Out & About: Crazy Heart, Edge of Darkness, It's Complicated, Poltergeist: The Legacy

Out on DVD the past week was Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges in Oscar winning role. Then there's Mel Gibson's Edge Darkness. It's Complicated is also out this...I don't see me being interested in this movie...two rich middle age people so bored they start an affair with their exs...yeah no. And lastly there's Poltergeist: The Legacy Season 1. I'm glad the series got a DVD release here in Singapre. I watched it a lot as a kid...and I'd love to check it out again.

The Scene: Dead Poets Society - Truth Like a Blanket That Always Leaves Your Feet Cold

Dead Poet's Society is one of my favourite movies. And this is one of the scenes that definitely stood out. Todd played by a very young Ethan Hawke is the new boy in school, he's timid, nervous, awkward and fearful. And in this scene, Keating played by Robin Williams puts Todd in front of the class to face his fear and brings out a poem and the artist that lies within him. Raw and powerful. "Don't you forget this" Keating said. I didn't.

The Cake Eaters (2007)

In the Cake Eaters, Kristen Stewart plays Georgia a teenage girl with a degenerative muscular disease that strains her movements and speech. Her performance is actually very good. There's always I thought, a natural awkwardness with Stewart, and that somehow fits in this role very well...and she was also able to control her movements in such away that makes Georgia's disease believable. Georgia's a pretty strong character too. So you won't find it hard to root for her. She doesn't wallow in self pity because of her condition...nor look forward to the future in an overly positive manner. She just is, the way she is. And that's it. And before its too late, before her disease completely takes her, she wants to lose her virginity. And that's where Beagle comes in as the "love" interest played by Aaron Stanford (he was Pyro in X-Men remember), the son of the local butcher. Stanford does well in his role too. His Beagle is shy and awkward and meeting Georgia is his first step to having a life outside off taking care of his mother who recently passed away and helping his father with the business.

I liked the chemistry between the Georgia and Beagle. All their awkwardness seemed real. And you'll want to follow with their story and see how their relationship develops. I wish the movie sticked with them, with what's good. But instead the story branches out and follow other characters like Beagle's dad and Georgia's grandmother, and Beagle's brother Guy trying to restart his relationship with his ex-fiancee. Which is a pity, because none of them were at all interesting in comparison, nor that well acted. Particularly Jayce Bartok as Guy. His delivery was bad. His face is a complete blank. His eyes were emptiness...I have no idea what he was trying to emote from one scene to the next...because he looks the same in every one of them...even when Guy was seeing his girlfriend crying. Terrible terrible acting. All I was thinking while watching...was how did this guy end up in this role...then I was like...OH!...he wrote the whole movie.

But overall a pretty decent film. Like I said, I think they should have given more of the movie to Georgia and Beagle. And honestly I think it would have been interesting if they have gone further into the relationship between Georgia and her mother...we certainly see some struggle there.

Random Rants/Thoughts: Movies That Would Greatly Enhanced From Being Viewed In The Theaters

Most of the movies I've watch are watched at home on DVD or just something that had aired on TV that particular time. Marc from Go See Talk (read here) had posted on how much "Magic” some films lose from the theater to your home. As you can see my situation is reversed as I rarely do watch movies in theaters ( being the way they were meant to be watched and experience). In fact, most of the movies I tend to gravitate to, I think are just fine without the "magic" a movie theater can give. So in my case, I think, what are the movies that would greatly enhanced from being viewed in the theaters. Here's a random list of movies that I already greatly enjoyed,but never did get a chance to watch them in the theaters, just from the top of my head.

Pan's Labyrinth

Because it was beautiful and haunting. The music too was just amazing. I would love to watch it in an environment that would optimize how simply great it is.

Wanted

This movie was horribly fun for me. Just fast and furious and exhilarating...with guns blazing and cars flipping and crashing. A great audio would certainly enhance the viewing experience.

Let the Right One In

So the horrors here are quiet and subtle...but hearing all the tiny sounds, every little creek, in a dark cold theater would certainly up the eeriness of the movie.

