Alas, the last day of the challenge, which only mean one (or two) things. Well, the first is that I'm gonna need another gimmick to keep my insane posting rate alive (it's pretty much just me). The second is that today's theme is...
MY FAVORITE MOVIE
This is without a doubt Slumdog Millionaire. It really is my favorite movie. I have seen this movie about 20 or so times, and I notice different things each time. This most recent time was how representative of Indian poverty culture this movie actually is. Something this movies gets knocked for is the exploitation of poverty for art, so it was really shocking to realize that this isn't an abuse or exaggeration of its subject matter. That was cool and all, but there is no reason to read this without my favorite part of my favorite movie. But my favorite part of this movie is the story. The story is extremely campy (another criticism on this movie), but that's the best part of the movie. It is a feel-good movie that was expertly directed and rather well-acted. Of course, you have the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" gimmick, and a strong romance between Latika and Jamal, which are also very good. I think it's safe to say that I love almost every single aspect of this movie! Hopefully we'll talk again tomorrow, without the need for movies. But Slumdog Millionaire is the best ever!
P.S. I know that this post is excessively badly-written, but I couldn't care less. I just wanted to talk about my favorite movie. So there.
Showing posts with label 30 day movie challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 day movie challenge. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 29
As we wind down on our challenge together, I'd like to announce today's theme...
MY LEAST FAVORITE MOVIE
I'm gonna go with the Twilight Saga. I actually haven't seen a single movie, and there is a reason for this. I heard some of my friends talking about the books, and I was just so confused as to what was happening. Apparently, Edward was in love with Bella who was in love with Jacob and Edward, and both were apparently really hot. It was a muddled mess. But they said they were talking about the Twilight books. I hated that conversation so much, I swore off all things Twilight. I didn't read the books or watch the movies. So at least I have a story for why I have a least favorite movie. Maybe eventually I'll remove my ban from Twilight, but not yet. One day left and I hope you check in tomorrow! Peace out!
MY LEAST FAVORITE MOVIE
I'm gonna go with the Twilight Saga. I actually haven't seen a single movie, and there is a reason for this. I heard some of my friends talking about the books, and I was just so confused as to what was happening. Apparently, Edward was in love with Bella who was in love with Jacob and Edward, and both were apparently really hot. It was a muddled mess. But they said they were talking about the Twilight books. I hated that conversation so much, I swore off all things Twilight. I didn't read the books or watch the movies. So at least I have a story for why I have a least favorite movie. Maybe eventually I'll remove my ban from Twilight, but not yet. One day left and I hope you check in tomorrow! Peace out!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 28
Only two more days of this challenge, and I'm pretty sure you can guess what the last two days will talk about. But for today, considering yesterday's topics, the theme should be pretty obvious. Undoubtedly, today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME HAPPY
This is Love Actually. And not everything from Love Actually, just one specific story line. The cool part about this movie is that there are about 8 different story lines occurring around Christmas at once. The most joyful is a toss-up between Jamie (Colin Firth) learning Portuguese for his summer house maid, Aurelia (Lucia Moniz) and Daniel (Liam Neeson), whose still coping with the death of his wife Joanna, helping his son Sam (Thomas Sangster) get the girl of his dreams, also coincidentally named Joanna. These are the two stories that finish the movie because they are the strongest story lines in my opinion and they bring about the greatest sense of joy. I love the story between Jamie and Aurelia, and I think that it is very romantic that they both learn a new language to get across the language barrier (even though they could communicate and understand each other really well). But the story that makes me the happiest is Sam's chase for Joanna. Despite taking place less than two years after 9/11 (it actually is pretty ballsy and talks about 9/11 in the beginning), they still have an airport scene where Sam jumps security to tell the girl he loves how he feels. And it isn't cliched in the sense that they kiss (I mean, they're about ten years old) because Sam realizes that Joanna, who he thought would never recognize him, knows his name. And then, when Sam is escorted out of the airport, Joanna chases him back and gives him a loving kiss on the cheek. It is childhood love at its finest. A truly great movie for really any holiday.
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME HAPPY
This is Love Actually. And not everything from Love Actually, just one specific story line. The cool part about this movie is that there are about 8 different story lines occurring around Christmas at once. The most joyful is a toss-up between Jamie (Colin Firth) learning Portuguese for his summer house maid, Aurelia (Lucia Moniz) and Daniel (Liam Neeson), whose still coping with the death of his wife Joanna, helping his son Sam (Thomas Sangster) get the girl of his dreams, also coincidentally named Joanna. These are the two stories that finish the movie because they are the strongest story lines in my opinion and they bring about the greatest sense of joy. I love the story between Jamie and Aurelia, and I think that it is very romantic that they both learn a new language to get across the language barrier (even though they could communicate and understand each other really well). But the story that makes me the happiest is Sam's chase for Joanna. Despite taking place less than two years after 9/11 (it actually is pretty ballsy and talks about 9/11 in the beginning), they still have an airport scene where Sam jumps security to tell the girl he loves how he feels. And it isn't cliched in the sense that they kiss (I mean, they're about ten years old) because Sam realizes that Joanna, who he thought would never recognize him, knows his name. And then, when Sam is escorted out of the airport, Joanna chases him back and gives him a loving kiss on the cheek. It is childhood love at its finest. A truly great movie for really any holiday.
Friday, February 4, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 27
So as the challenge winds down, I'm starting to realize that I have written a lot about movies over the last couple of days. No matter, just a random thought. So today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME SAD
I have never actually cried during a movie or because of a movie. And I've seen plenty of tearjerkers like Field of Dreams and Dead Poets Society, but none of them have affected me as much as Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. Now I know this sounds stupid, but it really isn't. I grew up with Pokemon, so I would become sentimental when I'm thinking about it. But even more important, Ash is petrified by Mew's and Mewtwo's mega blast. And the saddest part is the futility in Pikachu's attempts to resurrect Ash. Even the Pokemon start crying at this horrible ordeal. Rewatch Pokemon the Movie and I dare you not to cry.
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME SAD
I have never actually cried during a movie or because of a movie. And I've seen plenty of tearjerkers like Field of Dreams and Dead Poets Society, but none of them have affected me as much as Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. Now I know this sounds stupid, but it really isn't. I grew up with Pokemon, so I would become sentimental when I'm thinking about it. But even more important, Ash is petrified by Mew's and Mewtwo's mega blast. And the saddest part is the futility in Pikachu's attempts to resurrect Ash. Even the Pokemon start crying at this horrible ordeal. Rewatch Pokemon the Movie and I dare you not to cry.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 26
This one is gonna be a quickie because back-to-back snow days means laziness. Today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME HORNY
I guess Basic Instinct is pretty hot. I'm not just talking about the infamous leg crossing scene, which may actually be the hottest scene ever filmed. I'm talking about the sexual tensions that are littered throughout the movie. Now you understand why I said quickie. I'm gonna go back outside. Back-to-back snow days at UC!
A MOVIE THAT MAKES ME HORNY
I guess Basic Instinct is pretty hot. I'm not just talking about the infamous leg crossing scene, which may actually be the hottest scene ever filmed. I'm talking about the sexual tensions that are littered throughout the movie. Now you understand why I said quickie. I'm gonna go back outside. Back-to-back snow days at UC!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 25
Snow Day! Which means today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT REMINDS ME OF A CERTAIN EVENT
I chose 10 Things I Hate About You because it just reminded me of high school. Though it was based on a Shakespearean play, I thought it was one of the more realistic looks into a teenager's high school life, primarily with respect to Cameron and Michael. The story with Kat and Patrick is sweet and romantic, but not that realistic. But Cameron and Michael deal with the reality of high school. Rejection, acceptance, gimmick-y love, bullying, parties. They have a realness behind them that no other character has. I also think that school would be so much more fun if we had a counselor like Ms. Perky and an English teacher like Mr. Morgan. Life in high school would have been ten times more entertaining. Throw some snowballs if you were hit by the blizzard, and live like a G6 (do it right like a blizzard!).
A MOVIE THAT REMINDS ME OF A CERTAIN EVENT
I chose 10 Things I Hate About You because it just reminded me of high school. Though it was based on a Shakespearean play, I thought it was one of the more realistic looks into a teenager's high school life, primarily with respect to Cameron and Michael. The story with Kat and Patrick is sweet and romantic, but not that realistic. But Cameron and Michael deal with the reality of high school. Rejection, acceptance, gimmick-y love, bullying, parties. They have a realness behind them that no other character has. I also think that school would be so much more fun if we had a counselor like Ms. Perky and an English teacher like Mr. Morgan. Life in high school would have been ten times more entertaining. Throw some snowballs if you were hit by the blizzard, and live like a G6 (do it right like a blizzard!).
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 24
This theme is gonna be so...fetch. Because today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT I QUOTE A LOT
I think, in general, the most quotable movie of the last decade is Mean Girls. It really has been one of the best (if not the best) written teen movies ever. Each line is delivered to perfection. Whether it's from Janis (He [Damien] is almost too gay to function), from Gretchen (her entire speech about Brutus stabbing Caesar was golden), from even Cady's father ("They're not supposed to leave when they're grounded"). Of course you had Regina George and Cady Heron with witty and snarky lines. But the two funniest scene-stealers were Kevin Gnapoor (his talent show rap, 'nuff said) and Karen ("It's like I have ESPN or something" is just one of the best lines ever). Amanda Seyfried did dumb blonde one-liners way before Heather Morris' Brittany S. Pierce on Glee. So watch Mean Girls and get ready Midwest for the massive blizzard (there is a 30% chance it is currently snowing in Chicago). Sound off!
A MOVIE THAT I QUOTE A LOT
I think, in general, the most quotable movie of the last decade is Mean Girls. It really has been one of the best (if not the best) written teen movies ever. Each line is delivered to perfection. Whether it's from Janis (He [Damien] is almost too gay to function), from Gretchen (her entire speech about Brutus stabbing Caesar was golden), from even Cady's father ("They're not supposed to leave when they're grounded"). Of course you had Regina George and Cady Heron with witty and snarky lines. But the two funniest scene-stealers were Kevin Gnapoor (his talent show rap, 'nuff said) and Karen ("It's like I have ESPN or something" is just one of the best lines ever). Amanda Seyfried did dumb blonde one-liners way before Heather Morris' Brittany S. Pierce on Glee. So watch Mean Girls and get ready Midwest for the massive blizzard (there is a 30% chance it is currently snowing in Chicago). Sound off!
Monday, January 31, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 23
Time to get a little sentimental...because today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT REMINDS ME OF SOMEONE
This has to be She's The Man, less for what the movie is about and more for the history for me behind that movie. This is the movie my friends and I watched all the time. We knew almost all of the lines in the movie ("Gouda!"). This was always one of the first movies we would always consider watching. It actually annoyed people who weren't that close to us because we knew the movie so well. Then of course it reminds me of residential high school life and I knew what life was like there, except with the weird principal. It reminds me of my friends from my old middle school who I watched this movie with and the friends who I lived with in my residential high school. But of course, who could forget the awesome cat-fight between three (three!!) girls? Pretty awesome right?
A MOVIE THAT REMINDS ME OF SOMEONE
This has to be She's The Man, less for what the movie is about and more for the history for me behind that movie. This is the movie my friends and I watched all the time. We knew almost all of the lines in the movie ("Gouda!"). This was always one of the first movies we would always consider watching. It actually annoyed people who weren't that close to us because we knew the movie so well. Then of course it reminds me of residential high school life and I knew what life was like there, except with the weird principal. It reminds me of my friends from my old middle school who I watched this movie with and the friends who I lived with in my residential high school. But of course, who could forget the awesome cat-fight between three (three!!) girls? Pretty awesome right?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 22
Once again, I'm at a loss for words. And apparently my fish's name is gonna be D'Brickashaw. Today's theme is...
A MOVIE FROM MY FAVORITE DIRECTOR
My favorite director has to be Edgar Wright because he is another one of those people in Hollywood who has never let me down. I just started watching Spaced and it is hilarious. He works with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (two of the funniest actors ever), and I just can't get enough of his movies. He is one of those guys who pays homage to the movies he spoofs. In Hot Fuzz, he created a legitimate buddy cop-action-comedy movie that lampoons the exact type of movie it is. The same goes for Shaun of the Dead, which is one of the best zombie movies in the world. And now he's finishing up his "trilogy" with Pegg and Frost with a new movie coming out soon. So exciting!
A MOVIE FROM MY FAVORITE DIRECTOR
My favorite director has to be Edgar Wright because he is another one of those people in Hollywood who has never let me down. I just started watching Spaced and it is hilarious. He works with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (two of the funniest actors ever), and I just can't get enough of his movies. He is one of those guys who pays homage to the movies he spoofs. In Hot Fuzz, he created a legitimate buddy cop-action-comedy movie that lampoons the exact type of movie it is. The same goes for Shaun of the Dead, which is one of the best zombie movies in the world. And now he's finishing up his "trilogy" with Pegg and Frost with a new movie coming out soon. So exciting!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 21
Weekend for directing I guess. Today's theme is...
A MOVIE BY THE DIRECTOR I HATE THE MOST
I actually don't really hate any director. I think that one I'm supposed to hate is James Cameron, who is kinda a prick, but I like him in general. He is a great director and I respect what he has done in the sci-fi genre. I think I'm also supposed to hate Quintin Tarantino, but I really don't, even though he too can be somewhat of a prick. I really don't like actor-directors (even though Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford are really good at doing both). The worst is Mel Gibson, who I hate because of what he did with The Passion of the Christ. I can understand making a movie that is controversial (like Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ), but this is coming from a man with enough controversy on his plate. He may be a great director, but he is a horrible person. Same goes with Michael Moore, who is one of the most biased and sensationalist documentarians in the world (Capitalism: A Love Story is just vile). So much hate in the air, but that's gonna change soon...
A MOVIE BY THE DIRECTOR I HATE THE MOST
I actually don't really hate any director. I think that one I'm supposed to hate is James Cameron, who is kinda a prick, but I like him in general. He is a great director and I respect what he has done in the sci-fi genre. I think I'm also supposed to hate Quintin Tarantino, but I really don't, even though he too can be somewhat of a prick. I really don't like actor-directors (even though Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford are really good at doing both). The worst is Mel Gibson, who I hate because of what he did with The Passion of the Christ. I can understand making a movie that is controversial (like Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ), but this is coming from a man with enough controversy on his plate. He may be a great director, but he is a horrible person. Same goes with Michael Moore, who is one of the most biased and sensationalist documentarians in the world (Capitalism: A Love Story is just vile). So much hate in the air, but that's gonna change soon...
Friday, January 28, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 20
Hate is a very strong word, but I think it fits in with today's theme, which is...
A GOOD MOVIE WITH AN ACTOR YOU REALLY HATE
Well, I would give this spot to Julia Roberts, but I really, really hate Julia Roberts, so there is no way I'm talking any more about her. Another actor I really hate is now Michael Cera. I will admit that he was hysterical in Arrested Development, but after that, I never really liked him, especially after his "turn" in Youth In Revolt. But I love Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. There are many reasons why Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a great movie. There were so many good supporting roles in this film, especially by Kieran Culkin as Wallace Wells. The Seven Evil-Exes part was hilarious with my personal favorite was Mae Whitman (Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender?!) as Roxy Richter. Mary Elizabeth Winstead was perfect as Ramona Flowers. Then of course, it was directed by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), who has never steered me wrong. So maybe Michael Cera was his same old awkward self, but the movie was not taken down because of Cera's typical performance. So rent it, borrow it, (il)legally download it, whatever. But don't let Cera draw you away from a really great movie.
A GOOD MOVIE WITH AN ACTOR YOU REALLY HATE
Well, I would give this spot to Julia Roberts, but I really, really hate Julia Roberts, so there is no way I'm talking any more about her. Another actor I really hate is now Michael Cera. I will admit that he was hysterical in Arrested Development, but after that, I never really liked him, especially after his "turn" in Youth In Revolt. But I love Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. There are many reasons why Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a great movie. There were so many good supporting roles in this film, especially by Kieran Culkin as Wallace Wells. The Seven Evil-Exes part was hilarious with my personal favorite was Mae Whitman (Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender?!) as Roxy Richter. Mary Elizabeth Winstead was perfect as Ramona Flowers. Then of course, it was directed by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), who has never steered me wrong. So maybe Michael Cera was his same old awkward self, but the movie was not taken down because of Cera's typical performance. So rent it, borrow it, (il)legally download it, whatever. But don't let Cera draw you away from a really great movie.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 19
So we have an interesting topic today, which is...
A MOVIE THAT IS MY GUILTY PLEASURE
This movie has to be Win A Date with Tad Hamilton. It's okay to like some romantic comedies (aka rom-coms, aka chick flicks), but sometimes there are movies that just cross the line. I would argue that Win A Date With Tad Hamilton isn't one of them, but someone I know did say that she was ashamed that I liked this movie. My case for this movie is that the characters are just so lovely. Sure Topher Grace's character Peter isn't exactly the leading man you would expect, especially compared to Josh Duhamel's Tad Hamilton, but Topher Grace adds a different spin on the leading man. He's handsome, but not a heartthrob. He's the friend that was always passed up. He has been in love with the main girl for, like, forever. There are so many cliches that describe his character, but he makes those cliches essentially moot. He does small gestures to show that he cares. He had the beautiful (albeit set in a bathroom) scene where he describes everything that someone who truly knew and loved Rosalee Futch (the love interest played by the cute Kate Bosworth) would actually know. I loved the speech about her six smiles. Kate Bosworth was homely and cute as Rosalee and of course you had Josh Duhamel who broke hearts as the incredibly handsome Tad Hamilton. There were great supporting turns too from Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes as the agent and manager of Tad Hamilton and Ginnifer Goodwin (who is really, really good at romantic comedies) as Cathy, the quintessential best friend of Rosalee. The best supporting role has to go to Kathryn Hahn as the bartender Angelica, who taught us about love, big love, and great love (which changes a man). It is a beautiful and sweet movie (maybe a little too saccharine for some people's likings), and a pleasure I shouldn't be guilty for having.
A MOVIE THAT IS MY GUILTY PLEASURE
This movie has to be Win A Date with Tad Hamilton. It's okay to like some romantic comedies (aka rom-coms, aka chick flicks), but sometimes there are movies that just cross the line. I would argue that Win A Date With Tad Hamilton isn't one of them, but someone I know did say that she was ashamed that I liked this movie. My case for this movie is that the characters are just so lovely. Sure Topher Grace's character Peter isn't exactly the leading man you would expect, especially compared to Josh Duhamel's Tad Hamilton, but Topher Grace adds a different spin on the leading man. He's handsome, but not a heartthrob. He's the friend that was always passed up. He has been in love with the main girl for, like, forever. There are so many cliches that describe his character, but he makes those cliches essentially moot. He does small gestures to show that he cares. He had the beautiful (albeit set in a bathroom) scene where he describes everything that someone who truly knew and loved Rosalee Futch (the love interest played by the cute Kate Bosworth) would actually know. I loved the speech about her six smiles. Kate Bosworth was homely and cute as Rosalee and of course you had Josh Duhamel who broke hearts as the incredibly handsome Tad Hamilton. There were great supporting turns too from Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes as the agent and manager of Tad Hamilton and Ginnifer Goodwin (who is really, really good at romantic comedies) as Cathy, the quintessential best friend of Rosalee. The best supporting role has to go to Kathryn Hahn as the bartender Angelica, who taught us about love, big love, and great love (which changes a man). It is a beautiful and sweet movie (maybe a little too saccharine for some people's likings), and a pleasure I shouldn't be guilty for having.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 18
It's Wednesday (?)! I really have nothing else to say as of this point other than today's theme, which is...
A MOVIE NO ONE WOULD EXPECT ME TO LOVE
Well, a lot of people respect my taste in movies. I hate bad movies, love good movies, and give fair analysis to the movies in between. But there is one really bad movie that I really liked. I loved Speed Racer, which monumentally tanked at the box office. Exaggeration aside, it really wasn't a great movie, but I was in love with it. I wasn't the biggest fan of the acting (especially on Christina Ricci's part), but I looked at this like a sports movie, but in the future. The visual effects of the movie were cluttered, but beautiful. The racing was intense with some of the coolest looking sequences I've ever seen. It embraces its cheesy roots, but in my opinion, it should have embraced it even more. It is a movie based on an animated television show and it took itself too seriously, which led to the movie's downfall. But look past that and watch it with the enthusiasm of a child. Watch the immensely amazing race car driving and look at how each little thingamajig is used. That's how I watched it, and unexpectedly, fell in love with it. Mount up! Yea, I know it's from S.W.A.T., but it sounds really cool.
A MOVIE NO ONE WOULD EXPECT ME TO LOVE
Well, a lot of people respect my taste in movies. I hate bad movies, love good movies, and give fair analysis to the movies in between. But there is one really bad movie that I really liked. I loved Speed Racer, which monumentally tanked at the box office. Exaggeration aside, it really wasn't a great movie, but I was in love with it. I wasn't the biggest fan of the acting (especially on Christina Ricci's part), but I looked at this like a sports movie, but in the future. The visual effects of the movie were cluttered, but beautiful. The racing was intense with some of the coolest looking sequences I've ever seen. It embraces its cheesy roots, but in my opinion, it should have embraced it even more. It is a movie based on an animated television show and it took itself too seriously, which led to the movie's downfall. But look past that and watch it with the enthusiasm of a child. Watch the immensely amazing race car driving and look at how each little thingamajig is used. That's how I watched it, and unexpectedly, fell in love with it. Mount up! Yea, I know it's from S.W.A.T., but it sounds really cool.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 17
Oscars nominations are out! Today's theme is...
A MOVIE THAT DESCRIBES ME
Well this is an overly difficult concept because the way I describe me is different than the way you would. I see myself as a smart, hopeless romantic kind of person. Not really entirely a nice guy, not really entirely a jerk. But generally a good guy. So this is the type of movie that I think would describe me. That movie is Owl and the Sparrow. The story follows three Vietnamese people in a urban area. One is a flight attendant currently in an affair with another pilot. One is a zookeeper struggling to keep the zoo he cherished so much. One is a runaway, leaving behind her verbally abusive uncle. It shows how their three lives intertwine and eventually how they become a family. It describes me because I believe in the ideals that are portrayed in the movie. There is a type of serendipity that I believe I look for everyday, that any moment is the right one. I also believe that nothing is better than following your heart. Yea, as a college student, I'm probably gonna get a lot of crap for saying that, but it's true. I've never personally been to Vietnam or have had an experience as profound as those that the characters had, but I have had similar serendipitous experiences and chance encounters with my emotions, which I believe are embodied by Owl and the Sparrow. If you haven't seen it, you should definitely watch it. It has a great big heart, and while campy and cheesy at times, it is truly romantic, not mushy. Well, I'm going to gocry hold back my tears now. See ya!
A MOVIE THAT DESCRIBES ME
Well this is an overly difficult concept because the way I describe me is different than the way you would. I see myself as a smart, hopeless romantic kind of person. Not really entirely a nice guy, not really entirely a jerk. But generally a good guy. So this is the type of movie that I think would describe me. That movie is Owl and the Sparrow. The story follows three Vietnamese people in a urban area. One is a flight attendant currently in an affair with another pilot. One is a zookeeper struggling to keep the zoo he cherished so much. One is a runaway, leaving behind her verbally abusive uncle. It shows how their three lives intertwine and eventually how they become a family. It describes me because I believe in the ideals that are portrayed in the movie. There is a type of serendipity that I believe I look for everyday, that any moment is the right one. I also believe that nothing is better than following your heart. Yea, as a college student, I'm probably gonna get a lot of crap for saying that, but it's true. I've never personally been to Vietnam or have had an experience as profound as those that the characters had, but I have had similar serendipitous experiences and chance encounters with my emotions, which I believe are embodied by Owl and the Sparrow. If you haven't seen it, you should definitely watch it. It has a great big heart, and while campy and cheesy at times, it is truly romantic, not mushy. Well, I'm going to go
Monday, January 24, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 16
I made it over the hump and it's all downhill from here. Today's theme is...
A MOVIE I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN
There are a lot of movies that I could watch over and over again, primarily my favorite movie, but we'll wait for that. The movie I could watch over and over again that isn't necessarily my favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Everyone has a part of this movie that they love, because there are very few people who don't like this movie. Maybe you love Billy Crystal as Miracle Max and Carol Kane as his wife ("Have fun storming the castle!"). Maybe you love Fezzik and his turn as a gentle giant (anybody want a peanut?). Maybe you love the fast talking Vizzini (inconceivable!). Maybe you love Inigo Montoya and his revenge against Count Rugen the six-finger man (who killed his father, and therefore had to prepare to die). Maybe you love the beautiful love story between Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts and Buttercup and three words that may be more beautiful than "I love you": "As you wish". Maybe you even love the relationship between the grandson and grandfather. There are so many facets of this movie that make it watchable over and over again. There are scenes which will make you laugh every single time, even if it's the first time you are watching it. I can watch this movie over and over again and still react like I've never seen it. It is one of the best fairy tales/stories/movies ever, and that makes it impossible not to watch a couple more times.
A MOVIE I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN
There are a lot of movies that I could watch over and over again, primarily my favorite movie, but we'll wait for that. The movie I could watch over and over again that isn't necessarily my favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Everyone has a part of this movie that they love, because there are very few people who don't like this movie. Maybe you love Billy Crystal as Miracle Max and Carol Kane as his wife ("Have fun storming the castle!"). Maybe you love Fezzik and his turn as a gentle giant (anybody want a peanut?). Maybe you love the fast talking Vizzini (inconceivable!). Maybe you love Inigo Montoya and his revenge against Count Rugen the six-finger man (who killed his father, and therefore had to prepare to die). Maybe you love the beautiful love story between Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts and Buttercup and three words that may be more beautiful than "I love you": "As you wish". Maybe you even love the relationship between the grandson and grandfather. There are so many facets of this movie that make it watchable over and over again. There are scenes which will make you laugh every single time, even if it's the first time you are watching it. I can watch this movie over and over again and still react like I've never seen it. It is one of the best fairy tales/stories/movies ever, and that makes it impossible not to watch a couple more times.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 15
Good luck to the Bears! Today's theme is...
A MOVIE I WISH HAD A SEQUEL
I really wish that Taken had a sequel because Liam Neeson made a very classy action star. He does have a new movie Unknown coming out where he once again taps into his action role, but Bryan Mills was one BAMF. He took down baddies left and right with a uncanny ability to kill. We all know the best line. I will look for you. I will find you, and I will kill you. Who wouldn't want to see him again? But Neeson is smarter than that. Sequels are always (well at least typically) worse than their predecessors. But it's Liam Neeson and if there is anyone who could carry a good sequel (except for The Phantom Menace), it would be Neeson. Here's hoping for a Taken 2. Once again, GO BEARS!
A MOVIE I WISH HAD A SEQUEL
I really wish that Taken had a sequel because Liam Neeson made a very classy action star. He does have a new movie Unknown coming out where he once again taps into his action role, but Bryan Mills was one BAMF. He took down baddies left and right with a uncanny ability to kill. We all know the best line. I will look for you. I will find you, and I will kill you. Who wouldn't want to see him again? But Neeson is smarter than that. Sequels are always (well at least typically) worse than their predecessors. But it's Liam Neeson and if there is anyone who could carry a good sequel (except for The Phantom Menace), it would be Neeson. Here's hoping for a Taken 2. Once again, GO BEARS!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 14
Donald Glover tonight! On a side note, today's theme is...
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
I went back to comedy on this one because a lot of the actresses I had considered my favorites either have let me down when I realized their limitations or they didn't. For example, Anne Hathaway in Love and Other Drugs. But this actress never lets me down. She is Jane Lynch. She is rarely featured in a movie, but that's okay because she plays supporting roles like no other. The closest she ever got to being featured was in Best in Show, where she played a dog trainer. And she was hilarious. She can be caustic and sarcastic without being obnoxious. She can switch from nice to mean with comedic ease. There just isn't enough you can say about her. She's even hilarious on television, something that isn't necessarily true for all comedic actors. Kudos to you Jane Lynch. Sound off!
P.S. If you would like to help out and post something on this blog, email me. I will typically post anything I can get and the writer will get full credit, and some (maybe) publicity. Sweet. Thanks!
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
I went back to comedy on this one because a lot of the actresses I had considered my favorites either have let me down when I realized their limitations or they didn't. For example, Anne Hathaway in Love and Other Drugs. But this actress never lets me down. She is Jane Lynch. She is rarely featured in a movie, but that's okay because she plays supporting roles like no other. The closest she ever got to being featured was in Best in Show, where she played a dog trainer. And she was hilarious. She can be caustic and sarcastic without being obnoxious. She can switch from nice to mean with comedic ease. There just isn't enough you can say about her. She's even hilarious on television, something that isn't necessarily true for all comedic actors. Kudos to you Jane Lynch. Sound off!
P.S. If you would like to help out and post something on this blog, email me. I will typically post anything I can get and the writer will get full credit, and some (maybe) publicity. Sweet. Thanks!
Friday, January 21, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 13
Made it to lucky number 13! Today's very fortuitous theme is...
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
I have a lot of favorite actors. Two of my favorites right now are Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who is as good an actor as the late, great Heath Ledger) and James Franco (who is a lock for his first Oscar nomination in 127 Hours). But the one actor who I will always trust to give me a good movie is Paul Rudd. Paul Rudd has the boyish charm necessary for a comedic actor, but his range goes beyond that. He made me laugh hysterically as the d-bag boyfriend in Wet Hot American Summer, and he was just as good in ensemble comedies like Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He even played surly well in Role Models. But one of his best works is I Love You, Man where he played a guy who really couldn't find a male best friend. Pair him with Sarah Marshall star Jason Segel and you have yourself one great movie. He played immaturity differently than Adam Sandler because Rudd played it with a little bit of childishness rather than boorishness. He embodied a man looking for a friend with his sweet boyfriend-ly gestures and awkward naivete when confronted with typical friend situations. He delivered his lines perfectly (something he has always been able to do) and nothing felt forced. There were awkward times in the movie, but it fit so well with his character that I did not find myself cringing at his misfortunes, but embracing them. Paul Rudd is one of the best comedic actors, and I chose him because he rarely lets me down (unless he's paired with the heavily overrated Reese Witherspoon). So checking out (get it?! Like a DVD!), this is Petre.
P.S. Please give me some sort of great catchphrase to end my posts. It's getting really hard to think of something witty or insightful or even smart to end my posts with. So yeah...COMMENTS!
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
I have a lot of favorite actors. Two of my favorites right now are Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who is as good an actor as the late, great Heath Ledger) and James Franco (who is a lock for his first Oscar nomination in 127 Hours). But the one actor who I will always trust to give me a good movie is Paul Rudd. Paul Rudd has the boyish charm necessary for a comedic actor, but his range goes beyond that. He made me laugh hysterically as the d-bag boyfriend in Wet Hot American Summer, and he was just as good in ensemble comedies like Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He even played surly well in Role Models. But one of his best works is I Love You, Man where he played a guy who really couldn't find a male best friend. Pair him with Sarah Marshall star Jason Segel and you have yourself one great movie. He played immaturity differently than Adam Sandler because Rudd played it with a little bit of childishness rather than boorishness. He embodied a man looking for a friend with his sweet boyfriend-ly gestures and awkward naivete when confronted with typical friend situations. He delivered his lines perfectly (something he has always been able to do) and nothing felt forced. There were awkward times in the movie, but it fit so well with his character that I did not find myself cringing at his misfortunes, but embracing them. Paul Rudd is one of the best comedic actors, and I chose him because he rarely lets me down (unless he's paired with the heavily overrated Reese Witherspoon). So checking out (get it?! Like a DVD!), this is Petre.
P.S. Please give me some sort of great catchphrase to end my posts. It's getting really hard to think of something witty or insightful or even smart to end my posts with. So yeah...COMMENTS!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 12
Today's topic is truly evil, a work of a diabolical mastermind. It is...
