My Heart is not Broken

But my ovaries are mad as hell.



I'm not sure exactly how Mr. Burns and I started spending time together again. It was in the spring, about six months after we broke up. He told me then, that he finally realized that he cared more about my well-being than for his own.



I figured that was worth a second chance.



I didn't take to it very easily. He took me out for my birthday (in June) and took to nuzzling me like giddy teenager - so excited to be with me. I wanted to enjoy that, as I had waited so long for such a display. But it made me uncomfortable, in part because I had just spent six months trying to move on from him and in part because I just didn't believe it was real.



By the time I was ready for him be crazy about me - he was past it. He was also past putting my well-being before his own.

This weekend, he told me that he thought he had done every thing possible to try to make me happy, and that it just didn't work. (My friends are throwing down Bull Sh!t flags all over this statement)

So, my bloggy friends - the singles in particular - heed my warnings:



1) When the man you are crazy about makes no efforts to meet your parents and family - he's not invested. This should happen anywhere from 4 months to 9 months into your relationship. Not 2 1/2 years.



2) When he takes his sister from out-of-state on overnight trips - but never plans one with you (and I'm not talking about boinking - I'm just referring to a nice little trip essential for bonding) he's not invested. Again, this usually happens in the first 3-9 months of a relationship - not years!!



3) If there is always a reason that he can't join you to meet your friends, to meet your parents... even if it appears it's not his fault ... even if it's a 9 hour drive -- he's out of town on a work trip that just came up - or he just got back from said trip and it's not convenient. He is so not invested. Everyone I know in happy relationships, married or not - would just show up even if they're covered in grease or ash or cow manure or operating on two hours sleep. If he cared, he'd make it there.



Also,



4) A man who wants to win your heart will spontaneously do nice things for you. Like fix the window in your kitchen that sticks. Or install a smoke detector. Or wash your car. He will notice these things on his own and just do them. He will not ask you to make a list that he will never get to.



He does these things because your well-being means more to him than sleep, or fear of heights or the 20 minute drive between your houses.



Do not spend 3 years of your life with the guy who doesn't... thinking that he will get there eventually. He won't. Let him be someone else's heartache.



Turn your heart back over to God... and send the next man straight to God to ask for it if he wants it.



Mr. Burns and I broke up. I'm okay. I'm over it. I've already started an online dating profile. I'm only upset that my last few years of child-bearing potential have been wasted. Hence the comment from my ovaries!! My friends new boyfriend - the one who installed 5 new smoke detectors in her rented house... remarked, "TRS, you don't look like you're going to be 40!" I replied, "Thank you. Tell that to my ovaries."



In Mass on Sunday... the first four notes of a song brought me to tears. A song that to me, sums up the relationship that I want with one of God's earthly men:

Will you let me be your servant, Let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I may have the grace to Let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey, We are travelers on the road; We are here to help each other. Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christlight for you In the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow, Till we've seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven We shall find such harmony, Born of all we've known together Of Christ's love and agony.

Text & Tune: Richard Gillard ©1977, Scripture in Song

pretty.

Rain turns the sand into mud
Wind turns the trees into bone
Stars turning high up above
You turn me into somebody loved

Nights when the heat had gone out
We danced together alone
Cold turned our breath into clouds
We never said what we were dreaming of
But you turned me into somebody loved

Someday when we’re old and worn
Like two softened shoes
I will wonder on how I was born
The night I first ran away from you

Now my feet turn the corner back home
Sun turns the evening to rose
Stars turning high up above
You turn me into somebody loved

The Weepies - Somebody Loved

Can You Dig it?: Total Film and Pitch the LAMB

First I off, I have to send out a big THANK YOU to the folks at the Total Film website. Total Film recently compiled a list of the 600 Movie Blogs You Might Have Missed and included this little blog in page 4 of their selections. I am not sure how I made such a comprehensive list, but I am appreciative nonetheless. Also, you will notice that several of the blogs I have listed in my links column, and that I "follow" through blogger, made the list as well. Be sure to stop by Total Film and review the full list; a lot of great blogs out there.

I also wanted to alert you to a new feature, Pitch the LAMB, I am working on over at The LAMB. Pitch the LAMB is a column that will not only be promoting movie blogs, but the creative minds behind them as well. Each month I will provide a movie genre and bloggers are encouraged to come up with a premise for a movie in that genre style. Movie blogger often spend so much time critiquing other writer's works, that we rarely get to indulge in our own creative plot writing talents. Now there is an outlet to express our talents. Remember, even famed movie critic Roger Ebert found time to come up plot for Beyond The Valley of the Dolls. Visit The LAMB for full details on Pitch the LAMB and other great features.

Upcoming films I am hoping to watch in the next week or so: Black Dynamite, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, The Messenger, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

To Make a Believer of You:

Best Films of 2009

The end of January officially means it is time to close off the best of 2009 list. As much as I strive to see every film (both good and bad), there is only so much I can squeeze in before the “Best of…” deadline. Here is my selection of the 10 films I enjoyed the most from 2009.

Best of 2009 (click on titles for full review)

10) (500) Days of Summer – This film has made as many “worst of 2009” list as it has “best of 2009.” Regardless, it has been a longtime since I have enjoyed a romantic comedy as much as I did this one.


9) Coraline – The best animated film of 2009 in my opinion. Yes the first half of Up is brilliant but the film quickly loses steam and becomes formulaic in the second half. Coraline was consistently good the entire way through. The story is far more original and took bigger risks than Pixar’s latest.


8) District 9 – Avatar was the film that wowed everyone with its stellar 3D visuals. Yet District 9 was the science fiction film that entertained me the most. The film featured a great story, an original premise, and dazzling special effects. All of which was done on a relatively small budget when compared to most blockbuster such as Avatar.


7) Polytechnique – Denis Villeneuve took a tragic event and managed to tell the story in a beautifully artistic way. Polytechnique is powerful while still managing to avoid sensationalizing such a horrific event.