Gladiator

Because this is one of the rare epic movies I enjoyed. And the first and only time I saw it was in my bedroom, it was aired on our local channel which meant it was undeniable edited a lot and on a small size TV. Would love to hear all the clanking of metal and the roar of the huge coliseum as the gladiators step in. And not to forget this too has an amazing score.

V for Vendetta

There's a theatrical element to this movie seeing how V is...I guess its just meant to be seen to be seen in a theater almost. And with most of the movies I've listed, its better crisp audio that I crave. To hear the swooshing of the cape as V goes all dramatic, to the twirling and the swishing of the daggers as it cuts through the air...that would be awesome.

Out & About: Alice in Wonderland, Bright Star, Dear John, Invictus, Kisses, Valentine's Day...

Lots of DVD releases the past week. First up is Alice in Wonderland, which also comes in Just the Movie edition. Then there's Bright Star...which I want to watch. Its supposed to be gorgeous. Dear John, one of the latest Nicholas Sparks sap is also out on DVD. Next is Kisses a little Irish film. I saw the trailer for it, and it looks sweet...hopefully in a good movie way. Invictus and A Serious Man was also released the past week. And wrapping it up is Serious Moonlight starring Meg Ryan...and the very star studded Valentine's Day.

The Scene: Before Sunset - Its not even about you anymore. Its about that time, that moment in time that is forever gone

This is one my favorite scenes in Before Sunset. Finally Celine confesses how much that day meant to her. It just the flow of emotions and truths of where they are now that is just soo honest.

Posters Galore: True Blood

The new posters for season 3 of True Blood have steadily been released weekly, the last few weeks...and I really like this most recent one...Nice eyes...have that in your room. Ok fine...I guess pretty much like all of their posters. Indeed True Blood have always had very clever and humorous marketing stuff, very in tune with how the series is. Check out one of their humorous ads I found at this forum I frequent, below.

Not sure which season the ad was for...but its cute right. And aww...look some of the stakes have been snapped. Now I wonder when we in Singapore will get Season 3.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 27. Before Sunset

This movie took me by surprise. I had watched Before Sunrise a few years back, and did not quite like it. Maybe I was too young…or maybe I just didn’t like it because it just wasn’t for me. So when I saw Before Sunset…I was expecting the same…to not be impressed by it. But on the contrary it blew me away.

Sometimes I think Before Sunset doesn’t even seem like a movie for me. Its as if we are merely there, following this two people meet again, 9 years after their last meeting. And we are reconnecting with them just as they are with each other. The movie. if you are familiar with Before Sunrise…is just conversations after conversation between the two characters. But the conversations they have, are some of the most absorbing I have seen on screen…I guess you can say…it’s a bunch of nothings…just about you know, their life, their hopes, their dreams, their failures and above all their regret about the failure to meet that day soo many years ago.…but they are so raw and honest and insightful…and even in their initial awkwardness, the characters are soo comfortable in each other’s company…the chemistry between the two actors are amazing. I mean really, these are the types of conversations you’d want to have with the people in your life.

Maybe I’m just at a certain age in my life that I'm able to understand and relate to where these characters are coming from…or maybe its simply because this is, simply a very well made film…and there is no doubt that it is…there’s just soo much thought put into everything. Whatever it is, I absolutely adore Before Sunset. Before Sunrise is not exactly the type of film that would get sequels made…so I’m glad Before Sunset was green lit and that we got to see how brilliant it is.

Out & About: Daybreakers, Extraordinary Measures, Nine...

Out on Dvd the past week is Daybreakers. I saw this in the theaters a few months back. It was enjoyable enough. It had build an interesting world where vampires were the main species...if only it had a stronger story. Next is Extraordinary Measures...horrible poster for the movie by the way...doesn't say anything what its suppose to be about. Then there's also Nine...a big star studded musical that was a big big flop last year. And lastly there's The Spy Next Door starring Jackie Chan...it seems all the action stars need at least one crappy kids film in their filmography.