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE VILLAIN
Well my favorite villain has to be Hans Gruber from Die Hard. He was just such a great villain. First off, he was played by Alan Rickman, who does evil so very well. Gruber emitted a classiness you wouldn't expect from other villains. He read about Asian Dawn in Time. He was German, and though that really has nothing to do with it, it seems that European villains are the classiest. I mean, think about any villain that was American. They did things the American way by getting into people's faces and had that shoot-first-ask-later kind of attitude. Asian villains always seemed to be either North Korean or part of a gang. There are very few smart Asian villains. They also always knew some sort of martial arts, but were never good enough to beat the protagonist. What was so great about Hans Gruber is that he had a brilliant plan (SPOILERS!). He affiliated himself with a known extremist organization and masked the entire Nakatomi hostage situation as a terror attack, instead of one of the most beautifully planned heists. He never abused the power of the gun, killing only two people, and only because he had too. Sure he was going to explode the roof of the building, but it was all for the charade. Gruber suffered from a case of wrong-place-wrong-time when dealing with the coolest action hero of all, John McClane. Without McClane, this heist goes down perfectly (he even incorporates action from the FBI into the plot). He even planned it so that he would not be sought after. No one ever thinks about the aftermath of the plot, only the plot itself. He considered every single possibility. Hans Gruber was one of the smartest and most meticulous villain of all time. Too bad he died one of the worst deaths of all time. He was dropped about 40 or so stories and then splattered on the ground. His expression as he realized his demise though was perfect. That instant moment where you realize that everything was so perfect except for that one guy who just had to break up the party. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, pleasecall post them in the comments.
A MOVIE FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE VILLAIN
Well my favorite villain has to be Hans Gruber from Die Hard. He was just such a great villain. First off, he was played by Alan Rickman, who does evil so very well. Gruber emitted a classiness you wouldn't expect from other villains. He read about Asian Dawn in Time. He was German, and though that really has nothing to do with it, it seems that European villains are the classiest. I mean, think about any villain that was American. They did things the American way by getting into people's faces and had that shoot-first-ask-later kind of attitude. Asian villains always seemed to be either North Korean or part of a gang. There are very few smart Asian villains. They also always knew some sort of martial arts, but were never good enough to beat the protagonist. What was so great about Hans Gruber is that he had a brilliant plan (SPOILERS!). He affiliated himself with a known extremist organization and masked the entire Nakatomi hostage situation as a terror attack, instead of one of the most beautifully planned heists. He never abused the power of the gun, killing only two people, and only because he had too. Sure he was going to explode the roof of the building, but it was all for the charade. Gruber suffered from a case of wrong-place-wrong-time when dealing with the coolest action hero of all, John McClane. Without McClane, this heist goes down perfectly (he even incorporates action from the FBI into the plot). He even planned it so that he would not be sought after. No one ever thinks about the aftermath of the plot, only the plot itself. He considered every single possibility. Hans Gruber was one of the smartest and most meticulous villain of all time. Too bad he died one of the worst deaths of all time. He was dropped about 40 or so stories and then splattered on the ground. His expression as he realized his demise though was perfect. That instant moment where you realize that everything was so perfect except for that one guy who just had to break up the party. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
30 Day Movie Challenge: Day 11
I'd like to welcome Rob to Petre's Dish! And speaking about other people, today's theme is...
THE MOVIE IN WHICH I WISH I WAS THE MAIN CHARACTER
I wish I was Ferris Bueller from the eponymous Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I mean, who didn't want to be the main character in an 80's teen movie? Their lives rocked. I mean, Easy A even mentions that Olive, the main character in that movie, wanted her life to be an 80's teen movie. But Ferris had everything. He had the girl, he had the fun, and he had the support. If anyone else tried to cut school, we'd applaud them for their adventurous spirit I suppose, but would we give them the love and support that we give Ferris? Then to top it all, he started singing in a parade, in Chicago. He's not only awesome, but he's ballsy. He lived life without any worries, and he changed the way we look at truancy. It's not just time off from school, but it could be the time of your life. I guess I should end this in the best way possible. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
THE MOVIE IN WHICH I WISH I WAS THE MAIN CHARACTER
I wish I was Ferris Bueller from the eponymous Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I mean, who didn't want to be the main character in an 80's teen movie? Their lives rocked. I mean, Easy A even mentions that Olive, the main character in that movie, wanted her life to be an 80's teen movie. But Ferris had everything. He had the girl, he had the fun, and he had the support. If anyone else tried to cut school, we'd applaud them for their adventurous spirit I suppose, but would we give them the love and support that we give Ferris? Then to top it all, he started singing in a parade, in Chicago. He's not only awesome, but he's ballsy. He lived life without any worries, and he changed the way we look at truancy. It's not just time off from school, but it could be the time of your life. I guess I should end this in the best way possible. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
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