iloveseaotters
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Added Dec 2, 2020
iloveseaotters's rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 1, 2020
Comment:
I was so sure that this movie was going to be horrible, but I was so wrong. In the beginning there's a lot (and I mean a lot) of references to sex, to the point where it was getting annoying. But it didn't last long and it gave way to some absolutely hilarious moments; most by Lacey Chabert (whom I absolutely love and had no idea was in this!), but a lot by Matthew Mcconaughey. I didn't realize that the movie was a take on "A Christmas Carol", but I liked the concept. It could have been a little better in some parts, but I loved Michael Douglas as the "Jacob Marley" ghost.
The ending was pretty predictable but it was also lacking something. Overall, though I did like this one. I probably wouldn't seek it out to watch it again, but it's worth seeing at least once.I was so sure that this movie was going to be horrible, but I was so wrong. In the beginning there's a lot (and I mean a lot) of references to sex, to the point where it was getting annoying. But it didn't last long and it gave way to some…
The Princess DiariesThe Princess Diaries, DVDThe Princess Diaries 2 : Royal Engagement
DVD - 2012
iloveseaotters's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 28, 2020
Comment:
I'd seen the original a few times but it was nice to see it again bundled with the sequel which I'd only seen bits and pieces of. As for the original it was really cute and I loved Mia's transformation from ordinary teenager to Princess. Julie Andrews was beyond wonderful and I loved Hector Elizondo. Such a cute and funny movie..
As for the sequel, I admit that I lost interest a few times and had to re watch it twice, but all in all I really liked it. Loved the Princess slumber party and what makes sequels work is having most of the original cast. That was a define plus. Gary Marshall directed both of these movies and there is a slight nod to "Pretty Woman" in the sequel (unless I just imagined it).
For me the best thing about this DVD set was/were the extras. So many, including a Princess quiz, outtakes and a featurette on the making of the movie. It looked amazingly fun! I'm almost finished with "Royal Engagement" but I think I'm going to watch it again with the commentary featuring Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo.
Honestly I'm going to be sad when I have to return this to the library, but I will definitely check it out again!I'd seen the original a few times but it was nice to see it again bundled with the sequel which I'd only seen bits and pieces of. As for the original it was really cute and I loved Mia's transformation from ordinary teenager to Princess. Julie…
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 28, 2020
Comment:
Excellent book that has some subtle humor and touching moments. I waited a long time for this book to arrive at my library and it was definitely worth the wait!
iloveseaotters's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 21, 2020
Comment:
I really liked this one because it combines ice skating and royalty-who wouldn't love that? It's a sweet storyline that's a little different than the other ones with a Nutcracker feel to it.
Stories From Suffragette CityStories From Suffragette City, BookStories of A Fine and Proper Nuisance
by Rose, M. J. (EDT)/ Davis, Fiona (EDT)/ Hannah, Kristin (INT)Book - 2020/10/27
iloveseaotters's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 17, 2020
Comment:
I feel somewhat guilty for leaving this book unfinished because it's worth finishing. It was just hard to read so many stories about the sane subject and I started getting bored with them about halfway through.
I really read this book because of Kristin Hannah's introduction which I loved.
Of the stories that I read, my absolute favorite was "A First Step" by MJ Rose. It was cute and funny and I wish it had been a lot longer because it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. I would love to read an expanded version. I loved the characters and really didn't want it to end. That being said, unless I'm confused, a couple of the characters are mentioned in the following story ("Deeds, Not Words"-which was interesting at first but felt way too long.)
Overall it's a great concept for a book, with a lot of unique stories. I will probably go back and read the rest at a later date.I feel somewhat guilty for leaving this book unfinished because it's worth finishing. It was just hard to read so many stories about the sane subject and I started getting bored with them about halfway through.
I really read this book because of…
iloveseaotters's rating:
1 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 15, 2020
Comment:
I hated giving this book one star because honestly I love Nora Ephron. And to be fair I won this book (and three of her other-hopefully better) books in a Facebook contest, so what follows is an honest review.
I tried reading this three times and I've had it in my possession for years. The fact that it took me this long to begin it probably should have been a sign. But I was hoping that I would be wrong.
The first chapter is way too wordy and kind of annoying because questions are "said" and not "asked". But in a nutshell it just wasn't funny. I even skimmed it and couldn't find much to like about it. Oddly enough, I absolutely love the movie, so there's that. I think I'll stick to it because it's hilarious and Jack Nicholson/Meryl Streep make a great couple. BTW, Meryl narrates the audio book, so maybe I'll give that a try.
