Bertie (portrayed by a brilliant Colin Firth, Pride & Prejudice, Bridget Jones's Diary) was the second son of King George V, and was never expected to reign. However, because his brother Edward abdicates the throne in order to marry American Wallis Simpson, Bertie reluctantly assumes the monarchy. 
One of the reasons I really wanted to see this film (besides all the amazing reviews) is that it's been rumored that Natalie Portman trained with a ballet company for over a year to prepare for her role as a troubled prima ballerina. I also love Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, and knew it was an integral part of the story. That being said, I was absolutely RIVETED by this movie! From the costumes, to the choreography, the haunting music, and the stunning visual imagery of director Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain), this movie had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to its dramatic final conclusion.
Tara wasn't just a beautiful house or a large plantation, for Scarlett O'Hara it was a state-of-mind. It represents everything that she worked so hard to reclaim throughout the movie, so it's no wonder that it is the last place she goes just before the film ends. Unfortunately, Tara was only a Hollywood film set, and not an actual house. Still, I love the look of it's stately marble columns and deep southern charm.
This home is as important to my childhood as it was for Anne when she first came to Green Gables. It represents a place to come home to, a place of friendship, of patchwork quilts and homemade bread, and a place where a young girl was encouraged to be exactly who she wanted to be. I can picture Marilla sitting in her rocking chair on the veranda; it's a warm summer night, and she's watching the horse-drawn buggies come clopping down the lane.
Typically I am an old fashioned girl and I don't care for modern architecture. However, a house is really just some wood and nails until a family moves in, and one of my favorite fictional families is the Cullens. I love the large windows and big, spacious rooms. This house has a light, airy feeling, and not a place anyone would ever associate with vampires. Best of all is Edward's room, which is full of music and memorabilia that he has collected over the years. I would love to spend a couple of hours there.
I love this movie, and I love this home. The best part is, is that this was the house they used to film the movie,and it was also the home of the real Karen Blixen (pen name Isak Dinesen) when she lived and loved and worked in Africa. This home represents the sweep and scope of the film as well as the lush wildlife and scenery of Kenya. Some of the best features of this house are the large stone facade, big bay windows, and gigantic wrap-around porch. Someday I hope I can stop in and see this place for myself.
I have always loved the style and look of historical New England homes, and this one takes the cake. From the old fashioned windows, to the antique wallpaper, and the hand-carved wood furnishings, this house has it all. Every time I watch this movie I wish I could be an Owens woman and live with my sisters in this big, beautiful home! Once again, this was a house that was built specifically for the film, and when the movie was done it was torn down. Sad! I totally would have moved in...
And now for the finale! Of course I had to put an English home on my list, and after narrowing my choices considerably (Pemberley was a BIG contender), I decided to go with Milton Manor (aka the Blakeney residence from The Scarlet Pimpernel). I'm not sure I need to sell you on this home, because really, all you have to do is look at the picture and it's love at first sight. Someday I would love to travel back to England and do a tour of this house. Maybe Percy would invite me to stay for afternoon tea?
When my grandfather was just a boy, he went to see MacDonald in a film, and immediately fell in love with the beautiful red-head. Since then, most everyone in the family knows her as "the other woman" in my grandpa's life.
With Avatar poised to take over the title of highest grossing movie of all time, I was curious to see what other movies had high box office numbers. Most everyone knows that Titanic holds the top spot, however, Entertainment Weekly reports that if you were to adjust for inflation, Titanic only comes in at #6! (It is important to remember that 50 years ago the cost of a movie ticket was a lot less than the cost of a movie ticket today). So, if you were re-arranging the numbers to factor inflation into the equation, here are the true highest grossing movies of all-time. Which one is your favorite? 
Best Movies
The movie begins with a brief look at Victoria's early years of education and isolation, to her later discovery that she has become the Queen of England, at the tender age of 18. From there, the story really takes off, as Victoria finds herself plunged into court life while seeking guidance and direction from someone she can trust. Many are willing to help the "child queen" including the manipulative Lord Melbourne (played by the fabulous Paul Bettany, Master and Commander), but it is ultimately her cousin Prince Albert (the dashing Rupert Friend, Pride & Prejudice) who she comes to rely on not only for his sound judgment in royal matters, but his devotion and love as well.
