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Movies Discussion ...and when the Girls-Night-Out includes daughter?Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 4:30pm — Barbara T....then we're talking an entirely different dynamic than goin' out with the girlfriends! Daughter = 19-years old. Movie choices = not always my first choice (or...shhh!...sometimes an excuse to see something I might not readily admit to seeing, like...uh...Role Models).
It's not a movie for everyone but I knew that going in. The language is (ahem) not too delicate, but, again I knew that going in. It got really good reviews, but I have come to seriously question using critic reviews as a basis for selecting movies. Still, I wanted to see it. Why? Because I thought it might be funny. I thought it might be a fun evening to share with my daugher. I was right on both counts. Trust me, it does not fill me with tremendous glee to admit to enjoying a film that is obviously aimed at teenagers, but I will add the disclaimer that the crude language and bathroom humor did make me cringe (and I have a witness). What I liked about the movie was that it's got flawed-but-likable characters that relate to and with each other, good or bad...and they change and grow. And the best part of all(!)...the movie's got a terrific ending with a great message. (In a burst of nostalgia, it reminded me of a movie from my days as a member of the sought-after demographic group - the film was Revenge of the Nerds. Remember that one???) Mother-Daughter Movie Night will repeat this week with the opening of Twilight. Based on the first book of the wildly popular series by Stephenie Meyer, when I say opening, I mean OPENING. We've already got our tickets for the 12:01 a.m show. (What was I thinking???) Well, in any case, come Friday, I'll let you know what we thought of the movie!
What Girls-Night-Out-at-the-Movies Looks LikeTuesday, November 18, 2008 - 11:35am — Barbara T.
We really liked the movie, which is based on the book by Sue Monk Kidd. The story, set in the south in 1964 is about Lily, a young girl escaping from her abusive father and the haunting memory of her mother's death, is set against the backdrop of the racial tension of the time. She flees with her black housekeeper and they find refuge and peace in the home of the Boatwright's...three beekeeping sisters. The cast of this movie really shines. Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, and Tristan Wilds star and they jolt this movie to brilliant life. The mature and honest performances combined with an excellent script and great direction and glorious cinematography, combine to create superb storytelling.
If you don't have time to get to the theater to check out the movie, check out the book! By the time the movie arrives on dvd, you'll be able to put your feet up and enjoy! The Dark Knight in IMAXSaturday, November 8, 2008 - 5:57pm — Erica B
Looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend a rainy Saturday evening? The Maritime Aquarium is playing The Dark Knight in IMAX on weekends through November 23rd. Even if you have already seen the film in the theater this past summer (and chances are that you have – the movie is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing motion picture of all time!), you won’t regret a second go-around feeling like you’re actually there as you witness Batman and the Joker duke it out in Gotham City. It’s an experience, and one you surely won’t want to miss. Click here to take a look at show times. Can’t make it to the IMAX theater before the end of the month? The Dark Knight DVD will be available in the New Library in January! Obligation to the ObscureWednesday, November 5, 2008 - 12:25pm — Barbara T.When writing about new movies, nothing gives me more pleasure than finding an obscure gem that I can rave about. That happened with Undertaking Betty, With a Friend Like Harry, The Dinner Game, The King of Kong, and Please Vote for Me, to name a few. Lately, I've been so unlucky in unearthing blog-worthy little films but the suffering is worth it when a really good one emerges. I realize that many of the "finds" are foreign language films...and, no surprise, so is this "find." The Trap is a Serbian film that delivers big on look, story, suspense, and acting (all the performances are excellent). The story is a parent's worst nightmare. What do you do when your child is sick and you cannot afford to pay for the life-saving operation? The movie explores pain, anquish, despair, and desperation. How far will a person go to save their child?
