Ordinarily you’d expect me to blog about books, a topic near and dear to my heart! And I’ve been reading some good ones lately. Ever read Jack Ketchum? Sadly, I hadn’t until my son, Ryan introduced me to him, and while browsing in my local bookstore recently, I ran across a reprint of an early book of his called The Lost. Ketchum is a horror writer but this book is a thriller – in the strictest sense of the word. The prologue is gripping, and it never lets up. It’s not a book for the faint of heart, but I couldn’t put it down.
Okay, see, how obsessed I am with books? I can’t help myself. I set out to do a blog about movies, and instead I’m talking about books and writers. By the way. . .bear with me, this is cool. There I was at the ThrillerFest cocktail party, mixing and mingling, and trying not to make a complete fool of myself when introduced to the book industry’s best. Then, I happened to glance over my shoulder and spotted my husband Michael in conversation with Clive Cussler. Clive Cussler! Whom I’ve never even met. Michael waved me over and said, “Sandra, this is Clive,” like they’d been friends for years.
Turns out, it was actually Mr. Cussler who approached Michael and introduced himself. Someone in the crowd had pointed out Michael as a car collector. Mr. Cussler has 105 classic cars, so they had a lot to talk about! I was dazzled, not only to be in the presence of a fiction legend, but to learn firsthand what I’d been told – Clive Cussler is a class act, a gentleman, and as nice an individual as anyone could possibly hope to meet.
Oh, this was cool, too. The following day, when Michael and I disembarked at DFW and were on our way to baggage claim, we passed an airport bookstore. Front and center were books by Clive Cussler, Jon Land, Lee Child, Brad Thor, James Patterson, Douglas Preston, Harlan Coben. . .all of whom we’d been with the evening before. I realized how fortunate I am to know so many outstanding talents. And those are just the writers who have new books out and presently in the front racks.
Oh, right. . .movies. I thought I should blog about that since this is the summer movie season. (Not to be confused with the summer book season and the BIG book this year – Smoke Screen.)
Ahem. Habit. I’m sorry.
I want to see “Mamma Mia!” I saw it on Broadway, and you can’t beat the music. And what a cast! Eye candy for sure. I plan to check my brain at the door, have a bucket of popcorn, and dance in the aisles to “Dancing Queen.”
I love movies. I’m often asked, “What’s your all-time favorite?” Impossible to say because there are so many. Some I’ve watched dozens of times. And you can bet that, if I come across a favorite while channel surfing, I’ll join them in progress and stay with them until they’re over. “The Godfather,” is one. “Shawshank Redemption” is another. A second with Morgan Freeman, “Driving Miss Daisy.” I have to watch until Hoke feeds her a bite of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
I can’t not watch “Legends of the Fall.” I adore “One Fine Day” and “Love Actually.” That last scene in the airport when people from everywhere in the world are being met by loved ones while “God Only Knows” is playing. . .well, I get choked up every time.
And if you’ve never seen “Dear Frankie,” with Gerard Butler and Emily Mortimer, get it. A friend recommended it and I fell in love with this quiet little film. I’ve watched it at least a dozen times. I dare you to watch it and not get teary-eyed.
Is it just me, or do you miss movies about people? Grown up people. Real people. Not spoofy, goofy people or comic book characters personified, but actual human beings. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate special effects and animation. I think they’re terrific. I can’t wait to see “The Dark Knight,” the new Batman movie, and I’m a big fan of “Toy Story,” and “Cars.”
But I miss movies where the story is the star and the main characters are relatable. I don’t mind a bit — indeed I look forward to — watching all six hours of the BBC’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I’ve sat through it ten times, yet I never tire of it. But my taste is eclectic. I’ve done the same with “An Officer and a Gentleman.” I could practically recite the script. It never gets old.
I miss the movies of the great Sydney Pollack, who died not long ago. “This Property is Condemned“, starring “newcomer” Robert Redford, I saw the summer I graduated from high school, on a date. I loved it then, and still do. “Love With the Proper Stranger,” with Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood. Black and white, but fabulous. “The Way We Were,” “Tootsie,” and one of my all time favorites, “Out of Africa.” When the lion and lioness come and lie on Finch Hatten’s grave. . . Here I go again. Pass the Kleenex.
You’re bound to note a partiality to love stories, but I like war movies and westerns, too. I like historicals and contemporary. I don’t mind nudity (depending on who’s nude) or graphic language, although the four letter words can get a bit boring. My one criteria is the story. It’s all about the story. Just like books. . .
