Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Interview - First of all, I thought this movie looked extremely dumb from the first moment that I heard of it. Sometimes I like these types of movies, sometimes I don't. This just looked like one that I wouldn't. I always go in with a "clean slate/open mind" attitude, however, I highly doubt I would have seen this in the theater. I have a strong feeling that if it had been released in the theater (without any controversy), it would have bombed. It's a terrible, unfunny movie. I almost fell asleep watching it. I admit, it did start off very funny - the first scene is hilarious (I won't spoil it since it is one of the big cameo appearances), and I almost choked on my own laughter when Franco compared his interview to "Frosty Nixon". Then, it quickly went downhill like an avalanche just building, and building, to a total and complete snoozefest. It felt like a parody of a funny movie, instead of the political satire that it should have been. The jokes were repetitive and silly. Franco over-acted (like usual) through most of it and Lizzy Kaplan is so much better than this role. Also, the song "Firework" will always and forever be associated with Rust and Bone, and will therefore, NEVER be funny.

2. The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them - I'm so in love with this movie. I think it's weird when people criticize me for not liking romantic comedies, as if I am some sort of cold-hearted monster who doesn't believe in love. Well, this movie, my friends, IS love. It's raw, messy, and life altering. I think I'm actually more of a romantic person than most people I know, even though I don't date and I have no interest in getting married. I do believe in finding that one person who you choose to share your life with. This movie is about these two people who have made this choice, and now they are facing the difficulties of that choice (because life doesn't always go as planned). I think I connect more to McAvoy's character, although, I've been criticized by people who are close to me, for shutting down when something bad happens, like Chastain's character. I push people away; keeping them at a safe distance, however, I think that there is that "one person" who I would share myself with. He's clearly in love, and he just wants to communicate, understand, connect with her, and she just "disappears". The whole situation is just heartbreakingly real. It helps having two of my favorite actors, McAvoy and Chastain, as the leads. I just love them both so much and they make a very believable couple. I always feel like McAvoy is in love with his co-stars; he just looks at them like they are his world. Why can't he look at me like that? (why can't anyone look at me like that?). I really, really, really can't wait to watch the "him" and "her" versions because they both have such a unique experience and perception of each other. It will be a fascinating watch, for sure. I think I'm waiting to fully digest the movie until after I've seen the other versions, but this version definitely makes it into my Top 10 of last year. The whole theme is the idea that "if you love someone let them go" - he does let her go, but he doesn't give up. That's love. The only thing that irks me, tremendously, is that McAvoy had an American accent. It's so unnecessary. It takes place in NYC - a melting pot of accents; it would have been perfectly realistic for him to keep his natural (*cough* fucking sexy) accent. Especially, since Isabelle Huppert plays her mother and she gets to keep her French accent. What the fuck?! Totally unfair. Oh and the only other thing I want to add is *spoiler*, I love the way they handled the cheating thing. It happens, it hurts, it's not the reason they have problems. Although when he says the words "I slept with someone else", I actually screamed out loud, "AAAAAH! You're such a fucking idiot; don't tell her that! You goddamn fuck up!" (actual words).

3. Chef - I saw some really great reviews about this movie, and I've always been a fan of Jon Favreau. I didn't really know anything about it (other than it was about a chef...because duh!), so I was a bit surprised by the warmth and heart that it had, and by the amazing cast of actors. I also wasn't expecting the commentary about social media, specifically, Twitter. Ironically, it highlights the exact reason that I don't have Instagram: pictures of food. Pictures of food actually makes my stomach turn. I don't have that eye/stomach connection that most humans seem to have with food. If I see pictures (especially a meal that contains meat), I think too much about the ingredients and I lose my appetite. So, this movie was really hard for me to get through (it was like one big Instagram post after another). I like that the story was about finding joy in your career; not getting stuck and settled into a routine that you aren't passionate about, and feeding a father/son bond that often gets ignored in modern films (passing on a family "trade"). I actually know someone who has the ultimate goal of owning a food truck. I thought it was a pretty strange goal, but food trucks are all the rage right now (and who am I to judge? To each their own.). However, I'm just so picky; the thought of eating something off a food truck makes me sick. Anyway, the movie is cute, well-written, and it movies pretty quickly. Personally, I think it's a bit overpraised, but overall I enjoyed it.

4. Horns - I was in the mood for a cheesy black comedy/horror movie, and this fit that description perfectly. It had the same feel as Jennifer's Body, which I loved. Daniel Radcliffe has impressed me lately, and he gave a satisfying performance here (even with the odd American accent). I like the murder mystery aspect, and I was actually surprised by the revelation of who did it. I also really like the ending (her reason; not the whole showdown/angel wing spouting part). I wasn't expecting that twist; and it is extremely devastating (spoilery tip: pushing away the one you love, in order to protect them from being hurt, is the worst idea ever. Don't do it. The one you love would rather be with you no matter what.). As much fun as I had, I think the movie could have been a lot shorter. There were so many scenes that just felt unnecessary. Also, I don't really get the appeal of Juno Temple. Everyone seems to think she is super hot, but I don't really see it. Like, if I passed her in the street, I wouldn't look twice. She's not even a good actress, so I don't think people are attracted to her talent. She does get naked in EVERY movie that she does, so I guess that's the appeal, then? Maybe? She's just not for me.

5. John Wick - So this movie is basically about a guy who exacts revenge on the people responsible for killing the cutest puppy that ever lived. In other words, it's the most awesome revenge story of all time. You know when there is a movie that you just know is going to be awesome? That's how I felt with this movie. I just knew. And I wasn't disappointed. Plus, I love Keanu Reeves. I know that he's done some pretty shitty movies, but he's also done my favorite action movie OF ALL TIME! That would be Speed. I can recite every line. I think it's my most watched movie of all time, as well. I don't think Keanu ever takes himself very seriously, so his missteps aren't even real missteps...it's just Keanu. He's like in his own little world (sort of like Joaquin Phoenix). I prefer when he does movies like this, though. He's just such a bad-ass, and the movie has the perfect amount of action, style, and cheesy dialogue that he excels at. Overall, it's just a really good time and I look forward to the sequels/franchise.