She is my rock, my shoulder, my friend. She encourages me, cries with me, laughs with me, and she is always there for me. My life is better having her as my friend, and I am so lucky. I hope she has the bestest birthday ever.
Some of the most beautiful and most talented actresses are redheads. Only they don't get their due. Until now. For my 20 Actresses Meme (I was tagged by Adam Ross at DVD Panache and the Meme was originally started by Nathanial at Film Experience) I have selected 20 redheads: for their talent, for their beauty and for those feisty red locks. Burn, baby, burn.Ann MargaretCarol BurnettEva
Why do they even bother making "regular" size rolls of toilet paper? I mistakenly bought some, and all you do is change out the roll. I have to make sure to only buy the big rolls.
Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, John Hillcoat’s The Road is bleak look at a world on the brink. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) struggle to survive by any means necessary. As duo travel aimlessly day to day, they encounter various individuals (Robert Duvall, Michael K. Williams, etc) that will ultimately blur the lines between good and evil even further.
As weird as it may sound, I always find stories about the decay of society fascinating. The Road is a very bleak film that reminded me of Fernando Meirelles’ Blindness in many ways, though The Road is not nearly as graphic and the overall execution of is far better. The interesting thing about this film is that it does not care what caused the world to get to the point that it is at. The real focus is on the theme of family; and the lengths that people will go through to protect the ones they love. There is also an underlying question of whether childhood innocence can exist in such a horrific world? There are times in the film where Smit-McPhee’s character comes off a little too naïve for my liking. Especially if you take into account all that he has experienced up to this point. Having not read the source material I cannot say whether the character was orignianlly written this way or if it was more a result of Hillcoat’s direction. The real strength of the film is found in the casting. Viggo Mortensen is very good in the lead role; he has the right mixture of vulnerability and jadedness needed for the role. I also really liked the supporting performances of Duvall and Williams. Though I wish Molly Parker and Guy Pearce were given more to do. I understand their character’s roles are minor but, with actors of their talent, it would have been great to see them play some of the darker roles in the film. While it did not blow me away like other post-apocalyptic films have, say Children of Men for example, The Road did hold my interest the throughout.
B
Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee introduced the film both decked out in gear supporting my beloved Montreal Canadiens, which obviously did not sit well with the many Toronto Maple Leaf fans in the audience. Viggo and Kodi had a few funny back and forth moments with audience as a result.
The Joneses
The arrival of Kate (Demi Moore) and Mike Jones (David Duchovny), along with their kids Jenn (Amber Heard) and Micks (Ben Hollingsworth), in an upscale suburban neighborhood causes quite a stir amongst the residents. Living in a lavishe house, with all the cutting edge clothing and gadgets you can imagine, the Joneses quickly become the toast of the town. Everyone, especially neighbors Larry (Gary Cole) and Summer (Glenne Headley), becomes obsessed with emulating Joneses lifestyle. Despite their seemingly perfect exterior, the Joneses may not be the ideal family they appear to be.
The Joneses is one of those films that work best if you go in not knowing too much. Although writer/director Derrick Borte creates a brilliant premise, he unfortunately fumbles with the overall delivery. The film wants to be both a satire on consumerism and a romantic comedy, the latter of which is what ultimately hurts the film. Since Borte must continually keep the romantic subtext flowing, The Joneses never reaches the biting satirical level that it really should. This is a shame since both Cole and Headley steal every scene they are in. The odd thing about The Joneses is that the film itself plays like one long product placement commercial. Maybe this is Borte’s way of emphasizing how easily it is for us to be swayed by marketing. Still, it is tough to take Duchovny’s speech, on our constant obsession with things, seriously when every other moment you are being shown the latest Audi vehicles. If Borte had gone for a more cutting satire The Joneses could have easily been one of the better films of the year. As it stands, you will leave The Joneses slightly disappointed and with a desire to buy something.
C+
The Warrior and the Wolf (Lang Zai Jilang)
Adapted from of a short story by Japanese writer Yashushi Inoue The Warrior and The Wolf takes place during the Era of the Warring States (i.e. before the unification of China). When General Zhange Anliang (Tou Chung-hua) is wounded in battle Lu (Joe Odagiri), a soldier who is opposed to murder, is forced to take over command. As the harsh winter blocks the path home, Lu and his men are forced to take refuge in a mysterious village. While in the village Lu meets, and eventually falls for, a beautiful woman (Maggie Q) who has secrets of her own. Unbeknownst to Lu, his relationship with this woman will change his life forever.
Although I am sure that the original source material is a captivating story, as a film, The Warrior and the Wolf is a mess. The pacing is extremely slow and, surprisingly, nothing is really fleshed out. The film constantly feels like chunks of essential points (e.g. history, timelines, etc.) are missing. Events happen in this film that make no sense whatsoever, this is especially noticeable when looking at the arc between Odagiri and Q. Lu is a passive man, yet turns into an uncontrollable animal at the sight of a half naked Maggie Q. While you can argue that he has not seen a woman in years, due to the war, you never really get a sense at how long he has actually been gone. Also, similar to Kelin, there is the whole “Taming of the Shrew” through rape angle that occurs. Yet unlike Kelin, The Warrior and the Wolf never really shows those moments where you actually believe Q’s character would fall in love with Lu. The woman just professes her love for him one day and then brings up the whole “curse” element to the tale. While I will not provide spoilers, I will merely say that such a central part of the story should not come out of left field over an hour into the film. I will not even bother to mention the ridiculous third act of the film that pretty much throws everything from the first two acts out the window.
D
The Loved Ones
Winner of the first ever Midnight Madness award, for favourite Midnight Madness feature, The Loved Ones is an entertaining horror flick that achieves so much by doing so little. Six months after being involved in an accident that killed his father, Brent Mitchell (Xavier Sameul) is still riddled with guilt. Wearing a razorblade at the end of chain, Brent routinely cuts himself in an attempt to deal with the pain. After an argument with his mother, and on the eve of the school prom, Brent decides to go for walk to clear his head. Unfortunately for Brent, he is unknowingly about to have a night that he will never forget.
