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Tuesday, December 28, 2010:
What I'm watching: 9 1/2 Weeks & Eyes Wide Shut
Lately I've been really curious about the darker elements of sexuality, especially when it comes to myself. And by that I'm not referring to ugly or negative things, but that exciting yet secret side of ourselves most of us tend to hide or worse, completely ignore altogther. I've only recently discovered a lot about myself through conversations with friends who surprisingly feel the same, and what we've discovered is that there are a lot of people out there who live beautiful, sexual lives outside the norm. This completely fascinates me because I've always had questions about things nobody wants to talk about, and have now had the opportunity to share these opinions with others who live very satisfying, happy lifestyles. What I'm referring to here constitutes everything outside of what is known as the "vanilla" relationship. I've never really cared for the word "vanilla" in relation to someone's sexual life. Too many times, it's used in an insulting, derogatory manner, which to me is counterproductive and goes against the adage of those who claim to live an open, free and accepting sexual lifestyle. Personally I believe that everyone could use a little vanilla, because even the more extreme scenes that exist can get old after awhile and you need a way to temper them, and then go back and appreciate them all the more. Of course that is just my assumption. I'm not on one end of the spectrum or the other, but somewhere in the middle. But to me, the idea of mixing up some sensual, tender lovemaking with the intense, kinky encounters sounds like the perfect blend, especially if you're sharing all these experiences with a life partner/spouse, etc. But a lot of kinky people think vanilla is too boring and normal. Maybe they're just not doing it right ;) So in my journey of self-discovery and education, I've been watching movies that portray the darker side of sex. Most of the ones I've seen so far are older movies, dating back 10 or more years, and as you can see, a lot has changed since these movies came out.  I read this book back when I was 14 or 15, and though at the time I didn't fully understand the subtle undertones to it, I thought it was hot and dirty and I liked parts of it. I never saw the entire movie until recently, when I decided to give it a whirl. It really wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, although Kim Basinger screaming like a silly teenager throughout various parts of the movie had me rolling my eyes (and no, this wasn't during sexy times. She just did this in general). The movie has several sensual scenes, most notably the food scene, which was sexy and fun. But there were signs of things to come in the relationship. Mickey Rourke's character would have taken care of her in exchange for her trust in all things. It hints at what a true D/s relationship consists of, and I wish they would have taken it further, but this was the mid-80's, and it probably caused enough of a fuss as it is. Still, knowing what I know now, it was disappointing to barely get a glimpse of what a genuine relationship of this nature looks like.
From BooksaMillion.com:
Stanley Kubrick's final film is a mature, highly intelligent, thrilling masterpiece of sexual obsession and marital (in)fidelity. Tom Cruise stars as Bill Harford, a doctor who becomes obsessed with a sexual fantasy that his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), confesses to him. Although the fantasy (involving a naval officer) occurred only in Alice's mind, Bill can't get it out of his own head; his obsession leads him through a series of potential sexual encounters, each one surrounded by the specter of death. His whole world threatens to unravel as he falls deeper and deeper into a web of mystery, lies, and deceit. Kubrick's film breathes with vivid blues, reds, and blacks, the threat of illicit sex and death lurking around every corner. Cruise and Kidman, who are married in real life, are utterly convincing as a happy couple suddenly forced to reexamine their faith in each other. Sidney Pollack, Todd Field, Julienne Davis, Marie Richardson, and Vinessa Shaw sparkle in minor roles. Based on the novella TRAUMNOVELLE by Arthur Schnitzler, EYES WIDE SHUT is a brilliant examination of the psychological nature of sex and marriage, of faith and faithlessness, of obsession and desire. Kubrick said that his last film (he died shortly before the film opened) was "my best film ever;" while that is debatable, there is no doubting that the film is a splendid finale to a glorious career. What was the big deal with this movie? Bor-ing. It all hinged on a dirty fantasy Alice (Nicole Kidman) has about another man. Not even a real encounter. And then it goes into something weird and unsexy. I really wasn't sure what I'd expect about this movie, other than before I saw it, someone told me it was a good perspective of a married couple, so instead I concentrated on that. It's about the secrets we keep from even our spouses, which can be damaging. If there's one thing I understand, is we all have secrets, and some of them are ones you never want to share with someone you love. Or sometimes you have to in order to have a healthy, long-term relationship, no matter how much it hurts. It all really depends on the relationship. So though neither of these two movies really provided me with any new insight into the constantly changing and evolving sexual world we live in, it still gave me some interesting concepts to think about in regard to relationships: trust, control, honesty, fantasy, respect, and love. I intend to keep on delving into more about these elements, and exploring some of the ideas that fascinate me most. I'm fortunate to have some friends who are very open and willing to share their experiences, and it's been amazing to speak freely and ask questions. And not to have to worry about what's normal, because that definition is different for everyone. So whether you're vanilla to the core, the kinkiest person on the block, or somewhere in between, it's all good. Have you seen these movies? If so, what was your take on them? Any others you'd recommend? Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 12/28/2010 07:24:00 AM
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Tuesday, December 07, 2010:
What I'm Watching: A Room With A View (1986)
 From BooksaMillion.com
E.M. Forster's 1908 novel, A ROOM WITH A VIEW, is adapted for the screen by director James Ivory in this beautifully lighthearted tale of Edwardian manners. Helena Bonham Carter stars as a young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch. When Lucy and her spinster chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), travel to Florence, they meet an unconventional Englishman, Mr. Emerson (Denholm Elliott), and his romantically unhappy son, George (Julian Sands). After George makes the grievous mistake of kissing Lucy during a picnic in the Florentine hills, Charlotte rushes her back to England. Safely home, Lucy becomes engaged to the stiff, very proper Cecil (Daniel Day-Lewis), but after finding out the Emersons have moved close by, Lucy has a hard time ignoring her attraction to the unsuitable George. Producer Ismail Merchant considered A ROOM WITH A VIEW Merchant Ivory's first genuine blockbuster, and it enjoyed more popular success than any previous Merchant Ivory film. Screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was awarded an Academy Award for her screenplay, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. Director James Ivory's tale also features British movie icons Judi Dench and Simon Callow. A ROOM WITH A VIEW was the first of three Forster novels (the other two were MAURICE and HOWARDS END) adapted by Merchant Ivory Productions.
Helena Bonham-Carter is exquisite as the passionate yet buttoned-up Lucy Honeychurch. It is evident she is as taken with George as he is with her, but her spinsterly chaperone does not approve, so she ignores her feelings and upon returning back to England, immediately . But try as she might to fit in to her new role as an engaged woman, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stifle the emotion and vitality George Emerson, played brilliantly by Julian Sands, has awakened in her. When he comes to visit his father in England, and they meet up once again, Lucy is beside herself, yet stubbornly holds on to her proper ideals. It is quite a sight to see her fighting her own feelings for him. And Cecil, though everything she imagines an Englishman should be, continues to irritate her with his judgmental and rude behavior. It isn't until a few well-meaning people intervene that Lucy is finally able to make a choice and follow her heart....
