"The book is a film that takes place in the mind of the reader." ~ Paulo Coelho

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Mansfield Park Read-Along: The End

Hello!

I have finally arrived to say my thoughts for the final part of Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along! It definitely was an interesting read, and it is always fun to read Jane Austen, because she is hilarious!
Make sure to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

Spoiler alert! If you haven't read Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, please do not read this as I will be talking about the ending of the book.


Mansfield Park Volume III: Chapters 6-17
Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading


Favorite Quotes:


'The novelty of travelling, and the happiness of being with William, soon produced their natural effect on Fanny's spirits...'

'It was really March; but it was April in its mild air, brisk soft wind, and bright sun, occasionally clouded for a minute; and everything looked so beautiful under the influence of such a sky...'

'What animation both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely, and seeing its increasing beauties, from the earliest flowers, in the warmest division of her aunt's garden, to the opening of leaves of her uncle's plantations, and the glory of his woods...'


General Impressions:

"Tell me the real truth, as you have it from the fountain-head."

Fanny and I differ on one point, and one alone: She is more of a poetry fan than I am. And, she is a little nicer than me. 'She was always so gentle and retiring, that her emotions were beyond his discrimination.'

I was a little disappointed in her family. They don't really care for her as much as Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram do. At first I wasn't convinced that taking her from her family was for the best, but now I am sure. 'But he was the master at Mansfield Park. When he had really resolved on any measure, he could always carry it through...'

Edmund finally came around. Thank you, very much, Edmund. Everything you need is right in front of you.

I do feel that I am also like Susan, as she is just trying to get things done. I really like this paragraph about her: 'She acknowledged her fears, blamed herself for having contended so warmly, and from that hour Fanny, understanding the worth of her disposition, and perceiving how fully she was inclined to seek her good opinion and refer to her judgment, began to feel again the blessing of affection...'

William is just a sweetheart, and I hope that he ended up happy.

I pity Julia, and I find Maria unbearable. I also pity Mr. Rushworth.

This might be the most accurate sentence of the whole book: 'In their very last conversation, Miss Crawford, in spite of some amiable sensations, and much personal kindness, has still been Miss Crawford, still shown a mind led astray and bewildered, and without any suspicion of being so; darkened, yet fancying itself light.'

And... Henry remains "messed up guy". He was getting better (though he couldn't get Susan's age straight), then he just went and blew it all. There was fault on either side, though. "What a difference a vowel makes!--if his rents were but equal to his rants!--"

But: 'Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody, not greatly in fault themselves, to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest.'

'With such thoughts as these among ten hundred others, Fanny proceeded in her journey, safely and cheerfully, and as expeditiously as could rationally hoped in the dirty month of February.'

Discussion Questions:


1. Do you think Fanny's home and family had changed a lot since she left when she was a girl, or do you think Fanny was the one who changed the most?

I think both. Fanny showed that she was used to more grand things, but I also feel like her family had changed. I think Fanny was better off living at Mansfield, but things might have been better at home had she stayed.

2. Just for fun: What sort of conclusion would you give to Susan's story if you were to write a sequel/epilogue for her?

This is a hard question! I would have that she learned so much, and that she and Lady Bertram enjoyed each other's company. (I know, that is a very lame answer. Please write a better one.)

3. Which character's growth or consequences (as described in the last chapter) brought you the most satisfaction?

Mrs. Norris. She got a taste of her own medicine in the end. :)

Okay, okay, I like Tom's growth. I think one day he would make a very fine master of Mansfield.

Final Questions:

Of the Jane Austen books you've read so far, how would you rank them in order of preference?

1. Pride & Prejudice
2. Sense & Sensibility
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Emma
5. Sanditon and The Watsons
6. Mansfield Park.
These are not definite, as I change all the time.

If you've seen an adaptation of Mansfield Park, which one(s) did you see and how did you like it/them in comparison with the book?

I saw the 1999 version, but I definitely liked the book better.

Thanks for hosting this, Amber! I enjoyed it a lot! Have you read Mansfield Park? How long did it take you? Did you like it?

MovieCritic

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Movie Review: Hook (1991)

Hello!
Crystal at In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood, and Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews, are hosting a Robin Williams blogathon, and as he is one of my favorite actors, I had to participate!
Do remember all the way back in November, when I reviewed Peter Pan, and showed you my Halloween costume? I absolutely love Peter Pan, and I will try any and every version or story about it. I saw this for the first time several years ago, but I hadn't seen it since I actually read the book. I was shocked, it held so many themes that were in the book! It was such a pleasant surprise.

Andddd.... apologizes for being so late all the time. Man, blogging has not been my thing this year. I promise I'll get better in April.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless it says so.

Anyway, enough chit-chat, here is....

Hook (1991):
"Only you can save your children."
Peter Banning is definitely "grown-up". As a lawyer, he is busy all the time and barely gets to spend time with his family. They go on a trip to London to visit the woman, Wendy, who got him adopted.
While they are there his children, Jack and Maggie, get kidnapped! A mysterious note is left, signed by Captain Jas. Hook. Wendy tells Peter who he really is, so off and away he goes to Neverland, to try to remember how to fly.
"You're doing it, you're using your imagination!"
Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Length: approx. 142 minutes.
Costumes: 7, they are all so good, but there are times when they are a little short, and where people are not wearing shirts.
My favorite: I mean, it's obvious, right? I dressed up like him:
Script: 6, there are a few bad words.
"I've just had an apostrophe."
"I think you mean an Epiphany."
Crew:
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Produced by:
Kathleen Kennedy
Frank Marshall
Gerald R. Molen
Written by:
Jim V. Hart
Malia Scotch Marmo
Jim V. Hart
Nick Castle
Based on: Peter Pan (Also titled: Peter & Wendy) - by J. M. Barrie
Starring: "Who's the shrub?"
Robin Williams as Peter Banning, "Peter, you've become a pirate."
Dustin Hoffman as Captain Jas. Hook, "You're a bad man."
Maggie Smith as Wendy
Caroline Goodall as Moira Banning
Bob Hoskins as Smee
Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell
Dante Basco as Rufio
Amber Scott as Maggie Banning, "I've made you a hug."
Charlie Korsmo as Jack Banning
Arthur Malet as Tootles
Isaiah Robinson as Pockets
Jasen Fisher, Raushan Hammond, James Madio, Thomas Tulak, Alex Zuckerman, and Ahmad Stoner as Lost Boys
"Hold that happy thought."
Cinematography by: Dean Cundey
Music: 8
Music by: John Williams
Quotes: 9, "Hook's afraid of time, ticking away."
Notes: This movie is so sweet, it will make you cry, and it will make you laugh.
Storyline: 6, there is some suggestive things, kissing, smoking, and death.
"You need a mother, very badly."
Good For: All Peter Pan fans.
Overall Score: 7.5

And I got carried away with the pictures. Sorry about that...

Have any of you seen Hook? What did you think of it? Thank you so much to Crystal and Gill for hosting this!

MovieCritic

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 3

Hello!
I can't believe that I am so late, I am so sorry that this happened, I have been really bad about being on schedule this year. I am here to put my thoughts down for Amber's Mansfield Park Read-Along!
Click HERE to read Amber's thoughts for this week.

SPOILER ALERT! If you have not read Mansfield Park, please do not read this.


Mansfield Park Volume II: Chapters 7-13 and
Volume III: Chapters 1-5
Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading


Favorite Quotes:

'Fanny had never known so much felicity in her life, as in this unchecked, equal, fearless intercourse with the brother and friend, who was opening all his heart to her, telling her all his hopes and fears, plans, and solicitudes...'

'An affection so amiable was advancing each in the opinion of all who had hearts to value anything good.'

'...and was actually practising her steps about the drawing-room as long as she could be safe from the notice of her aunt Norris, who was entirely taken up at first in fresh arranging and injuring the noble fire which the butler had prepared.'

General Impressions:

Fanny is such a sweet heart. I am enjoying reading about her. I found a funny thing:"Her eyes should be darker, but she has a sweet smile...", Jane Austen was very picky about her characters eyes. I wonder if Fanny's are "...brightened by the exercise."

