The Classics: Adam's Rib

Adam's Rib

When did I get it: I am not really sure but at least four years ago. It was in a four pack with three other Katherine Hepburn flicks (love her!).

What memories/emotions does it ellicit: So, I don't specifically have memories of seeing this movie. I know I've seen it at least once in my life. My dad's parents (who both passed away within the last year) used to watch old movies with us. My most vivid memories were watching musicals with my Grann. I miss them both so much.

Lights, Camera, Action: OK, Sunday afternoon and wanted to watch something low key (that I might possibly fall asleep to but could turn back on after a nap). Need a little strong female influence to help get me motivated to stay strong during this "work-less" time in my life.

After thoughts: So I didn't remember much of this movie so there is a fair chance this was the first time. I really enjoy Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. They have great chemistry in this interesting situation of the film: They play opposing counsel for a case were a woman tries to shoot her cheating husband and her mistress (funny since Katherine was Tracy's long time mistress). I can imagine this was a very progressive movie with the equal rights for women agenda. I think the movie handled it well (with the classic movie use of mild domestic violence of course) and showed that both men and women have their "roles" and can interchanged if needed. I also have Woman of the Year to watch again (which this theme are even stronger). All in all, enjoyable movie. I just love the rich dialogue of classic movies. They don't depend on lighting or mood music or special effects but just personality and words.

Verdict: Keeper (well, at least until I watch the other three films in the pack!)

**TGMGT Seven Six degrees: Oh this is a tough one. (And I needed to use google and IMDB I must confess. And of course - KEVIN BACON. Here it goes: Both Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner with Sidney Poitier (1). Sidney Poitier and Dianne Wiest appeared in The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn (2). Dianne Wiest and Kevin Bacon appeared in Footloose (3). Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks appeared in Apollo 13 (4). And Tom Hanks was already seen in TGMGT in Joe Versus the Volcano (5). Whew!** 

Witches, Pirates, and Mummies OH MY: The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

When did I get this movie: I don't remember exactly when I got it but I do remember having a conversation with my brother about it. I was lamenting about my lack of self-control at buying another DVD--he usually is a voice of reason for me-- and he responded by saying he would have been disappointed if I HADN'T got it... it's that good. :) 

What memories/emotions does it elicit: Besides pure joy?!? I do have one funny memory related to this movie. In 11th grade US history class, we had to do a presentation of some sort (no clue what the topic was -- our teacher was an idiot, like for real). So my best friend, another friend, and I decided to adapt the poison cut scene. My best friend played Buttercup (she had never seen the movie--gasp!) and our other classmate played Vizzini (she had the whole scene memorized)... so that means, you guessed it, I played Wesley -- black mask and everything. It was a pretty amazing. I also can't help but snicker at weddings, especially if the pastor/officiator says "marriage" in a profound way. Speaking of wedding references to PB, as one set of my friends' drove away from their wedding the bride's dad shouted "have fun storming the castle." It. Was. AWESOME. 

Lights, Camera, Action: I have been thinking of watching this movie ever since I saw this list Entertainment Weekly posted this week of the 55 movies every kid should see (before they turn 13). So... now I am. :)

After thoughts: Well Grandpa, you were right. This story does have it all: Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles... Another great movie from Rob Reiner (I think I own only two of his which is shocking). By far my favorite scenes involve Inigo and Fezzik from their rhyming (Anyone want a peanut?), to keeping others in line (You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means), providing life advice (People in masks cannot be trusted), providing phylosocial depth (Who Har You?), giving encouragement (you just shook your head... doesn't that make you happy), seeking their purpose (Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die), and showing humility (Don't worry I won't let it go to my head). I also thoroughly enjoy the Miracle Max part (I'm not a witch, I'm your wife). Oh yeah and there's this love story thing too :). I definitely agree with this movie being on the list of movies kids should watch (though I don't agree with all of those listed, but I digress). 

Verdict: Keeper (duh!) 

**TGMGT: Rob Reiner and Billy Crystal connections with this movie and When Harry Met Sally. 

Witches, Pirates, and Mummies OH MY: The Mummy Returns

Soo, when I went to start my blog post for the movie I was going to watch today (Friday) I realized that I never blogged about watching this -- a week ago. Whoopse.

The Mummy Returns

When did I get it: IN COLLEGE (I know because it has the address label in the front). So that means I got this before The Mummy -- random.

What emotions/memories does it elicit: Other than being the Magic Bag 2, not really many stand out, except that I actually like this sequel better than the original. It was a much more complex story and had a lot more minor characters too (I am sucker for a good ensemble cast).

Lights, Camera, Action: Well, as I mentioned before, I watched this a week ago. I remember it being a hot afternoon and being "tired" from going to a 3 hour training for my PRN job. Plus, the Oceans movies got me in the mood to watch sequels.

