**Rerun's Movie Reviews**

[Rerun]

Hope Springs is a good funny movie. 

             

[cariad]

We only use Netflix or LoveFilm for movies and television here - I was told by some authority here that I did not need to get a television license if I used those services.

I think you can watch BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, and the like too. I used to be a staunch supporter of the licence but now think it's redundant, particularly because US folks can see such things as Dr Who and Merlin within hours of me seeing them, and as I sort-of pay for them to be made it irks me a tad!

 

Oh, yes, I watch iPlayer occasionally. I like that it tells you when you need a television license. Have not looked into ITV but will do so when we're more settled.

Americans pay for PBS via their taxes, and some of us choose to support local radio or television privately as well. If you've ever stuck a toddler in front of Sesame Street to get an hour's peace (and who hasn't) then that is funded in part by US tax payers. I think it all even outs, and as Geoff said, viewers would have to pay for BBC America to get most programs over there. When local PBS stations show BBC programs, they are paying to broadcast the shows, it's just the audience gets the channel for free because we've already contributed tax dollars to it.

I do think the tv license is an antiquated system. I get that they are trying to be fair, but the sum is so tiny that they must waste so much just on enforcement. (Geoff, I think it's roughly £12/month and you have to pay it to watch any live television, whether over the internet or on a tv screen. I'd like to watch the news again, so we plan to pay it just as soon as we get a television and more permanent accommodation.) I support public arts funding in all countries, and programs like Dr. Who are so legendary that I'm sure they bring in more cash for the citizens than the tax payers put toward it. (As does Sesame Street)

Funny, when we stayed at the cottage, all I remember are American programs. The kids got really into Food Network shows, especially Cupcake Wars.

[cariad]

Oh, and the real reason I came on this thread - my friends want to go see Les Miz and I said I'd go with them. I so don't want to see Les Miz, especially not now that I've realised that it is 3 hours long. And Russel Crowe is allowed to sing in it, which shouldn't have been allowed to happen. I keep trying to drag Gwyn along for moral support, and he keeps responding Sorry! Girl's night!

I'll go to avoid being a killjoy. I've seen the musical 3 times on Broadway, not even sure why, but I did. Good God, am I going to be bored.

(THREE HOURS!!!)

[Chris]

Oh, and the real reason I came on this thread - my friends want to go see Les Miz and I said I'd go with them. I so don't want to see Les Miz, especially not now that I've realised that it is 3 hours long. And Russel Crowe is allowed to sing in it, which shouldn't have been allowed to happen. I keep trying to drag Gwyn along for moral support, and he keeps responding Sorry! Girl's night!

I'll go to avoid being a killjoy. I've seen the musical 3 times on Broadway, not even sure why, but I did. Good God, am I going to be bored.

(THREE HOURS!!!)

Time to pull out the good old kidney card for this one!

[cariad]

Oh, and the real reason I came on this thread - my friends want to go see Les Miz and I said I'd go with them. I so don't want to see Les Miz, especially not now that I've realised that it is 3 hours long. And Russel Crowe is allowed to sing in it, which shouldn't have been allowed to happen. I keep trying to drag Gwyn along for moral support, and he keeps responding Sorry! Girl's night!

I'll go to avoid being a killjoy. I've seen the musical 3 times on Broadway, not even sure why, but I did. Good God, am I going to be bored.

(THREE HOURS!!!)

Time to pull out the good old kidney card for this one!

"The bearer of this card is entitled to skip your unpleasant, expensive, and/or ridiculously time-consuming social engagement because he or she is now, or has at one time been, in a state of renal insufficiency."
(Gwyn wants one for himself. Partner of cardholder card? )

[Poppylicious]

In America, at least where I live BBC is not free either. I have to pay a cable company to get that channel in would think in turn the cable company has worker out a deal with BBC for licensing. It's not we can buy a TV and just turn it on and get BBC America (that's what the channel is called from my service). When I moved I actually looked to make sure I could buy the package that BBC America came with. I pay $110 a month for my cable TV services and a halfway decent speed Internet connection. And it's only that cheap because I live in a condo and my condo association pays for a portion of my cable and Internet bill out of the monthly dues I pay. In my last house my cable bill was over $200 every month. Just curious how does your licensing system work?  And how much is it?  Like I said I am sure that the cable company pays to show BBC America and other things like TBS, USA any pro football games and ESPN. It is all just passed on to us thru the cable company we choose.  I curious to hear how your system works. THX G.

