Why I Liked... The Oscars 2012
(Host: Billy Crystal)
So 7 out of 12 isn’t that bad...
But you know what is? Whooaaaa my god, but Billy Crystal, you have gone way past your Best Before Date, and I would appreciate it if you could...just not.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
My Week With Marilyn (2011)
Why I Liked... My Week With Marilyn (2011)
(Dir. Simon Curtis Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne)
They kept the narration to an absolute minimum.
Yes, the film is based on Colin’s (Redmayne) diaries of his time actually spent with Marilyn (though I remain in doubt), but they kept his narration of his time with her at an absolute minimum. Thank god for small favours. Because he was a fairly...generic and repulsive character to me.
(Dir. Simon Curtis Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne)
They kept the narration to an absolute minimum.
Yes, the film is based on Colin’s (Redmayne) diaries of his time actually spent with Marilyn (though I remain in doubt), but they kept his narration of his time with her at an absolute minimum. Thank god for small favours. Because he was a fairly...generic and repulsive character to me.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
The Artist (2011)
Why I Liked... The Artist (2011)
(Dir. Michel Hazanavicius Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejio, Uggie)
If my childhood were in black and white and silent-this film would best depict it.
Without the being a Hollywood star, the dog, or falling into a depressive state, however. (I like to count the times I took over the family camera and commanded my father to ‘SMILE!’ as movie making.)
How does one describe The Artist? I hear it’s insured for over a thousand dollars and does car commercials in Japan. Awesome.
(Dir. Michel Hazanavicius Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejio, Uggie)
If my childhood were in black and white and silent-this film would best depict it.
Without the being a Hollywood star, the dog, or falling into a depressive state, however. (I like to count the times I took over the family camera and commanded my father to ‘SMILE!’ as movie making.)
How does one describe The Artist? I hear it’s insured for over a thousand dollars and does car commercials in Japan. Awesome.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
Why I Liked... Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
(Dir. Stephen Daldry Starring: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow)
I enjoyed meeting the people Oskar (Horn) met on his travels throughout the various New York City boroughs.
Oh, oh, oh! One more-I also enjoyed watching how one can exploit an event such as when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers back in September 2001. That was enlightening.
(Dir. Stephen Daldry Starring: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow)
I enjoyed meeting the people Oskar (Horn) met on his travels throughout the various New York City boroughs.
Oh, oh, oh! One more-I also enjoyed watching how one can exploit an event such as when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers back in September 2001. That was enlightening.
Hugo (2011)
Why I Liked... Hugo (2011)
(Dir. Martin Scorsese Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Mortez, Ben Kingsley, Sascha Baron Cohen)
Watching A Trip To The Moon again on the big screen was spectacular. Being able to see, in colour and in movement, the glass studio of Georges Melies (Kingsley) was such a treat, it reminded me of why I started to love film in the first place.
Sadly, the film was also in 3D (which we all know I hate), and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t being projected properly because I had the most unrelenting headache after the fact. Ouch.
(Dir. Martin Scorsese Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Mortez, Ben Kingsley, Sascha Baron Cohen)
Watching A Trip To The Moon again on the big screen was spectacular. Being able to see, in colour and in movement, the glass studio of Georges Melies (Kingsley) was such a treat, it reminded me of why I started to love film in the first place.
Sadly, the film was also in 3D (which we all know I hate), and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t being projected properly because I had the most unrelenting headache after the fact. Ouch.
The Descendants (2011)
Why I Liked... The Descendants (2011)
(Dir. Alexander Payne Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause)
Hawaii, no matter how you try to frame it, is a beautiful place.
I also really liked George Clooney in this. And yes, apparently he ‘put on weight’ for the role and all that jazz, but I didn’t see any of that.
(Dir. Alexander Payne Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause)
Hawaii, no matter how you try to frame it, is a beautiful place.
I also really liked George Clooney in this. And yes, apparently he ‘put on weight’ for the role and all that jazz, but I didn’t see any of that.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Oscars 2012 Predictions
OSCARS 2012
So we're back, and not exactly, but there's some that are better than others. This year in film has been pretty turbulent, but overall, I've really enjoyed the quality and creativity that has been expressed in the cinema. Excitingly, I got to go to many TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) screenings which was amazing-Tilda Swinton is a GODDESS, btw-and even though I was by myself the entire time, it really helps in finding a decent seat when you don't have to rely on finding a pair seated together. Forever alone or challenge accepted? In the case of a film festival, I'll gladly choose the former.
(I wanted to wait to do this until after I finished writing the rest of my reviews for the nominated features, but sadly, didn't have time, and was kind of gently prodded into this by my friends who I normally inundate with Oscar emails every year who were teasing me about going this long without saying my piece.)
So we're back, and not exactly, but there's some that are better than others. This year in film has been pretty turbulent, but overall, I've really enjoyed the quality and creativity that has been expressed in the cinema. Excitingly, I got to go to many TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) screenings which was amazing-Tilda Swinton is a GODDESS, btw-and even though I was by myself the entire time, it really helps in finding a decent seat when you don't have to rely on finding a pair seated together. Forever alone or challenge accepted? In the case of a film festival, I'll gladly choose the former.
(I wanted to wait to do this until after I finished writing the rest of my reviews for the nominated features, but sadly, didn't have time, and was kind of gently prodded into this by my friends who I normally inundate with Oscar emails every year who were teasing me about going this long without saying my piece.)
Thursday, 2 February 2012
The Help (2011)
(Dir. Tate Taylor Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer)
The cast had a spectacular wardrobe.
And really? Yay, a film about racism! In the South. This could get super duper political, but I’ll try my best not to, I swear. Brownie’s promise.
The cast had a spectacular wardrobe.
And really? Yay, a film about racism! In the South. This could get super duper political, but I’ll try my best not to, I swear. Brownie’s promise.
Friday, 27 January 2012
Why I Liked... War Horse (2011)
(Dir. Steven Spielberg Starring: Horse from Seabiscuit)
I love horses and horse films.
Except...well. In Black Beauty the horse was the narrator (with an incredibly impressive vocabulary for a horse). National Velvet had a young Elizabeth Taylor in a stunning role. When I saw The Horse Whisperer, it was roughly around the same time when I had my first fall off a horse. And Hidalgo had Viggo Mortensen in it.
‘Nuff said.
I love horses and horse films.
Except...well. In Black Beauty the horse was the narrator (with an incredibly impressive vocabulary for a horse). National Velvet had a young Elizabeth Taylor in a stunning role. When I saw The Horse Whisperer, it was roughly around the same time when I had my first fall off a horse. And Hidalgo had Viggo Mortensen in it.
‘Nuff said.
Oscars 2012 Nominations
Yes. I know. I'm back and are there any TIFF reviewed films? No, no there are not. But there will be (one day). I swear.
For now, however-I give you the nominees...(predictions pending)
For now, however-I give you the nominees...(predictions pending)
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Why I Liked... Special TIFF '11 Edition
There’s no such thing as too early when it comes to lining up for tickets.
There’s no such thing as not having a credit card be an excuse when it comes to lining up for tickets.
There’s no such thing as shoddy reception on your phone when it comes to lining up for tickets.
There’s no such thing as too many snacks when it comes to lining up for tickets.
You all getting this? I’m passing on VALUABLE INFORMATION here. Take it, use it, abuse it, fuse it...? I don’t know, I’m running on no sleep right now (I’m writing this before I take my nap), but it seemed like a good rhyme at the time.
There’s no such thing as not having a credit card be an excuse when it comes to lining up for tickets.
There’s no such thing as shoddy reception on your phone when it comes to lining up for tickets.
There’s no such thing as too many snacks when it comes to lining up for tickets.
You all getting this? I’m passing on VALUABLE INFORMATION here. Take it, use it, abuse it, fuse it...? I don’t know, I’m running on no sleep right now (I’m writing this before I take my nap), but it seemed like a good rhyme at the time.
Why I Liked... Wild Target (2010)
(Dir. Jonathan Lynn Starring: Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, Rupert Grint)
A really cute plot.
Yeah, that’s what I liked about this film. Bear with.
A really cute plot.
Yeah, that’s what I liked about this film. Bear with.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Why I Liked... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
(Dir. David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson)
HARREH POTTAAAHHH!!
Oh, my childhood. My beautiful, bookish childhood that turned quickly into a nerdy, outcast-ish adolescence. It has come to a cinematic end. And what an ending that was.
HARREH POTTAAAHHH!!
Oh, my childhood. My beautiful, bookish childhood that turned quickly into a nerdy, outcast-ish adolescence. It has come to a cinematic end. And what an ending that was.
Monday, 29 August 2011
Why I Liked... Writing And Other Artistic Pursuits (My Life)
Hello all,
So yes, I can admit that it's been quite the while since I've posted here...bad me, bad! But truth be told, I've been in quite the writing rut lately. Normally when I can't write fiction I can write fact (and vice versa), but it's been a terrible combination this past month.
I honestly thought that once I had seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 that I'd be back on my game, but...well, it's not like I got depressed, I just stopped writing. Sadly.
But seriously-I'll get back to it all, I promise. I'm also thinking of adding a new feature to this bloggo (I know, right? Way to over-extend, G...), one that I hope you'll all appreciate. And figure out on your own. It'll be at my own pride's expense, so I hope you might find it amusing. Somewhat. And hey, I gotta make this place a little more original, don't I?
So yes, I can admit that it's been quite the while since I've posted here...bad me, bad! But truth be told, I've been in quite the writing rut lately. Normally when I can't write fiction I can write fact (and vice versa), but it's been a terrible combination this past month.
I honestly thought that once I had seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 that I'd be back on my game, but...well, it's not like I got depressed, I just stopped writing. Sadly.
But seriously-I'll get back to it all, I promise. I'm also thinking of adding a new feature to this bloggo (I know, right? Way to over-extend, G...), one that I hope you'll all appreciate. And figure out on your own. It'll be at my own pride's expense, so I hope you might find it amusing. Somewhat. And hey, I gotta make this place a little more original, don't I?
Forgive me? (hint)
G
Why I Liked... Friends With Benefits (2011)
(Dir. Will Gluck Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake)
Legit, it followed the generic romcom tricks and made them funny.
Too easy is it for characters to go ‘oh boo hoo, romantic comedies suck, stupid songs play and everything’s way too perfect’ and then the rest of the film continues on in that vein anyway. But! Because they gave us that line, it makes us think they were clever and actually abandoned that generic formula, but guess what, Hollywood? Not so clever. We can see past your trickery! We’re not idiots! (sometimes)
Legit, it followed the generic romcom tricks and made them funny.
Too easy is it for characters to go ‘oh boo hoo, romantic comedies suck, stupid songs play and everything’s way too perfect’ and then the rest of the film continues on in that vein anyway. But! Because they gave us that line, it makes us think they were clever and actually abandoned that generic formula, but guess what, Hollywood? Not so clever. We can see past your trickery! We’re not idiots! (sometimes)
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Why I Liked... Bad Teacher (2011)
(Dir. Jake Kasdan Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake)
Jason Segel remains flawless.
And that’s saying something, considering he was barely a supporting character in this film. Like, that’s how much the rest of the film entertained. Or rather in this case, didn’t.
Jason Segel remains flawless.
And that’s saying something, considering he was barely a supporting character in this film. Like, that’s how much the rest of the film entertained. Or rather in this case, didn’t.
Why I Liked... Hot Coffee (2011)
(Dir. Susan Saladoff)
So my faith in Americans not being money-hungry opportunists has been restored.
Remember that law suit against McDonald’s way back when? How that woman sued the company after she had hot coffee (title!) spilled all over her lap while in the car? Ok, so tell me-what details do you remember from the articles written about it? Well, you’ve most likely been incredibly misinformed. Maybe not deliberately, but it’s happened.
So my faith in Americans not being money-hungry opportunists has been restored.
Remember that law suit against McDonald’s way back when? How that woman sued the company after she had hot coffee (title!) spilled all over her lap while in the car? Ok, so tell me-what details do you remember from the articles written about it? Well, you’ve most likely been incredibly misinformed. Maybe not deliberately, but it’s happened.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Why I Liked... Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011)
(Dir. Rodman Flender Starring: Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter)
CoCo! CoCo! CoCo!
Conan O’Brien remains hilarious. Even more so when he doesn’t have to censor himself for television.
CoCo! CoCo! CoCo!
Conan O’Brien remains hilarious. Even more so when he doesn’t have to censor himself for television.
Why I Liked... Monte Carlo (2011)
(Dir. Thomas Bezucha Starring: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy)
It was Canada Day, and all is forgiven.
Yes, even Canada Day can make me forgive little Selena (what can I say-hello, Baby Face...) for this giant mishap of a film. Allow me to elaborate....
It was Canada Day, and all is forgiven.
Yes, even Canada Day can make me forgive little Selena (what can I say-hello, Baby Face...) for this giant mishap of a film. Allow me to elaborate....
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Why I Liked... Cars 2 (2011)
(Dir. John Lasseter, Brad Lewis Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Cain, Eddie Izzard, Emily Mortimer)
Pixar remains awesome at animation.
Ok, so here’s an unpopular opinion of mine-I really, really enjoyed Cars. More so than The Incredibles, which most people boldly declare is one of Pixar’s best. Frankly, I just wasn’t a fan. Of The Incredibles, I mean. Cars, on the other hand, was charming, genre-following, well drawn, and well-executed.
Pixar remains awesome at animation.
Ok, so here’s an unpopular opinion of mine-I really, really enjoyed Cars. More so than The Incredibles, which most people boldly declare is one of Pixar’s best. Frankly, I just wasn’t a fan. Of The Incredibles, I mean. Cars, on the other hand, was charming, genre-following, well drawn, and well-executed.
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