Goodness. I HARDLY see myself as a movie reviewer. But here I am. I usually only see two or three movies in the theatre, a year. But this month was cinema-active for me. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this last month (maybe 2), so I’ll do a quick rundown if you care to see whether you have similar taste in movies as I do.
Tree of Life – BEEEAAAAUUUUTTTIIIIIFUUUULLLLLL. I really enjoyed it. I laughed and I definitely cried. This movie is for you if (1) you have the PATIENCE for just looking at stuff, (2) you enjoy beautiful cinematography/photography, (3) you are interested in family dynamics, such as pressures, (4) you are interested in social history, (5) you are interested in costume design/history for relatively recent “period pieces,” (6) you’re not an insomniac. update on 7/18: I reread what I wrote and item #6 makes no sense, hence my new strikethrough. What I meant to say is that you need to be able to stay awake during quiet and slow scenes that might put most people to sleep; just ask the person who was snoring behind me. I’m not kidding about the snoring.
After the movie was over, I was filled with emotions and happy that my friend, Luca, invited me to see this, because I probably wouldn’t have thought to see it on my own. Also, as the closing credits rolled, I heard sighs and groans of relief from numerous people who sat behind us, because they were so stoked that the movie was over. And I think Luca was one of the non-stoked groaners. As we walked out of the auditorium, he told me something like, “I think you’re the only person I know who would appreciate this movie, so I’m glad you came with me.” That was a nice thing to say, so I must say, this movie isn’t for everyone.
Anyway, feel free to let me know if you need more clarification because it’s been about 13 years since my journalism and critique class, and I can’t remember what and how I’m supposed to say stuff regarding film critique and not ruining things.
Green Lantern – Yay! Nick! Mary and I were planning on seeing something else, but when I saw it was Green Lantern opening weekend, I couldn’t help myself, and neither could Mary. It was superfun, and we complained about people who are anti-3d. Well, I complained, and Mary supported me in my opinion. I recommend! There was not a dull moment, and I had a blast.
Midnight in Paris – I went into this movie totally blind about the premise…about everything! I didn’t even know it was by one of my favorite auteurs, Woody Allen! Well, good thing, because I strongly believe movie experiences are usually based on expectations. And I always explain how true that theory is by how all my friends and I were terribly BUMMED OUT by Stick It, because we were riding on the high called Step Up.
My point is, if you’re a die-hard old-school Woody Allen fan, and can’t get past the charm of Annie Hall or Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask* (that asterisk is part of the movie title, rather than a footnote indicator for this post. I have to mention that because I have an actual footnote later in this post.), well, shucks, that sucks for you. But if you just like to enjoy fun, silliness, and romance, GO WATCH THIS MOVIE. Oh, and of course, you get to see Paris. It was SUPER nerdy art and literary fun. I could hardly contain myself with laughing out loud, but then again, I guess that doesn’t say much, because I’m always laughing out loud. No, really. This is fun stuff. It MIGHT have you looking at your own relationship with your significant other (not doubting, just LOOKING AT). Yes, I’m a single lady, but I’m just sayin’. Oh yeah! Another costume favorite!
Bridesmaids - I just watched this last night and goodness, I’m in love with it! It’s kind of like if-Amy-was-a-movie* (yes, this is an actual footnote indicator). Ew, I totally just used third person, but so be it; it’s crude, and if I say so myself, it’s heartfelt, inspiring, and hilarious. Well, at least I hope that’s what I am. Uh oh, just thinking about this movie, I’m feeling that burning sensation in my nose just before I’m about to cry…Ok, I’m crying as I type. Anyway, I’m giving this movie TOTALLY the wrong representation with all this talk of water works. Beyond it making me cry (again, I cry easily), it is hilarious. Like, burst-into-ugly-guffaw funny, which I totally did with abandon. Or like, if you want to watch it, and need someone to go with you, I’ll totally go with you and watch it again. Woah, the watch-again? That’s serious high-marks. Give me a few more months, and this might be promoted to purchase-worthy.
*Update for 7/18: I meant that this was my kind of movie because of the overall level of crudeness, comedy, heartfeltness, and such. Not because I’m crazy as the protagonist, who is actually very loveable, but rather nuts. I’m only nuts-lite.
