Rocknrolla

I know that my blog has been getting VERY review heavy. I promise to remedy this very soon, but for now, I absolutely must talk about how much I LOVED Rocknrolla!

Now before anyone asks, YES, Guy Ritchie is definitely back! As with all Guy Ritchie films, you have to just jump right in. There is not a lot of exposition, so it may take the viewer a while to catch his or her bearings. It was a little hard for me to get into the film right away, but there was one scene when suddenly I just knew (once you see it, you'll know what scene it is) that this would be my new favorite Guy Ritchie film.

Now, I don't know if there are any Gerard Butler fans out there, but if so, this film is a definite must. Now, Gerard Butler was not in very much of the trailer, so I assumed that he would be a minor character. This was not the case. Gerard Butler and Tom Hardy absolutely made the film. Along with them, the film had an amazing cast including Gemma Arterton, Ludacris, Jimi Mistry, Thandie Newton, Jeremy Piven, Mark Strong, and Tom Wilkinson.

An American Crime

I just saw An American Crime. This film was so powerful. For those of you that do not know, this film is based on a true story. I was already aware of the story, because I grew up in Indianapolis, IN (where the actual events occurred). I remember that I first heard the story when I was in high school. My English teacher mentioned that he had once taught one of the Baniszewski children. I remember being stunned when he then told us the story of Sylvia Likens, but even knowing about and hearing the story could in no way prepare me to see the film. The whole thing was almost surreal. The way in which these people acted in no way made sense to me. To top it all off, throughout the film, there are small mentions of places, schools, locations, etc. that (being from Indianapolis) I recognized. To not only see such a heinous crime brought on screen, but to have it all brought close-to-home like that was terrifying. Every time I would get lost in the film, I would be reminded that this is something that really happened in my city just about twenty years before I was born. It was scary to think about.

The film itself was done really well. I do not think that I have ever seen Catherine Keener in such a powerful role. She really did an amazing job. The children in this film were also all very good. This film deals with such adult subject-matter that I would have been surprised it the filmmakers had decided to lesses the roles of some of the younger children. This was not the case, and after seeing the film, I really agree with the choices made by the filmmakers. The children are all really critical to the film. They all seemed to do a very good job of handling their roles. I could not imagine being put in the kind of position that those children were put in.

I would recommend this film to anyone, but I would also strongly recommend for anyone interested in seeing the film to not go in blind. You should definitely find out some informaiton about the story before deciding if you want to see it.

Australia

Okay, so I just saw Australia. I must say that I have some pretty mixed feelings about it. Cinematically, it was gorgeous and everything that one can expect from a Baz Luhrmann film. At first, my reaction to the very begining of the film was not that good. I thought that Nicole Kidman was so absolutely annoying that I wanted to slap her. Hugh Jackman did not seem to have any kind of character at all.

The film got much better pretty soon into the movie, though. It was kind of long, and really seemed like two complete stories in one film.

That said, I must say that I enjoyed it overall. Towards the end of the film, I was absolutely glued to the screen. The begining actually seems kind of funny after seeing the whole film. I guess I understand why she was made to be so annoying at the begining of the film. Even if I had not liked the movie, seeing it would have been worth it just to see Hugh Jackman in his last few moments on screen (see it and you'll know what I am talking about).

Has anyone else seen it? Post reactions in the comments.

Movie List

Movies that I still need to see before the Oscars:

The Visitor
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Wrestler
Tropic Thunder
Doubt
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Rachel Getting Married
Changeling
Frozen River
The Reader
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Bolt
Kung-Fu Panda
WALL-E
The Duchess
Slumdog Millionaire
Australia
Defiance
Iron Man
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges

Currently Reading for Class:

Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee
and
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Currently Watching:
The 10th Kindgom

Currently Listening to:
Linkin Park

Doubt

I just saw Doubt, and actually I must say that I was not extremely impressed. The problem is that I have seen so many absolutely amazing movies recently. The bar, for me, has been raised to quite a height. The acting was very good. In fact, the acting was wonderful. This could be expected with such an stellar ensemble. I felt that Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman were especially good. The film was probably supposed to provoke further thought on the subject matter, any ideas that the film brought up left my head completely after the viewing. Above all, I love the time right after I see a really good film. Usually, I am left with all of these thoughts and questions. With Doubt, it just didn't happen for me. I don't know what it was. Something about the film left me unmoved.