I am hesitant to divulge too much about the plot has you really should go in knowing as little as possible. While many will cite Carrie as a comparison, I think The Loved Ones is more along the lines of films such as Misery. Director Sean Byrne script manages to provide fully realized characters in a rather short pace of time. He also finds a way to connect seemingly meaningless events (i.e. the best friend story arc) to the bigger picture. Unlike recent horror films, especially the Saw franchise and the “strangers in my house” revivals, The Loved Ones finds its chills in the simplest of places. In an age where death and torture in movies are done on such an elaborate scale, Byrne uses everyday devices (e.g. forks, kettles, hammers, etc.) to maximum effect. A lot of credit must also go to Robin McLeavy and John Brumpton who, as Lola and Eric respectively, create two of the most memorable horror characters in recent years. Their performances, especially Brumpton’s, are so subtle at times that you cannot help but be both disturbed and entertained at the same time.
A-/B+
Sean Byrne held a Q &A after the screening
Partir (Leaving)
Suzanne (Kristen Scott Thomas) has decided after years of being a devoted stay-at-home wife to Samuel (Yvan Attal), and mother to their children, that she wants to go back to work as a physiotherapist. Samuel agrees to build Suzanne her own consulting room in the backyard. Before long Suzanne strikes up a friendship with Ivan (Sergi Lopez), a contractor who is working on the room, and unexpected feelings develop.
Partir follows a string of other recent films (e.g. Cloud 9, and The Other Man to a certain extent) that look at the themes of women abandoning their families in the pursuit of passion. What I always find interesting about these films is how different events play out when the woman is the one who commits adultery. In all of these films the woman leaves to be with her lover and expects the family to accept her decision no questions asked. Unlike some of the other films I mentioned, Director Catherin Corsini’s film tries to take the easy way out by turning the husband into the villain. This helps her show that Suzanne ultimately made the right decision. The problem with this is that Samuel only becomes vindictive after Suzanne tells him that she has been cheating on him. Frankly I do not think any husband, or wife for that matter, is going to be fine with their spouse coming home to cook dinner before running out to spend the night with their new lover. Call me old fashioned but I just do not see it happening. Now I do not condone Samuel’s actions towards the end of the film, as they are beyond redeemable. Still, other moments such as Samuel cutting Suzanne off from his bank account is not as vile as Corsini tries to make us believe. Despite some issues I had with a few of the plot devices, Kristen Scott Thomas is the reason why this film stays a float. She gives another great performance that almost comes close to rivaling her work in I’ve Loved You So Long. Partir has its flaws but it will definitely stir up debate afterwards.
B-
Director Catherin Corsini held a revealing Q &A where she admitted that she and Thomas had many battles on the set. Although they are ultimately had similar visions for the story, the disagreed on some of the choices being made (i.e. Thomas wanted her character to have more interaction with the children, etc.)
Still to come: The Ape, Youth in Revolt, Bitch Slap, Life During Wartime, Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, If I Knew What You Said, Ajami, etc.
A new song by Mr. Jackson, called “This Is It,” will be released next month, Sony Music Entertainment said Wednesday in a news release. The song, which shares its title with the comeback tour that Mr. Jackson was rehearsing when he died in June, will be released as a single on Oct. 12, Sony said.
Like numerous pop-music performers before him, Michael Jackson will not be hindered in his recording career by his death.
Two versions of that song, which includes backing vocals by Mr. Jackson’s brothers, will also appear on a new two-disc set, also called “This Is It,” which includes previously released and new material, including a spoken-word poem by Mr. Jackson called “Planet Earth”; that set will be released internationally on Oct. 26 and in North America on Oct. 27.
That will be followed on Oct. 28 by Sony Pictures’ release of the documentary film “Michael Jackson: This Is It,” which is compiled from rehearsal footage from Mr. Jackson’s planned concerts.
It sounds like a slogan we all heard back in 4th grade, when learning about how to take car of a bully. When you think about the actual context of that saying, it rings true to so many aspects of our daily lives. Each day, my Kundalini group has been meeting and doing an "Act don't React" chakra. We've been using the simple, "Arms over your head for 11 minutes" action and comparing it to how we deal with our days. At first you feel as if you can handle it, your arms aren't hurting as much, then instead of repelling the amount of pain you begin to feel as the minutes go on, you embrace it and handle it as it comes.
When the girls and I talked, we all felt like the day after we did the chakra, we all felt unstoppable; we felt like we could handle anything...Instead of reacting to the bad (much like the pain when we hold our hands up), we embraced the bad with the good and didn't try to distract ourselves from the present emotion. This DID cause most of us to have pretty intense emotions all day.
Personally, I've been unbelievably happy and grounded since beginning the "Arms project", haha. I don't know if it is attributed to actually lifting my hands over my head for 11 minutes the past couple of days, or meeting with the girls and reflecting, but all I know is this "supposed" transformation of letting anger and everything out seems to be happening. My dreams also have been very emotional and visual... don't know why....
Each day at 5:55 we will be raising our hands for the 11 minutes and hopefully coming out transformed, or just a little humbled by the simple life lesson holding your hands over your head helps you learn...
P.S. - The CBS shoot was amazing. I had a great turnout out for the yoga class and so many guys showed up which was both adorable and thoughtful. This place really is amazing....
I'm heading back to Jersey this weekend. Maybe I'll bestow the "Arm's project" on a couple of my weary friends who think for the most part that I am gonna turn into a Patchouli wearing Birkenstock wearing hippy up here.... Which is def. not true.
Wait....shoot. I'm wearing my Birkenstocks today.... only because they're comfy.... riiiiiiiiiiight.
I totally decided to copy my friend's blog. But it was just so tempting! I've actually been thinking of doing this for a while too, so I don't feel THAT bad.So here goes, from 20 down to 1!20. Mandy MusgraveIf you've never heard of South of Nowhere, I don't blame you. Not because the show sucked or anything, it was actually quite good. But you've probably never heard of it because it was stupidly
Britney Spears. There was a time when she was indestructible, she was on top of the world, nobody could hold a candle to her. Christina, Jessica, Mandy. They were all second fiddle to her. And then disaster happened. K. Fed. Cheetos. Trucker hats. Red Bull. Suddenly a ray of light. She divorced Kevin. She was looking good on Letterman. Rosie poured confetti on The View. Could Britney be back?
