LEGO Movie/Simpsons Mash-Up — The Couch
Posted on March 17, 2014 at 10:11 am
What do the Simpsons and the LEGO movie characters have in common? A couch!
Posted on March 17, 2014 at 10:11 am
What do the Simpsons and the LEGO movie characters have in common? A couch!
Posted on March 17, 2014 at 8:00 am
Posted on March 16, 2014 at 8:34 pm
I always have a blast with my pal Nick Digilio — this weekend we talked about “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” John Turturro’s new film, “Fading Gigolo,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and the upcoming Ebertfest.
Posted on March 16, 2014 at 3:54 pm
Cinema Blend has a terrific new series called Parental Guidance, the saga of a devoted dad and his 15 year old daughter who’ve agreed to watch some of the dad’s favorite movies together. So far, they’ve watched “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Ghostbusters.” His description of their reactions to the films is marvelous, and I can’t think of a better way to bond. I look forward to whatever they decide to watch next.
Posted on March 16, 2014 at 1:34 pm
These are some of my favorite movies set in Ireland.
1. The Quiet Man John Wayne plays American Sean Thornton (John Wayne), who returns to in Innisfree, the small, beautiful Irish village where he was born, to buy his family’s old home. He meets fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), courts her, marries, her, and then really has to win her as both must learn some lessons about intimacy, pride, and trust. Yes, there are some moments that seem sexist but the underlying story is as glorious as the spectacular landscape and as touching as the endearing characters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jreYChl7k102. The Secret of Roan Inish A little Irish girl named Fiona goes to stay with her grandparents and becomes convinced that her baby brother, whose cradle was carried off to sea years before, is alive and being cared for by Selkies, seals who can transform themselves into humans. This is a quiet film, filled with lovely images that convey the magic surrounding anyone who believes in it. It explores themes of loyalty and commitment to family and following your heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dT-BCVjKkA3. The Commitments A group of hardscrabble Irish musicians come together to firm an American-style soul band and perform songs like “Mustang Sally” and “Try a Little Tenderness.” Look for future Frames and Once performer Glen Hansard in the group. (Mature material)
4. Once The best song Oscar went to this bittersweet film about an Irish musician (Glen Hansard) who meets a pianist and singer (Markéta Irglová) from the Czech Republic.
5. Millions The Oscar-winning director of “Slumdog Millionaire,” Danny Boyle, also shows his gift for working with children in “Millions,” the story of a young boy who finds a bag of money.
6. My Left Foot Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his portrayal of Christy Brown in this true story of a writer and painter who was paralyzed and could only use his left foot — and of his indomitable mother (Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker).
7. The Secret of Kells This quietly exquisite animated film was a surprise Oscar nominee. It is about an 11th century boy who lives in a monastery run by his stern uncle and the gorgeous illuminated manuscript that changes his life.
8. Circle of Friends Minnie Driver and Chris O’Donnell star in Maeve Binchy’s story of love and friendship in 1950’s Ireland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV9sHAHGE5A9. Hear My Song A fast-talking small-time promoter has to persuade a retired performer to sing again.
10. In the Name of the Father Day-Lewis again, in another true story, this time the story of a father and son who were imprisoned for an IRA bombing. Emma Thompson plays his dedicated lawyer and Pete Postlethwaite was nominated for an Oscar as the father who ends up in prison as well.
And don’t forget Jig, a wonderful documentary about an Irish dancing competition that shows there’s a bit of Irish in all of us.