Friends, we've lost one of great writers/directors/voices of our time. Nora Ephron passed away yesterday. This is a huge loss, not just for women for whom Ephron was a trailblazer, but for writers and filmmakers in general. Her body of work is not epic in scale, rather she wrote 15 screenplays, produced 10 of those, and only directed 8 of the films. But the epicness of her work comes from the hits that to this day resonate with new and old generation alike.
I remember the first Nora Ephron movie I saw. It was winter break of '98 and a couple of my cousins went to go see You've Got Mail. I fell in love but I wouldn't know how much until I was in college and the movie was on EVERY WEEKEND. I am not exaggerating, along with The Wedding Planner and 10 Things I Hate About You. I rediscoverd my love of that movie. "Aren't daisies the friendliest flower?" Who knew that school supplies could be such an aphrodiasic?
After about two years, I finally saw that Sleepless in Seattle was going to be on so I TiVo'd it and saved it for a Saturday night. As I lay in my bed, quietly tearing up, I realized that despite its absurd premise, this movie was a classic and how could I have never seen it before. Yes, it's a tearjerker but its also comedic gold: "Didn't you see Fatal Attraction?" "You wouldn't let me!" "Well I saw it and it scared the shit out of me! It scared the shit out of every man in America!" I think that is when I fell in love with Tom Hanks, all because of Ephron's words and vision.
Now it took me another couple of years to see When Harry Met Sally but when a movie is hyped up so much you worry that if you don't like it, you will lose out on this amazing experience that everyone got to have. Luckily, I too fell for Sally with Harry and the classic scene is ahem... well we all know how hilarious that was and we all secretly wish we could reenact it at our local diners. No? Is... is that just me? Hmmm...
I've seen Bewitched, Michael, Hanging Up, and Julie and Julia and her stamp is still there. But I think what resonates the most with people is the wit, heart, simplicity of the aforementioned trio of films. Obviously they all have Meg Ryan in common as well and she was America's Sweetheart for a reason. My secret dream movie reunion would be a couple romcom with Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts/Richard Gere and I had always assume Ephron had that thought in the back of her mind too and was working on the script.
A dream, yes, but that is what Ephron gave us: the possibility of happy-ever-after and that it all works out in the end despite the obstacles in front. May they be the age-old men and women can't be friends, or the impossibility of love at first sight or listen, or rather that hate and animosity can lead to friendship and true love.
I happen to think that all of the above is true, if only because she showed me that it can happen. As she once said, "Most of us live our lives devoid of cinematic moments." Well, at least we have the ones you created to fill the void.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Unless I'm Wrong, And I'm Never Wrong...
You guys, its here. Summer.....
(breathing heavily because I just performed the opening musical number from HSM 2, What Time Is It?) Sorry, had to be done. In all seriousness, it is summer and I love this season more than any other. Sun, shorts, dresses, sandals, bonfires, swimming, and lots of other summer fun. But you know what I love most of all? Summer TV!!!!
A different breed than the specimens of Fall TV, STV belongs to the cable networks and most would argue that it is becoming a rival of beloved FTV shows. STV contains mostly "frothy, mindless" TV, and you would be right if you only watched the reality shows of summer like ABC's Wipeout. While that show is worthy of that description, there are so many better and more quality shows that the networks are putting forth for your viewing pleasure.
Here are my personal choices:
USA shows: I don't watch every show the cable network comes out with, but I do watch the majority. Quality scripts, excellent acting, pretty people, and plenty of cliffhangers fill the channels programming. Common Law, White Collar, Suits, Burn Notice, and Psych make my life happier. At the heart of all of these shows are the relationships between the main characters and it draws you in further than most TV shows.
TNT- Not to be out done, the channel has gotten in the game slowly but surely. It started a couple of years of ago with the sleeper hit Leverage, followed by Rizzoli and Isles, and last years biggest winner Franklin and Bash. The drama is a bit more relatable but the fun and stakes are still high as ever.
Pretty Little Liars- I know what you are going to say because I have said the exact same thing to people when I tell them I watch this show. It's ridiculous. It's completely unrealistic. Oh, and its awesome. I watch to mostly complain and makes comments on the completely out there fashion sense these girls have, but also to be completely scared out of my mind. Honestly, the storylines are so absurd you can't help but be sucked in deeper and deeper each week. Don't judge until you watch an episode and are terrified of the dolls in your room might have human eyes staring back at you. You just don't know.
