IMDB #3: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Year Released/Rating: 1981 PG

Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Written By: Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas, Philip Kaufman

Genre: Action Adventure

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it!

Trivia:

The original name of the lead character in the script was Indiana Smith. His name was changed to Jones on the first day of production.
In the submarine pen, the German who comes upon Indiana says, in German, "Good day" "Tired? Why do you sleep? Wash yourself! And straighten your shirt, so that you don't look like a pig at your court martial..." "Stand up... [straight]" He is cut off by Indiana's punch.
Although the Nazis speak German in many scenes, most of the lines were dubbed for the German versions of the film because the actors spoke very bad German with a very strong American accent. Some lines were simply wrong. On the recent DVD release, no German lines are wrong. The majority of the German lines seems to be spoken by native German speakers with a slight south German accent.
In filming the Well of Souls sequence, the producers scoured every pet shop in London and the South of England for every snake they could lay their hands on. Hence there are snakes that are identifiable from many different geographical areas. However, once all the snakes were on set, it became clear that there were not nearly enough of them, so Steven Spielberg had several hoses cut into lengths, and these were used as well. Looking closely, you can tell which are the real snakes and which are not. A sheet of glass separates Harrison Fordand the arched (and highly dangerous) cobra when he falls in. The snake actually did spray venom onto the glass.
The submarine pen on the island where the Ark is taken and finally opened is not a set, but in fact an actual German U-Boat pen left over from World War II in La Rochelle, France. Producer Robert Watts was amazed at how preserved the submarine pen was (even down to the graffiti on the walls) that he described it as "a actual set in existence".
Body Count: 67 (including the monkey).

Summary: Archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Review:

One of my all time favorite movies. How can you not love Indiana Jones? This is just a fun action adventure movie. We introduce the twins to it last year and they loved it. A must see for everyone.

Best Bits:

Belloq: What a fitting end to your life's pursuits. You're about to become a permanent addition to this archaeological find. Who knows? In a thousand years, even you may be worth something. Indiana: Ha ha ha ha. [under his breath] Indiana: Son of a bitch.
Sallah: Indy, there is something that troubles me. Indiana: What is it? Sallah: The Ark. If it is there, at Tanis, then it is something that man was not meant to disturb. Death has always surrounded it. It is not of this earth.
Indiana: Do we need the monkey? Marion: I'm surprised at you. Talking that way about our baby. He's got your looks, too. Indiana: And your brains.
[Upon opening the Well of the Souls and peering down] Sallah: Indy, why does the floor move? Indiana: Give me your torch. [Indy takes the torch and drops it in] Indiana: Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes? Sallah: Asps... very dangerous. You go first.
Indiana: Meet me at Omar's. Be ready for me. I'm going after that truck. Sallah: How? Indiana: I don't know, I'm making this up as I go!

IMDB #2: Groundhog Day

Title: Groundhog Day

Year Released/Rating: 1993 PG

Starring: Bill Murray, Andie McDowell, Chris Elliott

Directed By: Harold Ramis

Written By: Danny Rubin, Harold Ramis

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it!

Trivia:

Bill Murray was bitten by the groundhog twice during shooting. Murray had to have anti rabies injections because the bites were so severe.
There are exactly 38 days depicted in this film either partially or in full.
On the DVD, Harold Ramis states that the original idea was for him to live February 2nd for about 10,000 years. Later he says that Phil probably lived the same day for about 10 years.
All the clocks in the diner are stopped, mirroring Phil's predicament.
The groundhog ceremony is depicted as occurring in the center of town. Gobbler's Knob, where the ceremony takes place in real life, is a rural, wooded area, about two miles outside of Punxsutawney.
A family of groundhogs was actually raised for the production.
In order to get the scenes to look alike many different takes were filmed in different weather conditions. Eventually Harold Ramis chose the bleak Wisconsin look for the film.

Summary: A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again.

Review: It's Groundhog Day so of course we had to watch Groundhog Day. It is a tradition after all. Apparently, J and I really have a thing for Bill Murray comedies. This was is very interesting will al the twists and turns. And I can't even imagine how hard it was to shoot and reshoot some of these scenes multiple times. Overall, I really enjoy rewatching this movie every year.

Best Bits:

Phil: This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.
Phil: You want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a winter prediction: It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life.
[Phil Connors is stopped by the police after some crazy driving] Phil: Yeah, three cheeseburgers, two large fries, two chocolate shakes and one large coke. Ralph: [to Phil] And some flapjacks. Phil: [to Cop] Too early for flapjacks?
Phil: Ned, I would love to stay here and talk with you... but I'm not going to.
[Driving down the railroad tracks toward an approaching train] Phil: I'm betting he's going to swerve first.
Buster Green: If you gotta shoot, aim high. I don't wanna hit the groundhog.
Phil: It's the same thing your whole life: "Clean up your room. Stand up straight. Pick up your feet. Take it like a man. Be nice to your sister. Don't mix beer and wine, ever." Oh yeah: "Don't drive on the railroad track." Gus: Well, Phil, that's one I happen to agree with.
Phil: [Holding Phil the Groundhog behind the wheel] Don't drive angry. Don't drive angry!
[after Phil has driven the truck he has stolen off a cliff to kill both himself and Punxsutawney Phil] Larry: He... might be okay. [the truck explodes in a fireball] Larry: Well, no. Probably not now.

IMDB #1: Singin' in the Rain

For one of my February life goals, I aim to watch a movie off our IMDB list everyday. We're starting with a classic...

Title: Singin' in the Rain

Year Released/Rating: 1952

Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds

Directed By: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly

Written By: Adolph Green, Betty Comden

Genre: Musical

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

Gene Kelly insulted Debbie Reynolds for not being able to dance. Fred Astaire, who was hanging around the studio, found her crying under a piano and helped her with her dancing.
For the "Make Em Laugh" number, Gene Kelly asked Donald O'Connor to revive a trick he had done as a young dancer, running up a wall and completing a somersault. The number was so physically taxing that O'Connor, who smoked four packs of cigarettes a day at the time, went to bed (or may have been hospitalized, depending on the source) for a week after its completion, suffering from exhaustion and painful carpet burns. Unfortunately, an accident ruined all of the initial footage, so after a brief rest, O'Connor, ever the professional, agreed to do the difficult number all over again.
Donald O'Connor admitted that he did not enjoy working with Gene Kelly, since Kelly was somewhat of a tyrant. O'Connor said that for the first several weeks he was terrified of making a mistake and being yelled at by Kelly.
Cyd Charisse had to be taught how to smoke for her vampy dance sequence.

Summary: A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound.

Review: This is definitely one of my absolute favorite musicals. It has such great scenes, not the least of which is the title song. I really love the comedic scenes with Lina Lamont. And Cyd Charisse's vampy dance in Broadway is just to die for. The storyline in this one is actually quite good. It's not like some of the old musicals where characters and story just don't exist in favor of flashy musicals. Of course, this one still has some of those flashy musical numbers. It's a must see...

Best Bits:

Lina Lamont: Gee, this wig weighs a ton! What dope'd wear a thing like this?Rosco: Everybody used to wear them, Lina. Lina Lamont: Well, then everybody was a dope.
Cosmo Brown: Lina. She can't act, she can't sing, she can't dance. A triple threat.
Don Lockwood: Now Lina, you've been reading all those fan magazines again! Now look Lina, you shouldn't believe all that banana oil Dora Bailey and the columnists dish out. Now try to get this straight: there is nothing between us. There has never been anything between us. Just air. Lina: Oh, Donny, you don't mean that.
Cosmo Brown: The new Don Lockwood. He yodels, he jumps around to music. Don Lockwood: The only problem is once they release this movie, no-one's gonna want to see me jump off the Woolworth building into a damp rag.
Don Lockwood: Cosmo, call me a cab. Cosmo Brown: OK, you're a cab.

2014 Books to Movies Reading Challenge

From Doing Dewey:

Like last year, the rules are simple and few. I’ll post a linky where you can share your reviews, but this thing works on the honor system. If you want to challenge yourself to only watch movies coming out this year or to make sure you always read the book and watch the movie during 2014, that’s great. But I won’t hold you to it. Personally, I usually count two hours of a TV show as enough to call it watched since that’s about as long as most movies. Again though, this challenge is all about having fun, so it’s really up to you.
To enter, just click through to the linky at the bottom of this post and link to a post on your blog mentioning the challenge and the challenge level you’re attempting. You can change challenge levels at any time and the challenge levels are the same as last year:
Movie Fan - read 3 books and watch their movies Movie Devotee - read 6 books and watch their movies Movie Lover - read 9 books and watch their movies Movie Aficionado - read 12 books and watch their movies Movie Auteur - read 24 books and watch their movies

I love this challenge! And it's never a problem finding books and movies to enjoy. This year I will be going for the Movie Aficionado level of 12 books and movies.

Tentative TBR:

The Nanny Diaries
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Casino Royale
The Mists of Avalon
Contact
Dune
Beloved
High Fidelity
The Fault in Our Stars
Peter Pan
TBD
TBD

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

Title: Vanity Fair

Author: William Makepeace Thackeray

Genre: Classics 1847

Pages: 912

Rating: 3/5 stars Movie: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- 19th Century; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading; Rory Gilmore (Perpetual); 1001 Books (Perpetual)

How I Got It: I own it!

Scorned for her lack of money and breeding, Becky must use all her wit, charm and considerable sex appeal to escape her drab destiny as a governess. From London’s ballrooms to the battlefields of Waterloo, the bewitching Becky works her wiles on a gallery of memorable characters, including her lecherous employer, Sir Pitt, his rich sister, Miss Crawley, and Pitt’s dashing son, Rawdon, the first of Becky’s misguided sexual entanglements.
Filled with hilarious dialogue and superb characterizations, Vanity Fair is a richly entertaining comedy that asks the reader, “Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?”

Hmmm... I thought i would like this book more than I actually did. The story is good. The characters are good. But I guess I just don't really like Thackeray's writing style. There's something about the prose that annoyed me throughout the book. Still, I would recommend this novel to those who already have a love of the 19th century classics.

Movie:

The movie was much more enjoyable than the book, probably because I didn't have to be annoyed by the writing style. I loved this lengthy adaptation. Reese Witherspoon is great as Becky Sharp, although I think she's nicer in the movie than the book. Romola Garai is great as the meek Amelia. And I so love Rhys Ifans as Dobbins. Overall, a few changes from the novel, but I still really liked it.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Title: The Road

Author: Cormac McCarthy

Publisher: Vintage 2007

Genre: Dystopia

Pages: 241

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall into Reading; Dystopian; Monthly Key Word -- December; Book to Movie; Bingo -- 4 from everyone but me; NPR SciFan (perpetual); Fantasy Project (perpetual)

How I Got It: Library loan

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

Another meh book. I can appreciate the stark simplicity of the writing, but I just wasn't a fan of the rest of the book. Nothing grabbed me and kept me really interested in reading. I'm fairly certain that I finished because it's only 241 pages. Don't really see what all the hype was about. I guess it just wasn't my kind of book.

Movie:

The movie added a ton of action beats that just don't exist in the book. It also expanded the role of the wife. I understand why they did it for a wide spread release movie. The book just doesn't have enough to appeal to mass audiences. Overall, I like the movie better than the book, but It still just wasn't something that really held my attention.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Title: The Count of Monte Cristo

Author: Alexandre Dumas

Genre: Classics

Pages: 1276

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- Adventure; Mount TBR; Blogger Recommendations; Book to Movie; Fall into Reading; Rory Gilmore (perpetual)

How I Got It: iPad

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and becomes determined not only to escape but to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. A huge popular success when it was first serialized in the 1840s, Dumas was inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment when writing his epic tale of suffering and retribution.

I had put off reading this classic for far too long. When it showed up on the list for the Blogger Recommendations Challenge, I knew I had to add it to my 2013 TBR list. After taking forever to finish it (I blame the baby and Dumas' lack of brevity), I found that overall I really enjoyed the book.

The Good

Dumas can create very interesting and intriguing characters. I especially loved Dantes, but of course the audience is supposed to connect with him throughout the adventure. The other supporting characters play their parts well. I also enjoyed the storyline even if I knew it before reading the book. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The Bad

As this was published in serial form in the 1840s, the novel lacks any sense of editing. Dumas rambles on and on, especially the dialogue sections. Characters take 20 pages to say something that could have been conveyed in 2 pages. There were times that I had to put the novel down because I was getting tired of the slow pace. As such, it took me three weeks to finish it. Also, I loved the passages with Dantes as the main point of view, but felt distracted by chapters from the other characters. Those chapters just didn't seem as engaging. The switching of narrators was tiresome.

While, I had some issues with the novel, this is a classic that everyone should experience at some time in their lives.

Movie:

We happened to own the 2002 version of the novel, so I watched that one. While I enjoyed the film on its own, it definitely changes much of the novel. Dantes is still imprisoned and enacts his revenge once he escapes. But most of the other parts and even character relationships have been changed. I found the weird renewed romance between Dantes and Mercedes to be the most troublesome aspect of the changes. I just couldn't get behind it, even if they made Albert their son instead of Mercedes and Fernand's son. On a much happier note, I loved the action scenes and the introduction of the Count by way of hot air balloon. To any thinking they can watch this movie instead of reading the book, you will miss so much... Go read the book first!

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

Title: Gulliver's Travels

Author: Jonathan Swift

Genre: Classics; Fantasy

Pages: 333

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Classics -- 18th Century; Mount TBR; Dusty Bookshelf; Book to Movie; 1001 Books; Fall into Reading; Fantasy Project

How I Got It: I own it

Jonathan Swift's satirical novel was first published in 1726, yet it is still valid today. Gulliver's Travels describes the four fantastic voyages of Lemuel Gulliver, a kindly ship's surgeon. Swift portrays him as an observer, a reporter, and a victim of circumstance. His travels take him to Lilliput where he is a giant observing tiny people. In Brobdingnag, the tables are reversed and he is the tiny person in a land of giants where he is exhibited as a curiosity at markets and fairs. The flying island of Laputa is the scene of his next voyage. The people plan and plot as their country lies in ruins. It is a world of illusion and distorted values. The fourth and final voyage takes him to the home of the Houyhnhnms, gentle horses who rule the land. He also encounters Yahoos, filthy bestial creatures who resemble humans.

I can't believe that I've never actually read the entirety of this novel. Sure, I've read excerpts. I know most of the storyline. I've seen multiple television and movie adaptations. I've also read basically everything else that Swift has written. But somehow I've never actually read the whole book. Overall, I would say that I enjoyed the book, but the notes really helped me understand the satirical nature of Swift's writing. The problem is that Swift wrote this very specific to a time and place. I love his commentary on the political state of Great Britain. While Gulliver goes on four adventures and meets four basic groups of people, the Lilliputians are still my favorite. I love how Gulliver finds himself a part of this strange land. A good book but because of its very specific nature, it's a hard volume to get into for modern audiences.

Movie:

I had hoped to watch the Ted Danson miniseries version of the book, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Boo! So I settled for the Jack Black version because the library had it in stock and available for loan. I was very disappointed by this adaptations. All of the satire is lost with Jack Black's incessant nonsense. Even the inclusion of Chris O'Dowd and Catherine Tate (two awesome British actors!) could not save the ridiculousness of this movie. Definitely a disappoint. Glad I didn't pay for this one at all...

MoM #30: Identity Thief

Title: Identity Thief Y

ear Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho

Directed By: Seth Gordon

Written By: Craig Mazin, Jerry Eeten

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating: 3/5 stars

Where I Got It: On the server

Trivia:

When Sandy first arrives to Miami, Florida to catch Diana at the salon. The scene starts with an aerial zoom in of a coastline, then a short cut to Sandy waiting in the car outside of the salon. The scene tries to depict Winter Park as just a short drive from Miami when in truth Winter Park is a suburban city of Orlando, FL, about a 5 hour drive outside South Beach.
Every car they took, except for the original rental car, has a crushed can of Red Bull on the dash.

Summary: Mild-mannered businessman Sandy Patterson travels from Denver to Florida to confront the deceptively harmless-looking woman who has been living it up after stealing Sandy's identity.

Review:

One of those movies that could have been awesome or absolutely horrible. It was thoroughly mediocre. There were some funny parts, but I just wasn't horribly entertained by it. And this is so sad. I really like Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. Instead of carrying the hilarity through the movie, we are supposed to believe that Diana starts to grow a conscience. Not a good move.

Best Bits:

Diana: I just want to be upfront and say I visually enjoy you.
Sandy Patterson: Do you know what a sociopath is? Diana: Do they like ribs?
Sandy Patterson: You're diabolical. Diana: Thank you. Sandy Patterson: That's not a compliment. Diana: I know.
Diana: Dawn Budgie... That's a terrible fucking name.

MoM #29: Shaolin Soccer

Title: Shaolin Soccer

Year Released/Rating: 2001 PG-13

Starring: Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-fei Wong

Directed By: Stephen Chow

Written By: Stephen Chow, Kan-Cheung Tsang, Min Hun Fung, Chi Keung Fung, Wei Lu

Where I Got It: Netflix

Genre: Action, Comedy

Star Rating: 3/5 stars

Trivia:

This was the most successful Hong Kong-made movie ever in Hong Kong, making HK$60 million (about US$4.7 million) at the local box office.
Banned in mainland China because it did not await certification before being released in Hong Kong.
Stephen Chow dubs his own voice for the American release.
Mui is the only character who can speak Mandarin.

Summary: A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.

Review:

J had been harping on me to to watch this one for awhile now. It was ridiculously silly in parts. I can't believe that I actually watched it. Pretty silly... But there were a few actions scenes that were good. I'll give it that.

Best Bits:

Sing: What are you going you look like ET? Mui: Trust me, I can do it.
Sing: I'm not here to fight, I'm here to play soccer!
[talking to a TV camera] Sing: I want to say hello to my parents and my Kung Fu master, but they're all dead.

MoM #28: We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks

Title: We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Julian Assange, Adrian Lamo

Directed By: Alex Gibney

Written By: Alex Gibney

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Where I Got It: On the server

Summary: A documentary that details the creation of Julian Assange's controversial website, which facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history.

Review:

A very interesting look at the progression of WikiLeaks and the secrets business. A large part of the second half of the documentary focuses on Julian Assange and his downfall after the rape and sexual assault allegations from Sweden. Overall, it's a very interesting look at growth and change of a group that tried to share the truth to the people of the world. Definitely makes you think about some things.

Best Bits:

Michael Hayden: We steal secrets; we steal other nations' secrets.

MoM #27: My Fake Fiance

Title: My Fake Fiance

Year Released/Rating: 2009

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Joseph Lawrence

Directed By: Gil Junger

Written By: Howard March

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Star Rating: 3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: Jennifer and Vince, virtual strangers, find themselves strapped for cash and decide to stage a fake engagement and wedding just for the gifts.

Review:

An ABC Family movie, but actually a decent one. I am a little sick of the female lead playing the harpy bitch. I want to watch a rom-com that switches the stereotypes. But, this one does have the bright spot of Joseph Lawrence. He is pretty funny and charming. I tried to watch an episode of their ABC family sitcom, but good lordy that was painful. I'll just stick with this random movie.

MoM #26: Safety Not Guaranteed

Title: Safety Not Guaranteed

Year Released/Rating: 2012 R

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson

Directed By: Colin Trevorrow

Written By: Derek Connolly

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

The original classified ad upon which the film is based first appeared in Backwoods Home Magazine in 1997. It was written as last-minute filler by John Silveira, an employee of the magazine, who is credited in the film as "Time Travel Consultant" and also has a cameo. The ad was later featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the "Headlines" segment, and eventually turned into an Internet meme before being developed into a screenplay.
Some scenes were improvised, for example, when Jeff advises Arnau to raise his collar and wear sunglasses since they make him look like "a pilot that drives jets".
When Darius gives Kenneth her written phone number, it begins with area code 206, which is the code for Seattle and neighboring cities. The next three digits suggest Redmond, Washington, but, as per filming guidelines, his thumb obscures the last two digits.

Summary: Three magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.

Review:

This is one of those movies that not everyone would like. It's not easy to put into one genre. It's got bits of drama, comedy, and science fiction all rolled into one. I love the quirky nature of the characters. The storyline is weird, just how i like it. Throughout the movie, I couldn't predict the next plot move and this is a sign of a great movie. I would definitely recommend this movie is all those who love quirky dramedies.

Best Bits:

Jeff: Can I get a couple of interns? Help me with some research? Darius: I'll do it. Arnau: Me, too, please. Me. Jeff: All right, give me the lesbian and the Indian and I got a story!
[last lines] Kenneth: To go it alone, or to go with a partner. When you choose a partner you have to have compromises and sacrifices, but it's the price you pay. Do I want to follow my every whim and desire as I make my way through time and space? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, do I need someone when I'm doubting myself and I'm insecure, and *my* heart's faliing me? Do I need someone who, when the heat gets hot, has my back. Darius: So, do you? Kenneth: I do.
Jeff: So here's what I'm thinking. We're budgeted for two rooms, but if we share a room, we could use that extra money for some other shit. Darius: For what? Drugs?
Jeff: [after Kenneth steals some lasers] Fuckin' lasers? Arnau: What kind of lasers? Darius: I don't know, I'm not a freakin' storm trooper.
Jeff: [tailing the bad guys] This is fucking intense! Darius: We're going 15 miles per hour.

MoM #25: Can't Hardly Wait

Title: Can't Hardly Wait

Year Released/Rating: 1998 PG-13

Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Charlis Korsmo

Directed By: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan

Written By: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: I own it

Trivia:

The film takes place on Wednesday, 17 June 1998: Barry Manilow's 55th birthday.
Ethan Embry's character is in a scene during the song "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits. Ethan Embry's character in Empire Records is also in a scene with "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits.
The Klepto Kid, played by Chris Owen, appears in multiple scenes stealing something: - Some random items from the convenience store when Kenny Fisher makes his introduction. - A small statue that belongs to Molly (the girl hosting the party). - A Loveburger T-shirt when the band is fighting amongst themselves. - A police car when the party is being broken up. - And finally, a gumball machine at the restaurant the morning after the party.
This was Charlie Korsmo's first (and last) on-screen appearance since Hook. He was attending MIT when he was offered the role.
Filming the final scenes of the party meant a chaotic destruction of the house. DirectorsDeborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont gave the go-ahead to completely trash the place. This involved the cast and crew pulling out drawers, dropping food all over the floor, messing up the carpets, and someone spray painting "This Party Sucked" on the front door. This all happened in one hour.

Summary: Multicharacter teenage comedy about high school graduates with different agenda of life on graduation night.

Review:

This is one of my high school favorites. I love the crazy characters and ridiculous premise. It's just a fun movie. But, I think part of the enjoyment of this movie comes from the fact that I was in high school when this movie was released. I don't think it translates to today, but I still love it. Rewatching, I am struck by just how many famous actors have little parts in this one. Jason Segel stoned and eating a watermelon! Love it!

Best Bits:

Stoner Guy: You know who else I like that didn't get much play? Velma from Scooby-Doo. She was cool. She was a hip, hip lady.
Denise: Just so you know, judging from my little experience, I kind of believe in fate. It just works in really fucked up ways sometimes. Preston: Especially in your case. I'm sorry. You gave that to me, I just had to take it. Take care. Peace out, G!
Kenny Fisher: 'Sup, ladies? Yo Jana, wanna dance? Jana: I'm allergic. Kenny Fisher: You're allergic to dancing? Jana: Yeah.
Angel Stripper: Oh I'm the weird one? You're the one calling Barry Mannilow from a phone booth at 2:00 am!
Preston: Hey, I've got one for ya. Remember that time when I was about to talk to that beautiful girl, and you came up to me and started telling me all these asinine stories? Remember that, huh? Reminiscing Guy: No. Preston: Gee, that's funny. Because it *just happened*! Reminiscing Guy: [saddened] Hey, I ain't gonna forget this, man! You just wait, I ain't inviting you to any 10-year reunion!

MoM #24: Safe Haven

Title: Safe Haven

Year Released/Rating: 2013 PG-13

Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel

Directed By: Lasse Hallstrom

Written By: Dana Stevens, Gage Lansky, Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Romance, Drama, Mystery

Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

Review:

I don't usually like movies based on Nicholas Sparks books with the exception being The Notebook. This one was much better than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed the storyline. And the characters were decent. The overall mystery was very predictable, but that's not what kept me watching. I liked the sections involving Katie and Alex. Decent romance...

Best Bits:

Roger: When did we start selling paint? Alex: Today.
Jo: Good, you can keep me from peeking inside neighbors windows, it's a bad habit of mine.
Jo: The good thing Katie, is that life is full of second chances.
Jo: Promise me something Katie, you'll take a lot of pictures and only regret the ones that you didn't take.
Lexie: Whatcha paintin'? Katie: My floor! Lexie: Floor? Usually people don't paint floors!

MoM #23: ParaNorman

Title: ParaNorman

Year Released/Rating: 2012 PG

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Directed By: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Written By: Chris Butler

Genre: Animation, Adventure

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

During the last few weeks leading up to the film's release, Laika sent 49 packages to 49 people (including Neil Gaiman and Kevin Smith). Each package consisted of a wooden crate from "Blithe Hollow" full of "grave dirt" which recipients had to dig through to unearth a coffin. Inside the coffin was one of the seven cursed zombies, complete with background information and name.
Save for Judge Hopkins, the seven cursed zombies are not referred to by name, but they did have names: the aforementioned Judge Hopkins, Eben Hardwick, Thaddeus Blackton, Lemuel Spalding, Amelia Wilcot, Goodie Temper, and Wile London.
The story is set in the town of Blithe Hollow, whose name is a mash-up of two other ghost stories: Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit and Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Summary: A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

Review:

How did I miss this movie? This is the cutest, most inventive animated film that I've seen in a long time. I love the style, the storyline, the characters. I loved everything about it. I must caution that it is not for the faint of heart. It may be animated, but it's rated PG for a reason. There are some great scares in this one. Plus you get witches, zombies, and ghosts. What more could you ask for?

Best Bits:

Norman Babcock: I'd like to be alone.
Neil: So do I! Let's do this together!
Neil: Don't make me throw this hummus... it's spicy!
Mr. Prenderghast: Pssstttt, you know who I am? Neil: The weird stinky old bum who lives up the hill? Mr. Prenderghast: [Points at Norman] I was asking him!
Courtney: Mom, tell the Zombie to stop saying stuff about me!
Neil: Can you see my dog, Bub? He was hit by an animal rescue van. Tragic and ironic.

MoM #22: Ever After

Title: Ever After

Year Released/Rating: 1998 PG-13

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Dougray Scott, Angelica Houston

Directed By: Andy Tennant

Written By: Susannah Grant, Andy Tennant, Rick Parks, Charles Perrault

Genre: Drama, Romance

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: I own it

Trivia:

Danielle's portrait (which Leonardo da Vinci paints in the film) is actually modeled after another da Vinci work, "La Scapigliata" (also known as "Testa di fanciulla detta la scapigliata").
The glass slippers were made by Salvatore Ferragamo.
At the start of the film when the Brothers Grimm are talking to the queen about the many different versions of the Cinderella story they mention that in some versions the slippers she wears to the ball are fur rather than glass. This refers to Charles Perrault's version of the story, which was the first to introduce the glass slipper (which in French is "pantoufle de verre"), and how some people believe it was actually an misinterpretation of the words for a fur slipper (pantoufle de vair).

Summary: The "real" story of Cinderella. A refreshing new take on the classic fairy tale.

Review:

On my list of top five movies of all time. I am a sucker for a great romance. And this one has everything: adventure, comedy, drama, beautiful costumes, scenery, and fabulous acting. I love love love this retelling of Cinderella. Angelica Houston is perfect as the evil stepmother. Dougray Scott is the perfect prince. And Drew Barrymore has all the spirit and fight that I always picture Cinderella to have. I watch this one every few months just for a pick me up.

Best Bits:

Leonardo da Vinci: You cannot leave everything to fate, boy. She's got a lot to do. Sometimes you must give her a hand.
Danielle: Forgive me, Your Highness, I did not see you. Henry: Your aim would suggest otherwise.
Henry: Mother, Father, I want to build a university, with the largest library on the continent, where anyone can study, no matter their station! King Francis: All right... Who are you... and what have you done with my son? Henry: [laughs] Oh, and I want to invite the gypsies to the ball!
Queen Marie: Any choice is better than Spain!
Danielle: [about the prince] Honestly, I think he and Marguerite deserve each other. Paulette: Oh, bite your tongue! The only throne I want her sitting on is the one I have to clean everyday.
Henry: You told me it was a matter of life or death. Leonardo da Vinci: [unrolling the Mona Lisa] A woman always is, sire.
Danielle: A bird may love a fish, signore, but where will they live? Leonardo da Vinci: Then I shall have to make you wings.
Danielle: Signore, my name is Danielle de Barbarac, and I am but a servant. Leonardo da Vinci: Yes, and I'm the bastard son of a peasant. What does that have to do with anything?

MoM #21: Love's Labour's Lost

Title: Love's Labour's Lost

Year Released/Rating: 2000 PG

Starring: Alessandro Nivola, Alicia Silverstone, Natascha McElhone

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Written By: William Shakespeare, Kenneth Branagh

Genre: Musical Romantic Comedy

Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

The actors did their own singing.
The actors had three weeks to rehearse.

Summary: An update of the classic Shakespeare story, director Kenneth Branagh shot this movie like a classic 30s musical. Love's Labour's Lost tells the story of four best friends who swear off love.

Review:

I love the style of this movie. The combination of classic songs and beautiful costumes really adds to the original Shakespeare. This isn't my favorite Shakespeare, but it's a decent comedy. The actors, excepting Nathan Lane and Kenneth Branagh, seem a bit out of place with the singing and dancing. The atmosphere of this movie keep me watching.

MoM #20: Beauty and the Briefcase

Title: Beauty and the Briefcase

Year Released/Rating: 2010

Starring: Hilary Duff, Chris Carmack, Michael McMillian

Directed By: Gil Junger

Written By: Michael Horowitz, Daniella Brodsky

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Star Rating: 3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A freelance writer looking for romance sells a story to Cosmopolitan magazine about finding love in the workplace and goes undercover at a Finance Company.

Review:

Extremely mediocre romantic comedy. Hilary Duff was cute on her Disney show, but as a girl playing a woman looking for love, she comes off as immature and annoying. I could not like her character at all. For romantic comedies, I should love the leads. I really didn't at all. There are much better movies out there. Thankfully I was working while watching, so I didn't completely waste my time.

MoM #19: The Lorax

Title: The Lorax

Year Released/Rating: 2012 PG

Starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Taylor Swif

Directed By: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda

Written By: Dr. Seuss, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio

Genre: Comedy, Family

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

The characters of Ted and Audrey are named after Dr. Seuss (whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel) and his second wife Audrey Geisel.
Unlike the original book, the Once-ler is shown fully in the story as a human. Executive producer Christopher Meledandri said of the change, "The minute you make the Once-ler a monster, you allow the audience to interpret that the problem is caused by somebody who is different from me, and it ceases to be a story that is about all of us. Then it's a story about, 'Oh I see, the person who led us into the predicament is not a person. It's somebody very, very different.' And so it takes you off the hook."
When the Once-ler is walking to his office once he became rich, what appears to be a blow-up magazine cover is hanging on the wall. It is caption "Too big to fail", which is an colloquial term in economics to define an institution whose failure would bring catastrophic consequences to the economy. After the 2009 banking collapse, modern economists have said that institutions too big to fail are simply too big to exist.
Whilst playing board games with the family, Grammy Norma can make the word "Lorax" with the scrabble balls she has.

Summary: A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Review:

Always love Dr. Seuss, but the movies usually don't live up to the books. Thankfully, this one does. I love the additions of Ted and Audrey to help the audience connect to the storyline and message. Plus, Danny DeVito is just amazing as the Lorax. I love this movie way too much. The movie really highlights the beauty of Seuss' creations. I think we need to own this one now.

Best Bits:

Mr. O'Hare: You've got a beautiful town here, Ted! I can't think of any reason you'd want to leave town... ever again.
Once-ler: Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, things aren't going to get better. They're not. Ted: You do know that you are talking in rhyme, don't you?
Once-ler: Why are you so interested in trees, anyway? Why aren't you like other kids? Breakdancing and wearing bellbottoms and playing the Donkey Kongs? Ted: [laughs] Yeah. Right, right. I don't know. Uh, I just thought it might be kinda cool to have one. Once-ler: [knowingly] Uh-huh. It's a girl, isn't it? Ted: [scoffs] What? No! Once-ler: Really? Because when a guy does something stupid once, well that's because he's a guy. But if he does the same stupid thing twice, that's usually to impress some girl. Ted: Hey, she is not just some girl! She's a woman. In high school. And she loves trees. And I'm gonna get her one. Once-ler: Awww. How nice to see someone so undeterred by things like reality. Ted: Thank you.