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
5.30.2008
Hello Lovers!
This may just be the first time I have actually gone out on opening day to see a movie. But oh Manolo it was worth it!
Sex and the City: The Movie was a fabulous wrap up with the most memorable women to ever grace the TV screen. Sex and the City is unarguably one of the best television shows of this generation. Certainly some of it is over the top and more glamorous than the everyday woman's life but the core of the show and of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha is honest. Each of us has a little of each of them to some degree. The finale of the show was sweet and really closed things off nicely everyone seemed quite quite happy without being overly happily ever after.
SPOILER ALERT!
I love movies like this because they are what a movie is supposed to be: an experience. In the theatre everyone was laughing, crying, cheering and clapping at all the same places. Everyone gasped when Steve cheated on Miranda. Everyone was tearing up when Big leaves Carrie at their wedding. There was cheering when everyone got back together in the end. Yet it isn't hokey. Sure the outfits are ridiculous and unrealistic for those of us who don't' live in NYC. I personally love to discount shop at the SJP clothing line in Steve & Barry's since I don't have $500 to blow on other labels. Still I cried when Carrie accosts Big in the street because I've been that angry at a man I loved for disappointing me for the hundredth time. The movie was interesting it put a lot of things to rest and still gave hope for another reunion flick. Especially since Charlotte and Samantha were not heavily played on. And what about Stanley and Anthony kissing?!?!? Where did Marcus go are they lovers now????? I mean I called that way back in like season 5 so I was a little disappointed they left that hanging. Also I was insanely bummed out that Samantha and Smith split up. I really liked them together and her being sort of domesticated and I was sincerely thinking that in the end of the flick they would work out their differences. Everyone in my theatre was incredibly happy that Charlotte had Lily and eventually Rose but again underdeveloped. Also where was Harry?!?!?! He is like the cutest and most loyal of all the men and he was barely in the piece!!! Sigh. Don't get me wrong this movie was fierce with a capital F but when you fall so in love with a work of fiction like women everywhere did with Sex and the City its difficult to think that there is an end. But the movie is the glamorous end to one of the most honestly wonderful movements in [women's] entertainment. Let's just hope that there will be a reunion every 4 years to keep out fix.
NYC Cinematic Love <3
Sex and the City: The Movie was a fabulous wrap up with the most memorable women to ever grace the TV screen. Sex and the City is unarguably one of the best television shows of this generation. Certainly some of it is over the top and more glamorous than the everyday woman's life but the core of the show and of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha is honest. Each of us has a little of each of them to some degree. The finale of the show was sweet and really closed things off nicely everyone seemed quite quite happy without being overly happily ever after.
SPOILER ALERT!
I love movies like this because they are what a movie is supposed to be: an experience. In the theatre everyone was laughing, crying, cheering and clapping at all the same places. Everyone gasped when Steve cheated on Miranda. Everyone was tearing up when Big leaves Carrie at their wedding. There was cheering when everyone got back together in the end. Yet it isn't hokey. Sure the outfits are ridiculous and unrealistic for those of us who don't' live in NYC. I personally love to discount shop at the SJP clothing line in Steve & Barry's since I don't have $500 to blow on other labels. Still I cried when Carrie accosts Big in the street because I've been that angry at a man I loved for disappointing me for the hundredth time. The movie was interesting it put a lot of things to rest and still gave hope for another reunion flick. Especially since Charlotte and Samantha were not heavily played on. And what about Stanley and Anthony kissing?!?!? Where did Marcus go are they lovers now????? I mean I called that way back in like season 5 so I was a little disappointed they left that hanging. Also I was insanely bummed out that Samantha and Smith split up. I really liked them together and her being sort of domesticated and I was sincerely thinking that in the end of the flick they would work out their differences. Everyone in my theatre was incredibly happy that Charlotte had Lily and eventually Rose but again underdeveloped. Also where was Harry?!?!?! He is like the cutest and most loyal of all the men and he was barely in the piece!!! Sigh. Don't get me wrong this movie was fierce with a capital F but when you fall so in love with a work of fiction like women everywhere did with Sex and the City its difficult to think that there is an end. But the movie is the glamorous end to one of the most honestly wonderful movements in [women's] entertainment. Let's just hope that there will be a reunion every 4 years to keep out fix.
NYC Cinematic Love <3
5.26.2008
Remembering an era
So on Memorial Day there is time set aside to remember. Now I never claimed to be a history buff so I'm just going to say I know it was set aside to honor the military something something and leave it at that. What happens when we start remembering everything though? We want to pick and choose things we remember generally so when we have a day dedicated to remembrance it poses a problem. Or maybe that is just me.
On the popular cultural note I will be remembering that I finally finished watching the entire Sex and the City series from start to finish. And now that I have finalmente seen the last episode of the series I'm remembering how much I've loved it and will miss it. Seriously I will be having with drawls all week until the movie comes out on Friday. I don't know how I will be able to concentrate on anything else. And might I also add...kudos on the series finally. It was just fabulous. It wasn't over the top it wasn't like a funeral where they feel like they have to have big endings blah blah. It was just the perfect mix of straightening up some question marks but still keeping it lighthearted and honest. I am dying to see where they take it in the flick this weekend. If only we could all in truth be the perfect mix of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Or if we cannot embody these four in ourselves that we are blessed enough to find friends as wild, crazy, loyal and loving to balance us out. Sigh. I get so nostalgic sometimes. The countdown has begun my friends only 5 more days until my Sex and the City addiction is fed.
In all seriousness lets remember our fallen, those in active duty and every brother and sister we have everywhere around God's green earth. May we remember the blessings it is to know the people we know, remember those that we lost from out lives that meant something and remember to keep those we do not know in our hearts and prayers because we are all interconnected or at least on this journey of life together.
Much love <3
On the popular cultural note I will be remembering that I finally finished watching the entire Sex and the City series from start to finish. And now that I have finalmente seen the last episode of the series I'm remembering how much I've loved it and will miss it. Seriously I will be having with drawls all week until the movie comes out on Friday. I don't know how I will be able to concentrate on anything else. And might I also add...kudos on the series finally. It was just fabulous. It wasn't over the top it wasn't like a funeral where they feel like they have to have big endings blah blah. It was just the perfect mix of straightening up some question marks but still keeping it lighthearted and honest. I am dying to see where they take it in the flick this weekend. If only we could all in truth be the perfect mix of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Or if we cannot embody these four in ourselves that we are blessed enough to find friends as wild, crazy, loyal and loving to balance us out. Sigh. I get so nostalgic sometimes. The countdown has begun my friends only 5 more days until my Sex and the City addiction is fed.
In all seriousness lets remember our fallen, those in active duty and every brother and sister we have everywhere around God's green earth. May we remember the blessings it is to know the people we know, remember those that we lost from out lives that meant something and remember to keep those we do not know in our hearts and prayers because we are all interconnected or at least on this journey of life together.
Much love <3
5.24.2008
Sometimes I actually read books
Currently my summer roster doesn't include any English classes so I have generally been favoring the motion picture over the written word. Mi madre recently ventured into a financial endeavor with fantabulous perks for me. Today I was taken into the backroom of the local library and let me tell you its an under appreciated treasure. They take in unloved old books and they sell them to the general public : $0.50 for paperbacks and $1.00 for hardcovers so that the library makes a little extra cash. Now for the low low price of $7.00 I was able to obtain some real gems :
My new old literature loves:
Kate Chopin - The Awakening
Orson Wells - War of the Worlds
Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
Fyodor Dostoevsky - Crime and Punishment
Shakespeare's Soliloqueys
Tolstoy - Anna kareina
Thomas More - Utopia
Pat Conroy - The Great Santini
Katherine Hepburn - Me
Mariane Pearl - A Mighty Heart
Yann Martel - The Life of Pi
Philippa Gregory - The Other Boleyn Girl
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare in addition to hardcover ancient editions of A Midsummer's Night Dream, Hamlet and Othello.
So the moral of today's shopping spree: shop at your local library because
1. I left an entire collection of James Bond novels behind because i was out of cash
2. there are many many classics and even the trashy romance and pop novels that are abandoned and need some love
3. proceeds go to making your local literary watering hole a better place
4. its the cheapest way to expand your personal library and give some books a good loving home
read! <3
My new old literature loves:
Kate Chopin - The Awakening
Orson Wells - War of the Worlds
Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
Fyodor Dostoevsky - Crime and Punishment
Shakespeare's Soliloqueys
Tolstoy - Anna kareina
Thomas More - Utopia
Pat Conroy - The Great Santini
Katherine Hepburn - Me
Mariane Pearl - A Mighty Heart
Yann Martel - The Life of Pi
Philippa Gregory - The Other Boleyn Girl
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare in addition to hardcover ancient editions of A Midsummer's Night Dream, Hamlet and Othello.
So the moral of today's shopping spree: shop at your local library because
1. I left an entire collection of James Bond novels behind because i was out of cash
2. there are many many classics and even the trashy romance and pop novels that are abandoned and need some love
3. proceeds go to making your local literary watering hole a better place
4. its the cheapest way to expand your personal library and give some books a good loving home
read! <3
5.19.2008
Fire Katherin Heigl...Hire Robert Downey Jr. <3
So.
27 dresses has further solidified James Marsden as the new hunk of romantic comedies. Forget Patrick Dempsey in Made of Honor (cheap untalented remake of My Best Friends Wedding) and lets start putting this charming quirky sex pot in the movies more. He saved this movie for sure. Heigl is okay she was more tolerable in this one then in some of her previous (blaming hormones for her generally bitchy annoying characters in Knocked Up was a cheap way to cover up bad acting) roles but this was a sweetly predictable movie. Dresses were hilarious and as fun as the rendition of Benny and the Jets. Worth a watch if you need to for a girls night but will not become a classic.
Iron Man
First movie I've been to in the theatres in months so I was worried. But it was the most kick ass action flick in a long while. For certainly this was my favorite of the super/action hero flicks. Robert Downey is on the comeback of the century bringing his biting wit and sex appeal to the role but also giving the heart to make his transformation believable. Paltrow and Howard were on a comeback as well with Paltrow jumping back onto the big screen from the mommy train in a subtle but strong role as the potential love interest/assistant to the madness. I believe Howard is a great actor but was on the decline for awhile because he was over exposed so it was good to see his acting chops and not just his token strong black character. Did a great job of making it a classic but keeping it modern. It was middle east weapons conflict without being political it was action packed while mixing up the perfect amount of heart. Totally worth the price of admission and popcorn. All the leads and the Favreau signed on for a 3 picture deal so I cannot wait to see the next two.
Also keep in mind that this is hands down the best opening to an action movie in recent years....completely kick ass.
Also...when did the price of concessions become more than the price to sit your ass in the cushy chair for 2 hours?!?!??!
27 dresses has further solidified James Marsden as the new hunk of romantic comedies. Forget Patrick Dempsey in Made of Honor (cheap untalented remake of My Best Friends Wedding) and lets start putting this charming quirky sex pot in the movies more. He saved this movie for sure. Heigl is okay she was more tolerable in this one then in some of her previous (blaming hormones for her generally bitchy annoying characters in Knocked Up was a cheap way to cover up bad acting) roles but this was a sweetly predictable movie. Dresses were hilarious and as fun as the rendition of Benny and the Jets. Worth a watch if you need to for a girls night but will not become a classic.
Iron Man
First movie I've been to in the theatres in months so I was worried. But it was the most kick ass action flick in a long while. For certainly this was my favorite of the super/action hero flicks. Robert Downey is on the comeback of the century bringing his biting wit and sex appeal to the role but also giving the heart to make his transformation believable. Paltrow and Howard were on a comeback as well with Paltrow jumping back onto the big screen from the mommy train in a subtle but strong role as the potential love interest/assistant to the madness. I believe Howard is a great actor but was on the decline for awhile because he was over exposed so it was good to see his acting chops and not just his token strong black character. Did a great job of making it a classic but keeping it modern. It was middle east weapons conflict without being political it was action packed while mixing up the perfect amount of heart. Totally worth the price of admission and popcorn. All the leads and the Favreau signed on for a 3 picture deal so I cannot wait to see the next two.
Also keep in mind that this is hands down the best opening to an action movie in recent years....completely kick ass.
Also...when did the price of concessions become more than the price to sit your ass in the cushy chair for 2 hours?!?!??!
5.16.2008
Edward Norton is the sexiest cowboy in the universe
Lets catch up since I figured out how to set my wireless up finally:
No Country for Old Men:
Fabulous. I'm not sure if it is better than all of the other nominations for best picture but it was one of the best of the year. i'm still not sure if i liked this or gone baby gone as the best drama of the year. This was interesting because it was a little bit of a genre mixer just like most Coen movies. Javier obviously a scary motherfucker. Josh Brolin surprised me. did NOT like the obvious tommy lee jones repeating the whole point of the movie in mundane everyday conversation at the end i think its over done and a cop out. But it was scary scary and interesting and unique and worth a good watch.
Take the Lead
Blah blah. I'm a huge sucker for inspirational education movies like this but this was one of my least favorites in awhile. The dancing was cool and its inspired by a true story which is always amazing. But this one was forced. Banderas was surprisingly sweet and good but the kids felt forced...there wasn't enough back story on most of them and then the big climax dance off didn't even feature enough dancing from everyone....it was incomplete but still as long as a complete movie. Skip it unless its in the 99c bin or you borrow it. don't pay for it please
Down in the Valley.
I'm torn. I liked it but I really didn't like it at all. I LOVE Edward Norton the most of all my fantasy movie boyfriends and i fell in love with him as one of the most phenomenal actors of our time again in this movie. He just makes himself so seamless and fabulous. You know its him but you can't know its him at the same time. He was the sexiest creep cowboy I've ever seen and his drawl was just a fantasy. Yet the movie dragged on and got a little confusing at the end. There was this insane intense sequence that you don't even see coming and I just gasped and was so shocked like I haven't been in forever at the movies. Then after that its a bad downward spiral.....plus who told Evan Rachel Wood she could act?
So in conclusion.
-Unless you are a crazy movie buff like me only check out No Country for Old Men....Edward Norton can still carry the crappiest of movies and I love him to death....and skip Take the Lead especially since there are about half a dozen other cheesy dance movies that are way better.
<3
No Country for Old Men:
Fabulous. I'm not sure if it is better than all of the other nominations for best picture but it was one of the best of the year. i'm still not sure if i liked this or gone baby gone as the best drama of the year. This was interesting because it was a little bit of a genre mixer just like most Coen movies. Javier obviously a scary motherfucker. Josh Brolin surprised me. did NOT like the obvious tommy lee jones repeating the whole point of the movie in mundane everyday conversation at the end i think its over done and a cop out. But it was scary scary and interesting and unique and worth a good watch.
