When I discovered Moone Boy, I found the answer to everything I'd hoped for in a series, considering my love for things Irish! It is the story of Martin Moone, a boy growing up in Roscommon, with three scary older sisters and a helpful imaginary friend named Sean Murphy. As the series continues, wonderful new characters come into the picture: Padraic, the comical best friend; Dessie, the church musician and love interest for older sister Fidelma; the Bonner Brothers and their hapless dad; Granddad Moone, who used to be a musician in the old days; the parish priest, who is a very nice guy, but harried; the mom's slutty friend; and a family of travelers which includes Martin's love interest. This show just gives and gives! And I LOVE the opening song, "Where's Me Jumper?".
Reviews
12 Reviews
Under the Greenwood Tree
(2005 TV Movie)
A thing of beauty and wonder
17 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
On a chill Christmas Eve, a young woman rides into the English village of Mellstock. Miss Fancy Day (Keeley Hawes), who has been educated away, has returned to the village to help take care of her ailing father.
As the beautiful new schoolmistress, she becomes a focus of fascination in Mellstock. Not only is she the new teacher, but her presence threatens to shake the old order in Mellstock. The parson plans to replace the old men's choir, by Fancy's playing the modern new Harmonium in church, much to the villagers' surprise and consternation.
So, excitement over Miss Fancy Day begins! Not only does she disturb the choir, but she becomes the focus of the attentions of three men. Her father has groomed her to marry well. His eyes are upon sturdy, wealthy Farmer Shinar (Steve Pemberton) as her suitor. Fancy knows of her father's enthusiasm for Mr. Shinar; still his gruff, business-like proposal comes as a shock to her, but she promises to consider it.
Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) is another suitor. He is handsome, well-bred, and educated; but his lofty, intellectual airiness is so indirect, that Fancy doesn't realize his feelings for her.
It is with the young Dick Dewy (James Murray) that Fancy becomes friends. He comes from the lively home of the humble carrier, bustling with kids, and dogs, and friends who encompass the choir. His heart is taken by Fancy that first Christmas Eve, and he endeavors to win her by bettering himself. He also puts his best foot forward, by boldly venturing a kiss (not a bad move, considering he is devilishly handsome!). But Fancy's father vigorously objects to him.
Fancy is put into a predicament, trying to decide which path to take. The charms of the English country village are the background for this tale. The film moves through each season's music, work, and festive rites, as the story of Mellstock, and how Fancy becomes a part of it.
This film comes from Thomas Hardy's lovely homage to the English countryside. Under the Greenwood Tree is a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance.
As the beautiful new schoolmistress, she becomes a focus of fascination in Mellstock. Not only is she the new teacher, but her presence threatens to shake the old order in Mellstock. The parson plans to replace the old men's choir, by Fancy's playing the modern new Harmonium in church, much to the villagers' surprise and consternation.
So, excitement over Miss Fancy Day begins! Not only does she disturb the choir, but she becomes the focus of the attentions of three men. Her father has groomed her to marry well. His eyes are upon sturdy, wealthy Farmer Shinar (Steve Pemberton) as her suitor. Fancy knows of her father's enthusiasm for Mr. Shinar; still his gruff, business-like proposal comes as a shock to her, but she promises to consider it.
Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) is another suitor. He is handsome, well-bred, and educated; but his lofty, intellectual airiness is so indirect, that Fancy doesn't realize his feelings for her.
It is with the young Dick Dewy (James Murray) that Fancy becomes friends. He comes from the lively home of the humble carrier, bustling with kids, and dogs, and friends who encompass the choir. His heart is taken by Fancy that first Christmas Eve, and he endeavors to win her by bettering himself. He also puts his best foot forward, by boldly venturing a kiss (not a bad move, considering he is devilishly handsome!). But Fancy's father vigorously objects to him.
Fancy is put into a predicament, trying to decide which path to take. The charms of the English country village are the background for this tale. The film moves through each season's music, work, and festive rites, as the story of Mellstock, and how Fancy becomes a part of it.
This film comes from Thomas Hardy's lovely homage to the English countryside. Under the Greenwood Tree is a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance.
California's Gold
(1991–2012)
Always Interesting and Huell Howser is a crackup
20 January 2006
Many Californians may be familiar with this public television program that helps us explore our own backyard. I have discovered many places that I would never have known, watching this show. I have also enjoyed seeing its take on many familiar spots. On one show, I was surprised to see my old school principal--still alive!--and being a tour guide for Howser, as he explored my home town.