6) A Serious Man – This brilliant dark comedy from The Coen Brothers just did not catch on with mainstream audiences. I still think it is one of the Coen’s Brothers better films in recent years. If you happen to miss it in theatres, make sure you catch it on DVD.


5) Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire – Raw, dark, and powerful. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that the film features two of the finest female performances of 2009.


4) More Than A Game – A vastly underrated hidden gem. Not only one of the better documentaries to come out in 2009, but also one of the best sports documentaries to come out in a longtime.


3) Up in the Air – This film resonated with me on a very personal level. A great film that was lucky enough to hit theatres at just the right time.


2) Inglourious Basterds – Tarantino’s latest may have divided many but I still think it rivals his best works: Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown.


1) Hunger – No other film impacted me the way Steve McQueen’s debut did. Hunger is a tough film to watch at times but also extremely rewarding. Michael Fassbender was merely good in Inglourious Basterds, but he is simply brilliant here.


Honorable Mention: Advertureland; Where the Wild Things Are; Tyson; The Hurt Locker; New York, I Love You; Pontypool; I Love You, Man; Star Trek, Treeless Mountain. Here is the full list of Big Thoughts From A Small Mind’s 2009 Reviews .

Want to see what other bloggers listed as their top 10 films of 2009? Be sure to keep and eye on The LAMB as they are currently compiling the definitive 2009 top ten list voted on by movie bloggers from around the globe.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the fact that I cannot find coconut or cherry M&M's anywhere. I know that seems not very thankful or deep. I found these in my hometown when I was last there at the convenience store/gas station. I tried them and I liked them.

I cannot find them anywhere here.

I didn't find them on my roadtrip to Kearney.

I didn't find them in Scottsbluff.

Someone up there is watching out for me!

Biggest Loser

Ok, I am having trouble picking my fav contestant this year on Biggest Loser. I know who are NOT favs....the Green Team...I mean, how angry must you be all the time? And, the lady in red...I sure was hoping you would get sent home...I don't know what your agenda is, but you are truly a *itch!!!!

Any thoughts?

An Exercise in Futility

As you may know, my job ended the week before Christmas. With three months warning, it was hard to maintain excitement for doing the job. When you know the job is ending, you sort of check out. It's frustrating, because no matter how great the work you do is... you know it won't help keep your job. Of course you want to maintain pride in your work - but even so - you can't help but check out.

So when the end came, I was sort of looking forward to a break. Plus I have a good lead on a permanent job with the portrait studio for whom I work part-time so I wasn't feeling too anxious.

Finally, I filed for unemployment two weeks ago. As a part of the requirements, I am to make five job contacts a week. My career field is pretty specialized, and realistically there are probably only 10 companies in this city who could hire me to do what I do. And maybe 20 more on the fringe of what I do. Now let's imagine how many of those 30 companies are hiring.

Zero.

In the past, I've told the unemployment office official the numbers situation - and they assured me they didn't want me to apply for jobs for which I am overqualified or unqualified, and they reduced my requirement to two a week.

This time, I explained the same thing and I was told that due to the economy and circumstances the way they are - that I can't limit myself to my career field. I have to apply for anything.

Let's think about this. There are 120,000 people in Denver on unemployment right now. They are all supposed to make 5 job contacts a week - regardless of whether the jobs are suitable.

Wouldn't you hate to work in HR right now?
Can you imagine weeding through the 600,000 applications a week flowing in from people who don't even fit the job description?
This rule doesn't do any body any good!

So I should apply for the over-night gig at 7-11, keeping the person whose ONLY option is employment at 7-11 from getting the work they are qualified for?!!!??!

I realize there are plenty of people who are milking the unemployment system and taking advantage... and they need a way to weed them out.
But in this economy, there are also plenty well-intentioned, hard-working people like me who have earned their unemployment benefits and deserve them - whether or not there are job openings in their employment field.

I think - with the vast number of Americans on unemployment right now - that the president should make an offer. If you volunteer to go to Haiti and help the people in need, the US will continue to pay your UE benefits while you are gone, so that you can keep your house and pay your bills. Don't worry about applying for jobs that don't exist. Do what you were put on this Earth to do - and help your fellow man.

That's what I think.

Only Two Lovers? I Call That A Slow Night

Two Lovers

It is always fascinating to watch a director work with his/her acting muse. The bond that forms on screen is electrifying as both the director and the actor push each other in bold new creative directions. Martin Scorsese had it with Robert DeNiro from the seventies through to the nineties. Now Scorsese has it again with Leonardo Dicaprio. Other examples of this can be found in the pairings of: Woody Allen and Diane Keating and/or Mia Farrow, Hal Hartley and Martin Donovan; P.T. Anderson and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson, Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz, and the list goes on and on. For director James Gray, his muse is clearly Joaquin Phoenix as the two have worked together on three straight movies including Gray’s latest work, Two Lovers. The first thing that struck me about Two Lovers was how much of a departure it is from Gray’s earlier crime laden works: Little Odessa, The Yards (his strongest work to date), and We Own the Night (by far Gray’s weakest film).

Two Lovers looks at all the complications that arise as a result of being in love. In the film Joaquin Phoenix plays Leonard, a man who is so wounded by the demise of a previous relationship that he attempts to kill himself. After his failed suicide attempt, Leonard returns to his parents’ (Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov) home, were he has been living for the last months, just in time for a dinner party. It is at this dinner where Leonard meets Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the daughter of the man who wants to buy the dry cleaning business from Leonard’s father. Sandra is clearly interested in Leonard and his love life may finally be back on the upswing. As luck would have it, Leonard meets Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), his new neighbor upstairs, the very next day. Leonard is instantly attracted to Michelle and feels that she may be “the one”. Like Leonard, Michelle is carrying a lot of emotional baggage of her own, including an affair with a married man (Elias Koteas). Can Leonard successfully juggle relationships with both women at the same time? Should he even be in a relationship in his current state? One thing is for sure, Leonard will soon learn the hardest lesson of love…that there are no easy answers.

While there are technically “two lovers” that Leonard must deal with, the film plays more like “one and a half lovers.” James Gray is far more compelled with the dynamics of Leonard and Michelle’s relationship than he is with Leonard and Sandra’s. Gray, and fellow writer Ric Menello, really strive to make Phoenix and Paltrow’s characters fully realized. We understand how Leonard’s bipolar tendencies often blind him to the reality of the situation. Leonard believes that, because they share love induced heartbreak, only he can truly see Michelle for the person she is. Similarly, with Michelle, we see that her desperation to be love by Ronald (Koteas), is leading her astray. She clings onto a romanticized version of love that does not quite exist. It is obvious that Ronald is bad for Michelle, just as Michelle is bad for Leonard.

The problem with paying so much attention to making Leonard and Michelle well rounded characters is that Sandra is left floating in the wind. Sandra really should be the spark that ignites the tension in the love triangle. Unfortunately, she becomes a rather forgettable character as Gray gives her no real arc whatsoever. Sandra is identical to Betty in Archie Comics. She is the good girl who will always be there; providing Archie to spend ample time with Veronica until things between the two go sour. Two Lovers would have benefitted greatly had James Gray developed the character of Sandra a lot further. Not only would it provide much deeper complexity to Leonard’s situation, but it would allow the final moments of the picture to resonate much more than it actually does.

As Sandra, Vinessa Shaw did a good job with what little she was given, but I got the sense that she would have really taken the character to a great place had she been given the chance. As a result, Two Lovers succeeds mainly on the work of Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow. Both actors do an admirable job keeping each other at the top of their game. There is also strong supporting work by Rossellini and Moshonov. The two really keep the parents grounded and realistic. They manage to be caring but never over barring, even when circumstances would force most parents to be.

Two Lovers is both compelling and uneven at times. It is a good movie that never fully lives up to its potential…just like some relationships.

New make-up, finally!

So, being that I am currently unemployed, looking for a job, and have a little time on my hands, I thought I would use my Sephora gift card and actually research and read reviews of the best make-up out there. I am sooo happy with my choices and wanted to share them with you. Here's a pic of just the eye-liner:



I don't like really dark blacks so I was a little hesitant to buy this one but, Urban Decay's 24/7 Black Zero eyeliner is pretty much amazing. It's not trashy or cakey looking and glides on smoothly. You control how much black you want. A good buy for versatility.

I also purchased, Bare Essentials 100% rose natural lip gloss. I love the green lines they feature on Sephora and being that lip gloss is something I wear often, I wanted something with no chemicals or parabens. This gloss is awesome. It goes on shiny and isn't thick and sticky. It adds a hint of color, although if you want something more dramatic I would go for a deep shade. It also lasts pretty long, even after drinking from a glass.

Finally, as I've stated before I am entirely loyal to my Dior mascara and had to purchase it again....it's simply the best. If only I could get my eyelashes to do this:



Speaking of Kim Kardashian I also got a free sample of her new perfume, and it's pretty nice! It's not entirely up my alley with the scent (it's more a bold/going out scent) but it's yummy.

That's my make-up round-up, there prob. won't be another for a year again, haha.

A Number of Sins on this Journey

Sin Nombre

America has always been viewed as the land of hope and prosperity. It is the bench mark that many countries try to set themselves up to, and apart from. People often risk their lives attempting to get to America, but sometimes the journey there is just as harsh as the conditions they are traveling from. Cary Fukunaga's film, Sin Nombre,looks at both the physical and mental journey that some people take to get to the supposed promise land.

Willy (Edgar Flores), known as El Casper to most, is part of the Confetti gang in Mexico. One night El Casper, El Smiley (Kristyan Ferrer), and the leader of the Confetti gang, Lil' Mago (Tenoch Huerta Mejía), attempt to rob stowaways on a train. One of the stowaways happens to be Sayra (Paulina Gaitán). Having travelled from Honduras through to Mexico with her father and uncle, Sayra is one of many Latin Americans on board the train hoping to sneak into America and start a new life. Unbeknownst to Willy, the decision he will ultimately make this night will change both his and Sayra's life forever.

There was a point in Sin Nombre where I thought the film would go off the rails. It was just after a key moment on the train, where Sayra's intervention helps Willy, when I thought "this film is going to go downhill". I could see how future scenes were going to play out, and to a certain extent they did just that. I will not lie, this movie is filled with clichéd moments. Still, I found myself, by the end, completely engulfed with Sin Nombre. I could not help but root for Willy and Sayra despite knowing, deep down, what their outcome most likely would be. Cary Fukunaga provided just enough of both the Willy/Sayra story and the illegal immigrant tale to keep my interest throughout.

Although Fukunaga often juxtaposes hardships of gang life with the plight of fleeing Latin American, this is a redemption tale first and foremost. The theme of redemption is everywhere in the film. El Casper is the misguided soul who must atone for his sins several times throughout the picture. Whether he is taking his lumps from his fellow gang members for lying to Lil' Mago; taking his lumps in a hostel for wearing the trademark gang teardrop; Willy is constantly reminded of, and paying for, his sins. Even Sayra remarks in the film that a fortune teller said she would be delivered to the USA "not in God's hand but in the hands of the devil". Yet can redemption be achieve by using one illegal act, such as helping Sayra sneak into the US, to cancel out another?

It is only throughWilly's journey to salvation do we really get a true glimpse of the illegal immigrants plight in Central America. Fukanaga shows that the Latin Americans who stowaway on trains, not in but on top of, have to deal with many hardships along their journey. Not only must they keep a constant watch for border patrol but also: local gangs who want rob them, rock throwing villagers who consider them traitors for trying to leave, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to food and water. The hope and faith of their journey is embodied in the character of Sayra. Though Fukanaga points out in the film that the odds of making into America alive are slim; and even within the United States an illegal immigrant will never truly be safe.