Jessica Alba haircut new and cool hairstyle for 2009Jessica Alba, 27-years old Californian babe, is a famous actress from America. Jessica Alba frequently appears on the covers of fashion magazines and websites Maxim, FHM, Esquire, AskMen.com and GQ online, among others. Jessica Alba has been voted as ‘Hot 100′, ‘99 Most Desirable Women’ and ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ at several occasions on these
Good morning! Biggest Loser was pretty good last night. I liked that they promoted team work and no one had to go home. It seems like they are coming out with more products and commercializing it more, but I guess...I'll just focus on the people anyway. I don't have a favorite yet. Do you? And, I don't think I could walk across even that widest balance beam. I watched "The Good Wife" premier last night as well. I liked it. Anyone else try it? I liked her when she was on ER, but I think she is more attractive now. It'll be interesting to see how this one goes.
It has been cool and wet here all week so far. Brr. It is supposed to be warm and sunny over the weekend and into next week. I guess Denver was supposed to get a snow storm? I didn't watch the news this morning to see if they did or not.
TIFF is done for another year and, although I am still recovering, here is the first wave of mini-reviews for the films I saw. I will repost these reviews with more details closer to when they are released in theaters.
Like You Know It All (Jal Aljido Motamyunseo)
Filmmaker Ku Kyung-nam (Kim Tae-woo) is a critical darling yet he still has not made a commercially successful movie. The general public just cannot seem to make sense of any of his films. When Ku is invited to serve on the jury at a music and film festival, he sees it as a great honor. Yet once on the jury it quickly becomes apparent that reviewing movies is the last thing on Ku’s mind. When Ku is not sleeping through films, or skipping them completely, he is out catching up with old friends and getting into drunken conversations about life. Yet wherever Ku goes trouble seems to follow. Is it possible to have commercial success when you are not even understood in your private life?
Similar to his main character, Ku, director Hong Sang-soo cannot seem to make up his mind on what he wants this film to really be about. He wants defy typical convention by exerting his right to throw several different ideas into the same melting pot. As a result, Sang-soo rarely takes a stand on anything of real significance. Like You Know It All really finds it groove at the beginning as satirical element, regarding the pretentiousness of film festival, is spot on. The problem is that the film gets silly after that. This is due to the various contradictions in the film. Ku prides himself on freedom but constantly craves conformity. This is most evident in his interactions with a former college flame. Ku’s longing for his old flame to be his soul mate is yet another misguided attempt for acceptance. A good chunk of the film focuses on Ku being a callous womanizer who repeatedly puts the moves on his friends’ wives, and leaves drunk-girls in vulnerable positions for others to take advantage of. Yet Ku tries to play the victim in all of this claiming that a soul mate would cure his self absorbed ways. Ku’s constant flip-flopping goes from comical to annoying fairly fast. Since neither Ku, nor Sang-soo, seem to have any really concrete arguments to make, Like You Know It All ends up being much ado about nothing
C -
Cleanflix
What do you do when your religious beliefs conflict with your entertainment choices? Well if you are Mormon, and live in Utah, the answer is simple…you find a workaround. After the prophet declares a ban on viewing R-rated movies, a number of video editing companies, such as Clean Flicks and Flick’s Club, start popping up. Clean Flicks specialized in taking R-rated movies, like The Matrix, and illegally editing out all of the violent and graphic content. They would then turn around and sell the edited version to the masses. This eventually led to a war of words in both the media and in the courts, between the companies that edited videos and the Directors Guild of America. As the media attention grew one man, Daniel Thompson, unwittingly became the face off the whole Clean Flicks industry. Problems arise when it is revealed that Daniel may not quite be the wholesome Mormon he appeared to be.
While Cleanflix takes a firm stance on censorship it does provide a fair look at the ideology of edited movie companies. I also liked how the film provides insight into the Mormon community without making them look like freaks. Directors Andrew James and Joshua Ligairi, who are Mormons, show that the Mormon community is made up of well meaning individuals who are interested in pop zeitgeist just like everyone else. The problem is that they do not see the inherent contradictions with using companies such as Clean Flicks. They are essentially breaking one religious law in order to obey another. One of the funny things about the whole debate is that Hollywood already provides edited movies for television and airplanes, yet they refuse to release them for sale to the general public. Which is perplexing considering that there is clearly major demand for them in Utah and other places across America. It seems like a huge financial windfall that Hollywood is passing up. The one complaint some may have with this documentary is that Daniel Thompson’s story takes up a large amount of the second half of the film. Personally I found Daniel an interesting subject to follow as his lust for media attention provides the documentary with some of its funniest, as well as most disturbing, moments. He is a walking contradiction that perfectly encapsulates the religious versus consumerist debate that is one of the underlying themes of the film.
A
Andrew James and Joshua Ligairi held a Q&A after the screening.
Antichrist
After the suffering the tragic loss of their infant son, a couple (William Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg) attempt to mend the wounds the death has opened. The husband (Dafoe), who is a psychologist, believes that the best cure for his wife’s grief is to confront one of her deepest fears. It seems that the wife (Gainsboug) is having reoccurring nightmares about the woods near their cottage in Eden. At Eden the couple quickly realizes that facing ones fears may not quite be the medicine they were hoping for.
Lars Von Tier’s nightmare look at the stereotype of the sexes is, if nothing else, a film that will stick with you long after you see it. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to the individual viewer. This is not the type of film that you really need to see at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning, but such is the way the TIFF schedule goes. The much publicized graphic scenes are indeed hard to watch and not easy to forget. Yet I found that those particular scenes were more distracting than anything else. Those moments actually ruined everything that was so wonderfully set up in the first section of the film. Antichrist is visually stunning at times; and raises a lot of interesting questions about the dispositions of both men and women. The theme of nature being Satan’s playground is fascinating. I really liked how Von Tier interprets the whole Garden of Eden story and juxtaposes it with the history of burning pagan women for being witches. He also looks at the idea of a woman’s pleasure being a punishable offense. Unfortunately all these great ideas are overshadowed by the excessive later half of Antichrist which almost borders on torture-porn. When reflecting on the film you automatically think back to “the wheel” and other gruesome moments, instead of how wonderful Charlotte Gainsbourg’s performance is. While Antichrist is destined to be the subject of many film school papers for years to come; it is just not as strong, or as focused, as Von Tier’s previous works. The concept is great and the performances are good, but overall I would say this one is a rental.
