Are you excited about The Avengers movie?

Joss Whedon directed and co-wrote the new avengers movie, coming out May 4. Maybe you're already familiar with his work. He's pretty well-known for being the creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", first a movie and then a hit tv show, and its spin-off series, "Angel". But did you know he also co-wrote the screenplay for Toy Story? Or that he was the writer and director of the movie Serenity, based on his own much-loved but short-lived tv show "Firefly"? He also created the television series "Dollhouse" as well as the online sensation "Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog". All these items are available through the Washington County Cooperative- check them out today, and see what all the buzz is about! 

Do you know about peonage?

In his famous quote, William Shakespeare asserted that, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." For, it is the character of the thing that defines it, not the name. On Tuesday night, PBS aired the 90 minute documentary entitled Slavery by Another Name. This film, based on the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award winning book by Douglas Blackmon, reveals a little known part of the American story; a new form of slavery that followed the civil war and lasted well into the twentieth century. This one is a must read!

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Excited to see the new movie, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy? Or have you already seen the movie and are confused? Want some background? Then you should definitely visit http://www.wccls.org/ and check out our Literary Online Resources.

Novelist Plus provides a synopsis and a book discussion guide to help you understanding.

Another database to consider is: Contemporary Literary Criticism Select.

Enjoy you adventure untangling the nuances of the movie.

How many hours would you survive?

In this unbelievable yet true story, adventurer Aron Ralston is injured in a rock climbing accident. This gripping tale is told in both flashbacks and real time, and there's rarely a dull moment. Even knowing the outcoming- all you have to do is look at the cover!- the reader is still drawn into the story, eager for every detail of his unique experience.

A movie based on this autobiography, starring James Franco, was released in theaters in 2010 under the title "127 Hours".

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Aron Ralston

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

I needed an escape. An escape from reality shows, bad news, and the tacky banter of today's sitcoms. I went and picked up Oklahoma! What a relief. Great dancing, absurdly funny lyrics, lifestyle situations that make you cringe in that way that old movies do, but still... worth seeing, if you haven't seen it. I love the songs--heard them all my life but I never bothered to see the musical.

Oklahoma!

I was very impressed by the dance numbers, and laughed audibly at the song "Can't say No"

Go ahead, put it on hold.

Quirky Westerns

Are you looking for a good western, but want something a little different, a little off the beaten path? Check out these DVDs!

A hardened American gunslinger is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to mount a showdown in a friendly town in Canada where no one seems to understand or appreciate the brutal code of the American Wild West. An action-comedy-drama.

Five hundred years in the future, a renegrade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the galaxy. Horses, cattle, rifles, and desert landscapes all make an appearance in this short-lived but immensely popular "space western" science fiction series. Action drama with a lot of humor.

A Polish rabbi wanders through the Old West on his way to lead a synogogue in San Francisco. On his way, he meets up with a bank robber and hijinks ensue. Comedy.

Marie's Favorite Film Pics

Over the years we have been offered film recommendations from such great film reviewers as Leonard Maltin, Jeffrey Lyons, Joel Siegel, and Portland's own Shawn Levy, among others.

When we have conversations with friends about movies, invariably everyone will come up with a few movies that they can't wait to share with you. That is how I've discovered some of my favorite movies.

Well it is now my turn to share with you some of my film favorites for you to enjoy for the first time or revist if you have already seen them.

Gather friends and family along with your favorite movie snacks and enjoy!

Enchanted April DVD (1992).

This is a delightful drama that tells the tale of 4 unhappy British women who need to escape their stifling lines in London in the 1920's. They decide to rent a quaint castle by the sea in Italy for the month of April. During their stay the place works its magic on everyone as they fall under its romantic spell and the women learn much about themselves and their relationships.

The "enchanting" Italian settings in Portofino, Liguria, Castello Brown, and Genoa cast a spell over those who view the film. They sure made me feel like I was there.

Moonstruck. DVD (1987)

In Moonstruck, Loretta Castorini, a Brooklyn bookkeeper in her late 30's, decides that it is time to marry again and accepts a proposal from a nice, middle-aged man named Johnny Cammareri. (Her first marriage ended when her husband passed on and she is convinced she was cursed because theygot married in City Hall instead of in a church.)

The story gets interesting when her fiance goes to Italy to see his controlling mother who is "again" on her deathbed. Before he leaves he asks Loretta to visit his estranged brother to invite him to their wedding.

The meeting of Loretta and Johnny Cammareri sets off all kinds of sparks

and the complications that follow will keep you laughing and

wanting more.

For fans of this movie, lines like: "Johnny Cammareri!!!!!" and "Snap out

of it?" and "When you love them they drive you crazy because they know

they can." and "A bride without a head! A wolf without a foot!" and "Birds fly

to the stars - I guess.", along with many others bring back fond memories of

this movie.

Whales of August. DVD (1987)

For those who have never seen the following 3 great film actors, Betty Davis, Lillian Gish and Vincent Price, the Whales of August is a great introduction.

This relatively unknown film is set in the summer in Maine in a seaside home where two elderly widowed sisters have spent there summers for 50 years.

Libby is blind and hard to live with and Sarah is her very devoted sister.

Enter an aging count who tries to sweep Sarah off her feet. Unfortunatley

jealous Libby sabotages the romance.

