FILM NUT INC

2009-10-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from the Big Sky Festival which took place last weekend in Geraldton (Western Australia where a colleague and I provided the delegates with books. They had a number of local, state and national writers that participated in panel groups, discussions and lectures about different subjects. The panel I gate crashed on Saturday afternoon, presented on the local radio station (Yo Mama), was a fascinating insight into their spiritual beliefs, intergalactic intelligence life and what planet they are from (Liz Byrski's ladies and gentlemen, is from 'Gerriatrica'. Yes, you heard it hear first.). It took place at the University Campus and run by the local library staff, who kept us well feed on a diet of cuppas, cake and quiches. Apart from taking in terrific sales, meeting fantastic friendly people and having an all out fun time, it really inspired me to start taking my writing seriously. I began a story on the weekend during the sessions and I intend on blogging more on this site.

So stayed tuned.

Reviews:

Book of the Week

I just finished The Soloist written by LA Times Columnist, Steve Lopez. The book is based on the story of his friendship with a ex-Julliard student, who suffers from schizophrenia. Once a talented uprising student, he now plays his two stringed violin in a city tunnel, the place he calls home. Lopez takes the reader on a journey through a world of extreme poverty on the darkest streets, where the journalist pursues the dream to improve Mr Ayers life and the people around him.

Despite the content, the book is not particularly heavy handed and gives a rather sheltered view in the blunt yet simple way it describes the streets and his disease. You feel for the characters and their struggles but the emotional involvement is limited. I have not seen the movie yet, but I don't mind waiting for the DVD to catch it.

TV of the Week

**Spoilers for Season 4 Finale**
How I Met Your Mother is still the favour of the month (or year at this rate) so I thought I might just review the last episode of the fourth season before the fifth begins Tuesday week. “The Leap” takes place around Ted's 31st birthday when he's desperately trying to design a hat shaped restaurant and revealing the not so fascinating story of the goat. Then there's Marshall and his attempt to finally....wait for it...leap off the building and land in their neighbours roof complete with a jacuzzi. This story line helps reveal that 1) Lily is really pregnant in this episode and 2) it's more amusing watching what object they use in their attempt to hid her belly then well, this story arc. Let me side track for just a moment to talk about hiding the female leads pregnancies during the the later episodes. It should be a drinking game. Anyway, fortunately story line number three is much better. I confess, I love that Barney has a crush on Robin and this arc deals with the subject in typical Barney style. I know fans have reservations about Barney being involved but I think as long as the writers keep within his character, it should be fine. So all in all, I finished watching the season, with a big smile planted firmly on my face.

Movie of the Week

Last weekend I watched Inglorious Basterds at the local cinema with my boyfriend. Even though it was set in Nazi-Occupied France 1941 (re First Chapter), the movie was amusing. I laughed out loud in a a couple of places. Tarantino made it work and the leads were great, especially who played the “Jew Hunter”. It had his usual array of bloody violence (they really do scalp them Nazi's) and little nuances like subtitles not interpreting the language into English some of the time. It was a great movie and I'm impressed that he found a different angle to tell yet another WWII movie from.

6 Months On...

2009-06-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a while.
Thought I might make a few comments about the shows/ films I have seen for the first half of the year. Oh dear, I really should write more.

Anyway I went through a breakup back in April so thank God for Britian's Got Talent. Loved it. Caught it all on Youtube. My favourite acts were Diversity (so glad they won), the best dance group I have ever seen; Greg, the guy with the highest voice I've ever heard (so wished he was in the final) and Susan Boyle (would love to see her in the West End). And who doesn't like Ant and Dec!

Once Talent was over, How I Met Your Mother became the series of choice. I love the humour, Barney, the group fun, Barney's crush on Robyn, Lily & Marshall, Barney antics,... heh heh. Funny. I'm currently watching the fourth season.

Movie-wise I've seen:

The Proposal: Love Bullock. Love Reynolds. Couple of sweet moments. Overall fair stuff.
The Boat That Rocks: Nice cast. Forgettable movie.
Wolverine: Lost track of the body count. Angsty flick.
Star Trek: Never watched the series so this was a nice introduction to it for me.
Doubt (DVD): Perfect title with a perfect cast.
Seven Pounds: A moving messy script.
Angels and Demons: Action packed thriller. Not bad.

Hmmm.. I think I'm forgetting something.....

2008 in Review

2008-12-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2 1/2stars - Nice visuals, dull characters
* The Wrestler 4 stars - Safe word needed
* Four Holidays 3 stars - A bit of romcom fun
* Quantum of Solace 3 stars - Just shoot the bad guy already?!
* Australia 3 stars -Corny, bum numbling nice.
* Burn After Reading 3 1/2 stars - what a cluster fuck!
* Body of Lies 2 1/2 stars - a bit of downer...
* How to Lose Friends & Alienate People 3 stars - Not to be taken seriously
* The Duchess 4 stars - Biting period drama
* WALL E 5 stars - Best animation since Happy Feet
* Tropic Thunder 2 1/2 stars - Slightly amusing
* Taken 3 1/2 stars - So who wants to go travelling...?
* The Dark Knight 3 1/2 stars - Seriously fun
* Wanted 3 stars - Threads? Seriously? What? Screw it, it looks cool.
* Hancock 3 stars - Fun beginning, sappy ending
* The Happening 3 stars - Scary to a nothing conclusion
* The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 3 stars - Forget the movies, Just read the books (Except Caspian is quite hot...)
* Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull 2 1/2 stars - Creating another level on the Suspension-of-Disbelief pole.
* Iron Man 4 1/2 stars - Awesome fun.
* Smart People 1 stars - Ugh, little redeeming factors here.
* Nim's Island 3 stars - Nice kids movie
* Vantage Point 3 stars - Was a great ride that side railed at the end.
* Run, Fatboy, Run 2 stars - Okay.
* Be Kind Rewind 3 1/2 stars - Sweded! Love the remakes.
* Jumper 2 stars - Just really don't care.
* Fools Gold 2 1/2 stars - The bimbo was funny
* Atonement 4 stars - Fantastic story, just fantastic
* Juno 4 stars - Quirky lovable fun

An Insight on...

2008-11-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

To say I've had a slight obsession with this show, is an understatement of massive proportions. However I need to discuss the ins and outs of this show and what makes it work so well for me.

What makes this medical show any different from any other is the relationship between House, Cuddy and Wilson. Their banter, schemes, angst and general character flaws bouncing off one another make any ordinary episode entertaining and a joy to watch. This has improved throughout the seasons despite awful plot lines focusing on silly out-of-place authority figures (Volger & Tritter) or the over-analysis of House's actions and schemes. Yes, House is a jerk. Everyone knows... move on. As great or crappy as the cottages/ducklings/minions are (depending on your personal preference between old and new team) they still don't hold the interest level that the older three do. While Wilson used to play more of a role as House's conscience the show wisely have given him a bit more of a sense of humor. The moments, especially towards the end of season 3 were classic. One of my favourites is when Wilson kidnapped House's guitar. Awesome.

Cuddy adds to show not only as a love interest or easily played authority figure but as a genuine friend for both House and Wilson. Though I confess I am a "Huddy" fan (yay for last episode), the real juicy moments are all the UST moments, flirty retorts and odd show of affection. I think if they were to get official it wouldn't quite work. As long as they both 'secretly' care about it each oth it'll be fine. But I will be around to find out....

Stay tuned...

The Rare and Far Between...

2008-09-13T01:50:00.000-07:00

A reality television show that doesn't suck.

I only really watch the odd reality show for mere amusement but 'So You Think You Can Dance' was such a good show this season I stayed tuned a little longer. Unlike most reality television the entertainment value was not on the conflict between the judges or the contestants but solely on the stories and passion shown on the floor. It was all about the dance, the choreography, the stage. The show had a unique bond between all the participants, including the judges and choreographers and they really felt like a big family.

Not to mention, for once, the top guy dancers were straight and very easy on the eyes.... that may have been a reason too...

Here are my favourites from what I've seen:

Josh & Courtney dancing the Rumba....( this dance got me hooked to the series.)

and the best....

