What to watch

I am the reigning queen of watching movies at home.

I love movies.

It's the perfect way to escape the everyday, and lose yourself in another world.

In fact, I've watched lots of movies lately. So today I'm sharing two good ones that I think you should watch too. Well. If you want. I won't pressure you.



 
'A Little Chaos'

I freaking love Kate Winslet. If you don't love her, don't say anything bad or I will be forced to sit you in the naughty corner.

Now. I loved 'A Little Chaos' so much I watched it twice in two days. That's how beautiful it is.

Set in the 17th century, it's a British period drama (don't let that turn you off, I love period films, Matt doesn't - and Matt loved it too, happily sitting through both screenings) telling the story of Andre le Notre, who was considered the greatest landscape architect of the time. He co-designed gardens at Versailles as well as Tuileries in Paris.

The rest - well it's fictional, but if you're happy to get led up the garden path, it's a beautiful story, and it's romantic too. And who couldn't do with a little extra romance these days?

Cast full of great actors, it's good entertainment. Well in my book it is.




'Big Eyes'

Now - this is based on a true story. Directed by Tim Burton it's the story of American artist Margaret Keane - famous for her paintings and drawings featuring obscenely large eyes. 

Margaret and her daughter are at an outdoor art show selling drawings when she meets her soon-to-be husband, Walter - who's his selling Parisian street scenes.

Margaret's husband, Walter, takes the credit for her paintings in the 1950s and 1960s - and without giving away the punchline - it's pretty fascinating and sad. 

If you want more - you can read this TIME article (spoiler alert, it tells you much of the movie).

Amy Adams is wonderful as Margaret Keane, and the film itself makes for compelling viewing. (I love this shot of the artist Margaret Keane, seen with Amy Adams on the set of 'Big Eyes').

Have you seen any great films lately?

Taylor Swift is my home girl

Have you seen this yet? 

I've got it on repeat. I am addicted. The song is great. But combined with the film clip? 

KILLER! 

It's like a mini-film. Genius. Taylor just keeps getting better and better. And this clip makes me want to take up some kind of martial arts. 

Plus the Mariska Hargitay cameo is pretty bloody awesome. Watch out for her. I love that woman. 

A Royal Night Out:: Review

I was lucky enough to enjoy a sneak preview of A Royal Night Out last week. I was really, really excited, I'd watched the trailer and it looked right up my alley.

And it was right up my alley. And my street. My boulevard. My avenue. It was right up there.

Based on the true story of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret being allowed to go out into public on 8th May 1945, VE Day, it's embellished, to great effect. 

Imagine this, six years of horrific war, food rations, bombing, general gloom and doom. And the two princesses concoct a fantastical ruse to convince their father (King George VI, played by Rupert Everett) to allow them out to hear how the public responds to his victory speech. 

It works and they are allowed out, incognito - to dance at the Ritz with a strict curfew to be home by 1am. 

Princess Margaret (played by Bel Powley), quipped with all the best lines, is wide-eyed and hilarious; Princess Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) is considered, incredibly beautiful and navigating her world as an ordinary young woman in the midst of huge on-street celebrations. 

They jump from the Ritz, to 

It's fun. Innocent fun. It's such a fun movie, nostalgic and lovely I came out positively buzzing darlings! It's feel good, fanciful film that was so right for me to escape into.  


My rating? See it! It's light-hearted, whimsical, and an adventure on another scale. Plus it's funny! 

I give it three and a half stars. 

A Royal Night Out - in cinemas from May 14.

Love Film? Watch This

This is so watchable. Nine kisses. I loved it. Watch it now and report back.  

Three Movies for the school holidays: Home, The Book Of Life, Cinderella

A couple of weeks ago we had the happy fortune of taking the smalls to a preview of upcoming DreamWorks release 'Home'. And yet here's a picture of me with the lead character. Awkward. 

With the voice skills of Rihanna, Steve Martin and J-Lo, I really had to check it out for myself.

It was funny. It made me laugh.

"It was great. My favourite bit? All of it." - The Doctor, 9.5 yo
"Yeah, I liked it." - Tiny, 7 yo. 

My outtake? I think it's good for younger kids. Younger than my kids. It's a simple storyline. It's funny. But it's not something I think my kids or I want to see again. 

I give it 2.5/5 stars. 

"The Book of Life" was something I was not that excited to see. But we went anyway - and I am ever so glad we did. 

It is freaking brilliant. 

The graphics are enchanting - old-school meets new-school. The story is wonderful. The whole she-bang is ace. And hello people - Channing Tatum's voice is in it. HELLO! 

It's complicated, dark, sad, happy, scary, bright, funny, belly-bouncing funny, I can't say enough good stuff about it. Plus you go for a tour through Mexican history. It's colourful and wacky, and I know you are going to love this as much as I do. 

And it's got Ice Cube. And Biz Markie. And all the goods. Honestly. I am going to buy this movie when it comes out. SO SO GREAT!

How many stars? Give it ALL THE STARS! 

So Matt and I got to go on a date to see 'Cinderella' at the State Theatre. It was pretty darn special. 

Introduced by Cate Blanchett herself, the film was every inch eye candy, staying true to the traditional storyline, and with Blanchett playing a hideously wonderful wicked stepmother. 

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, it's every inch theatrical as you'd expect - and Helena Bonham Carter is delightful as the Fairy Godmother.

I'd recommend this for older kids (6+) because the littlies in the cinema were restless people. And they were kicking the back of my chair. I know this because they were kicking my chair. 

How many stars? 4.5 out of 5. 



Have you seen any of these films? Did you love them or loathe them?

The Incredible 'The Imitation Game'.

I took myself off to the movies on Saturday afternoon - which is a rare treat indeed. A solo movie jaunt, and no one to share the popcorn with. Actually, if you must know, I didn't have popcorn. I had a choc top. It's almost compulsory to do so.

I've really, really wanted to see The Imitation Game since it first hit the big screen. 

Benedict Cumberbatch.

Keira Knightley.

And a little-known story (war altering) about WWII. 

A film about the incredible mind of Alan Turing. The creator of the world's first computer.

Honestly, since watching this, I haven't stopped thinking about it. There's so much to contemplate. To digest. To mull over. 

You know those movies when you come out and feel like you really need to chat with someone about it, to debrief? This, for me, was one of those. 

From the performances of Cumberbatch and Knightley (and everyone else) to the true story, my mind was completely blown. It was beautiful, incredible, funny (in some parts) and so hauntingly sad.  

If you've seen it, I'd love to know what you think! 

How great is this? Cinderella. And Cate Blanchett. And Helena Bonham Carter.

A couple of months ago I was at a friend's farewell - and I was chatting to this man at the bar (just chatting people, I am a married woman). 

It was hours later (and a few drinks too) when I caught sight of that man's shirt, and realised he was sitting next to the luminescent Cate Blanchett. And then I connected the dots, in a belated fuzz and realised it was none other than Andrew Upton.

Anyway - that story is totally irrelevant except for the fact I wanted to tell you how beautiful Cate Blanchett is in real life. Like really, really gobsmackingly beautiful. 

So on with this post - how great does this look? I am not usually in to movies like this, but this?!??! 

Cate Blanchett is the Wicked Stepmother. Helena Bonham Carter is the Fairy Godmother. Directed by Kenneth Brannagh. BE STILL MY BEATING HEART. 

If you want me, I am busy googling when this is coming to Australian screens. 

Movie Review: The Little Death (Australian film)

Matt and I really love watching movies together. And since it's a rare day indeed that we get to go to the movies together - we're avid DVD watchers. 

It's well documented how much I love Australian film. And I really love funny Australian films. So how perfect, I thought - to share my review of this Australian film on Australia Day. BOO YAR! 

The Little Death (a reference to the French term for orgasm 'la petite mort') is big on laughs. In fact it's so big on laughs, I had to replay many of the moments because they just made me laugh. Not just haha, but belly laugh laughs. Like achingly funny laughs. 

A comedy about sex, love, relationships and rounded out by taboo, it's the kind of film you'll recommend to your friends in dire need of some laughs. It's not a shy film, by any means, which makes it all the more real, and a catalyst for conversation. 

Written and directed by Josh Lawson and nominated for six AACTA Awards in 2014, the cast is quality - a whole host of familiar faces, playing complicated, realistic and crazy-normal people. 

I have so many favourite moments from this film - and the trailer gives you a pretty succinct slice of what it's like - the whole way through. Fast paced, cracking and funny. My absolute favourite slice of the film features TJ Power as Sam who is hearing and speech impaired, calling up a sex call worker. Seriously funny and poignant too. 

I give it 8 stars!

The Little Death is now out on DVD and Blue-Ray. 

Tak3n:: Review - HELLO LIAM!

Last night Matt and I got the rare opportunity for date night. 

These are rare as hen's molars. Seriously. 

So when my Mum offered to babysit, we swung into action. 

But I have to confess, when I was first invited to see Taken 3, I was a little dubious. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved Taken - oh the stress! On the edge of my seat, scared, worried, my goodness, it really kept me glued. This time set in France, daughter gets kidnapped on a trip with her BFF, CIA operative Dad flies to her rescue. But not without a whole lot of twists and trouble.

Taken 2 - Liam really has bad luck - and again, it was quality viewing. Set in Istanbul, it was a snapshot into the unknown, and those action scenes - yowsers! 

But a third go at Taken? Really? 

REALLY! Go see it. It's awesome. I think Matt still has grip marks on his arm where I was squeezing him so hard. This time set in the US, starring Forest Whitaker, the story takes an unexpected twist and is as riveting as ever. But I'm not giving the storyline away. 

Co-written by Luc Besson (director of The Professional), reigning king of  who yet again creates a totally watch-able, action-packed, beautifully executed, crazy, amazing film that stands on its own in the Taken franchise. He has your heart pounding, your brain racing, and you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat. 

And then there's Liam Neeson. Ahhhh Liam. Supremely watch-able, he kicks some serious ass as Bryan Mills. There's no denying that he's good. But he's not just good. He's ace. 

I totally recommend seeing Taken 3. You'll like it if you like: any of the Taken films. Liam Neeson. Luc Besson. Ass-kicking action. Fight scenes in y-fronts.


Taken 3 - opens in cinemas Thursday 8th January.

Paddington. Paddington. Paddington.

Have you been to the movies these holidays? 

We went to watch Paddington today - we got there early to avoid the crowds. We got there at 8:47am. The cinema wasn't even open, and the movie didn't start until 9:40am. Oops.

But the film was brilliant. 

Beforehand we had had a family vote on which movie to go to. 75% of our family wanted to see Paddington. 100% loved it. Not bad stats, right?

It's delightful, it's fun, it's funny, and Ben Whishaw (of Bright Star fame - another of my favourite all-time films) voices the bear himself. 

Nicole Kidman is fabulous as the villain. Sally Hawkins plays the part of a warm mum. Jim Broadbent is kooky as ever.

From darkest Peru to the hustle of London, Paddington finds a new home and a new family amidst a huge adventure. And the underlying story? It's the story of a bear misplaced, who struggles to fit in to his new found home.

Seriously great fun for the whole family. 

Not sponsored. Just 100% dug this movie and I think you will too. Go see it for yourself. GO! 

Movie Review:: The Boxtrolls

The Doctor and I went on a date together these school holidays. He wanted to see The Boxtrolls.

I was a little reluctant. The Boxtrolls was created by the same makers who did Coraline - which I found freaky deaky and Paranorman too - which I loved. Quirky and SERIOUSLY INSANELY WONDERFULLY CLEVER!! In the interests of spending time with my 9 year old son, and finding delight in something together, we went - choc top and popcorn in hand.

And we loved it. We both really, really loved it.

The workmanship that's gone into producing the film is astounding. It's mind-bogglingly beautiful and intricate. 

Combine that with a really enchanting storyline, and you've got yourself a winner. It's one of the best children's films I've ever seen. Like. Ever.

The story is incredible, but just as interesting is the behind-the-scenes action. It's a work of art. 

Click below to blow your mind. 


The story is beautifully simple, a boy - Eggs, is orphaned and raised underground by the boxtrolls, who collect rubbish to create crazy masterpieces. The trolls are targeted by a bunch of exterminators and Eggs steps up to defend his family.

It's such a great film - I can't recommend it highly enough. There's a good VS evil storyline - a little bit of darkness, but it's a delicate mix of rollicking good storytelling combined with incredible stop motion goodness. 

Looking for something to do these school holidays? Definitely take your kids to see it.

This Way Of Life:: Have You Seen This?

Have you ever seen this documentary? If you haven't, you totally should. It's beautiful. 

It's a film about a family in New Zealand who live an incredible and simple life. Two quietly intelligent and articulate parents Peter and Colleen Karena , six incredible children, lots of horses, an amazing landscape. 

I've seen it a couple of times and each time have been captivated and inspired by the simplicity of the family's life. The closeness of the family, their ability to live such an amazing life, honestly, I can't even summarise how great it is. Just watch it. 

Filmmakers Sumner Burstyn and her husband Thomas Burstyn shot for four years with the family, in which they faced immense hardship, disappointment, grief and devastation. And yet every time they rise above it and 

It's on iView at the moment, and I just wanted to give it a shout out. 

The Grand Budapest Hotel:: Clandestine Film Watching

Last night I got home - and the house was a bomb. 

I felt pretty angry. That's actually an understatement. This has been percolating away for a while. 

So 20 minutes after walking in, I walked back out. 

I felt pretty guilty. But also pretty angry. I am sick of being the only one to tidy things away because everyone's taken the "it's not my stuff" posture - so they just leave it. 

What did I do? Well, what is one meant to do when you have steam coming out your ears and no where to really go?

I went to the movies. With no movie in mind, I just had to pick one based on the time I arrived, and whatever was showing. Thankfully it was The Grand Budapest Hotel. PHEW!

Because my friends, watching that film? Magical. 

I kept sitting there reminding myself that Wes Anderson is a freaking genius. Everything is perfect. And perfectly quirky and wonderful. There are so many shots I wanted to photograph in my memory because they were a beautiful play of colour, a riot really. 

I've thought about it all day, and looking on Pinterest has reminded me of so many great moments, I can't wait to watch it all over again. 

Honestly, it's one of my all-time favourite films now, straight to my top 5. And maybe even my favourite Wes Anderson film.

The casting is brilliant. 
The costumes are superb.
The sets incredible.
Everything is sublime.

Have you seen The Grand Budapest Hotel? And did you love it as much as I did?

I Can't Wait To See This

Mainly because I really love Adam Driver. But it looks pretty amazing. 

I Actually Saw A Movie For Grown Ups. At. The. Cinema.

It's groundbreaking news over here at Chez PMM. I actually saw a real, non-animated, non-child oriented film at the cinema. 

Shut the front door.

I don't even remember the last time Matt and I got to do that together.

But today we had some stolen time and we headed off after a chaotic morning - when *someone* forgot their library bag and resulted in an additional 1/2 hour of running around. 

Everyone knows that time speeds up once you drop the kids off at school - and those few hours go like the clappers. So being waylaid a good half an hour wasn't ideal. 

Thankfully we hooted into the carpark, got a park, power walked with the best of them, got to the counter in record time - and … UH??? 

Her was not playing until 12:30pm? 

WHA?

I was so pumped up to see Joaquin. Matt was so pumped up to see Joaquin (and probably hear Scarlett Johannsen's voice). 

And it wasn't on as listed. WAAAAAH!!

We went to 12 Years a Slave instead. Totally different pace. 

Not since The Pianist have I sobbed so loudly. 

It's incredible, eye-opening, though-provoking, beautifully shot, heart wrenching, full of great sadness, and I don't even know how to tell you - I feel so depleted, questioning humanity. And at the same time, I am so very glad I watched it. 

