Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

I don't watch a lot of telly, which is quite a contrast to my pre-computer years :D I'm usually sitting in the dining end part of our living room/diner, so I hear rather than watch the programmes. There was a Mega Machines documentary on earlier with an awesome machine that shakes almonds from their trees. It was quite spectacular. The arms of the machine grip the trunk of the tree and the vibrations set the almonds loose without damaging the tree at all. No. 2 son remarked that the Fire Brigade should borrow this machine as it would be very handy in getting cats out of trees...

How Beer Saved the World (?) is an interesting doc. :-)

Hambel, is it wrong to say that I think I love your son? That's just fabulous. I want him running the country.

Kari wrote: "How Beer Saved the World (?) is an interesting doc. :-)"

You know I now have to look this up...

mc wrote: "Kari wrote: "How Beer Saved the World (?) is an interesting doc. :-)"

You know I now have to look this up..."

Used to be on netflix instant streaming, but not sure if it is now.

mc wrote: "Hambel, is it wrong to say that I think I love your son? That's just fabulous. I want him running the country."

Actually it's his brother who has his eye on that job. Maybe no. 2 son could be an adviser :D

Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "Well, we can't read EVERY minute, right?"

Indeed, we also go out and see movies ;-).
I was wondering if this place is meant only for television stuff."

No. Movies too. Absolutely.

DVD rentals, you name it.

Josh wrote: "No. Movies too"

I first read: ''No. Movies'' ;-).


I've seen the movie ''Intouchables'' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intoucha...) and I really liked it.

Plot from IMDb
A rich quadriplegic, living in a mansion in Paris, requires a live-in carer. A young offender turns up for an interview, but he is not really looking to get the job. However, to his surprise, he is hired. The two men then develop a close friendship.

The movie is defined ''offensive'' here:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE11179..., but I don't agree.

I didn't find it racist at all. It manages to deal with sensitive topics like race and disability in a good way. BTW it is inspired by a true story and the real protagonist insisted that he would allow his life being filmed only if the result would be a funny movie.

I live in the woods in a rural county about 20 miles from the state capitol, so I don't get into the theater much. Get most of my movie fix from DirecTV satellite ...HBO, SYFY, Starz, etc. Which reminds me, anyone watching GRIMM? It's almost good, but not quite, which is so frustrating, although the lead guy is certainly eye candy.

Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "No. Movies too"

I first read: ''No. Movies'' ;-).
I've seen the movie ''Intouchables'' and I really liked it.
Plot from IMDb A rich qua..."

Thanks for this Antonella. I read the linked review and I was appalled at the lack of insight by the reviewer. I have not seen the film, but I am very familiar with the dynamics involved. Laughter, entertainment, taking a person trapped in a chronic illness outside of themselves... is a gift more precious than gold, more precious than what we whole people think of "love" even. This caretaker gave his employer a GIFT, something rare and valuable.

The biggest challenge chronically ill people face is a battle of the mind. Do I get up today? Can I find something to smile about today, a reason to continue this battle.... Making this process into something (a film) with smiles in it, is a statement of hope and strength. It is an extraordinary achievement.

Kudos to all involved! I hope people watch it and find hope and strength for what faces them.

Anne wrote: "I live in the woods in a rural county about 20 miles from the state capitol, so I don't get into the theater much. Get most of my movie fix from DirecTV satellite ...HBO, SYFY, Starz, etc. Which re..."

I watch Grimm a bit. What I can say is, good make up, special effects, and ideas, don't always translate to good series. Which is a shame.

Anne wrote: "I live in the woods in a rural county about 20 miles from the state capitol, so I don't get into the theater much. Get most of my movie fix from DirecTV satellite ...HBO, SYFY, Starz, etc. Which re..."

Exactly! Yes. This is the trouble. It's almost quite good -- and it's better than nothing -- but it's not nearly what it could be. And so I'm always left vaguely disappointed.

Reggie wrote: "Thanks for this Antonella. I read the linked review and I was appalled at the lack of insight by the reviewer. ..."

I was thinking about this yesterday -- not with this specific movie (which sounds very interesting, by the way). I was going to rent A LONELY PLACE TO DIE. But I wasn't in the mood for any big downer, so I thought I would check out a few reviews. They ranged from one-star-don't-waste-your-time to brilliant! Psychologically complex! Original!

It was like polar opposites, just about equally divided.

So I watched the movie and I have to say that I'm in the one-star-don't-waste-your-time camp. And it all comes down to the really lame-ass writing.

Josh wrote: "Reggie wrote: "Thanks for this Antonella. I read the linked review and I was appalled at the lack of insight by the reviewer. ..."

I was thinking about this yesterday -- not with this specific mov..."

Yeah, the reviewer reacted to the racial stereotyping and I had a knee-jerk reaction to the marginalizing of the POV of the patient.=D

I surprised myself with the strength of my reaction. I had some patients with some tough roads recently. So, no I won't be seeking out either of these movies.....I think I'll stick with "Top Gear". =D

Reggie wrote: "Thanks for this Antonella. I read the linked review and I was appalled at the lack of insight by the reviewer. I have not seen the film, but I am very familiar with the dynamics involved. Laughter, entertainment, taking a person trapped in a chronic illness outside of themselves... is a gift more precious than gold, more precious than what we whole people think of "love" even. This caretaker gave his employer a GIFT, something rare and valuable."

Thanks to you for your contribution! I see the matter as you see it.

Lou wrote: "Did anyone watch Game of Thrones last night? :O"

Taped. I still haven't started seeing season 2. This weekend I plan to catch up.

Gah, there are bad news in Game of Thrones. I don't want to spoil it, but I am very displeased. The only reason why I was watching the series is not there anymore.

*weeps*

NOOOOOOOO! Vivian, NOOOOOOO!

I'll stay clear of this thread until the weekend, if you want to talk about it with other people, though. Just let me know. I don't want to hold anyone back :(

No, I won't talk about it! *zips lips*

Late to the game, as always. But I feel I must share this wonderful little BBC show that I watched a few weeks ago; I discovered it thanks to other GR friends who were going on and on about it. "North and South" was AWESOME! No, not the American one with Patrick Swayze...this is the British one with Richard Armitage, who is now very much on my hottie radar.

A very interesting and touching story of a girl from the "South" who must relocate with her family to the "North" and the perils that befall her. Good illustration of the beginnings of the industrial revolution in England, centering around cotton. Oh, and did I mention Richard Armitage? Phwar, the man is H-O-T. All angsty and broody and sensitive and broody and... well, hot!

Traci wrote: "Late to the game, as always. But I feel I must share this wonderful little BBC show that I watched a few weeks ago; I discovered it thanks to other GR friends who were going on and on about it. "No..."

Oh yes? That keeps popping up in my Netflix Recommended for YOU!

Josh wrote: "Oh yes? That keeps popping up in my Netflix Recommended for YOU!"

I would join Traci and Netflix in recommending it to you (and anybody else, of course). It's one of the series I love to re-watch over long weekends.

Liade wrote: "Josh wrote: "Oh yes? That keeps popping up in my Netflix Recommended for YOU!"

I would join Traci and Netflix in recommending it to you (and anybody else, of course). It's one of the series I lo..."

Sold. I'll put it in the queue.

Josh wrote: "Liade wrote: "Josh wrote: "Oh yes? That keeps popping up in my Netflix Recommended for YOU!"

I would join Traci and Netflix in recommending it to you (and anybody else, of course). It's one of the..."

You won't be sorry! Let us know when you watch it :)

Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

Yeah, it's true to the book, but the book (as is so often the case) is so much more. Especially with...wake up, Kari...oh hell, the mentor. I can't even remember the actor's name. And the girl. And the ENDING in the arena. As a reader, I was much more emotionally invested than I was as a movie watcher.

Beware if you read the book(s), though. At the end of book 2, I wanted to rip the author's lungs out. TG I came at this late and bought the series as a trilogy or I would've burned her in effigy. Cliffie much? Ye gods.

ETA: Woody Harrelson -- HA!

Lou wrote: "Is anyone planning to watch that vampire movie with Johnny Depp?"

Hubby said he really wants to see it. I have no interest, since it looks like they're playing it for laughs. However, we both agreed that the new John Cusack movie looks pretty good, the one where he plays Edgar Allan Poe :D

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

My daughter has recommended it as well so maybe I ought to check it out. I am very impressed with that young woman who has the leading role, I watched her in Winter's Bones and she did an amazing job. And she is so lovely :)

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

I'we read all three, but haven't seen the movie yet. I hear my customers say that the book is better, as you get more detail. As usual. It does shine through that this is books for YA's, but I enjoyed reading them.

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

Yes it is true to the book. I thought the movie was well done. Although the shaky camera action had me feeling ill by the end :(

I read the series (had to see if I was going to let my daughter read it). I have to say I did NOT like how the series ended. Won't go into it here so that I don't spoil it for those who haven't read it but eeesh I was totally annoyed when I finished reading!

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

Just bought the book.

Josh wrote: "Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?"

I have read the whole trilogy.

The movie is true to the book but with tweaks that work. Which in most cases don't

Lou wrote: "Is anyone planning to watch that vampire movie with Johnny Depp?"

Yes.

Fiona wrote: "Won't go into it here so that I don't spoil it for those who haven't read it but eeesh I was totally annoyed when I finished reading!
..."

Oh no. :-(

Well, I saw the Hunger Games yesterday.

I really enjoyed it!

Is it true to the book? Who has read the book?

I haven't read the books, but I watched the movie, and if I may be candid... well, I just thought it was sort of... hmm... a hypocritical statement to try to make a point against violence and desensitization of the human race by indulging exactly on what makes us desensitized to the pain of others, systematic violence. I just couldn't pass the violence with children, I don't think I could ever...

I am in lust with Jennifer Lawrence (I checked, she is 21, I can say that, LOL!) She made that suit look very, very good and that was the highlight of the movie for me. LOL!

Fiona wrote: "I have to say I did NOT like how the series (The Hunger Games) ended. Won't go into it here so that I don't spoil it for those who haven't read it but eeesh I was totally annoyed when I finished reading! "

I haven't seen the movie (yet), but I suppose I felt a lot like you did with the series. I truly loved the first book, so maybe I had my hopes up too high for the rest of the series (or maybe I just have to read the series again someday to see if I feel any differently then - no doubt it would be a great series to reread). I didn't quite get all the choices the author made with the story and in the end I felt a bit disappointed. The third book definitely left me with mixed feelings. But the worst feeling was the empty disappointment.

Anyway, I think its always admirable for an author, when she/he has so many happy readers from so many different age groups. My students are high with the Hunger Game fever, I thought the first book was great and my father-in-law liked the whole series a lot. :)

Lou wrote: "Is anyone planning to watch that vampire movie with Johnny Depp?"

I will watch EVERYTHING with Johnny Depp. ;)

And I wouldn't opt out a Tim Burton movie, either! :)

Johanna wrote: "Lou wrote: "Is anyone planning to watch that vampire movie with Johnny Depp?"

I will watch EVERYTHING with Johnny Depp. ;)

i>

Oh yes!

Johanna wrote: "Fiona wrote: "I have to say I did NOT like how the series (The Hunger Games) ended. Won't go into it here so that I don't spoil it for those who haven't read it but eeesh I was totally annoyed when..."

I felt the same way. I LOVED the first book. I even loved the second -- cliffie and all. The third book left me scratching my head and wondering WTH happened. I liked the epilogue but not a whole lot that went on to get TO the epilogue, if you KWIM.

As for wide audience appeal...Twilight appealed to a wide audience, yanno?

It's this weekend, right? S-H-E-R-L-O-C-K?

Yay!

Josh wrote: "It's this weekend, right? S-H-E-R-L-O-C-K?"

Yes Bring on Cumberbatch and Freeman

It IS???? Thanks for the update! I would have shot myself if I had missed it.

Sunday nights are giving my DVR a migraine. In addition to a few shows I'm embarrassed to say I watch, even in this company, there's Mad Men, Mystery! and Game of Thrones. Thank goodness I gave up on the Killing after the debacle of last year's finale.

Sunday nights are giving my DVR a migraine. In addition to a few shows I'm embarrassed to say I watch, even in this company, there's Mad Men, Mystery! and Game of Thrones. Thank goodness I gave up on the Killing after the debacle of last year's finale.

So, you watch Storage Wars too, MC? Or my guiltiest and most shameful habit... The Beverly Hills Housewives (although I haven't watched the latest season).

LOL!

Vivian, I am embarrassed to say that I *do* sometimes watch a housewife or two.

There are also a few cooking competition shows on Food Network on Sunday nights. I also watched The Good WIfe in the past, but it kept starting late because of sports overruns, so I've fallen out of the habit of that.

mc wrote: "It IS???? Thanks for the update! I would have shot myself if I had missed it.

Sunday nights are giving my DVR a migraine. In addition to a few shows I'm embarrassed to say I watch, even in this ..."

Oh. My. God.

It is a matter of principle in this household that we do not watch another second of The Killing. After that bullshit finale, never. Not one second more. I don't care if it turns out to be acclaimed as the most brilliant TV show of all time. Not in this house.

Josh, I was so outraged by that finale, that I even wrote a long, and rather vitriolic comment on the NYTimes website when they did an analysis of it along with an interview with Veena Sud.

One of my neighbors, when he's in the mood to see his small, usually happy friend go batshit, will bring up the topic of this show. I become like Medusa, with writhing snakes hissing off my head and everything. He still sees the show (more as a curiosity than anything else) and mentions it to me most Mondays when we see each other at the gym.

BAH! Piece of crap show. Don't get me started unless you really want to rehash the many, many things they did wrong, and the fact, regardless of what Ms. Sud tries to spin, that they totally screwed the viewers. They PROMISED one expectation, then basically said, go to hell, viewers who stuck with us through this gloomy, rainy, fake twists, lost plot points, dishonest mess.

Not that I feel strongly about this or anything ;)

Josh wrote: "It is a matter of principle in this household that we do not watch another second of The Killing. After that bullshit finale, never. Not one second more. I don't care if it turns out to be acclaimed as the most brilliant TV show of all time. Not in this house. "

What bullshit finale? You can hide it beyond spoiler tag to avoid spoiler. I think a cable channel is replaying the series here and I want to know if it's worth watching.

Cleon wrote: "Josh wrote: "It is a matter of principle in this household that we do not watch another second of The Killing. After that bullshit finale, never. Not one second more. I don't care if it turns out t..."

There was no finale. That was the bullshit.

They had billed it as a mini-series. The very night of the "grand finale" they were still billing it as...a grand finale.

And then they didn't end it. They extended it for another season because the show turned out to be so hugely popular.

Many of us were not amused.

I don't watch shows with ongoing big story arcs that never end, can never be resolved. I HATE that kind of thing. And having been tricked into watching one...yeah. No.

mc wrote: "Josh, I was so outraged by that finale, that I even wrote a long, and rather vitriolic comment on the NYTimes website when they did an analysis of it along with an interview with Veena Sud.

One of..."

:-D

Yeah, well the intrinsic problem is the storyline is not complex enough or important enough to justify another season. So they will obviously have to resort to all kinds of silly, senseless "twists" to try and keep it all moving.

Ugh.

I love how the producers tried to backtrack and say they never said it was a mini-series, never said it was going to end.

Really? And all of us who clearly remember that we were watching a mini-series were suffering mass hallucination?

They made a bad situation worse.