See? It’s compulsive.
If you have a must-see movie list, I’d love you to share it.
Contest Alert! Five lucky winners will be chosen to receive an advanced copy of Smoke Screen! What’s the catch? We want reviews! Either on your own blog, or right here at the pond. All you have to do is comment on this post with some of your “must see movie” suggestions for Sandra. Good luck!
It is cool to hear from an author about their favorite movies. A lot of them I have not heard of. Well the movies I love the most are: Of course Gone With the Wind (which I’m trying to read the book), Major League 2, The Whole Wide World, Ed Wood. Almost any obscure movie. I am a big movie junkie, so I try to see lots of movies. I don’t get out much now with a 2 year old daughter. Thanks to Sandra Brown for her list and good luck with the new book.
Karen
This was a wonderful piece. But, here is the real reason I am here. I want the book. You will say, “Yeah, why?” Well thanks for asking. Because, I have a blog talk radio show and I interview authors. So… if I get your book. I will tell over 9,000 people. Two, because I am from Texas, and Texan’s should stick together. lmfao. Three, because I like reading your books. Now you have my answer.
You have a great day. Still a great blog. I did enjoy reading it.
Lesa
I love the movie “Steel Magnolias”. I’ve shared watching it with my friends and my daughter. We often quote lines from the movie that fit everyday life situation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched Sally Fields cry while driving to get her grandson, right after her daughter died, such a touching scene, I cry right along with her. Anyone who’s had a person close to them pass away, this is just so touching. It’s funny, uplifting and sad. “One of my favorite emotions is laughter though tears”!! I’ve read everyone of your books Sandra and I have to say “Mirror Image” is my favorite. It should be a movie. I can’t wait for you books to hit the shelves. Keep up the good work, your wonderful!
I’m desperate to see Hellboy 2. I loved the first one, it was so different. Other than that, it’s kids movies all the way.
The top five movies I never get tired off(in no particular order):
1. Moonstruck
2. Room with a View
3. The Royal Tenenbaums
4. Rushmore
5. The Lost Boys
I also love Steel Magnolias. The part right after the funeral and Sally Fields is giving this GREAT dialouge and, if your human, you’re sobbing right along with her and the VERY next minute you are laughing… I LOVE THAT! I have a few ALL time favorites though. Gone with the Wind. TRULY a classic. Sex Appeal didn’t get any better than Clark Gable. A walk in the clouds is also wonderful. And I discovered another last night, Chocolat. LOVED it. But the one I’ve worn a hole in is not all of the same high brow I’m afraid. Bridget Jones’ Diary. LOL I love that movie because if I were blonde and British. It would have been me.
Sandra Brown!
You and I are on the same page with some of your movie choices! I too like the movies where you can actually see yourself in the movie going thu the trials & the happy times with them. It’s nice to see that I have something in common with such a brilliant person like you! Some of my favorite movies, one of which to me is an all time classic, Gone with the Wind. Oh I can see myself as Scarlet, loving one man all your live and when its all said and done you go thru all these emoations of sorrow, anger, pain, hatred, and then by the end a complete understanding. Another favorite is “Steel Magnolias” This movie to me is what really put Julia Roberts on the silver screen. The cast was so dynamatic. “Office & a Gentalmen” well anything that has Richard Greer in an Officer’s Dress Whites! HELLO!!!!!!!!! I love Barbara Striesand and just this weekend was when I saw “The Way We Were” for the first time! What a great movie, however I was hoping for a different ending. “The Mirror has two faces” & “Up Close & Personal” if you haven’t seem these then you may like them. Another great movie that you wont see it coming is “DERAILED”
I like movies but LOVE your books! I am currently reading “Ricochet” and I’m a slow reader because I want to pick up on everything and I can’t seem to put the book down. My husband loves that because it gives him time to watch Sports. LOL I dont want to say anything about it becasue if someone hasn’t read it, and is reading this, I will say to you go to the bookstore and buy it TODAY! DO NOT WAIT!!!!!!!!! What a great BOOK! One of my favs from you! Other all time Fav is “Breath of Scandal” Oh my mother in law, who I got started on you, hasn’t read this one and I am trying to get it for her. I think too that this one should be made into a movie. I know that is kind of not a want to but I think that this one would be so good. But all of your books are great! Again I see myself in this one as going thru all of these tough times and you really experience it and that to me make it the best book! Aside from the Bible this you, Sandra Brown, to me are the best writer! Thanks for blogging today!
Hope that you enjoyed reading this! –Sumer
GO SEE THE DARK KNIGHT! Outstanding. All the hype? Definitely worth it. Wanted was a good movie, as was Hancock. I love Thomas Crown Affair. Basic (with John Travolta and Samuel Jackson) was very good.
I’m here because I want the book. I was going to say you forgot Gone With the Wind, but someone else remembered it. What about The Wizard of Oz? It’s another classic.
What a treat to meet Clive Cussler, Sandra. Although, it would be a big treat for me to meet you.
I have to suggest The Dark Night, too. It was amazing!
We also saw Wanted when it came out and I really liked it. It was non-stop action.
I can’t wait to see Mamma Mia! I’ve heard great things about it.
I’m really looking forward to Smoke Screen.
hmmmmm
Ladder 49 (the love story of the firefighter and his wife!)
Invincible
Remember the Titans
The Cutting Edge
While You Were Sleeping
The Notebook
Fever Pitch
The Rookie
hmmmm a lot of those are love stories, or have a love story in them. Or are about sports. Interesting! The romantic in me meets the tomboy in me!!
You’ve been a “long time” favorite of mine Ms. Brown!!!!!! I too love all the movies you mentioned! In addition I just found a western on the Hallmark channel staring Tim Daly and Naomi Watts called the Outsider!!!! Had to save it and watch it over and over. I also like the Pride and Prejudice with Donald Sutherland, Kiera Knightly, Matthew Macfayden, and Rosamund Pike. Being “southern” born and bred I can’t omit Gone with the Wind!
Onward!
Kathemarie Humphreys
I see I’m a lot like you, because I like to watch my favorite movies more than once or twice (how about 12 times in the theatre for Revenge of the Sith?). I absolutely love Love Actually, too. Another good movie that’s kind of cute is Down With Love, with Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellwegger. An older movie that I like is Pride of the Yankees, with Gary Cooper. Out of movies recently seen, Wanted is pretty good. My husband and I go on a date each Friday and see a movie, so we see quite a few. We haven’t seen The Dark Knight yet, because every showing was sold out where we like to go see movies, but I’m hoping we can see it this week.
Looking forward to Smoke Screen! Thanks for sharing your movie thoughts!
I and my sisters are VERY big fans of you. We always try to be the first to purchase your books as soon as they are available.
With limited space at home, I’m not able to keep all the books I purchase. With the exception of your books, I donate them to different organizations. I have tried to instill in my children the joy and wonder of reading. With me it is a hobby.
Most books I pick up I don’t usually put down until I’m finished. This has made some days harder than others because I have sat up until 2 or 3 a.m. to finish. Movies are another weakness of mine. I am a sucker for any romance or underdog plot. Two of my all time favorites are Murphy’s Romance and An Officer and A Gentleman.
Oh I love movies, almost as much as I love books! I watched THE DARK KNIGHT this past Saturday and really enjoyed it. Like you, I love movies about people, but I also love goofy movies, thrillers and animated movies, etc etc. I was invited by a friend who has received (from her job) tickets to see STEP-BROTHERS tonight before it’s release on Friday, but I’m looking forward to visiting my friend, too!
Must see movies? Definitely your story, THE WITNESS when it comes out! I can’t wait to see HANCOCK and MAMMA MIA, and I still haven’t had a chance to see IRON MAN. As far as must-see movies over and over again, THE NOTEBOOK is one of my favorites and a movie my 6 year old niece insists we watch when she comes for a visit.
Hmmm…Im a superfan of your books Sandra, especially since I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
As such, I wait with patiently every summer for your release.
I’m one of those people who loves a million movies and always goes blank if I have to say one that’s particularly special.
In no particular order…
1. Dance With Me (with Chayenne and Vanessa Williams) – It was on this past Sunday night and my BFF and I took a trip down memory lane to our freshman year of college and how we ran out and bought the soundtrack and blasted it loud on Saturdays and danced down the halls of our dorm together.
2. Thomas Crown Affair (Piece Brosnan)- I’ll never be able to walk down a set of stairs again without blushing.
3. Auntie Mame (Rosalind Russell)- Okay the Lucille Ball version is funny too, but this version always reminds me of my great aunt. She had travelled the world and was a super cook and had like five husbands and I remember playing in her makeup and perfume when I was little.
