Since we moved I haven’t watched television very much at all. Part of the reason is because there haven’t been many shows that I’ve cared about seeing.
Part of the reason is because Oprah has been in re-runs for what feels like six months.
And part of the reason is, you know, blogging.
But the biggest reason is that moving meant that we had to leave behind our beloved DirecTV / TiVo combo (there are too many trees here at the new casa for DirecTV to work) and my inner rebel has refused to have anything to do with our new cable company’s ill-conceived and user-unfriendly TiFaux / DVR-ish-type product.
Okay, okay – that might be a little harsh. It’s probably not that bad.
And really, now that time has dulled the wound a bit, my DirecTV / TiVo separation anxiety has diminished to the point where I can (sort of) laugh about THE HORROR OF IT ALL, but make no mistake: it’s just not the same, my friends. It’s just not the same.
However, there are a couple of shows coming up in the next few days that certainly will pull me out of my television funk, regardless of the evil TiFaux that now controls my viewing, what with it’s 1985-esque interface and unreliable recording options (I’M A FAN! CAN YOU TELL?).
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you “24” and “American Idol.”
(My pulse started to race just from typing that last sentence.)
(Also, I’ve watched this four times this afternoon.)
“24” is only, like, the best show in the history of forever, and “American Idol” is such a guilty pleasure that I can’t imagine not watching it. It doesn’t matter that I know what tricks AI is going to pull out of the hat, that I’ll be subjected to four weeks (and then some) of sub-par, desperate-for-attention “singers” who only want to be on TV, because I AM ALL ABOUT IT.
Randy saying “dawg”?
Simon rolling his eyes and chewing on a pencil?
Paula clapping her hands over her head and making incoherent statements?
I AM ALL ABOUT IT.
Finally (OH SWEET MERCIFUL CONCLUSION, you’re no doubt thinking), I told D. this morning that I’m ready to see some movies again. I won’t go into the long history of my movie sabbatical, but it’s been awhile since I’ve watched movies, aside from my repeated viewings of Notting Hill and Ocean’s Eleven, both of which I have committed to memory and quote extensively in my day-to-day conversations.
So D. got us all set up with the Blockbuster-y / Netflix-y thing, and I have a queue to fill.
At the top of my list? Ocean’s Twelve and Mission Impossible III, because I’m OCD and I’d like to have as much information as possible about what’s happened with those characters since I last saw them.
Other than those two movies, I’m wide open. And I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Don’t worry about duplicating something I’ve already watched, because I haven’t even seen The Notebook or any of those Johnny Depp-plays-a-pirate movies, and yes, I just heard all of you gasp collectively.
Okay, I’m so glad I’m the first comment, so maybe I can stress to you that YOU MUST WATCH THE NOTEBOOK. And take the child to grandparents’ and turn off the phone, ahem, ahem. It’s THAT romantic.
Ok…Akeelah & The Bee, The Lakehouse, Invincible, Memoirs of a Geisha, Emma, Pride & Predjudice, A Beautiful Mind, oh, we should be netflix friends, ha! I have a HUGE queue and I love rating movies…of course I will have to remember my name on the netflix website, but give me a minute and I might…ha…ok…apparently I am extremely creative and my netflix is Tamara Cosby. Wow, isn’t that just brilliant.
I’m no help. I’m pretty sure the last movie that I saw was “The Titanic.”
But tomorrow night? My behind is going to be parked in front of the premiere of “24.” I’ve grown my fingernails out nice and long, so that I can dine on them all through the entire TWO hours. It’s unclear what will get me through the next TWO hours on Monday night. But I’ll think of something. I suppose my toenails. But then again, I’m really not that limber.
Yikes!! I’m the first one to comment and I’ve seen about three movies in the last year. We did go to see “A Night In the Museum” when my Brother-in-law and sister-in-law were here. It was funny and cute. I’m sure you will get lots of help from others.
Now don’t faint or anything, but I have also only seen one episode of 24 in my entire life. I’m planning to rememdy that this year (tomorrow actually) because I feel as though a very vital part of life has been missing (according to so many of you).
So…I have been no help at all. But I just love reading your posts.
Hey Boo,
Im with you on Idol and my fav 24! I even cleaned and spruced up my room getting ready for the Happy reunions. Now that id devotion.
Wheeeee! I’m right there with you on “24” — not so much “American Idol” as I pretty much hate it after the season two debacle. Needless to say, I think the wrong man “won,” but I’ll spare you that rant. ;)
I’ve actually already seen the first two hours of the new “24” season online. I might have squee’d more than once in there. Enjoy it!
