Category: Philm

Philm – Weekend Matinee/Favorites for a Rainy Day

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I am sitting beside a window covered in a drenching bout of raindrops. The wind is blowing, and it is cold for April. Tomorrow is forecast to be mainly in the mid-40s. Our local weather forecaster reported eleven days out of the past fourteen have been overcast or rainy. Bah! It is a good weekend to watch a few movies.

Two oldies are musicals. There is something about the musical genre that always can cheer me up. The first is, of course, Singin’ in the Rain. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, who I loved in everything she starred in.

The second musical is also a favorite: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I can sing most of the songs from both musicals. Although I don’t know all of the words, I’m a ringer on the first verses and choruses.

Third, I’ve chosen Green Card. There are so many reasons to watch this movie: the lovely and talented Andie MacDowall, the surprisingly endearing Gerard Depardieu, the breathtaking setting of an indoor apartment garden and rooftop, and a good story with a surprise ending. This movie is one of my favorites from the late 80’s/90’s era of sweet romantic comedies.

Enjoy this trio of oldies.

Pheathers and Philm – Weekend Matinee/The Birds

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I have a few favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and one of the top three is The Birds. The film was released in March 1963. It’s hard to believe it was created so long ago. Even though I have seen it multiple times, I still find it engrossing. Writing this review is beginning to beguile me to watch it again. The film is available in many venues and is often available to rent in DVD form in public libraries.

A real-life story about birds behaving badly takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey. We are regular beachgoers in the summer, and Ocean City is one of our favorite spots to visit. Unfortunately, they have a problem with ornery seagulls. The birds have become masters at stealing food from those walking on the boardwalk or sunning on the beach.

Seagulls have victimized my family; although it is funny, it leaves you hungry to have most of your hoagie or french fries stolen right out of your hand or lap. The birds have even learned how to get into beach bags and will drag a bag of potato chips across the sand until it bursts and the contents spill out.

The town has found a way to combat the problem naturally by using predatory birds. The hawks and falcons don’t need to attack any of the gulls or smaller birds; all they need to do is be visible and fly along the boardwalk and beach a few times, and all the seagulls leave for a friendlier boardwalk and beach.

Although having my snacks or lunch stolen by a seagull is extremely aggravating, I still love seabirds. Hearing that distinctive cry of a gull passing overhead always gives me a bit of a thrill. The ocean and seaside are one of my favorite spots in the world.

Philm – Weekend Matinee/Two Romances to Close out February

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A Walk in the Clouds is a movie I can watch repeatedly and always come away from feeling happy. A beautiful setting, after World War II, in California Wine country creates a perfect backdrop. A Walk in the Clouds can be found free (with ads) on YouTube. Take a peek at the Movie Trailer I’ve included to see if it might be a weekend romance you’d enjoy. It is rated PG-13, but a few scenes might be inappropriate for younger children.

I recently rewatched Return to Me on Amazon Prime. I had forgotten what a sweet movie it is, graced with a stellar cast of characters. I won’t give away the plot other than to say it is a wonderful romance. Return to Me is also free on YouTube with ads.

Full YouTube Movie Links (With ads)

A Walk in the Clouds

Return to Me

Program, Pages, and Philm – A Mystery and Romance

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Photograph of Agatha Christie courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

I love mysteries, and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is very good. I recently watched the story for the first time through an Acorn Subscription on Prime Video. The television broadcast was divided into three parts and was very suspenseful. I didn’t figure it out, and that is a very good thing. There were some actors well-known to me and a few new faces.

Miss Christie’s mystery and older versions of the movie have been around for decades. The book was first published in 1939, and a movie, which is free on YouTube now, was released in 1945. Miss Christie was a talented individual, and I am listening to an audiobook biography of her life, titled Duchess of Death by Richard Hack.

The classic Somewhere In Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, is a romance movie for the first weekend of February. I can watch it over and over again and never tire of it. Christopher Plummer, a favorite hero of mine in The Sound of Music, plays a very believable villain.