My thoughts:
I simply adore this movie. I saw it a long time ago, and remember being captivated by it's lushness, by the tense emotion, the constraints of polite society. Even today, we still experience the disapproval and condemnation of our peers and families over the lifestyle we choose to live. This film is just ripe with sensuality, even stifled as it is, and you can breathe it in like a heavy fragrant cloud of air. It's charming and the acting is spot on. Daniel Day Lewis especially seems to really relish his role as a pompous, judgmental windbag, and watching it again made me smirk at his delightully horrid behavior. I can't imagine what Lucy Honeychurch saw in him to accept his proposal to begin with, but it provided the much-needed excuse for Lucy to keep her distance from the man she really longs for. Watching it again, years later, I was able to find details I missed when I was a soft-headed teenager. The intelligence, the dry humor, the inneuendos. I now feel I must own this film. And the remake, done by Masterpiece in 2007, cannot even come close to touching this one. Such a disappointment that one was. The is the true, the original, the best. What's a favorite period piece of yours? Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 12/07/2010 07:13:00 AM
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Thursday, November 18, 2010:
What I'm watching: Crash (1996)
 Amazon.com
Adapted from the controversial novel by J.G. Ballard, Crash will either repel or amaze you, with little or no room for a neutral reaction. The film is perfectly matched to the artistic and intellectual proclivities of director David Cronenberg, who has used the inspiration of Ballard's novel to create what critic Roger Ebert has described as "a dissection of the mechanics of pornography." Filmed with a metallic color scheme and a dominant tone of emotional detachment, the story focuses on a close-knit group of people who have developed a sexual fetish around the collision of automobiles. They use cars as a tool of arousal, in which orgasm is directly connected to death-defying temptations of fate at high speeds. Ballard wrote his book to illustrate the connections between sex and technology--the ultimate postmodern melding of flesh and machine--and Cronenberg takes this theme to the final frontier of sexual expression. Holly Hunter, James Spader, and Deborah Unger are utterly fearless in roles that few actors would dare to play, and their surrender to Cronenberg's vision makes Crash an utterly unique and challenging film experience. It's rated NC-17, so don't say you weren't warned! --Jeff Shannon
Finding myself drawn to darker, more disturbing things lately, I got this movie recommendation on Twitter, so of course I had to watch it. And I chose the NC-17 version, no big surprise there. Why bother with anything else?
The above blurb pretty much covers the bones of the movie, so I don't feel the need to describe what happens. So I watched it. And tweeted and read and worked on boss stuff at the same time. It's a creepy film, hypnotic, dark and disturbing. But it also made me feel sorry for these people. In their minds, they were probably as happy as pig in shit, but to me, watching them desperately trying to connect was sad. The blood, and pain, and loss of life. I get that in the presence of death and destruction, it's only natural to want to live, and one of the most elemental ways of doing that is to have sex. But there's also some feeling that these people had a death wish. So busy seeking the ultimate thrill that they come too close to the edge.
Verdict: Just another fetish to scratch off my list. Just not into it. But there are people out there who are turned on by things like this, so who am I to discredit them? I don't fully understand it, but does that mean they are freaks? Another lesson remembered. Just because I don't like it doesn't necessarily make it wrong. Just means we're different. Exciting, isn't it? I didn't hate the movie, just never see the need to watch it again. Though I do love James Spader and Holly Hunter, together or separate, I think I got what I needed from the film. And I am loving that I am testing myself. I guess I'm a late bloomer. Being shy sometimes does that, at least that's been my experience. Now I'm trying to push myself to go to places that I know are uncomfortable, because then I get to know myself better. What is the most disturbing movie you've seen? Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/18/2010 07:27:00 AM
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Monday, November 08, 2010:
What I'm watching: Secretary
The masochist says to the sadist, "Hurt me." The sadist replies, "No." Everybody's happy. This strange balance plays heavily into the Steven Shainberg-directed SECRETARY, based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a troubled young woman with a secret, destructive addiction fueled by her mother's overprotectiveness and her father's alcoholism. Sheltered and wholly dependent on other people, Lee's only form of self-expression is in this private, painful habit. That is, until she meets her new boss, the lawyer E. Edward Gray (James Spader), who hires her as his secretary.
It is exciting for Lee to hold down a job, even if she is a basket case in the office. Mr. Gray watches Lee, studies her, and slowly begins to correct both her typing errors and her personality flaws. At first Mr. Gray's dominance appears scary and overbearing, a true threat to Lee's naive, fragile psyche. But as the film carefully develops these unique characters, revealing their odd strengths and weaknesses, it becomes delightfully clear that Lee and Mr. Gray can genuinely help each other. SECRETARY is a bright, atmospheric movie that shines a light on the "fun" in this dysfunctional relationship, while using brilliant performances by Gyllenhaal and Spader to illustrate the benefits of sadomasochistic love.
I remember being slightly curious when this movie first came out (2002), but soon forgot about it. Now, years later, my curiosity has gotten the best of me. Lee has just gotten out of the pysch ward. She has this little problem that when things get to be too overwhelming for her, she cuts herself to relieve the pressure. Her first day home happens to be her sister's wedding, and not much has changed as far as her family circumstances go. Her father still drinks too much and her mother still treats her like a fragile doll. Between the two of them, they are hurting Lee. In a rare instance of independence, Lee decides to apply for a job, and settles on secretary, which appeals to her. She's good at typing, and doesn't mind menial work. She goes to work for E. Edward Gray, a man who still uses typewriters in his office, and has very precise ideas of perfection. He can't stop himself from watching his new secretary, and tends to correct her when she makes mistakes. The more forceful and demanding she is, the more she sets out to please him. Soon both are caught up in the routine, and it's not just professional courtesy anymore. Lee gets a sexual thrill from her boss' dominance, and Mr. Gray completely enjoys his secretary's submissive ways. However there's a level of shame he seems to feel about his behavior, and he tends to sabotage the best thing that ever happened to him. Only Lee is stronger than he thought, and she proves to him that what they have together can exist at all times, and she will gladly live that life with him. My thoughts on more than just the movie: This movie was, at the very heart of it, a love story. When it first came out, I probably wouldn't have appreciated that idea back then, and in fact would have been totally turned off to the idea that it could be love. But getting older does change a person's perspective, and I was able to see the beauty in the relationship, even when I found my mind wandering through parts of it. I did wish James Spader's character hadn't been so neurotic. I missed the dirty, immoral jerk from previous movies. That probably would have made me find the movie much more exciting than I did. I did find Lee's awakening to be kinda hot. She just loved being his secretary, and all the little "perks" that came with it. She really blossomed under Mr. Gray's firm hand, and though she tried to sustain a more "normal" relationship outside of work, it wasn't until she was under the guidance of Mr. Gray that she really felt beautiful and cherished. I've said here before that the BDSM lifestyle is not for me. I don't fully grasp the desire to engage in the D/s behavior, or I should say, what I see as the more abusive aspects that often come with it (peronal and/or public humiliation, withholding of pleasure). I do understand some people get off on it, but it's never been one of my fantasies. Sometimes I'm almost disappointed in how conventional I really am, but then again, I don't want to pretend to be something I'm not either. Essentially, the BDSM world is some far off place that looks interesting but not enough to explore beyond the outer edges. Recently, I've started to get to know people online who live it to varying degrees in their homes, and I have come to, if not completely understand it, then to at least embrace and appreciate that there are those out there that are very happy in such specific arrangements. They are perfectly intelligent, well-adjusted people who just live different lives from myself. I believe there is absolutely nothing wrong with living out your deepest, darkest fantasies in a satisfying, loving relationship. There is something freeing about having that level of trust and respect between two (or possibly more) people. And if I'm completely honest, there are even some particulars of the lifestyle that appeal to me on a wholly physical level, but overall, anything I find exciting about it is more for the fun and pleasure and definitely not about establishing a completely new lifestyle change. (Case in point: when Mr. Gray has Lee wait for him a certain way for a significant amount of time, my first - and only - reaction was that there's no way I would have done what he asked and instead, I would have decked him. Not so he'd punish me, but so I could kick his ass and tell him to fuck off forever. Not very submissive behavior, now is it? Mr. Gray would be the one with bruises and I don't think he'd like that very much.) I know some people who find the BDSM lifestyle suits their needs believe that those of us who don't engage in it are freaks. (This rather amuses me). But that's the beauty of the world. We don't all love the same things, get excited by the same fantasies, desire the same relationships. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not perfect either. All I can ask myself is to do my best not to judge, and to wish everyone finds what makes them truly happy. Much like Lee and Mr. Gray did. Really, what more can we ask for? Labels: BDSM, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/08/2010 08:09:00 AM
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Thursday, September 30, 2010:
Rewind: The Wedding Singer
 From BooksaMillion: New Jersey wedding chanteur Robbie Hart loses all hope after being abandoned at the altar by his fiancee Linda. Enter Julia, an effervescent ray of light in the shape of a catering-service waitress, who enlists Robbie's help in planning her own wedding--to a sleazy, DeLorean-driving junk bond salesman who tomcats around and treats women like unfeeling slabs of meat. Can our hero win Julia over before she elopes to Las Vegas? Will Billy Idol save the day? And, most importantly, will the fluffy romantic storyline be completely overpowered by the weighty mid-1980s cultural references? THE WEDDING SINGER is cheesy fun for the nostalgically inclined. Steve Buscemi tries to steal the film in an uncredited role as a drunk best man, but that honor actually goes to Alexis Arquette, as "George." This movie came out in early 1998, and being a product of the 80's and a fan of Drew Barrymore, I just had to see it. I shouldn't embarrass myself and say how many times I went to see it in the theatre (3) because I developed this weird and totally unexpected crush on Adam Sandler, or rather Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, which had me a little obsessed with the movie. He and Drew have such chemistry in this movie, and they are both just regular people, so sweet together. It had all that angsty feelings of my later teen years and the music only brought those feelings rushing back to the surface.
It's not a perfect movie, having a few cringe-worthy moments, but most of it was pure awesome to me. I especially loved the song Robbie sang to Julia on the plane - "I Wanna Grow Old With You" - which has now been downloaded onto my phone. It makes me smile. There's "church tongue". And "Have You Written Anything Lately?" And let's not forget Billy Idol. So of course when it was released, I had to buy my very own copy. In fact, I think a "Wedding Singer" evening is on the agenda in the near future....
Do you love the 80's? What are some of your favorite movies from that era? Labels: Adam Sandler, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 9/30/2010 07:40:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010:
What I'm watching: The Bad Seed (1956)
 From Amazon.com:
"A basket full of kisses for a basket full of hugs."
Those are chilling words, at least when uttered by that ice princess, Patty McCormack. As Rhoda Penmark, she is as pretty as a porcelain doll but drips venom with each curtsey and polite response. Little Rhoda's mother is terrified she has passed on her own mother's corruption. Oops, turns out she's right. This passes the test of time, as it still gets under your skin. The character development is tight and the story very involving. Not even Freddy Krueger had the ability to scare like tiny McCormack, looking just like a little adult while she literally beats out the competition for a penmanship award.
However, director Mervyn LeRoy's hands were tied over the ending, which was changed from the source material--Maxwell Anderson's hit Broadway play. A supposedly more appropriate, and moral, ending was demanded by the studio. This was remade (badly) in 1985. --Rochelle O'Gorman
This was the first time I'd seen this movie. A friend of mine bought it - she hadn't seen it either - and told me I just had to see it, that it was incredibly creepy. So I borrowed it from her because I was in the mood for a sufficiently creepy movie. Maybe it was just the mood I was in, but I didn't think it was all that big of a deal. The music was rather melodramatic (at times it reminded me of The Wizard of Oz) and I found myself laughing quite often. I mean, I understood why it was supposed to be so horrifying back in the day, but I found it more comedic. Still, little Rhoda is rather disturbed. I found her to be one messed up kid, yet what's fascinating is that there's really no one distinctive reason for her behavior. She just seems to have been born that way. And that's the kinda thing that gives me chills. That's why stuff like that is scarier than any horror movie monster could ever be. Some people are just born evil, and that's what makes Rhoda so chilling. Underneath those perfect pigtails and little dresses is a monster. I'm not going to give anything away, but let's just say, she gets hers in the end. Now I'm going to go and find the book by William March.... Have you seen The Bad Seed?
What did you think of it? Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 8/17/2010 07:18:00 AM
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Thursday, July 15, 2010:
What I'm watching: Law Abiding Citizen
 From Yahoo Movies: Clyde Shelton is an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter are brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice, a hotshot young Philadelphia prosecutor, is assigned to the case. Over his objections, Nick is forced by his boss to offer one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Fast forward ten years. The man who got away with murder is found dead and Clyde Shelton coolly admits his guilt. Then he issues a warning to Nick: Either fix the flawed justice system that failed his family, or key players in the trial will die. Soon Shelton follows through on his threats, orchestrating from his jail cell a string of spectacularly diabolical assassinations that can be neither predicted nor prevented. Philadelphia is gripped with fear as Shelton's high-profile targets are slain one after another and the authorities are powerless to halt his reign of terror. Only Nick can stop the killing, and to do so he must outwit this brilliant sociopath in a harrowing contest of wills in which even the smallest misstep means death. With his own family now in Shelton's crosshairs, Nick finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who seems always to be one step ahead.
This was a great, chilling movie! I enjoyed seeing Gerard Butler in the bad guy role this time around, although considering how he got there - having seen his wife and child killed - it's hard to not feel sympathy and understanding for his actions, and maybe even root for him a little. I am a Libra, and one of the occupations that is always considered appropriate for Libras is a judge, yet I don't think I could ever be impartial enough to let the things happen they way they do in the justice system. Not that I believe they are completely wrong, but because I see too many seriously bad, unrepentant people get away with horrible acts of violence. There were a few things in the movie that made me squeamish, but they're more alluded to than anything else (like exactly how his daughter may have eventually died - you're left to imagine what horrible things were done to her) - yet at one point it got a little too close to home - such as when Clyde found the killer that got away. Picturing in my mind all the things he said he was going to do to him was creepy and disgusting, to say the least. Something out of my worst nightmares. But I guess after a point when you lost the most important people in your life, one of them being a child, you lose touch with reality, at least temporarily, and reach a point where you just don't care. Sadly Clyde was pushed off the deep end, and avenged his family the only way he knew how. What I liked:
Gerard's sexy ass! Don't know why he had to strip, but dayum, that was sweet!
The scene with the judge and the phone. Didn't see that coming!
The "daddy" bracelet his daughter made for him - heartbreaking and poignant.
Using brains (mostly) over brawn to get away with the crimes.
What I didn't care for:
- Not a big Jamie Foxx fan, and I thought he was an ass in this movie
- The ending. Come on! Why? I get it, but still.
- No strong female character.
Overall, an enjoyable, action-packed movie with sufficient eye candy and violence to get your adrenaline going. Again have to mention that the lack of a decent female role in these types of films is beyond tiresome. There always has to be the requisite pissing contest between the two guys. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if a woman was in one of those roles? Have you seen it? Wasn't a nekkid Gerard HOT??? Labels: Gerard Butler, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 7/15/2010 07:37:00 AM
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010:
My Top 10 Movies of All Time + a Cool Contest!
 Movies. Just one of my favorite things :) And there's nothing more fun that discussing favorite movies, unless it's books! Or, okay, the hotties ;) But today is all about the movies.
Some cool friends of mine - Beth, Julie, and Lea - all thought it would be cool to have a blog-hopping contest between our 4 blogs where we talk about our favorite movies. But to make it even more fun, all 4 of us are going to have a contest at our own blogs encouraging y'all to talk about some of your favorite movies. (Shout-out to Lea for making this awesome banner!)
My list consists of films I could watch over and over and never get tired of them. At first I thought it would be difficult to come up with such a list, but after some consideration, I realized that I already knew which movies belonged on this list.
 1. East of Eden (1955)- I remember seeing this movie on PBS a long time ago, and one of the scenes that immediately caught my attention was the one with James Dean & Julie Harris up on the top of the ferris wheel. I knew then and there I just had to watch the whole thing, and when I finally did, I loved it even more. What really speaks to me in this film is that Cal (Dean) is the son that no one expects much from, the goof-off, the one who's always getting into trouble and coming up with schemes. But in the end, Cal is the son that you can count on, the one who sticks it out when things bet bad. And while the movie is only a small portion of the book, it was a very significant piece of this piece of literature. It never fails to get me to react, and I fall in love with Cal all over again...  2. BBC Pride & Prejudice (1995) - I shamefully admit it, I had not read Pride & Prejudice - at least not the entire book - until I watched this particular movie. And it immediately grabbed me. Not only was Colin Firth the epitome of the quintessential Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle had the bold and unwavering intelligence and humor to go head to head with him time and again (I believe the two were involved during the filming of this mini-series). This rendition of the beloved romance is by far my favorite, though others have turned my eye as well, but because we get a more drawn out telling of the story here, it is at the top of my list. Not to mention the scene where a dripping Mr. Darcy encounters a rather embarrassed yet intrigued Miss Bennett at Pemberly. It's a much more sensual telling of the story, and one I could watch over and over...  3.French Kiss (1995) - This came out during a time when Meg Ryan was still America's sweetheart (I still adore her) and this is her in a role that probably doesn't immediately come to mind when they think of their favorite Meg Ryan film, but it always tops mine. I think because in the beginning we see the neurotic character she plays (who is terrified of flying) evolve into a woman who learns to not take everything so seriously, and that maybe the things you thought were so important end up changing once you really get to know someone. One of my favorite scenes is where Meg is drinking from a glass of wine and Kevin Kline asks her to describe the wine. But there are so many moments I could quote because this movie is endearing and sweet yet also earthy. The kiss at the end in the vineyard - whoa, mama! Verra sexy ;)
 4.Emma (1996)- Just a fun film! Emma is SUCH a brat, but she means well. She just needs to be taken down a peg or two by Mr. Knightley, the older, sophisticated gentleman who reluctantly indulges Emma's schemes for the most part, until her behavior becomes spiteful and a bit mean. But eventually the flighty, sometimes whimsical Emma puts away her daydreams and starts to realize it's time to grow up, and that the match she's really been wishing for - the one for herself - has been there all the time, just waiting for her to open her eyes and discover it. Though Jeremy Northam isn't my idea of the romantic leading man, he sure stole my heart in this film, and made me wish for a few moments that I was Emma, accepting his marriage proposal.  5.Clueless (1995) - The modern day version of Emma, Clueless is set in 20th century California, with lots of blonde, tan girls and surfer dudes. Despite the amateurish telling, it's incredibly infectious, and Alicia Silverstone is gorgeous and manipulative in this film, however it's all for good. Despite being a spoiled brat with daddy's credit card, Cher is immediately likable even when you try to hate her. (Still had my girl crush on her from the video "Cryin'). She suffered through her own heartbreak when her plans start to backfire on her, but Cher is not one to sit back and wallow for long, and in the end, she gets the guy (who is much cuter than Mr. Knightley!) The characters were funny, silly, and it's a movie I always stop to watch because it's a bit mindless, and the soundtrack rocks.  6. The Black Swan (1942) - The first time I had seen this, I was immediately infatuated with Tyrone Power as the swaggering pirate Jamie who cannot get the fiery redhead out of his mind. This swashbuckling film is my top pick from the genre, because it's fun and sexy and exciting. Not only is Jamie the kind of pirate I'd surrender my bootie to (ahem), but Maureen O'Hara is stunningly vibrant and kicks ass as a sassy and ornery lady of worth who determinedly fights her attraction to a man she thinks is an outlaw, only to discover that he's not so bad after all. Nope, our Jamie boy is quite irresistible ;) 7. Gilda (1946) - To me, current plastic surgery and Botox treatments nonwithstanding, I find Rita Hayworth to be the most incredibly beautiful woman, and I so harbor a mad girl crush on her. You just don't see women like that today, and it's a sad thing. This film showcased Rita as a woman who lived life on the edge. She hooked up with rich, powerful men who didn't make her happy, all the while pining for her former boyfriend Johnny (played by Glenn Ford) who didn't hae the dough, but they loved each other madly. As luck would have it, Gilda and Johnny cross paths again, and it's not without it's drama, especially considering Gilda is a married woman, and Johnny hates Gilda with a deep passion, yet is forced to keep an eye on her as she parties the nights away. Intense, dark, full of lust and murder, I can never pass this one by .  8. Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea (1985/1987) - I pulled an all-nighter watching these movies when I was babysitting with a friend. We pulled out the VHS and immediately fell in love with Anne and Gilbert. I wanted Megan Follows to be my best friend! I wanted to marry Gilbert! Recently I bought the collector's edition, which contains the 3rd movie, but I don't include it here because it doesn't capture the magic, or spirit, of Anne like these 2 movies do. Anne was one of those fearless people who always seemed to do the wrong thing, for the right reason, but eventually she won everyone over with her determination to be different and follow her own path. She had to live a little to realize that what she really needed was what she's always known. No other version of this film could do the series justice.  9. The Wedding Singer (1998) - I am not going to embarrass myself and tell you how many times I went to the theatre to see this movie, but it was more than once. I completely fell for Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, and Drew Barrymore is adorable as Julia, the engaged girl he ends up meeting when his band plays at a wedding and she's with the caterers. Right from the start their chemistry is palpable, and it's so easy to see these two as a couple. Set in the 80's (my time), the music brought me back to simpler times, and though there were a few (eww!) moments, overall I fell for this film, and the scene on the plane when Robbie sings to Julia is so sweet.
 10.My Man Godfrey (1936) - What can I say, this movie was pure magic. Carole Lombard is luminous as an airhead socialite who falls in love with Godfrey, a homeless man she brings home to be the butler. But Godfrey keeps his distance, not willing to upset his stable position within the household to get involved with Irene, though we find out that Godfrey is not exactly who he says he is. This film is magical, and funny, but also telling of times during the Great Depression, how easy it was to make one bad investment and the significant impact this time had on a nation. Still does, considering current times. Though this film has been recreated in color, I was always partial to the original black and white version. I think it highlights the happy, carefree moments and blends them with the darker, more desperate times much more effectively. Mostly, this is a lovely film, charming and lighthearted, romantic and funny, with overtones of a difficult time in the country's economy. Still a favorite. Honorable mentions:
~ Lili (1953) (with Leslie Caron & Mel Ferrer ) ~ Sabrina (1954)(with Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart )
Now, it's YOUR turn! I'd love to know what your favorite movies are. Please include a minimum of 3 choices, with a maximum of 10 selections, for your chance to win a tres cool prize. The winner will receive a $10 giftcard to the bookstore of choice PLUS a copy of a book from either Beth Kery or Julie James. There is only one entry per person, and the contest is good through Friday, July 16th at 6pm CST! And please be sure to stop by these amazing blogs for more chances to win! Good luck! Labels: contest, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 7/13/2010 07:25:00 AM
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Monday, June 21, 2010:
What I'm watching: RockNRolla
 From Booksamillion.com: Guy Ritchie returns to form with this cockney crime caper starring Gerard Butler and Tom Wilkinson.
Lenny Cole (Wilkinson) is a bungling London crime boss who calls the shots in London's underworld. We learn all about Lenny from Archie (Mark Strong)--his second in command--who serves as the film's sly narrator. When a wealthy Russian property dealer by the name of Uri (Karel Roden) looks to Lenny for help on a major new deal, Lenny is eager to assist (for a very large fee, of course). Uri agrees to pay, and as a show of faith, he insists that Lenny borrow his "lucky painting." Uri then asks his accountant, Stella (Thandie Newton), to transfer the money to Lenny, but things quickly go awry when two crooks known as Mumbles (Idris Elba) and One Two (Butler) intercept the money before it reaches him. To make matters worse, the lucky painting has mysteriously been stolen, and the number one suspect is a crack-addicted pop star, Johnny Quid, who is presumed dead.
Violent hijinks ensue as Lenny desperately tries to locate the painting, Uri calls in some sadistic thugs to recover his money, and Johnny Quid suddenly resurfaces. Men are battered with golf clubs, fed to crawfish, and attacked with machetes, and a surprise twist ending neatly ties up the whole bloody mess. Fans of Ritchie will likely be very pleased to see him return to his SNATCH-style of filmmaking. ROCKNROLLA has the same frenetic, humorous edge as the film that made him famous, though critics might complain that this particular style is starting to look a little dusty. Regardless, ROCKNROLLA features many fine performances, and once you get past the rather slow beginning, it kicks off into an entertaining and amusing romp.
This is a Total Guy Movie. Don't get me wrong. You've got both Gerard Butler & Idris Elba who are very pretty to look at, but overall, everything is geared for the guys. And the cherry on top is the sexy, haughty Thandie Newton to drive the men crazy, but she's not your typical obvious skank. She's classy. Spoiled. Bitchy. And very, very cold. I wanted to be her. Until she sucked the hollandaise sauce off her finger. Eww.
Being a British film, I wasn't quite as sucked into the action like I was when I watched the Ocean 11 movies, which this one reminded me of, and which has obvious American humor. I admit it, I liked these movies better. But there was humor to be found here, too, mostly notably when One Two (my Gerard) receives some unwanted affection from an unlikely source. Hil-ar-i-ous. Funny.
You've also got one of my favorites in here, Jeremy Piven, but him and Ludacris don't really add much to this movie. In fact I was rather disappointed in how little they were utilized. Ludacris just didn't not fit here. He's done better. There are also like 20 different actors and it's dizzying trying to keep them all straight, especially when I'm not familiar with who any of them are. Another reason I like American films with overused actors.
The movie ends with it evident there is to be a sequel. Whether that's happening or not is anyone's guess. I have no clue and can't really be arsed to check.
Anyway, it's mindless entertainment, kinda fun, a bit campy. I probably would see the next movie, provided Gerard and Idris will be in it. I like them ;)
Have you seen it? Like, no like? Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 6/21/2010 01:25:00 PM
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010:
What I'm watching: How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
 From BooksaMillion.com:
Toby Young's scathing roman à clef about his stint working for Vanity Fair is rather loosely adapted for the screen in this film of the same name. Young briefly worked for the high-profile magazine in the mid-1990s, and upon his dismissal he penned a snarky memoir that went on to become a major bestseller. Now, in the film version, we have Simon Pegg as Sidney Young, a cocky journalist who is hired by editor Clayton Harding (Jeff Bridges) to work for Sharps magazine. Sidney arrives in New York with grand plans to expose the ridiculousness of modern celebrity culture, but Harding forces him to work on puff pieces with fellow writer Alison Olsen (Kirsten Dunst).
Sidney refuses to adapt to the glitzy magazine world, and is ostracized for his offensive, sloppy behavior. He and Alison--a frustrated novelist at heart--trade barbs and bond over their terrible jobs, slowly developing a quirky camaraderie. Things take a turn when Sidney meets Sophie Maes (Megan Fox), an ambitious starlet. He becomes determined to get Sophie into bed, no matter the cost, and after several madcap incidences involving crushed Chihuahuas and transsexuals, he finds himself suddenly sucked into the flashy world of Sharps. In danger of losing himself completely, he tries to figure out what it is he really wants, and what he is willing to sacrifice to get it.
Bridges puts in an amusing performance as the lackadaisical Harding, and Gillian Anderson is perfect as the icy P.R. queen. Some might feel Pegg, a hugely talented comedian, was perhaps miscast in this rather straightforward comedy; the film is sharp in places, but doesn't come close to capturing the caustic claws of the book. Rather ironically, a story that takes on the nonsense of Hollywood appears to have become a part of the very machine it meant to mock.
Thanx to JentheGingerKid, I rented this movie last week and absolutely adored it. It sounds like something that would be really obnoxious and smarmy, which, admittedly, I don't think I would have minded. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was looking forward to the experience.
To be honest, Sidney is very annoying in the beginning, with shades of paparazzi all over him, as he chats up Thandie Newton. Then he's hired for a U.S. magazine and he thinks he's struck career gold. Turns out the editor who hires him is a long-time hero of his, someone he's modeled his brand of journalism on. Only when he gets to New York and meets the editor face to face, he discovers ass-kissing and pandering to the "stars" is what his job will entail, and it's not something he ever intended to do in his career. He's feeling disillusioned by his once snarky, fearless idol, and starting at the bottom of the ladder is not where he sees himself.
However he sucks it up once he encounters - and instantaneously lusts for - Sophie Maes (irritatingly played by Megan Fox, a mega star who does silly little things like wading up to her neck into a pool wearing a fancy dress and playing the part of Mother Teresa in a movie. She may be young and nubile, but I found Gillian Anderson's character to be much, much sexier and interesting. And funny.
But Sidney wants Sophie, and even if there are moments he feels something stronger for Alison, who was originally his nemesis but soon becomes his friend, well that must just must be gas because he wants Sophie. Really, he does.
My thoughts:
Charming! I found this movie to be unexpectedly sweet and likable, and even Kirsten Dunst who usually annoys me was endearing in this film. The only person I didn't care for was Megan Fox, but the rest of the casting was lovely. It's funny, strange, romantic and yet so simple. Simon Pegg as Sidney at first comes across as one of those really creepy guys who hits on women and has a big mouth, but he became a convincing leading man here. I would have have thought that when we first see him trying to crash a big party. Yet the guy has charisma, and it funny and sweet.
So though the title may suggest hijinks and gags, it's a little deeper than that. If you're looking for straight hijinks and no real substance, it does have that on some level, but this might not be exactly the film for you. I'd suggest going in with no preconceived notions, and just see where the film takes you. I liked it way more than I thought I would, and even developed a bit of a crush on Sidney, if you can believe it (!) It was just a fun movie, and I'm so, so glad I watched it. Thanx Jen for talking it up on Twitter! Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 5/18/2010 07:09:00 AM
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Monday, May 10, 2010:
 From Yahoo.com: The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts, and James "Rhodey" Rhodes at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces.
This was one of my most anticipated movies of 2010, especially since I'm such a HUGE fan of Robert Downey Jr., and the first movie was pretty spectacular, again mostly because of him. I'm not a big fan of some of the super hero movies out there - they tend to be weak on plot and relationship-building - but RDJ has a charisma that really breathed new life into the character of of Tony Stark and Iron Man. I also really liked his relationship with his right-hand woman, Pepper Potts. She was poised, unflappable, super intelligent, and not fooled by his charm, though it was evident she was rather in love with the player anyway.
This time around, Tony Stark believes he has he world by the balls, and he's not about to give that power up and share his secrets with the government. According to Tony, HE is the protector of the world, and responsible for world peace, and the government can go screw itself. Yeah, he's got a bit of an ego problem. But while to the world he presents a face of confidence and arrogance, what he's hiding is that the implant he has is killing him. He's tried everything, but he just cannot find a cure, and time is running out.
Meanwhile it's revealed that the current technology Stark Industries uses may not have been solely created by his father, Howard Stark. There's a Russian man who worked with the company decades ago who may have been responsible for many of these discoveries, and now his son wants revenge....
My thoughts:
Robert Downy is once again his unforgettable self in this movie, and worth the price of admission alone. I can't help it, I have a weakness for the man. Even when he's being a jerk, I still love him. And yeah, especially in the beginning of the movie, and in a few parts throughout, he's not at his best. Of course dying can bring out the worst in a person, but what makes it worse is that he takes it out on the people that care about him, most notably Pepper Potts. Yes, because it's obvious he has feelings for her, but it still wasn't his smoothest move.