And... her brother, William Price, is no different! I would love to get to know him.

I'm still unsure of what I think of Lady Bertram. She is sort of nice to Fanny, but sometimes she doesn't appreciate Fanny. "I feel quite stupid. It must be sitting up so late last night. Fanny, you must do something to keep me awake, I cannot work. Fetch the cards--I feel so very stupid." I feel like this all the time.

This is the perfect description of Mrs. Norris: 'Sir Thomas, indeed, was, by this time, not very far from classing Mrs. Norris as one of those well-meaning people, who are always doing mistaken and very disagreeable things.'

I am so glad that Edmund went through with being ordained. I was worried that he wasn't, but I am glad that he was consistent. But, right now I have no clue what is going through his mind.

Sigh. I guess I must put my thoughts down for who my sister and I call "messed up guy." At the beginning of this section I actually did agree with Mary for once: "The truth is, that she was the only girl in company for to notice, and you must have a somebody." I told my sister when we were discussing "messed up guy", that his is pretty much him exactly:
Isn't it though? I think his "love" for Fanny is still a challenge to get the only girl who doesn't like him, to fall in love with him. But, maybe he is nicer/better when he loves Fanny? Messed up guy is making me messed up.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which character do you feel most strongly about at this point—in either a good or disapproving way? What makes that character especially stand out to you?

I've already said that I really like Fanny, so I'll go with someone else.

I really like Sir Thomas. Though he was a little harsh on Fanny (But, 'As a general reflection on Fanny, Sir Thomas though nothing could be more unjust, though he had been so lately expressing the same sentiments himself, and he tried to turn the conversation...'), just because he doesn't know her side of the story, I like how he stands by his word, and cares for his family. He is probably my second favorite character in this book. "Could we be all assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement."

I also feel strongly about Mary Crawford, why won't she just go away!? I am so tired of her.

2. If you were in attendance at the ball, how would you occupy your time? Would you dance the night away, or would you prefer observation and conversation?

I love to country dance, so I would definitely be a dancer.

3. What advice would you give Fanny in handling Mr. Crawford's pursuit?

Fanny, I agree with you completely. Just keep at it, and give him hard looks. "...Fanny, I know he will make you happy; but you will make him everything." Fanny, don't accept, but make him better.


Sorry is some of my sentences don't make any sense. I am really tired. Thank you to Amber for hosting this! Thank you for reading!

MovieCritic

Monday, January 22, 2018

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 2

Hello!
I am here (late) once again for Amber's Mansfield Park read-along!
Make sure to go check out Amber's thoughts for this week!

'...The buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates...' Or, between Amber and all her readers...

There might be a few spoilers, so if you haven't read Mansfield Park, please don't read this post.


Mansfield Park Volume I: Chapters 13-18 and
Volume II: Chapters 1-6
Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

'The aspect was so favourable, than even without a fire it was habitable in many an early spring...'

"How wonderful, how very wonderful, the operations of time, and the changes of the human mind!"

General Impressions:

"I suppose I am graver than other people." Once again, I think Fanny and I are very alike. She just doesn't want to do the wrong thing. I don't like how they think they can just order her around. She will do it, but it isn't nice of them. I don't like how they pressured her into reading the part. "Fanny is the only one who has judged rightly throughout, who has been consistent."

"Could it be possible? Edmund so inconsistent. Was he not deceiving himself?" My opinion of Edmund dropped way down. He was opposed to the play, then all of a sudden he is in the play because he is opposite Miss Crawford. This is just too much. Move on, Fanny.

Of all of the Jane Austen books I have read, I have two least favorite characters: George Wickham, and Mary Crawford. Mary is just so rude, mean, and selfish. She has said something terrible about pretty much everybody. I didn't mind her at first, but now, just no.

Mrs. Norris is also so annoying. Doesn't she know other people have feelings, too?

'Her heart was sore and angry, and she was capable only of angry consolations.' If there is anyone I pity, it is Julia. Though, when she was like this, and she was "lonely" why didn't she talk to and be with, Fanny?

