One Day

This movie far exceeded my expectations. I have always liked Anne Hathaway but two of my very dear friends do not like her and their opinions have influenced me in the last year. The movie was not well reviewed when it was in theaters and did not do very well at the box office. Hardly things I care about in movies I love or are determined to see but can be deciding factors when I am not sure if I want to see a movie or not. Bad box office and word of mouth definitely makes a movie more likely to be seen on DVD than in the theater. I had also heard that someone who read the book was not very pleased with the adaptation. Maybe it was all those precursors and lowered expectations but I really enjoyed the movie. I would very much like to read the book now as well and will be picking it up on my next trip to the library.

The story takes place on one calendar day each year over a twenty year period, a unique concept. It is about two classmates after graduation, Hathaway's character, Emma, and Dexter, played by Jim Sturgess. Patricia Clarkson is Dexter's mother and is a delight as always. By the by, what is with the name Dexter being all over pop culture lately. There's the beloved serial killer Dexter as played by Michael C Hall on Showtime and in the graphic novel its based on, the Dex in Something Borrowed, books and movie, and now the British Dexter of One Day.

It seems that my most recent movie viewings have been those that require hankies (the Vow, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close). One Day is sweet, has funny moments and was very fun to watch.

Movie Night 10/14/11 -- High Fidelity

I had been trying to quote High Fidelity all week and was glad when Marla agreed that it should be our movie night selection for this week.

I was surprised this week that a majority of those under age 25, have not seen High Fidelity. I think this was particularly surprising because my 24 year old sister, watched it dozen of times to my knowledge, quotes it and read/owns Cash by Johnny Cash.

It holds up, it is still a great flick. It is based on a Nick Hornby novel (About a Boy with Hugh Grant is also based on a Hornby novel). One startling thing, there was a Charlie Sheen like quality to John Cusack's character Rob that was definitely not noticeable in the pre-Two and a Half Men years. I love Jack Black in his breakout role as Barry and the movie remains SO quotable. I really did try not to quote the whole movie while it played, I tried...

- Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?
- It would be nice to think that since I was 14, times have changed. Relationships have become more sophisticated. Females less cruel. Skins thicker. Instincts more developed. But there seems to be an element of that afternoon in everything that's happened to me since. All my romantic stories are a scrambled version of that first one.
- It was like trying to borrow a dollar, getting turned down, and asking for 50 grand instead.
- Rob, I'm telling you this for your own good, that's the worst f8ckin' sweater I've ever seen, that's a Cosby sweater. A Cosssssssby sweater. Did Laura let you leave the house like that?
- I can't fire them. I hired these guys for three days a week and they just started showing up every day. That was four years ago.
- OK, buddy, uh, I was just tryin' to cheer us up so go ahead. Put on some old sad bastard music, see if I care.
I don't wanna hear old sad bastard music, Barry, I just want something I can ignore.
Here's the thing. I made that tape special for today. My special Monday morning for you...special.
Well, it's f8ckin' Monday afternoon! You should get out of bed earlier!
- Oh, is she in a coma?
- Rob, top five musical crimes perpetuated by Stevie Wonder in the '80s and '90s. Go. Sub-question: is it in fact unfair to criticize a formerly great artist for his latter day sins, is it better to burn out or fade away?
- I guess it looks as if you're reorganizing your records. What is this though? Chronological?
No...
Not alphabetical...
Nope...
What?
Autobiographical.
No f8cking way.
- Only people of a certain disposition are frightened of being alone for the rest of their lives at the age of 26.
- Hey, I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I'm certainly not the dumbest. I mean, I've read books like "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "Love in the Time of Cholera", and I think I've understood them. They're about girls, right? Just kidding. But I have to say my all-time favorite book is Johnny Cash's autobiography "Cash" by Johnny Cash.
- John Dillinger was killed behind that theater in a hale of FBI gunfire. And do you know who tipped them off? His f8cking girlfriend. All he wanted to do was go to the movies.
- I want more, I wanna see the others on the big top-five. I want to see Penny and Charlie and Sarah, all of them. You know? Just see 'em and talk to 'em. You know, like a Bruce Springsteen song.
- Why'd you have to tell her about the store?
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know it was classified information. I mean, I know we don't have any customers, but I thought that was a bad thing, not like, a business strategy
- It's not what you are like but what you like.
- How does an average guy like me become the number one lover-man in his particular postal district? He's grumpy, he's broke, he hangs out with the musical moron twins...
- Do you have Soul?
That all depends.
- Marvin Gaye is dead. His father shot him.
- That is shocking. That is shocking.

