Movie To See - Dallas Buyers Club

Before I begin, I purposely didn't attach the trailer to this post because it makes it better if you don't really know what the movie's about. I summarized the plot to someone the other day and realized that I made it sound way less good than it actually is. So by learning that lesson, I'm not going to say much here. 

What will I say? Only that I really didn't expect it to be watchable/great/notable-in-the-slightest and I was surprised by how good it was. Definitely see this.

(If you're thinking, "This is barely a post, Liz" - well, all right. That's fair. Sometimes you don't need to be so wordy. Sometimes a good movie is just a good movie.)

The Wolf of Wall Street - A Review

Why did I hate The Wolf of Wall Street? 

I didn't! I know, it's weird 'cause I thought I would hate it based on what I'd heard about it. But before you lose your mind, I wouldn't say I loved it or even liked it either. I just feel sort of weird about it. And here's why.

First of all, anyone who thinks it's awful because of its treatment of women, well, you're allowed to feel however you want, but that was the last thing that concerned me here when there are such larger fish to fry (more on this below). This movie is based on this dude's story, so if that's how women were treated in his story, then cool - that fact has nothing to do with any of my real problems here. The best way that I've heard it expressed was that women in this movie are used as props, which is completely accurate, but I think that's something I can't hate on 'cause, well, that's just the nature of the "story", which of course makes me feel uncomfortable at times but that's beside the point. The misogyny is so out of control that it's past the point of commenting on essentially.

What made me feel weird about it then? 

Honestly, it really just makes me sad to think about middle and low class Americans paying and sitting through this movie - and then loving it. THAT concerns me. THAT makes me feel fucking depressed and angry. After everything that's gone on in the States over the last decade and how so many people have been screwed for life by the likes of people like this man - that's what makes me feel uneasy.

Are we supposed to love this movie 'cause this guy didn't start out as a rich asshole? Are we supposed to be into it because he came from nothing and made himself into a rich asshole? I don't GET IT. People keep telling me how this movie is just "a good time", but I'm sorry that I can't see that. Others have said to me that "only men will like this movie" which enrages me for all kinds of reasons, obviously, but mostly because my major fucking issues with the movie aren't the scenes where he punches a woman or fucks everything with tits. My major issues are, crazily enough, way worse than that, in my opinion.

I definitely agree with some who say that the whole movie trivialized the seriousness of these kinds of crimes just in terms of not really ever fully explaining what was happening, and just sort of glazing over the general idea of him doing bad/illegal things. Obviously, it's a better story if those exact explanations of what happened are kept silent and glazed over because I would imagine hearing the details of exactly HOW he fucked people over financially would be kind of a downer to read about in a best seller - that makes sense. It's way more workable and profitable with only the women, drugs and NO MESSAGE WHATSOEVER because people will eat that shit up. And is there anything wrong with a debaucherous movie with no value at all? Course not. I fucking loved Meatballs. But in this case? Yeah. I can't. It hits too close to home with what's gone on in the past few years and what some Americans specifically have to financially deal with every day. Listen, I get what it's trying to be, I think. He was a good salesman, made a ton of money, fucked a lot of sex workers, had severe drug problems, and all of these things lead to the whole "antihero" mantra that comes across. I get it. 

I also think it's kind of interesting that if this man's life were the subject of a documentary, I feel like people would feel completely different about it and not so eager to declare this the best movie of the year or something. If the seriousness of these financial crimes were the focus of this story at all, I think it would hit people in such a stronger, more real way. Especially considering how many Americans have been financially fucked over by people like this BARELY FIVE YEARS AGO. It seems completely crazy to picture someone (who was financially affected by all that) going to see this movie because it's supposed to be "a fucking entertaining Scorsese movie" and coming out and having enjoyed it! And doesn't see a problem with that! THAT'S what's fucked to me. What if George Clooney were to play one of those Enron guys in an upcoming film - would we all fucking jack each other off in exhilaration of how crazy and exciting that story would be? C'mon, man.

No one seems to understand why some people should be really pissed about this movie. If I were to venture into a somewhat-crazy-conspiracy-theory level on you, I would say that the writers, producers and production company specifically went overboard on all the over-the-top machismo stuff in this movie on purpose since that's an obvious and clearly distinct distraction to negatively focus on (and exactly what the media has focused on in every negative review so far) while the actual wool that's being pulled over all our eyes is this atrocious public acceptance (and celebration) of these sincere economical crimes that have affected millions of people.

And if you're thinking, "Whoa. Calm down, Liz. It's just a movie." That's probably the worst thing you could say to me. It isn't just a movie. This is a real man's life and we all know that fact. Every fucking person who has seen this movie makes SURE to tell me "You know, THIS REALLY HAPPENED" usually with a big fucking smile on their face. Why are we not more angry that it's completely a true story? I don't know. I'm not mad about what happened in the movie. It's a crazy story that happened and should be told. I happen to think it's crazier that we are celebrating a man's life that embodies a great deal of the problems of American life. I don't think anyone can say what's art and what isn't because everything is. Calling this art doesn't bother me. Making me PAY for this movie angers me. Just made me feel like a chump, that's all. 

(Ugh, and as a sidenote: whenever someone tells me an actor is especially "good" in something, I silently groan to myself because I'm sorry, but acting isn't hard. It blows my mind that there are televised awards for actors and we all are supposed to give such heartfelt fucks to see who's gonna take home that award! Go fuck yourself. There's a real post about award shows coming up.)

It really sounds like I hated this movie, but I didn't. I think it's crazy fascinating that so many people love it as much as they do.

(P.S. Thank you to Marla for her recent use of the words 'antihero' and 'machismo' in an email rant about this movie (such perfect usage of those words) and also some thoughts of hers that I completely agree with and had to corroborate. I love you for all of your hateful/smart musings, even the ones that I didn't feel as strongly about as you. You're the best.)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - A Review

You should probably go see this. If we have similar taste in movies at all (and if you aren't sure if we do infact share similar tastes, then please familiarize yourself with these past reviews), then you'll most likely enjoy this movie.

Basic Thoughts

• The first half hour? Wasn't really into it. There were a lot of imagined sequences during the beginning, which I expected, but I didn't love them. Up until the Benjamin Button one, which was great and got me to loosen up a bit, which made the rest of the movie much more fun to watch..
• Obviously, Parks and Recreation (and Party Down) are both amazing amazing shows - but casting Adam Scott as the new boss? Hated him. And not the character, I get that he's supposed to be unlikable. But he did such a weirdly bad job of playing him. It distracted me with how poor a choice that was. Only thing I'm gonna complain about.
• You know how I (and others) complain so much about how long movies are? I wanted this one to be longer. I think that's just based on how much I liked the story, but I really wish it had kept going or had included some scenes that probably got cut.
• Personally, I love it when the trailer song is actually used in a scene in the movie. I can't stand it when trailer song choices are just an afterthought that have nothing to do with the story.
• Sean Penn, you're great. Everything needs more Sean Penn. It was such a tiny role and I love that it was his.
• Kristen Wiig, even when you're not funny, you're a delight. Keep that up.
• If you're an average, middle-aged, not UN-attractive man who's looking to separate himself from the crowd, you know what you should do? Get a bit of a tan. It always tricks me into thinking you're better looking than you are. Honestly. Ben Stiller tricked me into thinking that with this movie. I found myself inwardly asking, "Wait... is he a raging babe right now? Uh oh, he IS." I also found myself asking those same questions with Steve Carell in The Way Way Back. And the only real similarity was their calming tan skin. Just a thought.
• I just re-read these points and I realize I haven't told you really why I thought it was so good. I think it's harder to express that when something is sort of well done and you just want to leave it at that and not over-think it. I really enjoyed it, though.

And if you're thinking that I would've loved this no matter what because of Kristen Wiig, you're wrong. (I don't know what the hell to think of The Spoils of Babylon - I just... I don't think I get it? Anyway, that's another topic.)

Mitty! Go see it!

New Year's Movie To Watch - Radio Days

I wish there were as many New Years movies as there are Christmas movies. This is probably the one I like to watch most (a close second being Dick Tracy) around this time of year. There isn't really one reason I enjoy it so much, it's just a warm kind of movie.

Some people might tell you to watch When Harry Met Sally (meh) or, god forbid, New Year's Eve (shudder) - but thankfully, I am not amongst those "people".

Oh! And one that’s not exactly “warm” - but still a good movie? A Simple Plan. So good! Especially if you’re in the mood for a good drama. Love this movie.

(And speaking of New Years, there will be a few New Year's Eve/New Year's Day specific posts coming up. What will they consist of? Well, how to ensure a prosperous year, of course!)

Christmas Movie To Watch - Batman Returns

Okay, calm down. I know there are a billion other, way-more-Christmasy movies I could suggest here - but you already know about those! And hopefully you're aware of this one as well. But if not? Watch it! 

It can get sickening to watch the gooey, heartfelt Christmas movies over and over each year (with the exception of Scrooged, I could watch that every year until I die and be quite content), so maybe mix it up and give this a watch.

And I'm not into comic books* or superheroes at all, but the sight of Gotham City? Fuck, it's so gorgeous. What a beautiful place to live. And with the snow? Get out of here, so lovely. 

*Archie Comics are an exception obviously, those will always be delightful to me.

Food Matters Documentary

I really wish I'd posted this last week, since from December 1st until later on today, you can see this documentary for free on their site. Here's the link. 

Thankfully, the lovely Jenn suggested it to me and I just finished watching it. Verdict? Great. You really should see it. It's basically about nutrition, vitamins and, well, it's about so much more. If you can spare some time, just go watch it now. I'm going to try and find a streaming link for it as well if you're reading this after December 10th.

Overly Simple Thoughts After Seeing It

1. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely going to be drinking a jug of water each morning right after I wake. I'll update this in a week to report on how that went and if I felt any different/better. (UPDATE: You have to do this. It was messed up. In a good way.)
2. Cashews can help depression? Will keep that in mind.
3. I'll look into this further, but it seems like Niacin is the greatest sounding vitamin known to man. I'll try it out and, again, report back.

These are just small things that stuck in my head after watching it, but a lot of other parts really stayed with me as well. Such a good documentary. Definitely as good as Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. 

Trailer

The Snowman

Have you seen this before? It came out in 1982 and I'd never even heard of it until today. And man, it's really beautiful. It's based on the 1978 children's book by Raymond Briggs. It's completely wordless (like the book), with the exception of one song. (Why is there a weird David Bowie introduction? No idea.)

If you can spare twenty-five minutes, give it a watch. I'm definitely going to play it for my nieces when I'm in Canada for the holidays.

And one last thing? Man, I miss animation like this. I really do. I can't really put into words why that is. Logically, it's probably because I associate it with my own childhood but maybe not. It just looks so much more beautiful to me than anything that's getting released for kids today.

Movie To Watch - Breakdown

This movie is fantastic. I saw it for the first time when it came out (fuck, about sixteen years ago) and just re-watched it the other night. Still fantastic. Everything about it is perfect. (Not fun fact: for the longest time I thought it was Jeff Bridges and William Petersen (Grissom!) in this movie - and it's obviously not, but rather Kurt Russell and J.T. Walsh.) 

The premise still terrifies me: "A couple is driving across the country when they find themselves stranded in the middle of a desert with nothing around. The woman takes a ride with a friendly trucker to a small diner to call for help, but after a long time, the man becomes worried. He finds that no one in the diner has seen or heard from his wife. When he finds the trucker who gave her the ride, the trucker swears he has never seen her." Does that not sound terrifying?! The twelve year old me couldn't handle how awful that sounded. Anyway, great movie. See it if you haven't. It's on American Nexflix. 

Hocus Pocus

All of my Octobers include this movie. I first saw it in theatres when I was eight. I went with my brothers and some church friends (we had church friends when we were kids) and I cried my eyes out at the end and they all laughed and pointed at me (yeah, even the church kids). It was the first time that a movie made me cry and I'll never forget that. I didn't care that much about all of them laughing at me, 'cause I was more struck by the thought of, "Why aren't these mutants WITH me crying right now? Probably 'cause they're teenagers and their souls are dead."

Anyhow, this movie is great. It will always be great. And I swear this will be the only Buzzfeed "article" that I tell you to go read, but if you've ever liked this movie then go read this. I love everything about that list. 

This gem is only $7 on Amazon. Get on it.

Horror Movie Tip

Everyone either loves or hates horror movies, I've come to learn. While I certainly do not love them (with the slight exceptions of say The Blair Witch Project and, oh, the brilliant April Fool's Day) , I have learned not to hate them all as strongly. 

Reasons Why You're Allowed To Hate Them

• They're just too loud. No one needs that.
• When you're either falling asleep or walking those ten feet from your car to your front door or walking alone at night - you will inevitably think of something you saw in a horror movie once. Am I alone in this? This is a thing people do, yes?  And thus, you will become slightly... on edge. This feeling is awful. 
• The sight of so much blood makes your stomach feel rough. 

Reasons You're A Loser For Hating Them

• It's just a movie, dummy. Grow up.

Those first points are all acceptable reasons to hate these movies. However, at some point in your life, you will encounter someone (friend or mate) who loves them. What to do? Stand your ground and never see them? No, that's silly. (I'm looking at you, Paul AND Jenn). The surefire way to NOT become frightened when watching a scary movie is this: plug your ears. I swear to God this works. Obviously you still hear what's going on, but the fact that it becomes a bit muffled after you plug those ears? Totally tricks your brain into not feeling as much (if any) fear. I would tell you to close your eyes as well, but c'mon. We're adults.  

Try it out if you think I'm wrong. Swear it'll work. And have you seen April Fool's Day? Man. Get on that.