Monday, December 3, 2007 - Cary Grant Movie Reviews--Houseboat and The Howards of Virginia

Houseboat

Single dad Tom Winters (Grant) is struggling trying to raise three children in the bustling city of Washington, D.C. He loves his children a lot, but he realizes, with their mischievous ways, they need a mother, or at least some kind of woman in their life.

And into his life walks Cinzia, an Italian woman rebelling against her own family.  While her family is in DC, she sets out on her own, and runs into Tom's children, who have likewise run away.  Ironically, she convinces them to back home, eventually taking them herself. Here, she meets Tom. The two have an instant connection, and as time goes by, the children insist Cinzia come and be their new governess.

Tom agrees, but on one condition--they no longer live in DC. Instead, he moves his family and Cinzia to Maryland--were they inhabit a lovely little houseboat on the Potomac River.

This is a fun film about family and work and love.  It's cute, and fluffy, but enjoyable nonetheless!

Quote of the movie:

"--That's you, Sir." --"Who, Sir?" "Me, Sir?" --"Yes, Sir." "You, Sir."

The Howards of Virginia

When I first read about this movie, I knew I had to see it for two reasons. One, it has Cary Grant in it. Two, Cary Grant is in it. Wait. I'm certain there was another reason. Oh yeah. Much of it takes place in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, which is where my mom grew up. So I really wanted to see it.  However, this movies is an interesting one. A lot of folks say Cary Grant was a miscast in this one. I'm not sure if I agree or not, to be honest. I think the movie is good, and Grant does a good job.  The plot of the movie is nice; a bit cliched but still well done. The historical accuracy is neat, so is the "appearance" of some real people in it--Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, Baron Von Steuben, etc.

The real problem I have is with Grant's role. It's not that he's really not good for the role, there's just something missing. I'm not quite sure what. I think it's that he's almost too hyper in it. Yes, he plays a backwoodsman type man, but the energy he displays is something that is fine for a comedy set in the 40's, but doesn't quite work in a Revolutionary War era drama.

Still, I liked the movie a lot, and would recommend it.

Grant plays Matt Howard.  His story is chronicled from the time he was about ten (as childhood friend of Thomas Jefferson), and his father died in Ohio, to his participation over thirty years later in the Revolutionary War. He is married, builds a home, has children, becomes a delegate in the House of Burgesses, and butts heads with his beloved wife's Loyalist family.  He struggles with his relationships with his own sons, and leaves to fight in the war.

Good historical tale, kinda cool to see Grant as a Patriot captain, too! Very different from his usual films.

Quotes:

"I am a Howard from Virginia, you will bow down and worship me! - Matt

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Comments

Monday, December 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lotrsavvy

I loved Houseboat! That was a funny movie. hehe

LOL! Yeah.. I would think everyone has their own unique laugh, though all laughs are the same, no matter where you come from. :P hehe

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Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Chris

wow whatya know bout that, you reviewed some movies with what's his face in them ;)

yeah i just got done watching all the rocky movies--very good

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by CrossView

Ooh! So the Houseboat one I saw with Goldie and Kurt must have been a remake. Now I have to see the original! LOL!
And where do you get these?

I don't know if you *do* awards, but I've given you one!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CrossView/439113/

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