Movies anyone?
I haven’t been out to the movies in quite some time. In fact, I think the last movie I went to a theater to see was The Bourne Ultimatum and that was during the summer. However, this past week a girlfriend of mine suggested we go see The Jane Austen Book Club. I hadn’t seen any trailers for this movie, and I didn’t know anything about it, but the title alone didn’t thrill me. It sounded too . . . classical. Boring even. 
I know that was incredibly snobbish of me when I had no clue what the movie was truly about, but that was my first impression, based solely on the title. 
The moral here: you can’t judge a movie by its title! 
I was surprised to learn that there were some great actors/actresses in this movie: Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Kathy Baker, Maggie Grace, Jimmy Smits, and another guy I’d never heard of by the name of Hugh Dancy that I absolutely fell in love with because he was just too darn cute and irresistible. 
So, what was the movie about? Well, the title was pretty accurate on that account, at least. In a nutshell, the movie centered around a book club with five women and one guy (four of them know one another, two of them are newbies to the group) who read and discuss the works of Jane Austen, only to find their own lives reflected in the stories they read. You don’t have to have read any of the Jane Austen novels (I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never read any of her books! :oops
, but I know if I had read any of her classic novels, it would have added a whole different dimension to the story arcs within this movie, and I probably would have enjoyed the bookclub discussions they had so much more than I did.
I don’t want to give anything away since some of you might go and see The Jane Austen Book Club for yourself, but the movie was cute, funny, sad at times, romantic, and overall just a feel good story that made you smile when the story ended. It’s a great movie to go and see with your mother, or your daughter, or your girlfriend.
I give The Jane Austen Book Club four thumbs up: 
So, has anyone else seen this movie? And if so, what did you think of it? Did you love it, hate it, or just think it was “meh”? And since we’re talking movies today, are there any other good movies at the theaters that I need to go see before they’re gone?
A Quick Announcement: The plotmonkeys would like to issue a big, huge CONGRATULATIONS to one of our guest speakers we had here a few weeks ago, C.L. Wilson, whose first book (LORD OF THE FADING LANDS) just hit the bookshelves and debuted on the USA Today Bestseller list at #127! Whoo-hoo! Cheers to you, C.L.! 
LOL Janelle, I think that would have been my initial reaction too. But your review makes me want to go see it now. And what a cast. I liked Hugh Dancy in “King Arthur” a lot - he is a cutie
I saw the movie “Becoming Jane”, which takes a small event in Jane Austen’s life and tries to make a drama out of it, because in real life, it never really happened; Jane’s romantic life played out in her books, but not significantly in her life. Die-hard fans probably didn’t enjoy it for that reason, but I liked it a lot.
I want to see the Jodie Foster movie, “The Brave One”. Other than that, nothing comes to mind.
Comment by Stacy ~ — October 11, 2007 @ 6:16 am
Mark Walhberg’s new movie opens this weekend with Joaquin Phoenix (it looked interesting, not to mention the scenery
Enchanted opens on Nov. 21. (Patrick Dempsey) which I heard is getting good reviews that parents will like it as well as kids … I don’t have kids … but my uncle is excited that I can take my 7 year old cousin. Since as he says, he can’t appreciate Patrict Dempsey like I can. 
Comment by Yolanda — October 11, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Hey Stacy -
Hope you have a great day!!!
Congrats to C.L. Wilson!
When I saw the trailers for Bourne Ultimate I thought “I’ve GOT to see that movie. But of course, I haven’t seen the previous 2. We keep saying we’re going to get caught up but haven’t. Maybe we’ll try to do that while kiddos laid up.
Last movie I saw was Harry Potter. My ex worked in a movie theater when we were in high school and I was so used to watching whatever movie I wanted whenever I wanted (for free) that to this day I can’t make myself part with the money to go to the movies!
Comment by Jodie — October 11, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Good morning Plotmonkeys and everyone.
Janelle, I haven’t seen the Jane Austen Book Club in fact I can’t remember the last movie I saw at the theater. It seems we see most everything on DVD these days. It’s doubtful that I will go see this movie at the theater. I wanted to see the latest Bruce Willis but we didn’t make it there either. My mother and my mother-in-law are in town for my daughter, Lilly’s birthday–which is today in fact! So, we might go see the new Elizabeth, The Golden Age. Lilly doesn’t like to go to the theater to see movies because she says “the dark gets in my eyes.” So we just don’t think its fair to leave her at home by herself to go to a movie.
Have a great Thursday everybody,
Cher
Comment by Cher — October 11, 2007 @ 8:57 am
The movie sounds great. I love books, it would be fun to see movies in which people love books.
