"NEW MOON"

Since Ed has been working 2nd shift, we went out on a date during the day and saw the most recent installment of the Twilight Saga, "New Moon". I've been waiting so long to see this movie as I read all four books in less than two weeks last April and loved the storyline! I was surprised to see so many older couples there! My favorite part was when the character, Jacob Black took his shirt off to help Bella mop up some blood on her forehead and there were several gasps and ohs and ahs erupting from the crowd. The funniest thing we heard was from an old lady near the front of the theater saying, "Now what was THAT for?!?" Ed and I were dying laughing! It was definitely well worth seeing! I was glad to get to go with MY FAVORITE Edward... Thanks, Babe!!!

MORE MOVIE FAVORITES

"Becoming Jane" - 2007**
Starring Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen and James McAvoy as Tom Lefroy.

"The year is 1795 and young Jane Austen is a feisty 20-year-old and emerging writer who already sees a world beyond class and commerce, beyond pride and prejudice, and dreams of doing what was then nearly unthinkable - marrying for love. Naturally, her parents are searching for a wealthy, well-appointed husband to assure their daughter's future social standing. They are eyeing Mr. Wisley, nephew to the very formidable, not to mention very rich, local aristocrat Lady Gresham, as a prospective match. But when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy, sparks soon fly along with the sharp repartee. His intellect and arrogance raise her ire - then knock her head over heels. Now, the couple, whose flirtation flies in the face of the sense and sensibility of the age, is faced with a terrible dilemma. If they attempt to marry, they will risk everything that matters - family, friends and fortune." - IMDB


"Miss Austen Regrets" - 2008 (appeared on Masterpiece Theater)

This is another film version of Jane Austen's life starring Olivia Williams as Jane Austen.





"Lost in Austen" - 2008 (TV Miniseries)

"Amanda, an ardent Jane Austen fan, lives in present day London with her boyfriend Michael, until she finds she's swapped places with Austen's fictional creation Elizabeth Bennett." - IMDB




"Cranford" - 2007 (TV Miniseries appeared on Masterpiece Theater)
Based on the novel by Elisabeth Gaskell. Starring Judi Dench.







"Wives and Daughters" - 1999 (TV Miniseries)
Featuring Justine Waddell as Molly Gibson.







"Little Women" - 1994**
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Starring Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst/Samantha Mathis, Susan Sarandon and Christian Bale.




"The Inheritance" - 1997**
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

"At the lush Evenswood estate in Concord, Massachusetts, Edith Adelon, a beautiful orphan, lives as the paid companion to the daughter of the wealthy Hamilton family, although they regard her as one of their own. Years ago, Henry Hamilton saved Edith from an Italian orphanage at the request of his long-deceased brother. Now, Edith is his daughter Amy's prized friend and confidante. As the Hamiltons await a trio of visitors for the annual Greens Cup horse race, Beatrice Hamilton asks for Edith's help in finding a suitable husband for a cousin, Ida Glenshaw, with one of two visiting eligible bachelors. But when it becomes clear that both the young men have affection for Edith and not Ida, jealousy soon develops, leading to malicious conniving and brutal backstabbing. Despite the growing love between Edith and one of the young suitors, because of their conflicting social classes, the couple is reminded time and again that their love can never be. The Inheritance is a story that centers on an innocent young woman's struggle to make sense of her position within the Hamilton household and in society, and the love she feels for her patrons, as well as for a young man she can never marry." - IMDB

"North & South" - 2004

Based on the novel by Elisabeth Gaskell.

"This series operates on many levels. At the heart of the series is the tempestuous relationship between Margaret Hale, a young woman from a southern middle class family who finds herself uprooted to the north, and John Thornton, a formerly poverty-stricken cotton mill owner terrified of losing the viability of his business. Around them are class struggles between the workers and mill owners and ideological struggles between the industrial North and the agrarian South. After moving North, Margaret's father befriends his student Mr. Thornton. Margaret has already formed her opinion of Mr. Thornton independently after seeing him treat his workers harshly. As the series progresses, she and we the audience begin to learn that his strict treatment is due to an overarching concern for his mill and by extension, his employees. John Thornton, on the other hand, is attracted to Margaret's independence and position in society as a well-educated Southerner. As in "Pride and Prejudice" the marriage proposal comes in the middle of the series and is rejected by Margaret. Contrary to "Pride and Prejudice" it is mirrored in social upheaval as the entire town is brought to its knees by a strike. The latter half of the series is an unraveling of the former misunderstandings ending in a romantic reconciliation which is again mirrored by reconciliation between workers and mill owners." - IMDB

"The Mayor of Casterbridge" - 2003

Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. Starring Ciaran Hinds.

"Jane Eyre" - 1997
Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Samantha Morton as Jane Eyre and Ciaran Hinds as Edward Rochester.

"Jane Eyre" - 1996
Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane Eyre and William Hurt as Edward Rochester.

"Jane Eyre" - 2006

Based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Starring Ruth Wilson as Jane Eyre and Toby Stephens as Edward Fairfax Rochester.

"After living a miserable life with her aunt, orphaned Jane Eyre is sent to Lowood, a residential school for children of limited means. Jane takes the advice of her friend and over many years takes her studies seriously, eventually advertising for a position as a governess. She obtains a position in the home of Edward Rochester, where his ward, Adele, has recently come to live. She soon realizes that there is something odd in the house and she regularly sees shadowy figures in windows or hears voices. No one will admit to their being anyone else in the house, however. As she and her new employers develop a deep affection for one another, the secret of the Rochester household threatens to keep them apart." - IMDB


"Everafter: A Cinderella Story" - 1998**

Starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott.

"Danielle, sole daughter of a deceased French nobleman, is raised - more as a servant than as a stepdaughter - by cruel and snobbish Rodmilla together with her own two daughters Marguerite and Jaqueline. One day, she accidentally meets Prince Henry, the future king of France. A little later Danielle has to pretend to be a noble person and meets the prince again. This time, his interest in the young lady grows. But the day of the prince's marriage draws closer and closer without an official bride at hand. Actually, her stepsister Marguerite seems to have the best odds to win the race. But they all underestimated the power of true love, especially when a genius is at hand..." - IMDB

Jane Austen Favorites

This post was inspired by my friend, Meghan, who is just now falling in love with Jane Austen! :O) She wondered what ones Jane Austen wrote and what ones I specifically liked since there are many versions of her classics! These movies just make me happy... plain and simple!!
(** - means that I own it if you'd like to borrow it!)

1. PRIDE & PREJUDICE (My favorite movie of all time!)

"Pride and Prejudice is a humorous story of love and life among English gentility during the Georgian era. Mr Bennet is an English gentleman living in Hartfordshire with his overbearing wife. The Bennets 5 daughters; the beautiful Jane, the clever Elizabeth, the bookish Mary, the immature Kitty and the wild Lydia. Unfortunately for the Bennets, if Mr Bennet dies their house will be inherited by a distant cousin whom they have never met, so the family's future happiness and security is dependent on the daughters making good marriages. Life is uneventful until the arrival in the neighbourhood of the rich gentleman Mr Bingley, who rents a large house so he can spend the summer in the country. Mr Bingley brings with him his sister and the dashing (and richer) but proud Mr Darcy. Love is soon in the air for one of the Bennet sisters, while another may have jumped to a hasty prejudgment. For the Bennet sisters many trials and tribulations stand between them and their happiness, including class, gossip and scandal." - IMDB (Internet Movie Database)

**I probably go against the grain as I prefer this version to the older version with Colin Firth portraying Mr. Darcy, although I love that movie as well! This one stars Keira Knightly as Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Matthew MacFayden as Mr. Darcy. I can feel the passion of the actors in this one and I don't know... I just LOVE it!

**This is the 6 hour version starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. I love this one as well, but you need to set several hours aside if you want to sit down to watch this one! Mr. Collins just cracks me up in this one! HA!

2. PERSUASION

"In 1814 England, 27-year old Anne Elliot lives an oppressive life with her father, Sir Walter Elliot of Kellynch Hall, and her elder sister Elizabeth, both of whom are incurable snobs. Eight and a half years ago, Anne been persuaded to refuse an offer of marriage from the man she loved, a young naval officer of no position or fortune. Now, after the Napoleonic wars, Captain Wentworth has gained both rank and money, and chance has thrown them together again. Anne finds herself confronted with thoughts of might-have-been as she watches Wentworth court her brother-in-law's sister, Louisa. But an accident causes Wentworth to realize whom he truly cares for, and he follows Anne to Bath. But her cousin William (the heir to Kellynch Hall) is also pursuing her and is rumored to be engaged to Anne. And she must overcome this last obstacle before she can persuade Captain Wentworth as to the true nature of her affections." - IMDB

**I love the 2007 version that appeared recently on Masterpiece Theater. Didn't you just love this movie, Meg??? This one stars Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Fredrick Wentworth. *Sigh*

I love this version from 1995 as well. It stars Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Fredrick Wentworth. I love this movie... what can I say?

