Monday, September 17, 2012
three movies this year plus one last year
There seems to be a trend in movies this summer. The summer of Quirky People experiencing extra ordinary relationship experiences. Maybe this is a backlash to the Reality TV epidemic.
Prolog;
Last year I watched an endearing movie called ‘Lairs and the Real Girl’. It was basically about a loner looking for unconditional love and acceptance…so, he chooses a true to life (sex) toy girl as his girl friend. To the naked eye, Lars Lindstrom is mentally ill and suffering from a psychological split. No one thinks he is normal and even the therapist is puzzled. But she encourages the family to go along with his fantasy. The ‘girlfriend’ came to life in every sense to Lairs and his whole community seemed to join in on the madness. She did although remain a doll. She never told dirty filthy jokes or grew leaves or spoke French. The story was heart felt, and I felt like it was sad but bittersweet in the end. It was original, somewhat enlightening and I left the movie feeling like “I got something out of it”.
This summer I watched (in this order) TED, Ruby Sparks and now today; The Odd Life of Timothy Green.
TED
This summer comedy is about Mark Walberg’s character ‘John Bennett’ acting like a dumb guy while his “magically alive’ child hood stuffed animal TED acted like a (all be it funny at times) Super Dumb Guy. The toy Ted had a magical occurrence where he turned real but his actions were unreal in the sence that no ‘real person’ would act like that. It was a child hood sensation at first and dream come true for the Mark Walberg child but as in life everyone grows up and has to put away childish things. As Ted’s boy grew up physically, Ted made every attempt to stunt him from maturing mentally and emotionally. Blah blah blah. It was a raunchy movie about commitment, pot smoking, and relationship compromises. I laughed, I cried tears of laughter, and rolled my eyes. Will be a great rental when the kids are out of the house. The trailer is self explanatory.
Ruby Sparks
My Next the movie in this genre is Ruby Sparks
We have a fantastical story of a “genius” named Calvin Weir-Fields (played by Paul Dano) who is an author- narcissist suffering from severe in a writer’s block. He is under the pressure of being a past author celebrity writing an award winning book when he was 19. Not only is Calvin is suffering from writers block; he is also in relationship block and has a general all around life block. He is lost in love and stuck, in a way like Lars, and John Bennett .
In this movie his therapist helps him discover a whole new world through a simple writers exercise. Calvin starts to create a perfect girlfriend in writing and she comes to life. Ruby is perfect for Calvin she is also seemingly in his own image, which is creepy. She comes alive and is beyond his imagination. She is his perfect soul mate at first and could be a dream come true but as she evolves she slips out of Calvin’s control. As in most real life story’s, if it is too good to be true, its usually not true. Sooooo, of course everything goes array and almost ends in tragic despair. Almost! ‘Ruby Sparks’ is a cute artistic film and I enjoyed a lot in spite of the fact that I had to grapple with the ‘this could never happen’ feeling I was choking on the whole time. There was a narcissism ich factor as well but that played into the whole of the movie and I understood its roll in this film. If you like artistic quirky films, this was pretty good.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
(watched in Early August)
Moving on to my movie today. This movie takes place in a small town with small town values that’s main factory is down on luck. Think; bed and breakfast, bike riding, multi- generational family soccer, family picnics and pretty people who support their bully children in polo shirts.
The main characters are pretty people couple who are interviewing with a scary adoption agency. They tell their sorted story about why they would make good parents and how they came to gain true parental experience through their fantastical story. They go on to explain a ridiculous tale about their “mud boy” Timothy Green who arrived on a stormy night out of despair, to teach them and the world (ER, their little towns people) how to live a better life and be good parents. (take a deep breath)
At first sight, this adorable couple would obviously make the perfect adoption family. Frankly, they could have a baby pretty fast in my opinion. When they start to tell the crazy story about the leafy mud boy who lived as their son for a year and disappeared,,, only after teaching them how to be true parents; I start to wonder. I think that these people should go back to the “lets get a puppy” idea and call quits. (side note, the puppy idea was initially being tossed around) I think that if this crazy thing happened to me and Mac, we would have buried it way away from any adoption agency with real fear that they would think we are wacko’s and we would get black balled. Plus, I would be so heart broken that I could not tell the story in a cherry manner like this couple. BIG Red flag!
Before the boy arrives in the mud we are told that this couple can not have bio-children. They have a few baby things in a room including a crib, which that tells me that maybe there is a lost baby at some point. This is a loss I am very failure with. The despair is real when they drink the wine and play let’s talk about our lost dream kid… I get it. I do not ‘get’ how they can accept a little boy who arrives literally out of their garden in a storm (during a drought) with out calling in child welfare services or someone. The cute couple avoided all normal protocol and just go with the flow and pretend that this kid is theirs and legit. They tell their families and the community and schools that he is their son. This happens FOR A YEAR! They love him and are real parents… WHAT?
(spoiler alert) when timothy divulges the grand plan that he has to go back to the magic land and ditch his parents… I start to think ‘ok here we go with the heartache and some real relate-able pain’. There should have been mega feelings of loss. You don’t just move on from this stuff with the cheeriness that was portrayed in the movie. WTF?
At times this movie is heartwarming. But at other times I found myself wanting to scream: REALLY?? Maybe as a mother though adoption, I carry a negative bias towards the over simplifying of the emotions in adoption stories. All adoption stories that end well should feel good, but this is more of a loss for foster parents story. The loss in Timothy Green is so sad and it gets brushed off in such a Disney way that it was incredibly overwhelming. The grave loss that these people should have been feeling when their “son” Timothy Green disappeared should have been dealt with more deeply in the movie. That is not how it works… loose one kid… get another and be totally fine. Where were the tears and anguish, I felt it for them.. they smiled on… really weird stuff.
Now its September 17,
and I need to finish this silly piece I’m writing… so here goes. The more I sit with the impact of this movie the angrier I get. I think it was irresponsible. What if my kids saw this film? Would they think that kids are expendable? I think it was a horrific message. When the adoption agency delivers the 6 year old looking Asian child who was to be their next child in the end of the movie I was left me shaking my head pretty much screaming UGH! Her name was Lilly. Again seriously?!?!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Today at 3:15 I embarked on a journey to Louisiana to a place called “The Bath Tub”. The Bath Tub is a place that seems like a cross between Haiti and swamp like Appalachia in my imagination.
Despite the horrific conditions of mud, critters, filth and ‘back-assness’ there is a true sense of community, togetherness and , (I cant believe I am going to say this) charm. There are black folks and white folks with no real sense of hierarchy or judgment. These folks are together in a comradely of alternative lifestyle that seems like they are sadly stuck in their supreme poverty, but as the film plays out shows that life in the “bath Tub” proves to be far more complex then a story about poverty and different people.
The 6 year old child called “Hushpuppy” lives in her own shanty like house on stilts while her dirty older dad lives in his own quarters. The mother only exists in this child’s vivid imagination. There is a pig, and chickens and a little dirty dog. Hushpuppy has wild hair, androgynous cloths and a face that is scrumptious. Sadly, I could not help thinking about ring-worm when I first saw her on the big screen. Her dad tossed a chicken on the makeshift grill and then it was ‘feeding time’. Everyone ate, the pig and dog and little 6 year old girl. The chicken actually looked kind of yummy, in spite of the filth, and lack of utensils.
The girl called Hushpuppy shows us her life, though her harsh reality and vivid imagination. We learn how to catch a catfish and how to live off the land of plenty of crawdads, crabs, chicken and liquor. Then, Hushpuppy’s dad disappears… after a while he returns in a hospital gown. One might wonder how he is just walking around in a hospital gown. It is a scary truth that Hushpuppy’s already turbulent life, may just have taken a turn for the worse.
More Crazy stuff happens. The girl’s dad is seemingly very sick. So… to add to his oddness, he looks like he is terminally ill and the mother is nowhere in true sight, the fantasy life is compounded by the stories she is told. For example: her father tells a story that when she was born her mother swam off to “the lights” because her heart was going to explode. At this point in the film , my heart is about to explode.
We meet the female “teacher” who has wild ideas of the world, ice age, and creatures from the cave man times. The cave man beasts follow Hushpuppy in her adventuresome life through out the film.
Then the BIG storm hits! It is a big deal and very threatening. The people of this community are going to stick out the storm even if they could all die. Some people do not make it but , thankfully others are alive and resiliently well.
The aftermath of the storm is horrific. (It must be Katrina and its Louisiana nightmare.) This microcosm sits below the levees before they ‘broke’ and flooded the rest of the land swelling their land to fullest capacity. Get it the ‘Bath Tub’ effect… Full of scum, death and lots of muddy dying water.
The miss fit land of the Bath Tub people pull together to wait out the water. Together with their children, old people and younger haggard people they ‘pool’ their resources. They were a tight community that had each others backs no matter what.
I could see their freedom. Their laughter and comradely stirred a queer kind of envy in me. They had it hard and bad, I could not take a weekend at the ‘bath tub’, but putting my values aside, there was a beauty in the whole of it.
The film is of loss and resilience and showed the power people can have to survive, and pull together under extreme hardship. The narrator and hero, Hush Puppy steals the screen. This little actor is nothing short of an anomaly in the world of glitter. She took her time, did not over act and she was believable in every sense. I’ll say it again…Scrumptious! Sadly to the quick naked eye, I could not help thinking that any person from mainstreet USA would only see a dirty, filthy, backward, swamp kid. She and her community demonstrate that life is complicated. The way we all choose to live our lives can be fuel for judgment by others for many many reasons.
The Beasts of the Southern Wild was heart wrenching, powerful and thought provoking in every sense. Poetry in motion! Maybe we should be less critical of the lives of others and start believing that we all have a common thread of humanness. This film portrayed a (at times) head shaking, shocking, life style of poverty and hardship and child abuse/neglect (in the traditional sense) but, it also presented a community devoted to its people, while they live (and die) by their certain way of life.
In America we live under the guise (our declaration of independence) of the concept that all people have an inalienable right. That is; of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness… this film explores those values and much much more.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Movie; 'We need to talk about Kevin"
the movie "we need to talk about kevin" is a film i saw last week at the bryn mawr film institute. Directed by Lynne Ramsay. Starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly.
This film was so well done and has been haunting me ever since i left the very somber crowd in the end. I want to have a support group/discussion gathering with anyone who has lived... er.. watched this movie. After the movie, I sat in my car and stared out the window, feeling drained, and taken with this tail.
Tilda plays a mom who is stuck in a flash back world between her sad horrific new life, alone in a crap house, haunted by her true life nightmares;and with her past life. Her memories of her husband, little adorable daughter and the draining, depressing task of raising kevin.
We watch her raise her baby boy 'kevin' and it is notable how early on there were signs of mental illness. He looks like he will surely be a psychopath and they all need help dealing with it. Personally, i felt her pain... some of the behaviors kevin demonstrated were similar to my child when he was younger. BUT, we got a lot of help (early intervention) and another big difference was my husband was supportive of me and believed me when i talked about my child. We were on it really early. Every child is different bit some of the freaky signs were creepy.
I think the whole audience cringed many times during the movie, but there was a big ugh when his jolly, oblivious dad buys young Kevin a (all be it cool) plastic suction cup archery set. Seriously WTF?! Rule # 1; do not give a mentally ill emotionally disturbed, dissociative young child a weapon/toy. The rule is no violence, no guns,no nothing, ever for this kind of kid. In the movie you wanted to shoot the dad for being so oblivious (a word worth repeating).
Early on in life; my child cried a lot, was easily frustrated, impulsive, angry, sullen, destructive, picky, potentially manipulative and explosive and I was at my whits end, like this Mom. BUT, we got got involved with the intermediate unit and committed to services, involved a Top Notch expensive child psychiatrist and were/are committed to our whole family's well being. Never give up and never put him or others in danger. Having a child with issues is so challenging but coasting along life ignoring issue is dangerous.
