MOVIE MOVIE WEEKEND

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

I have two fine movies for your consideration today. Both became available on DVD recently.

The first is Ruby Sparks (2012), starring Paul Dano as Calvin, a novelist who suffered an early success. Now, how can he live up to his first novel?

But then Calvin starts writing about a girl named Ruby, who comes to life. As their relationship develops, Ruby wants a life of her own. She stays out at night, leaving Calvin alone.

So he simply re-writes her, and Ruby becomes clingy, not wanting to let Calvin out of her sight. No matter what goes wrong, Calvin can change it by sitting down at his typewriter.

This movie is interesting and unusual. Paul Dano is a fine actor.

Ruby Sparks has The Janie Junebug Seal of Approval.

Our second possibility for your viewing enjoyment is Dark Shadows (2012). I love, love, love this movie. How could I not adore it? It's Johnny Depp, directed by the great Tim Burton.

As the movie began, I thought, meh, not living up to expectations. But after Barnabas Collins (Depp) is unearthed and rescued from the coffin in which he has rested for two centuries, the fun begins. It's now 1972. Barnabas must deal with the deterioration of his family's business and wealth and help his dysfunctional ancestors.

And while he performs this function, he copes with his vampirish need for for blood.

Although a bit bloody at times, but not in a horrifying slasher movie way, overall  Dark Shadows is campy and hilarious.

Barnabas Collins: What is your age? 
Carolyn Stoddard: Fifteen. 
Barnabas Collins: Fifteen, and no husband? You must put those child-bearing hips to good use, lest your womb shrivel up and die. 

Barnabas's activities are accompanied by the music of the early '70s. Particularly amusing is when Barnabas sees Karen Carpenter performing on television and attacks the TV set, exclaiming that she is a tiny sorceress concealed inside.

The one aspect of this movie that's a bit off is Helena Bonham-Carter. She's wasted in the role of the psychiatrist.

However, the costumes and the set are perfect, and Dark Shadows has that great Tim Burtonesque look. Tim Burton continues to impress me as a true auteur, and my Johnny is the perfect Barnabas.

Dark Shadows has The Highest Janie Junebug Seal of Approval.

Dee, in spite of my approval of these movies, I don't think you would like them. Rita, I'm not absolutely positive, but I think you might enjoy them.

Happy viewing to you all! Please don't wear yourselves out with holiday "festivities." I hope you enjoy your families and don't overdo the activities. If cookie baking is too much of a chore, then go to the bakery. Buy a few small gifts at The Dollar Store and wrap them in newspaper -- unless your name is Elvis Aaron Schulz. 

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug