Hello everyone! Remember me? 😉 I’ve been back since very late Friday but after 30+ hour trip, I was still pretty exhausted that I didn’t have any energy to blog right away. Hope everyone’s doing well whilst I was off the blogosphere, well I was practically off-line entirely as I barely got time to even check Twitter in the past week and a half. Btw, it’s gonna be a slow return to blogging as I’m actually going to be away this Wednesday to San Diego (our planned vacation) for at least five days.
Anyway, this has been quite a whirlwind trip for me, but despite the sadness of losing my dear brother Peter so suddenly, I was very blessed to be able to spend some quality time with my one and only remaining sibling Paul (his twin), his wonderful wife and their three girls. It was a blast spending time with my three beautiful nieces (ages 9, 11 and 13) who happen to be all into movies, ahah, so we’d excitedly talk about movies they’re anticipating Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, not surprisingly both are based on young adult novels and feature a female protagonist 😉
Well, suffice to say I didn’t see a single new movie the past couple of weeks. I had to miss a few screenings (The Lone Ranger, World War Z), so the last screening I saw was Monsters University (review coming next week). I was really at the mercy of cable TV at my hotel and the [very] limited selections on the plane, but y’know, it’s actually not that bad. Here are the movies I happen to catch in the past 10 days:
CABLE:
- Con Air (1997) – rewatch
I actually saw this one twice in 2 days believe it or not, the first time on my own and the second time when my brother Paul came to visit me on my hotel and we ended up watching this again (with my nieces too) the second time around. Perhaps one of my fave Nic Cage movies, and he actually looks pretty bad ass in that wife beater, ahah.
… - The Avengers (2012) – rewatch
I almost watched this one twice as well if I hadn’t fallen asleep, ahah. What can I say, it’s still as fun as the first time I saw it, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) still stole the show 😀
… - The Grey (2011)
I’ve been curious about this movie for a while but I missed the first 20 minute or so by the time I switched the TV on. Some of the parts were quite boring but overall it’s actually a decent – albeit predictable thriller. Worth renting I suppose but probably not worth seeing on the big screen, even with the gorgeous cinematography. Liam ‘special set of skills’ Neeson is perhaps the only reason to watch this one, unless you’re a wolves enthusiast, ahah.
I also saw half an episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, the one with the late Andy Whitfield. It actually looked pretty good though I had to switch the channels during the violent battle stuff so I don’t think I can actually watch this show in its entirety.
…
IN FLIGHT:
- Monsters, Inc. (2001) – rewatch
Though the prequel was fun and exceeded my expectations, this one is still tough to beat. The scenes with Boo when Sulley & Mike first encounter her always had me in stitches!
… - Jane Eyre (2011) – rewatch
I’ve got to admit I had a renewed appreciation for this Cary Fukunaga version. I wasn’t bowled over when I first saw it (read my review) but I think Michael Fassbender made for a soulful & magnetic Rochester (though Timothy Dalton’s portrayal is still my all-time fave) and Mia Wasikowska is superb in the title role.
… - Pride & Prejudice (2005) – rewatch
I always felt the urge to watch this every time it’s available. I think this Joe Wright’s film has become my favorite P&P version now, yes it even beat the Colin Firth one for me. I love Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy and Keira Knightley’s more than all right as Lizzy Bennett.
… - Big Fish (2001)
I’ve been curious about this one for some time so I’m glad this was shown on the plane. It’s perhaps the most un-Tim Burton-like from the eccentric director. It’s a surprisingly moving fantasy film centered on father-son relationship. I quite like the cast, esp. Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor playing the old/young version of the character, and Billy Crudup as his son. It’s a bit confusing at times but it might be one of the most emotionally-charged Tim Burton film I’ve seen so far.
I actually almost watched Les Miserables on the plane but for some reason my earphone only worked on one ear, and I really can’t imagine listening to 2.5 hours of all that singing just from one ear!
Now, when I got back, I only watched a couple of things from Netflix streaming:
Though I initially shrugged this one off, but I’m glad I gave this a shot as it ended up being quite funny. The dudes support group is definitely the highlight, though I find Joe Manganiello (the actor & the character) so incredibly repulsive, ugh. I actually quite like J-Lo in this one though, but Elizabeth Banks is the most hilarious one of all the girls.
I might’ve seen parts of this before but my hubby and I started watching this on his iPad and we ended up watching the whole thing on our TV. It’s interesting how there are some things here that seem to echo Man of Steel, well I guess the other way around as this animated feature was already released in 2011. I like that Superman is dying of radiation poisoning and making the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Even the soundtrack is pretty good. Definitely a must for Superman fans!
…
Well, that’s my week so far, folks. What have you been watching? Anything good?