After thoughts: This is still my favorite out of the Mummy movies (again, don't own the 3rd because it was crap -- minus adorable Brendan of course). This movie takes place 9 years after the first (even though only shot 3 years later -- love movie magic) and was less distracting on the historical inaccuracy side but still weird that the female characters were "reincarnated" versions of the Mummy's gal and Pharaoh's daughter... Also, the whole having an 8 year old is kind of weird because they just drag him around the world and let him play with possibly cursed ancient artifacts? (OK, I know. My therapist brain is getting in the way). I DO really like this movie. The scavenger hunt part is fun with the son having to build little sand castles so his parents can find him. Plus you get this big bad guy who is his guard (Mr. Eco from LOST! I know, I'm one of "those" people-who-associate-actors-with-characters-they-play). I also enjoy the colorful friend with the dirigible who feared being shot, again. Of course, I have to mention the Scorpion King -- wow 2001, that's the best you can do? I do like that this movie gives meaning to Rick's life and fulfills why he's such as badass (which makes making a third film  insane). Not to shabby for after thoughts, having watched the movie a week ago.

Verdict: Keeper

**TGMGT: Half the cast was in The Mummy, so...**

Witches, Pirates, and Mummies OH MY: The Mummy

The Mummy

How long have I owned it: Um since finishing undergrad but I think it was very soon after (and according to the sticker on the front, I got it for $2.99 -- boom) 

Memories/Emotions: THE MAGIC BAG!! Ok, so the first time (I remember) watching this movie was with a bunch of my friends who were over at my house my senior year of high school. We made fun of the movie RELENTLESSLY and we're especially fascinated by the big bag-o-guns that kept "magically" appearing wherever it was needed. It survived burning boats, dips in the Nile, Mummy-induced dust storms, and countless other adventures. We often made reference back to this movie but only as "the Magic Bag." I even got a graduation present from one of my friends in a brown paper sack with "the Magic Bag" written on it.

Lights, Camera, Action: I keep having these lofty ideas to "WATCH A MOVIE EVERYDAY" but trying to carve out 2 hours to watch movies in my *cough, cough* busy-work-less schedule has been slightly challenging. I woke up earlier that I usually do today and thought, "why not go ahead a watch a movie with breakfast!" So I did. I had already picked out this movie earlier in the week as my last three movies got me in a sequels kind of mood. I will go ahead and dispel your worries as I do not own the third Mummy movie as it was sad and horrible -- but mostly because they changed actresses on me; I don't like that. I will also warn you that Brendan Fraser is one my favorite actors... to look at. He's adorable -- felt this way since Encino Man :) 

After thoughts: Man, I forgot how terribly wonderful this movie is. I was slightly distracted by some of the historical references which I thought might be questionable -- like the whole 10 plagues being a part  of Egypt's history and the Mummy knowing about Hebrew slaves -- made me want to brush up on my Ancient history (or at least check in with my friend Google -- about 44,900 results for "historical inaccuracy in the mummy"). That aside, nothing but good ole fashion fun. I mean what's not to like about a ridiculously clumsy yet beautiful lady being whisked around the dessert hunting treasure by a resourceful, handsome man... oh and there's a Mummy in there, too. Ha! But seriously, I do enjoy this movie though it was a lot longer than I remember it being.

Verdict: Keeper 

**TGMGT Seven Degrees: OK, so I don't remember if I decided I could ONLY use movies I own but I think that is too complicated (and may deter me from watching a movie until I could pick it). So this movie connects to the Oceans (11, 12, &13) movies: Don Cheadle and Brendan Fraser starred in Crash together. (Gotta love Mega-Ensemble-Cast-Movies). 

It's-A-Heist: Oceans 13

Ok, I was on vacation last week. I contemplated taking my DVD player along but opted to just to enjoy the stay. Back to it and finishing off the Oceans flicks.

Oceans 13

How long have I owned it: Like I said in the 12 post, I believe I bought these while I was in Graduate school (around 2008 or 2009)

What memories/emotions does it elicit: I remember going to see this one in the movie theater with one of my friends who was also a big fan of the series. I remember being nervous because 12 was iffy but glad to have those fears squelched. I enjoyed it IMMENSELY. It was a definite throw back to the format of "11" that I had come to love.

Lights, Camera, Action: Like I said before, I have just come home from vacation and family gatherings over the last week and am eager to get back to my project. Especially since this is only my 10th film and I started this a month ago. :) Got a loooong way to go to finish.

After Thoughts: OK, so my memory served me well. This movie returns to the "stick to the man" format of "11" centering on the crew seeking to avenge one of its own -- against a guy who shook Sinatra's hand and should know better. There is a twist in the format as you get caught up with the team midway as they trying to figure out how to modernize their tactics. I love this as it has been 6 years since the first movie and it shows the creators have a sense of humor about how "old school" the crews' tactics were in the first film. But of course, these fellas are pros and know how to make it work (Tim Gun would be proud -- I think). Knowing the ending helps you pick out twists the plot that first viewing you miss. This film continues the witty banter that keeps me smiling. I especially long the relationship woes discussed by Danny & Rusty and the brotherly "love" between Virgil & Turk -- hey, I am a marriage and family therapist after all. Plus, we all know "the nose plays." Love that this one ends very similarly to the first with the crew enjoying their victory together. This movie just makes me smile... and want to take a trip to Vegas. :)

Verdict: Keeper

**TGMGT Seven Degrees: Same cast as Oceans 11 & 12.**

It's-a-Heist: Oceans 12

Oceans 12

How long have I owned it: A while (I think I got 12 and 13 at the same time) probably got it during Grad school

Memories/emotions it elicits: I don't remember the first time I watched this but I remember being disappointed and concerned about future Oceans movies. I still love the characters and will probably have more comments after watching it again.

