The King's Speech

Last Sunday evening I watched "The King's Speech" with my parents. I'd been wanting to see it for awhile but just hadn't had the chance. It was phenomenal. One of the best movies I have ever seen. There is absolutely no question as to why it was voted Best Picture and Colin Firth received the Best Actor award. To truly embody a character is quite a feat. Geoffrey Rush also gave an impressive performance. The movie was hilarious, sober, and moving...all at the same time.

Wisdom from Meet Joe Black...

"Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. I say, fall head over heels. Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back. How do you find him? Well, you forget your head, and you listen to your heart. And I'm not hearing any heart. Cause the truth is, honey, there's no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love, well, you haven't lived a life at all."

"But you have to try, cause if you haven't tried, you haven't lived."

Quotes from 27 Dresses

27 Dresses is by far one of my most favorite movies of all time. I could watch it over and over. Watching it again tonight made me think about some of my favorite quotes from the movie. I thought I'd share some here. Enjoy!


"How refreshing! A man who doesn't believe in marriage."

"I'm just trying to point out the hypocrisy of the spectacle."

"Oh! That's so noble of you. Do you also go around telling small children that Santa Claus doesn't exist? 'Cause someone needs to blow that shit wide open."

"A-ha! So you admit that believe in marriage is kind of like believing in Santa Claus!"


"Mhhhm nice, fun..."


"Oh that's SO great!"

"Yeah I think so too but not quite at that decibel."


"What about you? You don't have any needs?"

"No. I'm Jesus."


"You'd rather focus on other people's Kodak moments than make memories of your own!"


"I think you should just admit that you're a big softy, that this whole cynical thing is just an act so that you can seem wounded and mysterious and sexy..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What was the last one?"

"What?"

"Did you say "sexy"?"

"What?"

"You think I'm sexy?"

"No."

"It's okay if you do..."


This is Sarah's personal favorite:

"You tell him the truth or I will."

"No, you won't. You wouldn't hurt a fly and you definitely wouldn't hurt me, I'm your sister."

"That was yesterday. Today you're just some bitch who broke my heart and cut up my mother's wedding dress."


This is one of my favorites because I pray someday someone who loves me will say something like this to me:

"I think you deserve more than what you've settled for. I do. I think you deserve to be taken care of for a change. I believe that."

Up in the Air

This weekend I watched the Oscar nominated film, "Up in the Air", starring the infamous George Clooney. Heralded as "The movie of the year. The movie of the moment", I would tend to agree.

In a refreshing, unconventional story, perpetuated by classic themes, the viewer witnesses issues of the day unfold on screen through the lives of relative characters. The setting reveals the present economic turmoil of America. George Clooney's character is responsible for coming into companies and firing employees---an all too common reality for the workforce of America. A bright, young woman enters Clooney's world with an idea to revolutionize the industry---an idea that threatens to destroy the lifestyle he has used to inadvertently escape all emotional connection with the world. A man who travels over 300 days out of the year doesn't have time for material possessions, lasting relationships, or any real emotions. He's a hit it and quite it kind of guy, until one woman comes into his life he doesn't want to leave behind like he would a used hotel towel. He keeps coming back for more, and not merely out of lust. Ultimately, her own charade destroys his perceived reality.

What makes this story compelling is the introspective view of loss, personal relationships, and drive to succeed---all timeless themes. I love Anna Kendrick's character. She is my age, a fresh college graduate, ready to change the world and step into the cookie-cutter life she has set up for herself. The only problem, life doesn't seem to go the way she had always planned. But as it often works out, she achieves more than she ever thought she could and ends up somewhere entirely different from what her 16-year-old mind once conjured. Each character goes through their own period of self discovery. Each experiences the destruction of imagined and actual realities. I think that is what I find most intriguing and endearing.

The ending is not necessarily happy, but as a viewer, you have closure. I would much rather have a realistic story void of a fluffy ending that leaves me satisfied than an unrealistic "happily ever after". I crave witty realism. And as the saying goes, this film has it in spades.