It's funny how the second Scarlett Jo appears onscreen that I cringed. There's something just so skanky about her. I know the guys in the theatre were probably all drooling and having dirty thoughts, but in my mind she's one step up from Megan Fox, only I have to admit that she can act better, and I gotta give her credit, she was pretty good in this movie. She makes a fabulous kickass chick. But I just don't like her. Give me Angelina, give me Jessica Biel, hell, give me Tina Fey, just don't give us Skanky ScarJo.
I like Don Cheadle a lot, but they could have given him more a sense of humor here. Still trying to wrap my head around him replacing Terrence Howard, and DC coulda pulled it off if he hadn't been quite so serious in the role of Rhodey. But I think he makes a good foil for RDJ, and stands up to him quite well. He's smaller in stature than Terrence, but he doesn't let that stop him. I just kept imagining his character from the Ocean movies, with that British accent. Now that would have been fun *g*
Mickey Rourke, and what has plastic surgery done to you? I cringed when he came onscreen too. I remember a steamy movie he was in years ago (no, not 9 1/2 weeks, though I did see part of that movie too) called Wild Orchid, and I thought he was kinda hot, if a bit deranged, back then. Now, ick. But he was convincing as a Russian bad guy, and he does have a flamboyant sense of parody that worked well for the character.
Sam Rockwell also has a way about him that is highly entertaining. But I just wasn't convinced that he was quite the adversary against Tony Stark much less Iron Man. He had a horrible spray-on tan and tacky jewelry and a boatload of money, but he had no balls until he partnered up with Mickey Rourke's character. Still, he's fun to watch.
Biggest disappointment: what they did to Pepper Potts! She was such a wonderful character in the first movie - intelligent, poised, efficient - but here they make her the cliche'. She's shrill, emotional, whiny, and unsure of herself. I hated what they did to her character. Plus, with everything else going on in the movie, she's not really around a lot, so we have to fall back on the fact that she's been with Tony for a long time, and that they have a long history, but we don't see much of it. I thought their whole storyline was weak and dissatisfying. Totally typical of most superhero relationships. At least they didn't have her walking around in skimpy, suggestive outfits. The heels were bad enough.
However as disappointing as all that was, I still got my RDJ fix, and that alone was worth it. If only we could have seen more of him without a shirt. I'm seeing that they will make a 3rd Iron Man movie scheduled for release in 2012. If they do, I hope to God they do a better job of it this time around. Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: movies, Robert Downey Jr
posted by Stacy~ at 5/10/2010 07:46:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010:
What I've been watching: week in review
 When the Wernham Hogg paper merchants needed someone to come in and shape up their office, they found the man who definitely thinks he is the most capable candidate in David Brent (Ricky Gervais). Brent rules a tight ship, but at the same time tries to be every employee's best friend. Brent is the centerpiece for this brilliant satire of 9-5 office life. Camera crews follow Brent and his employees around in this British series that uses no laugh track, and doesn't need it. The razor sharp comedy will have audiences in stitches. When released in England, this wickedly funny series broke all sales records for non-film DVD releases.
I had every intention of starting to watch the U.S. version of "The Office" until I noticed that the original BBC series was on Netflix. So being rather curious about the inspiration, I rented season 1. Let's just say British humor is mostly lost on me. The slang and references usually go over my head. That's not to say this isn't a funny series, because I found several very amusing scenes in the 6 episodes, and Ricky Gervais is funny just standing there with a sheepish look on his face. It's so politically incorrect, and I love it. So much so that I'm getting season 2, which appears to be the last season. I definitely see why it inspired the U.S. version. And there's the office romance brewing...will it ever be resolved? Time will tell....
Jason Statham stars in this fast-paced and very loud thriller that was written specifically for him by French filmmaker Luc Besson. Statham (SNATCH) plays Frank Martin, a former Special Forces operative who is now a high-priced courier paid a lot of money to deliver packages he would rather know nothing about. His creed: Never change the deal, use no names, and never look in the package. But when he finds out that his latest delivery is a beautiful young woman (Shu Qi), everything changes, and he is off on a wild chase, in his specially made BMW, that includes plenty of explosions, bare-knuckle fighting, cool weaponry, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Hong Kong director Corey Yuen, who has previously worked with Jet Li, lets the action tell the story as Frank battles the bad guys in the streets of France. The score is by renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke. Really, the only reason I rented this is to see a shirtless Jason Statham, and oh boy, was I NOT disappointed. He is one fine-looking man, and watching the "making of" bonus feature proves he's even more gorgeous when he smiles and laughs, which he really doesn't do in "The Transporter". I was a bit bored with the film about 1/2 way through, and the heroine was annoying (though lucky enough to get Jason nekkid), but it was a good action film, and I love the way Jason moves. I'll probably get the 2nd & 3rd Transporter movies now.  TWILIGHT's Robert Pattinson trades in the pale skin and vampire teeth of Edward Cullen for the guitar and life crisis of Art in this British dramedy. Much to his own disappointment--and that of his mother (Rebecca Pidgeon)--Art finds his London life as a musician is going nowhere. Enter Dr. Ellington (Powell Jones), a self-help guru and the author of "It's Not Your Fault." But his page-bound words aren't enough: Art has the graying writer live with him and his parents with comedic--and hopefully inspiring--results.
Does Robert Pattinson have talent beyond the Twilight movies? I figured this movie would tell me that. I'm sure he does, but this movie is so depressing, and I prefer Pattz with an American accent and even his Twilight hair. I'm sure this film is considered brilliant by some, but I was tweeting while I watched it. It's quirky and strange and somber, all the things that can make a film mesmerizing to critics. Me, not so much. Give me obvious all-out drama and humor. I don't need to have deep thoughts. I'm fine with my superficial ones :) What have YOU been watching?
Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 4/21/2010 07:15:00 AM
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Thursday, January 28, 2010:
What I'm watching (movie): Something the Lord Made (2004)
 Editorial Reviews (from Amazon)
Amazon.com
Something the Lord Made recounts the relationship between Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). It begins in 1930s Nashville when imperious cardiac surgeon Blalock hires Thomas, an African American carpenter, as his janitor. When the latter reveals a passion for medicine and facility with surgical instruments, Blalock promotes him to lab tech. Thomas isn't given a raise, works side jobs to make ends meet, and is expected to be grateful. Along the way, he follows Blalock from Vanderbilt to Johns Hopkins, where they save thousands of lives through their pioneering work, but will Thomas ever get any credit?
The film provides a satisfying answer to that question. Joseph Sargent (A Lesson Before Dying) directs with subtlety and intelligence, while Rickman and Mos Def are in top form, often underplaying where most actors would do otherwise. Something the Lord Made won the 2004 Emmy for outstanding made-for-TV movie. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
(Drama) Something the Lord Made tells the emotional true story of two men who defied the rules of their time to launch a medical revolution, set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow south. Working in 1940s Baltimore on an unprecedented technique for performing heart surgery on "blue babies," Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and lab technician Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) form an impressive team. As Blalock and Thomas invent a new field of medicine, saving thousands of lives in the process, social pressures threaten to undermine their collaboration and tear their friendship apart.
I cannot recall how this movie ended up in my Netflix queue, but not that I'm complaining that it did. In fact I enjoyed it very much. I am a fan of Alan Rickman and this movie did nothing to change that. There's just some...quality about him that makes it hard to look away from the screen when he's performing, even when he's portraying an evil character.
The premise of the movie is pretty self-explanatory, so I won't go into that. But I will say that I was impressed by by Alan Rickman and Mos Def in this film. As Dr. Blalock, Rickman was appropriately arrogant yet sympathetic at the same time. He had to have balls to believe in his abilities, but at the same time he truly cared about people, and was determined not to let any more babies die, not if he could do something to prevent it. Together with Vivien Thomas, wonderfully played by Mos Def, they do extensive research and tests to perfect their technique. Being the animal lover that I am, it's hard to consider that the two were using animals to do most of their tests. From a logical standpoint, especially considering the times and limitations back then, I can understand the necessity of it, but at the same time, it wasn't something that I could let myself think about too closely.
As you can imagine, it's difficult to watch a movie where African Americans are treated worse than second-class citizens. I cannot fathom how it must feel for someone to watch that and see how their parents or grandparents were treated for no other reason than the color of their skin. Vivien Thomas, as portrayed by Mos Def, was an intelligent, calm, determined man who loved working in medicine, and made some amazing discoveries during his time that he was not recognized for until much later in life, even though Dr. Blalock was commended for the research and procedures he perfected right along with Vivien by his side. It was many decades before he was acknowledged as one of the pioneers in bypass surgery. A bittersweet victory, some might say.
The movie is very powerful and moving, and really enjoyed the actor's performances and how they both stayed true to form. Dr. Blalock and Mr. Thomas were not best friends who hung out together outside of work. Instead they kept their interaction limited strictly to the laboratory and operating room. It was evident there was much respect between these two men who were dedicated to medicine, but also an awareness of their social differences. Dr. Blalock was not one to fight for human rights outside of the need for exemplary medical care. He was not concerned with Vivien's struggles, as long as they didn't affect the work, he was completely fine with ignoring the reality of Vivien's circumstances. Yet what they accomplished was quite amazing when you consider just how far medicine and science has come in the last 70+ years. Techniques and procedures that are common and frequent were not even around back in those days. Rather mind-boggling to think about, really. Something else to think about: when this film began, it was right around the start of the Great Depression, where opportunity was scarce if not non-existent for many people.
I would definitely recommend this movie if you're in the mood for a moving story based on true events and real people who changed the world. It's not a particularly light-hearted film, but it is uplifting and inspiring to watch. I am glad it ended up in my Netflix queue. Powerful stuff. Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 1/28/2010 07:09:00 AM
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Wednesday, January 06, 2010:
Speak - movie review (2006)
 Melinda Sordino (Kristen Stewart, UNDERTOW) is entering the notoriously difficult time that is the freshman year of high school. She is no average troubled youth, however, for she refuses to utter a word, ever since a party to celebrate the end of 8th grade resulted in a violent encounter for the young girl. Now, ostracized by her schoolmates, alienated from her mother (Elizabeth Perkins, BIG) and father (D.B. Sweeney, THE DARWIN AWARDS), and feeling entirely alone, she retreats into an interior world. But hope presents itself in the form of empathetic art teacher Mr. Freeman (Steve Zahn, SAHARA, DADDY DAY CARE), who accepts Melinda's silence but pushes her towards other means of self-expression. With his aid and understanding, Melinda is able to discover her voice and talent, as well as regain her joy in life. Based on the award-winning novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, this official Sundance selection offers a sensitive portrayal of a hugely important issue, and features a stunning performance by the talented Stewart. This movie was recommended to me by Netflix, and yes, I'd already seen Kristen Stewart in Twilight, and though it wasn't award-winning material, I thought what the hell, why not check this suggested movie out. The premise caught my attention, though it sounded like heavy subject matter, but still like something I'd want to see. I'm so glad I did. While the root of Melinda's fears centers around a violent attack, it's not shoved down your throat every second of the movie. A lot of the film dealt with the everyday pressures of school young people face from their teachers, their parents, and mostly from their peers. And Melinda is trying to deal with the struggles of school and the way her parents really don't see her.
Part of the problem is that her classmates are still upset with her for calling the cops at a party, not knowing that she was raped while everyone was having a good time. And she's afraid to tell anyone. At this point, the start of a new school year, the only friend she has is a girl new to the school who later ends up blowing her off, so there's no one for her to turn to. It seems like she would just get lost in the system if not for one unique art teacher who pushes his students to challenge themselves instead of always following the crowd. You get the sense he's aware something has happened in Melinda's life, but he doesn't push it, instead wanting her to focus on her art, on something beautiful and creative.
Despite the subject matter of this book, it's told in a very matter-of-fact way, not overly dark and depressing. Melinda is a strong individual despite what's happened to her, and she keeps getting up everytime she falls. There are times, though, that the pain and memories of what she suffers are too strong to keep inside (and occasionally we hear the screams she ends up making famous in New  Moon). She loses herself in her art, and eventually finds the strength to stand up for herself, which leads her to finally being able to tell someone about what happened to her. I know some people may think of this is just an after-school special, but the awareness of rape is something that should never be forgotten. Just a personal observation, but it's pretty obvious to me that kids are having sex at a younger and younger age. It's becoming or probably already has become the norm for a 14-year-old girl to be sexually active. Which means it's that much easier to be forced to do something you're not ready for yet feeling helpless to stop it. So films and books like this are important, and very relevant to today's young kids.
It was a good movie, a touching one, and one I'd definitely recommend to others. You can see hints of the pretty young woman Kristen Stewart is becoming, and a big plus is that she's much more articulate in this film LOL. It was time well-spent, and I hope to read the book that it was based on. I hope all of you will share this with your daughters, regardless of their age. Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 1/06/2010 06:53:00 AM
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009:
Bella - (2007) a movie review
 From Yahoo Movies: Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant, finds herself pregnant and without work after coming in late several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying. I can't remember why I chose this movie to watch. It might have even been recommended to me by someone, but I cannot recall. I got the movie several weeks ago from Netflix, but though I wanted to watch it, I just wasn't "ready". I know that sounds weird, but sometimes you just have to be in a certain frame of mind to watch something. That was the case with this movie. The movie is pretty much what it says in the synopsis: girl gets fired, boy feels bad for girl and goes after her. But it's so much more than that while still being simple and sweet and ordinary. That is what makes it so special. Jose works as a chef for his brother Manny, who operates his Mexican restaurant much like a drill sergeant. When Nina is late yet again, Manny decides to fire her, not really caring what her reasons are. Jose, seeing the desperation on her face, goes after her, which upsets his brother. But Jose doesn't care. He just knows he cannot at least try to do something for Nina. Jose discovers the reason she's been late and out sick is because she's pregnant. With no job and no one to turn to, Nina's not sure what she's going to do. This stirs up feelings inside him from his past, and he attempts to be there or Nina at least in some small way. They talk, and he brings her to his family's house. While there, Nina soaks up the togetherness they all share, and wishes things were different for her. Jose opens up about his life, and she realizes why he's hiding in the kitchen of his brother's restaurant. My thoughts:
This movie is a very small but significant passage of time between two people who don't really know each other but whose lives come together briefly and will never be the same. What I liked about it was that is was an ordinary moment, but one that had an amazing outcome. I loved the dinner at Jose's parents' house, where we see the love and passion and vivaciousness of a close, Mexican family, and how Nina soaks it all in, never having experienced anything like it herself. I also liked how this movie was about healing, but that there were no miracle cures, or that the relationship between Jose and Nina didn't become more than what it ended up being. The beauty of the film is that it is genuine, something real and possible and not neatly wrapped up as the credits are rolling. Parents still worry for their children. Siblings still fight and disagree. People move on. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing. It's just about something bigger, and how sometimes really good things can happen. I cannot really explain it without giving away too much of the film, but suffice it to say this movie has heart, and is subtle in the way it sneaks into your own heart. It starts off in New York City, and it's rather unforgiving at times. But that also is why it's so moving. How amazing things can happen just by living. How the kindness of others can make all the difference in the world, no matter how insignificant it may seem. I think that's what got to me most. Just during your day, while you're riding the train or dealing with clients or grabbing a bite to eat, wonderful things can happen. And this movie made me smile to think of all these things. It just...was. And okay, yeah, I have to mention that even with long hair and an ugly beard, Eduardo Verastegui has a certain charm and handsomeness that you can't help but notice. You can see his feelings in his eyes. I just thought I had to say that. Rating: ***** out of ***** Labels: movies, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/29/2009 06:45:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 02, 2009:
Holiday contest #1: Do you want "The Ugly Truth"?
 " Abby Richter is a romantically challenged morning show producer whose search for Mr. Perfect has left her hopelessly single. She's in for a rude awakening when her bosses team her with Mike Chadway, a hardcore TV personality who promises to spill the ugly truth on what makes men and women tick." from Yahoo movies This was one of my favorite movies of 2009, so I thought it would be fun to give it away as my first holiday prize. I just love Gerard Butler (even if he is a man ho!) and thought he was funny and sexy and even sweet in this movie. It's a bit raunchy, and politically incorrect, but if you like hot guys and you're not easily offended, then I think you just might like this one. If you've already seen it and want your own copy (like I do), then here's your chance. As always, I like to ask a question and get to know my "audience" *g*, and this time is no different. And the contest question is: "What's the craziest thing you'd do or have done to get a guy's attention?" Rules: So please comment no later than noon CST on Saturday, December 6th. All eligible comments must answer the question. Please DO NOT leave your email address. Once the winner is announced here at my blog, it will be their responsibility to contact me within 1 week of announcement, otherwise a new winner will be announced. Contest is open to anyone I can send this to, anyone who receives mail. [Since I will be out of town on business starting early Sunday morning and will be gone for a week, I might not be able to respond until after the 12th.] So go ahead, I want to know just how wild and crazy you guys all are LOL. And GOOD LUCK!!! Labels: contests, Gerard Butler, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 12/02/2009 06:55:00 AM
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Sunday, November 22, 2009:
My review of New Moon (2009) movie
 Following Bella Swan's ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen and his family abandon the town of Forks, Washington, in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school, numb and alone, she discovers Edward's image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.
With the help of her childhood friend Jacob Black, Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, who has a supernatural secret of his own.
When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate, and the encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward's true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she'd hoped for. (from Yahoo movies)
In Twilight, we see Bella and Edward becoming more and more enamored of each other, so much so that it's like an obsession, and Bella is almost desperate to keep his attention on her. Even when it puts her life in danger, she would rather die than be without him. We also see how Edward has tried to keep away from her, maintaining it's for her own good, yet even he cannot deny his strong feelings for her.
Now in New Moon, we see how Bella and Edward are together almost at the exclusion of everyone and everything else. Bella is impatient with Edward because everyday she grows older, and before too long she fears growing "older" than him. She pressures him to change her, but he refuses. At this point, a few things happen at once.
First is her fateful birthday party, where her clumsiness has her cutting herself in front of all the Cullens, and her human blood is too much for Jasper to resist. He tries to attack her, which ends up with more of Bella's blood being spilt, and other family members feeling somewhat overcome with bloodlust. The second thing is that people are starting to notice that Dr. Cullen hasn't been aging like a normal person would, and the Cullens have decided that they needed to move away from Forks. These two events prompt Edward to push Bella away, telling her he doesn't want her anymore, even though we, the clever audience, know it's all a lie, Bella believes it because even after all this time, she still doesn't feel worthy of Edward. (Stupid girl, putting all your worth in the opinion of some guy).
Bella goes through months and months of depression, pushing everyone away and suffering through awful nightmares that scare her father. After some time has passed, she finally decides to reconnect with her friends, and one night when she goes out to a movie with a girlfriend, she accidentally discovers that if she acts recklessly, she can "see" Edward again. The adrenaline rushes are what bring his image to her, so she keeps doing crazy, wild stunts, if only to see him one more time.
During this time she brings some old pieces of junk to her friend Jacob with the hope that he can rebuild them into motorcycles that will provide her with that much needed adrenaline rush. He agrees, and by being casual and teasing, Jacob eventually draws Bella out of her shell again, being there for her, going to movies and basically just hanging out. It's quite obvious he has strong romantic feelings for her, but Bella insists on maintaining their friendship. She can't lie and make any promises to him while she still loves Edward, will always love Edward.
Jacob insists on being there for her anyway, promising not to hurt her, until something happens that has him running from Bella. Confused, miserable, hurt, she doesn't understand why Jacob doesn't want to be around her anymore, until one day she's had it and goes over to see him, demanding to know what's going on. It's at this point that Bella discovers the secret that Jacob has to hide from her, a secret not unlike the one she has about Edward....
My thoughts:
I am not really a fangirl of this series. Other than Twilight, I haven't read any of the books, and I only read that one after seeing the movie. But I will admit to being insatiably curious about it, which is why, like a sheep, I went to see Twilight on opening night, and then saw New Moon on its first night of release. I feel like I came into this series as an objective observer, but that is no longer the case, because now I've made my choice.
If I were twelve, I would be completely, insanely in love with Edward. He's the brooding, sad, emotional hero of every young girl's dreams, and if he weren't so pasty, he might be kinda cute. As long as he washes his hair and bathes on a regular basis, that is. Edward evokes feelings of romantic, aching, eternal and obsessive love, where he cannot live without Bella. He even pushes her away for her own good, using Bella's trust in him against her. This is what I didn't like, because as much as he tries to protect her, he enforces the belief that she just isn't good enough for him. Mostly likely he did it unintentionally, because he knows of no other way to convince her to keep away from him, but I was angry with him all the same.
When we first met Jacob in Twilight, he looked like a kid, but he was a grounded kid, one who listened to his father and wasn't really all that exciting. He has a strong dislike for Edward, partially because of jealousy, but also because of what Edward is. Now in New Moon, Jacob is still that good kid, and it's very obvious his crush on Bella is stronger than ever. He's the one that pulls Bella out of her depressive state. He's a good friend to her; he makes her laugh, he looks out for her, he's honest with her. He's got the dreaded "friend" syndrome going on, and maybe if Jacob weren't so darn cute, I could kinda understand why Bella wouldn't want to be more than friends. But on top of being a really cool guy, and the person who saves her from sinking deeper into depression, he's pretty hot. She even has to acknowledge it at one point when he takes his shirt off. She tells him he's "unbelievably beautiful", which, instead of taking advantage of that, Jacob teases her about it instead. See, Jacob is the guy a mature woman would fall for. Unlike Edward, who satisified my 12-year-old angsty, melodramatic self. Jacob is the guy that you want in real life, the guy who sees Bella's worth and appreciates it, but doesn't try to idolize it. So yeah, you guessed it; I'm officially on Team Jacob. True, it doesn't make sense to pick a side when we already know Edward gets to keep the crown and gets Bella in the end, but that doesn't mean I can't show Jacob some love, now does it?
The movie is actually a lot better than I had been expecting. There are intentionally funny moments, such as those with Jasper, and some involving Bella's dad Charlie. It's a little more light-hearted at times, though indesputedly dark at others, especially when meeting the Volturi. Weird and creepy are these vamps, which only highlighted Edward's pale and morbid expressions when we see him in their midst. He truly does pale in comparison to Jacob. Yet this is the guy Bella wants for all eternity. Go figure.
And of course there's Victoria stalking Bella with the intention of torturing and killing her. Since Edward killed her mate, she's going to return the favor. I know y'all know what happens with her, but don't tell me. I know enough of the rest of the series (i.e. demon baby) without needing to know everything.
Now not having read New Moon, I cannot say how true to it the movie is, but I've heard it's fairly close. There's a cliffhanger moment at the end, which isn't much of a cliffhanger since hey, we know what happens. But it was kinda cool the way it ended. And I heard the next one, Eclipse, will be out June 30, 2010. Is this true?
One disappointment I had is that the soundtrack cannot compare to Twilight's, which I own and love. This one I maybe liked one or two songs, that's it. I definitely wouldn't buy it. The music was such a part of Twilight that I'm sorry the same can't be said for this movie.
Overall, though, money well-spent. I even would go see it again, if for no other reason than to see Jacob up on the big screen again *g*
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/22/2009 10:23:00 AM
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