As the More is More Mom®, I’m all about…..more movie going experiences! What a week; in celebration of my birthday, I visited the Cineplex three times in five days. Talk about a Trifecta! There is nothing more decadent than heading to a matinee. It just feels sinful to be at the show in the middle of the day.
With birthdays within eight days of one another, my cousin, Nurse Terri, and I always celebrate together. We come from movie loving people, so it was only natural that as a birthday treat we head to the show with my mom. At the top of our list: The Descendants.
Gorgeous George Clooney stars as Matt King, a Hawaiian land baron, whose life is turned upside down when his wife is involved in a boating accident. As a matinee idol, he’s consistently great; a charming and delightful rascal, who seems to be playing himself (Danny Ocean), kind of like Cary Grant. It was interesting to see George Clooney as more of an every man, a Docker’s wearing husband and father who is somewhat removed from the ordinary moments of family life. With his wife’s accident, he is forced to confront and reinvent his relationship with his two daughters, while he discovers that his marriage was not as it had seemed. As his journey unfolds, support and comfort comes from an unlikely ally in his troubled teenage daughter, played by Shailene Woodley. She was fantastic! In fact, all I could think about was how she might have been perfect as Katniss in the soon to be released The Hunger Games. For me, nostalgia is king, so it was a treat to see Beau Bridges as cousin Hugh. I really liked The Descendants. It was interesting, weird, thoughtful and entertaining.
Next up on my week-long tour of the Megaplex, was an outing with my girlfriend Julia as we celebrated our December birthdays. While Chuck is a remarkably good sport who would have endured My Week with Marilyn, I’m thrilled to have shared the experience with Julia.
As a movie addict, I have always been fascinated with the mesmerizing talent and tragic life of Marilyn Monroe. I’m always kind skeptical about these types of bio-pic’s because it’s nearly impossible to capture the essence of an icon, but Michelle Williams was absolutely amazing. Her portrayal was touching, thoughtful and sympathetic. The movie tells the behind the scenes story of the excruciating making of the movie The Prince and The Showgirl through the eyes of the young and delightful Colin Clark. His insightful observation that the great conflict on the set stemmed from serious, accomplished actor Sir Laurence Olivier’s quest to become a movie star, and mega movie star, Marilyn Monroe’s obsession with becoming a serious actor. I really enjoyed the experience of the movie, but for me, it was a little long on emoting. Lots of longing and lingering eyes and quivering lips, but I suppose that would sum up an exhausting week with Marilyn…….
I have known my wonderful friend, founder of MelkandCookies, since our boys were in Kindergarten. Now college freshman, the fellas still talk every day. I love that! We decided to kick off the weekend with a little lunch and a show. It was a toss-up; The Muppet Movie (I absolutely adore the Muppets. Wocka, Wocka, Wocka. In fact, growing up, one of my favorite books was Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life, along with my coveted Official Preppy Handbook.) or New Year’s Eve. The romantic comedy won the coin toss.
As much as I am enamored with the movies, I love classic television, and writer/director Gary Marshal is one of my favorites. How can you not have a soft spot for the man that brought us Arthur Fonzarelli & Richie Cunningham, Laverne DeFazio & Shirley Feeney and Mork & Mindy? While New Year’s Eve was exactly the same movie (with a largely identical cast) as his previous Valentine’s Day, it was still pretty sweet and entertaining. The story lines were predictable and the acting kind of cheesy, but there were touching and tender moments. Most importantly, I spent the afternoon with a treasured friend.
More trips to the Cineplex, more movies, more popcorn, more time with family and friends……
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