On a side note, this film, oddly enough, reminded me of the Canadian film Lost Song that played at TIFF 08. That film was also about a couple that go to their cabin in the woods, but this time it was an attempt to cure the wife’s postpartum depression. It would be interesting to watch both that and Antichrist back-to-back one day.
C
Year of the Carnivore
Sammy Smalls (Cristin Milioti) works as an undercover security guard at a local grocery store. When she is not catching shoplifters in the act for her boss (Will Sasso), she is pining over the neighbourhood busker, Eugene (Mark Rendall). After a night of passion, Sammy is shocked to learn that Eugene no longer wants a relationship with her due to her poor performance in bed. Since Eugene refuses to help Sammy improve her sexual technique, Sammy sets out to gain sexual experience by any means necessary.
After directing a few short films and starring in the controversial film, Shortbus, Sook-Yin Lee makes her directorial feature length debut with Year of the Carnivore. The film is a funny and thought provoking look at human connection and the loneliness that we all have…especially married couples. Although sex is the catalyst for the story, it is rarely shown as pleasurable. Heck, even Eugene has a bored look on his face while taking part in a threesome. Sook-Yin wants to show what hinders our sexual encounters the most is both our inhibitions and our lack of true connection. Society spends so much time talking about sex, selling sex, and looking to have sex; yet in reality people rarely act on their impulses. One of the notable aspects about Year of the Carnivore is how every marriage in the film is in trouble. Whether it is the young couple with twin babies or the couple who have been together for 25 years, they have all lost both the passion in the bedroom and the basic art of communication. Sure these themes may not be new, but Lee makes them fresh again with her smartly written script that is both comical and charming. Besides Lee, a lot of the films success is due to the hilarious performance by Cristin Milioti in the role of Sammy. Milioti, who has great physical comedic timing, convincingly conveys both Sammy’s quirky awkwardness and her womanly awakening while avoiding the realm of farce. Year of the Carnivore could have easily been a formulaic romantic comedy but instead it turned out to be one of the festival’s pleasant surprises.
B+
Sook-yin Lee, Mark Rendall and a few other cast members held a Q&A after the screening.
The Art of the Steal
Dr. Albert Barnes held the largest collection of post-impressionist and early modernist art in the world. Despite the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s best efforts to acquire the pieces, Barnes snubbed the Philadelphia elites and housed the collection in suburb of Merion. Before his death in 1951, Barnes made a will to ensure that the collection stayed out of the hands of the Museum and others who wished to profit off the works. Barnes wanted the collection to remain an educational tool for serious students of art and not the casual tourist. Barnes was able to hold off the dollar eyed vultures when he was alive, but once Barnes passed away things changed. Even his iron clad will started to show some cracks...
Don Argott’s documentary was easily one of my favourite films at the festival this year. The story unfolds like a murder mystery complete with a full list of suspects. Argott details step by step how money rules the bottom line of everything. It was the catalyst that forced many Philadelphia politicians and corporations commit crime of stealing Barnes’ collection. The Art of the Steal forces you to question if something as strong as a person’s will can be violated, what say do you really have in any part of your life? The most startling aspect of this documentary is how matter of fact some people, such as the Governor and the Attorney General, are when openly talking about how they essentially blackmailed institutions such as the of Lincon University. The funny thing is both men act like it was just business as usual. It is this type of mentality that is so chilling. The taking over of the Barnes collection was as epic as major corporate merges. Many of the key players not only hid key information from the public but also used public money to essentially commit the crime. It is truly fascinating to see how the Barnes’ collection has ended up becoming everything Barnes objected to when he was alive. The Art of the Steal will make you look at art, politics, education, and the law in a whole new light.
A+
Don Argott and crew held a Q & A session
Kelin
Taking place in 2nd Century A.D., Kelin (Gulsharat Zhubayeva) has two suitors vying for her hand in marriage. Unfortunately her true love, Mergyen (Kuandyk Kystykbaev), cannot afford to pay the same dowry to Kelin’s father that Baktashi (Erzan Nurymbet) can. Although Kelin is reluctant to become Baktashi’s wife at first, she starts to develop genuine feelings for him after a while. Kelin’s blossoming love for Baktashi is soon tested once Mergyen reappears into her life determined to win her back at all cost.
Ermek Tursunov’s film has no dialogue whatsoever which means that it is up to the actors to convey and sustain the story for the 84-minute running time. The cast does a good job rising to the task. Not all the performances are note perfect but they are sufficient enough for the subject matter. Kelin would have been better served with much tighter editing. The film’s pacing is much slower than it really needs to be. Also, there is nothing in the film that really sets you up for the events at the end. Kelin must assume a role for which she has no prior preparation. Tursunov seems to imply that she will rise to the challenge like those before her. Maybe it is a given for those familiar with the history of various cultures within Kazakhstan, but I just did not see how that is possible. The central theme in the film, regarding love and tradition, are nothing new; nor is the overall execution. Kelin is an adequate film but not one that will leave a lasting impression.
C-
Director Ermek Tursunov held a Q & A that turned out to be far more engaging than the actual film.
The Men Who Stare At Goats
After a chance encounter with Lyn Cassidy (George Clooney), journalist Bob Wilton (Ewen McGregor) realizes that he might have come across the juiciest story of his career. Lyn claims to be part of a special military group of super-soldiers trained in the art of mental warfare. They can become invisible, located hidden items, and even make a goat’s heart stop beating through mere thought. Yet after traveling across the Iraq dessert, in search of Lyn’s former unit captain Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), Bob begins to wonder if Lyn’s tales are actually more fiction than fact.
Grant Heslov’s latest feature evoked mixed reactions out of me at various points in the film. There are times when the writing in The Men Who Stare At Goats is truly brilliant. During these moments the dialogue is fast paced and the film hits all the right comedic notes. Unfortunately there are also times when it becomes painfully obvious that there is really no substance to the picture at all. Clearly they had a great concept but just could muster enough material to sustain a whole movie. Many people I spoke with who loved The Men Who Stare At Goats cited the Coen Brothers’ comedies as one of the reasons they enjoyed the film so much. Whereas this was one of the major reasons I found the film disappointing. To me, The Men Who Stare At Goats plays more like a poor man’s Coen Brothers flick. Even Jeff Bridges seems to be phoning in his old Lebowski performance for the film. Several of the running gags, most notably the Jedi and other pop culture references, become stale after hearing them over and over. The casting is great and Heslov allow his actors to really let loose in their roles. Though Heslov needed to rein in the story much more than he does, especially in regards to the ridiculous third act. Again, there are some truly funny segments that almost warrant a mild recommendation for those scenes alone. Yet on the whole, despite the potential it displayed, The Men Who Stare At Goats was ultimately more disappointing than anything else.
C
Good Hair
In Jeff Stilson’s documentary, Good Hair, Chris Rock goes on a mission to try and understand the obsession black women have with “Good Hair.” Whether it is using the harmful chemicals found in a tub of hair relaxer; or spending thousands of dollars on weaves, black women are constantly striving to have European-looking hair. Rock’s journey will not only lead him across America but all the way to India as well. What he finds out along the way is equally hilarious and disturbing.
Good Hair is definitely an eye opening look into the black hair industry. After the film, I discussed many of the points raised with my mom and she was echoing many of the same sentiments that the women in the documentary stated. Generations of women have grown up, and will continue to grow up, longing for “Good Hair.” Rock knows that there is nothing he can do to change this fact, which is why this documentary is more concerned with entertaining than shaking the status quo. Still it would have been nice if Good Hair had added a little historical context in regards to why many cultures covet the European style of hair. Actually it would have been interesting to have a few Europeans provide comments about black hair in general. The only non-blacks featured in the film are of Indian or East Asian decent. Regardless, in the grand scheme of the picture, these are minor quibbles as Rock never intended the film to be a sermonizing tool in the first place. The segments in India are extremely effective in showing how out of hand the hair obsession in North America is. The same can be said for the business side of things, in which the film points out how much money the industry rakes in and who is really benefiting from it. While the film is filled with many great celebrity interviews, Rock really shines when he is interacting with regular folks in the beauty salons/barber shops. Some of the most amusing comments come when the interviewees explain why you cannot touch a black woman’s hair during sex. Good Hair may not strive to be a scathing social critique, but it is still an enjoyable film that is both funny and thought provoking.
B
Chris Rock and model/actress Melyssa Ford held a Q & A session after the screening.
A Serious Man
After last year’s misstep, Burn After Reading, the Coen Brothers find themselves back on track with A Serious Man. Set in Jewish suburbs of Minnesota in 1967, Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) tries hard to live a good and upstanding Jewish life. Despites his best efforts to a “serious man”, Larry cannot seem to stop this downward spiral he seems to have found himself in. His wife (Sari Lennick) has fallen in love with another man and wants Larry to grant her a religious divorce so she can remarry within the faith. Larry’s children only talk to him when they want money or the television fixed. To make matters worst, Larry’s application for tenure at the University is in jeopardy due to a series of mysterious and damaging letters that have suddenly appeared. Looking for guidance, Larry does what any “serious man” would do…seek counsel from the elusive Rabbi Nachtner (George Wyner).
Due to the underlying bleak tone, and the abrupt ending, A Serious Man is bound to divide audiences. Personally I loved the film, as it was a funny commentary on faith and human nature. Larry does all the right things and his life gets worse by the day; whereas everyone else is committing sinful deeds and seemingly living well. Even the religious leaders, who are the most “serious men” of all, are merely going through the motions. All of the various Rabbis in the picture are quick to provide random stories and rhetoric yet none of them can apply the tales to the actual matter at hand. The performances in this film are fantastic even the bit players provided wonderful moments. Stuhlbarg is by far the standout though. Stuhlbarg brings so much comedic subtly to the role that it is easy to miss upon first glance. As I mentioned before the ending will rub many the wrong way, but I found it rather fitting when looking back at the overall themes of the film.
A
Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire
Winner of the festivals top prize, The Peoples Choice Award, Precious is a film that packs a very heavy punch. It is 1987 in Harlem and Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is barely sixteen and already pregnant with her second child. Living with her emotionally and physically abusive mother (Mo’Nique), Precious constantly dreams of a better life. Unable to neither read nor write, and facing expulsion from school, Precious is forced to attend the Each One/Teach One alternative school. Can this school provide Precious with a way out of her miserable life? Or was merely cursed from birth?
I am hesitant to heap too much praise on this film for I fear that adding to the buzz Precious has already generated might only speed up the backlash towards the film. Still, I cannot deny that Precious finally cements Lee Daniel’s as a director. He skillfully blends the dark themes with the more accessible moments far better here than he did in either The Woodsman or Shadowboxer. This is not to say that Precious is an easy film to watch. On the contrary, the film is extremely bleak and unrelenting. No matter how many times you tell yourself “her life cannot get any worse”…it does. Daniels smartly incorporates just the right amount of fantasy sequences in the film. This allows him to pull Precious, and the viewer, out of the sewage long enough to take a quick gasp of air before being submerged again. Daniels is wise not to overplay these moments as he keeps the dream sequences somewhat grounded. Regardless of how you feel about the subject matter, there is no denying that the Precious features two of the finest female performances you will see all year. Mo’Nique is simply brilliant as Precious’ abusive mother. She brings so much intensity and emotion to the role that, even though you despise her, you fully understand her motivations. While Mo’Nique will most likely get a lot of award buzz, and rightfully so, newcomer Gabourey Sidibe deserves some as well. Due to the nature of the subject matter, the film really lives and dies on Sidibe’s performance. Thankfully Gabourey rises to the extremely high bar that both Daniel’s and Mo’Nique have set for her. Gabourey Sidibe does such a wonderful job finding that dark uncomfortable place for Precious that you barely notice some of the more well-known cast members in supporting roles. While I highly recommend Precious, you should try and see the film before the hype gets out of control. Precious works best if you go in without any preconceived notions.
A
Still to come: The Road, The Ape, Micmacs, The Loved Ones, Youth in Revolt, Life During Wartime, Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, If I Knew What You Said, etc.
OK, not to dwell on this horoscope issue, but gee, they are telling me things that are right on, as we are dealing with an issue with our youngest daughter that is hard. Hmm.
LeoJuly 23 - August 22 Tuesday, September 22 Today could present you with a few challenges, particularly on the home front. And it could be a good time to let go of a few things that may have been bothering you about your home or family. Just remember that holding on to things is only likely to make matters worse. So try to make a fresh start if you can right now.
