Keeping Up

Hello everyone!

What a crazy week and a half it has been. We had a round of stomach flu make its way through our house, with Rich being the last to succumb, just this past Wednesday night. This did afford me the opportunity to view two more films, as going out was not an option with our current level of exhaustion. Last weekend, I watched "Ratatouille," and last evening Rich and I viewed the documentary, "Man on Wire."

I am feeling a strange connection to the French people, as three of the five movies that I have viewed are all at least partially set in France. I found "Ratatouille" to be charming. Every once in a while, one has to enjoy a good animated flick, and this film definitely fit the bill. It is the story of Remy, the food-loving rat, who makes his way to Paris, only to find out that his favorite chef is dead. He develops an unlikely alliance and friendship with Linguini, the garbage boy for the late chefs restaraunt (He is also the illegitimate son and unsuspecting heir of said late chef). Through Linguini, Remy is able to exercise his culinary passions by directing Linguini to cook amazing recipes, all from under his chef's hat. There is great food, a bad guy, and love along the way, making for a fun flick that you can watch with kiddos or alone. I loved it and will have to add it to my DVD collection.

"Man on Wire" was a total departure from most of the films that I have viewed, and I must say that I may be looking out for more documentaries. This film chronicled the story of Phillipe Petit, the insane man who snuck into the World Trade Center towers and strung a tight rope across and then walked on it for 45 minutes. It was a very complex story that made me mull over passions. This man was so passionate about wire walking that he risked his life over and over again to do what had previously been considered impossible. He loved it more than those who were important to him, and yet, even those people supported him and were in awe of the beauty of what he accomplished, despite the risks. It had subtitles and brought back all of the people who were involved in him pulling off this feat, including his first love. It showed how this "coup" changed the lives of all involved, bringing some together and tearing others apart. The cinematography was breathtaking, as were the still photos that were shared. There were several moments where I think that I forgot to breathe. A secondary, and most surely unintended point that struck me, was watching the construction of the twin towers. September 11, 2001 had such an impact on me, and it was eerie to see all those men celebrating the completion of the towers. They had no idea that a quarter century later, their work and many lives would be destroyed. If you have Comcast On Demand, go check out this film under the free section. It is well worth the hour and a half.

1,2,3, Here We Go!

So, the first three days of the year, and I am already in 3 movies deep. We watched "Julie and Julia" with my parents. I am a total foodie, so this movie appealed to me. I have to say, it was quite amusing. Meryl Streep is good in pretty much everything she does, and she did not fail to impress me as the gangly and sharp-witted Julia Child. I was almost inspired to cook my way through "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," however, I figured that would sabatoge the weight loss that I have worked so hard to achieve.

The next movie we watched was "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith. It was certainly not the feel good movie of the year, although it caused me to ponder the situation that Ben was in. I can't imagine having the lives of seven people on my conscience. Nor can I imagine death by leathal jellyfish sting. The romance between Ben and Emily was touching, but somewhat typical. I felt that the plot was a bit jumbled in chronology and development, and the ending left me feeling depressed and unfulfilled. Still, the performances were convincing and heartfelt. I would say it might be worth a second watch.

27 Dresses, this one was all for me. I can't step out of my box for too long. I won't bore you with any summary. Just know that it was the traditional chick flick. There was the love quadrilateral. Guy pursues girl. loses girl, gets girl in the end. It was everything I had hoped and more.

Rich and I went to Blockbuster and bought the next five movies for my venture. I picked three and he picked two. Look out for "Revolutionary Road," the reuniting of the duo of Kate and Leo that set my teenage heart afire in "Titanic," which I saw SEVEN times in the theater. Also on the docket, "Changeling", "Frost/Nixon","Rachael Getting Married", and "The Wrestler."

A New Year, A New Resolution

It is no secret that I am not a film lover. My movie collection is minimal and includes a few Disney VHS tapes and a small selection of chic flicks. Compare this to my husband, who has hundreds of DVD's from various genres and well-known directors of Oscar and Golden Globe fame, and well...you have a startling contrast. When I watch a movie, I want to be entertained. I do not look to the strength of the screen writing or the angles of the cinematography. If it makes me laugh or gives me a good sappy romance, I am a happy girl.

My husband's dream is to be a screen writer. He finds so many films brilliant, and I find them simply awful. So, in the interest of making our marriage stronger, of having more common ground, in appreciating his passion, I have taken on the task of watching 100 movies in the year 2010. Just to give you all a heads-up...I think I watched 4 movies in 2009. I make a pledge to watch all genres and to engage in stimulating conversation and analysis after each one. I hope this journey will give me a new passion in life, and increase the bond I have with Rich. So, here it goes....