The Lion King

Released on June 24, 1994: Bringing this back to the theaters was one of the smartest moves EVER. I had never seen it on the big screen, so my sister and I took my niece. I feel in love with it all over again, and it was awesome sitting there singing along with the all songs.

I ♥ this movie.

The Way We Were

I love Family Video. It's not too close to my house, so I don't go there very often but I always pick up something fun when I do go.

What I wanted was either The Big Lebowski or Jurassic Park, so I'm not sure how I wound up with Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand. I'm not even close to being a fan of hers. But my first two choices weren't available, so somehow I stumbled onto this.

I recently read a book that took place in the McCarthy era, and I've gotta say that I'm fascinated with that time period. So I think reading the little blurb on the back of the movie box that mentioned that time is what prompted me to pick it up. (I also rented The American President, so at some point I'll be reviewing that as well. Assuming that I get around to watching it.)

Barbra's character in the movie reminded me a lot of what I expect her to be like in real life. Which I'm sure isn't an entirely fair assessment, but what can I say. She's always come across to me as being incredibly political and I have a feeling that Barbra's views are pretty in line with Katie's.

It was mentioned more than once during the movie that her character ironed her hair. And I must admit that I liked it much better in those scenes. (Not sure why "hair" is such a sticking point for me lately!)

I much preferred Robert's character (although I think "Hubbell" has got to be one of the worst character names EVER.) He was a lot more fun, and a lot easier to watch.

Barbra's singing usually doesn't excite me, but I do like her song of the same name. So dramatic.

All in all, it was an interesting depiction of how differing viewpoints and, more importantly, how you deal with those differences can work against a relationship. Makes me wonder how James Carville and Mary Matalin make things work. I guess they must be a lot better at the "dealing" part of it than Katie and Hubbell were.

The King's Speech

I saw my last Best Picture nominee today! This was an excellent movie. It was just slightly dry in some spots, but wickedly funny in others. (Overall, it was excellent.) I can't say enough about Colin Firth's performance. It was stellar. The only other time I've felt so strongly about a nomination was in 2001 when Sean Penn was nominated for his role in I Am Sam. (He lost to Denzel Washington in Training Day, which I still think is a travesty.)

Anyway, between Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, if a movie was just based on the acting alone I think this would be my choice. And I have nothing bad to say about it... I just think Inception was better. And I loved 127 Hours and The Social Network.

Helena Bohham Carter was so quietly good in this movie. I adore her. She is quirky and a fabulous actress. Very deserving of her nomination.

Well, I'm ready now! Bring on the Oscars!!!