Monthly Roundup & Favorite Movie of June 2014

On By ruthIn Monthly Recap

June2014Recap

Man, where has June go??! It’s nuts that this weekend is Fourth of July already which means we’re already halfway done with Summer 😦

I feel that this month is a blur already, I actually have a hard time just what in the heck I’ve been watching this past month. Well, one thing for sure, I’ve been doing more Toby Stephens marathon since May. When I say an actor is versatile, I truly mean it with Toby. The man can play virtually ANY role brilliantly and no matter what genre he tackles, the British thespian effortlessly fits right in. It pains me how underrated he is as immense talent + chameleonic ability is quite a rare combination in an actor, the fact that he’s SO easy on the eyes is of course icing on the cake.

TobyMarathonJune
Clockwise from top left: Toby in Black Sails (2014), BBC Jane Eyre (2006), BBC Wired (2008),  and The Machine (2013)

So thanks to my pal Becky (aka Prairiegirl), I got to catch up on Black Sails! I’ve only got half of the 8-episodes of Season 1 and it’s pretty good! Of course I’m not going to lie that Toby’s the main reason I watched it and he’s definitely the BEST thing about it. I LOVE what The Guardian said about Toby’s role as Captain Flint: “Stephens’s Flint is every inch the modern anti-hero that those accustomed to the moral greys of Tony Soprano or Walter White will appreciate.” I’m impressed by the quality of the series though, it’s definitely not the clichéd pirate stuff that’s often depicted by Hollywood. Can’t wait to see more from Season 1 and Season 2 can’t come soon enough!! I’ll definitely be doing a review of it once I’m done with the first season. In case you have no idea what the show is all about, here’s an inside look video of season 1:

Ok, on to the monthly recap!

Posts you might’ve missed:

New-to-me Movies/TV/Miniseries:

Rewatches:

I just realized I watched quite a lot of period dramas this past month! I wasn’t planning on it, but hey, it’s one of my favorite genres 😀

  • Belle (2013)
  • BBC’s Jane Eyre (2006 miniseries)
  • Ever After – A Cinderella Story (1998)
  • Love, Actually (2003)
  • Mansfield Park (1999)
  • The Machine (2013)
  • Pacific Rim (2013)
  • Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Favorite Movie Seen in June 2014:

HTTYDbanner

I think Edge of Tomorrow is pretty darn good but I have such a soft spot for Hiccup, Toothless & co and this second installment definitely lives up to the fantastic original! Plus the soundtrack by John Powell is simply astounding. Stay tuned for a John Powell Music Break coming soon!

So, what movies did you get to see in June and which one is your favorite?

62 thoughts on “Monthly Roundup & Favorite Movie of June 2014”

  1. Hmm…for June I probably saw less than the previous month. Still, my clear favorite was the most unexpected one (Edge of Tomorrow I presumed would be a fun summer movie, and it was), Chef. My favorite of those I re-watched, that old-timey action classic by John Milius, The Wind and The Lion (now out on Blu-ray, and just gorgeous).

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        1. Ahah, I trust you! I made the mistake of going into Julie & Julia hungry, it was excruciating! Boy I wonder if the cast gain a lot of weight from filming, ahah.

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  2. I didn’t seen any movies this month (outside of a re-watch of The Hours) because I’m a very lazy person, though I did manage to binge watch season 1 of Masters of Sex last week. It is so good.

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    1. ‘Masters of Sex’ is the one w/ Michael Sheen right? Why am I not surprised that’s it’s good, what w/ a talented Brit in the lead 😉

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      1. Yes, ma’am. (Though to be more accurate, he’s Welsh.) I have to be honest, I think I was bound to like it since it’s much like Mad Men and The Hour, two other shows I simply adore.

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        1. Ah right he’s a Welshman! I just realized I still have my list of favorite Welsh actors in my Draft folder. Mr Sheen is definitely on that list 😉

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          1. Well, you certainly weren’t kidding about that one post of yours. Sometimes having an actor from the UK amongst the cast makes the show better. (Granted, I mostly watch BBC-produced shows.)

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  3. I’m so glad you convinced me to watch HTTYD2 on the big screen it really is fantastic. I might check out Black Sails, I don’t have much TV shows to watch now that Game Of Thrones is in between seasons and sounds it pretty cool.

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  4. Ted S.

    Since I still don’t have a home and home theater less, I didn’t watch any new movie at home. But of course I saw Edge of Tomorrow, 22 Jump Street and Transcrappers in theater. Even though I enjoyed Edge of Tomorrow, I don’t think I’d want to see it again for a long time so my favorite movie from June is 22 Jump Street. And yes I can’t believe we’re halfway through summer already, I’m not looking forward to another long winter!!

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    1. Transcrappers!! Yes that’s a more fitting title. That’s definitely the WORST of the year, maybe even the entire decade!

      Let’s not talk about the ‘W’ word Ted, it makes me shudder just thinking about it!!

