Cafe Chaos--Movies and TV

Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Saturday we’ll offer recommendations for movie and TV lovers. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!

SIS Barb says:

I'm gonna change things up just a tad. Yesterday, for some unknown reason, I started to think of television commercials of the past. Several came to mind. I shared them with some friends and then they threw out a few blasts from the past as well. I'm gonna give you a couple of statements or songs from these commercials. Can you figure out what product they were advertising?

1) Barbara you up? Barbara you up?

2) Where's the beef?

3) "?" take me away.

4) I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I'd like to buy the world a "?"...

OKay. I'll stop now. Have a great weekend!

SIS Bren says...

Okay, even though the temp outside has shot back up and it feels like the middle of August again, I'm still in the mood for Fall and it's festivities. Halloween is right around the corner! Last year I tried to think of some "scary" movies to rent to watch with the kids, but since I waited until the last minute they were all checked out. A couple of months ago, I came across this movie, and just knew that the boys would love it!

My Pick of the Week: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Johnny Depp is GREAT in this movie. Okay, he's great in everything. I love the way the neighborhood houses are painted, the hair styles, the timeless feel of this movie. I love the fact that Johnny Depp barely speaks in this movie, yet you really feel how lonely and isolated he feels.

From IMDb: In a castle high on top of a hill lives an inventor's greatest creation - Edward, a near-complete person. The creator died before he could finish Edward's hands; instead, Edward is left with metal scissors for hands. Edward has always lived alone, until a kind lady called Peg discovers Edward and welcomes him into her home. At first, everyone welcomes Edward into the community, but soon things begin to take a change for the worse.

SIS Beth says…
This past week I had the flu. Not fun. The first day I was so down and out, I couldn’t get out of bed. My head hurt too bad to read OR write so I did something I never do… I watched TV, albeit on my computer.

My Pick of the Week: Castle
Synopsis from MSN TV: Bored with his own success, celebrated mystery novelist Richard Castle teams up with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to solve the case of a copycat killer who starts recreating murder scenes from Rick's novels. Unfortunately, Rick and Kate clash so violently with each other that there may be another murder in the offing.

I LOVED this show. I mean it stars a guy who's a writer! And the guy who plays Castle is the same actor who played Cpt. Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly! I watched three episodes of Castle back to back. Witty, sexy, and compelling. Check it out while you can. Seems the shows I always love end up getting canceled (like Firefly)!

Cafe Chaos -- Movies and TV

Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Saturday we’ll offer recommendations for movie and TV lovers. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!

SIS Barb says...

I love this time of year for one reason only...season premiere's! As most of you know, I despise cold weather but I love TV. So many shows, so little time. Two of my favorites had their season premiere last week and neither one failed me.

My Picks of the Week: Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds

You wouldn't think it but these 2 shows have something in common. Both of their season finale's had me on the edge of my seat saying, "Please don't die. Please don't die!" So, there I was at the premiere, on the edge of my seat once again but this time saying, "Did they die? Did they die?" The answer? No, yes and no.

So Grey's had me in tears for the entire 2 hours and Criminal Minds had me shaking my head in awe at how they set up the rest of the season in one short episode and what a season it will be.

What season premiere's did you like?

SIS Bren says…
I love this time of year. It’s finally starting to cool off a little outside and the holidays are coming. I get excited thinking about all of the festivities of the fall and early winter months. Halloween is just around the corner and it puts me in the mood for costumes and scary stories. This week I think I’ll pick a “scary” movie.

My Pick of the Week: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
I don’t think this movie was scary as much as it was oddly humorous. I know a lot of people wouldn’t care for this movie, but I happened upon it one day while channel surfing, and I couldn’t turn it off!

From IMDb: Shaun is a 29-year-old with no real ambition in life, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and fed-up girlfriend. With only a loyalty to his lazy best friend Edgar, a dead-end job where his employees step on him, and the good-ol' days, Shaun isn't exactly putting his best foot forward. But when the flesh-hungry undead start to rise in numbers around modern-day London, Shaun must come to the rescue of his girlfriend and mother before all hell breaks loose. With loyal Edgar at his side to fight the good fight, the two will have to pave their way through zombie-ridden London as Shaun must take on the first real challenge in his life--with comical results

And a few Taglines:
It's just one of those days when you're feeling a little...dead.
Buy Milk. Ring Mum. Dodge Zombies
A romantic comedy. With zombies.
In a time of crisis a hero must rise...from his sofa.