24 and AI are among some of my favorites on tv! And I’ve watched *that* video with Paula a few times myself today. Watching her drink from that Coca-Cola glass and then speak is one of my husband’s favorite parts each episode.
Believe it or not, I have never watched one single episode of American Idol. Shocking, I know…especially given my love of all things reality T.V.
Now 24 on the other hand will have me glued to the T.V.
This will confirm that I also don’t get out to the movies much, but if you haven’t seen 13 going on 30 with Jennifer Garner, you’ve missed out on some great 80’s comedy. The Thriller dance scene may be one of my favorites of all time.
I went to see Happy Feet over the Thanksgiving holiday, but other than that I haven’t seen a movie in what amounts to basically forever. I therefore have no suggestions.
AI–it won’t be the same if we don’t get to read your after the show comments. Seriously. Now that I think about it, that may be how I got hooked on your blog last year. Well, that and LBY.
I never called. Sorry. Knowing what a phone person you are, I’m sure you’re crushed. No worries, I have several trips to OKC with a 5 and 2 year old–plenty o time coming up.
You must watch The Notebook. Definitely one of my all time favorites. If you liked Notting Hill–you could try Love Actually if you haven’t seen it. Serendipity is another favorite of mine–gotta love anything John Cusack!! Ok, I’m naming some pretty old movies. I can’t really think of anything recent that I have absolutely loved. Can you tell I have a thing for romantic movies? Don’t even get me started on the greatness that is Titanic.
Can’t wait for Idol!! Still haven’t watched 24–I know, I know I’m missing out. I want to catch up with the DVDs.
I’m so sorry for the your loss (Tivo). I couldn’t survive without mine, so you must be one strong woman. Just kidding (sort of).
I didn’t know about the Netflix “Friends” thing. I think I put it on my blog, so check there for my/our (hubby and me) recommendations.
the terminal, joy luck club, prize winner of defiance ohio, little manhattan, never been kissed, glory road, ron clark story, best in show, italian job…we should be netflix friends!
Okay, I feel an urgency to respond again. I sense a strong connection, since you too commit movies to memory and use them in your day-to-day converstaions. Pride and Prejudice is dreamy, Akeela and the Bee inspirational. I am a HUGE movie fan.
Enjoy 24! We don’t watch that show (as we are way over comitted on the tv front). Perhaps we will rent 24 on DVD this summer during the rerun lull.
And my husband DESPISES our local cable company (bill mix up from college days). But he broke down and now we get our internet through that company.
Please, review whatever movies you chose to watch.
Jenny Beth
Okay, after reading the Netflix “friends” info, I’ve determined it is TMI for the blawg, so here are some of my movie recommendations:
The Break-up
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
40 Year Old Virgin
Sideways
I wish I had more, but there just haven’t been that many good movies in the last few years.
Sweet Home Alabama, and yes, The Notebook.
I’m excited about AI as well. Didn’t make it past the first season of 24 as my husband was convinced it had jumped the shark. :) I think I need to give it another try.
Lake House. Akeelah and the Bee. I am Sam. Sliding Doors (you might want to check the rating on that first, I don’t know what your standards are.) Emma.
And, HELLO! FOOTLOOSE!
I have standards?
Oh, I kid.
Oh, and “It’s About a Boy.” I think that’s the name of it. Which would be appropriate because the movie is, after all, about a boy.
Ooh! I love movies! My favorite right now is the new Peter Pan, which came out a couple of years ago. I love it more than my kids and it’s way more serious and deep than the Disney version. I also do like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. We don’t see many movies, either, although I do love them! I also like Harry Potter, although the books are much better. And the new Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is pretty good, although I thought it lost much of the lightheartedness and fun of the book.
And of course, you must see The Lord of the Rings! Although again, much gets lost from the books. They’re not perfect, but they’re about as good as they could be!
I’m lovin’ me some 24, and don’t get me started on AI!! If they had one of those for French horn players, I’d be SO! THERE!
Thanks for swinging by my blog. It made my day!
Just saw Oceans Twelve. Loved it.
Also, love Big Fish- Tim Burton movie.
24 is definitely some AWESOME tv!!
Blessings,
Karla
OH MY GOODNESS – you simply must watch THE NOTBOOK! It’s amazing.
The BREAK UP was good for some laughs and THE INTERPRETER was excellent.
Can’t wait to hear what you think about THE NOTEBOOK once you’ve watched it! And I’m with about AMERICAN IDOL.
Well, I haven’t kept up with watching 24 in the last few years and I haven’t decided if I am watching this season of AI or not (I guess that’ll depend on whether or not hubby wants to.)
However, a couple of weeks ago I did write a review of all the movies I rented in 2006. Hope that helps. :)
Here’s my review.
Ok, that I don’t think that link worked for some reason so I’m just gonna link to it on my name on this comment.
Happy movie viewing!
All my favorite recent movies have been mentioned but I just had to add my two cents on About a Boy and Love Actually. I love both of them. In fact I loved Love Actually so much I had to buy the DVD and add it to our Christmas collection. (Once you see it that will either seem really odd or totally make sense depending on your opinion of the movie.)
The book About a Boy is even better than the movie but the movie is still really good. Love Actually is funny but it does have nudity so you probably want to make sure there are no little eyes around.
I think my husband and I have paid to go to the movies twice in 13 years, so I’m not real up on current movies. But I have to agree with everyone that you must see The Notebook. Great movie!
I’m more of a romantic/love story movie lover, but I do enjoy a good comedy and some drama, but definitely not horror.
My all time favorite is Murphy’s Romance, but I like You’ve Got Mail too. But you have probably seen those anyway, especially You’ve Got Mail.
We recently watched Simon Birch, which we liked too. A tear jerker.
Thoroughly enjoyed Secondhand Lion.
Also The OTher Sister, Remember the Titans, Rado, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Matchstick Men, Fried Green Tomatoes and of course Anne of Green Gables.
Looking forward to your movie reviews of whatever you decide to watch!!!
I only watch a few shows, and American Idol is definitely one of them. I am so excited about Tuesday’s opening night. Okay for movies, I loved Pride and Prejudice the most. I loved it more than the Notebook. So many women thought the Notebook was the end all, but I enjoyed the book so much more. A definite top on my list was Finding Neverland. I love Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Both were great in this and it is so family friendly. For action films that hubby and I both enjoyed were Batman Begins and Equilibrium. Christian Bale was in both of these. Great actor! I have tons more recommendations if you like these. My husband and I should do movie reviews because I think we’ve seen just about everything out there.
I can only say that 24 can not happen fast enough!! I am about to bust!!
And how did Southern Girl watch online!!??
I cannot help you either with the movie thing, my movie watching has consisted of Ice Age 2, Cars, Finding Nemo, you get the idea. Besides with 24 (I’m actually skipping around the house today with excitement)I have not had the interest in any movies lately. I know, GASP!! I’m thinking I will have to see The Notebook though. Happy 24 watching.
Okay, I must show my really shallow side here. I don’t know how high your tolerance is for stupid (a.k.a. Will Ferrell) humor (what with you being so highly sophisticated and from Mississippi and all), but I recommend Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. We saw it twice IN THE THEATERS (something we never do) and now we own the unrated version which includes some hilarious deleted scenes and outtakes. Really, I feel sort of ashamed suggesting this what with all of the sweet and/or deep stuff everyone else listed. Please don’t judge me…it’s just that my brain needs a break sometimes from 3 toddlers and 29 teenage girls. Plus, my husband is a history teacher, so I get a lot of “intellectuality” in my daily life.
Okay, here’s my recommendations based on the movies we’ve watched since getting Netflix in May.
Nanny McPhee
V for Vendetta
Elizabethtown
All the Pirates of the Caribbean movies
All the Lord of the Rings movies
All the X-Men movies
Radio
the 2004 version of Frankenstein
Superman Returns
Kingdom of Heaven
Under the Tuscan Sun
Also, I haven’t seen the Notebook, either, but it’s in my queue. I’ll be Netflix friends with you, too! I keep saying I’m going to blog some movie reviews, but I’m lazy.
You really MUST get Pride and Prejudice, my all time favorite movie. However, it is imperative that you get the A&E version. Trust me on this. Imperative.
Other must-see movies:
Emma (the original “Clueless”)
Clueless (after you see Emma)
Sense and Sensibility (oh, the joy.
You’ll cry tears of joy near the end.)
Nanny McPhee (Fun)
Big Fish (Strange)
A Walk to Remember (Fantastic, Romantic)
Narnia (MUST see)
Lord of the Rings movies (incredible)
And, if you like “24” you would probably like “Lost”, which you can get from Netflix.
Happy Watching!
My first thought was Akeelah and the Bee.
