Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Counselor - Some people question my "watch everything" philosophy, but this is exactly the reason why I believe in it. This movie was completely trashed by critics and audiences - some calling it one of the worst movies they've ever seen. Guess what? I liked it. It's odd and dark, but beautiful and poetic at the same time. It has a solid, interesting story that moves quickly and features some jaw-dropping scenes, performed by a strong, talented cast. What's not to like? People were so focused on the scene in which Cameron Diaz fucks a car, which I admit, is a bit ridiculous, but when you combine it with the dialogue from Javier Bardem describing this scene ("like a catfish") - it is truly fantastic and hilarious. I'm not trying to oversell the movie, it's not amazing - however, I'm glad I ignored the masses telling me to avoid it. I stand by decision to watch everything and decide for myself, and I encourage everyone to do the same!

2. Mr. Nobody - After being released internationally and in limited theaters since 2009, this movie finally became available to me! I really, really liked it. It's being compared to Cloud Atlas, because of its expansive themes and narrative structure, but I found it much better than Cloud Atlas. It wasn't as expansive and had a clear cut general theme of time, morality and destiny versus free will. There are a few different timelines, each with their own "sliding doors" effect (side note: I love that movie!). Instead of showing which timeline is the "correct" one, the story concludes with the theory that all paths are the "right path". That being said, one will choose their own path - it's not chosen for you. I think this is probably the closest representation of how I feel when I evaluate my own life decisions. When Mr. Nobody questions the love of his life, why she waited for him, she responds that she renounced "all possible lives for one only...with you".  Now that is a love story - realizing that any other path will be the right path, but choosing to wait instead. It hits close to home, because I don't really believe in destiny or soul-mates, but I do believe in love and I find that most people don't understand my version of love. This movie is my version. There's also a fantastic theory about time as "the thing that happens so that everything doesn't happen at once" and that there is, in fact, an "end point" in time, which happens at the end of the movie - it's an absolutely brilliant ending so I won't spoil it. There are a ton of flaws, none worth mentioning (ok...maybe the old person makeup - the makeup is great. I just don't like this used as a device; I would rather an older actor play the part. The makeup hinders facial expressions which are necessary for acting, in my opinion), but this is definitely a movie that I will remember forever and that is a wonderful thing.

3. Inside Llewyn Davis - I thought I was going to love this movie, but I only liked it. Maybe the hype killed it for me, but it's definitely not a movie I would put on my best of last year list. I found the story a little bland and predictable, plus Carey Mulligan's character irked the hell out of me  - I know she is supposed to be a bitch, but that's sort of the problem. The character is so one-sided and it just screams the same old misogynistic crap that women are "get a real job" dream crushers. Guys, seriously, if you are with a woman who doesn't want you to be passionate about your life and your work, then dump her! Then again, I've never been the type of person who wants someone else to take care of me, so that kind of thinking is beyond my comprehension. Anyway, the movie is cute and smart with some beautiful music, but it wouldn't have worked at all without the cat! Greatest cat  acting ever! He didn't even flinch with all of the subway noise, and he even looked at the camera when he was supposed to! Now I want to teach my cats to act.

4. Paranoia - I think the only reason I wanted to see this is because of Amber Heard. She's just so absolutely gorgeous; I wish she was the star of the movie instead of relegated to the "girlfriend" role, but I think she's on her way to some big starring roles soon.  I also thought that maybe Gary Oldman would bring some quality acting to the table; but like the rest of the movie, he is pretty dull. I actually like Liam Hemsworth; more than I like his brother (rare, I know), but he still falls into the "pretty but bland" category for me. He did a decent job with this role. The script is definitely what failed this movie and also some pacing issues. It's a pretty forgettable and generic thriller, only an acceptable movie for a lazy day when you want to watch something that you don't have to think about.

5. Kill Your Darlings - This movie was a nice surprise for me. I wasn't expecting too much; I thought it would be similar to the other recent "beat generation" movie On the Road, which I absolutely hated, with better actors. It's so much better, though. First, the cast is incredible - Dane Dehaan, as Lucien Carr, proves he is worthy of his current "it boy" status. Daniel Radcliff even surprised me as Allen Ginsberg - he can actually act (so why is he soooo bad in the Harry Potter movies??). The supporting cast includes Michael C. Hall, Ben Foster, Jack Huston, David Cross, Elizabeth Olsen and Jennifer Jason Leigh - all of whom make a strong mark on the film. I wasn't really familiar with the story behind Lucien Carr; I knew that he was imprisoned for murder, but I thought it was self-defense. I had no idea he used the "Honor Slaying" defense and that his fellow writing colleagues backed him up. I also didn't know the circumstances behind the actual murder - it all seems pretty suspicious to me (of course, I did a ton of research after I watched the movie - it's fascinating!). Aside from the whole murder (and morality) aspect, the story focuses on the budding nature of these famous writers - insecure, passionate, and challenging the "normal", they sought out their own identity and created a movement that is still relevant today. I loved every minute of it; it may even make my top films list of last year when I reevaluate.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. About Time - This movie could have been a complete disaster for me. I'm about the only female in the world who does not like the movie Love Actually (same writer/director). This story is about a guy who can travel back in time (a genetic gift that he inherited from his father); so he uses this magical power to get (and by get...I mean trick) a woman to fall in love with him. There is a lot wrong with that sentiment, but the movie does its best to gloss over that fact. Instead of falling into romantic comedy tropes, the movie focuses on a really sweet father/son relationship and also, refreshingly, puts a nice, positive spin on marriage, having kids and living a "normal, ordinary life". I'm certainly not the "ordinary life" type of person (and I don't even believe that marriage should be legal), but it's really frustrating to constantly see movies like this shit on this lifestyle and then end by glorifying the whole "happily ever after" message. Not every movie has to be cynical about love. About Time is a charming, sweet love story with a moral lesson of enjoying every second of your life and living in the "present day" - and it's completely unapologetic about it. That being said, I still have some issues with the story. First, the obvious one mentioned earlier, using this power to manipulate someone is morally disgusting. Second, I hate when a beautiful woman, like Rachel McAdams, plays someone who is supposed to be insecure and mousy. I mean, I'm sure beautiful women have insecurities, but it still sends the wrong message to young women who don't look like movie stars. Also, Margot Robbie is in this!! She rightfully portrays a woman who is drop-dead gorgeous ("she's so beautiful, that if you had sex with her, you would die" - totally accurate). Third, we are supposed to believe that this guy has a chance with either of these women? Come on....really? He's cute, in an awkward sort of way - but he has NO PERSONALITY. And last, I spent the whole movie going "but couldn't he just go back in time and change that???". The plot holes are so gaping that it's really just one big hole - the logic disappears completely.

2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Just like the first one, everything outside of the actual "games" is awesome. I love all of the social and political implications behind the story, the build up of intensity before the games begin, and the glorification of our "hero" is fantastic to watch. Then, the games begin and it's all a bit dull and repetitive. Having never read the books, the ending is superb, though! It's a huge twist that I wasn't expecting - and sets the tone for the next movie. Which, if we're lucky, will not feature any more "games" and will instead focus on a revolution of epic proportions. I love Jennifer Lawrence in this role - if you've read previous posts from me, then you know, I'm not absolutely memorized by her every move like everyone in the world seems to be. But here, she excels. Also, I want that 1/2 sweater/ 1/2 poncho diagonal thing she wears in the beginning. I'm surprised I haven't seen every retail store copying the design, as soon as they get on the ball with that, I am buying one. The rest of the cast is outstanding as well, and I just love the way the story shows the negative ramifications of the "pretend" love story. It's all just brilliantly done.

3. Ender's Game - Other than the controversy behind the writer of the novel, I didn't hear anything about this movie. It seemed to come and go rather quickly and quietly, which doesn't necessarily make it a bad movie. I thought it could have some interesting sci-fi behind it. Unfortunately, it is really, really unbelievably boring. So boring, that I couldn't bother to pay attention to it after about an hour. I never turn movies off; I'm a bit of a completist (I need help!), but I really wanted to press the "stop" button. The movie wants to make a statement about children and war; but it never really makes it. It also has something interesting to say about the effects that video games have on developing minds, but again, it doesn't actually follow through with anything solid. I've never really been a fan of Harrison Ford, other than The Fugitive, I can't really say I've liked anything he's done (and YES, I realize what I am saying. Movie geeks attack!!). He does the same dull, curmudgeon shtick here that he ALWAYS does, and I just can't be bothered. As for the kids, they are also pretty terrible, mostly because they are very dull. I was actually surprised to learn that that was the much praised Hailee Steinfeld. She looked like she was reading off of cue cards; I find it hard to believe that she ever gave an Oscar nomination-worthy performance (I still haven't seen True Grit).  I would put this movie on my worst of last year, slightly below After Earth - and that's only because After Earth was bad, but still entertainingly bad.

4. Blue is the Warmest Color - I like this movie, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. I just really wish it wasn't 3 hours long. It doesn't need to be - it could easily be edited to 2 hours (still too long) without losing the integrity or depth of the story (lose all of the shots of Adele sleeping, for one). The one thing that I wouldn't cut at all, surprisingly, is the extremely long, drawn out, graphic sex scenes. The movie basically turns into a porno for what seems like forever, however, it is all necessary for the story and it is meant to be a stark contrast to the straight sex scene earlier in the movie. It's also a stark contrast to 99% of straight sex scenes on film. Love, passion, lust and sex are all very different things - when they combine, it can be magical, and that is what is represented in this sex scene. Often during sex scenes, I find myself wondering if it was supposed to represent good sex or not. This is certainly not the case here - it's a bold choice, but I think I understand the intent behind it. I know there are a TON of articles around about the fact that this is a lesbian love story told from a male perspective, and that the actresses involved were put into uncomfortable situations, and now that I have watched the movie, I plan on reading them - I'm just waiting for the movie to fully absorb into my brain (it takes a while for me), so I can fully accept my own conclusions, before I let the opinions of others try sway me. I will say that I find the way the story turned (spoiler alert), with Adele comforting her own insecurities by sleeping with a man, extremely problematic - it's basically reinforcing the idea that lesbian relationships are "missing something". However, again, I see the intent behind it - Adele is seeking comfort and is in need of reassurance that she is desirable, something any man would be willing to give her. There is a lot of depth to this woman, perhaps because the movie is 3 hours long, we get to fully understand her, and also perhaps, because Adele Exarchopoulos is absolutely superb in portraying her naivete, while also letting her change and grow within the story. The scene where she breaks down after the children leave the room is heartbreaking, and so perfect. Her annoying character traits make her more personable and realistic (and also made me wonder if it is part of the character or if these are her actual traits - the way she kept putting her hair up and taking it down and the fact that she never closes her mouth, not once). I'm actually surprised that she didn't get an Oscar nomination for it - I know that the film wasn't eligible for the foreign category, but if I understand correctly, it was eligible for all other categories, and it received zero nominations. Very odd.

5. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 - Super cute and clever animated movie. It's not my favorite genre, but if it's done well, I am fully entertained. I enjoyed the first one a lot - it's smart, original, visually captivating and it has a cute message for both males and females. The same can be said for this one (I especially like the message that your girlfriend is ALWAYS right. It must suck for guys, but it's totally true), but it did feel a little repetitive and it's also strangely creepy in the way it humanizes food (if I were a child watching this movie, I would never want to eat anything again, ever). There are several laugh out loud moments, though, so all is forgiven - my favorites: "There's a leek in the boat!", "It's fooooooodicide" and "You got the special sauce".

3 Thoughts on The Lego Movie

1. It's super cute, but not thaaaat super cute - I had no interest in seeing this movie; especially paying to see it in a theater, but the amazing reviews just kept pouring in and I was swayed. It's a cute movie, really charming and witty. Is it worthy of the the praise, though? I'm not so sure. It's one of those movies that is hard to criticize, but that doesn't necessarily make it the best movie ever. I should have known when people started comparing it to the Toy Story movies that I wouldn't be as enchanted with it as most people- similarly, the Toy Story movies are hard to criticize so people praise them beyond belief. It's movies like these that make me feel like an outsider (which is the exact opposite of the feelings that should occur), simply because it's aimed at gaining nostalgia from an adult audience about their childhood toys. If you are a child who didn't grow up surrounded by toys; these movies are pretty depressing (I did have a few toys growing up, but I certainly didn't have any attachment to these toys. The only toy I was attached to was a stuffed "Littlefoot" from The Land Before Time. I was a super lonely child.). I just don't get a sense of nostalgia from toy stuff (80's cartoons....now that's another story!) and I don't think I've ever played with Lego's. I just honestly don't get it.

2. The song from Hell - If you think everyone is annoying as they shout "EVERYTHING IS AWESOME", after seeing this movie, then just wait until you see it yourself! It's the most annoying song ever - and guess what? It's supposed to be annoying...and meaningless. It's the ultimate irony that people are enjoying this song; a song that is essentially representing how robotic, vapid and conformed our culture is. It's a glossy pop song that can be interchanged with any other glossy pop song currently on the radio. I feel like if you enjoy the song, and even worse, repetitively quote the song, then you've sort of missed the point of the movie.....right? It's even more depressing that it's Tegan and Sara singing it!! WHAT?! WHY?! They are AWESOME...this song is not.

3. The "cameos" - The part of the movie that I absolutely love is the "cameos", so to speak. Sure, there are a ton of famous voices, but the roles I'm talking about are the appearances of Batman (who actually has a large part), Superman and Green Lantern (voiced by the 21 Jumpstreet duo Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, and they are hilarious together), and both Michaelangelo, the teenage mutant ninja turtle, and Michaelangelo, the painter - just to name a few. It made the movie a lot of fun to watch, but also made every second of it essential viewing. Don't blink or you'll miss something!

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. How I Live Now - There is just way too much stupid in this movie for me to fully enjoy it. However, the idea behind it is fantastic and there are some really strong, disturbing images of war, and it slightly touches on the effects that such a war would have on our current generation. The story takes place in the UK, but the main character is American. It is clear that the writers are not American, and their research on American teenagers stopped at the 90's. Not only did she seem outdated, she is also a narcissistic cunt, who truly believes that everything bad that happens in the world is because of her. Her whole "I'm a curse" shtick got old quickly. I really like Saoirse Ronan, but this is the third movie in a row that I saw, in which she is terrible (The Host and Violet & Daisy are the other two). Plus, just like The Host, her inner monologue is hard to listen to - so painfully monotonous. Her character is not only a bitch, but she's also stupid and vapid (yet, she somehow apparently has a map of the UK memorized in her head....seriously, how does she have any idea where she is walking to? I don't know many American teenagers who can navigate another country with a map, let alone without one.). I think the book is probably waaaaaaaaay better, and this is one of the movies that I would love a "do over", because in the right hands it could be incredible.

2. Diana - So, obviously I was expecting a terrible movie. The reviews are all very harsh and many people warned me "don't watch it", but I love Naomi Watts so much, there is just no way for me to totally skip this movie based on other opinions (I don't really avoid any movie, I watch everything!). I admit, though, this is a huge waste of time and it is offensive on pretty much every level. The filmmakers decided to take the whole "people's princess" approach by showing Diana doing "normal" activities (like making her own toast). They also did the exact opposite of what they promised (I read that the film avoided her paparazzi past and focused on her work. LIES, ALL LIES!!). The entire focus of the film is on her personal life and her relationship with Hasnat Khan, which was a "secret" love affair, and how she used the paparazzi to make him jealous. There is a disgusting anti-feminist sentiment in this movie that actually claims Diana would be nothing after her divorce, if it wasn't for Khan's influence and it basically accuses her of her own death (since she was the one that was leaking stuff to the paparazzi, it's her own fault). The tactics that Diana used to control the paparazzi, are used today by many celebrities (leak information, give them what they want, so they may leave you alone for other activities. She also used them to give attention to places and people who needed help). It's certainly not her fault that these vultures needed more than she was willing to give. I am not one to stick up for celebrities who seek attention and then complain that they have no privacy, however I've seen the paparazzi first-hand and they are out of control (A few years ago, I was walking on Melrose during my lunch break and Britney Spears was shopping in one of the stores. The swarm of people with camera's was overwhelming and I was trampled - like knocked to the ground with no regard. One of her "people" came outside to see if I was o.k - none of the paparazzi people apologized or even acknowledged that they did anything wrong). Anyway, I want to see a movie about Diana, not a movie about a pathetic, love-stricken, emotional wreck that this movie portrayed her as. Naomi Watts looked the part (it helped that they re-enacted many iconic images), but she seemed really inauthentic (which is the opposite of Diana), and her and Naveen Andrews have zero chemistry. Diana was a role model for many women, including myself, and this movie diminishes her work and her strength. I feel like the filmmakers owe me an apology.

3. Captain Phillips - This movie was so much better than I was expecting. I don't know why, but I was dreading watching it. I honestly had no good reason. I love Tom Hanks, I love Paul Greengrass, and it received overall good reviews (and was even nominated for an Oscar!). Not only did I really enjoy it, I agree with the people who claim Hanks was snubbed for an Oscar nomination. He was excellent throughout the movie, but so were a lot of actors this year. Then, in the last scene of the movie, he absolutely blew me away. It's possibly his best acting scene ever. Since the story is based on the actual event, of course I had to read about how accurate the movie is (the consensus seems to be pretty accurate, except for a few who claim the captain wasn't as brave as the movie claims, which isn't all that surprising - of course our main character would have heightened heroism). It's interesting how prepared they were for an actual pirate event, and Captain Phillips seemed to take all of the necessary steps. It's just so different when something terrible is actually happening and you are the one responsible for other peoples lives - nothing can prepare you for it. The film also sets up a narrative for the Somalians. We understand why they are doing what they are doing, even if it is morally reprehensible. Greengrass is one of the few directors who can use the handheld shaky camera thing properly, in order to intensify the action and the immediate threat of the situation. The movie grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn't let it go until the very end. By the end, I could barely breathe.

4. And While We Were Here - In contrast to Captain Phillips, this is a movie in which I am completely baffled by the use of the shaky cam. How is it effective for this movie? Is it enhancing it in any way? The answer is no. While, I doubt this movie will stay in my memory for very long, I did enjoy it. Kate Bosworth is this role - she's just so....classy. I would love to see her play a role where she is completely disheveled and/or disturbed, but she continues to play it safe. I'm not really one for a love story, especially one that depicts an instant connection, but it works here. I can see why she is interested in this younger man - he's cute, fun to be around and he makes her feel good about herself (which is a strong contrast to the man that she is currently dating). I also enjoy that this relationship makes her realize some things about herself; one of them being that she has no idea who she actually is. It ends exactly how it should end. Overall, I was entertained, but it lacks a certain "specialness" (not a word, I know) that movies like this need in order to be memorable.

5. The Croods - How on Earth was this movie nominated for an Academy Award? It's not bad or anything, but there is absolutely nothing amazing about it. The animation is ok, but seems a little flat. It made me smile a few times, but it was hardly laugh out loud funny. The "moral" is kind of stupid - it's basically saying "don't listen to your parents". The voice actors are terrible - Nicholas Cage struggles to show emotion using all of his abilities, just imagine how terrible he is when he is reduced to using just his voice?! Emma Stone has a super sexy voice, but it's that low, smoky kind of voice - not the voice of an eager teenager. And don't even get me started on Ryan Reynolds. I don't understand how this guy is famous - and if it's just because he has nice abs (that's literally the only nice thing I can say about him), then what's the point of him doing voice work? On the other hand, my cat seemed to enjoy the movie a lot; she didn't look away from the screen during its entire run-time, so I guess that's.......something (she also loved Rango, in case you're interested).

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. All is Lost - I didn't really know what to expect with this movie; the only thing I was aware of was that Robert Redford gives an amazing performance while being stuck on a boat. I read an article that compared it to Gravity (I don't remember where...sorry), which peaked my interest because I enjoy stories about loneliness and survival. Redford is good (as he always is), I'm not sure it is award-worthy (especially this year), so I don't agree that he was "snubbed". I wasn't expecting the film to have no dialogue - I think there are maybe a few sentences in the beginning. For me, it was hard to pay attention to because of this. If I were in this situation, I know I would talk to myself. I think that is why people are giving Redford so much credit; conveying things without dialogue is tough. However, I think we understand what he is thinking due to the external elements he is facing not because of his performance. There is nothing internal about his performance - we know very little about him and that is problematic for me. I still liked it though. It felt claustrophobic, watching this man battle against nature is certainly intense, and I loved the way it ended.

2. Adore - This movie is incredibly fucking ridiculous, yet I couldn't look away. Some thoughts while watching it: 1. It's really icky. The age difference between these people is already taboo (but hey....love is love. As long as everyone is a consenting adult, I can't judge), however, dating your best friends son? Someone that you've watched grow up? I consider my best friend part of my family (and these women seem extremely close), so it's a bit incestuous. Also, it could potentially end very badly, which would hurt everyone. Would someone take the chance of ruining a friendship just because they can't control their hormones? (I already know that answer to this) 2. Sorry to be superficial for a second, but the guys in this movie are not hot at all (and yes, they are definitely supposed to be). Even worse, they are both really bland. I need a personality; any personality will do. Give us a reason as to why these incredibly gorgeous women (Naomi Watts and Robin Wright) are attracted to them. 4. Why all of the not-so-subtle anti-gay comments? 3. I want to live where they live. So fucking beautiful.

3. Touchy Feely - Great cast but unfortunately a really unmemorable movie. The story is of a "free spirit" massage therapist, who suddenly loses her "touch", while her brother, who is more of a conventional man, begins to let go and he finds success. The movie touches on a persons energy and how that energy can have an effect on your life and others around you. I do believe in some of this stuff to an extent - I practice yoga to clear my mind and release stress (and it helps my back tremendously - more so than any pain medicine ever could). I try my best to surround myself with "positive energy" and force myself into positive thinking, but this can only take you so far. The movie has some interesting elements, but it all feels a bit pointless. In the end, it's just a waste of talent - Rosemarie DeWitt, Allison Janney and Ellen Page are much better than this movie.

4. Carrie - The remake (or "re-imagining of the novel", as it was advertised to avoid the original comparisons - sorry, everyone, if there is already a movie based on it and you create another one - it's a remake.) is satisfying in almost every way, yet it doesn't have the impact that the original film had. I don't hate on remakes as much as most film people do, but I do believe that the only way it works is if it is relevant. I love everyone involved (Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer and director Kimberly Peirce), so I had an extremely open mind for this version. Plus, I haven't seen the original in well over 15 years, and I think I read the book even before that. Carrie is a relevant story for today; kids getting bullied in school has gotten significantly worse since the first film was made (and since the novel was published), so I thought a modern take could work. The problem is that you need to actually "modernize" the story and this film did not do that. How does Carrie live in present day and be so innocent to life? She lives in a suburban town, surrounded by people her own age and I assume technology (maybe not at home, but certainly at school). Sure, her mother is a religious psychopath, but how did Carrie survive up until this point? Also, as much as I love Chloe Grace Moretz, I think she was very weak in this. I was still entertained on a basic level, and the ending is over-the-top fantastic.

5. Enough Said - Really sweet movie. It's odd that it's the second movie I watched in a week about a massage therapist; it's not really a profession that is portrayed on film too often. It's also odd, to me, that women confess their whole life to their masseuse, hair-stylist, manicurist etc (I wouldn't know....seems like a waste of money to me), but I know my mother tells her whole life story to her hair-stylist, so I guess it's realistic. I love the beginning of this relationship between the main characters. She's not instantly attracted to him, but falls for his sweet personality; that's much more true to life than love at first sight. I was never really a fan of Julia Louis-Dreyfus until recently - I am not a fan of Seinfeld at all (and yes, I've seen most episodes, not by my choice). She was certainly the best part of the show, but I never really gave her a chance to impress me. She impresses me here. She's really natural and funny, but there is also an undeniable sadness to this role (the line where she says "I'm tired of being funny" made my heart hurt. It's most definitely commentary on how women are routinely judged.). Even though she is 20 years older than me, I can relate to all of the "middle-aged" talk (I always feel much older than I actually am). Catherine Keener and Toni Collette steal every scene they are in, but James Gandolfini is absolutely brilliant. This movie is proof that he had so much more to give to the acting world and it's devastating that we won't be able to witness it. Overall, I was extremely entertained from beginning to end and I think that is quite successful, considering the story is a very basic romantic comedy set-up.

6 Shows Everyone Should Be Watching

1. Bates Motel - I hesitate to praise a show after only one season (which is the case for 3 shows on this list), since many shows lose their way. I think (and hope and pray) that Bates Motel is going to continue being great, so I recommend catching up now, before season two starts in March. The first season was able to captivate my attention, by building suspense and successfully twisting the story in unexpected ways. The show is just plain odd - like nothing else you will see on television. It's the story of Norman Bates as a teenager, way before Psycho takes place, yet the story is told in present day (and surprisingly, it works!). Vera Farmiga, as Norma Bates, is my favorite performance on television right now. She's so chilling, yet soft and feminine. It's incredible. So, even if the show goes to shit in season two (which I doubt), it is still worth watching the first season just to see her shine. Max Thieriot is so hot; he reminds me of Ryan Phillippe (a.k.a the sexiest man alive), but he's also really good on this show. The weak link is Freddie Highmore, as Norman Bates. He's a terrible actor, cringe-worthy even. However, the story is so strong and the surrounding actors are so good that it almost highlights Norman's character as an "outcast". I stopped focusing on how bad he is by the third episode and just went with it.

2. Arrow - This show is one of my favorite things on television right now. I had no interest in watching it, as I am not a comic book reader. I appreciate the art form, but it's just not for me. I do, however, love several movies based on comics and I'm a huge fan of superhero stories. The concept of Green Arrow seemed really dumb to me, though, so when the show first aired, I decided to give it a miss (even though I usually watch all CW shows. I'm such a sucker for teen drama). A few months ago, I started reading really great things about Arrow, everywhere from twitter to Entertainment Weekly, the show seemed to be exceeding expectations. I was a little annoyed at first (come on, the first CW show that I don't watch, is actually good! Of course.), but after watching the first episode I was hooked. It's so much fun!! The story moves really quickly, the dialogue is sharp and witty, the back-story is continuously intriguing and Stephen Amell is fucking hot. The supporting cast (minus Katie Cassidy) is also fantastic. The best part is that season 2 (so far), is even better than season 1!!!  The show raises the stakes by focusing much more attention on other characters and even set up a nice introduction for The Flash (which will be another CW show; I believe beginning this fall. Grant Gustin (from Glee) is so perfect for this role). I admit that there are probably a lot of references and relationships that fans of the story will understand better than I do, but I sort of like being in the dark about where the story is going and how the characters will develop.

3. Hannibal - If you are a fan of Bryan Fuller shows, then you HAVE to watch this show (and really, if you're not a fan, it's probably because you've never seen any of his shows. Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls. Watch them). Hannibal is stunning; visually poetic and beautifully dark. Hugh Dancy and the rest of the cast are all above average, but Mads Mikkelsen, as Hannibal Lecter, is superbly creepy. I never imagined that someone would be able to fill the role as well as Anthony Hopkins, but Mads is fantastic - and it's not a direct copy, either. He made the role something completely different, but still obviously psychopathic. Like previous Fuller shows, every episode feels like it belongs on a big screen enabling the audience to absorb everything, it's all a bit overwhelming for television (and shocking that it's on network t.v., with some of the gore that is shown). Fuller's shows tend to get canceled quickly (2 season curse), mostly due to production cost, but this show seems to have a stronger and more active fan-base than his previous efforts, so here's hoping that it lasts! I would love to see what he can do, if given the time to really develop a series.

4. Almost Human - This show isn't perfect....yet. I think everyone needs to start watching it, though, so that it gets a chance to improve. It has potential to be epic! The relationship between the two main characters, John and Dorian ( if you don't think of Scrubs, well then, you probably have never seen Scrubs. What's wrong with you?), is so fantastic. At first, their banter was mildly amusing but in the most recent episodes, it's actually laugh out loud funny. Also, the technology is AWESOME! The show is set in the future, but doesn't feel so far away that we can't relate to it. I would love for the show to go a little deeper into a "mythology", which is what I'm used to with Bad Robot productions, but the case-by-case episodes are working for now. The biggest issue that needs to be resolved, is that they have no idea how to use their female characters. So far, Lili Taylor had one really strong plot (contained to one episode) and the gorgeous Minka Kelly spends most of the episodes standing around looking adorable (like, really fucking adorable, but still...enough is enough.). It's a glaring problem that could easily be fixed. I first noticed Karl Urban in The Bourne Supremacy and I specifically remember walking out of the theater wondering who that really hot guy was. I feel like this is the first project where he can show a little personality - a dark, brooding, sarcastic personality, and I fucking love it.

5. Parenthood - The best show on television right now (ok, aside from Mad Men, but that's almost over and I want Parenthood to last forever!). It is assumed that the show is canceled pretty much every year, especially last year, but it just keeps tugging along. I'm not a particularly emotional person, some things hit me hard, but I'm not really an emotional viewer. Yet, I cry during every single episode of Parenthood. Once, I made it through an episode without tears, only to bawl hysterically at the preview for the following weeks episode. I think the show gets under my skin so much because this is how I envision "family". They're not perfect, they don't always agree, but they are there for each other 100%. I always dreamed of having a big family, and on occasion I have been a part of some (my mother has been married a few times to guys with big families. And I've found that I am attracted to guys who come from big families. The problem is that it's never felt like a permanent situation. I am always the outsider, peeking in at this extraordinary human connection that people have). I connect with Amber the most, because of her fucked up father situation (and man, her relationship with Ryan just crushed me. Ryan is EXACTLY the kind of guy I would go for - he's like an even more fucked up version of Ryan Atwood. When he confronts her mother about his family situation and says "not everyone has a family like yours"; seriously, a flood of tears like never before). However, in all honesty, I find myself connecting with every character. They all have something to relate to and care about - and no one is ever made out to be "the bad guy"; instead everyone is just a complicated human being. Peter Krause is my second favorite television actor ever (Michael C. Hall is my first. Obviously, I am a huge fan of Six Feet Under.), but every actor on this show has become a favorite of mine. Mae Whitman and Monica Potter have given Emmy-worthy performances. I'm hoping the show continues to quietly be the best show on television for years to come, because I don't want to live in world without the Bravermans.

6. Raising Hope - This is a show that has been on for a while now (it's in the middle of its 4th season, which is quite a success, in this day, for comedies), but I don't think I've ever mentioned it on this blog. It started off as an okay show, but more of a time-filler for me; something that I would put on while I cleaned my apartment or wrote on my blog), but at some point it grew into must watch television - and I'm not quite sure when that shift happened. I think the best way to describe it is as a "modern day Roseanne", but I'm not sure that gives it justice. I feel like Roseanne was a little more cynical and depressing, while Raising Hope is a very happy and heartwarming show. Virginia and Burt are a hard-working couple who are very much in love (which is refreshing to say the least - a happy, drama-free couple on television is almost unheard of nowadays) and they are happy with their life. Don't let the fact that the title refers to raising a baby (Hope), deter you, because it's really just about family. A really funny, lovable family.

*This list is in addition to shows I've already written about in previous posts including: Parks and Recreation, Scandal, The Americans and Archer. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Runner Runner - I really wasn't expecting this to be as boring as it was. Dumb? Sure. Cheesy? Yes. Not boring! It's a great plot, that is actually original (ish), with a great cast. So, what was missing? A script, for one. There was no point to any of it. It seemed like they had a beginning and an ending, but got lost along the way. You know who the good guy is and you know who the bad guy is - and it just makes its way from A to B, without any ounce of entertainment. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Justin Timberlake doesn't belong in movies. He's got charisma and stage presence (obvi!), but he's just not a solid actor. He's been good in some smaller roles, but overall his talent should be utilized on a stage (not necessarily singing/dancing - he's excellent on SNL and he's great on talk shows. He'd make a great Oscar host one day.). Since this script is so bland, we really rely on, at the very least, likable characters but Timberlake is so robotic in this role. Even more blah as "the bad guy", is Ben Affleck. This reminded me of the time period when he made one bad movie after the next. I hope this isn't the start of that trend again.

2. As Cool as I am - This is pretty much the same movie as the Eva Mendes movie from 2012, Girl in Progress, about a young girl growing up while her mom is also "growing up".  I think we will see an influx of these type of "teen-mom" movies over the next few years, and it would be nice if at least one of them got it right. As for this movie, it focuses on this teenage girl, who just seems like a spoiled brat to me. Another young actress may have made the teen angst thing work, but Sarah Bolger is really awful.  I don't really understand why she thinks her life is so difficult - because her parents clearly care about her, even if they are focused on other things (like their own happiness). But I would argue that having parents who are at least trying to live happily is much better than having parents who walk around miserably and do nothing about it. *spoiler* I'm also a little disturbed at the fact that she is raped by an acquaintance from school and then...it's dropped, as if it never happened. She yells at him about learning what "consensual sex" is and then it's never brought up again. It's as if the film is making a statement about this young girls sexuality (and how confused she is) being directly related to bad parenting (sure, I can understand that point), but being raped has nothing to do with how you grew up. It's another case of blaming the victim (and her parents).  I'm not sure if that's the stance the film is trying to take, but that's certainly the impression it left on me. Claire Danes did a lot of her famous ugly cry face, and James Marsden barely made any impression.  The whole mess should be avoided.

3. Compulsion - This movie is actually much more successful than I first gave it credit for. I watched it a few weeks ago, and thought "blah", but then it's been stuck in my head ever since.  I think it would have been much better on a stage, since it took place in a confined space, and felt very personal and claustrophobic.  It's about two women; one is obsessed with cooking (as a way to make people happy), while the other is obsessed with her appearance (as a way to make people happy). On the surface, it's a simple story - and even a little boring. When you look deeper, though, it has a lot of relevant commentary on how we view women in society. First, my obvious initial reaction was "there is no way Heather Graham's boobs are that big", which led me on an internet search of her boobs (they aren't - she actually wore heavy padding to look like she gained weight, which is also interesting because as an actress, shouldn't they have asked her to actually gain weight for the role - like many men are asked to do? Instead they padded her breasts, stomach and butt, so that she still had a thin face and sticks for arms - in other words, she is still skinny.).  Her obsession with keeping people, specifically men, happy so that they love her is the equivalent to the old adage "the only way to a man's heart is through his stomach". She imagines a life in which she is a famous "sexy" chef, with hordes of men ogling her all day. Heather Graham isn't the best actress, but she does do "crazy ex-girlfriend" amazingly well - just look at the poster! She looks like a complete psychopath. Carrie-Anne Moss has a pretty relevant role; considering that in real life she went from playing a kick-ass action star to a mom within a few years, as an actress. Her role in this movie is of an older actress who has developed an eating disorder because she is trying to compete for roles with 20 year olds. It's all a bit depressing to think about (as a woman). The themes in the movie stuck with me, but I just wish it was an overall better movie. The dialogue is a bit cheesy and repetitive, and the intimacy between these two women is laughable. I can't really recommend it, but the psychology behind it is, at least, interesting.

4. The Spectacular Now - I am in the very small minority of people who are not impressed by this movie. I don't get it at all. Genuine, heartfelt performances don't make a great movie. So, yes Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are great; and yes, they deserve the glowing reviews. The story doesn't though. It's incredibly predictable; the "tragic" moment is foreshadowed like crazy, but even worse than that, is that there are absolutely no consequences for his actions. *spoiler* Am I supposed to feel bad for someone who drives drunk on a regular basis, putting other peoples lives at risk, just because his father abandoned him? Does that give him a justifiable reason to act like an asshole? And why is this girl so fucking stupid? She's not actually stupid, because she plays the "geeky" girl but the story just reaffirms that smart girls should stop being smart if they want "popular" boys to love them. And let's just say that he truly believes his mother is to blame for his father leaving, isn't he old enough to realize that if his father wanted to be a part of his life...then he would be? He obviously doesn't; so then why would you force the situation? Are we really supposed to support the happy ending? I mean, he should really be in jail. I would rather if it ended with this smart girl, realizing how incredibly fucking dumb she was for falling for this guys bullshit, going off to college and finding someone who appreciates how smart and interesting she is. I just don't connect with it at all. That's all. Rant over. *Takes a bow*

5. Fruitvale Station - I liked this movie. Maybe not as much as I was hoping to, but it's a solid story with some wonderful acting performances from Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz. I've loved Michael B. Jordan since Parenthood (and of course, Friday Night Lights, but I watched FNL after it was already off the air). He was so good on Parenthood, though - I used to cry during all of his scenes (who am I kidding, I cry through every episode of that show). Plus, I am a huge Melonie Diaz fan (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Itty Bitty Titty Committee), I've been waiting for her to get noticed for a while now. The story is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a young black man who was shot in the back and killed by police officers, after getting into an altercation on a train with fellow passengers. Jordan is absolutely fantastic in the role; creating a character who isn't perfect, and therefore highlighting his humanity instead of the symbol that he has become. I do have some issues with the way that the story is told (there are things added to "soften" Grant's personality), as if an audience wouldn't sympathize with the actual true story (it's clear by the protests and media coverage that we already do). I'm not saying it isn't necessary for us to care about our main character; of course, we should. The film (and true story) takes place on New Years Eve, which is extremely relevant to Oscar Grant's story. He, like most people, spent the day wanting to better himself - resolving his past errors. Unfortunately, Grant didn't get the chance to better his life because it was cut short. This is all we need, as an audience though, we don't need the "filler" scenes. I also wish the film didn't end with his death - the aftermath is really interesting (the police officer that shot him claimed he meant to get his taser...so he's either a liar, or just a really stupid cop). From the cellphone footage caught by other train passengers, to the accounts that I've read, and even from the testimony of the police, it's clear that something went very wrong - not only should someone be held accountable, but systems need to be in place so that it never happens again. If you're not incredibly angry after watching this movie, then you weren't paying attention. On a side note, did anyone else even notice the actor that plays one of the officers is Chad Michael Murray??!!?? How the fuck did he get that job? Worst actor on the planet.

3 Thoughts on American Hustle

1. The "hustle" - As much as I love writing about movies, I would never, ever want to be a professional film critic. One reason? Some (most?) film critics are condescending assholes. Just because you've studied film (I have, too) doesn't make your opinion any more "right" than someone else's. Sure, a film critic can probably reference editing and camera technique, and may even have a better understanding of story structure, but in the end, does it really matter? Film (and all art) is very personal, so instead of looking for "critical praise", I have a few people (both critics and non-critics) who I trust with film opinions, simply because they have the same taste as I do. With American Hustle, a film that is widely praised by the "critics", a huge backlash occurred against said critics, by other critics - pretty much calling them stupid for liking this movie. There is an article that was circling twitter about how the critics were "hustled" by this movie, I won't bother to link it because it's just plain rude. I also read a comment on twitter from a person who is passionate about film (not a critic, but someone who I trust firmly with movie opinions), claiming his love for this movie, and a "wannabe" film critic responded "oh no, you were tricked into liking it, too?" (ummmmm...ASSHOLE....cough...cough). Then, there were the pretentious critics dismissing American Hustle as "Scorsese light", as if a filmmaker getting inspiration from one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, is somehow a crime. The funny thing is, Scorsese films (for the most part) are extremely violent, dense and dark, if you take those things out...it's not Scorsese anymore. American Hustle is actually very "light" and comedic, with a very simplistic plot, in comparison and therefore, nothing like a Scorsese movie. I think that many of these critics assumed O. Russell was copying Scorsese simply because of the style and the feeling that the trailer invoked, but the film is very much its own thing. I was fully invested in the heist, and while it may not add anything new to the canon of American crime films, I still had a great time watching it. That is all that matters.

2. The style - The best part of the movie is definitely "the look" of it. When the first pictures from the production were released, all anyone could talk about was Bradley Cooper and his perm, Christian Bale and his comb-over, or Amy Adams and her cleavage (it's not really cleavage though, is it? There has to be a different name for the naked chest area that flat-chested girls have when they wear low cut tops/dresses. Hmmmmm....I'll have to look into that.).  Really, major kudos to the costume designers, stylists, makeup and hair department. They are crucial in creating these iconic characters. You know they've succeeded, when they can take a questionably iffy decade for fashion and make it extremely sexy. I want every single outfit that Amy Adams wears (and I'm pale and flat-chested too, so I can totally pull it off!!). Also, Bradley Cooper, even with that awful perm? Fucking sexy - especially that scene when him and Amy dance together. I thought I was going to melt in my theater seat. Aside from the fashion, the production design also felt very authentic. Even with the modern day technology, it felt like a film from the late 70's.  I think the best way to describe the look of film is as pure "eye candy".

