Film #11: Lars and the Real Girl

Okay, I admit that I didn't think I was going to like this movie. Apparently this is the best thing that can happen to a film because these kinds of films usually exceed my expectations.

Please note that I'm not big on recapping movies. I just like to comment. If you want to know what a movie's about, simply "google it," got it? I'm sure you do.

Ryan Nelson sinks into this role very well. He plays, of course, Lars. This movie, from my assumptions is set in Minnesota. Freezing, slow, and simple. Lars orders a sex doll, but not for that reason. He meets her and introduces her to his brother and sister-in-law. The first few scenes are charming and funny, but as the movie progresses, the storyline develops and we learn more about Lars and his girlfriend, Bianca.

You can sit in your recliner and try to put yourself in several roles: the community, for one. This nice, shy man is now accessorising with a sex doll. Mock him? Shun him? Mock him some more? Or try to understand... How about his fam? It's fairly obvious that his brother is humiliated with his brother's "illness" while his sister-in-law is genuinely concerned and plays along as well as she can. (Note: this actress seems obscure, but she WAS in the third movie of the Scream trilogy)

Amazing script. A unique script for a universal message. If I may, this is the other side of Dan in Real Life, which conveys a universal message with a seemingly mundane premise.

Film #10: The Savages

Okay, so I've become a superfan of Philip Seymour Hoffman, so I was very, very excited to get this movie from Netflix. I read a user review about the movie, and this individual was disappointed that the movie was advertised as a comedy. Was it? I don't recall.

Anyhow, I think the background of the brother and sister plays so beautifully with the message of the film: life is tragic, life is funny. Life's absurd.

Additionally, I was on the brink of tears for 90% of this film. My grandparents both passed away after spending time in a nursing home, and Jon's (PSH) speech about nursing homes really hit home. I can understand his point of view in hindsight, and I can also understand Wendy's (Laura Linney) horror.

The ending's kinda "meh" but it's still a good flick.

My rating:
4/5 OR "Really Liked it"

SNL ... some more

I am, of course, writing again while watching SNL on DVR. The cast ripped on Obama and Clinton as well as they could because, let's face it, the Dems are suffering -- as McCain says on Weekend Update -- "That's right; fight amongst yourselves."

There's this kind of I-want-to-be-cool-and-be-on-SNL-so-I'll-make-fun-of-myself. I'm glad he showed he has a sense of humor, but I'm still not voting for him.

TV show #5: Work Out

Okay, I've watched this show from the beginning because, let's face it, it's on Bravo.

I'm getting a bit annoyed with Jackie, to e perfectly honest. Yes, she's the boss and can hire, fire, and sleep with whomever you wish. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna have issues with some of the decisions you make. Consider this being judgmental if you like.

• This was from last season, but having a relationship with your subordinate is never a good idea. It creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone else.
• She fired Peeler for lack of professionalism ... and yet she didn't seem to have any criticism for your assistant, Lisa, who made the inappropriate comments about a client.
• I know I'm not a trainer, but she seems to have unrealistic expectations for the SkyLab clients. Three weeks, what does she expect from them? Especially when only expecting 3x per week! This is not the ranch at The Biggest Loser. Even if people are giving 100% of what they can, some things take time.
  
• The situation with DD? DNEE? really upset me. I think the girl was emotional and explained her feelings to Lisa well, but then when Gregg showed up she just had to let it all out. Nothing was addressed as far as what HIS consequences were for not showing up, not calling back. SHE's the client. Jackie didn't seem to be sympathetic at all. And he DID roll his eyes and seem to shrug off what she was *trying* to say, so who can be articulate with an audience like that. There's a certain lack of encouragement from him at the beach, too. I actually feel for her, and I'm sure she's going to live up to all the low expectations Jackie has for her. And then in the therapy session.... that's a toughy because you want people to be able to voice grievances, but she was being ganged up on. Who wouldn't walk away? I woulda.
  
• Plug, plug, plug. Jesse said it all. Jackie, I'm sure youre proud of your stuff. Leave us alone. It's getting shameless. I know she got her hair done at Jonathan's.... maybe they're related.

No rating, but I'm considering not watching this show anymore.

Film #9: 27 Dresses

Okay, so this is the first "chick flick" that I'm going to review on here, so hold onto your hats!

I love Kathrine Heigl. I think she's wonderfully funny. Now, some of you may see this as silly, but I thought it was interesting that she played the *brunette* in this film, and her character's sister is blonde. Just a note.

I wasn't all that impressed with the men in this film. They acted fine, but couldn't they find anyone better? Why not page McDreamy? No, it wouldn't be awkward. Well, maybe just a little.

The concept that this film addresses is, of course, the difference between a wedding and a marriage. However, all we ever see are weddings.

I don't really have much to say when it comes to romantic comedies, though. Which is sad. Cute ending, of course.

Amanda's rating: 3/5 stars (OR) Liked it

CSI breeds talent?

I'm watching the DVRed episode of Grey's Anatomy from last week. The way too beautiful Kate Walsh is back playing Addison.

She was in an episode of CSI. She played a drag queen.

Yep.

She was good, of course. But CSI can be like Law and Order. Lots and lots of extras makes for lots and lots of future famous people. For example, K-Fed played a hardcore punk in CSI. I'm having a hard time thinking of those I notice in Law and Order, but I'm sure you guys can think of some....