"He is not a shining character, but he has a thousand good qualities!" I like Mr. Rushworth. I don't like Mrs. Rushworth (Maria). She is also inconsistent. "She is too good for him." WHAT? '"We see things very differently," cried Maria.' because I think HE is too good for her.

'She did not like him as a man, but she must admit him to be the best actor, and on this point there were not many who differed from her.' I do think that Mr. Yates is a little bit annoying.

"Where is my little Fanny?" That almost made me cry. I actually like Sir Thomas, even in the beginning. I am so glad that Fanny likes him now. I can see how when she was little he was intimidating, but I'm happy she got over that.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you were one of Maria's parents, what might you have said to her before the wedding?

Well, I would have been like Sir Thomas. Then I would have said, "Be happy with what you have, because some are not as lucky as you." 'Cause she is not that grateful, and she takes things for granted.

2. What are your thoughts on the friendship between Fanny and Miss Crawford? What would you recommend to improve their relationship?

Fanny was feeling very poorly, and Mary Crawford made her feel better, but it was just to get her to do the play in the long run. Fanny saw that, and appreciated it at the time, wouldn't call Mary her friend.

Then, Mary just had Fanny as her "friend" because she had nothing else to do. She didn't even care what Fanny said. If it were to be an actually "friendship" then Mary needs to listen and care about what Fanny says.

"My dear Miss Price, I beg your pardon, but I have made my way to you on purpose to entreat your help." I kind of liked Mary here, as she actually was asking Fanny's opinion, but it was for the purpose of impressing Edmund, so....

3. Consider Mr. Crawford's sudden interest in Fanny or Edmund's admiration of Miss Crawford. What makes them so attractive to these guys? What would you consider to be valid reasons for falling in love?

Well, once again with Mr. Crawford, I think it is more that he has nothing to do, that he talks to Fanny, than anything else. And, Miss Crawford doesn't respect Edmund's wishes for taking orders, so I don't think either of those are valid reasons.


With that: 'The house would close with the greatest eclat.'

Thank you so much for reading! And a big thank you to Amber for hosting this! Please tell me what you think about Mansfield Park!

MovieCritic

Friday, January 19, 2018

Upcoming Movies: Complaints

Hello!
I have a page called Upcoming, which is upcoming movies that I can't wait to see. I really enjoy watching movies, so when there is a movie I think I like coming out, I get really excited.

With all that said, I am a Movie Critic, so I thought I would tell you all the complaints that I have about them. I mean, after all if we complain before they actually come out, maybe the film makers will change them, right?

A little while ago, Disney released a list of all the movies they are going to be making in the next few years. I have no complaint with a few of them, but others...

The Incredibles 2 (2018) & Mary Poppins Returns (2018):

Wow. I mean what is the deal with these? They are sequels, but the original came out way too long ago for a sequel to be made. The first Incredibles movie came out in Nov. 2004. Mary Poppins came out in 1964.
What!!?? That is way too long. I mean, I'm sorry but it is.
And she doesn't even look like Julie Andrews.


Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018) & Frozen 2 (2019):

The first ones were so great let's make another, right?

Oh, come on. I didn't particularly like the first ones, they were okay, but still. And now they are making sequels. I will grant Disney that they are doing a pretty good job at getting them out soon, vs. above movies. But, the sequels are never as good. Name a movie where the sequel is better. (Please do, I want to see it.)


The Lion King (2019):

All of the Disney remake live-action films have been so good! (At least the ones I've seen) But, The Lion King is possibly one of the greatest animated films ever. It was so good it was made into a Broadway play.

As good as the previous live-action remakes have been, they have been using a lot of CGI. "But, CGI is so useful!" you say. Yes, it can be. I will say that the 2015 Cinderella was quite impressive:
And the 2017 Beauty and the Beast was ssssssoooooo good, but it had too much CGI. The best movie Beauty and the Beast that the Beast was the really a beast that I've seen is the 1946 version.

So, The Lion King went on Broadway, and it was really famous, but not for it's music. For it's...

COSTUMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best thing about putting on a play is making the costumes. Is Disney seriously going to just make all that worth nothing, by making this whole movie CGI?
Look at these!!!!!
Source
Is it just me, but aren't CGI animals a little dark and scary? The thing with animated movies, is that it can be a really moving story, but at the same time the colors are fantastic. I have a feeling it will just make the movie too scary.

Mulan (2019):

I am so exicted, because it is a live-action take, but it isn't a musical!!! Disney, how can you do this to me!!!!!!?????

Toy Story 4 (2019) & Pirates of the Caribbean 6 (2021):

Both these movies have had so many sequels. I am tired of them. Don't get me wrong, The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are great, but I burned out after #4. My sister says they only keep making these because Johnny Depp is out of money. Oh well, maybe that's true, maybe not.

The last Toy Story movie, though I did not like it, it did end on a good note. Now they are going to wreck that ending? *groans*


Okay, you're tired of me. I'll let you get on with your day. Do you agree with me on any of these movies?

Thanks for reading!!

MovieCritic

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Mansfield Park Read-Along: Part 1

Hello!
The lovely Amber at Seasons of Humility is hosting a Mansfield Park Read-Along all through January! As Mansfield Park is one of the Jane Austen works I haven't read yet, I needed to join the fun.
"This is not a very promising beginning." Me, being late and behind on everything this year. Opps. I am so sorry! I will try to remedy that soon.

Um, there might be a few spoilers, so if you haven't read Mansfield Park, please don't read.

Mansfield Park Volume I: Chapters 1-12
Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading

Favorite Quotes:

"'Here's harmony!' said she, 'Here's repose! Here's what may leave all painting and all music behind, and what poetry only can attempt to describe."'
(Then Edmund was just like, "Nice.")

'Mrs. Grant and her tambour frame were not without their use; it was all in harmony; and as everything will turn to account when love is once set going, even the sandwich tray, and Dr. Grant doing the honors of it, were worth looking at.'
(I was laughing so hard! This is why I love Jane Austen.)

General Impressions:

Mansfield Park is said to be Jane Austen's least liked novel. But why? I have seen one movie version of it (that was a looong time ago.) and I can see some things that people might not like but most people's problem is Fanny. I thought, "Okay then. She must not be that likeable."

Oh my word. I am Fanny. It is crazy! Does that mean people don't like me? Hm...
'He knew her to be clever, to have a quick apprehension as well as good sense, and a fondness for reading, which, properly directed, must be an education in itself.'
I mean, I'm not clever, but I do love to read! And, I don't get treated like her as I have a wonderful family, but we are the same person.

Fanny thinks the best of everyone. She always tries to believe the best in each circumstance. She is kind to all around her, though sometimes she can get offended when people insult things close to her heart. (I can just imagine her looking exactly like me when I am upset. A red faced blond. [That Wonderland Creek quote is ssssoooo accurate!]) She loves her home and family more than anything. "...which shows you to be a very good girl; but you must remember that you are with relations and friends, who all love you, and wish to make you happy."

'Her sentiments towards him were compounded of all that was respectable, grateful, confiding, and tender.' I am still trying to sort out my thoughts for Edmund. I like that he is nice to Fanny, but I don't like it when he is weird and thoughtless. Ugh. Why does he like Ms. Crawford? I mean, it's okay to like her, but please don't neglect Fanny. This is a very good description of him: '...for he was not pleasant by any common rule, he talked no nonsense, he paid to compliments, his opinions were unbending, his attentions tranquil and simple.'

Mrs. Grant: I don't know why I am listing her so near the top, but oh well. I really like her. I don't know what it is, but she is just so great! I don't know what makes her that way, but she is one character that I would like to just sit down and talk with for an hour or two. She seems very nice. And all of Ms. Austen's bits with her are gold! "'I pay very little regard,' said Mrs. Grant, "to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.'"

I like Mrs. Rushworth, I mean ("Stop saying that!"), she was so nice to think of Fanny, when no one else was. "Miss Price, who had never been at Sotherton yet, and it was a pity she should not see the place."

Maria and Julia: Spoiled is the only word I can think to describe them. They make fun of Fanny for not knowing as much as them, then they are just so annoying!!!