3. The Oscars - In another, less competitive year, I think this would be Oscar-worthy filmmaking. In 2013, however, it's hard to compare it with such masterpieces as 12 Years a Slave, Gravity or The Wolf of Wall Street and I think this is what's causing the backlash against it. Sure, I can think of plenty of movies that I would prefer in the Best Picture category (Stoker, Mud, Her, Short Term 12) but I just don't feel the need to bash a quality movie, just because there were better movies made in the same year. It's still a smart, witty script, with fully-developed characters made into a lively and fun movie. We should celebrate that! As a film lover, I am genuinely happy that there were so many great films and performances last year, even if that means that there was, inevitably, talent that was snubbed. Isn't that better than the other way around? However, I do have some problems with the amount of attention the acting is getting. This is the third David O. Russell movie in a row that attracted heavy Oscar attention for the cast, so it seems like a trend (where were the acting nominations for I Heart Huckabees and Three Kings?), but I don't think anyone did anything extraordinary aside from Christian Bale. I didn't really agree with Jennifer Lawrence's nomination last year (let alone the win), but a nomination for this film really baffles my mind. I've seen a lot of people defending her by saying that she was "too young" for the role, but that's no excuse. If she is that strong of an actress, she could overcome that obstacle. I don't think she was bad, or anything, I think she was sufficient for the role (i.e not Oscar-worthy), but I think her level of talent isn't on par with Christian Bale (or Amy Adams), so every time she is on-screen, she is the worst part of the scene (and that is problematic). I still like her, and oddly, I think her best performance is in The Hunger Games. As much as I adore Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper, I really didn't see anything special in their performances either. But, man, Christian fucking Bale is ridiculously good. He just knows how to truly embody a character; completely transforming not only physically, but mentally, by absorbing his surroundings. It's a masterpiece performance for him, and he's given us several.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. A Hijacking - First, I have not seen Captain Phillips yet, so I can not compare the two (it's an inevitable comparison. Honestly, I had no interest in Captain Phillips, but I will definitely watch it with all of the buzz it gained during awards season. I am just so absolutely sick and tired of the same freaking clip over and over and over again - "I am the captain now". Seriously, stop.). Second, this film is incredibly tense, the pace is perfect, the actors are fantastic.  Third, it was released in the USA in 2013, so it's yet another movie that I will have to adjust my "best of" list for. Fourth, I didn't even realize that it was written and directed by the same guy who also co-wrote another one of my favorite movies of last year, The Hunt (Tobias Lindholm). What an incredible year that guy has had! Fifth, how much is a human life worth? That's the question at hand, and the answer is brutal. When the movie ended, I had this huge pit in my stomach of disgust and outrage.

2. Kick-Ass 2 - I think that I am one of the few who thought Kick-Ass was a pretty mediocre movie. I enjoyed the Hit-Girl character, more than anything else in the movie, but I wasn't as "wowed" as most people. I remember the character being so controversial at the time, but I didn't really get what the big deal was. I felt like the film set out to "shock" an audience, instead of being good. Now with the sequel, it seems even more underwhelming and repetitive. Hit-Girl is still the best part, simply because Chloe Grace Moretz is awesome.  Aaron Johnson, on the other hand, is terrible. I don't get the appeal. I don't think he's hot at all, and he really isn't a very good actor (you can't watch that funeral scene and tell me I'm wrong). As far as the story is concerned, it's really stupid. The villain is a joke and the overall story is actually very boring. Plus, the misogyny is even more appalling than the first one - "Act like a bitch, get slapped like a bitch" is actually a quote that is used on official merchandise to promote the movie. While I have very little issue with depicting misogyny in movies - as movies are a reflection of society, I am also well aware of the reputation Mark Millar (who created the Kick-Ass graphic novels) has and his comments about the rape scene (he compared it to decapitation - you know, because the millions of people who have been decapitated have a really tough time, psychologically, watching other people on-screen be decapitated. What an idiot. If you don't understand my point, then you're an idiot too. Sorry.). This seems to be a case where the creator doesn't even realize his story is misogynistic and that is unnerving. The other controversy, regarding Jim Carrey refusing to promote the movie because of the violence, is a little misguided, in my opinion (again, movies reflect society; it's not the other way around.). The weird thing is that I watched the movie and then thought, "wait, I thought Jim Carrey was in that"....I didn't even realize that was him through the whole movie! That's craziness!

3. The Lone Ranger - This movie took a beating with the critics (and the box office, if you consider the budget).  I really don't think it's that bad. I was really into it for about an hour, and then it turns into a mess. It's a lot of repetitive actions scenes and it just lasts foreeeeveeeerr. Gore Verbinski just needs to let the editor do his/her job in order to make a concise story. I understand the attachment that directors have to certain scenes, but there comes a point where one has to let go. The other big problem, is that they marketed it as a "summer blockbuster" - it had to be done that way, considering the budget, but I think it caused a lot of disappointment from audiences. I don't think the acting should have been criticized at all, everyone, including Depp, did a satisfying job. I remember watching The Lone Ranger television show with my grandfather when I was a kid, but I didn't really remember the myth behind it. I like the way the movie reinvents the story a little and some parts of it are really funny (again, during the first hour). It's not something I would ever watch again, and I wouldn't recommend it to too many people, but it's not as terrible as some people made it out to be. I could have done without the scene with the scorpions (yikes! fear of scorpions, which I just learned is actually a form of arachnophobia; it's odd to me because I'm not at all scared of spiders. I don't even care if I see one in my apartment, I usually leave it alone).

4. I Give it a Year - Sometimes I watch a movie, solely based on the cast and nothing else. I will watch Rose Byrne in anything and hope for the best (she's much more awesome than most of the movies she does). Plus, a supporting cast including Anna Faris and Stephen Merchant, seems like a good idea.  I was expecting something much funnier, but it was pretty dry overall.  Thematically, it's very similar to Drinking Buddies, which I watched earlier that day (and it's nowhere near as good as Drinking Buddies is, so that doesn't help my overall impression).  There are some parts that are done really well, and I think it touches on some of the issues I have with the concept of marriage. I don't think people enter into marriage with a clear understanding of what they are committing themselves to.  I also think that once people have gone through with the marriage, they become scared of admitting they might have made a mistake. The movie is cute, a little predictable, but still an interesting watch.

5. Short Term 12 - Be prepared: I can't write about this movie without comparing it to my personal life. I knew it was a story about a girl who works at a foster care facility, so I didn't really expect to relate to her. The story, though, vaguely dives into her background and the psychological effects that she suffers because of her past. We know that her father is in prison (and that he belongs there) and we know that Grace is trying her best to live her life without talking about her past. She spends her life compassionately helping kids who have no-one else to care for them, and focusing on everyone else instead of herself.  Her life comes to a breaking point, when she learns that she is pregnant and her boyfriend proposes. She also learns that her father is going to be released from prison soon. This forces her to confront her situation, and it is heartbreaking. There's a lot going on, in such a quiet story and if you've lived a life similar to hers - like I have, it will force you to confront your own situation. I spend my life, quietly trying to avoid talking about anything from my childhood, but it's much harder than you'd expect. The inevitable question always arises when you meet someone new - about your family. I try my best to avoid it, but I'm also not very good at directly lying if someone asks me a specific question about my father - I have to say "he's in prison".  It shocks most people because I've been told I give off a "girl next door" vibe which is really laughable to me. Most people are smart enough to not ask further questions, but if someone asks "why?", I just say because he's a "bad person".  I will never give specifics. Ever. Grace is lucky enough to find a guy, who seems genuinely nice and understanding of her needs, while also expressing his frustration that she doesn't confide in him. I like to think of a future, where I find someone who I feel comfortable enough telling everything to (and maybe I already have, but other obstacles are in the way), but another part of me doesn't want to put someone else through it. It's extremely refreshing to have this girl find a nice guy, instead of the tiring cliche that girls with "daddy issues" will end up with assholes. I've never dated an asshole, and I never will. The fact that she's pregnant is forcing her to think about things that not many people can understand - it's not just about whether she is strong enough to be a mother (she clearly is), but it's inevitably about genetics. There is a terrifying reality that your child could carry the same evil traits as your father (it's the nature vs nurture debate - and I'm honestly not sure where I stand).  While the story in Short Term 12, doesn't delve into this subject, it's clear that Grace is having trouble with all of the thoughts in her head (and I believe this is one of them).  She focuses her attention on a new troubled girl who moves into the facility. A girl with whom she can relate to and confide in, causing her to come to a devastating breaking point. I would not be able to do what she does, my mind is just not that strong. I try to give back to the community and help people who have suffered, like I have, as much as I can, but sometimes I just can't. It's too much for me to handle. It's nice that the story ends positively, with Grace beginning to heal but the story is much more than just this confined space and time. I have to think beyond the ending, the fact that her father will be a free man, it will continue to destroy her sanity (I cried through the whole movie, but I cried even more hysterically when it was over, just thinking about her future). The film, itself, consists of incredible acting from Brie Larson and a tight, effective script. It's probably my favorite movie of last year, solely because I've never been able to relate to a character as much as Grace. There is a lot more to the movie than just Grace, though. It's a story of building relationships, after being abandoned and/or neglected, and I think most people can relate to that. I've seen it on quite a few "best of" lists, so from a critical standpoint, I think it stands on its own - even if you don't relate to the story.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Fast & Furious 6 - As a whole, I am a fan of this franchise - the only one I didn't like was the Tokyo Drift one. I enjoy it for what it is: super awesome car chases, hot people, cheesy dialogue, and more car chases. I like that women are a part of the action, and even the female character who doesn't participate as much in the action, is still a supportive female presence, instead of a nagging one. It's surprising that a movie like this actually gets female roles right, but it does. Plus, how can anyone resist watching a fight between Michelle Rodriguez and Gina Carano? Fucking aaaaawsooome! I actually like Gina Carano, even though I wasn't impressed with her in Haywire (I think her performance was a result of bad circumstances - the altered voice, the over-choreographed fight scenes, the awkward dialogue = disaster), however, she proves herself here and I've seen her in a few interviews where she seems authentic. Also, I really like Gal Gadot - I'm not sure why everyone is freaking out about her playing Wonder Woman (the biggest complaint seems to be that she's too skinny, which is ridiculous). You may wonder why I am focusing on the female characters in an action movie geared towards men. I don't have a reason, other than because I want to. The only other comment I have is that watching this movie, after the death of Paul Walker, was a bit of a downer; certainly not the ridiculous fun that was intended. I tried not to think about it, but it was inevitable.

2. The Family - Horrible movie. It's certainly not the worst film of last year, but I would vote it the "dullest film" of last year.  How do you make a mob story starring Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer boring? It has to take a certain talent to make something this disastrous. It honestly baffles my mind that the same person who created Leon: The Professional, also created this. It makes no sense!!! The biggest flaw in the movie is Dianna Agron - she has absolutely zero personality (no surprise there) and her story line barely makes any sense. The plot of the movie is all over the place, with no direction or motivation. There is no character development, or any understanding for the actions that they take. Plus, it takes place in France, but all of the French people speak English (with a French accent). Stuff like that always drives me insane.

3. Prisoners - I like this movie a lot. This is the type of movie that I know if I watched it again, I would pick up on something else that serves the plot; something brilliant. I thought it felt too long, but after I really absorbed everything, I realized that every single scene is an important piece to the puzzle. There's a lot more depth than I think people give it credit for after a first watch. However, I do think it's a little convenient - the way it ends, makes no sense (*spoiler - didn't the cops do a search of the house? They said they did. I realize that part of the story is the investigative approach of a cop versus the intuition of a father, however, the main cop, is definitely invested in the case - wouldn't he ensure a thorough search?). There are also, at least, two other plot points that I take issue with that are hard to ignore. I'll try my best though, because with a film like this, the good parts are much stronger than the weak parts. I love the theme of being obsessed, i.e a prisoner of your own obsessions, and the moral ambiguity behind it all. The cast is incredible, headed by Hugh Jackman, but consists of fantastic supporting performances as well.  If this movie was released during the Holidays, I think we would be seeing a different Oscar race (at least in the performance categories).

4. Lee Daniels' The Butler - This could have been a good movie; it's a fascinating story that spans decades of American history.  The problem is that because it spans so much time; a lot of important information is glossed over. It felt really unfocused.  Also, I find it weird to base a story on a real person, but add an additional (and very important) character to the story; his son, the one who joins The Black Panther movement, doesn't exist in real life. The character was just created as a story-telling device. It does a disservice to the story, though, because it's basically stating that the "real" story, isn't all that interesting (it is, if they told it right). The other problem, the bigger problem, is the casting. Truly laughable casting - in a film that is supposed to be serious, it is really distracting. It's confusing because it almost seems like distraction is the intent ("this movie sucks...but look who we cast as the Kennedy's!").  I was also extremely distracted by Yaya Alfia because I spent an hour trying to figure out how I know her. She seemed so familiar, but when I checked her IMDB page nothing stood out. Then I thought "maybe...I actually know her...like in real life", which led me to look into her background further only to realize she's from America's Next Top Model (I'm a huge fan of ANTM. Go ahead, judge me. I deserve it.). I didn't realize she started acting - good for her, she is one of the few credible performances in the movie. On a side note, this poster I used is a much stronger image than anything in the entire movie.

5. Drinking Buddies - This movie was a nice surprise for me. I wasn't expecting much; hadn't really heard much about it.  I expected a cute, cheesy, romantic buddy comedy.  None of those words in that sentence describe the movie at all. It's a mature, authentic depiction of friendship, love and lust. The biggest highlight is Olivia Wilde - I love her; have been a fan since her O.C days.  I am ecstatic that she absolutely kills this role. I like Jake Johnson on New Girl, but I think he does the same character here, so it's hard to judge his acting ability.  He is very likable, though, and that is necessary for this role. In fact, it's necessary that all of the characters are likable and easy to relate to (they all are), because it makes everything more complicated. None of the characters are depicted as bad people, even though they all do hurtful things - which I think is more true to life. Shit happens, you know? People change, feelings change and will continue to change. It's the only fact of life: change.