4. Cinderella (Disney) – I think the title is self explanatory.
5. Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) – I thought the remake was alright but I LOVED the original. I’ve always been attracted to the strong silent types. (Sigh)
6. The Thin Man (Powell and Loy) – I love anything that combines murder, mayhem, romance, and cocktails.
7. Crush (Andie Mcdowell) – I picked this movie up randomly at the movie store and cried all through the ending. Its a great girls night movie about taking chances with love and making the most of it.
8. The Heiress (Catherine Sloper) – Favorite breakup movie
9. Casino Royale (Daniel Craig) – Okay when was the last time you saw a man MAKE SAND SEXY and he got the bad guys in the end. I cant wait to see Quantum Solace!!!
10. The Unplesantness at the Bellona Club/Muder Must Advertise – Normally a suicide would make you sad, but such is the comedic timing in the movie that you fall over laughing…or at least I did. Ian Carmichael makes a great Peter Whimsey who is my favorite detective ever.
Oh, yeah. I’m totally there with One Fine Day and Shawshank Redemption. No matter how many times I’ve seen Shawshank, I HAVE to watch it every single time it comes on TV, and if it airs back-to-back, I’m watching it back-to-back. Easily one of the greatest movies of all time. Another movie I’m like that with is Speed. It’s kind of odd. I’ve never really been into Keanu Reeves, I never go “Oh, a new Keanu movie, I have to go see it!” Yet… in that movie, the character Jack Traven is the sexiest man who’s ever lived and yes, leave it to me to find the romance in the movie about a bus set to explode if it slows to under 50 mph.
I really enjoy movies where you don’t have to sit through a full-on sex scene to see that “hey, these people love/want each other” If the script and chemistry between the actors is good, all that is not needed, and I really hate having to wait until my kids are asleep to watch a movie.
I was reading some you guys blogs and they were very different, well of course they are because everybody has there own thoughts but some of my favortie movies are.
1.Pride and Prejuidice (2005 movie)
2.The notebook
3.A walk to remember
4.The runaway jury
5.Mansfield park (older movie)
6.Northhagger abby (old movie)
Well the list goes on but any movies with Morgan Freeman or Denzell Washtion.
Books are my favorite thing ot read because you take time and think abou it. I love mystery and i love romance novels i have read all of Sandra Brown’s book within a year because they were so addicting.
Well thats it for me talk to you later
Dear Sandra Brown,
I have seen some of the movies you mentioned, but there are also a bunch I haven’t seen…I will definitely have to look them up, though, the next time I am looking for a good movie. I always love getting movie (and book) suggestions. And I have to agree, I love movies with relatable characters and the story is so important (I blame that factor on my love of books 😀 ).
I have a lot of favorite movies, but I am a sucker for romantic comedies. I love Notting Hill (with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant), The Lake House (with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves), and What Women Want (with Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson).
I think my absolute favorite movie, though, is The Sound of Music–I could watch that movie over and over and never get tired of it.
I also like Plain Truth (a Lifetime movie starring Mariska Hargitay; based on the book), The Skeleton Key (suspense/thriller with Kate Hudson), The Secret Window (suspense/thriller with Johnny Depp), and Transformers (really cool action movie!).
I could go on forever, but I think this post is already going to take up enough space on the screen 🙂
I just want to end by saying that I really enjoy your novels and can’t wait until this one comes out. I will be at the bookstore the day it is released so I can pick up my copy and start reading! Are you going to come back to Columbus this year to discuss this book?? I hope you do because I went to hear you speak last October and would love to go hear you speak again!
All the best,
Emily
I am here because I want the hardback book. I have most of Sandra Brown’s books–probably missing some of those under other names–but my present quest is to obtain as many as possible in hardback. I have enjoyed watching her evolve from an author of lovely romance stories guaranteed to make you feel better while not expending a great deal of time since they were quick reads to the dynamic plots we see unfurling today. I cannot afford to buy the hard backs when they first come out; so must depend on other methods to obtain the hardback copies.
Well, Sandra, you know which movie I love: STEEL MAGNOLIAS!
And, wow, what memories you brought back with This Property Is Condemned. Loved that one!
I love this blog, and of course would love to have my name in the hat for a copy of your new book! Maybe I can review it for Fort Worth, Texas magazine..
First, I have to tell you that I am a huge fan! I have made it a goal to read every book you have written. To date, I have about 10 left (the older ones that are a little hard to find)!
Some of my favorite movies are…Dirty Dancing, Maid in Manhattan, You’ve Got Mail, Pure Country, Sabrina, First Knight, Gone in 60 Seconds, National Treasure I & II, and Pretty Woman.
With 3 children I rarely get to enjoy movies of my choice but they have a few that I like too! Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper has become a favorite along with many of the Disney Princess movies!
Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading Smoke Screen!
I am writing because you are my favorite author and I want the book. I have been a fan of yours for years. I love all the movies you have mentioned (plus many that others have mentioned). I am a big fan of Katheryn Hepburn … On Golden Pond, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Pat & Mike. But I prefer to read a book over a movie. Books can provide so much more detail…. How do you describe a thumping heart, your feelings or thoughts inside your head in a movie.
Keep up the wonderful writing.
Kindest Regards,
Val
I’m a sucker for old black and white movies, but I prefer action over comedy. I have to say one of my favorite movie-related things has been introducing my kids to some of the *ahem* new classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and one of my all-time faves, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. I know I know………I’m disgustingly easy to please.
I love that you couldn’t help yourself in talking about books.
I think that’s why I end up reading so much because it’s all about people and relating to them.
Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorites as well. I always have to stop at the 80’s movies though. They’re what I grew up on, so if I see Weird Science or The Breakfast Club or Mannequin I have to stop flipping.
Oh, and of course, I can’t wait for Smoke Screen to come out. I always pre-order all of your books ahead of time, but who wouldn’t love reading a book before everyone else? I know I would!
Great blog!! It’s nice to see you not only talking about books, but movies as well. I too am commenting because I would LOVE the chance to be one of the first to read Smoke Screen. I have read just about all of your books. One of my favorite books of yours is The Switch. OMG!!!! I have read that book OVER AND OVER. And I never get tired of it. I even got my neighbor hooked on reading your books, she called and asked if I had any good ones to read, so I passed The Switch on to her. She LOVED it, and has been hooked since. She actually just called me again and asked if I had anymore of your books that she could borrow while she goes on her camping trip. I always get so excited when I get a Sandra Brown newsletter in my email, and then I call my mom and say….”we only have to wait a little longer for her new book” HAHA. You truly are a very talented author, and as long as you keep writing books, I’ll keep reading them. On to the movies that I enjoy.
1.) Titanic. I saw this movie about 8 times in the theater. And I still watch it EVERY time its on T.V. (Even though I have it on DVD, and could watch it with no commercial interuptions. lol) I am just a sucker for movies that are based on actual events.
2.) The Shawshank Redemption. I get so drawn into movies with Morgan Freeman it’s unreal. He has got to have one of the BEST narrative voices in that business. UNBELIEVABLE.
3.) Blow. Not to mention that Johnny Depp is a Hottie, he does an excellent job in this movie. (Again, see, I’m a sucker for movies based on actual events.)
3.) Of Mice and Men AND To Kill a Mockingbird…..Need I say more?!?
4.) A Time to Kill. GREAT MOVIE. With Matthew Mcconaughey and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s just all around a great movie that I can watch over and over again.
5.) John Q. This movie, no matter how many times I watch it. Still brings tears to my eyes. Denzel Washington is one of the best.
6.) Man on Fire. Again, based on actual events, staring Denzel Washington. It’s a sort of a long movie, but well worth the watch.
7.) How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days. Kate Hudson and Matthew Mcconaughey will have you laughing through out this whole movie. It’s definitly one of my favorites.
Ok, so this list could go on and on and on for days. lol. But I should leave some room for others to comment. I just want to say thanks you for the opportunity to share some of my favorite movies, and for the chance to possibly be one of the first to read Smoke Screen. Even if I don’t win this blog contest, I will still be reading the book as soon as it comes out!! Can’t wait!!
I have started writing my own stories lately and have taken it upon myself that as part of the research–in addition to the technical and historical–to read as many authors as possible to get a feel for how a story is written, the dynamics of the characters, character development, plot development….the list can go on and on. I’ve been analyzing each author I’ve read and the study has been revealing.
I’ve read your books for years–and am now rereading many of them–and love them. Still. I think I started reading your books in high school. I don’t remember specifically, but it has been a very long time. I just finished “Play Dirty” and, I think it’s the best one to date. I can’t wait to pick up–or win– “Smoke Screen” which is on my reading list for my vacation next month.
All that to say that the way you write books is amazing. I am constantly impressed with your style, dialogue, the characters and depth of plot. I like how your characters stay with the reader and how a reader connects with them. For instance, the first book—well, books I guess—I ever read by you was the Texas! Trilogy. To this day, I feel like I *know* those three siblings–Lucky, Chase and Sage and their respective partners. They just stayed with me. I can remember the points of their story well as well as some of their key dialogue. Writing different characters is difficult, and I’ve never felt that you write a rote character. Accomplishing that is very difficult, yet you make it seem effortless.
As for movies…. Love Actually tops the list. We own it and I watch it repeatedly. When my son lets me use the DVD player, that is.
Sabrina–Harrison Ford. Need I say more? Officer and a Gentlemen, When Harry Met Sally, anything with Tom Hanks, Ironman. I saw that this past summer with my son and I loved it. Don’t know why since it is definitely not one of my ‘norms’, but I did. Steel Magnolias, The Holiday, and Phantom of the Opera. We Are Marshall is starting to slowly make its way up the ranks. We just rented Bucket List over the weekend and it jumped immediately into the top ten. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman—gotta love them. They reminded me of Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheu. I loved all their movies, too. Yours, Mine and Ours is another favorite as is Look Who’s Coming to Dinner, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, All the President’s Men. My list is extensive, varied and growing and I need to stop now because I keep thinking of ways to expound on this blog!
Great movie list!
Must sees for me are: The Dark Knight, The Wizard of Oz (who hasn’t seen that though?! It’s still a wonderful classic,) The Pursuit of Happyness, Casablanca, and Breakfast At Tiffany’s. All wonderful in their own right and all completely different. They’re my must haves.
Can’t wait until Smoke Screen is available!
hmmm… a must see movie list? That’s as tough as a must read book list, but I will give it a try.
*Arsenic and Old Lace with Carey Grant
*Bringing Up Baby with Kate Hepburn and Carey Grant
*Of Mice and Men with John Malkovitch
*Cookie’s Fortune with Liv Tyler
*Calendar Girls
*Please Don’t Eat the Daisies & Lover Come Back with Doris Day
*Hotel Rwanda
*Tears of the Sun with Bruce Willis
*The Bucket List & Something’s Gotta Give with Jack Nicholson
*Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams
*Black Snake Moan with Samuel L Jackson
*Down Periscope with Kelsey Grammar
I could probably go on for days, but this is a good start.
Hi Sandra! I started reading your books when I found you had the same name as my sister, Sandra Brown. ( I was really young, haha)I thought it was cool.
From the first book, I could not put it down until I finished it and kept on reading from then on. I have found that we like alot of the same things, movies, books, etc. I love the romance movies and books, but also love comedy in movies. “Mr. Mom” was one of my favorites…
I look forward to “Smoke Screen” and would love to have an autographed copy. I have all your books in my home and “no”, I don’t tell them that it is my sister, haha, that wrote them…
I am excited for this new book !! My only problem is I read so darn fast that they go to quickly then I am back to waiting on your next one!!! ughhh , Keep them coming! the must see movie is mamma mia if you like musicals i love them so it was a no brainer for me like grease and hairspray you wont be disappointed!
I don’t care about what movies you like and dislike!!!LOL…I want every one of your books to go BIG screen then we can talk movies!!!! I love each and every book you written you are amazing!!!I can not wait for Smoke Screen to be released, I have read almost every book published there are a few (not many) I am still hunting down and i will find them!! YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!
I too really love your work. I am so glad you mentioned Dear Frankie and I have watched it many times too. Unfortunately it was way too far under the radar. However, did you know that it got a 10 minute standing ovation at Cannes in ’05? Well worth it.
Hi Sandra,
I love your books! Here are a couple of my movies that I watch over and over again whenever they come on TV–and, I guess I need to mention that I have them on DVD so I watch them whenever I want. My favorites are “An American Affair”-I love the scene when she is laying on the couch, the snow is falling and he finally finds her and gives her “Grandmother’s” shawl. The other is “Imitation of Life”-I know the movie line by line and have the box of tissues ready for the ending. “Driving Miss Daisy” is one of my favorites also. So many of the scenes are my favorites. “Yours, Mine, and Ours” is another of my all time favorites. As the old cliche goes–“some things are often imitated but never duplicated.” These are all classics in my book!
As late it seems my nose is buried in textbooks for work certifications. Reading for entertainment leads me mainly to the genre of suspense/horror. Sandra, you hooked me with Chill Factor.
As much as I love movies my passion lies in a good read. No screen can match the imagination as we read the work of a talented writer.
In movies my taste is eclectic. Musicals range from the classic OLIVER! to PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Who could resist savoring Gerard Butler? Now comes MAMMA MIA! Any one of us forty-somethings with fond memories of high school and ABBA! are anxious to see this film.
My favorite movies are the classics. Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. I can’t omit Fibber and Molly Magee. But always, always Cary first.
I like discovering a sleeper classic. MURDER, HE SAYS with Fred MacMurray is one of my favorite darker comedies.
LEGENDS OF THE FALL was filmed in Livingston, Montana. As a current Georgian when I’m feeling the need for home – as I was raised in MT – I never pass it up when I find it on cable.
As far as must sees:
DEATHTRAP
THROW MAMA FROM THE TRAIN
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Lately, with a 9 year old son, my movie mania consists of TRANSFORMERS and such genre as pleases him. My “chick flicks” have been on hold for nearly a decade now. I felt a deep twang of pain as I watched SEX AND THE CITY come and go from the theaters.
Who else likes to recall favorite lines from movies? My favorite ever is from TOOTSIE.
Dustin/Dorothy/Michael to Bill Murray’s character: “I don’t believe in Hell. I believe in unemployment. But I don’t believe in Hell.”
How true for all of us who have ever faltered in the working world.
Hi Sandra,
Love your books!!!
Favorite movies:
An Affair to Remember
A Walk to Remember
Pretty Woman
Cutting Edge
Dirty Dancing
One Fine Day
The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing
Holiday Affair
Shall We Dance?
Milk Money
10 Things I Hate About You
Can’t wait to get your new book
Pat
Okay, we are talking about two things I love… movies and Sandra Brown books. I’m in for the ARC and will be happy to blog about the book so here are my must see movies this summer:
This summer has been all about super heros. If you haven’t seen IRON MAN, run out an see it now! The best of the season started out the summer back in May. Then you have Hancock which was so funny I found myself in tears I was laughing so hard. Then you have HellBoy II (yeah I do love my super heros) and then there is the Dark Knight.
On to other movies… Mamma Mia, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Mummy 3, Wall-E, X-Files, Sex and the City, Blindness & The Accidental Husband.
Enjoy!!
Dear Sandra,
Your books bring me immeasurable hours of pleasure and enjoyment. I am so looking forward to your new release next month of SMOKE SCREEN. As a retired teacher, I spend a great deal of time reading my favorite authors; you are one of them! My favorite movies include Gone With the Wind, The Sound of Music, Flashdance (because it was my first date with my husband to be), and The Shawshank Redemption. I have never “blogged” before so I don’t know what I am doing to tell the truth. Best wishes to you and to your family.
Hi Sandra,
Enjoyed reading your movie reviews- one of my old favorites is “Somewhere in Time” with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve, and a more recent one “Serendipity” with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, and another I just saw for the first time this year “P.S. I Love You” with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Kathy Bates, and Harry Connick, Jr.- Those are my favorite love stories, and with my husband- There’s always The Highlander movies with Christopher Lambert, “Shawshank Redemption” The Bourne series with Matt Damon, and anything with Bruce Willis.
There are so many Oops! I almost forgot “Everafter” with Drew Barrymore- the soundtrack is wonderful for that as well. I’m a dreamer- and Cinderella is a perfect dream movie.
Can’t wait to get a copy of Smoke Screen- hopefully through this comment- but if not Cyrano’s Bookshop will have a copy!
Thanks so much for all your help to aspiring writers through your blogs, youtube segments, etc. and of course your books – what a great way to steal away some time for myself and to live vicariously through your characters.
Thanks!
Jeannie Chambers
You can never go wrong with a Sandra Brown book. I just got back from Madrid and got a real kick out of seeing the books in Spanish.
I have a large collection of your books. I Love your books so much that I have read some of them over and over again. I really enjoy your writing.
This is some of my favorite movies:
1. Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle
2. Under the Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane
3. The Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black
4. Father of The Bride I & II with Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short
5. Knocked Up with Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen
6. Love Actually with Colin Firth, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson
7. Steel Magnolias with Sally Field, Dolly Pardon, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts
8. The Godfather I, II & III with Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton and Robert Duvall
9. The Bourne Series with Matt Damon
10. Jersey Girl with Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler and Jason Biggs
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thanks,
Cheryl Keith
Here are some of mine:
The Notebook
Shawshank Redemption
Flashdance
Dirty Dancing
Speed (with Keanu Reeves)
First Knight (with Jackie Chan)
Fast and the Furious – the 1st one
Titanic
My apologies for just now checking in. I arrived in N. Carolina to discover I had no internet, and it’s just now back on.
A huge thank you to Sybil for having me and everyone for their thoughtful responses.
Which reminded me of some more favorites:
Room With a View and Chocolat. Steel Magnolias and Terms of Endearment, definitely two-hanky movies.
The chick-flick of all time — Pretty Woman.
Did no one mention Shakespeare in Love? How was that overlooked?
And I thought I was the only person in the world who had ever seen or heard of The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing! It’s been a long time since I saw it, but I remember loving it.
My two favorite things to do are to read and to watch movies! I work at Blockbuster, and spend at least a third of my paycheck on books. I couldn’t agree with you more about Love Actually, Legends of the Fall, and Chocolat. I will never forget when I first watched Legends of the Fall-my heart just split in two! Some of my other favorites and ones you must check out are:
Almost Famous, Garden State, The Family Stone, and Penelope. Two foreign films you can’t miss are: Amelie and Pan’s Labyrinth.
I also love movies based on books. I personally try to view the two as different versions of the same story, that way I’m not going, “hey, that’s not in the book!” Some of the best ones are: The Other Boleyn Girl, White Oleander, Memoirs of a Geisha, Pride and Prejudice (The 2005 version because I swear Keira Knightly was born to play Elizabeth Bennet), Shopgirl, and Emma. And I can’t leave out anything with Audrey Hepburn!
ps-Thank you for sharing your talent for writing with us! You are truly amazing!
Movies and books are my passion. I can get lost watching movies with Sandra Bullock. Hope Floats and Practical Magic are two of my favorites and can watch over and over. Under the Tuscan Sun, Must Love Dogs, are great movies too. Legends of the Fall, Brad Pitt (wow!!) he’s still gorgeous! One of my new favorite male actors in movies is Gerard Butler. I’ve never seen that movie Dear Frankie but now I will definitely watch that movie.
It’s so nice to read about you and not just the impersonal things that’s written about you. Your books are so entertaining and are hard to put down once you start reading them. I’ve been reading your books since the early 90’s and I love them!! You are truly an amazing writer.
Sandra, the best reason I have for wanting this book is because you wrote it. You are fantastic and have always been my favorite author. There are so many out there but I choose you.
I can’t wait every time you have a new book coming out.
I love reading your blog. Keep up the good work.
Kathy
Must see movie that I ran across on Hallmark channel and purchased is “The Outsider” starring Tim Daly and Naomi Watts. This is a fantastic western with a flair of culture history on life in the 1800s and the forbidden love of a “plain” woman and a gunfighter. Although they come from different worlds they find one common denominator in the love they share with each other. Pick up this copy in dvd of “The Outsider”. Also, a great book to pick up and reread is not so much a “romance” love story, but a book for self help to get you back in touch with life. Of course, “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. Will make the “diffficult” things in life put into proper perspective. Have a wonderful summer everyone!
Absolutely, positively the BEST writer ever!!!! I always get her new book on the day it is released & will read it when I get off work (I am a nurse) & I stay up all night to finish it!!! I have a hard time reading another book because I know they will not compare!! Keep up the excellent work!!!
Hello all! I, too, am a big movie buff. The Notebook is one of my favorites. Grease,as many others probably agree, is a classic and one I’ve seen more than 100 times.
I recently watched The Bucket List. It was not what I expected, but it had me in tears by the end. A great story for an unexpected friendship turned brotherhood, so to speak.
Legends of the Fall was a really good story, also. I bought it recently to add to my DVD collection. Of course, just about any movie Brad Pitt is in is going to be a favorite. The Mexican was pretty funny and the story line was good. Julia Roberts, another one of my favorites, also did a great job in this one!
I really got into the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. Johnny Depp made a great Captain Jack Sparrow. No one else could have pulled it off as well.
The next one I want to see is the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 that came out this week. My oldest daughter and I have seen the first one several times and are really looking forward to seeing this one together!
Okay, so I could go on and on about movies, but I will stop here.
I just want to say that I am a huge Sandra Brown fan! About 14 years ago, I had just gotten into reading novels. I didn’t have any favorite authors and could only remember one by name. My mother brought me a box of books, including two written by Sandra Brown, 22 Indigo Place and Slow Heat in Heaven. After I read Slow Heat in Heaven, I began going to the library and checking out two or three books a week. I’ve been addicted ever since! I got my sister reading her books after that. About two years ago, I began collecting them. Each time a new one is released, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I have a Christmas Wish List I hang up every year. On the list is “Books by Sandra Brown: See List”. Thank you, Sandra for giving me 14 years of reading bliss!