Holiday Movie Review Round-up!

  

I had a chance to watch quite a few movies over the holidays and thought I'd share my thoughts about four of them here at My Real Life Reviews.

 

None of them are new movies. But as is often the case for me, what is currently the 'hit' movies aren't the ones that capture and keep my interest.

 

These 4 movies were all part of our local library's collection. They are all available at Amazon too; I've included the links to product pages for each one. 

 

Have you seen any good movies (new or old) recently?

 

If you have, do share. I'm always on the look-out for a good movie or book and I couldn't care less, whether it's new or old.

 

Hope you enjoy my mini -reviews for these movies and happy viewing! :-)

 

 

 

Murder on the Orient Express

 

 

I really enjoyed this movie. It has a great cast and a rather interesting and very satisfying twist to the ending, that I thought was perfect.

 

This was a made for TV movie originally (there are a couple of different versions of this movie, with different plots from what I've read) and this particular one is now available in DVD version too.

The scenes on the Orient Express (click to read more about that famous train) in particular are so beautiful. They brought to mind a time not so long ago, when train travel was the height of elegance and style. Unfortunately, the original train discontinued service in 2009, apparently due to costs and stiff competition. But there is another Orient Express train service that is now running, you can read more about that  here. Luxury travel in keeping with the elegance of the 1920's still can be enjoyed. If $$ is abundant of course! ;-)
This movie is a great way to while away an evening but there are a few gory scenes and adult subject matter, so I wouldn't consider this suitable for younger children.

I haven't seen the original 1974 version of this film with Albert Finney, but now I plan to check that one out too.

 

 

 

9 to 5

 

 

There aren't too movies that make me really laugh, long and hard, but this one did. :-)

An all star cast that did not disappoint and a story that is not only funny but redeeming too.

Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman in particular really shone in this movie; I also enjoyed Dolly Parton's performance.

 

 I did think that Jane Fonda was the wrong actor for the part that she played though. She just didn't 'ring true' as the shy, ditsy and ditched housewife, returning to the workforce in the office from hell. I could picture someone like Mia Farrow in this part but I think Jane Fonda suits roles of strong, confident women, so much better.

 

And again, I wouldn't consider this one as suitable for young children, given some of the subject matter.

If you are in need of some real laughs, give this one a try. Especially if you've ever worked in an office with its share of chauvinistic men. I did years ago and more than once. Although none of them were ever as bad as Dabney Coleman's character was, thank goodness!

 

 

 

 

 

 The Last Brickmaker in America

 

I've always been a fan of Sidney Poitier's acting and he did not disappoint in this film. I can't imagine anyone else in the lead role for this movie.

A touching story of family, perseverance and triumph. Also dispenses with some stereotypes about older people not being able to physically work hard and contribute in the work world too.

This is a perfect movie for the whole family. The story has some good life lessons to teach and in a "non-preachy" way.

I also learned a lot about the art of making bricks by hand, which is actually a lot more complicated and skilled process than I had thought it was.

 

 

 

 

The Pursuit of Happyness

 

 

I found this movie very touching and sad. At times I was overwhelmed with emotion by what Chris Gardner had to overcome in this true life story. I shed quite a few tears before the end of this film.

Will Smith was a perfect choice to play the lead character, as was his adorable, real life son: Jaden Smith, who also played his son in this movie.

I had read the book previously and did enjoy it more than the movie (as is usually the case). Based on the book though, I felt that the part of Gardner's wife was not well portrayed in the film. She was a lot more cold-hearted and self-centered in real life apparently and I thought this should have also been the case in the movie version too. Her portrayal in the movie gave a rather false impression. Other than that, the movie stacked up quite favorably in comparison to the book version.

If you enjoy stories of triumph over the odds and seeing something really good come to a good person, after a long run of bad luck, give this one a try.

 

Overall ratings for these movies:

 

Murder on the Orient Express: Excellent. 5 out of 5

 

9 to 5: Very Good. 4 out of 5

 

The Last Brickmaker in America: Excellent. 5 out of 5

 

The Pursuit of Happyness: Very Good. 4 out of 5

 

 

 

 



Jane Fonda Prime Time: Firm & Burn DVD

This is the third DVD in the Jane Fonda Prime Time DVD series that I've reviewed here at My Real Life Reviews. And it's the first one that I'm not that really pleased with.

 

 

Here are my previous Prime Time DVD reviews:

 

Jane Fonda Fit & Strong Exercise DVD

 

Jane Fonda Walk Out DVD

 (scroll down a bit on this gift suggestion page, to the DVD's mini review)

 

 

***

 

Now getting back to this particular DVD:

Jane Fonda: Prime Time Firm & Burn.

 

 

On the plus side:

 

I loved the music in this one. It's all aerobic-type dancing on this DVD and the music is retro, funky and fun; provided by a live band on the set with Jane and her students. Nice touch.

 

 

The DVD includes a 5 minute warm-up, followed by three separate dance routines:

 

Doo-Wop, Latin and Old-School Funk (each of these are 10 minutes) 

 

 followed by a 5 minute cool down to complete the workout.

 

All three workouts can be played together or a person can pick and choose which ones they want to do. The DVD plays separate sequences for each or all of them, if preferred. I appreciate that feature as it's annoying to have to keep going back to the main menu in some exercise DVD's to continue on to another routine.

 

The DVD also includes an optional 18 minute meditation segment.

 

 

What I didn't like about this DVD?

 

 It didn't provide a strenuous enough workout to make it worthwhile. At the end of the 3 dance routines, I hadn't even come close to breaking a sweat. No "burn" here!

 

I got a bit bored with some of the dance moves. Rather ho-hum and repetitious.

 

But I do think it would be OK for someone who is: just getting back to exercising, is rather out of shape and who enjoys routines that are mainly dance-type moves. And these aren't hard moves to master.

 

The meditation segment was a bit strange. It had some breathing suggestions that I do not agree with. Breathing through the mouth is a big no-no health-wise for so many reasons but that is part of this segment. What's with taking gulps of air through the mouth? Like I said, kind of strange and not relaxing either.

 

There is a mention of needing weights on the back of this DVD but they aren't used at all. Don't know why they included that.

 

I think Jane Fonda fell short (no pun intended) on this particular exercise DVD.

 

 I love the other two that I have mentioned above and I use them on a regular basis. But I will probably be donating this particular DVD to our local library/ free box.

 

Overall rating for this product: Fair. 2 out of 5.

 

 



Jane Fonda Prime Time: Fit & Strong Exercise DVD

I've always believed that regular exercise was an essential part of staying well and feeling energized. When I recently had some issues with one of my ankles that didn't allow me to walk or do any weight-bearing exercise, for extended periods of time; I went looking for a workout DVD that I could still do.

After reading some very inspiring comments/reviews about: Jane Fonda Prime Time: Fit & Strong DVD, I decided to give it a try. And I'm certainly glad that I did.


First of all, how could anyone not be inspired and encouraged by anyone who looks as good as Jane Fonda does? I think she's absolutely beautiful. In her 70"s now (seemingly ageless!) and in much better shape than a lot of women in their 30-40's.

 And she certainly is a pro when it comes to putting together an exercise video that is not only effective but fun and informative too. Hard to believe it was the late 1970's when her first exercise videos were available. How time flies!

The Jane Fonda Fit & Strong DVD includes two workouts, each approximately 30 minutes including a warm-up and stretches to finish. There is also an introduction (calming and empowering) and balance exercise (so important to maintain our balance) segment, both that are worthwhile adding to any daily exercise workout.

Jane Fonda not only explains each exercise well, she also shares interesting facts/stats throughout, the workouts about the importance and benefits of exercise. For example: did you know that people between 50-72 can actually increase their muscle mass/strength by as much as 200% with regular strength training exercises? Amazing! And we all know how important it is to stay strong, whatever age we are.

Jane also talks about the importance of balance and working to maintain a good level of ability in this regard, throughout our lives. Unfortunately, changes to balance start to happen in our 20's and decline from there. But with specific balancing exercises added to our daily exercise regimes, we can help to stem the tide. Such an important topic that from what I've seen elsewhere is usually overlooked when it comes to any type of exercise programs/DVDs.

The Jane Fonda Prime Time: Fit & Strong DVD  is a very good way to ease back into an exercise program, if you've been unable to participate in regular exercise, for whatever reason. Even if it just comes down to being unmotivated or as in my case, having an injury that made my regular activities hard to continue on a regular basis. This DVD would be too easy for someone who is already working out at an intermediate level but that's just not the reality for a lot of us.

Some other things I appreciate about this DVD. Jane Fonda has a very soothing, relaxing voice to listen to. It's easy to focus on what she is saying and to follow her instructions to the letter.So many exercise DVD's are lead by instructors with annoying, grating voices that definitely don't add to the routines.

 And speaking of instructions another helpful and appreciated point I noted with this DVD: when Jane is referring to working the left arm or leg...she is working the reverse herself, so that what we see facing the TV matches up with her instructions. So many instructors don't bother to do this.

The only thing that could be improved on this video is a minor issue. I found the background used for this workout distracting and "busy" looking. For example, there is a coffee table directly behind Jane Fonda when she is working out. When she is doing chair exercises, it looks like there are "wings" sticking out from both sides! A simple, attractive room without so much clutter would have added to the appeal of this DVD. Minor but something that could be improved upon.

If you stop by Amazon, you can read many positive reviews about this DVD. Some very touching personal comments included and written by people of all ages.

 It really is never too late to get more physically active and strive to be in better shape. Our attitude is so important in terms of what aging well really means and in all areas of our lives, not just the physical. Again, Jane Fonda touches on this topic in the short introduction segment; a great way to begin the workouts.

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5.