Got my weekly documentary fix this week with Ganja Queen the story of Shapelle Corby the young woman traveling from Sydney to Bali who was arrested and later sentenced for smuggling in drugs. The film follows her detainment, trial and a brief aftermath after her sentencing. She maintains that the drugs were not in her case when she left Australia but they were found in them upon arrival in Bali. Normally the punishment in Bali for smuggling drugs is death so its quite a dramatic piece following a 27 year old single woman traveling internationally. While certainly this isn't a common thing it uncovers flaw in both Australia and Bali legal systems and the impact issues like this that exist in international travel. Certainly eerie, eye-opening and in no way short on the drama.
Highly recommended interesting film blocking in the frames and just such a shocking story.
Hmmmm. <3
6.30.2008
6.29.2008
I'd be Ralph Finnes English Patient ;-)
So Blockbuster babe was totally hot and right in recommending The English Patient. I want to believe that he recommended it as a hint-hint foreshadowing of future rendezvous but either way this movie was phenomenally sexy.
I will mark it down half a star because it was a little lengthy, certainly not made of the faint hearted modern movie-goer who desires fast paced story lines. If you are patient though, there are wonderful little plot twists in both of the main story lines. This is just one of those epic cinematic achievements with a stellar cast and an intense storyline filled with drama, passion and action. Really a gem that deserves all the awards it received.
Can I just say even though he's a wee bit crazy-in-love at times Ralph Finnes is super duper sexy. It would be seriously hard to choose between him and Colin Firth. Love it.
Post Script: Gentlemen pay close attention to the final letter reading, that is what women crave in romance. Sure its reversed a bit in the flick but if you did stuff like that...jotting down little soul shaking notes to us we would just melt melt melt. <3
I will mark it down half a star because it was a little lengthy, certainly not made of the faint hearted modern movie-goer who desires fast paced story lines. If you are patient though, there are wonderful little plot twists in both of the main story lines. This is just one of those epic cinematic achievements with a stellar cast and an intense storyline filled with drama, passion and action. Really a gem that deserves all the awards it received.
Can I just say even though he's a wee bit crazy-in-love at times Ralph Finnes is super duper sexy. It would be seriously hard to choose between him and Colin Firth. Love it.
Post Script: Gentlemen pay close attention to the final letter reading, that is what women crave in romance. Sure its reversed a bit in the flick but if you did stuff like that...jotting down little soul shaking notes to us we would just melt melt melt. <3
6.28.2008
I dont' know if I like men named Charlie
Good Luck Chuck:
Wow. now usually raunchy comedies aren't my absolute favorite because they are not generally intelligent but I needed a pick me up so I thought I would go for the cheap laughs. Unfortunately Good Luck Chuck was not lucky enough to get even my most low-brow chuckles. Dane Cook started off sweet and funny but got over-the-top even for him. Jessica Alba was actually not nauseating for the first half but then tried much too hard to make her act believable totally ruining the performance. Even the raunchy humor was so odd that is wasn't funny. Skip this at all costs.
Charlie Wilson's War:
This was an interesting history lesson. Especially in light of our modern situation it was a neat-o look at one of the many factors that lead to it. This was one of my favorite-least favorite new genres: the absence of a genre. It was funny, but not a comedy. There was action, but not actively pursued by the main characters. It was dramatic to a degree but not a drama. Because of that it may seem to move a little slowly or haphazardly to some people, especially those fans of strongly situated genres. On the whole though it was a fabulous cast, hell I even liked Julia Roberts a smidgen more after this one. Plus any other Phillip Seymour Hoffman fans will enjoy his rogue portrayal with a little sarcastic humor mixed in.
Up next:
The English Patient. Courtesy of my irregular recommendation from my lover at Blockbuster. <3
Wow. now usually raunchy comedies aren't my absolute favorite because they are not generally intelligent but I needed a pick me up so I thought I would go for the cheap laughs. Unfortunately Good Luck Chuck was not lucky enough to get even my most low-brow chuckles. Dane Cook started off sweet and funny but got over-the-top even for him. Jessica Alba was actually not nauseating for the first half but then tried much too hard to make her act believable totally ruining the performance. Even the raunchy humor was so odd that is wasn't funny. Skip this at all costs.
Charlie Wilson's War:
This was an interesting history lesson. Especially in light of our modern situation it was a neat-o look at one of the many factors that lead to it. This was one of my favorite-least favorite new genres: the absence of a genre. It was funny, but not a comedy. There was action, but not actively pursued by the main characters. It was dramatic to a degree but not a drama. Because of that it may seem to move a little slowly or haphazardly to some people, especially those fans of strongly situated genres. On the whole though it was a fabulous cast, hell I even liked Julia Roberts a smidgen more after this one. Plus any other Phillip Seymour Hoffman fans will enjoy his rogue portrayal with a little sarcastic humor mixed in.
Up next:
The English Patient. Courtesy of my irregular recommendation from my lover at Blockbuster. <3
6.27.2008
Georgia does not rule
Oh Georgia Rule. If I wasn't' so bored I would have just continued to not watch you. Unfortunately I was bored and had nothing to do and you were on HBO tonight.
Skip this please. I mean I do know some acquaintances and sadly some friends who enjoy flicks like this and even Lindsey Lohan. But I will try to forgive them since most of them look over my obsession with Johnny M. First its much too easy for LaLohan to keep playing such slutty characters and pretending she can reform. Plus the story line. Is she lying? Is she not? Is she lying about lying? Oh my! At first I thought it was a really interesting story but as it continued it was super forced and kinda awkward. And who is this movie supposed to be for??? Its rated R so it is not for Lohan's typical tweens looking for a horrible role model but its a little juvenile for an adult audience. Hmmmm. Maybe that is where it went wrong. Not the worst movie of this type but I was happy it didn't take enough brain matter to follow. Therefor I finished my knitting project and so I gave it a better review because I got to do that.
Also I found the need to re-watch the last season of Veronica Mars because I totally ended up missing the last few episodes because they changed the time and then cancelled it but anyways I'm so glad V and I have been reunited. That was just such a good show....a little corny.....but still really whip smart and funny. i can't believe how stupid the CW is. So anyways if you've never seen the show (first - what the frack?!) Kristen Bell is just the coolest TV heroine in forever and its a great concept so rent or steal or hell even buy the DVD's and check it out yo.
Skip this please. I mean I do know some acquaintances and sadly some friends who enjoy flicks like this and even Lindsey Lohan. But I will try to forgive them since most of them look over my obsession with Johnny M. First its much too easy for LaLohan to keep playing such slutty characters and pretending she can reform. Plus the story line. Is she lying? Is she not? Is she lying about lying? Oh my! At first I thought it was a really interesting story but as it continued it was super forced and kinda awkward. And who is this movie supposed to be for??? Its rated R so it is not for Lohan's typical tweens looking for a horrible role model but its a little juvenile for an adult audience. Hmmmm. Maybe that is where it went wrong. Not the worst movie of this type but I was happy it didn't take enough brain matter to follow. Therefor I finished my knitting project and so I gave it a better review because I got to do that.
Also I found the need to re-watch the last season of Veronica Mars because I totally ended up missing the last few episodes because they changed the time and then cancelled it but anyways I'm so glad V and I have been reunited. That was just such a good show....a little corny.....but still really whip smart and funny. i can't believe how stupid the CW is. So anyways if you've never seen the show (first - what the frack?!) Kristen Bell is just the coolest TV heroine in forever and its a great concept so rent or steal or hell even buy the DVD's and check it out yo.
6.16.2008
Weddings, Funerals, Documentaries and Period Drama
so finals have bogged me down and kept me from blogging in real time so lets play my favorite game : catch up.
Four Weddings and a Funeral:
First: thank God they stopped putting Andie MacDowell in movies. yuck.
Second: thank God they keep putting Hugh Grant in romantic comedies, I've never met a romcom of his I haven't loved. He is sitting on Park Place and Boardwalk of romcom's here and across the pond. People should just stop making cheesy rip-off chick flicks if they don't have him in them. I adore him
Third: This is a British/European comedy so keep that in mind if you want to check it out. This being said it is a witty type of humor not the low brow scatology we are used to in our Western flicks. So while it isn't gut busting it is sweet and funny in a subtle way.
Plus: I'm addicted to all things European right now in my preparation to travel across the pond so that might has swayed my opinion of it.
Tristan & Isolde:
Surprising. Not one of the better known period romance/action/dramas but worth watching. James Franco really needs to be put in more movies. One because of his smoking hot body and how sexy he is in sweaty fight scenes (even if covered with layers of armor) and Two because he just has that sexy stare and voice that is the stuff of Hollywood legends. This was a really interesting historical flick and I liked it. Great sexy love story for the ladies but great fight scenes for the men. Its also quite appreciated that they didn't try to glam it up because its a love story it was lovely but gritty at the same time.
Ocean's Thirteen:
Now I DID NOT like Ocean's 12. Mostly I think Julia Roberts is lame and overrated so there was that. Second I didn't think the story line supported making a sequel, it just didn't seem to really matter. Now they should have just skipped to O13. Not that this one really HAD to be made it was no less a nice little throwback. It was classic and classy but cheesy in the best way. I mean start off the cast is fab fab fab. It is always nice to see some of Hollywood's best actors and the best understated actors team up, not only doing good acting but not taking themselves too serious either. (I mean the Oprah scene and telling Rusty to "settle down and have some kids" yuck it up Clooney.) The story obviously leaves a little to be desired and some of the performances were downplayed but its a great flick because its intended to be a feel good, funny, lighthearted piece. Mission accomplished. (Also pay careful attention to the Casey Affleck & Scott Caan's characters...not main characters but some of the best chemistry and funniest bits)
Resolved:
Okay I'm going to go a lot more intellectual on you because I've gotten hooked on HBO's Documentary series. This weeks was Resolved which follows two high school debate teams as they attempt and then compete in the National debate competitions. One following tried and true methods the other trying to reinvigorate the system. This is now one of my top 5 documentaries for sure. It was serious but had like animation in perfect balance. I loved its play on the history and evolution of the club but how it affects modern education and students. Really heartfelt but factual and worth watching because it doesn't really even feel like a documentary.
Off for a week so until we meet again <3
Four Weddings and a Funeral:
First: thank God they stopped putting Andie MacDowell in movies. yuck.
Second: thank God they keep putting Hugh Grant in romantic comedies, I've never met a romcom of his I haven't loved. He is sitting on Park Place and Boardwalk of romcom's here and across the pond. People should just stop making cheesy rip-off chick flicks if they don't have him in them. I adore him
Third: This is a British/European comedy so keep that in mind if you want to check it out. This being said it is a witty type of humor not the low brow scatology we are used to in our Western flicks. So while it isn't gut busting it is sweet and funny in a subtle way.
Plus: I'm addicted to all things European right now in my preparation to travel across the pond so that might has swayed my opinion of it.
Tristan & Isolde:
Surprising. Not one of the better known period romance/action/dramas but worth watching. James Franco really needs to be put in more movies. One because of his smoking hot body and how sexy he is in sweaty fight scenes (even if covered with layers of armor) and Two because he just has that sexy stare and voice that is the stuff of Hollywood legends. This was a really interesting historical flick and I liked it. Great sexy love story for the ladies but great fight scenes for the men. Its also quite appreciated that they didn't try to glam it up because its a love story it was lovely but gritty at the same time.
Ocean's Thirteen:
Now I DID NOT like Ocean's 12. Mostly I think Julia Roberts is lame and overrated so there was that. Second I didn't think the story line supported making a sequel, it just didn't seem to really matter. Now they should have just skipped to O13. Not that this one really HAD to be made it was no less a nice little throwback. It was classic and classy but cheesy in the best way. I mean start off the cast is fab fab fab. It is always nice to see some of Hollywood's best actors and the best understated actors team up, not only doing good acting but not taking themselves too serious either. (I mean the Oprah scene and telling Rusty to "settle down and have some kids" yuck it up Clooney.) The story obviously leaves a little to be desired and some of the performances were downplayed but its a great flick because its intended to be a feel good, funny, lighthearted piece. Mission accomplished. (Also pay careful attention to the Casey Affleck & Scott Caan's characters...not main characters but some of the best chemistry and funniest bits)
Resolved:
Okay I'm going to go a lot more intellectual on you because I've gotten hooked on HBO's Documentary series. This weeks was Resolved which follows two high school debate teams as they attempt and then compete in the National debate competitions. One following tried and true methods the other trying to reinvigorate the system. This is now one of my top 5 documentaries for sure. It was serious but had like animation in perfect balance. I loved its play on the history and evolution of the club but how it affects modern education and students. Really heartfelt but factual and worth watching because it doesn't really even feel like a documentary.
Off for a week so until we meet again <3
6.12.2008
Bah Bah Bumba
so nothing new lately....finals so cut into my movie watching time.
I'm excited about "The Happening" even though M.Night has grown to make me distrust his directoral tastes I love Marky Mark and he makes anything sexy and scary at the same time.
"The Incredible Hulk" I'm torn. I know I don't like the Hulk storyline but its Edward Norton so how can I resist??? On the one hand half of it is his smoldering sexual seductiveness on the other hand I would have to watch him morph into a super ugly green dude and possibly forever associate him with that image. Hmmmmmm.
I watched Freedom Writers again today. Maybe its because I'm a little bit of a writer. Maybe its because I teach English but I just adore this movie. Sure its a little cheesy, sure its made by MTV so its not THAT great, sure it seems a little cookie cutter stereotype at times but its fabulous. Mostly because its all based on a true story. Anyways watch the movie. I'm in the process of the book so I always have to push reading too! If you haven't seen it you should.
Coming attractions:
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Oceans 13
Tristan & Isolde or something I can't pronounce.
CL<3
I'm excited about "The Happening" even though M.Night has grown to make me distrust his directoral tastes I love Marky Mark and he makes anything sexy and scary at the same time.
"The Incredible Hulk" I'm torn. I know I don't like the Hulk storyline but its Edward Norton so how can I resist??? On the one hand half of it is his smoldering sexual seductiveness on the other hand I would have to watch him morph into a super ugly green dude and possibly forever associate him with that image. Hmmmmmm.
I watched Freedom Writers again today. Maybe its because I'm a little bit of a writer. Maybe its because I teach English but I just adore this movie. Sure its a little cheesy, sure its made by MTV so its not THAT great, sure it seems a little cookie cutter stereotype at times but its fabulous. Mostly because its all based on a true story. Anyways watch the movie. I'm in the process of the book so I always have to push reading too! If you haven't seen it you should.
Coming attractions:
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Oceans 13
Tristan & Isolde or something I can't pronounce.
CL<3
6.08.2008
Football, Politics and Elizabethan sex scenes.
So lets catch up my movie loving friends.
Elizabeth:
First lets just recognize how awesome Cate Blanchett is. Now lets mention how creepy Geoffery Rush is in a non-comical role. Next we will acknowledge how the only role Joseph Finnes is good in is when he is in a period piece as the sexy love interest who is later found out to be a married liar. That is basically Elizabeth. It has a killer opening, insane costumes but all the history bogs it down at the end. I'm not sure now if I would be willing to give the sequel a chance except for Clive Owen is in is so it might just jack up the sex appeal to the piece. All and all it was a good period drama that presented an interesting look at one of most prominent female figures ever as she rose to power.
Wag the Dog.
Maybe I'm just tired. Or maybe I've seen too many movies. Lately all of the movies I've seen have seemed to have these really strong starts and then just trail off into their own mediocrity. This was a super interesting piece and a nice situational comedy. At the same time it kind of dragged because it is almost quite true to real life. Personally it was interesting because it is a lot of the time what we joke about as happening behind political doors but presented on the screen as fact. Dustin Hoffman saves this because he is just soooooo hilarious I love him to death. Unique little flick with a pretty true to life plot line. Worth renting.
We Are Marshall.
I'm a sucker for all movies that are inspirational and somehow involve students and education so I obviously checked this one out. First of all Matthew McConaughey is hot buttt when he isn't all sweaty and shirtless he is kinda annoying. He talks out of the side of his mouth and not just for this role but this time it was all I could focus on for some reason. Other than that it was a sweet movie and I appreciated that it wasn't like oooh we solved our differences and now we win. It was just accurate historically which I appreciated and therefor it got a higher rating than if it had taken the cheesy Hollywood re-write avenue.
HBO Documentary series begins this Monday with a little piece on Roman Polanski carrying on every other Monday for the rest of the summer @ 9 pm. Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check it out.
Elizabeth:
First lets just recognize how awesome Cate Blanchett is. Now lets mention how creepy Geoffery Rush is in a non-comical role. Next we will acknowledge how the only role Joseph Finnes is good in is when he is in a period piece as the sexy love interest who is later found out to be a married liar. That is basically Elizabeth. It has a killer opening, insane costumes but all the history bogs it down at the end. I'm not sure now if I would be willing to give the sequel a chance except for Clive Owen is in is so it might just jack up the sex appeal to the piece. All and all it was a good period drama that presented an interesting look at one of most prominent female figures ever as she rose to power.
Wag the Dog.
Maybe I'm just tired. Or maybe I've seen too many movies. Lately all of the movies I've seen have seemed to have these really strong starts and then just trail off into their own mediocrity. This was a super interesting piece and a nice situational comedy. At the same time it kind of dragged because it is almost quite true to real life. Personally it was interesting because it is a lot of the time what we joke about as happening behind political doors but presented on the screen as fact. Dustin Hoffman saves this because he is just soooooo hilarious I love him to death. Unique little flick with a pretty true to life plot line. Worth renting.
We Are Marshall.
I'm a sucker for all movies that are inspirational and somehow involve students and education so I obviously checked this one out. First of all Matthew McConaughey is hot buttt when he isn't all sweaty and shirtless he is kinda annoying. He talks out of the side of his mouth and not just for this role but this time it was all I could focus on for some reason. Other than that it was a sweet movie and I appreciated that it wasn't like oooh we solved our differences and now we win. It was just accurate historically which I appreciated and therefor it got a higher rating than if it had taken the cheesy Hollywood re-write avenue.
HBO Documentary series begins this Monday with a little piece on Roman Polanski carrying on every other Monday for the rest of the summer @ 9 pm. Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check it out.
6.01.2008
Hollywood loves Homosexuals and wanna be gangstas
Lets play catch-up. Apparently when you go out and see a fabulous movie the next few you watch at home are horrible. Hopefully since I watched three sub-par flicks in the last few days I'll be treated to another new gem.
Alpha Dog:
Oh my gosh this is the sorest excuse for a gangsta flick ever. I love love love emile hirsh but oh man this movie was stupid. The really good part was how funny Justin Timberlake was trying to act. That was good stuff. So I liked all the witness text and stuff like that cinematically but based on true stories I like to believe should be more exciting or at least believable. This adaptation was neither.
Brokeback Mountain:
okay. I am very open minded with my movies. Not much gets to me or bothers me but this one gave me the creepies. I'm sorry but just because something is controversial doesn't make it good. The shots were beautiful....the "romance" was graphic.....ledger was a wonderful actor but this is not an epic love story. I mean please they are cold and lonely and sleep together.....true love? Hmmmm.
Running with Scissors:
Another strange adaptation of a true story. I have to give this one credit because it was so ridiculous it was believable. There are this very interesting contrast between the dark/twisted truth in the story to the funky upbeat soundtrack that worked incredibly well. I laughed, I had my heart touched but its definitely not one I will probably ever watch again. Kinda good kinda blah.
Just some cautionary renting tales <3
Alpha Dog:
Oh my gosh this is the sorest excuse for a gangsta flick ever. I love love love emile hirsh but oh man this movie was stupid. The really good part was how funny Justin Timberlake was trying to act. That was good stuff. So I liked all the witness text and stuff like that cinematically but based on true stories I like to believe should be more exciting or at least believable. This adaptation was neither.
Brokeback Mountain:
okay. I am very open minded with my movies. Not much gets to me or bothers me but this one gave me the creepies. I'm sorry but just because something is controversial doesn't make it good. The shots were beautiful....the "romance" was graphic.....ledger was a wonderful actor but this is not an epic love story. I mean please they are cold and lonely and sleep together.....true love? Hmmmm.
Running with Scissors:
Another strange adaptation of a true story. I have to give this one credit because it was so ridiculous it was believable. There are this very interesting contrast between the dark/twisted truth in the story to the funky upbeat soundtrack that worked incredibly well. I laughed, I had my heart touched but its definitely not one I will probably ever watch again. Kinda good kinda blah.
Just some cautionary renting tales <3
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