THE GREEN MILE.

 Despite my having read many of this author's books during my teens/early twenties and watched the films {including this one} based on them, for some reason it is only this year that I found myself reading this ...

THE GREEN MILE by STEPHEN KING.

First Published ... August 29th 1996

This Edition ... Paperback, UK Edition, 433 pages, Published in 2008 by Gollancz 

The Green Mile: those who walk it do not return, because at the end of that walk is the room in which sits Cold Mountain Penitentiary's electric chair. In 1932 the newest resident on death row is John Coffey, a giant of a black man convicted of the brutal murder of two little girls. But nothing is as it seems with John Coffey, and around him unfolds a bizarre and horrifying story.

Evil murderer or holy innocent -- whichever he is -- Coffey has strange powers which may yet offer salvation to others, even if they can do nothing to save him. ... Back Cover Blurb

This happened in 1932, when the state penitentiary was still at Cold Mountain. ... First Sentence, The Two Dead Girls:1

There was a soft whistling sound as he inhaled the air which lay deep within her lungs. That was all for a second or two, and then the floor moved under us and the whole house moved around us. It wasn't my imagination; they all felt it, they all remarked on it later. It was a kind of rippling thump. There was a crash as something heavy fell over in the parlor - the grandfather clock, it tourned out to be. Hal Moores tried to repair it, but it never kept time for more than fifteen minutes at a stretch again. ... Memorable Moment, Page 330

MY THOUGHTS ... Oh my giddy aunt!

Every sentence, every page, every chapter just as  moving, as captivating, as tear jerking as the 1999 film of the same name starring Tom Hanks as prison guard/narrator Paul Edgecomb and Michael Clarke Duncan as the extraordinary prisoner John Coffey; I think it fair to say that this has to be my favourite Stephen King novel of all time.

Told in six distinct parts {a serial novel originally issued in six issues, reproduced here in one single volume}, the plot seamlessly switching between 1932, the year in which 'Boss' Paul Edgecomb as the Block Supervisor of the Cold Mountain Penitentiary Death Row's 'Green Mile' welcomed the remarkable, at times, almost Christ like John Coffey {a child like and yet powerfully built black man of six foot eight inches convicted of the rape and murder of two little white girls} onto the Green Mile and 1996 when, an old man living what remains of his life in the Georgia Pines nursing home, he finds himself compelled to tell the story of what happened that year.

A character driven {and oh my goodness what beautifully penned, memorable characters they are; such is the power of  King's writing of them that I don't think I've ever come across a character I loathed as much as I did the weak bully that was Percy Whetmore}, at times, horrific read and yet one which on the other hand portrays love and human compassion in a way that quite frankfully took my breath away.

Full of wonderment and magical realism, the fact that King analyses many of the characters via their treatment of Mr Jingles, an unofficial resident of the Green Mile who just so happens to be a mouse {and one that plays a not insignificant part in the novel at that} ... well, what can I say? 

It is often that I find myself so completely immersed in a book and its characters, that I find myself both raging and crying at the same time at the unjustness of it all. An unforgettable read, this truly is King at his finest.

PHILOMENA.

 PHILOMENA by MARTIN SIXSMITH.

GENRE ... Non-fiction, Movie picture 

PUBLISHER ... Pan Books

NUMBER OF PAGES ... 452

As a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena Lee fell pregnant and was sent to a convent - a 'fallen woman'. For three years after her son was born she cared for him there. then the Church took him away and sold him, like countless others, for adoption in America.

