Saturday, November 09, 2013

Enlighten Up! (2008); Heavy Weights (1995); Love For Sale (2006); Broken English (2007); High Fidelity (2000); Brick Lane (2007); The World's End (2013); Charulata (1964); Forks Over Knives (2011); What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012); The Sessions (2012); Para Elisa (2013); The Haunter (2013); They Live (1988); Halloween (1978); 56 Up (2012)

It's been quite a while. I've watched 16 movies in three months since I last updated this blog. That's not a lot compared to what I usually watch, but I've been working more, writing...and watching TV shows. :) So here goes.

Enlighten Up! (2008)

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This was an interesting movie because it examined spirituality as a commodity. A filmmaker basically tried to make an unspiritual man into a spiritual man through yoga. I've often shaken my head at the commercialism that yoga has undergone, and how unlike traditional yoga it has become. So it was great to see this examined more thoroughly. I recommend this movie for anyone interested in yoga, spirituality, or examining making an ancient practice into some kind of sellable commodity. Notes after rewatching trailer: Oh, also if you want to see really cool places without leaving your comfortable home. And the laughter yoga seems kind of fun ;)

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Heavy Weights (1995)  

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Sometime during my youth, I watched this show on The Disney Channel, over and over again. (We may have taped it off TV... but I'll never admit that in a court of law!) I really liked this movie and this time got to introduce it to my nephews, who also really enjoyed it. I like the actors and enjoy seeing them appear in other movies and shows. It's interesting that the movie poster makes the kids look smaller than they are. Makes me wonder if this is some kind of fat-shaming or if it's reminiscent of some fake posters we see in the movie? It's a movie about underdogs, to which most people can relate because we all feel out of place sometime. It's a load of fun and I recommend it.
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Love For Sale (2006)  

or "O Céu de Suely" (original title)

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Sometimes foreign films move at a different pace, or maybe it's learning to adapt to another culture. This film makes you, or tries to make you, empathize with someone you may dismiss. It makes you think about morals and why we have them, where we fall on a spectrum. I'm not sure if I liked it or not... it's been almost 3 months since I watched, but if you are looking for a boundary expander, check this one out. It's not necessarily full of characters you'd like to know personally, but that's the beauty of cinema: be a peeping tom into another world with little repercussion, other than your own new outlook.
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Broken English (2007)

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This is one of those mopey "ugh, I'll never find anybody" type movies, but it's a good one that shows us that life isn't always as simple as we think it is when we compare our lives to someone else's. Everyone is dealing with their own drama, and it's just about finding someone willing to deal with yours. If you like Parker Posey, you've probably already seen this, and I think I may have already seen this film before, but it was nice to watch. Just be prepared for a lot of ennui. ;)

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High Fidelity (2000)

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This is another "woe is me, love sucks" movies. I found it kind of annoying and pretentious. I know, I know, how dare I say that about a 'current classic'. I think one has to know music better to appreciate it. I will say, I know we have all wondered about our past loves but most of us would never contact them. Not exactly my type of movie, but some of the characters were fun. I enjoyed seeing Darlene from Roseanne make an appearance. :)
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 Brick Lane (2007)

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If you've been an immigrant or foreigner in another land, you can appreciate this film. It's a great look at the role that women play in families and how torn they can be trying to make the sacrifices they are called to make. It's a beautiful movie and I do recommend it.
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The World's End (2013)

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I absolutely love Simoon Pegg/Nick Frost movies. Everything is so well tied together. Every reference you see on screen is a loose-end that WILL be tied up. Very clever and characteristic of their other films you've come to know and love. 

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Charulata (1964)

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From what I can understand, it is a classic film from a classic filmmaker in a bygone era. I always appreciate Indian films, and lucky for you, there is no song and dance in this one. It IS two hours long though. It was enjoyable though. Morality, attraction, housewife going crazy. :) But in a good way, I guess. ;)

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Forks Over Knives (2011)


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I found this movie to be quite interesting. It examines how food can make our break our health. Of course, the filmmakers promote a certain way of eating, but to me it made sense, especially with the facts they provide. It was kind of a way to look at genetically, evolutionarily, what should we be eating? It's an interesting idea that eating or not eating certain foods could have such a monumental impact to our affliction with cancer and/or heart disease. The idea that one's diet is such a large factor makes sense and it's worth a watch, especially when one sees how profoundly it affects some of the people on screen. I know it's made me think more carefully about what I put into my body. Most definitely worth a watch!

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What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

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This is definitely not my type of movie. If all goes according to plan, I won't be personally dealing with pregnancy, so pregnancy/baby movies are not my favorite themes. But it was research for a script I hope to co-write with the similarly-childfree-minded friend who suggested this film to me. I can't say it was an amazing film but you know if it's the type of movie you'd like to watch, so don't let me stop you! There is some truth and funniness to it, and I'll admit there was one part with Cameron Diaz holding the baby where I did tear up because I got the preciousness of life and all that jazz, but being an aunt is my ticket! Do what feels right... including watching or avoiding this movie! ha! :)
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The Sessions (2012)

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I'd wanted to see this movie from the moment I saw the trailer. The topic and actors really intrigued me. I thought it was really well done and am interested in the true life story. It was a great story we rarely see and I did cry at the end. Brilliant and touching film!

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Para Elisa (2013)

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I'm not usually into horror films, but one of my short scripts was accepted into the Mile High Horror Film Festival and one of my friends picked out this movie. Good choice. Bloody, creepy, nerve-wracking, and left us talking. I do recommend this Spanish horror film if you get the chance. Looked great.
 
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The Haunter (2013)

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Also one of the movies I saw at the Mile High Horror Film Festival; also picked out by my friend; also a great choice! It wasn't typical horror in that the main character is already dead! Abigail Breslin did a great job! Definitely check this film out for a suspenseful, well-done movie. This basically is more creep factor, less-bloody than the previous movie.
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They Live (1988)

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Also part of the Mile High Horror Film Festival AND I got to see Meg Foster, meet Roddy Piper and have him sign a couple items for a friend ;) (video here) It was better than I expected, knowing what little I knew about it. The music was minimalist and creepy a la John Carpenter. I liked the concept and how it played with our perception of good and evil... And I want me a pair of those dang sunglasses! 
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Halloween (1978)


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Okay, I was coerced into seeing this film, but had seen all the documentaries about it leading up to actually seeing the film, so I knew what I was getting into... John Carpenter's minimalist and creepy musical compositions. The film did what it was supposed to do but I wanted to slap Jamie Lee Curtis. Every time she thought she killed him, she turned away and then he was back in action. P.S. I've got Halloween fatigue I can't even watch the trailer! Too much documentary! ;)
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56 Up (2012)

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I had watched the film 49 UP a few years ago and was just thinking 'I wonder if the next one came out yet' and looked it up... it was released about two days prior! Basically this is the latest installment in a documentary that has interviewed the same group of people every 7 years since they were age 7. It's extremely interesting! It really makes you stop to think about physical and personal growth that we make in our lifetimes. I wish there was a little more variety, but it's a really cool concept. It helps open the world up a little more and create bonds with fellow humans. 

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