Both Edgar Flores and Paulina Gaitán are charismatic enough to keep you interested in their budding friendship. They are the real standouts, acting wise, in the picture. They somehow find a way to transcend the formulaic aspects of the script. The clichés in the story are what hold Sin Nombre back at times. It is during these moments were the movie plays like a lighter version of City of God with a sprinkle of Y Tu Mamá También mixed in. In regards to the latter, this is more in terms of how Fukunaga uses the immigrant climate in Mexico as the backdrop of Willey and Sayra's journey. Still, despite its flaws, there was enough in Sin Nombre that warrants a viewing.

Weekend Wanderings

Have any of you watched "All About Steve"...movie with Sandra Bullock? It would not be my favorite Sandra Bullock movie, but it is pretty entertaining. I got a call that I had been drawn for a free video rental, so I went and picked out a movie. I couldn't choose, so decided on something light and funny.

Saturday was a lazy day, and I didn't do much. Sis and Sam and I did go on a walk, as it was a beautiful bright sunny day. I did a few errands and that was about it. As you can tell, I spent time looking for and tweaking a new blogger background. There are lots of fun ideas out there. It took me a while to get this one to do what I wanted, but I think I like it for now. I may still make some changes.

I got up and walked to church this morning in blowing snow! After breakfast the snow quit but it was terribly windy. However, every once in a while it really snows again for a bit. The wind is unrelenting. I decided it was a good day for chili! I have got my housework done and feel better now that things are "in order" again before another work week starts!

Have a great weekend, what is left of it!

Nicole has been a consistent box office flop for several years now?

Now, is it because of the frozen face, or because Nicole has been a consistent box office flop for several years now? Which came first, the chicken of the egg? Because I think the audience started to leave Nicole around the time she started doing that junk to her beautiful face.[gallery_main-1216_nicole_kidman_makeup_00.jpg]I also did a little research to see if Nicole was actually attached to

Lindsey Vonn vs Julia Mancuso

Source:Lindsey Vonn Source:Julia Mancuso

Britney Spear's Christmas Music - ''My Only Wish (This Year)'' + Official Lyrics

This is a video of Interview of Britney Spears ''My Only Wish (This Year)''.
Here have full lyrics of My Only Wish, you are invited to enjoy the video--

My Only Wish LYRICS:

Last night I took a walk in the snow.
Couples holding hands, places to go.
Seems like everyone but me is in love.

Santa, can you hear me?
I signed my letter that I sealed with a kiss.
I sent it off, It just said this:
I know exactly what I want this year.
Santa, can you hear me?
I want my baby (baby, yeah).
I want someone to love me someone to hold me.
Maybe (maybe, maybe maybe), he'll be all my own in a big red bow.

Santa, can you hear me?
I have been so good this year and all I want is one thing.
Tell me my true love is near.
He's all I want, just for me underneath my Christmas tree.
I'll be waiting here.
Santa thats my only wish this year.
Oohhh ohh yeah
Christmas Eve I just can't sleep.
Would I be wrong for taking a peek?
Cause I heard that your coming to town.

Santa, can you hear me? (Yea yeah)
Really hope that your on your way!
With something special for me in your sleigh.
Ohh please make my wish come true.
Santa, can you hear me?
I want my baby (baby).
I want someone to love me, someone to hold me.
Maybe (maybe, maybe) we'll be all the love under the mistletoe.

Santa, can you hear me?
I have been so good this year!
And all I want is one thing.
Tell me my true love is near.
He's all I want just for me,
Underneath my Christmas tree.
I'll be waiting here Santa, that's my only wish this year.
I hope my letter reaches you in time.
Bring me love can call all mine.
(Yeah yeah) cause I have been so good this year.

Can't be alone under the mistletoe.
He's all want and a big red bow.
Santa, can you hear me? (hear me)
I have been so good this year!
And all i want is one thing.
Tell me my true love is near.
He's all I want. just for me,
Underneath my Christmas tree.
I'll be waiting here (ohh yeah) Santa that's my only wish this year.
Oh Santa can you hear me? Oh Santa!
Well he's all I want just for me, underneath my Christmas tree.
Oh I'll be waiting here.
Santa, that's my only wish this year!

Britney Spears Video - The Making Of Circus Album FULL VERSION & Interview

This is a video of Interview ofBritney Spears. This video is about Britney Spears's album, circus. An exclusive interview with Britney Spears included here. you are invited to enjoy the video--

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my friends especially this week. I know I have posted being thankful for them before, but you can never appreciate friends too much. I have some good friends around me. They envelope me with love, caring and concern, make me laugh, cry with me and just let me be me.

I'm a lucky girl.

Back on the homefront

Yes, my nomadic adventures have once again brought me back home.... The internship was amazing, just an experience I was ready to walk away from.... I will miss the friends and the incredible yoga practice Kripalu offered..... I wouldn't change a single thing about my decision and am incredibly happy:-) The unknown is pretty fun, not gonna lie....

On to the next venture..........

Enuf Said...

Polytechnique Exams A Killer

Polytechnique

There is often debate over what real-life events should and should not be covered on film. Regardless of whether the subject is war, genocide, rape, or murder, the fact that it is based on actual events takes away from the escapist element of cinema. This is why films, such as Denis Villeneuve’s Polytechnique, often face a slew of harsh criticisms even before they are released. While some may feel that making a film based on real-life tragedy is insensitive to the victims and their families who lived through it; if done right, these films can serve as a reminder of how important it is to never forget what mankind is capable of.

Polytechnique is a dramatization of the 1989 Montreal Massacre where Marc Lépine (Maxim Gaudette) killed 14 female engineering students, and wounded 14 other people (including 4 men), at the Polytechnic School of Montreal. The narrative of the films follows three individuals on that deadly day and the impact the massacre had on their lives. After the startling opening, we are introduced to Lépine as he is prepping his semi-automatic weapon and preparing his suicide note. Lépine’s note reveals his deep hatred of the feminist movement and how he felt women were destroying man’s role in society. The second person of note in the film is Valerie (Karine Vanasse), an engineering student who is struggling to overcome the confines that come with being a woman in a male dominated profession. Lastly we meet Jean-François (Sébastine Huberdeau), an engineering student who initially thinks that getting a grasp on the course material would be the hardest thing he would have to deal with on this day.