This is the story of Philomena and her search for the son she never stopped loving. It is a tale of lives scarred by hypocrisy and secrecy, a compelling narrative of human love and loss - heartbreaking, yet ultimately redemptive. ... Back Cover Blurb

The New Year of 2004 had come in. ... First Sentence, Prologue

Philomena tried to comfort him, but she was too distraught. She thought in so unfair that the love and affection her child exuded and the tenderness he evoked in others should be the cause of her losing him forever. His heart was so big that he had kisses for everyone - and the kiss he had given to some stranger now seemed to count for more than the sacred bond he shared with his mother. The thought tormented her. Why should another woman have her child, her own flesh, the baby she had borne and loved and cherished? ... Memorable Moment, Pages 76-77

MY THOUGHTS ... Hard not to think of the2013 film Philomena starring Judi Dench in the title role which I saw long before I read this novel by Martin Sixsmith which, originally published in 2009 as The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, was later reissued under the title Philomena after the success of the film.  

A case of never judge a book by its cover {which shows Judi Dench in her role as Philomena in the film version} or indeed the misleading back cover blurb which has this as 'the story of Philomena and her search for the son she never stopped loving' as you may well be left feeling bitterly disappointed ... I know I was ... as unlike the film {and contrary to the back cover blurb} this contains only a small {a very small fragment} of Philomena's story; for the main part being a detailed chronicle of the life Michael Hess {Michael Hess being the name given to Philomena's son, Anthony, by his adoptive parents}. 

That aside ...

Given the excruciating amount of time {and nigh on voyeuristic detail} Sixsmith devotes to chronicling Hess' life as a 'not altogether out of the closet' Gay man, his long expose of the life of American gay men in the 70's/80's, the more I read the book the more I thought that one could be forgiven for thinking that Sixsmith was obsessed with Hess' sexuality.

Then of course there's ...

With no acknowledgement in the front of the book, no footnotes, no index, nothing whatsoever to even suggest that either Philomena or Anthony/Michael were interviewed by the author the more I read the book the more I felt that what I was reading was probably not in fact a memoir or a biography but {at best} a work of fiction loosely {very loosely} based on actual events and {at worst} little better than unsubstantiated tittle-tattle; a feeling that wasn't helped by ...

• The over descriptions. My goodness! Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought so much could be made of a young child having his first taste of a peach {and that's only one example of many} which I can only describe as akin to Sixsmith being like a child who, caught out on a lie, grossly embellishes the details in order to convince you that what they are telling you is the truth.
• The insight into certain things that Sixsmith could not have been privy to {and nor did he interview anyone who was} contrary to what the book would have us believe. Worse still was him telling the reader what was going in Hess' mind; that he, for example, has Hess feeling shame after engaging in casual sex, that he had him believing {and I quote} "You don't deserve to be happy." "You can't be happy because you don't deserve it." 

HOW? How did Sixsmith know these things?

Essentially, disappointed/angry{?} that ...

• To have re-issued the book under the title Philomena is arguably nothing more than a gimmick to persuade readers that what they are getting is a tie-in into the film
• At best, what I felt was nothing more than a questionable account of not Philomena's life but her son's and, at worst, a shameless exploitation of one woman's remarkable story. 

George Martin Sixsmith, British author and journalist.

Sixsmith joined the BBC in 1980 where he worked as a foreign correspondent, most notably reporting from Moscow during the end of the Cold War. He also reported from Poland during the Solidarity uprising and was the BBC's Washington correspondent during the election and first presidency of Bill Clinton. He was based in Russia for five years, the US for four, Brussels for four and Poland for three. ... READ MORE

SUMMER VIEWING.

Over the summer we've been binge watching/catching up with several box sets online; currently watching season 3 of the 11 seasons of MODERN FAMILY, we have finished all 15 seasons of CRIMINAL MINDS, all six seasons of LIFE IN PIECES and are awaiting season 6 {the final season} of THIS IS US .

We have also watched several movies, most of which I hadn't thought to share with you. However, it having been requested Mr T and I recommence sharing our thoughts on the films we've watched, I give you ...

SURBURBAN GOTHIC {2014} ...

A film I must admit may not have crossed our radar if it wasn't for the fact that the lead character {Raymond} was played by none other than Criminal Mind's Spencer Reid {actor Matthew Gray Gubler}.

