Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
When Harriet (Emily Blunt), a consultant for a wealthy Yemen sheikh(Amr Waked), approaches Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) to aid in the sheikh's vision to bring the art of fly fishing to the desert, Dr. Jones finds his faith in science in question. He agrees to the project to prove that it's impossible, but when the sheikh approves the hefty budget and the project becomes a reality, Dr. Jones is finding himself open up to faith he didn't believe in, as well as new love he didn't think possible.
I enjoyed this movie immensely. So much so I need to own it. It was serious, witty, emotional, hilarious, and I found myself wishing I was acquaintances with a handsome sheikh. The chemistry between Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, and Amr Waked was brilliantly easy and believable. McGregor's character was awkward, Blunt's character outgoing and bright, but the two of them together was an excellent match. I loved how you watched the characters unfold before your eyes, how you went on their journey, how you witnessed the bond growing between them. This movie was also fairly clean. There were two suggested sex scenes between Emily Blunt and her love interest, and one with Ewan McGregor and his wife, but they were necessary in the fact that it gave you a more personal, intimate insight into their personalities. There were no cuss words that I can remember, aside from the occasional "bloody" (which I find charming and wish I could incorporate into everyday life.)
I highly suggest Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. I promise you won't be disappointed.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Seven British retirees needing a drastic change find themselves in India to reside in a "restored" hotel. When they arrive, however, they find their lodgings less luxurious than the advertisements let on. Despite their surroundings, the hotel and country charms the new residents, and shows them there is more in life to enjoy.
I had my reservations about this movie. When it first came out I didn't have any interest in watching a movie with a bunch of old people in it, but when I saw a preview for it I thought I'd give it a try. It was good, and I enjoyed it more than I initially thought. The cast is excellent, the writing is great, the setting is fun. What I found inspiring was how these people realized that life has so much to offer even at an older age. Life doesn't end just because a spouse dies, or a marriage ends, or your youth is lost. "Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end."
I'd recommend this movie, as well. It's different, yes, but its so much fun to watch. It's so much fun to see the characters develop in a later stage of life. Dame Maggie Smith is enjoyable, as always, and the lady from Downton Abbey is just as annoying as ever. It makes for a great dynamic.
My sister and I are getting ready to watch Safe Haven. I love Nicholas Sparks, and devour his books. I really enjoyed The Lucky One, and, of course, The Notebook. I'll be sure to write another blog post about it. Maybe even all of them :)
