Saturday, January 23, 2010
No Country for Old Men
I've been meaning to watch this movie ever since it won an Oscar for Best Picture. Well, I finally got around to it, and I must say I liked it. I honestly had no idea what it was about before, I just have a need to watch Academy Award winning movies to see for myself. I don't really have anything specific to say about it -- there were no parts that I was particularly dazzled or disappointed by, I just liked it in general. I wasn't paying total attention towards the end, and the ending completely confused me. So I rewound it a little bit, paid attention this time, and was still confused. I googled it and found out what the ending meant, and I think if I watched it again I might notice different things throughout the film that would make the understanding of the ending easier. If you have two hours to kill, and don't mind some blood from gunshot wounds, then I recommend a once-over.
Monday, January 18, 2010
67th Annual Golden Globes
Tis the season of awards shows. This is one thing I look forward to year after year, even if I haven't seen a majority of the nominations. Since I don't get a chance to see many of the nominations before the awards show, I'm biased when it comes to who I want to win. This time around only a few that I was hoping for made the final cut:
Best Actress in a Television Series, Drama: Julianna Margulies, 'The Good Wife'
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture: 'Up in the Air', Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Sandra Bullock, 'The Blind Side'
Even though I knew it wasn't probably going to happen, I had my fingers crossed for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and '(500) Days of Summer.' It was great that the film was even nominated, and every time they showed him when they said the nominations he looked so excited just to be there. His previous co-star, John Lithgow, did win for 'Dexter.' Kind of makes me curious about that show.
Like I said before, there were a lot of nominations that I haven't had the chance to see yet. After the awards there are a few I want to take a look at, and that still doesn't include 'Avatar.' Yes, I've heard its praises from practically everyone I know, and it took home Best Director and Best Movie and probably something else, but it still doesn't interest me. Maybe I'll give it a whirl once it comes out on DVD, but for now, the rest of the world can enjoy it without me.
I did also watch the People's Choice Awards about a week and a half ago. I'll post something later about who I wanted to win and who did win. In the meantime, some others to look forward to:
More upcoming awards shows:
SAG Awards - January 23
Academy Awards - March 7
Best Actress in a Television Series, Drama: Julianna Margulies, 'The Good Wife'
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture: 'Up in the Air', Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Sandra Bullock, 'The Blind Side'
Even though I knew it wasn't probably going to happen, I had my fingers crossed for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and '(500) Days of Summer.' It was great that the film was even nominated, and every time they showed him when they said the nominations he looked so excited just to be there. His previous co-star, John Lithgow, did win for 'Dexter.' Kind of makes me curious about that show.
Like I said before, there were a lot of nominations that I haven't had the chance to see yet. After the awards there are a few I want to take a look at, and that still doesn't include 'Avatar.' Yes, I've heard its praises from practically everyone I know, and it took home Best Director and Best Movie and probably something else, but it still doesn't interest me. Maybe I'll give it a whirl once it comes out on DVD, but for now, the rest of the world can enjoy it without me.
I did also watch the People's Choice Awards about a week and a half ago. I'll post something later about who I wanted to win and who did win. In the meantime, some others to look forward to:
More upcoming awards shows:
SAG Awards - January 23
Academy Awards - March 7
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Lovely Bones
Aside from the fact that I have a lot of studio work to do tonight, it's been a pretty pleasant evening. Went to see The Lovely Bones, had a yummy dinner out, got cheesecake, and am now watching the Golden Globes.
If you haven't read the book The Lovely Bones, I suggest you do, at least if you plan on seeing the movie. Even if you don't plan on seeing the movie, it's a good book and an easy read. I wasn't sure what to expect from the movie, but overall I think it did a good job following with the book. I know that many critics haven't had the best comments about it, mostly due to Peter Jackson's vivid imagery in the film, and I must say I know where they're coming from.
In the book, the way the "in-between" that Susie is in is described as beautiful and imaginative. While Peter Jackson's interpretation of that place is also beautiful and imaginative, it did strike me as a little over the top, a couple of parts almost screen saver-esque. There was also a bit of a disconnect between the life scenes and the in-between scenes. Sometimes the transition was a little cheesy to be honest, and other times it was just fade to bright white, and other times it worked. The only reason I probably noticed these kinds of things and was bothered by them was because I did read the book. As a movie on its own, it was visually stimulating and engaging to watch.
The cast was good, as I expected. My favorite part: Stanley Tucci as Mr. Harvey. The epitome of creepy neighbor-rapist-murderer. Although in the movie they left out the part that he raped Susie before killing her, probably to keep it at a PG13 rating. Back to Stanley Tucci. He deserves an award for that part. Stanley Tucci, the cute little guy in The Devil Wears Prada, nice guy / loving husband in Julie and Julia, turns amazingly frightening man who has a thing for murdering young girls. Just to see him play that part is enough to see that movie. Mark Wahlberg doesn't hurt either.
