Contagion- I was on the edge of my seat- who can remember what I ate?!

Dear Readers,

      It's been a while since I can honestly say I watched a film that completely captured my attention...
A film that hooked me into the story with interesting characters, strong acting, and superb editing...
Contagion fits the bill.  It is set in present day- a new virus is sweeping the world and taking thousands of lives.
The symptoms come on fast, and the victims die very quickly.  There is no vaccine or cure.
As the government and pharmaceutical industries scramble to find a solution- chaos ensues.
Looting, theft, and crime, are at an all-time high.  We see how the in the face of life-threatening situations, human beings can either rise to the occasion and show the best of their humanity- or the absolute worst. 

     Matt Damon does a superb job as a newly-widowed man who is trying to protect his teenage daughter. 
Not since Good Will Hunting has Matt Damon impressed me this much.  Jude Law does a fantastic job as a popular blogger speaking out against the Government.  He has millions of followers and isn't afraid to make his mark on society.  He was complex and compelling.  Jude Law is always an interesting actor to watch- he makes interesting choices. There was not one "week link" in the ensemble of characters- from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kate Winslet to Elliot Gould.  I was enthralled from beginning to end.

   I watched the film at Hoboken's Clearview Cinema.  I was accompanied by two friends who enjoyed the film just as much as I did... I think I we ate popcorn and soda- but I honestly don't remember because I was so engrossed in the film I barely paid attention to the snacks. (I'm an Italian who loves food- so that's saying alot!) 

    Now, I do talk to many people about the films I watch and it seems that not everyone agrees with me in regards to this film.  There are some nay-sayers who claim that the film doesn't have closure.  In fact, as we were leaving the theatre, I heard an audience member shout out "Merde!"  I guess you can't please everyone.  To a degree, I understand this kind of reaction.  If you are accustomed to watching Hollywood films-  you naturally want to see the bad guys get their retribution,  and you want to see the good guys ride off into the sunset.   This film does not provide this kind of closure.  In fact, you're not always sure who is the "bad" or "good" guy.   Like real life, not everyone gets their happy ending.  Unscrupulous people do sometimes go under the radar and get away with their crimes.  And good people are not always rewarded for their good deeds.  As they say, no good deed goes unpunished.   

     I personally loved this film and I highly recommend it.  It may not have the Hollywood Ending we are all used to, however it does illustrate the best and worst of humanity.  And who could ask for more than that?

No Strings Attached VS Friends With Benefits

Hello dear readers,

      I've come to the realization that I should be a little more discriminating as to what I chose to watch.
I'm referring to No Strings Attached- starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher
and Friends with Benefits- starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.  I'm reviewing them together because essentially- the films are almost identical-  predictable as peanut butter and jelly.  Both star young attractive actors.  Both films have the same premise- Can platonic friends use each other for a sex-only relationship?  Answer: a resounding NO! Someone gets hurt- friendship ends- one person realizes they miss the other person and they want a real relationship. Everyone lives happily ever after- at least in the movies....
We all know that it doesn't happen this way in real life.  But this is Hollywood- so on a positive note- I will tell you what I did like about both of these films... Yes, with all the crap flying around- I did manage to find a few glimpses of enjoyment from both movies.

    If I were forced to chose better film of these two disasters, I would chose Friends with Benefits.  It's set in NYC- which always wins points for me because I love seeing my favorite city on film.  It gives more of a back-story on the two main characters.   Jenna Elfman, Patricia Clarkson, and Bryan Greenburg all do  fine jobs as dysfunctional/delusional family members so you have an understanding as to why these two people would prefer a sex-only relationship.  I also like that the film actually pokes fun at itself- there are several scenes where the two main characters are watching a "typical chick flick" on tv and they mock the believability of the romance.  Obvious joke- sure.  But I was charmed especially because Jason Segal makes a cameo in this "mock film" as the perfect bumbling man who professes his love as he and his lady ride off in a horse and carriage- awesome!
On top of it all- there is a definite chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis that is undeniable. 

    As for Friends with Benefits.  Oye.  Zero chemistry between the two actors.  Very little back story.
One of my favorite actors, Kevin Kline plays Ashton's father.  His talents were wasted on this lack-luster script.
Hardly any time was spent on Portman's back story.  You just are supposed to believe that she's this busy med student who is emotionally shut down and wants no part of a real relationship- it is Ashton who wants a commitment.  Really?  Um, okay.    And you are also supposed to believe that the very handsome Kutcher is pining for this girl who practically ignores him after a night of sex.   This doesn't mean the film was a complete waste of time.  Lake Bell does a fantastic job as a awkward/ attractive co-worker of Ashton's. She bumbles and fumbles and she would clearly do anything for him yet he barely looks in her direction- she was hilarious.  
The absolute funniest scene happens to be the scene that was shown in almost every commercial and preview for this film.  It was the "Period Mix" scene:  Natalie and her roommates all seem to be on the same menstrual cycle.
When Ashton rings her doorbell he's greeted with "Go AWAY!"  He charmingly replies "But I have CUPCAKES!"  The girls let him in.  In addition to the sweet treats- he ALSO gives Natalie a Mix CD that he made just for her... it has songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" "Even Flow"  "Red Red Wine" etc. 
As if we couldn't love Ashton Kutcher more.  I wonder if this is how he won over Demi Moore. I guess we'll never know...

