Funny Face - "Take the picture!" "Stop!" "I don't want to stop, take the picture!" Such fabulous costumes in this film. I wouldn't say that it's one of my favorite musicals but hey, anything with Audrey Hepburn works for me.
Funny Girl - This, on the whole, is a sad film. Fanny's relationship with Nick is doomed to fail from the beginning but the way it plays out is difficult to watch. But the songs are great and it's Barbra so I watch with joy nonetheless.
Girls Just Want To Have Fun - I watched this movie so many times as a kid. I just loved it. Who knew then that SJP would turn into the fabulous fashion icon of SATC? And an early Helen Hunt is super cool. Another awesome 80's dance movie.
Get Shorty - This is a fun movie but not one of my favorites. I'll save my love of Renae Russo for The Thomas Crown Affair. I think I got this free with my DVD player. Clever but. . . eh.
Gosford Park - Saw this movie for the first time in London. I love the conversational, ensemble nature of the direction and of course, anything with Emily Watson works for me. I wish she was in more American film.
Grosse Pointe Blank - This is by far the best John Cusak film, in my humble opinion. I love that he fully admits that he's an assassin and people just go with it because they think he's kidding. His scenes with Minnie Driver have such connection and attraction, I could watch them over and over. And I have. Rather violent in spots but it's so funny that you forgive.
Good Will Hunting - Another Minnie Driver example of awesomeness. I can't really say anything about this film that hasn't already been said. Only that I wish Matt/Ben would write another film. It could only be a good thing.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Alphabetical Movie Marathon - 1 Forgotten E & F2
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Wrapping your brain around the plot of this movie is really difficult and that's one of the reasons I love it. It's challenging and completely illogical and totally original. And who wouldn't want to wipe out the memories of a relationship that ended badly? It's a very common movie theme that you don't know what you got until it's gone but rarely is it done with such emotional rawness and pain. It's a love story but it's messy and messed up and fraught with fear. Just like life.
Frida - I love bio-pics about artists. Especially ones in which you see the actor actually paint. So far this and Pollock are the only ones I've come across. Being able to see what inspires the artist to come up with all that crazy shit is really fascinating to me. You literally see Frida's soul spew out onto the canvases. And Julie Taymore's direction, the colors, the animation dream sequences - it's all captivating. It also includes the best wedding speech ever. I'll include it here in the hopes that I'll be able to repeat it at an actual wedding someday.
Frida - I love bio-pics about artists. Especially ones in which you see the actor actually paint. So far this and Pollock are the only ones I've come across. Being able to see what inspires the artist to come up with all that crazy shit is really fascinating to me. You literally see Frida's soul spew out onto the canvases. And Julie Taymore's direction, the colors, the animation dream sequences - it's all captivating. It also includes the best wedding speech ever. I'll include it here in the hopes that I'll be able to repeat it at an actual wedding someday.
"I don't believe in marriage, really I don't. At it's worst it's a hostile political act, a way for small minded men to keep women in the house and out of the way, wrapped up in the guise of tradition and conservative religious nonsense. At best, it's a happy delusion - these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how truly miserable they're about to make each other. But, but, when two people know that, and they decide with eyes wide open to face each other and get married anyway, then I don't think it's conservative or delusional. I think it's radical and couragous and very romantic."
Alphabetical Movie Marathon - F
Fabulous Baker Boys - LOVE. This is a recent addition to the library and I've watched it at least five times since I got it. The music is fabulous and this fits right in with my love of watching people do things with their hands like cook, build things and play fabulous piano. It's not just a movie it's part of the cultural lexicon (re, the scene on the piano). Michelle Pfeifer's greatest role to date.
40 Year-old Virgin - What I love about this film is that while it's a "guy" movie, it's very sincere and emotional and respectful of women. It has a certain sweetness and intelligence to it and you can tell that the writer doesn't have much fear of looking silly and expressing his feelings. It's not about getting with girls but getting THE girl, even though she's a grandmother. Very much like American Pie, you like they guys and want them to be happy despite the stupid "guy" things they do. The chest waxing scene will go down in movie history as the most painful thing an actor has ever willingly done for a role. The on-screen chemistry between Steve Carell and Catherin Keener is really cool and the final number is killer.
A Fish Called Wanda - "Asshole!" is my favorite line and one I use quite often. Especially while driving. "Disappointed!" is also very useful. Again with the British comedy. I just dig it. There's a certain self-effacing quality and no fear of making an ass of ones self. Maybe is the contrast between the uptight pompious English attitude and the sheer stupidity of the circumstances in which they find themselves. You know a movie is funny when a guy actually dies watching because he was laughing so hard.
Flashdance/Footloose - Lets take these together, shall we? To amazing dance movies with awesome 80's vibe and superb music. Both have scenes that have become culturally iconic touchstones and have been reference repeatedly in pop culture. I think people under appreciate these but it may be because I was just at the right age to be all over these films when they came out. It's probably because of the hair (or the low self-esteem) but Jennifer Beales always reminds me of my sister. I love that Kevin Bacon stands up to radical Christianity and uses the Bible to reason with them. And when they are denied anyway, the find a way to make the dance happen.
40 Year-old Virgin - What I love about this film is that while it's a "guy" movie, it's very sincere and emotional and respectful of women. It has a certain sweetness and intelligence to it and you can tell that the writer doesn't have much fear of looking silly and expressing his feelings. It's not about getting with girls but getting THE girl, even though she's a grandmother. Very much like American Pie, you like they guys and want them to be happy despite the stupid "guy" things they do. The chest waxing scene will go down in movie history as the most painful thing an actor has ever willingly done for a role. The on-screen chemistry between Steve Carell and Catherin Keener is really cool and the final number is killer.
A Fish Called Wanda - "Asshole!" is my favorite line and one I use quite often. Especially while driving. "Disappointed!" is also very useful. Again with the British comedy. I just dig it. There's a certain self-effacing quality and no fear of making an ass of ones self. Maybe is the contrast between the uptight pompious English attitude and the sheer stupidity of the circumstances in which they find themselves. You know a movie is funny when a guy actually dies watching because he was laughing so hard.
Flashdance/Footloose - Lets take these together, shall we? To amazing dance movies with awesome 80's vibe and superb music. Both have scenes that have become culturally iconic touchstones and have been reference repeatedly in pop culture. I think people under appreciate these but it may be because I was just at the right age to be all over these films when they came out. It's probably because of the hair (or the low self-esteem) but Jennifer Beales always reminds me of my sister. I love that Kevin Bacon stands up to radical Christianity and uses the Bible to reason with them. And when they are denied anyway, the find a way to make the dance happen.
Alphabetical Movie Marathon - E
Yes, it's been a while so I figured I had better catch up on my viewing activities before I jump into the Christmas Movie Marathon next week.
Elizabeth - Cate Blanchett was robbed of that Oscar. She should have received it for this film. This is a knock-down, drag-out performance. She carries this movie and doesn't even look like she's working at it. The costumes are amazing and the transformation of her appearance and bearing from young niave princess to formidable and historically integral ruler is really amazing to watch. Very powerful woman indeed, actress and subject.
Extras - I have friends who don't much like Ricky Gervais, but I think he's hilarious. Of course, a good bit of English humor always got me giggling. And Extras is full of not just humor but rolling on the floor laughing and peeing your pants funny shit. Maggie is really my favorite. She's got that Bridget Jones way of being stupidly sweet. This is a great series to watch because it's quick and dirty - six 30 minute episodes per season and a totally awesome and surprisingly heartfelt final episode that sends up reality TV.
Enchanted - Ah, Disney. I didn't have high hopes. But so cool, this movie. I've always loved stories that start in animation and transition into live-action. I remember a Raggedy-ann and Andy film from years ago that was the opposite. And they did figure out how to do away with the simpering princess waiting for the prince to come and save her. She saves him in the end. I'm willing to forgive the tragic under utilization of Susan Sarandon and why in god's name they would cast Edina Menzel and not have her sing in a musical is beyond me. I enjoy the movie's modern touches anyway. The rats, pidgeons and cockroaches cleaning the apartment is super clever.
Elizabeth - Cate Blanchett was robbed of that Oscar. She should have received it for this film. This is a knock-down, drag-out performance. She carries this movie and doesn't even look like she's working at it. The costumes are amazing and the transformation of her appearance and bearing from young niave princess to formidable and historically integral ruler is really amazing to watch. Very powerful woman indeed, actress and subject.
Extras - I have friends who don't much like Ricky Gervais, but I think he's hilarious. Of course, a good bit of English humor always got me giggling. And Extras is full of not just humor but rolling on the floor laughing and peeing your pants funny shit. Maggie is really my favorite. She's got that Bridget Jones way of being stupidly sweet. This is a great series to watch because it's quick and dirty - six 30 minute episodes per season and a totally awesome and surprisingly heartfelt final episode that sends up reality TV.
Enchanted - Ah, Disney. I didn't have high hopes. But so cool, this movie. I've always loved stories that start in animation and transition into live-action. I remember a Raggedy-ann and Andy film from years ago that was the opposite. And they did figure out how to do away with the simpering princess waiting for the prince to come and save her. She saves him in the end. I'm willing to forgive the tragic under utilization of Susan Sarandon and why in god's name they would cast Edina Menzel and not have her sing in a musical is beyond me. I enjoy the movie's modern touches anyway. The rats, pidgeons and cockroaches cleaning the apartment is super clever.
Job Offer in the Works and Another Interview
So, yeah, I think I have a job now. Unfortunately it's at one of my old employers as a contractor again. I'm not crazy about that but it's better than nothing. It's a 2 year contract which is cool and the interview was with two rather cool chicks that I'll be working with. I'm excited to get back into the land of the living again. I'm not excited about no insurance, no vacation, no holiday pay and all that not being rewarded the way my co-workers are being rewarded but hey, beggars can't be choosers. It's a mixed blessing. I also just sent in my loan-modification paperwork so I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen now. It's unfortunate that I waited so long in that any changes they would have made would have been permanent but . . .
I also had an interview today, which I think went well. It pays better than the contractor job, is permanent and includes benefits. In talking with my placement guy, he said I should accept the contractor job and then I can always quit when I find out about this one. Of course, I'll be taking this one if I get an offer for it. It's just better and I'll always chose the devil I don't know, cuz that's just me. As I told a friend who was offered a job by her old employer after being laid off, going back to an old employer is like going back to a boyfriend who broke up with you and then wants you back. There's just a lot of hard feelings and bad history there.
I also had an interview today, which I think went well. It pays better than the contractor job, is permanent and includes benefits. In talking with my placement guy, he said I should accept the contractor job and then I can always quit when I find out about this one. Of course, I'll be taking this one if I get an offer for it. It's just better and I'll always chose the devil I don't know, cuz that's just me. As I told a friend who was offered a job by her old employer after being laid off, going back to an old employer is like going back to a boyfriend who broke up with you and then wants you back. There's just a lot of hard feelings and bad history there.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Alphabetical Movie Marathon - D2
Dirty Dancing - Ah, the world has lost a great man in Patrick Swayze. It really is sad. I was watching both this film and Too Wong Foo and just sad that we won't see any really daring hotness anymore. A muscle-bound, man's man not afraid to dance and wear a dress. Now that's a man. This film (and Pretty Woman, which we'll get to later) are kind of "family movies." My mother, sister and I can quote freely from these movies and instantly have a reference. This film reminds me in spirit of American Beauty in the sense that she is living her life the way she is supposed to and is awakened by circumstance to the possibilities. I think everyone wishes that had happened to them at 18. I could watch the scene where he's teaching her to dance and they pass the camera past the rippling muscles on his back. Very yummy. The world is less sexy without him.
Don Juan DeMarco - This is a funny little movie. Of course, Johnny Depp is amazing but the plot is so sweet and gentle that it's hard not to love this. Faye Dunaway, though older than most leading actresses now, has got to still be one of the most beautiful women in the world.
Deadwood - A little out of order because I forgot about this one. I had watched this entire series right before starting the marathon and didn't want to start it again but I can't finish the Ds without it. This is simply a great movie-quality show. Which is unfortunately why they're not making it anymore and never got the chance to finish the story in a satisfying way but it's still amazing to watch. I love what this show can teach us about the roll of women in previous centuries. It's hard to talk specifics because the plot is so intensely packed per episode and there are so many episodes so I'll leave it at "Watch it. It'll be good for you. You'll swear more."
Dreamgirls - I saw this film the first time in the theater and wasn't all that impressed with the opening number. However, Eddie Murphie teaching the girls to be his back up singers seamlessly sliding into him performing onstage with them in front of a cheering crowd made me thing "Oh, this is gonna be good." And I wasn't disappointed. I had the same reaction to this film ending as I did to Moulin Rouge - "Can we watch it again?"
Don Juan DeMarco - This is a funny little movie. Of course, Johnny Depp is amazing but the plot is so sweet and gentle that it's hard not to love this. Faye Dunaway, though older than most leading actresses now, has got to still be one of the most beautiful women in the world.
Deadwood - A little out of order because I forgot about this one. I had watched this entire series right before starting the marathon and didn't want to start it again but I can't finish the Ds without it. This is simply a great movie-quality show. Which is unfortunately why they're not making it anymore and never got the chance to finish the story in a satisfying way but it's still amazing to watch. I love what this show can teach us about the roll of women in previous centuries. It's hard to talk specifics because the plot is so intensely packed per episode and there are so many episodes so I'll leave it at "Watch it. It'll be good for you. You'll swear more."
Dreamgirls - I saw this film the first time in the theater and wasn't all that impressed with the opening number. However, Eddie Murphie teaching the girls to be his back up singers seamlessly sliding into him performing onstage with them in front of a cheering crowd made me thing "Oh, this is gonna be good." And I wasn't disappointed. I had the same reaction to this film ending as I did to Moulin Rouge - "Can we watch it again?"
Alphabetical Movie Marathon - D
Dangerous Liaisons - I think this is the coolest costume drama ever made. The sheer vengeance factor will blow you away to say nothing of the costumes, the sets, makeup, music and the joy of seeing John Malkovich and Glenn Close throw daggers at each other. Unfortunately, you've got to sit through a few scenes with Keanu Reeves trying to act his way out of a paper bag with a pair of scissors but it's worth it to get to Michelle Pfeiffer. A good film to watch when you're really really pissed at someone.
Dead Again - Full disclosure: I'm a huge Kenneth Brannagh fan. So the fact that I love this movie shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. I kinda believe in the possibility of reincarnation so I'm very willing to just go along with the plot, which is pretty complicated. Just love the scenes with Robin Williams "Fcukin' knife her, man. Do her before she does you!" And the clothes. Good low key thriller for the person who doesn't like horror movies.
Desperately Seeking Susan - Isn't it amazing how fashions come full circle? I saw shoulder pads in the mall the other day. This is the ultimate fantasy for every uptight housewife - follow a cool girl, get amnesia, accidentally steal her identity, find a great guy and fall in love with him. And Aidan Quinn? Hello. I'd sleep on his floor anytime. Great clothes, great music. A good movie for when you're missing the 80's.
Devil Wears Prada - Another great fashiom movie. And who doesn't love Anne Hathaway? I don't have much to say about this movie. I got it for free left over at our bar from an event that we arrived after. Fun to watch when you're in the sassy fashion mood, though.
Dead Again - Full disclosure: I'm a huge Kenneth Brannagh fan. So the fact that I love this movie shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. I kinda believe in the possibility of reincarnation so I'm very willing to just go along with the plot, which is pretty complicated. Just love the scenes with Robin Williams "Fcukin' knife her, man. Do her before she does you!" And the clothes. Good low key thriller for the person who doesn't like horror movies.
Desperately Seeking Susan - Isn't it amazing how fashions come full circle? I saw shoulder pads in the mall the other day. This is the ultimate fantasy for every uptight housewife - follow a cool girl, get amnesia, accidentally steal her identity, find a great guy and fall in love with him. And Aidan Quinn? Hello. I'd sleep on his floor anytime. Great clothes, great music. A good movie for when you're missing the 80's.
Devil Wears Prada - Another great fashiom movie. And who doesn't love Anne Hathaway? I don't have much to say about this movie. I got it for free left over at our bar from an event that we arrived after. Fun to watch when you're in the sassy fashion mood, though.
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