The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

This is one of my favorites movies. Based on true events. And one of Val Kilmer's best performances. Not to mention a beautiful landscape in Africa.

The Ghost and the Darkness are the names given to the lions that attacked. It was 1898 when bridge builder Col. John Patterson joined a team in Tsavo, Africa to build a bridge between Kenya and Uganda. During building, lions were attacking at night, killing hundreds of workers in a matter of weeks. It was making the men too afraid to stay and work. As the killings became more frequent, Patterson requested reinforcements but was quickly denied by his superior in England. One of Patterson's workers called for his own reinforcement, in known huntsman Charles Remington. Patterson and Remington fight off the lions side by side. They learn there are two lions in particular that are hunting together. Lions are independent hunters. "These lions, are not like lions." Together, Patterson and Remington are on a mission to keep their workers safe, and end the terror the lions bring.

The two maneless lions that attacked were shot and killed by John Patterson. It took more than 6 months to build the bridge, than the 4 months originally scheduled. Patterson documents these events in his book The Man-Eaters of Tsavo. Now the lions are on display at The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois. I don't know about you, but I've never seen "maneless" male lions before. In the film they were lions with manes, which I think makes them a little scarier.

I love this film because it's thrilling, suspenseful, with a touch of humor, with some of the greatest actors to portray the legend from 100 years ago.

The real lions

Shrek, The Musical (2013)

It's fortunate for me that live stage shows are now becoming available on netflix. Shrek is a family friendly show. There is something in it for every age! Really fun script similar to the film, with all of our beloved characters. Puss in Boots even makes a cameo!

Shrek The Musical is slightly different from the original film. In the stage version, we get a better understanding of Shrek's background, and even Fiona's time in the tower.

The complex story begins when Shrek's parents think it's time for him to have his own life. In the land of Far Far Away, Shrek finds he doesn't fit in with everyone else, since he is the only ogre among humans and fairy tale creatures. Shrek finds a swamp to call home and lives there, alone. One day all of the fairy tale characters flood Shrek's swamp. Shrek gets upset, finds out that Lord Farquaad has banished them to the forest, and decides to pay Farguaad a visit to get his swamp back. Donkey, becomes Shrek's side kick against Shrek's wishes. Then we learn that Lord Farquaad wants to be King, which means he needs to marry a princess. The other princesses didn't appeal to him, but he set his sights on particular princess, Fiona. She's trapped in a tower, with a dragon guarding her. After meeting Shrek, Lord Farquaad makes a deal with him. Shrek gets his swamp, after rescuing the princess. The journey begins.

Lord Farguaad was portrayed excellently! Sort of a miniature, overly confident Liberace character. He would even address the audience with a more mature sense of humor. Donkey was toned down a little for the younger audience. He becomes an emotional guide for Shrek. Fiona was a more developed character in this portrayal. There is a song she sings in her tower called, "I Know It's Today." It begins when she is a little girl. The little girl sings about her prince arriving today, rescuing her so she can begin her life. The next Fiona is a teenager. Reading fairy tales, still believing her prince will come, today. The next version we see is adult Fiona. She is optimistic yet frustrated. A very funny, charming, and honest young woman in Fiona.

Pinocchio is opinionated and passionate as a sort of leader for the fairy tale characters. The Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood is one of my personal favorites. He makes a really funny cross dressing wolf! The Ginger Bread Man is great to watch, and is as spicy as his original film version. The play also gives a nod to The Cow That Jumped Over The Moon, and Broadway's The Lion King! Very funny!

This play is for youngsters and families. It's for the youthful minded. I enjoyed it, but personally I prefer a more mature, dramatic play. I'm glad I saw Shrek, but once was enough for me.

Capote (2005)

A truly exquisite film. Simple, elegant cinematography, the best actors possible, and a perfectly written screenplay. I can't say enough good things about this film. If you haven't seen it yet, it is definitely worth a look! Young actors might use this Philip Seymour Hoffman performance as a lesson.

Truman Capote was a famous author. He wrote articles, novels, and plays. Among his most famous, Breakfast At Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. The film Capote is a behind the scene's look into Capote's research into the lives of two murderers on death row. After reading an article about a Kansas family that was brutally murdered, Capote arranges interviews with the detectives, police, and even the killers, finding inspiration for his next book. While interviewing the murderers, Capote develops a friendship with one, Perry Smith. In Cold Blood was written as a nonfiction novel documenting Perry Smith's life story, and the murders. This would mark one of the most traumatizing events of Capote's life. This film is a moving depiction of those events.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is perfection. Because of him, this film will be rendered a classic among American Films.

Capote is filmed with the same simplicity as an Ang Lee film. Neutral color palette, minimal musical score, and an honest screenplay. A masterpiece.

