French Revolution Fever

It's pretty unthinkable that I haven't mentioned how ecstatic I am about the new Les Miserables in December. I've had an internal countdown since August. CANNOT. WAIT.

New Site Alert: Lars Attacks the Movies

I've seen more movies in the last couple weeks than I did in about four years of college thanks to this guy. My bf extrordinaire started a blog cataloging all the movies he watches, written in his signature, no-nonsense style. I definitely have not sat through everything on here (see: Tsotsi, Il Posto, or really any other super-indie foreign film), but we did just get a membership to The Lincoln Center Film Society, so I think my horizons will be expanding very soon.

Bookmark it.

Timer

My friend Stephanie has been telling me to watch this movie for about a year, and I'm not even sure how I happened to stumble across it on Netflix tonight (maybe it was just the right time). But I need more people to watch it so we can discuss!

The premise is this: Scientists have invented a timer that goes off once you meet your soul mate. Both parties must be in possession of said timer or you never know if you've met "the one." The main character – who has a timer that's never started counting down – is looking for a nice gentleman who isn't wearing his timer yet. In the meantime, she ends up meeting a wildcard romantic who could be an imperfectly perfect match.

Of course, it brings up a lot of questions like, would you want to know when you'll meet your soul mate and give up on the journey? Or do you just go with your gut and take a leap with the one you love?

I was slightly upset with the end, but I suppose it's better to be left pondering a movie rather than dismiss it as boring and predictable. So when you have the time, watch it and let me know what you think.

Animation Station

To take full advantage of my three-day weekend (and celebrate MLK Jr.), I visited the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens and realized a new passion in life: stop-motion animation. I'm happy to present my first two masterpieces (don't sneeze or you'll miss them).

 Werewolf Problems (inspired by The Vampire Diaries)



Swirl (inspired by real life events)

Midnight in Paris

I know August just started, but I'm going to put this out there: Midnight in Paris is my favorite movie of the summer. It combines so many of my favorite things (Woody Allen, the French, literary and artistic icons) that I was completely enchanted the entire time. Plus, I liked that Rachel McAdams finally played a generally snotty, unlikeable person (possibly the first time since Mean Girls?)

The worst part was trying to pick my favorite character (F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Adrien Brody as Salvador Dali, Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein, Marion Cotillard as Picasso's girlfriend Adriana). Mais c'est la vie.

Bill Cunningham New York

Even though every fashion blog and their mother (ie. The Sartorialist) has written about the Bill Cunningham documentary, I just saw it tonight, so I feel compelled to say: GO. SEE. IT.

Mr. Cunningham is basically the nicest man living in New York City. And the movie reminded me why I love talking to old people: they have incredible stories and genius bits of life advice. It's really a gem.

Everyone's a Critic

Netflix was just down for at least 2 hours, and I almost died of boredom. Apparently, I watch movies on the internet ALL THE TIME. (I caught up on blog reading, if you're curious about how I spent that time.) Last weekend I watched three movies in one day (plus a couple TV shows). That has to be a record for me.

Here's how I viewed them (ha!):

The Lincoln Lawyer
Fast-paced courtroom drama featuring a lawyer who knows how to work the means streets of L.A. The plot was somewhat predictable, but it had enough surprises (and good actors) that I was completely entertained. The audience at AMC 34th St. left something to be desired (two snorers and women expressing their fear during tense scenes).
Letter Grade: B+

 Inception
I know, I know – everyone already saw this in theaters millions of years ago. But I refused to see it at the time (hype annoys me), and I swore it would be the perfect at-home movie. Well, I was right! Our TV measures up at 30-something inches, so I wasn't overwhelmed by any special effects or booming sound editing. I focused on the storyline, and it was pretty interesting (apart from the whole dead wife thing). Usually I do other things when I watch movies (read magazines, blog), but this one really held my attention.
Letter Grade: A-

The Buck List
This movie got terrible reviews, and I can see why. But on the other hand, I knew what I was getting into, and I actually enjoyed it. My favorite part was Jack Nicholson commenting on Morgan Freeman's freckles. It was cute. Old-person cute. And I love old people.
Letter Grade: B

Baby Fanning

After all my high hopes, Sophia Coppola's Somewhere left me feeling a little...empty. The only bright spot: Elle Fanning. She warmed up every dull and meaningless scene she was in. It was hard to remember she's only 12 years old!

My Man, Steve Martin

My new obsession: Steve Martin movies. I realize now that I didn't appreciate him enough 20 years ago, although Father of the Bride is an all-time favorite.

I just finished watching Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and does anyone else agree that movie needs a sequel?? If someone knows how I can start a petition to Martin and Michael Caine (and, of course, the glowing Glenne Headly) to reunite for a follow-up film, I will gladly do my part, stand on the street corner, and ask for signatures.

An Education

I had listened to and dismissed all the hype surrounding Carey Mulligan and An Education months ago. Yet I saw this Oscar-nominated movie over the weekend, and I can't stop talking about it. The movie itself was perfect – from the length (95 minutes) to the costumes to the acting. And, of course, Carey Mulligan's performance as a love-sick schoolgirl in 1960's England was so touching and genuine. You must go see it!