What I Thought of It

• Fred Claus

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  The movie Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) is a Christmas comedy.

  Fred Claus is the older brother of Nick Claus (a.k.a. Santa Claus), but Fred chose a different path in life from his saintly sibling (Paul Giamatti). Fred walks on the rough side and is less crazy about giving. As the movie begins, we see Fred in need of capital to start a betting office across the street from the New York Stock Exchange.

  Fred decides to hit up Santa for the money. Santa agrees - but only if Fred comes to the North Pole to visit and help out with the Christmas rush.

  So Fred is picked up by a reindeer-driven sleigh and brought to the North Pole. Santa welcomes his long-estranged brother and puts him to work. Unfortunately for Santa, he’s being audited this year by an efficiency expert (Kevin Spacey). This guy will do almost anything to kill Christmas.

  All these plot twists manage to fill almost 2 hours of movie time.

  Last thoughts: Fred Claus is probably not the best Christmas movie ever made, but it’s fun and good for many laughs with the family around Christmas (or any time of year, for that matter).

  Go to the TRAILER for a sneak peek.

  Genre: Comedy
  Length: 116 min
  Rating: PG
  Story ++++
  Cast +++++
  Humor +++

  Tags: Christmas, comedy, Vince Vaughn



• World Trade Center

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  World Trade Center, a movie by Oliver Stone, is - as you guessed - about the September 11, 2001 attacks.

  You might expect to see the terrorist hijackings and the planes coming down, but not so. The film World Trade Center is about a team of policemen going in to try and get people out of the first tower after the first plane crashed.

  John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage) is a police officer who knows the towers inside out, since he was involved in making evacuation plans after the World Trade Center bombing the year before. John is called in after the first terrorist-hijacked plane hits Tower 1 of the World Trade Center.

  The movie tells of the people who formed the rescue efforts to look for survivors. It also follows the victims’ families, who waited in anxious agony to hear news of their loved ones.

  Last thoughts: I was expecting a different kind of movie. The storyline was weak and the movie slow at many points. Personally I don’t care to watch World Trade Center a second time.

  Genre: Drama, History (2006)
  Length: 128 min
  Rating: PG
  Story ++
  Cast +++

  Tags: drama, history, Nicolas Cage



• Driving Lessons

  Movies / TV No Comments

  The movie Driving Lessons starts with Ben (Rupert Grint, best known as Ron in the Harry Potter films) taking his driving test, which does not go well at all.

  But first, let’s get to know Ben. Ben is 17 years old, an awkward teenager living in an obsessively religious community. His dad is the church pastor, and his mom is a perfect pastor’s wife who’s sometimes even more religious than the Pope.

  His mom (Laura Linney) tells him what and what not to do. She gives him driving lessons (poorly), takes him to Bible study, and puts him in the church play with the Girl Scouts. On top of everything, she wants him to find a summer job so that he can make some money to help their elderly houseguest get back on his feet.

  Obedient boy that he is, Ben gets a job as a personal assistant to a retired actress, Evie Walton (Julie Walters). It quickly becomes much more than he bargained for, as Ben discovers that Evie is a free spirit who does not conform to any rules.

  Propelled by Evie, Ben is thrown into the craziest adventures of his entire life and grows miles in the process.

  Last thoughts: Driving Lessons is a fun, quirky film that will have you laughing or grinning throughout. It’s outside the Hollywood formula, so expect something…unexpected. The characters are great, the actors on the mark, and the story an enjoyable ride. Watch Driving Lessons and you’ll see what I mean.

  Go to the TRAILER for a sneak peek, and find out more about Driving Lessons on the official movie website.

  Genre: Comedy, Drama (2006)
  Length: 98 min
  Rating: PG-13
  Story +++++
  Cast +++++
  Humor ++++

  Tags: comedy, drama, Julie Walters, Laura Linney, Rupert Grint



• Bassano Dam

  Attractions, Recreation No Comments

  The Bassano Dam is located about 8 km southwest of Bassano and can be reached by following the signs from this small Alberta town. Be warned that getting to the Bassano Dam is a bit of a puzzle. The signs are not great and most of the road is gravel.

  Once you do arrive at the Bassano Dam, you’ll find a picnic area that offers a great view over the dam and the surrounding water.

  At this viewing area you’ll also find a sign telling the story of the dam: how it was built in 1910 and refurbished in 1984.

  After that there isn’t much more to do except walk or drive over the dam and get a view from all possible angles.

  Last thoughts: I would not make a special trip to Bassano to see the dam. But, if you’re driving a long stretch on Highway 1 between the mountains and Saskatchewan, then by all means stop and have a picnic here.

  Surroundings +++
  Atmosphere +++
  Experience +++

  Find the Bassano Dam on the map.



• Little Manhattan

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  Little Manhattan is a heartwarming, feel-good movie, so you have to watch it because you’ll be glad you did.

  The movie Little Manhattan is about Gabe (Josh Hutcherson), a 10-year-old boy who lives in Manhattan and, like most boys his age, is deathly afraid of girls.

  But then Gabe, wanting to learn karate, joins a class and runs into Rosemary (Charlie Ray), a classmate from school and the only girl in the karate class. When it comes time to pick sparring partners, they end up paired with each other.

  The story unfolds as the beautiful journey of two people falling in love for the first time. I could go on and on about their young love, as it was so touching and sweet, but I won’t spoil the magic for you. Let your heart be gladdened by Little Manhattan.

  Last thoughts: Little Manhattan is a great movie for the whole family. It will make everyone feel good, which is rare with movies these days. The beautiful rendering of a tender story makes Little Manhattan time well spent in front of the TV (how often can you say that?). Watch it, and feel free to complain if I misled you.

  Genre: Romantic comedy
  Length: 90 min
  Rating: PG
  Story +++++
  Cast +++++
  Humor +++



• Side Effects

  Movies / TV No Comments

  Side Effects is a movie about Karly Hert (Katherine Heigl), who works for a pharmaceutical company as a rep selling drugs to doctors. She has a fat paycheck and a company car but she hates her job.

  Then she meets Zach Danner (Lucian McAfee), a down-to-earth guy who has just quit all his jobs to start building his dream house out in nature, a home that he hopes to share with Karly.

  Karly makes a spontaneous decision to quit the pharmaceutical industry in 180 days. Going forward, she decides to be brutally honest with the doctors about the medications she sells, side effects and all. Ironically, her sales skyrocket and she starts raking in big bonuses, eventually getting sucked all the way into the corporate rat race.

  You’re probably thinking, “sounds boring,” but it’s not. The story takes quite a few nice turns and has an unexpected ending. It’s a refreshing departure from tired Hollywood formulas. It also divulges some not-so-nice workings of the pharmaceutical industry and the questionable routes by which new medications find their way to the lucrative prescription-drug market. The screenplay was written by a former pharmaceutical company sales rep.

  Last Thoughts: Side Effects is a thoughtful, small-budget movie featuring a great performance from Katherine Heigl (who broke out in Grey’s Anatomy). I personally like the movie’s message, which will make you think twice the next time you buy prescription medication. If you get the DVD, check out the Special Features, which offer an even deeper insider look into the pharmaceutical industry.

  Go to the TRAILER for a sneak peek.

  Genre: Comedy
  Length: 90 min
  Rating: R
  Story ++++
  Cast +++++
  Humor +++



• He’s Just Not That Into You

  Movies / TV No Comments

  He’s Just Not That Into You is going to top the box office in Valentine’s 2009!

  Prior to seeing this movie I didn’t expect too much. The cast just seemed too big to make a cohesive film. But, before I write another word, I will admit that I was wrong. He’s Just Not That Into You is a great movie for girls and guys.

  The film was inspired by the book He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys. As you might guess from the title, the movie’s storyline centers on what happens between a girl and a guy after a first date.

  A girl expects something when the guy says “I’ll call you”. As many girls would know, such expectation and hope are often dashed.

  In the movie, Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) is desperately looking for Mr. Right. One night, while trying to “run into” the last guy who said he would call, she meets Alex (Justin Long, a.k.a. the Mac guy), a bar manager who gives her a reality check. He tells her what guys really mean when they say certain things. It’s endearing to watch Gigi as she struggles with the often-confusing business of love and romance with the help of Alex the realist

  Then there’s Beth (Jennifer Aniston), who has been in a committed relationship with Neil (Ben Affleck) for 7 years. She’s been dreaming of having a wedding, but Neil does not believe in marriage. The resulting friction adds a second storyline to the movie.