As the other comment explained, Huell Howser has a talent for asking the most unfortunate questions at times! But this may be a part of the show's charm--the unexpected laughs that come from Howser's interviews, in which he often comes across as a big, lovable, but clumsy puppy.
As the other comment explained, Huell Howser has a talent for asking the most unfortunate questions at times! But this may be a part of the show's charm--the unexpected laughs that come from Howser's interviews, in which he often comes across as a big, lovable, but clumsy puppy.
The Secret Garden
(1993)
Changes the message of the original story
11 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Upon my first viewing, this film seemed self-important and overblown to me--something that I was supposed to enjoy because it was a "quality family film", as sort of a duty. I had never read the book by Frances Hodgsen Burnett, but as a garden-lover, I had expected to enjoy it.
The things that bothered me the most, however, were not the tedious story, but the anti-authority theme in the movie. I was surprised at the rudeness that Mary began with, and continued to use in her attitude towards adults in the household. She and Colin were rude to Mrs. Medlock and other adults who served them. And the magic scene, in which the children used a circling, chanting ceremony to "summon" Colin's father back, had a really sinister tone. There was a definite defiance in the way the children used this "magic," in which there is nothing of the sort in the original book.
When I read the book, which is an important and wonderful story, I realized my misgivings about this movie version were correct. The book was about children growing up healthy, unspoiled, well-loved, and full of faith. In this movie, the lessons of the book "The Secret Garden" are subtly twisted and manipulated into an angry, rebellious message that is a very different sort of story.
The things that bothered me the most, however, were not the tedious story, but the anti-authority theme in the movie. I was surprised at the rudeness that Mary began with, and continued to use in her attitude towards adults in the household. She and Colin were rude to Mrs. Medlock and other adults who served them. And the magic scene, in which the children used a circling, chanting ceremony to "summon" Colin's father back, had a really sinister tone. There was a definite defiance in the way the children used this "magic," in which there is nothing of the sort in the original book.
When I read the book, which is an important and wonderful story, I realized my misgivings about this movie version were correct. The book was about children growing up healthy, unspoiled, well-loved, and full of faith. In this movie, the lessons of the book "The Secret Garden" are subtly twisted and manipulated into an angry, rebellious message that is a very different sort of story.
Just Like Heaven
(2005)
A Spiritual Journey Into the Heart-- some mild spoilers
16 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Just Like Heaven is a supernatural romance, yes, but each turn of the wonderfully crafted plot takes a purposeful foray into the heart.
The beginning is enchanting and dreamlike, and is more than just a pretty picture. We find that in this picture--and, as it suggests, in life--there are no coincidences.
This film is definitely a chick flick, but a smartly comic, charming one. A major part of the chick appeal is provided by Mark Ruffalo (David), who has plenty of eye-appeal! (Yes, we get to see him in the shower, and in bed--looking good, I might add!) But he is not just easy on the eyes: Mark Ruffalo plays a real, ordinary man who is heart-rending as he is led out of his sorrowful slump by the appearances of the spiritual being, Elizabeth.
Reese Witherspoon is funny and very likable as the heroine, Elizabeth. She does a splendid job, both as a humorous slapstick comedienne, AND as a an unnerving spiritual figure of pathos.
Jon Heder plays Darryl, a supernatural bookstore dude, who is like a wise, shaman-like figure, in an unlikely form. His role is as a sort of spiritual guide for David and Elizabeth, to help unravel the mystery of the story and of their own heart's desires.
"Just Like Heaven" tells a good story; and though I could have done with a little more lingering ending, it leaves a nice romantic buzz.
The beginning is enchanting and dreamlike, and is more than just a pretty picture. We find that in this picture--and, as it suggests, in life--there are no coincidences.
This film is definitely a chick flick, but a smartly comic, charming one. A major part of the chick appeal is provided by Mark Ruffalo (David), who has plenty of eye-appeal! (Yes, we get to see him in the shower, and in bed--looking good, I might add!) But he is not just easy on the eyes: Mark Ruffalo plays a real, ordinary man who is heart-rending as he is led out of his sorrowful slump by the appearances of the spiritual being, Elizabeth.