The theme of whether Sarah should sell the summer cottage and find a

place for Libby to live out the rest of her life weaves its way through the film.

The interior details of the old cottage, the sounds of the wildlife,

the sun shimmering off the water, and the amazing interactions

between the characters draws one into this little slice of life.

Enjoy!

Great Courses on DVD from the Teaching Company

The Teaching Company brings engaging professors into your home through courses on DVD and other formats. Since 1990, great teachers from the Ivy League, Stanford, Georgetown, and other leading colleges and universities have crafted over 250 courses for lifelong learners like you. It's the adventure of learning without the homework or exams.

These DVDs just added to our collection:

Art across the Ages is a mind-broadening survey of Western visual art designed to familiarize you with its basic history, acquaint you with major artists and styles, and provide you with a broad foundation for deeper exploration. (4 parts)

In A Brief History of the World, you'll survey the expanse of human development and civilization across the globe. (3 parts)

Classical Mythology is an introduction to the primary characters and most important stories of classical Greek and Roman mythology. (2 parts)

Greek Tragedy - Professor Vandiver has designed these lectures to give you a full overview of Greek tragedy, both in its original setting and as a lasting contribution to the artistic exploration of the human condition. (2 parts)

New Blu-rays at the Beaverton City Library

DUPLICITY

Two sexy spies turned corporate operatives attempt to pull off one of the biggest heists ever. As the stakes rise in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, they'll put everything on the line to remain one double-cross ahead of the rest.

EASY VIRTUE

A young Englishman falls madly in love with a sexy, glamorous American woman, and marries her impulsively. When he takes her to the family home, his mother takes an instant disliking to her and undermines her every move. Will their love be in danger of slipping away?

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST

A committed bachelor who thinks nothing of breaking up with several women on a conference call is visited by the ghosts of his former jilted girlfriends, who take him on a hilarious adventure through his failed relationships - past, present, and future.

SUNSHINE CLEANING

Trying to better her financial situation, a single mother starts a crime scene cleaning business and asks her unreliable sister to join her. Together they clean up the deadly messes left by others, and deal with the messes in their own lives as well.

New Foreign Film DVDs at the Beaverton City Library

BREATHLESS (FRENCH)
A Paris crook falls in love with an American. One of the first films of the French New Wave.






SILENT LIGHT (GERMAN)
In a Mennonite community in Mexico, a man betrays his family by having an affair with another woman, which changes the course of events with both his wife and his mistress.




TREE OF WOODEN CLOGS (ITALIAN)
A little boy breaks his precious pair of clogs, which he needs for his long trek to school. Desperate for wood to make a new pair, his father sneaks into a prized grove in their small village. When he is caught, the unfeeling, rich landlord punishes him.



AT THE BEGINNING OF GLORIOUS DAYS (RUSSIAN)
After great losses in the 17th century, Russia must try to capture a shipyard in order to gain a foothold in foreign trade once again. Now Peter must return to Russia to stop the rebellion started by his own sister.

Top 100 lists from the American Film Institute

The American Film Institute, celebrating the 100th anniversary of American film, created several top 100 lists covering movies in American cinema.

The series are:

1998: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies
1999: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Stars
2000: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs
2001: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Thrills
2002: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions
2003: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains
2004: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs
2005: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes
2005: AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores
2006: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Cheers
2006: AFI's 100 Years of Musicals
2007: AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition)
2008: AFI's 10 Top 10
2009: To be announced

You can register and download lists at: AFI's 100 Years

AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

Scenic National Parks on Blu-ray

Scenic National Parks takes you off the beaten path to discover untamed places, unique wildlife, and invigorating activities.

Grand Canyon

Yellowstone

Yosemite

Alaska & Hawaii

New DVDs available March 10th - in Blu-ray too!

Check out these new DVDs -available on March 10th, 2009. They will be available in regular DVD format as well as Blu-ray.

MILK
His life changed history. His courage changed lives. Based on the inspiring true story of the first openly gay man elected to major public office. Follow Harvey Milk's powerful journey to inspire hope for equal rights during one of the least tolerant times in our nation's history.


RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
After being in and out of rehab for ten years, Kym returns to the family home to attend her sister's wedding. Though friends and relatives have gathered for a joyful weekend of celebration, Kym's passion for drama incites tension in the family.


ROLE MODELS
Two salesmen trash a company truck on an energy-drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look so bad.

Blu-rays have arrived at the Beaverton City Library

NEW! Check out our new Blu-ray collection.
Movies for all ages.
Limit 2 items checked out at a time.
Blu-rays are located on our “New & In-Demand” shelves.

Blu-rays are non-holdable/non-renewable and check out for one-week.

New DVD's at the library

The Mummy. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Alex O'Connell sets out to help combat the resurrected a Han Emperor. When Alex is tricked into awakening the ruler from eternal slumber, the reckless young archaeologist must seek the help of the only people who know more than he does about taking down the undead: his parents.

Check our catalog for this title

Mamma Mia! The Movie
20 year old Sophie is preparing to marry at her mother's hotel on a Greek island. She has a carefree life, a loving fiancee, and great friends. She is only missing one thing: a father. By reading her mother's diary she discovers that she has three possible fathers. Sophie secretly invites all three men to the wedding in a desperate bid to discover which of them is her father.

Check our catalog for this title