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Agan, I’m very sorry for yor loss, Ruth. Hope everything is well. But I’m glad you had a great couple weeks, movie-wise. There are some great selections in there, especially Cary Fukunaga’s version of Jane Eyer, which I loved.
This weekend I watched WWZ, The Sweet Hereafter and The Paperboy.
We HAVE to meet up in San Diego! Even if it’s just for a coffee or something!
Thanks Fernando. I’m doing as well as can be expected, glad to be back home for sure 😀 Was the 2011 the first Jane Eyre you saw? I’ve seen other adaptations previously and I think Fukunaga did the classic novel justice, though it did feel a bit rushed for a 2-hour adaptation.
I’d love to meet you but I’m only in SD for two days then we’re going to Long Beach, not sure if we could find the time. I’ll DM you 😀
Yes, it was the first and so far the only adaptation of Eyre I’ve ever seen.
This will be a very busy week for me as well, since we’re having elections on Sunday, so there’ll be a lot of work here, but still I hope I’ll be able to meet you 🙂 And yeah, DM me 🙂
I sure hope we could make it work Fernando, but if not, I still might visit SD again later this year (maybe late Fall) and hopefully we can see each other then 😀
Oh cool! That’s work too 🙂
It’s good to have you back, but you remain in our thoughts and prayers, Ruth. So sorry for your loss.
Thanks Michael, I sincerely appreciate your prayers and kind words.
Sorry again to hear about your loss, but I know what you mean about how funerals can sometimes lead to quality time spent with family (or friends). I think that’s why we do it that way… helps cushion the loss as much as it can be. 😦
Hope you have fun in San Diego!
Hi there Fogs, thanks man. Yeah it’s definitely nice to be able to spend time with family, esp since I don’t get to go home very often.
You’re going to Comic-con right? Well, have fun! I’m actually visiting friends & sight seeing this time 😀
Glad you had safe travels. Really sorry for your loss. It does sound like you had some quality family time though. That’s always special.
Also looks like you caught a bunch of movies. My watching has been down lately. I gotta get back going.
Hi Keith, thank you! Summer is usually a slow movie-watching time for me too. I’d be blogging less also, probably just 3-4 days a week.
Glad you’re back Ruth. We have missed you! Let us hope that a re-immersion into the world of film will help escape the tough realities of our lives. Sending a big ol’ hug your way.
Thanks Nick! Aww, thanks man and yes, films certainly have a ‘healing’ quality, esp for cinephiles 😀
Sorry for your loss, Ruth. Glad you’re back, though.
Thanks Rodney. Great review of Man of Steel btw 😉
🙂
Welcome back Ruth! Hope you’re well despite your loss, but it’s good you took some positives in catching up with family, that’s good to hear 🙂 And it sounds like you’ve still managed to watch more films than me recently! 🙂
Hi Chris! I definitely have to still count my blessings, all things considered 😀 There’s no internet in my hotel room, hence I could only watch whatever’s showing on cable, ahah.
Welcome back Ruth! Glad to hear you’ve got to spend some time with your family, I can only imagine how hard it is trying to get back to the norm after losing a love one.
Funny, I actually just watched Con Air a few days ago, just the action scenes though, I love the ridiculous over the top action sequences in that film, LOL.
Well as you I know I saw a couple of new movies in your place at the advanced screenings, quite surprised how much I enjoyed them. I finally got my free passes to see Man of Steel at the IMAX theater so I hope to finally see it later in the week. I signed up with Netflix again because I wanted to see new episodes of Arrested Development. Since Netflix has so many movies to stream now, I’ve watched Safety Not Guranteed (a fun indie film), Side by Side (finally saw it and loved it) and the Bond documentary Everything or Nothing, it’s a very good doc about the series. Didn’t know that Connery quit mostly because of his hatred of the producers, I always thought he was sick of playing Bond and that’s why he quit.
Hi there Ted! Hope you’re well. As you could imagine, I’m immediately swamped at the office today 😀 Fortunately it’s a shorter holiday week so things aren’t crazy busy.
Con Air is what you’d call a popcorn action flick and one can’t expect anything less from Michael Bay ahah.
Yeah I’ll be posting your reviews this week as I haven’t got the time/energy to blog yet, good thing I’ve written my review for Monsters U already before I left. I saw all the films you mentioned (even reviewed them all here), they’re all worth a watch so glad you enjoyed them.
I finished my contract work so I have time to watch more movies now, ha ha. I was thinking of checking out The Lone Ranger this week but with a current 31% rating on Rottentomatoes, I think I’ll rent it instead.
