You Never Can Tell

Those who are considered film critics, would most likely find it offensive if I said the same of myself.  However, other than intense horror and psychological thrillers, I truly appreciate great films.  Bit by bit though I am trying to see my way through all of the greats, in addition to everything in between.

As a Quentin Tarantino fan, I'm ashamed to admit that I have never seen his all time great, Pulp Fiction, before last evening (almost as shocking as the fact that I was just eight years old when the film was released!).  Of course, like all of his works, the film fits in no other genre but his own.

While so much of the story line, acting, and camera work is ingenius, to me the most part mesmerizing is the Uma Thurman and John Travolta's Twist dance.  The fancy footwork is enough to be completely envious of, but it's all due in part to a brilliant backdrop and song (performed by none other than a St. Louis legend) complemented by exceptional directing.  It has quite easily topped the charts of my top cinematic moments.  If that counts for anything at all.

What Nora Ephron Taught Me

Often I tend to dwell on celebrity passings.  When Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston died, I could not stop listening to their tracks for a week.  As the awkward pre-teen that I was, my eyes were glued to the cable news stations when JFK, Jr.'s plane went missing.  All of those people ,and others who have had untimely deaths, not only left behind their trademark talents but usually the very image of them is somewhat iconic to their generation and time.

For me, hearing the news about Nora Ephron was just as devastating, if not more, as any other major figure.  She made her mark in more untraditional ways:  through her words and other people speaking them.  Her films have become, for me, an imperfect solace from the idyllic lives we often see strived for in those around us.  I enjoy that the part of "dream guy" is often an arrogant, yet bumbling, businessman who cannot figure out the right thing to say at any time, let alone the right time.  It's refreshing to see that any real heroine does not settle for marriage, but instead for the one that's right for her.  What's most triumphant to watch though is that people pick themselves back up.  They have to go through the motions of meeting a whole slew of people who are incompatible.  Dreams fade away, hopes dash off, and life becomes discouraging.  They move on though.

Yes, the ending is fairly stereotypical in many ways.  Yet wholly unpredictable in the little details, which is what really counts in any love story.  Well that, and the fact that you can laugh, which is another attribute that is never lost in any Nora Ephron film.

So in this day and age of the Christian Grey-esque Prince Charming, I will always step aside.  The man of my dreams will without a doubt never know how to correctly approach me in a coffee shop, but will take a couple of kids out for a day of fun while acting like one too.  Of course he would love to sing karaoke in the middle of an electronic store, but perhaps speak too much of what's on his mind.  That's all fine too, because he will have to deal with me occasionally making a scene in public, and perhaps fighting battles that are too big.  Always but always though I'll remember to do so while acting the part of wildly innocent.

"Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim."--Nora Ephron

{Image via The New York Times}

Past, Present and Future

My current fim roster looks something like the above.  It was a bit of a journey and logistics solving, but His Girl Friday finally made its way to my inbox.  Nothing in the world sounds better than a late Saturday evening spent with Cary Grant and his screwball antics.  Living in a cable world that does not lease to TCM has me in black and white deprivation.

A lot of popularity, and what you may call "pandemonium," has surround The Hunger Games series.  If I'm to be very honest this series just was not for me.  It seems once I graduated from The Babysitters Club series there was no looking back to the young adult literary genre.  Note that I do consider the Nancy Drew series to fall under this as they at the very least classic literature, and at very best genius.  At any rate, I saw the movie with the appreciation that the "novels" had a developed context and plot.  As it turns out this movie, albeit a bit lengthy, was very engaging and worthy of my $10 for the sequels.

Now for the headline of the week:  WOODY ALLEN'S NEXT FEATURE FILM'S TRAILER HAS BEEN RELEASED!  Let me gather my thoughts...
Okay, first of all the ensemble is near perfection.  The setting is brilliant.  Woody is back on the big screen.  The film is To Rome With Love, it comes out April 20th.  My month couldn't be looking any more peachy!

A Bodyguard Mission

Not many moons ago "The Bodyguard" was considered too graphic for my young eyes.  Of course that just made me want to see it all the more.  In fact, as I recall, I had a fascination with the movie.  Perhaps because its main theme's music video, "I Will Always Love You," which featured clips from the film, was on every afternoon.  Or maybe just because the entire soundtrack recorded by Whitney Houston could be heard, not only in my house, but all my other playmates' as well.  


Evidently getting around to actually seeing the movie was one of the few things I eventually forgot about and moved on from as a child.  Some 19 years later, I finally found myself too tired to move from the couch, or even reach for the remote Saturday evening, and entranced by Lifetime's airing of the movie.  All I can say is, I should have been more persistent all those years ago.  Even with its blatant '90s styles and cheesiness, it is a bonafide classic.  If for no other reason than it is what made Kevin Costner the handsome icon he is today.  Do not kid yourselves, it was not "Dances With Wolves."  


In short, it has become my mission to resurrect this film from its early '90s purgatory.  A whole demographic of RomCom aficionados were robbed Costner and Whitney at their absolute finest.  It's time to right this wrong! 

Eat. Pray. Love. ~ The Movie

Now do you really think I could hate this film?  Still on a high from reading the book, I was absolutely thrilled to receive sneak preview passes from my stepmom.  As far as adaptations go, this movie did great justice to a phenomenal book about an emotional journey.  When you have such stunning backdrops, a stellar cast (Javier Bardem being key), and an A+ soundtrack it's hard to take issue with anything else.  See the movie, but make your dinner plans beforehand and be sure to order appetizers and dessert.  You may not be able to make it past Italy without doing so. 

Guess Who?

It was a fairly earth shattering day when I learned that JTT was not actually a movie star.  In the fifth grade we had to read a biography as a book report.  No criteria on the subject, just a book that was over 100 pages without any pictures.  Since my Mom housed quite a few biographies I selected the person I didn't know too much about.  That person was Katharine Hepburn, someone who quickly became my all-time favorite actress, and introduced me to the absolutely wonderful world of classic film and movie stars.  Her film resume is too impressive to name favorites, or even make your way through in one long weekend.  They span all genres, but always capture her gumption and fierce style, which became so important to those wonderful film actresses who followed.

One of her most important films was Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which would be the last movie she would make with her long time love, Spencer Tracy.  The film, while groundbreaking (especially in 1967), unfortunately still holds lessons many today still have yet to learn.  After watching it this weekend, I couldn't help but shed some tears.  Not only for the profound performances of the actors (which also includes the dashing Sidney Poitier), but for the injustices and prejudices so many face even in our modern society.  It's a movie everyone should watch.  Those with a true appreciation of fashion will find an added bonus watching the four (the movie takes place in a 10-hour span) wardrobe changes Kate Hepburn graces.

So your instructions are as follows:  1.  Rent the movie  2.  Pour yourself a glass of wine (or brandy, if you prefer)  3.  Grab a tissue or two  4.  Realize your vigor

Inception

Don't worry.  None of these images from Inception is a spoiler.  This was easily one of the best movies I have seen in quite some time.  The story line was imaginative and complex, the visuals were beautiful, and the acting top-notch.  If you haven't seen it yet, do it-to it.  For those in the St. Louis area, it still has one more Wednesday showing for $5 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, and it's a real treat to see it at this movie house gem.

Images from Rotten Tomatoes

Sex and the City 2: A Review

Unless you remember a couple of things, you could potentially disappoint yourself upon seeing Sex and the City 2.  However, if you successfully keep these items in mind, you will absolutely love it.  First up, the original movie answered any and all questions that may have been left to linger after the series came to its conclusion.  With that in mind, the second thing you should know is this movie for the fans.  The true followers and loyalists of the fabulous foursome.  It's not the emotional roller coaster the first one, which was very eco-conscious of the producers.  Rather this sequel provides lots more laughs than its predecessor, with the same quintessential advice on life and love, as well as more painfully awesome fashions.  Sarah Jessica Parker was quoted as saying on a phone-in to Ellen that as long as fans kept coming to the movies, they would still make them.  For all those who still have a few lessons to be learned from Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Mirnada theaters will still be filling up with open ears.

Only in New York

It had to be done.  I'm too excited for the Sex and the City 2 movie, I couldn't go without posting the newly released trailer.  While I felt like the first movie had the resolutions all of us were looking for, the sequel looks like it has all the answers to our "what about?" thoughts.  We all wanted to know what Samantha was going to do post-Smith, where in the world could they go more glamorous than New York, and of couse...where in the world was Aiden?  Most importanty, what kind of fashions would the promoting in 2010 Unlike many, I'm not the least bit worried about Sex and the City having a sequel.  Come on, have they ever done their fans wrong before?  It's all on, May 27!

A Place in the Sun

It is rather true what they say. They don't make movies like they used to. If George Stevens' classic, A Place in the Sun, were to premiere in theaters today, it would most likely be perceived as "corny" and "over-dramtized." The variables of blue screen lake scenes and an original score played at a constant crescendo all too nicely lend themselves to those notions. On the other hand, the wonderful thing about A Place in the Sun and other such classics is the ease of plot. Back in the day people used to enjoy going out to row a boat on nearby lakes. Formal dances were frequently held by the "who's whos" complete with glamorous ball gowns and dapper tuxedos. Of course things like DNA and CSI technology weren't even subject matter. It thus becomes quite simple to mix a gorgeous Edith Head dress (worn by the always stylish Elizabeth Taylor), an illegitimate pregnancy, and an up-and-coming businessman (Montgomery Clift) to produce a truly enticing murderous affair. So if you're able to put the cell phone down and leave the Technicolor world, this movie is a must watch.

"Seems like we always spend the best part of our time just saying goodbye."--Angela Vickers (played by Elizabeth Taylor) in A Place in the Sun

Pitter Patter & All That Matters

After four straight days of clouds, and three straight of rain here, the gloom has started to also descend upon everyone's mood. A good rainy day doesn't have to be like that though. As Jamie Cullum sings in his version of Singin' in the Rain, "let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place, come on with the rain I've a smile on my face." A lot can be celebrated for a little precipitation. Most of it can be found in the wonderful world of accessories. Of course the epitomical way to make a splash as big as the one the car driving down Hampton hit me with while walking out of the gym, are rain boots. Nobody makes this staple more classy than Hunter Boots, especially when you can custom make and accessorize them to your heart's desire. No pair of galoshes is complete though without a matching umbrella. Unfortunately I have learned I am not responsible enough for anything over the $8 solid colored ones at Target. You can imagine my excitement then, when after managing to misplace yet another umbrella, I found this stellar vinyl weather shield for a great price. (At least I think it is. Still working on figuring out the currency change. If only the foreign markets would remain stable for a day.) Of course what would be easier to manage, and have less loss liability than an umbrella? Why, a rain bonnet of course! An item I would absolutely love to see make a comeback in some capacity. Another reason to embrace a rainy day is that contrary to popular theories, the rain can make your mornings a lot easier. That bed you don't want to get out of? Stay in it a little longer. The second you step out of your door your hair will transform into its rain 'do. So skip the curling and flat irons and just give it a nice tossle in the morning.

But the ultimate reason to wander outside in the rain? Breakfast at Tiffany's (which very ironically, and unbeknownst to me, is showing on TCM tonight at 11:00 P.M.). Ever since Audrey Hepburn stylishly jumped out of the cab in her trench coat and low pigtails to chase after Cat and Paul, the rain never looked so chic. Any girl who has seen that movie, somewhere within them, yearns to find herself in a dark alley with someone as strapping as George Peppard still waiting for her. More than that, any girl wishes to look that glamorous with smudged mascara and damp hair. So thank you Truman Capote and Blake Edwards for instilling all of female kind with false hopes. She didn't even have to wear a rain bonnet!

"Moon River, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style some day."--Moon River by Henry Mancini from Breakfast at Tiffany's

*Pictured above, moi, taken by Alex Aberman at the culinary phenomenon that is El Rancho

I Love the Cabaret!

Tonight was the 63rd Annual Tony Awards. For those not familiar, the Tony Awards are Broadway's Oscars. As avid a theater lover as I am, I actually have never tuned into the Tony Awards in its entirety before until tonight. As far as award shows go, a show for Broadway shows just seems too easy. It was completely entertaining and had me web surfing and paper scanning through the A&E section of the Post-Dispatch the whole time for local performances. The itch is back.



I'm not sure what it is about the embellished marquee lights and signs, souvenir flimsy Playbills, and dusty large red velour curtains, but something about theater is truly whimsical. While I have absolutely no singing or dancing abilities whatsoever, if I could do anything just for a day I would go backstage of one of the enchanting Broadway venues, like the Gershwin Theater, where I could be surrounded by gorgeous sequined costumes (the only thing I find sequins acceptable on), antiquated dressing rooms and props, and get ready to belt out "New York, New York." With a voice like Kristin Chenoweth's, of course.

I have been more than fortunate to see a great number of truly great live theatrical performances both in my hometown of St. Louis, and even a couple in New York. Unfortunately though, with the incredible amount of media at our fingertips and dozens of cheesy movie reprises of such Brodway hits, many young folks have a lack of interest in the fine art. After a long battle, St. Louis just scored another cultural win by getting approval to rehab the old Kiel Opera House in the Downtown district. Critics actually emerged from the local theater industry for such approval because they think it would steal away business from St. Louis' biggest theater, The Fox. While I can understand economic concerns, I think the bottom line is that an increase exposure to the arts and theater can only help all involved in the industry.

While not everyone may start a small collection of original scores and soundtracks after they see a show, such as myself, I do challenge anyone who has not been to a live stage performance to not enjoy it. Unless you see something head scratchingly odd such as Xanadu, I think you would be hard pressed not find yourself head bobbing to at least one tune. And if you enjoy it anywhere near as much as I do, you may even feel your eyes well up at the curtain call. It just gets me every time.

A Beginner's Broadway Playlist:

1. Cabaret - from Cabaret
2. New York, New York - from New York, New York
3. Popular - from Wicked
4. The Trolley Song - from Meet Me In St. Louis
5. 76 Trombones - from The Music Man
6. Tomorrow - from Annie
7. All That Jazz - from Chicago
8. Music of the Night - from Phantom of the Opera
9. Seasons of Love - from Rent
10. Day By Day -from Godspell

...but so so many more

The Old, the New, and the Timeless

The Oscars are the one thing I will spend five hours in front of the television set for. Other than the hour's worth of television I watch at the gym everyday, I watch probably a combined five hours during the week. So as you can see the Oscars are a pretty big deal to me if I am willing to spend a whole week's worth of television watching on this one event. It's not even because I am celebrity obsessed or so consumed with why Joan Rivers would ever get that much plastic surgery done. I do love falling for and critiquing the gowns (quite naturally Sarah Jessica Parker's was my favorite this year), but even those aren't what keep me tuned in. While I do take up an opinion of who should Best Actress, Actor, Movie, etc. I really do not have any idea what makes one film stand out from another in the areas of art direction or sound editing.

No, what makes me watch the Oscars is being able to revisit the past. It was actually Penelope Cruz, the night's first Oscar winner, who said it best that "the arts are what unifies us all." Probably no other form of art does this better than the movies. Very seldom do we watch a movie by ourselves. It's typically something we share with others. The oddest thing will usually happen when we watch these movies too. We have an experience. It's odd because an experience is something we physically or emotionally take part in through interaction. However, with movies the actors on the screen are imitating an experience. Physical motions and emotions aren't something we the audience are actually taking part in. We are just watching.

To figure out why some of our strongest emotions emerge while watching these movies would completely destroy the true magic of film. But how wonderful that all we have to do is insert a disc into our DVD player and be a part of the mafia again with "The Godfather." Or celebrate Christmas and old friends and family with George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." Or have our hearts broken again with Jack and Rose in "Titanic" (though I suppose for that all most of us have to do is go to any ol' bar on the weekend during the late night hours). The Oscars don't just pay honor to a bunch of rich people who up-ed their talent only a couple of notches above Zac Efron in "High School Musical 3" (though were not able to top the hair 'do; I must give credit where it's due). The Oscars pay honor to every film that gave us a memory.

So to answer more directly why I watch the Oscars, it is for two reasons: the truly great and accomplished actors and actresses that make a rare appearance and the montages. Being the classic film nerd I am, my heart flutters seeing clips of Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant pop up, and but of course I still would just die to resemble Sophia Loren in any way. To know though that those stars and the movies they were in are still treasured by more people than just me is an even better feeling. I feel more confident that mine and many others' memories will be preserved and revisited for countless years to come.