I’m so excited about AI starting I can’t stand it. Huge fan of The Apprentice, too, although I can assure you it’s not because I like DT. It’s all the in-fighting and back-stabbing that I love!
Okay so I’m #34 to comment, so you’ll probably never get to my movies, but whattheheck.
We watched Under the Tuscan Sun this weekend which is beautiful…
My all-time favorite movie is The Princess Bride…
The best movie I’ve seen in theaters is Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black and Kate Winslet. LOVED it.
Have fun!
Since nobody’s mentioned it, how ’bout Lady In The Water? Not scary, just a tiny bit suspenseful, but it has a happy ending…I’ve come to love M. Night Shamalayn (hope I spelled it right!)
Uh- seriously. “24 Season 1, 2, 3, 4 … well – I think you get my point. I mean, is there nothing better that 24 STRAIGHT EPISODES O’JACK – without break, interruption or commercial????
Then – once you are ready for the real world again? Well, there’s “Mickey Blue Eyes, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Narnia, The Notebook (Shannon is right, it’s- lose-the- kids-find-the-candles-good), The Interpreter (great movie, slow ending), Finding Neverland, Ocean’s 11 and 12.
Other than that- 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 BABY~
The last two movies I saw in the theater were “Passion of the Christ” and “Chronicles of Narnia”…both of which I highly recommend.
I think you’re going to have to change your header soon! Judging from the 80+ comments you got on the “jeans” post, you’ll soon get to say “Read by 100’s daily!!”
That’s cuz yer so cool. And funny, too. :D
I haven’t seen the Notebook, I guess that will have to be on my list to see! My kids say Scoop is hysterical. I say Much Ado About Nothing, I don’t think its even on DVD yet, lol, just on VHS, but it is SOOOOOO good! You have to watch it once to get through the shakespear language, and then watch it again for the humor and again and again. The Lake House is a MUST SEE! I didn’t think I’d like or “get” the whole time/space thing, but it was great!
Pirates of the Caribean is great, too.
Much Ado About Nothing is an all star cast! My all-time favorite movie! Pride And Predjudice is great, too.
Not-So-Deep-Denise, I saw the first two episodes of 24 by going here: http://www.yourtvlinks.com/24.html
That site is a great place to catch up on TV shows you might have missed. Lots of older ones on there, too! To get to other shows, click on Home to go to the main page of that site.
I don’t watch much tv….never seen a full episode of AI or 24…. (sorry!)
As for movies, here’s one I didn’t see anyone else mention….
Facing the Giants-not necessarily the best acting from Hollywood but an excellent Christian movie with an awesome message.
As always, I love reading your blog and I look forward to your refreshing humor! Thanks! One of these days, I’m going to be brave enough to start my own blog!
K and J said that they are happy to fill your queue- since they have completely taken over mine.
Can you say “Hug the mailman?”
Pirates O’the Caribbean 1 (2 was toooooooo long)
Akeelah and the Bee (must see- right after 24 and Notebook)
Signs with Mel Gibson. Awesome flick, better than Lady in the Water though.
The Village- another M. Night Shamalan
Those are their suggestions …..
Pirates is fun–Akeelah is sweet–the Sentinel? Have you seen that one? Kiefer is in it, and he’s a Jack-type character, so it’s fun, too.
Hmm. I guess that would list the movies I saw in 2006.
You sure are on a mission! First the jeans; now movies. What’s next? :)
Judging from what you’ve said, I think you’d LOVE “The Bourne Identity” if you haven’t seen it already. I’m SHOCKED that no one mentioned it. We love “24” here, and one of the FEW movies that intrigued us as much as that show was this one.
Oh yes! Definitely get THE NOTEBOOK if you like romantic movies I also recommend Bride and Predjudice which I did like Better then Pride and predjudice
Nanny Mcphee is a great Family movie!
You’ve already heard this 15 times by now but PLEASE watch The Notebook! I was late to watch it too — but once I did, OH! My plan is to read the book next b/c for me, the books are almost always better.
Oh, and watch The Family Stone (Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker…) Just watched it this week as part of my chick-flick-a-week challenge and it was very cute.
Sorry I casn’t be of any help because I am not watching enough TV to comment. When I do it is only a fast news clip or weather update. However now that you mention it, I nice hot cup of something, a bowl of hot buttered popcorn and a ‘GOOD’ movie sound like a great way to spent an evening to me!
