"Shakespeare In Love"

Although "Shakespeare In Love" is one of my spouse's favorite movies, I'd only seen snatches of it on TV so I checked the Miramax Collector's Series out from our library so we could watch it together as well as see the bonus materials.

I found it to be a very fun romantic comedy and can certainly understand why the film won 7 academy awards including best actress for Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes (who played Will Shakespeare) were superb in their roles as was Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth and Colin Firth as Paltrow's intended. I hardly recognized Geoffrey Rush (Captain Barbosa in the Pirate movies) in his role as one of the theater owners and Ben Affleck (playing one of the acting troupe) also performed admirably.

There was only one deleted scene that we wish had been left in the movie and the bonus materials added interesting insights into the times in which the movie was set. It appears theater was not in favor with the City of London officials (due to criminals attracted to it -- like pickpockets and prostitutes) so we have Queen Elizabeth (a big fan of the theater) to thank for its survival.

I also enjoyed the speculation as to what Will would be like and his lifestyle choices if he were alive today. What do you think he'd drive?

This is a fun, witty, and sexy movie.

pazt

"Nine"

After checking out the DVD, "Nine," from the library numerous times and not being able to watch it before it was due again, I finally took it with me on a week mini-vacation my spouse and I took locally. Since we were on vacation and alternating nightly choosing what DVD to view while there (and it was my birthday month!), I finally persuaded my spouse to watch it with me. I would have to say that the story line was difficult to follow for both of us but, when we got to the end of the movie, it made sense and even prompted some serious discussion. We both liked the music and the incredible talent -- dancing, singing, etc. -- displayed in this movie. I'm sure the actresses spent a lot of time learning the dance steps and the music. It has an all star cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis,Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Fergie, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, and Sophia Loren. It's directed by Rob Marshall who was also the director of "Chicago." Although they all displayed incredible talent, I think Kate Hudson's singing and dancing surprised me the most -- possibly because I don't think I've seen her do either before. We did watch the 8 featurettes and 3 music videos that were included on the DVD and I would highly recommend them -- really gives you a feel for backgrounds and preparation for this musical. Enjoy!

pazt