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! :)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
14 movies in a month.... Eh
I can't be blamed. My sister got married in June, so there wasn't as much time for movie watching. But I did okay for a working slob :)
Kites (2010) - This was my Bollywood with a hint of Latin fusion. My go-to Indian couple said it sucked. I'll have to agree that it was pretty ridiculous. It featured Hrithik Roshan who has an extra thumb on his right hand. If you're going to suffer through the movie, watch for that ;0) I will say that the most redeeming part of the movie was a joke in Spanish that only I understood. The rest of the theatre was made up of Indians. For ONCE it was I who got the first laugh!
A Mighty Wind (2003) - This was a Christopher Guest movie that was a tongue-in-cheek look at the folk music world of the 60s and 70s. Of course, it was a typical Guest movie and very enjoyable :)
Kandukondain Kandukondain (original title)/ I Have Found It (2000) - bollywood version of Sense and Sensibility with Ash Rai. You know the story: two sisters and their dudes, one of them old enough to date the mother. This movie is actually in Telugu, which will make mera Kalyan-ji happy :)
A Walk to Beautiful (2007) - This movie is heartbreaking. Women in other countries are suffering pain and disgrace because of a medical problem post-childbirth that is caused by their bodies formations in their culture's conditions. I'm taking about fistula obstetrics. You can actually watch this movie on line and I recommend you do. Watch here.
Prince Among Slaves (2007) - A PBS doc (narrated by Mos Def) about Abdul-Rahman an African prince forced into slavery in the U.S. Has a really cool montage of his descendents at the end! You can watch it in pieces on youtube here.
My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) - Only appropriate to watch the day after my sister's wedding, right? Haha. And I watched it on VHS. Word. Actually, if you click the link, it takes you to the imdb page and you can watch the movie online!
Casi Casi (2006) - I think the words "adorable" and "clever" sum this movie up pretty well! If you can manage to watch a Spanish-language movie, my bet is that you'll love this gem!
Little Britain USA (2008) - Okay, this is a TV show, but I watched the first season on DVD within a coule days. If you are a fun of crude British humor, you will love this. Some of the stuff is actually directed by David Schwimmer. Highly recommendable for the crass people I know! ;)
The Three Stooges Meet Hercules (1962) - Watch this gem online by clicking the link. The Three Stooges are wonderful, as usual! And it's quite humorous to see the characters that play against them. Really, you can't go wrong with the Stooges!
Hawaii, Oslo (2004) - This movie is one of those examples of great storytelling showing the interwoven lives of its characters. Takes place in Sweden and is definitely a must-see!!!
Wesele (The Wedding) (2004) - Do you love messed-up weddings and/or seeing Polish people in action? Then you'll love this one. Watched it with my parents a week after my sister's wedding and I'm VERY glad hers didn't end up like this! It's kinda twisted but an interesting ride for sure. It's kinda like watching a car wreck but not having to file a police report ;)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) - I know this one wasn't incredibly popular, but I enjoyed watching it. I always love the jokes that are put in there for the adults, because let's face it: good kids' movies are aimed towards the adults. Fact. I would like to point out that Mr. T did a great voiceover!
Monsoon Wedding (2001) - I just feel inclined to say that one of my besties met Mira Nair! AND had her sign a movie for me! HEART YOU, XAVS!! Oh, and Mira Nair of course. This movie is about more than just another Indian wedding, but digs into the personalities present. Having been blessed to attend an Indian wedding, I'm glad "ours" went smoother than this one. Gee, that seems to be the theme for this month! Three wedding movies?! Not too shabby for someone who doesn't care much for weddings! Haha
Blue Velvet (1986) - I just watched this movie tonight and am trying to forget that I did. It's a very disturbing movie, not only for the images you see, but for how you react to them. I wouldn't have known to pick it off the shelf at the library had my aunt and uncle not mentioned it when we wanted to watch a movie to honor the late Dennis Hopper. Heavy. Worth a watch, but dang!
So, there you have it, folks. If you can't find something to watch here, you're too picky! ;) If you have seen them or if you do watch them, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. AND if you have any suggestions, send them my way! Peace!
Kites (2010) - This was my Bollywood with a hint of Latin fusion. My go-to Indian couple said it sucked. I'll have to agree that it was pretty ridiculous. It featured Hrithik Roshan who has an extra thumb on his right hand. If you're going to suffer through the movie, watch for that ;0) I will say that the most redeeming part of the movie was a joke in Spanish that only I understood. The rest of the theatre was made up of Indians. For ONCE it was I who got the first laugh!
A Mighty Wind (2003) - This was a Christopher Guest movie that was a tongue-in-cheek look at the folk music world of the 60s and 70s. Of course, it was a typical Guest movie and very enjoyable :)
Kandukondain Kandukondain (original title)/ I Have Found It (2000) - bollywood version of Sense and Sensibility with Ash Rai. You know the story: two sisters and their dudes, one of them old enough to date the mother. This movie is actually in Telugu, which will make mera Kalyan-ji happy :)
A Walk to Beautiful (2007) - This movie is heartbreaking. Women in other countries are suffering pain and disgrace because of a medical problem post-childbirth that is caused by their bodies formations in their culture's conditions. I'm taking about fistula obstetrics. You can actually watch this movie on line and I recommend you do. Watch here.
Prince Among Slaves (2007) - A PBS doc (narrated by Mos Def) about Abdul-Rahman an African prince forced into slavery in the U.S. Has a really cool montage of his descendents at the end! You can watch it in pieces on youtube here.
My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) - Only appropriate to watch the day after my sister's wedding, right? Haha. And I watched it on VHS. Word. Actually, if you click the link, it takes you to the imdb page and you can watch the movie online!
Casi Casi (2006) - I think the words "adorable" and "clever" sum this movie up pretty well! If you can manage to watch a Spanish-language movie, my bet is that you'll love this gem!
Little Britain USA (2008) - Okay, this is a TV show, but I watched the first season on DVD within a coule days. If you are a fun of crude British humor, you will love this. Some of the stuff is actually directed by David Schwimmer. Highly recommendable for the crass people I know! ;)
The Three Stooges Meet Hercules (1962) - Watch this gem online by clicking the link. The Three Stooges are wonderful, as usual! And it's quite humorous to see the characters that play against them. Really, you can't go wrong with the Stooges!
Hawaii, Oslo (2004) - This movie is one of those examples of great storytelling showing the interwoven lives of its characters. Takes place in Sweden and is definitely a must-see!!!
Wesele (The Wedding) (2004) - Do you love messed-up weddings and/or seeing Polish people in action? Then you'll love this one. Watched it with my parents a week after my sister's wedding and I'm VERY glad hers didn't end up like this! It's kinda twisted but an interesting ride for sure. It's kinda like watching a car wreck but not having to file a police report ;)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) - I know this one wasn't incredibly popular, but I enjoyed watching it. I always love the jokes that are put in there for the adults, because let's face it: good kids' movies are aimed towards the adults. Fact. I would like to point out that Mr. T did a great voiceover!
Monsoon Wedding (2001) - I just feel inclined to say that one of my besties met Mira Nair! AND had her sign a movie for me! HEART YOU, XAVS!! Oh, and Mira Nair of course. This movie is about more than just another Indian wedding, but digs into the personalities present. Having been blessed to attend an Indian wedding, I'm glad "ours" went smoother than this one. Gee, that seems to be the theme for this month! Three wedding movies?! Not too shabby for someone who doesn't care much for weddings! Haha
Blue Velvet (1986) - I just watched this movie tonight and am trying to forget that I did. It's a very disturbing movie, not only for the images you see, but for how you react to them. I wouldn't have known to pick it off the shelf at the library had my aunt and uncle not mentioned it when we wanted to watch a movie to honor the late Dennis Hopper. Heavy. Worth a watch, but dang!
So, there you have it, folks. If you can't find something to watch here, you're too picky! ;) If you have seen them or if you do watch them, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. AND if you have any suggestions, send them my way! Peace!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
a new low
Wow, I think I only watched 8 movies since last post. BOO! Very bad!
Dialogues of the Exiled - a 70's look at the Chilean exiles living in France. storyline is hard to follow, since there isn't much of one. Very 70's filmmaking style.
Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief - I'm kind of a sucker for the movies that play with old myths. I enjoyed this flick.
The Wild Hunt - WIN! LOVED this film! Highly recommendable.
Summer Camp! - As a former camper AND camp counselor, I can completely relate to this flick. Enjoyable for sure.
Chris & Don - Pretty interesting look into a gay couple that was separated by 30 years!
How to Train Your Dragon - Wish I would have seen it in 3-D. I always like the movies that challenge us to re-think what we were taught. :)
Good Hair - Really liked this movie. Right amount of comedy and truth w/o making a stance. Left that up to the audience.
Precious - Finally got around to seeing it. Didn't cry, thankfully, but was very glad for my blessings of a healthy childhood :(
A Jihad for Love - Another movie that makes me count my blessings. Shows the difficulty of gays that have to reconile their sexuality with their Islamic religion. If you didn't know, in some countries, homosexuality is illegal and is "just cause" for murder. :(
Okay, so that's 9. Still. Not a lot of film watching, but I'm a busy gal! Peace!
Dialogues of the Exiled - a 70's look at the Chilean exiles living in France. storyline is hard to follow, since there isn't much of one. Very 70's filmmaking style.
Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief - I'm kind of a sucker for the movies that play with old myths. I enjoyed this flick.
The Wild Hunt - WIN! LOVED this film! Highly recommendable.
Summer Camp! - As a former camper AND camp counselor, I can completely relate to this flick. Enjoyable for sure.
Chris & Don - Pretty interesting look into a gay couple that was separated by 30 years!
How to Train Your Dragon - Wish I would have seen it in 3-D. I always like the movies that challenge us to re-think what we were taught. :)
Good Hair - Really liked this movie. Right amount of comedy and truth w/o making a stance. Left that up to the audience.
Precious - Finally got around to seeing it. Didn't cry, thankfully, but was very glad for my blessings of a healthy childhood :(
A Jihad for Love - Another movie that makes me count my blessings. Shows the difficulty of gays that have to reconile their sexuality with their Islamic religion. If you didn't know, in some countries, homosexuality is illegal and is "just cause" for murder. :(
Okay, so that's 9. Still. Not a lot of film watching, but I'm a busy gal! Peace!
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Only 12 movies?! For shame!
Okay, I'll admit. 12 movies in just over a month's time is pretty pathetic for someone who used to watch 2 or 3 movies every day for school. I should be ashamed and kind of am, except maybe this indicates I was actually a productive member of society since I wasn't watching so many movies. But I'm not sure that's true!
It's Winter: Iranian film that shows the plight of the working class and what happens when one has to make hard choices. Interesting to see life in a world which is so often obscured from our understanding.
Have Rocket, Will Travel :
Three Stooges are always a good time! If you don't laugh, your face is too tight! ;) This one you can watch online, so don't worry about searching through your rental queue.
Hud: Paul Newman, may he rest in peace. Yet another flick where a good man plays a bad boy. Interesting look at the cattle world and the family dynamics for this particular ranch. Besides being a good character study, I learned a bit about cattle ranching ;) AND about how good Paul looks! Ha cha cha! (but I already knew that!)
Secret of the Mountain: If it looks like a made-for-TV movie... Definitely safe for the kids. The little girl was pretty cute! Fun adventure story. Not the best movie ever, but fun.
Confessions of a Superhero: Available to watch online! Yay! A very intersting look at the characters in Hollywood and what it means to them to stand around and take pictures for tips.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Secret of the Ooze: Okay, okay, I know. Not a very film scholar-esque movie to see. But it's a childhood favorite and since it was playing in a local theatre at a midnight show... I just had to indulge. All I can say is "Go, ninja, go, ninja, go!" ;)
Peacock: Very talented cast here, especially Cillian Murphy. For those Juno fans, check out Ellen Page in a more dramatic role. Also Susan Sarrandon and Bill Pullman. Dark film and look at cross-dressing.
Beauty Academy of Kabul: I saw this title on the movie rental shelf years ago but only just got around to watching it. Interesting look at Afghanistan for anyone, whether interested in beauty or the human plight.
Avatar: I'm a little disappointed I didn't see it in 3-D and that it took me this long to get around to it. The creatures were cool and of course, being a Mother Nature fan, the storyline was right up my alley. It wasn't the most amazing movie ever, but the visual effects were cool. I like the fantasy of it but the story is one of the basics.
Bull: This one you will not find on IMDB. Believe me. It's a short my aunt and some of her friends made in 1999. No, no the one listed on imdb. It's a sentimental flick for the fact that I have family in it. And was surprised to find this time, that a film friend that has passed, was also in it. Wish I would have watched it between meeting him and his passing. I'm sure that would have been an intersting convo. :(
Hercules: Although phsyically too skinny, I've always loved Meg's saucy-ness! Who put the glad in gladiator? Hercules! Sometimes you just have to watch a Disney flick and release your inner child :)
Pageant: Several gay men compete for the title of Miss Gay America. Had a lot of fun watching this one. I don't care what your opinion is of homosexuality. It takes a lot of talent to dress in drag and entertain a crowd. More power to them!
So, there you have it. My movies watched, mostly in April. Hopefully I'll be watching more soon and more regularly. Hope you found at least one or two to check out soon :) Peace!
It's Winter: Iranian film that shows the plight of the working class and what happens when one has to make hard choices. Interesting to see life in a world which is so often obscured from our understanding.
Have Rocket, Will Travel :
Three Stooges are always a good time! If you don't laugh, your face is too tight! ;) This one you can watch online, so don't worry about searching through your rental queue.
Hud: Paul Newman, may he rest in peace. Yet another flick where a good man plays a bad boy. Interesting look at the cattle world and the family dynamics for this particular ranch. Besides being a good character study, I learned a bit about cattle ranching ;) AND about how good Paul looks! Ha cha cha! (but I already knew that!)
Secret of the Mountain: If it looks like a made-for-TV movie... Definitely safe for the kids. The little girl was pretty cute! Fun adventure story. Not the best movie ever, but fun.
Confessions of a Superhero: Available to watch online! Yay! A very intersting look at the characters in Hollywood and what it means to them to stand around and take pictures for tips.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Secret of the Ooze: Okay, okay, I know. Not a very film scholar-esque movie to see. But it's a childhood favorite and since it was playing in a local theatre at a midnight show... I just had to indulge. All I can say is "Go, ninja, go, ninja, go!" ;)
Peacock: Very talented cast here, especially Cillian Murphy. For those Juno fans, check out Ellen Page in a more dramatic role. Also Susan Sarrandon and Bill Pullman. Dark film and look at cross-dressing.
Beauty Academy of Kabul: I saw this title on the movie rental shelf years ago but only just got around to watching it. Interesting look at Afghanistan for anyone, whether interested in beauty or the human plight.
Avatar: I'm a little disappointed I didn't see it in 3-D and that it took me this long to get around to it. The creatures were cool and of course, being a Mother Nature fan, the storyline was right up my alley. It wasn't the most amazing movie ever, but the visual effects were cool. I like the fantasy of it but the story is one of the basics.
Bull: This one you will not find on IMDB. Believe me. It's a short my aunt and some of her friends made in 1999. No, no the one listed on imdb. It's a sentimental flick for the fact that I have family in it. And was surprised to find this time, that a film friend that has passed, was also in it. Wish I would have watched it between meeting him and his passing. I'm sure that would have been an intersting convo. :(
Hercules: Although phsyically too skinny, I've always loved Meg's saucy-ness! Who put the glad in gladiator? Hercules! Sometimes you just have to watch a Disney flick and release your inner child :)
Pageant: Several gay men compete for the title of Miss Gay America. Had a lot of fun watching this one. I don't care what your opinion is of homosexuality. It takes a lot of talent to dress in drag and entertain a crowd. More power to them!
So, there you have it. My movies watched, mostly in April. Hopefully I'll be watching more soon and more regularly. Hope you found at least one or two to check out soon :) Peace!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Two Months Later....
Wow, I surprise myself at how long it's been. Since Jan 3rd to be exact. Well let's see how many movies I've seen!
Miss Congeniality 2: It's true. I love Sandra Bullock. And the first one was lots of fun. So I had to watch the second one. And I like it well enough. :)
Big Nothing: This one has David Schwimmer and Simon Pegg in it. Great dark comedy. Don't think it ever got too much notice, but it's worth a watch or two :)
Volcano: Hollywood Story about a Volcano under L.A. Freaky when one things about all the crazy things Mother Nature has been doing lately.
3 Idiots: Fun Hindi-language movie. Good twists and turns. A little far-fetched at times, but come on people, this is Bollywood. Far-fetched is a requirement!
Couple's Retreat: Typical romantic comedy. Provided some good laughs and some pretty scenery.
Los Muertos: Very interesting and slowly played out film. A freed convict returns home, through the Argentinian jungle. Was interesting to see a different lifestyle for sure.
Where the Wild Things Are: This one was a disappointment for me in so many ways. Definitely not a kid's movie as there were some borderline-abusive characters in the film. It was disturbing to see all the ugly sides of people's personalities played out in monster form. This was supposed to be a kid's dreamworld and escape. Instead, it was a scarier place than what he left behind. But I wonder if that is part of the point.
My Dinner with Andre: This is one of those talking heads movies that screenwriters are always told to avoid. Generally it is very interesting to watch two people sit and eat. But in this case, I was okay with it. Maybe it's because I love Wallace Shawn (Cliffs of Insanity!). The topic of conversation might have been viewed as more pretentious if I didn't like him. Give it a try if you dare!
Princess and the Frog: Sad that it's taken until 2010 for Disney to give us a black princess. I really liked this flick. Maybe it's b/c of my love affair with New Orleans? I thought the film had flair.
Planet 51: Thought this was cute and fun. I liked seeing aliens reacting to a human. B/c alien is such a subjective term!
Boondock Saints: Yes, I watched it in my last entry too. But come on, the movie is a cult classic. I also watched the 2nd one in this go round... look below for my thoughts on that....
Religulous: I am not a religious person anymore and liked the basic theme... Bill Maher basically concludes that there is no way to know the truth, so why waste time on all the details when doing so tears humans apart. Valid point. Others of the religious vein may not like this film, but to each his/her own. To me, it makes sense.
Muppets Take Manhatten: I just love the Muppets. They can do no wrong in my eyes! I hear there will be anothe Muppet movie coming soon. I await it with baited breath!
Addams Family: The morbid little gal in me loves this classic.
Addams Family Values: The only loophole you are asked to overlook is that Uncle Fester, in the first film, was a natural with the ladies. In this film, he is shy with the ladies. I LOVE the scene of the Thanksgiving play with Wednesday and Pugsley. And it was mind-blowing to see Joan Cusack as a busty blonde!
My Name is Khan: another Bollywood flick. This one was pretty good but got really ridiculous when Khan went to Georgia to help with a hurricane. Bit of a stretch, but yet again, it's a Bollywood tearjerker. I had a good time. But yes, I have a thing for Shah Rukh Khan. aka SRK
Tambourine: I LOVED this Iranian film. Check it out! Most recommended on my list!
The Scientist: This flick attempts to cover the idea of being in more than one place at a time. Physics on film. It was okay, but there were some issues I had with it. Played very loudly and b/c of the loud sound effects, that got to be disturbing and took me out of the film.
Lovely Still: This film was soft and pretty. Was nice to see such prolific actors in those roles.
The Greatest: Good flick with Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarrandon (sp). Touches on the death of a son and how they deal. The whole time I was watching this, I just wanted to get them in therapy! Good flick.
My Name is Jerry: Really fun flick. Was fun to see Doug Jones outside of a costume. You've seen him as the Silver Surfer and as Pan from Pan's Labyrinth. Fun twist on 'mid-life crisis'.
Princess Ka'iulani: Nice narrative feature about the annexation of Hawaii and the foreign education and homecoming of the last Hawaiian Princess. Slow film, but interesting and worth the watch.
Alabama Moon: GREAT kids flick! What kid hasn't wanted to a bit of a rogue in the forest? John Goodman appears too and it's always fun to see him :) Highly recommend it.
The Jonses: Liked this flick with Demi Moore and David Duchovny. Makes you think about the rat race and materialism and how it infiltrates into our lives.
65_Red Roses: Very touching story about a young woman with Cystic Fribrosis who underwent a double lung transplant. Unfortunately, I was informed today that she has lost her fight with CF. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this wonderful, inspirational woman.
Note: The movies from "The Greatest" through "65_Red Roses" were seen as part of the Omaha Film Festival. I also show three blocks of shorts (about 30), but for the sake of time, will not mention them.
Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day: Disappointing. Of course, sequels rarely outshine the original, but this movie was ridiculous even on a stand along basis. It tried so hard to meet the original that it failed in all other aspects. Fail.
Farewell My Concubine: This movie was a wonderful look at Chinese Opera through the political changes of the the past century. Was informative and entertaining that it yanked your emotions around.
It's Complicated: Very well done flick. Liked the story, the message and most of the characters. Thumbs up.
BOOM. 29 films in 2 months. 8 of which (and 30ish unmentioned shorts) were due to the Omaha Film Festival
As previously mentioned I would highly recommend "Tambourine" if you can only choose one to watch from this list. Followed by "65_Red Roses".
Happy Watching!
Miss Congeniality 2: It's true. I love Sandra Bullock. And the first one was lots of fun. So I had to watch the second one. And I like it well enough. :)
Big Nothing: This one has David Schwimmer and Simon Pegg in it. Great dark comedy. Don't think it ever got too much notice, but it's worth a watch or two :)
Volcano: Hollywood Story about a Volcano under L.A. Freaky when one things about all the crazy things Mother Nature has been doing lately.
3 Idiots: Fun Hindi-language movie. Good twists and turns. A little far-fetched at times, but come on people, this is Bollywood. Far-fetched is a requirement!
Couple's Retreat: Typical romantic comedy. Provided some good laughs and some pretty scenery.
Los Muertos: Very interesting and slowly played out film. A freed convict returns home, through the Argentinian jungle. Was interesting to see a different lifestyle for sure.
Where the Wild Things Are: This one was a disappointment for me in so many ways. Definitely not a kid's movie as there were some borderline-abusive characters in the film. It was disturbing to see all the ugly sides of people's personalities played out in monster form. This was supposed to be a kid's dreamworld and escape. Instead, it was a scarier place than what he left behind. But I wonder if that is part of the point.
My Dinner with Andre: This is one of those talking heads movies that screenwriters are always told to avoid. Generally it is very interesting to watch two people sit and eat. But in this case, I was okay with it. Maybe it's because I love Wallace Shawn (Cliffs of Insanity!). The topic of conversation might have been viewed as more pretentious if I didn't like him. Give it a try if you dare!
Princess and the Frog: Sad that it's taken until 2010 for Disney to give us a black princess. I really liked this flick. Maybe it's b/c of my love affair with New Orleans? I thought the film had flair.
Planet 51: Thought this was cute and fun. I liked seeing aliens reacting to a human. B/c alien is such a subjective term!
Boondock Saints: Yes, I watched it in my last entry too. But come on, the movie is a cult classic. I also watched the 2nd one in this go round... look below for my thoughts on that....
Religulous: I am not a religious person anymore and liked the basic theme... Bill Maher basically concludes that there is no way to know the truth, so why waste time on all the details when doing so tears humans apart. Valid point. Others of the religious vein may not like this film, but to each his/her own. To me, it makes sense.
Muppets Take Manhatten: I just love the Muppets. They can do no wrong in my eyes! I hear there will be anothe Muppet movie coming soon. I await it with baited breath!
Addams Family: The morbid little gal in me loves this classic.
Addams Family Values: The only loophole you are asked to overlook is that Uncle Fester, in the first film, was a natural with the ladies. In this film, he is shy with the ladies. I LOVE the scene of the Thanksgiving play with Wednesday and Pugsley. And it was mind-blowing to see Joan Cusack as a busty blonde!
My Name is Khan: another Bollywood flick. This one was pretty good but got really ridiculous when Khan went to Georgia to help with a hurricane. Bit of a stretch, but yet again, it's a Bollywood tearjerker. I had a good time. But yes, I have a thing for Shah Rukh Khan. aka SRK
Tambourine: I LOVED this Iranian film. Check it out! Most recommended on my list!
The Scientist: This flick attempts to cover the idea of being in more than one place at a time. Physics on film. It was okay, but there were some issues I had with it. Played very loudly and b/c of the loud sound effects, that got to be disturbing and took me out of the film.
Lovely Still: This film was soft and pretty. Was nice to see such prolific actors in those roles.
The Greatest: Good flick with Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarrandon (sp). Touches on the death of a son and how they deal. The whole time I was watching this, I just wanted to get them in therapy! Good flick.
My Name is Jerry: Really fun flick. Was fun to see Doug Jones outside of a costume. You've seen him as the Silver Surfer and as Pan from Pan's Labyrinth. Fun twist on 'mid-life crisis'.
Princess Ka'iulani: Nice narrative feature about the annexation of Hawaii and the foreign education and homecoming of the last Hawaiian Princess. Slow film, but interesting and worth the watch.
Alabama Moon: GREAT kids flick! What kid hasn't wanted to a bit of a rogue in the forest? John Goodman appears too and it's always fun to see him :) Highly recommend it.
The Jonses: Liked this flick with Demi Moore and David Duchovny. Makes you think about the rat race and materialism and how it infiltrates into our lives.
65_Red Roses: Very touching story about a young woman with Cystic Fribrosis who underwent a double lung transplant. Unfortunately, I was informed today that she has lost her fight with CF. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this wonderful, inspirational woman.
Note: The movies from "The Greatest" through "65_Red Roses" were seen as part of the Omaha Film Festival. I also show three blocks of shorts (about 30), but for the sake of time, will not mention them.
Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day: Disappointing. Of course, sequels rarely outshine the original, but this movie was ridiculous even on a stand along basis. It tried so hard to meet the original that it failed in all other aspects. Fail.
Farewell My Concubine: This movie was a wonderful look at Chinese Opera through the political changes of the the past century. Was informative and entertaining that it yanked your emotions around.
It's Complicated: Very well done flick. Liked the story, the message and most of the characters. Thumbs up.
BOOM. 29 films in 2 months. 8 of which (and 30ish unmentioned shorts) were due to the Omaha Film Festival
As previously mentioned I would highly recommend "Tambourine" if you can only choose one to watch from this list. Followed by "65_Red Roses".
Happy Watching!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Catch up
Well, with the holiday season, I watched a few movies:
Young at Heart: This movie is adorable! It's about a bunch of senior citizens that learn more current songs...
3 Iron: Korean movie... not a lot of speaking, but dialogue wasn't needed as it relied on the romance aspect. You know, you don't need to say anything when your true love sees your heart! ;) lol It was really cool.
Boondock Saints: Have yet to see the new one. Is it out yet? This one will make it hard for the other one to live up to the expectations set... We shall see....
Star Trek: the Movie: Saw it in the theater and it was pretty good, even if you don't know the rest of the ST legacy.
Chaahat Ek Nasha: Okay, this movie was over the top even for Bollywood... I don't think I'm ruining it for you when I tell you that at the end one of the characters shoots herself in the head AND there is NO exit nor entry wound, no blood AND she reaches up to stroke the hero's face before she dies. Sometimes there is just too much non-reality to even seem credible.
Hairspray: own it, watched it in passing while helping Mom clean.
Julie and Julia: Missed the first 20 minutes due to ordering problems, but it was okay. I was a little annoyed by Amy Adams' character... and I still can't cook after watching it, nor do I feel inspired to do so. lol
Blind Side: I have a crush on Sandra Bullock. What can I say? She is amazing on and off screen. This movie was good b/c it didnt'have too much football to bore me. My question is did the sister end up with Michael? It seemed a little unsure... I mean in real life. I know he only was just drafted so it's not an old story or anything....And their personal life is none of my business but hey.
Poil de Carotte: means Carrot Top. French Film from the 20s I think. Kind of dramatic... like Bollywood... hmmm ;)
Dostana: the recent one with Abhishek, John Abrahams, and Priyanka Chopra.... eye candy all the way! I love this movie no matter how goofy it is... if I ever need a lenghty pick-me-up, it's this... and seeing how I'm under the weather and at home, Dostana was just what I needed! :)
So 10 movies in 17 days... seems someone is falling down on her movie watching ;)
Young at Heart: This movie is adorable! It's about a bunch of senior citizens that learn more current songs...
3 Iron: Korean movie... not a lot of speaking, but dialogue wasn't needed as it relied on the romance aspect. You know, you don't need to say anything when your true love sees your heart! ;) lol It was really cool.
Boondock Saints: Have yet to see the new one. Is it out yet? This one will make it hard for the other one to live up to the expectations set... We shall see....
Star Trek: the Movie: Saw it in the theater and it was pretty good, even if you don't know the rest of the ST legacy.
Chaahat Ek Nasha: Okay, this movie was over the top even for Bollywood... I don't think I'm ruining it for you when I tell you that at the end one of the characters shoots herself in the head AND there is NO exit nor entry wound, no blood AND she reaches up to stroke the hero's face before she dies. Sometimes there is just too much non-reality to even seem credible.
Hairspray: own it, watched it in passing while helping Mom clean.
Julie and Julia: Missed the first 20 minutes due to ordering problems, but it was okay. I was a little annoyed by Amy Adams' character... and I still can't cook after watching it, nor do I feel inspired to do so. lol
Blind Side: I have a crush on Sandra Bullock. What can I say? She is amazing on and off screen. This movie was good b/c it didnt'have too much football to bore me. My question is did the sister end up with Michael? It seemed a little unsure... I mean in real life. I know he only was just drafted so it's not an old story or anything....And their personal life is none of my business but hey.
Poil de Carotte: means Carrot Top. French Film from the 20s I think. Kind of dramatic... like Bollywood... hmmm ;)
Dostana: the recent one with Abhishek, John Abrahams, and Priyanka Chopra.... eye candy all the way! I love this movie no matter how goofy it is... if I ever need a lenghty pick-me-up, it's this... and seeing how I'm under the weather and at home, Dostana was just what I needed! :)
So 10 movies in 17 days... seems someone is falling down on her movie watching ;)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December is Movie Time
Okay, here are the movies watched since last post. I have a couple more that I need to watch, but with holidays coming up and ppl in town and being held accountable for my writing... well I figure I might as well do it now (partially to avoid my writing it seems...) but nevertheless, here is the list:
The 13th Day This is the story of The Lady of Fatima, watched per special request by my parents... no, sorry I am not converted back to Christianity. Sorry.
Muppet X-mas: Letters to Santa Seriously, you can't go wrong with the Muppets! Too cute. Made me fall in love with Pepé the King Prawn and his little stocking cap ;)
Cry Baby Why, yes, I'd like me some Johnny Depp! I've seen it like 6 years ago but wanted a good giggle and that's what John Waters provides :)
Away From Her Alzheimer's. In Canada.
Sex and the City Gilles Marini is a favorite at work ;) Hey it was a snow day, what do you expect? Quality filmwatching? ha
Beetlejuice It's out on DVD complete with three episodes of the cartoon. Goodtimes :)
On the Rumba River Nice for the music's sake but slow like Africa time :)
Zombieland Yeah, it was okay. I'm sad about the special appearance that ended with a gunshot :( And the place they wanted to go was obviously stupid. With that mentality how did those two girls avoid zombies in the first place?
30 Days Until I'm Famous I remember watching this one when it came out on VH1.. Soy una matadora, no seré tuya! hee hee. I wanna be famous!
Prep and Landing Cute Disney/elf flick. Cute enough with which to kill 40 minutes at work... I mean, uh...
Les Soeurs Fâchées The Angry Sisters, acc to my Frenchy sister :) was pretty nice
Mansfield Park it's always the right time for Jane Austen! :) I got confused b/c I thought I was gonna watch Northanger Abbey b/c I read the book, so when this came on, I was confused. Hadn't read this book, but guess I don't need to now! :)
From Dusk to Dawn Tarantino/Rodriguez vampire flick w/ George Clooney. I hope it was supposed to be funny b/c it was ;)
Soooo, 13 flicks in 12 days. Not too bad, eh?
The 13th Day This is the story of The Lady of Fatima, watched per special request by my parents... no, sorry I am not converted back to Christianity. Sorry.
Muppet X-mas: Letters to Santa Seriously, you can't go wrong with the Muppets! Too cute. Made me fall in love with Pepé the King Prawn and his little stocking cap ;)
Cry Baby Why, yes, I'd like me some Johnny Depp! I've seen it like 6 years ago but wanted a good giggle and that's what John Waters provides :)
Away From Her Alzheimer's. In Canada.
Sex and the City Gilles Marini is a favorite at work ;) Hey it was a snow day, what do you expect? Quality filmwatching? ha
Beetlejuice It's out on DVD complete with three episodes of the cartoon. Goodtimes :)
On the Rumba River Nice for the music's sake but slow like Africa time :)
Zombieland Yeah, it was okay. I'm sad about the special appearance that ended with a gunshot :( And the place they wanted to go was obviously stupid. With that mentality how did those two girls avoid zombies in the first place?
30 Days Until I'm Famous I remember watching this one when it came out on VH1.. Soy una matadora, no seré tuya! hee hee. I wanna be famous!
Prep and Landing Cute Disney/elf flick. Cute enough with which to kill 40 minutes at work... I mean, uh...
Les Soeurs Fâchées The Angry Sisters, acc to my Frenchy sister :) was pretty nice
Mansfield Park it's always the right time for Jane Austen! :) I got confused b/c I thought I was gonna watch Northanger Abbey b/c I read the book, so when this came on, I was confused. Hadn't read this book, but guess I don't need to now! :)
From Dusk to Dawn Tarantino/Rodriguez vampire flick w/ George Clooney. I hope it was supposed to be funny b/c it was ;)
Soooo, 13 flicks in 12 days. Not too bad, eh?
Monday, December 14, 2009
I'm Baaaaaaack!
After a THREE year hiatus, I remembered I had this blog. Now please, do not expect an update of what movies I have watched in those two years, b/c that would bring me to tears. So instead, I will publish the last two notes I had written on another social site so you can feel updated.
Oh yeah, I have since graduated from Film Studies and watch movies for fun... Film Studies for Life!!!
Last 5 movies watched...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 11:37pm
Well, it's more than 5, but the Flixster app isn't finding ANY of these in the database on the quiz I normally take, sooooo I'm writing them here... b/c you're dying to know what I've watched....
MOVIES WATCHED IN FULL:
The Proposal I looooove Sandra Bullock, both as an actress and as a person... She seems very genuine
Sex, Lies and Videotape Heard so much about it in my film class... aaand it was like $5 at Borders
Y Tu Mamá Tambien also $5 at Borders... gotta love the racy!
Casper Can I keep you? Watched with the fam (almost the WHOLE fam) on Halloween! :)
Kicking and Screaming Watched it cuz it was on at the Hunter household :) seen it before
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth Lew had a special copy... and provided commentary on his time with Walt Disney
Strictly Sexual sounds dirty, right? it's on hulu and I actually thought it wasn't half bad...
Pow Wow: A Native American Gathering almost made me cry to see the pride and the beauty... WHEN my movie gets made, I'm gonna cry too!
MOVIES WATCHED IN SNIPPETS:
Gremlins 2 soooo much better than the first! I LOVE the variety! was playing during trick or treating... i did a little of both :)
Holes saw this movie when it first came out, have the book, have the soundtrack. yup, i knew about shia lebeouf when he was just a lad in an orange jumpsuit! [edit: also was on Disney for Even Stevens]
Born to Dance Eleanor Powell and Jimmy Stuart
Arsenic and Old Lace classic
Well, that's it's for now! (And this is me on a break from movies! HA! Film Studies for LIFE!)
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXT! (this was more recent, so in theory should be at the top of the post. Too bad!!! Ah, anarchy!!!)
movies I've recently seen (since beg of Nov)
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:37pm
So here are some more movies watched. I try to write down in my calendar when I'm watching stuff, but sometimes I forget, so I expect this list to be missing some?
Arthur the one with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. I hate her (acting) with a passion. ask me to do an impression of her sometime. seriously.
Chocolat mmmmmm yummy... for both Johnny Depp and the chocolate... I decided I can no longer watch that movie w/o a big supply of chocolate nearby!!
Great Indian Leaders & Nations this was a pretty cool movie. Leaders: Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, Geronimo, Quanah Parker. Nations: Iriquois, Seminole, Navajo, Cheyenne and Lakota.
VeerZaara I've owned this (and many other Hindi movies) since my trip to India in Feb and have finally gotten around to this one, which Priya said is a good first Hindi movie for first time watchers, so if anyone is looking to get into the Bollywood scene, head over to the library of moi. ;)
Invention of Lying pretty cute. Jennifer Garner is kinda -eh-. Sometimes I wonder if I just hate all female actors lol. otherwise the movie is pretty cute.
Mixed Nuts has anyone else heard of this hilarious steve martin movie? jon stewart has a surprising role. adam sandler's in it. it's so cooky! my mom had gotten me the soundtrack for xmas one year b/c it's xmas songs, so when i found the VHS for a dollar at a goodwill, i had to see what it was all about... esp for Sandler's 'Grape Jelly' song ;)...
Birdcage Of course I love this movie! I also own the French original :)
G Force Poop in his hands, poop in his hands! took the nephews to this
Muppets from Space watched with the nephews
Goonies I'm proud of my nephews. They are smart enough to have this as a favorite movie. They are totally related to me! ;)
Up Seen it before with Mom, but took the nephews, sister and Dad too. Still a cute flick for sure!
The Battle of Little Big Horn another one of my Native movies. watched for fun/research. Pretty interesting. Did you know Custer was last in his class at West Point?! And they treated him like a hero for massacre of unarmed men, women and children. :(
Saló or the 120 Days of Sodom this HAS to be one of the most twisted movies I've watched. It was based on the Marquis de Sade so I knew it should have been twisted. It was made in Italy in the 70s so that should say it all right there, but it's supposed to be a classic/important. I'm not going into detail. You can find that here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal%C3%B2_o_le_120_giornate_di_Sodoma
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation always funny! :)
Wow, so that's the movies I've watched the past month! Film Studies for LIFE! lol
*END UPDATE
Wow, that's a lot of movies. Stay tuned for more!!
Oh yeah, I have since graduated from Film Studies and watch movies for fun... Film Studies for Life!!!
Last 5 movies watched...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 11:37pm
Well, it's more than 5, but the Flixster app isn't finding ANY of these in the database on the quiz I normally take, sooooo I'm writing them here... b/c you're dying to know what I've watched....
MOVIES WATCHED IN FULL:
The Proposal I looooove Sandra Bullock, both as an actress and as a person... She seems very genuine
Sex, Lies and Videotape Heard so much about it in my film class... aaand it was like $5 at Borders
Y Tu Mamá Tambien also $5 at Borders... gotta love the racy!
Casper Can I keep you? Watched with the fam (almost the WHOLE fam) on Halloween! :)
Kicking and Screaming Watched it cuz it was on at the Hunter household :) seen it before
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth Lew had a special copy... and provided commentary on his time with Walt Disney
Strictly Sexual sounds dirty, right? it's on hulu and I actually thought it wasn't half bad...
Pow Wow: A Native American Gathering almost made me cry to see the pride and the beauty... WHEN my movie gets made, I'm gonna cry too!
MOVIES WATCHED IN SNIPPETS:
Gremlins 2 soooo much better than the first! I LOVE the variety! was playing during trick or treating... i did a little of both :)
Holes saw this movie when it first came out, have the book, have the soundtrack. yup, i knew about shia lebeouf when he was just a lad in an orange jumpsuit! [edit: also was on Disney for Even Stevens]
Born to Dance Eleanor Powell and Jimmy Stuart
Arsenic and Old Lace classic
Well, that's it's for now! (And this is me on a break from movies! HA! Film Studies for LIFE!)
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXT! (this was more recent, so in theory should be at the top of the post. Too bad!!! Ah, anarchy!!!)
movies I've recently seen (since beg of Nov)
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:37pm
So here are some more movies watched. I try to write down in my calendar when I'm watching stuff, but sometimes I forget, so I expect this list to be missing some?
Arthur the one with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. I hate her (acting) with a passion. ask me to do an impression of her sometime. seriously.
Chocolat mmmmmm yummy... for both Johnny Depp and the chocolate... I decided I can no longer watch that movie w/o a big supply of chocolate nearby!!
Great Indian Leaders & Nations this was a pretty cool movie. Leaders: Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, Geronimo, Quanah Parker. Nations: Iriquois, Seminole, Navajo, Cheyenne and Lakota.
VeerZaara I've owned this (and many other Hindi movies) since my trip to India in Feb and have finally gotten around to this one, which Priya said is a good first Hindi movie for first time watchers, so if anyone is looking to get into the Bollywood scene, head over to the library of moi. ;)
Invention of Lying pretty cute. Jennifer Garner is kinda -eh-. Sometimes I wonder if I just hate all female actors lol. otherwise the movie is pretty cute.
Mixed Nuts has anyone else heard of this hilarious steve martin movie? jon stewart has a surprising role. adam sandler's in it. it's so cooky! my mom had gotten me the soundtrack for xmas one year b/c it's xmas songs, so when i found the VHS for a dollar at a goodwill, i had to see what it was all about... esp for Sandler's 'Grape Jelly' song ;)...
Birdcage Of course I love this movie! I also own the French original :)
G Force Poop in his hands, poop in his hands! took the nephews to this
Muppets from Space watched with the nephews
Goonies I'm proud of my nephews. They are smart enough to have this as a favorite movie. They are totally related to me! ;)
Up Seen it before with Mom, but took the nephews, sister and Dad too. Still a cute flick for sure!
The Battle of Little Big Horn another one of my Native movies. watched for fun/research. Pretty interesting. Did you know Custer was last in his class at West Point?! And they treated him like a hero for massacre of unarmed men, women and children. :(
Saló or the 120 Days of Sodom this HAS to be one of the most twisted movies I've watched. It was based on the Marquis de Sade so I knew it should have been twisted. It was made in Italy in the 70s so that should say it all right there, but it's supposed to be a classic/important. I'm not going into detail. You can find that here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal%C3%B2_o_le_120_giornate_di_Sodoma
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation always funny! :)
Wow, so that's the movies I've watched the past month! Film Studies for LIFE! lol
*END UPDATE
Wow, that's a lot of movies. Stay tuned for more!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Keep on, keepin' on....
I forgot Nacho Libre.
Since the accompilation of my list.... I've also watched:
Incognitio Dir Julie Dash
The Break-Up
Forbidden (1932) Frank Capra
Marked Woman (1937)
Sweet Land Dir. Ali Selim (whom I met) :)
Taxi Driver Dir. Martin Scorcese
Since the accompilation of my list.... I've also watched:
Incognitio Dir Julie Dash
The Break-Up
Forbidden (1932) Frank Capra
Marked Woman (1937)
Sweet Land Dir. Ali Selim (whom I met) :)
Taxi Driver Dir. Martin Scorcese
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
?? movies in two months...let's guess: 57...
Last movie I posted was Lenny from the 27th of October. Now we all know I've watched waaaaaay more movies since then... I just haven't felt like keeping track... But now that I'm at work until 8 am... I think I'll give it a go....
I won't provide links to the pages, but if you're interested... www.imdb.com
Class One
Persona (1968) Dir. Ingmar Bergman
Masculin/Feminin (1965) Dir. Jean-Luc Godard
Horse Feathers (1932) Dir. Norman Z. McHood???
Orpheus .... Dir. Jean Cocteau
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (1939) Dir. William Clemens??
The Music Box (1932) Dir. James Parrott
With the Marines at Tarawa (1944)
Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1944)
The Thing (1982) Dir. John Carpenter
The Never Ending Story (1984) Dir. Wolfgang Peterson
A Christmas Carol (1938) Dir. Edwin L. Marin
Till The Clouds Roll By (1946) Dir. Richard Whorf
Class Two
Matador ... Dir Pedro Almodovar
All About My Mother (1999) Dir. Pedro Almodovar
Fallen Angels (1995) Wong Kar-Wai
Happy Together (1997) Dir. Wong Kar-Wai
2046 (2004) Wong Kar-Wai
Histoire du Cinema (1988-1998) Dir. Jean-Luc Godard...well I watched part of it
The Hand (2004) Wong Kar-Wai
Class Three
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Ruthless People (1986)
Total Recall (1990)
The Player (1992) Dir. Robert Altman....actually watched it the night he died....creepy!
Analyze That (2002) Dir. Harold Ramis
Soapdish (1991) Dir. Michael Hoffman
Dream with the Fishes (1997) Dir. Finn Taylor
For Fun
Prarie Home Companion (2006) Dir. Robert Altman
Jesus Camp
Rembrandt Laughing (1988) Dir. Jon Jost
Over Here (2006?) Dir. Jon Jost
The 400 Blows... Dir. Francois Truffaut
The Squid and the Whale ...Dir. Wes Anderson
Election ... Dir. Alexander Payne
Citizen Ruth ... Dir. Alexander Payne
The Family Stone
Little Miss Sunshine
Ed Wood ... Dir. Tim Burton
Bottle Rocket ... Dir. Wes Anderson
Born into Brothels
Night at the Museum (2006)
The Holiday (2006)
I'm a Sex Addict
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
The Pick of Destiny (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada
Shopgirl
The Color of Fear (1994)
Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical (2005) Dir. Andy Finkman (Yes, I've seen the 1936 version, too)
This Film is Not Yet Rated
Serenity (2005) Dir. Joss Whedon
Monster House
The Secret (2006) Dir. Drew Heriot
Daughters of the Dust (1991) Dir. Julie Dash
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Freaks (1932) Dir. Tod Browning
The Beat that My Heart Skipped (2005) Jacques Audiard
L'Auberge Espagnole (2002) Dir. Cedric Klapisch
Russian Dolls (2005) Dir. Cedric Klapisch
I've got 59 listed... I'm sure there's more... Scary how close my guess was!