We ONLY watch movies and I love Netflix .. I like to get movies that I wouldn’t normally see in a theater, there seems to be less guilt for me if I don’t like it.
Here are some:
Sliding doors
Junebug
Frida
Mrs. Brown
Cold Mountain
I also liked Click .. it was pretty funny, but also moving.
I can’t believe we have never discussed this??? The fact that one of your favorite movies is one of my all-time favorites! Notting Hill -LOVE IT…OWN IT…as a matter of fact I think it’s calling my name to watch it AGAIN.
I still laugh out loud when Hugh says… “that’s mayo-naise”! You know with the British accent and all…
whoopsy daisy! :)
We just watched Lady in the Water and I really, really liked it. Go into Netflix and rate some movies you’ve already seen. Their recommendations are based on what they think you will like, not just anybody, so if you rate a lot of movies they will start giving you good recommendations.
Ooooh, Netflix isn’t just for movies! We always have a television series going as well, since we don’t have cable. Currently watching a British spy drama called MI-5. FAB!
We’re very active movie watchers too though. :o)
Try Greenfingers, Flywheel, 84 Charing Cross Road, and Something the Lord Made.
We saw three movies over Christmas alone; have looked forward, for weeks, to 24 and AI starting. Last night we got to watch til the last ten minutes of the second hour – I get giddy just thinking of all the fun TV coming up, but if we didn’t have Tivo we’d miss most of it. Youre tougher than we are, giving it up! And you’re going to LOVE Netflix!
You should watch “Facing the Giants”. It will be on DVD the end of this month. I know how you feel about TiFaux. We had to switch when we moved as well. I prefer the real thing, but I do like the caller id feature – you don’t have to get up to see who is calling. I am with you on “24” and “AI”. Since last July we have watched all 5 seasons of 24 to get caught up after someone recommended watching this show. Must see tv this week!
I sort of skimmed the comments (but I think that I have to come back and fill up my own queue as well), but The Lake House is good, and if you didn’t see it, Two Weeks Notice–excellent! Again, I would assume you’ve seen it, because I don’t get out much either, but My Big Fat Greek Wedding is great, and another more recent one that I love is Hitch. Enjoy! Watch your heart out.
Notting Hill is one of my favorites too.
I have seen Hitch – watched it over Christmas. And I’ve seen ALL the Will Ferrell movies (because I’m KLASSY LIKE THAT) and “The Bourne Identity,” which I loved.
But The Notebook, The Lakehouse, Akeelah and the Bee, and so many other suggestions that y’all have made are now in the queue. D has tempered my estrogen-laden fare with lots of movies containing Big Explosions. It’s only fair.
I have just read through most of these comments, and I didn’t see “Amelie” anywhere. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and recommend it. You might like it, or you might say “How in the sam hill can Addie and I even be friends if she likes this junk???” It is an older flick. It’s also in French with subtitles and has some disturbing moments, but all in all it’s a pretty fun movie. The concept is lovely. :-)
I also recommend Love Actually, Splanglish, Crash and Walk the Line!
Later girl!
Definitely go see A Night at the Museum and you have to rent The Illusionist.
So totallly with you on 24. Can’t wait to see what happens tonight.
And my kids LOVE AI. I watch it later in the season.
We use Netflix, too. It is great!! That’s how we got into “24” and learned the meaning of sleep deprivation.
You should watch Radio, Ladder 49 (makes me cry every time), The Nativity Story, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – all amazing movies
The Lake House
Sahara
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
The Greatest Game Ever Played (kids can watch too!)
Something’s Gotta Give
Riding in Cars with Boys
Click
Hoodwinked (with the kids!)
Batman Begins
Proof
Walk the Line
Ladder 49
Dear Frankie
The Village
Signs
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Kingdom of Heaven
13 Going on 30
Finding Neverland
Pirates of the Caribbean (the first one for sure)
NATIONAL TREASURE
Shall We Dance
The Incredibles
Take the Lead
and no one should ever go without seeing
The Lord of the Rings movies (extended editions of course!)…
I have to go against the grain here. Yes, The Notebook was a very romantic movie, but I don’t care for it too much. After you see it I can tell you why. But there was just too much going on in my life that was too much like the end of the movie. I think I cried for almost an hour!
Movies my family loves:
National Treasure
The “Pirate” Movies
Sweet Home Alabama
Remember the Titans
(both had parts filmed at my college)
Cars
For really dumb humor try:
You, Me & Dupree
The Wedding Crashers
Nacho Libre
Have fun!