Comment by Phyllis Lamken — October 11, 2007 @ 9:04 am
I think the last movie I saw was Harry Potter too. I just don’t go to lots of movies. Usually my brother goes to see everything and lets me know if I need to pay theater prices or can wait for the rental. I usually either rent movies or get them for free from the library. I do want to see The Jane Austen Book Club (I too have never read any of her books :oops:, but love the movies). I didn’t know they had made it into a movie until I was in the bookstore last week and saw the movie cover on the book. Now that I know the movie is good, I might not wait for the video.
Congrats C.L. Wilson!
Comment by Liza — October 11, 2007 @ 9:09 am
Janelle,
I didn’t see that movie but now I think I would like to. I couldn’t tell you what would be good to see. I usually wait until they come out on dvd and get them from Netflix. My daughter doesn’t want to go to the movies with mom anymore and hubby likes to watch at home so he can pause for potty breaks and snacks.
Comment by Michelle — October 11, 2007 @ 9:41 am
Janelle: I want to see “The Jane Austen Book Club” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (I am hoping to see the latter tomorrow night!). Jane Austen hasn’t opened here, yet. I am ashamed to say, I haven’t read many Jane Austen books (my Mom adores her books, so I have seen all of the movies or mini series), so I know the general stories. I saw “Becoming Jane” and thought it was excellent (okay, I was a little creeped out at the ending….just a me thing, others who have seen it understand why). I love art house movies…..Not sure hubby is going to enjoy “Elizabeth”, but it is playing in the cozy living room theater, so he can fall asleep. There’s some action, too. He got to choose the last movie…
Comment by katie — October 11, 2007 @ 9:53 am
I want to see The Brave One, too. Oh, and The Kingdom, and We Own The Night. But, alas, I probably won’t catch those until they come out on video, too.
Comment by Janelle — October 11, 2007 @ 10:30 am
I haven’t been to the movies since Pirates of the Caribbean 3, which of course I loved :arrr:
Hubby and I are planning a movie night out tomorrow to see We own the night…love Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoeniz
Comment by Tina Martinesi — October 11, 2007 @ 11:09 am
Since Im a single girl and love “me” time… I go to the movies usually every weekend, i go during the day for the mattinees.
I want to see the Jane Austin Book Club, Elizabeth the golden age, The Kingdom, In the Valley of Elah, Heartbreak Kid, and The Game Plan.
I have seen Bourne Ultimatum, Sydney White, Good Luck Chuck, Superbad, and No Reservations. Sydney White is based on Snow White theme with today’s twist. Good Luck Chuck is a funny movie. If you want to see comedy and cute penguins. No Reservations was a cute romance movie.
Hugh Dancy was in the movie Evening, which is now on video, I enjoyed this movie. I recommend it as well. It was based on a book.
Comment by Elisa V — October 11, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Last movie I saw was 300.
Have no idea whether or not it was a good movie.
I was so mesmerized by the body of King Leo I could have cared less.
you can.
before that it was roadhogs to satisfy my hubby.
He liked it I
Off to view the fabulous folliage.
Comment by Zoey and Jeannie — October 11, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Sad to say but I don’t get to go the movies very often. The last movie I went to see was Cars.
But I do have a date with my youngest daughter to see Enchanted in November.
Comment by Ardie — October 11, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Thanks for the
on this movie. Like you I have never read any of the books but thought this movie looked like it would be good. At the moment I can’t remember the last movie I went to at the theater! It was last Spring or earlier in the year!!! Since I have Netflix I usually try to decide if I can wait to see it on DVD. Wild Hogs is on its way to me now & I can’t wait to see it!! I would love to see The Game Plan but can wait to see that on DVD. I love movies. Clive Owen looks so sexy in the trailers on Elizabeth, The Golden Age. He is only shown briefly but enough to make my little heart go pitty-pat!! 
Comment by Donna M — October 11, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
WTG C.L.!!!!
As for the movies…I can’t remember the last movie I watched in an actual movie theatre. My hubby and I have very differant taste in movies so that’s not something we do. I try to take my kids to the drive-in during the summer when all the kid movies are out, but we didn’t make it there this summer even once (way too hot). I prefer to go the theatre and watch live performances. In May my hubby and I went to see Spamalot. Now if I can just talk him into going to a few more or getting me and his sister (for her birthday/Christmas) season tickets since he isn’t into going to see “live” theatre.
Comment by Laura J — October 11, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
I haven’t seen the movie and I have never read any of Austens books.
Comment by Estella — October 11, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Hi Janelle~ I haven’t seen the movie, but would like to. And now with your recommendation, I’ll definitely try. The last movie I saw was The Game Plan. It was cute. Kind of offf topic, but talking movies made me think of TV and I just wanted to say that if anyone would like to watch a great new show, I highly recommend Chuck. I love it. It’s on Monday nights and blends action with comedy and (my favorite) romance.
Happy Birthday Stacy! And I’ve missed several days, but wanted to say I’m glad your son is okay, Jodie!
Comment by Robin — October 11, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
Happy Birthday Stacy!!!
