info-21405
Joined Jan 2016
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info-21405's rating
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has an intriguing premise: for varying reasons (and with varying expectations) a group of British retirees all make the same decision to move to Jaipur, India to live out their years. (One note: the movie is based on Deborah Moggach's book, originally called These Foolish Things, but it is quite different).
With that premise, there are many potential storylines and that is where this movie excels: there are MANY amazing actors in this movie, all perfectly cast into roles that are subtle, unique, and heartwarming. I found myself liking each and every person--even the ones who are struggling with the move to a new country.
There are too many superb actors and too many storylines to share here, but what I especially appreciate is the honesty of the characters and their stories--while the movie is heartwarming and positive, not every outcome is ideal or perfect. Just like in real life, people are flawed and tragedy happens and lessons are learned.
I consider it a must-watch.
With that premise, there are many potential storylines and that is where this movie excels: there are MANY amazing actors in this movie, all perfectly cast into roles that are subtle, unique, and heartwarming. I found myself liking each and every person--even the ones who are struggling with the move to a new country.
There are too many superb actors and too many storylines to share here, but what I especially appreciate is the honesty of the characters and their stories--while the movie is heartwarming and positive, not every outcome is ideal or perfect. Just like in real life, people are flawed and tragedy happens and lessons are learned.
I consider it a must-watch.
I enjoy books and movies about self-discovery and personal change. Throw in a beautiful destination and a strong female as the main character and I'm definitely in. So, as soon as Cheryl Strayed's novel came out in 2012, I read it.
And then two years later when the movie came out, I watched it, too. I didn't remember much about the movie, so recently decided to watch it again.
And I'm glad I did.
I had forgotten what a powerful and emotional story is told in this movie. It's the true story of Cheryl Strayed, played expertly by Reese Witherspoon, as she hikes 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. That alone is a feat to be examined and would make for an interesting travel story, but this movie (and Cheryl's trek) is more than just a physical journey--it is also an emotional journey.
With the use of flashbacks, Wild helps us understand why Cheryl has decided to take on this monumental challenge all alone without any hiking experience or training--she needs to heal. Cheryl was close to her mother (played by another great actress, Laura Dern) and when her mother passed away unexpectedly, Cheryl went into a downward spiral.
The movie is done well and, unlike many other adaptations, doesn't stray too far from the book. As is often the case, you do lose some of background story and you do lose some of the main character's emotional struggle...which means it's a little more difficult to connect to her and really understand her, her past, and her growth through the hike--the ending, then, is a bit abrupt and you don't fully appreciate just how far she's come and just how she found her strength to step off the trail and step back into real life.
If you like hiking (especially if you're considering a thru-hike like the PCT) and movies about self-growth, you'll like this movie.
And I'm glad I did.
I had forgotten what a powerful and emotional story is told in this movie. It's the true story of Cheryl Strayed, played expertly by Reese Witherspoon, as she hikes 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. That alone is a feat to be examined and would make for an interesting travel story, but this movie (and Cheryl's trek) is more than just a physical journey--it is also an emotional journey.
With the use of flashbacks, Wild helps us understand why Cheryl has decided to take on this monumental challenge all alone without any hiking experience or training--she needs to heal. Cheryl was close to her mother (played by another great actress, Laura Dern) and when her mother passed away unexpectedly, Cheryl went into a downward spiral.
The movie is done well and, unlike many other adaptations, doesn't stray too far from the book. As is often the case, you do lose some of background story and you do lose some of the main character's emotional struggle...which means it's a little more difficult to connect to her and really understand her, her past, and her growth through the hike--the ending, then, is a bit abrupt and you don't fully appreciate just how far she's come and just how she found her strength to step off the trail and step back into real life.
If you like hiking (especially if you're considering a thru-hike like the PCT) and movies about self-growth, you'll like this movie.
I know, I know--it's a movie full of stereotypes that relies on dumb slapstick humor...but there's some truth in stereotypes and it makes me laugh.
European Vacation is the second movie in National Lampoon's Vacation series which all star Chevy Chase as the clumsy but lovable Clark Griswold and Beverly D'Angelo as his patient wife, Ellen. Their two children, Audrey and Rusty (this time played by Dana Hill and Jason Lively--the actors portraying the children are not consistent through the series), are along as well.
The movie starts with the family on a game show where they (somewhat accidentally) win a trip to Europe that will take them to England, Germany, France, and Italy. As you probably expected, Clark is a little over-the-top in his excitement for the trip, Ellen is also looking forward to it, but in a more normal way, and the kids, as typical teenagers, are reluctant, but eventually come around (especially when it comes to shopping for Italian fashion, eating French pastries, and making out with German beer maids).
There's a loose plot that includes stolen traveler's checks and Ellen being kidnapped, but you don't really watch movies like this for their plot. You watch it for the (yes, childish) humor. You're not going to learn anything or come away with any life lessons, but you will be entertained...and sometimes that's all I want when I watch a movie.
European Vacation is the second movie in National Lampoon's Vacation series which all star Chevy Chase as the clumsy but lovable Clark Griswold and Beverly D'Angelo as his patient wife, Ellen. Their two children, Audrey and Rusty (this time played by Dana Hill and Jason Lively--the actors portraying the children are not consistent through the series), are along as well.
The movie starts with the family on a game show where they (somewhat accidentally) win a trip to Europe that will take them to England, Germany, France, and Italy. As you probably expected, Clark is a little over-the-top in his excitement for the trip, Ellen is also looking forward to it, but in a more normal way, and the kids, as typical teenagers, are reluctant, but eventually come around (especially when it comes to shopping for Italian fashion, eating French pastries, and making out with German beer maids).
There's a loose plot that includes stolen traveler's checks and Ellen being kidnapped, but you don't really watch movies like this for their plot. You watch it for the (yes, childish) humor. You're not going to learn anything or come away with any life lessons, but you will be entertained...and sometimes that's all I want when I watch a movie.