Take the Lead
Blah blah. I'm a huge sucker for inspirational education movies like this but this was one of my least favorites in awhile. The dancing was cool and its inspired by a true story which is always amazing. But this one was forced. Banderas was surprisingly sweet and good but the kids felt forced...there wasn't enough back story on most of them and then the big climax dance off didn't even feature enough dancing from everyone....it was incomplete but still as long as a complete movie. Skip it unless its in the 99c bin or you borrow it. don't pay for it please
Down in the Valley.
I'm torn. I liked it but I really didn't like it at all. I LOVE Edward Norton the most of all my fantasy movie boyfriends and i fell in love with him as one of the most phenomenal actors of our time again in this movie. He just makes himself so seamless and fabulous. You know its him but you can't know its him at the same time. He was the sexiest creep cowboy I've ever seen and his drawl was just a fantasy. Yet the movie dragged on and got a little confusing at the end. There was this insane intense sequence that you don't even see coming and I just gasped and was so shocked like I haven't been in forever at the movies. Then after that its a bad downward spiral.....plus who told Evan Rachel Wood she could act?
So in conclusion.
-Unless you are a crazy movie buff like me only check out No Country for Old Men....Edward Norton can still carry the crappiest of movies and I love him to death....and skip Take the Lead especially since there are about half a dozen other cheesy dance movies that are way better.
<3
5.06.2008
Waitressing through the evening
So I still don't have cable in the new place. Or Internet. So basically I'm going a little stir crazy. I finished like two books this weekend and watched about every movie I own. I did get the chance to check out two new ones I'd like to share now that I have access to the glorious thing we take for granted called the Internet.
Evening.
One of the top casts in movie history or at least recent movie history. Follow up to The Hours, one of my top 10 of all time. This is not as good though. The acting is fabulous even ones like Close and Richardson who aren't in much of the piece just deliver. I'm quite impressed with Clare Danes who really delivered the movie she successfully carried it. I wasn't a huge fan of Patrick Wilson but I don't think I can take him seriously ever after watching him in Little Children (bad guy in the movie and a bad movie!). Hugh Darcy is just divine I hope to see more of him because he is adorable and a fab actor. Worth checking out if you are a chick or if you like movies. Probably not for the general public or for date night.
Waitress.
Now this is a stellar movie. It surprised me I heard it was good so I picked it up but it was amazing! Keri Russell is just a dream she is sassy and sweet and sullen all together. Gives such a starkly honest look at relationships, marriage, small town, working class, shattered and achieved dreams, motherhood and everything but with this sassy humor that makes you believe your similar problems are bearable. Funny, honest, sweet and very well acted. Good good for anyone to check out.
Since the cable is out and I can't watch TV on the Internet I rented the last few seasons of Sex and the City from the video store. Now you either love or hate this show but you can't deny after watching it that it changed the way television was done and how women were portrayed on TV. If you haven't indulged in it I suggest you start now especially with the movie coming out at the end of the month. Not being a frugal college gal I most often wait til movies come out on DVD and pick them up at the local video store. And I will pay full price opening day of Sex and the City the Movie. Probably won't make my top 10 but every year needs a great popcorn flick and this will be the chick flick, date flick, cult flick, popcorn flick of the summer. Guaranteed.
Until the wireless gets wired. <3
Evening.
One of the top casts in movie history or at least recent movie history. Follow up to The Hours, one of my top 10 of all time. This is not as good though. The acting is fabulous even ones like Close and Richardson who aren't in much of the piece just deliver. I'm quite impressed with Clare Danes who really delivered the movie she successfully carried it. I wasn't a huge fan of Patrick Wilson but I don't think I can take him seriously ever after watching him in Little Children (bad guy in the movie and a bad movie!). Hugh Darcy is just divine I hope to see more of him because he is adorable and a fab actor. Worth checking out if you are a chick or if you like movies. Probably not for the general public or for date night.
Waitress.
Now this is a stellar movie. It surprised me I heard it was good so I picked it up but it was amazing! Keri Russell is just a dream she is sassy and sweet and sullen all together. Gives such a starkly honest look at relationships, marriage, small town, working class, shattered and achieved dreams, motherhood and everything but with this sassy humor that makes you believe your similar problems are bearable. Funny, honest, sweet and very well acted. Good good for anyone to check out.
Since the cable is out and I can't watch TV on the Internet I rented the last few seasons of Sex and the City from the video store. Now you either love or hate this show but you can't deny after watching it that it changed the way television was done and how women were portrayed on TV. If you haven't indulged in it I suggest you start now especially with the movie coming out at the end of the month. Not being a frugal college gal I most often wait til movies come out on DVD and pick them up at the local video store. And I will pay full price opening day of Sex and the City the Movie. Probably won't make my top 10 but every year needs a great popcorn flick and this will be the chick flick, date flick, cult flick, popcorn flick of the summer. Guaranteed.
Until the wireless gets wired. <3
5.01.2008
Holy where did May come from?
I don't know if some of you know this but um today was May 1st. Its 11:11 (make a wish lameness) and I just realized we are in the 5th month of the year. Just to highlight how utterly busy yet probably overall unproductive my life is currently. We are like very close to halfway through 2008 already. I'm worried. I feel like 08 and I haven't had a good chance to even start bonding yet. I'm in the panic stage of the relationship where I feel like we are drifting apart and time is fleeting. I barely know 2008 and half our time is up! Time kinda sucks I'm not going to lie.
Also packing sucks. At the close of the term it is now time to switch it up and change locals and roomies. Quite exciting right? No because then it means you must pack. and unpack. and arrange furniture. and find a place for all of my shoes and DVD's. Annoying. It really sucks the joy out of a new place. But that is probably just because i"m no where near settled into my new apartment so I can't just sit and enjoy its spacious awesomeness!!!
With all the madness that accompanies change I have not indulged in anything worthwhile this week I'm sorry to say. I did rewatch Juno which if you haven't seen yet shame on you. shame shame.
Also my brother and I caught Waiting on the Central Comedy station now on the 5 star scale I gave this a generous 2 stars. 1 star = No matter how horrible a movie he is a part of Ryan Reynolds is frickin smoking. I'm sorry that is shallow but he is just so good lookin any of his movies is guaranteed at least 1 star. 1 star also because as horribly stupid and pointless as this excuse for a movie was it was funny enough to keep my attention til the end. Otherwise this was a waste of film strip and should be avoided if you are not a frat boy or stoner or vegetable....or person who enjoys something that ridiculous. But Ryan Reynolds is super hot. Just to clarify.
Until the film strip rolls again my friends.
Also packing sucks. At the close of the term it is now time to switch it up and change locals and roomies. Quite exciting right? No because then it means you must pack. and unpack. and arrange furniture. and find a place for all of my shoes and DVD's. Annoying. It really sucks the joy out of a new place. But that is probably just because i"m no where near settled into my new apartment so I can't just sit and enjoy its spacious awesomeness!!!
With all the madness that accompanies change I have not indulged in anything worthwhile this week I'm sorry to say. I did rewatch Juno which if you haven't seen yet shame on you. shame shame.
Also my brother and I caught Waiting on the Central Comedy station now on the 5 star scale I gave this a generous 2 stars. 1 star = No matter how horrible a movie he is a part of Ryan Reynolds is frickin smoking. I'm sorry that is shallow but he is just so good lookin any of his movies is guaranteed at least 1 star. 1 star also because as horribly stupid and pointless as this excuse for a movie was it was funny enough to keep my attention til the end. Otherwise this was a waste of film strip and should be avoided if you are not a frat boy or stoner or vegetable....or person who enjoys something that ridiculous. But Ryan Reynolds is super hot. Just to clarify.
Until the film strip rolls again my friends.
4.21.2008
Love Don't Live Here Anymore
So my car decided to commit suicide the other day so I have not been to the video store. So lets chat about some music.
Now a lot of friends will say they have an eclectic taste in music....yet they have a strong leaning or they really just like everything for the sake of liking everything. And I think that is a little wrong. Not to judge but you can't really really like anything. Now I'm not saying much because my favorites are quite a weird mix and most people don't even like any of them. But that is generally why I like someone and will stay loyal to their music because they push that bar and take you there. So I just wanted to throw that out and remind you that its okay to say you enjoy everything, I mean I love the radio because there is everything good on there....but you can't really really consider everything to be your favorites. Then there would be no point to them.
Now that I got that out of my system. I'm a HUGE fan of the new Lady Antebellum album. I do have some all time favorites that are of the country persuasion (Lyle Lovett omg.) This is a great mix though. I highly recommend it to everyone and their disc just dropped (I believe that is still the technical industry term) and everyone should buy it. A thing I always enjoy about country is that they take stuff that really is universal...and sometimes its twangy but they take the country essence and make it audible. I'm especially fond of "Love Don't Live Here" because its the first song of theirs I found and its just absolutely perfect for the whole break up but can't shake up situation. One of those great songs where you have had this concept you've wanted to express for awhile and you hear it and go "that is EXACTLY what I wanted to say!" That makes a great song and that's what this track is. Country fan or not check them out!!!!!
Good luck on finals for all the college cats and hold out high schoolers its almost summer!!!!!! <3
Now a lot of friends will say they have an eclectic taste in music....yet they have a strong leaning or they really just like everything for the sake of liking everything. And I think that is a little wrong. Not to judge but you can't really really like anything. Now I'm not saying much because my favorites are quite a weird mix and most people don't even like any of them. But that is generally why I like someone and will stay loyal to their music because they push that bar and take you there. So I just wanted to throw that out and remind you that its okay to say you enjoy everything, I mean I love the radio because there is everything good on there....but you can't really really consider everything to be your favorites. Then there would be no point to them.
Now that I got that out of my system. I'm a HUGE fan of the new Lady Antebellum album. I do have some all time favorites that are of the country persuasion (Lyle Lovett omg.) This is a great mix though. I highly recommend it to everyone and their disc just dropped (I believe that is still the technical industry term) and everyone should buy it. A thing I always enjoy about country is that they take stuff that really is universal...and sometimes its twangy but they take the country essence and make it audible. I'm especially fond of "Love Don't Live Here" because its the first song of theirs I found and its just absolutely perfect for the whole break up but can't shake up situation. One of those great songs where you have had this concept you've wanted to express for awhile and you hear it and go "that is EXACTLY what I wanted to say!" That makes a great song and that's what this track is. Country fan or not check them out!!!!!
Good luck on finals for all the college cats and hold out high schoolers its almost summer!!!!!! <3
4.19.2008
Cringe-worthy Cinema.
So I got to watching A History of Violence today. This is the type of picture that you should watch alone with all the lights on or have a significant other to cuddle up to and hold you while you gasp. So don't worry since there is an odd singledom in the air I had the shades open and all the lights on.
This was a unique one. At first I liked it. It has a slow vibe. Then in the close of the opening scene it makes you gasp and cover your mouth at its boldness. The opening credits claim it to based on a graphic novel and graphic it was. The first mainstream picture to feature a 69 sex scene, violence against small children, graphic depiction of men dying by means of having their noses jammed into their brains. I'm not even going to kid you it was stomach churning at times even for someone who grew up in a society desensitized to violence. Yet the story is what keeps you. Unlike other graphic novels where its heavy on the graphic but at the end you go: "Wait where was the novel story to it?" this one actually had a very interesting purpose. There is kind of this trifecta story line going all relating to the effects of violence in relation to family. You have the family of Tom Stall and how their lives are rattled by Tom's violent past. Then there is the brother relationship and the role violence plays in getting ahead. Then you have the organized crime family we are all very familiar with from the Sopranos. In each there is a taste of violence...violence as protection...violence as power....violence as punishment and then the repercussions of that. More in-depth there are just some great character actors propelling this piece, Viggo, Maria, Ed I mean wow. Ed Harris is just such a force I really can't even think of a bad movie the man has made and I'm open to debate that any day.
At times I didn't want to keep watching this but the story really keeps you there which is why this is a movie of substance. I don't know what genre to classify it in though which is one of the other things I love about it. Its not really a date rental, its got some action, some drama but its really not for anything but thinking. Definitely worth the rental fee.
This was a unique one. At first I liked it. It has a slow vibe. Then in the close of the opening scene it makes you gasp and cover your mouth at its boldness. The opening credits claim it to based on a graphic novel and graphic it was. The first mainstream picture to feature a 69 sex scene, violence against small children, graphic depiction of men dying by means of having their noses jammed into their brains. I'm not even going to kid you it was stomach churning at times even for someone who grew up in a society desensitized to violence. Yet the story is what keeps you. Unlike other graphic novels where its heavy on the graphic but at the end you go: "Wait where was the novel story to it?" this one actually had a very interesting purpose. There is kind of this trifecta story line going all relating to the effects of violence in relation to family. You have the family of Tom Stall and how their lives are rattled by Tom's violent past. Then there is the brother relationship and the role violence plays in getting ahead. Then you have the organized crime family we are all very familiar with from the Sopranos. In each there is a taste of violence...violence as protection...violence as power....violence as punishment and then the repercussions of that. More in-depth there are just some great character actors propelling this piece, Viggo, Maria, Ed I mean wow. Ed Harris is just such a force I really can't even think of a bad movie the man has made and I'm open to debate that any day.
At times I didn't want to keep watching this but the story really keeps you there which is why this is a movie of substance. I don't know what genre to classify it in though which is one of the other things I love about it. Its not really a date rental, its got some action, some drama but its really not for anything but thinking. Definitely worth the rental fee.
Oh sweet moviemaking.
Spring is in the air my friends yes everywhere you look around.
For my educated friends finals are approaching and I hope you are keeping the balance of life. Work and play. Warm and cold. Sleep and insomnia.
This is a little late but lets chat a bit about: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Now I must say after this and Gone Baby Gone I'm a huge believer in the talent of one Mr. Casey Affleck. I'm not a huge history buff but if I were to imagine Robert Ford in person I would feel as through he had the despondent qualities of Affleck's performance. On the one hand he is completely annoying....his voice and sly mannerisms get under your skin. At the same time there is a sympathy evoked from the origin of these characteristics. Its a very American movie literally but also in that figurative sense where we feel for the underdog. We want the small man, the "nobody" to rise above. On the other hand I was also swept up in Brad Pitts performance. Now no offense i love his philanthropy but as far as acting goes he's usually just a juicy piece of action man candy. He did some acting this time. It was highly believable. Maybe not to the caliber of his less famous co-stars but non-the-less a fine performance.
Make sure and watch out for Sam Rockwell's performance. He turns in quite the scene stealer as the un-famous brother of the more un-famous coward. Very surprising and commendable portrayal. Now be warned this is a sleeper hit, emphasis on the sleeper. Don't watch this piece if you aren't in the mindset or are the slightest bit drowsy. It will put you to sleep. But the story mixed perfectly with the sweeping landscape and the antique filming quality makes it a wonderful picture to check out.
Now lets get ourselves up to speed and to something a little more light shall we?!?!?!
State and Main.
I'll admit for as much as I like to think I'm on top of the motion picture industry I have never heard of this before. The cover got me. SJP, William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Julia Stiles and one of the cinematic loves of my life Philip Seymour Hoffman. I was sold for the meager price of $1.50. I definitely got a steal for this gem. This is one of my top ensemble movies. Plus its a fabulous cast making a spoof of making a movie. It so surprising how honest these little movies really get. Basically it takes every stereotype about Hollywood and small town life and smashes them together ensuring a situationally hilarious picture. Watch the one line zingers it may take a second to sink in. Now when I say hilarity we aren't talking Judd Apatow or anything for my more scatology inclined readers. No this is more a dry true life humor. Where you watch a situation unfold and you realize how utterly ridiculous we are as a collective human race. Only where you cannot laugh at these situations or concepts in real life the movie gives you the freedom to enjoy yourself out loud. This is a smart mans comedy and you have to watch every second to really love it.
Up next: A History of Violence. I'm a little scared to watch this by myself I hear its graphic. But Maria Bello and Viggo Mortensen are two of the best and most understated (box office wise) actors of today so I'm super duper excited.
Reel love <3
For my educated friends finals are approaching and I hope you are keeping the balance of life. Work and play. Warm and cold. Sleep and insomnia.
This is a little late but lets chat a bit about: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Now I must say after this and Gone Baby Gone I'm a huge believer in the talent of one Mr. Casey Affleck. I'm not a huge history buff but if I were to imagine Robert Ford in person I would feel as through he had the despondent qualities of Affleck's performance. On the one hand he is completely annoying....his voice and sly mannerisms get under your skin. At the same time there is a sympathy evoked from the origin of these characteristics. Its a very American movie literally but also in that figurative sense where we feel for the underdog. We want the small man, the "nobody" to rise above. On the other hand I was also swept up in Brad Pitts performance. Now no offense i love his philanthropy but as far as acting goes he's usually just a juicy piece of action man candy. He did some acting this time. It was highly believable. Maybe not to the caliber of his less famous co-stars but non-the-less a fine performance.
Make sure and watch out for Sam Rockwell's performance. He turns in quite the scene stealer as the un-famous brother of the more un-famous coward. Very surprising and commendable portrayal. Now be warned this is a sleeper hit, emphasis on the sleeper. Don't watch this piece if you aren't in the mindset or are the slightest bit drowsy. It will put you to sleep. But the story mixed perfectly with the sweeping landscape and the antique filming quality makes it a wonderful picture to check out.
Now lets get ourselves up to speed and to something a little more light shall we?!?!?!
State and Main.
I'll admit for as much as I like to think I'm on top of the motion picture industry I have never heard of this before. The cover got me. SJP, William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Julia Stiles and one of the cinematic loves of my life Philip Seymour Hoffman. I was sold for the meager price of $1.50. I definitely got a steal for this gem. This is one of my top ensemble movies. Plus its a fabulous cast making a spoof of making a movie. It so surprising how honest these little movies really get. Basically it takes every stereotype about Hollywood and small town life and smashes them together ensuring a situationally hilarious picture. Watch the one line zingers it may take a second to sink in. Now when I say hilarity we aren't talking Judd Apatow or anything for my more scatology inclined readers. No this is more a dry true life humor. Where you watch a situation unfold and you realize how utterly ridiculous we are as a collective human race. Only where you cannot laugh at these situations or concepts in real life the movie gives you the freedom to enjoy yourself out loud. This is a smart mans comedy and you have to watch every second to really love it.
Up next: A History of Violence. I'm a little scared to watch this by myself I hear its graphic. But Maria Bello and Viggo Mortensen are two of the best and most understated (box office wise) actors of today so I'm super duper excited.
Reel love <3
4.12.2008
Bogo.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I am in love with that video store previously mentioned. I also found out that M-TH its rent one get one free. So I picked up two new releases for 2.95. Granted I have kept them like two days past their due date but even with late fees they are still cheaper than Blockbuster. I love locally owned businesses.
I'm a little behind in posting with finals coming up. Its been a wild week. Here are the latest two editions:
Sylvia.
Now I'm not a Gwyneth Paltrow fan....I do love Shakespeare in Love but I could almost always do without her. Yet I think this was finally a perfect piece for her. She could use that bland personality and lifeless eyes to perfectly portray Ms. Plath. It is always difficult in biopics of deceased individuals to do two things:
the first being to accurately portray their life while making it appealing to the audience. especially with someone as troubled as Plath its difficult to make that type of despair and downfall into something non-cringe worthy but still accurate
the second making you believe that you aren't watching a rendition to a life but making you feel as though you are watching that person unfold. That is great acting and is not something I expect ever from Paltrow especially.
Daniel Craig was a nice surprise to see him prior to his success in James Bond....The duo took you there. to the passion. through the infidelity. into the madness. I thought it was a fine portrayal that swept you into the poetry and the inspirations behind it.
Plus the post-coital couch cuddling is perhaps one of the best scenes mixing raw sexuality with intense heartbreak ever.
The Jane Austen Book Club
This is a must see for any Jane Austen fan. And I mean true fan not just seen the movies. A nice modern twist on Jane Austen's six novels and a great ensemble movie, something as difficult to pull off as a good biopic.
The cast was wonderful a few sort-of famous actors, a few unknowns but everyone turning in an Austen inspired wonderful performance.
I especially enjoyed the opening sequence...the modern shuffle of our lives is so apparent and its almost saddening and humorous to watch how ridiculous our lives have become. Then the piece surprises you by showing the wonder in human connection as well as the complications that come with this.
Look forward to the upcoming review on The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. I will hopefully not be falling asleep during the last part of it tomorrow.
I'm a little behind in posting with finals coming up. Its been a wild week. Here are the latest two editions:
Sylvia.
Now I'm not a Gwyneth Paltrow fan....I do love Shakespeare in Love but I could almost always do without her. Yet I think this was finally a perfect piece for her. She could use that bland personality and lifeless eyes to perfectly portray Ms. Plath. It is always difficult in biopics of deceased individuals to do two things:
the first being to accurately portray their life while making it appealing to the audience. especially with someone as troubled as Plath its difficult to make that type of despair and downfall into something non-cringe worthy but still accurate
the second making you believe that you aren't watching a rendition to a life but making you feel as though you are watching that person unfold. That is great acting and is not something I expect ever from Paltrow especially.
Daniel Craig was a nice surprise to see him prior to his success in James Bond....The duo took you there. to the passion. through the infidelity. into the madness. I thought it was a fine portrayal that swept you into the poetry and the inspirations behind it.
Plus the post-coital couch cuddling is perhaps one of the best scenes mixing raw sexuality with intense heartbreak ever.
The Jane Austen Book Club
This is a must see for any Jane Austen fan. And I mean true fan not just seen the movies. A nice modern twist on Jane Austen's six novels and a great ensemble movie, something as difficult to pull off as a good biopic.
The cast was wonderful a few sort-of famous actors, a few unknowns but everyone turning in an Austen inspired wonderful performance.
I especially enjoyed the opening sequence...the modern shuffle of our lives is so apparent and its almost saddening and humorous to watch how ridiculous our lives have become. Then the piece surprises you by showing the wonder in human connection as well as the complications that come with this.
Look forward to the upcoming review on The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. I will hopefully not be falling asleep during the last part of it tomorrow.
4.08.2008
I love cheap DVDs more than cheap men....
I've recently discovered a video rental store very close to my apartment that rents new DVDs for like 3 dollars and old ones for like 1.50. So that can only mean you can expect a ridiculous amounts of new movie posts. Keep an eye out and find your local mom-and-pop video store they are much nicer and affordable then the money whores at Blockbuster.
This weekend for a mere 3.95 I was able to cozy up to two Oscar nominated films. One I can't believe it got nominated it was snore fest 2007 (no wonder it was the 0.99cent movie of the month) and the other I can't believe it didn't get more hype. Lets get the boring one out of the way.
Away From Her.
While I admire the ambition to take something that is becoming unfortunately prevalent in Western society, Alzheimer's, and making a movie about it.....you would figure it would be a little more interesting. On the one hand I certainly see where they were coming from tyring to make this disjointed, slow, unevenly paced picture much characteristic of the disease itself. Julie Christie was up for this piece and I don't' know. I greatly respect her as an actress being able to stay so strong and prominent in an industry that loves to devalue its more mature and talented actors. Yet I didn't think this was a particularly strong performance on her behalf. I just felt like she didn't really take you there all the way. As much as her husband in the film wasn't necessarily a likable character I felt he took us to that place of desperation and isolation where Christie just was skirting the edges at the end. Overall I think its worth a look but it can certainly be improved on for the next picture someone tries to makes to try and touch all people.
Gone Baby Gone
Now this one blew my mind. First off I think Ben Affleck is not a good actor. The only reason I enjoy him is because he is a good husband and father in the tabloids, but as an actor he has been on the decline since his Good Will Hunting days. Now he is behind the camera writing and directing this piece which was just wonderful. Going back to his roots and setting this chilling piece in Boston you find the Afflecks (brother Casey stars) in their element, which is fabulously entertaining. Sure the story line about child abduction and corrupt cops isn't necessarily new or fun to watch. Yet Affleck took a story that could have been incredibly cliche and turned it into a graphic, cringe worthy, honest look at crime and greed. Casey Affleck is an actor after my cinematic heart. Normally in his brothers shadow I have never paid him much mind in his previous role but after GBG he has my attention. He is the actor of the family and was just absolutely phenomenal in this role. It will be interesting to continue to see if he can keep that talent and momentum up in his upcoming pieces. The cast is to die for. Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman just drive me mad with how talented they are....Ed Harris is one of the best character actors ever in my opinion and he did not disappoint. Morgan Freeman is just raw talent and this was really one of his defining performances. They take you there...which at times isn't a place the faint of heart want to be.
Affleck's story is gritty, his actors deliver in every scene, his cinematography is just amazing. I sincerely hope that the dynamic Affleck duo sticks together (in these respective roles) because I will keep giving them money to see their product. Absolutely must check this movie out!!!!!
I have a stack of movies at home (all totaling to the low-low-price of 5 dollars to rent them all for a week) so until we view together again....
miss cinematic <3
This weekend for a mere 3.95 I was able to cozy up to two Oscar nominated films. One I can't believe it got nominated it was snore fest 2007 (no wonder it was the 0.99cent movie of the month) and the other I can't believe it didn't get more hype. Lets get the boring one out of the way.
Away From Her.
While I admire the ambition to take something that is becoming unfortunately prevalent in Western society, Alzheimer's, and making a movie about it.....you would figure it would be a little more interesting. On the one hand I certainly see where they were coming from tyring to make this disjointed, slow, unevenly paced picture much characteristic of the disease itself. Julie Christie was up for this piece and I don't' know. I greatly respect her as an actress being able to stay so strong and prominent in an industry that loves to devalue its more mature and talented actors. Yet I didn't think this was a particularly strong performance on her behalf. I just felt like she didn't really take you there all the way. As much as her husband in the film wasn't necessarily a likable character I felt he took us to that place of desperation and isolation where Christie just was skirting the edges at the end. Overall I think its worth a look but it can certainly be improved on for the next picture someone tries to makes to try and touch all people.
Gone Baby Gone
Now this one blew my mind. First off I think Ben Affleck is not a good actor. The only reason I enjoy him is because he is a good husband and father in the tabloids, but as an actor he has been on the decline since his Good Will Hunting days. Now he is behind the camera writing and directing this piece which was just wonderful. Going back to his roots and setting this chilling piece in Boston you find the Afflecks (brother Casey stars) in their element, which is fabulously entertaining. Sure the story line about child abduction and corrupt cops isn't necessarily new or fun to watch. Yet Affleck took a story that could have been incredibly cliche and turned it into a graphic, cringe worthy, honest look at crime and greed. Casey Affleck is an actor after my cinematic heart. Normally in his brothers shadow I have never paid him much mind in his previous role but after GBG he has my attention. He is the actor of the family and was just absolutely phenomenal in this role. It will be interesting to continue to see if he can keep that talent and momentum up in his upcoming pieces. The cast is to die for. Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman just drive me mad with how talented they are....Ed Harris is one of the best character actors ever in my opinion and he did not disappoint. Morgan Freeman is just raw talent and this was really one of his defining performances. They take you there...which at times isn't a place the faint of heart want to be.
Affleck's story is gritty, his actors deliver in every scene, his cinematography is just amazing. I sincerely hope that the dynamic Affleck duo sticks together (in these respective roles) because I will keep giving them money to see their product. Absolutely must check this movie out!!!!!
I have a stack of movies at home (all totaling to the low-low-price of 5 dollars to rent them all for a week) so until we view together again....
miss cinematic <3
4.02.2008
Why I love JCM:
Its a well known fact that John Mayer is the love of my life....at least musically speaking (I like to pretend in all ways he is the love of my life but that would require a fact check by him agreeing to meet me)...and whether you love his music like I do or think he's lame etc. I think no matter what you feel about his music, looks, tabloid history whatever it cannot be denied that when all the poptarts and wanna be gangsters have faded he will remain one of the leading artists of the generation because he has a voice....substance if you will. I'm a huge fan of probably everything he says and I was catching up on his website this morning and wanted to share this. Directly copy-pasted from the blog so as not to lose any of its original authenticity and power. Please read. Please think.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008
FROM THE HEART....I need to write this. I've been traveling alone in Japan for the better part of three weeks now, and It's been so remarkable an experience for me that I can't book a ticket home yet. I haven't spoken very much out loud these days, but I've been thinking to myself in what feels like surround sound. I can see so many things clearly, and feel so connected to myself and the world around me that I need to share the perspective with you.I'm already aware that when I sing, say or write anything, 50 percent of the response will be in support of it and the other 50 will want to discount it. This blog, though, is directed to 100 percent of people reading it. If my blog truly does have any cultural effect, then it should be used for more than just pictures of sneakers and funny youtube videos. (If you don't think my blog has any effect, than you can't by definition be reading this right now and therefore don't have to respond to it in any way. Isn't that tidy?)What I'm about to write isn't about fame or success or celebrity or the media. That's my business.This is about us all. This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic. This is about the girl in her bedroom who poses in front of the camera she's awkwardly holding in her outstretched hand. She'll take a hundred photos until coming up with one she's happy with, which inevitably looks nothing like her, and after she's done poring over images of herself, will post one on her myspace page and then write something like " I don't give a f*ck what you think about me. "This is about the person trying out for American Idol, who while going off about how confident they are that they were born ready to sing in front of the world, are trembling so badly they can hardly breathe. This is about me, the guy who walks through a throng of photographers into a restaurant like he's Paul Newman, but who leaves a "reject" pile of clothes in his closet so high that his cleaning lady can't figure out how one man can step into so many pairs of pants in a week.This is about a young guy who maintains a celebrity blog that subsists on tearing other people down but who has wrestled with a lifelong battle for acceptance as a gay man. This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right. And I don't want to act immune to that anymore. I took the biggest detour from myself over the past year, since I decided that I wasn't going to care about what people thought about me. I got to the point where I had so much padding on that, sure, I couldn't feel the negativity, but that's because I couldn't feel much of anything. And I think I'm done with that. I'm not the first person to admit we're all self conscious, Kanye was. But what I want to do is to shed a little light on why we're all in the same boat, no matter the shape of the life we lead: because every one of us were told since birth that we were special. We were spoken to by name through a television. We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing. And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not. The paparazzo following me to the gym ain't gonna be Herb Ritts and the guy he's following ain't gonna be Bob Dylan. It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right. What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.Root for others. Give more and expect the same in return, but over time. Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that. And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you. I'm going quiet now. John
POSTED BY JOHN MAYER AT 09:58 AM FROM ...
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008
FROM THE HEART....I need to write this. I've been traveling alone in Japan for the better part of three weeks now, and It's been so remarkable an experience for me that I can't book a ticket home yet. I haven't spoken very much out loud these days, but I've been thinking to myself in what feels like surround sound. I can see so many things clearly, and feel so connected to myself and the world around me that I need to share the perspective with you.I'm already aware that when I sing, say or write anything, 50 percent of the response will be in support of it and the other 50 will want to discount it. This blog, though, is directed to 100 percent of people reading it. If my blog truly does have any cultural effect, then it should be used for more than just pictures of sneakers and funny youtube videos. (If you don't think my blog has any effect, than you can't by definition be reading this right now and therefore don't have to respond to it in any way. Isn't that tidy?)What I'm about to write isn't about fame or success or celebrity or the media. That's my business.This is about us all. This is about a level of self consciousness so high in my generation, that it's actually toxic. This is about the girl in her bedroom who poses in front of the camera she's awkwardly holding in her outstretched hand. She'll take a hundred photos until coming up with one she's happy with, which inevitably looks nothing like her, and after she's done poring over images of herself, will post one on her myspace page and then write something like " I don't give a f*ck what you think about me. "This is about the person trying out for American Idol, who while going off about how confident they are that they were born ready to sing in front of the world, are trembling so badly they can hardly breathe. This is about me, the guy who walks through a throng of photographers into a restaurant like he's Paul Newman, but who leaves a "reject" pile of clothes in his closet so high that his cleaning lady can't figure out how one man can step into so many pairs of pants in a week.This is about a young guy who maintains a celebrity blog that subsists on tearing other people down but who has wrestled with a lifelong battle for acceptance as a gay man. This is about us all. Every one of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right. And I don't want to act immune to that anymore. I took the biggest detour from myself over the past year, since I decided that I wasn't going to care about what people thought about me. I got to the point where I had so much padding on that, sure, I couldn't feel the negativity, but that's because I couldn't feel much of anything. And I think I'm done with that. I'm not the first person to admit we're all self conscious, Kanye was. But what I want to do is to shed a little light on why we're all in the same boat, no matter the shape of the life we lead: because every one of us were told since birth that we were special. We were spoken to by name through a television. We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing. And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not. The paparazzo following me to the gym ain't gonna be Herb Ritts and the guy he's following ain't gonna be Bob Dylan. It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right. What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.Root for others. Give more and expect the same in return, but over time. Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that. And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you. I'm going quiet now. John
POSTED BY JOHN MAYER AT 09:58 AM FROM ...
3.31.2008
Reign Over Me
Exciting past week in the life of an entertainment junkie....
First free movie of the week was Reign Over Me. Liked it a lot. Was very excited Adam Sandler was bold enough to move away from the scatology into something more serious. The verdict is still out over whether or not this was a better serious turn then Spanglish. I think he was more believable in Spanglish...I watched him and wasn't like "Oh that is Sandler trying to be serious" A few times in the ROM I was like yup that's Sandler...which I feel should never happen with great acting. At the same time it was a very dramatic turn and his passion made me cry....I'll admit it it wasn't a great movie but it still made me cry so it was good enough! I was also a little disappointed with Don Cheadle because he is such a fabulous character actor and I just felt like there was X & Y in this movie but it was missing the Zing. The characters were underdeveloped and I'm not sure whether to attribute that to poor script writing or to lazy acting.
Still its a heart felt piece and I think a fabulous way of easing into modern ideas like 9/11 etc. Plus the courtroom scene really got me and it was a nice surprise to see Donald Sutherland and B.J Novak. Good enough drama to rent for sure.
Also had the fortune to go see Miss Carrie Underwood in concert this weekend. Super great show. Intimate theatre which is always best but she is so powerful they could have cranked her mic down a bit at times. Josh Turner opened up on this tour and he is just so yummy with that Barry White-Esq voice made for country. Carrie played an amazing set...all the hits....all the great classics and some great new ones. The costume changes blew my mind and the laser lights....a little much but she is still young & impressionable. For the encore she came out and did two covers one of paradise city which just her voice and the song was so divine and ended the evening with before he cheats....her claim to mainstream success. overall fabulous show....the crowd could have gotten rowdier but that is the Midwest for you.
delicious week for entertainment. keep on keepin on.
First free movie of the week was Reign Over Me. Liked it a lot. Was very excited Adam Sandler was bold enough to move away from the scatology into something more serious. The verdict is still out over whether or not this was a better serious turn then Spanglish. I think he was more believable in Spanglish...I watched him and wasn't like "Oh that is Sandler trying to be serious" A few times in the ROM I was like yup that's Sandler...which I feel should never happen with great acting. At the same time it was a very dramatic turn and his passion made me cry....I'll admit it it wasn't a great movie but it still made me cry so it was good enough! I was also a little disappointed with Don Cheadle because he is such a fabulous character actor and I just felt like there was X & Y in this movie but it was missing the Zing. The characters were underdeveloped and I'm not sure whether to attribute that to poor script writing or to lazy acting.
Still its a heart felt piece and I think a fabulous way of easing into modern ideas like 9/11 etc. Plus the courtroom scene really got me and it was a nice surprise to see Donald Sutherland and B.J Novak. Good enough drama to rent for sure.
Also had the fortune to go see Miss Carrie Underwood in concert this weekend. Super great show. Intimate theatre which is always best but she is so powerful they could have cranked her mic down a bit at times. Josh Turner opened up on this tour and he is just so yummy with that Barry White-Esq voice made for country. Carrie played an amazing set...all the hits....all the great classics and some great new ones. The costume changes blew my mind and the laser lights....a little much but she is still young & impressionable. For the encore she came out and did two covers one of paradise city which just her voice and the song was so divine and ended the evening with before he cheats....her claim to mainstream success. overall fabulous show....the crowd could have gotten rowdier but that is the Midwest for you.
delicious week for entertainment. keep on keepin on.
3.23.2008
Easter weekend=movie weekend
In the past few days have had a chance to indulge my cinematic love in Atonement & The Bourne Ultimatum:
Atonement:
wow. passionately tragic. Absolutely beautiful picture. the story, the acting, the pictures were just so passionate that it gets your heart racing. this is why I love British film making so much. I could watch this movie over and over it was such a wonderful exercise of the mind and appreciation of beauty and frailty. Love it go see it.
Bourne:
now its a well known fact that I do NOT support series. A good movie series is so rare but I am infatuated with the Bourne series. Action series especially are not my cup of tea but this movie just sucks you in so fast. When this one was finished it did not feel like 2 ish hours I'd been watching a movie I was mad because I wanted to know more and what happened next. Definitely must sound the caution bells that they left it open and Matt Damon (sexiest man alive....agreed!) just signed to do the fourth. I want to know what happens next but I'd rather be left waiting then run the series in the ground so have to deduct points for possible overexposure.
both sexy sad movies for different reason and should be picked up with your next Blockbuster excursion.
Atonement:
wow. passionately tragic. Absolutely beautiful picture. the story, the acting, the pictures were just so passionate that it gets your heart racing. this is why I love British film making so much. I could watch this movie over and over it was such a wonderful exercise of the mind and appreciation of beauty and frailty. Love it go see it.
Bourne:
now its a well known fact that I do NOT support series. A good movie series is so rare but I am infatuated with the Bourne series. Action series especially are not my cup of tea but this movie just sucks you in so fast. When this one was finished it did not feel like 2 ish hours I'd been watching a movie I was mad because I wanted to know more and what happened next. Definitely must sound the caution bells that they left it open and Matt Damon (sexiest man alive....agreed!) just signed to do the fourth. I want to know what happens next but I'd rather be left waiting then run the series in the ground so have to deduct points for possible overexposure.
both sexy sad movies for different reason and should be picked up with your next Blockbuster excursion.
3.21.2008
Wow man
So first. I'm happy its spring. One because my birthday is spring so now I"m excited about how soon it is til I'm older. Second the snow is gone. Third its almost warmer or at least it appears to be. ALSO spirits are up and apparently all of the crazies have come out to play.
Let me propose this question to any male readers. I'm open to female interpretation but obviously the male perspective would be most helpful.
So you break up with a guy. Long term long distance relationship where 50% of the time there were serious problems. So the woman finally leaves because she cannot take it anymore and needs her independence and sanity back. They agree that the break up was inevitable and they should attempt to remain friends after they both cool their jets, seeing as how they had been good friends before. Yet the gentleman in the situation contacts his ex, says they should get together to talk, doesn't call. Same scenario she left for. About 3 months after he was supposed to call to arrange a friends luncheon and about 7 after the break up....out of the blue emails appear. Followed by a phone call proclaiming that they should try friendship again because he is going to give 100% this time blah blah blah.....now there are calls and emails all buddy-buddy.
Now the question is: what is the statue of limitations on the "lets still be friends line"?
Obviously when we broke up it was meant because there hadn't been all of the runaround. So given that the pattern of sporadic contact is setting its stage...and that it was half a world ago that it was said without any fight to be friends then or care about the woman's well being. Does she still have to upkeep her offer after all the heartache and lies she has been subjected to? No even that she is unwilling to be friends because they are exes but that as a friend he has not been a good friend.
Anyways chew it over. Think it out. Advice is always welcome.
I can't even make these stories up I swear.....all based on my own or others experiences. And spring is awesome because apparently it warms people up to interesting thoughts.
Til' we meet again.
Let me propose this question to any male readers. I'm open to female interpretation but obviously the male perspective would be most helpful.
So you break up with a guy. Long term long distance relationship where 50% of the time there were serious problems. So the woman finally leaves because she cannot take it anymore and needs her independence and sanity back. They agree that the break up was inevitable and they should attempt to remain friends after they both cool their jets, seeing as how they had been good friends before. Yet the gentleman in the situation contacts his ex, says they should get together to talk, doesn't call. Same scenario she left for. About 3 months after he was supposed to call to arrange a friends luncheon and about 7 after the break up....out of the blue emails appear. Followed by a phone call proclaiming that they should try friendship again because he is going to give 100% this time blah blah blah.....now there are calls and emails all buddy-buddy.
Now the question is: what is the statue of limitations on the "lets still be friends line"?
Obviously when we broke up it was meant because there hadn't been all of the runaround. So given that the pattern of sporadic contact is setting its stage...and that it was half a world ago that it was said without any fight to be friends then or care about the woman's well being. Does she still have to upkeep her offer after all the heartache and lies she has been subjected to? No even that she is unwilling to be friends because they are exes but that as a friend he has not been a good friend.
Anyways chew it over. Think it out. Advice is always welcome.
I can't even make these stories up I swear.....all based on my own or others experiences. And spring is awesome because apparently it warms people up to interesting thoughts.
Til' we meet again.
3.16.2008
Welcome to the real world she said to me condescendingly....
so spring break was so great....all of my favorite things: meeting new people, ridiculously long road trips, car problems, oodles of manual labor and volunteering, the ocean, exploring.
seriously amazing. until we hit the 20 minute mark where we knew it was back to the real world. and I hate to break it to ya: the real world is no fun. at all. ever.
I don't know. Its stress period for sure esp. for the cool college cats. Finals are a month-ish away....I have to schedule classes that I don't even have time to pick out. I have a major project about every day until finals. Plus work, plus family/outside obligations, plus ghosts of the past trying to randomly reconnect.........................my brain is going into a panic just listing it....its starting to have an anxiety attack that I'm even taking 10 minutes to type this out instead of studying/plotting/committing to the rest of my life right now.
Its a wonder that I don't' spontaneously explode before my birthday this year. I try to go for a run every night. do yoga. read before bed. catch the news. hell i'd love to watch a movie but i don't have two free hours of time. watching the news has become me flipping it on and falling asleep before the first story finishes for yoga is one pose until i remember something that needs to be done and have to abandon my supposed escape from the world.
I'm also insanely sick of hearing : well your not even in the real world yet brace yourself. F that. If the real world is wilder/less fun that this count me out. I've gotta find a job where I can be a lazy betch like celebrities but actually accomplish something with my life like I want to.
idk what the h to do? How do you do this thing called life? Is this just my little panic for the semester or am I starting to get in over my head?
I hope it is another portion of my quarter life crisis. Because that would mean it has an end. sigh.
On a positive note congratulations to my fabulous aunt who just celebrated her five years cancer free!!!!!!! 62% of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer will die and she is still livin' and lovin' in remission.
Much love <3
seriously amazing. until we hit the 20 minute mark where we knew it was back to the real world. and I hate to break it to ya: the real world is no fun. at all. ever.
I don't know. Its stress period for sure esp. for the cool college cats. Finals are a month-ish away....I have to schedule classes that I don't even have time to pick out. I have a major project about every day until finals. Plus work, plus family/outside obligations, plus ghosts of the past trying to randomly reconnect.........................my brain is going into a panic just listing it....its starting to have an anxiety attack that I'm even taking 10 minutes to type this out instead of studying/plotting/committing to the rest of my life right now.
Its a wonder that I don't' spontaneously explode before my birthday this year. I try to go for a run every night. do yoga. read before bed. catch the news. hell i'd love to watch a movie but i don't have two free hours of time. watching the news has become me flipping it on and falling asleep before the first story finishes for yoga is one pose until i remember something that needs to be done and have to abandon my supposed escape from the world.
I'm also insanely sick of hearing : well your not even in the real world yet brace yourself. F that. If the real world is wilder/less fun that this count me out. I've gotta find a job where I can be a lazy betch like celebrities but actually accomplish something with my life like I want to.
idk what the h to do? How do you do this thing called life? Is this just my little panic for the semester or am I starting to get in over my head?
I hope it is another portion of my quarter life crisis. Because that would mean it has an end. sigh.
On a positive note congratulations to my fabulous aunt who just celebrated her five years cancer free!!!!!!! 62% of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer will die and she is still livin' and lovin' in remission.
Much love <3
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