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  5. Of all that I saw in the past month, Edge of Tomorrow is definitely the best. Such a surprisingly impressive flick all around, and it’s gone on to be one of my most recommended to people as well. 🙂

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    1. Yeah, Edge of Tomorrow is definitely a pleasant surprise of the Summer! I wasn’t expecting anything great so it’s always nice when that happens.

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  6. Only saw a couple of movies this month – X-Men: Days of Future Past and How to Train your Dragon 2. Both excellent, but think Dragon might just edge it for me! LOVED the soundtrack. As per usual!

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    1. Well hello Jaina! Always nice to see you pop by, girl.

      Glad you LOVE HTTYD 2. X-Men: DOFP is my fave movie of June, though I didn’t make a recap last month.

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  8. Think I’ve only seen Toby Stephens in the underwhelming Bond movie Die Another Day, I guess that was not his best work!

    I’m a fan of The Trip (2010). I could see the film not working for a person from US, as the humor and impersonations are quite British. What did you think?

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    1. Awww Chris, I hope you check out more of his work. Die Another Day is such a preposterous Bond flick, and it only showcased a tiny fraction of what Toby could do as an actor. He’s really super versatile, that’s why it pains me that most people only knew him from that one role 😦

      Oh I quite enjoyed The Trip! I love British humor so I love the impersonations and snarky banters. I’ll check out The Trip to Italy as well, both Coogan & Brydon are a hoot!

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  9. Hi Ruth. Only got around to Edge of Tomorrow in the cinema. Just rewatched The Book Thief and loved it again. What great acting all around. I hope Miss Sophie Nélisse has more films lined up. Watson and Rush were their usual fantastic selves. Also watched ‘Strangers on a train’ a Hitchcock film I’m reviewing for a blogathon. Let’s see, what else. Saw ‘Giant’ in its entirety. That was epic. 🙂

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    1. Oh I like The Book Thief too! I’ve always loved Watson and Rush, Watson was great in BELLE also, hope you check that one out soon Cindy.

      I can’t wait to see Strangers on a train later this year as part of my catch-up to Hitchcock films. Haven’t seen Giant either, was that as long as Gone with the Wind?

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        1. Ah I see. Well, I’m mostly curious to see three *giant* classic icons Hudson, Dean and Taylor together on screen. I love GWTW though, that’s tough to beat IMO.

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    1. Hi Josh, I haven’t seen the two you mentioned. Was Bloody Sunday based on a true story? I can’t remember the specifics but I’ve heard about that one.

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      1. Yeah, it’s based on the true story of a brutal police shooting in Northern Ireland in 1970’s. It’s very tense and gritty, like Greengrass’ other films.

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  11. Tom

    This has been a particularly active/fantastic movie for indies for me, Ruth. I’ve managed to do a decent job mixing in both indies and mainstream films, but probably leaning more to the former. 🙂

    That said, I saw a comment up above about Chef, and I have to say that is my favorite of the month and possible of the year so far. It was no ambitious project, but man was it a joy to watch.

    Good stuff, Ruth.

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    1. Hi Tom! Good for you that you saw a lot of indies. I’ve been hearing lots of good things about Chef, can’t wait to see that when it’s out on rental!

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  12. Time really does go by so fast. I mean, I can’t believe we’re already at the halfway mark for the year. CRAZY!

    Anyways, didn’t see that many films in June, but my favorite was Edge of Tomorrow.

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    1. I hate how fast Summer goes and Winter seems to go on forever 😦

      WOW, who’d know Edge of Tomorrow was gonna be everyone’s favorite! Too bad it didn’t do as well box-office wise whilst the stinker Transformers movie always rake up tons of cash!

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      1. As you know, I love the winter but if Tijuana/CA was nearly as cold as your city, I don’t think I’d be saying the same. Summer around here has been very pleasant so far. Not too hot.

        And yeah, EoT was definitely a surprise quality-wise and that deserved to be a bigger hit!

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  13. I stil have to catch up on quite a few of your write ups Ruth but great to see you’ve been watching lots of period dramas. Love that genre but I think it’s very hard to turn such literary masterpieces into films – they often work better on TV where there’s more time to flesh out the story and characters.

    Really enjoyed the BBC version of Jane Eyre. I’m on a bit of a Bronte book marathon at the moment and just have two more books to complete. How many recasting Jane Austen’s have you done so far? I need to catch up on those! Also looking forward to reading your take on Rebecca – It’s one of my favourite books and movies. Love Daphne Du Maurier!!!

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    1. Hi Natalie! I love period dramas too, well British movies in general 🙂 I still can’t believe you actually LIVE in Pemberley, er I mean Derbyshire, that is just SO cool!

      I hear ya about book adaptations, esp Bronte I think as it’s quite darker than Austen’s work. I LOVE LOVE the 2006 version of Jane Eyre. It’s crazy to think that I used to mock it when it came out as I was so in love w/ the Timothy Dalton’s version from 1983 which was more theatrical. The 2006 version is not as faithful to the book (esp the part when Rochester convinced Jane to stay) but it’s definitely a very passionate and emotionally-gratifying version. Of course I LOVE Toby Stephens as Rochester, he embodied the character so well. He captured the mercurial mood and brooding quality of Rochester, but he can also be playful and sweet.

