These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It's the end of the year and I'm a sucker for compilation lists. I mean, really, if I could just be a commentator on one of Vh1's "I Love the ..." series, my life would be complete.

So, here goes a rundown of some of my fav. things from the year 2010:

Movies




1. Black Swan - Long have I loathed the site of Natalie Portman in a film. This was the first time since maybe the Professional that I was able to separate the actress from her role and really enjoy her portrayal. And the cinematography was amazing; the visuals haunted me days later. Also, I'm a sucker for dance (especially ballet) films.

2. Inception - Ok, so, it probably wasn't the best movie of the year. But, it kept me on the edge of my seat. For the first time in years, I honestly could not guess where the plot was going to take me. Christopher Nolan proved to be a truly talented and thought-provoking writer/director. I suppose you could say Inception was the Avatar of 2010. I saw it on opening weekend with my fam, watched it for a second time with my friends, and each of them saw it for a second time with one of their friends. For the men in the movie alone, (seriously, Joseph Gordon-Levitt might be our generation's Paul Rudd) Inception was worth it. That it urged audiences to question reality at least until they talked to another viewer about it was the seasoning on the popcorn.

3. The Fighter - I just saw this movie a few days ago, and can I just say, I now firmly believe Christian Bale is the best actor of our time. He murders his role. Somehow he managed a more believable local accent than Mark Wahlberg, a Boston native. Wahlberg was not that great in the film, but everyone else delivered powerful performances.



4. Toy Story 3 - If this third installment in the Toy Story series doesn't move you in some way, your heart might be made of concrete.

Two Shockingly Good Movies

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - Saw a lot of previews for it when it was in theaters and didn't understand what the hype was all about. And then I saw the movie on DVD last week. Absolutely hilarious. And full of memorable lines. Sure, Michael Cera plays Michael Cera in the movie, but that's what he does best, isn't it?



The (New) Karate Kid I'll admit it, I was suspicious. Anyone born in the '80s knows nothing can top the original Karate Kid, right? Here's the thing though, the new movie does not attempt to replicate the old. Sure, it's a disturbing display of nepotism given that Will and Jada basically just developed the film as a star vehicle for their son. But, you can't deny Jaden Smith's talent. And you've got to love Jackie Chan as the new Mr. Miyagi. I know he's one of the world's biggest superstars, but I feel as though this is the first time in American cinema he's really been given a part to chew on.

Favorite Books



1. Little Bee - I know some people think New York Times bestsellers are fluff pieces. Chris Cleave's novel couldn't be further from fluff. The engaging story alternates between the perspectives of two women from different ends of the earth who share one life-altering experience. I broke down crying quite a few times while reading this book. I would recommend buying it before it loses its integrity as a major motion film starring Nicole Kidman.

2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Just read this non-fiction book over break. My brother brought it home as UW Madison gifted each student a copy (hey, BU, where's my free book?!), and I stole it from him. Essentially, it is the story of Henrietta Lacks, a black women whose cells were stolen and harvested without her knowledge in the 1950s. Her HeLa cells went on to become the most famous cells in history, creating bioengineering industries and curing diseases like polio. This is a tale of injustice, of race in America, of medical ethics, and so much more. It's a MUST read for med students.



3. Push - Alright, this novel was released in the mid-90s. But since the movie Precious was based on Saphire's text, I read it last year. I was so moved by this short novel I had to stop reading it on my lunch breaks because I ate at my desk last year and I didn't want to embarrass myself crying in front of everyone. So glad I read it before I saw the movie. Honestly, books are so much more vivid and get away with so much more than one can ever demonstrate on film. (Sorry, film friends... it's just, the book is so much more graphic than people could ever stomach to watch.)

TV Shows

1. Parenthood - The best way to describe this movie is functioning-family porn. I don't mean that in a dirty way. I just mean that this show projects an image of a model family and I'm absolutely taken by its fantasy. The great thing is that each member of the family is flawed, but they all balance each other out. Yes, it's a corny drama, but it has so much heart. The actors - Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls, Peter Krause from Six Feet Under and Erika Christensen are phenomenal.



2. Parks and Recreation - I think this show got off to a rocky start in 2009. But, all the elements of the show really gelled for me in its second season. I hate that NBC programmed it as some sort of mid-series replacement because I would like my weekly Aziz Ansari fix back. Like the Office, its cousin series, this show only works because of its fantastic ensemble cast.