Favorite Quotes from the Film:

“I thought I’d be engaged by now. When I was 16 I thought that by 23 I’d be married, maybe have a kid, corner office by day, entertaining at night. I was supposed to be driving a Grand Cherokee by now. “


“Life’s better with company. Everybody needs a co-pilot.”


“You’re young; right now you see settling as failure.”

“It is by definition.”

“The time someone is right for you it won’t feel like settling.”


“What a weasley prick…”

“We all fall for the prick. Pricks are spontaneous; they’re unpredictable and they’re fun. And then we’re surprised when they turn out to be pricks.”

Four Christmases

Contrary to popular opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed my viewing of the movie Four Christmases. The opening scene is hilarious! Overall, the plot is not extremely stimulating, but the individual characters and situations keep you watching and laughing. I will admit that you have to like a certain type of humor to like this movie, but it totally fits my family's sense of humor. Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon star as an unmarried, trendy couple who always avoid seeing their families on the holidays by "traveling for charity". In reality, their "travels to do charity work" are really exotic vacations. When weather cancels their flight they are forced to visit all of their divorced parents...aka: Four Christmases.

EE's and my favorite scene is when Reese Witherspoon & Vince Vaughan go to visit his mom and the entire family plays taboo. The trashy UFC-wannabe brother and his pregnant, boob-popping wife make the scene. We frequently quoted the hysterical lines while I was home. Another favorite was the opening scene...pretty damn funny if you ask me. One reason the movie is funny is because you get to watch a lot of uncomfortable family dynamics unfold, rather than experiencing them yourself. It's so much more fun to laugh at someone else than deal with your own crap.

While Four Christmases may not be a holiday classic, it was thoroughly entertaining.

Where the Wild Things Are...

A few weeks ago I accompanied my friend Kyle to a showing of the new movie, Where the Wild Things Are. Unlike many people,I was not among those who couldn't wait to see the film. I had heard about the movie, it sounded interesting, and it was a lazy Saturday, so I decided "What the heck, why not?".
The movie was truly, somewhat bizarre. With no real, true plot development, there were many times while I was watching that I wondered, "What's the point?" Anyone who knows anything about rhetoric knows that is not a good question for the audience to be asking. Max, the main character in the story, was portrayed as a troubled child with a broken home. His behavior, however, was so eradict it crossed beyond the distinction of wild. He is not merely a hell-raising kid who gets into trouble, but a child possessed by too many emotions that he is unable to control. In the scene before he runs off to the land "where the wild things are", he actually bites his mother before having a hysterical tantrum.

Then, suddenly, he runs away from home, jumps into a boat, and makes his way to a new land where he comes upon 4 giants, in the night, destroying their homes. From here we are introduced to the wild things and some of the social dynamics that exist within the group. These wild things are as troubled, if not more troubled, than Max. They have relationship issues, personal issues, and group issues. The wild things are dense, sometimes neurotic creatures with real emotions. While this is interesting, it takes the story behind light-hearted imagination to somewhere much darker.

Anyone going to see this movie with children will be in for a surprise. It is by no means a movie children will enjoy. Much of the story causes the viewer to sit back and think about what the heck is really going on. The story deals more with the personal, psychological, and emotional problems of all characters. No child would be entertained by such adult situations.

Don't pay good money to see this movie, even if you loved the book. If you are intrigued enough that you still have the desire to see it, redbox it for sure. $1 is better $5.50 or $7.50.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Early last week, Em and I went to see The Time Traveler's Wife. The film was enjoyable, moving, and intriguing. It tells the story of Henry, who at the age of six begins to time travel, a sort of disorder that he struggles with his entire life. In his traveling he meets a little girl named Claire when she is six years old. Over the years he returns to her as she grows up. Eventually, Henry and Claire get married. This part of the story takes up about a third of the film, while the other two thirds explores Henry and Claire's ups and downs as a married couple.