Random Look at Movie Costumes - In the Mood for Love

I think it can be said there are two things that was a stand out in this movie. One was the music, which was just enchanting...you almost see Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung go up and down those narrow stairs when that music starts. And the other was the cheongsams that Maggie Cheung wore. They have a classic look about them and seem simple enough, but the tight fit certainly flatters a woman's figure. And these ones just seem to fit Maggie like a glove don't they. Hey maybe they were sewn on her...I'd imagine it was struggle to get in and out of them...but they look extremely pretty...and certainly well constructed.

The Scene: Leon: The Professional - I think in a few minutes you'll regret you never said anything

Great scene. One of my favourites. Its so incredibly intense. There's just this determination in Mathilda that we see here, that just doesn't break...it comes from someone who has lost pretty much everything. Of course we also see what Leon is trying to do by refusing Mathilda's contract job and pushing her away...he's trying to preserve what's left of her childhood/innocence...revenge would not be wise. But Mathilda being who she is, in a crazy suicidal fashion takes it a step further, choosing an action that makes it impossible for Leon to deny he cares for her...and would eventually do what she wants him to do. And Mathilda has the cheek to say in the end "I win".

Love Movies, Check This Out: Movie Costumes

I know I have been posting posts on movie costumes lately...and if you have liked that and want plenty more  here are some really excellent sites dedicated to movie costumes.

Clothes on Film - Features plenty of posts on clothes on film.

Padawan's Guide - Star Wars have some of the most amazing out of this world costumes, and this is one of the most, if not the most comprehensive Star Wars costume site.

The Costumer's Guide - Great site. It has a lot of pictures of movies costumes from various movies including exhibit pictures.

Out & About: Armored, The Tooth Fairy and Uncertainty

So out on dvd the past week is Armored. It has some recognizable names in it but I've honestly never heard of this title. Then theres also The Tooth Fairy...another one of The Rock's family friendly movies. And lastly Uncertainty starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also released...not really sure what its about...reviews for it wasn't quite great, but I think I might just check it out.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 26. Michael Clayton

One of the reasons I watched this was because I heard that George Clooney was great in it…and that of course the movie itself was also supposedly very good…aside from that I knew very little of what the movie was about. So I was pleasantly surprised that this movie was nothing short of brilliant. There are certain movies that have just a wonderful script…where all the lines are just soo sharp and fascinating that you’ll want to catch everything that’s said…this is it! The dialogue, everything is just ear candy…from Arthur Eden’s mad guilt rants to Michael Clayton’s lawyer talk. A movie with a demanding script requires outstanding acting and so it does. Clooney as the title role and Tom Wilkinson as Eden delivers straight on and Tilda Swinton too was just great as Karen Crowder. That scene where we see her character getting ready and practicing her lines was a definite stand out revealing soo much of the character in such a subtle way. Michael Clayton is an intricately woven, thrilling, suspenseful drama that is just one of those movies that you catch new stuff with every viewing.

Random Rants/Thoughts: Deadly Little Girls

Fresh off the heels of her role as Hit-Girl, Chloe Moretz is once again playing a deadly little girl...well undead more likely. As this time she's no longer an assassin but a vampire in Let Me In...and this week the first official still from the movie was released.

The picture is good but I'm not really loving it. Sure she's got dried blood on the chin and despite the eerie backdrop...she doesn't quite look too frightening nor dead serious. But I'm still really anticipating this movie...hopefully still good as the Swedish adaptation.

Another movie,Hanna, also about a hit girl, released its first movie still a few weeks ago...revealing Saoirse Ronan as the title character. I've got to say, I like this picture more. Ronan seems so natural in the exotic, I assume assassin garb (I think I see the fletching of some arrows). And she has those piercing blue eyes that is all determine and serious. I know very little of this movie...but after this first look...I'm excited to see it.

Now, I've also just watched Leon:The Professional again. I still love it as I always have. And as we're on the topic of deadly little girls...I so wish to see one where one has grown up. And that would be Mathilda. Especially since Natalie Portman is still currently the right age and fit to play the older Mathilda. It would be great to see that happening...I hope it does. You can read my other posts on Leon here and here.

Random Look at Movie Costumes - Atonement

Look at this dress...Yes this was the dress, in a poll done in 2008, was voted the best film costume of all time. I mean really? In the history of cinema...this was the best? More likely it was just the most recent one they remembered seeing on screen.