  A third, juicy storyline involves Janine (Jennifer Connelly), who feels happily married to Ben (Bradley Cooper) but does not give him a lot of room and tries to control his life. The tension is aggravated after Ben meets Anna (Scarlett Johansson) and has trouble staying away from her.

  Meanwhile, poor Mary (Drew Barrymore) can’t seem to cope with dating in the electronic age.

  Each storyline is interesting and deftly intertwined with the others. The cast are charming in their roles, bringing life to a film about love, romance, disappointment, and heartbreak.

  I won’t spoil any more of the film, but you’re sure to enjoy many moments of laughing out loud.

  Last thoughts: He’s Just Not That Into You is a movie that will please many. You may not see it again and again, but seeing it once is worth the fun and humor. To guys who run like mad from chick flicks, go see it with your girl. You’ll make her happy and you yourself will also have a great time.

  Visit the official website of He’s Just Not That Into You for some great trailers and extras.

  Genre: Romantic comedy
  Length: 129 min
  Rating: PG-13
  Story ++++
  Cast +++++
  Humor +++++



• Are We Done Yet?

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  After the movie Are We There Yet?, Nick Peterson (Ice Cube) marries Suzanne (Nia Long), and they decide to live in Nick’s little bachelor apartment. Of course, it’s not big enough for two grown-ups, two kids, and a dog, so they go house-hunting.

  They find a great-looking house in the country, and after negotiating with real estate agent Chuck (John C. McGinley) they get the house.

  The problems begin after they move in. The house is not in the great condition they were led to believe, so they start looking for a contractor. Surprise, surprise - Chuck is also a contractor, as well as many other things.

  From this point on, Are We Done Yet? evolves into a crazy funny movie involving lots of pain and suffering for poor Nick.

  Last thoughts: Are We Done Yet? is definitely a better movie than the prequel Are We There Yet?. If you’re up for a good laugh (or many good laughs) and don’t want to think too much, then get yourself a copy of Are We Done Yet? and enjoy the wild and wacky moments it has to offer.

  Genre: Comedy
  Length: 92 min
  Rating: PG
  Story +++
  Cast ++++
  Humor ++++
  



• Bonneville

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  Bonneville is a movie about the newly widowed Arvilla Holden (Jesssica Lange), who clashes head-on with her stepdaughter about where to place the (ashy) remains of her husband. When she faces losing her house if she does not bring the ashes back to Santa Barbara - where her husband lived before they married - she decides to “kidnap” her two best friends (Kathy Bates, Joan Allen) for a road trip in a vintage ‘66 Bonneville convertible, all the way from Idaho to Santa Barbara.

  The trip brings a string of exciting on-the-road adventures for this trio. The stunning landscapes will lure you to go on a road trip yourself.

  Last thoughts: Bonneville is not a typical movie - it will appeal to an older crowd because of the lead actresses - but it’s great to enjoy on a cold winter night. Sink into the couch with some comfort food and join these spunky women on their adventure of a lifetime.

  Genre: Comedy, Drama
  Length: 93 min
  Rating: PG
  Story ++++
  Cast ++++
  Humor ++++
  



• The Lake House

  Movies / TV, Recreation No Comments

  The Lake House is about Dr. Kate Forster (Sandra Bullock), who leaves her rented home on the lake to move to Chicago. Before moving out, she leaves a letter for the new tenant, architect Alex Wyler (Keanu Reeves), asking him to forward her mail.

  But then strange things happen, and Kate’s dog ends up going back and forth between Alex and Kate. They exchange many letters and, as a result, a romance develops.

  I won’t say much more, because that would reveal major plot points and ruin your enjoyment of this unusual story.

  Last thought: The Lake House is a great movie with a highly original premise, one that doesn’t appear to be based on a true story or a tired Hollywood formula. If you appreciate good drama and a bit of romance, then you MUST experience The Lake House and come back to let us know what you thought of it.

  Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
  Length: 98 min
  Rating: PG
  Story +++++
  Cast ++++
  

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