Country Strong: The Verdict

The short and simple version is I adored "Country Strong". On the surface, you may mistakenly assume it was inevitable - I'm a Tim McGraw fan and somewhere along the way Garrett Hedlund came into view. But this isn't about a cute boy in a cowboy hat.

True, I am a Tim McGraw fan - there's something about his music and country music in general - that just speaks to me. When he poked his toe into the acting waters, I was apprehensive and despite my unwavering support, I admit I've not seen all his movies and the ones I have, I can't say I've liked them all. But I admire his determination and passion to keep trying new things.

So last year when there were rumblings that Tim was doing a movie about country music, I already was excited. I didn't know anything about the plot, his fellow actors or his role but I knew I wanted to see it.

And so it debuted in America in January. Reviews were gushing but I waited for my best friend to see it. What would she think? Her review would be the most important.

She loved it. She laughed. She cried. She even knew I would have a new crush in Garrett. And the countdown began. 130 days until it would be released in cinemas in England.

Soon enough the DVD date was announced and as it was around the same time - and knowing how I can cry at mere commercials - I thought I would savour "Country Strong" in the privacy of my own home. As you know, thanks to my bestie and a recent trip to NYC, the blu-ray popped through my mailbox today.

There are a handful of movies that I truly adore. That I ache when I watch them from just how much they move or touch me or because they are just simply beautiful. It's more than good cinematography or good actors. It's almost magical. Country Strong joins the list that includes The Painted Veil, It's a Beautiful Life, Australia and Amelie.

I was mesmerised and I did cry. I loved how it showed Honky Tonk country and also that hard-edge brutality of the music industry. I loved how it showed love and friendship and pain and misery. I even loved the inevitable Hollywood cliché.

I've spoken about the boys of Country Strong but unequivocally this movie belongs to Gwyneth Paltrow. I thought she was a star and she blew me away.

I wanted to watch this movie because I was a fan of Tim McGraw and later stumbled on a rather hot Garrett Hedlund and ended up absorbed by a story that itself could be a country song.

I adored it. And if you love country music, I think you will too!

Country Strong

My blu-ray Country Strong DVD has arrived!!! Woop woop! Am now in a race to get everything tidied up and sorted so I can chill out and watch this in peace. I have been waiting for this for....ever!

Only one question remains.... will I still heart Garrett after it!

New Moon

I FINALLY saw New Moon when it was released on DVD. I pre-ordered it and although it was due to arrive Monday, 22nd March, it had arrived on the Friday previously.

In (three) words, I LOVED it! In fact I think I enjoyed it more than Twilight although you need that movie to set the scene.

Bring on Eclipse!!!!!!!!!!!!

Late to the game

I know I'm late to the game but Marleen lent me her copy of Studio 60 and I LOVE IT! What a fantastic show. You can see the echoes of West Wing in it and easily see how the same people are involved. Fantabulous! Utterly loving it!

The Missing Genre

There are Rom Coms, Mysteries and Action Movies but I think there's a missing genre ...... BEAUTIFUL movies.

Some movies are simply and completely beautiful.

* The Story.

* The Cinematography.

* How it Unfolds...... How it Concludes.

BEAUTIFUL!

For me, three of my favourite movies fall into this new missing category:

The Young Victoria.
Australia.

The Painted Veil.

Reliving the 80s

Tonight I relived my teen years and watch "Sixteen Candles". I LOVED this movie as a teenager and I haven't watched it in decades but I loved re-watching it. The quintessential teenager / 80s movie!

FANGtastic!!!!

Ohhh the official "New Moon" trailer.... it's FANGtastic!!!

True Blood

I got Season One of HBO's "True Blood" off eBay and I have watched three episodes so far but I do really like it. It's based on the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charmaine Harris.

It's kinda like a darker, twisted and adult version of Twilight. Me likey.
(Not for the faint-hearted - lots of swearing, nudity and it is graphic).

Ohhh goodie!

A group of friends (who call themselves The McLovelies) sent me a £40 Amazon.co.uk Gift Voucher for my birthday (coming up on Thursday). We do "group" gifts for everyone (despite McLovelies living in USA, Canada, Belgium and England). I was thrilled with this gift - as Amazon.co.uk is one of my favourite stores and I loved being able to go through my Amazon Wish List choosing goodies I've wanted for some time.

I picked two DVDs ("The Duchess" (of which I am reading the book now) and "Inkheart") and three books ("The Earth Hums in B Flat", "Black Rock" and "The Watchers"). As a friend arrives next Saturday from America, I choose the supersaver delivery so these goodies should arrive by May 1st (when I return from dropping her off in Belgium) so I'll have lots of goodies to enjoy on that long weekend (when I'm knackered from racing around the country like a contestant on The Amazing Race and sad to say bye to her as she embarks on her next leg).

The funniest thing ... EVER

My friend Marleen lent me her copy of "The Vicar of Dibley: Holy Wholly Happy Ending" on DVD as we're both big fans of the scrumptious Richard Armitage.

So I thought since I was going to go on the treadmill that I would put it on and watch it at the same time. BIG MISTAKE. HUUUUUGE MISTAKE.

I nearly fell off (from laughing) not once, not twice .... but THREE TIMES. This is bar none, the funniest thing I have ever seen. I squealed with laughter and am definitely going to buy myself a copy to keep.

Two delights of my weekend

Like any good girl, I have an unhealthy love for shoes and bags! I got a treat this weekend when Mum bought me a new handbag (see below). Scumptious! I love it and have been putting all my goodies in this arvo. Second unexpected delight of my weekend was the movie Penelope. Mum and I had a DVD-watching-fest and one movie stood out for me. Penelope. It was made by the same people who created Pushing Daisies which is one of my favourite shows and this movie was just fantastic. I really loved Christina Ricci, James McAvoy and Reese Witherspoon. In fact I liked it so much, I ordered it. (I was watching a rental copy).

A wonderful, fun, romantic adventure! Loved it!

Kung Fu Panda

Dad is away on business so tonight, I'm taking around "Kung Fu Panda" to Mum's house and we're having a lazy DVD night together. I'm really looking forward to it (and watching the movie which I've not seen).

Things I Love

My friend back home gave me a linen teatowel featuring the Gumnut Babies (by May Gibbs) as part of my Christmas present.

They are a really famous Australian childhood icon and story and I was so thrilled with it, I decided to frame and display it. A little piece of home here in my "new" home.

I bought the frame and framed the teatowel last week and I hung it today. Here are two pictures of it in place. As you come up the stairs, it's above your head (where you can't see it) but when you come out of my bedroom, it's directly in view (I took the pictures from my bedroom doorway). I wanted it somewhere I could see it alot as it's just so cute. I love it and it's nice having something so Australian too as I've been homesick.


Since we're talking about things I love, I am totally loving Hugh Jackman (which Mum and I called Huge Ackman because that's what his name sounds like ~ I know ... we're odd).


I'm still loving James Dean (have done since I was about 12!)



and I LOVE Elvis Presley, the King! This started when I went to Graceland last year and hasn't stopped (if anything my love is only growing). (I am drinking Elvis Mint Hot Chocolate out of an Elvis mug as I type!)

The Spiderwick Chronicles

I just watched this on DVD and really enjoyed it. A great story about faeries and imagination and believing. A great children's movie (and for those young at heart too!)

With surprise, I realised ...

I'm a huge fan of Brendan Fraser! It has come as a complete shock. It started because I was given (among others) "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" for Christmas. I watched it and loved it and decided to watch the whole trilogy again (it's like with the National Treasure movies - I could watch them again and again!) so I had a 3-movie-marathon!

Then last night after watching "The Dark Knight", I decided to watch something "lighter" before I went to bed so I watched "Journey to the Center of the Earth" with guess who!, Brendan Fraser!

Thinking back, I always enjoy a movie he's in and often will go and see a movie he's in because I know it'll be entertaining and enjoyable - so there you go. I'm a Brendan Fraser fan!

The Dark Knight

Crikey! What a movie. I got it on DVD and it's dark. Actually D-A-R-K. There has been a lot of talk about Heath's performance and Oscar possibilities and I must admit, (despite being a fan) I thought it was out of sympathy - but Heath's performance gave me chills. I think he will get an Oscar (posthumously) and it will be well-deserved. Very well deserved.

I am going to have to watch something "light" before bed ... I don't want to go to sleep with The Joker in my head!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Rock on 2009! I am really excited and enthused about the new year. It helps that I had a really lovely break over Christmas (finished at lunch on Christmas Eve and returned to work on 5th January). When I read my "stars" in the Sunday newspapers for 2009, I got a pleasant surprise. 2009 will be my year ;-) It said I will get a new job, meet someone while on holidays and get married quickly and by the end of the year. Oh WOW! It also said that I have been constantly battling the last few years but I get a break from this in 2009.


I don't actually literally believe in my "stars" but it is nice to read something positive at the beginning of the year ~ gets your mindset right!


By the way the new blog layout is thanks to Gena by the way. I love her work. Don't forget to check out her designs at http://knottymoosedesigns.blogspot.com/


Santa was VERY good to me this year! I GOT A NEW TV!! A flat screen, High-Definition, LCD Samsung TV (see picture below).



I bought my original TV from a supermarket and the picture was fading. Despite this I offered it to my Aunt (as a second TV) and she happily accepted. However when I took it over and plugged it in, it blew up! LOL! I guess it really WAS on its' last legs and I was even MORE thrilled to have gotten a brand spanking new TV from Santa.


Santa also bought me some UGG boots (genuine Australian Uggs). Not only am I Australian but I live in FUGGS (faux Uggs) so I was surprised (to tears!) to open a parcel and find brand new genuine Uggs waiting for me. I wear them ALL the time! (I am even tempted to sleep in them).
As well as Uggs and TV, I got some perfume (Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel), new iPod speakers (with a LCD screen built in so I can watch all the videos on my iPod), slippers, PJs, CDs (Amy Grant Christmas & Billy Currington's new one), DVDs (new X Files movie, Lost in Austen, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall), a gift voucher for Marks & Spencers (I bought two pairs of shoes for work), books ("Pottery Barn Storage & Display", "The Pirate's Daughter", "Marley & Me", "Plantations of the Low Country" plus more), jewellery and so much more. I can't recall them all right now. I was overwhelmed and humbled and I loved absolutely everything.


I also loved seeing the faces on my family as they opened the presents I got them. I bought heaps and loved spoiling them! Mum went especially mental over her beautifully carved angel wings (below) and her metal detector and Dad loved all his Top Gear goodies and electronic gadgets I bought him.


So since I had a new TV and some new DVDs to enjoy, I spent my Christmas break watching A LOT of TV. (I do mean a lot - I even got a migraine the first day!)

The movies / shows I loved the most were "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor".

I love the whole Mummy series and this didn't disappoint. I also ordered "Iron Man" off Sky (through my TV) on New Year's Eve and really enjoyed it.

So much so that at Mum and Dad's the next day, we rented it and watched it again.

I am also totalling loving "The 4400" and am almost finished Season Two. I have Seasons Three and Four to go!

I have organised to upgrade my Sky package to the HD (High-Definition) package so I make the most of my new TV. They are coming on Saturday 24th January and I can't wait! I've paid for everything now (the new Sky box and installation) so it shouldn't cost me anything extra on the day!

That's all I have to report for now. Haven't had much time for reading with all the TV watching but I am about halfway through "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice.

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Love" doesn't even come close ...

to explaining how I felt about this movie. I ADORED it. It really was an "epic" reminding me of those timeless, classic movies like Gone With The Wind. Both Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman were stunning - all I can say is OSCAR!

I have already downloaded the soundtrack and will most definitely buy the movie when it is released onto DVD.

Off to "Australia"

Not back home but to the movie "Australia". Going to see it with my Mum and Dad today. Really looking forward to it as I think it's going to be great!

Twilight ... the short review

Simply, I adoooooooooooored it!

In other words, if I had to give it a number from 1 to 10, I'd give it a gazillion. :-)