Saving Mr. Banks

During my most recent flight, I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Saving Mr. Banks". I was hesitant, I'm not the biggest fan of Tom Hanks, and the idea of him acting as Walt Disney made me cringe. Regardless, I gave the movie a chance and I am glad I did. If you don't know, the movie is about the author of Mary Poppins and all she was against in the creating of the movie. In fact, she held on to the rights for quite some time.

As the movie progresses, you are let into the past life of Pamela, the author. You meet her father and mother and slowly begin to learn about their lives. You also begin to realize the Banks family is loosely based off of her own. Which explains a lot of the characters and storyline she was trying to create.

The author is sassy and full of it and I absolutely loved her from the start. In fact, I hope the movie is based a lot on her character in real life because I appreciated her. As a writer myself, this movie really spoke to me. I've been told my small stories could be movies and I'm not afraid to say I've dreamed of writing a book or script. I imagine everything so specifically in my mind, however, I'd probably end up like the writer in this movie. The characters a writer creates become a part of them. They are their muses, their family. So to be able to bring that vision to life...I would not so easily sell out either.

Regardless of whether or no you are a writer, I believe this movie is well worth the watch. The characters are full and fun. Tom does a great job as Disney, and the ending is very heartwarming.

9/10, would recommend,

Love, Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe truly was someone who brought herself out of the dirt and made a name for herself. The way she climbed the ladder wasn't the most stunning or ethical, but she did it. She is proof that when you put your mind something and you're willing to do absolutely anything to achieve your dreams you will. However, and perhaps it was her birth parents or her lack of parents at all, her mental illness walked with her throughout her entire life.

As someone who struggles with mental illness, it was fascinating to hear her collection of thoughts, straight from her own writings. It is something that maybe she wouldn't have wanted the world to see, but it does paint a deeper picture of the actress. She wanted more for herself, more than the pretty face and body. She wanted to really and truly act, and perhaps acting was an escape for her.

Her letters are read from different actresses in our time and it really helps tell the tale. They all put themselves in their own specific mental states, and perhaps some of them related to her words more than they'd ever care to share.

Marilyn had a beautiful soul, and those who tried to help her just didn't know how. Had she lived years later, where the medicine and science of the brain was much more developed who knows where she'd be. But unfortunately she didn't.

I don't believe Marilyn purposefully killed herself. I think she wanted the escape the sleeping pills gave her, but one was never enough. They stopped working, she got used to them, and maybe lost track of what was going on. So much happens to your brain when you stop being able to sleep, and it puts you in a terrible mental state.

This documentary leaves you in a rather dark mood, not in a bad way, but in a way that leaves you reflecting on a lot in your own life. You feel sad for the woman who was Marilyn. You wish you could have helped her in some way, or that someone could have helped her. It's an unfortunate ending to someone who had so much drive and ambition in the beginning. I hope wherever she is now, she is finally at peace.

Overall rating; 9/10.

Sinatra: All or Nothing

I absolutely love Frank Sinatra, so watching a documentary about his life is the lame kind of stuff I enjoy doing. I knew he had gotten into some rough points, but hearing about his childhood early on and learning who he was as a person, how he came to be a singer, it's all very fascinating.

I truly believe Frank started out in the right place, the right love for his first wife, the right drive in the music industry. However, as most celebrity tales go, the fame really got to him. It's obvious as he got older how the industry began to change, that he really began to struggle in the different genres and where the music was headed.

But to the end, to the very end that man was full of talent. He could sing so absolutely well and he worked so hard to train his voice and learn music to get to that point in his life. Although the fame may have taken away some better aspects of his personality, he was still a good person deep down. He loved his kids, he loved his music, and he enjoyed his fans.

Overall, I would rate this documentary 8/10. There was some language in there, but mostly from quoting the celebrities they spoke of, including Frank. I would probably watch it again, it's a long one but it's worth it.

Wicked Attraction: Investigate Discovery Series

Lately I have been 100% hooked on Investigate Discover Series. So much to the point that I only have 1 or 2 series left to watch on Netflix before I run out! I'm so sad because I am HOOKED! One series that I watched and enjoyed was Wicked Attraction. I enjoyed the development they created for the people they explored, and the crimes the two people committed. There was only 2 or 3 episodes that I skipped because they weren't as interesting. It really gives you a look into how someone can manipulate another person so deeply that they commit a very serious crime for that person. It also explores whether or not these people would have committed the crimes had they not met one another. I've always loved crime television, so having it based on true stories is even more interesting for me because it actually happened. I give Wicked Attraction 4 out of 5 stars. If you like reality television, and enjoy true crimes I highly suggested seeing the series on Netflix from Investigate Discovery!

A Little Help

I was really excited when this movie was able to be instantly streamed. I had been wanting to see it and I absolutely love Jenna Fischer! As I watched the movie I had to remind myself that it was like an independent film and it was supposed to be written the way that it was. And that's really saying something for me because I love horrible movies. This one disappointed me because I feel like it was a bit unrealistic. I feel like it just did not drive home the message and picture it was trying to. Like it was almost there and it just missed. And I realize it was supposed to be sad, but I really feel like it was just depressing and never lifted. And maybe that's what the writer was going for, but I didn't appreciate it in this film technique. I gave this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars because it was worth the watch (maybe) but I would never watch it again. For reviews on this movie or to see reviews of other movies please leave a comment. For a free 30 day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly, please see my About Me.

My Fair Lady

I have recently stepped into my point of motherhood where I have become so bored I need to watch soap operas. Instead of going down this depressing route, I have begun watching Korean dramas. The first drama I decided to step my toes into was "My Fair Lady". A classic love story about a spoiled rich girl receiving a butler through some interesting circumstances who does not approve of her spoiled behavior. Over the course of some "dramatic" events they, of course, fall in love. Nothing about this drama disappointed me. It had all of the classic cheesy behavior every drama needs to keep you totally interested and waiting for every episode! I totally loved it and if you are waiting to waste your life into something amazing I suggest you make this something to do! I give My Fair Lady 5 out of 5 stars for great Korean entertainment. It's awesome as a first drama to get you introduced to the style of work they do. For more suggestions or regards please leave me a comment below. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly please see my "About Me".

Footloose (2011) vs Footloose (1984)

Watching this new Footloose I came into it with high judgement because I more than adored the 1984 version. In fact, I could probably quote every line. As the movie started I was impressed with how much they were actually echoing the older movie. However, immediately I didn't appreciate them not having Ren's mother in the picture. I was a huge fan of Ren's relationship with his mother as he had to get used to this new small town. She was his reminder of home throughout the whole movie and now that is missing. It gives the movie way too much tragedy that wasn't in the older movie. Despite it's dramatics, the 1984 version was a fun movie you could watch over and over without having to worry about crying at some point. So far in the beginning of this new one, you see a lot of tragedy. I appreciated the classic lines that they kept in the movie, because that's the heart of Footloose. Julienne Hough does not bring very much to Ariel's character which was extremely disappointing. She obviously is a vital character to the movie and she's way to high class and girly to play Ariel. Kenny Wormald is not my favorite either, however, he did bring a lot to Ren's character. He completely captured what Kevin Bacon brought to the character in 1984. I was immediately in love with Willard and Ren's on screen chemistry. Again, two vital characters; Willard made the 1984 version of the movie. As soon as he was introduced into the 2011 film I was like "yes". So, congrats Miles Teller, you are awesome. But the factory worker being black? Really? He was such a classic skinny redneck in the old movie! Why did we have to change that? As I watched the movie, I really felt like it was lacking in a lot of development. They kept shoving these classic 1984 scenes into the movie without the character development. I mean, if I hadn't seen the previous movie I wouldn't really understand where a lot ofthese scenes were coming from. Another thing that bothered me was that the Reverend hated Ren so much without really getting to know him. I felt like that wasn't so strong in the older movie. And another thing, I realize they wanted to make this more modern and the only believable way to do that was to make the movie more "southern" where traditional values seem to be more upheld in today's time. However, the country aspect bothered me. All in all I will give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. I feel like they tried really hard to keep the original value of the movie while still adding their own flavor to the movie. I did not, personally, like it, but I appreciated them not destroying one of the best movies that the 80's gave us. For review suggestions or opinions please leave me a comment. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly please see my "About Me".

Crimes of Fashion

This is a very adorable movie, and if you like lame chick flicks I would certainly recommend it. The back story is a bit lacking, but the story line is cute and I appreciated it as a fun movie to relax to while my little one took a nap. I love Kaley Cuoco in Big Bang Theory and 8 Simple Rules which is what lead me to viewing this movie. She really is the one that brings everything to this film. Without her acting, it would suck really bad. Of course the "mob" that she ends up running is very lame and she conquers the movie through her love of fashion; so that alone should turn away all harsh movie critics. This movie was quirky and not very stressful or suspenseful at all. It was a fun film that I enjoyed watching while I cleaned up my house and baked some cookies. I gave this movie a 3 out of 5 star rating. I wont find myself watching it again, but I sat through the whole thing. Please leave me a comment for a movie suggestion or telling me what you thought of the movie. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly, see my "About Me".

Tanner Hall

This movie is not for everyone. It is an Indie film with a lot of sexual tension that is brought up. It has the main character who starts seeing a married man, and the secondary character who is determined to ruin everyone's lives for pretty stupid reasons. Even though you get a back story, I feel like you do not get truly introduced to the main characters; so it immediately makes it hard to relate to anyone. The story line picks up eventually and if you like C-rated movies like me, you'll stick around. I gave this movie a 1-star rating, but as I review it again, I would up it to 2. Even though I felt like it could have used some work, I am a bad movie watcher and I made it through this entire movie. For comments on the movie or other movie suggestions, please leave me a comment below. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly see my "About Me".

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

I originally saw this movie in Theaters when I took my sister for her birthday and I was very impressed by it. I have no problem in saying that I enjoy his music, and after watching this movie I have no problem with my younger sister looking up to him. I was impressed by how humble he was, despite how much he had gotten in such a short amount of time. I liked the fact that he was a Christian and put it in the movie without rubbing it in our faces. Despite being raised by a single mother, he was brought up in a good home and learned moral values. He definitely is talented, the raw footage of him learning the different instruments does not lie how good he was at playing them. He also worked very hard to get where he is today. He has a lot of drive and talent; I definitely enjoyed watching that and learning his story. He also appreciated his fans immensely which is nice to see. I gave this movie a 5-star rating because I was surprised that not only did I like it, I saw it twice. I definitely recommend it as a low key boring night movie to watch. Please leave a comment telling me what you thought about the movie or a movie for me to watch and rate. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix, see my "About Me".

My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

This movie is a great romantic movie to watch on your own with a big bowl of popcorn and ice cream. This movie isn't your typical romance; it holds a bit of suspense and the ending is a twist that you do not expect at all. I've always loved Alyssa Milano and she does great for her character. And the main guy character is the new type of geek that women everywhere are falling for now. He was adorkable and charming. And Jesse's little brother and his commercial issues provide the perfect amount of comedy to keep things light-hearted. I can't say too much more without giving the movie away, but I must say I certainly recommend it to all of my female readers. Even if you are not into romance movies (which I am not) you will certainly enjoy this one! I guarantee it! For more movie reviews, please leave some comments below. For a free 30 day trial to Netflix Watch Instantly, see my About Me.

Thor

Before writing about this movie I have to first say that I am not a comic book fan, so I knew nothing about Thor and his tale before seeing this. This movie is a perfect date movie to stay at home and watch with your significant other. It has Natalie Portman (what man doesn't like Natalie?) and Chris Hemsworth (Again, who doesn't love him?) so you're getting the best of both worlds. The action and story line in this movie is absolutely fantastic. I completely enjoyed every second of it, there was some humor to counteract all the drama. This is a very short review because simply; the movie was awesome. I don't know how much more to say then suggesting it to everyone. I gave this movie a 5-star rating. For movie suggestions, please leave a comment! For a free 30-day trial visit my about me!

Sassy Pants

My first thoughts when watching this movie was "Hey! The girl from Awkward!", "Hey! The kid from 8 Simple Rules!", "Hey! The grandma from Reba!". I was immediately hooked because it's rare that these types of movies actually have decent actors in them. I am already a fan of terrible movies with bad actors, but for them to have decent actors makes my life so much better. It was a bit slow to start, but as the movie picked up and she ran away from home I got excited about the kid from Sixth Sense being ridiculously gay. I mean, fabulous. Watch this movie if only to see him in all of his gay glory. I liked this movie because there was never a significant climax. It's nice to have a movie every once in awhile that doesn't completely stress you out with it's climax and suspense. The ending was cute, I enjoyed the fact that the mom changed her ways and let her daughter go despite her fears. I was worried that they would keep her psychotic and the girl would have to run away again, but no she had a change of heart and that was nice. Overall, I gave this movie a 4 star rating. I enjoyed the awkwardness of the actors, the Napoleon Dynamite type movie quality, and the characters. It wasn't the best movie I have ever seen, but it was certainly worth the time. Thank you for reading! I know it's short and sweet, but those are my thoughts! For movie suggestions or opinions, please leave a comment below. For a free 30 day subscription to Netflix please see my read more profile. -Samm

Introduction

Hello! My name is Samm and I am a stay at home mom! One of the things I do as I raise my son is watch many movies on Netflix Watch Instantly. I've decided to start writing reviews on the movies that I see. It helps when I am asked, "What movies do you suggest?" Now I can direct people to this blog and hopefully help them make an educated decision! I hope you enjoy my blog and if you have any movie suggestions for me to watch, please leave them in the comments and I will try to get to them!