I won't provide links to the pages, but if you're interested... www.imdb.com
Class One
Persona (1968) Dir. Ingmar Bergman
Masculin/Feminin (1965) Dir. Jean-Luc Godard
Horse Feathers (1932) Dir. Norman Z. McHood???
Orpheus .... Dir. Jean Cocteau
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (1939) Dir. William Clemens??
The Music Box (1932) Dir. James Parrott
With the Marines at Tarawa (1944)
Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1944)
The Thing (1982) Dir. John Carpenter
The Never Ending Story (1984) Dir. Wolfgang Peterson
A Christmas Carol (1938) Dir. Edwin L. Marin
Till The Clouds Roll By (1946) Dir. Richard Whorf
Class Two
Matador ... Dir Pedro Almodovar
All About My Mother (1999) Dir. Pedro Almodovar
Fallen Angels (1995) Wong Kar-Wai
Happy Together (1997) Dir. Wong Kar-Wai
2046 (2004) Wong Kar-Wai
Histoire du Cinema (1988-1998) Dir. Jean-Luc Godard...well I watched part of it
The Hand (2004) Wong Kar-Wai
Class Three
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Ruthless People (1986)
Total Recall (1990)
The Player (1992) Dir. Robert Altman....actually watched it the night he died....creepy!
Analyze That (2002) Dir. Harold Ramis
Soapdish (1991) Dir. Michael Hoffman
Dream with the Fishes (1997) Dir. Finn Taylor
For Fun
Prarie Home Companion (2006) Dir. Robert Altman
Jesus Camp
Rembrandt Laughing (1988) Dir. Jon Jost
Over Here (2006?) Dir. Jon Jost
The 400 Blows... Dir. Francois Truffaut
The Squid and the Whale ...Dir. Wes Anderson
Election ... Dir. Alexander Payne
Citizen Ruth ... Dir. Alexander Payne
The Family Stone
Little Miss Sunshine
Ed Wood ... Dir. Tim Burton
Bottle Rocket ... Dir. Wes Anderson
Born into Brothels
Night at the Museum (2006)
The Holiday (2006)
I'm a Sex Addict
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
The Pick of Destiny (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada
Shopgirl
The Color of Fear (1994)
Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical (2005) Dir. Andy Finkman (Yes, I've seen the 1936 version, too)
This Film is Not Yet Rated
Serenity (2005) Dir. Joss Whedon
Monster House
The Secret (2006) Dir. Drew Heriot
Daughters of the Dust (1991) Dir. Julie Dash
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Freaks (1932) Dir. Tod Browning
The Beat that My Heart Skipped (2005) Jacques Audiard
L'Auberge Espagnole (2002) Dir. Cedric Klapisch
Russian Dolls (2005) Dir. Cedric Klapisch
I've got 59 listed... I'm sure there's more... Scary how close my guess was!
Friday, October 27, 2006
The Nun (2005), In a Lonely Place (1950), House on Haunted Hill (1959), Lenny (1974)
Monja, La (2005) aka "The Nun" - (English title) Dir. Luis De La Madrid
Free rental from Blockbuster had to be used on something. Watched it with my friends Jessica and Jackie
One of the most fantastic... no. Um, well, it was interesting. I need to watch it again. I think there may be a plot hole, but I need to see it again to be sure...Any takers?
In a Lonely Place (1950) Directed byNicholas Ray
Class required for my Film History class
This left me with an uneasy feeling. It was interesting and suspenseful and sad. Wow, this isn't really helping. I've just been out of the bloggage for a while.
House on Haunted Hill (1959) aka "The House on Haunted Hill" - USA (trailer title) Directed byWilliam Castle
in class screening for ab0ve-mentioned class. I was able to suspect the two characters and was kind of close. The evil people are revealed at some point. It's slightly disconcerting.
Lenny (1974) Directed byBob Fosse
for my Short Shelf Life Actresses class
I appreciated the mis-en-scene of this film present in the ECU's (extreme close-ups) and the documentary type fashion. Yay, Dustin Hoffman. The politics of comedy....
Free rental from Blockbuster had to be used on something. Watched it with my friends Jessica and Jackie
One of the most fantastic... no. Um, well, it was interesting. I need to watch it again. I think there may be a plot hole, but I need to see it again to be sure...Any takers?
In a Lonely Place (1950) Directed byNicholas Ray
Class required for my Film History class
This left me with an uneasy feeling. It was interesting and suspenseful and sad. Wow, this isn't really helping. I've just been out of the bloggage for a while.
House on Haunted Hill (1959) aka "The House on Haunted Hill" - USA (trailer title) Directed byWilliam Castle
in class screening for ab0ve-mentioned class. I was able to suspect the two characters and was kind of close. The evil people are revealed at some point. It's slightly disconcerting.
Lenny (1974) Directed byBob Fosse
for my Short Shelf Life Actresses class
I appreciated the mis-en-scene of this film present in the ECU's (extreme close-ups) and the documentary type fashion. Yay, Dustin Hoffman. The politics of comedy....
Monday, October 23, 2006
19 or more movies in this past month...
Sorry, it's taken me so long to get back on top of writing...but no one reads this anyway... ;)
So, in order to catch up, I'm just going to provide the name, year and director. If you need my opinion.... well, ask for it.... I may be missing a movie or two... but that's not for sure...
Fantasia (1940) A different director for each segment:
James Algar
(segment "The Sorcerer's Apprentice")
Samuel Armstrong
(segments "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" and "Nutcracker Suite, The")
Ford Beebe
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
Norman Ferguson
(segment "Dance of the Hours") (as Norm Ferguson)
Jim Handley
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
T. Hee
(segment "Dance of the Hours")
Wilfred Jackson
(segment "Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria")
Hamilton Luske
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
Bill Roberts
(segment "Rite of Spring")
Paul Satterfield
(segment "Rite of Spring")
Ben Sharpsteen
(uncredited)
So, in order to catch up, I'm just going to provide the name, year and director. If you need my opinion.... well, ask for it.... I may be missing a movie or two... but that's not for sure...
Fantasia (1940) A different director for each segment:
James Algar
(segment "The Sorcerer's Apprentice")
Samuel Armstrong
(segments "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" and "Nutcracker Suite, The")
Ford Beebe
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
Norman Ferguson
(segment "Dance of the Hours") (as Norm Ferguson)
Jim Handley
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
T. Hee
(segment "Dance of the Hours")
Wilfred Jackson
(segment "Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria")
Hamilton Luske
(segment "The Pastoral Symphony")
Bill Roberts
(segment "Rite of Spring")
Paul Satterfield
(segment "Rite of Spring")
Ben Sharpsteen
(uncredited)
All About Eve (1950) Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Bambi (1942) Directed by David Hand
Citizen Kane (1941) Directed by Orson Welles
Russkiy kovcheg (2002) aka "Russian Ark" - (English title) aka "Russian Ark - Eine einzigartige Zeitreise durch die Eremitage" - Germany Directed byAleksandr Sokurov
Tom Jones (1963) Directed byTony Richardson
Tom Jones (1963) Directed byTony Richardson
The Third Man (1949) Directed byCarol Reed
Who'll Stop the Rain (1978) Directed byKarel Reisz
Three on a Match (1932) Directed byMervyn LeRoy
Raging Bull (1980) Directed byMartin Scorsese
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Directed byHenry Selick
Hocus Pocus (1993) Directed byKenny Ortega
Xingfu shiguang (2000) aka "Happy Times Hotel" - UK (DVD title) aka "Happy Time" - (English title) aka "Happy Times" - UK, USA Directed byYimou Zhang
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
It Happened One Night (1934), La Belle et la bete (1946), Escape from Crime (1942)
You can tell I'm a film studies major/cinephile when I watch three movies in a span of 24 hours. It's true, I confess.
It Happened One Night (1934) Directed by Frank Capra
I watched this for my film history class and will be writing a paper on it.
If I remember correctly, there was an excessive use of wipes, with some fades and enough intercuts to keep the audience in on the action. But if you're not film studies, you don't care. Fact is, a friend or two had raved about this movie, and now I know why. Romantic comedy at its finest. The main characters are involved in a love-hate relationship with each other and both undergo changes as they fall in love. As far as I'm concerned, this was a classier version of Spaceballs (1987).
Belle et la bête, La (1946) aka "Beauty and the Beast" Directed by Jean Cocteau
I watched this one because it played for another class.
Excessively dramatic but that was perhaps to correlate with the enchanted theme of the movie. At the beginning of the movie, the director puts a note that children will believe whatever we tell them, so please return to a child-like state of mind for this movie. And one has to, or the movie becomes laughable and overly-romantic. The costuming, as far as Belle or her sisters are concerned, is very intriguing. The Beast, well, he's a beast, and a furry one at that. The enchanted elements of the castle were at first-sight very creepy and definitely fit. When one compare it to the Disney version, this one is a nice change.