Let me tell you what I thought the first time I saw this emerald green dress. Ugly...is Keira Knightley wearing a handkerchief. Is that suppose to pass off as clothes...it basically just hangs on her. There is no shape...and from the pictures where Keira is in motion...the dress doesn't even look good then. And whats with the tail? being brought and tied in the front.

And look at the front here...doesn't it just look like the plainest thing ever. There, it kinda even look like those fancy table cloth.

Ok fine...the colour is gorgeous...and the bottom back part of the dress looks pretty spectacular. Beautiful train. So basically 1/4 of the dress works. So once again...best film costume of all time? Err...thats a no for me. What would you consider best film costume of all time?

Random Look at Movie Costumes - The Other Boleyn Girl

Metropolitan Museum Of Art’s annual Costume Institute Ball happened earlier this week. The purpose? I guess to celebrate great costumes?...and this years theme is American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity. But seriously...go and look at some of the pictures of the celebrities who attended the event. You'll see some of the most weird hideous looking dresses ever.

On the other hand, here's actually some beautiful costumes to look at instead. From the Other Boleyn Girl...

Same dresses, different colours.

Once again, identical design for the sisters' dressing gowns (is that what its called?). I kinda think the costume design looks oriental, especially with the wide sleeves. And the design of the fabric itself look rather like batik print. This was the only costume in the movie that didn't quite look like it belong in Tudor England...but nonetheless it looks beautiful.

And it wasn't just the girls that dressed well. Eric Bana looks dashing in Henry's garb.

Gorgeous green dress with a big full skirt. The thing with the costumes in this movie is that their colours all rich and luxurious.

Trailer Watch: Easy A

The teaser (or issit just a clip?) for Easy A came out last week. Its I think, a funny little thing. It pretty much just introduces a character...Emma Stone's character, as a goofy teenage girl. But other than showing us a cute girl on screen...it gives us nothing on what the movie is about.And oh...looking at the cast right now, once again its filled with 20 somethings playing teenagers.

The Scene: An Education - It's not enough to educate us anymore Ms. Walters. You've got to tell us why you're doing it.

There are certain films that are pretty much talking films...with plenty of dialogue...this is one of them. And Carey Mulligan as Jenny has some of the more juicier lines in this movie. She is after all playing a very academically smart and a very eloquent and confident teenage girl.

Now one of my favourite scenes is the one where where Jenny rebuts and stood up against her headmistress by saying "It's not enough to educate us anymore Ms. Walters. You've got to tell us why you're doing it." I can just imagine little girls who are in the midst of their 'teen angsty' period seeing Jenny as their poster girl. Now I like that scene not because of that, but because how much it shows the level of naivety of this supposedly 'intelligent' girl. And it also kinda bugs me that the headmistress couldn't give a good enough reason for Jenny to complete her education. Now...I'm not an educator...but I think I could give some good ones. Let me see... Jenny is willing to completely throw away her education to marry David, go to parties, eat good food and travel. Sure that is fun, but she isn't really going to be anything really right? What she's going to be basically is just a wife...be known as just somebody's wife...and not be anything other than that? And what happens when there is no more husband...what do you think happens to a person who is just, a wife, after that?

And well she also argues that nobody does anything worth doing with a degree...at least no woman...I get that, it was the 60's there wasn't a whole lot of opportunities then for a woman. But so? Isn't it better to go out and get an education, so when there is that open door...you will be that woman who is able to step up and do something worth doing. Is that not better? Rather than just be defined as somebody's wife? An accessory to some little dinner or party. Wasn't she just that for David. Just as Helen was for Danny...she never did see it that way did she?

Out & About: Georgia O'Keeffe, The Lovely Bones and The Men Who Stare at Goats

Out on DVD the past week is Georgia O'Keeffe, a movie I've never heard before. The Lovely Bones is out too. Due to the bad reviews, it wasn't exactly a movie I'd go to the theaters to see...soo now I'd finally get to rent it and watch. And finally out now in stores is Men Who Stare at Goats...the other George Clooney movie that was released last year.