Big Brother- I used to dream that I could be on this show. And let's be honest, I would totally own it. But, my love for the show declined as the show relied on gimmicks and horrible casting. But.... I miss the ridiculousness that is this show and I think I just might have to give it another try.
There a couple of news shows that I have done to be considered for my summer viewing pleasure: Bunheads, Perception, Saving Hope, Dallas, and Political Animals. I will reserve judgement but come on, when have I been wrong before? Plus, at the end of summer we get the best STV experience: The Olympics. I seriously can't wait, especially since Quidditch will be played. Yep, you read that right. Quidditch.
Believe in magic, you Muggle!
(breathing heavily because I just performed the opening musical number from HSM 2, What Time Is It?) Sorry, had to be done. In all seriousness, it is summer and I love this season more than any other. Sun, shorts, dresses, sandals, bonfires, swimming, and lots of other summer fun. But you know what I love most of all? Summer TV!!!!
A different breed than the specimens of Fall TV, STV belongs to the cable networks and most would argue that it is becoming a rival of beloved FTV shows. STV contains mostly "frothy, mindless" TV, and you would be right if you only watched the reality shows of summer like ABC's Wipeout. While that show is worthy of that description, there are so many better and more quality shows that the networks are putting forth for your viewing pleasure.
Here are my personal choices:
USA shows: I don't watch every show the cable network comes out with, but I do watch the majority. Quality scripts, excellent acting, pretty people, and plenty of cliffhangers fill the channels programming. Common Law, White Collar, Suits, Burn Notice, and Psych make my life happier. At the heart of all of these shows are the relationships between the main characters and it draws you in further than most TV shows.
TNT- Not to be out done, the channel has gotten in the game slowly but surely. It started a couple of years of ago with the sleeper hit Leverage, followed by Rizzoli and Isles, and last years biggest winner Franklin and Bash. The drama is a bit more relatable but the fun and stakes are still high as ever.
Pretty Little Liars- I know what you are going to say because I have said the exact same thing to people when I tell them I watch this show. It's ridiculous. It's completely unrealistic. Oh, and its awesome. I watch to mostly complain and makes comments on the completely out there fashion sense these girls have, but also to be completely scared out of my mind. Honestly, the storylines are so absurd you can't help but be sucked in deeper and deeper each week. Don't judge until you watch an episode and are terrified of the dolls in your room might have human eyes staring back at you. You just don't know.
Big Brother- I used to dream that I could be on this show. And let's be honest, I would totally own it. But, my love for the show declined as the show relied on gimmicks and horrible casting. But.... I miss the ridiculousness that is this show and I think I just might have to give it another try.
There a couple of news shows that I have done to be considered for my summer viewing pleasure: Bunheads, Perception, Saving Hope, Dallas, and Political Animals. I will reserve judgement but come on, when have I been wrong before? Plus, at the end of summer we get the best STV experience: The Olympics. I seriously can't wait, especially since Quidditch will be played. Yep, you read that right. Quidditch.
Believe in magic, you Muggle!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Bella-Lite and the Thorsman
Mirror mirror, on the wall will I ever be to watch Kristen Stewart on the big screen and not see her whiny, twitching, face?
That is the real question that I find asking myself this afternoon. After last night's midnight screening of Snow White and the Huntsman, that thought lingers on my brain mere hours after her unsure smile closed the movie out.
First and foremost that movie was not worth waiting in line for 7 hours. It's OK Kate, everybody makes mistakes sometimes. You'll catch a better movie next time. ( My current calendar for midnights are Rock of Ages, Magic Mike, Spiderman, and The Dark Knight Rises. I'll be there at varying hours ahead of time so consult me before you meet me up there.) Besides my antics with the AMC staff, I was genuinely looking forward to this movie. The promotional trailer captured what felt like a human essence without the fairytale-ness of the previous installment.
I was drawn to Charlize Theron's Queen and the no-brainer that is Chris Hemsworth as the titular Huntsman. But my main concern was Kristen Stewart. I didn't think she could pull it off, especially when I learned she would be speaking in a British accent, and the only time I thought she looked worthy was during the quick glimpses of her in armor during the trailer. Could I forget her dreadful performance as Bella Swan?
The answer to that is no. Much to my dismay, there were reminiscent Bella traits that crept their way into our fighting Snow White. Gone was the eye blinking, stuttering, pained looking girl who is firmly implanted in my least favorite character of all time- only to be replaced with a heaving, and I do mean heaving, too innocent for her situation, not the 'fairest of them all' beauty. I might be judging her too harshly but I am not alone in my mocking or dislike. I can personally guarantee that my entire viewing party did not come see that movie for her and plenty of snorting in derision and snickering occurred. I would forget at times that I disliked her so much but then she would revert back to Bella-Lite and I would hang my head.
I feel I must defend other aspects of the movie. Visually stunning and with a very moving score, the film was solid. Theron nails the desperation of a woman forced into a life she never had the opportunity to change and her eyes alone should win her an Oscar for the psychotic emotion that poured out of them. I know that I will add her dialogue to my quote repertoire; it dripped with viciousness and haughtiness of great villains of old.
There is a minor love aspect to the film as well that is clearly an attempt to appease the Twilight fangirls. Hemsworth as the Huntsman plays Snow White's foil for the entire film and when he does attempt to change his attitude, Snow White coolly dismisses him. Sam Claflin plays William, her childhood friend and presumably future romantic interest until he believes her to be dead as a child. I won't ruin the (completely non-dramatic) decision between the two men, but we all know my heart has long been lost to Hemsworth. He adopts an Irish or Scottish brogue for the film (he is originally from Australia) and I really don't care what it is but it sounds awesome. He reminded me of Thor in the fighting scenes, and I do believe that was done purposefully.
All in all, the film rates a B+ minus in my book. I would and will probably see it again in theaters and I will own it. Why? Because repetition makes the heart grow fonder. And since Kristen Stewart seems to staying around for a while, I should try to get past my hatred of Bella Swan.
Maybe the evil Queen can spell it to be so...
That is the real question that I find asking myself this afternoon. After last night's midnight screening of Snow White and the Huntsman, that thought lingers on my brain mere hours after her unsure smile closed the movie out.
First and foremost that movie was not worth waiting in line for 7 hours. It's OK Kate, everybody makes mistakes sometimes. You'll catch a better movie next time. ( My current calendar for midnights are Rock of Ages, Magic Mike, Spiderman, and The Dark Knight Rises. I'll be there at varying hours ahead of time so consult me before you meet me up there.) Besides my antics with the AMC staff, I was genuinely looking forward to this movie. The promotional trailer captured what felt like a human essence without the fairytale-ness of the previous installment.
I was drawn to Charlize Theron's Queen and the no-brainer that is Chris Hemsworth as the titular Huntsman. But my main concern was Kristen Stewart. I didn't think she could pull it off, especially when I learned she would be speaking in a British accent, and the only time I thought she looked worthy was during the quick glimpses of her in armor during the trailer. Could I forget her dreadful performance as Bella Swan?
The answer to that is no. Much to my dismay, there were reminiscent Bella traits that crept their way into our fighting Snow White. Gone was the eye blinking, stuttering, pained looking girl who is firmly implanted in my least favorite character of all time- only to be replaced with a heaving, and I do mean heaving, too innocent for her situation, not the 'fairest of them all' beauty. I might be judging her too harshly but I am not alone in my mocking or dislike. I can personally guarantee that my entire viewing party did not come see that movie for her and plenty of snorting in derision and snickering occurred. I would forget at times that I disliked her so much but then she would revert back to Bella-Lite and I would hang my head.
I feel I must defend other aspects of the movie. Visually stunning and with a very moving score, the film was solid. Theron nails the desperation of a woman forced into a life she never had the opportunity to change and her eyes alone should win her an Oscar for the psychotic emotion that poured out of them. I know that I will add her dialogue to my quote repertoire; it dripped with viciousness and haughtiness of great villains of old.
There is a minor love aspect to the film as well that is clearly an attempt to appease the Twilight fangirls. Hemsworth as the Huntsman plays Snow White's foil for the entire film and when he does attempt to change his attitude, Snow White coolly dismisses him. Sam Claflin plays William, her childhood friend and presumably future romantic interest until he believes her to be dead as a child. I won't ruin the (completely non-dramatic) decision between the two men, but we all know my heart has long been lost to Hemsworth. He adopts an Irish or Scottish brogue for the film (he is originally from Australia) and I really don't care what it is but it sounds awesome. He reminded me of Thor in the fighting scenes, and I do believe that was done purposefully.
All in all, the film rates a B+ minus in my book. I would and will probably see it again in theaters and I will own it. Why? Because repetition makes the heart grow fonder. And since Kristen Stewart seems to staying around for a while, I should try to get past my hatred of Bella Swan.
Maybe the evil Queen can spell it to be so...
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