Tom Bertram: I don't really have my thoughts put together for what I think of him. I might remember something from the movie, but I don't know. I like that he danced with Fanny, even if it was to get away from Dr. Grant.

Miss Crawford: I don't know, she is sort of annoying as well. I don't think I have agreed with a single thing she has said.

Henry Crawford: Another annoying person. But, I am triumphant to say that I am taller than him.

Mr. Rushworth: What is trying to be said about him? I think he is very agreeable.

Discussion Questions:

1. Would you consider the Bertram family taking in Fanny to be a kindness in the long run? If so, why? If not, could it have been a kindness if they approached things differently?

Well, that is a harder question than you would think. I think it was sad for Fanny to be separated from her brothers and sisters. But, Edmund is nice to her (sort of), and she has gotten a good education.

2. If you were a governess teaching the Bertram children and Fanny, what lesson would you specifically choose for each of them (as kids or adults)? Feel free to have fun with this!

I think Edmund would have a lot of fun with science. Tom would be good with Geography. Julia, I would teach Math. And I would just try to get some sense into Maria's head. I would teach Fanny history, because she loves it. '...delighted to connect anything with history already known, or warm her imagination with scenes of the past.'

I have no idea why I picked all of those things. It just seemed right.

3. Imagine you had joined the group on their visit to Sotherton. Which part of the tour would you most have enjoyed? Would we find you wandering the halls or meandering through the wilderness?

Definitely wandering through the wilderness. I actually would take Julia's position, because I like to listen to people and walk slowly.

Thank you so much to Amber for hosting this! I am sorry I am so late!

MovieCritic

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Movie Review: The Great Ziegfield (1936)

Hello!
This is a great way to start the New Year, isn't it? Me, being completely late for a blogathon! But, I'm going to do it anyway because I am a huge William Powell and Myrna Loy fan!
Phyllis Loves Classic Movies, and The Flapper Dame hosted this blog party for the dynamo couple at the beginning of this year. I had to enter something, even if it is weeks later.

So sorry that this is completely late, I have been having a lot of computer problems (it's only 10 years old! The one I had before was my mom's and it was 30 years old!) Also, it is a beautiful year and I have loved getting outside.

Enough talk, for this blog party, I will be reviewing... (Note: This is not my favorite film that they were in, but it was the one I could review on short notice. [Haha, short])

The Great Ziegfield (1936):
The life of Florenz Ziegfield Jr., from his great shows, to the stock market crash.
Genre: Biography
Length: approx. 176 minutes.
Costumes: 8, there are some good ones, though a few aren't that great.
Script: 8, one or two bad words.
Crew:
Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard
Produced by: Hunt Stromberg
Written by: William Anthony McGuire
Cinematography by: Oliver T. Marsh

Starring:
William Powell as Florenz Ziegfield Jr.
Myrna Loy as Billie Burke

Luise Rainer as Anna Held
Frank Morgan as Billings
Virginia Bruce as Audrey Dane
Reginald Owen as Sampson
Ernest Cossart as Sidney
Mae Questel as Rosie
Joseph Cawthorne as Dr. Ziegfeld
Nat Pendleton as Sandow
Jean Chatburn as Mary Lou
Paul Irving as Erlanger
Charles Judels as Pierre
Marcelle Corday as Marie
Raymond Walburn as Sage
A. A. Trimble as Will Rogers
Buddy Doyle as Eddie Cantor
Ray Bolger as himself
Fannie Brice as herself
Harriet Hoctor as herself
Music: 8.
Music by: Walter Donaldson
Lyrics by: Harold Adamson
Storyline: 6, there is divorce, drinking, smoking, kissing and death. 
Overall Score: 6.

Thank you to Phyl and Emily for hosting this! And thanks for reading! 

MovieCritic

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Movies I watched in 2017

Hello!
2017 was a big success for movie watching! I will only be listing the movies that I saw for the first time in 2017, as I re-watch WAY to many movies to keep track of. I do not like all of these, in fact I watched my least favorite movie this year, but they are all here. I will be listing them in the order that I saw them in. If you are interested, here is my list from 2016.

