A United Kingdom is a lovely film and inspiring true story

Movie Title:  A United Kingdom

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG-13, 111 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Based on a true story, this lovely film illustrates how love and reason can change a crazy world.  Bula! 

If you’d like to know more about the real people in this story, you can read Colour Bar: A United Kingdom by Susan Williams.

Uplifting theme: 

• Duty, honor, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, patriotism
• Love
• “We should not be fighting for segregation.  We should be fighting for equality.” – Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo)
• “Africa can never be free until all those who live in her, white and black, recognize that race must have no bearing on equality and justice.” – Seretse Khama  
• “Opposition is one thing, Mr. Khama; the realities of government are quite another.” – Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport)
• “You have to be strong.  You have a voice.  Use it.” – Naledi (Terry Pheto)
• “No man is free who is not master of himself.” – Seretse
• “It is time!” - Seretse

Things I liked:

• I had never even heard of Bechuanland.  Have you?  In 1966, it achieved independence and is now known as the Republic of Botswana.  I'm always happy to learn new things in movies.
• I love seeing a proper marriage proposal when the man gets on one knee.  Well done, Seretse.  Nelson Mandela described the marriage between Seretse and Ruth as “a shining beacon of light and inspiration.”   Wouldn’t that be amazing to have someone describe your marriage and legacy like that?
• David Oyelowo is absolutely fantastic in this. How about an Oscar for him?  I also loved him in Selma.  Great movie. 
• Rosamund Pike is great in this also.  She was crazy good in Gone Girl too, crazy being the key word in that sentence. Her subtle expressions say so much.
• Director Amma Asante has a bright future.
• The scene where the women sing a song to Ruth was so touching.
• I thought it was funny when Ruth's parents said, “Mind yourself!” and “Come back a missionary!” when she left the house.

Things I didn’t like:

·       There are some very ugly racial slurs and prejudiced behavior.

·       I’ve never understood parents who refuse to see their children again if they do something they don’t like.

·    A lot of the Extras are terrible actors.  Then again, they're natives who aren't actors.

• It’s good to see Malfoy (Tom Felton) cast in another movie.  Unfortunately, he plays an equally cruel, weaselly snake in this film too.

   Interesting lines:

• “He scares me a bit…the way he makes me feel.” - Ruth
• “I know I will never achieve anything there if I leave my heart here.” – Seretse
• “We’ll take it moment by moment…together.” – Ruth
• “They’re trying to define us, based on their rules, their idea of the world how they see it.” – Seretse
• “Let’s not allow the ugliness of this world take away the joy from us.” – Seretse
• “Let him go.  We need him more than you.” – Naledi
• “We’ve misjudged this, haven’t we?”- Ruth
• “When a man tells a lie, he loses his dignity.” – Seretse

Funny lines:

• “Did I ever tell you I didn’t marry you just for your good looks?” – Seretse

“Liar.” – Ruth (as she pulls up her skirt to reveal her beautiful legs.)

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity.
• Some violence, bullying, and racism.
• Talk to your children about apartheid and segregation.
• There is some skin shown during a honeymoon moment.
• Some subtitles.
• Young children will be bored, but Tweens will be interested in the love story and historical telling.

@trinaboice 

The Edge of Seventeen will make you glad you're not a teenager anymore

Movie Title:    The Edge of Seventeen

Grade:  B+

Rating: R, 98 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Hailee Steinfeld plays a completely self-absorbed teenager who has a hard time learning some of the most important lessons in life…that loving and caring for others is important and necessary to be happy.  It’s a bit frustrating how long it takes her to discover those simple truths, but she’s still a complete delight to watch, because the magnificent Hailee Steinfeld plays her.  

Woody Harrelson is fantastic in every scene he’s in and complements Hailee's performance perfectly.  I wish there had been more scenes in the movie with both of them together. I could have watched their hilarious banter all day long.

It’s an edgy coming-of-age story that will make you ache and laugh at the same time.

Uplifting theme: 

• “I have to spend the rest of my life with myself.” – Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld)
• “Wow, I’m one of those people who thinks everything’s about them.” - Nadine

 

Things I liked:

• What a sweet dad.  Oh that every kid could have such a kind, loving, supportive father.
• It was touching to watch each family member finally learn how to relate and communicate with each other.
• I thought Erwin Kim’s short film at the end was pretty funny.
• First-time writer Kelly Fremon Craig will have a bright future if he keeps producing honest movies like this one.
• I’m so grateful I’m not in high school anymore.
• Fans who first fell in love with Blake Jenner on Glee The Complete Series will be happy to see him in this film.

