Must See

I just watched the most amazing movie...ever. If I had a top ten list, which I'm thinking of putting together, this one would rank in the top 5. It's a British film called Boy A. One of the reviews on the back says it will be "rattling around in your head long after the final credits roll". For a movie this good it's hard to understand why it was so overlooked, though if you consider it came out the same year as that other "indie" fave, Slumdog Millionaire it makes a little more sense. It's sweet, and funny, and dark and so very, very sad. I won't say much about the plot except that it centers around a young man, recently released from prison, where he has spent most of his life for a horrible crime he committed when he was a child. It's a tough subject, but the compassion with which it's dealt is...poetic. I hate to sound so cheesy about it, but it's just such a wonderful movie. Go out and rent it... hell, buy it. You won't regret it.

PS: I'm not posting the trailer because I think it gives too much away.

Brigadon't

I recently watched Brigadoon. I'm not sure what possessed me to pick this up at the library, but I need to remember to fight that urge in the future.

My friend Arianne claims that even bad pizza is good pizza. Musicals are not pizza. Bad musicals are just bad. And Brigadoon is among the worst I've seen.

Even if I could suspend my disbelief of the farcical accents, ridiculous plot line, mediocre choreography, and outrageous plaid tights, I don't think I could ever believe that Gene Kelly is the dashing hero he's supposed to be. Especially with those pantylines. It's so bad it's just bad.

The only slightly redeeming quality in this hot, steaming turd is Van Johnson as the surly, alcoholic, friend who accidentally shoots and kills one of the fantastical Brigadoonians. I can't imagine a better use of a fake bullet.

Ava...what?

Since becoming a relative Luddite with the lack of television and lately no internet, I have a difficult time keeping up with the latest trends and entertainment gossip. Though having Carrie and Trish Tivo The Soup helps a little.

This weekend I happened to be house-sitting for them and I was looking forward to boning up on my useless celebrity/entertainment news. How surprised I was to find how useless the TV was. I think I must have seen more than 30 commercials for Avatar and I still have no idea what it's about. I know as much about it as I did before which is only that it's from MEGA-DIRECTOR James Cameron, and that it's supposed to change movies forever...and that it seems to star a bunch of really pissed-off smurfs. So, thanks TV, thanks for nothing.

Movie Review

I just finished watching the longest movie in the world. I swear it took me longer to watch the movie than read the book. And I couldn't get over how much Emile Hirsch looks like Jack Black. It was very distracting. Not to mention the voice over by Jena Malone. She reminded me of a cross between pre-botox Nicole Kidman and David Caruso. Awful. Clearly not intended to be the more unbiased account from the book; a little too much romanticizing. Seriously Sean Penn, unclench a bit.

It's Coming...

Drum Boogie!

I've been watching a lot of classic movies lately. And I've decided that if I could be reincarnated backwards, I would be born again as Barbara Stanwyck. Or at least her characters. I love her. She's so rough and tumble, street wise and sexy. She's my new idol. My top picks as of now...Meet John Doe, and Ball of Fire. But I'm watching Double Indemnity later this weekend so we could have a new front runner.

And she gets to make out with Gary Cooper! What could be better?

Greatest Movie Ever

Just watched Lars and the Real Girl. Cried so much my throat hurt. It is ah-mazing. Ryan Gosling is wonderful, and I love Patricia Clarkson. An offbeat story about a lonely, socially paralyzed man trying to fit in the only way he knows how. Wonderful. Best quote...

"Sometimes I get so lonely I forget what day it is and how to spell my name."

I demand that everyone see it.

POP corn

I just saw the movie King Corn. And now I am frightened of corn. It's everywhere! I gave up soda because of the corn syrup, but I discovered it's in my chocolate milk, my cereal, my bread, even my half and half. Half and half?! It's half milk half cream! It's in the name! It's not "Half and Half and Corn Syrup". Just Half and Half! AGGGGHHHHHH! According to the movie, our generation will be the first that will not outlive our parents...because of corn. Beware, there's probably corn in your lettuce!