And congratulations C.L.! First Karen Rose, now C.L. Wilson…we must really be lucky.
And Janelle–I am really looking forward to Enchanted–I love the concept and have really loved the previews. Last movie I saw was Hairspray, which I absolutely LOVED. So so so cute and fun and toe-tappingly entertaining.
Other movies I saw over the summer left much less of an impression…and there weren’t very many! I hated Pirates 3. Transformers was pretty good. Fantastic 4 was just okay. Ratatouille was cute. Loved Harry Potter. I think that’s all the movies I’ve seen since Memorial Day weekend…pathetic, I know!
Comment by Leslie — October 11, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
Robin–I’m with you. I’m loving Chuck.
Comment by Leslie — October 11, 2007 @ 4:57 pm
Sorry I’ve been MIA all day…I’m working on…gulp…taxes.
Anyway, I love Jane Austen. Love, love. Took a few classes on her work in college and thoroughly enjoyed them. I even played Fanny Price in an adaptation of her work (I got the role because I was the only one who could fit into the pink dress, I think…
Anyway, I want to see this movie and will try and make it sometime before it goes to DVD.
I love movies and I never get to go anymore. The last movie I saw was Ratatouille, which thankfully, was adorable. Or was it Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix? I can’t remember the order of release…either way, it’s been a while.
And I love movies!!!
Comment by Julie Leto — October 11, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
Thanks so much Monkeys
: 
: 
: 
: for your congratulations… and Leslie, from now on, when someone asks me what it takes to make a list, I will direct them here! 
Ya’ll have a great one!
cheryl
Comment by C.L. Wilson — October 11, 2007 @ 5:18 pm
Julie, if you love Jane Austen, then you MUST see this movie. Make time for it! You will love it!
Comment by Janelle — October 11, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
Hello Monkeys, survived Day Parent-Teacher conferences and took some drugs so that I could feel better…yippee…well I must say that when I first saw a poster about this particular movie, I didn’t think that I would like it… I love Jane Austen; own and have read all her books, (I love Victorian Literature enough to major in it in school) so I was wary about watching a movie about them…but, Janelle, your review has swayed me…I am going to try and see it on one of my days off…maybe this weekend..the thing is I am going to have to get someone to go with me…hmmm…anyway…I haven’t been to the movies in a while…the last movie I saw was Meet the Robinsons….loved it enough to see it twice and that was this past summer…there are movies out there I would love to see though…I saw Elizabeth when it first came out several years ago…I was still in college around 96 or 97…I think and I loved it then…if you are into that stuff check it out…
I hope that you all had a wonderful day and I can’t wait until Friday gets here…talk to you all later…
Peace and love,
Comment by Paula R. — October 11, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
I really enjoyed Wild Hogs. The soundtrack alone was worth it. I haven’t seen Jane Austen, but thought it looked interesting.
The movie I really want to see in the theater is Across the Universe. It just looks amazing, and the I saw whet my appetite for it.
Enchanted is another one I want to see. I am a big Cinderella fan. My favorite Cindy movie is The Slipper and The Rose. Just too funny. It’s got to be 30 years old or more now. A young Richard Chamberlin played Prince Charming.
Comment by ev — October 11, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
I just saw The Brave One - Jodi Foster never disappoints.
Comment by catslady — October 11, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Eve, there’s a reference to THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE in my upcoming book. God, I loved that movie! I wish they’d re-release it on DVD!
Comment by Julie Leto — October 11, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
catslady, I wanted to see that movie…kick ass heroine…just like I like.
But I was afraid it was too violent. I’m a wimp when it comes to that!
Comment by Julie Leto — October 11, 2007 @ 8:49 pm
Catslady, I love Jodi Foster and that is one of the movies I would like to go and see too…
Ev, I love Richard Chamberlain…loved him in The Thornbirds, but I never saw that movie…
Kudos to C.L. Wilson on making it to USA Today Bestseller list with her first book no less…
Stacy Happy Belated Bday…I will see you guys later….
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — October 12, 2007 @ 2:26 am
I haven’t seen The Jane Austen Book Club yet, but I want too.
Comment by Tammy G. — October 12, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Thanks for the info about the Jane Austen Book Club.
I read Austen and Bronte sisters in school. Wuthering Heights
And although not my all time favorites I thought Bridget Jones Diary, Clueless and Emma were good movies.
Saturday night is movie night for us right now however usually involves a SHREK marathon as my three year old niece is in love with the ogre.
What can I say. I guess he has his redeeming qualities.
Comment by Trisha McEwan — October 12, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
Oops, sorry I didn’t mean to say
rather I meant to say 
Thanks.
Comment by Trisha M. — October 13, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Going to see the new Clooney movie tonite. Love HIM.
Comment by Pat L. — October 13, 2007 @ 5:36 pm