This mom in movie loves her son, its safe to say that all mom's love their children... she is committed to her family in every way but in the way that could have helped them all. Get your kid psychiatric help if they surely need it. He needed early intervention. The parents needed an undivided front, outside support and a good childhood psychiatrist for their child. He needed to be evaluated and the mothers concerns addressed appropriately. He should have been in care either outpatient or i think inpatient. Its hard to come to grips with these kinds of things, i know... but it could have made all the difference. (then there would be no movie)
It is so hard to see the forest threw the trees in these cases of unconditional love. It is really easy to over look tell tail signs and be in denial. Denial is not only stagnating, its dangerous.
This movie was amazing, graphic and horribly, shockingly sad... I loved it and will see it again. I am also feeling pretty happy that life is good at my house, at this moment. The acting was amazing. I totally believed the characters. 4 star film for me, maybe not for everyone
This film was so well done and has been haunting me ever since i left the very somber crowd in the end. I want to have a support group/discussion gathering with anyone who has lived... er.. watched this movie. After the movie, I sat in my car and stared out the window, feeling drained, and taken with this tail.
Tilda plays a mom who is stuck in a flash back world between her sad horrific new life, alone in a crap house, haunted by her true life nightmares;and with her past life. Her memories of her husband, little adorable daughter and the draining, depressing task of raising kevin.
We watch her raise her baby boy 'kevin' and it is notable how early on there were signs of mental illness. He looks like he will surely be a psychopath and they all need help dealing with it. Personally, i felt her pain... some of the behaviors kevin demonstrated were similar to my child when he was younger. BUT, we got a lot of help (early intervention) and another big difference was my husband was supportive of me and believed me when i talked about my child. We were on it really early. Every child is different bit some of the freaky signs were creepy.
I think the whole audience cringed many times during the movie, but there was a big ugh when his jolly, oblivious dad buys young Kevin a (all be it cool) plastic suction cup archery set. Seriously WTF?! Rule # 1; do not give a mentally ill emotionally disturbed, dissociative young child a weapon/toy. The rule is no violence, no guns,no nothing, ever for this kind of kid. In the movie you wanted to shoot the dad for being so oblivious (a word worth repeating).
Early on in life; my child cried a lot, was easily frustrated, impulsive, angry, sullen, destructive, picky, potentially manipulative and explosive and I was at my whits end, like this Mom. BUT, we got got involved with the intermediate unit and committed to services, involved a Top Notch expensive child psychiatrist and were/are committed to our whole family's well being. Never give up and never put him or others in danger. Having a child with issues is so challenging but coasting along life ignoring issue is dangerous.
This mom in movie loves her son, its safe to say that all mom's love their children... she is committed to her family in every way but in the way that could have helped them all. Get your kid psychiatric help if they surely need it. He needed early intervention. The parents needed an undivided front, outside support and a good childhood psychiatrist for their child. He needed to be evaluated and the mothers concerns addressed appropriately. He should have been in care either outpatient or i think inpatient. Its hard to come to grips with these kinds of things, i know... but it could have made all the difference. (then there would be no movie)
It is so hard to see the forest threw the trees in these cases of unconditional love. It is really easy to over look tell tail signs and be in denial. Denial is not only stagnating, its dangerous.
This movie was amazing, graphic and horribly, shockingly sad... I loved it and will see it again. I am also feeling pretty happy that life is good at my house, at this moment. The acting was amazing. I totally believed the characters. 4 star film for me, maybe not for everyone
Friday, February 24, 2012
2012 Oscar
nominations for Best Picture
The Artist
I loved this movie. It was not on my top list to see, because it was listed as a silent film. Who wants to sit through that? In the end it was pure joy and filled with feelings and emotions that were loud and clear. I believe that it has a big chance to be the winner this year.
The Descendants
Thomas Langmann, Producer
The first time i saw it alone, i thought... "well its was good and maybe even great'. It was honest and tough at times. but what won me over was the relationships portrayed honestly and sometime with humor. Life is complicated. It is sort of like when you want to crack up while the Ernest priest/minister is saying a heart felt prayer over your brother... it is amazing but you kind of need to let some of the laugh out too.
My favorites part was when the husband (george c) told his wife that their daughter was here to see her and she should "be nice!!"... she was in a coma for Gods sake.
when i Saw it for the second time with Nancy... liked it 2nd time too
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
I saw it yesterday. I had to drive out of my town because it was not playing in many time slots during the day. I was not looking forward to the film because the lack of positive hype. i heard that is was all about 911 and sad and slow. Sooo to my surprise, i found a charming, complexly simple (an oxymoron), film about a child who was different... dealing with 'the worst day". my son charlie is different too... and on top of that Atypical in his diagnosis, just like the lead boy in the film. it would be extremely challenging to capture all of charlie's uniqueness in an acting role. This kid did a great job... was it totally great.. i just wish they could have had an actual kid with mild aspbergers play that role... but that is propitious. I cried a few times because of the boy, his mom and their issues almost as much as with the 911 horrifying sadness.
I fell in love with the film when we met the 'Renter'. He stole the show and is nominated for best supporting actor. (a good year for actors with no audible voice)
The Help, Scott Rudin, Producer
By now most people i know have watched the help. I saw it in the theater and in my bedroom with macdaddy and nancy It was wonderful... great and mainstream. Thank GOD our nation has moved forward leaps and bounds from segregated bathrooms and racism. How heartbreaking that is each time i see it on the big screen. I adored the nanny relationship with the little girl.. "you is smart. you is kind, you is important". I tear up each time is say it and think about it. i believe that the world would be a better place if we all treated people the way we would want to be treated. The Help personified this in many ways.. i loved the other supporting role nominee Jessica Chastain... her character was so loving and sad and heartwarming in the end.
The Help made me hunger for fried chicken and weary of any kind of dark pie, and happy for times that are a changin.
Hugo Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
This movie trailer almost prevented me from seeing the movie. I thought it was a children's movie similar to that train movie or the half animated, half real looking movie schrooge from the Christmas carol. I do not care for realistic animated humans in film.
i was not even drawn by the critic buzz.
At first (maybe the first 10 min) i believed my own skepticism...i wondered what the hell i was doing in this odd film. BUT, then POW! I was thinking that this was the best movie of the year.
It was long,,,i like that...ethereal with developing plot... i like that too. Sasha barron cohen in a quarky role...love!
it was filmed in such a unique dream like style that i found my self wondering why there was not movie buzz around this flick... no one in my circle was talking about HUGO... well until it was nominated for a million Oscars this year. ( i have to get out more)
the acting, cinematography, story and moral of the story are all spot on wonderful!
GO HUGO!!!
Midnight in Paris Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
How can I resist Woody Allen. I can not! Owen Wilson was great but i wish woody could have had his own time machine so he could play him self. Owen willson was good enough.
the film was genius.. i loved it so much~~! where to begin.. in Paris, yes! the casting was fantastic with Zelda Fitzgerald in the lead.
Owens in law's or future in laws were priceless... I adored this movie. thank god Woody's still got it!
Moneyball
Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
Who knew i could like a baseball movie. I had know idea that so much went into this game, er sport... My husband has been trying to tell me this information for years.
I liked the cast of characters... Brad pit is still such a hottie! i really enjoyed the casting of the daughter in the film. she was not typical and her differences (is that a word) made her quit charming. Her song was great... her step dad was perfect in his smug, too geeky, aloof, coolness...
I love the underdog taking a risk that pays off... I laughed, i cried.. i learns about baseball. Was that a true story??
The Tree of Life
Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
Um what the hell was that movie... I need the explanation files (a quip my dad said after watching the TV show the X-files).
Nancy and I saw it after hearing rave reviews. The Bryn Mawr film institute does have the best popcorn remember. So it was not a total loss. And it was nominated for best picture, so i can smugly announce that I did see it at an art house movie theater... ha ha.
when we were leaving in the end.. we were miffed, and left pondering 'what just happened'. I man actually asked me and Nancy to stop talking and seeking an explanation about it because he was just about to see it... YIKES!
OK maybe it was the most cinematographic beautiful film ever made, I'll give ya that. But, What the hell?
I felt like the confused dog; cocking one ear after the next to try to gain perspective. I must see again to get it, I guess.
My final thought was The Tree Of Life was over indulgent.
War Horse
Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Dede Gardner and Grant Hill, Producers
Before i saw War Horse I predicted 'best movie of the year' . The trailer spoke to me.. I wanted to see this film and knew it had to be fantastic.
I think it was made to be good, did not take any real risks... (george clooney was not yelling at his wife in a coma). it was great... it had to be. i had no idea that horses were as friendly and caring as dogs.. they are not, really. But.. war is HELL!
was it the best movie of the year... not really. will our parents and nice aunts love it and talk about how it was the best movie, probably, but they probably did not see or 'get' HuGo.
nominations for Best Picture
The Artist
I loved this movie. It was not on my top list to see, because it was listed as a silent film. Who wants to sit through that? In the end it was pure joy and filled with feelings and emotions that were loud and clear. I believe that it has a big chance to be the winner this year.
The Descendants
Thomas Langmann, Producer
The first time i saw it alone, i thought... "well its was good and maybe even great'. It was honest and tough at times. but what won me over was the relationships portrayed honestly and sometime with humor. Life is complicated. It is sort of like when you want to crack up while the Ernest priest/minister is saying a heart felt prayer over your brother... it is amazing but you kind of need to let some of the laugh out too.
My favorites part was when the husband (george c) told his wife that their daughter was here to see her and she should "be nice!!"... she was in a coma for Gods sake.
when i Saw it for the second time with Nancy... liked it 2nd time too
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
I saw it yesterday. I had to drive out of my town because it was not playing in many time slots during the day. I was not looking forward to the film because the lack of positive hype. i heard that is was all about 911 and sad and slow. Sooo to my surprise, i found a charming, complexly simple (an oxymoron), film about a child who was different... dealing with 'the worst day". my son charlie is different too... and on top of that Atypical in his diagnosis, just like the lead boy in the film. it would be extremely challenging to capture all of charlie's uniqueness in an acting role. This kid did a great job... was it totally great.. i just wish they could have had an actual kid with mild aspbergers play that role... but that is propitious. I cried a few times because of the boy, his mom and their issues almost as much as with the 911 horrifying sadness.
I fell in love with the film when we met the 'Renter'. He stole the show and is nominated for best supporting actor. (a good year for actors with no audible voice)
The Help, Scott Rudin, Producer
By now most people i know have watched the help. I saw it in the theater and in my bedroom with macdaddy and nancy It was wonderful... great and mainstream. Thank GOD our nation has moved forward leaps and bounds from segregated bathrooms and racism. How heartbreaking that is each time i see it on the big screen. I adored the nanny relationship with the little girl.. "you is smart. you is kind, you is important". I tear up each time is say it and think about it. i believe that the world would be a better place if we all treated people the way we would want to be treated. The Help personified this in many ways.. i loved the other supporting role nominee Jessica Chastain... her character was so loving and sad and heartwarming in the end.
The Help made me hunger for fried chicken and weary of any kind of dark pie, and happy for times that are a changin.
Hugo Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
This movie trailer almost prevented me from seeing the movie. I thought it was a children's movie similar to that train movie or the half animated, half real looking movie schrooge from the Christmas carol. I do not care for realistic animated humans in film.
i was not even drawn by the critic buzz.
At first (maybe the first 10 min) i believed my own skepticism...i wondered what the hell i was doing in this odd film. BUT, then POW! I was thinking that this was the best movie of the year.
It was long,,,i like that...ethereal with developing plot... i like that too. Sasha barron cohen in a quarky role...love!
it was filmed in such a unique dream like style that i found my self wondering why there was not movie buzz around this flick... no one in my circle was talking about HUGO... well until it was nominated for a million Oscars this year. ( i have to get out more)
the acting, cinematography, story and moral of the story are all spot on wonderful!
GO HUGO!!!
Midnight in Paris Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
How can I resist Woody Allen. I can not! Owen Wilson was great but i wish woody could have had his own time machine so he could play him self. Owen willson was good enough.
the film was genius.. i loved it so much~~! where to begin.. in Paris, yes! the casting was fantastic with Zelda Fitzgerald in the lead.
Owens in law's or future in laws were priceless... I adored this movie. thank god Woody's still got it!
Moneyball
Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
Who knew i could like a baseball movie. I had know idea that so much went into this game, er sport... My husband has been trying to tell me this information for years.
I liked the cast of characters... Brad pit is still such a hottie! i really enjoyed the casting of the daughter in the film. she was not typical and her differences (is that a word) made her quit charming. Her song was great... her step dad was perfect in his smug, too geeky, aloof, coolness...
I love the underdog taking a risk that pays off... I laughed, i cried.. i learns about baseball. Was that a true story??
The Tree of Life
Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
Um what the hell was that movie... I need the explanation files (a quip my dad said after watching the TV show the X-files).
Nancy and I saw it after hearing rave reviews. The Bryn Mawr film institute does have the best popcorn remember. So it was not a total loss. And it was nominated for best picture, so i can smugly announce that I did see it at an art house movie theater... ha ha.
when we were leaving in the end.. we were miffed, and left pondering 'what just happened'. I man actually asked me and Nancy to stop talking and seeking an explanation about it because he was just about to see it... YIKES!
OK maybe it was the most cinematographic beautiful film ever made, I'll give ya that. But, What the hell?
I felt like the confused dog; cocking one ear after the next to try to gain perspective. I must see again to get it, I guess.
My final thought was The Tree Of Life was over indulgent.
War Horse
Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Dede Gardner and Grant Hill, Producers
Before i saw War Horse I predicted 'best movie of the year' . The trailer spoke to me.. I wanted to see this film and knew it had to be fantastic.
I think it was made to be good, did not take any real risks... (george clooney was not yelling at his wife in a coma). it was great... it had to be. i had no idea that horses were as friendly and caring as dogs.. they are not, really. But.. war is HELL!
was it the best movie of the year... not really. will our parents and nice aunts love it and talk about how it was the best movie, probably, but they probably did not see or 'get' HuGo.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Haywire VS Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Haywire VS Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
So this week i went out on a limb... the movies were not fitting into my timing and I will see anything after all. (almost anything)
Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender (big love?), Channing Tatum and michael Douglas in the Steven Soderbergh film sounds pretty promising. i kind of love Ewan McGregor and i know nancy is hot on Channing tatum. so, i figured that a movie with a self sufficient, martial arts and marksmanship skill tallented female spy type leading actor with a hottie supporting cast might not be too bad. I also (wrongly) figured that with such a good cast and seemingly smart actors, they would pick a great script.
Well... I could not believe how much is did not believe the character. the fight scenes had a lot of grunts and wallops and more ugh's and grunts and slap sounds for a lady fight! i (a feminist) found my self thinking why would he hit her, she's a girl!!
I don't know Gina Carano but she does not seem to have the required edge to pull it off. I remember Bridget Fonda in that movie a long time ago.. she was a great fem fatal.. and what about the bad ass, kind of scary person Angelina jolie... she can pull off spy bad ass. Gina was not fitting her role and further more he sound editing was having too much fun making the fight sounds sound too realistic. Whats with the slapping sounds right and left? i had to ask! I was not amused!
On the other hand... the next day or 2 i saw.. Underworld;rise of the Lycans. When i purchased the tickets at my most frequented king of Prussia theater the cashier looked up and proclaimed: "Really?, this is not like you". I questioned her and she shrugged and smirked... I reminded her that I see everything, well except the Saw movies and devil movies "based on a true story'. I became nervous that i would HATE this movie.
Well, actually.. i kind of liked it for what it was worth. Kate Beckensale is a bad ass and if i had any chance of looking remotely good id totally go as her character for my Halloween party. (commence diet!!!) She is like the Honey Badger of the underworld! She don't give a shit! she would not blink a steal blue vampire eye while she slaughtered any human or werewolf- monster in her path. Granted, she was just defrosted from a 12 year cryo-bath freeze... i'd be moody too. On top of her defrost, she discovered that she had a daughter conceived out of love with her (believed to be deceased) half man, half lyken, half vampire, all hottie lover... (i was a bit confused too many half's i know). Back to the kid. She is now 12 and apparently super special and the only one of her kind.. something about special powers, no origination (vampire bite scare) marks... etc... etc... etc..she needed to be protected at all cost!
There were fights with growling dog/monsters.. vampire antics, lovers lost... and a handsome, light eyed brown skin human sympathizer cop to make it all so action packed!
Selene... the main character was as i said a bad ass and would have sent Gina in haywire running for the hills.
the shocking conclusion, i liked the Underworld movie so much more then haywire.
can i recommend either film... no, I'm a chicken. If someone i know admits to seeing the underworld movie.. or better yet the movies preceded this one, id love some fun banter... and perhaps some explanation files
So this week i went out on a limb... the movies were not fitting into my timing and I will see anything after all. (almost anything)
Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender (big love?), Channing Tatum and michael Douglas in the Steven Soderbergh film sounds pretty promising. i kind of love Ewan McGregor and i know nancy is hot on Channing tatum. so, i figured that a movie with a self sufficient, martial arts and marksmanship skill tallented female spy type leading actor with a hottie supporting cast might not be too bad. I also (wrongly) figured that with such a good cast and seemingly smart actors, they would pick a great script.
Well... I could not believe how much is did not believe the character. the fight scenes had a lot of grunts and wallops and more ugh's and grunts and slap sounds for a lady fight! i (a feminist) found my self thinking why would he hit her, she's a girl!!
I don't know Gina Carano but she does not seem to have the required edge to pull it off. I remember Bridget Fonda in that movie a long time ago.. she was a great fem fatal.. and what about the bad ass, kind of scary person Angelina jolie... she can pull off spy bad ass. Gina was not fitting her role and further more he sound editing was having too much fun making the fight sounds sound too realistic. Whats with the slapping sounds right and left? i had to ask! I was not amused!
