5 Summer Shows to Watch

Summertime is pretty rough for television, but these shows fill the void until fall. 

1. Suits - I started watching this show when it first began because of Gabriel Macht, but I stayed because of Patrick J. Adams. I love him. The show was on a repetitive cycle of "will Mike get caught?", for 3 seasons but surprisingly flipped the plot upside down with its 4th season and I am loving every minute of it. It went from a "guilty pleasure" summer show to a legitimate nail-biting drama within a few episodes. Everyone on the show is above par; and, even though she is a straight up copy of Joan from Mad Men, Donna (Sarah Rafferty) steals every episode. It's not a show you can just jump right into, because it's the relationships and tensions between the characters that make the show so intense, so if you are looking to binge watch something this summer, I suggest you watch this show from the beginning.

2. Orange is the New Black - Probably the only non- "guilty pleasure" show on the list (and by that, I mean it's critically praised, as well). I absolutely loved the first season of this show, as I expected to (it's from Jenji Kohan - the creator of Weeds, a show that's in my top 20 favorite shows of all time). The entire cast is flawless, and several deserve Emmy nominations for their work (Taylor Schilling, Taryn Manning, Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, and Samira Wiley just to name a few...). The second season isn't as good as the first season, but it's a hard season of television to live up to. There is more focus on the supporting characters, which at times, can be amazing (Morello's story and Miss Rosa's chemo trips), but we lose Piper's "outsider looking in" status. As for Piper, she's a bit tougher and more cynical, as she adjusts to her new life in prison, but we still do get that glimpse of fear, when she is threatened with a transfer. If you judge it on its own and not in comparison to season 1 (it's hard, I know), season 2 is still a great season of television - funny, emotional, honest and, once again, filled with amazing performances (Yael Stone, Barbara Rosenblat and Danielle Brooks stand out most this season, for me). The episodes fly by - easy summer binge television.

3. Rookie Blue - This is a pretty simple show: rookie cops solve crimes. However, with the show entering its 5th season (HOLY SHIT, REALLY?!), the "regular" cast members are no longer rookies (but they still solve crimes). It's not a show you need to watch from the beginning, nor do you really have to pay much attention. The crimes are way over the top, and the amount of times one of the main characters is in danger is practically embarrassing. Plus, there is no consistency (one cop gets shot in the neck and 2 episodes later she doesn't even have a scar). However, it's amusing - the banter between the characters is written really well, and the relationships feel real. Plus, I really like Missy Peregrym (she was Andi in Reaper). She is able to display a nice balance of tomboy cop and feminine sensitivity (and she is stunning). The rest of the cast is enjoyable to watch, too - although some character traits are inconsistent. Overall, I think the show is fun and easy - and sometimes, that's just what I'm in the mood for.

4. Hank Med  - Okay, the show is really called Royal Pains, but seriously how awful is that title? This is another show that one can jump in at anytime. You just need to know that the main guy is a doctor who makes house calls to rich people in the Hamptons. Divya is his intelligent and beautiful assistant. His brother (the sassy one) helps run his business and is engaged to the beautiful blond. The other awkward guy is another doctor (he spends every episode just being as awkward as humanely possible...I love it). That's it. Every episode is a new "case", in which the doctor saves a life. I watch it mostly for Divya - sure, she's smart and gorgeous but truth be told, I love her for her accessories. Anyway, as repetitive as it is, it's still a perfect summer show - especially all of the gorgeous shots of the beaches. Who knew the beaches in Long Island are so beautiful? (They're not - those are all private ones; the public ones are just as shit as the Jersey Shore beaches. Sorry, I'm a west coast beach snob).

5. Wilfred - There is no other way to describe this show other than fucking weird. It just gets weirder with every episode. It's a bit of dark humor, as it's about a manic depressive who imagines his neighbor's dog is a person in a dog costume, mixed with laugh-out-loud humor, mixed with "did they really just do that?" shock-value humor. When it first aired, I really didn't like the actor that played the dog - I found his comedic timing off and his accent a bit annoying, but he has grown on me. It's a show that will never be described as "dull" or "predictable" because I honestly have no idea where the story is going or how it will end, but I keep watching out of sheer intrigue. Also, if you're a fan, and you're wondering why you're DVR didn't record it, it's because it's moved to the new FXX network.

3 Thoughts on 22 Jump Street

1. Sequels suck - That's the big message here, with Deputy Chief Hardy's (the always brilliant, Nick Offerman) constant reminder "just do the SAME THING again!". In the same way that the Scream franchise piles on meta references about horror films and sequels, 22 Jump Street excels at making fun of its own creation. The biggest reason it works, though, is because it's consistently laugh-out-loud  funny. I enjoyed the first one, maybe not as much as some people, but I remember laughing a lot. However, I think I had much more fun with this sequel. There are a few moments in the movie in which Channing Tatum had me in tears. He is freakin' hilarious (and no, I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon. I was already on the bandwagon before there was a bandwagon). This is one of his best performances yet, because he seemed more confident in his comedic timing. When the movie ended, I wanted to watch it again...immediately (I didn't), and that's the first time that's happened in a looooong time.

2. A series of unfortunate events - I saw this movie on opening day (which is very odd for me), and there were quite a few distracting moments when I thought "oof bad timing". Three very unrelated events happened in the few weeks leading up to the release of this movie: Tracy Morgan was involved in a car crash that killed one person and left him in critical condition, Maya Angelou passed away, and Jonah Hill yelled a homophobic slur at a paparazzi person who was harassing him. So, when a brief impression of Tracy Morgan was used as a joke, it was awkward, but easily shrugged off. Then, after Hill does a hilarious impromptu slam poetry session, he is referred to as "Maya Angelou", I thought "how unfortunate" (although it's repeated several times and it becomes more and more distracting). Then, towards the end, Tatum gives a heartfelt speech on the importance of words, and the pain that can be caused by using homophobic language. Um....can we say....awkkkkwwwarrd.  It wasn't even a short quip, either; it was long and thorough. Definitely unfortunate timing.

3. The "bromance" - As with the first one, the worst part of the movie, for me, is the whole "bromance" bit. It's too sugary sweet and it's so repetitive. It works a little better in the sequel because there is a "third party" that is a threat to the bromance, but it's all just a little too sentimental for me.

Best Films of 2013 ***Updated***

I've officially watched every movie that I wanted to see from 2013, so here is my updated "Best of" list: 

1. Stoker
2. Mud
3. Short Term 12
4. 12 Years a Slave
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
6. Her
7. Only God Forgives
8. Before Midnight
9. Gravity
10. The Way Way Back
10.5. Nebraska 

The list looks much different than the original, with the inclusion of 4 new films added to the list. Overall, it was another fantastic year for movies. 2014 needs to step it up!! 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Monuments Men - The trailer for this movie looked downright awful, but I love Matt Damon and I love George Clooney - together they are magical. I was hoping that their charm (along with the rest of the awesome cast) would make for an enjoyable movie experience, but this is definitely the worst movie I've seen this year. I think my biggest problem with the movie (aside from the fact that it is boooooooring) is that I can't connect with the story. I have an appreciation for art, but I can't help feeling disgusted at the implications of the story - as if art is more important than a human life. If you are going to sacrifice yourself, wouldn't you want to know you saved a human life instead of a piece of art? I feel as though the movie sort of downplayed the actual war that is surrounding them. I get the impact that these people had (it's based on a true story) and that it is really about saving "a culture", but something about it just doesn't sit right with me. The movie is really slow (and booooooring), the dialogue felt unnatural, and it was really hard to pay attention to.

2. Labor Day - I have so many issues with this movie; I don't even know where to begin. I guess, let's start from the beginning: This seemingly agoraphobic woman goes grocery shopping with her son and at this very public place, a gentleman threatens to harm her son (he doesn't even really threaten, it's just an implication) unless she helps him, so she does. Problem #1: This would never happen. No mother would put their son in harms way like that. No-one would believe that they are going to be safer by taking a strange man into their home with their child. Then, she connects with this man - he seems nice, teaches her how to make a pie, helps her clean her house and plays catch with her son. Problem # 2: All of her problems are solved! A man came into her life, even if he threatened his way into it, she is now a happier person (because women need men to feel fulfilled...duuuuuuh). As he becomes closer to her, her son becomes attached, and is also much happier, which leads to problem #3: The message here: Every son needs a father-figure, even if he is convicted felon (who broke out of jail and threatened a child and his mother). Then, we learn this guy's back-story, which I think is supposed to create some sort of empathetic feelings from the audience. Problem #4: *spoiler* He killed his wife, but it's okay because he didn't mean to kill her (and if you truly think something that like can be considered an accident, please seek therapy before you "accidentally" kill someone. It's murder, any way you slice it). The only redeeming quality of the movie, is the fact that they address the fact that the mother could potentially be charged with delinquency to a minor if she told the truth, but the fact that she doesn't own up to her own mistakes is definitely problem #5. Aside from the obviously flawed story, the cast is good - nothing noteworthy, but the direction seems a little scattered. I think Jason Reitman may have realized the flaws in the story, and he tried really hard to gloss over the problems to create a dramatic love story, but it just doesn't work at all.  