3. MANSFIELD PARK

"At 10, Fanny Price, a poor relation, goes to live at Mansfield Park, the estate of her aunt's husband, Sir Thomas. Clever, studious, and a writer with an ironic imagination and fine moral compass, she becomes especially close to Edmund, Thomas's younger son. Fanny is soon possessed of beauty as well as a keen mind and comes to the attention of a neighbor, Henry Crawford. Thomas promotes this match, but to his displeasure, Fanny has a mind of her own, asking Henry to prove himself worthy. As Edmund courts Henry's sister and as light shines on the link between Thomas's fortunes and New World slavery, Fanny must assess Henry's character and assert her heart as well as her wit." - IMDB

This is the version that recently appeared on Masterpiece Theater. It is the 2007 version starring Billie Piper as Fannie Price and Blake Ritson as Edmund Bertram.

**This is the 1999 version starring Frances O'Connor as Fanny Price and Jonny Lee Miller as Edmund Bertram.

4. EMMA

"Based on the Jane Austen novel, "Emma" tells the story of a young woman in England who plays her town's matchmaker. When attempting to match up her friend with the Reverend Elton, Emma starts to run into complications, which multiply amongst themselves with cases of mistaken intentions of love, a cast of supporting characters who each love someone else, but Emma doesn't know who loves who, and Emma finally realizing the one person she truly loves." - IMDB

**I prefer the 1996 version of Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma Woodhouse and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley. As foolish of a girl as she is, she is still likable in this version.

This version stars Kate Beckinsale as Emma Woodhouse and just does the character no justice. I wanted to slap her throughout the whole movie.

5. SENSE & SENSIBILITY

"When Mr. Dashwood dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of both practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery Willoughby more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried. But this is a romance, and through the hardships and heartbreak, true love and a happy ending will find their way for both the sister who is all sense and the one who is all sensibility." - IMDB

**The 1995 version starring Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, Kate Winslet as her sister Marianne Dashwood and Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars. LOVE IT!

This version was recently featured on Masterpiece Theater and I loved this one as well.

6. NORTHANGER ABBEY

"Catherine Morland is taken to Bath, England by the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Allen and introduces her to Georgian society. There she meets the social-climbing Isabella and John Thorpe, the handsome Henry Tilney and elegant Eleanor Tilney. After making an impression on Henry and Eleanor's father, the Tilneys invite her to their country mansion, Northanger Abbey. Catherine falls in love with Henry but realizes that love can be fickle and that money - and not just love - is an important consideration in the marriage business. The story is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name, "Northanger Abbey"." - IMDB

I have to admit that this was my least favorite Jane Austen flick. It didn't really hold my interest and I felt that it ended way too abruptly.

Stacy's Movie Corner

SEPTEMBER 2009 - "Julie & Julia"

Some of us ladies from church (Susie, Diana, Jean, Meghan, Krista and I) went to the late night showing of this movie and I have to say that I was very surprised at how FUNNY it was! I really didn't care to see it, but of the two we could see I thought this one would be better so we all decided to go to this one. Susie had seen it and enjoyed it.

I thought we all needed to run out and get a set of pearls to wear when we are together again! HA! It was a really good movie! When the movie let out around midnight all of us were quoting it and doing Julia's signature head bobble and laugh! We soooooo needed a Girl's Night Out! :O) Too bad when Ed goes to 2nd shift... I'll miss out on the fun!

TWO THUMBS UP...

May Movie Reviews by STASIA...

May 2009 - Ed and Garran went to see "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". Ed really liked it, but Garran wasn't as much of a fan.

May 5, 2009 - Ed and I went to dinner and a movie for our 9 year anniversary. We went to see "State of Play" starring Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck and Helen Mirren. Ed had seen the Jolley's at the theater a few nights earlier when he was on a "Man Date" to see Wolverine with Garran and when he saw them later they said this movie was really good! We both enjoyed it!

May 8th or 9th, 2009 - Girls Night Out. Reggie was nice enough to invite me to a GNO with lots of ladies from the CF Ward at church and we all went to see "17 Again" starring Zac Efron. It was a pretty cute movie. I'm sure Eden would love to see it with me! She loved High School Musical (which I have yet to see) and Hairspray!

May 2009 - Ed went to see "Star Trek" with one of his consumers at work and he was surprised at how good it was! He said that you should really see it in the theater.

May 22nd, 2009 - Ed and I had a "Date Night" and went to see "Terminator: Salvation" (#4). I must say it wasn't anywhere near what I had expected it to be! I love Christian Bale as an actor and I've seen the first two Terminator movies as a kid so I was really looking forward to it. The special effects were really good, but the plot line was very juvenile... like something a teenager would come up with. There were also some very cheesy scenes and lines throughout. Neither Ed or I really liked it much. Kind of a disappointment to say the least.

May 23rd, 2009 - Oliver went to see "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" with a friend so I'll have to post his review went he gets back! I'm sure he'll like it since he loved the first one! "It's a tiny bit better than the first one!" - Oliver

"Stacy's Movie Corner"

I rented some movies today after my brother, Chad took me to get my blood drawn and my levels checked again. (He's been great about taking me every week. Thanks, Chadwick!) I seriously checked out about 12 movies to watch since I'm by myself all day long and I'm letting my body rest for once! :o)

One movie I rented seemed like it would be a good, uplifting movie to watch and was based on a true story so I thought I would try it out. As I watched it, I realized that not all movies are created equal! Obviously I realized that before, but... I really felt as if the movie makers were trying to hard. It was definitly a "longshot"! Does that make sense? I mean... first of all, the acting was horrible (bad casting)... the story didn't flow smoothly (bad writing)... and it wasn't believable (in the fact that this girl learned football terms and plays in a short time that seemed like she'd known them her whole life). They didn't take the time to develop the characters and their dealings with one another. I'm sure they tried to do the film justice BECAUSE it was based on a young girl's life, BUT man... they failed miserably. It really left me wanting.

Next, Ed popped in a movie that was very thought provoking as well as moving. It was about a man who had no hope and who had found hope at the end of the movie. ("Henry Poole is Here")The acting was wonderful... it made it seem like I truly KNEW these people and really felt for all of the characters involved. It didn't have to have fast cars, intelligent robots or fantastic explosions to keep my interest. Maybe I felt more connected with the subject matter in this movie as opposed to the previous viewed... or maybe just because the acting (and film making) was phenomenally better! It gave me a better appreciation for the cinema and the whole creative experience. I love watching the bonus features that usually accompany DVD's nowadays. They give the veiwer a glimpse into the film making and casting process that he or she otherwise wouldn't have known about. It was interesting because I felt that the main character's eyes did much of the acting! (They said that in the bonus materials as well.) It was amazing the feeling that I felt just through the look in his eyes. (Luke Wilson = "Henry Poole") I would recommend this movie to anyone! Two thumbs up!

We are all blessed with talents given to us from Heavenly Father. It is evident that Luke Wilson was given the gift of acting and the ability to bring his characters to life. Just some food for thought. :o)

Enchanted by "Enchanted"

I had wanted to take the kids, especially Eden, to this movie while it was in the theaters, but we never got there in time. We bought the DVD just knowing Eden would LOVE it!

She has watched it so many times already. FOUR TIMES IN ONE DAY!!!

Let's Hear it for Leap Year!!!

For all of you who didn't know that I proposed to Ed on Leap Year day 2000... well... now you know!

So, tonight Ed and I celebrated our Engagement Anniversary which only comes around once every four years.

We went to dinner at Mama Nick's Circle Pizzaria and I had the grossest Chicken Alfredo I've ever eaten. (I actually had it in a box to bring home and throw it away... I felt bad, but totally forgot it on the table when we left!

Ed got chicken strips and shared a couple with me. One even looked like a rhinosaurus! It even had the two horns on it's nose! Yes... I HAD to get a picture of it. I felt bad to have eaten him, but that remorse didn't last for too long! I think the second picture shows it better!

Then we were going to see the movie "Juno" again, which was a really good movie I thought, but Ed really wanted me to see "No Country for Old Men", which won best picture at the Academy Awards I do believe. I would have to say for me it was too bloody, but it was a film that made you think. Ed really likes the Cohen brothers so he really enjoyed it. He had gone to it with my brother, Chad, a few weeks ago and they both liked it. Ed said that he understood it alot better the second time around.

It was so nice to go out and spend time together. I was going to send Ed flowers at work today with a note that said, "I'm glad you said yes!", but I thought that might embarrass him, so I spared him the awkward comments for the day!

Also, thanks Mike and Mandy for watching the kids for us! I'm glad they were good for you guys! And don't worry about the pizza episode!!! Hehehe