On the other hand... the next day or 2 i saw.. Underworld;rise of the Lycans. When i purchased the tickets at my most frequented king of Prussia theater the cashier looked up and proclaimed: "Really?, this is not like you". I questioned her and she shrugged and smirked... I reminded her that I see everything, well except the Saw movies and devil movies "based on a true story'. I became nervous that i would HATE this movie.
Well, actually.. i kind of liked it for what it was worth. Kate Beckensale is a bad ass and if i had any chance of looking remotely good id totally go as her character for my Halloween party. (commence diet!!!) She is like the Honey Badger of the underworld! She don't give a shit! she would not blink a steal blue vampire eye while she slaughtered any human or werewolf- monster in her path. Granted, she was just defrosted from a 12 year cryo-bath freeze... i'd be moody too. On top of her defrost, she discovered that she had a daughter conceived out of love with her (believed to be deceased) half man, half lyken, half vampire, all hottie lover... (i was a bit confused too many half's i know). Back to the kid. She is now 12 and apparently super special and the only one of her kind.. something about special powers, no origination (vampire bite scare) marks... etc... etc... etc..she needed to be protected at all cost!
There were fights with growling dog/monsters.. vampire antics, lovers lost... and a handsome, light eyed brown skin human sympathizer cop to make it all so action packed!
Selene... the main character was as i said a bad ass and would have sent Gina in haywire running for the hills.
the shocking conclusion, i liked the Underworld movie so much more then haywire.
can i recommend either film... no, I'm a chicken. If someone i know admits to seeing the underworld movie.. or better yet the movies preceded this one, id love some fun banter... and perhaps some explanation files
Monday, January 16, 2012
move movies.. less then nancy
Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows Trailer
Contagion (second time)
Iron Lady
nancy is plowing a head with her movie quest.. frankly i don't know when she was watching these movies because since DEC 16 she has been practically attached at the hip to me. It has been fun having her home and sad to say good bye yesterday. Yesterday came and went and Nancy was still here, quietly demanding all the attention that an only child wit h3 siblings does. the issues is i love her and want her to be happy... and have co-dependency when it comes to her... well she is the best!
since Nancy desired to leave today, we were able to watch my new latest favorite movie called "Iron Lady". Meryl Streep and her supporting actor Denis Broadbent were superb. It was a love story. Love for Margaret's husband and all that marriage and family brings and, love for conviction and service. One needs to be useful. It should not be about ones position in life, it should be about purpose. I will see this film again, perhaps today. I remember knowing about margrat thatcher in the 80's. I was in England as an exchange student when i was in 9th grade... there was real fear of the IRA bombings. Blimpy bars were being blown up.
I am sure nancy will write a fantastic review about Iron Lady...
I give it 4stars...
Off to lunch wit hight school friend and a movie alone... Free at last.
Contagion (second time)
Iron Lady
nancy is plowing a head with her movie quest.. frankly i don't know when she was watching these movies because since DEC 16 she has been practically attached at the hip to me. It has been fun having her home and sad to say good bye yesterday. Yesterday came and went and Nancy was still here, quietly demanding all the attention that an only child wit h3 siblings does. the issues is i love her and want her to be happy... and have co-dependency when it comes to her... well she is the best!
since Nancy desired to leave today, we were able to watch my new latest favorite movie called "Iron Lady". Meryl Streep and her supporting actor Denis Broadbent were superb. It was a love story. Love for Margaret's husband and all that marriage and family brings and, love for conviction and service. One needs to be useful. It should not be about ones position in life, it should be about purpose. I will see this film again, perhaps today. I remember knowing about margrat thatcher in the 80's. I was in England as an exchange student when i was in 9th grade... there was real fear of the IRA bombings. Blimpy bars were being blown up.
I am sure nancy will write a fantastic review about Iron Lady...
I give it 4stars...
Off to lunch wit hight school friend and a movie alone... Free at last.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Artist; a black and white, silent movie... cool or nu-cool
Yesterday Nancy and i want to see the Artist. a french silent film with subtitle in English. oh, in black and white too. in a way it sounds kind of boring, the cool Lydia says exciting, the realist Lydia says um, boring.
Well...cool Lydia was right. It was really great. I loved it. the acting wonderful. jean Dujardin plays the dashing protagonist and he is fantastic on the big screen.
i highly recommend this different film, it was charming, entertaining and cool! The music was totally memorable, and costumes perfect. I loved the white gloves and tails in the theater. I think i will get my kid gloves out for my next movie.
today we may see the 2hr 45 min bollywood film that "Players? a take off of the movie "Italian Job" ... that could be a lot of action, and reading at the same time. i need to learn Hindi or is it farce???
Well...cool Lydia was right. It was really great. I loved it. the acting wonderful. jean Dujardin plays the dashing protagonist and he is fantastic on the big screen.
i highly recommend this different film, it was charming, entertaining and cool! The music was totally memorable, and costumes perfect. I loved the white gloves and tails in the theater. I think i will get my kid gloves out for my next movie.
today we may see the 2hr 45 min bollywood film that "Players? a take off of the movie "Italian Job" ... that could be a lot of action, and reading at the same time. i need to learn Hindi or is it farce???
Sunday, January 8, 2012
keeping up with nancy the film critic
my daughter Nancy has been going to movies with me since Babe the talking pig and Pocohanas.
I took her to many films that were before her time, and kind of regret taking her to see Hotel Rowanda in 2004 (she was 11). she has a sophisticated film pallet and is a funny and talented writer. I am her mother so i believe so.
Here is the issue; she is blogging about the movies she is seeing to meet her 365 movie challenge. I jumped in with her, but now feel like i am going to pale in comparison. so far each movie she has watched this year has had me right by her side.
the latest "my week with Marylin" and "tinker Tailor soldier Spy".
My week with Marylin was my second viewing and i took her because the acting is so great. Michelle from blue valentine is superb. Nancy writes about it in her blog and does so equivalently. what more can i say, I'm just the mom in the shadow' of greatness.
I will say that i made a bold move in that movie but ordering the onion rings at the King of Prussia Regal. They are amazing.. Delicious and crispy. it is shocking how good they are. It is kind embarrassing because they waft off a seductive smell of yummy delight to the eater but, Probably not what the other people in the theater want to smell while they are munching on hour old popcorn. i am sure Nancy finds an awkward dilemma ... love mom, love onion rings, love movies at the theater, but not all at the same time.
Yesterday we saw "Tinker, Taylor, soldier, Spy"... again Nancy sums it up in her blog, it is spot on and i feel like i would only look like a plagiarizer of idea if i too wrote about it. i will say that is was good. I am sure i need to say that because it was so slow, and gloomy and confusing and British if is said that i did not like it, i'd be an outcast in my imaginary film society. one side note; I am a fan of Gary oldman... but not a fan of his facial pores.
Bill wolffe told me that; one night after a group viewing of the X-files on TV, my Dad proclaimed "We need the X-planation Files after watching that show" ... HA! DOC! Both Mac and I felt like we needed the X-planation files after Tinker Taylor, sailor, soldier what ever... I will proclaim that it was awesome,, i am supposed to. I Will likely see it again and then see how i REALLy feel.
I took her to many films that were before her time, and kind of regret taking her to see Hotel Rowanda in 2004 (she was 11). she has a sophisticated film pallet and is a funny and talented writer. I am her mother so i believe so.
Here is the issue; she is blogging about the movies she is seeing to meet her 365 movie challenge. I jumped in with her, but now feel like i am going to pale in comparison. so far each movie she has watched this year has had me right by her side.
the latest "my week with Marylin" and "tinker Tailor soldier Spy".
My week with Marylin was my second viewing and i took her because the acting is so great. Michelle from blue valentine is superb. Nancy writes about it in her blog and does so equivalently. what more can i say, I'm just the mom in the shadow' of greatness.
I will say that i made a bold move in that movie but ordering the onion rings at the King of Prussia Regal. They are amazing.. Delicious and crispy. it is shocking how good they are. It is kind embarrassing because they waft off a seductive smell of yummy delight to the eater but, Probably not what the other people in the theater want to smell while they are munching on hour old popcorn. i am sure Nancy finds an awkward dilemma ... love mom, love onion rings, love movies at the theater, but not all at the same time.
Yesterday we saw "Tinker, Taylor, soldier, Spy"... again Nancy sums it up in her blog, it is spot on and i feel like i would only look like a plagiarizer of idea if i too wrote about it. i will say that is was good. I am sure i need to say that because it was so slow, and gloomy and confusing and British if is said that i did not like it, i'd be an outcast in my imaginary film society. one side note; I am a fan of Gary oldman... but not a fan of his facial pores.
Bill wolffe told me that; one night after a group viewing of the X-files on TV, my Dad proclaimed "We need the X-planation Files after watching that show" ... HA! DOC! Both Mac and I felt like we needed the X-planation files after Tinker Taylor, sailor, soldier what ever... I will proclaim that it was awesome,, i am supposed to. I Will likely see it again and then see how i REALLy feel.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
i forgot about War horse
Jan 1 war horse
Steven Speilberg presents a must see adventure about a horse and a hard working, long loving boy and a war. WW1 nightmare!
War is hell for young men, and brutial for a War horse. The movie is a made for the Oscars, almost gyneric film in its perfection. It is sure to tug at the tears and sentimentality but, and there is a But... seemed too perfect. It is like the pretty boy that is almost too good to be true!
the cinematography was perfect. Big screen sceen, dark war, Rain, Redemption, and brotherhood. I tend to like things and I did like this movie. i would have rented it and had a big glass of wine, fire and snacks...
the whole time i was watching War Horse I thought of the Documentary that I saw at BMF called BUCK
Net flicks tonight; Buck.
This is my second viewing of the documentary of the film called BUCK. a film that follows the real life horse whisperer Buck wonethingerather. what a story, what a film. Buck has a talent and compassion that gently jumps off the screen. I loved this quiet film when i saw it in the theater and still liked it at home in front of the small screen. There are no pretenses here. Buck is the real deal and his story is heroic in the personal scale. Robert Redford, (who is still so hot) appears in the film to talk about Buck and his involvement in the block buster film 'Horse Whisperer' ... a great film in the 90's?
I made nancy watch it after badgering her to see it for literally 3 days... she finally caved. I bet she liked it!
Steven Speilberg presents a must see adventure about a horse and a hard working, long loving boy and a war. WW1 nightmare!
War is hell for young men, and brutial for a War horse. The movie is a made for the Oscars, almost gyneric film in its perfection. It is sure to tug at the tears and sentimentality but, and there is a But... seemed too perfect. It is like the pretty boy that is almost too good to be true!
the cinematography was perfect. Big screen sceen, dark war, Rain, Redemption, and brotherhood. I tend to like things and I did like this movie. i would have rented it and had a big glass of wine, fire and snacks...
the whole time i was watching War Horse I thought of the Documentary that I saw at BMF called BUCK
Net flicks tonight; Buck.
This is my second viewing of the documentary of the film called BUCK. a film that follows the real life horse whisperer Buck wonethingerather. what a story, what a film. Buck has a talent and compassion that gently jumps off the screen. I loved this quiet film when i saw it in the theater and still liked it at home in front of the small screen. There are no pretenses here. Buck is the real deal and his story is heroic in the personal scale. Robert Redford, (who is still so hot) appears in the film to talk about Buck and his involvement in the block buster film 'Horse Whisperer' ... a great film in the 90's?
I made nancy watch it after badgering her to see it for literally 3 days... she finally caved. I bet she liked it!
jumping on the ban waggon, new years movie challange 2012
My daughter Nancy is a talented, discerning film student, attending university. Studying film. what the hell... I do not think that could be a "real" major.. i am jealous er, envious, a more polite word. I think to my self, um... i am really good at watching movie's, and in a time machine i could toss aside social work and helping people for the art of film. Film Major! Masters in Film! so cool, But back to reality and 2012!
Nancy is blogging about her 2012 movie challenge. 365 movies in one year. can she do it? the challenge, can i do it?!?! I will try...
The first film of my 2012 was tom cruise in Mission Impossible 4. Macdaddy's choice.
I instantly remembered the opening of the TV show,,, dun dun. dun dun dun dundun.. beebabo beedaboo... dah dah! (true confessions, i didn't "get" that show back then. Perhaps i was too young!
This Mission Movie #4 was... well, hem, haw... It was fun. I too was not to thrilled to see toms man boobs. (nancy reminded me of them in her blogg). while watching in the post Christmas theater I felt proud that i did not heckle the screen by shouting "hey Tom, get a manzeer, or broh. " The people behind us shifted in their chairs when i whispered my comment to Nancy and Mac about his silky nasty shirt. Tom should not wear that shirt, with those boobs, Period!
I still love Tom Cruise in spite of him self. The movie was fast paced and slow at the same time. It was like a canned movie. Same old same old. I think in the next movie the bomb should actually drop and then Tom will have to save the world in the aftermath (with nuclear fall out and THE ROAD... and book of Eli, and district 9). All, in all the movie was exactly what i expected. Mission impossible to surprise Lydia #4.
Next day new movie:
Matt Damion in We Bought a Zoo
I laughed, I cried...
I am a sucker for "biased on a true story" films. And I am a sucker for Matt Damon (move over Sara Silverman, I loved him first)
Long haired, perfectly sloppy matt Damion plays a loving Widower Dad who will do anything to see his kids smile, including moving away from the horrible memories and mean schools to the country side, to a new home that happens to be a Zoo. (breath)
This kids were charming new comers and believable. The Zoo cast was quirky and somewhat what believable. The sound track Perfect for me.
Cat Stevens, neil young on the jukebox. The bar on the Zoo campus was the kind of joint id love to be a regular at. Like a New paltz, wood stock hang out with cool down to earth miss fits. I could see my self playing joni Mitchel and RLJ and dancing drinking beer with Zoo folks.
It was a family film, so i had to give some leeway to the predictable-ness. But all in all a feel so bad that you end up feeling good movie.
I can't wait t go to California to visit that Zoo.
George Clooney, The Decedents (again)
I took nancy to the BMFI for popcorn and a movie. We chose, the Descendents. My second time. I warned nancy, that it is sad. Good but, sad. Nancy does not like sick mothers, or worse dying mothers in films, for some reason.
a 4 star movie for the second time... hum, It is good. very good. A well put together story set in Hawaii, with real issues and real characters.
Several times, i thought to my self; 'I do not want to be in a coma'. My family should not have to deal with that nightmare. What a drag! The "women in coma", was amazing, so sad and real and scary and horrible. The dad and kids came together nicely and dealt as best as they could. I loved it how people spoke to the person who was brain dead. Nice chatting, angry words, venting... all to a basically dead person. That seemed real. the yucky sad real that Oscars are made of.
Was this movie Epic, No... was it very good, yes, especially for 2011 where the pickings were slim. Hawaii was cool, and a cultural i am not familiar with so that was a bonus.
side note. i love the salt and pepper George hottie!
Nancy is blogging about her 2012 movie challenge. 365 movies in one year. can she do it? the challenge, can i do it?!?! I will try...
The first film of my 2012 was tom cruise in Mission Impossible 4. Macdaddy's choice.
I instantly remembered the opening of the TV show,,, dun dun. dun dun dun dundun.. beebabo beedaboo... dah dah! (true confessions, i didn't "get" that show back then. Perhaps i was too young!
This Mission Movie #4 was... well, hem, haw... It was fun. I too was not to thrilled to see toms man boobs. (nancy reminded me of them in her blogg). while watching in the post Christmas theater I felt proud that i did not heckle the screen by shouting "hey Tom, get a manzeer, or broh. " The people behind us shifted in their chairs when i whispered my comment to Nancy and Mac about his silky nasty shirt. Tom should not wear that shirt, with those boobs, Period!
I still love Tom Cruise in spite of him self. The movie was fast paced and slow at the same time. It was like a canned movie. Same old same old. I think in the next movie the bomb should actually drop and then Tom will have to save the world in the aftermath (with nuclear fall out and THE ROAD... and book of Eli, and district 9). All, in all the movie was exactly what i expected. Mission impossible to surprise Lydia #4.
Next day new movie:
Matt Damion in We Bought a Zoo
I laughed, I cried...
I am a sucker for "biased on a true story" films. And I am a sucker for Matt Damon (move over Sara Silverman, I loved him first)
Long haired, perfectly sloppy matt Damion plays a loving Widower Dad who will do anything to see his kids smile, including moving away from the horrible memories and mean schools to the country side, to a new home that happens to be a Zoo. (breath)
This kids were charming new comers and believable. The Zoo cast was quirky and somewhat what believable. The sound track Perfect for me.
Cat Stevens, neil young on the jukebox. The bar on the Zoo campus was the kind of joint id love to be a regular at. Like a New paltz, wood stock hang out with cool down to earth miss fits. I could see my self playing joni Mitchel and RLJ and dancing drinking beer with Zoo folks.
It was a family film, so i had to give some leeway to the predictable-ness. But all in all a feel so bad that you end up feeling good movie.
I can't wait t go to California to visit that Zoo.
George Clooney, The Decedents (again)
I took nancy to the BMFI for popcorn and a movie. We chose, the Descendents. My second time. I warned nancy, that it is sad. Good but, sad. Nancy does not like sick mothers, or worse dying mothers in films, for some reason.
a 4 star movie for the second time... hum, It is good. very good. A well put together story set in Hawaii, with real issues and real characters.
Several times, i thought to my self; 'I do not want to be in a coma'. My family should not have to deal with that nightmare. What a drag! The "women in coma", was amazing, so sad and real and scary and horrible. The dad and kids came together nicely and dealt as best as they could. I loved it how people spoke to the person who was brain dead. Nice chatting, angry words, venting... all to a basically dead person. That seemed real. the yucky sad real that Oscars are made of.
Was this movie Epic, No... was it very good, yes, especially for 2011 where the pickings were slim. Hawaii was cool, and a cultural i am not familiar with so that was a bonus.
side note. i love the salt and pepper George hottie!
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