And I could go on...

Movie Night 9/2/11 A River Runs Through It

Shockingly I was the only one who had seen this Brad Pitt classic. It is a great flick with beautiful Montana landscapes, Robert Redford narrations and a look at life in the 1920s. The story centers around the lives of two brothers whose father is a minister.

Movie Night 8/26/11 Ceremony

I had never seen the trailer for Ceremony before seeing it, I only read about it in Entertainment Weekly. I thought it was a romantic comedy with Uma Thurman. It was a much quirkier flick. It started with a decidedly Royal Tenenbaums vibe. Sidenote: I love that any of my friends who do not like Royal Tenenbaums, also admit it apologetically. So cute and cool of my peeps. It is one of my all-time favorite movies but I understand that it is not for everyone. In Ceremony, the main character Sam Davis, is portrayed by Michael Angarano. Angarano was most recognizable to me as Jack's son on Will and Grace (Rosie O'Donell was his mom, just sharing trivia here). In the opening scenes I was struck by the way the main character seemed to be channelling some mix of Mark Wahlberg and Edward Norton. Lee Pace, delightful and dreamy as the piemaker on the short lived tv show Pushing Daisies, plays an actor who reminded me of a clean cut, less endearing Russell Brand type. The movie was not the best but it was interesting and ended well. The end definitely redeemed it. My opinion on the movie would have been downright negative if not for the ending. Watch the trailer. If you are interested, it is available at Redbox.

Marie provided the lastest movie night trend, sugarfree Jell-o, with a playful twist, served in martini glasses!

Singin' in the Rain at the Venetian

Last Friday night, the movie night girls took a field trip to Hillsboro to see Singin' in the Rain. The Venetian's website encourages costumes for their summer classic movie series. All in all the whole experience was a good one, however, the man working the ticket booth grouchily told us to put our umbrellas down. Laura had the perfect polite retort, "We were following instructions." And she was the one who found the ponchos, decorated them and presented each of us with personalized mister bottles.

Inside, the man at the concessions was much more cheerful. Much more in keeping of what the true mood of the place should be. He even took a picture of three people in the group with his iPhone! The location is beautiful and very fitting for enjoying a classic film. We seized the opportunity to sit in the balcony. There was an interesting odor but it became less potent or I just got used to it. Food can be ordered from the bistro and there is beer and wine. If in the balcony, alcohol is not allowed and you have to go downstairs to pick up your food. In the main theater seating, food is delivered to you.

I have been lucky enough to experience movies in some very fun ways this summer. I hope that movie night can make another field trip this month to Flicks at the Bricks.

Marla and Marie had not seen Singin' in the Rain before and very much enjoyed it. Sarah, Laura and I enjoyed it again. Such a great musical (there is a purpose for their singing) and as someone pointed out after, it remains one of the best movies about Hollywood.

The Company Men -- movie night 6/18/11

I am a sucker for any Ben Affleck movie and particularly one that takes place in Boston. In my great over thinking about which movie to watch my first time hosting movie night, Marla made the final call to go with Ben. Boston is the city that the characters just happen to live in. There is no Green Monster and no Harvard bar. It is a pretty serious flick, but a good one. The topic is the recession and unemployment. Brought the George Clooney movie Up in the Air to mind. The Jason Reitman directed flick deals with the same difficult topic but with much more humor throughout.

There is an excellent cast of Men, Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner, Craig T Nelson and Chris Cooper. Rosemarie DeWitt and Maria Bello also portray strong female characters. John Wells wrote and directed the movie. He is best know for his writing and producing work on ER and West Wing.

The couch was a hit

Laura resisted not having a prop in the first photo. She more than made up for it here.

A decent, well done movie but probably not one I will rewatch. I did not watch it a second time even as two day rental on Demand.

Fun fact, The Company Men was filmed before The Town. Affleck convinced Chris Cooper to portray his criminal father in the Town, on the set of The Company Men.

Movie Night 6/3/11 Encino Man

This week pre-movie watching, we walked the hills of Happy Valley (mmm Hill Valley, makes me think of another movie we considered watching on this retro night, Back to the Future. Also in contention were Sixteen Candles and the Wedding Singer).

We had some yummy yum yummy cosmos and laughed our way through Encino Man. I know Son in Law by heart and was delighted to see that Pauly Shore's character Stoney is remarkably similar to Crawl. Let's grind on some ch-ch-eese!

Movie Night 5/27/11 BLACK SWAN

I have been eagerly anticipating my second viewing of Black Swan. I originally saw the movie just as Oscar season began, on a frenzied December opening night in downtown Portland with Miss Katy Hagert. Throughout the first time I watched the movie, I was tense. I was glad that I saw it and it was a great movie going experience, but I could not wait for it to be over. So this second time around I thought, no problem, I know what is coming and I will be able to relax and enjoy with a more critical eye. This proved to be mostly true. I simple avoided a scene early on that haunted me for weeks, by closing and covering my eyes and ears. I made it eyes open through a later gory scene and took more away from the movie as a result. Of course I zipped my sweatshirt up to cover my throat before said scene began, something Laura noted and giggled at. Rightly so. Another reason I was excited to rewatch Black Swan, was watching it with Marla. She is the classic movie watcher who asks questions out loud. I have a personal no spoiler policy that I try to strictly follow. After about her fourth question she said, "you just aren't going to answer are you?"

My conclusion is that this movie is not as great as it has been lauded. It was certainly an Oscar winning vehicle for Natalie Portman and my post about the body-double controversy remains my second most viewed blog. I will say that the characters have depth and the movie was part of a strong year for independent films. That said, there are many moments that are almost laughably too orchestrated to manipulate tension or anxiety. Those moments made me wonder if the movie will age well when the accolades are a distant memory. The film is a great thriller, bordering on a horror movie with the amount of gore included. You may have noticed that I have no posts about horror movies. This is because I avoid them at all costs. I do not even like to watch a preview for one. When confronted by a horror trailer I have been known to look away and cover my ears if need be. Often this occurs before a romantic comedy. Seriously, marketing people, I do not care how many men you think are being forced to see the latest rom com, now is not the time! Black Swan is an excellent thriller and it certainly challenged this movie lover.

Next up...I have had my ticket to The Hangover II prepurchased for days and am excited to see it tonight with my wolfpack of Katy, Kari and Emily.

It's Kind of A Funny Story

Who has two thumbs and likes It's Kind of A Funny Story way more than Due Date? This girl!

Shout out for Dana for telling me and Marla that IKOAFS was a good flick. Zach Galifianakis really stretches his thespian skills in it. The main character is portrayed by Teir Gilchrist; if you have ever seen United States of Tara, he is the son of Tara (and Aiden Shaw...I mean Max). It is a small, independent, dark comedy. The subject matter is not light but once the premise is set-up, many laughs ensue.

There was a musical number that was a BIG hit with the movie night crowd.

Movie Night 4/15/11

This Friday was Margarita Movie Night or Part Two of celebrating Marla's birthday. Last week Marla and I drank wine and talked so much that we never got to the movie. We rocked fresh lime and fresh strawberry margaritas this week. We eventually did get to Due Date, but Marla feel asleep early on. I don't think she missed much. I was not pulled in by the preview. A little Zach Galifianakis in Hangover mode, goes a long way. As a main character, it is just too much. In an ironic twist, it sounds like we will be watching It's Kind of A Funny Story this Friday. Galifianakis is also in that, but not as a lead. Looks like a much more promising, indie flick.

Movie Night 4/1/11

We watched Morning Glory this Friday night at Marla's. I was eager to watch it again. I was able to see it in theaters with passes Emily acquired back in November, my original post. It was just as fun the second time around. The movie was very well cast, is heartfelt and funny. I really like Rachel McAdams' character. Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson, Jeff Goldblum and the rest of the supporting cast is excellent.

Movie Night 3/11/11

Last night we took a trip to the 80's and watched Flashdance. I had actually never seen it or realized how many songs are from the soundtrack. As Laura pointed out, the music was made specifically for the movie. What A Feeling and Maniac are definitely my favorite.

I also want recommend checking out the trailer for Bad Teacher, in honor of all my GREAT teacher friends. Looks very funny. I have read about this movie and was very excited by my first look. I am also liking Jason Segel in it as well. It opens June 24th.

Movie Night 3/4/11

Last night we watched 127 Hours. It was the first time for Marla, Robbie, Marie, Laura and Jerre. I loved it the first time and knew I would be able to sit back and enjoy it even more the second time. The Zahm's brought brownies and ice cream, yummy treats. Little Julia watched until the main character, real life Aron Ralston as portrayed by James Franco, fell and was stuck by a boulder. She even said, stuck!; I tried to film her saying it.

Everyone had their own reaction to the film. Laura was hoping for more info about the character and Robbie, Robbie wants us all to go canyoneering this summer!

I searched again for the article I read about Aron Ralston after seeing the movie in theaters. The best I could find was the dateline info written by Tom Brokaw. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5956900/ns/dateline_nbc/  There is always wikipedia for general info. I know that throughout the awards season, I enjoyed seeing Ralston appear with Franco at events. Most recently, the two sat next to each other at the Independent Spirit Awards. I think this is my most media-heavy post. Here's my original blog when I saw the movie: http://katieatthemoviespdx.blogspot.com/2011/01/127-hours.html

Watched Philadelphia on tv (on Oprah's OWN no less); for a movie from 1993, it is still such an excellent movie. The good ones hold up regardless of the year. It will be interesting to see which ones hold up from the crop of 2010 Oscar films.

Update on 127 Hours: just watched the special features on the DVD. We should have totally watched the alternate ending at movie night, bonus scenes with his family! Anne and Jeff watched it last night too, with similar mixed reactions. Anne said once he was trapped, she had trouble staying engaged in the movie. My lovely coworker Joann took my recommendation, watched it today and liked it.

The Town

Excellent caper. Ben Affleck's second directorial effort is stellar. So well done, well plotted and such a strong cast. While I make it no secret that I am a big Jon Hamm fan, he is so good as a determined FBI agent chasing the Charlestown bank robbing crew led by Affleck's character.

I must say that I am disappointed that the Town's only Oscar nod is Jeremy Renner's Best Supporting Actor nomination. The Town is available to rent on DVD.

I have been watching Oscar nominated films at a breakneck speed, so my blogs may be a little shorter than usual. I will also be providing my pre-Oscar tips and a blog of Sunday's SAG awards. Also going to do a ballot of which films I would vote for and which I predict will win. I'm going to hold off on my predictions until we get closer because part of accurately estimating the winners, is keeping a pulse on the buzz building up to the ceremony.

As always, happy movie watching!!

Marla's 1st Movie Night

The first selection was Hot Tub Time Machine. The snacks were excellent and there were some laugh-out-loud moments from the 80s time travel.

Next week's Friday Night movie is Leap Year.