The Switch: more than impressed

This weekend I DVR'd The Switch. And it was actually a pretty impressive movie. General plot is that Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides to have a child on her own. However, she is uncomfortable with the idea of never knowing the sperm donor- she states she wants to look him in the eyes- so she purchases the goods from someone she can meet. Her best friend Wally (Jason Batemen) is a neurotic overly truthful guy with bad fashion choices she put in the "friend zone" some 6 years prior. Through a series of mishaps all performed in various levels of drunkness Wally in his words his "hijacks Kassie's pregnancy" although this is not discovered until 7 years later. I will admit the first half of the movie it s bit crazy, mostly the whole idea of a insemination party, where the drunken switch takes place, was a little hard for me to swallow. But actually the rest of the movie makes sense. When Kassie realizes she is pregnant she moves home to MN because is it is a better place to raise a child- which allows you to believe she and Wally are now parted and don't have the similarities between man and child in front of them 24-7. After 7 years Kassie moves back to NY and Wally finally meets Sebastian, a neurotic easily depressed- yet determined child, he at first is put off by his odd-ness. But as the movie progresses and Wally unravels the truth he becomes endeared to Sebastian and now cannot risk losing either him or Kassie from his life. Kassie in the meanwhile is pursing the man she believes to be Sebastian's "seed guy" there is a whole touching scene where Kassie explains Sebastians birth story. Mostly I was entirely enchanted by Jennifer Aniston, Jason Batemen, and the young actor playing Sebastian. Totally worth a redbox rental!

Footloose: A distracted review

This past weekend Directv was having a free Cinemax preview and I took the opportunity to dvr like every movie ever. Including: Footloose. I am a little shocked I haven't ever seen the original as I have watched all John Hughes movies and Dirty Dancing more times than any person ever should admit to, second only to the number of times I have seen Clueless. Plus Kevin Bacon is like totally a Baldwin in it, before being a Baldwin was even invented. However after watching Footloose in its entirety, if perhaps admittedly in a distracted manner (I was making homemade chicken pot pie) I may have found out why this movie never made an appearance into my life before.

While I found the music amazing, Almost Paradise, Holding out for a Hero, and naturally Footloose, I couldn't quite get over where the music was being used in the movie. Holding out for a hero- perhaps one of the most underrated songs ever heard used in a Tracker Chicken Race. Really Chicken with trackers? Only Hollywood would put vehicles that cost more than the average American can imagine racing each other until one falls into a creek. Do you really want to hold out for a hero that has no sense of value?

A shocking amount of domestic violence- which is apparently no big deal to like anyone? First the preacher slaps his daughter (clearly portrayed in the heat of the moment and he does express repentance- but his wife witnesses this and says nothing? really???) Later this same girl gets seriously beat up by her thug boyfriend- He drives away, she ends up on the ground bleeding with a black eye. Which other than a call to Kevin Bacon to come and get her leads to no comments about this abuse? She walks around the next scenes of the movie with a shiner- but no big deal because she has her sun glasses on.

Ren (how have we not gotten to the ridiculous names?- we also have a girl named Rusty) is an amazing gymnast for no other reason then to be pushed out off school activities and to have a slamming, if improbable angry dance scene at a deserted mill.

While like I liked Ren (Kevin Bacon), Rusty (Sarah Jessica Parker), and the friend (Chris Penn) - I hated Ariel, I found absolutely nothing redeemable about her, she constantly exhibited reckless and annoying behavior.

So to be honest not my favorite, but fun moments and good music.

p.s. While I don't remember any times where my parents absolutely wouldn't let me watch a movie as a child I have two memories of censorship, I vividly recall having to leave the room when Patrick Swayze gets murdered in Ghost (to this day I don't think I have ever seen that part of the movie) and when visiting a friends house during 2nd or 3rd grade my friends older sister was watching Dirty Dancing and we couldn't watch where Johnny and Baby finally hook up. So perhaps Patrick Swayze just isn't suitable for young kids

were going vintage y'all

After a delightfully filling Buffet City dinner, Shea, Nicole and I came home to be lumps of the couch. While in the process of being lumps I turned on the tv and Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet was on the Fox Movie Channel. I happen to love this movie it takes me back, way back to six grade and Katie Petty's house. As I continued to tell Shea and Nicole the various reasons why I love this movie, they both confessed they had never seen this version of the movie. And I am all like what? Where were you in 1996? See I was in LOVE with Leo DiCaprio like maybe 18 months before every other girl my age was. Which rocks. But also kind of a curse with me I love something a lot, but when it hits super mainstream I resent all other who get on board. But now as time has passed I can LOVE it again. So this weeks Film Friday is vintage y'all. If you haven't seen this version of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet you totally should.

Film Friday

Here is a blast from the past for some of my loyal readers- Film Friday. I watched this last weekend, mostly i hated it, I mean these kids were horrible to their dad. Like super really bad. I will now laughingly tell you it is described as a comedy (and i am not laughing at the jokes, just the idiot how tried to market that way). But still at the end I was crying, tears a streaming down my face. So I don't recommend it, because it was mostly awful but heart wrenching in the end.

This movie also had tears streaming down my face, but in a much more positive way. On my last plane trip (the one where I purposely brought along no emotionally charged books so I wouldn't end up weeping on public transportation, again (because it happens frequently) the in flight movie- moved me) I saw this gem. Maybe I have a soft spot for Clive Owen and red head children, or maybe it was just really good. I recommend!

Film Friday

It is all about balance you see. This week I watched one very good movie. I.E. The Hurt Locker

And one definitely better than expected movie i.e. All about Steve
Taken separately one was to sobering to end the night, and one was to much fluff. If you haven't seen The Hurt Locker, you should. I have a feeling it is going to clean up at the Oscars. Plus I adore the leading man, and cameo from Lost's Kate, and it is a really sobering and impressive look at the kind of hostile environment the men and women of the US forces are facing over there.

All About Steve, left me more impressed and entertained than I thought it possibly could. Maybe I just have a soft spot of Sandra Bullock and useless information. But hey- I laughed, Shea laughed. No one cried.

Film Friday + two

I saw When in Rome last night. And honestly I thought it was going to be worse, much, much worse. I laughed plently. It was cute, Rome was pretty. This poster no where nears does it justice.

However, I must be clear, it is 100% a rom-com, don't expect more. It is very predictable. But a cute boy and Danny DeVito go a long way and making up for it.

Film Friday

For once I am actually sneaking in a Film Friday, on Friday! This week Netflix sent me the gift of LOST. As you may about my obsession before -this summer I totally immersed myself in the world of Lost and whipped through disc after disc and season after season. I have had Lost season 5 waiting on my saved list on Netflix, for oh......., 4 months! Naturally I was uber upset last week, when what seems like the millionth time, netflix didn't seem me the discs on the top of my queue, but the next selections down. (Darn you! Netflix) But Lost is completely worth the wait. It has also been keeping me company while I spend late, late hours after work packing. I am hoping to see this little gem of a show under my Christmas tree next week, hint, hint! Plus as a bonus to all us ladies, Sawyer practically spends the whole first episode with his shirt off! What says holiday cheer more than that????? NOTHING!

Because I have been remiss

I know it isn't Friday. But this movie deserves to be shared. It freaked me out. For reals. And I like horror movies. There is definitely something wrong with Ester. Even knowing the twist in advance, I mean how can I resist checking wikipedia?, I was delightfully freaked out and squirmed plenty. Check out what is wrong with Ester. Will definitely get you in the Holiday Mood!

Film Friday + two

I know, I know- this is not Friday. But really I did watch a movie this week. And it was even kind of good.
I have always had a weird soft spot for Brendan Fraiser- I love all of the Mummy movies, and man have you seen George of the Jungle? Great stuff. I loved the Paul Bettany got to play someone other than and out and out villain- I feel he has been absurdly typecast since the DaVinci Code, and as a bonus is real life wife, plays his wife in the movie. Plus Andy Serkis is just plan awesome in any/everything. I enjoyed it!

Film Friday

This week's pick: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

I cannot express how awesome this was. I totally and completely immersed myself in it. And the music super, super catchy. I love, Love, LOVE- Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion, it was totally a weekend filled with them- Saturday- Dr. Horrible, Sunday- the Emmy's, Monday- How I Met Your Mother and Castle.

Dr. Horrible is free on HULU check it out!

Film Friday

This week's pick: The Time Travelers Wife

Definately a girls movie- I don't know if I would recommend men seeing it. I liked it- the plot was a tad bit screwy- following the time travel and all. But as a bonus for the women lots and lots and lots of naked Eric Bana. Bittersweet ending.

Film Friday

This week's pick: Gamer

I didn't love or hate it. Lots of stuff to get icked out about, but in general I went in with lowered expectations and didn't leave disappointed. The story may have been a little to tied in- but this is from the guys who made the Crank movies- so you shouldn't expect a masterpiece. Plus I love me some Gerald Butler.

Film Friday

I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. That doesn't mean it doesn't have its own set of issues. For instance I could stand to lose the entire men's cast (their singing equals super awful) the only semi ok one was Colin Firth- and then only because I have a huge "I love Mr. Darcy" crush on him. Some of the women were horrible too. But the scenery of Greece and catchy ABBA tunes make of for a lot. Plus I enjoyed the sing-along feature.

Film Friday

This week's pick: Gran Torino

Just so you are not confused- not actually a movie about a car. in. fact.

In general I was moved. The language and some of the violence is definitely jarring (especially if you haven't ever been exposed.) But really- Clint Eastwood, knows how to put together a fine looking movie.

Film Friday

This week's Pick: Julie & Julia

Nancy and I had the awesome opportunity to see this film this week in Chicago. We went to an non-traditional theatre: It was great- we had margaritas and a full meal- they serve you throughout the show (which rocks) and what better movie to eat with other than Julie & Julia. The movie was cute and funny- and wow do I want to know how to cook now.

Geared up for fun!

Yummy 1/2 price drinks!

Film Friday

This week's Pick: Gigantic

As you can see my favorite Zooey Deschannel was in this one. She didn't let me down. Plus her hair and wardrobe were to die for. This one had a ton of big names in it: Zooey, Paul Dano (from Little Miss Sunshine), Ed Ashner, John Goodman, Zach Galifianakis (the Hangover). It was oddly amazing. Definitely an indie movie. Zach Galifianakis character is oddly not necessary and weirdly violent (no explanations). But I still love it!

Film Friday

This weeks pick: Last Chance Harvey

Confession: When I watch movies with awkward situations- I get completely uncomfortable, like get up and leave the room uncomfortable, like hide in the couch cushions uncomfortable. I have no idea how I handle sitting through movies in the theatre (I could watch any horror movie ever made- yet give me an awkward social situation I freak). Really because at home- I am an active viewer. This movie surprised me with how much I got into it. I keep talking to the tv- going "no, no, don't do it, don't say that- ugh!" Maybe it is just because I have lived some of those uncomfortable broken family moments. I don't know- Really the whole movie isn't uncomfortable- I actually liked it quite a bit, but the actors did a really great job making it real, real enough for me to freak a little.

Film Friday

This week's pick: National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

I was just sitting here thinking I would have to bail on Film Friday because I had watched nothing but Lost all week. But Bam! I am watching National Treasure right now! What I must say is I love smart thillers, I like that you have to learn stuff to get it right. Nick Cage- you are getting old, but I do hope that make that third movie they are teasing! Enjoy!

Film Friday

This week's pick: Taken

Like every single guy in the whole world ever, urged me to watch this movie since it came out. No joke. Apparently it was beyond awesome and I needed to see it. Finally watched it last weekend. And I can say they didn't lie- man, do they even make super human people like that? He really, really wanted his daughter back. I also loved that Maggie Grace from Lost was the teenage daughter- because i was also watching Lost-and it is always a total trip to see someone from a series in something else. At least for me. The only thing I had to say was these two girls that got "taken" were like so stupid. Who lies to their parents about where they would be and who they would be with in Europe, and then decide to take cab with some random guy from the airport? Really ladies? You are giving the rest of us a bad name.

Film Friday

This week's pick: Serenity (on blu-ray)
What more could I ask for in my first blu-ray movie? Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Joss Weddon- this is a pretty awesome combo. I had seen the movie before- but only streaming from netflix. Blu-ray blows it away. Freaking sweet- I haven't delved into the bonus features yet - still way into Lost (watching 4 hours of that everyday doesn't give me much free time). But it rocked.