      I’ve only done Sense & Sensibility and Mansfield Park so far. I’d love to hear what you think of our picks for MP 🙂

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      1. I’m about to re-watch the 2011 version of Jane Eyre tonight! Interested to see if my view of Fassbender will change after recently re-reading the book. His performance was a little too subdued for me last time I saw it. Have you seen the ITV version from the 90s – Ciaran Hinds is still my favourite Rochester!

        I still haven’t read Mansfield Park but I’m going to follow my Bronte marathon with an Austen one so I’ll put that right very soon! 🙂

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        1. I’m not too fond of the 2011 version aside from the atmospheric quality. I like Fassbender as Rochester (though he’s far from my favorite), but Mia is just too cold as Jane. Plus, like you said, this adaptation is way too short, like a cliff-note version, so it left me wanting. I like Ciaran Hinds but haven’t seen that JE version yet.

          I hope you check out the Mansfield Park post, I’m very curious what you think of our actor picks. But maybe after you’re done watching the film. I suggest seeing the 1999 version as the BBC one just isn’t up to par IMO.

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  14. I re-watched Caché, which for me was easily the best movie I’ve seen last month. If I were to say a new viewing, I would choose The Stranger and Out of Sight.

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  15. Really enjoyed Edge of Tomorrow and even had a fun time with 22 Jump Street but the best two films I’ve seen in the past month are a couple of (relative) oldies. Watched The Usual Suspects and Blade Runner, both for the first time. Two really meaty movies. Very different but both really excellent.

    Adam.

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    1. Hi Adam! Both The Usual Suspects and Blade Runner are indeed modern classics. Have you seen The Machine yet? It’s an homage to BR and I think they did a great job with a shoestring budget. Definitely worth checking out if you like sci-fi.

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        1. Well the story of man & machine is similar and the filmmaker’s a big fan of the Ridley Scott film. It’s not a perfect film but pretty darn good and lingers in the mind after you’ve seen it. It’s very atmospheric and even the visual and music is very reminiscent of Blade Runner. Of course I LOVE Toby Stephens in it, that’s the reason I’m so in love with him right now 😉 Here’s my review if you’re interested: http://wp.me/pxXPC-8oP

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  17. I saw 22 Jump Street which was disappointing and Firelight, lovely romantic movie with Stephen with tons of sex scenes so that wasn’t disappointing at all 😛

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    1. Oooh Firelight eh? Ahah, tons of sex scenes w/ Dillane, of course you’re not disappointed 😉 I remember you talking about that on your Friday post. Are you going to blog about it? I’m still waiting for you to do a Stephen Dillane tribute that you do so well!

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        1. Oh awesome!! Wow the girl is Sophie Marceau? Those must be quite scorching sex scenes, hence the exploding ovaries, ha..ha.. I think I saw some of your tumblr posts w/ Stephen in bed, very sexy indeed. Well I always look forward to your Rambling Friday, so yeah, keep the good stuff coming! 😉

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  18. Despite all the time I had to probably watch my Netflix queue, I didn’t see many movies this June. My favorite was probably The Fault In Our Stars, though my hype was pretty high for that one so my reaction is probably not objective. 🙂

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  20. The second dragon flick is good. Not a bad choice at all.

    My personal favorite? It’s a tie, probably, between Edge of Tomorrow and Fault in Our Stars.

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    1. Hi Josh! Seems that a lot of people put down Edge of Tomorrow as their fave. I really like that one too but I have a soft spot for Toothless & Hiccup duo 😀

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  21. So far my fave thing in June was The Fault in Our Stars. Yes I am corny as hell and a teenager at heart. 🙂 And Jane Eyre of course! You helped me remember how much I love those dark gothic novels.

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    1. Hey that’s totally understandable! I love that you’re young at heart like me 🙂 Jane Eyre has always been a staple in my fave list, now that I’m obsessing over Toby, my flame for Mr Rochester will never go out 😉

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      1. I know we like having our crushes and fangirling. Imagine if we had Tumblr as teenagers! Oh yes and now you got me into Toby and I want to see more of his movies. I forgot to tell you I saw Winter’s Tale the other night. Jessica is so cute in it, but that movie was weird!

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        1. I don’t know if I’ll ever survive my teen years if tumblr was around, ahah. I’m thrilled I got you to like Toby. He really is the whole package IMO, looks, talent, charisma, etc.

          Winter’s Tale is just a mess but Jessica is cute indeed. I hope she gets better roles next time tho.

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          1. Seriously I probably would have been on it all day, that and Twitter and WordPress and Netflix. lol

            Oh my goodness that movie was all over the place. It started off ok and then my husband and I looked at each other like what the hell is going on! hahaha

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