SIS Beth says...
Since I'm on a Disney kick, this week I'm recommending one of my favorite Disney films. I say one, because I have many. In fact, I think I've adored every Disney flick ever made. Is it any wonder I write happily-ever-afters? This particular film stars a dog and cat and a too-cute-for-words hamster. As always I fell in love with the characters and heartfelt message of the story. Funny, thrilling, and, yes, it made me cry.



My Pick of the Week: Bolt (2008)
Here's one of my favorite scenes (one of many). Bolt learning how to do 'the dog face'.

Cafe Chaos -- Movies and TV

Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Saturday we’ll offer recommendations for movie and TV lovers. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!

SIS Barb says:

I recently watched a movie that came out in 2008. To be honest, I'd never heard of it but the DVD cover intrigued me. I was hooked by the incredible costumes and the intense plot from beginning to end. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys period films.

My Pick of the Week: The Other Boleyn Girl
This movie stars Eric Bana (one of my faves), Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman.

from IMDb: A sumptuous and sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history: two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII.

SIS Beth says…
I'm a tad behind in my movie or a TV viewing. I could recommend a beloved favorite, an oldie from the past. But instead, I think I’ll go for something so new, it’s not even out yet! Not a recommendation, but a want-to-see.

My Pick of the Week: Love Happens (2009)
Here’s a short summery from Yahoo Movie: When a self-help author arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets the one person who might finally be able to help him help himself.

Yes, it sounds sappy, but when done right, I love sappy. It stars Jennifer Aniston, who I sometimes love. And Aaron Eckhart, who I always love. Since it’s not classified as a romantic comedy (which everyone seems to mangle these days), but a Comedy, Drama, and Romance… maybe they’ll get it right.

Cafe Chaos -- Movies and TV

Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Saturday we’ll offer recommendations for movie lovers. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!

SIS Barb says:

The other night I couldn't get to sleep. This is not a typical problem for me. Usually, I am so beat, I'm in bed and asleep by 10pm--Even on the weekends. I do wake up several times a night though and now that I think about that, maybe that's why I'm so tired by the end of the day. Anyway, I was channel surfing and I came across a movie I'd heard a lot about and really wanted to see when it was in the theaters, but that never happened. So, wide awake me watched it, commercials and all and stayed up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it.

My Pick of the Week: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Based on a true story about a man named Chris Gardner and his struggles to pay his bills and raise his son after his wife leaves him when they come upon hard times. Follow Chris (played by Will Smith) and his son, Christopher (played phenomenally by Will's real life son, Jaden Smith) as they stick together and fight to get off the streets after they lose their home. The story of Chris Gardner is inspiring and moving, showing us that you can never give up if you want to persevere.

SIS Bren says...

Beth gave me the idea to choose a romantic comedy this week. Instantly, a movie popped into my head and it made me smile. It's been a long time since I've seen this movie, but now that I've thought of it, I'll be stopping by Blockbuster soon to view it again. I can't believe I don't have it in my collection.

My Pick of the Week: When Harry Met Sally (1989)

From IMDb: Harry and Sally meet when she gives him a ride to New York after they both graduate from the University of Chicago. The film jumps through their lives as they both search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. Finally a close friendship blooms between them, and they both like having a friend of the opposite sex. But then they are confronted with the problem: "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"

SIS Beth says…
Two of my favorite things. 1) People falling in love 2) Laughter
No surprise that one of my favorite genres of film is Romantic Comedy. The thing is, really great, well-written, well-acted, clever romantic comedies are hard to come by these days. Some of the best romantic comedies came out of the 1930s and 40s. Films starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Myrna Loy, William Powell, Jean Harlow . . . I could go on. There were some gems from later decades as well, but lately . . . I always have the highest hopes for a new romantic comedy, but usually I’m disappointed. Sometimes though, sometimes I come across a romantic comedy that so woos and amuses me, I find myself watching it again and again. This week I have two picks and, so weird, I just learned they were released in the same year!