Things I didn’t like:

• Kyra Sedgwick doesn’t seem to age.  She plays a terrible mother to counterpoint the very sweet father played by Eric Keenleyside.
• I know it was part of the story, but it was NOT smart for Mr. Bruner to bring a young female student into his home.  My husband never even drove any of our female babysitters home when we had little kids.  Thankfully, the movie doesn't go in that direction, but it's important for men to use wisdom when dealing with dramatic, psycho teenage girls.
• As a mother, I would be super depressed if I had a daughter like Nadine.  I hate seeing young girls already be so foul-mouthed, cynical, mean, and desperate.
• Erwin is too rich, talented and good-looking to be so shy and awkward. His character didn’t seem believable, but I really liked him.

Funny lines:

• “You are so going to get fired when I actually do it.”  (commit suicide) - Nadine

“Well, not actually for sure, but I can dream.” – Br. Bruner

• “There are two types of people in this world: the people who radiate confidence and naturally excel at life, and the people who hope all those people die in a big explosion.” – Nadine
• “My mom has to take medicine or else she’ll get too upset at the mall.” = Nadine

Tips for parents: 

• Lots of profanity, including many F-bombs.
• Talk of suicide, bullying.
• Loss of virginity, inappropriate sex jokes, teens in bed, awkward car make-out scene.
• Your kids will probably laugh, but you need to remind them that Nadine is terribly messed up and NOT a positive role model for them.
• Nadine drives a car without a driver’s license.

@trinaboice 

Collateral Beauty is manipulative and sappy with fortune cookie wisdom, but still got me to cry

Movie Title:  Collateral Beauty

Grade:  B+

Rating: PG-13, 94 minutes

In a Nutshell: I really love two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith and I was so excited to see this film after the trailer practically had me in tears.   SPOILER:  The trailer is a bit deceiving.  The film isn’t quite what you think it’s going to be.

For that and other reasons, a lot of film critics are ripping this emotional drama to shreds, stating that it’s manipulative and overly sappy with fortune cookie wisdom.  Well, I agree that it may be all of those things, but I also think they’re missing an opportunity to reflect inward and learn some of the life lessons this insightful film attempts to teach us.

What would you say if you could talk to Time, Death, and Love?  An even more interesting question is what would they say to you?

Uplifting theme: 

• ‘Just be sure to notice the collateral beauty.  It is the profound connection to everything.” – Madeline (Naomie Harris)
• “What is your why?” – Howard (Will Smith)
• “We’re here to connect.  Life is about people.” – Howard
• “We don’t get to choose who we love and who loves us back.” – Whit (Edward Norton)
• “Tomorrow’s not promised.” – Howard
• “Your children don’t have to come from you; they come through you.” – Time

Things I liked:

• The performances are really great.  I love the entire cast.
• Will Smith digs deep for his performance that only a father in real life could do.  Did you know he has won 4 Grammy Awards?  He has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards and 2 Academy Awards, but he hasn’t won those big boys yet. Surprising, right?  Everyone loves him.  He should have won an Oscar for The Pursuit Of Happyness.  His performance in Concussion was outstanding, but he lost to Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant, which I can’t disagree with.  I mean, DiCaprio practically blew himself up, ate a live fish, and got beat to a pulp, for heaven's sake!
• Academy Award winner Helen Mirren is a national treasure.  I adore her. She just looked stunning in those blue feathers. She had some great lines and provided some depth and comic relief.  I love her in everything.

• There is an interesting Domino metaphor.
• It cracked me up that Howard’s friends hired a private investigator who they said looked like a “Mormon grandmother.”  Well, I’m a Mormon and can tell you that not all Mormon grandmothers look like that, but she really did.  Ha ha
• I’ve been to New York City twice before, but never during the Christmas season.  It looks so magical in December.
• Brigitte mentioned the movie Gaslight   Have you seen it?  I haven't either.  I'm going to have to add that one to my list. 
• Madeline tells Howard that 79% of couples divorce after losing a child.  According to a recent study by at Montana State University-Billings, that’s pretty accurate, sadly.
• There’s a twist.  I love twists.  Well actually, it’s more of an unveiling.  Still, it worked for me and drew out the expected tears that director David Frankel had intended.
• If you're looking for a therapeutic film about losing a loved one, adult or child, I highly recommend A Monster Calls, which is also currently in theaters.