Does any one disagree? I welcome opposing viewpoints in the comments.

Frost/Nixon

I just saw Frost/Nixon, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I think that the Oscars are going to be really interesting this year, because so far I have yet to really dislike a film. In fact, I have very much enjoyed all of the films that I have seen recently.

Frost/Nixon was especially enjoyable. I must say that I really like films like this that are based on true stories. They prove to be much more interesting. The recent film, Milk is another very good film that is based on a true story. Although the actual events of the film took place years ago, they do not loose any of their resonance with events of today. Although I already knew the outcome, I found myself mesmerized by the end of the film. I actually cried, "Yes!" aloud when Frost (played by Michael Sheen) brought out his ace at the end of the final interview.

The cast was absolutely phenomenal. Frank Langella (Nixon) completely and utterly transformed himself. The cast was wonderful and worked really well as an ensemble, but feel that I must specifically talk about Michael Sheen. I find myself completely intrigued by him as an actor. Lately I have been looking at the many different roles that he has taken upon himself. He is so extremely versatile. After IMDB-ing him I found that I had actually seen many of his films without really associating him with them. Each role seems to take on a complete life of its own, while leaving all previous roles behind.

So, I would definitely recommend this film to anyone. When I first saw a short trailer for the film, I was not very interested, but I am very glad that I changed my mind.

Revolutionary Road

I just saw Revolutionary Road and absolutely LOVED it! I was a little disappointed. As some of you may know, when the movie was first announced two years ago I was extremely excited about the Kate and Leo reunion. I found out that the film would be an adaptation of the novel of the same name and went online trying to find out something about what the film would be about. I accidentally happened upon a full synopsis of the book and read it before I realized that it would give the full plot. This was a major disappointment. Those of you that know me know that I hate it when endings are ruined for me.

This, I soon realized upon actually seeing the film, was a minor setback. Although the story and plot were amazing, the power and depth that the entire cast (but especially Kate and Leo) brought to their characters and to every scene is something that could not be ruined by a synopsis. This was definitely a character-driven film.

I encourage everyone to see this film and all films nominated for Oscars. I always have much more fun watching if I fill out a ballot first. I recently made a list of all the films that I still have to see before the Oscars and will be reviewing them here. Also, if anyone has any films recommendations that were left off of the nominations list, please put them in the comments.

V. Innocentia Veritas Viat Fides Circumdederunt me inimici mei

By Sir Thomas Wyatt

Who list his wealth and ease retain,
Himself let him unknown contain.
Press not too fast in at that gate
Where the return stands by disdain,
For sure, circa Regna tonat.

The high mountains are blasted oft
When the low valley is mild and soft.
Fortune with Health stands at debate.
The fall is grievous from aloft.
And sure, circa Regna tonat.

These bloody days have broken my heart.
My lust, my youth did them depart,
And blind desire of estate.
Who hastes to climb seeks to revert.
Of truth, circa Regna tonat.

The bell tower showed me such sight
That in my head sticks day and night.
There did I learn out of a grate,
For all favour, glory, or might,
That yet circa Regna tonat.

By proof, I say, there did I learn:
Wit helpeth not defence too yerne,
Of innocency to plead or prate.
Bear low, therefore, give God the stern,
For sure, circa Regna tonat.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

I just saw Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and loved it! It seemed a little slow at times. It is a prequel, and there it does not bring a huge amount to the story that was not already known. I still really enjoyed it. If possible, I think that it even made Underworld: Evolution, the second film in the trilogy more enjoyable. Now I want to go back and watch it again with that new knowledge that I have gained from this film. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone, but especially to Underworld fans.

I especially liked Michael Sheen. I thought that he did a really good job as Lucian, and although Kate Beckinsale was obviously not in it, I thought that it was really cool that she did some of the narration.