It was cool and rainy yesterday, and we had to shut the windows last night. I would have left the bedroom one open, but hubby shut it. I love the fresh air even if it is brisk. Fall is in the air. Leaves are falling.
Work is busy as ever, and keeps my mind working.
I miss my Chloe and Brooklyn. I miss my kids. I miss my parents a LOT. I miss my mom in law. I miss my sisters. I miss my sister in law and brothers in law. I miss my grandparents. I miss everyone today.
Do any of you watch "Big Bang Theory". Those nerds are funny.
Biggest Loser on tonight.
Have a good day....my brain is very scattered...what are your random thoughts for today?
It was one of the best nights I have ever had. New, fun, emotional, high, low, amazing.
One of the girls here hosted a "Kundalini" night, (Kundalini is a practice of concentrating breathing exercises to awaken different chakras in your body (i.e. your heart, mind, digestion even sex drive haha). Basically it's to awaken. After you do the exercises (for about 2 mintues each) you feel almost high or in a different state of consciousness due to the immense amount of oxygen you are breathing in and the poses you're in.
We all were dressed in ridiculous clothing, drew ridiculous pictures and just had a ridiculous time. It's hard to explain the great energy and fun into words. It was simplicity and it was bliss and it reminded me why I came here in the first place. To share the joys and craziness of life with the ones around you... without any outside distractions or entertainment but each other. I felt like a kid again, almost.
At the end we did a posture and held our arms in it for 11 minutes. If you do it supposedly for 40 days, for 11 minutes holding your arms out and up, you'll feel changed at the end. It is supposed to let go of all anger. We all did it together and some were yelling, crying, laughing and I was on the silent side near the end. My arms were shaking and we all wanted to give up but we endured it. So crazy, so fun, so great.
AND maintenance took down my bunk-bed so I am upgraded to a sole single bed. I'm moving up in the world.
CBS shoot madness begins tomorrow here... DUN DUN DUN. Just find my inner strength and stillness and I'll make it through. Like Kundalini, chaotic yet awakening.
Just in case you weren't convinced Megan Fox's mouth is a never-ending faucet of WTF, here she is explaining to Teen Hollywood how she recently overcame her fear of flying: "I developed that (a fear of flying) when I turned 20. All of a sudden I got really afraid to get on airplanes. I had to come up with a way to deal with it because I didn't want to have panic attacks every time I get on a
Leo July 23 - August 22 Monday, September 21 Today could present you with a few challenges, particularly on the home front. And it could be a good time to let go of a few things that may have been bothering you about your home or family. Just remember that holding on to things is only likely to make matters worse. So try to make a fresh start if you can right now.
Hi. It's me...Sammy I wanted to tell you about my super fun weekend. Well, it was mostly fun. On Saturday I was hanging out with Mom on the front porch waiting for Dad to come home.... don't I just look pitifully sad?
On Sunday, though, Mom went on a bike ride. I was pretty worried about that, hoping she is not going to have any more accidents this year.
Well, anyway, when she got home, she said "let's go to the dog park". I didn't know what she meant, but it sound pretty exciting. She put on our harnesses and off we went walking. After about a mile, we "arrived". Our dog park hasn't been open very long, and this is the first time we have visited it. You go through this gate area and then you are IN! It is big and wonderful, and Sissy and I had a really good time. We made lots of new friends, and Mom was really proud of us because we were everly so friendly to the other pooches and their famblies. I even jumped up on one doggies' owner's lap just to say hi and make sure he knew I was nice and could get along with everyone. There were lots of dogs there and mom went a little nuts taking pictures.
You can see them all here: Dog Park - September 2009 Be sure and read the captions, so you know what she saw. I was so busy running around and making friends it was hard for her to get some photos!! Sissy and I ran back near Mom a lot to just reassure her in case she was nervous about meeting everyone. It wasn't because we were nervous at first at all...really, honest!
There is some fun playground equipment there too, I jumped over the one low hurdle a couple times just to show mom I could do it, and both Sissy and I went through the plastic tunnel. I think Freddie was the best friend we made. I am putting his picture on here. But, I hope you look at all of them on the link above, because we made lots of fun furry friends.
When we got home, Mom gave us both baths and then we took naps because we were so tired from all our running around. Then, we got to share a dish of ice cream. Pretty much this was a perfect dog day.
Our annual bike trip to the Mikkleson Trail in South Dakota was last weekend. We have an awesome group of friends that we go with. This year was a "wash"..literally. It poured rain, and we were unable to ride.
We still had fun, though...we toured Mount Moriah Cemetary, as I wrote earlier (see here).
Then, on Saturday, we toured two wineries...go figure that I'd enjoy that! It was awesome! Then, we gathered to watch UW play football on TV. I went with three others on a hike that afternoon, as it cleared off some. It still would have been too bad to ride on the trail. That night, supper at the Alpine Inn at Hill City, famous for their filet mignon. (It's all they serve in the evening.)
Sunday morning was more rain, so we enjoyed company for a bit, then headed off in different directions. We went to Rapid City for a while with friends and headed home.
It was disappointing to not be able to ride, but a great time with good friends. We may have to change up to an earlier date next year, as we have had rainy cool weather the past three years.
I still even have a little bump on my head from the Jackalope Accident, although it is very small now, slowly disappearing. I had a huge lump in my thigh from the bicycle accident, but it is almost all gone now. I still have a "nob" on my knee and it is still discolered. My chipped teeth are fixed, but still feel "not normal" to me.
Over Labor Day weekend, I had what I now refer to as the "unfortunate dance accident". I fell again!! I hit the back of my head, and hit my elbow. My elbow is still sore. Luckily, the head was only sore for a couple days. My elbow did bruise above and below it...very pretty green yet. I was dancing with a friend of my sisters, and truly having a great time...I said "I'm dizzy", and down I went. Good grief! We did have fun, though, and I was ok.
Maybe it was a good thing that it rained all weekend over our recent annual bike trip. I was truly disappointed we couldn't ride, and we did have fun with our friends...more to follow on that....
“Don’t f-cking touch me,” Lindsay muttered, and no one did anything! How about calling the cops on her dumb ass? Eh. How long will Lindsay continue to even be invited to these events? And what bothers me more is that Lindsay pulled this sh-t in front of her sister. Great message for Ali, right? Be a cracked out diva, hiss “don’t f-cking touch me” and everything will go your way.Yesterday, Jaybird
My good friend, S, wrote a blip on her blog about me the other day: Read it here.
She is such a great friend, and I don't know how I'd get through some days without her! I did have a particularly bad couple days at work, just due to a big amount of stress, deadlines, and overwhelming craziness here. I even wrote on Facebook Monday that I had had a "day from hell" and I had some friends comment on there, too, making me feel better.
What would we do without good friends? I hate to think about that one....
Well, I didn't know the new season was to start last night. I am ready for new tv, for sure! It was a pretty emotional episode. I feel bad for them, as I can't imagine being as heavy, especially as the largest gal. I feel like I am so big, and know how hard it is to lose. I do find it unreal how much they lose in a week, but know their conditions are different than those of us at home. They are constantly training, under specific rules and diets and really no access to our temptations of every day life. I wish them all luck. Does it seem to you that Jillian and Bob are getting meaner? I thought maybe they were? Or maybe I just felt bad for everyone. It'll be an interesting season, I am sure....
In Massachusetts today it’s brisk and cold, the perfect fall temperature. I am starting to notice the leaves changing and it's exciting.
Last night we had a little “get to know you” meeting in my building. It was fun. Everyone is so different but so passionate about being here. Um… I also totally watched the True Blood finale on my computer last night, and it was sooooo indulgent and amazing.
Work is more low-key today. I’m learning in the media world, everything is time-sensitive. You have to be able to hold-back and wait for one tidbit of info before you move onto something new. It’s a push and pull of waiting and then going full speed into doing.
I signed up for a program this weekend called “Flow & Let Go”, a Vinyasa program that incorporates ways to live your life through yoga. It's about rejuvenating the flow of “prana shakti,” the energy of your innate life force. I think it’ll be a good class to take so I can learn the inner workings of everything that goes into my practice both physically and mentally. I’m totally excited.
I feel at ease, and not as homesick as I would when I was in Colorado, due to the fact that I’m literally only 4 hours away. It’s nice.
Everything is going well. Life is good. I needed this positive change. Karma does come back to lift you upJ
It's funny when you transfer an activity that barely gets recognized verbally and sit down with people and talk about it, what crazy things happen. Yesterday, I attended a Dharma/Mediation talk after work to reconnect myself to meditation. We talked about not having any preconcieved notions about it and not trying to reach a goal. Everyone admitted to having stuggled, and it helped to hear everyone's confessions. It was a good class.
Last summer, I meditated 3 times a day almost everyday, and since getting back home and being in my comfort zone/distractions galore, I hadn't gotten back to it.
Since moving here, I feel it calling to me again. I feel my mind quieting already, but also yearning for meditation with myself.
Since arriving, I've noticed ways I have been actively changing my pace of life. They are simple, but make a world of difference when contributing to stress.
Being mindful. Listening to people and beign aware of my surroundings. So many times I'm thinking about my destination and don't even look up to see what's around me.
Walking slower. I walk reeeeally fast. I'm learning to slow down.
Talking slower. Self-explanatory
Eating slower. Scarfing down a lunch all summer while in the midst of serving people was no way to eat.
Listening and not having to interject after every statement. Sometimes you can add to someone's story by giving your opinion or your own story, but I find it takes away from the other person. I've been trying to take what people are telling me and not try to make my own point.
Being here has been great so far. A way easier transition than Shambhala, (maybe not living in a tent has something to do with it, ha).
So I know a "Meditation Talk" is kind of an oxymoron, but it works.
Kind of like life... Living in the present and the constant stuggle of putting the past in the past and trying not to anticipate the future.
Last night I finished the book, The Shack. Have any of you read it? It was different from most books I read, but I highly recommend it. It gives a very unique perception of our relationships with God. If you have read it, please comment below and tell me your thoughts. It was very much a thought provoking book, don't you think?
This is how it begins. And ends. Not with a bang, but with a “screw you”. Here’s the thing - I totally think Megan deserved to be called out, and continues to deserve to be called out for her dumb, outrageous, ignorant, unprofessional, nasty behavior and words. I’m just not sure I want to call her out while defending Michael Bay, who seems like an a-hole too. Plus, I’d like to see Megan really
Hello from Massachusetts! I have up and left everything that was familiar for the unfamiliar. I accepted an internship at the biggest yoga and wellness center in the country. It's been a pretty emotionally charged couple of days. To sum it up in simplistic terms, I have never experienced more warmth, loneliness, aliveness, energy, fear, and anticipation in all my life. PHEW. Here I am. sitting in a house with 35 other interns/volunteers here to do anything from marketing to making beds. My room is small but livable, but I am learning living off the kitchen is no fun. It's loud and I know I'm gonna get annoyed, lol.
Since being here I've tried out over a dozen different yoga classes/workshops to get acquainted. They were all amazing. I've been kayaking, watched a concert and learned tai-chi. My job is related to public relations, and I am basically my own boss, since my boss will be at a remote office. It is a little intimidating, being that I only halfway know what I am doing, and I will have to make a lot of judgment calls.
My body feels stretched and almost healed after the strenous summer of serving coffee to vacationers. The food here is delish, but I could see how people get sick of it. It IS all organic/natrual goodness. I had a piece of vegan cheesecake even.
Waking up every morning at practicing yoga then walked 50ft to work is pretty amazing. The loud voices outside the kitchen right now are not. I guess there is some dark while getting closer to the light.
I miss home, but being only 4 hours from there is comforting.
I need to get some sleep. I'm slightly nervous about tomorrow... ugh.
We headed to South Dakota today for our annual bike ride on the Mikkelson Trail. We did not ride today, but just enjoyed the day. We will ride both Saturday and Sunday.
Today, some of us went to see Mount Moriah. (It is Deadwoods' historic boot hill cemetary, where "Wild Bill" Hickock, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, among so many others were buried.) It was really interesting and also a good hike. The cemetary is on a hill, and is quite a bit of walking. We really enjoyed it.
Here is a slideshow, be sure and click so you can read the captions about the photos. If you want, you can go to the photo page and view instead: (Mount Moriah Photos).
After, went to the crab legs and prime rib buffet at the Silverado, and ate too much. It was quite tasty! We walked for quite a while, stopping in various stores to look around and casinos where I played a whole $2.00 on the nickel machines, and then headed back to the motel. Tomorrow, up bright and early to peddle....
Ugh. This report might have pushed John Mayer over the edge from “douche” to “sociopath”. Who grabs girls and tells them “You’re property of John Mayer”? What guy gets turned on by humiliating women? What guy is so content to play these little “I-want-you-no-I-don’t” games for years? What guy swoops in on a really vulnerable girl and seduces her right after she’s been dumped? But we’re supposed
It’s really easy to just brush this off with the traditional “Lohan sucks!” response, but I think there’s a chance she has some talent at fashion. I don’t care for any of her style myself, but it seems like she’s still a trendsetter and people are paying attention. And she’s paying attention to everyone else too – or at least what they’re wearing.It may work for Lohan. I think she’s probably
Apparently these pics are the most we'll see of Megan Fox as she's currently vowing never to go nude on camera or make a sex tape. Which means no one will ever believe Brian Austin Green stuck his penis in her. But he held her hand once! Honest. MTV News reports: "Ugh, never!" said the actress. "That's the last thing I want to see -- what I look like having sex. It would take one shot of me not
I went to my hometown over Labor Day weekend. I am going to make some posts of my trip, but first of all, I wanted to show this photo. My sisters and I got to spend some hours of one day all together. Other parts were with some of us, etc. But for a while Sunday, we were all four together. It was wonderful to be together.
Where does the time go? Lately I have had no time for blogging, let alone Facebook or Twitter. I do like to blog, so I hope that soon I can get back into my routine. I have been able to read, barely, my favorite blogs, but haven't even put any comments out there.
I resolve to blog. I resolve to comment. I resolve to take time to do what I enjoy. I hope you have a good day!
The grocery store checkout line usually moves rather quickly, but tonight the guy in front of me held it up, trying to get his club membership discount. I didn't mind. Every $5 counts these days. I'm happy to let him save his.
To pass the time, I glanced at the magazines stocked in the impulse purchase racks. One of them had a picture of Tori Spelling on the cover (looking fabulous) with her husband and the headline, "Tori's Loveless Marriage".
Disgusted, I looked away. But as I whiled the time, my eyes landed there again. I thought, "How do they know? Why is it anybody's business? If their marriage does have troubles, how does a headline like that help them heal? Disgusting."
I turned to the woman waiting behind me and said, "What a horrible thing to print in a headline!" and indicated the magazine.
"It's just there to sell magazines. " She replied, in agreement it seemed.
"I just won't buy those kinds of magazines." I said, then glancing at the InStyle magazine among my purchases I explained, "InStyle only photographs celebrities on the Red Carpet and at charity events, so they have permission and the stars expect it and are prepared, and can interview them properly. And features in their homes, where of course they have permission."
I moved up to have the cashier start ringing my items.
Continuing the conversation with the woman behind me, I said; "That's why I won't buy magazines like that. The one's whose pictures are all from paparazzi. I can't stand it."
The cashier chimed in, "But those are the best ones!"
Oh, I was shocked and fought the urge to slap some sense into her. Instead I said, "If they're at an event and can expect to be photographed it's one thing. But to stalk them outside their homes when they're just taking the kids out for ice cream... it's just not right. "
I hoped I had made my point. But I doubted that I had, so I added, "I guess because I'm a trained journalist I find it that much more despicable."
The cashier gave up, but I sparked an interest in the woman behind me, with whom I had started the conversation.
Now she wanted to know who I worked for and stressed the importance of Journalism. That was so good to hear in this day and age, where respect for journalists is lower than that of used car salesmen and ambulance chasing attorneys.
The woman behind me lifted me up a little. And while I was frustrated to know one more person (the cashier) loves those trashy rags, it was good to know there is one more person in America who understands the value of journalism - and how to tell a hoax from a real journalist.
This isn’t the first time Audrina has said something deservedly negative about Heidi’s foray into music. She told Hollyscoop in February, 2008 that she was surprised that Heidi had put out her first music video at the time, “Higher,” because Heidi had no interest in singing as far as she could tell. “I never thought she would ever be a singer since I’ve known her… she’s never really talked about
Happy Birthday to my friend, S. 
Why do they even bother making "regular" size rolls of toilet paper? I mistakenly bought some, and all you do is change out the roll. I have to make sure to only buy the big rolls.
and off we went walking. After about a mile, we "arrived". Our dog park hasn't been open very long, and this is the first time we have visited it. You go through this gate area and then you are IN! It is big and wonderful, and Sissy and I had a really good time. We made lots of new friends, and Mom was really proud of us because we were everly so friendly to the other pooches and their famblies. I even jumped up on one doggies' owner's lap just to say hi and make sure he knew I was nice and could get along with everyone. There were lots of dogs there and mom went a little nuts taking pictures.
e fun playground equipment there too, I jumped over the one low hurdle a couple times just to show mom I could do it, and both Sissy and I went through the plastic tunnel. I think Freddie was the best friend we made. I am putting his picture on here. But, I hope you look at all of them on the link above, because we made lots of fun furry friends.
I guess I never brought you up-to-date on my "unfortunate accidents" of the summer. You probably recall my unfortunate jackalope accident in July. Then in August, I had the "unfortunate bicycle accident."
My good friend, S, wrote a blip on her blog about me the other day: Read it here. 
Well, I didn't know the new season was to start last night. I am ready for new tv, for sure! It was a pretty emotional episode. I feel bad for them, as I can't imagine being as heavy, especially as the largest gal. I feel like I am so big, and know how hard it is to lose. I do find it unreal how much they lose in a week, but know their conditions are different than those of us at home. They are constantly training, under specific rules and diets and really no access to our temptations of every day life. I wish them all luck.
Last night I finished the book, The Shack. Have any of you read it? It was different from most books I read, but I highly recommend it. It gives a very unique perception of our relationships with God. If you have read it, please comment below and tell me your thoughts. It was very much a thought provoking book, don't you think? 
he time go? Lately I have had no time for blogging, let alone Facebook or Twitter. I do like to blog, so I hope that soon I can get back into my routine. I have been able to read, barely, my favorite blogs, but haven't even put any comments out there. 
