74/365 Summary of 365 Challenge

The past week it has been the total shits for movie watching.

No joke.  It almost has me wondering if I over estimated the

ability for Hollywood to put out a decent movie.

It could be my frustration talking since I made a trip to the video

store and out of 4 movies, ONE was even worth the time.

ONE.

So instead of full reviews, I’ll do a summary listing.

Movies I would recommend you watch.  Definitely.

1) I’ve loved you so long (french)

Movies that are good not great.

1)  Watchmen

2)  Broken Embraces

3)  Possession (with the alternate ending as the REAL one)

Movies that I would rather go to the dentist & have him pull out all my teeth than see again

1)  Women in Trouble

2)  Henry & June

3) The Fourth Kind

Since all things film are subjective, check one of these out & see what you think.  Get back to me if you do!

Seems like I’m going for the thrillers/supernatural/horror genres right now.  They are having the best luck with me.

Interesting.

Releasing.

I’m learning about myself.

One major thing is that I do best with a less cluttered space

to live & dwell in.

That means every once and awhile I need to release things

I have acquired.

Not because i don’t love them.  I have & do.

It’s just that for me to live my best way, it’s simple.

I guess I start ‘acquiring’ when i feel like i am lacking

from the inside and i hope it will make that feeling go

away.

it usually does for a little while but the piece is not the point.

me knowing and being true to me is.

time to let some more things go.

very treasured and special but releasing them

for the universe to place it where it will.

i trust that process.

thank you for the deep joy

each piece brought me while i owned it.

it needs a new home now.

thank you.

I will be listing the items in MELLY’s EBAY STORE. Check it out, peeps!  More items in the next few days.

71/365 High Life

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Stephen Eric Mcintyre, Joe Anderson, Russif Sutherland

Genre: Dark Comedy

Discovery: You know the drill, I watch all movies with Timmy in them, and now Joe Anderson (who is currently on my radar as a high caliber actor)

Summary: Dick (Timmy Olyphant) is a guy who is trying to live a productive life.  When his friend, Bug (Stephen Eric Mcintrye) visits him at his job it leads to Dick being fired.  Now in need of money the two hapless dudes create a plan to rob an ATM.  Dick realizing they need help brings in Donnie and Billy who add their own skills to the mix.  Thing is, the gang doesn’t have enough common sense to pull of a successful heist.  Mishaps ensue. Leading to a very chaotic conclusion.

First Glance: Think ‘Oceans 11′ for Dummies. If not for the excellent sound design and stylized shots this movie could have left me cold.  I liked the premise of the story but it seemed like it ‘tried too hard’.  This is not to say that the acting wasn’t good, the boys brought it.  I really enjoy Joe (my new discovery) and Stephen’s characters.  Ridiculous.

Deeper Look: As interesting as the movie was, I couldn’t get into it.  Everything was fine but weird.   I struggle to put my finger just on what I didn’t like; sometimes it just comes down to the mood I’m in.  So give it a chance & see what you think.  (Let me know, I would love to hear your opinion)

What I Took Away from this Movie: My crush on Timmy is firmly intact in spite of him looking like a scruffy mess.

Final Glimpse: Rent.

70/365 The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Starring: Robin Wright, Blake Lively, Alan Arkin, Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Maria Bello, and Winona Ryder ( a real ensemble)

Genre: Dark Comedy

Discovery: Watched a few weeks ago, finally getting to the review.  I adore Robin Wright, she has such a tough vulnerability.

Summary: Pippa (Robin Wright) is raised by an emotionally unstable mom (who loves her but is ill equipped to parent, played by Maria Bello), so she goes to live with her aunt.  During that time she meets her lover and future husband, Herb (Alan Arkin).  He forces them to move to a retirement community.  That is where she slowly starts ‘losing her mind’ but finding her true self.  She falls in love with a neighbor, Chris (Keanu Reeves),  who is like a guardian angel; loving her for who she really is.

First Glance:  Director Rebecca Miller is brilliant at bringing some very fine performance out of the actors.  Robin and Keanu shine.  Alan plays loving but unfaithful husband perfectly.  Shot beautifully, there were a few scenes that I was just entranced by.  (Behind the scenes girl says:  I would spoil to share but they are pivotal scenes. So you will have to trust me.) Wonderful story of being true to yourself.  LOVE.

Deeper Look: It would be so easy with a movie like this to get too maudlin.  To be full of itself.  Wonderful performances and fantastic writing keep this from being so. There are moments of chaos, great warmth, fun, heartbreak, and adventure.  Each one leading you further into the woman that is Pippa.  Utterly charming.  I related to pieces of this film, the idea that one has to bend themselves into a ‘good person’ to please the people around them.  The moment she is freed from this constraint is such a joy.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Your history is just a story.  It’s the present that matters.  Love heals.

Final Glimpse: Please see this movie.  Lovely, rich, and nuanced dark comedy that has such heart.

68/365 Hot Tub Time Machine

*this is where I realize that the 365 will go on hiatus when I work.  It isn’t possible to do both.

Just worked on a CBS pilot called ‘The Odds’, a cop buddy show.  Short and sweet. There is no guarantee this will air, it all depends on the fall lineup (in fact, very few of pilots shot actually see the light of day)

On to the review:

Starring: John Cusack, Rob Cordry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke

Genre: Comedy

Discovery: New Release ala 80′s style

Summary: After a friend seemingly tries to commit suicide, his buddies take him to their teenage hangout spot ‘The Kodiak’.  When they take a dip in the hot tub, it short circuits and takes them back to the Winter Fest 1986. Each guy has a ‘mission’ to complete in order to get back to their life in the present.

First Glance: In the hands of lesser actors/comedians this could have gone completely wrong.  This cast pulls out a pretty funny movie.  Each one brought a very different type of humor to the story.  Going back to the 80′s made me nostalgic. Those costumes were fantastic.  The best part of the movie really.

Deeper Look: Not too much to comment on except that if you grew up in the 80′s this movie will make you chuckle.  Several historic references thrown into the script. Playing off a few classic films of the time.  Not to mention all of the horrendous trends.  Take a trip down memory lane.  (Behind the scenes girl says: I loved the line: “the 80′s sucked, it was known for Ronald Reagan and AIDS. Shit!”)

What I Took Away from this Movie: Embrace the chaos.

Final Glimpse: Good but not great comedy.  Put on your favorite 80′s wear and make a trip to the theater to watch Hot Tub Time Machine.

69/365 Fling

**no poster image, sorry!

Starring: Brandon Routh, Steve Sandvoss, Courtney Ford, Nick Wechsler, Shoshana Bush

Genre: Drama (almost as bleak as they come minus the first 2 minutes)

Discovery: A “third tier” movie = blind pick

Summary: Samantha and Mason are the ‘perfect couple’ , thing is, they are bored in their relationship & want to experience new adventures.  Both agree to an open relationship.  Samantha pursues her college sweetheart while Mason romances his best friends’ sister.  Neither one expects it to lead anywhere but complications arise when the heart gets involved.

First Glance: I gave this a chance, I really did.  What can I say positive?  Ok…I liked the lighting.  The DP played well with different colors & moods.  Costumes were contemporary & hip.  Then zippo.  Not going to glorify a film that smears love & commitment and calls it “honesty and truth”.

Deeper Look: This is a movie that I wish I had not even watched.  I will give the director credit for taking a stand and exploring tough topics like infidelity, jealousy, and love.  That aside, I do not agree with his ‘opinions’ so this film made me feel queasy.  Nothing enjoyable about watching a relationship self-destruct because of very poor choices made on the part of the characters.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Open relationships really don’t work.

Final Glimpse: Risky & gutsy but not my cup o’ tea.

59/365 The Hammer

Starring: Adam Corolla, Heather Juergensen

Genre: Comedy

Discovery: My friend, Brandi, recommended this one to me.

Summary: Jerry, an aging carpenter/amateur boxer,  gets in the ring and knocks out one of the favorites.  This leads to him getting noticed by a coach who only wants him as a sparring partner for his prize fighter, Brown.  Undeterred, he enters a ‘rocky-like’ quest to get a spot in the Olympics while juggling his new love interest, Lindsay.  The ultimate showdown leads to a fight with Brown.

First Glance: I had no idea what I was in for when I started watching this. Comedians often can’t make the leap to the big screen (Dane Cook, love him, but he sucks as an actor).  This was such a treat to watch.  Not only does it have tons of heart, it’s funny as hell.  Adam plays hapless, bumbling hero better than anyone I have seen lately.  He is surrounded by a very strong supporting cast.

Deeper Look: Who doesn’t root for the underdog?  I love a good story where the unlikely guy rules the day & gets the girl.  They shot completely in LA even though a small part of the story took place in “Phoenix” (Behind the scenes girl says: they didn’t fool me, I knew it was Hollywood.  Phoenix doesn’t have that type of architecture.  Geeky detail)  This had the indie stamp all over it.  Small production, nothing really grand happens; just a good story & good acting.  The fighting was fairly authentic although the best “punch” comes outside the ring.  That’s all I will say since I don’t want to spoil.  I promise, if you take a chance on this movie you will have plenty of laughs.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Follow your dreams no matter what.

Final Glimpse: Who knew Adam had the acting chops to pull off such a funny indie gem.  I laughed (out loud) hysterically & that doesn’t happen much with the contemporary comedies.  A must see!

58/365 Precious

Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton

Genre: Drama

Discovery: It is a very talked about film.  (Just to let you know, I did not enjoy this movie and I am going to try to do a fair review since it was really well done & provocative)

Summary: Coming of age tale about a young girl who is growing up in Harlem.  She faces tons of adversity through her abusive mother, getting pregnant for a second time, and being kicked out of school.  However, her new school, an alternative program gives her a second chance to build a better life for herself.

First Glance: This movie is to the current generation what Boys in the Hood was to mine.  This is not to say they are the same movie.  They differ.  What it is saying is that it offers a complex look into urban life.  The not so pretty side.  Through handheld camera & fantasy sequences, we glimpse into Precious’ life.  There is a lot of turmoil, what captured me were the few moments we were allowed to see her happy.  To catch a peek at what her world could be with some love.  My favorite character was Nurse John (played by Lenny Kravitz, who blended perfectly & had no air of rockstar-ness), he felt like a guardian angel-delivering kindness for no reason.  Brilliant performances ALL around. Mo’ Nique delivers a knock out punch towards the end.  Such a well deserved Oscar.

Deeper Look: When I first watched this my immediate response was repulsion. Before you freak, let me explain.  Not because I didn’t appreciate Lee Daniels & crew, no way, I give them huge props.  More from the telling of the story was like being hit in the face with a frying pan.  I like my delivery a little more subtle.  I make no bones about how my drama has to be tempered with hope or I get lost.  I can not relax and end up being stressed out by a film (ala Burning Plain, also a well done movie but utterly bleak). I will not say a bad thing about this film because what I think it did was open a new world up to some of its audience.  It stripped away the glossy facade hollywood is so quick to put on everything.  For that, I applaud it.  I love that this film rests on an unknown actress to deliver such a performance.  She did, in spades. My favorite scene by far is the one with Precious & her baby in the pool.  That was my “hope” moment.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Tough movie to ‘enjoy’ but it is as real as it gets.

Final Glimpse: Let yourself feel just how intense life can be for some.  Don’t shy away because it is messy.  Not a fun flick but certainly worth a watch.

57/365 The Crazies

* I was on hiatus due to work and traveling for a wedding.  Now that I am back I decided to start at where I should be vs trying to play catch up.  Embracing that it is ok to not be perfect at this challenge.  If you knew me, you would know how much growth is in that one statement!

On to my review:

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson

Genre: Horror

Discovery: I have said this before:  I’ll see any movie with Timmy O. plus I love me some George Romero-inspired horror.

Summary: Small town gets overrun by a virus that is turning the locals into crazy killers.  The town sheriff, his wife, and deputy try to get out and find their way to Cedar Rapids without being caught or killed.  The ‘enemy’ isn’t as straight forward as you think.

First Glance: So I NEVER like when a movie starts with a series of abstract closeups.  Not ever, but in this case it was such a small infraction, I forgive Breck (the director).  Not that he needs my forgiveness.  This movie is really well crafted.  It had the right blend of suspense, gore, and levity to keep you from being bombarded “in the bad way”.  Handheld camera work added to the sense of chaos. Timmy was pretty decent, as was Radha **BUT** the knock out star of this film was Joe Anderson who played Deputy Russell.  He just knocked it out of the park.  I need to keep my eye on that guy!

Deeper Look: One of the ways that I gage if I think a movie has ‘chops’ (meaning worth my time) is if I walk away feeling like I was entertained. It’s not always about how finely crafted a movie is, although that plays a part.  Often, if you fully engage in the story for all that it is; that’s a sign you got a good flick on your hands.  This movie achieved that.  From start to finish, I was invested and wanted to see where this journey through small town zombie world would take me- even the ‘yeah right’ moments won me over (and there were a few).  **Cough** THE ENDING** **Cough**  There was also some laughter to break the obvious abundance of gore.  I will mention this:  I absolutely can count the number of times I’ve jumped due to a scare on one hand.  I added one today.  That says something.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Don’t drink the water….

Final Glimpse: Very good remake of a classic.  Both are worth your attention.

Red Carpet Picks: Hits & Misses

My MOST favorite dresses:

1)  Meryl Streep-(Chris March) A vision in white.  Classic. Beautiful cut, subtly sexy. Love it.

2)  Maggie Gyllenhaal- (Dries Van Noten) Unique color pattern.  Simple design.  Clean lines.  Total leading lady look.

3)  Luciana Damon- Soft & romantic.  Flowy goodness.

4)  Nicole Richie- (Reem Acra)  Vintage inspired.  This is a dress I liked because it suited her perfectly.

5)  Zoe Saldana-  (Givenchy)  Looks like a flower in bloom.  Lush color.  Interesting.

My LEAST favorite dresses:

1)  Charlize Theron- (Dior Couture) I did not ‘get’ her “cupcake” dress.  Was there a point?

2)  Amanda Seyfried- (Armani Prive)  Bland & lackluster dress.

3)  Kate Winslet- (Yves Saint Laurent)  B…O…R…I…N….G.

My favorite 3 Male looks:

1) Robert Downey Jr.-(Lanvin) I like the daring.  Not traditional.  Fun & playful.

2)  Sam Worthington- (Brioni)  Black tie/Tux.  Handsome & classic.

3)  Jeremy Renner- (Armani) Really dig the white shirt/white tie.  He cleans up nice.  *wink*

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