Ah, see. I just assumed you could switch on your telly and Dr. Who appeared for free.  Silly me!!  I think it costs £12.12p a month ($19.08ish US) and if you watch live telly you MUST have one, or you get sent letters and given a fine. However, we have Sky (satellite) as well so we have to pay for that (but we don't pay the most expensive package) too.

If you've ever stuck a toddler in front of Sesame Street to get an hour's peace (and who hasn't) then that is funded in part by US tax payers. 

I haven't.

Funny, when we stayed at the cottage, all I remember are American programs. The kids got really into Food Network shows, especially Cupcake Wars.

All the programmes we watch on Sky are American. British programmes tend to be shown mostly on Freeview.  And I grew up with American shows which is why I know so much about America and it's ALL true! *grin*

Back to filmage ... my mum saw Les Miserables and she loved it (she cried).  A girl on the bus saw it with a boy and she cried but he didn't.  She was very upset that he hadn't cried. My life would be meaningless without overheard conversations on buses!  I haven't seen it and won't, but that's because I can't stand the idea of sitting in a cinema having to listen to people sing.  I can't suspend reality enough to feel comfortable with musicals on the big screen. They're starting to show recorded bits of The Comedy Store in the cinema and we're MASSIVE comedy fans and love seeing stand-up comedians live, but we're not going to see The Comedy Store because it just feels wrong; if I want to watch live stand-up in a non-live way I'll just buy the DVD, thanks!  The cinema is for films, with people talking and doing crazy stuff, and NOT singing.

 

[geoffcamp]

Ah, see. I just assumed you could switch on your telly and Dr. Who appeared for free.  Silly me!!  I think it costs £12.12p a month ($19.08ish US) and if you watch live telly you MUST have one, or you get sent letters and given a fine. However, we have Sky (satellite) as well so we have to pay for that (but we don't pay the most expensive package) too.

I have never lived in Europe so I wasn't sure what a license meant. That's interesting but it sounds a lot like the US cable company system. You can get some free TV channels usually local stuff and shopping networks that air for free but cover the costs by selling advertising. I don't think I've ever been able to get PBS (public broadcasting company) free on a TV antenna. But it has been a long time since I tried. I love the BBC America channel and have to pay for it but I watch top gear and other programs regularly. How does Internet work where you are?  Pay a company a monthly service like we do here?  My cable TV and Internet are in one package. Makes it easier and they say cheaper. But a decent Internet connection here in the US will still cost you about $40 a month at least where I live then cable programming on top of that so all together about $115 a month for Internet and a premium channel package. Still re-reading to figure out how it works for you. If I understand right a license for BBC TV is around $20 US a month?  It's interesting to find out how things work outside my little world!!  THX. G.

[Chris]

Poppy I can see Dr. Who for free on the telli on our PBS station, but episodes are 2 or more years old and not on a specific schedule due to Masterpiece Theatre interruptions .


Thus having cable with BBC America is essential, plus we then get the real Top Gear show   Along with other original shows copied here in the US and screw it up, ie Top Gear, Being Human, and lets really forget how we tried to do Dr. Who

[jbeany]

Oh, and the real reason I came on this thread - my friends want to go see Les Miz and I said I'd go with them. I so don't want to see Les Miz, especially not now that I've realised that it is 3 hours long. And Russel Crowe is allowed to sing in it, which shouldn't have been allowed to happen. I keep trying to drag Gwyn along for moral support, and he keeps responding Sorry! Girl's night!

I'll go to avoid being a killjoy. I've seen the musical 3 times on Broadway, not even sure why, but I did. Good God, am I going to be bored.

(THREE HOURS!!!)

Time to pull out the good old kidney card for this one!

"The bearer of this card is entitled to skip your unpleasant, expensive, and/or ridiculously time-consuming social engagement because he or she is now, or has at one time been, in a state of renal insufficiency."
(Gwyn wants one for himself. Partner of cardholder card? )

I consider pretty much any time spent watching musicals to be minutes of my life I've wasted and can't get back.  I tolerate only the The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz when it comes to movies with people randomly singing - and those only rarely!

[geoffcamp]

UGH I hate the American version of top gear too. BAD just bad!!

I watched 7 psychopaths and thought it was good!  But I have to watch again to get all the things I missed on first viewing.

[CebuShan]

We went to see "Zero Dark Thirty". I only went because we got paid to see it. My advice: Don't waste your money. Wait for it to come out on DVD. I spent most of the time with my hands over my eyes! Way too violent for me!

On the other hand, a friend recommended a documentary that I absolutely loved! "Searching For Sugarman" was one of the best documentaries that I have seen in a long time. Heartwarming at times and a little bit sad. If you were at all into the Folk/Rock scene of the early '70's, see it!
I would be surprised if it didn't win an Oscar for Best Documentary.

[cariad]

On the other hand, a friend recommended a documentary that I absolutely loved! "Searching For Sugarman" was one of the best documentaries that I have seen in a long time. Heartwarming at times and a little bit sad. If you were at all into the Folk/Rock scene of the early '70's, see it!
I would be surprised if it didn't win an Oscar for Best Documentary.

My friend from Detroit just recommended that documentary to me, and the musician is coming to London or somewhere else close by in June, so we are planning to see him live. She saw him in Ann Arbor whilst waiting for her visa to come through and said it was an incredible experience.

[MooseMom]

"Searching for Sugarman" has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary category.  If you have Netflix, you can watch a few other nominees, namely "Five Broken Cameras" (I've just finished watching this one; very eye-opening), "How to Survive a Plague"  and "The Invisible War".

[cariad]

I consider pretty much any time spent watching musicals to be minutes of my life I've wasted and can't get back.  I tolerate only the The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz when it comes to movies with people randomly singing - and those only rarely!

I'm of a similar mind about them, although I find that I cannot tolerate them on stage anymore, either. My friend is obsessed with the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and we were going to go see it in Birmingham but I have to return to the US instead. I am secretly not that disappointed about that, though sad that I'll miss the chance to socialize with this friend outside of her job managing the charity shop where I volunteer.

I watched West Side Story with the boys before they performed the songs from the musical with their choir. That one was fun to revisit - the songs are to die for, and I am not sure how anyone can resist murderous, dancing gang members. I think I would see that one onstage if the opportunity were there. Russel Crowe in Les Miz, from the 30 seconds I heard him sing in the trailer, was indescribably awful. Gwyn and I don't claim to be great music critics and we both winced - winced - at his bit. I know two people who called Moulin Rouge "the best film". I wish I could report that these people rarely saw films, but actually, I believe the opposite is the case. I haven't seen all of Moulin Rouge because I find it unwatchable. I remember Roger Ebert describing it as "being trapped in an elevator with a circus". (He still gave the damn thing 3 stars!)

my mum saw Les Miserables and she loved it (she cried).  A girl on the bus saw it with a boy and she cried but he didn't.  She was very upset that he hadn't cried. My life would be meaningless without overheard conversations on buses!  I haven't seen it and won't, but that's because I can't stand the idea of sitting in a cinema having to listen to people sing.

This is pretty much the feedback that I've been hearing, that it was just so amazing, but I believe none of it. Not only do I *not* want to see a musical in the cinema, I do not want to hear people who should have been told by now that they are tone deaf belting out light opera. Natalie Wood (West Side Story) and Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady) were dubbed, and I'm sure there are dozens more examples. Use the big name if you must, but don't subject us to what they call singing!

[Poppylicious]

Along with other original shows copied here in the US and screw it up, ie Top Gear, Being Human, and lets really forget how we tried to do Dr. Who

I've still yet to see the American version of Being Human. I get the impression that I'm missing nothing by not seeing it!  There are a lot of programmes which I imagine do well across the pond because they're just so British and they must be terrible when they're Americanised (I do think Being Human is very British in its humour and situations and I assume that's the appeal, likewise with Top Gear.) Likewise there are shows you have which we'd be stupid to try and emulate.  I've said this before on this site, but if you've seen the American version of Life on Mars you MUST see the original British version.  It is far superior.  And actually, even if you haven't seen the American version you MUST watch Life on Mars because it is one of the most amazing programmes to come out of Britain in the last ten years.  Once you've watched Life on Mars you will then need to watch Ashes to Ashes (which concludes the story).  Truly brilliant and rather original.

We saw Warm Bodies today. This is my mini-review of it: Completely and utterly delightful. It was sad, funny, sweet, cutesy, romantic, a little bit gory and a little bit scary. Loved it muchly.

I actually loved everything about it, from the casting down to the compelling soundtrack and everything in between, especially the idea that somewhere in their heads a little bit of the pre-zombie person still exists (which goes completely against the grain of all other zombie films.).  And Nicholas Hoult is becoming a very handsome young man.  I might even read the book now.

 

[lainiepop]

Was coming on here to ask if anyone had seen warm bodies...thanks poppy Hopefully get round to seeing it!

And for the record i agree life on mars and ashes to ashes were great, got me wanting to watch them again now! I didnt know there was an american version of life on mars...cant imagine it being the same without our gene hunt!!

A couple other films i quite wanna see are 'i give it a year' and its not out yet here yet'oz the great and powerful' its a prequel to wizard of oz. And not sure but intrigued by 'beautiful creatures' anyone is US seen any of these are any decent or not worth it??

Got the 5 year engagement on dvd tonight, saw total recall the new one the other night i didnt really get the storyline or enjoy it, neither did my mum, but hubby and dad did. Colin Farrell looked pretty good in it so worth a look for that ladies

I know its been given good reviews but i dont fancy seeing les mis at all!!

[Riki]

A couple of friends went to see Warm Bodies without me.. I was not impressed.. they are talking about seeing Beautiful Creatures now

[Chris]

I have seen both versions of Life on Mars and preferred the british version. PBS though did not run the whole series and I didn't know about the end. The difference To me between the british and american versions of tv shows is that the american versions seem dumbed down as if viewers are less intelligent (granted some are  ). Top Gear here just copies old episodes, yet set in the US with cars available here, has terrible host, and doesn't try to be original. I hope they do not try to mimic Fifth Gear here!


After seeing the doc on Friday, we went and saw Identity Theft with Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman. It was funny, but not LOL funny. Seems Jason Bateman is stuck playing the same type of character in the last few movies he has been in which for me added a sour note. Melissa McCarthy was the funny one in physical and spoken comedy. However the bad guys in the film could have been cut down to 2 or 3 people because the other did not add to the storyline or ending. It was like why was he there?, it did not make much sense and then makes you wonder at the end.

[geoffcamp]

I have seen both versions of Life on Mars and preferred the british version. PBS though did not run the whole series and I didn't know about the end. The difference To me between the british and american versions of tv shows is that the american versions seem dumbed down as if viewers are less intelligent (granted some are  ). Top Gear here just copies old episodes, yet set in the US with cars available here, has terrible host, and doesn't try to be original. I hope they do not try to mimic Fifth Gear here!.

DITTO!!  I usually wait to see movies at home where I can start stop rewind!!  Must be getting lazy!!  LOL. But going to a movie alone doesn't appeal to me!! 

I'm excited and looking for the Warm Bodies title. Is it new in theaters or can I find on Netflix or Apple TV??  THX. G.

[cariad]

God, I cannot stand Top Gear. The hosts are truly odious creatures, each less likable than the last. You mean to tell me that they've found Americans who are even worse?!I shall be steering well clear of that one. (Ha. Top Gear. Steering.)

[MooseMom]

God, I cannot stand Top Gear. The hosts are truly odious creatures, each less likable than the last. You mean to tell me that they've found Americans who are even worse?!I shall be steering well clear of that one. (Ha. Top Gear. Steering.)

You know, back in the 90's, I used to love that show.  It was more for car wonks, and it was really informative.  I don't know why I liked it.  My dad had been really interested in cars, and perhaps that rubbed off on me more than I had realized.

Some years after I had moved back to the States, I was thrilled to see that it was being shown on BBCAmerica, and I excitedly tuned in.  It was a completely different show!  Same people (that Jeremy Wotsit), but a completely different format.  It had suddenly become utterly childish.  I just could NOT believe it!

I would like to see "Warm Bodies"...it has received surprisingly good reviews.

We saw "Side Effects" today, and it was riveting.  I've never been a fan of Jude Law, but in this film he was very very good.  And Rooney Mara played an entirely different character than Lisbet in "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".  Catherine Zeta-Jones was in it also...do any of you UK IHDers remember her in "The Darling Buds of May"?  Anyway, "Side Effects" is a true thriller with an ending you won't see coming.

[MooseMom]

Poppy, have you seen the original Danish version of "The Killing"?  I'm desperate to see that despite although I liked the American version, but I just cannot find it anywhere here.  I've been checking Netflix every month or so, but no joy.
 
And isn't there a new series from "The Killing" people..."Borgen" or something like that?

  (And no, I don't have any fancy pants hulu plus or any other such thing, just Netflix and Xfinity On Demand.)

I wish we could get more foreign TV series over here.

BBCA has been showing ads for "Orphan Black"...anyone over the pond seen that?

[lainiepop]

Geoff warm bodies has just come out here in cinemas in the UK.

Moose mom I loved darling buds of may I remember watching it as a child with my parents. Sometimes they repeat it would love to see it again. I found the danish version of the killing on lovefilm to watch on demand but not sure u have lovefilm in US? Not sure will get round to watching it tho.

[Poppylicious]

MM, I haven't seen The Killing at all, Danish or otherwise.  I'd like to but seem to have missed it.  Haven't even heard of Orphan Black so I had to imdb it.  You're getting it first because it's funded by BBCA ... I look forward to your review! 

And for the record i agree life on mars and ashes to ashes were great, got me wanting to watch them again now! I didnt know there was an american version of life on mars...cant imagine it being the same without our gene hunt!!

The American version is awful.  Blokey managed to watch the whole season but I gave up after about three episodes.  He did make me watch the last ten minutes of the last episode and if you're really interested in how truly awful the whole season it can be summed up in the last few minutes of the final episode.  I found the end here, just for you ... http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3034632/life_on_mars_us_finale/ The biggest problem with this ending (apart from making me laugh) is that they missed out on Ashes to Ashes and the beautifulness that came with it.  The end to that haunts me, making me sad and happy all rolled into one.  The American ending cheated its watchers out of something wonderful.

I was at my mum's last night and finally got round to watching Melancholia (she has lovefilm, I don't.) I enjoyed it but it was exhausting. I'm not sure I could watch it again.  I also kept thinking that it would have been better to have Kate Winslet playing the role of Justine, not least because Kirsten Dunst's accent didn't match her family's and also simply because my mind kept replacing Kirsten Dunst with her to the extent that I could physically see Kate on the screen. Am I the only person this happens to? However, Alexander Skarsgard was hothotHOT.  *sigh*

 

[geoffcamp]

OK. I've seen a few movies lately;

Skyfall. New bond movie. 3 thumbs up. I did not expect it to be good and was very surprised!!  Best in years

Flight. Ditto. Excellent movie. Denzel is an amazing actor with many layers in this.

7 psychopaths. Again very good. But complicated story line a second watch is required!

Hit and Run. Stupid mindless comedy. Rarely funny thumbs down

Alex Cross. It's good but the other Cross movies seemed better to me and Tyler Perry as Alex Cross just did not work for me!  It's decent if you take for what it is and need to pass some time but I say re watch the the other Cross movies, along came a Spider or the one with Denzel playing Cross with Angela Jolie.

That's it for now!  G.