My Pick(s) of the Week: French Kiss (1995) and While You Were Sleeping (1995)
French Kiss stars Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan. It’s hilarious, yet there were several moments that tugged at my heart strings. I felt Kline’s character falling in love with Ryan. Clever writing, wonderful acting and fabulous chemistry. Pure magic.
.
While You Were Sleeping stars Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. I adore this movie. Though there are several light-hearted moments, it’s more sweet than laugh-out-loud funny. Fantastic characterization. Wonderful acting and chemistry and top-notch writing.

All I can say is, I aspire to write romantic comedies like these.

Cafe Chaos -- Movies and TV

Hey everyone! Let's talk sitcoms today. We'll narrow it down a little bit for you. We're going to discuss sitcoms that have had their final episode. The ones you watch reruns of over and over again. Are you ready? Let's do it!

SIS Barb says...

Oh, this is so easy for me this week. I don't watch a lot of sitcoms, especially the newer ones. I much prefer the 1 hour dramas. But sitcoms of ol'? That I can handle. I grew up watching The Cosby Show, Family Matters, Mr. Belvedere, Family Ties, The Facts of Life...The list goes on and on. I loved all of them, but I have 2 favorites. These get me every time. I've probably seen every episode made and know some of the words/jokes by heart but I keep watching anyway.

My Picks of the Week: The Golden Girls (I love Sophia Petrillo) and Sanford and Son.

SIS Beth says...

Sitcoms. I love sitcoms. Do they even exist any more? Reality shows have practially obliterarted them from the airwaves. Although, wait. There are a few. One in particular features incredibly clever writing and wonderful actors. That would be Thirty Rock. Fantastic sitcom. But today we're focused on shows that aired their final episodes. Shows still alive via reruns. Shows I never tire of watching.

A few favorites in no particular order: The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, Cheers, Wings, and Fraiser. I love them all, but there is one that touches my heart above all others... A show that featured top notch writing and a stunning ensemble cast. A show that made me laugh and cry. A show that made me think.

My Pick of the Week: M*A*S*H As a point of interest, I follow the blog of Ken Levine, one of the featured writers on M*A*S*H, Wings, Cheers, and Frasier. He's amazingly entertaining, inspiring, and informative. A must read for writers and anyone who wants a behind the scenes peek at television. Click here for The World As Seen By A TV Comedy Writer.

Cafe Chaos -- Movies and TV

SIS Barb says...
Recently, Beth suggested a couple movies that I should watch for research purposes. Say no more, I was happy to get the chance to finally sit down and watch a movie in its entirety and it was all in the name of research. From the opening scene to the rolling credits, I was enraptured. I fell in love with this movie, the cast and the small town in which it was filmed. Of course, it always helps to see Johnny Depp on the screen.


From Wikipedia: Chocolat tells the story of a young mother, played by Juliette Binoche, who arrives at the fictional, repressed French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter and opens La Chocolaterie Maya, a small chocolaterie. Her chocolate quickly begins to change the lives of the townspeople.


My PIck of the Week: Chocolat



SIS Bren says...
I had a great time joking with Tori this week about our Procrastination Kingdom Ifandwhendia. I am the queen and she is the princess and it got me thinking about...royalty. Specifically the term "princess" stuck in my head. And then I had the delightful remembrance of a movie I have seen several times and still love.

My Pick of the Week: The Princess Bride (1987)

This movie has everything... it's a love story, a comedy, and it has adventure! Great for everyone, young and old!

From IMDb: A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).



SIS Beth says…
Even though I don’t get to see as many movies as I’d like to, I very much enjoy discussing the ones I have seen. The good and the bad. Those who know me well know my taste in movies. My young friend and co-worker at the library, Taylor, knows my reading and viewing taste pretty well. He was stunned to learn I’d never seen a certain period film that had been nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture. He made it his mission to nag, er, gently nudge me into watching it. He even loaned me his personal, treasured copy. He insisted that I would love this movie. That this was my kind of story. After several weeks, I finally carved out some time. At 7am on a stormy Sunday morning. He’s right. I loved it… even though it wasn't exactly what I'd call my kind of story.

My Pick of the Week: Atonement (2007)
Adapted from Ian McEwan’s novel of the same name, Atonement is a mystery/drama/love story set in England during WW II. The performances by stars, Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, and Saoirse Ronan are haunting and spectacular. The cinamatography and film score are stunning. And the story . . . powerful and heart wrenching. It’s best to go in as I did… knowing nothing. Just watch, wonder, and weep.