Lights, Camera, Action: I have plans to finish the Oceans flicks this weekend (possibly tonight, Friday) as I watched the first one the beginning of the week and in the mood for thinky-fun movies.

After thoughts: I think want makes this sequel NOT work is that it has flow issues. It seems disconnected from the essence of the first movie and there are a lot of plot twists with the multiple jobs and competition with the Night Fox. Also, visually this movie it dark, like literally lots of scenes in dimly lit rooms that don't really make sense to me. Ok, so the reasons I still enjoy this movie include continued wittiness of the dialog, the funny scene with Matsui's "lost in translation," and of course the "looky-loo with a bundle of joy."

Verdict: Keeper

**TGMGT Seven degrees: Yeah, pretty much repeat cast from Oceans 11.

It's-a-Heist: Oceans 11

A heist is a robbery from an institution such as a bank or a museum, or any robbery in which there is a large haul of loot.

Oceans 11

How long have I owned it: Long time, no idea. Post undergrad

Memories/emotions it elicits: I so enjoy this movie -- in college when I would watch I would tell my friends it made me want to go knock off a convenience store (cause a casino was waaay out of my league). This is one of those movies you can (and should) watch more than once... and I've even watched it once with the commentary on featuring Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia -- hilarious! Oh and this movie is the reason I love Claire de Lune not the books/movies about sparkly vampires.

Lights, Camera, Action: I had this movie pulled to watch over the weekend but never got to it. (I watched Monday afternoon and just got to finishing this post.)

After thoughts: This movie is so great. I love so many things about it especially the amazing emseble cast -- do enjoy those, especailly with so many good-looking I mean excellent-acting fellas. There are so many subtle nuiances and wit in this movie that make it so fantastic. There are so many things I love about this movie that it is hard to put down without going on and on (probably why it's taken me all week to finish this post). The scene at the end of the movie by the water fountain is probably one of my favorites of all time featuring Claire de Lune (as I mentioned before).

Verdict: Keeper

**TGMGT Seven Degrees: Carl Reiner is father to Rob Reiner who directed When Harry Met Sally.

Text-Book-Chick-Flicks: When Harry Met Sally

Text Book Chick-Flicks: I found this pretty great blog post (found here) about the components of a romantic comedy (rom-coms) including: the Meet Cute; Reflective Friends; the Exit and Chase; and the Speech and Kiss. So for my first offering I pick one of my all time favorites...

When Harry Met Sally

When did I get this: I have nooo idea. I got it after undergrad at least (I put a sticker with my campus address in all the movies I had during college).

Memories/emotions: I've watched this movie so many times I can't think of any vivid memories. I do remember the last time I watched it was like a year ago because I texted a picture of me watching it to my "little" cousin Misty who credits me for introducing her to this flick. She's 10 years younger than me and considering some of the "adult" material in the movie, that makes me laugh.

Lights, Camera, Action: It's Friday night (or was when I watched this/started this entree) and I'm stayin in to watch movies! My last flick got me in a Meg Ryan kind of mood... so I came to this old favorite. Here's the text-book-ness of this one:
Meet Cute: Harry (Billy Crystal) catches a ride with Sally from Chicago to New York; then they meet again on an airplane; and then they meet again in a book store
Reflective Friends: Jess (Bruno Kirby) for Harry and Maire (Carrie Fisher) for Sally -- and funny twist, they get together before H and S.
Exit and Chase: Confrontation at Jess and Maire's wedding over the incident when their friendship crossed the "benefits" line
Speech and Kiss: New Year's Eve and a good one by Harry "I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your fhlife with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Then they kiss after Sally tells him she hates him :)

After thoughts: Dang, I do enjoy this movie. I mean how could you go wrong with Nora Ephron writing and Rob Reiner directing. I consider it the quintessential movie about the dynamics of male and female relationship as it attempts to answer the age-old question: Can men and women be friends? Personally, I think the answer from the movie is yes but that sex and emotional dependence complicate male-female friendships. Without getting to technical on y'all (I am a licensed marriage and family therapist after all), I think emotional connection complicate things and yes, I am "one of those people" who believes that sex is all about emotional connection. But I think one thing this movie handles well is that emotional connections mean something and you can't take them for granted. OK, off my soapbox. This movie is so hilarious -- from the days of the week underwear to being high maintenance when you think you are low maintenance to "I'll have what she's having." I must admit I had a whole new appreciation when Sally has her emotional breakdown as I'll be the same age as her in less than two months and I get it. Well, all in all a great movie experience. 

Verdit: Keeper

**Seven degrees: easier than last time -- Meg Ryan in both this movie and Joe versus the Volcano (and her ex-boyfriend in this movie was named Joe as well...interesting)