A weird comedy-horror drama, low budget and yet, for all of that, a fun little film with some comically dark moments {think Scobby Doo only a bit more creepy}. Raymond {largely Spencer Reid but then why not when the actor does 'nerdy geek' to such good effect} a lovable character; his quick-witted responses to the insults levied at him had me laughing out loud as did the exchanges between him and his father {played by Ray Wise}, his romance with the heavily tattooed, depressed, 'badass' Goth Becca {played by Kat Dennings} innocently sweet. Oh! And there's a great sound track to boot. FGT

Matthew Gray Gubler (of Crimnial Minds fame) stars as Raymond, in a quirky little independent movie playing a similarly idiosyncratic and brilliant oddball who returns home to his obsessive mother and overbearing father, with little intent as to his future. Despite the similarities in character with Dr. Reid's crime busting prior role the significant difference is the capacity to channel the paranormal that leads to an increasingly odd and genuinely scary moments in the film. Kat Dennings depressive Goth provides a good foil for Raymonds parental frustrations and in understanding the paranormal events. Lovely, albeit brief Cameo from John Waters is a delight. Yes worth a watch. NJT

And then, in an afternoon of myths, legends and dragons ... I mustn't forget the dragons ...

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON {2004} ...

Feeling more like a 1980's 'made for tv' movie produced in the 1980's than a 2004 'big budget' production. Still, an enjoyable enough family film with some witty tongue in cheek humour, a feisty female princess {played by Piper Perabo} and an equally feisty nun {played by Caroline Carver}. Oh and there's a dragon.

With some surprisingly familiar actors {at least to a British audience} ... {Bill Treacher, Simon Callow, Bill Oddie and Patrick Swayze amongst them, {the latter in hardly his finest role it has to be said}. Problem was there was not enough action to make it a good action/adventure film and, though with some nice enough comic touches, it was not nearly funny enough to carry the film as a comedy. FGT

Well..ok... sort of. Just genuinely taken aback to see this film was only 2004 as the production values are clearly more 1984 if I'm generous. James Purefoy donning the chainmail of the eponymous knight and swordfighting his way through a mixup narrative absorbing versions of the legends. Michael Clarke Duncan does a good turn as his Muslim counterpart returned with him from the wars as does Simon Callow as the beleaguered King Edgar. Real treat was seeing Bill Treacher in a film role rather than as Arthur of EastEnders ... and Bill Oddie! I mean Bill Oddie! Really such an interesting casting couch for this film. Patrick Swayze's in there too for those so inclined although I am yet to understand how or why this gentlemen has an equity card. It's watchable and has a few funny moments in it but don't expect pithy tense dialogue. NJT

ARTHUR AND MERLIN {2015} ... 

Celtic warriors √ A reclusive wizard √ An oh so evil Druid √ A spooky forest √  A battle between good and evil √

 A low budget fantasy feature re-imagining of the Arthur - Merlin story that would make a great introduction to a tv spin-off. With its poor writing, supposedly Dark Age women in full make-up and quite frankly laughable fight scenes, not the best film I've ever seen but then by no means is it the worst either, it filled in 100 minutes beautifully.  FGT

ERR... NO. This is what happens when you oblige your beloved to pick something to watch on a wet Saturday afternoon. Cheap and less interesting than the rain falling. NJT

AGE OF DRAGONS {2011} ... 

Replace the whale with a dragon, the ship with, with, err, a sort of  tank like vehicle, have Danny Glover play Ahab

and you essentially have a land-locked re-imagining of Herman Melville's  Moby Dick.

More drag {I confess to having 40 winks ... probably missing the only good bit in the film knowing my luck} than dragon. Some films are charming enough to get away with dire scripts, dubious acting and poor special effects {see the films above} ... this one wasn't. FGT

A retelling of Moby Dick with Danny Glover in the Ahab role, convincing in his unforgiving and relentless pursuit of the great white dragon that destroyed his family and left him deeply scarred physically and emotionally. Otherwise not a lot to commend it and I should imagine that if Herman Melville had vision of the landcruiser whaling vessel that is home for much of the action in this flick, he would probably be spinning in his grave. Not even Vinnie Jones being his best East End hardman turned hardened experienced dragon hunter lifts this movie out of its doldrums. NJT

ANSWERED, 33 RANDOM QUESTIONS.

Know what Kelly of Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings favourite joke is? 

No? 

You will once you have her answer to ... 33 Random Questions.

What a great way to learn more about our fellow bloggers. I'd love to know YOUR answers to these 33 Random Questions. 

Don't want to read my wittering on? That's OK but, in need of a laugh?  You might want to check out numbers 16 and 33 before you go.


1. Who are you named after? Long story. I was going to be called Carol (not after anyone and not because I was a Christmas baby or anything like that)  but when born my parents thought I looked like a Tracy (whatever it is a Tracy looks like) so Tracy it was ... until it wasn't. Hating my name I legally changed it last year to names I both liked and had meaning to me; Felicity meaning happiness and Grace (amongst other things) forgiveness.
2. Last time you cried? Heck! I'm of a certain age when if I'm not crying/wanting to cry I'm wanting to scream. 
3. Do you like your handwriting? No. I never have. Its always seemed child-like to me.
4. What is your favourite sandwich? At the moment I'm rather partial to brie and tomato.

5. Favourite drink? Presently I'm rather into elderflower presse.
6. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
7. Would you bungee? I'd rather have my tonsils removed ... without anaesthetic.
8. What is your favourite kind of cereal? I'm more of a toast/croissant/pain au chocolat, fresh fruit and yoghurt kind of person but when I do fancy a bowl of cereal its generally weetabix, crunchy nut cornflakes or muesli.
9. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Because of issues with my leg I have specially made clog type shoes which I just slip on which is just as well because I never learnt to tie shoe laces.
10. Do you think you are strong-willed? If its something I feel strongly about then, mmm, probably but otherwise, no, I don't think of myself as particularly strong willed.
11. Favourite ice-cream? You can't beat Cornish clotted cream ice-cream. And if it comes with a banana cut down the middle and covered in cream all the better.
12. What is the first thing you notice about a person? What it is they are reading. Oh! You mean physically? Their eyes.
13. Football or Baseball? I'm not sure if we're talking what we call football and the Americans call soccer. Not that it really matters, football/soccer (call it what you will), I'm not a fan just as I'm not a fan of baseball. 
14. Last book read? In The Heart Of The Amazon Forest by Walter Henry Bates.
15. Last thing you ate? Buttered toast, a pear and a strawberry yoghurt.
16. I wish I were listening? Something that makes me laugh so ...Tiny Tim Talks. You don't know about Tiny Tim Talks the '3 nearly 6' year old? This, his calling a transport company (below), is probably my favourite but there are lots to choose from.

17. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Yellow its my favourite colour. Its so cheerful.

18. What is your favourite smell? Freshly laundered washing that's been drying in sunshine all day.

19. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Val, a friend of mine.

20. In a relationship? Married 34 years this September; Mr T deserves a medal.

21. Eye colour? Blue.

22. Favourite food to eat? Oh! That's a hard one. Hmm! Probably ... probably Mr T's nut loaf (it includes mashed parsnip which makes it lovely and moist) with a mushroom sauce. 

23. Scary movies or happy endings? Aw! Can I opt for something that makes me laugh? No? OK then, happy endings it is.

24. Last movie you watched in a cinema? Do you know its been that long since I last visited the cinema that I have forgotten. Lets see, it was probably The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp.

25. What colour shirt are you wearing? I have to admit that I'm not wearing a shirt. Shameful I know but I'm still in my night clothes.

26. Favourite holiday? Like Kelly I'm wondering would that be a holiday as in a vacation or a holiday as in Easter/Christmas? If its the former, the week Mr T and I spent in a caravan in Scarborough just before we got married. If its the latter, Christmas.