The music in the film provides a beautiful backdrop for the majestic scenes and at times, intense story line. It is difficult for me to wrap my brain around the concept of time travel and the idea that a person could be in two places at once at different life stages. I think that is what I find most intriguing about the story. The relationship between Claire and Henry is complicated, but full of love. Rachel McAdams does a fantastic job in her role as Claire and Eric Bana does an equally exceptional job as Henry. Their chemistry is convincing and real. Tender and painful moments share equal time on the screen.

The Time Traveler's Wife is my kind of movie- deep, romantic, and thought provoking.

The Proposal

Saturday night Em and I went and saw a midnight showing of The Proposal....now my new favorite movie! We were shocked by how many guys were in the theater, especially for a chick flick. There were actually a couple groups of just guys, weird I know. Em had already seen the movie the night before so she already knew we were in for a treat.

I can honestly say The Proposal is one of the best movies that has come out this year. It's one of those chick flicks guys can thoroughly enjoy so it really appeals to everyone. Sandra Bullock is at her comic best, as always, and Ryan Reynolds is just as funny, if not more so, as Sandra. Ryan and Sandra have a unique chemistry that works. They play off each others comic devices and character personalities. It's a classic Bullock comedy with sass, wit, and charm. There were several parts the entire theater burst out in laughter. You know a movie is good when that happens.

I will be buying The Proposal as soon as it comes out on DVD and most likely be seeing it in theater again :-)

Up

This past weekend I went and saw the new Pixar film "Up" in 3-D with Chad, Brynlee, and Brynlee's friend...so cool. Seeing the movie was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The first 10 minutes were so dang cute and touching. I could see people around me looking as if they might cry. I didn't really know anything about the movie going into it, except that everyone I had talked to said it was really good.

The storyline was absolutely insane, but somehow it worked. There were tons of hilarious, one-liner type moments and plenty of "ahh" moments as well. I think my favorite character was Russell, the cute little wilderness explorer, or as the dogs referred to him, "the little mailman".

I think the story worked because the characters each have their own unique personalities that makes them endearing. Russell is a funny little kid who is innocent and makes hilarious comments. Mr. Fredrickson tries to be a grumpy old man, but deep down he is tender-hearted, sentimental, and tough. Kevin the bird is just crazy, and Ellie is sweet.

The other great thing about "Up" is that is a movie enjoyable for all ages. There was a wide variety of people in the audience, everyone from little kids to husband and wives in their 60's. There was one moment in the movie that one of the character's said "bad dog"; right after that, a little boy yelled "bad dog". The whole audience busted up laughing. It was a cute moment.

Seeing the movie in 3-D was sorta cool, but totally not necessary. I think it would be just as good in regular view. Although, we did get some sweet 3-D glasses :-)

For a good time that'll put a smile on your face, go see "Up".

Bride Wars

Last Friday I had some girl time with my buddy Ally. We talked, got all caught up on life, went to the store and got junk food, and then went to see Bride Wars at the $3.00 theater. I absolutely loved the movie! Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson did a great job. When it comes to characterization, I was definitely more like Emma (Anne Hathaway's character). It was totally girlie and I enjoyed every mintue of it. It seems that as females we are wired to dream of our wedding from the time we are little. I'm pretty sure I got my first bride magazine at age 12. I don't know if it's the idea of meeting prince charming or being a princess for a day in a beautiful dress that makes us fantasize so much about one day. This definitely wasn't a chick flick guys would enjoy. Bride Wars is for girls in every sense of the word.

He's Just Not That Into You...

Are you the exception or the rule? The real answer is that we are both. We're the rule until we become the exception. The time we become the exception is the time that matters. It's hard being the rule because it seems like we'll never have the chance to be the exception. And another problem is that we all have different dating rules. Needless to say, when things are suppose to work out, they do work out. Unfortunately, we have to go through a lot of misunderstandings, heart ache, and crap first. Sometimes we don't know what's best for us or who we're really into.

I went and saw "He's Just Not That Into You" and overall I was disappointed. The characters were not developed enough. They were all connected but superficially. And one story kinda wrecked the movie for me. One of the guys was married and he totally went after this single girl and had an affair. The girl was a total slut and didn't even care that he was married. Plus one scene was just totally not right. The main story line between Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Alex (Justin Long) was super cute though. The movie was definitely not your average chick flick, but it still isn't a movie I would see over and over. However, the main message of the movie was good. I was worried it was going to bash marriage, and say that it doesn't matter, but luckily it didn't. The main message was that dating is hard, but when you are supposed to be with someone, things will eventually work out, despite all the obstacles.

Quantum of Solace

Last Saturday, Nov. 8th, I went with Amy, Sarah, and Kyleigh to see the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. I loved Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and was really excited to see him as Bond once again. However, I was a little disappointed by the film.

The story line didn't grip me the way Casion Royale did, and there was definitely not the same passion and chemistry with the new bond girl. What I like about Daniel Craig as Bond is that he isn't just a tough, sex-obsessed secret agent. Craig's Bond shows an emotional side, revealing the man behind the facade.

Casino Royale was a particularly powerful story because of Bond's relationship with Vesper and the whole concept of gambling. Vesper and Bond's relationship helped explain why Bond is the way that he is, when it comes to women and how he fights. Quantum of Solace was interesting, and definitely had a creepy villian, but it lacked the depth and spectacle Casino Royale portrayed. I'm not sure if Bond got the revenge he was looking for.

Regardless of the storyline, Craig is one fine looking Bond.

The Duchess

Last Friday, I went with my friends Amy, Kara, and Kami to see the new Keira Knightley film, The Duchess. The images in the film were fantastic. Scene after scene displayed characters in fabulous period costumes and elaborate hair styles. Based on the life of Georgianna Spencer, the reality of the time period portrayed was intriguing.

Today, our society's views on marriage and sex have swung to the completely opposite side of the pendulum, compared to England's views in the late 1700's. Keira Knightley's character weds at 17 to the Duke of Devonshire, dooming herself to a life where she is denied the loving partnership that can be present between a husband and wife. All her husband, the Duke, wants is a male heir and she fails him. The irony of the situation is that modern day science has revealed that it is the man who determines the sex of a child, not the woman.

Georgianna's husband despises her for something he ultimately controls. The entire concept of marriage is skewed. Marriage was a contract, not a union between to loving adults prepared to make a life together. Sex was not seen as enjoyable for a woman, it was simply a duty she performed at the demand of her husband.

The Women

Friday night, before I attended the fabulous dance party at the Eccles Mansion, my girlfriends and I went to see the movie "The Women". An all-star, all female cast played the role of four NY friends forced to help one friend face the reality that he husband is having an affair...with a "spritzer girl" at SAKS 5th Avenue.

It was an interesting film. There were no men in the cast. Even the cheating husband never appeared on screen. This choice was definitely intentional, but I am still trying to decide if I liked it or not. In society today there is a fine line between feminism and femininity. I believe in the empowerment of women. I also believe in the divinity of the role of women as wife and mothers. As a 21 year old, LDS woman today there are so many conflicting messages.

One line of the film struck me. At the end when Mary (the main character played by Meg Ryan) is talking to her husband about going out to get to know each other again, she owns up to her role in his affair, telling him "how could I share myself with you when I didn't know who I was". I agree with this idea, you do need to know yourself before you can really be a completely active participant in a healthy relationship. I found that particular message of the movie uplifting.

What I didn't like about the movie was the portrayal that the bonds between the female friends seemed more important than their relationships with their husbands/significant others. In the film, Mary was more devastated by her friend's betrayal than her husband's. The relationship between a husband and wife is completely separate and different from friendship. It is ultimately the single most important relationship in a person's life. Your husband or wife is your eternal companion, someone you have pledged to spend eternity with in an effort to be like God.

My verdict is still out on whether I truly liked this film. It was definitely worth seeing, if only for the fact that it produced interesting topics of thought and discussion about female roles and relationships.