Things I didn’t like:

• Would you want such manipulative friends who go to such great lengths to prove that you’re crazy?
• We never really get to see a happy Will Smith with his daughter, so we feel less invested in them than if there had been some happy flashbacks or something.
• Well, yeah…it’s manipulative on every level.  Some people don’t mind that.
• We saw a softer side of Michael Pena as Simon.  His story line seemed extra contrived just so Death could make a point about something (although her point was a good one.)
• This incredibly talented ensemble’s talent was appreciated and enjoy, but mostly under-utilized.

Interesting lines:

• “We long for love, we wish we had more time, we fear death.” = Howard
• “This doesn’t feel right.” – Claire (Kate Winslet)

“I know, but when everything starts with a 6 year old dying, nothing is gonna feel right.” - Simon (Michael Pena)

• “Life is found when you shed your skin…..OR Shed your skin; find your life.” = Amy
• “I’m trying to fix my mind.”  Howard

“You lost a child, Howard.  It’ll never be fixed.” – Madeline

Profound lines about Love:

• “I realize that I wasn’t feeling love.  I was becoming love.” – Whit
• “I am the only why.  Please don’t try to live without me.” – Love
• “I’m the fabric of life.” – Love
• “I was there in her love, but I’m still here in your pain.” - Love
• “I’m love…the very fabric of life.” – Love  
• “Love is the reason for everything.” – Love

Profound lines about Death:

• “Nothing’s ever really dead if you look at it right.” – Brigitte
• “Death is so much more vital than time. Death gives time its value.” – Death
• “You’re dying?” – Death

“Everyone’s dying.” – Simon

• “You lived right, my friend, but you’re not dying right.” –  

Profound lines about Time:

• “I’m abundant.  I’m a gift.” – Time

Funny lines:

• “I have depth.  We’ve discussed this.” – Whit
• “The word you’re looking for is philanderer, not philanthropist.  They have a slightly different meaning.” – Whit
• “I thought you can’t afford therapy anymore.” – Claire

“I can’t.  It’s my Uber driver.” – Whit

Tips for parents: 

• Talk of sex, cancer, death.
• 1 F-bomb and some other profanity.
• Children may be bored with this “talking” movie and certainly won't appreciate any of its profound truths, unless they have been through their own dark challenges.

The Christmas Project warms the heart and inspires the mind

Movie Title:  The Christmas Project

Grade:  A-

Rating:  G, 1 hour 28 minutes

In a Nutshell: Think “The Wonder Years” meets “The Christmas Story.”  

This sweet, family-friendly Christmas movie is a heartwarming reminder about showing love and forgiveness during the Christmas season… and all year round.

I liked the movie even before I realized it was based on the books “Chicken in the Headlights and “Bullies in the Headlights”, written by an old writing friend of mine, Matthew Buckley!  We used to belong to the same writing group when he got his first book published.  I’m so happy that some of his work has been turned into a movie!  The screenplay was written by Sally Meyer and originally entitled, “The Elving Project.”

If your family is looking for something special to do this Christmas season, consider creating your own “Elving Project” tradition!

Uplifting theme: 

• “We all make mistakes sometimes.” – Ralph Buckley (Brian Neal Clark)
• Payback or love back?   Love your enemies.

Things I liked:

• Hilarious 80’s clothes and hairstyle on the mom, played by Alison Akin Clark.  As a mother of 4 sons, like she is in the movie, I could definitely relate to being pregnant and feisty.
• The narrator’s voice was soothing and magical.
• Jacob Buster was really great.  What a little cutie.  For such a young kid, he has already been in a ton of movies and is currently living in LA, working on a new project.
• Super cool pirate ship.  My husband always wanted to build something like that for our 4 sons.  He still feels badly about not ever building that, but he DID construct a tree house and zipline!
• “Time out” in the bathtub was pretty funny.  Why didn’t I ever think of that?
• Filmed in Mapleton, Utah, the film had almost 100% Utah actors and film crew.
• Director Michael Buster and his wife catch the charm of an old-fashioned holiday tale.  They worked on the film for about two years together.  And yes, they’re still married!
• The Buckley parents are married in real life: Brian Neal Clark and Alison Akin Clark.
• OK, I kind of feel a special connection to this film, because I sort of know one of the actors.  Anson Bagley is super cute and does a terrific job as Simon Buckley.  His mom and I worked together as online instructors at Brigham Young University a couple of years ago.  I remember her telling me that she and her kids were making fun videos on YouTube.  They named their channel “Working with Lemons.”  Many of their videos have hit well over 500,000 views! Some of them are close to 200 million!