The film is sparse on dialogue but extremely powerful. Director Denis Villeneuve provides just enough dialogue to make his characters rounded enough for us to care about. All it takes is a few well chosen scenes to give us all we need to know about Valerie and Jean-François. The killer never really utters a single word in the film. All of his dialogue comes courtesy of the “voiceovers” when he is writing his suicide notes. Villeneuve skillfully uses other avenues, such as a class presentation on entropy, to provide a better understanding of Léger’s unstable nature.

While the actors do a terrific job in the film, it is Villeneuve who deserves the most praise. His previous films, 32nd Day of August on Earth and Maelstrom, one of my all-time favourite Canadian films, already proved that Denis Villeneuve was a talented director. Yet Villeneuve has truly outdone himself with Polytechnique. The film is both startling and beautiful all at the same time. Villeneuve’s film, similar to another stellar 2009 film, Hunger, is artistic without sensationalizing the horrific event.

I am sure many will see similarities in tone to Gus Van Sant’s Elephant, which I saw at TIFF. a few years back, but I think Polytechnique far surpasses that film. Villeneuve’s film, similar to the Montreal Massacre itself, will stay in our conscious for many years to come. Polytechnique is easily one of the best films of 2009.

New Show and Other Tidbits

I just got done a bit ago watching "Life Unexpected" on CW. It is a new show and I liked it. Did anyone catch it? I think it is one I will try to follow. And, it is on during a time slot that would be good, I can easily give up CSI Miami. :-)

I am in Kearney tonight, in a big motel room with a king sized bed all to myself! What luxury!

I came to Kearney with my friend, S, and we had a nice drive down, talking and laughing together...aw-- the joy of friends. It has been a while since we had any time to share together, so this was a treasured time!! We also enjoyed a wonderful supper at Red Lobster...another great treat! Then, we visited her brother in law and sister in law, and oh, boy, we had a fun time, and so many laughs. What a great evening we had!

Tomorrow we will enjoy and learn at a workshop and then drive home. It was really foggy and misty out (and then a bit of snow) but it looks to have cleared off now.

Jennifer Aniston does a bang-up job of diffusing those Gerard Butler rumors

What’s the verdict on her dress, by the way? I didn’t hate it! It’s an interesting design, with the one-shoulder and slit. The fit was great, but Jennifer usually gets a good fit on her dresses. She never makes that mistake that so many actresses make of pouring themselves into something too tight. I really liked Jennifer’s strappy shoes. Monolos? Or Choos?Okay, here we go - I don’t know how many

Lindsay Lohan wants to make a difference.

Lindsay Lohan wants to make a difference. The actress, 23, opens up to UsMagazine.com about filming a BBC documentary on child trafficking in India. “Making this documentary for BBC3 has allowed me to lend my voice to the real hardship faced by children who are trafficked,” she says. “The strength of the young boys and girls I met has been truly humbling, and I hope my presence in India will

Worst Films of 2009

In preparation for my favourite films of 2009 list, which will be in the next few weeks, I thought I would take look at the pictures that annoyed me the most this year.

10) Observe and Report – I liked it better when it was called Taxi Driver. Sadly this is not the only mall related film to make this esteemed list.



9) Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Robot Heaven, jive talking cars, a female terminator…did I mention robot heaven?



8) The Limits of Control – I really love Jarmusch’s other works, which is why this film was such a big disappointment for me.



7) Drag Me To Hell – Look, I enjoy Sam Rami’s horror classics as much as the next guy. Heck, I even went to see the Evil Dead Musical when it came to town. Yet trying to recapture that campy low budget feel through a big budget production just does not work.



6) 12 Rounds – This made Walking Tall look like Shakespeare…Walking Tall!!! Aidan Gillen goes from the sensation series, The Wire, to this? Gillen deserves better, Hollywood.



5) Push – As a comic book, video game, or a television series the premise is great. As a movie, on the other hand, this is an unsalvageable mess. Push way too much stuff into this film.



4) My Bloody Valentine 3D – Thanks, Avatar. Now certain movies will not just be awful…they will be awful in three dimensions.



3) X-Men Origins: Wolverine – X2 was great. X-men: Last Stand was awful. Which one would you assume Hollywood would follow?…yep, they fooled me as well. To prolong the pain even further, Deadpool is getting his own spinoff.



2) Bride Wars – Number 2 by a hair…or bridal tiara. This film was offensive beyond belief and single handedly set feminism back a few centuries…and this is coming for a male. Worst of all, Hathaway goes from being on my best of 2008 list, for Rachel Getting Married, to the worst of 2009 list. Hudson can take solace in the fact that she has now made my worst list two years running.



1) Paul Blart: Mall Cop – What is with Hollywood’s obsession with mall security guards? Is this really the last sect of the population whose stories have yet to be told? It was a close call for the number one spot but Paul came out on top.



Runners-Up: He’s Just Not That Into You, The Box, Race to Witch Mountain, A Christmas Carol 3D

Haitian 2012 No Blockbuster

I know that this blog primarily focuses on the escapist entertainment that world of cinema provides. Yet the devastation that the earthquake in Haiti caused is just too painful to ignore. I do not have any personal ties to Haiti, although the majority of my relatives live in the Caribbean, but I still want to do my part to help in any way I can. So instead of doing a piece on this weekend’s Golden Globes, and their possible Oscar ramifications, I merely want to highlight two organizations that are collecting money to help provide aide to the citizens of Haiti:


Red Cross
Primate's World Relief and Development Fund


For the all film buffs who are thinking “that sad news but not my problem”, I encourage you to go out and rent films set in, or are directly about Haiti, such as Miami Vice, Vers Le Sud, etc. Hopefully this will inspire you to donate at least one dollar towards the relief efforts. Let’s not wait for a documentary about this catastrophe to come out before we decide to get involved.


