The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, 1947
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

This was one of the movies that had been recommended to me by Mrs. Brooks and I couldn't believe that I was able to find the movie at the library just when she was going to be in town from Maryland. Talk about timing right? That's what I thought, but unfortunately with having spent so much time at the hospital with my Grandpa that week I wasn't able to sit down and watch the movie with her. Instead I watched the movie with my Grams, but Mrs. Brooks if you're reading this - I want to the buy the movie and watch it again with you!

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

I loved this movie. I never imagined it to be the kind of love story that it was, and I absolutely love the way the movie ended. I never saw the ending coming, I wanted the ghost to stick around with the family longer than he did but understand why he left. Realizing only after having watched the movie that there is also a book, I can't wait to get my hands on it. Just after I finish reading the magazines that I'm two months behind in. On a side note, I really don't know how I've been spending my time that I am so behind in everything that I am typically able to stay on top of with ease.

On a different note, for a time in the 1990s there was serious talk about remaking the movie staring Sean Connery and Michele Pfeiffer and I can't help but to think that we weren't robbed a little when the movie never happened. I can't imagine another pairing that would have been enough to embody the roles of the Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison and make them their own at the same time. To play casting director for a minute the only other actors I think that could really take on and make it their own would be Michelle William, Amy Adams, and I can't imagine anyone but Sean Connery as the Captain.

Final thoughts: This was my first introduction to actress Gene Tierney and once I realized she is the lead in the movie Laura, which is also part of the 365 Movie Challenge, I can't wait to watch the movie. And although it's not on my list, I'm also really excited to get to see later Heave Can Wait.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 130 DOWN 235 TO GO

Next up: JFK

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington



I found this movie at the library and I thought for sure it was going to be on the list, so you can almost imagine how shocked I was to realize that it wasn't part of the list. Although like I've said before there have been a couple of movies that were mistakenly added to the list that I have already seen. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was added to the list in place of Mad Max II: Road Warrior.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I have to admit that I was a little surprised by the movie, for 1939 I thought it was a lot to come against the media and the 'Taylor Machine' in such a strong way. I mean, I realize we've always had the right and opportunity to speak out against our government but I never imagined this movie to be what it was. I loved James Stewart in the role of Jefferson Smith, a patriotic, Boy Ranger leader who suddenly finds himself as a member of the United States Senate. What's a Ranger Boy, it was used in substitution for Boy Scout when the Boy Scouts of America didn't want to lend their name to the movie. Once Senator Smith got adjusted and tried to keep busy in the Senate he found trouble with the 'Taylor Machine' or what we might consider a modern day Halliburton.

James Stewart went to great length to really be at the top of his game during production. He saw the role as a role of a lifetime and took it very seriously. The set that was constructed for the Senate Chamber was built on stages 8 and 9 of the Columbia lot, and was at the time the largest set built. Although after learning that Jean Arhur felt her left side was her best side, the majority of the sets were built and scenes were filmed so that she could be shot from the left side. Oh Jean Arthur what a diva perhaps you were worthy of the Sour Apple 1942 for least cooperative actress.

Final thoughts: Despite the fact that movie kind of ends abruptly - and I'm not kidding it was as though the writer realized they finally reached page 90 in their screenplay and was able to go outside and play, wrapped things up as quickly as possible. I don't believe Paine would have suddenly had too much, was ready to shoot himself but then had such a change of heart as to march back to Senate Chamber and straighten everything out. I mean it isn't impossible, but I don't think I know too many politicians who would suddenly have such a change of heart so quickly. So if you can get past that, it's an empowering movie that makes you, the audience, feel like you really have a hand in what your government accomplishes and I like that about the movie.

I'd also be curious to know which political party people believe Taylor, Paine, and Jefferson to be apart of. Comments welcome below!

OFFICIAL COUNT: 129 DOWN 236 TO GO

Next up: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries, 2004
The Motorcycle Diaries (Widescreen Edition)



I've been itching to get away and go on some great adventure for some time. I was asked to work on another feature film that was filming out of town but had to turn it down, and to top that a couple of days later I was asked to go on a 10 day cruise to the Bahamas but turned it down as well. I'm not crazy and I have my reasons, but to calm that desire to get away I decided to watch The Motorcycle Diaries.

After having watched the movies:
(Possible spoilers below)

So, did the movie curb my desire to travel? It did (for a while). I loved the idea of two guys traveling across South America on a motorcycle, I mean really, could imagine the kind of things they would see and do. There's unlimited opportunity for adventure. It wasn't the right time for me to go to the Bahamas for 10 days, but some day I'll have my great adventure. The movie doesn't lack great adventure, or chances taken. These boys do things that I'm sure they thought, "What was I ever thinking swimming across the river like that at night?!" later in life.

Final thoughts: I want so badly to go on a great adventure like this. I'm just waiting for the right timing.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 128 DOWN 237 TO GO

Next up: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Charlie Wilson's War

Charlie Wilson's War, 2007
Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)

My Grams kind of gave me the heads up that this was a political movie and was a lot of talking back and forth between characters, which meant she wasn't interested and wanted to watch something else. So I left the living and had to watch the movie on my computer. Not as much for or as appealing to watch on DVD in the living room, but I typically let her have the living room and just kind of settle for watching the movie on the computer. After all it's my 365 Movie Challenge, and I can't expect to have someone watch every movie with me.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

Forgive me for being born after the fact, but in all actuality I've never spent too much time reading about the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviets. I mean, once we entered war with Iraq and had sent more troops to Afghanistan then I learned a little more about the invasion. The truth is, there is a lot of information about what was going on during that time as well as the involvement Charlie Wilson had available online. Below I've posted links to some of the more helpful websites I've found.

Final thoughts: Again like Hoosiers, the most enjoyable part of the movie for me was later hearing about what really happened. Movies are typically never shot the same way the events really occurred, 'based on a true story' means that creative minds had to change a little here and there to make for a better story. I liked the movie, I thought it was interesting and a bit informative but it's not one I think I'd watch again. The story is kind of long, and I'm not really interested in International Politics.

One last note, in some of the bonus features on the DVD Philip Seymour Hoffman is on record saying that he was still an up and coming star. Um, excuse me Mr. Hoffman but this movie was made in 2007 by which time you had won: an Academy Award the year before for your role in Capote,  had been Emmy Nominated multiple times, were a Golden Glob Winner, and recognized by many other organizations and that doesn't even take into consideration the numerous roles you had been given prior the your role in Charlie Wilson's War. While I certainly think it's no time to retire just yet, I just think you should really take a moment to realize that by the time you had given that interview you had already made an impression on the film industry.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 127 DOWN 238 TO GO

Next up: The Motorcycle Diaries

Learn more about Charlie Wilson:

http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/charliewilsonswar.php

http://www.biography.com/articles/Charlie-Wilson-259665

http://www.charliewilsonswar.net/

Thank You For Smoking

Thank You For Smoking, 2005
Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition)



I kind of expected this movie to be all kinds of propaganda and extremely bias.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

The thing I loved the most about the movie was that it was unexpectedly (for me) a comedy about lobbyists who characteristically spin things in the news for the companies they work for. Nick is constantly spinning stories about the harmful effects of smoking, by arguing that doctors profit from cancer patients, that maple syrup can lead to heart disease, etc. These aren't necessarily the best debating methods, but they work well enough for Nick.

Final thoughts: I didn't expect this movie to be at all what it was. I almost wish that I could watch it again after having seen it for a first time to see what other things I might notice the second time I watch the movie that I missed before.

OFFICIAL COUNT 126 DOWN 239 TO GO

Next up: Charlie Wilson's War

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition)

I can remember sitting in class in school and people listing this as one of their favorite movies, but really I didn't understand why. I thought Jim Carrey was overrated and perhaps even over-appreciated. That's right Carrey fans - I said it. I knew this wasn't a comedy, which is an advantage because I think Jim Carrey over acts in comedies but maybe a more serious role is what it will take for me to change my opinion of him. Who knows? But I figure it's worth a shot, right?

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

I watched this movie a couple of weeks ago when my Grandpa was in the hospital. That week was really busy and not much fun. I spent two of my days off at the hospital and the remainder of the week I had to wake up early, go to the hospital and head to work from there later in the afternoon. Once I was done at work, I maybe grabbed a quick bite of something to eat and then went back to the hospital for a couple of hours. And really, I don't care what anyone says, spending time with people in the hospital like that is exhausting. It takes a toll on you and when you're able to finally go home and relax, all you want to do is sit and then sleep. After all, you have to get up and do the same thing all again tomorrow. I watched this movie one night with my Grams after we got back from the hospital. Neither of us had seen the movie before, so it we thought it'd be fun to pop it in and try it

The movie was just all right. It's kind of an artsy movie. It's certainly not for everyone. I don't think my Dad or sister would have liked the movie, they would complain it's too long or that nothing happens, but what they really mean to say is that it's to abstract. I kind of liked it though.

Final thoughts: It's kind of interesting that an entire movie was based off of a line from an Alexander Pope poem, "How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

OFFICIAL COUNT 125 DOWN 240 TO GO

Next up: Thank You For Smoking

Hoosiers

Hoosiers, 1986

Hoosiers (2-Disc Collector's Edition)

For two years I played basketball in high school. Now, those were the only two years I had ever played basketball, so I think it's important to exterminate any illusions of grandure. It's probably safe to say the only real thing I had to contribute to the team was my 5'10" stature and a couple of lucky shots here and there. Playing basketball those two years was never really about becoming a great basketball player, it was about the experience and being able to say I did that for years. There were girls I played with who would have given almost anything to have had the chance to play at the State Championship level. I know this movie is about an underdog team that beats the odds and goes on to win the Indiana Boys Basketball State Championship in the 1050s, and I think it's something anyone who has ever played a team sport can really relate to.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

My favorite thing about watching this movie, and perhaps this is because I watched it to keep my mind focused on something other than my watch while my Grandpa was in surgery was learning about the real team that took the title that year. The movie predates the game and basketball season it represents by two years. The movie, set in 1952, was based on the Milan Indians in 1954. When I was digging through different articles and trying to sort out fact from 'Hollywood movie magic and creative story telling' I came across this great website which did all of that in what I thought was a great format.

Final thoughts: Each year that I played basketball one member of the senior class usually hosted a slumber party for all the other girls on the team. It was typical to get pizza, chips, and junk food. We would stay up late, make jokes, share stories, and usually watch a basketball movie. I always had a lot of fun at our parties, and I couldn't tell you what all we talked about or the movies we watched - but why we never watched Hoosiers, well that I couldn't tell you either.

OFFICIAL COUNT 124 DOWN 241 TO GO

Next up: Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

Check back tomorrow

I've been incredibly busy this week and I don't really know that things are going to slow down much in the weeks that follow. I have managed to get a few movies in, not necessarily the two movies a day I need to catch up but at the very least I feel as though I'm making progress and after all that is what matters most.

Check back tomorrow for the following posts:
Hoosiers
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Thank You For Smoking
Charlie Wilson's War
The Motorcycle Diaries
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

Well, I'm really far behind at this point

Wow. When I finally look at the number it's a little scary. Sometimes, I honestly don't know how I'm going to catch up with such a busy schedule and all the holidays coming up. I know part of the reason I've been behind is still because of the work I did on the feature Cassadaga the other delay being a bit of laziness on my part and some unexpected time in the hospital with my Grandpa. But if it means staying up all night watching movies to catch up on the 365 Movie Challenge then that's what it will take, I feel like I'm too far in to just stop now.

I know it's crazy to some people - the idea of watching 365 Movies in 365 Days. I get people who roll their eyes at me, but the worst is when people tell me they wished they had that kind of time. The truth is I am kind of crazy but I want to be able to look back years from now and remember that year I decided to watch 365 movies in 365 days. And if the truth must be told, I don't have that kind of time either. But I do what I can to make it work. Unfortunately so many date nights have turned into watching a couple of movies at home.  The boyfriend and I were never regulars at bars or restaurants, but I don't even remember the last game night I had with friends.

There have been many exciting things that have come along since the delay though. After watching the movie The Color Purple, I found out Oprah decided to reunite the cast of the movie on her show. I'm excited about watching that and writing some of the highlights from the show as a 'follow up' to the first write up. Timing also seems to be on my side, I was able to watch Steal A Pencil For Me just in time for the anniversary of Kristallnacht. I found out after watching the movie that Audrey Hepburn announced to the cast and crew of My Fair Lady that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, I watched My Fair Lady a week before I plan to watch JFK and The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours Later.

So what's the damage? I'm 31 titles behind, but if I double up and watch two movies a day then I can be back on track before Christmas. Hooray!

A 16x24 room isn't enough to hold 12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men, 1957
12 Angry Men (50th Anniversary Edition)

Even without having watched or read anything about the movie I knew the movie would focus around a jury of men trying to decide the fate of another man. I can't quite place it, but I feel as though I've seen the movie before not in it's entirety but maybe in an episode of The Simpsons.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

I was right, there was an episode of The Simpsons that features a similar plot to that of 12 Angry Men, titled The Boy Who Knew Too Much which aired in 1994 and featured Homer as a juror who's only interest is staying in a posh hotel as long as possible. The movie 12 Angry Men is a little different then the episode of The Simpsons, but I have to completely agree with the American Film Institute it was one of the best films in the 'Court Room' genera.

This is one of the instances where I think even the smallest details matter during production. All twelve actors, and members of a crew were cramped into a small room for hours at a time, and the only thing that really keeps crew moral up is a good craft service. The movie was shot on a soundstage and a backdrop was used to create the atmosphere outside of the jury room, this was a common practice for movies at the time. All twelve members of the jury were subjected to two weeks of rehearsals where they had been asked to continuously run lines, none of which were filmed. This was intentionally done in order to better create the element of claustrophobia. It paid off during production though, the film wrapped in as little as twenty-one days which is practically unheard of. To further convey the claustrophobia aspect of the story focal lengths and camera placements were manipulated. I don't typically get too involved in the technical aspect of movies, because I think it's kind of boring sometimes. I only bring it up, because it's was obvious to me when I was watching the movie.

Final thoughts: I knew early on, because I think it was kind of obvious that throughout the movie more men would slowly start to question more of the evidence and begin to question rather or not than man was guilty of murdering his father. Although I know the movie isn't about finding out who committed the crime, I would have been curious to have found out about what happened outside of the courtroom afterwards. If the son didn't commit the crime, I want to know who did. The movie really makes you think about the people who serve on juries during a murder case. You hope you find someone who is willing to question everything and not take things solely at face value.

OFFICIAL COUNT 123 DOWN 242

Next up: Hoosiers

My Fair Lady: A Cinderella Story Often Not Thought Of

My Fair Lady, 1964
My Fair Lady

I've had this movie out for about a week, I don't know why I can't seem to make myself sit down and just watch it. This past week has been kind of busy though, I have had to work four hard nights in the store, which really throws my schedule off both for the 365 Movie Challenge and things outside of the Movie Challenge. I guess part of me kind of wishes I could get away with just watching it on stage...

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

The movie really wasn't all that bad, I just had a lot of other things that seemed much more interesting to take care of first. The idea that nothing gets my room cleaner than a paper due tomorrow absolutely applies in this situation. All the pictures that I have had been waiting to hang that were just sitting against the wall, well they're hanging pretty on my walls now. That shelf that has needed dusted for two weeks, Mom I still don't like to dust, there isn't a speck of dust to be found on the shelf or my entire apartment for that matter. Although I was able to stop myself short of cleaning the bathroom and mopping the kitchen floor in order to power through this movie. It only took five days, and four attempts but from start to finish I've seen it in it's entirety. Hooray!

I'm actually really serious when I say that the movie wasn't really that bad. If you like musicals, then you'll love this. And actually, it was one of the top grossing films for Warner Brothers at the time. Who would've guessed, right? It's really a Cinderella story that I didn't see coming, which was a pleasant surprise.

A little noteworthy piece, the film was in production during that assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Audrey Hepburn announced to cast and crew that President Kennedy had been assassinated after filming Wouldn't It Be Lovely. President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. This date is familiar to me, because I plan to watch the movie JFK on November 22 and follow with watching  The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours Later appropriately. I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've come across articles and news stories about the movies that are part of the 365 Movie Challenge. It's exciting for me.

Final thoughts: My Fair Lady was fun. It took a lot to watch, and was an unexpected roadblock in its own right, but I'm glad to be moving on from that movie.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 122 DOWN 243 TO GO

Next up: 12 Angry Men

You've Reached Your Final Destination

Final Destination, 2000
Final Destination (New Line Platinum Series)

This is one of those movies that my friends had already briefed me on long before the 365 Movie Challenge. I think watching the movie is going to be kind of like watching Star Wars and already knowing who Luke's father was. It's hard not to think that maybe I should have considered another movie it it's place.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

Well, to toot my own horn a bit, I was right. Watching this movie was kind of like a chore, but on the up side it will be nice to be able to participate in any conversations about the movie in the future. I watched the movie one night with my Grams, she'll be watching many of movies with me now that she is down in Orlando for the winter months. It should also be noted, that she's probably seen at least 85% of the movies on the list. It was also a movie that she had already seen, but had forgotten parts of.

I think it was intended by the filmmakers to make audiences excited to see the new group of friends in Paris together at the end of the movie. I'll admit I was excited about that part of the movie too, not because things seemed to be looking up for them but because they finally took that awful wig off of Ali Larter.

Final thoughts: Final destination was fun, but I would have preferred to have watched it having not known about the outcome of the movie. I do look forward to watching the other movies in the series once I've completed the 365 Movie Challenge of course.

OFFICIAL COUNT 121 DOWN 244 TO GO

Next up: My Fair Lady

Just in time for the 72nd anniversary of Kristallnacht: Steal A Pencil For Me

Steal A Pencil For Me, 2007
Steal a Pencil for Me



I've long be interested in the Holocaust since I first learned about it in school. The stories of the survivors and struggle many of the Jews faced have always fascinated me.  I've actually been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear a survivor share their story with me, and read about the struggles of many Jews though books and documentaries. So naturally, when I first found this documentary on Netflix I couldn't wait to finally watch and learn about the love that blossomed between two Jewish people during the Nazi reign and their story of survival.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

Steal a Pencil for me is an incredible love story, that begins when Jack and Ina first meet prior to the German invasion of Holland when they both attend a party. Jack is married at the time and both begin their relationship from that point forward. One of the unique things about the documentary is the look at more personal things that Jack and Ina are willing to discuss. It was the first time any woman had mentioned not having her period during her time in a concentration camp, which medically makes sense when you factor into the poor living conditions and poor nutrition the woman were living under. And Jack, mentions that he was in a concentration camp with both his wife and his girlfriend. Ina and Jack continue their relationship by passing love notes back and forth.

While filming the documentary Jack and Ina celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and share private and painful memories with the audience. Both go on to lecture to the public, in order to share their story of survival and in hopes of preventing such an event from ever occurring again. Not only have they agreed to make the documentary, but have also published a book and website both appropriately titled Steal A Pencil For Me.

Final thoughts: Not only is this a great love story, but it's also a subject that I think everyone should be familiar with. I'd encourage anyone who hasn't already to read Night or The Diary of Anne Frank to do so. There was also another documentary that I would strongly recommend titled No. 4 Street of Our Lady which is about the sacrifices one woman made to save the lives others during the Nazi reign. Of course are also several concentration camps throughout Europe open to the public. A little closer to home though is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which often goes on tour throughout the country.

OFFICIAL COUNT 120 DOWN 245 TO GO

Next up: My Fair Lady

Bonnie and clyde

Bonnie and Clyde, 1967
Bonnie and Clyde



I had seen parts of this movie once before with my Mom. I only remember a scene from early on when Bonnie, Clyde and three other people were counting money in a house before the police showed up and of course the final sequence of the movie when Bonnie and Clyde are shot to death. It's been years since I've seen the movie, and having never seen it in its entirety I'm really excited about watching it again.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I watched this movie a couple of nights ago with my grandparents after dinner. Both of them had seen the movie before, but it had been years ago so it felt as though we were watching the movie together for the first time again. There are so many great things that I have to talk about this movie that I have to be careful not to write an overwhelming write up for the movie... not an easy task.

For those of you who don't know, I'm a big Coca-Cola fan. I love their advertising and I've been collecting for about eight years or so? A few years ago my Dad and Stepmom bought and gifted a Coca-Cola thermometer to me for Christmas. I loved it but was afraid to transport it back to Florida until this past September. Now some people when they start collecting can become obsessive, and can spot items from miles away. I'm the none hoarding portion of that, but it took my Grandpa to point it out to that the same Coca-Cola thermometer that I have is the same one that was used as set dressing or just happened to actually exist on the outside of a building in the movie. It's the scene where they pick up C.W. at the garage early in the movie. That just about made the whole movie for me.

Just about? Yeah just about because in a later scene Estelle Parsons, who plays Blanch, is seen wearing a hobble skirt. (Without getting too far ahead of myself, it's 60s take on a hobble skirt.) I have a theory that I've been working on for a while now and it works for both wardrobe and design in general. It's a working theory that you don't necessarily have to fall 'victim' to the era that you're working in. For instance, there weren't any true period pieces of wardrobe for the movie that I really saw. A lot of the designs were very modern for the time (1967) but were strongly influenced by the 1930s, the decade in which the movie takes place. The real Bonnie Parker never wore the same low cut dresses that Faye Dunawaye wore in the movie, but by changing the neckline just a bit it made the dress much more modern. The hobble inspired dress that Blanch wears isn't a true hobble skirt because a skirt like that would have been incredibly difficult and hazardous for the actress. One last tid big of information, the name hobble skirt came from the restricted stride the skirt put the woman wearing the item under.

Final thoughts: Wardrobe and Coca Cola advertisements aside, I love this movie. Although like A Cry in the Dark it sparked a bit of my curiosity. After I watched the movie I had to find out more about the real Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Included in DVD bonus features was a History Channel special that answered every question I had about the duo. The movie did a fair job at writing the story of Bonnie and Clyde and included several events that took place in the movie the same way it has been recorded in history. Clyde Barrow was an excellent marksman, which partially explains why so many rounds were fired into the car. The pair also kidnapped a couple, Dillard Darby and Sophia Stone in 1933. In an odd turn of events, Dillard Darby was an undertaker and would also be one of the undertakers who would prepare Bonnie's body after her death in 1934. Although the movie argues Bonnie was able to foresee their death together, the poem Faye Dunaway reads on screen was written by Bonnie Parker The Trails End.  Although not all the things Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow did were bad and inhumane. Keep in mind both Bonnie and Clyde came from poor families and were doing what they felt were right. The scene in the movie when the pair are holding up a back and Clyde tells a farmer he can keep his own money, that was inspired by true events.

Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker

Left: Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker

Right: Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty

One final note: Hilary Duff is set to star in a remake of Bonnie and Clyde, The Story of Bonnie and Clyde. According to the IMDB the movie is currently in pre-production phases. Kevin Zegers is set to play Clyde Barrow and Thora Birch is set to play Blanch Barrow. I don't know, I think it could work.

Left: Faye Dunaway

Right: Hilary Duff

OFFICIAL COUNT: 119 DOWN 246 TO GO

Next up: Steal A Pencil for Me

The Big Labowski

The Big Labowski, 1998
The Big Lebowski - 10th Anniversary Edition

This is one of The Boyfriends favorite movies, so it made sense to watch it together. We watched the movie in October, while I was working on Cassadaga. I know it might be hard for some people to really wrap their minds around a production schedule, but I think Faye Dunaway said it best, "When you're doing a movie, that's all you're doing." A movies production schedule can get kind of crazy and before you know it days start to blend together and a twelve hour work day is normal. This was one of those rare occasions when our schedules matched up. So naturally, part of the excitement around watching the movie wasn't just getting to see it for the first time, but getting to spend time watching the movie with The Boyfriend.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

Wow. I really needed this movie and this night. It doesn't really matter what I do though, I never seem to realize just how tired I am until I slow down. It's true a lot of what the movie meant to me was being able to just kind of relax with the boyfriend after a long day and laugh at Walter, Dan Goodman, just completely shut Donny, Steve Buscemi, down again and again, "Shut the f*ck up, Donny." There are so many great comedic elements throughout the movie, but my favorite dynamic is that between Donny and Walter. Walter being this kind of hot headed, person who does things before he thinks them through and Donny kind of reminded me a friend who was just kind of along for the ride. I also have to admit, I didn't think he'd just die. That - really upset me.

The cast really surprised me though. Not that I had expected less from them, but that I had absolutely no idea that Philip Seymour Hoffman was in this movie. I swear that man has been in almost everything, and he's become an Easter Egg of himself. Don't believe me? Watch, the next time you start watching Twister "because it's on TNT again" for some reason Dusty is going to seem more familiar to you than before. Then it hits you - it's Philip Seymour Hoffman! And Jeff Bridges, I guess I just don't get it. But he was the perfect person to play The Dude. Obviously, the role was written with him in mind, but even most of the clothes that The Dude wore in the movie were infact Jeff Bridges' clothes.

Final thoughts: I think it's safe to chalk this one up as being more of a guys movie, but that doesn't mean we should look the other way ladies. It's not Predator - there's going to be something in the movie for you too. I really liked watching the movie and I'd have no problem watching the movie again - after June 15, 2011 of course.

OFFICIAL COUNT 118 DOWN 247 TO GO

Next up: Bonnie and Clyde

Loose Change

Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup, 2009
Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup



Initially I was a little leery about watching this movie. I would hardly describe myself as someone who is really into conspiracy stories, and it seems only natural that soon after the attack on September 11, 2001 that theories would start developing. But sometimes movies won't always leave you with a warm and fuzzy story. Now all that is left is to try to watch the movie with an open mind to see what these people have to back up their conspiracy story.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I don't know that I believe fully in what filmmakers had to say in the documentary; although I have to say they did present a very strong case with a lot of hard to dispute evidence. Maybe in this matter I do prefer to turn my head the other way. It's almost too hard to imagine living under a  government that would allow so many lives to be lost for a personal agenda, for a series of military campaigns. It seems weak.

After really watching the documentary though, I don't think it would hurt to open another investigation into the matter. One of the greatest opportunities we have in America is the ability to question and criticize our government which is why there are youtube videos, documentaries, and websites dedicated to the pursuit of opening another formal investigation.

I think this is the documentary to watch about the tragic events from 9/11. Although there are others that discuss and investigate the subject, Michael Moore is not the way to go. The bottom line - I just don't think you should star in the same documentary you produce. In my honest opinion, Michael Moore isn't a documentary filmmaker, but an entertainer who chooses controversial topics to make films about. Loose change, aside from a little over-bearing music, does a great job in remaining as unbias as possible. Leaving it up to the audience to finally decide if maybe there is more behind these conspiracy stories than first thought.

Final thoughts: All of this is a lot to take in. It was an event in American history that effected so many people. Over night we became united as a country. Americans were flying their flags again - we put American flag decals on our cars, and more people who were more willing to re-enlist or enlist in the military once again. In the days before former President George W. Bush's memoir hits book stores, it really makes you think back to those years. Knowing now there were never any weapons of mass destruction and how so many were mislead into the War in Iraq - an alarming number of people believe we went to war in Iraq as a direct result of being attacked on 9/11. That is not the case; although I don't really think a lot was done to make that clear. I'm not making this up, it's discussed in the movie. I've also  tried to keep to keep my own political bias opinion out of this write-up, but I did want to include a couple of links to some of the news stories surrounding former President George W. Bush's book.


This was the first link and article I read about the book, it's also important to note that he was on the Today Show in an interview with Matt Lauer this morning, and will be featured on prime time TV tonight on NBC at 8:00 PM (Eastern time).

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39976132/ns/today-books/

OFFICIAL COUNT 117 DOWN 248 TO GO

Next up: The Big Labowski

The Dingo Ate My Baby!

A Cry in the Dark, 1988
A Cry in the Dark



I love Marly Streep, I think she's possibly the best actress that ever was. I know there are those who might disagree with me, but kindly remember this is my blog and not yours. I'm a little big joking...

Anyways, I kind of already know the plot of the movie without having really watched it thanks word of mouth and those VH1 and E! Specials that count down the 100 greatest movies ever made. But now it's time I get a better idea of what everyone is talking about for myself.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I knew from the beginning that a dingo was going to take this ladies baby and I even knew there would be a court case around the matter - obviously. What I didn't realize though is how the press would have such a hay day with the case. I think anytime there is a story where a mother is the suspected murderer of her child it always makes a big splash in the media. This story really surprised me though that they would convict a woman who, according to all of the information I found online, I presume to be innocent for murder with such flimsy evidence. Eleven other reported vehicles, identical to the one the family had, were found to have 'blood splatter marks' and no one really seemed to have acknowledged it. Hello! That's a big deal.

I'll admit watching the movie made me a little angry. There should have been fences up as a means to try to keep dingos out of the area, the police should have done more in an attempt to preserve the 'crime scene' and why did any lawyer let this woman talk to the press as often as she did? And the rumors - they were absurd: The name Azaria meant sacrifice in the wild, the baby was always dressed in black, the car was awash in blood, Azaria's clothing was found folded or found under a rock, and that Lindy had done a thesis on dingos.

For those of you who are curious, like I was, Lindy Chamberlain does have a website which list in great details the rumors, a time line of the case, photos, and a link to the book she later wrote detailing the ordeal titled Through My Eyes. The book can be found on the website or through Amazon. The father of Azaria, Michael Chamberlain, also has a public website; however there isn't much to be said for the circumstances around his daughters tragic death.

Final thoughts: Hollywood has a tendency to hype things up and creatively tell stories; however most of the tales that seemed to follow this story came during the investigation and trial the Chamberlain family went through. Lindy was available to writers, producers and Meryl Streep and I think she did so as way to make sure her story was told this time without wild made up tales.

OFFICIAL COUNT 116 DOWN 249 TO GO

Next up: Loose Change