27. Beer or wine? Neither, I don't drink alcohol unless its Christmas morning in which case I'll have a few mouthfuls of Bucks Fizz which unlike this, the recipe for the perfect Bucks Fizz, is more, much more OJ  and a lot less champagne.

28. Night owl or morning person? At the moment both both and neither. I think it fair to say your most likely to find me awake between the hours of 11.30pm to 3.00am OR 12 midday to 9.00pm

29. Favourite day of the week? I'm kind of partial to Saturdays as this is the day of the week Mr T and I aim to keep free in order that we can spend it together.
30. Favourite animal? Domesticated? Cats. Wildlife? Hedgehogs.
31. Do you have a pet? No. Alas our current circumstances mean having a pet isn't possible. 
32. Where would you like to travel? Given the current situation the world finds itself in I'm not wanting to travel anywhere. If asked pre Covid19, we were planning to meet up with friends from Germany who wanted to visit Scarborough so, yes, I'd like to travel to Scarborough. 
33. Favourite Joke? Really? OK, just remember, you asked.

A little blue man was feeling lonely and blue so he decided on a holiday at the Blue Dolphin Hotel and a week later, after packing his blue suitcase, got into his blue car and set off.

On arrival at the Blue Dolphin Hotel, the blue man got out of his blue car, took his blue suitcase and registered with the receptionist in the blue uniform.

He was shown to his room overlooking a very blue sea and found a welcome pack in a blue binder which ended with the warning "Under NO circumstances press the big blue button by the blue  door."

Now, after unpacking his blue suitcase and watching an episode of The Blue Planet on the television, the blue man became curious about the big blue button by the blue door and decided to press it. AND do you know what happened?

Yes, it Blew up!!!

FIRST SEEN MOVIES: 2020/1

Featuring the films Mr T and myself have watched for the first time whether they be at the cinema, on the telly, online, or on DVD. 

WHISKY GALORE ... 

The 2016 remake of the 1949 film of the same name which Mr T, a big fan, has on DVD. The original being a film I am familiar with but not to the degree that if they were to change anything I would necessarily notice. What felt more like a film you'd settle down to watch of a gloomy Sunday afternoon (which is what we did) rather than cinematic fare.  Inoffensive, gentle humour, I'm not too sure this had quite the charm of the original though.  FGT

2016 Remake of one of my favourite Ealing Comedies(1949)was thereby approached with some trepidation. Worries were not realised fortunately as this new version remained close enough to the original story-line and script to be almost indistinguishable. 

Gregor Fisher (aka Rab C. Nesbitt)takes on the role of Macroon, master of the island post office and telecoms, his daughters romantic interests being the sub-plot; the wartime ration of whisky preventing the necessary ritual of the quaich. 

Based on the historical events,the 1941 wreck of the SS Politician in 1941 off the isle of Eriskay, it is told that even to today, bottles of stashed whisky still occasionally wash up on the beaches of the island such was the ingenuity of the islanders in hiding the whisky they (ahem) liberated from the stricken vessel.  This film is a monument to that ingenuity, and the confounding of the authorities embodied in the person of Captain Wagget, Eddie Izzard, oddly, less manic than his 1949 counterpart Basil Radford. Yet both films maintain their essential humour and charm and I will happily watch either and or both at any time. NJT

BOY SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE ... 

A film I actually watched by myself which is unusual but hey-ho it was late; a school night so Mr T was fast asleep and I, well, I wasn't. Not too gory, not too crude, its humour, some of it puerile for sure but for the most part what I'd describe as stupidly funny; either way, full of laugh out loud moments (how Mr T slept through my chortling away is anyone's guess) including one of those of the type that not really all that funny, blink and you'd have missed it involving spoiler ahead >>> a zombie trundling past in their mobility scooter >>> end of spoiler. Do I think Mr T would enjoy? You bet I do. FGT

ROTTEN HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROTTEN ROMANS ...

