I just saw the newly redesigned Murder She Writes site — it’s clean, sleek, and I love it. I can’t wait to launch it … but it won’t be until next week.
But I have a FANTASTIC guest coming tomorrow, Julie Kramer, so you definitely want to visit!
Fall and winter are always great movie seasons. I have yet to see SAVING MR BANKS and THE HOBBIT, but both of them are on my to-see list in the coming week or two. However, I was completely thrilled with the last two movies I saw.
FROZEN is a Disney movie in the best tradition of Disney. Fantastic music, a compelling story, strong character arcs, two fantastic female characters, and a noble hero who prefers reindeer to people. Even the villain is believable and not over-the-top, with his own character arc. I love heroes who don’t think they’re heroes, but they are anyway. And a hero who loves animals? Sign me up! But even better, the heroine of the movie is the true hero, and she didn’t need the hero to save her … she needed him to show her the true meaning of love and sacrifice.
I was skeptical of AMERICAN HUSTLE because I thought it would either be outstanding or horrid. But because of the star-studded cast — actors and actresses who are truly star quality — I had to see it. Wow. I was NOT disappointed. It was a slice of history, funny and based on the truth of the era. I was a kid in the 70s, but even I remember the paneled walls and the horrid wallpaper that clashed with the thick orange carpets. There wasn’t one bad actor among them–even though no one was completely good (or completely bad), and you shouldn’t like a guy who cheats on his wife, you can’t help but like Irving (Christian Bale) and Sydney (his mistress, Amy Adams) and Rosalyn (his wife, Jennifer Lawrence.) Even Bradley Cooper’s wild character, and Jeremy Renner’s politician — This is the best ensemble cast I’ve seen in a long, long time. Even though the movie is over 2 hours, it didn’t feel too long. I see many Academy Award nominations here, and probably a few wins, too.
What movie blew you away this year? What movie are you aching to see?
Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.
” I was a kid in the 70s, but even I remember the paneled walls and the horrid wallpaper that clashed with the thick orange carpets.”
Ahhh – shag pile carpets eh? Are you knocking my decorating sense?? Lol! 😀
*Rolls around in the orange stuff*
LOL. My grandma had avocado green appliances long into the 80s …
LOL! Can you believe they are bringing all these colored appliances back out only now they are ‘nostalgic’ and ‘retro’?
I grew up in a house with a dark-paneled, orange-carpeted living room! It was that way when I moved out in 1976. My parents have since changed the carpet, but the paneling is still there.
As for movies, “Captain Phillips” blew me away. It was way more emotional than I expected. I’m curious to see “The Wolf on Wall Street” and “American Hustle,” but my husband isn’t, so I have a feeling I’ll watch them when they come out on DVD (or cable).
I’ve heard awful things about WOLF, so even though I like Leonardo DiCaprio, I don’t think I’ll spend the money on it.
My husband’s family still had dark paneling in the family and dining rooms when I met him in the early 90s … in fact, I think it was there when his dad sold the house!
That carpet wasn’t orange! That was burnt umber! Okay, so it was dark orange, but it looked less orangey against the super-dark brown paneling. (Which my mother still insists she didn’t order quite so dark.)
I don’t do theaters, so no new movies for me. I’m still waiting for Red 2 to hit regular TV.
Can’t wait to see the new site next week! =o)
It’s worth renting, B.E.! The other really great thing, from a writer’s perspective, was each character’s story arc. Because the acting and directing were so good, you really picked up on the subtext of each scene, things that weren’t said. Great for the muse.
OMGoodness!! I remember those shag carpets and Brown kitchen appliances. My mom even “combed” that rug!! My movie going involves grandkids, so I usually wait for Red Box for grown up movies. And I am excited for the new website!!
Did you take your grandkids to see FROZEN? Best Disney movie since Toy Story 3.
O yea, it was fantastic!!
I haven’t been to the movies in forever. There are a lot that look good playing right now. I really wanna see American Hustle. I wanted to see Gravity but I missed it!
I saw GRAVITY with my husband, daughter and son. It was … amazing. See if you can find it in an indie theater or at imax. I have a feeling it’ll be shown again soon, because I suspect it’ll be up for an academy award. Sandra Bullock deserves a nomination. I don’t know if I would say a win … but she definitely is one of the contenders. I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it’s truly remarkable.
Have to say, I haven’t been to many movies lately (I’ve been writing, writing, writing), but I did go out and see Catching Fire. Different from the first movie, but I still thought it was fantastic – definitely going to add it to my DVD collection….
Looking forward to the relaunch!
My daughter and sons saw it — I haven’t because I haven’t seen the first movie. I know! I need to! But I wanted to read the books first, and time …
Oh, definitely read the books first! 🙂 But then see both movies…
I just realized I didn’t go see any movies in 2013. I need to get out more. 🙂 Looking forward to the new design!
Oh know! You need to rectify that 🙂