Twitch & Katee

It's the Oddest Things....

2008-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I get rather defensive when it comes to film. This usually happens when people make comments like:

"It was different then the book. It limited my imagination." - Totally different medias. Totally. Different.

"That couldn't happen in reality." -No shit. It's a movie- what's your point? Go outside the damn theater if you're so interested in reality. (However this comment is certainly applicable for the last Indy flick. Talk about suspending disbelief!)

"I don't like films with Mr/Mrs Whoever in it cause they do drugs/ believe in aliens/ jump on couches etc." Not watching a film because of an actors/actresses personal life means you'll miss out on some good films. Separate the actor from their character and judge them on their talent.

However I do have a few pet hates of my own:

-Bad Dialogue
-Heros that destroy half the bloody city that they're trying to save. Seriously, Wanted, I'm looking at you here. You can bend bloody bullets but can't even keep a damn train on it's tracks?
-Crappy remakes (being the majority of)
-Crappy sequels (also being the majority of)
-the fact that Hollywood would rather make crappy remakes and sequels then original work.

However with that in mind and since I've read about five millions lists since my last post. Here's some examples of where the remake/sequel equals or even surpasses the original....

I'm sure there are more.....

Can you really pick a favourite?

2008-08-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

I hate getting non-personal e-mails (which means I just may have to actually reply to some email-pals... any how...) but I love getting the weekly newsletter in my inbox on Friday nights from the lovely down-to-earth people at Empire Magazine. This week they challenged us to think of our favourite top ten films. Here are mine listed below for the next... well... until I remember a fabulous film I forgot. My greatest movies of all time are...
1	The Shawshank Redemption Hope is right up there on my value system.
2	The Silence of the Lambs Will always give me the shivers. Fantastic everything.
3	The Sixth Sense I just adore the attention to detail to the best plot twist I've ever seen.
4	Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The snappiest script I've ever watched in motion with a stellar cast.
5	Sunset Blvd. The best obsession based film setting the perfect tone in every scene.
6	The Matrix I still like chunky boots and black leather coats nearly a decade on.
7	Ocean's Eleven Probably the film I've watched the most. Best use of characters and dialogue with the perfectly paced plot.
8	Galaxy Quest Every time I watch a sci-fi film or series, I think of this film.
9	Forrest Gump One of my first sentimental favourites.
10	A League of Their Own Best example of a fantastic lead female character with a perfect mix of drama and light comedy.

Great Cinematography: Powerful Scenes

2008-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some powerful moments which are a visual treat.

(21 Grams
Listening to the last message from her deceased husband)

(The Curse of the Golden Flower
Gold and Silver dragon armour clashes representing the family feud.)

(Happy Feet
One giant leap to save the colony.)

(Little Miss Sunshine
A hug for a crushed dream)

(Moulin Rouge
Satines entrance.)

(Minority Report
The spyders get him)

(Perfume
Smelling the next victim)

(Se7en
A brush with John Doe)

(War of the Worlds
One life to save another)

The Shawshank Rap

2008-07-11T03:43:00.000-07:00

Shawshank in a Minute
Uploaded by JibJab

Tight edits.

Trailers: Mashed or Sweded?

2008-06-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please.....

Now presenting the best sweded and mish mashed trailers brought to you from the ever entertaining YouTube.com.

Watch and enjoy...

Star Wars (Sweded)
Garden State (Horror/Thriller)

Edward Scissorhands (Sweded)

The "new" James Bond

and my favorites

The Princess Bride (Sweded)

Toy Story Requiem

A Little Bit Desperate

2008-06-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

I like Desperate Housewives. It's certainly been in danger of jumping the shark on several occasions, especially with that horrible storyline between Orson, his scary first wife Alma and his even scarier mother. Fortunately the writers literally put to death that one but here are some of the stories from each housewife that I liked....

Susan Mayer- I was originally a big fan since I loved watching Teri Hatcher in Lois and Clark when that was on television. No doubt I'd probably hate the cheesy plots and cardboard character now... just like I'm no longer a fan of stupid Susan in season 3. I did like the original storyline between Mike and herself, but more from that family I loved the very brief, slightly scary romance that blossomed between Julie and Zack. I guess when one starts waving loaded guns at your mother, it's time to call it quits.

Lynette Scavo- Probably the best would obviously be either the hurricane or the store shoot out. Felecity Huffman has certainly shone in those highly emotional scenes though my favourite would be the one where she accuses her new neighbour, Art, the same guy who saved her life, of petaphilia. I like the way that one was written, It really makes you think...

Gabrielle Solis- I think I would have a hard time relating to her if she was a person in real life but she certainly has had some interesting stories. My favourite moments would be after the divorce where Carlos tells her what type of flowers he would get her depending on the occasion. It's very sweet and I think their special moments mean a little more then the other housewives since they're both pretty swallow on the outside!

Bree Hodge- I think out of all the housewives, she has dealt with the most drama and is my favourite housewife. In saying that, I can't think of a storyline of hers that stands out. The writers need to lay off the angst in her life! I do think Orson and herself make the perfect couple though.

Alphabetical Favouritism

2008-04-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

L'Appartment is a fantastic little French movie about hidden love and misunderstandings.
(Runner up: About A Boy)

Back to the Future is a classic mix of comedy and adventure.
(Runner up: A Beautiful Mind)

The Castle is an Aussie comedy where the little guy with good intentions wins.
(Runner up: The Curse of the Wererabbit)

I studied Dead Poets Society in high school and have loved it ever since. I started watching House MD because i wanted to see Robert Sean Leonard other works.
(Runner up: Dial 'M' for Murder)

The Emperor's New Groove is the funniest Disney movie yet.
(Runner up: Edward Scissorhands)

Forrest Gump is one of the best movies featuring CGI. It's overly sappy but I love it.
(Runner up: Finding Neverland)

Galaxy Quest is the movie satire on sci-fi series.
(Runner up: Gulliver's Travels)

Happy Feet is amazing all round from the beautiful visuals to the powerful story.
(Runner up: Howl's Moving Castle)

It's A Wonderful Life. The Ultimate Feel Good Movie!
(Runner up: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

Just Friends. Silly silly fun.
(Runner up: Jumanji)

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of the best examples of great dialogue.
(Runner up: King Kong)

A League of Their Own is a beautiful story with a talented cast.
(Runner up: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)

The Matrix. Well duh...
(Runner up: Men in Black)

Napoleon Dynamite. "I see you're drinking one percent. Is that because you think you're fat? Because you're not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to."
(Runner up: Notting Hill)

Ocean's Eleven is on of the best remakes I've seen.
(Runner up: Once Upon a Time in China)

Pan's Labyrinth is a chilling fantasy adventure about a young girls nightmarish reality.
(Runner up: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl)

Quills. I haven't really seen that many Q movies....
(Runner up: The Quiet American)

Raising Arizona is a funny, off-centred quirky flick.
(Runner up: Remains of the Day)

The Shawshank Redemption. My absolute favourite.
(Runner up: The Silence of the Lambs)

The Truman Show is a fascinating look at the media and reality television.
(Runner up: Toy Story)

United 93 is a haunting look at the story behind Flight 93 on 9/11.
(Runner up: Unforgiven)

Vertigo is one of the best Hitchcock film with a memorably haunting obsessive James Stewart.
(Runner up: The Village)

The Wedding Singer is just a fun rom com with great chemistry between the two leads.
(Runner up: Walk the Line)

X2. There wasn't really much competition for this one, though this is my favourite comic book movie.
(Runner up: X-men)

Young Frankenstein. Lot's of competition here too....

