Quatum of Solace - Bond. James Bond

Hmmm. We went as a family so as a family outing, it was a bonding experience. (Sorry, just couldn't resist that.) Solace is full of action. And for us old foggies, it is the "new" action where the scenes are so fast they almost blur together, making the point of the action almost impossible to discern. I had not seen a Bond movie in quite awhile - pre Pierce Brosnan Bond days, actually. Clearly, this was a sequel to a movie I had not seen. The plot line involved retaliation against Vesper's murderer. I have no idea who Vesper is. About half way through the movie I began to understand the story line. And by the end, I got it. But not to worry, I will not give it away here as I simply can't remember it, it made so little impression on me. The older Bond movies always began with Bond meeting with the gadget inventor man and the demonstration of all the handy little spy toys you know Bond would need to solve the crime or rescue the heroine. Sadly, that was missing. Perhaps it has been missing for awhile. But if you like fast action and lots of shooting and some intrigue, then this one is for you.

The Necklace

This one I liked. Stars Hillary Swank and some other familiar people but I'm not good with celebrity names. The story takes place in France during the reign of Marie Antoinette--or her husband's reign, I suppose. The time is right before the French revolution. The prologue says it is based on true facts. The young girl grows up and her quest is to have her family's estate returned to her. I liked the insight into the political scene at that time. But then a Tale of Two Cities is also one of my favs. This was on TV. I don't know what channel because my hubby browses the listings and records everything.

No Country for Old Men

Skip this one. Too violent. And no end. I mean the story doesn't end. It just stops. Did they run out of money or just want to challenge the traditional "beginning, middle, end" that all drama usually has. Although the story begins slowly, suspense does build, so I kept watching thinking there'd be an epiphany of sorts where I would think, "Oh, that's where they were leading with this." Nada. Doesn't happen. Big disappointment. Better to see Mama Mia a third, fifth or tenth time. (I've only seen it once.)

Monk - Television

Another summer season series. It's a simple, almost corny show but one that has brought more belly laughs to me than any other in a long time. It's better than therapy. I relate to him. No, I'm not compelled to touch every traffic meter, but I am compelled to make my bed every morning in just a certain way. And did you see the one where he mailed his garbage to his therapist when the sanitation workers went on strike. This is one most of the family can watch.

The Closer - Television

Isn't it great that the networks have come with summer seasons so there are more choices than prime-time season reruns or off-season fillers? The Closer --one of my all-time favs, although listening to the accent took some getting used to. However, now, in my fantasy world, I am Brenda Lee Johnson fighting injustice, getting to the truth, and always closing that case in a clever way all the while dressed in cute, femine clothing--usually dresses--and alway polite. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Burn After Reading - Movie

Save yourself the money--and the time. Why is it that movie makers consider adding profanity (and lots of it) humor. I find it distracting and offensive. I'm further disappointed that the all-star cast of Clooney, Pitt, and others (I'm not really an "Enquiring" mind or an Academy Award watcher so I don't remember star names unless I really like their stuff.) apparently don't object to accepting scripts with profanity (and obscene inventions). My 18-year-old son's opinion: This is a stupid movie. To quote another movie goer overheard exiting the theater, "We should have seen Mama Mia a third time."