44:50 GMT

The Game Plan (Widescreen Edition)

Good fun, and funny. The Rock plays his part perfectly, despite (as the special features reveal) a serious injury suffered durng the making of the film. There were some very real football hits going on. And some pretty passable ballet moves. Kudos to Roselyn Sanchez for her role. Madison Pettis is a living doll. Even Kyra Sedgwick had her moments. A good family film, mixing sports and ballet.

A story about "Seven Pounds"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:42:24 GMT

Seven Pounds

by Gabriele Muccino

Will Smith steals every scene, as always, but some great supporting roles here by Woody Harrelson as the blind pianist and Rosario Dawson as the woman with heart failure. Despite the dark theme, it is an artful movie. The DVD’s special features include seven interviews with the director, editor, etc. Very insightful, and a fascinating look into the directing style of Gabriele Muccino.

Consumed "Seven Pounds"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:42:24 GMT

Seven Pounds

by Gabriele Muccino

WORTH IT!

A story about "Open: An Autobiography"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:48:04 GMT

Open: An Autobiography

by Andre Agassi

The story of a true champion. Agassi’s autobiography takes the reader right along with him from childhood through the ATP tour, his rise to #1, formation of his entourage and eventual marriage to Steffi Graf. He reveals his flaws and strengths, his caring and hate and passion. It’s all here, and not always a pretty sight, although beautifully related with a big assist from former L.A. Times correspondent and Pultizer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer.

The media will focus on the revelations of Agassi’s drug use and toupee, but the story of how he meets and woos Graf is much more interesting, and the influence of Nelson Mandela is far more important to his life. This was 2009’s must read for me, and I am very glad I did.

Consumed "Open: An Autobiography"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:48:04 GMT

Open: An Autobiography

by Andre Agassi

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Steel Kettle"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:23:26 GMT

Steel Kettle

by Steel Kettle Whistle Brewing, WI

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A story about "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:35:51 GMT

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

The animation, again, is superb, even if the plot is thin. Great voiceovers by Queen Latifah, Ray Romano, and the crew. The interspersed vignets with the squirrels are amusing. This would have been a good one to see on the big screen.

Consumed "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:35:51 GMT

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

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A story about "Australia"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

Australia

by Baz Luhrmann

In this epic tale of Australia’s pre-WW2 Northern Territories, you will abosolutely fall in love with the aboriginal child, Nullah (Brandon Walters). His water tower episode is gripping, the stampede scene is unforgettable, and his departure for the mission tearful. Nicole Kidman is not bad as the stiff but resilient Lady Ashley, and Hugh Jackman plays his usual stud self as Drover, the untamable cowhand. Romance, action, greed, spirituality…even a little humor (Nullah in the tree!)...this film has something for everyone, including a half a zillion references to the “Wizard of Oz,” pun fully intended by director Baz Luhrman.

Consumed "Australia"

nobody@allconsuming.net (TajLV) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

Australia

by Baz Luhrmann

WORTH IT!