Zelery is a sweet story about a Jewish lady hiding in the countryside, married to a kind stranger.
(Runner up: Zoolander)

Mini Quotes Quiz

2008-04-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Guess which favourite films of mine these movie quotes are from:
(FOR ANSWERS HIGHLIGHT THE SECTION AFTER THE QUOTE)

"Sometimes, I guess there's just not enough rocks." (Forrest Gump)
"I'd like the coffin to be white, and I want it specially lined with satin. White... or pink. Maybe red! Bright flaming red! Let's make it gay!" (Sunset Blvd.)
"I peed on the corpse. Can they do, like, an ID from that?" (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
"Instead of something I want, can it be something I don't want?" (The Sixth Sense)
"People will say we're in love." (Silence of the Lambs)
"Pathetic? To die for love? How can you say so? What could be more glorious?" (Sense and Sensibility)
"They say it has no memory. That's where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory." (The Shawshank Redemption)
" Look! I have one job on this lousy ship, it's *stupid*, but I'm gonna do it! Okay?" (Galaxy Quest)
"Are they not suppose to be let out when they're grounded?" (Mean Girls)
"C'mon, he's insane. Look. Right now he's probably dancing around in his grandma's panties, yeah, rubbing himself in peanut butter." (Se7en)

Identification Please...

2008-03-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have my favourite characters, as posted previously. Then I have characters who have situations or traits or something that I directly relate to. It's time to get a little more personal...

Kay Effiel
is a slightly eccentric, anti-social, published author who likes smoking, privacy and the odd character death.

I might just skip on the chain smoking, but the eccentric published author bit is exactly where I want to be a little further on in the future.

Lemuel Gulliver
is an exhausted surviver, struggling to grip with rules and reality of social standings whilst living in his own colourful adventure.
Okay, I haven't been locked up nor have I really been to the places in my head, but we're both looking for a home we're not even sure exists or finding a part in reality we don't wish to believe in.

James Barrie
is immersed in a land of make believe, entertaining children and audience alike yet slowly disconnecting from the adults in his life.
I want to be a successful playwriter just like him.

Joel Barish
"Why do I fall in love with every woman I see who shows me the least bit of attention?"
Give me a little smile and a nice word and you have a friend for life. Well, I think very highly of you anyway...

John Preston
lives in a world of hypocrisy, of control. He lives his life hiding his emotion, his feelings, his needs.
I lived like that for a long time and even now have difficultly saying how I truly feel.

Sayuri
grew deeply attached to an older man who gave her life hope and support yet was beyond her reach.
I fell for an older guy too, who I thought at one stage I would never see again. Like Sayuri, my story has a happy ending.

Any characters you particularly relate to?

Breaking Even with Corn, Cheese and a Side of Stoopid!

2008-02-25T02:34:00.000-08:00

They're corny. They're badly written. They're cliche. But damn it, I love 'em. Screw the critics and take a read about the movies that weren't so admired....

Legally Blonde has the ever amazing Reese Witherspoon starring in this funny, snappy, cheesy comedy. The stereotypes are hardly new and the plot nothing original but damn, it's fun all the way to the cliche graduation ending. Now, we all ready? Bend and Snap!!

Classic scene: Elle's video tape for Harvard
IMDB rating: 6.3
Film Critic rating:***
Rotten Tomatoes: 68%

Hannibal is not as good as the original. I am with you there and sure, the plot isn't nearly as good as Lambs, nor the suspense. However having the misfortune of reading the novel.. .and it's ending... I gotta say Mr Scott did a nice job with that pile of vomit (I mean that in the nicest way Harris, I still love you dearly for Silence). But nonetheless I like this movie. I think Julianne Moore did a nice job though I still miss Jodie however Hopkins does such a great job as usual. The movie for me really begins once Hannibal comes back to the States and the hunt is on!

Classic scene: Brains anyone?
IMDB rating: 6.3
Film Critic rating:**1/2
Rotten Tomatoes: 38%

Where The Heart Is is corny, incredibly corny relying heavy on cliches and well... cliches. Some of the dialogue is so so sappy the screen starts to melt. While the characters may annoy other watchers I find them endearing. Even their odd little names. Plus I know you can't stay in department stores but it's always a cool thought- stupid alarm systems!

Classic scene: Grace before meals.
IMDB rating: 6.3
Film Critic rating: *
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%

Just Friends is nothing original in terms of plot. but with Ryan Reynolds, Anna Farris, brotherly love, a ditzy mother and toothpaste is concerned. Well, its funny, very funny, and corny but funny. It's bringing a smile to my face right now! I can see him singing

Classic scene: It's ok! She's got her toothpaste!
IMDB rating: 6.3
Film Critic rating: **1/2
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%

Zoolander is not corny just incredibly stupid. Rather like Derek. I gotta say, I am not a huge Ben Stiller fan but I do like Owen Wilson. The characters are great. The dialogue is so stupid it's awesome and people, look! They're break dance fighting..... and with ridiculously good looking style.

Classic scene:The Walk Off
IMDB rating:6.2
Film Critic rating: ***1/2
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%

All rated several smiley faces from me!

So folks out there....what's your filmic guilty (or not so popular) pleasures?

Romance Central

2008-02-16T00:09:00.000-08:00

I know I depressed some of you with my favourite tragic romances so let's look at the one's I love that worked....

Anna & Will
Notting Hill
She's as famous as can be, but this average 'flopsy' British guy came and managed, after several attempts, to secure her heart. They got married and lived happily ever after, sitting on benches in private gardens.
Secret Ingredient: Prescription Diving Goggles

Ana & Harold

Stranger Than Fiction
Just goes to show that giving flours, yes flours can work (I love that scene and that gesture.). Even after getting hit by a bus thanks to a kind hearted author, bed bound Harold lives to see another day with his sweetie.
Secret Ingredient: Cookies

Elinor & Edward
Sense and Sensibility
The girl finds the silent, polite guy of her dreams only to find out he's engaged! After enduring her broken heart and his insufferable fiancee, as fate would have it, she marries the brother instead, leaving Elinor weeping for joy as he proposes in the traditional style filled with emotion.
Secret Ingredient: An atlas

June & Johnny

Walk the Line
After battling drugs, alcohol and a divorce, the love of his life still refused his countless proposals, despite the obvious attraction between the two. June finally said 'yes' putting a little more meaning into my favourite Cash song..."We got married in a fever!..."
Secret Ingredient: A microphone

Sylvia & Truman
The Truman Show
Banned from set and his life, she watched anxiously as he discovered the truth about his life...and remembered the love of his life. After striking the sky one day, he opened the door to find her once and for all.
Secret Ingredient: A red knitted shawl

Ed & H.I.

Raising Arizona
After meeting and marrying, this not-so-ex con (Son of a bitch!) and ex police lady try out for a youngin' with little success. Even after their brief time with Nathan Jr, they're still together, dreaming of happiness.
Secret Ingredient: Huggies

Julia & Robbie
The Wedding Singer
Nothing like finding out you're in love with the girl whose wedding you're planning, not to mention her groom-to-be is a loser, her mother is a snob and your ex suddenly returns, admitting her mistake! But a simple song from first class seals the deal and wedding bells it is.
Secret Ingredient: Blank Sheet Music

Nimue & Merlin
'Merlin'
Their romance was generally from a distance, meeting occasionally to rest from the demands of the world, until Nimue rested a little too long, trapped by Mab's magic. Fortunately, after reunited after so long, a little bit of magic gave them back the time they had lost and they spent their days in peace.
Secret Ingredient: The moon

Hope you all feel better now! Thanks for all your comments.

And the males.....

2008-02-10T00:35:00.000-08:00

(From Cast Away. He doesn't say much but we felt his loss like anything when he was lost at sea. Sometimes it's just the simple things...)

(From the fantastic series and film, Wallace and Gromit. He's smart, sensible and saves his silly owners butt more then most. Gotta be the best dog ever.)

(From the Sci-fi series, Stargate SG-1. How can you resist our favourite space monkey? He's hot, incredibly smart and always stands up for the little guy... or alien....)

(From the trilogy, Back to the Future. He's cute, fiery and just an all round decent guy. One that you can take home to mum (...especially mine since she loves Michael J Fox!).)

(From Burton's classic, Edward Scissorhands. He's innocent, kind and most of all, quirky. Awww!)

(From the film, Crocodile Dundee. I swear, us Aussies are all this bush savvy. Okay, maybe not but hopefully we're down to earth, charming and witty like he is!)

(From Galaxy Quest. He's under appreciated, stressed out and has a fantastic dry sense of humour about it all. Love him!)

(From the world's best TV show (Yes the worlds best) The Simpsons. Oh come on, do I really need to explain myself here why this man is the funniest, lovable, relatable character ever?)