Escape from Crime (1942) Directed by D. Ross Lederman
in class viewing for film history.
This film is notable for it's super-fast-paced editing and mile-a-minute montages. One just has to accept the inconsistencies that may appear in the film between plot and real-life, as it is obvious that some of the action isn't really likely to occur in real life, such as the fact that our main character is released on parole for no reason. The film is completed in about an hour. Professor said it was a B pic. One minute walk-on by Jackie Gleason at the very beginning.
It Happened One Night (1934) Directed by Frank Capra
I watched this for my film history class and will be writing a paper on it.
If I remember correctly, there was an excessive use of wipes, with some fades and enough intercuts to keep the audience in on the action. But if you're not film studies, you don't care. Fact is, a friend or two had raved about this movie, and now I know why. Romantic comedy at its finest. The main characters are involved in a love-hate relationship with each other and both undergo changes as they fall in love. As far as I'm concerned, this was a classier version of Spaceballs (1987).
Belle et la bête, La (1946) aka "Beauty and the Beast" Directed by Jean Cocteau
I watched this one because it played for another class.
Excessively dramatic but that was perhaps to correlate with the enchanted theme of the movie. At the beginning of the movie, the director puts a note that children will believe whatever we tell them, so please return to a child-like state of mind for this movie. And one has to, or the movie becomes laughable and overly-romantic. The costuming, as far as Belle or her sisters are concerned, is very intriguing. The Beast, well, he's a beast, and a furry one at that. The enchanted elements of the castle were at first-sight very creepy and definitely fit. When one compare it to the Disney version, this one is a nice change.
Escape from Crime (1942) Directed by D. Ross Lederman
in class viewing for film history.
This film is notable for it's super-fast-paced editing and mile-a-minute montages. One just has to accept the inconsistencies that may appear in the film between plot and real-life, as it is obvious that some of the action isn't really likely to occur in real life, such as the fact that our main character is released on parole for no reason. The film is completed in about an hour. Professor said it was a B pic. One minute walk-on by Jackie Gleason at the very beginning.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Barnyard (2006), Foreign Correspondent (1940), Weekend (1967), Laura (1944), Digging to China (1998)
A very interesting mix, I know, but when it rains, it pours.... movies!
Barnyard (2006) Directed bySteve Oedekerk
Saw this with the nephews and a friend.
My major grief with this film is that the main characters were male...and were cows. As if children needed to be misled anymore. This film was teeming with an overwhelming amount of adult humor. Milk was substituted for alcohol and the film relied on a multitude of stereotypes to carry the characters through. The wise old donkey was voiced by Danny Glover and the wise cow who was the main FEMALE cow's sidekick was voiced by Wanda Sykes. It seems as if computer animation, excuse me.... computer animated animals... is the only way to make a children's film these days. One technology has replaced another, provingthat children alwasy love talking animals that tell too many adult-targeted jokes. But never fear...there is a TV series of Barnyard in pre-production["Barnyard" (2007) TV Series]. Oh, I can barely contain myself. All I can say, is mothers....teach your children the reality of cows and udders before they become udderly misled....
Foreign Correspondent (1940) Directed byAlfred Hitchcock
Saw with a classmate for my class on Short Shelf-Life Actresses.
If ever one didn't believe that it's possible to fall in love in a minute flat, this movie should set you straight again. The feminist in me was slightly disturbed that the male character sent the female love notes 10 minutes after meeting her.... one of which read "Do you believe in large families?" The lead female was a little too naive for my tastes and it was obvious why the actress, Laraine Day, didn't make it as a big star from this role.... the character was flat and a pushover. The majority of the film (all but the first five minutes) took place in Europe but the last minute and a half was gung-ho American to the extreme, a call to action for the U.S. to get their butts in gear and get involved in the war.
Week End (1967) Directed byJean-Luc Godard
solo viewing for film director class
This movie, to put it a little more politely, is a major mind-screw. I know it is supposed to be a political and social condemnation of the deteriorating French society, but what with all the burning car wrecks, plotting murder, Alice in Wonderland shtick and cannibalism, I wasn't sure quite how to handle it. I hope you are more intelligent than I am and can figure out all of the references that Godard makes to multiple works of literature, cinema and then-contemporary events.
Laura (1944) Directed byOtto Preminger
in-class viewing for short shelf-life actress class
A mind twister, a whodunit to the extreme. It's hard to give any details without going into the plot, but it did feature too many May-December romances for my taste. The lead female was involved in at least three romantic entanglements. If only every person was that irresistible.... we might have a lot more problems on our hands. A film noir. That means look at the use of shadows....among other things
Digging to China (1998) Directed byTimothy Hutton
solo viewing to research Cathy Moriarty for above class
Cathy Moriarty yet again plays the woman who smokes and drinks too much. Guess what? She dies less than a third of the way through the movie. The movie is about her two supposed daughters, specifically the youngest, Harriet and her befriending of Kevin Bacon playing a mentally handicapped man in the 1960s. I wonder how many actors and actresses hope to gain some recognition by playing this ever-intriguing role. The film relies on the misunderstandings most people had or have about the mentally handicapped. It was nice to see that some characters were not as judgemental of Bacon's character Ricky. The film is nothing extremely special, but a nice uplifting cutesy movie to watch on a popcorn night.
Barnyard (2006) Directed bySteve Oedekerk
Saw this with the nephews and a friend.
My major grief with this film is that the main characters were male...and were cows. As if children needed to be misled anymore. This film was teeming with an overwhelming amount of adult humor. Milk was substituted for alcohol and the film relied on a multitude of stereotypes to carry the characters through. The wise old donkey was voiced by Danny Glover and the wise cow who was the main FEMALE cow's sidekick was voiced by Wanda Sykes. It seems as if computer animation, excuse me.... computer animated animals... is the only way to make a children's film these days. One technology has replaced another, provingthat children alwasy love talking animals that tell too many adult-targeted jokes. But never fear...there is a TV series of Barnyard in pre-production["Barnyard" (2007) TV Series]. Oh, I can barely contain myself. All I can say, is mothers....teach your children the reality of cows and udders before they become udderly misled....
Foreign Correspondent (1940) Directed byAlfred Hitchcock
Saw with a classmate for my class on Short Shelf-Life Actresses.
If ever one didn't believe that it's possible to fall in love in a minute flat, this movie should set you straight again. The feminist in me was slightly disturbed that the male character sent the female love notes 10 minutes after meeting her.... one of which read "Do you believe in large families?" The lead female was a little too naive for my tastes and it was obvious why the actress, Laraine Day, didn't make it as a big star from this role.... the character was flat and a pushover. The majority of the film (all but the first five minutes) took place in Europe but the last minute and a half was gung-ho American to the extreme, a call to action for the U.S. to get their butts in gear and get involved in the war.
Week End (1967) Directed byJean-Luc Godard
solo viewing for film director class
This movie, to put it a little more politely, is a major mind-screw. I know it is supposed to be a political and social condemnation of the deteriorating French society, but what with all the burning car wrecks, plotting murder, Alice in Wonderland shtick and cannibalism, I wasn't sure quite how to handle it. I hope you are more intelligent than I am and can figure out all of the references that Godard makes to multiple works of literature, cinema and then-contemporary events.
Laura (1944) Directed byOtto Preminger
in-class viewing for short shelf-life actress class
A mind twister, a whodunit to the extreme. It's hard to give any details without going into the plot, but it did feature too many May-December romances for my taste. The lead female was involved in at least three romantic entanglements. If only every person was that irresistible.... we might have a lot more problems on our hands. A film noir. That means look at the use of shadows....among other things
Digging to China (1998) Directed byTimothy Hutton
solo viewing to research Cathy Moriarty for above class
Cathy Moriarty yet again plays the woman who smokes and drinks too much. Guess what? She dies less than a third of the way through the movie. The movie is about her two supposed daughters, specifically the youngest, Harriet and her befriending of Kevin Bacon playing a mentally handicapped man in the 1960s. I wonder how many actors and actresses hope to gain some recognition by playing this ever-intriguing role. The film relies on the misunderstandings most people had or have about the mentally handicapped. It was nice to see that some characters were not as judgemental of Bacon's character Ricky. The film is nothing extremely special, but a nice uplifting cutesy movie to watch on a popcorn night.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Unknown White Male (2005), Heat Lightning (1934), and The Rules of the Game (1939)
Yes, there are three today...hold onto your hats! (Barely a week and I've reached a total of 7 movies! Craziness indeed!)
Unknown White Male (2005) by Rupert Murray
for fun, with friends Laurel and Desiree'
This was an interesting documentary that examines the memory loss of the director's friend. He came to on the subway from his fugue(sp?...which is a dreamlike state prior to amnesia) with only a phone number and a British accent. This film employs an interesting use of fisheye lenses and interesting camera angles to portray the frightening sensation of having no memory and no idea where one is. A disturbing and intriguing concept.
Heat Lightning (1934) by Mervyn LeRoy
viewed in film history class. the last existing print! no vhs or dvd copies!
As my professor says: filmmaking is like writing on water.
The filling stating in the isolation of the desert is the location for this story of love lost, thievery and deception. The film also addresses indirectly the status of women and immigrants within society as well as other class issues. There is a use of shallow and deep focus, panning, tracking, fades, etc. The film is commendable for its strong sense of feminism, as two sisters are the owners/mechanics for the filling station/cabin/diner oasis in the desert.
Règle du jeu, La (1939) aka "The Rules of the Game" by Jean Renoir
movie shown for the french film class that i'm not taking...but why would Little Miss Cinema pass up an opportunity for a free movie?!
This movie screams infidelity. It's a view at the well-to-do and their weekend at the country mansion for game-hunting, where the rich and their servants partake in charades and adultery. There is a great commotion of men running amok fighting for the affection of their wives, but the movie has a serious ending, causing me to consider it a 'tragicomedy'.
Unknown White Male (2005) by Rupert Murray
for fun, with friends Laurel and Desiree'
This was an interesting documentary that examines the memory loss of the director's friend. He came to on the subway from his fugue(sp?...which is a dreamlike state prior to amnesia) with only a phone number and a British accent. This film employs an interesting use of fisheye lenses and interesting camera angles to portray the frightening sensation of having no memory and no idea where one is. A disturbing and intriguing concept.
Heat Lightning (1934) by Mervyn LeRoy
viewed in film history class. the last existing print! no vhs or dvd copies!
As my professor says: filmmaking is like writing on water.
The filling stating in the isolation of the desert is the location for this story of love lost, thievery and deception. The film also addresses indirectly the status of women and immigrants within society as well as other class issues. There is a use of shallow and deep focus, panning, tracking, fades, etc. The film is commendable for its strong sense of feminism, as two sisters are the owners/mechanics for the filling station/cabin/diner oasis in the desert.
Règle du jeu, La (1939) aka "The Rules of the Game" by Jean Renoir
movie shown for the french film class that i'm not taking...but why would Little Miss Cinema pass up an opportunity for a free movie?!
This movie screams infidelity. It's a view at the well-to-do and their weekend at the country mansion for game-hunting, where the rich and their servants partake in charades and adultery. There is a great commotion of men running amok fighting for the affection of their wives, but the movie has a serious ending, causing me to consider it a 'tragicomedy'.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Contempt (1963) and Blood of a Poet (1930)
Mépris, Le (1963) aka "Contempt" by Jean-Luc Godard
This film was for my Film Directors class. It is the story of the deteriorization of a marriage among the context of a movie about making a movie. There is an extensive use of pans, which signifies very long shots (ie, not many cuts...the action just plays out). The camera acts as a witness to the action, as it follows around one character or another, sometimes turning a circle around the room. The famous director Fritz Lang plays himself as one who attempts to direct the story of Ulysses. He has to deal with an ignorant American producer (Jack Palance) who has a habit of combatting opposition by whipping out a literal little book of wisdom. The main cause of the action is the insistance of the husband Paul, to find out why his wife, Camille, does not love him anymore. There is a parallel between the movie production of Ulysses and that of the couple's situation.
Sang d'un poète, Le (1930) aka "The Blood of a Poet" by Jean Cocteau
This film was viewed for my Film History class. Hot off the press...I just finished watching this film not too much more than a half hour ago. If you are expecting a narrative, don't look to this film. One can only imagine what the film is, especially when it is proceeded by a note from Jean Cocteau, that basically says, "I'm a mad genius, and if you don't get my poetry on the screen, it's not my fault." The film is a presentation of art mixed with surrealism, yet it all mingles together in less than than an hour's worth of film. If one attempts to follow a storyline involving the young man in the first two episodes, it nearly becomes obscured by the introduction of other characters in later episodes. One would be extremely disappointed if searching for a plot. Take with this viewing, the realization that poetry is usally one of the harder forms of literature to understand, so that poetry on film would follow suit. As I try to make sense of it, I wonder if my mind is the empty void to which Cocteau refers.
This film was for my Film Directors class. It is the story of the deteriorization of a marriage among the context of a movie about making a movie. There is an extensive use of pans, which signifies very long shots (ie, not many cuts...the action just plays out). The camera acts as a witness to the action, as it follows around one character or another, sometimes turning a circle around the room. The famous director Fritz Lang plays himself as one who attempts to direct the story of Ulysses. He has to deal with an ignorant American producer (Jack Palance) who has a habit of combatting opposition by whipping out a literal little book of wisdom. The main cause of the action is the insistance of the husband Paul, to find out why his wife, Camille, does not love him anymore. There is a parallel between the movie production of Ulysses and that of the couple's situation.
Sang d'un poète, Le (1930) aka "The Blood of a Poet" by Jean Cocteau
This film was viewed for my Film History class. Hot off the press...I just finished watching this film not too much more than a half hour ago. If you are expecting a narrative, don't look to this film. One can only imagine what the film is, especially when it is proceeded by a note from Jean Cocteau, that basically says, "I'm a mad genius, and if you don't get my poetry on the screen, it's not my fault." The film is a presentation of art mixed with surrealism, yet it all mingles together in less than than an hour's worth of film. If one attempts to follow a storyline involving the young man in the first two episodes, it nearly becomes obscured by the introduction of other characters in later episodes. One would be extremely disappointed if searching for a plot. Take with this viewing, the realization that poetry is usally one of the harder forms of literature to understand, so that poetry on film would follow suit. As I try to make sense of it, I wonder if my mind is the empty void to which Cocteau refers.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
The Collector (1965)
Last night's movie, courtesy of my friend Collin:
The Collector (1965) by William Wyler
The movie did not feautre any out-of-the-ordinary camerawork, but the underlying soundtrack was key in portraying the mood of the film. As Collin put it, the film would be nothing without the music. The movie was a UK production that featured the "I'll-kidnap-you-until-you-fall-in-love-with-me" theme (something I recently saw in a more upbeat telling: ¡Átame!(1990) by Pedro Almodóvar). Slightly frustrating to me were the several overlooked opportunities for the heroine's escape. Obviously, there would have been no movie if she would have escaped in the first five minutes of her capture. After the introduction of the neighbor, I kept hoping he would come back to rescue her, but unfortunately for her....that never happened. The movie gives off a general uneasy feeling as well it should. Yay for psychos.... perhaps we can all learn how to escape from them by watching movies like this.
The Collector (1965) by William Wyler
The movie did not feautre any out-of-the-ordinary camerawork, but the underlying soundtrack was key in portraying the mood of the film. As Collin put it, the film would be nothing without the music. The movie was a UK production that featured the "I'll-kidnap-you-until-you-fall-in-love-with-me" theme (something I recently saw in a more upbeat telling: ¡Átame!(1990) by Pedro Almodóvar). Slightly frustrating to me were the several overlooked opportunities for the heroine's escape. Obviously, there would have been no movie if she would have escaped in the first five minutes of her capture. After the introduction of the neighbor, I kept hoping he would come back to rescue her, but unfortunately for her....that never happened. The movie gives off a general uneasy feeling as well it should. Yay for psychos.... perhaps we can all learn how to escape from them by watching movies like this.
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Mambo Kings (1992)
Greetings, all! As I continue on my still-new venture into the world of cinema, I have discovered that my week is comprised of many movies, whether on the screen or in my head. I've decided to take this journey with whomever is willing, and so.... it shall be done. Here is where you will come to keep up with my movie-watching-ness..... very professional, I know. I will try my best to provide a catalog of the movies I am watching from here on out.....
Tonight's movie: The Mambo Kings dir. by Arne Glimcher
I watched this movie to examine Cathy Moriarty, the topic of my research paper for one of my classes (The class is about short shelf-life actresses).
The movie had the typical twists and turns of a story of its class. And by this, I refer to every story that presents the troubles that befall two brothers looking to make it big in the music world, love entanglements included. The soundtrack is delightful, if you like Cuban music. The celebrity cameos are also a kick, if you know anything about Latin music at all. Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Dezi Arnaz Jr. playing the role of his father. The montage scenes were slightly entertaining. I wasn't quite sure if they were meant to be cheesy, but one could definitely sense the use of green screen for the sequence.
With a tried and true storyline and redeeming music, this film is so-so. But don't take my word for it. (Cue Reading Rainbow)
In the future, I will try to actually have posts that are more worthy of my "film studies student" status. Someday, you'll see my name in lights. Get my autograph while you can.
Peace.
Tonight's movie: The Mambo Kings dir. by Arne Glimcher
I watched this movie to examine Cathy Moriarty, the topic of my research paper for one of my classes (The class is about short shelf-life actresses).
The movie had the typical twists and turns of a story of its class. And by this, I refer to every story that presents the troubles that befall two brothers looking to make it big in the music world, love entanglements included. The soundtrack is delightful, if you like Cuban music. The celebrity cameos are also a kick, if you know anything about Latin music at all. Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Dezi Arnaz Jr. playing the role of his father. The montage scenes were slightly entertaining. I wasn't quite sure if they were meant to be cheesy, but one could definitely sense the use of green screen for the sequence.
With a tried and true storyline and redeeming music, this film is so-so. But don't take my word for it. (Cue Reading Rainbow)
In the future, I will try to actually have posts that are more worthy of my "film studies student" status. Someday, you'll see my name in lights. Get my autograph while you can.
Peace.
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