Reese Witherspoon is funny and very likable as the heroine, Elizabeth. She does a splendid job, both as a humorous slapstick comedienne, AND as a an unnerving spiritual figure of pathos.
Jon Heder plays Darryl, a supernatural bookstore dude, who is like a wise, shaman-like figure, in an unlikely form. His role is as a sort of spiritual guide for David and Elizabeth, to help unravel the mystery of the story and of their own heart's desires.
"Just Like Heaven" tells a good story; and though I could have done with a little more lingering ending, it leaves a nice romantic buzz.
Emma
(1996)
Emma is a lovely gift (May contain mild spoilers)
5 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Wrapped in gorgeous English country backgrounds, Emma is a delicious confection to be relished for dreamy getaways.
Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a graceful, intelligent young woman who has just married off her governess--and confidant--to a marriage which Emma takes the credit in matchmaking. Eager to use her talent in arranging things for the people around her, she decides to match the vicar, Mr. Elton (Alan Cummings) with her pretty young friend, Harriet (Toni Collette).
The result is a series of mixed signals and mistaken interpretations that end up sorting themselves out, with Emma learning that she did not have as much control over events as she thought.
The film is full of Jane Austen's witty and wry characterizations. Gwyneth Paltrow is at her best, portraying this maiden of a restrained, polite society with wit and ease. Her growing romance with the unparalleled Mr. Knightley (Jeremy Northam) is the heart of this film. Mr. Knightley is one of the greatest romantic leading men in films. He is incredibly handsome, in a modest, relaxed way that is irresistible. He is certainly well-matched to Gwyneth Paltrow. Their charming friendship that began when he was 16 and she was an infant, has blossomed as he, a family friend, matches wits with her in an older brotherly fashion that grows into something more. With a wry look or understated jab at Emma, Northam's Knightley is a delight to watch.
Other wonderful characterizations include the comic Juliet Stevenson, Greta Scacchi, Ewan McGregor, Polly Walker, and the talkative spinster, Miss Bates, who is very funny.
Seeming shorter and more flowing than most Jane Austin adaptations, Emma has comic rhythm that promises true enjoyment.
Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a graceful, intelligent young woman who has just married off her governess--and confidant--to a marriage which Emma takes the credit in matchmaking. Eager to use her talent in arranging things for the people around her, she decides to match the vicar, Mr. Elton (Alan Cummings) with her pretty young friend, Harriet (Toni Collette).
The result is a series of mixed signals and mistaken interpretations that end up sorting themselves out, with Emma learning that she did not have as much control over events as she thought.
The film is full of Jane Austen's witty and wry characterizations. Gwyneth Paltrow is at her best, portraying this maiden of a restrained, polite society with wit and ease. Her growing romance with the unparalleled Mr. Knightley (Jeremy Northam) is the heart of this film. Mr. Knightley is one of the greatest romantic leading men in films. He is incredibly handsome, in a modest, relaxed way that is irresistible. He is certainly well-matched to Gwyneth Paltrow. Their charming friendship that began when he was 16 and she was an infant, has blossomed as he, a family friend, matches wits with her in an older brotherly fashion that grows into something more. With a wry look or understated jab at Emma, Northam's Knightley is a delight to watch.
Other wonderful characterizations include the comic Juliet Stevenson, Greta Scacchi, Ewan McGregor, Polly Walker, and the talkative spinster, Miss Bates, who is very funny.
Seeming shorter and more flowing than most Jane Austin adaptations, Emma has comic rhythm that promises true enjoyment.
Hocus Pocus
(1993)
Strange Mixture of Kid Stuff and Sexual Innuendos
11 March 2005
I have seen "Hocus Pocus" recommended as a "kids movie". Well, I would say that with big reservations. "For kids 8 and over" might be more a more accurate recommendation, if that.
The movie includes a living corpse character brought back to life from the dead: part of the humor is that his body parts keep falling off. There is a lot in this movie that might seriously freak out little children!
And then there's the running gag about the boy who is the hero being a virgin. Be prepared, if you watch this with your little kids, to be asked to explain what a "virgin" is. The local bus driver picks up the three witches, who are pretty freaky, and seems to be extremely attracted to them. When they tell him they desire children (another really frightening concept in this movie), he replies, "It could take a while, but I think I could do that for you." And witch Sarah Jessica Parker displays a lot of cleavage (who knew?!). And much more of the same type of innuendo occurs, which is more on the level of a teen movie than a kids movie. (And teenagers will say it's too "kiddish" for them.)