Whilst familiar with the concept, I can't say I've ever read any of the books by Terry Deary nor watched any of the UK television series of the same name. The humour, Hmm! Not as funny as I'd expected though as always British comedian Lee Mack (in his first big screen role) was hugely entertaining. Much of the humour visual 'toilet humour' (the public toilet scene being particularly memorable ... sadly) which, if the film had been much longer, I'm sure would have worn thin very quickly (at least for me, I can't vouch for Mr T who tends to revert to his seven year old - or thereabout - self when it comes to bodily function jokes). The 'violence' essentially slapstick and, as with the humour, obviously written with the securing of a PG certificate in mind. It was however interesting how much actual history they'd woven into the script though once again this tended to be geared towards the gross factor. FGT

Always been a fan of the Horrible Histories, how I wish history had been taught to me with such humour whilst at school. Originally created by a local author Terry Deary (lovely man, met him a few times through work) he has inspired a whole generation of young people to think again about history by teaching from the bottom up, the everyday and largely mundane of the common people taken up in larger events and always with a direct reference to the lavatorial somewhere along the way. The Roman public toilet scene in this one is of note!) 

A feast of British comedic talent carries through the cast, a particular favourite from me Lee Mack in his first film as Centurion Decimus constantly longing to be released from Britannia to return to his beloved Rome 'ah... Rome...'. Derek Jacobi satirically revisits his far more serious TV Drama role of Claudius with great affection, albeit briefly. Nick Frost, Rupert Graves, Warwick Davies, Alexander Armstrong, Sanjeev Bhaskar... Here's the castlist. The historical is interpreted and honestly and sometimes very literally but is not taken liberties with and is quite simply a good fun romp with education on the side. NJT

  

PRIME FILM REVIEWS (4 - 6)

OF MICE AND MEN ...

Can you believe that up until now I'd never seen a movie (any movie) adaptation of this 1937 novel by John Steinbeck? After all I'd read the book and adaptions are very rarely (if ever) as good, right?

 Largely faithful to the book; the uplifting story of the bond, of the friendship between two men. Beautiful cinematography with some stellar performances - John Malkovich is commendable as the 'dim-witted' Lennie, the world weariness of George (here played by Gary Sinise who incidentally also directed) palpable and as for Ray Walston as Candy. What can I say? His face as he surrenders his aged canine companion to be 'put to sleep' by means of a gunshot to the head (thankfully not shown) heartbreaking - and yet for some inexplicable reason on the whole it just didn't elicit the same emotional responses as the book. FGT

A faithful retelling of the classic novel of depression era America. Gary Sinese as George, doing his best to earn a crust of bread trailing from farm to farm in the hope of some work. Beleaguered as he is with Lennie, incapable of looking after himself portrayed by John Malkovich. Lennie's peculiar incapacity doubles down the struggle and difficulties they face and yet there is a peculiar bonding between these two men that is forged by tragic and difficult circumstances. It is in essence beautiful story telling of a sad tale. Curley's wife played by Sherilyn Fenn portrays a softer characterisation than Steinbeck writes and carries in that a victim-hood as counterpoint to that of Lennie.  A great story told very well in this adaptation. NJT

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS ...

Having watched and really enjoyed the series (at least all but the last two episodes which at the time had yet to be aired on terrestrial telly here in the UK) Mr T and I eagerly
sat down to watch the film version which by the way predates the series by some five years.

Hmm! One of those instances in which I find myself unable to avoid comparing the two. Essentially lacking the laugh out loud moments; the inherent silliness, the characters not as likeable and difficult to invest in ... to say nothing of the fact that this is missing my favourite the “Energy Vampire” Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) who drains the life force from his victims by drawing them into inane conversations ... I think it highly likely that if we had seen this first we may not have gone on to watch the series. That said, less than ninety minutes long, I can think of worse ways to spend the time. FGT

Hmmm.... kind of wish i had seen the film before I'd seen the TV adaptation. The film was a bit odd although the satirisation of the vampire genre was obvious from the outset, there were too many moments where the cognitive dissonance was not a clean cut as satire truly requires. There's some wit in there and set piece 'oh how difficult it is being a vampire' but it didn't really hang together for me as a movie and felt more like several sketches from a series that just happened to be edited end to end.  What I'm hoping were some life down under (New Zealand) cultural references that I didn't get may just be my ignorance but I did not develop any real affection for any of the main characters or even approach caring about them.  Watch it... it may be me, but the TV adaptation is much much sillier. NJT


THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS ...

Its star (Jack Black) an actor whose films I either like or don't like - for me there is no in between  as far as this is concerned - alas this film falls firmly in the latter category with neither Cate Blanchett nor its child star Owen Vaccaro able to save it.

Not the Harry Potter type film I had been expecting - parents Beware, this isn't a film I would suggest for younger or sensitive children  - there are some genuinely frightening moments involving scary toys/dolls (including the obligatory clown) etc and, given its PG rating (explained here), some what some would consider dark themes including rather disturbingly I thought spoiler starts ...  a witch who disguises herself as the 10-year old Lewis's dead mother ... spoiler ends. FGT

Yes, an ok movie, with an interesting premise of departed wizard who has essentially invested his life and work in his house, now occupied by a lacklustre second rate wizard in Jack Black. Not his best moment to be honest but he holds the narrative through the film although this makes his dialogue somewhat dull on long winded. Much sharper is Cate Blanchett as his muse and nominal love interest, a woman of mystery who helps him cope with the arrival of his young nephew into the midst of the unfolding story. It felt like a bit of a mannerly and reasonable way to spend almost two hours, but rather like a long mystery that suddenly and disappointingly unfolds very quickly leaving a bit of fizzle instead of a bang in its denouement. NJT

Based on Kelly's One Sentence Movie Reviews of which you can see her latest by clicking here. 

PRIME FILM REVIEWS (1 - 3).

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN ...

The adult Christopher of grey business suit and city business monotony is beginning to lose his connectivity with his wife and his own children amongst the pressures of his work. Chance leads him on a journey to resolve a particular thorny business difficulty and thereby a rediscovery of the significance of his childhood. I've never been a big Pooh fan... (not nuts about Ewan Mcgregor either, Trainspotting, Big Fish and Brassed Off excepted) ... too much Eeyore in my soul, but this was an enjoyable watch if a bit twee for me, I'm sure Pooh, Piglet and Tigger fans will enjoy it enormously. NJT

A fan of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and, especially, Eeyore. Heartwarming with some real laugh out loud moments, the original concept respectfully handled, A.A. Milnes' characters brought faithfully to life. What more can I say other than I loved this film. TT

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY ...

I'm almost embarrassed to say this but ...

The only person that I know who, having seen the film, didn't enjoy it. I mean it was OK but too much musical content (my goodness the LiveAid performance went on and on and on) and not enough about the man, his hopes and dreams for my liking which might actually prove just as well as, apparently an accurate portrayal of the real Freddie, more than anything else I came away disappointed that he may well have been every bit as arrogant as his onstage persona. TT

Yep,thoroughly engaging biopic that entertains and challenges. Focus is very much through the character of Mr. Mercury the flaws as well as the creative imaginative soul that made Queen. The music of itself is of course legendary and plays a considerable part in the film, not least the LiveAid performance at Wembley that signified a personal resurrection for him as well as for the band itself. NJT

HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS ...