"More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones." - Truman Capote

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Not many stories can top Jane Austen. And Sense and Sensibility is one of the best stories ever written. The 1995 Ang Lee film is also difficult to top, since it is one of the greatest films in cinema history. Ang Lee is an award winning director with an eye for excellence. The winner of 3 Academy Awards, Sense and Sensibility is the model of elegance, sacrifice, and love.

Sense and Sensibility is about a family devastated by the loss of their father, Father Dashwood. Since the family is from the father's second marriage, his son from his first marriage inherits all of the property and money, leaving very little money and no house for the stepmother and her three daughters. When the brother Dashwood goes to his family to offer financial aid, his wife talks him out of it. The stepmother and daughters Dashwood move in with extended family until the daughters can be married off. There are a series of ups and downs surrounding the daughters finding love, but in the end everyone ends up where they need to.

This film demonstrates the sacrifices one makes for love, and also the terrible circumstances that can prevent one from what they desire. Courtship and marriage between couples were arranged based on the 18th century standards. One couldn't always marry for love, but for security and class.

The cast is outstanding! Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, among others. Everyone was at the top of their game, but I do have a problem with how the men were portrayed in this film. I'm not quite sure if it was period accurate as to how men behaved, but they were awfully stiff and unnatural. Hugh Grant was especially awkward throughout the film. We've seen him perform better since, I just wish the men had more personality. Although, for the character of Willoughby, it was discussed in the film that his extravagant behavior was not that of a gentleman. Even Alan Rickman displayed more emotion and dimension in his character Col. Brandon.

Otherwise this film is one of the greatest ever made. Definitely worth a look!

Lost in Translation (2003)

This film was a complete surprise for me. I didn't expect what I ended up getting with this one. The way it was advertised implied something less. This is probably one of Bill Murray's best!

The film is about a middle aged actor, played by Bill Murray, who is in Japan to be the spokesman for a product and later do a talk show. This is also a chance for him to take a break from a family life he is unhappy with. In the same hotel is a young woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, who is left alone while her young husband is working all day. These two lonely people run into each other at the hotel and form a friendship. It ends up being stronger than they anticipated, but it is just what they needed. 

The relationship that develops between these two characters is actually tender, sweet, and endearing. These are probably things they are not getting from their marriages, so they seek this with each other. Bill Murray was especially unique, honest, and relatable. There is a certain vulnerability these two share, and when they are together they complete each other.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It's funny at times, but also sweet and heart warming. You just have to see it!

The Iron Lady (2011)

I didn't know what to expect with this film. I didn't know much about Margaret Thatcher other than she was the first female Prime Minister of England, and that Austin Powers doesn't find her attractive! She is actually a remarkable woman who knew what she wanted and didn't allow anything to stop her from achieving her goals. And she is regarded as one of the best leaders in history.

The Iron Lady is the story of Margaret Thatcher. The film begins "present day," her last days before she passed in 2013, and flashes back and forth through her childhood, political education, and her time in office. Through this we learn how close she was to her father, and what motivated her to become a figure in politics. We also witness her struggles as a woman in the 1950's running for a political seat. Margaret had to learn to be sharp and quick tongued to keep up with her male colleagues. Her ambition would finally pay off when she was asked about running for Prime Minister. She was quick to assume that position would never see the likes of her, but she would be wrong.

Meryl Streep always delivers her best in any role. Playing Margaret Thatcher is definitely one of her best. This role won her an Academy Award, which is well deserved. Jim Broadbent plays her husband. Their relationship is sweet, and well balanced. He was attracted to her ambition in the beginning, and was proud of her success.

This is a great film for many purposes. It is portrays Margaret Thatcher well, with great respect. I received a great education from this.

What To Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

I was just sitting at home, waiting on laundry, when I came across this film on Netflix. I didn't expect what I ended up getting.

What To Expect When You're Expecting was not only funny with a star-studded cast, but also honest. It's a film about a collection of relationships; one couple is adopting, another have been trying to conceive, and for others it was unexpected. The film is as up and down as I'm sure pregnancy is. A very touching set of stories, and a hilarious, masculine outlook on the idea of parenting.

The cast was very impressive with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, and more. Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lopez deliver competitive performances exploring the emotional journey of pregnancy versus adoption. These two were the most moving for me.

Anna Kendrick was a surprise. It is apparent that she is very talented, and really knows how to charm her audience. We will see many more great things from her.

I felt Rebel Wilson was a bit unnecessary. Friends with Elizabeth Banks' character, Wilson plays a southern girl, not too intelligent, but supportive of her friend. I found her a bit unnecessary. She is like a female Chris Farley, only good for a certain brand of humor.

My favorite group of people in this film, were The Dudes. Four Dads with babies strapped to them while they walk through the park together, pushing strollers. Their outlook on their marriages and parenting are funny, quirky, and honest. They all had one thing in common, they all aim to be great fathers.

Bring tissue for this one! There will be tears of sadness and joy!