Oh actually Con Air was directed by Simon West, a poor man’s Michael Bay, so both of them are the same person. But the film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer so yeah it looks like a film by Mr. Bay.
Yeah I remember you remember those three movies I mentioned. I guess I’m glad to be back using Netflix again since Red Box don’t carry indie or documentary films.
Have fun in San Diego!
I hope you and your family are coping and getting back to normal life, despite everything that transpired.
My favorite of those you watched is Big Fish, such a magical film, and yes, moving too.
Yeah, taking one day at a time Chris. I’m glad I finally saw Big Fish, might rewatch it again properly at home, it’s not as comfortable watching stuff on the plane.
Welcome back Ruth and sorry for your loss.
I was on vacation this week but was able to catch World War Z, Into Darkness and my little girls first move theatre experience ever Monsters University.
Again, great to see you blogging again. 🙂
Hello Chris!! I saw that you’re on vacation and Nick was a Hipster for a Week 😀 Glad you enjoyed your time off and that you managed to watch some good movies!
Thanks! Back to work now, 😦
Welcome back, Ruth:
Hang tough and take one day at a time.
‘Con Air’ is a hoot on many levels and chock full of cheesy goodness in countless errors regarding the C-123 cargo aircraft. Oh, yeah. Nicholas Cage is in it, too!
‘The Avengers’ is a meticulously well done piece of cinema that covers most of the cool trivia that comic book geeks and purists crave and makes them so adorkable.
High marks for the SHIELD Heli-Carrier and its stealth capability. Great action and combat sequences around Manhattan. And superb homages to Warner Brothers ‘Merrie Melodies’ with the Hulk pounding and mopping the floor of Stark’s penthouse with Loki. And later sucker punching Thor out of camera shot. Just because it was needed and the Hulk felt like it!
‘Big Fish’ surprises all the way around. One of Finney’s best roles. Along with his Leo in ‘Miller’s Crossing’ and Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie’.
Hello Jack! Great advice my friend, will do 😀
Ahah, I’ll take your word for it about the errors about the plane, but there are sooo many plot holes in that movie that it’s to be expected, ahahaha.
Adorkable is the PERFECT word to describe The Avengers! That scene of Hulk w/ Loki is such a hoot, my nieces were in my hotel room when that scene came on and we all had a good laugh.
Finney is excellent in everything but he’s particularly amazing in Big Fish, I love that last scene of him w/ Billy Crudup, very funny and moving at the same time.
It’s going to take your body and its clock about two weeks to completely re-set, due to all the changes in time zones both way. This advice freely offered from one who takes the better part of a week to Daylight Savings time.
It’s also cool that Whedon took the time to get the Hulk right with his abilities to leap in confined spaces and let gravity help him lay waste to buildings. Cap was definitely the brains in Manhattan. While everyone else was the brawn.
It seems that even you’re more productive than me *sigh. been quite busy this month. Well, I hope you’re doing okay. And yes! Fassbender’s very good in Jane Eyre (good for the eyes also, the movie made me addicted to see him ahah). Take your time to rest now, Ruth
Hi Andina! Too bad we couldn’t get together again when I was in Jkt but as I said to Novia, there just wasn’t enough time. Ahah yeah, Fassy is gorgeous as Rochester, they always seem to cast good looking actors for a role that’s supposedly ‘not much to look at’ according to the book, ahah. Dalton was absolutely gorgeous as well that I practically had a hard time concentrating on what he said 😉
Sorry for your loss Ruth.
And i have to disagree with you on the Grey and All Star Superman, I think you already know the Grey was one of my faviorte movies from last year. I found it had surprising depth imo. And i wasn’t a fan of All Star Superman at all when i watched it. I didn’t mind the premise of Superman confronting mortality, but then it got wayyy to silly for me. Did not work for me at all.
And as for me i saw Man of Steel, Mud, and Kings of Summer at my local theater(the one with the 4$ tuesday special(I think ive mentioned it to you before). I also saw Iron man 3 and the Great Gatsby during their theatrical runs(I realize they aren’t recent at this point, but i wasn’t sure if you knew i saw them). Basicallly liked all of them. My mom wasn’t a fan of the snake in Kings of Summer tho ;P My dad actually held her hand during that scene which made me glad he came as im not sure what i would have done(he almost didn’t come with us)
Thanks Julian, appreciate the kind words.
Oh I forgot you LOVE The Grey. Well, I actually had the ending sort of spoiled by my [surviving] brother about a year ago but I was still curious enough to check it out. It is better than what some critics were saying and some of the conversations were quite poignant, I just don’t know if it’ll hold my interest on the big screen. Sorry you didn’t like All Star Superman though, but what did you think of Man of Steel? Sorry if you’ve already blogged about it, I’m still trying to catch up 😀
Glad to see you’ve been able to see some good movies. Oh yeah the snake scene in Kings of Summer is pretty intense indeed.
I found Man of Steel alright. Don’t think i loved it, but i did enjoy watching it at the cinema
Good to have you back Ruth, glad you had a good time with the rest of your family 😀
Thanks Tim, good to be back 😀
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Welcome back, Ruth. Sorry again about your loss. I’m glad you were able to get some good family time out of it, though.
Thanks Morgan. Yes, it’s a blessing to get some family time as they’ve become even more precious to me now.
Really sorry for your loss, Ruth. It’s great that you can spend time with your family remembering and celebrating your brother’s life.
Thanks Jaina.
Glad to see you writing again. Watching films with kids is always rewarding. Fresh eyes and innocence. By the way, we agree on the P & J version with Knightly. 🙂
Hi Cindy! Yeah, it’s fun to share my enthusiasm about movies w/ my nieces, they’re so much fun! High five on P&P, the more I watch that one the more I love it.
Once again I’m sorry for your loss Ruth and its great to see you ease yourself back in. It can be difficult. A little vacation sounds good, though. Sounds just like the thing you could do with.
Thanks Mark. Yeah, taking it one day at a time. It’s good that my planned vacation happen to fall this weekend, I sure needed that 😀
Glad you made it back safe and sound, Ruth, and that you got to spend precious time with your loved ones. Hope you enjoy your upcoming vacation. 🙂
You watched quite a few movies on your trip. I really need to see Monsters, Inc. again, as I’ve not watched it in years. Right now, I’d rate it about the same as Monsters University, but I think that will change if I rewatch the first one.
Thanks Josh, it’s good to be back and yes, looking forward to some R&R 😀
I really enjoyed this one but after seeing Monsters Inc again on the plane, I really think the first is still the best!
Welcome back Ruth, good to see you writing again and I’m sorry for your loss 😦
Thanks Tyson!
Welcome back Ruth 🙂
I love your mini-review (I am preparing one like this too for movies I watched lately that didn’t impress me much)…Ha! The Grey…hehe I have written it in my review as boring and I will never see it again.
Good to hear that despite the sadness you still can have good times here 🙂
Hi Nov! I might do more mini reviews as I ease back into blogging again. Ahah, The Grey is quite boring in parts, I didn’t even see it from the beginning and I did change the channel a few times, ahah.
Sorry we couldn’t meet last week but maybe one day you could visit me here in MN 😀 Hope your new job is going well too!
I am planning to do short review for movies of 2 or 3 stars. I watched quite a lot lately but not good enough to be written per one post.
Ah…small chance I will ever visit MN 😉 but will keep that in mind when I finally married a millionaire 😉
My new Job will start on July 10 🙂
There’s always a chance Nov, with or without your future millionaire husband 😀
Oh cool, so that’s next week then. Good luck in your new job, I’m sure you’ll be great!
Hahaha…amin (for both) 🙂
It is good to see you back doll. Still thinking of you. Safe travels to San Diego (home of the SOME LIKE IT HOT hotel…every place has a movie association for me I guess).
Hi Paula! Thanks so much for the kind attention, I really appreciate your support. I haven’t seen Some Like It Hot but I’m excited to visit La Jolla, Gregory Peck’s birthplace. I definitely would visit La Jolla Playhouse which he founded w/ Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer 😀
Hi Ruth, great to have you back! That’s quite an eclectic group of films you saw. I’m kind of surprised at the in-flight selection — on my last few trips they played the same handful of films, most of which were new releases. Big Fish is a good pick, though it is quite sad.
Thanks Eric! Well I flew w/ China Airlines so the selections are quite different from other airlines. It’s always a good opportunity to catch older movies I’ve missed, like Big Fish 😀
Welcome back Ruth, The Grey was a big surprise. Much better than expected! I’ve been catching up with Breaking Bad so less movies than normal!
Thanks Pete! Well, I’m not super impressed w/ The Grey but it is better than what some critics were saying. Yeah I saw that you’ve been watching a ton of Breaking Bad 😀
Glad you’re back 🙂
Hope you’re doing okay 🙂
Hi there, good to be back. Yeah I’m doing ok, thanks for thinking of me 😀
No worries 🙂
Happy to see you are back online and hope you are doing ok given the circumstances.
You watched some good movies and looking at that list it really makes me want to revisit Monsters Inc (which I saw a lot a couple of years ago) in preparation for Monster University.
Welcome back, Ruth and thinking of you. I am glad to hear that you were able to spend some quality time with your family despite the short trip. Your trip to CA looked fun! Take care and see you soon.
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