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*

44/365 The Queen

Starring: Michael Sheen, Helen Mirren

Genre: Biopic

Discovery: Recommended by my Gabs

Summary: Queen Elizabeth II has to deal with one of the biggest events in her reign, the death of Princess Diana.  All eyes are on her.  What will she do?

First Glance: Instead of focusing on the lifetime of one of the most influential queens in England, it takes a small piece of time; after the death of Princess Di.  The locations were not the appropriate ones to real life but they serve their purpose. Showing the opulence and isolation that one experiences being head of the monarchy.  Beautifully shot.  Acting was brilliant by both Mirren (she channeled the spirit of the Queen) & Sheen in their perspective roles.  Michael Sheen plays Prime Minister Tony Blair, who at the time “pushed” the Queen to move in a new direction to address her ‘people’.

Deeper Look: To say that I put seeing this movie off would be an understatement.  I didn’t watch it despite the fact it garnered many Oscar nominations.  I was hesitant because I thought it would be a dull look at such a mysterious figure.  Truth is, not even her ‘people’ know her, she stays very close to the vest in her public persona.  When I lived over in England there was a lot of animosity towards her and much love for the Queen Mum, not sure why.  I find Elizabeth II utterly fascinating. A woman who has reigned through so many major events in British history with a quiet, reserved composure.  What must it be like to hold dear & be accountable for the very lives of people in the country of England.  I believe no one can truly understand that pressure and responsibility. (Behind the scenes girl says:  The costumes were spot on & perfectly representative of royalty.  Most actually mimicked what she wore in real life.)

What I Took Away from this Movie: Tradition is important.

Final Glimpse: If you haven’t seen, you MUST.  It is fantastic.

43/365 Tsotsi

working on this review.

42/365 Bright Star

Starring: Abby Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider

Genre: Romantic Drama

Discovery: I really enjoy films about poets & their lives.

Summary: The love story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne.

First Glance: While a few creative liberties are taken, this is a well developed story. We are introduced to Fanny, who is a successful seamstress/designer. When she meets John, their attraction is instantaneous and unexplainable (the very words of Keats himself). He becomes a mentor to her.  Teaching her about poetry.  A love affair is born; however, cut tragically short when he is forced to move to Italy because of his illness.

Deeper Look:  The two most impressionable things about this movie are:  1) How amazingly it captured that time period.  Locations were stunning.  Walking through gardens or trekking through the forest filled me with thoughts of what it would have been like to be there.  Chemistry galore between Abby and Ben.  Such longing & intensity that ‘first loves’ often have. (Behind the scenes girl says: The costumes are based off of Fanny’s own designs.  I was enraptured by them.  Giddy is more like it.  Each and every one was a work of art.) 2) We have a strong, romantic heroine in Fanny Brawne.  She is no shrinking violet.  Fanny is brave, loyal, and courageous.  She loves with her whole heart.  Very admirable. (Thank you Abby, for bringing such depth to her.)  PS This movie revolves around the love affair of the two more than the life of John Keats, fyi.

What I Took Away from this Movie: It isn’t the length of a love affair it is the depth.

Final Glimpse: Lavish costumes, superb cinematography, and awesome acting create an amazing tale of love & loss.  The romantic in me loves this movie!

41/365 The September Issue

Starring: Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, various Vogue employees

Genre: Documentary

Discovery: Been waiting for this one!  Finally.

Summary: This doc follows the two main people in Vogue, Anna (editor-in chief) and Grace (creative director), in the making of the biggest issue of Vogue, THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE (in the year 2007; which turned out to be the largest of all time)

First Glance: Director RJ Cutler took a very interesting tact when shooting this film.  Instead of shooting to create a story, he shot to see what story was there.  I find that infinitely more enjoyable.  So we, the viewer, are treated to this ‘inner sanctum’ look of just what it is like creating the mega issue of September.  Known as THE BIBLE.  He is very respectful of the people, being careful to not tread  into judgmental realm.  I LOVE the clothes!

Deeper Look: RJ explores exactly what goes into creating those phenomenal spreads (most of the ridiculously beautiful ones can be credited to Grace Coddington, who is my new fashion crush).  I so appreciated that.  It would be easy to act dismissive or mock such a subject.  Anna and Grace share an interesting relationship; one that spans the course of 20 years.  Seeing it play out on screen is engaging to watch, you feel like you are being let in on the biggest secret ever. Anna is cool efficiency perfectly foiled against Grace’s warm, creative spirit.  One of my favorite parts is when we get to see Anna previewing Oscar de la Renta’s next season, you get a sense of how truly influential she is in the business.  What she says with just a look speaks volumes.  No wonder Anna is so legendary.

What I Took Away from this Movie: The love of clothes & fashion DOES NOT make you shallow.

Final Glimpse: Fashion AND story beautifully blend in this doc. A “10″!

40/365 Ice Castles (2010)

Starring: Taylor Firth, Rob Mayes, (blink and you miss it cameo by Michelle Kwan)

Genre: Romance

Discovery: Temporary Insanity

Summary: Lexi is an up-and-coming ice skater with the ‘perfect life’ until an accident on the ice tests her passion & love for skating.  Her boyfriend helps her journey back to the Nationals (without anyone knowing she is blind).

First Glance: Normally, I am a sucker for an underdog triumphs/ love story.  This time I’m left feeling like I ate way too much cotton candy & my stomach hurts.  It’s sweet and poignant in all the ‘right spots’ but it lacks.  No chemistry between the leads which I demand in my romantic genre flicks.  I can’t help it, I don’t want to look away when they kiss because it feels wrong.  :-)  Hollywood, next time you cast a real skater in the lead, please make sure she can act not just look pretty on ice.  Please.

Deeper Look: The theme of ‘you can do whatever you put your mind to’ & ‘love conquers all’ is alive in well is this sappy story.  The original did it MUCH better.  I won’t be bragging that I spent 90 minutes of my life watching this movie.  In fact, I wish I could erase it from my mind right now.  (Behind the scenes girl says: they couldn’t even go all out in those fantastic glittery over-the-top costumes ice skaters wear.  Everything was bland and muted.  Blech) Also, how can NO ONE know you are blind until you trip on a teddy bear AFTER the program is over?  Just sayin’.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Smaltz can only take you so far.

Final Glimpse: Maybe on any other day I would have liked this movie for its sweetness, but today it felt cloying.  In the words of Chris Farley: Me no likey.

39/365 I Hate Valentines Day

Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Discovery: I wanted the “September Issue” got this because no copies of the other.

Summary: Genevieve, owner of a local floral shop, meets Greg.  They develop a relationship through her rules of “5 dates and out”.  Thing is she discovers she wants more than just 5 dates with Greg.

First Glance: Nia (Genevieve) not only plays the lead in the film, she is the director.  It shows.  I actually turned it off and played it with the commentary hoping it would help to know what was going through her mind.  It did.  That is the first time in the history of the world that I watch the movie only with the commentary.  It sucked that bad. ** Note- John Corbett is a charming, likable leading man.

Deeper Look: I can’t even give you a deeper look because that would require this movie having a bigger theme than a wacky mess.  Nia was utterly charming in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’; however, she can not act and relies on her zany clueless female role.  After the 3rd time, it’s enough already.  I’m over it.  It’s sloppily shot, horrible cuts, and ridiculous framing.  I can always find something good about a movie, not so in this case.  I would plead to Nia and crew:  please no more movies like this.  HORRIBLE.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Not a darn thing.

Final Glimpse: This movie made $5,000 in 3 theaters.  That tells you something right there:  People actually have good taste.

38/365 Shutter Island

Starring: Leo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley

Genre: Suspense Drama

Discovery: Trip to movie theater, this was my pick.

Summary: Detectives Teddy Daniels (Leo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to Shutter Island in order to investigate a missing persons case at a mental hospital run by Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley).  As they pursue their case, a deeper plot starts unravelling.  Is this hospital what it says or is it a front for a sinister plot to control the patients for selfish gains?

First Glance: I will say this bold and outright.  This movie is a total treat in cinematography-land.  The DP Robert Richardson should get massive props for making this film a big part of what it is.  A visual delight.  It’s moody, dark, devious, and mysterious.  (Behind the scenes girl says: His idea to backlight the cigarette smoke is a favorite trick of mine, creates such an interesting dimension to a mundane activity.  Thanks to the gaffer for making that happen & those electrics who do the grunt work!)

Deeper Look: To gush about how I love this movie would not even begin to tell just what I find so great.  A huge part of it is that:  I love mysteries.  I like drama.  I like costumes.  I like period pieces.  I like rain.  I like old buildings.  I like great acting. This movie played to all those ideas.  It brought me to the child-like wonder that I watch movies with when I get really involved.  It doesn’t happen every time, so when it does I take notice.  Does that mean I think this is a movie coup with no flaws? No. It has a few.  None that I care to highlight.  I would rather you watch for yourself and draw your own conclusions.  You may just love it like I do because it’s a darn good movie.

What I Took Away from this Movie: Scorcese is a master storyteller (and no, i don’t love all his movies).

Final Glimpse: This review took me over a week to write because I was really unsure that of how to share just why I loved this film so much.  It’s not perfect but I did not want it to end.

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