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Spanglish (2004)
my classic
I am still in awe of this movie's clear writing and spotless plot that moves me every time. I love the words of this film, both Spanish and English. Subtle, tender, beautiful picture of the complicated world behind the doors of a family's home. Each actor embodies his/her role so well. James Brooks really took the time to make this movie time-tested and something very special.
My favorite scene is in the restaurant with Adam Sandler and Paz Vega. It is poetic and bittersweet and real and so beautifully done. Him describing her beauty, him setting his glass of vodka down, their feet almost toughing the floor, each moment takes you to where they are. This love that cannot be.
I loved Spanglish before I had kids, and now that I have kids it is even more poignant. Touches on the hard aspects of parenting, being a spouse, and being a kid.
Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (2009)
just beautiful
Simply beautiful. Painstakingly pictured. Full of layers of imagery and sound. The visions and sounds themselves are heart stopping. The strong female lead Ryu, played by Rinko Kikuchi, is stunning and heartbreaking. People overlook how rare it is to have a strong unusual female lead like this in any movie. The drama unfolds delicately, each scene a piece of art that draws you into its suspense and passion. The story is sad but not contrived; the writing is poetry. Writer and director Isabel Coixet's unique artistic view gives fresh color to each scene. Map of the Sounds of Tokyo isn't a cliché about different cultures or living abroad, it is simply a good story filmed like a movie should be.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
missed the point
This movie has missed the point. It has no faith in humanity or love. I wonder how Mendes feels about his marriage to Kate?? April Wheeler is a shallow character. Revolutionary Road has no more depth than a too-long play. The story has no meat and is not consistent. The only redeeming factor is Leonardo DiCaprio's outstanding performance--keep at it Leo--you are above and beyond the rest. The scene at the end with Leo and his kids really breaks your heart. At then end the plot ties back to the beginning with Kathy Bates' character talking about the new couple who has moved in to the Revolutionary Road house. But there is more to it than that, than just a replacement couple. So much could have been done with this story--more insight into the neighborhood, the house, the people. The lack of character development was a real problem with understanding and caring about April and Frank. There is more to life than this film shows.
Flight of the Conchords (2007)
i miss it
the subtle humor of this show is just so great. i also love the music. yes, our innermost thoughts are expressed in song, like when Jermaine writes a song for Brett and gets all graphic about his love for him and then Brett says he went a little over the top and Jermaine says "that wasn't in there." Also the dream Brett has where Jermaine is David Bowie. and how Murray always has to take roll at each meeting, including calling his own name. "Murray? Present." I think the key to the humor also is that they are so naive to the world of the US and they are learning every day. Oh, and when Jermaine tries to cheer Brett up by doing the talking stove. "You love the talking stove, Britt!" Hilarious. I thought I had a pretty strange sense of humor, but now I am sure of it! I actually didn't catch the show when it was on but I watched all the episodes on demand and now I am in withdrawal! Come back guys!
The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
the first film I loved
What a wonderful film. Although I first saw this film when I was probably six years old, it has stuck with me as an inspiration, and set a standard that very few movies live up to. The love story between Natty and Harry is so romantic, and the independent spirit of a young girl was rare in movies back then and is still rare now. This is an overlooked film that has always filled me with that feeling of secret magic, that there can be movies and stories like this, and that a young girl can make it on her own. It's interesting to see that it was nominated for an Oscar. Also this was probably the first time I saw John Cusak in anything (although still my favorite film of his is "Better Off Dead"). Meredith Salenger was excellent as Natty.
The O.C. (2003)
a great show
Maybe I am biased because I have watched this show from the very beginning -- it started right when I moved to NYC and has been with me ever since so I guess I have a sort of attachment to it.
The reason the OC is such a good show is because of the writing, and perhaps Adam Brody's character's ad-libs throughout add to this - I've heard he ad-libs his lines (and probably actions too -- the hand on the windowpane at the end of the first scene in the most recent "raining in the OC" episode).
The adult characters are just as rich and developed as the young characters, unlike 90210 (which twenty-somethings seem to want to compare this show to). I was never a big fan of 90210; I thought it was only soap opera material and sex, whereas The OC is not. The Seth and Summer romance is pure and so sweet and well-acted (I believe they are engaged in real life).
The writing is smart and hilarious and subtle. A lot of crazy soap-opera-like things have happened, but the way they approach it with candor and humor makes it sophisticated and meaningful. They are always pulling these "meta" plots, like the show "The Valley" that has the character just like Seth, and how Summer would of course like the TV him better than the real him (which is so ironic because Seth IS the TV him). (See trivia about this show for more "meta" plot twists -- I remember also one episode where Summer makes a crack at one of the show's critics in a scene in the hospital.) Sandy and Kirsten are the moral center, and really are good people and wonderful role models - the only sane people in the show. But even they are written realistically; they are not without their faults and downfalls (Sandy's recent near-adultery, and Kirsten's on an upcoming episode).
The music is always really good, and they make a point to bring in real bands and have them play on the show as acts at the club in town.
They bring in the town of Chino (other side of the tracks) with Ryan and his ex-girlfriend. The first episode started it all off with Ryan's classic line in response to Marissa's, "Who are you?" "Whoever you want me to be." Though this may sound cheesy and clichéd, I think it started the whole show off with a sexy mystique that let you know that you wouldn't know where this one was going. You get the sense that the writers don't even know where they are going with it - which is exciting and keeps you on your toes. You don't get the sense that the writers even necessarily knew what would happen with the whole Julie and Jimmy Cooper saga - eventually Jimmy was completely written off, but not until they went through a divorce, a few affairs, a failed business deal with Sandy, living on a boat, and a remarriage (Julie and Caleb, the beautiful red bridesmaid dresses).
Although people bash Mischa Barton's acting, I have to say you can't help but be entranced by these young and beautiful actors. Especially Rachel Bilson, who is able to pull off humor unlike any other. Seth as well. And Kirsten is gorgeous, and Sandy's dry wit and humor make him so lovable. I remember him from While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock. His part in that movie was really small--he only got to play the comatose love interest of Sandra Bullock, but he was really cute and you can't forget those eyebrows. And you can't forget him in the Robert Altman films Short Cuts and The Player he's got some charisma.