(From Men in Black. The brightest rookie with attitude to beat. Thank God he's here to protect the planet.)

(Hee hee hee...I bent my wookie....)

(From the UK series, Coupling. Just the stuff that comes out of his mouth will have you in bewildered amazement. He is funny, supportive and fabulously tragic.)

(From the underrated film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He's protective, well meaning and hopelessly flawed. Damn, he cracks me up every time I watch it.)

(From the film adaptation, Les Miserables. He's obsessive, determined and cold. He'll stop at nothing to see that justice is served....)

(From the best of the trilogy, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. Nothing strikes fear, like cloaks on horse back. Gives me the shivers now. Favourite scary dudes.)

(Fortunately we have this guy to save us! Yay! He's loyal, gentle, strong and brave. And really good looking with the whole mysertious thing happening there....swooon!)

(From Napoleon Dynamite. Despite his geekiness, lack of a serious job and eh, personality this guy pulls a decent chick and turns out to be a cute little guy anyway. Gotta give him points for that....!)

(From the classic, Psycho. So nice and awkward at first. Talk about learning not to judge a book by it's cover. Our sweet, innocent little murderer....eek eek eek!)

(From the movie, Remains of the Day. He's loyal, dedicated and incredibly polite. His decorum provided for the best story of unrequited love... *sigh*)

(From the tv show, Rugrats. He's a natural leader displaying kindness and the innocent charm only a babe could do. Have an incredible imagination too.)

(From the sadly canceled classic, Firefly. He's devoted, protective and gentile. Plus he's a handsome doctor. What more do you want?)

(From the best movie of all times, The Shawshank Redemption. I doubt the prisons are full of good, peaceful convicts like him but we always have hope.)

(From the Aussie classic, Shine. He's an inspiration. The reason I now love classical music.)

(Is there seriously a serial killer as intriguing or as scary as this guy?)

(Couldn't really not include a character from Star Wars, now couldn't I. Funny, tough and an awesome pilot. Also he's not related to the princess so that's a plus right there!)

(From Zoolander. Talks absolute crap in the funniest way. Plus he can pull his jocks right out of his pants with one move. Classic.)

(From the self titled movie. Proves the original is often the best. The guy has a chocolate factory for crying out loud. It says it all.)

(From the mini series, The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant. She may have been the focus but he was the real reason for watching. His hopelessly one sided love and overall good intentions as a soldier turned into an obsessive hunt for revenge. Amazing to watch. )

And that's the men! Love to hear who you like.

Big and Small Screen People That I Adore (Females)

2008-02-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

(From the self titled movie. I adore her honesty, sense of humour and fun loving ways. I think there's a little of her in all us girls)

(From the hit television series, House MD. She's sassy, smart and wars daily with everyone's favourite doctor. One of the best woman in television.)

(From the movie, Garden State. She's cute, down to earth and quirky. I love quirky people. Absolutely love 'em.)

(From the classic film, It's A Wonderful Life. She's determined, gentle and kind. If she was in my reality, she'd be my best mate for sure.)

(From Forrest Gump. She's lost, desperate but eventually she finds her way home. I identify with her so much when I'm feeling hurt or blue.)

(From the movie, A League of Their Own. She's confident, strong and talented. She's got this real inner determination that I just love.)

(From the comedy film, Legally Blonde. She's intelligent, knowledgable and breaks stereotype. Plus she's just so funny to watch. I'd have her as my lawyer any day.)

(From the underrated TV show, Extras. She's spacey, silly and so lovable. I loved every scene with her in it just to see what she'd say. Great great character.)

(From the Pixar classic, Monsters Inc. The cutest little animated character. Awwww!)

(From my fav, Silence of the Lambs. Oh wow, where do I begin with how gutsy and smart this woman is? If you haven't watched the film, WATCH THE FILM (and no, I wasn't shouting, the caps locks key got eh, stuck or something.)

(From the 50's classic, Sunset Blvd. She's vain, conceited and obsessed with herself until the point of insanity. Yet we can not turn away....)

(From the biopic, Walk the Line. Great voice with a fiery spirit. If I was ever famous, I'd want to be like her.)

Next up... the men's turn

Tragic Romances

2008-01-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

I've been single for the last 22 years (ie All of them!) of my life and now suddenly I have a boyfriend. Lovely guy. Horrible dramatic circumstances. (Some insight on those dramas are here). However I have realised I do tend to adore troubled romances, especially those which have UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension). Here's some that come to mind....

***SPOILER WARNING***

The One Sided...

Vertigo
Midge & Scottie

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He loves another despite her desperate attempts.

Status:
Both still single

Spiderman 2
Ursula & Peter
(Yes, I know this wasn't a huge focus in the movie but still...I reckon she would have made a better girlfriend then MJ!)

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He's too smitten with Miss Drama Queen (MJ) to notice her much at all.

Status:
He's in a relationship; She's single

Sunset Blvd.
Norma & Joe

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He loves another
2) She's vain and suicidal
3) She shoots him

Status:
He's Deceased; She's Single

L'Appartement
Max and Alice

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He loves her friend
2) They are both with other people

Status:
I can't remember...much watch picture again!

Pretty in Pink
Duckie & Andie

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She loves the popular guy

Status:
He hooks up; She's in a relationship

The Timing...

Zelary
Hana & Joza

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She eventually falls in love with him...
2) ...and then he dies.

Status:
He's Deceased; She's Widowed

The Truman Show
Sylvia & Truman

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She's banished from his world
2) He believes she's in Fiji
3) He can't leave the island/set

Status:
Together?

Sense & Sensibility
Eleanor & Edward

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He's engaged
2) She's poor

Status:
Married

Red Dragon
Francis & Reba
(I know, Clarice and Hannibal may have been a more interesting match to talk about... but I would go on about that too long....maybe next entry...)

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He tries to kill her
2) He gets shot but the above probably killed their relationship anyway

Status:
He's Deceased; She's Single

Quills
Abbe & Maddy

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He's a priest
2) She dies

Status:
He's Single; She's Deceased

Memoirs of a Geisha
The Chairman & Sayuri

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She's a geisha, sold to the highest bidder
2) He didn't want to compete against his friend

Status:
He's Married; She's his Concubine

Legends of the Fall
Tristan & Susannah

Reasons for tragedy:
(Oh here we go...)
1) She's engaged
2) They get engaged but he runs away
3) She gets married
4) He gets married
5) She commits suicide

Status:
He's Widowered; She's Deceased

Forrest Gump
Jenny & Forrest

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She's on the run for a long time
2) She dies shortly after they get married

Status:
He's Widowered; She's Deceased

Finding Neverland
James & Sylvia

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He's married
2) She gets sick and dies

Status:
He's Divorced; She's Deceased

Equilibrium
John & Mary

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She's a Sense Offender
2) He's a Cleric
3) She's Executed

Status:
He's Widowered; She's Deceased

Casablanca
Rick and Ilsa

Reasons for tragedy:
1) She's engaged but they'll always have Paris

Status:
He's Single ; She's Engaged

And My Favourites...

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Yu Shu Lien & Master Li Mu Bai

Reasons for tragedy:
1) They never reveal their hidden feelings
2) He dies

The end scene between the two as he dies just breaks your heart!

Status:
He's Deceased; She's Single

The Remains of the Day
Stevens & Kenton

Reasons for tragedy:
1) Stevens can not confess his feelings
2) Kenton gets married

Best UST ever!

Status:
He's Single; She's Married

"Mary Bryant"
Lt. Clarke & Mary

Reasons for tragedy:
1) He's Married and an Officer
2) She's a convict
3)She gets married
4) She seduces him so her family can escape
5)He kills her husband
6) She is trialled and pardoned
7) She marries again

Possibly one of the best mini-series I have ever seen. The whole drama rests upon the tension between the two and his obsession with her.

Status:
He's Married; She's Married

A Scene from the series.

Watching the Box

2007-12-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

Emma, eh, inspired me for this blog (Okay I stole the idea). These are the programs I've watched either on DVD or Television this year and what I've thought...

