Stephen King Adaptation Quiz

September 21, 2010September 24, 201036 Comments

Most of us have seen at least one film based on a Stephen King novel or short story, so this week let’s see if you can place these faces with the Stephen King movie. You only need to tell me the movie (not the actor’s name or character). They are all direct adaptations and the images may or may not be from the King movie – I can’t make it that easy!

Each question is worth 6.5 points with a bonus question worth 2.5 points. You have until Thursday at midnight to submit your answers as a comment. I hide your answers until then.

Here are the rules… 1. Open to everyone. Play once or every week, that’s okay. I’m happy to have you here today.

2. No cheating. No googling, other internet searches or looking at other commenter answers. Yes, we’re going by the honor system

3. Your first answers will be the only ones accepted.

Last week’s Signed Book Quiz here. Current Leaderboard here.

1. 1408

2. Firestarter

3. Shawshank Redemption

4. The Shining

5. Misery

6. Carrie

7. The Secret Window

8. The Running Man

9. The Green Mile

10. Children of the Corn

11. Cujo

12. Dolores Claiborne

13. Christine

14. Hearts in Atlantis

15. Stand By Me

*For an extra 2.5 points name one more Stephen King novel or short story that made it to the big screen. (not one shown)

Monday Movie Meme – Aging

September 20, 2010September 20, 201013 Comments

Feature Presentation…MONDAY MOVIE MEME

This week’s movie topic is all about Getting Older

Share on your blog movies about aging or being elderly, linking back here at The Bumbles.

This one was hard. I guess as I haven’t watched many movies on aging, but here area few I enjoyed.

1. Something’s Gotta Give (2003) I’m not always a Jack Nicholson fan, but he did win me over with this one. And I always like watching Diane Keaton on the big screen.

2. The Bucket List (2007) That Jack Nicholson film made me think of this one with Morgan Freeman. What’s on your bucket list?

3. Terms of Endearment (1983) And that Jack Nicholson movie made me think of this one. I was only 12 when I saw it for the first time and I cried buckets.

4. Two for the Road (1967) Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney are a married couple and the movie covers their 12 year marriage.

5. The Rocky series (1976, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1990, 2006) Taken as a whole these six movies starring Sylvester Stallone show how the boxer aged. The last one, Rocky Balboa, was especially poignant as he faced the choices he made in his life.

Do you have a favorite? Visit the Bumbles and see what other chose.

Monday Movie Meme – Best Biopics

September 13, 2010September 13, 201011 Comments

Feature Presentation…MONDAY MOVIE MEME

This week’s movie topic is all about Biopics…

There are lots of movies these days that tell the stories about the lives of real people. We prefer the sweeping tales of a person’s life story as opposed to snapshots of moments in their time. Sometimes the films feature people we’re already familiar with and other times they introduce us to them. Either way, we had a hard time coming up with biopics featuring women – maybe you can rectify that in your post.

Visit the Bumbles for more biopic choices.

Biopics aren’t my favorite type of movie. I think it’s because I’m always wondering what is real and what got added just for the movie. But here are a few that I enjoyed…

1. Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005)

2. Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II in The Lion in Winter (1965)

3. James Cagney as George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

4. Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes in The Aviator (2004)

5. Mel Gibson as William Wallace in Braveheart (1995) (I know great artistic license was taken with this one, but I loved it)

What about you? Do you have a favorite biopic film?

August’s 5 Word Movie Reviews

September 3, 2010April 8, 201736 Comments

As I look over the movies I see that I wasn’t very satisfied with my movie choices in August. Maybe this month will be better!

If you’ve seen any of the movies leave me your 1-5 words in the comments and I’ll add them to the post. Or, if you are feeling ambitious and want to do this on your own blog leave me a link in the comments and I’ll add it to the bottom of the post. Of course, you can always just comment 🙂

(2007. Cast -Steve Carrell, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney, Dane Cook) Grade B

Sweet Story. Carrell Very Good.

Widower moves on. Heartfelt. Hilarious. (Michelle)

Cute, silly, charming, loved it. (Heather)

(2010. Cast- Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis) Grade B

Post Apocalyptic . Protecting the Book.

Too serious for its writing. (Heather)

He’s blind; it still works. (Tony)

(2010. Cast- Tom Cruise,Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson) Grade B-

Attempts on Hitler’s Life Fail.

Interesting but no German feel. (Heather)

Tom Cruise seeks new credibility. (Tony)

(2008. Cast-Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Martin, Sigourney Weaver, Greg Kinnear) Grade C+

Some Laughs. Needed More Heart.

Funny stars, goofy, obnoxious humor. (Debbie)

My pregnancy movie…so funny. (Heather)

(1998. Cast- Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman, James Garner, Liev Schreiber, Stockard Channing) Grade C+

Noir Mystery. Awesome Superstar Cast.

Newman’s incredible. The movie’s okay. (Nolatari)

(2010. Cast – Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifinakas, Bruce Greenwood) Grade C

Stupid Funny. Emphasis on Stupid.

(2008. Cast – Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes, Timothy Hutton) Grade C-

Some Bad Acting. Ending Letdown.

(2007. Cast- Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Jerry Stiller, Malin Akerman, Carlos Mencia) Grade D+

Horrible Characters & Story = Few Laughs

(2009. Cast- Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis CK) Grade D

Failed Potential. Cameos Best Part.

Ricky Gervais is sooo funny! (Heather)

Monday Movie Meme – Child Actors

August 30, 2010August 30, 20109 Comments

Feature Presentation…MONDAY MOVIE MEME

This week’s movie topic is all about Child Actors…Share on your blog the roles you’ve enjoyed from the younger set, linking back here at The Bumbles.

Here are five child performances I loved.

1. Natalie Portman as Mathilda in The Professional (1994). She was amazing in this story of being protected by a hired killer after her family is murdered.

2. Abigail Breslin as Olive in Little Miss Sunshine (2006). She was delightful in this movie. Who can forget the pageant? Made me want to get up and dance 😉

3. Tina Marjorino as Jessica in When a Man Loves a Woman (1994). The girl broke my heart in this movie.

4. Christina Bale as Jamie in Empire of the Sun (1987). So young to carry such a powerful movie.

5. Dakota Fanning as Lucy in I Am Sam (2001) and as Pita in Man on Fire (2004). She’s incredibly gifted.

What’s your favorite child performance? Visit The Bumbles for more.

Monday-ish Movie Meme – John Hughes

August 20, 2010August 20, 201018 Comments

Feature Presentation…MONDAY MOVIE MEME

Visit the Bumbles for more John Hughes fun.

This week’s movie topic is all about John Hughes…

This week’s topic is all about the films of the late John Hughes. Admit it. Once upon a time (in your life), you were bitten by the John Hughes bug. I haven’t seen all of his movies, but those I saw still beat those chick flicks running around these days. Show how much you love John Hughes’ movies by answering this:

John Hughes… How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…

Being a gal of the 80’s I couldn’t pass this one up – even if I’m late!

1.Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (1987). He wrote, directed, and produced.

waking up after sharing the same bed on the motel]
Neal: Del… Why did you kiss my ear?
Del: Why are you holding my hand?
Neal: [frowns] Where’s your other hand?
Del: Between two pillows…
Neal: Those aren’t pillows!

2.The Breakfast Club (1985). He wrote & directed. Iconic movie with music that always takes me back to the 80’s!

3.Sixteen Candles (1984). Wrote & Directed.

Pretty in Pink (1986). Wrote screenplay. I love this movie and soundtrack.

5.Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) Wrote screenplay. I’ve included a few bookish quotes from the movie.

Keith Nelson: You can’t tell a book by its cover.
Watts: No, but you can tell how much it’s gonna cost you.
Keith Nelson: Wow, I never knew you were so deep.
Watts: You want shallow, call Amanda Jones.

Watts: It must be a drag to be a slave to the male sex drive.
Keith: It’s not just sex.
Watts: Oh, you want to start a book club with her?

I’m limiting myself to 5 or this post would be way too long! Do you have a favorite John Hughes movie?

Denzel Washington Was In That? Quiz

August 17, 2010August 20, 201039 Comments

Last week we watched a Denzel movie and thought it was time to spotlight this star. I’ve listed his characters in the order that I like his movies best with a hint. Can you identify the movie? Leave a comment telling me the # and the name of the movie. No Googling or looking at other commenter’s answers – that’s cheating and no fun! Each answer worth 6.5 points, with 2.5 points for the bonus question.

Last week’s Better With Age Quiz here. Current Leaderboard here. Play once or every week. It only takes one correct answer to be eligible for a prize. You have until Thursday night to submit your answers.

1. Private Trip (1989) – He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in this Civil War film Glory

2. Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter (1999) – Also starred Liev Schreiber & John Hannah The Hurricane

3. Coach Herman Boone (2000) – Will Patton also played a coach Remember the Titans

4. Malcolm (1992) – I refuse to help you any more with this one Malcolm X

5. Gray Grantham (1993) – Julia Roberts was his co-star The Pelican Brief

6. Lincoln Rhyme (1999) – This is based on the first book of the popular Jeffery Deaver series The Bone Collector

7. Agent Doug Carlin (2006) – Also stars James Caviezel Deja Vu

8. Eli (2010) – There is some kind of book involved The Book of Eli

9. Nat Sterling (1996) – One of Matt Damon’s early movies Courage Under Fire

10. Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (1995) – Will the mutiny be successful? Crimson Tide

11. John Hobbes (1998) – Also stars John Goodman Fallen

12. Detective Alonzo Harris (2001) – Also stars Ethan Hawke as the trainee Training Day

13. Don Pedro (1993) – Would Shakespeare approve of this adaptation? Much Ado About Nothing

14. Creasy (2004) – He was the protector of Dakota Fanning Man on Fire

15. Ezekiel ‘Easy’ Rawlins (1995) – Based on a series of books by Walter Mosley Devil in a Blue Dress

BONUS QUESTION – Which one of these movies did Denzel win the Oscar for Best Actor, becoming the second African-American to do so? Training Day

501 Must-See Movies, by Ann Lloyd, et al.

August 13, 201026 Comments

Finished 8-12-10, rating 4/5, film, first pub. 2005

It’s no secret that I love lists and Audrey Hepburn, so I considered it a real accomplishment when I was able to walk by this book on a few different bookstore visits without buying it. But, then I had a weak moment and snatched it up. I had a blast going through this fun book with its beautiful movie stills and information. The movies are broken into 10 different genres and I have watched a total if 188. For as many movies as I watch I was surprised the number wasn’t higher. Here’s my take on each of the categories.

Action/Adventure-I watched 20 from this category. My top rated movie, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (A+). The one I most want to see, The Mission (1986). 5 are on my Top 100 list.

Comedy– I’ve watched 18 here. A tie for my top rated comedy, There’s Something About Mary (A+) and Meet the Parents (A+). The ones I most want to see, Harold & Maude (1971) and Born Yesterday (1950). 7 are on my Top 100 list.

Drama– I’ve watched 28 dramas. There is a 5 way tie, all with A grades, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Grapes of Wrath, 12 Angry Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Shawshank Redemption.. The ones I most want to see, Sweet Smell of Success (1957) & The Player (1992). 11 are on my Top 100 List.

Horror– I’ve watched 16. A 3 way tie, all with A’s, Psycho, Rosemary’s Baby, The Silence of the Lambs. The one I most want to see, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). Only the 3 listed are on my Top 100 List.

Musical– I’ve watched 16 of these. My favorite, The Sound of Music (A+). The one I’d most like to see, New York, New York (1977). 5 of these are on my Top 100 List.

Romance– I’ve watched 22 romances. My two favorites, The Philadelphia Story (A+) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (A+). The ones I’d most like to see, Adam’s Rib (1949) and The Long, Hot Summer (1958). 9 of these are on my Top 100 List.

Science Fiction & Fantasy– I’ve watched 26 of these. The only F’s I gave in the entire book came in this category and I gave 3. My favorite was Alien (A). The one I’d most like to see is Brazil (1985). Only 2 made it on my Top 100 List.

Mystery & Thriller– I’ve watched 23 of these. My favorites are The Godfather & Se7en. The ones I’d most like to see, Strangers on a Train (1951) and The Sting (1973). Only 3 are on my Top 100 List.

War– I’ve seen 11 of these movies. I gave 3 A’s in this category. The Bridge on the River Kwai, Platoon, Schindler’s List. The one I’d most like to see, Catch-22. 2 of these are on my Top 100 List.

Western– I’ve only seen 8 westerns, obviously my least favorite category. My favorite was High Noon (A). The one I’d most like to see, The Magnificent Seven (1960).

If you are a movie lover this is a fun book. Now I have a great resource for times when I need some movies for my Netflix queue. This is from my personal library.

Monday Movie Meme – Future Legends

August 9, 2010August 9, 201023 Comments

Feature Presentation…MONDAY MOVIE MEME

Who among the under 50 crowd might reach legend status in the next 25 years or so?

It seems hard to pick future legends. I mean who knows when an overdose, shoplifting conviction, or insane rantings might take you out of consideration? Well, here are the actors and actresses that I think have the acting chops and good head on their shoulders to make the cut.

Johnny Depp. I think his acting choices and talent will maintain his legend status for years to come. He’s eccentric, but in a sexy way 🙂 I can’t really choose a favorite performance because they are all good – even if I didn’t care for the movie itself.

Kate Winslet. She can do no wrong in my book. Especially loved her performances in Revolutionary Road and The Reader.

Leonardo DiCaprio. I knew he could act years before Titanic made him a star mainly because of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and he has proved over and over that he is very good at what he does.

Natalie Portman. Loved her from her first performance in The Professional and in V is for Vendetta. She’s a smart cookie and takes roles that showcase her talents.

Julia Roberts. I think she had already secured her title as a movie legend. She is just so easy to like and isn’t that what we want when watching a movie?

So do you have a favorite under 50 actor who will be a future legend?