3. Last Days on Mars - This movie looked promising - it seemed like a cool little Sci-Fi thriller, but I didn't really like it. I don't really have a specific reason, it is just really generic and lifeless. It took at least a half an hour for the story to even become slightly interesting. Liev Schreiber and the rest of the cast did a great job, but that's the only positive note about the movie that I can make. I know it's hard to make an original horror movie nowadays, but I am still always shocked by the mediocrity of some stories that get green-lit. The only reason a movie like this was made is because someone just owed someone else a favor - because there is no way a script-reader gave this positive coverage.

4. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - I actually like all of the "Jack Ryan" movies (The Sum of all Fears is definitely the worst one, but it's still entertaining). Oddly, I've actually read most of the books, as well (my grandmother was a huge Tom Clancy fan) and I found them all entertaining. Generally speaking, I usually dig CIA/spy-type movies and TV shows. I thought it would be interesting to get a little bit of a background to the Jack Ryan character - getting to see how and why he was recruited into the CIA (reminded me of The Recruit with Colin Farrell and Al Pacino - which is not a great movie, but I love it anyway). It's also interesting that it's an origin story with no novel behind it. Last year, in theaters I saw an "extended clip" for this movie, instead of the typical trailer, and it was terrible. I kind of knew instantly that the movie would be a dud, but I still wanted to give it a chance. Unfortunately, it's a big fat dud. Chris Pine really impressed me with People Like Us, but I'm not sure I like him in big blockbuster type movies. He isn't terrible, but I don't think he has much of a screen presence. The absolute worst part of the movie is Keira Knightley. It's hard to believe how terrible she is. I want to like her; I really do, but she isn't doing herself any favors. I think she needs to stick to her natural accent, first of all. Her American accent isn't terrible (I mean, I've definitely heard worse), but I felt like her voice was so flat and robotic because she was uncomfortable with the dialogue. I don't understand how Kenneth Branaugh (who directed the movie, and stars in it as "the bad guy") can sit across from her during a scene with a straight face. I mean, I would consider him an acting "connoisseur" of sorts (he overacts, for sure, but that's his signature style). Aside from the terrible acting from Keira (she definitely downgraded the movie from "okay" to "awful"), the plot is predictable, the story is unoriginal and the action is over-choreographed. Like I said - big fat dud.

5. Texas Chainsaw - So, I saw this movie on Netflix Instant, and the only reason I pressed play was because of Alexandra Daddario. She is a really beautiful, talented up-and-coming actress. Obviously, I knew her "talent" wouldn't be showcased in this type of movie, but a lot of young actresses find their footing in horror franchises. As I pressed play, I realized that I've never seen a Texas Chainsaw movie! I always assumed that I had, at the very least, seen the original, but then I started reading about the plot and it was completely unfamiliar to me. How weird is that? This is probably not the best way to be introduced to the franchise, but I didn't hate it. Of course, I could nitpick most of the plot, but I was entertained for most of it. I realized after, that it was shown in theaters in 3D, so now it makes sense as to why there are a ton of shots of the chainsaw pointed at the camera (which is probably even more irritating in 3D). *Spoiler Alert* The only real issue I have with the movie is the way it ends. I don't really understand why she would have any sympathy towards him - he killed her friends (I guess since her BF and her BFF were having an affair, they deserved to die??). I don't really get the whole "family bond" thing. He's a serial killer!!!

3 Thoughts on X-Men: Days of Future Past

1. The plot - The plot is pretty simple - Wolverine is sent back in time to change the future, in turn, he saves both mutants and humans. Yet, the creators seem to think the concept is difficult for audiences to grasp so they explain the plot, over and over, and over again. It was annoying and sort of insulting. It's a good concept, completely satisfying, with some great performances. There is also a perfect balance of humor, melodrama and blockbuster special effects. I just wish they focused on the story, instead of explaining the story multiple times.

2. The scene-stealer - If you've seen the movie, then you will probably assume I am referring to Evan Peters as Quicksilver. Indeed, his sequence of scenes are awesome (and arguably the best scenes of the movie). However, the "scene-stealer" I am referring to is, of course, James McAvoy. While Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lawrence are all fine actors, when they are in a scene with McAvoy, they become embarrassingly mediocre. I've said it several times, and I'll say it again - McAvoy is incredible; his scenes are resonating and emotional. It's even more interesting that during the scenes that focus on a different character or multiple characters, McAvoy still steals the spotlight. Every. Single. Time.

3. The franchise - I wish I did a marathon of the X-Men movies before watching this, but honestly, I had no interest in watching them again. I see a lot of praise for X2, but I don't remember liking it very much. The only one I have any affinity for was the original one. I mildly enjoyed First Class, as well. The problem, though, is that because it has been over a decade of time and there are so many characters, I get lost with the relationships between some of them. The writers obviously knew that the audience would need reminders, so they added in a ton of flashbacks and dialogue references (a little too much in my opinion). That doesn't say a lot for the franchise, if the creators feel the need to over-explain the mythology, but I can't say that it isn't necessary. It seems like there was some confidence lost, but hopefully this movie turns things around, because I like the direction the franchise is going in.

3 Thoughts on Maleficent

1. The "real" story - *very slight spoilers ahead* Since the story is about the villain "Maleficent" from the Sleeping Beauty fairy-tale, I assumed it to be the back-story of how her evilness came to be - and because all women turn evil because of a man (ahem), I assumed I already knew the story. I was right, in a way, but it's all of the reasons I was wrong, that make me really appreciate this story. Maleficent, is indeed, betrayed by a man. She is not betrayed by him in the sense that he leaves her for another woman (like the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz, who literally turns green with jealousy); instead he betrays her in a way that causes her unimaginable pain. Her need for revenge is completely understandable. The other part of the story that I enjoyed is that even when she is "evil", the audience knows that this is not her true self. She is never beyond the realms of saving and she is actually not the real "villain" of the story.

2. Angelina Jolie - I have always been a fan of Angelina (since Hackers). She receives endless criticism about her personal life (my mother refers to her as "the home-wrecker") and about her charity work (um...this one doesn't even make one ounce of sense. Why criticize someone for trying to do some good in the world?).  Even if you have "issues" with how she lives her life, none of that has to do with her acting abilities. She's made some bad choices (*cough* The Tourist), but I've never seen her bad in anything. As Maleficent, she is stunning. I would watch the whole movie again, just to analyze her performance alone.

3. The reviews - So the reviews for this movie aren't exactly great. To be honest, I had zero interest in seeing the movie at all. I was stuck with work people for a week and EVERYONE I worked with wanted to see it. It caught me by surprise, because I haven't seen any excitement for it among movie fans (It was even more surprising that it was sold out the first night we went). The movie far exceeded my expectations. It's flawed, for sure - some of the special effects were downright ugly, Sharlto Copley, once again, over-acts and mumbles his way through dialogue, the amount of times a character says "Maleficent" will make your skin crawl, and the editing could have used a little tightening. However, the story is engaging and Jolie is spectacular. Overall, I was completely entertained.

3 Thoughts on Neighbors

1. The main couple - My biggest worry about this type of movie was that they would utilize Rose Byrne as the "nagging wife" character. To my delight, such a character doesn't exist (and it's even addressed, with a hilarious jab at Kevin James movies). Instead, the "wife" character is actually seen as a "partner" (it's sad that this is not normal). Their story reminds me of the show Up All Night, because it's about a couple who are trying to cope with the fact that they are officially "adults" with responsibilities (a house and a baby).  I think it's been done many times from the male perspective; but it's always sort of assumed that women handle this change with ease and I don't think that's the case (at least from the women that I know that have gone through this - I, for one, never plan on having such responsibilities). It was so refreshing to watch a movie like this and not get frustrated at the female role. Also, Rose Byrne is absolutely perfect (more on that later).

2. It's consistent - Not only did I laugh through most of the movie, the parts that weren't funny were really interesting. All of the roles had some depth and they all stayed true to their characters, with everyone getting a sort of mini-story line. When most comedies become boring during the "non-funny" parts; this movie excelled in story telling. It's consistently entertaining from beginning to end.

3. The cast - I'm not always the biggest fan of Seth Rogen. He's funny in smaller roles, but I find him grating in leading roles. In this movie, he is clearly the lead, yet everyone around him steals the spotlight at some point. Namely, Rose Byrne. I became a huge fan of hers with the incredible series Damages, but I was super impressed with her comedic skills in Get Him to the Greek (and then she killed it in Bridesmaids - that crying scene in the car is one of the funniest scenes ever). She is so good in this movie. I want to watch all of her scenes on repeat. Also, I love Dave Franco. I don't understand why he isn't a bigger star (he's so much hotter than his brother). I was fully on board the Zac Efron hate train, but he's been good (and sometimes better than good) in every project since The High School Musical franchise. He's really funny in this movie, but he even excels in the emotional parts. All four of them together, create a perfect casting scenario.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Charlie Countryman - I was really excited about this movie. It received a lot of early festival buzz and I am one of the few who think Shia LaBeouf is a really good actor (I think most people are just too focused on the fact that he's a dick in real life to give him credit for his acting skills). Plus, I love Evan Rachel Wood. A few weeks have gone by since I watched it, and I still can't decide if I like the movie or not. I like the idea of it, but it felt really cluttered and unfocused. I don't necessarily believe in "love at first sight", but I absolutely believe that sometimes you just "know" that someone is meant to be in your life. I can fully connect with him embracing his intuition and trying to grasp on to someone he knows is important. I love the line "I'd die for love...pretty fuckin' cool way to go". Shia is excellent, but Evan Rachel Wood is surprisingly bad (it's 100% because of the accent; way too distracting to focus on anything else). I also didn't like the ending at all - *spoiler*- it's a happy ending, which is totally unnecessary for this type of movie.

2. Delivery Man - This is kind of a cute movie, but the problem is that I don't think the people watching it are expecting a "cute" movie. Fans of Vince Vaughn (like me) would probably expect something funnier, raunchier and less sentimental; yet it has one too many masturbation jokes to make it a family movie. So who exactly is this movie for? I'm still not sure. It's weird to think about Vince Vaughn having adult children - that makes me feel really old. On the plus side: Chris Pratt is hilarious. I can't wait for him to be a big star (within a few months time).

3. That Awkward Moment - I like Miles Teller. I like Michael B. Jordan. I like Zac Efron. I do not like this movie. It's not awful, but it's basically a chick flick disguised as something trying to make fun of chick flicks. It's 3 young guys endlessly talking about relationships. I don't know who would enjoy watching that; but it's certainly not me. It's bad enough watching women talk about relationships, but watching 3 emotionally stunted males talk is pretty painful. I think it was supposed to be subversive by revealing the "male perspective", but the biggest revelation that I had while watching this movie is: That's Imogen Poots??!! I've heard the name so many times, but I never knew who she was. I don't think I like her. I know I didn't like her character (you know, she's the "cool" girl because she plays video games). The only thing that works well is the chemistry between the 3 characters. I believe that the 3 of them are friends, but I don't believe that 3 males would ever spend this much time talking about their feelings.

4. Pompeii - This is a perfect, cheesy, guilty-pleasure kind of movie. It's not good at all; but somehow I was fully entertained with my eyes glued to the screen. I am super fascinated with the history of Pompeii (and, in turn, super fascinated by volcanoes). When I went to Italy, it was the only place on my "must see" list and visiting the city is probably in my top 20 life highlights. It's absolutely stunning. I'm surprised that it took this long for a big-budget movie around the famous volcano that demolished an entire city; but I guess it's a hard story to sell (at least with something like the Titanic, some people survived). The movie is totally unrealistic and over-the-top, which is to be expected. I actually thought Kit Harington did a decent job (critics will tell you otherwise), everyone else is terrible (oh Kiefer...). I was bothered that everyone had a different accent (oh Kiefer...), I get that they weren't exactly going for realism (I would die of joy if the movie were in Latin), but at least aim for consistency.

5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - I wasn't overly enthused about seeing this movie. I never read the book and the trailer was a bit dull, in my opinion. I really, really like the story though. I think everyone can relate to the plot, in some way. It's pretty normal to "dream" about having another, more adventurous, life. While "life" is sure to get in the way of this dream, most people don't live this this life because of financial reasons (sad but true). As much as I like the story, I don't think the movie did it justice, so I've added the book to my "to read" list. I still enjoyed the movie, but it felt a bit dull (exactly like the trailer) for such a fantastical adventure. Visually, it's pretty stunning - some gorgeous shots throughout. I also really liked the ending (one of the rare type of movies in which a happy ending is absolutely necessary). Ben Stiller is good; but Kristen Wiig is exceptional. She is amazing at seeming natural in the characters that she plays. It's so weird to think about how much I hated her on SNL and that now she is among my favorite actresses.

3 Thoughts on Filth

1. James McAvoy - I'm assuming that McAvoy is not eligible for an Oscar for this movie, since it was released in the UK last year...right? The rules on that are always a little unclear for me. If he was eligible in 2013, then he certainly should have been nominated (and he would have been the clear winner in the category). Despite McAvoy's popularity, I still consider him "underrated" in terms of criticism. He's always the best part of any movie he is in, and I don't think he gets credit for the fact that he takes chances in the roles that he chooses. I know that I'm a bit biased, because I LOVE him, but I honestly think he's super talented (and that's what I'm attracted to). Many years ago, I stumbled across the UK series Shameless, and I've been smitten with him ever since. I can't even bring myself to continue watching the show after the first season, because I know that him and Anne-Marie leave the show, which would leave me devastated. I just pretend it's a one season show (I'm pretty sure it's still going, which means it's on its tenth season, at least). Speaking of Anne-Marie, I hate that I like her so much, because I can't even be snarky and hate on her. They are a cute couple (whatever.). What was I even talking about??? OH YEAH....McAvoy is incredible in this movie. It's an ugly, dark and massively unpleasant role and he embraces all of it, fearlessly.

2. The downward spiral - Who doesn't love watching someone spiral out of control? It's always a calming experience for me; a nice realization that I'm not as crazy as I think I am. The movie could easily be dismissed as a story about a pathetic, narcissistic asshole cop who abuses his power, but there is a layer of truth to this character that made me want to watch him. His obsession with humiliating his co-workers to gain a promotion is pretty humorous, as he takes down all other possible threats to the position, and you can't really blame him (they are all pretty pathetic characters). The story starts off pretty dark and fucked up, but then it just keeps getting darker...and darker - to the point where it is out of control, with no possible positive outcome. I felt some scenes were unnecessary; as if some were added for a "shock" effect, but overall I was quite entertained (in a stomach turning sort of way). We don't fully understand what is going on in the movie until the end (unless you've read the book, I guess), but it's really interesting to watch this man destroy everything and everyone around him; I was somehow compelled to care about him.

3. The end - Often in these types of stories - one, in which, a person is a horrifically awful human being, light is shed on their situation and suddenly the audience is supposed to forgive. It's frustrating at times, which is why I appreciated the end of this movie. We are not expected to forgive him; he's not seeking any sort of redemption. He just wants peace. The final moments in the film are heartbreaking. It's about as perfect as and ending can be.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. August: Osage County - We all know that Meryl Streep will get nominated for an Oscar for pretty much ANY role nowadays, whether she deserves it or not (ahem...The Iron Lady - it's even more ridiculous that she won). This movie is a nice reminder of why Streep is so lauded in the first place. It's an incredible top-notch performance; if the movie was stronger, her chance of winning last year would have been much higher. My mother and I watched this movie together as part of a "girls weekend", and just like me, the only thing she knew about the movie is that it features an awesome cast (Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Margo Martindale, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Benedict Cumberbatch...the list goes on). We didn't know what the movie is actually about. *spoilers ahead* While it's mostly about a dysfunctional family, something both my mother and I can relate to (it even brought my mother to tears at one point), it's also about incest. At first, I thought I was just misunderstanding the relationships - maybe Violet and Mattie call themselves "sisters" because they are just really close, but no, they are actually sisters - and their children are dating. The story takes an odd stance on incest - because it essentially tackles the taboo by claiming they are consensual adults, who can not physically procreate, therefore there is no harm done. It's hard to argue with, really. But then, the audience finds out the "big twist" - that they are, in fact, siblings; and suddenly their relationship is not okay. I'm not sure I understand; they didn't grow up in the same household, so how exactly does this change their relationship in any way? It's a little unclear; and there is no resolution (not that there needs to be). The other "dysfunctional" situations are all really well done; mostly because of the actors involved. The only real issue I have with the movie is the pace and it also becomes a little repetitive, but I did like the movie much more than I was expecting to.

2. Saving Mr. Banks - Another movie that I liked much more than I was expecting to. Admittedly, I've never seen Mary Poppins in its entirety. I mean, I think I've seen the whole movie - but it's always been in bits and pieces. I've never really had an interest in watching it from beginning to end, until now. This movie made me want to watch it as soon as it ended (unfortunately I didn't; and I still haven't). I think if you have any interest in filmmaking and/or writing, then you will enjoy this movie. It gives focus to the importance of the writer, but also of the collaboration that needs to happen in order to create films. It's sad that P.L Travers had such a devastating childhood, but it's that exact childhood that pushed her into using writing as an outlet. As expected, Emma Thompson is fantastic in the role. What surprised me the most is how funny it is - like when one of the writers hides the word "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", after she berates him for making up words - "well, un-make it up!". There are quite a few scenes that had me chuckling, but there are also more than a few that had me bored (mostly the flashback scenes - even Colin Farrell couldn't save those scenes).

3. Blindsided - Never heard of it? Me either. It's also called Penthouse North, if that helps; although, I've never heard of that either. It was only after I watched the movie, that I realized it was a Lifetime movie. Why on earth would Michelle Mohaghan and Michael Keaton do a Lifetime movie???? I absolutely love Michelle Monaghan. She is so naturally gorgeous - in this movie, she barely has on any makeup and she is still stunning. The movie is quite atrocious and nonsensical. The whole plot is about a blind woman who has her apartment broken into by some thugs looking for diamonds that her boyfriend may or may not have stolen. It's obviously inspired by Wait Until Dark, but it's too cheesy and underdeveloped to even draw a comparison. Monaghan has a screen presence though, so I didn't get bored. The villains are also great (Keaton and the guy from Revenge). I know it's supposed to take place on New Years Eve (a loud day in NYC), but gunshots and screaming in an upscale high-rise building would surely cause some concern among the neighbors. Also, *spoiler*, she does know where the diamonds are....so she should have just fucking told them! I don't understand her motivation at all. Side-note: that's an excellent place to hide diamonds!

4. Stories We Tell - I'm a big fan of Sarah Polley as a filmmaker, so when I heard she was making a documentary about her family, I was intrigued. I'm not a huge fan of documentary films, but I think Sarah actually nails the exact reason why I feel this way - it's hard to call something "fact" when a story is always told from a certain perspective. Therefore, documentaries always feel like propaganda, to me. The more a story is told, the more it changes and essentially becomes a myth. I am always fascinated by how different my version of parts of my childhood are compared to my mothers version. My mother has always shown interest in writing a story about her family and her life, but I always brushed it off because I thought "who cares?", but after seeing this story - a story that's not all that surprising, or even that interesting - told in such a fascinating way, I think my mother might actually be onto something. When I think about the rough childhood that I endured; I instantly remind myself that my mother had it so much worse. It could be an interesting story for her to tell. Stories We Tell, is basically about Sarah exploring her identity, in relation to the stories that her family tells her. I read there was a "big twist", but if you weren't immediately questioning the video footage, then you weren't paying attention.

5. Philomena - Good movie; not Oscar-worthy at all, in my opinion. It's a pretty straight-forward story. Yes, it's sad and yes, it's even more sad because it's based on truth. The acting is obviously strong, because, well, it's Judi Dench. Surprisingly, I even laughed a few times - like when she describes the novel she is reading. Dench and Steve Coogan have a great chemistry together, which makes it move really quickly. The problem with the movie, for me, is that it all felt a bit familiar. I tried to think of what movie it reminded me of, but it still hasn't come to me. It's definitely the weakest movie among the 2013 Best Picture nominees.