Recently Watched: "Sin Nombre" and "Dog fight"

I watched Sin Nombre on Netflix and was pleasantly surprised. The film was directed by first timer Cary Fukunaga who did in-depth research; conducting interviews with gang members and immigrants. Fukunaga road on train tops with immigrants to experience the dangers that lie in crossing borders.

The young actors gave really amazing performances and they all had really great looks for film. Casting is so important in these kinds of films because you need to believe that these kids are really from this hard area, leading rough lives. The film had a realistic look about it, but it managed to capture a gritty environment with rich colors. The interconnected stories were interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from Fukunaga.

In a bout of insomnia I clicked on Dog Fight when Gideon Yago..yes..Gideon Yago .. tweeted about it. I had watched the commercial a long time ago when I saw My Own Private Idaho. I'm not sure what statements it was trying to make about men at war or the 60's... and that's where the movie didn't come together for me, but I really enjoyed both performances. The dogfight is a contest among soldiers to see who can bring the ugliest girl to a party. ..but it becomes kind of a love story! totally.

Recently Watched: "Cyrus" and "Dogtooth"

I wanted to see Cyrus because I was interested in watching Jonah Hill in a semi dramatic role. For what it was it was good..well acted and what not.. but it didn't leave a big impression on me. I don't even remember exactly how it ended. Catherine Keener is my dawg though.

I wanted to see Dogtooth at the Maryland Film Festival but because of the timing (last semester of school) I could only see a few films. I got around to watching it last night and Wow..this film...the look of it, the cast, the writing.. you really enter a weird little world. With one of the most cringe worthy scenes I've seen, incest, crazy dancing, unflattering one piece bathing suits and a calm stillness-- this world that you enter works. I don't think I would like the film if it wasn't foreign. Maybe because the actors are unknowns? or because subtitles make everything a bit more profound? whatever the case I found this movie fascinating.

It's been awhile..

Media intake catch-up

A friend recommended the Australian show "Summer Heights High" which only had one season. Watched it all..amazing. You should check it out.

I've been listening to The xx and The Black Keys. But mostly weird remixes and mash ups.

Yesterday I saw Blue Valentine.

Although it was sad, it didn't shake me up like I thought it was going to. Don't get me wrong I found the screaming and crying unsettling and it made me think about my future and the idea of people growing apart. On a superficial level it was interesting to see Ryan Gosling as an alcoholic with a receding hairline because it played on the fact that someone may be charming and attractive to you but in time that will fade.. and what's left? ..kind of depressing, eh?

Blue Valentine goes back and forth from past to present.

In the past Gosling is a mover and Williams is a nursing student. In the present Gosling is a house painter and is content with their life together,whereas Williams is a nurse who wants to be a doctor. Gosling drinks while Williams cleans after their child/works full time. See the pattern? They AIN'T dancing in the streets playing Elvis songs anymore, YO! (see trailer below) Gosling and Williams both gave really great performances and I liked the juxtaposition of the ending scenes.

Favorite Songs of 2010

Hands Down!!

Cold War Kids-Coffee Spoon

The Black Keys-Everlasting Light


Runners Up

Best Coast- When I'm With You

Warpaint-Undertow

Recently Watched:

It's been awhile since I watched this, but I want to mention it because I think it's worth watching. Sam Rockwell is one of my favorite actors (Moon, Snow Angels) and I think he gives a really funny but honest performance, playing an alcoholic father who is trying to redeem himself. He doesn't always try hard enough and he offends a lot of people. He gets drunk at school, crashes his daughters date and has to be taken care of by his students. Rockwell has great delivery with at least a dozen one liners and his interactions with the young women in the film are pretty funny. It's not the best movie in the world.. it's not even the best movie about a drug addict basketball coach (see: HALF NELSON--also starring Shareeka Epp,) but I think it's worth ya time!

"Joan Rivers a Piece of Work" and "Exit Through the Gift Shop"

"Joan Rivers a Piece of Work" is a look into the aging comedians life and career. Joan is funny in the film but more often she is sad about the state of her career and how she is regarded in the industry.




"Exit through the Gift Shop" is a documentary about street art, Banksy and the creation of "Mr.Brainwash." It's a really interesting look into street art culture and "pop art."

Three very different movies

127 hours- Danny Boyle + James Franco + desert = good ass movie. The film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston (you can tell he is from Colorado from the spelling of that first name), an adventurous climber that got his arm trapped by a boulder in Utah for five days. Ralston made tapes of himself while he was stuck which made for some of "127 hours" best scenes. I saw an interview where Franco said that they did 15-20 min takes where he and the crew explored the space. For anyone who doesn't know what Ralston had to do to escape I'll just say it was bloody. Everyone is saying/will say that this movie is inspiring, and it is... the last 20 or so minutes of the film almost produced tears. You are in this with him. I knew what he was going to have to do, but I was still pulling for him to get his hand loose. (It's kind of like how when Titanic is on t.v I still think maybe Jack won't die..but he does.)

Waitress- It was a cute movie about a lot of dumb people + a doctor who falls in love with a dumb girl while his wife is becoming a doctor. oh and Jeremy Sisto is a terrible man. I found it entertaining and I think the cast was totally awesome at playing dumb..which is what they were going for..?? Don't get me wrong I thought it was well made and funny, guysssss.

Stuart a Life Backwards- This was a BBC movie that I watched because I love Tom Hardy. It was about a man who wrote a book about a homeless heroin addict with rage issues. Hardy was really good in it. The quality of movie was so so.

Parks and Recreation. good show kids, good show.

Over the holiday break I opted to watch Parks and Recreation over spending time with my family. I did play one game of taboo with those losers. ( I lost. )

anywaaaay. The show is really funny. If you haven't already watched it I suggest you do. They have an interesting group of characters and I think there is a lot of talent.

Also Paul Schneider rules in this movie: