I recently had the pleasure of seeing Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's new film, It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010), starring Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts and newcomer, Keir Gilchrist. The premise is rather simple: Craig (Gilchrist), a clinically depressed high-schooler, checks himself into an adult psychiatric ward in an effort to seek help for his suicidal thoughts. During his short stint in the hospital, Craig not only meets a slew of interesting characters, but also learns much about life, love, and the pressures we all endure while growing up and finding ourselves.
The writing and directing of the film deserves recognition; it is just the right balance of seriousness, comedy, and whimsy. However, for a film set in a mental ward it is certianly very light on the "drama" or "intensity" (i.e. this is no One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest or Girl, Interrupted). In fact, the hospital and its inhabitants all seem very nice and happy, especially Bobby (Galifianakis), who becomes Craig's closest friend and mentor. If people like this really are in psychiatric wards, I wouldn't mind checking myself in as well.
This film is entertaining and well-acted. Galifianakis was perfectly cast; likable, funny, and characteristically quirky. Gilchrist also delivers a solid performance and has great chemistry with his co-stars, Galifianakis and Roberts. His lead performance was believable and he brings much charisma to the screen... I look forward to seeing him in other roles in the future.
I recommend people check this one out. I doubt many will be disappointed. And if you are a fan of cheesy lip-synching there is an awesome performance of David Bowie/Queen's Under Pressure. And now that you have that to look forward to, why would you not want to see this?
Has anyone else seen this film? If so, what'd you think?
Remember me? Sorry I have been a bad, bad blogger and have totally neglected posts, reviews, and writing on my blog in general. But what can I say? It's winter break, I've been having panic attacks at the mall on a daily basis realizing how behind I am on Christmas shopping, and I've been a tad lazy. But I have been going to the theaters regularly and staying on top of the new releases. Some of the titles I've seen have been Avatar(Cameron, 2009), Brothers (Sheridan, 2009), Invictus(Eastwood, 2009), Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (Daniels, 2009), Up in the Air (Reitman, 2009), and I may or may not have gone to see New Moon (Weitz, 2009), again. All have been enjoyable and all will have reviews written on them... starting right now.
So has anyone else seen Avatar yet? My friend and I went to the "3D IMAX Experience" last night. To throw out some adjectives, I'd say it was intense, epic, awesome, and shweet. The film is about an ex-Marine who finds himself on an alien planet, Pandora, in the form of an Avatar - a human-mind controlled body that looks identical to the alien creatures living on the planet. As he becomes more engrossed in his Avatar life, he is torn between two worlds in a fight for both his own survival and that of the indigenous people. Based on storytelling and narrative alone, the film is really nothing new or special. But technically, it is quite impressive. And if you see it in 3D (which you should) it is like sensory overload. Wowza!
The film seemed to have a lot of messages thrown in. Perhaps a few too many. There were obvious references to colonization, environmental concerns, and even some parallels to the so-called "War on Terror" and issues in the Middle East. And if anyone else has seen Fern Gully, this movie reminded me of that like that but on greater scale and with sexier creatures, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since that movie was awesome too.
This is the most expensive film ever made, costing $360 million! So far it has definitely been receiving lots of hype and great reviews. Its first weekend it was #1 at the box office, received four Golden Globe nominations, and has an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. It certainly was the most technically amazing film I have seen, maybe ever, and it was visually stunning and off-the-charts. Overall, this was an amazing movie to experience and I certainly recommend it to others.
Hi guys! Sorry I have been MIA. School has kind of consumed my life but I am officially done with the fall semester and enjoying my winter break! So exciting.
Anyway, the Golden Globe nominees were announced this morning. The actually awards will be handed out on January 17th (so mark your calendars!). My goal is to see all the nominated films before that... I still have a lot to see. Here's the complete list of contenders:
• "Cinema Italiano," Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine)
• "I Want to Come Home," Music & Lyrics by Paul McCartney (Everybody's Fine)
• "I Will See You," Music by James Horner, Simon Franglen; Lyrics by James Horner, Simon Franglen and Kuk Harrell (Avatar)
• "The Weary Kind," Music & Lyrics by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart)
• "Winter," Music by U2; Lyrics by Bono (Brothers)
BEST TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA
• Big Love
• Dexter
• House
• Mad Men
• True Blood
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA
BEST MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
• Georgia O'Keefe
• Grey Gardens
• Into the Storm
• Little Dorrit
• Taking Chance
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
• Joan Allen, Georgia O'Keefe • Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
• Jessica Lange, Grey Gardens • Anna Paquin, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
• Sigourney Weaver, Prayers for Bobby
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
• Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance • Kenneth Branagh, Wallander: One Step Behind
• Chiewetel Ejiofor, Endgame
• Brendan Gleeson, Into the Storm
• Jeremy Irons, Georgia O'Keefe
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
• Jane Adams, Hung • Rose Byrne, Damages
• Jane Lynch, Glee • Janet McTeer, Into the Storm
• Chloë Sevigny, Big Love
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Hello!! It's that's time of the week again... Thursday Thirteen time. This week I wanted to do something music related and I was jamming along listening to the radio the other day and got to thinking about how creepy and stalkerish a lot of songs really are. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good obsessive I-can't-stop-starring-at-you song, but you have to admit, some are pretty creepy. And if they were just being read, and not sung, the lyrics would creep you out. But, like I said, there are some awesome songs that would be categorized as creepy, yet they rock. So this week I decided to make a list of my thirteen favorite creepy stalker songs. And here we go...
1. "Every Breath You Take" (The Police) - Ultimate stalker song hands down - and one of the best 80s tunes in general.
2. "500 Miles (I Would Walk)" (The Proclaimers) - If the lyrics don't creep you out... the band probably will - not that I dislike The Proclaimers, they rock. But they some creepers for sure.
3. "I Will Follow" (U2) - After watching the video, I'm not even sure what to say. The hair is hilarious and those leather pants? Wow. But don't let the crazy video distract you from the creepy lyrics. When someone says "looking through the window" and "I will follow" a red-warning flag should go off. I'm just sayin' ...
4. "Hungry Like the Wolf" (Duran Duran) - They are on the hunt down after you... oh, baby. Sounds like some serious stalking to me.
5. "Obsession" (Animotion) - Why do people stalk? Because they are obsessed. An these peeps will do whatever just to sleep with you. Creepers!
6. "Stalker" (Goldfinger) - This one doesn't even try to hide its creepy nature. It's straight-up called "Stalker." True dat. But this one is about a girl stalking him... and apparently he likes it. And wants to marry her? Just goes to prove that crazy girls who are off their rockers are hot.
7. "Escape" (Enrique Iglesias) - You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape the creepy lyrics of this one. Catchy and fun, but Iglesias' sexy voice doesn't fool us. Ummm, stalker alert anyone?
8. "Private Eyes" (Hall and Oates) - My favorite 1980s pair sings a great song about a woman simply not being able to escape their peering eyes. Peer away boys, peer away... John Oates even rocked the stalker 'stache. Claissic!
9. "One Way or Another" (Blondie) - Guys aren't the only stalkers... ladies can get their creep on as well. And no one sounded like a better female stalker than Deborah Harry.
10. "Somebody's Watching Me" (Rockwell) - I love this song... unfortunately it was Rockwell's only major hit. It definitely exemplifies the stalker song... to a T.
11. "Two Steps Behind" (Def Leppard) - Before Enrique sang about some lady running but not being able to hide Def Leppard sang the same creepy lyrics. Hmmm... who came across as the bigger stalker?
12. "Infatuation" (Rod Stewart) - Romantic? Perhaps. He is singing about love I guess. But the whole "not being able to sleep" and obsessive quality of the lyrics is certainly borderline stalkerish.
13. "Invisible" (Clay Aiken) - What's a list of stalker songs wihtout the ultimate creeper song... And Claymates might have found him irresistible, but the rest of the population found him downright creepy. And what do you get when you take a creepy dude and give him creepy lyrics? The creepiest, hair-raising song ever.
Weird how most of these are 80s songs...
guess they were all just major creepers who weren't embarrassed to let their stalker flags fly.
Well, the final month of 2009 is here. Hard to believe it’s almost the end of yet another year. It’s cold, some of us will soon be studying for finals, others will be attempting to brave the crowds to do some Holiday shopping. It’s a fun time of year, but also somewhat stressful. So if you are looking for something fun (or relaxing) to do, why not head to the movies? And there are lots of new ones coming out, many of which look pretty good.
Armored (Antal, 2009) – A newbie guard for an armored truck company is coerced by his veteran coworkers to steal a truck containing $42 million. But a wrinkle in their supposedly foolproof plan divides the group, leading to a potentially deadly resolution.
Brothers (Sheridan, 2009) – A young man comforts his older brother's wife and children after he goes missing in Afghanistan. Based on Susanne Bier's film, Brødre.
Serious Moonlight(Hines, 2009) – A high-powered attorney duct tapes her adulterous husband to the toilet ... right before burglars invade their home.
Did You Hear About the Morgans?(Lawrence, 2009) – In New York City, an estranged couple who witness a murder are relocated to small-town Wyoming as part of a witness-protection program.
Invictus (Eastwood, 2009) – A look at life for Nelson Mandela after the fall of apartheid in South Africa during his first term as president when he campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his countrymen.
The Lovely Bones (Jackson, 2009) – Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family, and her killer, from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.
Avatar (Cameron, 2009) – A band of humans are pitted in a battle against a distant planet's indigenous population.
The Young Victoria (Vallée, 2009) – A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel (Thomas, 2009) – The world famous singing pre-teen chipmunk trio return to contend with the pressures of school, celebrity, and a rival female music group.
It’s Complicated (Meyers, 2009) – A romantic comedy in which two men vie for the affection of a woman.
Sherlock Holmes (Ritchie, 2009) – Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England.
The White Ribbon (Haneke, 2009) – Strange events happen at a rural school in the north of Germany during the year 1913, which seem to be ritual punishment. Does this affect the school system, and how does the school have an influence on fascism?
Looking for a wonderful, inspirational film? Check out The Blind Side (Hancock, 2009). Based on the remarkable true-story about Michael Oher, a once homeless teen from a broken home who is taken in by a wealthy family, the Touys, who help him reach his potential. And not only is his life transformed, but he inspires and transforms the Touys as well.
I don't see how you can dislike this movie. It is of course emotional and sentimental at times, but it is also sure to make you laugh and smile. This feel-good flick is also well-acted. Sandra Bullock puts in a killer performance as Leigh Ann Tuohy, the stubborn head of the household. Country singer Tim McGrawwas perfect as the sweet, loving Southern dad - not too far of a stretch for him. The rest of the cast was great too. Quinton Aaron not only looks like Oher, but played the part well. And don't dismiss Jae Head, as little S.J.. He was adorable and hilarious.
So far, it has a 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and has many critics speaking its praise. Glenn Whipp of the Associated Press said, "Writer-director John Lee Hancock wisely lets the true story of Michael Oher speak for itself" and Variety's Joe Leydon called the film an "uplifting and entertaining feel-good, fact-based sports drama."
Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel by the same name, The Road(Hillcoat, 2009) is a post-apocalytpic tale of a man and his son trying to survive by any means possible. Starring Viggo Mortensen as "the man" and new-comer Kodi Smit-McPhee as "the boy," this film is dark, eerie, and throughly captivating from beginning to end. And as someone who has read the book, it certainly stayed true to McCarthy's original work so fans will be happy.
Like the book, the film is incredibly simplistic and everything from costumes to set decor were stripped to the bare-minimal. The desaturated colors and minimal score create an utterly chilling effect. This is certainly a very dark view of the world. "The most arresting aspect of The Road is just how fully the filmmakers have realized this bleak, blighted landscape of a modern society reduced to savagery," commentedNew York Times' top film critic, A.O. Scott. But it is the loving relationship of father and son that off-sets this gloominess so well and draws you in. And both Mortensen and Smit-McPhee put in outstanding performances.
With a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, this seems to be a well-liked film. Steven Rea of the Philadelphia Inquirestated, "I cannot think of another film this year that has stayed with me, its images of dread and fear - and yes, perhaps hope - kicking around like such a terrible dream." It is certainly bleak, but hope still resonates. I'll be curious to hear what people who have not read the book think of the film. Some of the details, or perhaps lack there of, seemed more obvious in the book. For example, the characters (other than Ely) have no names. And the repetitive motifs and symbols of fire and hope might have been more noticeable in the text as well.
So while I would not try to argue that it is better than the book, it is certainly a well-made,