History can tell you the rest of the story, but the details are superbly captured in this film. From the lush costumes, the beautiful locations, and a sweeping score, The Young Victoria was one of the most entertaining movies I have seen in a long time. Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) displays the perfect blend of girlish joy and queenly dignity needed to make a film like this work, and the scenes between Blunt and Friend are rife with romance and chemistry. (I will not be surprised if Blunt receives an Oscar nomination for her role as Victoria). Any liberties the screenplay may have taken in "re-arranging" history are sure to be overlooked by the sheer joy of watching this wonderful film. Happy viewing!
Out of the night that covers me,
The good, the bad, and the sexy: 
The movie follows two unique souls: Summer (Zooey Deschanel, Almost Famous) and Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 10 Things I Hate About You) through 500 days of their sweet (and sometimes sour) relationship. The film jumps between days, so you are constantly flashing backwards and forwards to get a unique deconstruction of their relationship. Summer is a free spirited girl who doesn't want to be tied down or worry about labeling feelings, while Tom is a hopeless romantic who dreams of spending his life with Summer (occasionally overlooking her commitment flaws).
Many of you have heard of the recent passing of popular film director John Hughes. With cult hits like Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club (a personal favorite), John Hughes had a huge impact on many teenagers throughout the world. In an amazing tribute to the late filmmaker, one fan shows a side of Mr. Hughes that few of us were privileged to see.
Diaz plays Sara Fitzgerald. A housewife and mother of two, who is struggling to keep it all together after she learns that her young daughter Kate (a brilliant performance by newcomer Sofia Vasillieva, Medium) has a rare and deadly form of cancer. In their desperation to find a cure, the Fitzgerald family decides to conceive a third child, who will be a genetic match and donor for their dying girl. Little do the Fitzgerald's realize the Pandora's box of problems they are about to unleash on their family in doing so. 
The film begins when Adams (portrayed by Paul Giamatti), a prominent Massachusetts lawyer, is asked to defend British soldiers accused of murder (the infamous "shot heard round the world" trial). Adams is a reluctant hero, carefully avoiding political issues that might embroil him in a revolution, but it is soon apparent even to him, that he must decide where his loyalties lie. Thus begins the drafting of a constitution (which Adams had a strong hand in creating), as well as a war, and his personal role as American Ambassador to France and England. Don't forget to watch for great supporting performances by Tom Wilkinson (Benjamin Franklin) as well as the superbly outstanding Stephen Dillane (Thomas Jefferson). 
Produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman (Band of Brothers), John Adams is a rich and compelling look at the life of a man who believed in an idea larger than himself. (A word of caution about the film. There are a few scenes of violence and nudity which may offend some viewers. One brutal scene of a tarring and feathering, as well as a non-anaesthetized surgery are especially hard to watch). However, I hope that won't deter you from seeing this wonderful film about an important, and sometimes overlooked chapter in history. Happy viewing!
Paul (Oscar winner Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby) and Burns (actress Frances O'Connor, Mansfield Park) are beautiful, educated, and ready to inform anyone who will listen to their cause. The two begin campaigning for women's suffrage using modern tactics, such as: marching, pubic speaking, creating controversial leaflets, picketing, and eventually dramatic hunger strikes to get their message heard.
The heart of this little film lies in the life story of it's central character Jamal Malik (played by newcomer Dev Patel). Jamal is a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. An uneducated teenager from the streets of Mumbai, Jamal's life experiences hold the key to each correct answer he gives. As Jamal continues to win, an investigation ensues as to his intellectual credibility. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn of Jamal's often troubled history, and the secrets to his Millionaire success. 
Beautifully acted, and wonderfully visualized by director Danny Boyle (The Beach), Slumdog Millionaire will re-affirm your belief in people, hope and love. I hope you enjoy this incredible Cinderella story as much as I did. Happy viewing!
Best TV Movie/Miniseries
It's hard not to be slightly biased, as I have been such a big fan. I certainly felt that director Catherine Hardwicke remained true to the vampire yarns Ms. Meyer has been weaving. Hardwicke has a steady pacing, and draws out the characters in subtle, but beautiful ways. Kristen Stewart especially, makes us believe Bella - the girl who doesn't seem to fit in with the other teens at her school, but isn't such a snob that we hate her. She is real. She is deep. She is insecure. In short, Kristen Stewart is Bella Swan (but better, because we aren't constantly in her head). Between her looks of longing to co-star Pattinson, and Edward's brooding glances, their chemistry is absolutely undeniable.