Have you seen 12 Years a Slave? 

The Great Gatsby:: And The Countdown Is On

 

It's no secret - but I am so super excited about The Great Gatsby. Super. Duper. Excited.

I love Baz Luhrmann's films (well, except Australia, I didn't love that). So embellished, visually rich, well directed, and dense. You can watch his films a few times and still have something to chew on.

The sets, costumes, everything - all so lavish and luxe. Aye aye aye. I am so excited. It's been a long wait - not many sleeps to go (opens May 30).

I'm  going to organise a babysitter, take my man-friend and go watch this cinematic masterpiece, because I JUST CAN'T WAIT!

I love The Great Gatsby. I hope it does F. Scott Fitzgerald's book the justice it deserves.

Carey Mulligan:: The Great Gatsby. Give Me Some Sparkle. And a hairbrush

So the Sydney premiere of The Great Gatsby was tonight. And it rained. Boo hiss to the rain.

But while it was raining, and I am all for comfort, what happened to some good old fashioned razzle dazzle for the red carpet?! I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. Like girlfriend could have done so much more than this. Even with a tracksuit. Not even one bit of sparkle?! Come on Carey! It's the red carpet. We've been waiting for this for months!

I am quelle disappointed.

Good Movie - Good Cause

Between now and February 4th, hotfoot it to Hoyts and watch Oscar nominee Naomi Watts and UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor in The Impossible.

Why?

Because for every ticket sold, $1 from each ticket sale will be donated to UNICEF Australia. 

That's a pretty good wicket!

Some background, if you please:

The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami was one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in history.

UNICEF was on the ground to support children and their families immediately after the wave’s impact, helping to distribute basic food and health supplies as well as caring for children who were separated from family or orphaned. 

The Impossible is based on the true story of one family’s effort to survive this unforgiving disaster.

Movies You Should Watch. Yes. You Should. And One You Shouldn't.

There has only been one bad film I have (barely) watched of late and that was Ted. I can't even blame Matt for this film choice - I saw the trailer and thought it looked hilarious, but, well, turns out they jammed all the funny stuff into the ads, and the rest was unfunny gaff. Don't borrow it.

The worst thing was I forgot to return it to the DVD store the next day (yes, I still do that) and had to pay a late fine. Matt kindly told me that I was just merely doing a civil duty by ensuring no one else could hire it.

Sorry Marky Mark - Ted was totally wrong dot com. DO NOT WATCH!

Now that I have that off my chest, here are some films you might just want to check out:
1. Les Miserables:: I've said it once and I'll say it again, I love Les Mis. And this didn't fail. Though I was wary of Amanda Seyfried (am I the only person that didn't rave about Mama Mia?) she has the voice of a songbird. And Anne Hathaway - yowser. Plus I have a crush on Eddie Redmayne. I give it: 4/5

2. Wreck-It Ralph:: We took the smalls to see this, and it's safe to say - the whole family loved it. The outtake? It's a bitch to be a glitch. Sarah Silverman is AWESOME! I give it 4/5. 

3. Hysteria (on DVD):: I adore Maggie Gyllenhaal, and she does not disappoint in this - with Hugh Dancy (phwoar). Literally a laugh out loud film, you must watch it. It gives the history of the vibrator in a hysterical story. I give it 4.5/5. I loved it that much. 

4. The Intouchables:: Whoa Nelly. This is one of those films that will have you laughing, crying and re-evaluating your life. Watch it, love it, and then watch it all over again. I loved this life affirming movie SO much. I give it 5/5. 

Have you watched any good films of late? 

The Great Gatsby:: A DELAY!

Crumbs! Word on the street is that Uncle Baz has pushed back his film until later in 2013.

Such a bummer. I was waiting for Boxing Day to go see this beauty of a film. Now I have to wait even longer.

At least the wait is going to be worth it. Those costumes! That cast! I know it's going to be amazing.

Any excuse to post these beautiful images is fine by me. SWOONING!