Jamie Club

2012-02-12T21:34:00.001-05:00

my, my.

What a "Hugo" Disappointment!

2012-02-12T20:41:00.001-05:00

Wow, time sure flies! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. I apologize to all you Jamie Club fans. It's a little difficult as I also write for another blog. So I welcome any of the other Jamie Club members to post messages....

So I wasn't sure what the movie was about. I knew it was a Martin Scorsese movie. Also, a boy who lives in a clock? Well, I wasn't too impressed with the parts I saw in between naps. I wasn't drawn into the movie. I thought the characters were too contrived. Don't get me wrong, the little boy was cute and played the part well. But I'm not into whimsical and storylines too far-fetched to believe. Anyone see Tree of Life??? A Terrence Malick movie. What's happened to these renowned directors?

Suffice to say, not getting my nod for Best Picture. Sorry, Maryann, coordinator this month. Hey, you'll have a chance with the snooze and WTF categories!

Alas, my weekend was not totally ruined. I saw the Vow last night. It was a movie based on true events. I loved it, and not just because of Channing's butt shot. It was about relationships, sacrifices, second chances, and loving someone enough to let go. What more can you ask for in a movie? Just my opinion...

September Movie Choice - The Help

2011-09-24T20:21:00.079-04:00

This movie was hyped up by critics and movie-goers alike. And deservedly so. It's based on a book by Kathryn Stockett. Though the book is fictional, I totally fell for all of the story lines, and how the relationships were depicted. Maybe the sh#@ pie was a little too much but overall I totally believed the injustices, prejudice, inequities and racism showed towards the black folks. I can actually see it happening in real life despite it being fiction. But the movie didn't just focus on white folks treating black folks badly, it showed different sides as well. Such as one of the maids, Minnie was physically abused by her husband. So poor Minnie was getting beat on not only by her employer (not literally) but also at home by her husband. Eventually she ended up working for Celia Foote, a white woman who saw Minnie as a person and not just a maid and definitely not a "black" maid. Celia who was also shun by the other white society ladies because they thought she was white trash. So you end up rooting for both Minnie and Celia overcoming their woes and cementing their relationship.

While this movie could have taken a whole different turn, I feel like I came out of the theatre remembering that there are good and bad people everywhere - black, white, yellow or purple. And to just appreciate the good folks......

August Movie Choice - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

2011-08-06T12:38:00.003-04:00

Wow, is it already August? I can't believe the last time I posted was in January. Sorry, Jamie Club blog fans - I know y'all have been waiting anxiously for new posts...yea, right...

Anyways, it's been an interesting year so far. Life-changing as a matter of fact. Well at least for me since I'm the one posting! One thing I've taken from this past year's experiences - appreciate and celebrate family and friends. And not that superficial crap friendships - real and deep-abiding friendships. Friends who:

love and support you no matter what
open their homes and hearts to you without you having to ask
laugh and cry with you with no pretenses
stand by you even when they know you're heading down the wrong path
offer to pay someone to off the person who's hurting you
are always there to share your pain and joy even from long distances

Family will always be there but with friends, there's no blood to tie you to them. Just a commitment - unwritten and unspoken. Thank you to all of my friends! I love you all and feel so lucky to have you in my life...and a shout-out to my new "friend" - thanks for all that you do to make me happy.

Ok, enough of about me - although this is my blog! Let's talk movie....I think my homage to friends is a great segue way to this movie. Here's the official summary:

In 19th-century China, seven year old girls Snow Flower and Lily are matched as laotong - or "old sames" - bound together for eternity. Isolated by their families, they furtively communicate by taking turns writing in a secret language, nu shu, between the folds of a white silk fan. In a parallel story in present day Shanghai, the laotong's descendants, Nina and Sophia, struggle to maintain the intimacy of their own childhood friendship in the face of demanding careers, complicated love lives, and a relentlessly evolving Shanghai. Drawing on the lessons of the past, the two modern women must understand the story of their ancestral connection, hidden from them in the folds of the antique white silk fan, or risk losing one another forever.

This was a last minute Jamie club, an email was sent yesterday am and lo and behold, Jamie members came through. That shows real commitment unlike some other Jamie Club wannabes rumored to be starting! Although Joyce was the coordinator, I recommended this movie but only Janet read the synopsis and knew what the movie was about. So me, Joyce and Maryann went into this blindly not knowing what to expect. And let me tell you, it was definitely an emotional 2 hours.

The actresses were amazing! Their portrayal of friends in present day and 19th century were spot-on. In some scenes, there was no dialogue and the actresses basically spoke with their eyes and facial expressions. The movie showed that friendship/sisterhood experiences the same ups/downs whether its past or present times. Different class, men, or cultural stuff but the emotions the women shared were the same. Nina/Lily always felt this overwhelming responsibility to take care of Sophia/Snow Flower. She would give up opportunities to stay close/near Sophia. But Sophia/Snow Flower knew she was a burden to Nina/Lily so she sacrificed their friendship in order to free Nina/Lily. Seriously, the selflessness both friends displayed was heartbreaking. In the end, they were together but one story ended sadly. I won't spoil it so you'll have to see the movie.

I totally recommend this movie - bring your sisters, aunts, cousins and friends.....

Happy 2011!

2011-01-08T22:35:00.002-05:00

Dear Jamie fans,
Sorry, it's been awhile since I last updated the blog. Life has been busy especially since I started working again this past October. Yes, life is rough, huh? Anyway, it's pretty bad when Janet posted to the blog in late December. Even though she posted pictures from 2009 (interjecting a little sarcasm here but with love). I thank you for your post, it makes me feel like my work here is appreciated. Although I think she posted those pictures because she really misses Koko and wanted us all to see those pictures again. Yeah, that's it and not because she found those pictures recently.

Anyway, tonight we just saw The Tourist with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Janet was the coordinator and told Koko a couple of months ago after we saw Morning ho-hum Glory that she was going to carry on the "indie" mantle. Well, not sure how many Spirit awards (for Indy movies) The Tourist is gong to win (more sarcasm!).

We forgot to take pictures of us at dinner because the food was so good! So please enjoy these pictures instead. We'll make sure our beautiful selves will be photographed next time.

Toodles, everyone! And have a happy, healthy and safe new year!

photos from september 09

2010-12-27T21:52:00.006-05:00

October Jamie Club - Waiting for Superman

2010-10-18T00:20:00.003-04:00

Welcome back to Jamie Club member, Lucille. It's been a long time and we're already putting you back to coordinating next month's Jamie Club!

I, (Brenda) coordinated tonight's movie/documentary "Waiting for Superman". It was either that or Secreteriat, the horse movie. I had to think strategically, what will win me the most Jamie awards?? Hmmmm, the horse movie lost. Anyways, the documentary showed a sad state of our country's educational system. In our discussion after the movie, it seems like we all learned a little something about the movie, ie, tenure is not only for college professors but for all teachers, stats about how behind the US is in math and sciences? compared to other countries, and that all urban and inner city kids have the ability to learn and prosper if given the proper tools and education.

So what did I take away from this very important movie? That even though I don't have kids, this affects me and everyone in this country. We as taxpayers pay for the kids who grow up without a proper education and don't benefit from a nurturing teacher may end up turning to a life a crime. We pay for their upkeep and maintenance in prison. There are many other moral reasons why we should care, parent or not but I'm too tired now to dig deeper. Please feel free to comment, fellow Jamie Club members. I totally recommend this movie!

Dinner was at Zenna Noodle Bar in Coolidge Corner. It was ok for me. BTW, I added the Jamie Awards video onto this blog. See below and forward to all who may be interested in our little movie club.

BTW, congrats to our old friend Junko and her new baby, Taro. We miss you and wish you the very best!

It was EAT, PRAY, LOVE night!

2010-09-02T21:53:00.000-04:00

Koko's choice for August was a movie based on NY Times bestselling book by Elizabeth Gilbert - Eat, Pray, Love. It stars the luminous Julia Roberts. Love her, love the sights of Italy, India and especially Bali. Not loving the storyline so much. It's hardly relatable. At least to me, I mean seriously, you walk away from a marriage so devastated that work pays for you to go to Italy (eat), India (pray) and Bali (finds love). Oooohh, poor Julia, I mean poor Elizabeth. I really feel for her, NOT. I mean us poor schmucks just DEAL with whatever challenges, issues and tragedies that come our way. In our own home, city, state and country. Anyone sense a twinge of cynicism?

Anyways, dinner was great. It was Boston Restaurant week and we went to Avila on Charles and Stuart St. See photos!

Happy Jamie Members. Miss you, Koko-san.

Where did the dog days of summer go?

2010-08-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, I must be getting old!! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. Since then, we've seen Sex in the City, Inception and tomorrow Eat Pray Love.....wow, alot of blockbusters. Where are the indies films? We're missing Koko's influences...tho we did catch an underground Jamie - The Kids are Alright.

Anyways, lots of movies coming out in the fall. So gear up ladies and lets catch some more flix!!

BTW, saw Salt, Angelina kicks ass!!!

Post Jamie Awards

2010-05-12T16:58:00.003-04:00

Well, it was a grand night on the red carpet Saturday evening, May 8th, 2010. Red seemed to be the signature color for the night with nominees Janet and Joyce. Janet paired her beautiful red top with sexy black leather pants. And our emcee, Maryann was rocking the "formal" with her red cummerbund and black tux. Another tux-wearing guest was our presenter and whom the club was named after, Jamie! He and his partner Rick assisted with the production of the show. Rick shot the video, can't wait to see it.

And the best part of the night (other than the yummy pizzas, home-made bread, desserts, Jamie joining us again and skyping with Koko*) was our very first ever participating audience - Pauli and Ellen followed dress code with their feather boas, Helen, and Becca (sorry, you missed the awards ceremony). We want to thank you for sharing in our love for movies and the craziness of it all.

The big winner of the night was Joyce with 7 Jamies, Maryann followed with 6 Jamies, Janet with 4, Koko with 2 and Brenda with 1. I personally think it was rigged - oh, wait, I collected the votes....hmmm, I guess I'm just a sore loser! One thing for certain, I know of some members are already strategizing for next year's awards. They will remain nameless - Good luck!

Enjoy the pix and see you all next year!

*Sorry if I missed anything or anyone. It was overall a lovely time and I'm looking forward to next year's ceremony. BTW, thanks to John who couldn't make it this year for tabulating the winners.

2010 3rd Annual Jamie Awards

2010-05-08T23:54:00.000-04:00

Another New Date for Jamie Awards

2010-04-15T22:55:00.001-04:00

No more scheduling changes. This is it! Thanks to our international member, Koko, the date was changed yet once again. So mark your calendars for the new date Saturday, May 8th. Luckily, our namesake Jamie and his partner will be able to join us again to partake in the festivities.

So thanks to Janet and Maryann for hosting the party. Let the fun begin....oh, it's only April 15th. I'm getting ahead of myself...sorry.. So excited...Maybe this year, we can videotape the awards, hint, hint, Maryann?? along with your emcee duties?

Don't bother with Clash of the Titans

2010-04-12T19:44:00.000-04:00

OMG, the dialogue was horrible, acting was poor....yes, even Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Can't believe it made 61 million this past weekend.

Waste of time and money spent.....

March 2010 Jamie Club

2010-03-22T19:29:00.001-04:00

Well, it was small gathering as someone bagged out on us at the last minute. Very disappointing but a good time was had by all. An Early Education was seen at the West Newton Cinema. Good movie, set in the 60's so I loved the stylish clothes. It was the first time I've seen Carey Mulligan and she was very convincing as a 16 yr. old. I think she's really in her early 20's.

Dinner was at Karoun also in West Newton. The belly-dancing seemed more Vegas-style but was entertaining. I think the absent Jamie members (Koko and the one who dissed us but will remain nameless) would have enjoyed it. Food was pretty good even for the meat and potatoes girl that I am! See pics:

Confirmed New Date for 3rd Annual Jamie Awards

2010-03-22T19:19:00.000-04:00

So it's been confirmed, Saturday, 4/24 the 3rd Annual Jamie Awards. Invites in the making and will be emailed soon. Please rsvp early as tix are anticipated to be sold out! Look out for red carpet fashions...

Jamie awards

2010-03-09T20:46:00.002-05:00

i saw Jamie, the real? Jamie on Sunday. he'd like to come to the awards -- once we get the date settled i can confirm wiht hm. are we on for 4/24??

It was great to see Mo'Nique win the oscar the other night. she really deserved it. Caught her show of BET with Saphire and Lee Daniels. makes me want to read the original Push.

jl

Sorry we disappeared in 2009!

2010-03-01T22:26:00.001-05:00

Hi to everyone new to our blog and also to our esteemed Jamie members,

2009 was a crazy year, we lost 2 members - one to Japan but Koko will be our first virtual member. And the other one, well, let's just say she was jamietized and hasn't returned since. You have to be strong-minded and committed in order to be a Jamie member. I think we've learned our lesson and will not be offering Jamie memberships so lightly ever again.

2010 is a new year so looking forward to creating new Jamie Club memories and going on new adventures while at the movies. Jamie awards are going to be held on Saturday, April 3rd. So mark your calenders and dust off your tux/evening gowns. We hope to have "Jamie" back again as our special guest along with his partner, Rick. More later....

Hello to our TWO blog participants

2008-05-10T20:18:00.003-04:00

Hello to our members in the South Shore!
Since our members west of Boston don't read nor respond to the Jamie blog, I figured I'd only write to you. Everyone else is TOO busy! Anyway, I thought Young at Heart was alright. There were some moments where I thought the seniors were being exploited but then again, I cannot imagine working so closely with them either. I think the chorus did benefit the seniors and gave them a sense of belonging and something to look forward to. But another question I had was where does the money go?

I didn't realize this movie was a documentary. Like I said, it was alright. Dinner was good. I missed Ms. MC. Hope you're feeling better.

Cool Blog

2008-04-20T16:50:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

cool blog brenda. What's the average age of the Jamie club members, do you ;think? Young enough to adjust to new technology and communications avenues?? WE'll try!

So how do poeple vote on Smart People? I'd give it a 2 since it could have been much better. Dinner on the other hand was a 4 (holding back for noise level, but I supose that's part of the ambience there). I had my beef randang left overs to day and it was delcious. What the hell else do you write on a blog??

love to all,

Janet

YO..we're here!!!

2008-03-24T14:56:00.001-04:00

oh my..quite the time trying to get set up..hopefully now i am offical blogger...anywho....fellow Jamie members..HELLO....Bren thanks for setting this blog up...you did an awesome job...please dont give up on us...we are worth waiting for.....Long Live the Jamie Club!!!!!

Underground Jamie Club Strikes Again

2008-03-23T13:52:00.003-04:00

Jamie Club went underground last night to see The Savages. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. It was definitely a Jamie Club kind of movie that evoked lots of questions and comments on the very subtle storyline. Was the movie about:

brother and sister relationships and sibling rivalry (get it? sorry had to throw that in)
children and their aging parents? obligations, frustrations, guilt, what is the right thing to do and to whose standards?
partner's relationships - how did it relate to the past?

But the burning question is - what was the f*#$ing deal about those two two aging teenagers making out in front MC?? Geez, get a room! There's no need for that much of PDA especially in the theatre where Lust, Caution was screened! Brings back memories...

Post Jamie Awards Report

2008-03-10T13:17:00.001-04:00

It was an exciting night at Club 10 Campbell. The 1st annual Jamie Awards was hosted by the owners of the new hotspot on March 1st. There were few surprises as Hairspray and Lust, Caution tied for winning the most awards at 5 each. One big surprise was Paris Je T'aime, which was nominated for 3 Jamies went home empty-handed. Also, our newest member LP was inducted into the Jamie Club. It was a touching moment when each member revealed what being part of the Jamie Clubs means to them.

Emcee, MC kept the guests entertained and made sure the acceptance speeches were kept to a minimum so the program wouldn't run over the schedule.

The guests were decked out in their finest semi-formals, rocking out the casual and the glam. Miss JL was stepping out in high heels and MC was oh-so-proper with her tux!

Overall, it was great fun had by all and definitely a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

Announcing the Upcoming Jamie Awards Nominations!

2008-02-11T23:28:00.001-05:00

The voting has ended as of February 10, 2008. It will be tallied and will be announced on Friday, February 15, 2008.

Stay tune, folks, for more exciting news! March 1 is the 1st Annual Jamie Awards! Mark your calendar for this auspicious black tie event!

Hello, anyone out there??

2008-02-11T23:23:00.001-05:00

Feel free to post anytime, fellow Jamie Club members...it's not that much fun when only a few folks are posting or commenting....this is your opportunity to voice your opinions and feedback! C'mon, let loose, people! Otherwise, I will have to open our blog up to other people who have absolutely nothing else to do but surf the net!

If You Haven't Seen This Yet...

2008-01-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

I totally recommend the movie Juno! It's from the people who made Thank You For Smoking....Jaime Club Movie #3 in 2006. Ellen Page plays Juno who is a smart-mouth teenager (can some of you relate?) who becomes pregnant and decides to have the baby to put up for adoption.

Man, I wish I was that together at that age. Anyway, great movie. Should have been a Jaime Club selection.

The newest member of the club!

2008-01-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

next movie is Rambo....

John

yo...so cool

2008-01-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

wow...this is so cool...never been to a blog site b-4..thanks for setting this up bren.....I feel blessesd and privilidged to be a part of such a cool club.

Happy 2008!

2008-01-14T20:45:00.001-05:00

Can you believe we're going into our 3rd year! And this year, we're bringing the 1st Annual Jamie Awards in March. Who knew when we went to see Brokeback Mountain, that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship made up of fun-loving movie lovers.

And now introducing the Jamie Club Blog where you can feel free to add your opinions (be nice, ladies), feedback and reviews.