Books to Film

A customer convinced me to read this book several months ago, before all the buzz about it started. Sci-fi...not my thing, but I picked it up took a trip I never dreamed of. I went to Mars with brave, engaging, inventive, irascible Mark Watney.  Last weekend I saw the movie adaptation and despite the almost three hour showing including way too many pre-show commercials and trailers, this movie more that surpassed my expectations.  $34 for two tickets to the 3D screening, two small drinks and a medium popcorn.  $34!  And that was at the old fart afternoon showing.  Good Grief.

The 3D was worth it at points, especially on the panoramic views of the Mars landscape.  If you're on a tight budget, the standard version will be just fine. Of course the movie differed from the book, but not enough to change the course of events.  My prediction....this film will win Emmys for cinematography, screen adaptation,  and directing.  Ben Affleck will be nominated as best actor, but he may have a uphill battle against Johnny Depp in "Black Mass".  Chiwetel Ejifor could get a supporting actor nomination.  I didn't always understand the science of he situation, but even more than that, I didn't understand Kristin Wiig's character or Kristin Wiig's presence in this film.  Her ineptitude distracted. Couldn't stand her flat, bullying characters on SNL... sophomoric in bridesmaids... and clearly out of place in this movie.

If you're in the mood for a bit of silly - try "Paddington".  The only similarities the movie shares with the book is the the bear's name, and the fact that he is naked.  Doesn't matter.  The slapstick business in this movie stands up to the best scenes in any screwball comedy I have ever seen.  Don't bypass this one thinking it's just for kids.  "Paddington" will entertain just about anyone.  And...don't forget to read the books about this charming British bear.

This is my traditional week to worry about travelling to my trade show.  If you know me, you know that getting me to go just about anywhere is challenge, let along going to another state.  This year the show is in Chicago instead of the usual Minneapolis.  The stress and anxiety are the same no matter where I have to point my car.  So, if I actually go to the show this weekend, I'll let you know what there is to know.

Thanks for stopping by.

Catching Up with guest Blogger, Steve Head

Happy new year. Before talking about a wonderful film, I need to do a little housekeeping and report on my 2011 goals. Happily I did finish the second draft of my murder mystery and am taking a breather before the next assault. Unhappily, my plans to lose weight was not successful. So a resolution for 2012 is to exercise more and eat less as well as healthier.

Shortly before the holidays I was able to see Emilio Estevez’s The Way. This is a father-son film, appropriately Emilio is the son and Martin Sheen is the father. In the opening, we learn 40 year old son Emilio has died during a freak accident on the first day of his pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago from southern France and into northern Spain. This leads widower Sheen to the Pyrenees to identify and claim the remains of his son.

In a flashback we learn on the drive to the airport father does not approve of son’s dropping out of graduate school and going to Europe with an open agenda. When asked why he no longer travels and explores, father replies it is the life he has chosen. Son replies, “You do not chose a life, you live a life.” The weight of this exchange haunts the father who decides to be the legs for his son on the pilgrimage, carrying his ashes in a tin box.

Of course this decision involves obstacles, unexpected side trips, and some funny moments. To give it depth Sheen picks up three companions, each with their own reasons for making the pilgrimage. And did I mention the brilliant scenery we are treated to of the Pyrenees and Spain?

This film could easily have been a gut-wrenching moralizing test of viewer endurance, but it quite the opposite. Sheen’s convincing portrayal and Estevez’s delicate handling of the material makes this a ‘must see’ film. Like many of the books and movies I review, this film is for those able to tolerate cursing and adult themes. Happily there is no graphic violence or nudity. Although there are a few scenes that just might bring a tear or two, so bring some Kleenex.