Out With The Old In With The New Part 7

Today I typed 2012 instead of 2014, I am not sure if it was just a typing error or if I am just that in denial that is twenty fourteen.
As the year was coming to a close I tried to think what my favorite movies of the year were in preparation for this post. I could only think of two off the top of my head, Austenland and Catching Fire but I told myself not to worry I was bound to think of more when I looked over the list of 2013 movies. Unfortunately nothing really changed after I wrote the list of movies I saw.

Big surprise here but Austenland was definitely my favorite you can pre-order the DVD here


Next was Catching Fire, I don't think I've watched Huger Games again but I would go see Catching Fire again. It has been years since I read Catching Fire but I think this is one of the best book to movie adaptions I have ever seen.

Also can there be a spin off movie that is just about Ceaser Flickerman, Stanley Tucci is the best.

Movies that I liked but didn't necessarily love were Saving Mr. Banks & The Host.

2014 seems to be a more promising year.

Christopher Nolan has a new movie coming out so how could it not, right! Interstellar


Wes Anderson has The Grand Budapest Hotel coming out as well


X-Men: Days of Future Past


Should I keep going? Do you guys want to watch trailers all day?

Divergent


Monuments Men


Noah

When Expectations meet Reality

Do you guys remember that brilliant scene in 500 Days of Summer when it shows side by side Tom's expectations of Summer's party and the reality of what really happened?

Too often in life we do like Anne Shirley so eloquently put, “I can't help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It's as glorious as soaring through a sunset... almost pays for the thud.” and like both 500 Days & Anne point out our reality rarely meet our expectations. 
Last night I was lucky enough to attend a special screening of Austenland, and although the only real expectation I had was that I would love it, it was a high expectation. My ever practical brain was trying to convince my heart to calm down because there was bound to be something that wasn't going to match my expectations. Imagine my surprise when the movie was over and my expectations were actually surpassed! 
I was pleased at how well it followed the book but also enjoyed the changes that kept me on my toes as well. If I was not laughing I was smiling, I'm not joking my friend Jenny complained about about how sore her face was from smiling! The whole cast really did just a wonderful job, and obviously had fun filming it. Hint stay for the credits.

Keri was delightful as the slightly awkward and yet lovable Jane Hayes. 

J.J. was completely swoon worthy as Mr. Nobley, that "Darcy guy". 

It was a dream come true to see Bret play a romantic lead, who knew he had a little swagger in him?

In my sisters opinion Jennifer Coolidge stole the show, and it is true that everything out of her mouth had me dying. If you think Jennifer was funny in anything else wait till you see her in this. 

Chelsea liked Georgia King's character and seriously there were a couple of scenes I thought I was going to cry from laughing so hard. 

Don't let the no shirt fool you there is more to Ricky Whittle than a pair of abs. All James Callis had to do was use his quizzing glass and I was laughing. 

When the movie was over my friend Chelsea looked over and laughed at the stupid grin I could not get off my face but we all loved it and agreed we want to see it again. And although I love Austenland & Jane Austen I don't think you need to like either to enjoy this movie. In fact I am going to encourage my brothers and dad to see it, I really do think they will enjoy it.  

Can it be August already?

I first posted about the movie Austenland almost two years ago back in July of 2011 and just feel it would be wrong not to do a post about the trailer as well.



I feel a little silly giving a play by play of the trailer since I can't imagine anyone will really care but I have found it fun when others do it so I am going to have a go.

First: Props to the production team, Jane's room is insane! The Darcy pillow, is that a chamber pot down by her bed. The whole "Darcy was here" is so disturbing it makes me feel like a little better about my obsession.

Speaking of Darcy pillows I like mine better...

Next I LOVE the Colin Firth, Mr. Darcy cutout. 

Well because I got to take a picture with Darcy/Firth at Shannon Hale's book signing which is where I first heard that Austenland would become a movie. 

It's hard to tell with the apron but Darcy/Firth is holding a copy of Austenland. 

Sony has been doing a good job with there marketing efforts I think, I particularly like the website they set up which makes sense when you see the brochure in Jane Hayes hands. Also is she packing a carpet bag? I always have wanted a carpet bag like Anne of Green Gables. 

Where did they get the carriage car we get to see Bret McKenzie who plays Martin chauffeuring. 

I like that they don't waste anytime introducing JJ Feild aka Mr. Nobley as the "one of those Mr. Darcy guys". 

Should I mention Ricky Whittle aka Captain East's abs? Alright you twisted my arm I will mention his abs. 

And if you haven't heard Shannon tell the story about signing his underwear YOU SHOULD. 

Any fan of the book would or I guess I should say love the Tally-Ho reference. 

I am also just as excited for the scenes I have no clue what is happening, other than it looks funny!

Oh man I am so excited for this scene! That little double blink Mr. Nobley gives making him look vulnerable makes me swoon, not to mention how adorable Bret is!

Mr. Nobley reminds me a lot of Captian Wentworth from the newest Persuasion adaption.

Don't you love the original songs Emmy The Great wrote/performed for the soundtrack as well?

Tally-ho indeed! 

Jane Austenland

Did you know that Pride & Prejudice is celebrating its 200th birthday on January 28th? I read this article that sums up Mr. Darcy pretty well, it's from Stylist UK.
"The attributes which Darcy possesses – he’s mysterious, intelligent, handsome, misunderstood, moral and unafraid of being mocked by a woman – still provide a template for the ideal suitor. A template which has been replicated by authors and film makers ever since; the unapproachable, difficult male figure who, although wholly unpleasant at first, turns out to be kind, gallant and selfless. And we fall for it every time."
And what better way to celebrate it's 200th birthday than by sharing the great news that Austenland the movie got bought by Sony Pictures after premiering at Sundance this past Friday! Which means it will be playing in theaters in the US later this year!
Here is an adorable picture of Bret, Keri & JJ at Sundance. 

HitFix had one of my favorite reviews...

"To be clear, Hess isn’t breaking any ground here. “Austenland” is a crowd-pleaser with a smart script and a cast that appears to be having a jolly ol’ time. What sparks the most is McKenzie who shows he can easily be a romantic comedy leading man (assuming the Oscar winner even wants to go in that direction) and Coolidge who may be doing her same old schtick, but hasn’t had this much screen time in years and is completely on her game.  Russell becomes increasingly more feisty as Jane takes control of her own story.  Feild does his best Colin Firth as Mr. Nobley and genuinely makes the audience unsure of who they want Jane to end up with.

“Austenland” is one of the most commercially friendly films to screen at the festival in years.  It’s hard to imagine almost every mini-major in Hollywood not having a serious interest in acquiring it."

Here is a Q & A with the actors after the screening. 

And a short clip from the movie!!!

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Am I the only one who is super excited about seeing Bret in a romantic roll?

Out With The Old In With The New Part 6

It is a new year and you know what that means, my list of favorite movies from the past year and what movies I am looking forward too.
Les Miserables the musical has been a huge favorite of mine since I first saw a special on PBS. I have seen the movie twice and loved it even more the second time. I bought the soundtrack the day after Christmas and some songs already have 33 listens.


I am such a huge Batman & Chirstopher Nolan fan, I really thought this was a great end to the series. And Catwoman was exactly what I would have wished her to be.


Oh Wes Anderson you make me laugh so much!


I also enjoyed The Hunger Games, Breaking Dawn part 2 (I could watch Lee Pace as Garrett all day long) and Snow White & The Huntsman.

The movies I am looking forward to the most are mostly from books! First and foremost is Austenland which is premiering at Sundance this month!!! 

We also have The Mortal Instruments, which it has been awhile since I read but watching the trailer brought back my love for the series. 

The Host, I wasn't happy with the younger casting of the film BUT once I saw the trailer all my Ian love came back.


I am excited about Catching Fire mostly because of Finnick!

And although I didn't like The Great Gatsby I will be seeing this movie as well. Also Jack The Giant Slayer looks good too. Everytime I think about how this

became this

it brings a smile to my face. I am so proud that Marcus grew up to be awesome.

It is a truth universally acknowledged...

You may remember me talking about the book Austenland by Shannon Hale here, even here, maybe here, and yes here. But did you know that there is a sequel called Midnight in Austenland coming out January 31st? Obviously being such a fan of the first I have been dying to read the sequel. Well Shannon decided to have a contest on twitter and the winner would receive an advance readers copy (ARC) of Midnight in Austenland.

When pondering what I should add to the famous opening line of Pride & Prejudice "IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." I thought of a conversation I had with my friend Melissa while waiting in line to get our books signed by James Dashner. I belive we were talking about Inception & Tom Hardy when I said something about how a British accent can take a marginally good looking guy and make him hot. It seemed like a perfect "Connie" truth to proclaim as universal. 

Maybe Shannon thought so too or maybe she just picked me because I bugged her about never announcing a winner for the contest.

 Look what I got in the mail yesterday!





*note this is my third copy (2nd signed) copy of Austenland I have a paperback copy to loan & that I can mark up.





At work we are getting a new server and there is little work that can be done with out my computer so I got to go home and read while my new computer was getting hooked up. I had to stop by my library to pick some things up and decided to read outside since it was a beautiful day here. I strolled through the Riparian Preserve that is around my library. And found the perfect spot to sit and read an Austen inspired novel.





While reading I laughed out loud more times than I can count, which is why I decided to retreat and finish reading in the privacy of my own home. I loved the Gothic appeal and twist to it, I would highly recommend reading or at least watching Northanger Abbey before reading. While reading I realized that I had a grin permanently on my face except for the suspenseful parts, well sometimes even during those! It was a great read I am so happy I was able to go back to Pembrook Park!

More Austenland - The Movie

At my book birthday party (see post below) some of us talked about how excited we are for Austenland the movie and I promised a friend I would send her links to some of the fun things I have found. Which I did but I have seen a lot of traffic coming to my Austenland post so I thought I would share the links with you all as well.
The following pictures came from Jennifer Coolidge twitter account...

Keri Russell is in the brown dress as Jane Hayes and Jennifer Coolidge as Miss Charming is in the pink dress.

Here is Keri & Jennifer again with the director Jerusha Hess.

The following picture of Bret McKenzie as Martin was taken from a film extra's twitter account.

The fan site Absolute JJ Feild also has posted pictures supposedly from set, I just didn't see where they got them so I am not going to say they are for sure. Although I think he does look very Darcy/Nobley.

There are more if you click on their link.

Screen Daily also did a great article that I already posted on facebook awhile ago about their on set visit. Here is one of my favorite parts...
"I witnessed Bret McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords grinding up on Keri Russell, all the while wearing regency finery. Oh, and did I mention a Nelly song was playing? What more do you want from a film, people?"
What more could you want indeed.

Ricky Whittle twitted about production if you want to check out his twitter. He tweeted a picture, of some possible swim trunk wardrobe???

Mr. James Callis tweeted the following picture of himself as Colonel Andrews from his trailer...

Austenland Exclusive with JJ Field, Bret McKenzie, Georgia King & Ricky Whittle


If you want more you can read Shannon Hale's (author of Austenland book & co-authored screenplay) blog for her on set adventures.

I really want to see Austenland get picked up by a studio soon so I am going to do everything in my power to get the word out there!

Austenland - The Movie

One of my favorite novels Austenland by Shannon Hale is getting made into a movie! I have always wanted it to be a movie and two years ago I heard hints that it was in the works & even more promising news a few months ago. Then on July 5th the announcement finally came with the cast as well. Here is the movie description taken from Fickle Fish Films Stephenie Meyers production company's site.

“AUSTENLAND” is a romantic comedy about 30-something, single Jane Hayes, a seemingly normal young woman with a secret: her obsession with Mr. Darcy—as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice—is ruining her love life; no real man can compare. But when she decides to spend her life savings on a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined.

The Cast (taken from Shannon's blog / IMDB)
First as Jane Hayes we have the lovely Keri Russell 

I use to watch Felicity back in the day and liked Keri from that. But more importantly she is from one of my favorite movies a Hallmark movie called The Magic of Ordinary Days. (I wish I could find a real trailer for the movie but can't, if you haven't seen it I would highly recommend it)

Mr. Nobley is being played by JJ Feild who I found extremely charming as Mr. Tilney in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, here is a little taste.


Mr. Tilney is so sweet I was wondering if JJ can do the proud Darcy type, it looks promising.


I am also very excited to see him in Captian America.

Martin is being played by Bret McKenzi as in Bret yes THIS Bret


and this Bret

Let's not forget this Bret


Maybe one more he was in a music video for The Black Seeds called So True

Miss Charming - Jennifer Coolidge
Miss Charming was written for Jennifer Coolidge 
The first thing that will always come to mind when I think of Jennifer is snow peas. 

We have so much in common, we both love soup and snow peas, we love the outdoors, and talking and not talking. We could not talk or talk forever and still find things to not talk about. 

Colonel Andrews - James Callis
Was in Battlestar Galactica but more importantly Bridget Jones Diary (love connections to Colin Firth)

Mimi don't you think he looks a little like Desmond

Mrs. Wattlesbrook - Jane Seymour

Do I need to say anything more than Dr. Quinn?

Lady Amelia Heartwright is being played by Georgia King 

She played Rosamond (she loves St John) in the 2006 BBC miniseries Jane Eyre
She was also the mean girl in Wild Child not that I have seen that movie twice.

*Edit if you want more see my post More Austenland - The movie

First to understand why I love Austenland by Shannon Hale you need to understand why I love Pride & Prejudice. I am stealing from a post I did in October of 2007 called Liz On Top of the World.


When I was younger around the age of eleven or twelve I loved to stay up late on Saturday nights and watch whatever black and white movie PBS was playing. One night PBS played Pride & Prejudice (the 1940 version with Greer Garson & Laurence Olivier). I loved Elizabeth with her sharp whit & pert opinions and of course was smitten with Mr. Darcy. The funny thing was I had never heard of Pride & Prejudice and did not realize it was even based off a book. Then a few years latter the BBC version came out all 300 glorious minuets. It was incredible going from an almost two hour movie to a five hour movie. For Christmas the next year I asked for all of Jane Austen’s books. 


The description of Austenland from Shannon Hales website is as follows...

Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her love life: no real man can compare. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined

It is true I love Mr. Darcy/Colin Firth I mean come on what other Austen hero in any of the movies can pull of those britches like Colin? (Not Mr. Knightly, you know what I am talking about Debbie)

*Edit if you want more see my post More Austenland - The movie there are also updates at Austenland Movie Fans tumblr.