I also appreciated the ending. When I read the book, I was thoroughly disappointed in the ending, more specifically how Mr. Harvey met his match. I won't give away what happens in the book or how it happens in the movie, but he was definitely more deserving of the movie version ending. Go see this! Or read the book! Either way it's a good story.
If you haven't read the book The Lovely Bones, I suggest you do, at least if you plan on seeing the movie. Even if you don't plan on seeing the movie, it's a good book and an easy read. I wasn't sure what to expect from the movie, but overall I think it did a good job following with the book. I know that many critics haven't had the best comments about it, mostly due to Peter Jackson's vivid imagery in the film, and I must say I know where they're coming from.
In the book, the way the "in-between" that Susie is in is described as beautiful and imaginative. While Peter Jackson's interpretation of that place is also beautiful and imaginative, it did strike me as a little over the top, a couple of parts almost screen saver-esque. There was also a bit of a disconnect between the life scenes and the in-between scenes. Sometimes the transition was a little cheesy to be honest, and other times it was just fade to bright white, and other times it worked. The only reason I probably noticed these kinds of things and was bothered by them was because I did read the book. As a movie on its own, it was visually stimulating and engaging to watch.
The cast was good, as I expected. My favorite part: Stanley Tucci as Mr. Harvey. The epitome of creepy neighbor-rapist-murderer. Although in the movie they left out the part that he raped Susie before killing her, probably to keep it at a PG13 rating. Back to Stanley Tucci. He deserves an award for that part. Stanley Tucci, the cute little guy in The Devil Wears Prada, nice guy / loving husband in Julie and Julia, turns amazingly frightening man who has a thing for murdering young girls. Just to see him play that part is enough to see that movie. Mark Wahlberg doesn't hurt either.
I also appreciated the ending. When I read the book, I was thoroughly disappointed in the ending, more specifically how Mr. Harvey met his match. I won't give away what happens in the book or how it happens in the movie, but he was definitely more deserving of the movie version ending. Go see this! Or read the book! Either way it's a good story.
Burn After Reading
This movie was ... interesting. I had seen previews for it and figured it was going to be one of those weird movies that I would probably like and my mom would think I'm crazy. That pretty much held true. I liked it, albeit it was a strange plot, but strange in a highly amusing way and with the perfect cast. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm very into the cast of movies, sometimes more than the plot of the movie itself.
John Malkovich plays a very strange character, and I suspect he's pretty strange in real life also. Tilda Swinton was perfect for the cold-hearted bitch part who doesn't even realize she is a cold-hearted bitch. Then there's Frances McDormand -- I have loved her ever since the first time I saw her in Almost Famous. Even though her character is a little bit loopy, she still manages to portray a typical, middle-aged woman. Also, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, both playing completely insane characters, atypical of the majority of their roles, but characters they should definitely consider doing again. They were hilarious and were really the driving force that made the movie amusing enough that it wasn't just plain strange. Finally, and I really wish he had a bigger role in this movie, there's J.K. Simmons. He is very quickly becoming my favorite older actor. If you don't know who he is look him up. I promise you love him too even if you're not aware of it yet.
So about the plot. Guy with "important documents" gets fired from a government job, someone finds a copy of these "important documents" and tries to get a reward for them. Failing at that, the finders take the "important documents" to the Russian Embassy just to eventually fail again. Amidst that is an affair, another affair, and of course the crazy, upbeat guy that works at the gym. It's kind of ridiculous, but amusing and refreshing. I recommend giving it a whirl.
Honestly though, the one thing I wondered most about this movie had to do with the main affair. He would drive to her house, and carry, in plain sight, from his trunk to the house, one of those foam triangle things that people use for sex. Considering what this man is building in his basement, it doesn't surprise me at all that he feels completely comfortable carrying around a sex cushion, for lack of a better term. It kind of made me wonder who, in reality, actually uses those things, especially once a couple has kids. Do they do anything fun like that or does it really turn into a pretty dismal sex life? And if they do still use things such as a pretty sizable triangular cushion, where would they keep it that the kids wouldn't find it? It would get dirty in an attic, and be a pain in the ass to get down; a lot of people don't have basements, but if they do it probably turns into a playroom for the kids. I'm left with the option of a locked cabinet in your closet or something, or high on a shelf where kids can't see it, and just tell them they can't go in there because that's where you hide their Christmas presents or something, but that might just make them want to go in there even more. The whole thing seems pretty problematic. But it still makes me wonder, how do couples keep up a fun sex life after they have kids?
John Malkovich plays a very strange character, and I suspect he's pretty strange in real life also. Tilda Swinton was perfect for the cold-hearted bitch part who doesn't even realize she is a cold-hearted bitch. Then there's Frances McDormand -- I have loved her ever since the first time I saw her in Almost Famous. Even though her character is a little bit loopy, she still manages to portray a typical, middle-aged woman. Also, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, both playing completely insane characters, atypical of the majority of their roles, but characters they should definitely consider doing again. They were hilarious and were really the driving force that made the movie amusing enough that it wasn't just plain strange. Finally, and I really wish he had a bigger role in this movie, there's J.K. Simmons. He is very quickly becoming my favorite older actor. If you don't know who he is look him up. I promise you love him too even if you're not aware of it yet.
So about the plot. Guy with "important documents" gets fired from a government job, someone finds a copy of these "important documents" and tries to get a reward for them. Failing at that, the finders take the "important documents" to the Russian Embassy just to eventually fail again. Amidst that is an affair, another affair, and of course the crazy, upbeat guy that works at the gym. It's kind of ridiculous, but amusing and refreshing. I recommend giving it a whirl.
Honestly though, the one thing I wondered most about this movie had to do with the main affair. He would drive to her house, and carry, in plain sight, from his trunk to the house, one of those foam triangle things that people use for sex. Considering what this man is building in his basement, it doesn't surprise me at all that he feels completely comfortable carrying around a sex cushion, for lack of a better term. It kind of made me wonder who, in reality, actually uses those things, especially once a couple has kids. Do they do anything fun like that or does it really turn into a pretty dismal sex life? And if they do still use things such as a pretty sizable triangular cushion, where would they keep it that the kids wouldn't find it? It would get dirty in an attic, and be a pain in the ass to get down; a lot of people don't have basements, but if they do it probably turns into a playroom for the kids. I'm left with the option of a locked cabinet in your closet or something, or high on a shelf where kids can't see it, and just tell them they can't go in there because that's where you hide their Christmas presents or something, but that might just make them want to go in there even more. The whole thing seems pretty problematic. But it still makes me wonder, how do couples keep up a fun sex life after they have kids?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
(500) Days of Summer
"This is not a love story."
And that is the truth. No happy ending just for the sake of having a happy ending.
I generally love independent movies -- they are quirky and different and simply fun to watch, and not made simply to generate millions of dollars.
Haven't seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt in much, besides his time on '3rd Rock from the Sun,' '10 Things I Hate About You,' and 'Brick.' At least that's all I recall seeing him in. Although I just looked him up in IMDb and he was the voice of Jim in 'Treasure Planet'!!!!! Did not know that, but he gets serious, SERIOUS props for that. Love 'Treasure Planet.' =D
Back to (500) Days of Summer, however. I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt deserves a lot more credit than he is given. He has grown into a pretty great actor, and I can't wait to see him in more stuff. I also love Zooey Deschanel. She was perfect for her character, and she and Levitt had perfect chemistry. I also enjoyed Minka Kelly popping in at the end. I'm excited to see her make a bigger step onto the big screen. Again, I'm having a loss at remembering the specifics. I think I'll start the movie again right now while I wait for my luggage, and I'll update live. Woo, I know you're super excited...
Hehe, opening is amusing.
When they put videos or pictures of the people in the movie as kids, I always wonder when it's real and when it's fake. Some of these definitely looked real.
Oh yeah, the creepy dude from 'Garden State.' Awesome. "May 21st: Other Mothers Day." I wonder if people that work for greeting card companies actually think of stuff like that.
(Even though I do enjoy this movie and I would like to continue this updating thing, I'm quitting in 20 minutes, at midnight. I'm super tired and don't need to sleep til 1 again tomorrow.)
The Smiths. I shall be looking them up soon.
Oh, right. Don't know how this part slipped my mind. Levitt's character actually studied to be an architect, and he loves L.A. See, I'm not the only one! Even though he is supposedly fictional...
Haha, anal girl. Definitely does seem kind of wrong out of context. Plenty of amusing one-liners such as this throughout the movie.
Matthew Gray Gubler -- he looks super familiar. IMDb time... Hm, the voice of Simon in 'Alving and the Chipmunks'... But in nothing else where I would have seen him. He is pretty cute though. Although, he is on the show Criminal Minds. I think I've seen that show once, maybe twice, just over Thanksgiving Break. Maybe that's where I recognize him from?
Stupid non-love story love stories. Even though they show you how much love sucks, they still make you want to fall in love anyways. On that note, I'm going to bed. I'll finish this another time. In the meantime, go watch (500) Days of Summer!
Up in the Air
So if you read my post about the Golden Globe nominations, you are well aware that I was really excited to see 'Up in the Air'. I must say, I was not disappointed.
I went into this movie not knowing exactly what it was about, but with George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, and the woman from 'The Departed' in it, I honestly didn't care. I should also start doing these posts as soon as possible after seeing a movie, because by now it's been almost two weeks since I've seen it and I don't remember all the specifics or my initial reactions concerning why I enjoyed it so much.
It was quirky and honest, and Anna Kendrick did an amazing job. She played the part perfectly, and so did Clooney and Vera Farmiga -- her character definitely surprised me the most. Wasn't expecting where that part of the story line was going at all.
After it comes out on DVD and I watch it again I might re-update with more specifics as my mind isn't really working right now. I can say that I did thoroughly enjoy this movie, will be getting it when it comes out on DVD, and I highly recommend it.
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