How hadn't we come across this 2014 film before now? Not the laugh out loud/gross out/slapstick humour that I've probably come to associate with a Simon Pegg vehicle but, a feel good film, the sort of gentle humour that had me giving a knowing smile. I defy you to watch this film and not give the tiniest consideration as to what makes YOU happy. TT

One of Simon Pegg's lesser known films although it deserves a much broader audience than it received on release. The humour is less slapstick than his other films, more considered perhaps and thereby perhaps not so appealing to many. As a disillusioned psychiatrist he goes travelling to discover what happiness is; discovers a range of emotions as he moves from home to China, to Africa and onto the USA to discover what makes people happy before discovering for himself the nature of such a journey.  Nice cameo from Christopher Plummer towards the end, although we then realise that his is the voice of the narrator who begins the story ... NJT

Inspired by Kelly's One Sentence Movie Reviews. You can find her latest here. 

REVEALED ... THE MOVIES THAT HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON KELLY.

Having revealed the movies that had had an impact on both myself and Mr T (see them here & here) I was delighted when fellow blogger and movie buff Kelly over at Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings, accepted my invitation to post some of the films that had had an impact on her. 

When Tracy first suggested writing a post about films that had affected me in a profound way, I wasn’t sure I could come up with any.  I tend to watch movies for pure entertainment, rarely looking to take anything away from them.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there have been a few that made an impression on me… or that, at the very least, have lingered in my mind.  Here are five of them:

1.   Wind River - We like to watch films based on actual events.  Rather than one specific case, Wind River is based on a statistic… or lack thereof.  (a statement which becomes totally clear after watching the movie)  It deals with rapes and murders of Native American women on Indian Reservations and is quite eye-opening, perhaps even more so in light of the current #metoo movement.  The wintertime scenery in the film is stunning, playing on the brutality of the events in the film.

2.   Silence - I am a Christian and I believe that it’s my duty to spread the Gospel of Christ.  That said, I’m not very good at evangelizing (preferring to try and live my faith rather than preach it with words) and often have mixed emotions about proselytizing, particularly as done in centuries past.  This film revolves around two Portuguese Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan - a time and place where Christianity was not accepted or tolerated.  Very difficult to watch in places, it made me think about all the missionaries who have sacrificed their lives to share their beliefs. 

3.   The Apostle - I learned of this film when I read about it in a magazine shortly after its release.  Written, directed, and financed by Robert Duvall, he also stars in the lead role.  When it came out I bought it and watched it several times.  It’s an excellent portrayal of a very real culture in the southern US as well as a moving story of redemption. I need to watch it again soon!

4.   Boogie Nights - Okay, this one probably has some of you snickering, wondering how on earth a film about a porn star could qualify for this post.  Honestly, I only saw the movie once, but I remember being moved by it, feeling pity for the lead character as he struggled with his life, never finding the happiness or satisfaction he long for.  Tragic might be the best way to describe it.  On a side note, the double CD from the film has excellent music!  As for that infamous final scene… no, it wasn’t real.  It was a prosthetic.  

5.   Signs - This is my number one pick of these five.  In fact, it rates as one of my favorite movies of all time.  On the surface, it has everything going for it - a suspenseful (and at times terrifying) sci-fi alien plot, plenty of humor, a sense of pathos, and convincing acting.  But what totally makes the movie for me is how everything comes together in the end.  All the supposed “flaws” - Morgan's asthma, Bo's abandoned glasses of water, Merrill's failed ball career - they all serve a purpose.  Graham says in the movie, “People break down into two groups. … Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles?  Or do you believe that people just get lucky?  Or, look at the question this way:  Is it possible that there are no coincidences?”  Just as Graham concludes, restoring his faith in God, I believe there are no coincidences in life. 

Thanks for that thoughtful and interesting selection Kelly. 

Of the five I have only seen Signs which I agree is a good film and certainly one both Mr T and I have watched more than once, my probably enjoying it more than him.

Whilst I'm not sure Silence is something I'd enjoy, of the others I'd definitely like to see Wind River and  The Apostle and possibly (now you have me intrigued) Boogie Nights.

Like to share the movies that have had an impact on you? I'd love to hear from you so please get in touch.

 & Kelly.