Okay, it has been quite a while since I updated my movie blog. Ooops. Please forgive me! ;) K, here goes!
"Brief Interviews With Hideous Men" (2009) - I was disappointed in this movie. It was obvious that it was a research journal of some sort and I would have loved to read it as such. It would have been more suited to a stage play and left me disappointed, cinematically speaking. There is something important about knowing one's social media and one's audience. One has to know the strengths and weaknesses of the method of presentation, and I would much rather read the book on which the movie was based. If not that, a stage play would take second place, but I feel that would come off just as smarmily. Sorry, John Krasinski.
"The 'burbs' "(1989) - I must admit, I love Tom Hanks and this film was just soooo much fun. I've loved it ever since the day we taped it off of T.V. This time around, I watched it with some family members and realized that the VHS copy had seen better days, so I bought the DVD (actually a 3 pack of Tom Hanks movies). This movie has a lot going for it. One thing I love is the subtly of some of the comedy. One has to pay attention to what's going on to really catch every grain of humor. It also encompasses an era that I find to be highly entertaining, what with Corey Feldman and all. (Goonies is one of my faves, so I can't pass up the opportunity, right?) All in all, I highly recommend watching The Burbs. ;)
" The Rainbow Warriors of Waiheke Island " (1992?) - This documentary is one of those that touched me deeply on a level and I'll try to explain why. I was born in the year the Greenpeace ship was bombed, but that barely touches on it. My mother said she didn't remember because she was busy trying to raise her four children (at the time). But these people belonged to an era that I can only dream about and study, and this is one of the 'textbooks' on which these studies can be based. These Greenpeace warriors put their lives on the line to protect wildlife and protect us against nuclear testing. It was a time when you could really stand for something and it was important. It's nothing like the protests of today because the current ones (not all of them, but prominent ones in the U.S.) are built on party lines, these falsehoods of humanity centered around politics. The Rainbow Warriors were defending life. I know this sounds trippy, but I can't help but admire these unsung heroes who put their lives on the line, not to gain dominance over another political party, but to encourage and support a healthier and safer way of life. I wish this documentary was more well-known, and highly encourage you to get your hands on a copy and soak up the history no one's talking about.
"Summer Hours" (2008) - This French flick was a very quiet film that let us witness how we as people develop attachments to material goods. And how we often never speak up when these things are threatened. I found it to be an interesting, albeit slow, movie. It also called to mind family dynamics and the secrets we might not know. I thought it was interesting how the parents acted in the "best interest" of the children/teens, but without ever really consulting the teens. At the end, we see the teenage daughter mourning the loss of what was taken away and her inability to do anything about it. It makes you question the worth of your own possessions and what memories they keep for you. Once the person with the memories is gone, the object is still just an object. What then? Does it have importance or are we silly to attach ourselves to these creations?
"My Life in Ruins" (2009) - This comedy is along the lines of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" not only because it stars Nia Vardalos and has to do with Greeks, but for the humor in the humiliated main character who has to learn to let go a little. I watched this film three times because my family and I enjoyed it so. If you give yourself over to the laughter and allow yourself to smile, this film can take you there. I can see some viewers not 'getting' it, but I do enjoy the actress, the type of comedy and the simple message. I also happen to know the director, but that's not enough to sway me! I'd intended to see it first-run, then second, but got my hands on a DVD and held onto it for at least 3 weeks. Ooops! But when a particular film hits your funny bone and your view of life, you can't help but appreciate it, right? I think this film, as well as Nia is quite underappreciated and of course I am a strong proponent of Poupi Kakas and all things potty humor. ;)
"My Bloody Wedding" (2010) - This is another case of knowing the director, however, I'm not as in love with it as the previously mentioned film. This film is definitely in the campy, kitschy humor zone and I think it was just a little off-mark. It seemed to be simultaneously poking fun at both horror films and the horror film satires as well, and I am uncertain if that was the intent. As a satire of a satire, we were witness to over the top acting from all the characters, but at least it had it's own unique monsters. The outtakes were pretty awesome, though ;) I do appreciate indie filmmaking and I this is it. I have seen another of the director's films "My Name is Jerry" which was mentioned in a previous post (March or April 2010?)
"The Triplets of Belleville" (2003) - I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that I may have previously written about this movie in one of my first blog entries. If not, I will just say, this cartoon is NOT for children. It would be a confusing story line for a child to understand and has some themes or nudity that might not be appreciated. But don't look to me to tell you what your children should watch! According to the imdb page, thie film is highly accredited/awarded and it's so absurd, it's highly lovable. It's French, for one, and while this might not be a good reason for some people, the humor is so out there that you can't help but laugh. The film is mainly without dialogue, so no worries to those of you who detest subtitles. Hopefully you are not the same that cannot watch a film that doesn't have a convoluted plot. It basically doesn't hold anyone or anything sacred and that's half the fun of it. It's irreverent humor and highly recommended.
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002) - Yes, I previously mentioned this film in this very post, but apparently it was on television when I was staying at Grandma's, and to my surprise, my parents were watching it at their house on television too, followed by the next movie I'll discuss. Anyway, this is one of my family's favorite movies and I've seen it many a time. I think we can relate to and appreciate it because of the makeup of our own family. We are a mix of course, but with a heavy Polish bloodline on one side. I think anyone who has chaos in a big number of family members can relate. I think the theme of this film is that sometimes we are too lost in what we think our role is a person that we surprise ourselves to find out that we are capable of more and that others won't be so surprised to accept us when we let ourselves bloom. It's a great film for those of us (the great majority of the world) that are not movie star quality all the time. It's a film that shows our inner character just may need extra time to get out! Feel good flick, if ever there was one. And brings a favorite one-liner for my family: "Why you want to leeeave me?"
"Runaway Bride" (1999) - Never saw it when it came out, but finally one night huddled in front of the television. It's an okay flick. Mo-def a predictable rom-com. I liked it on principle I suppose, for the message it tries to send about knowing oneself fully before committing to a relationship and expecting everything to fall together. I think many people rush into marriage without knowing who they are as an independent person and it's most important to know thyself. This film isn't anything mind-boggling or thought provoking of course, but if you want a fluff piece for a day in, sure, why not?
"How to Drain Your Dragon" (2010) - I'm 100% positive that I've discussed this film in a previous entry, quite possibly the most recent, but I figure it's worth another go. This time I actually saw it with an 11 year old and not someone in my own age range. Each time though, it was lots of fun. I love the message of this film and the characters are lots of fun. And of course, a strong supporting female character (who is stronger than several of the males, okay, they're Vikings, but still!) is always appreciated. The main message of the film is that we should sometimes question why things are done the way they are and whether it's the best way. In this case, yes I am telling you what to let your children watch! ;)
"Eat Pray Love" (2010) - I first read the book in Spanish, go me. The film was alright, of course, with many variations from the book, but that's to be expected. It really has to be, to condense a year plus and three countries into such a short time period. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all be paid to travel? I'm pretty sure I could handle that. It's basically a story about the luxurious rich who are the only ones who can afford to travel and search for spirituality, while the rest of us suckers have to find it while working our humdrum jobs and staying put when we can't afford a vacation to the next town over. Yes, I'm jealous in a way, but at the same point, I don't need to pretend that by traveling, all the answers come suddenly more clear. It helps, though, or is at most, a very good excuse! I suppose that if one is out of balance, something extreme might be the only answer, or at best, the most entertaining. I am currently reading a book that is a satire of her book. It's the male's fiction version: Drink, Play, F@#k! Boy, do I love it!
"Shrek Forever After" (2010) - Yet another children's movie meant for adults. It was fun and had a lot of laughs. Am I sad that Shrek is no more? No, not really. All empires must come to an end. I think I missed the third Shrek, but that's not really a biggie, right? Nope.
"Boy A" (2007) - Based on a true story and an interesting concept, but the execution, pardon the pun, was a little slow and painful. The main character, while naive and innocent was painfully female in his relation. It's hard to envision someone like that. I do like the idea, but don't know that it was done well enough. It was more painful and awkward. Good concept, unfortunate execution.
"Monsters Inc" (2001) - Okay, so maybe the point of this blog entry is that I didn't get out of the house much for new movies and actually watched a few that I've seen several times before, but still, I feel inclined to let you know! This has the same message of "How to Drain Your Dragon" in that we should question the status quo. The characters are fun to watch and the story is fun as well. Fun. There you have it. ;)
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004) - You either like Wes Anderson and his posse, or you don't. I happen to do. ;) Yes, I've seen this before, but there isn't any harm in re-watching movies, right? I'm unsure if this one was mentioned in my blog entries previously, but here goes. It's goofy, irreverent and absurd. I'm beginning to think those are my qualifications for like liking a movie. I love me some Bill Murray (long before I knew he was roomies with a professor of mine!) and this movie lets him be the goofball we all know and love. Interestingly enough, the character is a bit similar to another film I will soon discuss... stay tuned for that one! This is interesting to watch in light of The Rainbow Warriors of Waiheke Island but this is definitely on the irreverent side of that. It's fun to see people acting absurdly and it being considered standard behavior.
"Connie and Carla" (2004) - This movie is right up my alley. Two girls have to dress up as drag queens. And one of them is my beloved Nia Vardalos. Thank you very much! The other is Toni Collette, who leads in another film I'll discuss in this post. It's campy and funny and I love me some gays, so dammit, this was the best find in a grocery store movie bin in a long time! Oh, and I kind of love dressing up as a tranny/drag queen, myself! Not a secret, really. Just a weird obsession. haha
"To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" (1995) - Had I known at age 10 that this movie would mean so much to me, I would have not been allowed to see anyway. Lol. I'm sure that I've covered this film numerous times, but it's now been a year since our beloved Patrick Swayze has passed on to that stage show in the sky. =( This film reminds us to stay true to ourselves and to always leave the world a little more fabulous than we found it.
"9 Dead Gay Guys" (2002) - Just blame it on the UK for this irreverent flick about two Irish lads trying to navigate the gay scene in London. It's very out there and unabashed, so beware! I found it to be kind of fun, if not just a good use of characterization. Not for the weak of mind.
"Bend It Like Beckham" (2002) - Another flick with gay influence, making four in a row. This altered my mind apparently as a straight female. SIDE STORY: After watching these four gay-friendly movies, I was telling a friend who I was going to soon visit in his Northwestern state, that the joke at work is that I am a man. He then tried to get back to the subject at hand and asked: "What do you wanna do when you come out?" I replied, " Well, I'd like to have a stage show". He laughed. "I meant, when you come out to visit me". So, moral of the story is that my laugh has been made fabulous by so many gay flicks and I think I really would like a stage show! In another note, by checking out the imdb page for this flick, I've noticed that the lead, Parminder Nagra, is absolutely GORGEOUS and should get more work! I want to see more of her! (and less of Keira Knightley. BOO! Yes, I'm a hater)
"Muriel's Wedding" (1994) - As promised, another flick with Toni Collette. I liked what I saw of this flick, but it was a bit unnerving/disturbing since I'm basically the opposite of Muriel in as far as obsessions towards weddings. But she saw a wedding as a means to being someone important, which of course she has to unlearn. And Porpoise Spit seems like the ultimate drag! Poor girl! Although, staying with the rich swimmer might not have been so bad! ;)
"Get Low" (2009) - Bill Murray! My Man! So I mentioned previously that his role in Life Aquatic was very similar to that of this movie. Also starring: Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Lucas Black. This film was really really good. It was in the 1930s and Duvall played a hermit with a backstory who wanted to have a party instead of a funeral. And of couse, he wanted to be present, so I guess one could call it a FUN-eral, eh? This concept back then would have been absurd, and I'm sure it's not entirely commonplace even today, but I know my own father has mentioned he would rather have people celebrate his life than mourn his passing. I like this idea and would want a party too, so of course I would want to attend. Really, sounds like fun. I guess a birthday is a true celebration of an individual, but that's expected. Hmm, I think I have some thinking to do.
"The Kids are All Right" (2010) - I liked the concept of the lesbian moms and their two kids who wanted to find their sperm donor. The fact that the couple was demonstrated to have the same problems that hetero couples have is probably nice, but I would probably choose Mark Ruffalo. Yummy! ;) Although, love me some Julianne Moore. =D
"Away We Go" (2009) - This movie was not highly enjoyable. I get what they were were going for and I like all the actors (well most of them), but it was trying too hard and was a bit forced. I know that sounds like a generalized critique without much of a road map as to how to fix it, but that's just the impression I got. That and I'm always turned off by pregnancy movies. Ugh. Yeah, that's my own issue for sure. Still, the beginning of the movie was confusing as to where it was going and what was happening and how I was supposed to feel for the characters. Eh.
So 23 movies in over two and a half months. I do have valid excuses this time.... a life! =D
So those are the movies I've seen since my last update and my general thoughts on all of them. Hope you have found something to watch! :)