All of these are fairly easy to find through video subscriptions, prime video, youtube, public libraries, and Hoopla, a free service through public libraries.

Program and Philms – Weekend Matinee/January 24th

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I am one of those people who fall asleep while watching television. I am careful of what I end the day with: no horror, violence, or trash. A way to fill that time is to watch Meerkat Manor. Oh, the joy of watching the victories and the problems of the Meerkats. Flower is the matriarch and a perfect ‘queen’ of the meerkats. I didn’t know much about meerkats before I watched this sweet show. This program is perfect for older children and is available through several cable networks. (Prime Video and YouTube, etc.)

  • As in all true-to-life animal programs, mating, injury, and death are sometimes filmed.

Sabrina, the movie classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, is one of my favorites. Sabrina, the remake starring Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond, is also one of my favorites. Both are wonderful, and I watch each at least once or twice a year. Do you have a favorite Sabrina? I would love for you to leave a comment as to which one, and why.

  • The modern-themed Sabrina has a few romantic situations that might not be suitable for younger children.

Programs & Philms – Weekend Matinee/January 17th

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I had hoped to start a year of Weekend Matinee posts on the first weekend of January, but I didn’t get my act together until today. Most of the films I recommend will be classics; I haven’t gone to many theater movies in the past years.

For television programming, I’m recommending The Way Home. I love time travel shows, and this sweet show on Hallmark+ has not disappointed me. The first five episodes were free, and they entranced me so much that I subscribed to the station. I hope to find more Hallmark programs and movies to enjoy when I finish this series. There was no filth whatsoever in The Way Home. Other than the concept of Time Travel, and I am midway through the second season, I have seen no supernatural scenes or dialogue. Hopefully, the program will continue in the same vein and be suitable for all ages.

I am a bit of an enthusiaist for a classic film released in 1951, The African Queen is a good choice for a weekend matinee. Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart make this movie a favorite of mine, even in my top ten vintage films. During Sunday Morning services, when we sing the hymn, Bread of Heaven, my husband and I will look at each other and smile secretly. Why? Because the song is part of the opening scenes of The African Queen. We always remember the movie when we sing it and, in our mind’s eye, see Katherine Hepburn pumping the organ with her feet. I feel the movie is suitable for all ages.

I didn’t know until researching the movie that a sequel starring Warren Oates and Mariette Hartley had been made in 1977. I’ll have to see if I can find this on cable or through YouTube.

My third choice is a more modern classic, Enchanted April. The first time I saw this movie, I liked it a bit but wasn’t entranced. Now, the total opposite is true, and I revisit the film several times a year. Rose, Lottie, Caroline, Mrs. Fischer, and Melarche have all become so familiar that I almost feel they are my friends. The movie is suitable for all ages.

The three programs/films I’ve listed are available through cable television, Public Libraries, and many online sources.

Pages, Philm & Place – Chester Zoo/England

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I’m reading Our Zoo by June Mottershead. The book tells the story of how the Chester Zoo in England came into existence. Goodreads has some interesting comments from readers who enjoyed the book.

I found the book by watching the six-episode series Our Zoo. The series can be found on Paramount, Hoopla (available free through some libraries), and other streaming services. I enjoyed this adaptation of the true story.

The Chester Zoo is still open in Upton-by-Chester, Chester, England. The website has excellent photographs of the zoo through the decades.

Here’s a short video that looks behind the scenes of the series.

Pages/People/Philm – Legends

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I am near the end of Killing the Legends – The Lethal Danger of Celebrity – by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. The book is excellent, there are many facts included I did know, and several new insights into the lives of all three men of which I was unaware. The book is so well-written you read along at a quick pace. The book has a few photographs, but not many; I would have enjoyed more photos.