I think I ate very sour gummy fish while watching both of these films- so you couldn't tell if I was pursing my lips because of the sour candy or the pursing my lips in judgement of watching ridiculously predictable scenarios. 

If you must watch one of these- films- go with Friends with Benefits- starring Kunis and Timberlake.  Gorgeous shots of NYC.   As for Friends with Benefits- you can always just watch the "Period Mix" scene on YouTube.  It's good for a chuckle. 

Our Idiot Brother / Boardwalk Empire/ Margaritas & Tacos

Dear Readers, 

I didn't plan to see a movie Saturday afternoon. 

My mission on Saturday was to see/ride vintage subway cars from the 1920's... (the prohibition era was such a stylish period for our country- so sleek!)  Right now, in NYC- there is a unique promotional event to introduce the new season of the HBO drama- Boardwalk Empire.   Supposedly, there are restored subway cars actually running on the 2/3 line between 42nd st and 72nd St in Manhattan.  I say "supposedly" because I waited about an hour in the Times Square station and I saw nothing but the modern trains... Rather than just having the vintage trains planted in Coney Island- you actually have to wait around on a subway platform in the hopes that one of these gems passes by.   After waiting about an hour, I felt bored and restless.   Defeated- I wondered into the closest movie theatre and decided to watch whatever was playing at that exact time.... and that would be....

Our Idiot Brother... Not the most promising title for a movie- but I figured it can't be too bad since  it stars Paul Rudd- who I've had a mad crush on ever since I saw him in "Clueless" 20 years ago...  Oh yes, I'm dating myself now.   As an only child *sniff* I would often fantasize what it would be like to have a brother.  And one could do worse than Ned- Pot smoking, tree hugging, all around nice, guy that you just want to hug.  No doubt, he is a slacker with a heart of gold and a naivete that is endearing.  But you begin to realize that the true "idiots" in this family are his three sisters- wonderfully played by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer. 
While the ladies seem to have their lives together- they are not facing the harsh realities of their lives and they are avoiding obvious truths...  Ned's honesty and integrity has a way of jolting the whole family into reality. 
Good supporting cast- interesting dialogue that truly flows- interesting conflicts-  but at the end of the day- this is big budget production so everything ties together in the end.  If only all families could resolve their differences in 2 hours. 

After the film, I went to Patron- a new Mexican restaurant in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
I enjoyed margaritas and steak tacos while I shamelessly flirted with the bartender.  Not bad for a Saturday afternoon...   But I and determined to see those vintage trains!  I'll try next weekend...

Gnomeo & Juliet / Iced Cinnaman Espresso and Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Dear Readers,

     Last night I visited with family and we watched a lovely animated film entitled Gnomeo & Juliet.
Another gem from the creative geniuses at Rocket Pictures.  I was thoroughly charmed.  Montagues and Capulet's are feuding human neighbors who live in adjoining English Homes on "Verona Drive."  Both homes have tacky lawn decor- from garden gnomes to plastic flamingos which of course come to life when the humans aren't around.  As a lover of anything kitchy- I was delighted.  Particularly when I saw that one of the gardens has an actual bathroom toilet used as flower vase.  I was in heaven!

      Obviously, the star-crossed lovers are  gnomes in opposing gardens.  James McAvoy and Emily Blunt do a superb job of providing the voices of the lead characters.       What is really lovely that they incorporated a great deal of dialogue from the actual Shakespeare play.  This is definitely not a picture that talks down to it's audience.  It is entertaining to children, yet sophisticated enough for adults.   Classic Elton John songs provided much of the score.  I was delighted when, in a dream sequence, the gnome named "Paris" actually serenades Juliet with a classic Elton song while wearing a pair of signature Elton John sunglasses.   Two of my favorite characters were a flirtatious frog named Nannet, Juliet's nurse- voice provided by Ashley Jennings, and the "Featherstone"- which came if the form of a romantic Latino Pink Plastic Flamingo- voiced by Jim Cummings.  Adorable- very creative.  There's a wonderful scene when Gnomeo has a debate with Will Shakespeare himself (The Bard is actually a Statue that comes to life when humans aren't around)  They debate the depressing ending of true story of Romeo and Juliet.  Genius! 

    The film was filled with surprises- including celebrity voices of Dolly Parton, Hulk Hogan, Patrick Stewart, Michael Kain, and many more.  Clearly, many people wanted to be a part of this smart animated film.  The commercials and previews used to advertise this film really did not do it justice.  The last animated film that I enjoyed this much was Toy Story 3.  

    During this film, I sipped on a concoction of Iced Cinnamon Espresso: I mix in cinnamon with the espresso before brewing, then pour over a tall glass of ice and 2 tsp of sugar.  My iced beverage and  chocolate chip biscotti were just like the film- sophisticated, yet sweet.  

Watch Gnomeo & Juliet- it's pure pleasure.  My only regret is not seeing it sooner.  

FRIGHT NIGHT / Clearview Cinemas / Popcorn and Mike N Ike Candy

Dear Readers,

Tonight I found myself at Hoboken's Clearview Cinema for a showing of "Fright Night" starring Colin Farrell....

The Clearview is a charming (small) and clean theatre.  For some reason, I'm always amused when the ushers actually enter the theatre and make an announcement "Hi everyone, my name is John, I'll be your usher this evening.  Please let me know if you need anything...."   Really John?  I should let YOU know if I need anything? How 'bout a neck rub? Better yet- can you get me some of those little soft pretzel nuggets that every theatre always seems to be out of?   During tonight's film, there was a very loud group of hooligans who would erupt into gaggles of laughter when scenes were far from funny.   I wanted to call John and say "John, dear... please deal with this riff-raff.  They're getting in the way of my Clearview experience!"   But alas, John was nowhere to be found.  Oh well...

As for the movie- Fright Night.  Aye me, what can I say?  As a True Blood fan I was really looking forward to this movie.  But I didn't know exactly what to expect as it's being advertised as a "horror/comedy."  To be honest, it was neither...  It stars Colin Farrell as the hot, friendly new neighbor that moves in next door...but this neighbor has a secret that everyone learns about just too quickly.   But unlike the vampires on True Blood,  Mr Farrell actually keeps his clothes on for the entire film.  With all the violence, fire, and brimstone, you'd think he'd at least lose his shirt.  That wife beater stayed on for dear life. 

Toni Collette has a supporting role, but I really wish she had more pivotal part.  She is a great actress who could have really brought this movie up a notch.  David Tennant plays a saucy Vegas magician that added some nice flavor and I really would have loved to see more of him as well.   Instead, much of the movie's plot revolved around the whiny teenage characters.  I didn't sign up for a Twilight-esk movie. I prefer my vampires and their victims to be grownups.

The beginning was engaging,  and I actually enjoyed the first few cliches- (small spoiler alert) ... Scary Vampire is chasing the main character... where does he run? Down to street? To the police?  No! He runs INTO the abandoned house.  And does he run out the back door?   Nope! He runs UP the stairs and INTO a closet so he's completely trapped!   This was one of the few scenes I actually enjoyed.  Sometimes predictability can be immensely entertaining.  It's too bad they didn't have the main character receive a scary phone call and then realize that the call was coming from inside the house!  I've always loved that scenario...

I could have done without the odd face prosthetics and mouths so filled with pointed teeth, they looked like sharks.  All I wanted to see on Colin were 1 set of simple fangs- less is more.  Just cause he's biting necks and killing doesn't mean he can't still be attractive....perhaps Colin could go to True Blood Charm School.
At least the movie was in 3D- so periodically- blood, silver bullets, etc would shoot off the screen to revive me out of my boredom. 

During this fiasco, my movie companion and I shared many snide remarks and ate yummy Mike And Ike Candy and Popcorn with White Cheddar Seasoning... making the popcorn the highlight of our evening!

My advice, Fright Night is definitely a rental that you must watch with friends so you can take turns mocking the movie. 

Catch and Release// Fresh Cherries

Due to last night's overindulgence of leechee martinis, I decided to stay in this evening and watch a movie. 

It's just as well as there were sever thunderstorms in the area and who wants to drive in that?

 

Tonight's selection:   "Catch and Release," a gem of a movie written and directed by Susannah Grant.  

Released in 2007, this film tells a story of a man who tragically dies right before he is about to get married.  His bride-to-be must pick up the pieces and in the process discovers some unsettling news about her deceased fiance. Get out the Kleenex! Before you lable this a complete chick flick- know that Kevin Smith does a fantastic job of lightening the mood with sharp humor... Yes, he speaks in this film- Silent Bob is long gone!

Was it predictable? A little. Did I care? Not at all. 

 

Also starring:

Timothy Olyphant- Fantastic actor- so under-rated.  He always chooses interesting projects.  And yes, and he IS easy on the eyes- but that's not why I like him.  There's a natural, unforced way of conveying emotions- an unforced way of delivering a scene... he's the bee's knees.

Jennifer Garner: Once again- cast as the "girl next door going through hard times.  Truth is, she does it so well and I'm the first to turn on the waterworks whenever she cries in her movies.

Julliette Lewis- so awesome- she steals every scene she's in.  To me, Juliette is like a younger Meryl Streep- she can morph into anything.

 

While watching this film, I snacked on fresh, bittersweet cherries.