And Tom Makes Three...

Do you ever forget how much you love an actor and then you see one of there movies and you are drawn back to remembrance of just how awesome they are? Well, for me that happened this weekend... Garrett and I started out the weekend early. We watched a Tom Hanks Biography on the Biography channel on Thursday and then proceeded to watch FOUR of his movies over the weekend. Including his new hit, Angels and Demons, which I loved. Of course, Tom gives an amazing performance (when does he not?). We also watched You've Got Mail, The Terminal and The DaVinci Code. Not only did we watch so many Tom films, he also made a surprise appearance on SNL. I just couldn't get enough of him this weekend. With TWO back to back Best Actor Oscar's you know he is something special. So many awesome movies: Apollo 13, Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Cast Away, Saving Private Ryan, BIG and who can forget Splash!?
Today I was going through our DVR only to discover we have three of Mr. Hanks' movies recorded. I guess Garrett and I subconsiously LOVE this man!
And in closing... Doesn't he seem like a really cool guy? I would seriously love to go out dinner with him and his wife Rita. They seem like such nice, down to Earth, funny people!
So, if you haven't watched a Tom Hanks movie in a while, what are you waiting for!?? Get out there and do it! He made a great third wheel for Garrett and me and I am sure he will do the same for you.

Favorite Actors... Hugh Jackman

I am riding on the coat tails of my last post. I love Hugh Jackman.... I repeat, I love Hugh Jackman. Not only is he an all around great actor, he is also the sexiest man alive. Hello... Need I say more. Well, there is much to say about Hugh. Here are my top five reasons for being a fan:

1. He is a jack(man) of all trades: He can sing, dance, host, act, be sexy, and be real.
2. He seems like a genuinely nice person. Every interview I have seen him in he is hospitable. I appreciate that.
3. I believe him when he says he loves his wife! Use him as an example men.
4. He's not afraid to try.
5. Did I mention he is good looking?

Keep up the good work Hugh! You have many adoring fans out there waiting to see what you will do next!

Australia

Deserves a Defender!!!

I know I haven't written in a very long time (I discovered critiquing movies is actually really hard), but I feel I need to defend the movie Australia. I saw this movie the day it opened and LOVED it!!! I thought it was one of the best movies I had seen in a very long time. It may even be one of my favorite movies. I thought the acting was outstanding and the story was amazing.

What I loved about this movie was it brought to light a piece of history that many people did not know about. I never knew how Australia was involved in World War II and further about the oppression of the aboriginal children.

The movie was long... I understand this, but it was worth it long. I kept wanting more. I thought the romance between Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman was beautiful and the way they form a family was incredible.

I loved everything about this movie. I can't say enough about it. If you didn't like it, watch it again with a renewed attitude. If you haven't seen it, forget everything you have heard and watch it without expectation.

Support Australia because it really got a totally undeserved shaft.

PS... I thought Benjamin Button was totally boring. It was a good story, but I will never watch it again. I don't know why it go so much acclaim and Australia didn't. I am a little upset!!!

Iron Man

This weekend I watched a ton of movies. OK, not a ton but maybe like 4 or 5. My favorite of the weekend though and perhaps my favorite in a while was Iron Man. I am so glad Robert Downey, Jr. is making a comeback. I hope he stays off the drugs so he can continue making good movies. I loved him as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. I thought this movie was both compelling, dramatic and humorous and had something to offer all sorts of audiences. I liked it so much that I rented it on my way home so Garrett could see it. If you have not seen this yet, go out rent it, buy it or do whatever you must do to see this film. Hopefully, there will be a sequel cause I need more Tony Stark and Pepper Pots. By the way, Gwyneth Paltrow also did an amazing job and Pepper Pots, Tony's personal assistant. I really just loved this movie and can't say enough good things about it.

I would just like to say

I love Disney animated movies. I am talking old school, like Snow White and Cinderella and Aladdin. Love it!

Favorite Characters... George Bailey

It is so late! If you have read my family blog, you will know why I am up this late. Aside from that, there is a movie on (I have no idea which one) but from what I have gathered it is taking place during the Civil War. This movie stars Jimmy Stewart. I wish I could say I had seen Jimmy in more films, but I have only seen him in It's A Wonderful Life (my second favorite movie) and Mr. Kruger's Christmas (a Mormon Classic). From what I have read, Jimmy was not only a great actor of our time, but a great citizen of our country. He left acting to serve in WWII as a fighter pilot! Anyway... I love Mr. Stewart's character of George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life. I remember the first time I saw this movie and how much it touched me. What would the lives of our fellowmen be if we weren't in this world. I know as a teenager, when I first saw this film, you don't think you are necessarily that important to the world and really don't feel as if you have made an impression yet. But, I know this isn't true. From birth we begin to change and shape the world around us. Seeing how much love my little neice Gracey has brought into this world makes me know this is true.

I love when George finally comes home after realizing he is at the end of his rope! Jimmy's portrayal of this moment is so poignant. It is a feeling we will or have all felt in this life. That feeling of "It doesn't matter what else I do, it won't make a difference." George is emotional and short with his children, upset at his wife when really he is just feeling the weight of mistake on his shoulders. George Bailey's life truly shaped the town in which he lived (Bedford Falls), and it takes seeing what he would miss out on, to make him truly appreciate what he has and himself. I think this character should be an example to all of us to never discredit ourselves or what we can to contribute to this world, be it big or small.

Another remarkable trait of George Bailey is his selflessness. He never really gets to fulfill the full measure of his dreams, because he puts it off to let others fulfill their's. All George ever wanted to do was travel and see the world, but was sadly never able to do this. Despite that though, he never really felt anger about this and ended up with a wonderful wife and children in the end anyway.

I know I am rambling on and on, but it's late and I really do just love Jimmy Stewart's portrayel of George Bailey. I recommend everyone watch this movie during the upcoming holiday season!

The Back to the Future Trilogy

Can you say CLASSIC!?? I mean how can you not love this movie: The Delorian, time travel, a crazy old man, a wanna be rockstar, and one of the best movie sets EVER! This will be one that our kids, and their kids and probably their kids will watch and talk about and probably wonder why there still aren't flying cars. I heard an interview with Christopher Lloyd yesterday, aka Doc Brown, which flooded me with wonderful memories of watching Back to the Future as a kid, in my youth and now as an adult. I remember so clearly when the trilogy came out on DVD. It was right before Christmas my junior year and I insisted on having it! There it was Christmas morning in all of it's glory. I have a problem when I watch BTTF. I must watch them all, one will simply not suffice. So needless to say, Christmas Day was spent in the company of Marty and Doc.
My favorite is the first one, it lays the groundwork for the wonderful sequels that would follow in its place. This trilogy is full of classic one liners: "Hey McFly" "You are my density" "You can't let your future self run into your present self" "It's time to send you back to the future" and etc. I am sure you can all think of your favorite one liners from this series!
To me, Marty McFly is Michael J. Fox! I think Marty is one of those great characters who doesn't get enough credit. Yes Yes I know, he appeals largely to a teen demographic, but he is so iconic. He is just trying to fit in with his family and in school and always seems to be getting in trouble in the process. It's an odd but wonderful friendship that he forms with Doc Brown! Again, a Hollywood friendship that will be remembered for years to come.

I give this 4 out 4 Delorians! If you haven't seen it or haven't seen it a long time, it is time to remember why America fell in love with Back to the Future, Marty McFly and Doc Brown!