I actually just bought a copy of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", I liked it so much! I didn't really like the other version quite as much, but I think it had to do with how I thought of the story in my mind rather than any fault of the film - it just didn't agree with what I thought it should be. I haven't seen it in years though - I should rent it to see if I still feel the same way. We just saw "Dogville" (with Nicole Kidman). It had a really slow start (we almost turned it off), but then it got really twisted and interesting. At the end we just kind of sat there stunned for a minute going "holy cow that was good!" It was not a happy ever after movie, it was actually kind of shockingly grim and disturbing, but it was really well done! It's also kind of an experiment in movie techniques - it resembles more of a play than a movie. The buildings are only lines on the ground with minimal props to indicate their function and dimension. It's really distracting at first, then you realize that real buildings and scenery would only distract you from the acting and story. If you hate anything resembling an art film then don't watch this - but if you like different things then give it a try (just remember it's slow to start). We also saw "Transporter 2". It was ok. Not great, but half decent for a hollywood action fluff movie. The first one was better. We now have a new movie at the top of our 'worst movie ever' list - "Serenity". Only a couple of good actors in the movie, a difficult to follow, badly written script, and completely ridiculous characters. This movie apparently has a huge fan following because it's based on some TV show. Those TV show fans all think it's the greatest movie ever, but I don't like or watch TV, so I really, really, really don't "get it" :-) I'll admit to being a big sci-fi geek, and that there are a lot of bad Sci-fi movies, but this was beyond bad for a genre with a lot of bad movies! BP

I watched Carolina Moon this afternoon and now I've just finished watching Montana Sky. I saw Nora Roberts in a flash part...watch for her and see if you can find her. patti

I second Lord of the Rings! Bilbo's house is homey and charming, and I was thrilled to find that people actually construct hobbit houses. I keep telling my DH that we need to build one for ourselves. (When I first read the trilogy, I admired everything elvish, including the soaring palaces. At a significantly older age, I have become a hobbit, sans the hairy feet.) What a fun thread this is, luring a long-time lurker out!

That house is a few miles from me and one I used to pass by regularly on my way to the local community house down the street from it. That would be the deal killer for me as there is traffic (foot, car, bike) at all times but significant traffic when there are major events held there. They have a huge Antiques & Modernism show every year as well as weddings, wine tastings..... and a fitness center. Beautiful neighborhood, what we call around here "a walk-to location" because you can walk to retail, commuter train, schools... - beach is a hike but a nice bike ride.