Boyhood is nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a supporting role (Ethan Hawke), Actress in a supporting role (Patricia Arquette), Directing and Writing (Richard Linklater), Film Editing (Sandra Adair).
What an interesting movie. I really enjoyed watching this young boy navigate life from the age of 6 to 18. The story telling is really good with a few slow parts but that could be because the movie is so long that I needed a break in the middle. At 2 hours and 45 minutes, I do advise treating yourself to an intermission otherwise you might give up on the film half way through.
I find it really interesting that this film was filmed over a 12 year period. I loved seeing how Mason and Samantha grew with each new time period and felt so bad for the string of bad relationships that Patricia Arquette's character found herself in.
I like the ending message of the film; that moments seize us. I like to think Mason has a great future ahead of him and will be happy someday.
Boyhood won a Golden Globe for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress.
I'm starting to notice a reoccurring theme in my life.
My education in Greeley Colorado was....lacking. I'm sad to say I did not learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in school and I'd really like to know why since I had his birthday off starting in 1986. My Vietnam Veteran Father took great offense to this because I was required to attend school on Veteran's Day. Granted, my Dad was nearly killed in D.C. while serving in the Army because he was assigned to the riots that erupted in the late 60's. My knowledge of King was tainted by my Dad's experience.
I would liked to have learned in school, what I learned during the movie Selma and what my kids learned this week in 2nd grade.
Selma was eye opening for me, as you can imagine. I did not know Dr. King won a Nobel Peace Prize and that he wished for non-violent protests. I did not know politicians and law enforcement in the south were not following the law and were instead taking people's rights away. It is heartbreaking to see.
I highly recommend Selma to anyone who doesn't think they know what was happening in American in the 60's. I'd also advise you to bring tissues and a best friend. This film should not be viewed alone.
I'd also advise you to take some of what you see with a grain of salt because as is often the case with films made about actual events, I believe some of the facts are embellished for entertainment value. Did LBJ really say, 'Don't shit me George Wallace?'
I'd like to know more about what happened between LBJ and MLK and if the President really did drag his feet on the Voting Rights Act. It seems like so much turmoil and deaths could have been avoided. My husband (who received better schooling than me) tells me LBJ didn't have the authority to do anything and it was in the states hands. In that case, all I can say is, 'Are you shitting me George Wallace?'
Selma is nominated for Best Picture and for Original Song.
The Song, Glory by John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn and sung by John Legend and Common won a Golden Globe for Best Song.
Keith's parents and brother left early on Christmas Day. We had our fancy meal the night before and had lots of leftovers from the 4 days they were here so we decided to have popcorn for lunch and see Into The Woods.
I was completely unfamiliar with this movie that started as a play. My husband had seen the play a long time ago and owned the soundtrack. Needless to say, he was very excited to see it made into a movie.
The trailer for Into The Woods has not really let on that this is a musical. If you aren't expecting practically every single word to be sung, then you might be in for a shock. Do not see this film if you hate musicals or have a migraine. All of the singing might be too much for you.
My family happens to LOVE musicals and we were thrilled that even some of the talking scenes were sung by the actors. The set design and music is just wonderful. You really feel like YOU are in the woods and it isn't even 3D.
I have to tell you that I was very uncomfortable with the scenes between Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf (played really well by Johnny Depp). If you are taking small children to this film, you might find it inappropriate. Luckily, my kids only read into it that he wanted to EAT her. There is also lots of scary parts at the end but my kids took it in stride.
I absolutely loved Anna Kendrick in this film and Chris Pine is fun to look at. His hair is puffy and the song he performs with is brother is funny and clever. I cried during the scene in the tower with Rapunzel. 'Stay with Me' is one of my favorite songs from the film.
Into The Woods is nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep are also nominated for best actress and supporting actress. They should all win!
That large coke cost almost as much as my matinee ticket!
I love movies but I hardly ever get out to see them. I realized that this is the perfect opportunity for me to check out great movies and enrich my life! I am a cultured chick so I picked Woody Allen's new film first.
Blue Jasmine is about a high society gal (played by the amazing Cate Blanchett) who has to start her life over in San Francisco after her husband's ponzi scheme falls apart and she's left with nothing. Well....if you count a beautiful wardrobe, a Hermes bag and Louis Vuitton luggage as nothing!
Jasmine moves in with her sister and tries to get her life back on track. The poor thing has a little zanax and vodka problem and might be crazy. We learn about her old life in a series of flashbacks. For a little while, things are going great because Jasmine meets a substantial guy, he falls in love with her but it doesn't last.
And that's all I'm going to say about that!
Cate Blanchett did an amazing job with this character and I wouldn't be surprised if she gets nominated for an award. I have to say, I really enjoyed the movie even thought the old guy behind me said it was the worst movie he's ever seen. I suspect that is the reason I liked it!
I give Blue Jasmine 4 out of 5 Vodka Martinis with a Lemon Twist!
In November 2009, I was visiting Denver for Thanksgiving and I made a new friend. I first met Tina on twitter and we started reading each other's blogs and then she came to a bar to have a beer with me and it was Friendship at First Sight! Note: it appears that I've gone from wearing turquoise and black to my new favorite color...orange and black.
I've been back in Denver for six months now and Tina and I hadn't made the time to get together...until this past weekend.
We both wanted to see Black Swan and my favorite movie theater is halfway between our homes so she agreed to spend the afternoon with me. You may recall that this awesome theater has a VIP section. For an extra $3 you get to sit in leather reclining love seats and you have a waiter that brings you free soda and popcorn. They also have appetizers and a full bar. The prices are a little high but you get to drink booze while watching the movie!
Wine, Coke and Popcorn
Oh..another added bonus. A VIP restroom so that you don't have to go with the common folk! Tina went first and came back to report that she had gotten a personal escort to the restroom. I had to go too so she told me to look for the guy in the blue shirt. It turned out to be the General Manager of the theater and he would later tell all of our seat mates that he'd do anything to make their time enjoyable...including take them to the potty! Now THAT is customer service!
Tina is like the sister I wish I had! When we're together we talk and laugh and carry one like we've known each other for years! We were having the best time and our waiter was a darling and took our picture even though he said it was against the rules. I'm ALWAYS in violation so we went for it.
Aren't We Cute?
Not long after we took our seats....a young couple sat down next to us and brought their own soda and popcorn from concessions, even though the waiter is supposed to bring it to you. They didn't order drinks or food and as near as I could tell....didn't speak to each other.
We talked until the movie trailers started and we were trying very hard to whisper into each others ears if we had a comment during the movie. We did make some noise during the scary parts and gasped at some of the startling parts. BECAUSE WE'RE NORMAL!
As this couple got up to leave when the credits came on....the girl shot us the dirtiest look I've ever seen! Tina and I looked at each and I said...was that for US? WOW! We decided that she was pissed because 1) she didn't have as much fun as we did and 2) they paid $6 extra dollars to sit next to us and 3) the general manager didn't take her to the potty.
We were having so much fun that we walked down the mall to Slattery's Irish Pub where a Sawyer look- a-like was our bartender. We should have taken his picture....I think he would have let us. Dang it!
We're planning to get our hubby's together because they are both quiet, serious types with boisterous wives that like to have a good time!
Black Swan: I really liked this movie and I'm thrilled that Natalie Portman won best actress for her role (NINA) in this film. Barbara Hershey played the crazy, obsessive mother really well and the twists and turns kept me guessing. The only completely unbelievable part for me was when Nina's Mom buys her a sheet cake for getting the part. Who in their right mind buys a ballerina a cake? Don't see this film if you have issues with skinny girls that eat grapefruit, Winona Ryder, masturbation as homework, lesbians or swans.
Perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go. ~ Thomas Leroy in Black Swan
I love indie films. I love that they can take chances with story lines and that they are rough and imperfect. iKeith hates indie films but will often watch them with me. I love that about him.....
I've been waiting for Blue Valentine to come out for a long time. It was 10 years in the making and was screened at Sundance Film Festive last January. I'm a huge fan of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling so that fact that these two brilliant actors are in the film made me want to see it even more.
It finally opened in Denver this weekend. iKeith took the Weiss Kids to the boat show so I took my chance to see Blue Valentine...alone. This film is only playing in 4 theaters in the metro area and one of them is the fabulous Landmark at Greenwood Village. A little far for me to go for a movie but they have all you can eat popcorn and unlimited soda. They made a killing off from me because I was so riveted by the film that I never went back for seconds.
They also have a VIP experience which I will be partaking of next time (and arriving an hour early for) so that I can have a glass of wine and appetizers delivered to my leather, reclining love seat before the film begins.
I deserve the VIP experience.
I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone that wants to see it. I will just tell you that it's about a couple whose marriage is on the skids and how their story began. This film touched me because I've lived this story (minus having a child) and it was heartbreaking. What is unusual about this film is how it's effecting me hours later. I can't stop thinking about it and feeling really sad about what happened. I've cried three times since I've been home....and all I want to do is sit with a glass bottle of wine in the dark.