Things I didn’t like:

• It's extremely predictable.
• Sometimes the actors looked like they were really excited to be in a movie and forgot to act.
• None of the boys really looked like they could actually be brothers.  Still, they were all pretty doggone cute.
• I would have liked to learn more about Earl, the bus driver (played by Marlon V. Gaines).  Still, I thought his relationship and advice to Matthew were both very sweet.

Funny lines:

• “That’s it!  We’re getting chickens!” – Ralph Buckley
• “Stop, Fardin!” – Matthew

Tips for parents: 

• This is really safe and enjoyable for all ages.
• Some boys get punched and pranked by a bully.
• No profanity.  Very clean.  Thank you!  We can always count on the Mormons to keep it clean!
• 
  

Click on the picture below to purchase a copy for your family for this Christmas!

Me Before You is predictable, but will still make you cry

Movie Title:       Me Before You

  

Grade:   B

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 50 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Adapted by Jojo Moyes from her popular 2012 novel of the same name, this predictable RomCom (romantic comedy) will still make you cry.

Uplifting theme: 

•  “Live boldly.  Push yourself.” – William Traynor
• “Live well.  Just live.” – William Traynor
• “There really isn’t much that can’t be solved by a cup of tea.” – Louisa
• “You can’t change how people are.” – Bernard Clark

“Then what can you do?” – Louisa

“Love them.” – Bernard Clark

• Start working on your Bucket List today.  You never know how much time you have left on this earth.
• “You need to widen your horizons, Clark.  You only get one life to live.” – William
• You love whom you serve.

Things I liked:

• Emilia Clarke is charming as Louisa Clark.  Her quirky fashion sense had the audience full of girls and women giggling every time she donned a new outfit with fuzzy sweater, brightly-colored shoes, and crazy tights.  Her boyfriend, Patrick, tells her she looks like a leprechaun drag queen. I don’t watch the porn-filled Game of Thrones TV show, but fans will almost not recognize Emilia Clarke in this Chick Flick.
• Sam Clafflin plays the handsome, rich William Traynor.  Who wouldn’t fall in love with that irresistible combination?  We’ve seen him before as Finnick in The Hunger Games.
• Louisa’s sister’s name is Treena.  I spell mine “Trina”.  Still, we’re almost related.
• Filming was done mostly at Pembroke Castle in Wales.  I saw some of the coolest castles in Wales last summer when I traveled through the UK.  Beautiful landscapes and scenery are layered in the movie.
• Louisa is a real woman, nothing fake or phony about her.  I laughed out loud when she was running and holding her chest, explaining that she had worn the wrong bra.  Been there.  Men will never understand the woes of womanhood.
• Louisa is embarrassed to wear her mother’s black & white checkered jacket to her job interview because it was from the 1980’s.  I actually liked it!  Of course, I was a teenager in the 80’s, so I guess that makes sense.  Ha ha
• It’s really fun to see Matthew Lewis all grown up.  Most of us know him as the shy, insecure Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.  In this movie, he plays a self-centered runner who is super fit and trim, yet a bit insensitive.
• Louisa & William’s first kiss was extremely slow and delicate.  Kind of refreshing from some of the attack-mode kisses we usually see on the Big Screen lately.
• As a movie critic, I loved the discussion Louisa and William had about movies with subtitles.  Sure, it's a lot of work in the beginning, but a great foreign film will sweep you away to a far away land and envelope you in the story so much that you won't even remember you're reading.  One of the best foreign films I ever saw was "Life is Beautiful."  At the very end of the movie, you actually hear Americans speaking English.  I was so engrossed in the movie that the English actually startled me and broke the trance.  I HIGHLY recommend that movie!

Things I didn’t like:

• If you have estrogen, you’re probably going to cry.
• It’s pretty predictable.

Funny lines:

•  “You know, Sharon…you can stick your premier badge right up your relaxed dining area.” – Louisa
• “A wind concerto?” – William

“I’ve been assured it doesn’t involve farting.” - Louisa

• “You’ll think I’m insane!” – Louisa

“That ship has sailed, Clark.” – William
*  "Every time I say something, he looks at me like I'm stupid." - Louisa
    "You are stupid." - Treena
    "Yeah, but he doesn't know that." - Louisa

Did you notice?

• Louisa’s headboard matches her quilted bedspread.
• Fans of British comedy will get a kick out of seeing beloved comedienne Joanna Lumley who plays William’s drunk godmother at a wedding.  Joanna was often seen playing a drunk character in her smash hit “Absolutely Fabulous.”
• William’s old girlfriend says “You know, you can only help somebody who wants to be helped.”   Do you think that’s true?  Not necessarily true?
•  

Romantic lines:

•  All the women in the audience swooned when William said “You know, Clark, you are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the mornings.”
• “I don’t want to go in yet.  I just want to be a man who’s been to a concert with a girl in a red dress.” – William
• “I have become a whole new person because of you.” - Louisa

Tips for parents:   

• Pre-marital sex.  Discussion about positions during sex.
• There is a lot of discussion about assisted suicide, which is a very complicated, sensitive subject.
• William was in a motorcycle accident that left him as a quadriplegic. You may want to talk to kids about what exactly that means.
• Some profanity.
• There is a discussion about “Wellies”, which is a British word for rain boots.

The Letters honors Mother Teresa's humble service

Movie Title:    The Letters

Grade:  B-

Rating:  1 hour, 54 minutes

In a Nutshell:    This inspiring bio drama is narrated by a priest whose task it was to research and petition for the canonization of Mother Teresa in the Catholic Church.  While she still has not received full sainthood status, her “missionaries of charity” have grown from just a handful to thousands today.  The movie features her humble journey from nun to a world icon of hope and service.  The title refers to letters she wrote to the leadership of the Catholic Church, expressing her private worries and admission of loneliness during her struggles.

Unfortunately, the movie spends a lot of time on the red tape involved in the Church’s various decisions that affected Mother Teresa’s ministry, but it was still fascinating to learn more about her life’s work.  It made me want to be a better person.  It was interesting to learn that she felt so abandoned by God while surrounded by people who were blessed by her God-like service and love.

Uplifting theme: 

• "A little bit of God's love...that's all we can do." - Mother Teresa
• “It’s not my work.  It’s God’s work.  I’m just a pencil in God’s hand.” – Mother Teresa     (Oh, that we could all be as effective in God’s hand as she was.)
• St. Francis of Assisi is attributed to writing this prayer, which inspired Mother Teresa, as well as many others still today: “Lord, make me a channel of thy peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love.  Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”

Things I liked:

• Juliet Stevenson did a great job honoring Mother Teresa.  I have always liked her body of work.  Mother Teresa was from Albania, so Juliet tried to do her best eastern European accent. 
• I thought the contrast between Mother Teresa’s sweet, peaceful spirit of humility and that of Mother General’s jealous attitude was interesting.
• It was sweet to hear the vow the nuns took to care for the hungry, naked, homeless and crippled.  Their desire to serve the lowest in India’s society was very touching and humbling.
• For just a brief moment, you get to see a bird’s eye view of 1949 New York City, which is pretty cool-looking.
• It was nice to see Rutger Hauer, who usually plays a bad guy in movies, as a thoughtful priest in this film.
• Did you know Max von Sydow has won tons of acting awards from various countries?  He added a distinguished air the film.
• I really love the movie poster.  

Things I didn’t like:

• Even though Mother Terea wasn’t supposed to be that old in the movie, Juliet Stevenson slouched over a lot, making her look oddly older.
• The film jumps forward and back, which can be a little confusing at times and make the story feel a bit disjointed.
• Isn’t it ironic that the Hindus, who abandoned their temple, threw rocks at it because Mother Teresa was inside helping people not of their faith?  They said it was sacred to them, yet what she was doing inside was truly divine. 
• Terrible actors, but authentic extras.
• The film shows Mother Teresa receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, but doesn’t mention the other awards she received over the years.
• The music tried to be inspiring, but sometimes its sweeping dramatic score didn’t quite match what was being shown on the screen.
• It could have been epic, but it is very simple...just like Mother Teresa.

Interesting lines:

• “She possesses depths of holiness far deeper than any of us imagined.” – Priest  
• “We pray.  We trust in God.  God will give us an answer.” – Mother Teresa
• "The greatest suffering is to feel unloved, unwanted, alone." - Mother Teresa

Tips for parents:   

• Whenever your kids complain about having to sweep as a chore, have them watch the scenes where the nuns sweep the floor with a few twigs wrapped together!
• Sobering images of death and suffering.
• Parents may need to explain to their children about the caste system in India.

NEW UPDATE (as of 12/19/15)

Pope Francis on Thursdayapproved a decree recognizing a second miracle attributed to Mother Teresa, paving the way for the Roman Catholic nun to be made a saint next year. The miracle involved the alleged healing of a man who was suffering from multiple brain tumors, according to Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian Catholic bishops conference. Mother Teresa died in 1997 at the age of 87 and was beatified, which is the first step toward sainthood, in 2003. The second miracle is required for canonization. The paper reports that the pope would likely hold a canonization ceremony for the Nobel Peace laureate in early September. A Vatican spokesman said he had no information about the report.

The Age of Adaline moves slower than her years

Movie:   The Age of Adaline

PG-13, 1 hour 49 minutes

Grade:  B

In a Nutshell:   So, staying young and gorgeous forever is a problem?  It's hard to feel very sorry for the protagonist in this story. I suppose this movie is about every woman's true fantasy: to stay 29 forever while man after man falls in love with you. It’s kind of embarrassing how predictable chick flicks can be.  Still, we women love them.

Uplifting Theme:

* Don't just live each day, but live your life.  

* Create the life you really want to live.

* Life passes by quickly; enjoy every minute.

Things I liked:

·         First of all, Gossip Girl star Blake Lively is gorgeous.  Did you know she’s married to the handsome Ryan Reynolds?  This age-less  movie doesn’t have the charm that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button had, but it was still fun to just watch Blake Lively do anything.

·         The narrator gives a quasi-scientific explanation of why Adaline survived the car crash.  It's related in such a serious, magical tone, but it is mostly amusing to see how the writers decided to try to make the story believable.

·         Ah, Harrison Ford.  I love pretty much anything he’s in.  This film takes a better, dramatic turn when he shows up in it.

·         I’m glad to see that Adaline spent some of her many years learning languages.  It’s fun to imagine having that much time to develop talents, skills, and knowledge.  
*    There is some humor, but not enough to include my regular section entitled "Funny Lines".

Things I didn’t like:

·         I’ve always thought one of the worst ways to die would be to crash into a cold lake.  Of course, if that resulted in my looking like Blake Lively and never dying, I wouldn’t be so afraid of it.

·         The movie is pretty slow-moving…kind of like Adaline's aging.

·         Blake's  surname seems ironic, given her almost stone-faced performance.  (Beautiful stone though)
*    There could have been so much more depth to Adaline because of all her life experiences, but we only get to see an evolving wardrobe and hairstyles, mixed with a little sadness and cynicism.
*    SPOILER ALERT: I'm imagining the future, awkward family dinner conversations as the movie ends...

Interesting lines:

·         “It’s better this way.” – Adeline

“No, it’s not.” – Ellis  (the scruffy Michiel Huisman)

·         “Tell me something I can hold on to forever and ever and not let go.” – Adeline

“Let go.” – Ellis

·         “If I had your looks and energy, I’d fall in love tomorrow!” – Flemming (the lovely Ellen Burstyn)

·         “She was an amazing woman.” – William

“It runs in the family.” – Ellis

Tips for Parents:  
* There is a pre-marital sexual encounter.
* You get to see Michiel Huisman shirtless.  Oh....clears throat...there is a scene where an actor isn't wearing a shirt.
* Teenage girls will think the film is romantic, but young children will be pretty bored.

If you love time-travel themes in movies like I do, you'll probably like these movies too:


    

Can't get enough of Blake Lively?  See her in:

Book review of Trina Boice's newest book about dating and marriage

Participating in the blog tour of my newest book, is the following book review posted by Shauna Wheelwright!   Thanks Shauna!

A review copy was provided

BASE HITS AND HOME RUN

RELATIONSHIPS

by Trina Boice

What Women Wish Guys Knew

Love is like baseball, so hit a home run in your relationship! With Trina Boice's advice, any man can learn how to step up to the plate. Learn tips, stats, and skills to make a powerful and lasting romance whether you're in the “minor leagues” of dating or the “major leagues” of married life.

Learn to:

Translate women’s thoughts into a sports language men can actually understand

Track your dating stats and plan strategies to up your game

Avoid foul balls, bad calls, and getting stuck in a pickle

Support each other with the occasional bunt or sacrifice fly

Cover all your bases—even when you’ve got kids on your team

With the right tools, you and your sweetheart can pitch a perfect game together every time you play. This is the perfect playbook for rookies and hall-of-famers alike.

My Review
Trina Boice is AMAZING and this book is INCREDIBLE!
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. IT!

Just look at some of the VERY FUN chapters in this book:

* Batter UP! The Game
* The Playbook: The Rules of Romance and Love Language
* Heavy Hitter: Be. A. Man
* Eyes on the Ball: Flirting Your Way to a First Date
* The Uniform: How to Look like a Knight in Shining Armor
* Sports Medicine: Win Over Her Heart and Funny Bone
* Catcher: Courting and Date Ideas
* Peanuts and Cracker Jacks: Kindness in a Nutshell
* AND MORE

Her advice is SO. RIGHT. ON!

I absolutely LOVE the baseball theme. Want to get to know a girl? Learn her stats: favorite color, dessert, flower, etc.

And the end-of-chapter assignments are PHENOMENAL! Even the shyest of guys can accomplish the First Base assignment.

I LOVE that Trina doesn't just talk about these things...her son went out and "field-tested creative dating tips and has learned some really interesting things that he shares in each chapter." Cooper became the coach for the team (those reading this book.) I really appreciated his insight, for as he said "women talk about what they want, and guys talk about what women actually want."

DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!
EVERYONE should read this book!
Put your relationship first and foremost...grab a copy today!

First Base assignment: ADD TO GOODREADS

Home Run assignment: PURCHASE A COPY HERE

Excerpt
In the words of legendary sports announcer Harry Caray, "Hello everybody! It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball!" You've bought this book and stepped up to the plate. That tells me you're really serious about improving your relationship with the woman in your life. Either that or she bought this book for you, and now you have to read it because you know she's going to ask you what you learned. Don't worry; it's not going to be that bad. After all, it's partly about baseball, and you love baseball! Romance and baseball are not all that different, actually. They're both skills that you can learn and enjoy for the rest of your life.

You could read an entire book about baseball statistics, but that wouldn't make you a better player out on the field, would it? You have to get out and practice! This book is designed to be read in small sections and put into practice. Read a little bit, and then try an idea or two to see what works for you and your sweetheart. I guarantee you're going to have a ball! (Terrible baseball puns will be included throughout this book in order to keep your eyes rolling and awake.)

Let me first state the obvious that women are different from men. And that's a good thing! A lot of men have a hard time trying to figure out what women want and how they think. It's not that difficult if you learn their language and appreciate the differences. To make it easier, we're going to use terms you might feel comfortable with: the language of baseball.

This book is written for both men who are still in the "minor league" (dating) and men who have been drafted into the "major league" (marriage). Getting a girl and keeping her are not all that different. Maybe you've been playing too much baseball and still don't have a woman in your life. This book can help you with that too! This book will help you find a quality woman you can marry and be with for eternity.

This book was conceived one day after my husband and I were discussing our relationship early in our marriage. He's going to get a lot of credit in this book for some of the really great things he does in our marriage. When I need to use him as an example of whatnot to do, I'll just tell you, "I have a friend whose husband..." so you'll never know if it's him or really a friend of mine. Hey, I don't want to get in trouble with my husband and end up sitting on the bench.

My husband, Tom, is really creative and has come up with some incredible gifts over the years. Early in our marriage, he really came through on big events such as anniversaries and birthdays, but then there were disappointing and somewhat alarming long dry spells with nothing. No flowers. No romance. Nada. Our conversations occurred during one of those dry spells and basically consisted of my pitiful complaints that I was feeling unloved and unappreciated. I suggested that maybe he could replace the few big efforts with more frequent, smaller ones. He thought about that for a few minutes and said, "Oh, it's just like baseball. Home runs are exciting but don't happen that often. It's the small, consistent base hits that win the game." In a baseball peanut shell, that's it!