In the meantime I'll start reading one of Nora's other books. If that doesn't work, I'll just watch "Sleepless in Seattle " again.I hated giving this book one star because honestly I love Nora Ephron. And to be fair I won this book (and three of her other-hopefully better) books in a Facebook contest, so what follows is an honest review.
I tried reading this three times and…
iloveseaotters's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 15, 2020
Comment:
I honestly didn't think I would like this book at all but, like most books on my to-read list, I added it because it sounded interesting. It took me a while to read it (almost a month, which for me is a long time), but there was just something about it that kept me reading. It only took a few pages for me to like Beth. I mean I really liked her. She was someone that I could see myself being best friends with.
The plot is hard to describe when you're in the middle of this book, but once I neared the end, it became more and more clear what Ms Close was trying to convey. I should have known that I was coming to the end when I felt my eyes filling with tears as I eagerly read to the end to find out the fates of the four main characters.
The book itself has some hilarious moments and some entertaining ones as well. By the time I got to the end I was struck by how emotional I'd become and how painfully realistic it was. But I'm pretty sure that my emotional state was due to the fact that I knew I was going to have to leave Beth, Matt, Jimmy and Viv. I liked them all for different reasons, although none of them are perfect in the least. I'm not much of a political person and I found myself drawn to Beth because it felt like we were similar in a lot of ways. I love that a large portion of this book takes place in Texas and if I didn't know any better I'd say that Ms. Close is from Texas (like me, born and raised) the way she named off so many towns (even ones I didn't know and I lived in Texas for 28 years!) and places in the Lone Star State.
That being said, I should point out that "The Hopefuls" is a "blue" book, meaning that the basic plot revolves around democratic politics and the events surrounding Obama's campaign for re-election in a very clever way. So if you are someone who doesn't like the politicians mentioned in this book, or you are a "red" person, you probably won't like "The Hopefuls" as much as I did. But after reading the whole book I realized that yes, the book is about two politicians and their wives, but it's more about relationships between husbands/wives and friendships.
The book is wrapped up nicely, but I honestly wish (and hope) that there will be another book featuring at least Matt and Beth (the two main characters; the book is told in Beth's point of view), because I'd love to read more about their lives. I'd even settle for a movie version of "The Hopefuls" although I know that it would never be as good as the book.
Now after all of this gushing I probably should have given it a five star rating, but I'm deducting one star for the amount of swearing that was intertwined throughout the pages.
Pretty much all of it was unnecessary, and sometimes it took away from the story itself. I think I would have enjoyed it more without seeing the showers of "F" and "S" words on every third or fourth page.I honestly didn't think I would like this book at all but, like most books on my to-read list, I added it because it sounded interesting. It took me a while to read it (almost a month, which for me is a long time), but there was just something about…
Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From A Little Golden BookEverything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From A Little Golden Book, Book
by Muldrow, DianeBook - 2014
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 15, 2020
Comment:
This book is really cute, as are all of the books in this series. Reading the titles of the books where the pictures came from makes me want to divulge into my childhood and re-read some of those wonderful Little Golden Books! Loved the Christmas theme!This book is really cute, as are all of the books in this series. Reading the titles of the books where the pictures came from makes me want to divulge into my childhood and re-read some of those wonderful Little Golden Books! Loved the Christmas…
Everything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden BookEverything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden Book, Book
by Muldrow, DianeBook - 2013
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 15, 2020
Comment:
This is such a cute concept for a book! I loved the illustrations because they brought back childhood memories and made me want to read all of the Little Golden Books again. I really liked all of the positive messages. That's nice to see in a book for adults.This is such a cute concept for a book! I loved the illustrations because they brought back childhood memories and made me want to read all of the Little Golden Books again. I really liked all of the positive messages. That's nice to see in a book…
Searching for John HughesSearching for John Hughes, BookOr Everything I Thought I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From Watching '80s Movies
by Diamond, JasonBook - 2016
iloveseaotters's rating:
1 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 10, 2020
Comment:
To say that reading this was disappointing is a huge understatement. In all fairness I admire the guy for taking something that he loves and turning it into a book. In fact, I'm a bit jealous. If you're looking for a book on 80s nostalgia, this is not the book for you. I started reading from the beginning but found this guy's life so boring that I started skipping pages to the infamous John Hughes' movies ( which, thankfully were italicized so that I could find them easily. I did learn a few facts here and there but for the most part, it was mainly his opinion of the movies. I found it hard to understand why he related to these movies so much, given that he was only 3 years old when Sixteen Candles was released, but I guess he saw something in those movies at a young age and tried to apply the characters and situations to his daily life. He also mentions more than once that he could relate to Andi (Molly Ringwald) in Pretty In Pink but the fact that he also wanted to BE Andi is rather disturbing. The book as a whole is an interesting concept, but the pages are so overpowering with the constant swearing and use of all caps on almost every page to get his point across that it was annoyingto try and read it. It's almost like he's screaming at you. Frankly the guy makes himself come off like a loser; he talks about stealing John Hughes movies from "big box" stores, using the "F" word in relation to his mother (gasp!) and doing drugs. It is said that this book is hilarious, but the only funny lines in this book are quotes from the movies and not words that he actually wrote. Big surprise. The concept of this book is great. I just wish it had a lot less of his personal story ( seriously, not interesting at all) and a lot less swearing. However as a high schooler in the John Hughes era, I hope I can find a book that is much more worthy and will definitely keep looking.To say that reading this was disappointing is a huge understatement. In all fairness I admire the guy for taking something that he loves and turning it into a book. In fact, I'm a bit jealous. If you're looking for a book on 80s nostalgia, this is…
Fairfield RoadFairfield Road, DVD
DVD - 2013
iloveseaotters's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 30, 2020
Comment:
I don't know why it took me so long to watch this. I started it several times and then decided to watch something else, but I persevered and I'm very happy that I did. I love Jessie Metcalf and it was kind of funny seeing him so young. "Fairfield Road" is so much better than I expected. Loved the acting and as usual, Hallmark movies are always set in the most beautiful places. "Fairfield" has a political tone to it (fictional of course) which makes it perfect for watching around Election Day-or anytime.I don't know why it took me so long to watch this. I started it several times and then decided to watch something else, but I persevered and I'm very happy that I did. I love Jessie Metcalf and it was kind of funny seeing him so young. "Fairfield…
iloveseaotters's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 30, 2020
Comment:
I've lost count of how many times I've watched this and it's definitely one of my favorites. I don't like Shelly Long at all and she's kind of annoying as the mom but the rest of the cast makes up for it. Lots of funny moments and predictable romance abound.I've lost count of how many times I've watched this and it's definitely one of my favorites. I don't like Shelly Long at all and she's kind of annoying as the mom but the rest of the cast makes up for it. Lots of funny moments and predictable…
iloveseaotters's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 30, 2020
Comment:
This one had me dreaming of going to the beach! The movie is kind of predictable but the scenery more than makes up for it. There's a great message about following your dreams.
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 30, 2020
Comment:
This is one of my all time favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. I was unfamiliar with the actress, but I love Ryan Paevey. What I loved most about it was the scenery (loved the scenes in the Plaza Hotel) and the fact that it's a really unique storyline. I love Hallmark movies in general but sometimes they can get a little repetitive so it's nice to see something different that still keeps the same feeling as their other movies.This is one of my all time favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. I was unfamiliar with the actress, but I love Ryan Paevey. What I loved most about it was the scenery (loved the scenes in the Plaza Hotel) and the fact that it's a really unique…
iloveseaotters's rating:
1.5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 28, 2020
Comment:
I hate to say it because I love Henry Winkler. but this is probably my least favorite version of A Christmas Carol. It's slow, boring and honestly a little hard to follow, even though I know the story. It just dragged and made thr movie seem a lot longer than it is. I prefer the more traditional versions.I hate to say it because I love Henry Winkler. but this is probably my least favorite version of A Christmas Carol. It's slow, boring and honestly a little hard to follow, even though I know the story. It just dragged and made thr movie seem a lot…
AwakeningsAwakenings, DVD
DVD - 1997
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 28, 2020
Comment:
This movie has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it in the theatre when it was released. It has a little bit of everything; humor, drama, sadness and a touch of romance. It's a very sweet film that's based on a true story. Robin Williams is wonderful in the title role and I loved Julie Cavner. I'm not usually a fan of Robert DiNero, but he was great as Raymond and his chemistry with Penelope Ann Miller was very sweet.This movie has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it in the theatre when it was released. It has a little bit of everything; humor, drama, sadness and a touch of romance. It's a very sweet film that's based on a true story. Robin Williams is…
ScroogeScrooge, DVD
DVD - 2003
iloveseaotters's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 25, 2020
Comment:
The best thing about this version is by far the music. The movie itself isn't my favorite version but it's definitely a great one. I've always loved Albert Finney.
The Main EventThe Main Event, Streaming VideoA Glove Story
Streaming Video - 1979
iloveseaotters's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 25, 2020
Comment:
Funny and entertaining movie. Really liked Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand in this one, although it's not one of my favorites.
iloveseaotters's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 25, 2020
Comment:
This is a mystery with a sweet romance tucked inside. I haven't watched the rest of the series yet but I loved this one. I was a little worried about the outcome, but fortunately I was proven wrong. Looking forward to watching the others in this series. It was nice to see Daphne Zuniga whom I loved in "Spaceballs" and "The Sure Thing ".This is a mystery with a sweet romance tucked inside. I haven't watched the rest of the series yet but I loved this one. I was a little worried about the outcome, but fortunately I was proven wrong. Looking forward to watching the others in this…
iloveseaotters's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 23, 2020
Comment:
As much as I love Michelle Obama, I wasn't that interested in reading this book. However, from the very first word, she had me completely engrossed. I felt like she was sitting across from me telling me about her childhood and about how she became to be not only the First Lady, but also the wonderful person that she is. I admired her before, but as someone else stated in their review, reading this book made me love her even more. Although I have never met her (and probably never will), I feel like she has become a friend.
She writes with such passion and honesty and I'm sure that a lot of her experiences were hard for to write. One passage that really resonated with me begins: "It hurts to love after someone has died." I lost my husband 22 months ago, and it was nice to know that someone "gets it".
Michelle's story made me laugh, cry and wish I was friends with her. My favorite part of the book was her story of meeting President Obama. In that aspect, this book is a very sweet love story. It was nice to see a different side of him, which makes him "human". On another personal note, he was and will always be my favorite President which is why I loved this book so much.
I'm sure there is a lot more I could say about this book, but I will say this; with the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, I didn't really finish it. Honestly, a small percentage of it was a little boring and toward the end I found myself skimming the chapters. But I stand by my review; it's an excellent book and an insight to someone I admire even more for having read it. Actually it made me want to read more autobiographies (both political and not), and perhaps write my own.As much as I love Michelle Obama, I wasn't that interested in reading this book. However, from the very first word, she had me completely engrossed. I felt like she was sitting across from me telling me about her childhood and about how she became…
The Disneyland EncyclopediaThe Disneyland Encyclopedia, BookThe Unofficial, Unauthorized, and Unprecedented History of Every Land, Attraction, Restaurant, Shop, and Major Event in the Original Magic Kingdom
by Strodder, ChrisBook - 2017
Added Oct 22, 2020
High FidelityHigh Fidelity, DVD
DVD - 2000
iloveseaotters's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 19, 2020
Comment:
When I first saw "High Fidelity" forever ago, I hated it but I think that was I found Jack Black to be majorly obnoxious. My second viewing was much better and I have to say that it's not a bad movie at all. It was a lot slower than I expected and sometimes it was hard to concentrate on it, but John Cusack was amazing in the lead role. Jack Black didn't seem quite so annoying this time around and it was fun seeing John team up again with Tim Robbins (Tim had a small but hilarious role in "The Sure Thing"). Kind of a dark movie with not a lot of comedy (unless you think that the F word is funny), but the music is great.
Also here is my review for Gross Pointe Blank which is also in this collection:
The thing I loved most about this movie is that it was a reunion for the class of 1986 which is my high school class as well. I didn't care for the action and violence but I loved John Cusack and Minnie Driver.When I first saw "High Fidelity" forever ago, I hated it but I think that was I found Jack Black to be majorly obnoxious. My second viewing was much better and I have to say that it's not a bad movie at all. It was a lot slower than I expected and…
iloveseaotters's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 17, 2020
Comment:
The beginning was horrible, but "Laggies" turned out to be a very nice surprise. I think this is my favorite Kiera Knightly movie and I don't really like her that much at all. Completely unexpected, which is my favorite kind of movie. Not at all what I was expecting. I'm glad I gave it a chance. The fact that it takes place in Seattle was a huge plus, BTW.The beginning was horrible, but "Laggies" turned out to be a very nice surprise. I think this is my favorite Kiera Knightly movie and I don't really like her that much at all. Completely unexpected, which is my favorite kind of movie. Not at all…
White SpiritWhite Spirit, Streaming Video
Streaming Video - 2017
iloveseaotters's rating:
1.5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 17, 2020
Comment:
I'm giving this movie 1 1/2 stars because quite honestly I didn't understand any of it. I wasn't really sure what the point was and even though it had a few cute moments, it didn't really hold my interest.
Comment: