Tuesday, May 1

Let's All Go to the Movies....

Last week, I saw 3 movies: the ones shown here, plus Medea's Family Reunion, an older DVD that my boss has been recommending to me for a year. He said it was really funny; I found it less so. I learned later that what he saw was a regular movie, and what I happened to rent was a film of a stage play. The action all took place in one location. That limited it somewhat, I guess. I am sure that the movie would be better and more humorous.

The History Boys was adapted from a play which received a Tony award on Broadway. The movie features the original play's cast. I thought it was an excellent film; well-acted and thought-provoking. There is a heavy theme of homosexuality and much of the language pertaining to it was gratuitous and crass. I found it off-putting. In this play, teachers say four-letter words in class. Perhaps that happens nowadays (when I was in school, it would have been unthinkable). It takes place in England, and concerns a group of boys who are about to do their college interviews. Two teachers coach them, each one with a vastly different approach to the task. This one is well worth the time to view, if you can handle the language.

The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, is wonderful. She is wonderful. Everything she has ever been in is wonderful, and this is no exception. The movie begins as Diana has been injured in an accident; the one that ultimately kills her. It concerns the aftermath of Diana's death, the reaction to it by people the world over and the apparent non-reaction by the royal family. I don't know how much of this movie follows what really happened in real life (other than what we can glean from news reports of that time). It is a fascinating glimpse into royal life and "keeping a stiff upper lip". Perhaps some bloggers from the UK can shed some light on the truth (or not) of this movie. I was struck by the attitude of Prince Philip toward Diana, which was hostile, to say the least (at least it was in this film).

18 comments:

Diane Mandy said...

I've been thinking about renting the Queen. It sounds like a great movie!

srp said...

I think the Queen would be a great movie, it was completely checked out at Blockbuster.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh you saw some wonderful films, Judy. And ALL so different. I do believe the first one is much much better as a "Film" as opposed to the filmimg of a play. It is my experience that this almost never works in the way it did when seen 'live' in the theatte. BUT, opening up the action when done as a film...well, I think you would have enjoyed it much much more.
About THE QUEEN, I believe they were as faithful as possible to the truth of what happened...Given that all the other principals are still living, and one being The Queen Of England, there was, from what I understand, a reall committment on the part of everyone--Writer,Director & Actors and Producers, to be as honest as possible. I though Helen Mirren was quite extrordinary!

Peter said...

Hi Judy, did Helen Mirren manage to keep her clothes on while making "The Queen"? she has rather a habit of turning up nude in most of her films... Who's complaining?

Anonymous said...

Ooooooh...I loved history boys. We had to watch that one for one of my queer theory classes.

I really want to see the queen. I adore Helen Mirren and everything she does. Glad to hear someone else say it was good everyone else said it was boring but I guess it just becomes harder and harder for most people to sit through movies with intelligent plots.

Anonymous said...

I want to see The Queen. It's on my netflix.

Bobkat said...

I've not seen any of these movies but I have heard good things about the Queen from good sources and now I can add your recommendation to the list.

Anonymous said...

I saw both The History Boys and the Queen and liked them both a lot.

Jamie Dawn said...

I really want to see The Queen. I'm sure I will like it.
I saw Mirren in a mini-series about Elizabeth I, and it was really good. The executions were over the top graphic, but overall the movie was really good.
I saw Madea's Family Reunion. It has its funny moments and poignant moments. I'm sure it's more enjoyable than what you saw.
I'll skip the other one you saw.
My daughter has a college prof who lets the F-word fly in class.

Pat said...

I saw the original play 'The History Boys' and it is near the knuckle but I appreciated the acting.
I also loved 'The Queen'. I did not like the portrayal of Philip. He had nothing of his charm and humour. I believe he was quite kind to Diana but she was - at times - a thorn in their flesh although I did have sympathy with her.
And the only criticism I have of Helen is one tiny detail. She stomped slightly which the Queen does not do.
Stomped- walked heavily.

Carolyn said...

I wanted to see The Queen in person at Williamsburg this week, but alas, my carriage and trusty steed are on loan ;) Seriously though, I would have loved to be there! And I want to see this movie too :)

Carolyn said...

Forgot to mention that I posted your interview questions today :)

Anonymous said...

Hi this is Bev's (Lacoochee Kid) daughter... her computer apparently lost a file for Windows (don't really know how computers lose files...) So she hasn't had one to use except mine and she has only been checking email. She made it home safely from VA.

Anna said...

I loved the Queen...Helen Mirren did a wonderful job playing the Queen. :)

rosemary said...

Well I'm a poop...I haven't seen any of them...but I do want to see The Queen....I think Helen is a fabulous actress...and she is at a nice age to be receiving the awards she has....I need to sit down and do some serious movie watching.

Man Named Kim said...

The Queen. I will see that one. Thanks for the review and the reminder...

Craver said...

This review on the weekend I bring home an 8 week old puppy. eesh.
I'll add them to my netflix list, but it's going to be awhile before I can sit down for 2 plus hours without interruption.
(If I sound like I'm complaining, I take it back!!!)

Marie said...

I have The Queen in my Netflix queue... looking forward to it!