*****

Each chapter will contain some ideas you can put into practice to improve your current relationship or help you figure out how to get one! Even the greatest guy and the best relationship can use some tweaking every now and then. The first-base challenges are to help you ease into The Game. Go for second or third base to up your game. When you're ready to really knock it out of the park, try the home-run assignments.

Now, I'm not talking about rounding the bases in the traditional sense the world talks about it. I'm referring to bases as increasing efforts and bigger payoffs. What I mean is that if you're a beginner in the game of romance or want to start with something easy, then begin with the first-base assignments. They're simple to do, and you'll have some success. If you really want your girl to feel loved and appreciated, go for the home-run assignments. They require more effort, but the payoff is bigger too. "Happy wife, happy life," as people say.

First Base: Set this book out on a table so your girl will see it. Yeah, your buddies will make fun of you. That's okay though; you don't want to kiss your buddies.

Second Base: Put a bookmark somewhere in the book so she'll think you're actually reading it. Be prepared for her to ask you questions about it. Let her know it is the most fantastic book ever written.

Third Base: Read the doggone book already!

Home Run: Read the book with your girl. Ask her questions. Talk about it.

To keep the fire going, you have to continue adding some fuel, right? 

So grab some popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks and let's play ball.

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

This is a section that will be at the end of each chapter just for the ladies. Girls, you're not off the hook here. You have work to do too. A happy, healthy relationship includes two people.

About the Author

Trina Boice grew up in California, but currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman in Washington D.C., and was given the “Points of Light” Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her domestic and international community service. She wrote a column called “The Boice Box” for a newspaper in Georgia, where she lived for 15 years. She taught Spanish at a private high school and ran an appraisal business with her husband for 20 years. She currently writes for several web sites and is the Entertainment News Editor for Bella Online. Trina was selected by KPBS in San Diego to be a political correspondent during the last presidential election.

Learn more at: www.TrinaBoice.com

The Last Five Years stage musical comes to the big screen

Movie:  The Last Five Years

PG-13, 1 hour, 34 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  Mix these 3 things together for a tasty film: passion, pain, Anna Kendrick.   Based on the popular off-Broadway stage musical (by Jason Robert Brown), this deconstructed love story musical flew under the radar for most movie goers. 

With hardly any dialogue, Anna Kendrick fans will be pleased to hear her sing throughout the entire movie.   The story is cleverly told as she sings the story from the end, going backwards and Jamie, played by Jeremy Jordan (I thought he was great in TV's "Smash") sings their love story from the beginning in chronological order.  (It's less confusing if you know that ahead of time.)

Uplifting Theme:

* The Last Five Years was inspired by Jason Robert Brown's failed marriage.  It doesn't present a rose-colored view of romance, but a realistic look into how love is worth working for.

Things I liked:

·        I really enjoy Anna Kendrick and am thrilled that she is being featured in so many musicals lately.   I can’t wait to hear her again in Pitch Perfect 2.  It hits theaters on May 15, 2015.  

·        Jeremy seemed to start out slowly, but then really bloomed.  His Jewish accent during “The Schmuel Song" was hilarious.  Anna Kendrick's funny comments during the song are entirely ad lib.

      It feels like an Indie musical on a small budget, which fits the tale of two struggling artists living in New York City.

      I got a kick out of the subtle and satirical humor which deserve the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics the stage show received back in 2002, when it first opened off Broadway.

      The screen adaptation by Richard LaGravenese (he also did P.S. I Love You ), keeps the two stars on screen together most of the time, as opposed to the stage production where the characters sing solo during most of the show.

     The blonder Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are so engaging that you don't miss not having a big ensemble cast.  They have both been previously nominated for Tony awards, Anna being the second youngest ever to do so.

Things I didn’t like:

·        It’s a bit depressing to know at the very beginning that their relationship fails when Cathy sings about their break-up.

·         

Funny lines

·        “Why am I working so hard?  These are the people who cast Russell Crowe in a musical.”  - Cathy

Interesting lines:

·        “You are the story I should write.” – Jamie

·        “If I didn’t believe in you, I couldn’t have loved you at all.” - Jamie

Tips for Parents:  Some profanity, 1 F-bomb,  people in underwear and bed scenes.

Other musicals with Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan: