Monday, June 28, 2010
Movie 13- Brokeback Mountain
Plot (courtesy of imdb.com)
In 1963,two young men hire on as ranch hands in the Wyoming mountains.During the long months of isolation,an unusual bond starts to develop between them, one which they are only vaguely aware of--until one night when it rises to the surface in a passionate encounter.When the season ends,they part ways,only to realize the true depth of their feelings.Thus begins a decades-long affair that the two of them desperately try to hide from those around them--one which will prove simultaneously beautiful and devastating
Commentary
OMG.. That was painful.. I loved watching this film, but I don't know that I could watch it again.. However, I can see why this made the list. Everyone should see this once before they die. It definitely raises the awareness of an issue that unfortunately is still a problem today. I just keep trying to pretend it ended differently.. that they had ran off to Mexico and lived happily for the rest of their lives... :( I'm just going to leave it at that as right now I'm too upset to say much else.
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Movie 12- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Plot (compliments of imdb.com)
A man, Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend Clementine underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realizes that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.
Commentary
Spectacular. That's a one word summary of my overall feelings toward this film. Where do I begin? The acting? Amazing. The cinematography? Brilliant. The story line? Captivating. I can't say yet that this is the number one of all the films as I have yet to see so many, but I think it's safe to say this truly is one of the best of all time. I think it sums up precisely what a "modern classic" is supposed to be. It's a love story in a way, but it's so refreshingly honest that it's real to us.
The love between Clementine and Joel is not perfect, but something about their chemistry pulls you in & leaves you hoping they will have another chance. I think this film does what so many love stories today fail to do. It surprises us. Their is nothing typical or predictable about it. Maybe that's why I love it.
I have a hard time defining a category for this one. I think it's both a romantic comedy and a drama. It has both the peculiarity of a good independent film and the gratification you get from seeing a box office hit.
If you haven't seen this one yet, I urge you to do so. This is by far my most favorite film of all time. It sets the bar so high for everything I have left to watch for the project.. PLEASE go rent this one. If you have netflix you can watch it instantly. If you don't have netflix, I own a copy and will be more than happy to lend it to you. You can also buy it below from Amazon.. which I also recommend since you're going to want to watch this one more than once! :)
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Movie 11- Groundhog Day
Plot (Courtesy of starpulse.com)
Bill Murray plays Phil, a TV weatherman working for a local station in Pennsylvania but convinced that national news stardom is in his grasp. Phil displays a charm and wit on camera that evaporates the moment the red light goes off; he is bitter, appallingly self-centered, and treats his co-workers with contempt, especially his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman Larry. On February 2, 1992, Phil, Rita, and Larry are sent on an assignment that Phil especially loathes: the annual Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, PA, where the citizens await the appearance of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who will supposedly determine the length of winter by his ability to see his own shadow. Phil is eager to beat a hasty retreat, but when a freak snowstorm strands him in Punxsutawney, he wakes up the next morning with the strangest sense of déjà vu: he seems to be living the same day over again. The next morning it happens again, and then again. Soon, no matter what he does, he's stuck in February 2, 1992; not imprisonment nor attempted suicide nor kidnapping the groundhog gets him out of the loop. But the more Phil relives the same day, the more he's forced to look at other people's lives, and something unusual happens: he begins to care about others. He starts to respect people, he tries to save the life of a homeless man, and he discovers that he's falling in love with Rita and therefore wants to be someone that she could love in return. Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Commentary
I decided to try something different here since I had such difficulty with this one. I want to know why YOU think this should/should not have made the list. I recognize this as a comedic classic, but there were so many other classics I feel could have taken its place so let me know your thoughts!
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Pianist- Movie 10
Plot
This is simply the story of a Jewish pianist and his family. The story begins in Warsaw in 1939, and within moments you know what this story is about.. The opening scene is of Wladyslaw Szpilman playing the piano as bombs come crashing in on the radio station for which he plays. From that moment on, we watch as his family is taken from their home to the Jewish ghetto, and from the Jewish ghetto to concentration camps. However, as the trains are being loaded for the concentration camps, Wladyslaw is saved by a Jewish policeman and escapes. He never sees his family again, and one can only assume they die in the camps.
Commentary
I'm torn on how I feel about this film. I was sickened by the constant violent images of murder and abuse.. absolutely sickened. I wanted to rate this a 1/5 stars because I just couldn't stomach it.. but for the same reason I loathed watching this, I respect it. The film doesn't attempt to provide any comedic relief or happy/inspiring moments that give you hope. Every scene is gruesome.. death after death after death...You are in a constant state of despair through until the end. Some may disagree with me that the final scene is a scene of despair, but I saw very little light in it. What joy could the piano bring when you have lost your family, your friends, and suffered so much? I guess what we're celebrating is that he made it through alive.. but mere life to me is no celebration when you have lost everything. Perhaps the scene is meant to portray the resilience of the human spirit... the ability to find hope and joy at the end of a tragic road.
On a side note, I just want to know who thought the quote on the image above was appropriate..? "A riveting adventure story?" Adventure? Really? Don't you think that's a bit of a freaking euphemism? Adventure implies excitement, fun.. it implies voluntary action. I'm sorry but I don't see anything adventurous about life as a Jew in Poland during the 1940s.
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Fight Club- Movie 9
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Sixth Sense - Movie 8
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sense and Sensibility - Movie 7
Plot
Set in the early 1800s the film Sense and Sensibility, as adapted from the famous Jane Austen novel, is a story of a widow and her 3 daughters as they try to live with little to no financial support. Her husband passes and all of his estate goes to his son from a previous marriage. The late Mrs. Dashwood and her 3 daughters Elinor, Marianne, and Margret are all but forced out of their home shortly after the death of her husband. With little money and no other place to go, the women move into a cottage so generously offered by a relative. Because of their financial situation, finding husbands for the eldest 2 seems unlikely. We watch as Elinor, the sensible one, and Marianne, the hopeless romantic, find love in 2 very different ways.
Commentary
I have to say this is my favorite of the new movies I have seen thus far. Of course, that should be no surprise to anyone as everything about it was precisely what I like (which of course means Josh hates it). I also have to say that the film did Jane Austen’s original work justice. I thought the casting was brilliant. Even Hugh Grant seemed to fit his role, though at times he seemed a bit awkward. I absolutely ADORED Alan Rickman’s performance as Col. Brandon, though it was difficult to picture him as anyone other than Severus Snape. His performance evoked such integrity and sincerity, but most importantly I felt such compassion for him! After seeing him in this role I think I have a glimpse as to how it will feel to see his story unfold in the last of the Harry Potter films… but this isn’t about Harry Potter. This is about Sense and Sensibility. I loved every second of it!!! It was dramatic and romantic and everything a good “chick flick” needs to be successful. However, as a period piece it was exceptional as well. I certainly hope that if you haven’t had a chance to watch this in the past, you do so now!!! Below are links to purchase the film or book from Amazon.
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Friday, June 11, 2010
Election - Movie 6
Plot
Recap compliments of rotten tomatoes (sorry I’m out of town and I don’t have long to write.. promise the next plot summary will be my words! “Director Alexander (Citizen Ruth) Payne's second film, based on the novel by Jim Perotta, takes the scandal and mudslinging associated with presidential elections and transposes them to a high school election for student council president in Nebraska- with impossibly sharp, satirical results. Matthew Broderick, in a reversal of Ferris Bueller, plays Jim McAllister, a teacher who will stop at nothing to prevent perfect Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), who is running unopposed, from winning the election. Jim, who bears a personal grudge against Tracy, goads a popular but dim football player into running against her. This spurs on a series strange events, (both madcap and surprisingly sexual) which add up to an uncommonly funny high school film for grown ups. Performances are great all-around and Payne uses shifting-narration and a series of freeze frames which give the film a rich and layered feel.”
Commentary
I watched the movie in the car on my way to visit family, and it certainly made the ride seem a little shorter. I’m not really sure how I feel about the movie after watching it… I have to say I was impressed with the originality. Some of the characters were predictable, but the story line was continuously surprising as I watched it unfold. I have to say Matthew Broderick’s character got what he deserved! I also really enjoyed the role Reese Witherspoon played She was PERFECT for the part.. I mean she just screams control-freak. My absolute FAVORITE part was the ending. I laughed so hard I almost choked. It was so unexpected. So that’s all I will say.. I don’t know that I would have named this one of the top 100 movies to watch before you die, but I’d watch it again…
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Ghost in the Shell- Movie 5
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Movie 4- Fargo
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Movie 3- All About Eve
Kendra
Also, if you wish to purchase this film, I have included the link below to Amazon.
* This is film 3/200 in what is now known as "The Cinema Project." For more information, read the post titled "Something To Blog About."
Monday, June 7, 2010
Movie 2- Pan's Labyrinth
Rating- 4/5
Plot
The story takes place in post-civil war Spain in 1944. We open to the sight of a young girl on the ground covered in blood as the narrator explains the story of the Underground Realm, a place where there is no sadness or pain. Long ago, Princess Moanna of the Underground Realm escapes to Earth as she is very curious of the world. Upon escaping, she is blinded by the sun and forgets her past. She feels only pain on Earth and soon dies. Her father is stricken with grief, but holds to the hope that one day her spirit will return to him... and so he waits. This realm is a place that humans only know of as a fairy tale, but we soon learn that it is very real. We meet Ofelia and her pregnant mother Carmen as they travel to meet her new husband, Captain Vidal (think Hitler but with an sinister hands-on approach to torture). Pan's Labyrinth is the last remaining portal the King of the Underground Realm has open for his daughter to return. Ofelia stumbles upon it and learns she is Princess Moanna. Before she can return to her kingdom she must complete 3 tasks. We follow her as she attempts the tasks, and learn more of the evil and horror Captain Vidal is capable of. Her mother dies giving birth, and Ofelia must run away with her new born brother as Captain Vidal sets out to murder her. All I can say beyond this to avoid giving away the ending, is that real fairy tales might have happy endings, but sacrifices are always made.
Commentary
Wow. It was difficult for me to enjoy this movie as there were many graphic, violent scenes which made me squirm. For the sake of the project, I did watch every scene, but it was difficult. That being said, I have to appreciate the film for the same reason I disliked it. The reason this made the list is not the cinematography, or the magical world it created. This is on the list because it is a true fairy tale. Don't expect to see Disney's name anywhere near this one folks. We have both the magical and the mundane, the purely good and the horrifically evil, and the contrast of exquisite life to the gruesome death.
I am fighting the urge to critique this further and post arguments for how I think this is a ripoff of Harry Potter, but for those of you who bore easily... I shall resist. Thank you for reading.
Write to you soon,
Kendra
Also, if you wish to purchase this film, I highly recommend one of the choices below from Amazon.
* This is film 2/200 in what is now known as "The Cinema Project." For more information, read the post titled "Something To Blog About."
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Movie 1- Amelie
My Rating: 5/5 stars
I chose to begin with one of the few movies on the list I have already seen. As I watched it today, I fell in love all over again with the exceptional cinematography and unspoken emotion portrayed so cleverly. The film, which is entirely in French, begins with the story of Amelie's childhood. She lives alone with her father who is not affectionate, though he is kind and loving. Amelie (played by Audrey Tautou) grows up to be a beautiful, quiet, introverted French woman with little interaction with those around her. From there we watch as she attempts to fix the lives of her neighbors and the curious object of her affection.
As I watched I tried to really grasp what made this film so special. It is after all one of my favorites.. So why did it make the list? I think there are a number of reasons. First as I mentioned previously, the cinematography is fabulous. The careful use of vibrant green and red throughout gives the film an almost surreal feeling. The talking photos and paintings, the moment when Amelie melts into the cafe floor with a splash, or my personal favorite the day dream sequence towards the end, all create a magical and dream-like quality which help to personify and develop Amelie's character in the most intimate ways.
Aside from this, the film is honest in many ways. Perhaps most evident would be the brilliant casting. The entire cast consists of average looking people (and some less than average) whose physical appearance make them more credible. Ultimately I think this is the most important piece in creating a good movie. If the viewer can relate to the characters, they feel the emotions as the actors portray them. The viewer is simply more involved, and the movie becomes memorable.
We all day dream.. we all hope or imagine something we want will come true. That is how we relate to Amelie. I felt a personal connection with her as she imagined Nino coming back from the market with the yeast for her famous plum cake... And as the curtain moves my heart leaped with hers in hopes her dream came true... but when she turns to see it was only the cat.. I felt the despair as her heart broke. The scene portrays the joy we all feel when it comes to love... and the contrasting pain of loneliness.
I think this explains why Amelie made the list. We as viewers are able to see ourselves in her. Combine that with the dream-like cinematography and quirky casting and you have a magical recipe for entertainment.
Before we get started...
Before we get started…
There are a total of 15 films which can be found on both lists... which means I need to find 15 movies to add in which could arguably be considered classics. I will take suggestions. (Thank you, Joe for your comments on this one!!) I will also compare the lists to others to see if there were any left off to substitute in. Also, I know there will be days I don’t feel like watching a movie.. or days when I simply do not have the time.. However, I also know there will be days when all I want to do is lay in bed and watch movie after movie after movie.. So I might end up having days with more than one post.
Another flaw I’ve found in my grand plan here is that there are a number of violent/horrific films on here. I knew going into this there would be films I didn’t want to watch, but I am going to suck it up and watch them anyway. I want so much to see this through, and if that means I am so scared I have to sleep with the light on or even not sleep at all... Then so be it.
That being said.. The journey begins now. My popcorn is ready. It’s time to press play. Write to you soon!
Kendra
Something to blog about
I have recently decided to use netflix.. which got me thinking. I have never been a real movie goer. In fact, in the past 3 years I have been to the movies 3 times. 2 Harry Potter movies.. and Avatar. It’s just too expensive. I can’t justify spending 20+ dollars for 2 hours of potential entertainment.. I have to know the movie is worth spending 20 bucks on.
You see, I have a somewhat unique taste in film. I typically don’t enjoy comedies or action movies. I loathe horror/suspense. I can watch romantic comedies, but my problem with those would be the predictability. I guess if I had to choose an actual genre that I enjoy it would be dramas. However, even those tend to disappoint me. For me a movie has to be honest. I have to be drawn in so tight that my emotions are tied to those of the main character. Then it’s no longer just a movie.. It’s cinema… it’s art.
That is why I have decided to take on a very big project. 200 movies in 200 days. After each film, I will rate and review it here. Which movies? I’m going to tackle 2 lists provided by Yahoo.com.
100 Movies to See Before You Die- The Modern Classics and 100 Movies to See Before You Die- The All-Time Greats.
This is day 1. I hope that you follow me on my journey to broaden my horizons. Who knows, maybe my review will motivate you to watch them as well. Please look over the lists and let me know where you think I should start.
Friday, April 30, 2010
And the award for freakiest pop star goes to....
We owe it all (or at least mostly) to Lady Gaga, so I'll start with her.
Lady Gaga
I think her "style" is pretty obvious..
1- random oversize object on face to hide colossal nose --- check.
2- dress thing fabricated with Hefty bags that manage to cover everything EXCEPT crotch/boobs... check
3- Shoes that are so insanely uncomfortable and hideous that no one would ever actually wear them... check
I know she calls it fashion but lets just be honest... WHO WOULD WEAR THAT? I'm pretty sure I've seen homeless people dress better than that... actually I don't think I've ever seen a homeless person who didn't look better than that. Please GaGa, stop trying to build up your image. We get it... You want people to think you're a transgendered anorexic cave troll.
Rihanna
I'm not sure if she gave in to pressures to be more provocative to draw attention to her music or if we have Chris Brown to thank for this one.
Have you seen the video for "Rude Boy?" With lyrics like "I like the way you touch me there. I like the way you pull my hair." I was expecting sexy lingerie and stripping. Instead I got Rihanna in a hideous body suit humping a zebra covered in balloons. It was like Andy Warhol meets Bob Marley meets an acid trip. Yummy.
Christina Aguilera
Now I can't be too hard on Christina since her career is arguably over. This is clearly an attempt to revive it. I just don't get what diamond studded gags/chains and freaky eye makeup does to help your career? If someone would explain this to me that would be awesome.
Beyonce
This one pains me. I love Beyonce. She's confident, sexy, sassy... pretty much everything I'm not. Her albums are among the top selling of all time, and every song she's released in the past 5 years has been number 1 on the charts at some point or another. I just don't think she needs to dress up like C-3PO to get our attention.
Wrap Up
When did the concept of a pop star become less about selling sex and more about dumpster-diver fashion? Please don't think I'm complaining about seeing less T&A. I just think that this shouldn't be the next logical evolution of pop music. If these divas continue to out freak each other will there really be any shock value left? I can't imagine this trend can continue much longer before the consumer gets bored.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
New outlet for my randomness
OK.. So I think I've decided everyone needs some kind of release.. something to do to release stress and all the negative energy the 9 to 5 can leave you filled with. So after trying everything from gardening to yoga (trust me.. it was UGLY) I thought why not give this a shot..
I hope you read it. I hope that if you like what you read, you tell others to check it out too... I'm not expecting many followers besides my best friend and my dogs once I sign them up for their own blog.. (totally kidding..... or am I?...)
In short.. ENJOY! and leave comments please :)