3 Reasons to Watch (and Re-Watch) The Vow

 

Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to today's post. Today I want to talk about one of my favorite movies, The Vow. This movie - gosh, what is there to say about this movie - well, for starters it's one of the best chick flicks on the planet. There's so much romance in this film it's almost too much to take. It doesn't matter if you've seen this movie one time or a thousand times, it'll never get old because a good story never does.

For those of you who don't know The Vow is about Leo and Paige, a married couple who get in a car accident on a date night. Paige loses part of her memory in the event and she can't remember anything about Leo, just her life before meeting him. So it's up to Leo to try and win her heart back, even though she doesn't know him anymore.

So, just in case my little description doesn't inspire you to watch it, I thought I'd give you 3 reasons to watch (and re-watch) The Vow.

Let's jump right in >>>>>

3. Channing Tatum Is In It & He'll Steal Your Heart

I'd seen Channing Tatum in the Step Up movies and Dear John and while I'd found him to be good-looking and likable he never really stood out to me as an actor for me. But that all changed when I saw him in The Vow. There's just something so genuine about him. He plays a character named Leo who falls in love with Paige (Rachel McAdams) and refuses to let go of that love - even when he has to let her go.

I guess what I liked about him in this movie was that was a real gentleman and he wasn't going to give up on the love of his life. He was likable, yes, but even more than that he brought a sincerity to that role that few actors could've done.

2. The Relationship Between Leo & Paige

It's kind of rare to see inside a loving couple's marriage in a chick flick. Usually, the chick flick is all about getting the two people together to happily ever after. But this chick flick takes the audience after the happily ever after has worn off. Leo and Paige have a lot in common because they're both creative, artist-y types. But even more they're best friends as well as lovers.

Leo is really patient with Paige after she loses her memory and Paige seemed to be very supportive of Leo before she lost her memory.

1. It Will Make You Appreciate Your Loved Ones

The first time I saw this movie I left the theater with a since of deep appreciation for all the people I love. It's really easy to take your loved ones for granted, but this movie reminds us that life is short and it's important for us to take a moment to cherish the memories we've made and the people we've made them with.

So if you're looking for a really good chick flick to snuggle up and watch or you've seen it a million times like me and just needed some reasons to watch it again, give The Vow a chance. It's worth every minute.

Until next time . . .


XOXO,

Nellie

Movie Review: Forever My Girl

 

Hello, everyone! I hope you're all having a lovely day and thanks for stopping by. In today's post I want to talk about a movie that I went to see recently that I think is worth sharing. If you're looking for a chick flick that's clean but equally entertaining then you have to check out Forever My Girl.

This movie is about a guy named Liam and a girl named Josie. They were high school sweethearts and the movie opens on their wedding day. Everything looks like it's going to turn out like a fairytale . . . until Liam jilts Josie at the last minute and doesn't show. 



Eight years go by and life goes on for both Liam and Josie. Liam becomes a famous, country singer, touring the world and performing every night to thousands of screaming fans, while Josie opens her own flower shop and keeps a very big secret from Liam - she was pregnant when he left and now they have a daughter named Billie.

Liam comes back to his hometown for a friend's funeral, reconnects with Josie, and learns the truth about their daughter. And that's when things get really interesting. You see, Liam's been living the rock star life - drinking, drugs, partying - because he's still grieving the loss of his mom from when he was a little boy. So, when he finds out that he has a 7 year old daughter he begins to realize that maybe there's more to life than just living in the fast lane.



 

The more Liam gets to know Billie, the closer he starts to get to Josie, and in time the two of them rekindle the flame they thought they'd lost. I really enjoyed watching Liam and Billie interact. Liam finally began to mature when he saw how full his life could be with a family of his own.

  

This movie is one of those films that make you feel good after watching it. It's the perfect date night movie because it's clean so it won't make you feel awkward or uncomfortable to watch. Plus, Billie is adorable. Honestly, she made more sense to me than both of the adults. She was really smart for her age and spoke with wisdom beyond her years. A real stand out in the film.