The movie veers back and forth between light-hearted comedy and gloomy, scary, violent scenes, in a way that turns out to be rather badly balanced. The expectation of a Disney movie doesn't prepare parents and kids for some of the contents of "Hocus Pocus". For instance, when the witches kidnap the hero's young sister from her bedroom, this is really a frightening thing for kids (and parents).
And then having to look at Bette Midler with her buck teeth, and Kathy Najimy, who appears to be continually on the verge of drooling--now that's disturbing!
The movie includes a living corpse character brought back to life from the dead: part of the humor is that his body parts keep falling off. There is a lot in this movie that might seriously freak out little children!
And then there's the running gag about the boy who is the hero being a virgin. Be prepared, if you watch this with your little kids, to be asked to explain what a "virgin" is. The local bus driver picks up the three witches, who are pretty freaky, and seems to be extremely attracted to them. When they tell him they desire children (another really frightening concept in this movie), he replies, "It could take a while, but I think I could do that for you." And witch Sarah Jessica Parker displays a lot of cleavage (who knew?!). And much more of the same type of innuendo occurs, which is more on the level of a teen movie than a kids movie. (And teenagers will say it's too "kiddish" for them.)
The movie veers back and forth between light-hearted comedy and gloomy, scary, violent scenes, in a way that turns out to be rather badly balanced. The expectation of a Disney movie doesn't prepare parents and kids for some of the contents of "Hocus Pocus". For instance, when the witches kidnap the hero's young sister from her bedroom, this is really a frightening thing for kids (and parents).
And then having to look at Bette Midler with her buck teeth, and Kathy Najimy, who appears to be continually on the verge of drooling--now that's disturbing!
Without a Paddle
(2004)
Rude and crude, dude!
19 January 2005
I am totally out of the demographic that this movie must have been intended for: males between the ages of 12 an 22, I guess. I found this movie to be jammed with crude, unfunny jokes that rely on overkill, just in case the audience didn't "get" the jokes.
I really expected to enjoy this movie because I looked forward to seeing Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and the other guy-Dax Shepherd. But I did not enjoy the stereotyped murderous backwoods hicks; where does this sophomoric movie get off giving itself airs of superiority over southerner-like country people? (Yes, southerner-like; the movie doesn't seem to know whether it is situated in Oregon or in the South!) There is one promising seeming character: a Native American river expert who seems interesting as introduced, and then is inexplicably forgotten.
All in all, it's a mess.
I really expected to enjoy this movie because I looked forward to seeing Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and the other guy-Dax Shepherd. But I did not enjoy the stereotyped murderous backwoods hicks; where does this sophomoric movie get off giving itself airs of superiority over southerner-like country people? (Yes, southerner-like; the movie doesn't seem to know whether it is situated in Oregon or in the South!) There is one promising seeming character: a Native American river expert who seems interesting as introduced, and then is inexplicably forgotten.
All in all, it's a mess.
Cellular
(2004)
Unusually entertaining
19 January 2005
Chris Evans plays Ryan, a guy who answers his phone and is let in for more than he expects. He is an engaging character who is fun to watch on this wild ride of thrills, intensity, and comedy. The suspense is worthy of works like Rear Window. The addition of the modern technology of the cell phone becomes a major part of the plot's twists.
And it all plays with the point of view of a modern-day reaction to the really annoying elements of daily life--traffic congestion, cops, cars as boom boxes, lawyers, crowded stores,...yes, and cell phones! And what a reaction! Some writer must have really had some pent-up hostility and aggression from having to live in LA, which he vents on the characters, especially the bad guys.
I thoroughly enjoyed Cellular: it was a lot of fun.
And it all plays with the point of view of a modern-day reaction to the really annoying elements of daily life--traffic congestion, cops, cars as boom boxes, lawyers, crowded stores,...yes, and cell phones! And what a reaction! Some writer must have really had some pent-up hostility and aggression from having to live in LA, which he vents on the characters, especially the bad guys.
I thoroughly enjoyed Cellular: it was a lot of fun.
Legally Blonde
(2001)
I wanted to like this movie, I expected to like this movie, but...