Straight talk about moving and moviesWednesday, October 29, 2008 - 9:26pm — Barbara T.We are busy, and our final days in this building loom large. We, however, are still working hard to keep getting the good stuff out to you...and we'll keep doing that right until the bitter end.We just want to offer you a friendly reminder that this will be your last chance to grab movies to take home for the holiday season, including these new November releases:
And, what November would be complete without some new holiday films arriving?
Take 'em home for the holidays! ...and watch for the Grand Opening of the New Building on January 10th!
I'll watch it again when it comes out on DVD, but not for the reasons you might think...Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - 3:50pm — Barbara T.Ugh. Over the weekend, I went to see Nights in Rodanthe. I ignored the critics' warnings Ugh. (I know I'm repeating myself) I can't believe I paid cash-money to see this, but, here's why I must see it again once it's out on dvd...when I watch it at home, I can make all the rude remarks and noises that I wanted to make in the theater. Yes. It's that bad. The parts that should have had me crying buckets had me shaking my head and snickering. The swelling music becomes horribly obnoxious, the diologue is dumb, and the acting is ferociously bad. For a Nicholas Sparks story, it is surprisingly without sparks. I didn't read the book, but I think it's a pretty safe bet to say that it's probably better than the movie. Nicholas Sparks is not the most revered writer, but his stuff is predictably safe; predicatably romantic...simple. If it's romance, tissues, and tears you're after, I'd recommend these two movies based on Sparks' books: A Walk to Remember and Message in a Bottle.
In Any Language, October's Movies Spell Hit!Monday, September 29, 2008 - 5:29pm — Barbara T.We're anticipating six big dvd releases in October. I find it so interesting and exciting that three of them are foreign films! On the English-language front, Indie's back, and so is the Hulk, but the big surprise on the scene is the independent (and incredible) film, The Visitor. One might be tempted to say that it's a nice little story, but it's bigger than that. It's about choices and relationships and stepping (way) outside your comfort zone. It was one of my favorite films of the year and I can't wait to see it again.
As for the foreign film side of the month's releases, we're all over the map. The sweeping epic, Mongol, about the life and legend of Genghis Khan, is in Mongolian. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days is a brutally intimate portrait of black market doctors and choices, and is in Romanian. Also expected in October, from Germany, a story of struggling immigrants in The Edge of Heaven.
More than the Monday blues...Monday, September 29, 2008 - 12:38pm — Barbara T.
I'm not sure why I feel so sad about the death of Paul Newman. Yes, I am a fan of his movies. Yes, I definitely understand why women swooned over him. Yes, I am humbled by his selfless contributions to better individual lives and the world. I think I feel so sad because we have lost a real star in this universe...a life well-lived and well-loved. A family man...a working man...a neighbor. A lasting legacy and a star that will never truly fade. Though it is nearly impossible to avoid calling most of his films "favorites," here are my most favorite films starring the man with the baby blues:
Prepare to be the judgeTuesday, September 23, 2008 - 12:16pm — Barbara T.We've got a tag here on our new website of better than the book. The subject is...movies, of course. Here's a look at upcoming book-based films coming to theaters before the end of the year (and there's a slew(!)).There's still some time to get the book under your belt before the popcorn's on your lap! Then, you can judge for yourself...is it better than the book? If so, come back here and tag it!
What are you in the mood for?Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 10:02am — Barbara T.Romantic Comedy?
Then you're in luck! Made of Honor comes out today on dvd!
Action?
You're also in luck! Speed Racer rolls out today on dvd.
Documentary?
Today's a goldmine! Young @ Heart hits the shelves singing!
Hmmm. Today just may be your lucky day.   Darien Library, 35 Leroy Avenue, Darien, Connecticut, 06820 · 203-655-1234Directions and Contact Information. AIM & Y!M: deweydarien |
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It was a dark and stormy night (truly!)...so after work, we headed out to dinner and a movie. As you can see, we got comfy as we waited for 
because my experiences tell me that critics want to dislike romantic dramas. I wanted to like it because I love romantic movies and this one is 