Newest Edition: Firefly. Oh wow. My work mate made me watch this and unlike, say most things he likes watching, I loved it! Not only could I now follow a conversation with him, I found a great character based western sci-fi. Heaps of fun. Made me laugh and was very entertaining. It's on the "DVD's To Buy" List.

Bye, bye Sara. Bye, bye Prison Break. Seriously, what were the writer's thinking? Hey, I confess, like a lot of girls watching the show, I was checking out the serious eye candy on a regular basis *blush* but you can't kill of the flamin' female lead, especially when she's practically the only one in the show!? I hadn't actually watched much of Season 3 (Loved Season 2, thought it ended on a bit of a downer ending with them back in prison- *rolls eyes*) but when that happened, the show jumped the shark and that was curtains for me.

Channel Ten this year has been surprisingly kind, letting the viewers watch Season 4 of House at the same time as the US so there was literally only a few weeks in between the two seasons here in Australia. It was awesome. Plus Season 3 came out on DVD so I could relive my favourite section of the show: the Wilson/House/Cuddy love-triangle ("Seriously?") at the end of the season. As long as there's witty banter between these three on the show, I don't care about the Ducklings/ Cottages/ Whatever you call House's lackies. Though if I could just have one more request writers... Bring Back Chase! Hell, I could talk about this show all day so I'll stop right here.

I bought the Coupling (UK version) Seasons 1-3. I remember watching some episodes with my brother on telly and recently found it again on YouTube. Love "Remember This" and the whole story of Patrick and Sally. And hey, who doesn't like Jeff and his nudity buffer.

I also watched Desperate Housewives and can't really remember too much about it since it was on at the start of the year. I think it's been affected by the Writers Strike too. It was okay this season. I do remember the whole Bree/ Orson storyline (Possibly my fav pairing in the series too) got pretty OTT. I used to like Susan (love her daughter) but now she's too much of a stereotype ditz. Let's see if it avoids the shark next season.

Everyone has their vices for trying to numb pain. This year, I re-watched Stargate SG-1 (Seasons 1-8.) and remembered what a great show it used to be before Vala came on the show. And Jack got promoted. And Janet died. And General Hammond got promoted. And the new characters came on board. And the show focused way too much on Sam's love life. And they stopped using the flamin' Stargate. And they all died back in Eygpt 5000 years ago. Season 7 finale (The Lost City two-parter) is possibly the best and last good episode on the show. Oh yeah, and did I say that Vala coming on the show was a bad thing? I can't mention that enough.

And of course, who could forget.... The Simpsons! This year we got the movie and another DVD set. A good year! I didn't watch enough of the new episodes on television to comment on the latest season but it still makes me laugh and smile. Oh gosh, and who could forget Spider Pig. :D

That's my television addiction for the year.

10 Sexiest Stars....oh my!

2007-12-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

WARNING... excessive drooling may occur.

i)Joaquin Phoenix

ii)Sean Patrick Thomas

iii)Christian Bale
iv)Derek Luke
v)Jesse Spencer

i)Monica Bellucci
ii)Charlize Theron
iii)Marilyn Monroe
iv) Grace Kelly
v)Beyonce Knowles

Number 102....

2007-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

And to finish our run...

102. Girl Interrupted (1999)
Music Therapy
I just love the look on Polly's face.

To End on a Funny Note (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-11-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

Nearly completed folks.

91. The Castle (1997)
The Kerrigan Family
Couldn't find the slip where Dale and Wayne (?) are talking in jail "We could just talk for hours" but this shows you a bit of what this funny film is like. I love "Dale dug another hole".

92. A Bug's Life (1998)
I'm a Beautiful Butterfly
So cute!

93. Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit (2005)
Hutch as Wallace
"Goodnight Gromit". I was in tears!

94. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The Bridge of Death and the guy from Scene 24
It was hard just to pick one moment. Funnily enough my pastor referred to this scene in his sermon last Sunday. (And yes, that's all I can remember from it :D)

95. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
This One Goes to Eleven
Need I say more?

96. Shrek (2001)
Do You Know The Muffin Man?
My favourite bit of the film

97. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Counting
Love it. I just love it.

98. Ice Age (2002)
Scat
Acorn Love.

99. Men In Black (1997)
Edgar
Okay, again I prefer the scene where Agent J is being tested with the other potentials at MIB but this is still pretty funny.

100. Mars Attack! (1996)
We come in Peace!
Or not...

101. Death At A Funeral (2007)
Alan Tudyk as Simon Smith
Go Wash! I mean uh....

Something's Not Quite Right (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-11-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

82. Fight Club (1999)
Support Groups
I know, most people remember the fights and the soap and the explosion but I just love the wacky idea of going to support groups for diseases you don't have to get hugs so you can sleep. Plus I love the observation:
"This chick Marla singer did not have testicular cancer. She was a liar."

83. Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Singing?
Apparently there was some scary shit in this film. Can't remember much except the opera singer. Even though they tell us what's going to happen it still blows me away...

84. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
The Unbirthday Party
What's not awesome about it?

85. Arizona Dreams (1993)
Boing!
I wish I could show you. It's the weirdest clip. This girl can't stand the fact that the boy of her dreams is doing her mother so she grabs some pantyhose and tries to hang herself with it. The stocking stretches and she ends up bouncing onto the ground several times.

86. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Puttin' on the Ritz
Yay! Fun times

87. The Cable Guy (1996)
Friends?
This movie is so painful to watch and the last part just seals the deal as he looks up at the guy who's rescuing him and asks him to be his friend-- Augh!!

88. Se7en (1995)
John Doe Entrance
While the ending has you on the edge of your seat, this point is where it starts. The killer "gives himself up" yet he continues to screw with their minds.

89. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Tunnel ride
What does this have to do with chocolate? Or a kids movie? Scary as hell.

90. Signs (2002)
Kid's Birthday Party
Hey, regardless of what you thought of the movie, tell me the alien didn't make you jump. Night does scary so well. Sorry about the commentary...

Next: Funny Stuff... part 2?

Personal Reflections (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-11-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

*Spoilers!*

(and uni is finished, thank God)

74. Garden State (2004)
As they party on...
This is exactly how I feel at social events sometimes. Just watching everyone move around you feeling somewhat disconnected. Captured perfectly.

75. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Scratching the Walls
I'd love to do this when I'm mad...

76. Gulliver's Travels (1996)
Last days
(last section of clip- his summary in courtroom)
His views on humanity, while I don't always agree with him, have influenced my opinion of society.

77. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
The News
This sums up my opinion about the news: what's the point about knowing about something if you're going to do nothing about it?

78. The Constant Gardener (2005)
Saving the World
I believe that while you can't save everyone, you can at least make a difference for a few. I just want to be a positive influence in the lives of others.

79. United 93 (2006)
The Twin Towers
Every time I see this footage, it moves me. Such a slap in the face.

80. Super Size Me (2004)
Want fries with that?
It was a long time before I ate Macca's fries again. Even now I hardly ever eat chips from fast food places....

81.The Shadow (1994)
Dreams
Good. I'm not the only one who has dark, scary dreams.

I couldn't find the script so here's a summary of the scene:

The two leads are discussing their dreams. Margo talks about lying on a hot beach naked while The Shadow talks about his face rotting and falling off or something. She tells him, he's rather disturbed.
Here's the trailer just for a better sense.

Next: Unique. Just a little different... something's not quite right...

Still Trapped in No Blogging Film Land

2007-10-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry. Still under uni's thumb...... :( Just a couple more weeks....

My life as of now

2007-09-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posting but I have been immersed in... life; a life with little film. Yes, it is hard but bear with me. Film will come into my life again very soon as soon as I get all this study under wraps and have time to stop and breathe.

But in the meantime for your amusement....

America's Got Talent (damn they sure do)

Who cares if this isn't real? It looks awesome.

Top 25 People on the Silver Screen

2007-08-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

Or: On the 'Love List'

(I have lists of people in the acting industry which include: Love List; Like List; Meh List; Ick List; No Way in Hell List and the What Picture Have I Seen Them In Before? List.)

Toni Collette (1972- )

Watch: The Sixth Sense, About A Boy and Little Miss Sunshine
Why?: She's an awesome Australian actress who has a real talent for bringing the reality out of her characters.

2. Reese Witherspoon (1976- )

Watch: Walk the Line, Legally Blonde and Election
Why?: She's a recent addition to this list since Walk the Line. A serious actress for strong female roles.

3. Joaquin Phoenix (1974- )

Watch: Walk the Line, Hotel Rwanda and Signs
Why?: Incredibly passionate. I don't think I've seen him in a film where he isn't shaking from emotion.

4. Geoffrey Rush (1951- )

Watch: Shine, Les Miserables and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Why?: Have you seen Shine? Go and see it. Now!

5. Joan Cusack (1962- )

Watch: Addam's Family Values and Corrina, Corrina
Why?: Can't place it but whenever I see her in a movie I get this big smile on my face.

6. Emily Watson (1967- )

Watch: Equilibrium, Punch-Drunk Love and Angela's Ashes
Why?: She's just really really good.

7. Kate Winslet (1975- )

Watch: Finding Neverland, Quills and Sense and Sensibility
Why?: Her intelligence and inner strength plays out in all her characters. Plus she's an amazing role model for young women.

8. Anthony Hopkins (1937- )

Watch: The Silence of the Lambs and Remains of the Day
Why?: The amount of effort and dedication he puts into all his roles is amazing. Plus I love the way he talks.

9. Robin Williams (1951- )

Watch: Dead Poet's Society, Happy Feet and Aladdin
Why?: I grew up with this guy (on the screen!) so there's a bit of nostalgia. Must have seen Mrs Doubtfire a million times as a kid (younger kid!)

10. Sandra Bullock (1964- )

Watch: Crash, Speed and While You Where Sleeping
Why?: As with Mr Williams she was a familiar face on the screen. I love her in the fun loving films.

11. Emma Thompson (1959- )

Watch: Much Ado About Nothing, Sense and Sensibility, Re
Why?: She is the queen of dialogue. And does wit so well.

12. Viggo Mortensen (1958- )

Watch: Witness and Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Why?: Says so much while saying so little. Okay, I really can't explain it but he's just damn cool.

13. Morgan Freeman (1937- )

Watch: The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en and Unforgiven
Why?: He's the cool, calm guy in every film. More of a character actor, he plays the role so well. His voice makes for the perfect narration too.

14. Sam Neill (1947- )

Watch: Merlin (TV), The Piano and The Jungle Book
Why?: He just brings such a unique, comfortable performance to the screen.

15. Jodie Foster (1962- )

Watch: The Silence of the Lambs and Nell
Why?: She has an amazing screen presence.

16. James Stewart (1908- 1997)

Watch: It's a Wonderful Life, Rear Window and Vertigo
Why?: What's not to love?

17. Grace Kelly (1929- 1982)

Watch: Dial M for Murder and Rear Window
Why?: Just brings so much style and elegance to her roles. A true star.

18. Marilyn Monroe (1926- 1962)

Watch: Some Like It Hot
Why?: Yes, I must watch more of Miss Monroe's films. She plays the 'sweetie' so well (and apparently in a lot of takes too!)

19. Jet Li (1963- )

Watch: Hero and The Once Upon A Time In China Trilogy
Why?: Just awesome to watch. I think he's probably the main reason I like watching martial arts.

20. Christian Bale (1974- )

Watch: Equilibrium, The Prestige and Little Women
Why?: He's such a versatile actor. It's fantastic how he fits into the different roles.

21. Sean Penn (1960- )

Watch: 21 Grams, I Am Sam and Dead Man Walking
Why?: Likes to tackle the difficult roles and subjects. Gives great performances.

22. Alan Rickman (1946- )

Watch: Galaxy Quest, Love Actually and Sense and Sensibility
Why?: I just love his manner in all his films!

23. Natalie Portman (1981- )

Watch: Mars Attack!, Where the Heart Is and Garden State
Why?: Possibly one of the best young actresses around.

24. Denzel Washington (1956- )

Watch: Much Ado About Nothing, Man on Fire and Remember the Titans
Why?: A great character actor! And great with the one liners too!

25. Gene Wilder (1933- )

Watch: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein
Why?: Nobody does insanity like Mr Gene Wilder. It's all in the eyes folks!

This was hard! I love a lot of actors/actresses! And it seems I like Sense and Sensibility a lot too.

Classics (102 Film Moments Con.)

2007-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

60. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
I Hope
One of the best endings to the best movie.

61. The Godfather (1972)
Opening Scene
"You come to me on my daughters wedding day.." Who hasn't imitated that line?

62. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Twist
The best ending! The revelation is great!

63. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Close Up
Brilliant style and acting in this famous last scene.

64. Psycho (1960)
I wouldn't hurt a fly
Yet another fantastic creepy as hell ending.

65. Modern Times (1936)
The tramp sings!
Fun for the whole family. Nice lil' ditty.

66. The Graduate (1967)
Are you trying to seduce me?
Apparently so. Do you want to be seduced?

67. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Walking home from the dance
Unfortunately I could only find this little excerpt but the whole scene is fantastic.

68. Back to the Future (1985)
Calvin Klein
Waking up with a younger mum? Now that's heavy!

69. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
First meeting
Clarice Starlings awesomely chilling interview with Dr Lecter (or should I say the other way round!). Anyone for lunch?

70. Rocky (1976)
Training
Eye of the Tiger is just the perfect track. Who does not feel like jogging every time they hear this song?

71. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Best way to approach a sword fight
Just watch!

72. Crocodile Dundee (1986)
That's a knife
Personally I prefer Dundee's entrance into the pub, but this scene's pretty classic.

73. The King and I (1956)
Shall We Dance?
One, Two, Three And?

Next Up: Those which I personally connect with for various reasons as you shall see....

Blood and Bullets (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-07-26T02:17:00.000-07:00

**Possible Spoilers**

(And Violence! And Gore!)

50. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001)

The Nazgul

No blood or bullets to warm us up, but these guys sure gave me the shivers. Would not want to run into them on a dark night. Love the design and the horses give it that extra nice touch.

51. The Matrix (1999)

The Lobby Scene #1

Overkill of bullets! Or How to kill people in style!

52. Equilibrium (2002)

The Lobby Scene #2

Turns out, Bale can kick ass just as good as Reeves.

53. Hannibal (2001)

Dinner

A guy eats his own brains. Thought I might warn ya. While the rest of the movie wasn't brilliant, this ...is.

54. PhoneBooth (2002)

Shot

The only way to save him is to shot him. ...Awesome. Great tension on the scene all through the picture.

55. 300 (2006)

Slow Motion

I'm sorry did you need that leg? No worries, I'll just place this sword through your chest. Please grunt manly to improve the effect.

56.Casino Royale (2006)

Heart Stoppin'

The first time you try to start your own heart is always the hardest.

57. Roger and Me (1989)

How to Skin a Rabbit

To be honest I looked away during this sequence at uni but I certainly remembered it. Hey, I used to own rabbits, leave me alone! I love the start: "He's going to be eaten".

58. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Heart Stoppin #2

Drugs and bad, kids. Drugs are bad.

59. Quills (2000)

I found her!

So is erotic fiction in a mental institution according to this.

60. Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

Stake the heart!

And to end: Gallons of blood! Very similar scene in Sleepy Hollow but I saw this one first.

Next: Classic Classics

Visual Film Candy (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-07-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

**Possible Spoilers**

35. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Opening scene
A classic fairy tale introduction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IZaBeWgFqo

36. The Secret Garden (1993)
Mary and Dickons
Two's company, three's a crowd in this picturesque garden.

37. X2: Xmen United (2003)
Mutant Freedom
The effects are awesome!

38. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Intro credits
Sums up the first movie so well without any audio explanation and all of those pictures would make excellent posters.

39. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Paso Doble
The cinematography is spot on as Scott enters the floor.

40. Minority Report (2002)
Sypders
I love overhead shots (or birds eye) and this is my favourite. You'll need to mute it though cos the twit who put it on youtube put their own crappy audio on.

41. The Piano (1993)
On the beach
The long shot as the walk off is just beautiful.

42. The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994)
Top of the bus
No explanation needed!

43. Hero (2002)
A Hero Dies
Choice of colours is fantastic. A beautiful scene.

44. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
So long and thanks for all the fish!
Dolphins are cool!

45. Big Fish (2003)
Time Stops
If you ever want time to freeze, a circus is The place for it!

46. Children of Men (2006)
War Zone
Awesome tracking shot. This camera guy is my hero.

47. Schindler's List (1993)
Girl in Red
Great way to connect with one in the crowd. Later you see her body on a heap of piled corpses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHkYkHnBN-A

48. Finding Neverland (2004)
Theatre
Awesome shot to connect the magic on the stage to Peter, the boy who inspired it.

49. Mary Poppins (1964)
Steppin Time!
Great choreography in a classic kids pic!

Next: Heart stoppin' scenes (sometimes literally!)

Brilliant Dialogue (Film Moments Con.)

2007-07-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

**Possible Spoilers**

25. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Internet geek
Whole movie is quotable but Kip's line here is the one I remember the most. (That and the 1% milk line.)

26.Red Eye (2005)
From Charming to Psycho.
And you think a guys just trying to chat you up when he pulls this trick.

27. A League of Their Own (1992)
There's no crying in baseball!

28. Notting Hill (1999)
The Last Brownie
The stress of being a star (plus a nice look at the other characters)

MAX
  I'm not saying it's a bad thing, in
  fact, I think it's something we should
  take pride in.  I'm going to give the
  last brownie as a prize to the saddest
  act here.

 A little pause.  Then William turns to Bernie.

    WILLIAM
  Bernie.

    BERNIE
  Well, obviously it's me, isn't it --
  I work in the City in a job I don't
  understand and everyone keeps getting
  promoted above me.  I haven't had a
  girlfriends since... puberty and,
  well, the long and short of it is,
  nobody fancies me, and if these cheeks
  get any chubbier, they never will.

    HONEY
  Nonsense.  I fancy you.  Or I did
  before you got so far.

    MAX
  You see -- and unless I'm much mistaken,
  your job still pays you rather a lot of
  money, while Honey here, she earns
  nothing flogging her guts out at
  London's seediest record store.

    HONEY
  Yes.  And I don't have hair -- I've got
  feathers, and I've got funny goggly
  eyes, and I'm attracted to cruel men and
  ... no one'll ever marry me because my
  boosies have actually started
  shrinking.

    MAX
  You see -- incredibly sad.

    BELLA
  On the other hand, her best friend is
  Anna Scott.

    HONEY
  That's true, I can't deny it.  She
  needs me, what can I say?

    BELLA
  And most of her limbs work.  Whereas
  I'm stuck in its thing day and night,
  in a house full of ramps.  And to add
  insult to serious injury -- I've
  totally given up smoking, my favourite
  thing, and the truth is... we can't
  have a baby.

 Dead silence.

    WILLIAM
  Bella.

 Bella shrugs her shoulders.  Bernie is totally grief-struck.

    BERNIE
  No.  Not true...

    BELLA
  C'est la vie... We're lucky in lots
  of ways, but... Surely it's worth a
  brownie.

 William reaches for her hand.  Max breaks the sombre mood.

    MAX
  Well, I don't know.  Look at
  William.  Very unsuccessful
  professionally.  Divorced.  Used to
  be handsome, now kind of squidgy
  around the edges -- and absolutely
  certain never to hear from Anna again
  after she's heard that his nickname
  at school was Floppy.

 They all laugh.  Anna smiles across at William.

    WILLIAM
  So I get the brownie?

    MAX
  I think you do, yes.

    ANNA
  Wait a minute.  What about me?

    MAX
  I'm sorry?  You think you deserve the
  brownie?

    ANNA
  Well... a shot at it.

    WILLIAM
  You'll have to prove it.  This is a
  great brownie and I'm going to fight
  for it.  State your claim.

    ANNA
  Well, I've been on a diet since I was
  nineteen, which means basically I've
  been hungry for a decade.  I've had a
  sequence of not nice boyfriends -- one
  of whom hit me: and every time my heart
  gets broken it gets splashed across
  the newspapers as entertainment.
  Meantime, it cost millions to get me
  looking like this...

    HONEY
  Really?

    ANNA
  Really -- and one day, not long from
  now...

 While she says this, quiet settles around the table.  The thing
 is -- she sort of means it and is opening up to them.

    ANNA
  ... my looks will go, they'll find out
  I can't act and I'll become a sad
  middle-aged woman who looks a bit like
  someone who was famous for a while.

 Silence... they all look at her... then.

    MAX
  Nah!!!  Nice try, gorgeous -- but you
  don't fool anyone.

 The mood is instantly broken.  They all laugh.

29. Adaptation (2002)
Opening Monologue
Internal dialogues are a bitch.

CHARLIE

[voiceover] Do I have an original thought in my head? My bald head. Maybe if I were happier my hair wouldn't be falling out. Life is short. I need to make the most of it. Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I'm a walking cliché. I really need to go to the doctor and have my leg checked. There's something wrong. A bump. The dentist called again. I'm way overdue. If I stop putting things off I would be happier. All I do is sit on my fat ass. If my ass wasn't fat I would be happier. I wouldn't have to wear these shirts with the tails out all the time. Like that's fooling anyone. Fat ass. I should start jogging again. Five miles a day. Really do it this time. Maybe rock climbing. I need to turn my life around. What do I need to do? I need to fall in love. I need to have a girlfriend. I need to read more and prove myself. What if I learned Russian or something, or took up an instrument. I could speak Chinese. I'd be the screenwriter who speaks Chinese and plays the oboe. That would be cool. I should get my hair cut short. Stop trying to fool myself and everyone else into thinking I have a full head of hair. How pathetic is that. Just be real. Confident. Isn't that what women are attracted to? Men don't have to be attractive. But that's not true. Especially these days. Almost as much pressure on men as there is on women these days. Why should I be made to feel I have to apologize for my existence? Maybe it's my brain chemistry. Maybe that's what's wrong with me. Bad chemistry. All my problems and anxiety can be reduced to a chemical imbalance or some kind of misfiring synapses. I need to get help for that. But I'll still be ugly though. Nothing's going to change that.

30. As Good As It Gets (1997)
'Do NOT knock on this door' speech
It's not a subtle point you're making

31. The Breakfast Club (1985)
What'll happen tomorrow?
Behind the stereotypes (and how parents suck.)

32. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
I Say A Little Prayer For You
Okay technically it's a song. :p

33. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
I'd rather kiss a Wookie!
We can arrange that.

34. Love Actually (2003)
Words on Paper
Awwww!

Next: A Visual Treat

Moving Moments... (102 Film Moments con.)

2007-07-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

**Possible Spoilers**

10. Happy Feet (2006)

Chasing the boat

The music, the visuals and the strong message are just so powerful! You can do it Mumble!

11.A Beautiful Mind (2001)

They're not real

Just the realisation is amazing.

Sorry I couldn't find the links but lets just say when he realises he's going crazy is powerful. The scene where his wife promises to be by his side is great too. Just watch the movie!

12.The Truman Show (1998)

Truman's 'secret'

Finding the girl in the magazine. I just love that.

13. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

My Dream is Dead

Beautiful brother & Sister moment

14. Shine (1996)

From crazy to genius

Just love the reactions on their faces. Go David!

15. The Remains of the Day (1993)

Just a touch...

Way to play with the sentiments.

33.

16. Moulin Rouge (2001)

Tango

Pure passion.

17. I Am Sam (2001)

Separation

One to tug at the heart strings ...and tear ducts.

18. 21 Grams (2003)

Voice Message

Powerful look at the emotions of grief. What happens when you lose those you love?

"Hi, honey, I'm on my way home.If you need me to pick up anything along the way, let me know.

(Look, Daddy, a pigeon!)

Girls, no, don't touch!

Laura, stop it.

Gimme a call on my cell.

I'll see you in a bit.

Bye."

19. Cast Away (2000)

Wilson leaves...

When you have nobody, a volleyball means everything.

20. Corrina, Corrina (1994)

In the bathtub

This scene is just so sad...

21. Crash (2004)

Crash

Regardless of how manipulative the movie arguably was, this scene is still just as powerful.

22. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Todd's impromptu poem

The spinney shots compliments the raw emotion of opening up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0Xn4mVezNU

23. The Lion King (1994)
Mufusa dies

Classic sad moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjn_85h1Ow

24. A Little Princess (1995)

Daddy doesn't know me

Sorry it's not in English. Basically, her father (blind) doesn't recognise his daughter who's hiding in his house. I remember bawling at the cinemas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdw8cicS4_A

102 Film moments...

2007-07-22T03:02:00.000-07:00

**Possible Spoilers**
A film may not be so great but they have their moments. Here are some I love...

1. Raising Arizona (1987)
The 'Huggies and Whatever Cash You've Got' scene.
A robber with a heart of gold, an angry wife, a stolen quintuplet and the scariest servo guy I have ever seen.

2. Zoolander (2001)
'Walk Off' scene
One word: Ouch! Another great moment is when they're trying to get the files out of the computer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9TmQ-eDsKM
3. Just Friends (2005)
'Dropping off Jaime' scene
Embarrassed by his behaviour, Chris goes a little nuts in the car as Jaime watches.

4. Some Like it Hot (1959)
The ending
An unexpected reaction.

5. The Mask (1994)
Cop dancin' time!
As cheesy as this flick is, this scene is sure entertaining.

6. Maybe Baby (2000)
Trainee male gyncologist.
And it's Rowan Atkinson!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El2xFPDrNII
7.Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Street parade
Ferris' lack of attempt to draw attention to himself while taking a sickie.

8. Finding Nemo (2003)
Speaking whale
Don't you just love Dory!

9. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Alexander's Panic Attack
The show must go on!

Next... inspirational/moving scenes...

Best Animations I've Seen

2007-07-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Films

Beauty and the Beast (1991) The early ninties has arguably some of the most enjoyable classics Disney has to offer. This beautiful love story is my favourite Disney film. I get shivers from the introduction and the animation is just gorgeous. I guess the idea of living in a huge castle in the middle of nowhere is pretty appealing too.
Spirited Away (2001) Miyazaki offers so much more depth in his animations in comparison to Western films. The animation and layouts are beautiful and the characters fasinating. This is fantasy at it's best.

The Simpsons Movie (2007) I'm jumping the gun here since I hasn't seen it yet but it will be awesome. Just check this out:
Monsters Inc. (2001) Pixar animations for the beginning where producing quality kids films that adults enjoyed too. While the story is simple and on first viewings not particularly great, the lovable characters and adorable animation grew on me. Boo!

Howl's Moving Castle (2004) I love how this film explores it's imperfect characters and oddities. While Spirited Away has a 'tidier' plot, this film draws you with it's grand imagination. Again, Miyazaki's backgrounds are amazing.

Aladdin (1992) Out of all the Disney films, the songs from this movie are the most memorable. Having watched it countless times, the classic scenes are numerous and brilliant to watch. Plus, I just love Robin Williams as the Genie!

The Emperor's New Groove (2000) This is probably the funniest Disney films I've seen. The dialogue is well written with some nice moments where the fourth wall is broken (I know a lot of people don't like this, but I do!). It's cute in it's odd little way.

Toy Story (1995) The best Pixar animation which also proves that a sequel that's just as good (some argue better). I love the idea of toys coming to life, there's something in this movie that just touches the child in all of us.

Television Shows

The Simpsons (1989-)

Daria (1997-2001)

Futurama (1999-)

Animaniacs (1993-1998)

Histeria! (1998-2000)

Pinky and the Brain (1995-1998)

Rugrats (1991-2004)

Coming up next...101 memorable film moments...

A-Z on the screen(s)

2007-07-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

A is for Anthony Hopkins. After watching The Silence of the the Lambs and Remains of the Day I am officially a huge fan. No doubt there will be more about him later....

Unfortunately Channel Ten (In Perth, Australia that is.) has YET AGAIN been taken over by the WORST TELEVSION SHOW IN HISTORY, Big Brother. Some of the contestants I swear, scare small children. But then there are shows that were great. I was a big fan of C.S.I. . Loved the characters (and thought Warrick was hot :) ) but it jumped the shark at the end of last season. Whoever thought Gil and Sara would make a good couple should be shot.
But then there are programs that are just simply awesome. The Simpsons is THE BEST SHOW IN HISTORY. So I guess it would be no secret that Dan Castellaneta has to be one of my favourite voice actors simply because he is Homer Simpson! Continuing on the line of t.v shows, anyone interested in behind-the-screens must check out Extras. I think it's better then The Office and the guest stars are great. The Patrick Stewart episode is the best. I couldn't watch X-men with a straight face afterwards.
If you are a young film maker like myself or just enjoy soundtrack music check out freeplaymusic.
I couldn't tell you about the soundtrack about Garfield but I can tell you it's one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The comic strip was so simple I don't know how you would make a feature length out of it, apparently neither did they!
Bryan Singer, however, is someone who knows what he's doing both on the big and small screen. He is the Executive Producer on House MD, the latest show being added to my DVD collection. Never thought I'd be interested in a medical drama but it makes me laugh.
I love animation flicks and the only one I could think of starting with 'i' was The Incredibles. I was Elasta Girl on a kids camp a couple of years back and had a blast. Yes, I promise to do a nice big review article on animation flicks in the near future.
Now we can talk about two (more) favourite actors of mine, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet. Both put so much passion into their roles. I don't think I've seen a film where Phoenix isn't trembling with emotion. Winslets' characters are always so passionate and she brings a sense of integrity and life to her roles.
I can't say the same about Lost, which i think is an appropriate title and description for the plot. I think I lasted maybe half an hour through the pilot before my BS meter exploded under pressure in an impressive BOOM! Now THAT would made sense.
Totally off topic here, but the coolest thing starting with 'm' is Metro Youth! See all the crazy folks here.
Totally back on topic now. Most I presume, enjoy The Lord of the Rings trilogy because of the story or the eye candy factor or the theme. While I'm not a die hard fan I loved The Fellowship simply because of the Nazgul. On horseback. Ultimate freaky kill-first-ask-no-questions bad guys. But not as scary as the daily revelations on Overheardinnewyork. Definite proof that people are the scariest thing on this planet. Run while you still can.
Or even better run with the guys off Prison Break. Preferably with Linc and Michael rather then, oh say T-bag. He kills because he cares.
If you've ever had an interest or know a 'trekkie' or other fandom geeks, you'll love Galaxy Quest. Brilliant casting! And this scene is incredibly funny. Just like Ralph Wiggum in this scene. Actually just try this (the children are right to laugh at you.). Ah, so many good lines.
Oh, 's' has so many potentials. So many good movies. But the best would have to be The Shawshank Redemption. So much hope. *happy sigh* The Sixth Sense is another favourite, starring Toni Collette as Cole's mother. Fantastic actress. Plus she's an Aussie so how can she go wrong! Check out About a Boy.
On to being incredibly me-centred as if this blog wasn't enough, here's a doco I contributed to at University. I am currently studying film in my final year. And a music Video too of a local Perth band called The Bulletholes. Unfortunately I can't take credit for these mish mash trailers. They're very eXciting. Work with me here! Here's the links to two others. Raaaaiin drops on roses and whisppppers on kittens. Puts a whole new spin on some classics.
A big thankyou to YouTube for all the links. Where would we be without you?
Anyway it's about time I caught some zzzzzzzz's.
Over & Out.

These are a few of my favourite things!

2007-07-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, While Julie Andrews was singing about brown paper packages tied up with string I am slightly more inclined towards moving pictures. Particulary film and television. More particularly.....

On the small screen...

House MD
The Simpsons
Prison Break

On the Big Screen

Comedies
Dramas
especially

The Shawshank Redemption
The Silence of the Lambs
The Sixth Sense

(yes, films starting with 'S' seems to be a trend here!)

And lists. Lots of films. Top 10's. Top 5's. Top-i-couldn't-think-of-a-decent-numbers.

All comments welcome except SPAM and those that make me cry. Don't make me send hired goons.

--Jus