There is no end to the joy this lady brings to our lives! Now she is in films
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
April 4, 2013
September 24, 2012
“THE KING’S SPEECH” #2: IT’S IN THE WORKS — why is it that the films I enjoy lately are British? I wonder why!
Look at this! This stirs my blood. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the movies comes about.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 16, 2012
August 12, 2012
“WE” – A MOVIE ABOUT THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR; MADONNA, THE DIRECTOR ***I WAS SURPRISED–I LIKED IT***
A couple of years ago, I heard that Madonna had been given access to the Royal Family’s complete collection of important letters, pictures, legal papers dealing with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Madonna’s request for access to these important sources of information was granted by the Queen without hesitation whatsoever. All the parties involved in the Abdication Crisis were gone, including Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, so the Queen felt there was no further reason to hold off on the WE story. When it was announced that Madonna was going to direct the movie, I knew Wallis would be painted as a woman who also gave up a great deal when she married the King. The critics said it was a “pretty but vacant” movie, so I didn’t expect much. Yesterday, I went to Costco to buy avacados, AND my eye spotted the film piled high on the table. The film came to our area for a three-night showing, and the theater was nearly empty. But I wanted to see it and give it a chance–at least for Mrs. Moore and for me. Well, last night was the night for THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR. I must be a bad judge of movies, rarely agreeing with the critics, but I really enjoyed the film. It was passionate, visually magnificent, very feminine, and beautifully directed. The story of the Duke and the Duchess is one story, one part of the movie, and a parallel story of another woman trapped in a loveless marriage enhances the plot. Madonna’s point that Wallis was like so many other women who are in marriages that don’t work, but there is no escaping. At first, I couldn’t understand what was happening, but then I realized this was a movie of two stories with the same theme. I liked James d’Arcy as Edward VII and Andrea Risenborough as Wallis–perfect personalities in the roles. When the film was over, I said to myself: HE WAS MADLY IN LOVE WITH HER. I THINK SHE DID HER DUTY IN A LOVE WHICH RAN SO THIN. For the Royal Family, I think Wallis did them a favor by removing this shallow man from the throne. Here again I enjoyed a film the critics only winked at. AND I AM NO FAN OF WALLIS SIMPSON. I say GO GET THE MOVIE. Madonna? Good job, my dear! Pretty difficult doing an historical film about a person we all knew quite well–she has to ring right, and she did!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 11, 2012
“UP AT THE VILLA” with a STAR CAST ***Not very well rated, but I loved it.”
NETFLIX and our GIANT TV SCREEN have opened worlds to me. All the films I have enjoyed are immediately available–as well as many unknown ones. Between my goings and comings, I often like to see if there is something that I can find on NETFLIX which will be the perfect interlude ticket. Yesterday afternoon, I ran into a film UP AT THE VILLA which I had not heard of before. I really like Anne Bancroft, and I have had a crush on KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS at every film I have seen where she stars–a very beautiful woman with the most beautiful flirting eye! Sean Penn–well, I was curious to see how he would work in the mix, especially with James Fox. ”Curiosity killed the cat” and UP AT THE VILLA was on my screen. The ratings were ordinary, and the film had rather poor reviews, so I didn’t expect much. Well, off we went–Anne Bancroft stole the show right off the bat, and I was deep into the film. I thought Kristin Scott Thomas was brilliant, and Sean Penn spread around his lady’s-man personality and won the day. The setting is pre-World War II Florence with all the splendid views, villas, gardens, furniture, paintings, and parties. I SUPPOSE IT DOESN’T SAY MUCH FOR MY TASTE, but I really enjoyed the film. Anne Bancroft, I loved 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD, and also liked UP AT THE VILLA. I will watch it again.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
July 24, 2012
MAY I SUGGEST A WONDERFUL MOVIE WHICH I HAVE WATCHED OVER AND OVER FOR YEARS: SHIRLEY MACLAINE AS MADAME SOUSATZKA
Several years ago, Stephanie and I were invited to join some friends to watch a movie: MADAME SOUSATZKA. I liked the line-up of Shirley Maclaine, Navin Choudhry,Peggy Ashcroft, Twiggy; they were actors I knew well. The ratings were just OK, but I was eager to see the film. Sure enough, it has become one of my favorite movie experiences. This evening, we decided to eat out and come home to watch Shirley MaClaine and Navin Choudhry, Peggy Ashcroft and Twiggy glitter our night away. When we finished the film, I thought to myself that I had to invite my friends and readers to hop on Neflex and enjoy the film as we have. All during the film, I kept thinking about Shirley MaClaine joining the Downtown Abbey team this fall. Imagine, Shirley MacLaine playing opposite Maggie Smith. THAT’S CHEMISTRY FOR WAR!–Ladies with excessive natures! I can’t wait. Check out MADAME SOUSATZKA; you will love it. I watched the movie with my camera in hand, can you imagine!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
July 14, 2012
ALL I CAN SAY IS: “BOY THAT WAS CLOSE.” I think you know what I mean. Read this and be dismayed.
All I can say is THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE. Wow! Don’t you agree?
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 15, 2012
BRITISH TELEVISION: I just watched “THE READER” with Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes
Sometimes, I wonder where I have been. Tonight, I ran into a 2008 film that has completely captivated me: THE READER. I like Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes, but their performances in this film were fantastic. Wow! What an experience. It is wee hours in the morning, and I decided that before I go to bed, I would encourage my readers to see the film if you have not had the pleasure. Lots to think about here. Hm! It all happens in London. It is a wonderful performance.
You know, I would really like to know how the public responded to this film, sixty years after end of World War II.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 7, 2012
“WAR HORSE” TONIGHT ON LEICESTER SQUARE: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to attend
Heads up! Tonight in Leicester Square is a major photo opportunity. I saw WAR HORSE Christmas day in the States–wow! what an experience– and tonight is the premiere at the ODEON on Leicester Square. Spielberg will host the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. I will be there with my camera ready to have lots of fun.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
December 31, 2011
WAR HORSE: MY EXPERIENCE *** HATS OFF TO SPIELBERG and to JOEY and to young ALBERT — Amazing talent!
After weeks of anticipation and following the progress of the film, Mrs. Moore and I joined a group of our friends to see WAR HORSE last night–with great expectations. I knew the story because I have seen the play in London, but I was truly enthralled watching this visual masterpiece. There were moments during the film when I was so filled with emotion that I thought I would have to leave the theater. I was either as tense as a rope-tied feather bed or as happy as tears can express. I don’t think I have ever sat through a film of 2 1/2 hours where no one moved, no one said a word, and no one even wiped away their tears. It is a strong drama suitable for young people 12 and over–not because of any “twisted” elements, but because of the level of tense drama. The photography was unbelievable, and the sets were magnificent–just as I would expect from the genius Spielberg. The “barbed wire” scene where Joey is trapped is one of the moments the audience was allowed a bit of comic relief but also the moment where the producer makes sure you have caught the theme of his film. The only downside was Tom Hiddleston’s performance; I thought he was weak and not right for the part. He is more suited to his role in CRANFORD where he was brilliant. MY RECOMMENDATION: DON’T MISS THIS FILM; YOU WILL NOT FORGET THE EXPERIENCE. I think it is Spielberg at his best.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