As far as the legends are concerned, I was always fond of one, disliked the other, and was a bit ambivalent about the third. My feelings haven’t changed much after reading, and I realize I should always trust my instincts.

ELVIS was one of three films that lured me into a movie theater in 2022. The other two, Downton Abbey – A New Era, and Where the Crawdads Sing were the others. I enjoyed the latter two, but ELVIS was my favorite. Where the Crawdads Sing was a close second, and after I saw the movie, I bought and read the book.

I am reading Chicken Soup for the Soul – Best Advice I Ever Heard, now, and loving it. A few days ago, I read chapter 51 by author Laurie Davies. Her topic was advice she received from a teacher on how to overcome her fear of elementary school recess. “Walk out onto that playground like it’s yours,” the teacher told her. This is advice I sure wish I had lived by in the past when uneasy or thinking myself out of place. Maybe in my senior years I’ll manage to live by her wise words. That brings my thoughts back to Elvis. He owned the stage he performed on, but through most of his career, offstage, he was owned and controlled by others. He couldn’t escape the web they wove, and was, in the end, consumed by the prison of success.

Philm – The Nativity Story

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The blessed story of Christ’s birth never grows old. I watched this again on Sunday. I can’t help crying tears of joy many times throughout this movie. I recommend this every year. It is one of the best, and rarely mentioned in the lists of Christmas movies to watch.

Even the movie trailer imparts a feeling of joy.

Philm – Risen

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I watched the movie ‘Risen’ once again this week. It never fails to move me. The love of Y’shua (Jesus), for men of all races and religions, overtakes every stress and worry I have as I watch. I had to pause the movie numerous times to pray for my family, to praise the King of kings and Lord of lords, and wipe away the tears of love and joy I have for him, and through him.

The movie is violent in places and might not be suitable for younger children. It portrays in detail the brutality of occupied Jerusalem, the horror of the crucifixion, the self-promoting ambition of Pilate, the hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin, and the poverty and oppression that most of the Jewish people lived in.

Spoiler Alert: The last words in the movie, spoken by the Roman Tribune, Clavius, are what most who turn to Jesus Christ feel within their innermost spirit…

“I believe I can never be the same.”

Philm – Resurrection on Discovery+

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBifsyaEmk

This is a terrific new movie made for Discovery+. Hopefully, it will be widely available some time soon. I loved the way the disciples demeanor was changed after the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Pages & Philm – Vanity Fair

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I’ve been watching, and enjoying, an Amazon Prime Original of William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair.

I have also found a free Librivox  recording of Vanity Fair. I’m about to start Chapter One today. I can listen on my tablet as I work at completing odds and ends around the house. Librivox is a wonderful site filled with free audiobooks of public domain works. There are many classics available for your listening pleasure on Librivox. Since I’ve never read Vanity Fair, I’m looking forward to meeting Becky Sharp through the audiobook as well as Amazon’s well-done series.

Philm – Lion/A Portrait of Persistence

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http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNI9o06vqo

The film ‘Lion’ is available now to watch through many outlets. It is a true story written by Zaroo (Sheru) Brierly. The movie is based on the book, ‘The Long Way Home,’ chronicling how Zaroo found his way back home to India from Australia. This movie did not disappoint in any way.

Philm – Young Messiah

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In the past few years, I have not been inclined to waste money on going to movie theaters only to be dismayed at what is before me on the screen. Even the most careful selection often misses scenes and themes in films that I just do not care to see. The ‘Young Messiah’ is a movie I wish I had seen on the big screen. I watched it this past weekend and know it will be a movie I try to watch again at least once a year, perhaps more, much like the movie ‘The Nativity Story.’  Although there are some themes that are not Biblically correct, such as the timing of when Jesus began to bring about miracles; the story is a shining example of good film-making. I read a comment under a review that made me laugh and shake my head in agreement, to not see the movie because of possible inaccuracies of when Jesus began to do miracles is a perfect example of Christian nitpicking. The movie is very uplifting and available through DVD and many cable/On Demand channels at this time.

  • This movie contains several violent scenes that might be upsetting to small children.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVfmdLO2Ui8

Phun & Philm – Sleepovers, Scavenger Hunts and Dragons

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This post is for all the wonderful people who create fun for the little people in their lives. My grandsons love scavenger hunts. It’s been awhile since they have slept over so I wanted to have a special movie night for them. First we’ll barbecue some shish kabob on the grill, then we’ll have a scavenger hunt all around the house. I’ve hidden quite a stash of items in various hiding spots, all with a movie night theme.

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I’ll give each of them a basket, the first clue, and there will be some wild scampering around the house to find the treasures and the next clue.

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I have several movies on hand for them to choose from tonight. One of those is Pete’s Dragon. We all saw it together a few months ago in the theater. It is now available on DVD, and because I loved the story as much as they did, I bought a copy for all of us to share. Disney Films, Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard, the children who play the leading roles, along with Pete the Dragon, do a wonderful job in making this story magical.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPOamb6d_20

 

Phavorites & Philm – McFarland & The Durrells in Corfu

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http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74eJaVQFybI

One of my favorite films this year was McFarland. Released in 2015, the film is still available On Demand, Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD, and other venues. Don’t miss this inspirational true story. Make sure and watch until the very last minute as the original McFarland Cross Country team makes a cameo appearance.

The Durrells in Corfu is another of my new favorites. Episode 1 of Season 1 premiered last Sunday evening at 8:00 on PBS, but you can find it online or On Demand also. I loved the ‘quirkiness’ of this sweet series and can’t wait for more episodes.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHx23I7LNsU

Phavorites – Two Philms and One Series

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I recently viewed two movies on DVD. Both were quiet, thoughtful, and completely satisfying. Cedar Cove, a series on the Hallmark Channel, has also been a nice respite this summer.

“Far From the Madding Crowd,“ by Thomas Hardy, is a beautiful love story. I have never read the novel, but will remedy that situation after watching the movie based on the book. The film was beautiful; the story satisfying and believable.

I loved the ‘Age of Adaline”, a story of a young woman who lives her life without aging. The premise might be way out there, but the storyline makes it all believable. It was interesting to see Harrison Ford in a non-leading man role.

Cedar Cove is a television series on the Hallmark station based on the books of Debbie Macomber. I missed the first two seasons, but was able to purchase the first through Amazon at a great price. Andie McDowell is terrific as the heroine and small town judge.

Philm & Painting – Woman In Gold

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bx3KTGBEaI#t=11

I had high hopes for this film and it did not disappoint. If you savor stories of victory over the establishment, if you feel we should all be reminded of the Holocaust to prevent the atrocities from happening again, and if you cheer for people who persevere even when all the odds are against them, you will LOVE this motion picture. “Woman in Gold” is widely available for home viewing at this time. I LOVED it.

A great article was written by the New York Times: The Woman in Gold.

Philm & Phavorites – Enchanted April and the Guttenberg Library

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“To Those Who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine. Small mediaeval Italian Castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be Let furnished for the month of April. Necessary servants remain. Z, Box 1000, The Times.”

This advertisement for an Italian Castle enchants me and gives me cause to dream. In a dreary, cold winter in England, two ladies, Rose and Lotty, become friends and persevere through many doubts to rent an Italian castle in April. It makes no difference that the book and movie are set in the era between the World Wars, when Lotty opens her window on the gardens of San Salvatore, I am there too.

The first time I was captivated by the story of Enchanted April was through the movie. The novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim, written in 1922, was harder to find. It is available in print again, and is also available free through the Guttenberg Library.

I’ve enjoyed browsing through the Guttenberg Library, searching out old stories and books I read as a child. If you love vintage stories, but can’t find the books you would love to read one more time, search for the title in the Guttenberg Library.

The score for Enchanted April is also beautiful, listen for a moment—