A Hollywood Inspiration or Two

Spam belongs in a can and certainly not on my blog, your blog, or anywhere else. However, given that the current word verification on Blogger has become so darn hard to see, I'm taking a chance and removing it. If all goes well, Critter Alley will remain WV free. 

Meanwhile, like many of you, tonight I've been watching the Academy Awards. It's an ultra-glam event and a lot of fun to see even if I haven't viewed most of the movies. I have, however, read many of the books.

That's right, books. It's amazing how many films come into being as a result of a book or short story. This year's nominees from various categories are "picture-perfect" examples...

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs (Short story) by George Moore
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LaCarre

Tales that get noticed by Hollywood may not necessarily be the best example of writing in the technical sense. But they must be compelling. The kind of stories that draw people in and keep them up at night because they can't wait to see what happens next. It's all about being a good storyteller. And that skill, my friends, is truly what makes a writer someone that Hollywood races to snatch up like a flower in spring.

Good stories can bring the world inspiration, thought provoking ideas, and entertainment. If you can't see the movie, do yourself a favor and put the above tales on your reading list. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And whether your story makes it to Hollywood or not, I hope the power of your words will transport readers to another place and another time...giving them a mini-vacation of the mind.

How awesome is that?

Shhhh, Mom. Enough already. I'm trying to read.

Guilty Pleasures

Weekends are for relaxation...not! At least not this past weekend. I spent most of it working to get the house back into shape. We're still dealing with post-construction dust, but at least the furniture is back in place. And what's the good of having a hardwood floor without rugs to cover it up? Marathon shopping helped me find a few perfect pieces. But enough about work. I'm going to reveal my weekend guilty pleasure.

Because of the imminent theatre release of the movie, "Breaking Dawn", a virtual marathon of Twilight series movies were shown on cable television. Always one step behind the rest of the world, I watched the movie "Twilight" for the first time.  Despite sometimes cheesy dialogue, I found the film to be strangely compelling. The characters were interesting and filled with teen-age angst. I guess anyone dealing with a somber but sexy vampire and a hot werewolf is bound to get a little depressed. I went on to watch the second movie in the series, "New Moon".  Then I simply had to go ahead and watch the third film, "Breaking Dawn". I just about Twilighted myself to distraction.

Stephanie Meyer, author of the series, sure hit a chord with her books. There's nothing like forbidden love filled with obstacles to make a terrific story. From Shakespeare on, its a theme people really can get into.  I personally haven't read Meyer's work, but have seen comments criticizing her writing style and plot consistency. Ah-hem. I should see such success from "lousy" writing!

In any event, perhaps I need to try my hand at a love story in the paranormal genre, but with a whole new twist.

The vampire...

competing against the werewolf...

for the affections of a beautiful and talented, but terminally accident-prone heroine.

Now that would be a real story of forbidden love!

Meet Me in My Living Room

"Meet Me in St. Louis" played on the Turner Classic Network today. Of course, I watched it. I've probably seen the film at least a thousand times. I can speak the lines and sing the songs. It's a movie that never grows old for me via an August heads up that soon brisk weather will bring the smell of bonfires, wool jackets, and the soft comfort of well broken in blue jeans. And the knowledge that the most joyous of all holidays are coming right around the corner.

Perhaps my love affair with this movie is simply a romanticized nostalgia for a time long ago where good manners were the rule. Where families sat together for dinner and talked about their lives. Where entertainment came from reading or spending time with other human beings. Where hard work and determination always meant success.

Based on a memoir written by a former St. Louis resident, "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a classically simple story that never fails to make me smile, make me cry, and then make me smile again. It's one of my favorite feel good movies.

So don't be surprised if you find me watching "Meet Me in St. Louis" again next week.

Because ostriches like me find it a far more pleasant pastime than the daily news.

National Velvet

Lovely Liz rides the Pi.

One of my favorite movies growing up was "National Velvet", based upon a novel by the same name written by Enid Bagnold. As a completely horse-obsessed child (Please, please, please can I get a horse? To which my long suffering parents answered time and again, "Where would you keep it...in the garage?), the story of a young girl that wins her dream horse was made to order for me. What better solution than to go over annoying parental heads and just win the animal. Now they'd HAVE to find a place to put it, wouldn't they?

I first saw this movie back in the days when old films showed up from time to time on t.v. Looking back, I can see in this 1944 film so many elements that make me appreciate it even more now. Elizabeth Taylor (at age eleven you can already see the beauty she'll become) stars as Velvet Brown, another horse-obsessed child. Other notables in the picture include Mickey Rooney as a con-artist and trainer, Angela Lansbury as Velvet's older sister, and Anne Revere as Mrs. Brown (she won an Academy Award for her performance).

The story is simple and sweet, focusing on the bond that develops between Velvet and Mike (Rooney) as they work together preparing the beautiful horse, Pi, to compete in the Grand National Sweepstakes. But big obstacles occur that make the goal look hopeless. And just in case you haven't seen it, I won't spoil the rest of the story.

This one's an oldie, but goodie. Seldom shown on television these days, "National Velvet" is definitely worth the price of purchase because if you're like me, you'll watch it again and again.

Let's Go to the Movies

Marley and Me, the movie.


As "Hollywood Week" draws to a close, I thought I'd mention some recent films that received the American Humane Association's (AHA) highest rating for treatment of animals...Outstanding. Note that EVERY critter used in a film, from insects to elephants, falls under their careful watch.

Hotel for Dogs-Orphans use an abandoned hotel to take in stray dogs and care for them.

The Unborn-A girl's dead twin may be contacting her from beyond.

Beethoven's Big Break-A St. Bernard becomes a canine movie star.

Revolutionary Road-Can a young couple overcome obstacles to build a life together?

The Spirit-A deceased cop returns as a spirit hero to battle evil forces.

Marly and Me-(My personal favorite. I loved the book!)-A rambunctious new puppy teaches a family about compassion, loyalty, and unconditional love.

If you make it to the movies this weekend, save some popcorn for me!