4 November 2004
... I just didn't like it. I did not find it very funny. The film was full of images that I would strain to rid from my memory: Reese Witherspoon waddling around in awful pink outfits, carrying an ugly chihuahua wearing awful pink outfits; and a horrible women's musical ensemble scene about bending over.
The movie is morally skewed: Elle's "bible" is Cosmopolitan Magazine. The "smart" people are depicted as not nice to beautiful blond Elle: it never seems to happen that way in real life! In fact, this movie stands up for the one type of person who needs standing up for least: the rich, smart, blond, pretty girl.
You may try to guess that I'm just a jealous brunette with sour grapes to squeeze, but I think the movie just doesn't show a blonde's life the way it really is; and comedy works best when it is based on real life stuff.
Many people I know loved this movie; I usually love light comedies. But Legally Blonde just wasn't really funny to me.
The movie is morally skewed: Elle's "bible" is Cosmopolitan Magazine. The "smart" people are depicted as not nice to beautiful blond Elle: it never seems to happen that way in real life! In fact, this movie stands up for the one type of person who needs standing up for least: the rich, smart, blond, pretty girl.
You may try to guess that I'm just a jealous brunette with sour grapes to squeeze, but I think the movie just doesn't show a blonde's life the way it really is; and comedy works best when it is based on real life stuff.
Many people I know loved this movie; I usually love light comedies. But Legally Blonde just wasn't really funny to me.
Wodehouse Playhouse
(1974–1978)
This hilarious show should be brought back
3 October 2004
I watched this show as a teenager and found it to be side-splittingly hilarious. It introduced me to the works of PG Wodehouse, who became one of my all time favorite authors.
PG Wodehouse poked fun at his fellow Englishmen (and women) with affectionate, yet sharp humor. And no one had the mastery of Wit that Wodehouse possessed! His works brought this era of the British Empire to life with nostalgic color. These adaptions of his work are by far the best; the two leads have nimble comic timing that is brilliant.
I remember one show (this was almost 30 years ago, so please forgive my memory!) in which there was a manor house full of hunting enthusiasts, and they kept shocking a visiting vegetarian with their manic blood/gun lust. Wodehouse loved to pierce the veneer of political correctness (in a light-hearted way) even then.
This show should be brought back. I searched for it in vain at the PBS store that was in San Diego. Wodehouse should be introduced to a new generation of teenagers.
PG Wodehouse poked fun at his fellow Englishmen (and women) with affectionate, yet sharp humor. And no one had the mastery of Wit that Wodehouse possessed! His works brought this era of the British Empire to life with nostalgic color. These adaptions of his work are by far the best; the two leads have nimble comic timing that is brilliant.
I remember one show (this was almost 30 years ago, so please forgive my memory!) in which there was a manor house full of hunting enthusiasts, and they kept shocking a visiting vegetarian with their manic blood/gun lust. Wodehouse loved to pierce the veneer of political correctness (in a light-hearted way) even then.
This show should be brought back. I searched for it in vain at the PBS store that was in San Diego. Wodehouse should be introduced to a new generation of teenagers.
Commodore Norrington a great character
19 September 2004
What an escape to visit Port Royal and the Caribbean! It's pure fun. And I must say that Commodore Norrington is the man! His dry sense of humor and strength of character make him one of my favorite characters in the movie. (I know that Orlando and Johnny Depp are favorites of younger women, but Norrington has a lot more going on, underneath that cool exterior.)
Norrington has some of the best lines, but the character Mr. Gibbs is also a favorite of mine, with his (Irish?) sailor character. One of his best lines (about Jack Sparrow):
Will Turner: "Is that the reason for ...?(he gestures like Johnny Depp)" Gibbs: "Reason's got nothing to do with it!"
Great Barbossa line: "You're off the map. There be monsters here!"
So everybody have a happy "Talk like a Pirate Day"!
Norrington has some of the best lines, but the character Mr. Gibbs is also a favorite of mine, with his (Irish?) sailor character. One of his best lines (about Jack Sparrow):
Will Turner: "Is that the reason for ...?(he gestures like Johnny Depp)" Gibbs: "Reason's got nothing to do with it!"
Great Barbossa line: "You're off the map. There be monsters here!"
So everybody have a happy "Talk like a Pirate Day"!
Tell Your Friends