I don't recommend seeing this film if your marriage is on the rocks, you are prone to depresstion or you hate theme motels. And if an old lady sits next to you...move. There are some graphic sex scenes and you will be embarrassed for her. And for you.
But if you like complex stories that are told in an enlightened way with raw emotion and superb acting. Then run out now and see Blue Valentine.
P.S. Michelle William's needs a bra and a comb in this movie.
iKeith and I love to watch movies! We each have our favorite genre...I love romance, drama and comedy, he likes sci-fi, thrillers and zombie movies. I also have become interested in Indie Films since I started watching the Academy Awards last year. iKeith is such a good sport and will generally watch them with me...even though he doesn't like them. He has recently been subjected to The Kids Are All Right and Nine.
So...once in a while, I'll watching one of his sci-fi movies when I'm feeling sorry for him...like when he's sick. This last weekend was one of these times and he selected a movie called Monsters that was a 'before it hits theaters' offer for $6.99 on iTunes. Note: beware of these....I suspect the films aren't really going to theaters and someone is trying to make a buck. Or seven.
He Said:
This weekend, I watched the a preview of an upcoming sci-fi thriller Monsters Movie 2010. It is a British production where a man sent by his supervisor to ensure the daughter of their mutual employer returns to the United States from Mexico. There is one catch, Mexico has been invaded by extra-terrestrial aliens that are over one hundred meters tall. Both Mexico and the United States have joined forces to militarily eradicate the Earth of these unwanted invaders.
As the story quickly unfolds, the man and the woman arrange for the woman to board a ferry back to the U.S. The sexual tension between the two is too much for the man to handle and he finds the comfort of some lady of the night when the woman refuses to let him stay the night. This leads to him getting robbed and losing the woman's passport and ticket abroad the ferry. So of course, their only alternative is to trade the woman's engagement ring for passage back to the United States via a spine-tingling journey with nefarious characters and border coyotes through the dreaded infected zone.
I won't say much more about the plot, just in case you really want to watch this monstrosity, but perhaps I can dissuade you from wasting your time. The movie seems to be a metaphor for the horrors that are incurred when poor Mexicans risk all they have to find a better life in the United States by crossing the boarder illegally. The message seems to be that a wall will not stop the flow of aliens (illegal or extra-terrestrial,) so why bother. Regardless, the movie lacks on many levels and ends in a strange and bewildering way.
The tension seems contrived and seemed to borrow from Jurassic Park, Heart of Darkness (Apocalypse Now) and the Hurt Locker. But, the Jurassic Park scene fails because the movie is filmed in a quasi-documentary style (ala Hurt Locker.) Therefore, we as viewers know nothing terrible will really happen to the protagonists. The ride up the river in a war zone, reminiscent of Apocalypse Now, ends in a yawn with the underlying message of, "Why can't we just all get along."
If I were rating this movie on a scale of one to five with a clever unit of measurement based upon something from the movie, I would give it one tentacle probing the television set. It simply is not worth the money to see in the theaters.
She Said:
Monsters was billed as a science fiction romance drama so I agreed to watch it. My first clue that this wasn't going to turn out well, was when I saw what the lead character Sam was wearing. Short shorts, a fancy tank top and some fugly booties with wool socks.
I don't know what Sam was doing in Mexico and they never tell us but I find it hard to believe that a spoiled little rich girl would go to Alien infested Mexico without a purse and a jacket. Something tells me she wasn't there for the tequila! Somehow...she manages to find a spot for her passport (her undies?) and later a nice Mexican woman gives her a bag to hold all of her stuff.
There is some chemistry between Sam and the guy whose name I can't remember but I found out later it's because they are married in real life. She likes him, but rebuffs him and then he gets drunk and sleeps with someone else and she gets mad. If I had a dollar for every time this has happened to me...I'd have had this movie paid for.
Long boring story short...the US rocket (they stole a pic of the Ares-I launch) breaks apart over Mexico with Alien matter in it. They take over Mexico and cause havoc each time a US plane flies over. The Aliens hate the US. Andrew works for Sam's Daddy Warbucks and he's ordered to get her home safely. This movie chronicles the journey and many obstacles to get her home.
At one point...Sam and Andy watch two aliens make love and then go their separate ways without exchanging digits. Is there such as thing as an alien booty call?
So many unanswered questions!! I want to know what the hell Sam was doing in Alien infested Mexico and why she was running away from home. I want to know what she was doing when she got picked up by the Army in the very first scene. I hate this movie!
I give it 1/2 of an expensive diamond engagement ring!
