flotsam&jetsam

I, Kristin, queen of good intentions and half finished projects declare March 13th, CATCH UP DAY.

I’ve been riddled with guilt over the long chain of movies that has been just sitting in my drafts folder waiting to be published. Horrific, I know.  I had lofty dreams of writing my thoughts on each film and sometimes skipped over it in favor of inspiration at a later time. BAD IDEA. So here’s a recap.  Some of these will get reposts/links because I actually DID write something - some will remain here in list only with their snippets.

So here it is folks, all those empty gaps:

Film 5: Daybreakers (2010)

Director: The Spierig Brothers, Starring: Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neil

I thought this movie was great save for Willem Dafoe’s HORRIBLE character - like a redneck Green Goblin. I think the story behind this vampires-as-the-majority-face-their-own-extinction story is incredibly strong - but the Spierig Brothers rushed through at times. Despite those previous comments, I highly recommend this film for a much needed break from Twilife.

01-10-10 (hooray binary for futuristic dramas)

Film 6: The Hangover (2009)

Director: Todd Phillips, Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms & Zach Galifianakis

01-11-10

Film 7: Youth in Revolt (2010)

Director: Miguel Arteta, Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Zach Galifianakis

01-12-10

Film 8: Kicking and Screaming (1995)

Director: Noah Baumbach, Starring: Josh Hamilton, Chris Eigerman, Eric Stoltz, Parker Posey

This movie makes me realize how much I love Reality Bites, but only because it’s nowhere near as good. I did like Max (Chris Eigerman) but possibly only because he reminded me of Michael Showalter. And let me throw this out - does  Olivia D’Abo remind anyone else of Maria Bello?

01-14-10

Film 9: A Single Man (2009)

Director: Tom Ford , Starring: Colin Firth, Matthew Goode, Julianne Moore

01-16-10

Film 10: Moon (2009)

Director: Duncan Jones, Starring: Sam Rockwell

BRILLIANT. I came into this movie fearing too much of a semblance to Kubrick’s 2001 but this movie is indeed it’s own. Rather than feelings of suspense and fear I was filled with sadness and empathy for the heartbreaking story of self realization (albeit a very unique example) for Sam Bell (as incredibly portrayed by Sam Rockwell). I loved Rockwell before this film, but he really came into a new level of performance and carried this film. Where was this on Oscar night?!?!

01-18-10

Film 11: Mystic River (2003)

Director: Clint Eastwood , Starring: Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins

I finally got around to seeing this, and you know what? I was disappointed. Another meh film from Clint.

01-19-10

Film 12: Two Lovers (2008)

Director: James Gray , Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Gwenyth Paltrow

01-20-10

Film 13: Roman Holiday (1953)

Director: William Wyler, Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn

01-24-10

Film 14: An Education (2009)

Director: Lone Scherfig , Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper

01-24-10

Film 15: Leap Year (2009)

Director: Anand Tucker, Starring: Matthew Goode, Amy Adams

01-25-10

Film 16: Dear John (2010)

Director: Lasse Hallström, Starring: Amanda Seyfreid, Tatum Channing, Richard Jenkins

Free Screening. Sometimes I want a movie that will just make me bawl, and much like it’s predecessors The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, etc  Dear John was just the trick! However, it’s worth noting that Richard Jenkins puts on a great performance, as always.

01-27-10

Film 17: It’s Complicated (2009)

Director: Nancy Meyers , Starring: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin

You know how awkward it is to hear your parents talk about sex or dating? Well this movie is kinda like that. Although John Krasinski is HILARIOUS in this.

01-28-10

Film 18: Empire Records (1995)

Director: Allan Moyle , Starring: Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Joe LaPaglia, Ethan Embry, Rory Cochrane

If you made a list of the movies I’ve seen the most times - this would be solidly on top. I don’t think a weekend went by between 96-98 where I didn’t watch this. My group of friends even went as all the characters one year for Halloween. The number of girls was much higher - I played Warren (shopliiiiftteerrrrr). Anyways, I was in a mood to watch it so rather than pulling out my VCR I relied on my old pal Netflix. Realizations: I still have an unfortunate amount of the dialogue memorized from this film & I still rank it in my favorite films of all time.

01/30/10

Film 19: Steel Magnolias (1989)

Director: Herbert Ross , Starring: Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley Maclaine, Dolly Parton, I could go on…

As with Empire Records, Steel Magnolias is also a movie I can quote endless and will love forever. When I was in Austin a few weeks ago, my sister and I kept finding instances to work it into everyday conversation - which is why I love my sis. I’ve even made a red velvet cake with grey icing. I’ve watched this movie so many times since childhood - I feel like M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, even Ouiser are my own set of crazy Southern aunts.

2/6/10

Film 20: The Hours (2002)

Director: Stephen Daldry , Starring: Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep

I had high hopes for this film - 3 incredible leading ladies and a score from Phillip Glass! However, it settled out of mediocre in my book. Perhaps Mrs Dalloway just wasn’t as moving for me as for these 3 characters.

2/6/10

Film 21: Beerfest (2006)

Director: Jay Chandrasekhar, Starring: Broken Lizard

Okay, so everyone loved Super Troopers, everyone hated Club Dread (except for me, I think it’s HILARIOUS, but I stand with a very small group), but I never really hear anyone talk about Beerfest. I probably rank this as my favorite of the Broken Lizard films I’ve seen so far (Slammin’ Salmon still to be seen). Super Troopers and Club Dread arguably have some of the funniest moments/lines I’ve seen, but both get a little slow. While Beerfest may not have such stand out moments, I find it’s the most entertaining to watch as a whole. Plus it’s about being being drunk and stupid - but it’s clever! I love the guys in Broken Lizard, I’ll watch whatever they throw at me, and I still am sad I missed the chance to get drunk and eat tacos with them courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse.

2/6/10

Film 22: Imagine Me & You (2005)

Director: Ol Parker, Starring: Matthew Goode, Piper Perabo, Lena Heady

This one is called, “snowed in at my mom’s house”. I’m ashamed because I even saw it before! It’s still total crap. Poor Matthew Goode, Poor Anthony Stewart Head.

2/7/10

Film 23: Bright Star (2009)

Director: Jane Campion , Starring: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider

2/13/10

Film 24: Zombieland

Director: Ruben Fleischer, Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

I saw this in theaters and was incredibly disappointed, so I figured I’d give it another shot since a pal wanted to see it. Nope. Still not very good. Everyone talked about how great this flick was -but really? WHERE WAS ALL THE ZOMBIE KILLING. I love Romero, Fulci and Argento - this crap just doesn’t cut it. Although, I will say that Woody Harrelson is hilarious, and there’s a cameo that makes worth seeing the flick worth it. Plus the slow motion intro sequence is fantastic and the “rules” titling is a nice graphic touch - I just don’t know why they had to turn into to some half-assed teen romance. end rant.

2/14/10

And so ends the longest tumblr post ever. Pardon my negligance.

Film 23: Bright Star (2009)

Director: Jane Campion , Starring: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider

I’m quite torn on this film. Ben Whishaw as John Keats was quite entrancing - in any other role it might be over dramatic, but was exactly as you would expect someone to portray a romantic poet at that time. And Paul Schneider surprised me, even after The Assassination of Jesse James,  I still can only think of him as a redneck older brother, or small town guy next door (in fact, I couldn’t help but shout “hold the phone, Brad Stevenson!?”)

But it was Abbie Cornish that tarnished the film for me. Granted, my opinion of her warmed throughout the film, but in the beginning I couldn’t help but get annoyed by her pompous self interest. Shut up about your stitching! You look like you’re wearing a sack!

I love depressing romance stories that are more about conversation than an active plot, and this film definitely fits the bill. But other than increasing my like of Whishaw, I’m just going to file this one in the ever-growing stack of romantic period pieces that leave me underwhelmed. (Except for the couch, my enthusiasm for the worn leather couch upon which Keats sits while writing - that will not pass!)

As a side note, I should really avoid watching films where characters catch cold and die of illness when at home sick. It leads to wallowing.

2/13/10

Film 2: The Prestige (2006)

Director: Christopher Nolan, Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale & Michael Caine

How did I let it slip my mind how much I adore this movie?! It popped up while reviewing top of the decade lists - where it so rightfully belongs! The 4th day of 2010 brought us: the Prestige.

1st off lets address this lovely set of musketeers: Christopher Nolan, Michael Caine & Christian Bale. You won’t find a better pairing without a sommelier. (yes, I just made that joke….but at least not in regards to Batman? directly?)

However, this film wasn’t the only reoccurring pairing…Jackman and Johanssen. Scoop anyone? Damn that movie sucked. Not to mention my lack of regard for ScarJo.I love Lost in Translation, but really the world would’ve been better had she stopped there. Beautiful but Annoying.

Oh and I have to mention how 06 was the year we got not 1 but 2 movies about illusions (…as we all know tricks are what whores do for money). The Illusionist. Not just about magic, but magic again with a dashing leading man and a pain in the ass love interest. I enjoyed this flick, but was thankful I saw it first as The Prestige was/is far superior.

I wrote some notes while watching this so I would cover the appropriate territory, usually I’d elaborate, but this one speaks for itself:

Wolverine vs Batman plus magic = explosion of the heart not experienced since Kavalier and Clay. (Chew on THAT for a bit!)

Phenomenal. I absolutely adore it. And like any good illusion, it remains fascinating even after you know the secret ;)

PS: DAVID BOWIE AS TESLA…..YESSSSSSSSSSSS. Eloquent, I know.

Film 2: The Hangover (2009)

Director: Todd Phillips, Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms & Zach Galifianakis

The timing of my viewing of this film has been a series of “I’ll just wait” moments. I’ll just wait till it’s at the Byrd, I’ll just wait till it’s on DVD, I’ll just wait till it’s not painfully cliche because it’s New Year’s Day.

But I’m glad I waited. Sure I knew about the tiger, Tyson’s sing-a-long, the baby…but I also have become a Zach Galifianakis fan in the last few months, have gotten over my hatred of Bradley Cooper, and it finally dawned on me where I knew Ed Helms from. Oh yeah, and now we all know and love Ken Jeong….or shall I say, Senor Chang.

Yes, it’s a movie about guys being ridiculously debaucherous, filled with dick and sex jokes and drunken stupor.But I’ll come right out and say it.I think that’s funny. Does it make for an enjoyable film? Not necessarily. But this one was done right. And now that it’s on DVD, let’s get on with the ridiculous quoting already.

Downside of the Experience:

Naked Jeong and Galifianakis are now burned into my retinas.

Cinema:

Dun da dun…..The one you’ve been expecting, possibly even waiting for? My top films of 2009. These are not necessarily the best of the year, but they were my favorites. Ones that left a mark on me, that I will remember when I think back on my time spent at the theater in 09. Also, all of these films were seen in the theater which I think adds greatly to the overall experience, and my love for a film.

An Education. Inglorious Basterds. District 9. Fantastic Mr. Fox. Star Trek. Where the Wild Things Are. Up in the Air. Watchmen. The Brothers Bloom. Funny People

*please note I have not seen several movies that could possibly have changed this list: A Simple Man, Moon, Paranassus, etc.