Currently Reading for Class:

The Professor's House by Willa Cather
and
Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Currently Watching:
The Tudors Season Two

Currently Listening to:
The Ting Tings

Oscars

This time of year is always my favorite for two reasons. Reason number one is my birthday, and reason number two is the Academy Awards. This year, I was kind of disappointed. For those of you who do not know, the nominations were all announced the other day. Here are the nominations:

81st Academy Awards main nominations:

Best Picture:

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Frost/Nixon'

'Milk'

'The Reader'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Actor:

Richard Jenkins 'The Visitor'

Brad Pitt 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Frank Langella 'Frost/Nixon'

Sean Penn 'Milk'

Mickey Rourke 'The Wrestler'

Best Actress:

Anne Hathaway 'Rachel Getting Married'

Melissa Leo 'Frozen River'

Meryl Street 'Doubt'

Angelina Jolie 'Changeling'

Kate Winslet 'The Reader'

Best Supporting Actor:

Josh Brolin 'Milk'

Robert Downey Jr. 'Tropic Thunder'

Philip Seymour Hoffman 'Doubt'

Heath Ledger 'The Dark Knight'

Michael Shannon 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Supporting Actress:

Amy Adams 'Doubt'

Penelope Cruz 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

Viola Davis 'Doubt'

Taraji P. Henson 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Best Director:

David Fincher 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Ron Howard 'Frost/Nixon'

Gus Van Sant 'Milk'

Stephen Daldry 'The Reader'

Danny Boyle 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Animated Feature Film:

'Bolt'

'Kung Fu Panda'

'Wall-E'

Best Adapted Screenplay:

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Doubt'

'Frost/Nixon'

'The Reader'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Original Screenplay:

'Frozen River'

'Happy-Go-Lucky'

'In Bruges'

'Milk'

'Wall-E'

Now, the reason that I am annoyed deals directly with Revolutionary Road or the lack of its presence on the list. I am especially annoyed with what happened with Kate Winslet's nomination. Those of you that saw the recent golden globes know that She won for best actress (for Revolutionary Road) and best supporting actress (for The Reader). If you read the Academy Award nominations, you will notice that she has been nominated for best actress for The Reader. Her role in The Reader is a supporting role, so it seems unlikely that she will win. This really bugs me. She would have such a better chance of winning were she to be nominated in the supporting actress category. I of course also think that she should be nominated for Revolutionary Road. I do not understand how she could be left off the list.

Does any one else have any opinions on the nominations?

Weekend

So this weekend was majorly fun for two reasons...

First of all, Amanda and her friend Liz came to visit this weekend. It was not a total surprise, but it was kind of a surprise, because I only found out towards the beginning of last week, so it was not something that we had been planning for a while. It was really amazing to see Amanda, because until she left again, I had no idea how much I had missed her (even though it has only been a couple of weeks since we had seen each other). We also got to do some fun tourist-y things that I have not really gotten a chance to do since people who live in Chicago are apparently not allowed to be tourist-y.

On Saturday we mostly just walked around downtown (specifically Michigan Avenue) and then hung out. On Sunday we went to the Sears Tower, Navy Pier and then just hung out for a while. Hanging out around Michigan Avenue was probably the most fun. I don't have any classes downtown this semester, so it was the first time that I had been downtown in a little while. Also, I made a major acquisition at the Disney Store. I found a really pretty ceramic mug with Princess Jasmine on it.

And now for the second thing that made this weekend so wonderful...
I like to think that I helped to facilitate the new love of an old television show for two friends. See, Amanda and my roommate Sarah are both Roswell newbies. Amanda was able to see a little of the first season on Saturday night. Sarah and I just finished season two. I really love it when there is something that I love and care about, and then it turns out the people that I know like the same thing. Plus, this meant that I got to spend quite a large portion of the three day weekend watching Roswell. What could be better?

Currently Reading for Class:
The Professor's House by Willa Cather
and
Oedipus Rex

Currently Watching:
Roswell Season Two

Currently Listening to:
Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins by Rupert Everett

Echo

Echo by Christina Rossetti

Come to me in the silence of the night;
Come in the speaking silence of a dream;
Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright
As sunlight on a stream;
Come back in tears,
O memory, hope and love of finished years.

O dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter-sweet,
Whose wakening should have been in Paradise,
Where souls brim-full of love abide and meet;
Where thirsting longing eyes
Watch the slow door
That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live
My very life again though cold in death;
Come back to me in dreams, that I may give
Pulse for pulse, breath for breath:
Speak low, lean low,
As long ago, my love, how long ago.

The Golden Globes 2009

The other night I watched the Golden Globes with my roommate, Brittany. I couldn't help but notice several things...

1. Seeing Mickey Rourke now makes me sad.

2. Kate and Leo are no doubt having an affair.

3. Drew Barrymore is back on the sauce.

4. No matter what Colin Farrell does, he will always be adorable.

Let me explain. I am a huge Mickey Rourke fan. I must admit that I was originally drawn to him because of his undeniable hotness is some of his early works. He is of course undeniably a wonderful actor. I don't mean to take say that he isn't, but let's face it. He was gorgeous. What happened. There was something so sad about his acceptance speech (watch in high definition if you can) last night. Am I the only one that felt this way? Parts were so moving, but so sad at the same time.



Okay, the second thing that I noticed isn't exactly as serious at the first. And perhaps I am exaggerating the facts because I am way too much of a fan of Titanic. I can't help it. Ever since it came out, it has been one of my favorite films. I am also a huge Kate Winslet. I am so happy that she might finally win an Oscar. I must say that her acceptance speech (watch in high definition if you can) for her role in Revolutionary Road was my absolute favorite part of the entire night.

I don't really think that my third comment is really news to anyone. I couldn't find any clip of her and Jessica Lange. I am pretty sure that someone gave her tons of coffee and told her to sit still and smile so that she could then shown every couple of seconds during Steven Spielberg's speech in the hopes of cleaning up her image.

Lastly, as always, Colin Farrell is absolutely adorable no matter what he does. At one point while presenting an award he had a little sniffle and then adorably said that he just had a cold and wasn't sniffling for the reason that he used to. I love when people can get their act together and are able to laugh about themselves. This wasn't his most adorable moment. I would have to say that his acceptance speech absolutely clinches his adorable status.

I of course could go on and on about the golden globes, but am sure that no one seriously would want to read it. Does anyone else have and thoughts on these four observations? Does anyone have anything else that they wanted to add? Any Oscar guesses?

Currently Reading for Pleasure:
Suite Scarlet by Maureen Johnson

Currently Reading for Class:
The Professor's House by Willa Cather
and
Oedipus Rex

Currently Watching:
Rome Season Two

Currently Listening to:
Anything Goes by John Barrowman

Movie Reviews: Part Two

I rented a lot of movies that I had never seen before over winter break. I tried to remember all of them but could only remember about half of them:

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Death at a Funeral
The Hustler
Dancing at the Blue Iguana
The Owl and the Pussycat
Deception
Sweet Bird of Youth
Silence Becomes You
Fear
Love in the Time of Cholera
Cool Hand Luke
Tank Girl
Big Trouble in Little China
Amadeus
Torn Curtain
The Strangers
Prom Night
Mad Money
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: the Beginning

I don't really feel like talking about all of them. All of the titles are linked in case anyone feels like checking one out. I am only going to talk about the ones that I especially enjoyed.

First of all, I absolutely loved Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I used to really not like westerns all that much, but as I am getting older, I am learning to appreciate them more and more. I also don't think that you can really go wrong with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. They worked really well together in the film.

I don't know why I had put off seeing Love in the Time of Cholera for so long. I ended up really liking it. It was a little long at parts, but overall was really well-done. I haven't had a chance to read the book that it is based on yet, but I really want to.

I was really surprised by the Strangers. I had seen the trailer before, but it didn't really seem that spectacular. I ended up watching it in a friend's basement with all of the lights turned off. I was absolutely horrified. The movie was brilliant. It was really scary without showing tons of gore in the way that many horror films do today.

I had heard many good things about Tank Girl (especially from my roommate, Brittany), but I had never gotten a chance to see it. I really liked it. I feel like a dork for saying so, but I must say that the random Kangaroo guy is, I believe, Ice-T's absolute best role ever.

Lastly, I really enjoyed Cool Hand Luke. I know that it is a classic, so I am not exactly original in my praise of it, but I just really enjoyed it. As you have probably noticed, there are quite a few Paul Newman films on the list. I realized over break how few of his films I've seen. I just kept getting more and more amazed by what a wonderful actor he is.

So, that's all for now. If anyone saw any one has seen any really good movies recently or wants to comment on any of the films mentioned, please do so in the comments.

Currently Reading for Pleasure:
Death by Latte by Linda Gerber

Currently Watching:
Skins Season Two

Currently Listening to:
The Killers

Movie Reviews: Part One

I left school for winter break with a huge list of movie that I wanted to see. It was quite an undertaking, and I am actually kind of surprised by how well I did. Here is a copy of the list (The titles in bold are the ones that I actually ended up seeing):

Marley and Me
Australia
Milk
The Tale of Despereaux
Bolt
Bedtime Stories
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Valkyrie
Seven Pounds
The Day the Earth Stood Still
The Spirit

Okay, so now that I actually look at the list, perhaps I did not do as well as I had hoped, but I still have time. Bedtime Stories was okay. I actually probably would not have had any interest in it at all if not for Russell Brand. I was not disappointed, but my expectations were pretty low. I really enjoyed seeing Guy Pearce in a comedic role. I also really liked Lucy Lawless. She isn't in much these days. It was really nice seeing her as the funny villain.

I saw Bolt right before I left to go home. I LOVED it. It was slightly biased in its portrayal of cats, but anyone that knows me knows that I don't really like cats that much either, so it was all good.

The Tale of Despereaux really surprised me. I really wasn't expecting much. I had never read or heard anything about the book prior to seeing the film. I just thought that it looked cute. I came out of the theatre absolutely loving it. I felt the the story and characters were extremely rich and three-dimensional, especially for a film for children. I also felt that the casting was genius. I only really knew about a few of the actors prior to seeing it. I was really surprised by all of the famous cameos. I really feel that the perfect people were cast for each role.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was also really good. It is based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I think that it would be really interesting to know what was taken from the story and what was added. The story was unique but not all that compelling. There was not a whole lot to it that was not originally given away in the trailer, but it was still enjoyable. I feel really silly saying this, but there were parts where Brad Pitt was so attractive that it almost hurt. Such a large part of the film was spend with him in old age makeup. I almost forgot how young he looks. I also though that he did an amazing job towards the beginning of the film where he had to be a very young boy in an old man's body. I am constantly surprised by what a wonderful actor he it. I really don't think that he gets enough credit.

I also absolutely loved Milk. I did not know much about Harvey Milk prior to seeing the film. I only knew a few general things. The cast was wonderful. They all complemented each other really well. I was really surprised by how much chemistry Sean Penn and James Franco had. I think that they both did an amazing job. The film was also really well-written. It is based on a true story and is a very serious story, but there was also a lot of comedy thrown in. I really enjoyed seeing it.

I didn't get a chance to see any of the other films on my list, but as I said before, I still have time. I did end up renting a lot of movies that I had never seen before. I will talk more about those in part two.

Current Project:
Deadly Little Secret Soundtrack Contest

Currently Reading for Pleasure:
Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

Currently Watching:
Skins Season Two

Currently Listening to:
The Cribs

Back at School

I am back at school now. I figured that I might as well come back early since my parents work during the week and most of my friends start school earlier than I do. I woke up this morning feeling very productive. I went to the bank to deposit a check. I went to the post office to mail out a few packages. I went to the grocery only to realize that all of the school groceries were closed. I didn't really feel like making another trip to Dominick's, so right now I am living on Red Bull and Wheat Thins.

I woke up this morning to realize that it had snowed while I slept. Campus is almost entirely deserted. It is actually kind of nice. I have some time to be alone and think while getting ready for next semester to begin. I really enjoyed visiting my family for a while, but going "home" hasn't really felt like going home for a while. It isn't as relaxing as it used to be. I don't really feel like I am at home. I feel like I am visiting.

Did anyone do anything particularly exciting over break?

Current Project:
Deadly Little Secret Soundtrack Contest

Currently Reading for Pleasure:
Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Stolarz

Currently Watching:
Rome Season One

Currently Listening to:

Dialect Tapes