If you're looking for a feel good movie that will touch your heart and leave you smiling definitely check out Forever My Girl. 

5 Chick Flicks You Should Watch this Valentine's Day

Hello, everyone! My name is Nellie and I have addiction - to chick flicks. They say the first step to healing is acceptance. Anyway, if you've read some of my previous blog posts you'll see that I love movies. And there's an very special place in my heart for chick flicks.

So with Valentine's Day upon us, I thought I make a little list of the 5 Chick Flicks You Should Watch this Valentine's Day. It doesn't matter if you'll be spending the holiday with your boo or your best friends these movies are worth watching (and re-watching).

Enjoy >>>>

5. Me Before You

I feel that with any good chick flick you must cry at some point. And if you're watching Me Before You, you will definitely cry - and laugh - and sympathize - and relate - and cry again. But in the end you'll find that you'll really enjoy this film.

Long story short: it's a film adaption of Jojo Moyes novel by the same name. The main character, Louisa, is a young woman trying to figure out who she is and what she wants. Along the way she meets Will Traynor, a young man who's had a terrible accident and is now completely paralyzed. Together they learn that maybe life has more to offer them than what they first thought and that maybe another person can bring out the best side of you. It's an A+ drama with just the right amount of comedy.

4. P.S. I Love You

This was the movie that made me fall in love with Gerard Butler. Up until this point he did a lot of action movies and I just didn't dig him, but when he played Gerry in this film he stole my heart and the hearts of hundreds.

Holly and Gerry are a married couple who love each other deeply and are trying to get by in New York City. Everything seems rosy until Gerry dies and while that may seem like the end of the story, it's not. It's just the beginning. On Holly's 30th birthday she starts receiving letters in the mail (and other places) from Gerry, who's dead. Freaky to some, romantic to me.The letters help Holly learn who she is without her best friend and eventually teach her how to move forward without the love of her life beside her. 

PS I Love you will not only have you tearing up and sighing, it'll have you laughing because it has these really delightful moments between Holly and her friends. Definitely a movie I enjoy more the more I watch it.

3. The Notebook

What Valentine's Day movie list would be complete without The Notebook? This is the holy grail of all chick flicks. I mean, it has everything - romance (of course), a little action, and most importantly, Ryan Gosling.

I'm not going to into detail on what this movie is about because I'm pretty sure most of the world has seen it and re-watched it about a million times. But I will say Allie and Noah had a love I think everyone secretly wants - one that lasted a lifetime. My favorite scenes are actually when Allie and Noah are the old couple in nursing home. Even though Allie had dementia and couldn't remember Noah, he never left her side. And truly, that's what all of us want - someone who won't give up on us no matter what.

2. A Walk to Remember

This movie has been one of my top 10 movies for a long time. And I feel that out of all of the chick flicks I've seen so far A Walk to Remember is the best portrayal of true love because the two main characters - Jamie and Landon - learned a very important lesson few of us learn: you must first accept someone for who they are before you can love them.

Also, this is the only movie I've ever seen that was actually better than it's book counterpart. All in all, this movie is amazing and who doesn't want to watch Mandy Moore in first acting role?

1. Valentine's Day





No Valentine's Day movie binge night would be complete without the Valentine's Day movie. This film has an ensemble cast of Hollywood A-listers and it manages to weave all of their stories into one cute and interesting movie. It follows different people who are all somehow connected as they try and get through the Day of Love in one piece.

It has it's funny moments and it's heart-warming ones too. I really liked how it followed couples of all ages and how love affects their lives in one way or another. Which is why it's my top choice for a chick flick you should watch on (or close to) Valentine's Day.

So now that you know my 5 picks for V-Day, it's your turn to share. What's your favorite movie to watch at this time of year? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie



If You Liked Downton Abbey then You'll Love This . . .

Hello, everyone and welcome to today's post. Out of all of the television shows I've seen none of them have touched my heart like "Downton Abbey." My mom and I LOVED this show. Every Sunday, we couldn't wait to gather around the TV and catch the latest episode. So you can imagine that we were beyond devastated when the show came to an end in December 2015 . . . .

But out of the blue something amazing happened - I was introduced to Doctor Thorne - and suddenly, my TV spirits were lifted.

Doctor Thorne is a television show based on the Anthony Trollope novel by the same name. Set in the 1850s it's further back in history than Downton Abbey but it captures your heart just the same. Julian Fellowes wrote the script so of course you get the same smart, sophisticated dialogue as Downton but with different characters delivering it.

Basically, the story centers around Dr. Thorne and his niece, Mary, as well as the wealthy (but sometimes snooty) Gresham family. The Greshams are close to losing their fortune and are indebted to the drunken Sir Roger Scatcherd much to their dismay. Lady Arabella Gresham decides that she will save the family by marrying her son, Frank, off to a wealthy, American heiress named Miss Dunstable, only to have her plans thwarted when she learns that her son is in love with Mary - a lowly doctor's niece. So little time, so much drama. I loved every minute.

As it turns out this story is much more than what meets the surface. There's mystery and intrigue and a love triangle. But even more there's heart. Yes, the faintest whispers of Downton Abbey can be heard throughout the show but I truly feel that even if you didn't like Downton you can appreciate this show.

You'll see a familiar face in Phoebe Nicholls, who also played in Downton Abbey as Rose's mother, Susan, which helps tie in this show with Downton.

 So if you're still mourning over Downton Abbey's cancellation or you're just looking for an awesome British drama to indulge in check out Doctor Thorne. You can stream on Amazon Prime or buy it on DVD.  Either way this show will not disappoint.

Until next time ...

XOXO,

Nellie

5 Reasons to Love "The Greatest Showman"

Nothing brightens my day more than going to see a good movie. To me a good movie can take me away, make me forget my problems, and put a smile on my face. So as you can imagine I do a lot of research before Denis (my husband) and I go to the movies. When there's a movie we want to see I'll Google everything I can about it - from the actors' bios to the directors' information to where the movie was shot - just to see if it's something we'd actually want to pay money for to watch.

Well, on Christmas night Denis and I headed to the movies and for the first time in forever I hadn't researched any of the films that were showing. So, on a whim, we got tickets to "The Greatest Showman" (completely unaware of what it was about) and history was made . . . 

As soon as the lights went down and the previews were done the first song - "The Greatest Show" came on and we were hooked for the rest of the time. For those of you who don't know it's loosely based on P. T. Barnum - one of the founders of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hugh Jackman plays P.T. and we get to see his rise to fame and fortune, his crashing and burning (literally), and then his rise out of the ashes as he realizes that everything he really needed had been in front of him the whole time.   

But just in case you haven't seen it (which most of you likely have by now), I came up with a quick list of 5 Reasons to Love "The Greatest Showman."

Enjoy >>>>>

5. It Has Awesome Dance Numbers

Who doesn't love an awesome dance number? I know I sure do and this movie didn't disappoint. From the opening number to the more serious ones there was a dance to match.

My absolute favorite one was the "Rewrite the Stars" number with Zac Efron and Zendaya. I mean they literally flew across the room hanging from the ceiling. But to be fair that was more acrobatics than dancing. But I don't even care because I enjoyed it anyway and who knew Hugh Jackman was so light on his feet?

4. The Costumes Were Gorgeous

Gorgeous costumes are a must for any good movie. And just because this movie was supposed to be set in the late 1800s doesn't mean that the costumes had to be drab. The costumer designer(s) on this film brought life into the costumes by using bright colors and beautiful fabrics for the Barnum family and circus performers.

3. The Soundtrack is the Business

Click this link to hear the entire soundtrack >>

Can I just say that the music on this movie was incredible? Denis and I were both surprised to find out that this movie was a musical - and we were even more surprised when we found out that we actually liked all the songs. This soundtrack makes me smile. I honestly can say that this was one of the best original musicals I've seen in a long time. Our favorite song is "A Million Dreams." It's just the best. Feel free to click the box below and listen to it on YouTube. 



2. Zac Efron Was In It

Who cares if Zac Efron was in it, you may say. It's just Zac Efron. But need I remind you that High School Musical was one the main reasons our society fell in love with Zac in the first place. Also, this was his first musical since Hairspray and I don't know why but there's just something undeniably likeable about Zac Efron singing and dancing across the silver screen.

1. It Emphasized Self-Acceptance & Acceptance of Others Which is Never A Bad Thing

Keala Settle (she played the Bearded Lady) brought the house down when she sang "This is Me" because she reminded audiences everywhere that we should never be ashamed of who we are. (You can follow her on Twitter here.) Honestly, I feel like there's not enough shows and movies that endorse self-acceptance and the acceptance of others - but this movie definitely did.

Watching this film I was reminded that every single person is beautiful and unique in their own way and they have wonderful things to bring to the table because they have a different point of view. And that we shouldn't look down on people just because they're different than us. We should appreciate them.

All in all this movie was amazing - definitely one of the best I'd seen in 2017 - and Denis and I can't wait to buy it when it comes out on Blu-Ray later this year. So, if you're looking for a movie that'll keep you singing, make you want to dance, and brighten your day definitely check out the "The Greatest Showman." You'll be glad you did.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie





5 Things Disney's Lady & the Tramp Taught Me

Disney's Lady & the Tramp is probably one of the most romantic movies ever. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate the sweetness of innocent Lady's relationship with the streetwise Tramp. Because I'm a Disney fanatic, I bought this movie on DVD when it had it's 50th Anniversary.

The DVD actually came with a second DVD that had hours of documentaries on the making of the film, which I totally loved. I'm kind of a behind-the-scenes geek. I love seeing how a movie's made and learning all of the details that came together to create the final product.

But while I was watching the movie the other night it came to me that there were some lessons the film taught me as a kid that I didn't appreciate until now. Like what? Well, I decided to comprise a little list of the 5 things Disney's Lady & the Tramp taught me.

Hope you enjoy . . .

1. Disney's version of Victorian America was way, way, waaaay prettier than the history books' interpretation.

The houses in this movie were gorgeous. The whole town looked like something in a snow globe. According to the special features DVD the town used in the movie was loosely based on Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Missouri. But from what I saw on Google Marceline, MS doesn't look like this completely. I kind of think Disney had to animators draw what he wished his hometown looked like. The whole film captured a piece of wholesome Americana.

 



2. A Guy from the Wrong Side of the Tracks Can be Fun

I never blamed Lady for falling for Tramp. He was wild and carefree and challenged her to do things outside of her comfort zone. But he was also, as his name implies, a bit of a rover. But he still knew how to have a good time and showed Lady that there was a great big world out there, one just waiting for them.  



 3. True Friends Have Your Back No Matter What

Jock and Trusty were my favorite characters on the movie (besides Lady, of course) because they always had her back. I mean, come one, they offered to marry her. And after Tramp totally broke Lady's heart they stood up for her and sort of became her guard dogs (no pun intended).

4. There Is Never A Wrong Time for A Sing & Dance Number

My favorite part of the whole movie is when Peg breaks out in song in the jail. She was voiced by real-life Jazz singer Peggy Lee and to this day "He's A Tramp" is one my favorite Disney songs.

5. A Good Bowl of Spaghetti Can Do Wonders for Your Love Life

And last but not least the top thing Lady & the Tramp taught me was the way to any person's heart is definitely some really good spaghetti. In fact, my husband, Denis, actually made his grandpa's special 5 hour Spaghetti when we first started dating and I joke with him that the spaghetti was so good it's one of the reasons I married him. ;-)

Now it's your turn >>>>>

What lessons have you learned from a Disney cartoon? Feel free to leave a comment. Until next time ....

XOXO,

Nellie

Christmas Special in 2017 I'm Excited to Watch

Christmas Special I'm Excited About

Every year I look forward to the TV Christmas specials, especially the musical ones, and this year isn't any different. I grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on my fuzzy Christmas socks, relax on the couch, and go in a Christmas special binge-watching coma. 

This year this particular Christmas special caught my attention >>>>>

A Christmas Story Live!

