When Harry Met Sally

Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan

Year: 1989

Truth be told, I may have seen this movie once (at the movie theatre in 1989!!) and maybe once on VHS (yikes!) way back when, so to me, this movie was like a newbie. I couldn't remember how they met. I couldn't remember how it ended. And I certainly couldn't remember anything in between, except "the scene". No worries - no spoiler alert here. But for those who have seen When Harry Met Sally (even just once, a long long time ago), you know exactly which scene I mean. Unforgettable right?

I have to say, that at the beginning I was finding it a little slow - not sure where it was going - but by the end I was smiling. And I remembered why it became a classic. Why everyone fell in love with Harry and Sally.

Written by Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia, You've Got Mail - need I say more!) and directed by Rob Reiner - how can it not be a great film??!! It's heartwarming, funny, touching. Has characters you're not sure how much you like at the beginning and learn to love by the end. And asks the question "Can men and women just be friends? No sex. Just friends."

If you haven't seen this movie or haven't seen it in a long time, I think you should. While it's not your typical romantic comedy - in that they seem to hate each other more than even like each other - it does have charm, memorable moments, humour and lovable characters. Plain and simple, a timeless romantic classic - which I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Favourite Lines:

* I'll have what she's having.

* There are two kinds of women - high maintenance and low maintenance.

* Waiter, there is too much pepper in my paprikash.

From one movie "buff" to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling

St. Vincent

Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts and Jaeden Lieberher

Year: 2014

It was my birthday and my husband and son suggested we watch a movie together. "You pick", they said. Well, as you can probably imagine, "you pick" translates to "you pick one that WE would like" (eye-roll), so I chose this one. St. Vincent. It may not be the action-packed film they were hoping for, but they did admit they enjoyed it. I knew they would. Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy are both equally outstanding. And Jaeden Lieberher (who plays Oliver, the son of Maggie {McCarthy}) is spot-on. Two quotes that come to mind after watching this movie would be "Don't judge a book by its cover" and "Don't judge anyone by the chapter you have walked in on".

Vincent {Murray}, is a grumpy man, who lives alone and loves to gamble and drink alcohol. Enter Maggie and Oliver as new neighbours. It's a story about life, the obstacles we face, the people that come into our lives just at the right time; and friendship.

Vincent is like an onion. The top layer very hard and crunchy - but as the story unfolds and both Maggie and Oliver become more a part of his life, the layers begin to peel away and inside you find a kind, caring, loving soul. Repeat "don't judge a book by its cover".

It's a feel good movie through and through. It's heartwarming, funny, and inspiring. Vincent finds an unexpected friend in Oliver; while Oliver finds a man with an unexpected big heart. This film tugs at the heartstrings and makes you think about all the "saints" in your life. We should all be so lucky to have a Vincent in our lives.

Favourite Lines:

* Is that our new neighbour? Yup. It's gonna be a long life.

* Don't ever become a pencil-pusher kid, they're spineless.

* My water is broken? Call a plumber.

From one movie "buff" to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling.

It's Complicated

Starring: Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin & John Krasinski

Year: 2009

I definitely had to start my blog with a Nancy Meyers film. How could I not? Well actually, truth be told, it was a toss-up between a Nancy Meyers film or a Richard Curtis film. I love equally the same, but in the end, I decided I was in a Meryl Streep/John Krasinski/Steve Martin kind-of-mood. Okay fine, Alec Baldwin too.

I love this movie for so many reasons. Firstly, LOVE the house! Why Jane (Meryl Streep) even wants to renovate is beyond me. Has she seen MY kitchen?? And the bakery! Who wouldn't want one exactly like that one nearby?! All sets, built on separate sound stages in Brooklyn, are Nancy Meyers' visions and creations (I can't even imagine what her own house looks like!). I love the date nights with the girl friends. The graduation house party when they are dancing to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys. Baking chocolate crescents in the bakery. And any scene with John Krasinski in it! C'mon, he's adorable!! The casting is spot-on ~ story-line, flawless.

For those that don't know this little tidbit, Nancy's intent when writing scripts, is to bring storylines to life that involve different relationships (Father of the Bride - father & daughter) (The Intern - older man, younger woman, platonic relationship). It's Complicated exploring the relationship between ex-husband and ex-wife; and their relationship with their children.

It's a feel good movie. A movie that will put a smile on your face and long after the credits have rolled, the tune of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" stuck in your head - in a good way!!

Favourite Lines:

* I like that you stopped getting bikini waxes. You've gone native

* Do you poke smot?

From one movie "buff" to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling.