Ten Tips When Dating A Cinephile.

In simple terms a cinephile is a person who is fond of motion pictures. As someone who is obsessed with movies I can attest it goes way beyond that. Over the course of my life, movies have become my friend, therapist, confident, and all around life saver. I don't know if I'd consider my a true cinephile since I don't know the entire process of film making, but if you give me any random movie title from the 1980s I can easily tell you the year it was made. In fact I relate every major event in my life to what movie was playing that year.

Someone once asked me how I remember dates since I don't have children. Apparently she remembered important events by how old her children were. I answered her "through movies." Those are my children in a strange way. I remember the day I was hired full time at my current job not because it was an exciting day but because I went to see The X-Files: Fight The Future afterward. I remember when I've gone on dates with certain guys not because they themselves were memorable but because of the movie that we went to see. And of course I am aware of every movie which was released the year I was born. Years don't click in my mind until I've figured out which movie was out in theaters during the time.

I'm not nearly as obsessed as the person who came up with this list, but I did find myself nodding my head while reading it especially when it comes to judging someone based on their movie tastes. I plead 100% guilty.
Enjoy!

http://whatculture.com/film/10-things-you-should-know-about-dating-a-cinephile.php/1

10.  We Don't Make Out In A Theater

 The idea of smacking your lips around with our own is a foreign concept when the lights dim and the projector starts up. It’s not that we find our dates unattractive or repugnant; it’s simply that we didn’t come see a movie to ignore it, no matter what the movie is. Even if we’re not into the film itself, it’s entirely possible that we might feel guilty if we don’t actually sit there and watch it. You might try and fool us by buying us tickets to see the new Ice Age, but I can assure you that you’ll be greatly disappointed if you go in expecting to get some action and come out learning about which scenes had un-rendered animation.
The theater is a place of respect. Like the religious with church, theater is where patrons come to adorn the work created and crafted for us, and dammit, we’re going to adorn and respect it even if it’s complete croshwaddle. That’s not to say we’ll enjoy the picture. Hey, we might even be so bored or disgusted by its contents that we walk out. But while we’re in there, you would do well to keep your lips to yourself. In our minds, there’s nothing romantic about traveling to a public location, sitting in a room with an enormous, lit-up screen, and ruining the theater experience for others by playing a game of tongue-choke.
Just let us mosey about in our natural habitat for two hours, then you can take us home and listen to us talk about the film for another two hours.

9. We Remember Dates By Years in Film

What were the years of the Civil War? *Thinks back to Glory. “1861-1865.”
When did the Titanic sink? *Thinks back to Titanic. “1912.”
When was the Writers’ Strike? *Thinks back to what won Best Picture that year. “2007-2008.”

This is how films help us in a practical way. See enough movies about true-life events, and they’ll be engrained in your head. I can’t tell you how to solve an algorithm of U x 76 pi, or even if that is an algorithm at all, but I can tell you all the important events of 1991 because The Rocketeer was released that summer. Does it make sense? Not much, but there it is.
Want us to be able to remember our anniversary? Take us out to see a movie. We’ll remember, if nothing else, by the release date. Are you really paranoid about us not remembering the day we got married? After the service, tell the driver of the car not to take us to the airport and our honeymoon, but to make a beeline for the nearest showing of Madea’s Giraffe Exploitation (working title). It may seem silly, but it helps us. And then we’re able to fire back a lot of details about that day, if the movie left a big enough impression (good or bad).
“Of course I remember, honey. You wore white that day.”
“That was my wedding dress.”
“And here I am, not wrong.”

8. We Complain About Things in Movies You Probably Didn’t Notice

Product placement. Faulty editing. An off-kilter mis-n-scene set-up. Maybe you didn’t notice, because you were actually involved with the picture itself. Maybe you don’t even know what those things are. But a cinephile will often distance themselves from a picture and have a hard time coming back to it when something stands out that warps out of the story being told. When Mountain Dew bottles line a floor or when we linger on a Ford logo for a bit too long, cinephiles roll their eyes. It may have shot over your head and you’ll probably be wondering what we’re complaining about by the time the movie’s over.
Cinephiles have an appreciation for the components of film, which includes elements of editing, narrative, set design, stunt practicality…which means we have a lot to complain about when something stands out enough to push us out of the film. And a lot of times, we’re called pompous or pretentious because we can’t ignore it. Or because we waste time on thinking about it. But the fact is, when you see as many movies as we do, it sticks out because it’s often the result of laziness. And we hate laziness. You hate it when your sports team starts to slack off on the field, and likewise, we hate it when the director slacks off behind the camera. No, there’s nothing we can do about it, but it’s there and it’s annoying.
Just nod your head and listen to us. Maybe hold our hand or stroke our arm. But let us get it out. If we see that you’re genuinely listening to us, we’re more prone to invite you in to further discussions that may not be so one-sided. And that’s where the connections are made. We’re a lot to put up with over such a simple thing, but we will try to make up for it, I promise.

7. Memorabilia Is the Best Present

Every year for Christmas I ask for the same thing. Movies. Every year, I just say that one word and my family shrugs and sighs. And almost every year, I get a collection of films I either already own or loathe with a burning passion. I have no one to blame but myself, because I strangely assumed that the people closest to me know exactly what I know, or that they really care enough to go out and search for “those daggum movies Cameron ain’t seen yet!” And how unfair of me is it to put all that on them? Incredibly. It’s just another unrealistic expectation.
But there is a solution to outsmart both me and the other cinephiles out there. Unless we’re all packrats, cinematic memorabilia is almost always appreciated. Even if it’s from a movie we haven’t seen or that we hate, we’re still prone to thinking the gift you gave us is pretty damn cool. Like lamps! I personally can’t stand A Christmas Story, but if you got me a Leg Lamp, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll display that mofo like it was a photo of my son winning the Indy 500 (that’s a joke, I’d never let my son go to Indianapolis). I was in the mall the other day and saw a Boondock Saints lamp, in the shape of two guns. I can’t stand the movie, but I also can’t legally say the things I would have done to own that lamp.
And for many, movie posters are the bomb. From the 80s, from the 90s, from Japan or other countries…movie posters are pretty much always awesome, as long as they aren’t from The Accidental Husband.

6. We Secretly and Unfairly Judge Everyone We Meet By Their Favorite Movie

Movie taste is very telling. There’s often quite a difference in personality between people who’s favorite movies are the likes of The Deer Hunter and Schindler’s List versus those who swear up and down that the remake of The Nutty Professor is a cinematic staple. And you should never completely judge who someone is based on some of their favorite movies. This article proves that some of the best minds in Hollywood unabashedly love films that make us tilt our heads with questioning.
But since cinephiles are prone to bridge the gap between real life and celluloid, you should know that we’re very much getting a feel for who you are based upon your subjective film taste. For some of us, it’s a good barometer for film discussion and if we’ll be able to make a connection with you at all. If you tell a hardened Tarantino fan that the last Tarantino movie you enjoyed was Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, then you’ve just unknowingly shut yourself off from being seen as relatable. Often times, cinephiles will correct your mistake (sometimes pompously), and then make an effort to change the subject from film, seeing as that you probably won’t find much common ground.
This isn’t to say you can’t get along or date someone who’s favorite movie is Band of Outsiders if yours is just The Outsiders, but you should be prepared for that conversational shut down.

5. We Understand Demographics and Will Watch a Movie With That Understanding

Real cinephiles will laugh at Twilight, but their laughing comes apart from the rest of the world. People who have watched everything from Bambi to Battle Royale probably have a good grasp of demographic, so when they watch Twilight, they often-times are intelligent enough to compare it to the likes of movies in the same vein. We often laugh because Twilight has slopped together editing, laughable writing, and malnourished acting. We’re not exactly laughing at the premise, like so many people are. In fact, we’ll probably point you in the direction of the 1987 film Near Dark, which is the darker side of the Twilight coin.
And we also understand who Twilight is being marketed to, as well. The trailers and marketing do not pander to a hard-action, male-oriented audience. So, when guys often gang up on the films, it’s because they’re seeking it out. They’re going out of their way to disregard something, which is idiotic in and of itself. Not convinced? Let’s take this stance then:
Imagine that you grow up wanting to follow in the footsteps of the legends of your chosen medium. You practice and find that you have the natural talent for it, you just need to be refined and marketed. You’re discovered and trained and thrust into the spotlight for wild success. And then you realize that you’re, strangely, the butt of everyone’s joke. Sound familiar? If it doesn’t, ask Justin Bieber, a kid who makes music for girls his age and is often called a homosexual for it. Think about how confusing that must be for an artist who watches Usher, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson make songs for women and come out clean, and when he does the same, he’s smacked about as a homosexual with negative connotation. Maybe music critics pass him off the same way movie critics pass off Twilight, but at least they’re doing it by the merits of the medium and not the overexposure of the product.
Cinephiles understand demographic fairly well, so prepare to have discussions based on that end of the spectrum, and not the side of wild, illogical hate.

4. We Relish Intelligent Cinematic Competition and Debate and Can Turn into Total Jerks About It

If you haven’t noticed, movies are a pretty big deal around here. And cinephiles will get exceptionally riled up about film the same way teenagers with access to the Internet get riled about politics. We love debate, and we love winning even more. We love the engagement and hearing opinions, because it makes us feel like we’re actually using our “movie knowledge” in everyday life. But if you know something about movies that you know this cinephile is getting wrong, then don’t back down. Don’t let it go. Are you listening?
DO NOT LET THE CINEPHILES WIN.
We talk about movie themes and styles and directorial choices like we were there first hand, and we need to be pulled back, sometimes. Because, no, we don’t know everything, but we do need moments where we act like we do. It’s therapeutic for us, and having these conversations with us will makes us feel comfortable with you in the end. But if you always let us win, we’ll start to shut down in future debates. We’ll have a tendency not to listen to you, despite how well-argued you may have become. Don’t concede. Don’t let us win.
And please, please love us anyway.

3. We Become Giddy at the Prospect of Certain Projects

Why were people so excited about The Avengers? Half of it was because it was a project on such an enormous scale, but cinephiles were practically convinced of its success the moment it was attached to the name of Joss Whedon. It was a moment where we felt that Hollywood had reached down and hand-picked the perfect director all for us. It made us giddy. The idea that Christopher Nolan took an entire Batman trilogy under his wing made us giddy. Even smaller projects like J.J. Abrams teaming with Spielberg to make an 80s coming-of-age homage in Super 8 made many people giddy.
That’s the magic of cinema, and it can hit you at practically any age. The giddy don’t go, Joe. And if you’re planning on dating a cinephile, you should prepare for our giddy moments, which will seem silly because of how distant the medium may seem to us. To you, it could be “just a movie,” but for us, “just a movie” is what is the undercurrent to our lives. So, forgive our giddiness, and please try to find it cute if you can.

2. We Know Better than to Compare You to a Movie Character

There are lots of articles on this site about “Movie Boyfriends/Girlfriends We Wish Were Our Boyfriends/Girlfriends.” And they’re very entertaining, and for a lot of people they could be very true. However, in one of the rare cases of where cinephiles are able to separate film from reality, we understand that you, our prospective date, are not someone out of a movie. We are fully aware that you are a person, with flaws, and you might be lacking in the creatively romantic department. We don’t expect you to be Lloyd Dobler or Ramona Flowers. We’re ecstatic with you just being you, and we don’t need a movie romance.
That’s why we’re excited by movies that get it right. Movies like High Fidelity or Before Sunrise that showcase real relationships not laden with over-enthusiastic, romantic epiphanies. We understand that a life mirroring Love, Actually would drive us absolutely crazy. There’s a time and place for super, sappy sweetness, and we’ve put that time and place in the movies. So, don’t feel like you have to live up to these incredible standards set by the likes of Tom and Summer; we’ll want you just the way you are.
However, convincing us that we aren’t movie characters might be a bit of a challenge.

1. We Will Make You Sit Through the Credits

Now, not every one of us is like this. I don’t make my girlfriend sit through the credits unless I know there’s something coming at the end. Though there are a few instances in which I’m curious as to which special effects companies were involved, etc. etc. In those cases, I do ask that my lady stays. And odds are, you might be asked too. Luckily, you don’t have to stay silent and it’s a good time to start your conversation about the picture.
Just don’t look at your date with crazy eyes if they ask to stay for the credits. Pretend it’s because they want to spend more time with you if you have to.

It's me again.  I'd also like to add how I quote movies in every day life situations and always watch the dvd commentaries. It may seem odd when I randomly spout a line of dialogue from a film, but it's almost like quoting the bible. There is a movie quote for every moment. I have no shame in admitting I enjoy dvd commentaries sometimes more than the movie itself. And hell yes I stay for the credits! I am interested to learn how many people were involved from foley artist to key grip to set dresser. I think a boom operator is a nifty job. These people work hard and it's important they get recognition.

Halloween/Hurricane Sandy

Black cats and goblins and broomsticks and ghosts.
Covens of witches with all of their hosts.
You may think they scare me. You're probably right.
Black cats and goblins on Halloween night.
Trick or treat!

 My favorite holiday has arrived. Unfortunately there is enough horror on the news these days to make Michael Myers seem like child’s play. It’s unfortunate yet another Halloween has been clouded with a weather related disaster for the second consecutive year in a row. But while last year’s snow storm postponed trick or treating, this year’s Hurricane Sandy put a stop to life in general. There is catastrophic destruction shown on every channel.  From over flooded subway stations to burned homes in Queens to amusement park rides floating out to sea in Seaside Heights, NJ.  These were the same rides I went on as a young child in the ‘80s. The tri-state area is dealing with the aftermath of one of the worst storms in recent history. 

Now usually I don’t get affected much by torrential rain, snow, or winds but even this year I was not spared some misfortune.  As Monday’s night howling winds took full force I predicted my luck was going to run out. The lights flickered. The cable tv went black.  I went to sleep and woke up with no electricity. It ended up being out for a full fifteen hours. In light of what others suffered through and will remain suffering through for months to come, losing power for less than a full day was not that big of deal.  Still, I felt a sense of isolation and even slight panic as the hours passed getting closer to sunset.  I live on the ground level so I get very little light through my windows on a good day, so with clouds and no power it was like hanging out in a small cave hour after hour. Worse than that was the quiet. No tv, no internet, no radio, and little use of my phone. So I couldn’t even hear myself talk. I took a walk outside and found more eerie quietness as the streets were deserted. I witnessed more broken tree limbs than actual persons walking about. Leaves, branches, and scattered Halloween decorations were all I came across. Many traffic lights were also not working causing confusion on the streets. Much to my dismay many local stores were not opened due to either lack of power or flooding. I felt like the world had come to a screeching halt as far as daily routines. And I’m all about routine. I take comfort in my daily activities like getting on the bus and going to work. For the last five days I’ve been stuck in a non-active limbo forced to watch endless news coverage or staring dumbly at my Kindle while holding a flashlight. No words were sinking in as I tried to read. It was hard to concentrate on much knowing my food was spoiling in the fridge and the impending darkness was just a few hours away. Still, it was light years away from the pain and suffering endured by those who lost their homes due to fire or water…or those who needed to be evacuated from hospitals in the middle of the night. I was one of the lucky ones and for that I am grateful.

So the real terror remains outside my window and downtown in lower Manhattan or across the way in New Jersey. Watching my favorite horror films seems trite and almost ridiculous when I could just watch the news to feel a true sense of dread. Still, we must go forward with our routines in order to pick up and move on. I’ll be watching John Carpenter’s Halloween tonight…and maybe a few other classics like Fright Night or The Shining, but it simply doesn’t feel the same. Even the annual Greenwich Village Halloween parade was canceled. In what was supposed to be a night of trick or treating it’s a night of simply being thankful for being able to turn on a lamp or sleep under a roof or have hot water to take a shower. Most frightening of all on this Halloween night is the realization that life can forever change in an instant. 

The Walking Dead

I was recently having a conversation with a fellow movie lover about the downfall of quality films lately. It seems movies just aren’t that good anymore. The box office slump as of late is proof we’re not the only ones who refuse to pay money to see crap flicks. What are the choices these days? There’s action films geared toward those suffering from attention deficit, the crude and unfunny comedies, or another remake of a much better film from the ‘80s. So in times these like these when there’s not much to see at the movies I’ve turned to cable tv series. The writing is superior, the acting is of higher quality, and the stories are just far more interesting! Hollywood had better take a good look at their box office receipts in comparison to the ratings of these cable shows and get with the program. Stop putting out garbage and work on being creative for once! Anyway---I’ve been a long time fan of shows like Dexter, True Blood, and recently Game of Thrones. My newest little obsession is AMC’s The Walking Dead. Being a horror fan, especially when it comes to zombies, I find this show to be such a treat to watch. It contains just the right amount of intensity and character development with plenty of gore as well. It’s not as vicious as films like 28 Days Later or even the original old school Night of the Living Dead, but it still works on many levels.

Originally based on the comic book of the same name (which I never read), The Walking Dead is simply about a plague of infected zombies (a.k.a "walkers") taking over the world leaving behind a few survivors who must band together and go on living. What drew me initially to this series were the walking corpses. I’ve been watching zombie films for years especially the ones directed by George Romero and Dan O’Bannon. “The Return of the Living Dead” tops my list of all time favorite living dead movies. I always found reanimated beings (or objects like dolls) more gruesome and terrifying than vampires or wolves or most any other horror creature. Something about the reanimation of a once alive, but now dead person running after me just gives me shivers. Yet it’s fun to watch at the same time. Frank Darabont who of course directed The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile uses his talent of directing human emotions to great use in this series. It’s not just about “walkers” invading and running past the living like a herd of vicious animals. It’s about how these people relate to each other and are being forced to inhabit the same space and form a life together. They also must form a new society in a way. It’s kind of like The Stand except all those dead people are still roaming around. So not only must they keep humanity going in a spiritual sense, but they must keep themselves alive so the entire population doesn’t completely die out. Without rules or some sort of guide it’s easy for people to turn on one another in order to save themselves. For the young kids who will quickly forget what it’s like to live in a zombie free existence it’s hardest on them to find real enjoyment and hope. Or maybe not since they barely remember what it was like to have normal humans walking around not trying to eat them all the time.

There’s a little twist involving those infected. They don’t need to get bitten in order to turn. They just need to die. So you could have a heart attack and next thing you know you’re trying to rip off your loved one’s face.  How’s that for messed up? I recently watched all thirteen episodes of season 2 in one weekend (due to reasons of my own) and thoroughly enjoyed each episode! The storyline picks up where Season 1 left off with a gang of members trying to find a new safe place to try and build some existence. Along the way they encounter more ruthless flesh eaters and even some not so trustworthy still breathing members of the human race. Most of all they still deal with every day life. There’s a sense of friendship, family, respect, and understanding. There’s also a lot of anger, resentment, bitterness, and jealousy. These few are forced to live together in a way they never imagined. All their dreams and former lives are altered forever. They’ve lost loved ones and left the life they knew behind. But the goal remains the same which is to keep on surviving for another day. One of the lead actors (Rick—played by real life Brit Andrew Lincoln) tells his son there is no way to stop death. He will die, his son will die. Every one will die eventually. All they can do is put it off and avoid it as long as possible. That’s all anyone can do even when there’s not vicious walkers outside the door. As long as that spirit of wanting to go on remains in tact there will always be a battle with whatever disease, destruction, or monster awaits to rob you of it. I think that’s the true essence of the show (and life) and what makes it so appealing to watch.

I won’t go into any storyline details or spoil it, but I think it’s one of the best shows on tv right now and just in time for the most wonderful season of all....Halloween! I think we all need a little scare in our lives to make sure we stay on the right track.

Edward Norton Back to Back Double Feature

I had the pleasure of watching two Edward Norton films this past weekend. One was an old favorite and the other was new to me though released several years ago. I never ceased to be amazed by the subtle yet impressive acting chops by Mr. Norton. I was first introduced to him while watching 1997’s Primal Fear. That performance is still outstanding even after all this time. If there ever was an actor robbed of an Oscar it was him for role of Aaron/Roy! He was exquisite and so believable. I knew then he was a forced to be reckoned with and each subsequent role proved his staying power from American History X to the disturbing 25^th Hour. But I’m here today to talk about two his more romantic features which are both sadly underrated and unnoticed.

The Painted Veil (2006)

Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham of the same name, this story follows a recently married couple into a cholera epidemic in 1920s China. Despite its morbid tone, there’s actually quite a bit of hope and forgiveness in this film. It’s a tale of love, infidelity, betrayal, deceit, absolution, and growth. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts play the newlywed couple from London visiting Shanghai during a tumultuous time. Norton’s Dr. Fane is a bacteriologist studying microorganisms and has trouble relating to human beings. He’s stuffy, reserved, and socially awkward yet somehow manages to convince the lively socialite Kitty (Watts) to marry him and settle to China while he continues to study. Of course the marriage fails before it begins due to their differences in cultures, taste, and overall personalities. They simply don’t know each other that well. The wife cheats and the husband plots an ingenious revenge. He will take her on a voyage to a small town in China stricken with a deadly Cholera epidemic. I’m not making Dr. Fane sound all that appealing, but truthfully he wasn’t in the beginning. Neither was she. But in time they come to lower their shields and let each other in once the anger subsides. It isn't terribly difficult to see what’s important in life when surrounded by such despair and death. The local residents are dying quickly from the disease while Norton’s character tries to save the contaminated water from further spreading the outbreak. This movie is so superbly filmed. The scenery, the atmosphere, the tone, and the music all work so well to make it incredibly beautiful. These characters are not always the most likeable but it adds realism to how betrayal can bring out such ugliness. As Kitty explains to Dr. Fane people make mistakes, disappoint, and are much more complex than the microbes he religiously studies. What drew me to this film was it's perfectly paced tone. The characters slowly evolve and reveal themselves to its audience. We come to care for them and want them to find each other. Much of their dialogue is understated and yet we feel so much. The emotion pours through the screen due in large part to both Norton and Watts incredible acting. They play off each other in such a way that even when they’re arguing it’s like a little intriguing dance. I can’t say much more without spoiling the story, but it’s such a shame this movie wasn’t given more recognition not only by the Academy but by the box office. It’s an absolute gem all movie lovers must go and see immediately.

Down in the Valley (2005)

Here we have another romantic tale gone wrong. Norton plays Harlan…a 30 something unambitious cowboy working at a gas station in the San Fernando valley. When I say cowboy, I mean he really believes he’s from the old west. He seems oddly misplaced in this hectic city life where he simply wants to ride a horse and shoot his guns like Billy the Kid. He refuses to drive a car believing it's the same as being locked inside a box all the time. He likes to roam free by bus or horse, of course. He meets 17 year old Tobe played by Evan Rachel Wood. She’s spirited, feisty, and rebellious towards her father. So of course she wants to ride off into the sunset with the cowboy. As the story begins to unfold we see there’s much more complexity between the characters mainly stemming from Harlan. Does he really believe he’s a cowboy wandering the streets? What exactly is his deal? He doesn’t seem to have any career ambitions. He mentioned working on a ranch, but those of us who have visited Southern California know there are a very few ranches to come by. The straining relationship between Tobe and her father becomes increasingly strenuous as she grows closer to Harlan. Then there’s Tobe’s younger misguided brother who is quiet and could be easily misled which becomes obvious when he starts hanging around Harlan as well. Again, I can’t say much more without spoiling the story, but I will say this film took an unexpected twist half way through which threw me for a loop. Once again Norton is able to take on a character driven role and play it with such tenderness and innocence you almost walk away believing anything he says which can prove manipulating in the long run. It’s not a perfect film and I have issues with the abrupt ending, but it’s worth a watch for the acting performance from all involved. Still, if I had to choose The Painted Veil is a far more superior film.

4th Of July Double Feature: The Amazing Spider-Man and Rock Of Ages

The Amazing Spider-Man

I'll admit I was one of the many who was shocked and a little annoyed at the announcement there would be a reboot of the Spider-man series. Was Hollywood running out of ideas so quickly they needed to remake a film which had been made in this century already? First it was supposed to be the fourth installment of the Sam Raimi series starring Tobey Maguire. I suppose some studio executive had the brilliant idea of starting all over again from scratch with a new script, director, and actors. Not a surprise it got the green light and the Amazing Spider-man was on it's way. I was on board with those who felt it was completely premature and unnecessary. So I went into the theater already expecting a rehash of the same story with a new face of Peter Parker. I walked away quite pleased at how much I enjoyed it despite the story being revisited all over again. Yes we get an intro to nerdy and bullied Peter pining away for the girl of his dreams while his Uncle Ben nags him about being responsible. Yup been there done that with the 2001 installment. However, it's almost like having the same dream and feeling dejavu yet noticing slight changes. After a while I stopped comparing it to the original and just enjoyed it for what it was. It's still a bit campy, cheesy, and overly sentimental, but it doesn't lay it on too thick like it's predecessor. It has a bit more humor and quite frankly there's much better acting this time around as well. No offense to MaGuire and Dunst, but they both had little chemistry while swooning over each other. I felt a stronger attraction between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Plus I enjoyed the fact that his geeky self wasn't overplayed. He was actually cool even before getting bitten by the spider. The drastic change isn't so much in his confidence, but actual physical strength. The pre-spider Peter has a better sense of himself and what he wants than the 2001 version of pre-bitten Parker did. But enough of the comparisons, this movie stands well on it's own and was well worth the price of admission. I do have a few qualms though. I thought the transition between scenes could have been tighter. Some moments dragged on far too long and I felt myself zoning out. There should have been more of an even tone with the action, serious scenes and as well with the romance (which again I must reiterate is much hotter this time around!). I could have done without some of Parker's remarks to the Lizard Man (I realize that's not really his name but it's fitting) while shooting his webs at him. It made him seem cartoonish and not threatening at all. Peter is a good guy, but he's also dangerous and menacing to those he wishes to demolish and it would seem more intense if he wasn't cracking jokes the entire time. Nonetheless the film worked yet I can already tell there's going to be lots of hate and endless comparisons with the original (which ironically was also hated ten years ago). People just don't like change and love to complain about which they can't control or do better if given the chance. I'd also like to add the special effects were much stronger as well...and made him much more believable as a real life spider. In the end it's a movie based on a comic book and I am not going to nitpick the film to death. I liked it, I liked Garfield, and I was thoroughly entertained. It accomplished what a summer film should. Sidenote: It was great to see former '80s heart throb C.Thomas Howell back on the big screen with his small role in the film. It wasn't so great however to see how drastically he's aged! You don't realize how quickly time is rolling on by until you see faces from the past resurface not looking as youthful as they once did. It threw me for a loop to see a middle aged Ponyboy Curtis and actually took me out of the film for a bit there. Still, I'm glad to see he's getting screen time on the one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer.

Rock Of Ages

I've been a fan of musicals going back to Grease and Little Shop of Horrors just to name a few. The last few entries such as Hairspray and Dreamgirls have been rather lackluster. They were well made, but just didn't have that fun factor. A musical is designed to be infectious and catchy and make the audience feel good. Rock Of Ages succeeded in every aspect! I hadn't seen the Broadway show so I didn't exactly know the plot other than that it involved almost every 1980s classic power ballad. I love '80s rock and recognized 99% of the songs in this film (even if the name of the artist slipped my mind) and it's because these songs were all mega hits at one point in time during that decade. But for those who weren't lucky enough to be raised on '80s music, they should still walk away humming some of those tunes. Despite the film bombing at the box office and getting ripped apart by critics, I held onto some hope this would be an entertaining joyride and I was right. The music is awesome, the acting (for the most part) is well done, and best of all it doesn't take itself seriously but is not a complete farce either. Sure there are some silly moments I could have done without, but overall I found myself really having a blast. It helps to know the lyrics and feel that sense of pleasure when you recognize the opening riff or lyric of a classic ballad. Each song fits perfectly with the story and the moment. It never seemed like overkill to me and I could have listened to them sing (especially on stage) for hours! No question about it, the biggest draw is Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx. I personally have have been a Tom Cruise supporter for some time now. I'm able to look past his real life shenanigans and appreciate him as the fine actor he's consistently been. He completely embraced this character and made him quite fascinating to watch. He could have been any real life mega front man. He is basically an incoherent mess who is too busy drinking and behaving like a sex friend to really get himself together. But when he's on stage boy does he sing his heart out. What a great job! He actually has a semi decent voice and half way through the film I forgot I was even watching Tom Cruise with leather pants and fake tattoos. Adding to his performance is an ensemble cast who are equally joyous to watch..even the usually irritating Russell Brand was on point. Again, there were some off putting moments which were treading on being stupid, but the good outweighed the bad and I found myself caring about what happened and anxiously awaiting the next nostalgic filled tune! It was the fastest two hours I'd experience watching a movie in a while and I look forward to seeing it again. It's a shame it wasn't well received, but I could see this turning into a cult classic of sorts. It has a following, but it just got lost in the middle of this superhero dominated summer season. But if you're interesting in have a little fun and break from the action flicks, I say give this a shot!

My Favorite Summer Films

During this oppressive time of year, I’m able to salvage some enjoyment from watching my favorite so called “summer films”. I’m not talking about summer blockbusters, but rather films which take place outdoors in the heat or just remind me of a certain summer time from the past.  I tend to view movies which coincide with my moods or the weather outside, which happen to go hand-in-hand. So I’m taking this time to mention the ones I watch when it’s hazy, hot, and humid which both lift my spirits and make the season more pleasurable.  

On Golden Pond (1981):

I’ve always been able to enjoy this film even as a younger child, but now as I grow older I am able to inch my way closer to the characters and their fears. I’m not exactly going on eighty years old, but I do feel time is passing me by quicker each year. I also find myself beginning sentences with “when I was younger…” or talking about how much an item cost when I was a kid. I’m starting to lose touch with technology as well. I wouldn’t say I’m fearful of the fast paced changing world, as much as unable to keep up with it. Most of all I fear being a victim of ageism one day. It will happen to all of us eventually. When I watch On Golden Pond I see an elderly man (Norman Thayer) who is obsessed with his demise which is quickly climbing it's way to his front door. He is angry, he is cranky, and he’s hostile that his body and mind aren’t what they used to be. He also has a lack of connection with his daughter which the two must come to terms with before time runs out. What I love most about this film is the scenery and cinematography. I’d love to spend a summer on the lake going fishing and hunting for berries. It always seemed so ideal to me growing up in the city. If I were to finish out my days anywhere it would be in a little cottage house overlooking the sunset and ponds and hearing the loons. So magnificent!

Stand By Me (1986): 

Aside from it taking place on Labor Day weekend, there’s little about this coming of age story that would say it’s a summer film. Still, it’s evident the temperature is hot as they walk along the train tracks and fall into swampy waters. It’s one of my favorite films of all time along with being my favorite Stephen King novella. The acting, the dialogue, the intense emotional moments between these four young men, and above all the humor make it into a classic ‘80s film. It’s a rarity an adapation equals the novella and even exceeds it at times thanks in part to River Phoenix’s moving performance. What a gem he was! Another aspect which makes the film seem like a magical time is the music. My favorite times to listen to golden oldies us during these long hot days and this film is loaded with them. It’s touching, heartbreaking, funny, and a bit gross…not to mention grisly but it makes one appreciate the innocence and almost indescribably painful times youth brings. Sidenote, I need to visit Oregon one day to see that infamous rail road bridge. 

Jaws (1975):

This one goes without saying. It takes place during Fourth of July weekend, on the beach, and was probably the first summer blockbuster in film history. It doesn’t quite have the same effect watching it in the middle of November as it does during this time of year. The menacing soundtrack, the image of the shark closing in on its prey, and of course the legendary lines by the cast all equal to a memorable experience. I’m not a swimmer so I can’t say I was ever lost sleep over being attacked by a killer shark, but I can see why the movie was such a sensation back in 1975 causing people to avoid going into the water. The shark may look fake and but it’s effective in ways a computer generated fish could never be.  Overall it’s an enjoyably frightening and intense summer flick which should be on the top of everyone’s list to watch this weekend.

 

Weekend At Bernie’s (1989):

I’ve never been a fan of comedies, especially ones involving a dead corpse, but this movie is simply hilarious. Again we have a film which takes place on Labor Day weekend on the steamy hazy streets of NYC. There’s nothing sinister going on except for watching Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy run around with the lifeless Bernie. It’s morbid when you think about it, not to mention highly unrealistic (wouldn’t he start to smell by the second day?) but it’s so campy and ridiculous you just have to laugh. I also think it’s Andrew McCarthy’s finest performance as a comedic actor. Who knew! It’s such a joy to watch and I get kick out of it every time just as easily as Bernie gets kicked around. Har. Har.

 

Summer School (1987):

Another ridiculously silly comedy, but for me it represents summer in such a unique way. School! Most teen comedies start the school year off traditionally in September, but here we have a group of C average students who have to take remedial English again after flunking an assessment exam. Let the fun begin! Seriously it’s a great ride watching Mr. Shoop (played by Mark Harmon) deal with these kids and survive the summer as gym instructor turned English teacher. There’s also the lovely Kirstie Alley who looks so amazing in this film. Once again I have to acknowledge how I used to see her as a middle aged woman when I’d watch this film as a kid. Now I’m horrified to realize she was my age during the filming of this movie. Where has the time gone?! Regardless of my issues, this film is just plain fun. Roger Ebert gave it zero stars basically calling it garbage, but I think he was completely over reacting. Sure it’s moronic and juvenile but it’s a movie about summer school with moronic and juvenile teenagers. I attended summer school twice and it would actually the most enjoyable and education times of my high school existence. Go figure. 

 

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983):

Here’s another no brainer for me. Once again the film takes place during summer time and the family is going on summer vacation to (where else) Wallyworld! This film is reminiscent of my younger days when my family would travel hours by car to Disney World. We didn’t have any catastrophes nearly as chaotic as the ones the Griswolds had to endure, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing either. There’s not much to say about this movie other than its Chevy Chase at his best (and my personal favorite) playing Clark W. Griswold. He’s obsessed with giving his family the perfect getaway and thus causes all types of mishaps along the way and eventually has his break down in front of the family when things cannot possibly get any worse…but they always do! It’s great fun to watch and filmed in my favorite state of California. It’s a romp of a good time watching this family go berserk. And don’t forget about Christie Brinkley and the red Ferrari!

List to be continued…

Happy 70th Birthday, Paul!

Mr. McCartney turns 70 today! He looks pretty darn fabulous, I might add. I've been a fan of The Beatles since I watched The Beatles Anthology which aired on ABC in November of 1995. I fell completely and madly in love with everything about them. I ate up their songs, images, lyrics, and the overall feeling their music brought out in me. What a joy this band was...and still is! My favorite was always Sir Paul. To this day when I listen to All My Loving I feel transported to 1964 which obviously was a year I never existed in! That's the power of Beatles music.

Paul's amazing career has surpassed so many musicians which have come before and after. His career continued to soar during the '70s and '80s with his solo outings and as well as with the amazing Wings. He may not be the most sophisticated lyricist, but he writes some of the most catchy melodies ever created. His songs have heart to them. Simple, poignant, and memorable tunes! He has brought smiles and harmonies to millions of fans around the world. I was fortunate enough to see him live at Madison Square Garden back in 2005. I spent an arm and a leg, but I had to see the man in person and it was worth every dollar spent. It was one of those rare moments where I felt choked up at being in the same room with this legend. Truly remarkable! And he's still got it. Even at seventy years of age the man is still rockin' it out with his trademark left handed bass guitar. What an inspiration to us all. I can't possibly fathom what keeps him so energetic and young (must be the vegetarian lifestyle ;)) but whatever he's doing I hope he continues. What a sad world it would be without Macca!

Paul, we'll never tire of your silly love songs. Keep on rockin' for years to come! Oba-La-Di-Oba-La-Da!

40 Random Things About Me

1. I am left handed, but have been forced to gain strength in my right as well.

2. I am very low maintenance. I don't ask for much in life. 

3. Most of the time I don't enjoy talking. I find it to be a chore.

4. I have a very poor sense of direction.

5. I get claustrophobic around large groups of people.

6.  Autumn is my favorite season followed closely by winter. 

7. I've seen every episode of The X-Files.

8. I am consistently late for everything (except flights to LA!)

9. I enjoy listening to oldies from the '50s and '60s.

10. I don't own a vehicle.

11. I speak very softly. Deal with it. If you can't hear me then go talk to someone else.

12.  I enjoy going to the movies and shopping alone.

13. I am not, never have been, and never will be a morning person.

14. Dark chocolate is one of my greatest weaknesses.

15. Some of my closest friends I've met online.

16. I cannot sleep in total silence. I leave the fan on even if directed away from me.

17. I'm not a fan of the NY Yankees despite where I grew up.

18. I am allergic to just about everything.

19. I never learned how to swim.

20. I find manicures and pedicures to be a complete waste of time and money. 

21. I had the best time of my life during a two week road trip to California in 2007.

22. Watching my favorite '80s films is very therapeutic for me.

23. I suffer from palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

24. Public speaking is my biggest fear.

25. I love rain and snow storms; sunshine is boring!

26. I can eat an entire jar full of olives in one sitting.

27. Taking off in an airplane is one of the best feelings.

28. I love to watch horror films. The more frightening the better!

29. I don't have a middle name.

30. I am terrible at Math.

31. None of my co-workers know the real me and they probably never will. 

32. I am filled to the brim with regrets.

33. I hate buying shoes. I hate buying clothes period. I'm a casual tomboy.

34. If I'm giggling then it means I like you.

35. I am not good with babies or kids...and I walk in the other direction if I see a group of them.

36. My all time favorite Stephen King literary character is Arnie Cunningham (Christine, 1983).

37. I am a complete coffee addict.

  

38. Comedies rarely ever make me laugh. 

39. I love scented candles and have them in every room. 

40. I'm obsessed with knowing the time and cannot leave the house without a watch.