Clarifications:
Ones with a ~ means I saw it in a theater.
Ones with an asterisk I saw more than once.
To be on this list I must have seen more than half of it, the ending, and cannot have missed more than half an hour of it.

Movies:

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966) {Wait, what? This is the first movie you saw in 2017, MC? Yeah, I wasn't really watching, but I don't want to watch it again so I'm counting it.}
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
The Man From Laramie (1955)
Beauty and the Beast (2017) ~*
3 Ring Circus (1954)
Candleshoe (1977)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Princess Mononoke (1997) {One of the strangest movies I have ever seen. My sisters and I sat there with our mouths open for the whole thing. We were thinking, "What in the world is this?"}
E. T.: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Moana (2016) {My sisters convinced me to watch this. I wasn't going to.}
Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) *
The Lady in the Van (2015)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Grease (1978) {You guessed it, this is my least favorite movie EVER. It is sssooo bad. It doens't deserve a picture.}
The Penguins of Madagasgar (2014)
West Side Story (1961)
Amadeus (1984) {Not what I expected...}
Minions (2015) {Sigh. I did not watch this by choice. I was babysitting a little boy and this was the only movie he wanted to watch.}
My Favorite Brunette (1947) *
Father Goose (1964)
The Swan Princess (1994)
The Proud Rebel (1958)
The Good Dinosaur (2016)
The Man From Snowy River (1982)
Albion: The Enchanted Stallion (2016)
Man Without a Star (1955)
High School Musical (2006) {Once again, my sister convinced me to watch it. I was not impressed. Especially because she started singing the songs non-stop.}
Descendants 2 (2017) {I really like fairytale retellings/continuations so I had to watch this.}
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
The Illusionist (2006) *
Libeled Lady (1936)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
The Sting (1973) {I am breaking the rules here. I don't think I saw even half of it, but I got the general idea.}
The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000) {This was actually really hilarious.}
Roxanne (1987) {I agree with my grandma's statement after watching it. "It was good, but I don't need to see that one again."}
Snow Dogs (2002)
The Founder (2016) {Didn't like this one, Michael Keaton wasn't funny.}
Harvey (1950)
Rango (2011)
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Murder on the Orient Express (2017) ~
Splash (1984) {Blah, even though I look like Daryl Hannah, I didn't like this one.}
Shorts (2009)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) {Yes, I know it's weird, but my sisters and I might have a little bit of an obsession with them.}
The X-Files (1998) {On this one I wasn't really watching either, but I'm counting it anyway.}
Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)
STAR WARS: The Last Jedi (2017) ~
By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)
Richie Rich (1994)
Finding Neverland (2004) {I didn't like this as much as I thought I would.}
A Christmas Carol (1984)
Total: 53
Actually, I just realized that I forgot to write down that I also saw Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. It was actually pretty funny.
Grand Total: 54

Short films:

The Golf Specialist (1925)
The Dentist (1932)
{These were W.C.Fields shorts.)
Malice in the Palace (1949) {Three Stooges}

Total: 3

Series:

Robin Hood BBC (2006-2009) [REWATCH for my Robin Hood BBC Watch-Along)
Downton Abbey, Season 4, episode 4-Season 6, episode 2.
Call the Midwife, 1 episode
Once Upon a Time, 1 episode

My Ten New-to-me Favorites:

1. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
2. STAR WARS: The Last Jedi (2017)
3. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
4. The Man From Snowy River (1982)
5. The Illusionist (2006) {There is an "iffy" part, but the rest is ssoo great!}
6. Chariots of Fire (1981) {Isn't this the best name!?}
7. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
8. Father Goose (1964)
9. E. T.: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
10. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

This was the first time I really have had trouble deciding which is my favorite, because all these movies are so different!

Because it is a new year, I decided I needed a new header.
These are my five (current) favorite movies from left to right: Singin' in the Rain, STAR WARS: A New Hope, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Son of Monte Cristo, and Beauty and the Beast!

Thank you all for reading! Have a great 2018!

MovieCritic
"If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, where you stop your story." -Orson Welles