***^The Scarlett Letter: Book Review

I should have read this classic novel long ago, but never did.  I knew it was about someone having to wear an "A" as a result of adultery.  However I wasn't familiar with the background, nor the actual story.  This is a true romance.  This is Nathaniel Hawthorne at his best.  This book was published in 1850. 

You know things just aren't going to work out in the end, and they don't.  However, in the priest making his confession, there is a twist to the ending which I was not expecting. 

One of the worries through out the book, is for the daughter, and fortunately this turns out well in the end.  The main character, never does find happiness with a man, but  she lives her life as best she can under the circumstances, and does find repentance.  I would recommend this book for someone studying American literature.  It is a true American classic

Movie Review: ****^Tangled

This movie is a Disney Classic based on Rapunzel.  A thief makes his way to Rapunzel's tower, trying to escape from the King's guards.  Rapunzel, a princess, was stolen from her parents and put in the tower by an old witch intent on keeping herself young.  Rapunzel was a sickly child, and a rose with eternal life powers was used to make her well.  This rose had been the witch's, and now she gets eternal life from Rapunzel.   
The funnest part was the community dance scene.  This seems to be a staple for a Disney and was very entertaining.  The horse, who is Captain of the guard, is very funny, as are the people they meet at the tavern, who each has his own peculiar dream and aspiration.
The art in this movie was very impressive.  There was a mural in the tower, with floating lanterns, the sun and flowers.  This show was fun.  I highly recommend it.

Since the original post, I have watched this movie more times, and like it more each time.  Rapunzel and her fry pan are classic, as is the song on the boat with the lanterns in the sky.

Music Review: ***Gladys Knight, Before Me

This C.D. I checked out of the library this week and have enjoyed.  It is dated 2006.  Gladys explains the reason for the title.  "The songs that I did for this album were favorites of mine from yesterday.  As I was getting this music together, the title, BEFORE ME, just rang in my head.  I was moved to pay tribute to those glorious performers who came before me and paved the way for me to be a part of this industry."
This is a selection of jazz songs.  I enjoy jazz music, but it isn't what I normally listen to.  I can usually listen for a while before moving on to something else.  I must admit, I admire Jazz musicians because the chords seem so intricate.
On this album there are two lovely things, Gladys voice, and the band.  We are privileged to hear piano and guitar riffs, saxophone and trumpet solos, as well as an accomplished band in general.  Gladys explains that jazz music was part of her life since her high school days in Atlanta.  Some of my favorites on the C.D. are Stormy Weather, God Bless the Child and Good Morning Heartache. 
Gladys gives thanks,  "My most heartfelt thanks goes out to my Father in Heaven for this most precious gift of song.  And to my brother, Jesus Christ, for his sacrifice that I might live once again in the kingdom of heaven and further use by gifts and blessings to glorify them."  May we all have that same attitude, and I am grateful for talents such as Gladys' that make the world more enjoyable.

Movie Review: ****Hugo

Tony and I watched this movie at the theater.  Hugo 2011 is a movie directed by Martin Scorsese and with Ben Kingsley who of course is better known for playing Ghandi.  It features a couple young actors, Asa Butterfield (future Ender Wiggin) and Chloe Grace Moretz, Hugo and Isabelle in the movie.  The story is very intriguing.  It never developed into the all powerful revelation I was expecting, but was surprising in the revelations and conclusions it did make.  The show is more about relationships of the boy with those around him.  He is living in a train station watching the clocks.  This is in fact his Uncle's job, who took him in when his father died.  However his uncle has disappeared.  There is an inspector who likes to grab kids and send them to orphanages.  The boy's father left him an automotron, which together they were trying to repair.  An automotron is essentially a wind up robot.  Tony liked the robot, even though he only moves and works properly once.  This once is enough however to provide the clue that leads to the adventure for Isabelle and Hugo, and in the end changes everyone's life.  This is a feel good movie, which has a happy ending for everyone, even the inspector.  I enjoyed myself, as did Tony.

Movie Review: *****^Pride and Prejudice: My Favorite Movie Ever

My most favorite movie of all time is the Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, 1995, Pride and Prejudice British Television Drama.  This is a six part portrayal of the Jane Austen classic.  I finished viewing it for the upteenth time this past weekend.  I must admit I prefer it to all other versions of Pride and Prejudice, including the Mormon version, the Keira Knightly version, or older versions I have seen.

As I watched, I tried to figure out why I like this presentation so much.   I think it is the feisty nature of Miss Elizabeth Bennett.  However I must admit, the mother of the family intrigues me as well.  Her attitude I find humorous, and human.  The father also is humorous, but in a different way. 

I am thrilled with the reaction of Elizabeth Bennet to the first marriage proposal from Mr Darcy.  When she reacts to him with a flat refusal and says that nothing would tempt her, even if he had "behaved in a more gentlemanly manner."  And then to watch people change thrills me.  Bot Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy change, and the most beautiful love blossoms in the end.

I think the real reason I like this so much, is because it always leaves me feeling good in the end.  After watching this movie, that happy buzz stays wit me for a few days.

TV Review: *****Doctor Who Season Six

Dr Who Season 6 is now available through Netflix DVD.  The other seasons are on instant Netflix.  This is a terrific ride.  The season starts with Doctor Who's Death, then goes back and explains things on the road to this event.  There are some incredible turns in the general plot, for example we see the Doctor's marriage to River Song, discover who are her parents, and are introduced to the "Silence."  The Silence are evil creatures who you don't remember when you are not looking at them.  They are like a great conspiracy, manipulating things without anyone knowing about them.  They are still around at the end, and it is the Silence who have decided the Doctor must die.

This series has a greater use of poetry which is highly effective.  It also has a way of bringing back old characters.  In this case the characters are often old nemesis who now owe the Doctor.  This is especially true with the kidnapping of Amy and Rorie's baby girl.  She was conceived in the TARDIS which causes her to have time lord characteristics.

This is a show you have to see.  I watched Doctor Who as a youth, staying up late to watch it on PBS.  The plots and stories were fun then, but the special effects were always lacking.  That is no longer a problem, and the stories have just gotten more intriguing.  I LIKE DOCTOR WHO.

Movie Review: ****^Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

What is not to like about a Harry Potter movie.  The only thing keeping me fro giving this movie the full four stars is the  movie deals too much with the visions of Ron Weasley.  This had to do with the horcrux they were carrying.  It is part of the plot but it could have been doe in a less compromising way.

The snake was extremely scary, and I jumped out of my seat.  This was very well done.

The presentation of the Lovegood residence was very good, and the explanation of the Deathly Hallows.

This movie ended very sad.   It divides the book into two parts.  There was someone in the back of the theater crying uncontrollably.  Her friends were telling her to shut-up.  I had tears in my eyes.  I don't blame her for being emotional.