Happy Holidays From MovieChick......

And just a few of her happy, helpful elves!

Just click the screen below to enjoy our musical Holiday greeting, made especially for our wonderful readers

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Hmmm......I don't know about you, but I'm thinkin' that Tom, Tom, Brad and Georgie never looked so good!

OK, MovieChick hasn't posted much because she's been busy checking out all of the great Holiday flicks (and there are sooooo many of them!).

I recently saw:

Slumdog Millionaire
(Absolutely awesome! Go see this quick - A+)

Twilight
(Interesting, possibly worth the hype - B)

Seven Pounds
(Kinda slow and sentimental, a rental - B)


Just a few on my Christmas "To See" List:

Marley & Me
Doubt
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Bedtime Stories
Valkyrie

Wow.....so many movies, so little time!

Don't worry Movie Lovers -- I plan to see 'em all, and I'll report back with my thoughts and recommendations after a short holiday break.

Happy Holidays everyone.......thanks so much for reading!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Yeah, yeah......I know it's the holiday season.

But even more importantly -- it's the holiday MOVIE season! Hey, for a movie lover like me....this is truly -- "the most wonderful time of the year."

As I sat down to my laptop this morning, I realized that I haven't posted to this blog for almost a month.

Yikes!

Ya know why?

I've been sittin' in a movie theater.

As the weather turns colder and the Oscars get closer, Hollywood begins to roll out the flicks that seem to have just a little bit more substance.

Ya know.....fewer House Bunnies and more Boys in Striped Pajamas. (And I'm not talkin' about Mr. Hefner.....by the way)

Don't get me wrong -- I love a good mindless summer blockbuster every now and then (Helloooo Hancock.....),


but I really love me some good Oscar bait.

So today I thought I'd give y'all a quick rundown of the films that have kept me busy eating too many tubs of popcorn over the last two months.

Here's what I've seen recently, along with my letter grade and a quick comment for each:

The Secret Life of Bees - (Grade: B....no pun intended!)


I enjoyed this film, it was nice. Unlike many people in the theater, I hadn't read the book. The casting truly was great. It's a little predictable, but a decent rental. It's a "chick flick" that a guy could like. I think.

Outsourced - (Grade: A)


An unexpected pleasure. A cute, fun indie about a guy who has to go to India to work at a call center to save his job. The two leads are very appealing & have great chemistry. A fish-out-of-water tale with a sweet romantic side. I say seek it out or rent it.

Rachel Getting Married - (Grade: B)


I thought this flick was just OK. Everyone raves about Anne Hathaway & she most definitely will be nominated for an Oscar. She was good, but I just thought the whole thing was a little too quirky and overwrought. Guess I just wasn't in the mood. Nice to see Debra Winger again though as her mom.....love her.

Happy Go Lucky - (Grade: C-)


Whew....more like Happy Go Yucky. I talked a group of friends into seeing this indie flick because I had read good reviews and they raved about the lead. It was just too wacky, UNfunny and had scenes that made absolutely no sense. Frankly, the lead made me want to smack her....hard. Lucky for ME, my friends are still listening to my movie advice!

Quantum of Solace - (Grade: A)


What can I say? I love the crazy, non-stop Bond action and Daniel Craig gets my butt in the seat. (Hmmm.....I don't think that came out quite right.) Anyways, it's fast and furious and full of Bond.....what could be better than that? I'll tell you what -- 3 words: "More beach scenes!"

(Now that's what I'm talkin' about!)


The Boy In The Striped Pajamas - (Grade: B)


OK, this is definitely NOT a feel-good flick. What it is, is a well-done drama about a family dealing with World War II at a German concentration camp. The twist is that the protaganist is German. The change from the usual perspective makes this tale interesting and the two boys at the center of the story are very moving. This is an emotionally draining flick, but very worthwhile.

Australia - (Grade A-)


Loved it. OK....so I'm a sucker for sweeping, epic historical romances. This would have to be pretty bad for me not to like it. For some reason, the critics really seem to have disliked it, and it's not doing great at the box office. I say, take it for what it is.....a throwback to another era. Kinda like, "Calgon, take me away." C'mon people, most of us weren't around back then and we aren't in Australia.....so just sit back, enjoy the story and the scenery (hunky Hugh Jackman shirtless AND in a tux, I'm just sayin'......). Nicole Kidman is very beautiful and the little boy is awesome and brought me to some serious tears, more than once. Yes, it is a little long -- just get the extra-large popcorn and bring a few tissues, just in case.

Four Christmases (Grade: C)

I seriously DID NOT like this movie. I don't think that I laughed even once. Hey, I do have a sense of humor...I guess I just don't think baby puke and grown men body-slamming each other is hilarious. Go figure.

I guess I'm just disappointed because this flick had an interesting and potentially funny premise, along with a great cast....and it just wastes it all, completely.  Those kinda films drive me crazy.  This flick has been number one for 2 weeks in a row and I think I know why --  

Three reasons:
1. It's a comedy, and people want to laugh right now.
2. Reese Witherspoon. She's cute, smart and perky -- and women AND men like her (but only in comedies, did you see her in the Iraq war flick? Didn't think so.)
3. Vince Vaughn. Seriously, I don't get him at all (I think he plays the same guy every time). Apparently, men dig him (and I think wanna BE him) and women wanna date him. (Why? Is it the immature man/boy thing? Ya wanna change him? I'm thinkin' you need to meet a man like Daniel Craig. No changes necessary. No ma'am.)  
Anyways, I say skip this flick -- unless you really wanna see a comedy with a Christmas theme. (Heck, just stay home and rent National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and be done with it. You'll definitely laugh, save a few bucks and thank me later.)


OK, so that's all for now.....the flicks I have seen.

I'd love to hear your feedback, if you've seen any of them as well.

Later in the week, I plan to do a post about the group of upcoming flicks I'm most looking forward to checking out.

Seriously people, get ready to grab some popcorn because there is a lot more Oscar bait out there, just waiting to reel us in.

Yep, for me -- it's definitely.....the most wonderful time of the year.


Happy Holidays Everyone!

"The Kevin Bacon Movie Club"

OK y'all........Forget Blockbuster and Netflix --

I'm gonna join:

"The Kevin Bacon Movie Club"

Check it out:

See more Kevin Bacon videos at Funny or Die

Hmmm.....I can't wait 'til Kevin comes over to watch She's Having A Baby with me, that's one of my all-time faves.


Yep, woo-hoo.....good times.

See ya soon, Kev!

Merry Christmas.....from "Marley & Me"

Hey y'all.........

Seriously, could that dog be any cuter?

OK.....if you've been to the movies in the last few months, you've probably already seen the trailer below, for the upcoming flick -- Marley & Me.

Owen Wilson, Jennifer Anniston and a yellow lab that is just too cute for words.


Talk about a holiday, family, "feel-good" flick.

I saw the most recent trailer in the theater last week, and the last shot of Owen and the dog, out the car window -- got one of the biggest and longest laughs I've ever heard at the movies.

Mark my words people, this baby has hit written ALL over it.

The flick is based on the best-selling book by John Grogan and opens nationwide on Christmas Day.

Hmmm.....I think I know where my family and I will be after we finish opening our presents that morning.

Check it out:

Happy Halloween!

Hey y'all......

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween today (it's one of my most favorite holidays, a chance to dress-up and let my true drama-geek come out!).

I also wanted to share an awesome clip from one of my very favorite scary flicks:

Halloween, of course!


This flick is a truly great teen scream experience. Much imitated, never duplicated.

Who could forget:

A great debut by Jamie Lee Curtis.....


A familiar yet eerie setting, a strange and creepy psychiatrist, a young psycho named Michael Myers......


(No, not that one!)

This Mike Myers wore a jumpsuit, had a big knife, a freaky white mask and some serious family dysfunction......



Yeah, that's the guy.

And how about that unforgettable theme music. Just like the theme from Jaws, whenever I hear that Halloween theme music, it gives me the creeps & takes me right back to the day I saw it.

Yep, the original Halloween is still great.....even 30 years later.

I will never forget seeing it when I was 14 at a neighborhood theater with a group of gal pals. We yelled so much at the screen during that flick, we practically lost our voices:

"Jamie, pick up the knife, pick up the knife!"

"Stab him, stab him!"

"Turn around, he's not dead!"

"Watch out, he's right behind you!"

"Sheesh! Keep the knife already, why the heck are you being such an idiot?"

We then had to walk home to my friends' house for a sleepover, and her younger brother hid on the front porch and scared the Bejeezus out of us!


Ahhhh......memories.

Hmmm, wonder whatever happened to that kid?

Does anyone else hear that scary music? No....just me? Huh, just checking.

Anyways, I'm sure you all have a few fun memories about this flick as well.

So enjoy your day, and if you have a few moments -- why not take a stroll down memory lane to the year 1978?

To a house in Haddonfield, Illinois where teen babysitter Laurie Strode is protecting two young children on Halloween night from a very creepy guy in a very creepy mask who just won't seem to LEAVE HER ALONE.

Enjoy the final scream-inducing (and frustrating) minutes from....Halloween:

Sarah Palin Has A Sense Of Humor.....

At least, she appeared in two SNL skits last night with a bunch of people who do.

OK......we gotta give her props for actually showin' up on that set. I'm thinkin' it had to be just a touch awkward.

Kinda like those icy looks that Cindy McCain's been givin' her on the Straight Talk Express:


You Betcha!

Anyways, I did enjoy Sarah's head-boppin' during Amy Poehler's hilarious Weekend Update "Alaska Rap." That skit was definitely one of the evening's funniest moments.

I'm thinkin' the SNL ratings were probably HUGE. We'll find out soon enough.

Check it out below and enjoy:

The Girl In The Paul Newman T-Shirt

Yep, that would be me.

Circa 1975, in my favorite T-shirt….the one with the big color photo of Paul Newman on the front.

This photo, as a matter of fact:


Ya see, Paul Newman was my very first movie star crush.

(Hey, what can I say......I have great taste.)

I was only 5 years old when Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid was released in 1969. Obviously, I didn't see that classic film in the theater at the time, it was a few years later -- on television.


When I finally did, I was hooked. Like many other fans, it remains one of my all-time favorite flicks.

Paul Newman as Butch....bantering while on the run with Robert Redford's Sundance, and riding on that bicycle with Katherine Ross on the handlebars.

Classic.


That Newman smirk....that wry, mischievous nature....those beautiful blue eyes. I was not even a "tween" yet, but I was hooked. Hopelessly in love with a (much) older man.

That's why I had the cool T-shirt with the big color photo of Paul Newman on the front.

There's a good story about that T-shirt, and some of the people that I met while I was wearing it -- one summer weekend when I was 10 years old.

I was reminded of the events surrounding this story, when I learned the sad news last Saturday morning about Paul Newman's passing.

The story goes like this:

When I was in elementary school, my dad worked in marketing and promotions for our local Columbus, Ohio CBS television affiliate -- WBNS-TV.

Back then, every summer CBS Network would set-up a weekend for all of the local affiliates to send a publicity team to convene in one hotel in a major city, and they would spend the weekend shooting local promo spots. The local stations would each send a group with a cameraman and crew, marketing/promo staff, on-air talent, etc.

The network then sent the stars from some of their new shows, and some from returning favorites….even soap operas.

Each affiliate would have their own assigned hotel room where they would set-up to film the various 30 to 60 sec. promo spots and short interviews, and then show them at home on their local station.

You know, you've seen these promos before, something like:

"Hi, this is Valerie Harper. Make sure to check out my new CBS show this fall, "Rhoda" -- and then after that, don't forget to stay tuned for Eyewitness News with Lou Forrest at 11:00 pm. WBNS 10TV, your place for the best in entertainment, and your source for the latest breaking news."

OK, you get the picture.

Well, my dad had worked a few of these network weekends before....and in the summer of 1975, he invited me to tag-along.

(Don't ya just dig my dad's suspenders? Snap!)


Seriously?

Hmmmm......let's see: at the time I was a 10-year-old movie & TV geek who knew the stats about the Oscars and current TV schedules better than her math homework.

(Full disclosure: I knew a lot of things better than my math homework.)

Needless to say, I was extremely excited to attend.

The year I went, it was held at a downtown hotel in Atlanta. As you might have guessed, there weren't many kids attending this event.....in fact, I think I may have been the only one.

Hate that.

Because of my love and knowledge of movies and TV (old and new), I knew a lot already about most of the actors that were scheduled to attend.

My "job" was to hang out & watch, pretty much stay in the background, and help move or hold things if needed. During downtime I sat on a couch and read, in fact -- I first read "Jaws" while I was there that weekend.

CBS supplied the affiliates with all sorts of publicity materials on the shows and the stars -- photos, bios, show descriptions, etc. I sat and read ALL of it.

Here is where I got lucky.

After each star did their "promo bit" -- I was able to ask them for their autograph on one of the publicity photos that we had been provided.

As I mentioned, I was one of a very few (if not the only) kids there.....so many of the celebs were surprised by my presence and TV knowledge, and got a kick out of it.

Most of them made a point of talking to me, chatting about movies & TV or what I was reading ("Jaws", remember?), and just being very charming and so nice.

Some names (and faces) you might recognize: Lee Meriwether ("Barnaby Jones"), Loretta Swit ("M*A*S*H"), Alex Rocco ("Three For The Road"), Cloris Leachman ("Phyllis"), a totally tan Chad Everett ("Medical Center").......

(Man, check out Chad's groovy hair!)


and a very affectionate Gavin MacCleod ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show")

(Gee, I guess we know why Gavin ended up Captain of "The Love Boat"!)


Seriously, there were so many 70's stars, I was in TV geek heaven!

They even sent a young actress from the popular CBS soap at the time, "Search For Tomorrow" -- a very sweet and lovely Morgan Fairchild.


Mind you, this is before anyone really knew her, she was a mere "soap actress" at the time.

Morgan was great and by far one of everyone's favorites. She told us all funny stories about how she was constantly being accosted on the streets of New York, because people did not like the actions of her crazy soap character (a major diva "bee-yotch", so to speak).

When I asked for her autograph on the publicity photo that had been provided, she was very sweet and obliged, but said it was "not one of her favorite shots."


Morgan then asked me to write down my address, so she could send me something she thought was better.

Sounds silly, but guess what?

A few weeks later, I received a big package in the mail from CBS with a personal hand-written note from Morgan and new photos and show publicity materials. She may have been "just a soap actress", but I was thrilled.

I'll never forget that, and I've always had a soft-spot for Morgan ever since.

Many wonderful and very sweet actors took the time to chat with me that weekend and seemed to genuinely get a kick out of my interest in them, and the work they had done.

There is one person however, that I remember most fondly........

This is where the Paul Newman T-shirt comes in.

Ya see, I had just bought the shirt in a outside marketplace that we visited, the first night in Atlanta. Naturally, I wanted to wear it the very next day -- so I did.

This shirt was a definite conversation-starter with most everyone I met. I think it struck most adults as funny that a 10-year-old girl was wearing a Paul Newman T-shirt, when most of my peers might not even know who he was, or even care.

(Hey -- I also had a thing for Humphrey Bogart, after seeing Casablanca....but that's a whole other story.)


Anyways......one actor in particular got a real charge out of my T-shirt that day. He was a handsome movie-star who was there to promote his new CBS comedy/detective series that would be premiering that Fall called "Switch".



Robert Wagner.


Handsome, charming and funny.....Robert Wagner.

From the moment he saw me in my Paul Newman T-shirt that day, he made a point to come over and talk with me.

Did I mention that he was handsome, charming and funny?

OK, just checking.

Wagner (RJ to his friends....) was 45 and had daughters, one just about my age.

Guess what? He was also very good friends with....Paul Newman.


At the time, they had made three films together: Harper, Winning, and one of my favorites at the time: The Towering Inferno


(I had seen it twice in the theater....hey, that's a lot of fire, drama, death & destruction for a kid!)

Anyways, after he was done shooting his promos, RJ sat with me and signed his photo. He was curious about my love of movies and actors, especially Paul Newman. I talked about some of my favorites (and why), and he was very funny and seemed genuinely amused.



Obviously, the network stars were on a tight schedule....so when it was time for him to leave our room, Wagner mentioned to me that he would be seeing Paul the following week, at a race event.

"Kelly, I will be sure to tell Paul about how I met his biggest fan from Columbus, Ohio. I'll tell him about your T-shirt, I know he'll love that."

I was thrilled, and sure that RJ would tell him just that. Wow....Paul Newman would know about me, AND my favorite T-shirt.

Boy, did that make my day. Heck, it made my 6th grade year!

Since that day, every time I read about Robert Wagner or see his work, I always smile and think about that weekend -- and how warm, funny and gracious he was to me.


I also think about his good friend, the very special Paul Newman -- whose wonderful life and career have been much-celebrated this week.


About Mr. Newman, I've read many of the warm and touching stories and tributes, and I really don't know what else to say other than:

Thank You.

For making the world a better place by sharing your art, your philanthropy, the examples you set and the way that you chose to live your life.


Thank You.

For the many wonderful moments spent with you and your characters in a darkened theater or curled up on the living room couch.


Thank You.

From the 10-year-old girl with your handsome face on her T-shirt.....and the 44-year-old woman who grew-up to greatly admire the real man -- behind the blue eyes.


Dear Mr. Newman, thank you for sharing it all.

Thank you very, very much.

Happy Birthday...To My "Inner Molly" & Me!

OK, so it's really 44 candles today......not Sixteen.

Whatever.

It's what's on the inside that counts, right?

And on the inside -- I still sometimes feel like that sorta awkward, shy & insecure high school freshman.....a lot like the one Miss Molly Ringwald played in one of my all-time favorite flicks, Sixteen Candles.


Hmmm.....the fact that I happen to now be married to one of the shy freshman guys that I was friends with way back then -- AND we have a 15-year-old high school daughter -- well, I'm sure that has nothing to do with my fond memories & nostalgia for this movie and that time.

Right.

OK......so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me.

Look, I think I'm gonna have to order myself a present:


Awesome.

And because I feel like sharing today, take a peek at this slightly worn 24-year-old trailer for Sixteen Candles:



Love, love it!

Hey.....why not take some time today to reminisce and enjoy your own high school memories?


Yep....I think we were all just a little awkward, geeky and insecure back then.

:)

Have a good weekend y'all......