Love New Girl and it's leading man Jake Johnson? Obsessed with Captain America? Wale is your shit? Then check out this new web series, Becoming, that features short episodes with some of your favorite celebs!
http://www.youtube.com/user/becomingseries?feature=results_main
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Obscure Movie of the Week! DOUBLE EDITION
That's right, I saw not one, but TWO obscure movies this week! And I shop at Urban Outfitters. And... now I have to go repent because I think I may be a hipster. OH THE SHAME!
I'm gonna put lots of pretty videos in this post because it's a bit longer (being that it's TWO reviews and all).
Movie #1 - Sleepwalk With Me
You may have heard of Sleepwalk With Me because of this video:
And those of you who know this man's name is Joss Whedon and not Josh Whedon probably delighted in it. This charming stunt was able to pull lots of New Yorkers off their IKEA furniture and to the theater opening weekend to see this little indie film. And, being oh-so-behind the curve, I finally saw it this week.
This film is based on a true story and directed and starring the man who lived that true story. Normally, I would say that's a bad idea. I mean first off, that just seems like too many jobs for one person. There's the living the life, the directing, the running to the other side of the camera to take the direction - sounds EXHAUSTING. But, this film is about a comedian; so luckily, he doesn't take any of it too seriously.
Mike Birbiglia's character, Matt Pandamiglio, (yes, clever decoy Mike, clever decoy) is a failed comedian in a relationship that's about as stunted as him. Until, one day he gets the chance to tour with his act, and he finds himself growing further and further a part from his long-time girlfriend. Now, this sounds really boring when you describe it, but it's based on life, so that's not really anyone's fault (except life's, but you're already blaming life for death today, so maybe give it a break). The oh-so-comedic twist on this all is that Mr. Pandamiglio has a sleeping disorder which causes him to sleepwalk and act out his dreams, often resulting in injury or extreme embarrassment. Mid-life crises and chortling ensure.
The movie is certainly funny and delightful. It feels very real in a Girls "stuff is disappointing, you're not going to get over that" kind of way. And while I didn't dislike the main character, it was hard for me to fall in love with a movie about a guy who is just lost, and a sucky boyfriend. Maybe I saw it ten years too early. Maybe I was annoyed by the CLICHE girlfriend character who comes home sobbing and drunk and ready to leave this foolio and then stays because he proposes (pretty much accidentally). I mean, I had my issues with it. But, still, it was funny in a way that most things aren't today, and that's an achievement.
Check out the trailer to decide for yourself:
As someone who has watched MANY of the all day marathons of America's Next Top Model on Oxygen, but also enjoys learning things (yeah, I like learning stuff. You know, stuff stuff), I was excited to see a documentary about the phenomenon of young eastern European girls leaving home at the ages of 12 and 13 to model. I had high hopes.
I was disappointed. This movie is strange. This movies is boring. This movies is LONG. I feel like the review could end here, but I guess I'll write a bit more.
I didn't feel this movie had any perspective or point-of-view. Even when showing you the struggle that these young girls go through, leaving home at such an early age and being put under tremendous stress, it doesn't de-glamorize it. These girls end up coming back to model, even after previously difficult and trying trips. They come back because there's nothing for them at home. Which is exactly, and sickeningly, the point that the model company owner makes. What would these girls do otherwise? Is modeling their one chance to be independent women? It's all very bleak. In addition to following one of these young models, we also follow one of the model scouts. She was previously a model herself, and proclaims to hate the industry, but insists that it's all she knows how to do. We see her extravagant home and her slightly deranged videos from modeling years past. We see she has no passion for the business, but that she still defends her work publicly. So, what are we supposed to think?
The filmmaker gives us information, but no direction. And while objectivity is often very important in documentary filmmaking, the result here was a slow and unemotional film. We're excited when our young model gets opportunities, but disgusted by the conditions she's put in. We agree with the scout about the ridiculousness of fashion and beauty, but hate her for lying to the camera about the cruel truths of her industry. Even that sounds more interesting than the film was.
Trailer her for those still curious:
If you've made it this far. YOU WIN! Also, I'm seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower tomorrow and I AM EXCITEDDDDDDDD!!!
I'm gonna put lots of pretty videos in this post because it's a bit longer (being that it's TWO reviews and all).
Movie #1 - Sleepwalk With Me
You may have heard of Sleepwalk With Me because of this video:
And those of you who know this man's name is Joss Whedon and not Josh Whedon probably delighted in it. This charming stunt was able to pull lots of New Yorkers off their IKEA furniture and to the theater opening weekend to see this little indie film. And, being oh-so-behind the curve, I finally saw it this week.
This film is based on a true story and directed and starring the man who lived that true story. Normally, I would say that's a bad idea. I mean first off, that just seems like too many jobs for one person. There's the living the life, the directing, the running to the other side of the camera to take the direction - sounds EXHAUSTING. But, this film is about a comedian; so luckily, he doesn't take any of it too seriously.
Mike Birbiglia's character, Matt Pandamiglio, (yes, clever decoy Mike, clever decoy) is a failed comedian in a relationship that's about as stunted as him. Until, one day he gets the chance to tour with his act, and he finds himself growing further and further a part from his long-time girlfriend. Now, this sounds really boring when you describe it, but it's based on life, so that's not really anyone's fault (except life's, but you're already blaming life for death today, so maybe give it a break). The oh-so-comedic twist on this all is that Mr. Pandamiglio has a sleeping disorder which causes him to sleepwalk and act out his dreams, often resulting in injury or extreme embarrassment. Mid-life crises and chortling ensure.
The movie is certainly funny and delightful. It feels very real in a Girls "stuff is disappointing, you're not going to get over that" kind of way. And while I didn't dislike the main character, it was hard for me to fall in love with a movie about a guy who is just lost, and a sucky boyfriend. Maybe I saw it ten years too early. Maybe I was annoyed by the CLICHE girlfriend character who comes home sobbing and drunk and ready to leave this foolio and then stays because he proposes (pretty much accidentally). I mean, I had my issues with it. But, still, it was funny in a way that most things aren't today, and that's an achievement.
Check out the trailer to decide for yourself:
Movie #2 - Girl Model
As someone who has watched MANY of the all day marathons of America's Next Top Model on Oxygen, but also enjoys learning things (yeah, I like learning stuff. You know, stuff stuff), I was excited to see a documentary about the phenomenon of young eastern European girls leaving home at the ages of 12 and 13 to model. I had high hopes.
I was disappointed. This movie is strange. This movies is boring. This movies is LONG. I feel like the review could end here, but I guess I'll write a bit more.
I didn't feel this movie had any perspective or point-of-view. Even when showing you the struggle that these young girls go through, leaving home at such an early age and being put under tremendous stress, it doesn't de-glamorize it. These girls end up coming back to model, even after previously difficult and trying trips. They come back because there's nothing for them at home. Which is exactly, and sickeningly, the point that the model company owner makes. What would these girls do otherwise? Is modeling their one chance to be independent women? It's all very bleak. In addition to following one of these young models, we also follow one of the model scouts. She was previously a model herself, and proclaims to hate the industry, but insists that it's all she knows how to do. We see her extravagant home and her slightly deranged videos from modeling years past. We see she has no passion for the business, but that she still defends her work publicly. So, what are we supposed to think?
The filmmaker gives us information, but no direction. And while objectivity is often very important in documentary filmmaking, the result here was a slow and unemotional film. We're excited when our young model gets opportunities, but disgusted by the conditions she's put in. We agree with the scout about the ridiculousness of fashion and beauty, but hate her for lying to the camera about the cruel truths of her industry. Even that sounds more interesting than the film was.
Trailer her for those still curious:
If you've made it this far. YOU WIN! Also, I'm seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower tomorrow and I AM EXCITEDDDDDDDD!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Emma Watson Interview
Had to post this great interview with Emma Watson for all you HP and Emma fans!
Sorry the video wouldn't load, but check out the link!
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emma-watson-perks-being-wallflower-movie-harry-potter-369382
Monday, September 3, 2012
Bachelorette
While this could be mistaken for a Bridesmaids copycat, Bachelorette has it's own unique vibe, cast, and hilarity that make it a deeper and more interesting comedy.
Don't get me wrong, this film has all the raunch, sex, and drugs one would expect from the title. But, because of the incredible actors and intriguing script, it's able to be both witty and snort-milk-through-your-nose funny. The trio of Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fischer, and Lizzy Caplan has a perfect mix of personalities, all somewhat falling under a stereotype, but still believable and therefore enjoyable. While all of them are at least partly psychotic, you find yourself siding with these woman as often as you are shocked by them, a balance that makes for an entertaining friendship to view. The new It-Girl Rebel Wilson also shines as the bride-to-be, and her relationship with each of the girls, especially Dunst, is interesting and much more complex than her usual comic-relief role. The men in the film seem more like throw-aways (with the exception of the fabulous Adam Scott), but perhaps that's how it should be. The focus is meant to be on these women and how they relate to each other after years of ups and downs.
While the plot is not earth-shattering (the girls are bridesmaids throwing Wilson a bachelorette party) and there are a good deal of silly antics (everything from strippers to wedding dress snafus), the characters involved make the crazy events fun and seemingly fresh. A personal favorite story line was the Lizzy Caplan/Andrew Scott hate/love fest because I am a huge Party Down fan (and you should be too, so go watch it on Netflix!)
It's currently on iTunes to rent, which is what I did. And if you watch it with a friend you feel like you're saving lots of money because of how much you'd be spending at the movie theater. BEATING THE SYSTEM - WOO HOO! But, it will also be opening in select theaters this weekend, so check it out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)