It wouldn't be Christmas without TBS airing the "A Christmas Story" movie all day Christmas Day but this year Fox decided to take the reins and redo the movie LIVE. This definitely looks promising. I can't wait to see the kid get his tongue stuck to the light post in live action. That was one bad decision I can't help but laugh at every year.

A Christmas Story Live! will air on 12/17/17 at 7 pm on FOX.



My Latest Obsession: Stranger Things

Hello, everyone and welcome to today's post. After Downton Abbey wrapped up there was a void in my TV watching life. And while there are a few shows I watched for distraction one had yet to really catch my attention - until now.

I'd heard plenty of good things about Netflix's "Stranger Things" and when I'd watched the trailer on YouTube it had kind of intrigued me because it seemed a little vague. I currently don't have Netflix so I didn't give much thought about watching it. But then I stumbled across the DVD box set at Target (which is pretty awesome because it the packaging looks like an old VHS tape) and I couldn't resist. I picked it up and then Denis and I proceeded to binge watch it and get totally addicted.

This has now become our new favorite show and while it's definitely not Downton Abbey it's just as entertaining and mind-absorbing a different way. It's been around since 2016 but I'm (of course) just joining the Stranger Things bandwagon because as usual I'm little late on things (hence the name of this blog). But now that I've been introduced to the Stranger Things world I can't wait to see Season 2.

So in honor of my newfound love of this show I came up 3 things I absolutely love about it >>>>>

1. The Setting

For those of you who don't know the show takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the early 1980s. From the outside the town looks like your everyday, average, American small town, but trust me, this is not the kind of town you'd want to visit. There's a creepy CIA/military type lab in the woods that's doing some pretty crazy experiments with this little girl named Eleven.

Personally, I still really liked the look of the show. It made me feel like I was watching an 80s movie - which is what the directors was going for. You can tell by watching the show that they worked hard to keep the look authentic and in my opinion they captured the feel and look of the 80s.

2. The Monsters

In the town of Hawkins there's this weird, humanoid monster that stalks the woods and snatches living things to feed on in this strange otherworld called the "Upside Down."

The thing is super creepy because it doesn't have a face - just a lot of mouths and rows of teeth. It's drawn by blood and kidnaps not 1 but 2 kids in Hawkins. And while the monster in the woods angle caught my attention I really liked the fact that the monster wasn't always the monster in the woods.

Meaning . . . sometimes the monster was Eleven - when her powers got out of control - and other times it was the mysterious Dr. Brenner at Hawkins Lab. He was just weird all the way around. The writers did a good job of keeping you guessing.

And while the show had a great storyline to me the story could not have come to life without the awesome cast, which is why my last favorite thing about this show is >>>>

3. The Characters

The characters of this show are definitely unique. I mean there's girl with telekinetic powers and a shaved head, can't get more unique than that. But other than Eleven there's a whole bunch of interesting people in Hawkins. Like the boys who hide and befriend Eleven: Mike, Lucas, and Dustin. They started out as ordinary geeky middle schoolers but by the end of the first season they're bonafide monster hunters. My favorite was Dustin because he was always the most logical and kind of reminded me of koala bear for some reason.

You couldn't have a show without these guys. I mean, if their friend, Will, hadn't disappeared in episode 1 none of this would have kicked off.

Then there's Jonathan and Nancy (who we all know are totally going to fall in love). They're not your average Romeo and Juliet - she's straight-laced and he's a bit of a social outcast - but they grow closer as they try and find her friend Barb and Jonathan's brother, Will. While tracking the town monster they learn some interesting things about each other.

Even the adults were pretty awesome. Winona Ryder plays Joyce, Will's mom, and while it may look like she's cracking up she turns out to be on to something. And as for Hopper - he's one of the coolest TV cops I've ever seen. He gets the job done even if he has to break into places or break someone's nose. He's one-of-a-kind.

All in all, this show is a must-see and I would totally recommend it to anyone who's looking for a show to escape into.

So, now that you know my favorite things about Stranger Things what are yours? Feel free to leave it in the comments below.

Until next time . . . .


XOXO,

Nellie