3. Speaking on ensemble casts, I enjoyed those post-American Idol viewings of Glee last spring. This season, I haven't watched many episodes, and the ones I have seen were infrequent, so I don't really know what's going on. Those kids (well, twentysomethings in real life) are annoying. But they can SING. So, I have to respect them.



4. Ok, I must really have a thing for ensembles because Modern Family is another new favorite show. As non-traditional as the Pritchett clan is, they uphold traditional family values. It's all about the L-O-V-E. The Phil and Cameron characters, while slightly buffoonish, are just so damn likable.

Artists who impressed me this year

1. Nicki Minaj - I read somewhere that before dropping her debut album in November, the female rapper was featured on 11 Top-10 songs of 2010. When you hear her delivery, you know why. She elevated each and every one of those songs.



2. Drake - Before 2010, Aubrey (Drake) Graham was just wheelchair kid from Degrassi to me. And then "Over" and "Find Your Love" launched a double assault on me and I was a believer.



3. Lady Gaga - I know she's over-hyped sometimes, but not only does Gaga pen memorable songs, she's also a music video visionary and a fashion provocateur. (I am obsessed with her heel-less Alexander McQueen shoes.) Though I wasn't feeling the "Alejandro" video so much, I probably watched "Telephone" at least 100 times last year, no joke. Unlike Katy Perry (whose music I just don't get), Gaga stands for something. We may not always understand her intentions (as with the meat dress fiasco), but she's not afraid to be more than your average sex kitten songstress.

Fashion Trends

1. Military-inspired garb - Love those embellished jackets and lace-up combat boots. My M.J.-obsessed friends and I like to imagine this trend was revived as an homage to the King of Pop. I don't know if all that's true, but it happened. And I wish I could pull off the look.



2. Sequins not just for Golden Girls anymore - When you live in the Midwest, last year's coastal fashions are stocked in stores for longer than the trends last. And that's fine with me because I will never outgrow mirror-ball shiny sequin pieces. The gaudier, the more eye-catching the better I say.




3. Red lips - long have I bowed to the power of the ego-boost in a twist tube that is red lipstick. Last year, every magazine I saw told me it was the "now" look. Red is my little black dress of lip color, so for me, it will never go out of style. If only I could find the right lipliner to keep it from sliding off my lips, so I could sport red lipstick whenever I am out!

Well, I could ramble on for hours discussing my favorites and not-so-favorites in pop culture. So, I shall stop here.

I will just add that I am grateful for the last year. It was a year of great changes as I embarked upon a grad school journey in Boston. I have made some lifelong friends and grown to further cherish the ones I already have. Happy New Year all!

See You at the Movies

So, the Oscars are going on right now. They're in the middle of the boring technical awards. I hate to say that because I was once a theatre techie in high school, which is the equivalent to the cinema techies, but all those categories in the middle do extend the awards show too much.

To pass the time, I'm compiling my own best/worst/most anticipated film list.



Favorite Movies

1. This Is It - Do I have to explain this one to you? I think if 10 movies were nominated, this one should have made the cut. It has drama, heart, heartbreak, a personal look at the man behind the hits, amazing music and mind-blowing awesome dancing. Speaking of nominations, why didn't a song from the soundtrack make the cut instead of one of those tired Randy Newman songs? Unless you absolutely hate Michael Jackson (or his music) with every fiber of your being, I think you'd enjoy this behind-the-scenes look.

2. Avatar - It has made more money than any movie ever. I think that explains it all. There are crazy special effects, an interesting (though conflicting) storyline, and great action scenes.

3. Star Trek - This movie speaks to men and women. You got the action for the men and all the cute, slightly nerdy eye candy a girl could want. And I believe this movie can cross the sci-fi boundary as well. If you're into the whole Star Trek mythology thing, you'd probably get a kick out of the whole parallel universe thing and the cameo from Leonard Nimoy. And if you know nothing about Star Trek (like me), you get to see an engaging origin story.

4. Up - Pixar gets it right every time.

5. The Hangover - This movie has no pretensions. It is what it is - a raunchy comedy. What I like about this film is that it features guys who are actually funny instead of so-called comedy stars. With guys like comedian Zach Galifianakis and the Office's Ed Helms on board, you knew this thing had to be funny. Every single thing in this movie is so random, you can't help but laugh. A tiger in the bathroom? YES! It doesn't fare as well on second viewing, but with the Mike Tyson cameo, you know why this was the best-selling comedy film (DVD)of all time.

Most Over-hyped



1. Julie and Julia - An OK movie, but I don't get why Meryl Streep was nominated other than because she is Meryl Streep. The main character was ridiculously whiny and I know as a writer/blogger I should sympathize with her, but I can't. She was a total ass to her husband.

2. Inglorious Basterds - I just don't get it. There were too many subplots and I just don't think they were all developed. This movie was long, so really as the viewer, I felt like I deserved a better story. I get that it was supposed to be something of a farce, but nothing made me laugh. I've liked some Quentin Taratino films, but I'm not totally sold on his brand of in-joke hyper-violent machismo pop-culture chop-shop movies.

3. (500) Days of Summer - I've long been a fan of Zooey Deschanel with her wide-eyed sarcastic fake innocence and quirky quips and Joseph Gordon-Levitt has aged well. From Ten Things I Hate About You, to 500 Days, he has retained the same dimples but really grown into an attractive man. I really wanted to like this movie, which was described as being a romantic film guys could like too. But I was left frustrated. The main character needed to man up and stop mooning over the girl who clearly just wanted to be friends with benefits. Honestly, I thought the song-and-dance number was just a gimmick; it wasn't as memorable as critics described.

4. New Moon - Ugh. Twilight. At least the first movie had some charm. Switching directors just changed up the whole tone of the film. Absolutely the only thing this movie had going for it was Taylor Lautner's abs. Not saying the abs weren't nice, but they could not compensate for the terrible posturing (wouldn't call it acting) and limp script.

5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Movies just never make that same connection that books do. I read all the books and though I wasn't a Pot(ter)head, I enjoyed them. I was engaged in the story and felt Dumbledore's death, but with the film, his death just didn't carry the same weight. They need to hurry up with the last film(s) cuz those young adults are getting too old to pass for teens.

Movies I Look Forward to Watching on DVD



1. Precious - One day, I hope to be like Sapphire, sitting in the audience crying tears of joy when the film script based on one of my novels (or book of short stories) wins an Oscar. I looooved the book Push and I cannot wait to see the film translation. Even just watching clips of Monique and Gabi's performances got to me.

2. Hurt Locker - I really hope it lives up to its awards hype. And I love that a woman made this movie and it's not an overtly female movie. It's the little movie that could, which instantly endears me to it.

3. Up In the Air - I'm intrigued to see if George Clooney's acting is really as good as everyone says it is because I'm convinced he plays the same charmer fast-talker type in all of his movies. That being said, it seems like a really topical movie and I read the director used a lot of real people in bit roles.

Burnt In

I've been working at Nat. City for a good almost 5 months now. And the banking mindset is now fully embedded in my brain. Now when I'm watching movies that somehow involve the banking industry, I have to question their plausibility.

For instance, I can no longer totally get into bank heist movies. I start to question, well, what about this, and what about that?

The other night, I was watching Burn After Reading and I was identifying with the character that even though his life sucks, I'm pretty sure I was not supposed to identify with. He's a total ass but he doesn't exactly deserve everything that happens to him.

But then there's this scene where he calls the bank and he starts yelling at the person on the other end about how he's been taken off his wife's account without his consent. And while that might seem unethical, it's something I see every day. And with that banker mindset, I couldn't help but consider this otherwise intelligent character as a moron for only having joint accounts. Every one knows you need to maintain at least one account in your own name.

Well, he starts going off on the CSR on the other end when they ask him for his account number. "Why would I know my account number? I have better things to do with my time than to memorize a few numbers!" Something along those lines. And my mom was agreeing with him. From experience though, that man is a fool. How does he expect to get information about his account without supplying any information? This is an all too familiar scenario. People call regularly asking for their balance, the last check in their account, etc, without giving me any information in return.
I can't just conjure your balance out of thin air. I hope the person on the other end hung up on him. Sorry dude, we're providing you with a service. If you're not nice to us, than we don't have to give you the correct info.

Ignorance is bliss, yo.

Movies for Writers

This post-grad year has been the year of watching movies. I know I'm a pretty choosy person. And most of my reviews are just disparaging.

But the thing of it is, I just can't deal with plotless movies. At base, I need every movie to have a story. If one element of it is unbelievable, that'll take my out of the movie. If it's too contrived, I might lose interest after a while.

This Oscar season has been the year of novels-turned movies. My favorite movies from this season: Slumdog Millionaire, Revolutionary Road, and Benjamin Button were all literary works originally. Another one I'm waiting for Showplace 16 to take out of their reserve (apparently they've had the movie for a while but neglected to show it) is the Reader. Clearly, a movie for people like me.

The mark of a good screenplay is its ability to take you on a journey. To go there with the characters. And I feel like these movies took me there. And the latter, Revolutionary Road and Benjamin Button (along with the heavily verbal, light on action Doubt) had such crisp dialogue.

I must add, though while it is not an adapted film, Milk blew my mind last night. I'm sure I'll have more to blog about later, but the acting was just beautiful.

My best and worst list

In light of my recent award show review, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite and most annoyed with movies of the year: Let's start with the good (not in order):

1. We have to start off with the most anticipated movie of the year, Dark Knight, for living up to the hype. Plus, I met Aaron Eckhart in Chi. Plus I know people who got to be extras.

2. Slumdog Millionaire - a movie about Indian people that doesn't ignore the masses of poor in India. And isn't just pure exoticism.

3. Doubt - for the performances, you know Meryl is awesome.

4. Quantum of Solace - strange name, interesting plot, minus the cheesiness of most Bond flicks.

5. Wall-E - genius, a cartoon that mocks consumerism and our growing laziness. And it did that while retaining its cartoon-y cuteness. Disney done good.

6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall - I want to be friends with the people who made this movie.

7. Iron Man

8. Tropic Thunder Movies - judging from my last two choices, what can I say, I guess RDJ redeemed himself this year

9. the Sex and the City movie - not for the story or the acting, just for being the chickiest flick out there and for being a part of that franchise

10. Mainly bc I can't remember, I'm going to say Kung Fu Panda for being a good kids' movie

I despised:
1. Traitor - could have been so much better, what was Don Cheadle thinking?

2. The Day the Earth Stood Still - As non-emoting an actor as Keanu Reeves, why was he so bad as non-human being who doesn't understand emotions?

3. 27 Dresses - so not funny and offensive

4. Jumpers - I wish Hayden Christiansen could act

5. Eagle Eye - I found too many things about this movie confusing

6. The Happening - so bad I couldn't get past the first 20 minutes

7. Mamma Mia - I just saw this one, and I can't understand why you would cast actors who can't hold a note in a musical

8. My Blueberry Nights - Okay Jude Law's a hottie. That's about it. Sorry to half-desi singer Norah Jones, but she really can't act. And there was no point to this movie.

9. The Other Boleyn Girl - The Boleyns were apparently all hos. Henry was not that interesting. Scarlett and Natalie were not even believable sisters.

10. High School Musical Movie - the production value was terrible, you'd expect that franchise to produce something better

Movies I Wish I Liked More

1. Wanted - good at the time I saw it, but could have been better. Still, James Mc was hot

2. Twilight - I wish the plot, dialogue, or anything in the movie could have matched Rob.Pat's hotness

3. The Visitor - supposedly one of the best movies of the year, but I was bored

Ones I Want to See:

1. Rachel Getting Married - because it's getting a lot of awards

2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I want to see how a man can age backwards

3. Role Models - I love me some Paul Rudd

4. Milk - I love gay men

5. Pineapple Express - another James Franco movie

6. Revolutionary Road - though I could careless about Titanic, I love Kate Winslet and would like to see her repaired with Leo

7. Vicky Christina - Woody gone Euro

8. Burn After Reading - the trailor showed Brad and George in a crazy light and I like that

9. surely some foreign movies

Underdog Takes It All

While I generally believe in the philosophy of power to the people, watching back-to-back night-to-night award shows convinced me that some things are best left to the critics to judge. I'm comparing the People's Choice Awards (which aired Wednesday on CBS) to the Critics' Choice Awards (on Vh1 Thursday).

I refuse to believe that the populous would vote for Carrie Underwood over Rihanna. Riri had more hits off her record than anyone else this year. It's her year. So I won't take anything the masses picked seriously.

I will, however, give kudos to the Critics for overwhelming recognizing Slumdog Millionaire, a foreign film featuring an all-Indian cast. I saw the movie over New Years and I must say, it deserves all the praise it got. Despite the all-Indian cast and the focus on urban centers Mumbai and Delhi, the underdog story has universal appeal in that tugging on-the-heartstrings kind of way. Hopefully, awarding Dev Patel best young actor means some more South Asian exposure on the screen. I'd love to see some more brown faces in the pop culture stratosphere. Maybe we'll actually learn to say some foreign names rather than calling Kal Penn Kumar every time he pops up in a movie, regardless of what the actual character's name is.