Thank you,

CS

Something I Love - A Testimony

I'm a total convert!
This past year I made the switch from Cl!nque make-up to Bare Minerals.I'll admit that I was attracted to the brand in part because of all of the brushes! In fact, for years and years I secretly dreamed of owning a set of quality make-up brushes. But they are spendy and I am - for the most part - cheap.

Working in television, I've encountered a few make-up artists but it wasn't until I was about 36 years old that one of them informed me that sponge applicators for eye make-up are likely responsible for the majority of eye wrinkles.
Ack!
Had I known... I would have splurged on good brushes years ago!!

In my younger years, I dealt with a lot of sensitivity to make-up and Cl!nque was the only one my skin could tolerate. I gladly spent extra money just so I wouldn't deal with ugly reactions.

Then Bare Minerals was introduced. I tried the face powder and was wholly impressed! I used it for a good six months while I hoped and prayed that the eye make-up wouldn't cause reactions. Finally, I went in for a consultation and ended up dropping a wad of money on the eye kit and some additional brushes. No bad reactions. Not one!

And I'm surprised to admit that my favorite product in their line is the Prime Time eyelid primer. No kidding - I was SO skeptical. I've spent half my life and half my budget re-applying eye make-up due to my oily t-zone.
Every make-up counter tells me about their eye primer - and I've tried them to no avail. Prime Time is really great. My eye make-up stays ON - flawlessly - ALL DAY! I love this stuff!
OH! and the Flawless Definition Mascara - Hallelujah - a mascara that actually works on puny lashes!!
And no, I'm not being compensated to endorse Bare Minerals - although I would if they asked me to!

I love that the starter kits come in sets with the brushes. Now I have a decent set of brushes. Lots of them!! At home, I store them where I apply my make-up.

But for weekend trips or overnights I was worried I might damage the brushes in my make-up bag.
I remembered an old brush roll kit that my sister had years ago and set out to find one - with no luck. So I finally broke down and sewed my own out of some scrap material.
How do you like that?
There is a slot for each brush - then it rolls up and ties closed - protecting my precious brushes when I travel.

If anyone is interested, I'm thinking about putting together a tutorial on how to make one. Although I feel it is pretty self explanatory - considering I totally winged it!
I did document it with pictures when I made mine.

If you are like me - I mean, like I used to be... and have never once in your life experienced your eye make-up staying on ALL DAY - I highly recommend Bare Minerals Prime Time eye primer. It's so good, it probably even works with other eye shadow brands - but I will never dare to find out!!

Out of sorts....

I have been feeling a bit out of sorts. I need to get my head back on straight, figure out why I am feeling this way. Things at work have been kinda frustrating, but I am getting them all figured out, so I should be starting to feel relief and happy about that...but I am still feeling on edge. Do you ever feel like that, but really cannot pinpoint the reason, other than lots of things nagging at you? Darn it! Good thing my office is isolated at the end of the building...ha! Actually, I will be fine, just having one of those times....can you relate???

Helping Mr. Fixit

Do you remember how much I love my Dyson? Remember when I got it? (Read here...) Well, right after Christmas, I was vacuuming and found that my vacuum wasn't working. The brush wasn't rotating. Wellllllllll....... hubby tore it apart, and after some not nice moments, got it apart and found that the clutch belt had broken. I got online and found one and got it ordered. My friend lent me a vacuum to use, because, well, as you may know, I just have to vacuum. Lots. I like to vacuum. Lots.

Anyways, last week the belt arrived, so finally on Sunday, hubby decided to fix it. I was downstairs folding laundry when he bellered. So, upstairs I come, and he says I need your help. (I am thinking to myself, Oh, Great!...ugh!)

I had to load up a uTube video that we had found when we were trying to figure out what was at first wrong. Yes, there are uTube videos showing you how to fix your Dyson. Hmm. Well, I found the video, then another, then more directions, and yet we were STILL trying to get the blankety blank clutch put back into the vacuum. Of course, I had to sit there and "try" to be helpful. Hubby didn't appreciate me telling him "Hey, this site says the guy had it all fixed in 10 minutes!" I thought it would be encouraging but he said something to the effect that maybe I could get that guy here to fix this one. And, that was said in between bouts of the words "I hate Dyson. I hate Dyson people." Hmm. I tried to just be patient, and ever so helpful.

After a while, and WAY longer than 10 minutes (more like way over one hour), he found out he was putting it in wrong, popped it in and was done. Hmm.

Guess it could have been 10 minutes after all.

Weight Loss Curbs Gorging to the Break of Dawn

Daybreakers

Way back in 2003 I saw a crazy little zombie movie at TIFF called Undead. The movie was not great but it did provide that guilty pleasure fun that often comes with Midnight Madness selections. The one thing that did strike me about the film was the style. The directors, The Spierig Brothers, showed a lot of promise from a visual standpoint. Seven years after tackling zombies, The Spierig Brothers have returned with their futuristic vampire tale, Daybreakers.

The year is 2019 and the world has changed drastically. Vampires now rule the earth and the remaining humans, who opted not to be turned into vampires, are being harvested like cattle for their blood. With the human population declining at rapid rate, and the vampire civilization on the brink of starvation, hematologist Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) is working on finding a blood substitute that his boss, Charles Bromley (Sam Neil), can market. Despite working for the company that harvests human, Edward refuses to drink human blood himself opting for pig’s blood instead. Yet even Edward knows that this will not last. His body is already starting to show the early stages of the horrific transformation that lack of human blood causes. Which makes Edward’s chance encounter with Audrey (Claudia Karvan), a key figure in the human resistance movement, so crucial. Audrey informs Edward that a sole human, Lionel “Elvis” Cormac (Willem Dafoe), might be the key to stopping the vampire starvation epidemic, and saving the human race as well.

The first thing you will notice about Daybreakers is that it is not the action film the trailers lead you to believe it is. In fact, I would argue that the overall action is rather minimal in the film. What we get instead is a surprisingly smart science fiction flick where the directors really pay attention to the little details. Everything from how the vampires move around in the daylight to how society functions in general is well thought out. The Spierig Brothers somehow managed to make a rather unconventional vampire tale while still staying within the traditional aesthetics of the genre.

While the social commentary, which mirrors both our past and present culture, is interesting, the real strength of the film is its visual style. Despite the large amount of gore, Daybreakers never feels like it is all about excess. In fact, I was surprised how effective opting for a more subtle route worked for this picture. The directors made the right choice to stick primarily with a science fiction feel instead of going for straight horror. When the film does play it big, in regards to the gore, it never lingers longer than it should.

The element that really holds Daybreakers back is the script. The Spierig Brothers try to incorporate too many different ideas into the script. There is the conflict between Edward and his brother (Michael Dorman); the storyline with Charles and his human daughter; dealing with the bat-like monsters; the commentary on corporate greed, the human resistance movement, etc. With so many arcs in the air at the same time several plot points fail to connect the way they should. An example of this is Edward’s lab partner who is the catalyst for one of several unnecessary twists in the film.

As science fiction films go, Daybreakers is another promising step in the right direction for the Spierig Brothers. Their visual attention to detail is outstanding and they once again show that they can create original tales from even the most overused genre. Yet, by trying to do too much with the script, Daybreakers is merely an okay film instead of the great one it had the potential to be.

Jennifer Lopez Exclusive

"I feel like I had that [Oscar worthy role] in El Cantante, but I don't even think the academy members saw it. I feel like it's their responsibility to do that, to see everything that's out there, everything that could be great." "Well, it is a little bit frustrating. It was funny; when the Oscars were on, I had just given birth on the 22nd, and the Oscars, I think, were a day or two later. I was

Youthful Revolutions Are Bad For Love

Youth in Revolt


Having sat through Superbad, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, and Extreme Movie I was convinced that there were no more ways for Michael Cera to tell the tale of a horny teenager hoping to find love. Clearly I was wrong as Cera once again displays his well worn virgin crown in Miguel Arteta’s coming-of-age comedy, Youth in Revolt.

While on vacation with his mother (Jean Smart), and her latest deadbeat boyfriend (Zach Galifianakis), cynical teenager Nick Twisp (Michael Cera) meets the girl of his dreams in Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). Unfortunately for Nick, the distance between where he and Sheeni live is a huge road block in their budding relationship. The only remedy is for Nick to get kicked out of his mother’s house so that he can go and live with his father (Steve Buscemi). In order for this plan to work, an upstanding individual like Nick will be required to do some truly bad deeds. Luckily Nick’s suave alter ego, Francois Dillinger (Michael Cera), is an expert at creating havoc. As Francois sets plans into motion, Nick is forced to deal with the unexpected consequences.

First off, yes, as Nick, Cera is doing still doing the same deadpan teenager role we are all familiar with. Yet the role of Francois Dillinger allows Cera to finally breakout and show a bit of range. The majority of memorable moments in the film come courtesy of Francois. He is the one of the main reasons that Youth in Revolt is able to find common ground between humour and typical teen angst.

Personally I found Youth in Revolt to be a far more entertaining teen comedy than Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist. While the two films touch on similar themes, Youth in Revolt does falter a bit in regards to the female lead. Despite her cool demeanor, Sheeni is just not as well rounded a female character as Kat Denning’s Nora was. Regardless, Youth in Revolt makes up for this flaw through its greatest asset, the wonderful supporting cast (e.g. Smart, Galifianakis, Buscemi, Fred Willard, Adhir Kalvan, Justin Long, Ray Liotta, etc.). Besides providing several great laugh out loud moments, the supporting cast also help to keep the overall pace moving briskly. The supporting players also make it much easier for the audience to handle the moments were Cera is going through his usual awkward teen routine as Nick.

Another thing that works in this films favour is the script. There is some great banter in the film that is witty without being pretentious. The breezy script also provides Miguel Arteta a chance to incorporate a few stylistic touches, such as animation, into the film. Arteta wisely does not overwhelm the film with it, but it never feels out of place when it is included. While Youth in Revolt may not bring anything new to the coming-of-age genre, it does have enough comedic moments to satisfy for a few hours.

By Faith Or By Effort?

I am waiting to hear about a job that I really want, for which I am very well-suited and that I am quite confident that I will get.

I am praying about it several times a day, and trying to keep in touch with the decision-maker.

But I am also thinking I ought to file for unemployment in case I don't get it, so that I can get some cash flow going. (it takes about 2 weeks to get your first check)

I worry that filing for unemployment benefits might suggest that I don't trust God to provide me with this ideal position.

Or maybe... you pray like God will handle it - and work as if you must do it alone.
Isn't that how we should handle all our prayers? Pray like He's in charge - but work like YOU are?

Daddy

I love this photo, except my hair...well, anyway, I love this photo.

I love my dad. Enough said!

It's Quite Elementary Indeed, Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is a film that I may need to see again, yet the more I think about it the less I want to. I actually felt myself nodding off during one of particular action sequences. The loudest point in the film no less. While I think the holiday leftovers may have played a role in this, I am fairly certain the overall lack of originality was the bigger culprit. As much as I wanted to like Sherlock Holmes, I cannot deny that I was surprisingly underwhelmed with Guy Ritchie's latest work.

Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved character, Sherlock Holmes, has seen many different incarnations so it was only a matter of time before a blockbuster version rolled around. In this latest pumped up version, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusty aide Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) foil the plans of a serial killer, Lord Blackwell (Mark Strong), before he can take the life of his latest victim. Lord Blackwell is sentenced to death but somehow rises from the grave three days after he is hanged. While many believe dark magic is responsible, Holmes tries to prove that there is a logical explanation for Blackwell's reappearance. Holmes must also confront his issues with Watson's pending marriage; and the re-emergence of the only woman to capture Sherlock's heart, the chronic deceiver Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams).

It took me a long time to pinpoint what irked me the most about this film. A line in which Holmes states "It's all about the small details" kept looping in my head repeatedly before I finally figured out the problem. By primarily focusing on the elaborate action sequences, Guy Ritchie actually makes Sherlock Holmes rather dumb. I am talking about both the movie and the man. The greatest asset Sherlock Homes has as a character is his mind. Like the films points out it is his ability to tell a lot from the tiniest of details that makes him so fascinating.

Once you place that key element of his character into the background, what do you really have left? A mindless action movie centred around a character known for his mind. We are forced to watch Holmes and Watson in a series of over-the-top action sequences that generate no real sense of thrill. At no point do we ever question if Holmes will make it out of a particular situation alive. This is most noticeable in the outlandish battle at the shipyard. The closest we get to real tension in the entire film is scene with the pigs and the electric saw, and even then we are only mildly concerned with Adler's life.

I am all for trying to make Sherlock Holmes more rugged but then at least provide him with a more challenging case to work with. At times the movie felt more like the next chapter in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code/Angels and Demons series. When Ritchie is not blowing stuff up, or staging slow-motion fights, we have to sit through a thin plot regarding the use of black magic. To top it all off, Guy Ritchie's version of Sherlock Holmes is an eccentric who needs work to keep himself sane. So when Holmes is actually collecting valuable information, such as licking a rock, Ritchie plays it off as just another one of Holmes' odd quirks. All these "quirks" are then overshadowed by the action moments, and serve no real purpose until "big reveal" during the last five minutes.

The one thing I will say in Guy Ritchie's favour is that he got the casting right. Robert Downey Jr. is the main reason to see this film. I loved his take on Holmes and he really carries the majority of the film on his back. Downey Jr. and Law have such great chemistry together that you could easily believe that Holmes and Watson have been in partnership for years. They react to things, both spoken and not, the same way an old married couple would. Guy Ritchie regular Mark Strong is adequate as Blackwood but the character is not a memorable villain at all. There is nothing really sinister or lasting about Blackwood, chances are good you will be more interested in a certain professor lurking in the shadows. Strong's abilities were better showcased in RocknRolla and Revolver. The weakest link is Rachel McAdams but this is more due to how her character is written rather than McAdams' performance. Irene Adler is supposed to be a cunning woman that can pickpocket Holmes' heart as fast as she can most men's wallets. Yet she spends most of the time as the woman in distress, and only occasionally as the swindler. There is no moment in the film where you truly get the sense that Adler and Holmes are madly in love but their lifestyles keep them apart. Frankly one can argue that Holmes had more romantic sparks with Watson in the movie than he does with Adler.

It is fairly evident that this film is setting the stage for a Sherlock Holmes sequel, which might actually work if they provide Holmes with a cunning villain and a great mystery. I just hope it is not another mindless romp for the greatest mind on Baker Street.

Back to the norm...

Today I kept that song "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go" in my head all day as I returned to work after my Christmas break. I have lots of blogging ideas in my head and will get back on track blogging. I have a bad backache tonight, so am going to just take it easy, though...including not typing or even thinking any more today...so have a great night....and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all....

A Christmas Carol Out of Tune

A Christmas Carol

The massive success of Avatar only cements that 3D films are here to stay. So the question now becomes what requirements does a movie need to warrant this technology? Would Inglourious Basterds or Up in the Air be better or worse if they were done in 3D?

Robert Zemeckis follows up his Old English 3D epic, Beowulf, by revisiting the holiday terrain he first ventured to with his 3D movie, The Polar Express. A Christmas Carol finds Zemeckis tackling Charles Dickens classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) who is visited by three ghosts (all Carrey) on the eve of Christmas. The three ghosts will not only show Scrooge the errors of his past and present, but how Scrooge's decisions may lead towards an unsettling future.

Zemeckis has been one of the prominent filmmakers who has been championing the 3D movement for that past 5 years now. While the animation in Zemeckis's 3D films keeps improving, the 3D technology continues to thwart his overall storytelling. A Christmas Carol follows a ever growing number of films that serves no real purpose in 3D format at all. The flow of each ghosts' segment is constantly interrupted for no other purpose than to justify the extra price of admission. As a result we are provided with 3D scenes of Scrooge being shot into space, speeding down the street on a soda bottle, etc. Sure these scenes may please the really young kids in attendance, whose attention spans are small to being with, but for the rest of us this is just plain annoying.

The need to justify the 3D format hurts the one element of the film where Zemeckis actually got it right, the story. Although the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has been interpreted numerous times, it was actually refreshing to see how close Zemeckis stayed to Charles Dickens' original story. While many incarnations of A Christmas Carol have glossed over, or simply left out, the religious element of the text; Zemeckis does not shy away from it at all. Robert Zemeckis even goes as far as making the ghost of Christmas-present God himself. There is even a great scene where the ghost of Christmas-present, after being questioned by Scrooge, chastises those who use his name as grounds for conducting evil deeds. It is moments like this, and not the 3D snowflakes, where A Christmas Carol really connects with the audience.

Another thing connects, but ultimately gets lost in Zemeckis' 3D excess, is Jim Carrey's performance. Carrey actually does a really good job not only as Scrooge but the three ghosts as well. As Scrooge, Carrey finds the right balance where we believe him as botha crotchety old-man and a misguided soul who just wants one last shot at redemption. In A Christmas Carol, Carrey is actually the best he has been since his 2004 combo of Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. It is just too bad that Zemeckis inadvertently overshadows Carrey's work with his need to have objects flying off the screen. If A Christmas Carol had just played it straight, it might actually be worth recommending. Unfortunately Zemeckis tries too hard to create a 3D experience for a picture that should not have been in 3D in the first place.