Saturday, July 17, 2010

Inception: What is real and what is a dream?...

I waited all winter and spring for summer, and now that it's here, I haven't even been able to enjoy the heat. I just melt in it. Not cool, at all. I actually took my lonesome self to the movies again the past week, and it's sad to say, I've acclimated to enjoying a movie by myself. I dressed up in a nice black summer evening dress, put makeup on, fixed my hair, and slipped on my flip-flops for my one recognizable trait. I had wanted to see Inception since I saw the first trailer of it, so I went to see it. The main plot of the movie is that you can be put in a dream state and think that it's real. Inception is the point of slipping you into the dream state (which is really just an architectural maze filled in with details from your subconscious) and extraction is the point when,whoever has put you in the dream, takes information they were looking for in your subconscious. If it sounds complicated, it felt even more delightfully complicated watching it. The beginning hurtles you into a reality, that you find out is a dream, with no background information for you to soak in: you have to listen and absorb the action as it's happening to understand what's happening. It definitely takes a few minutes to adjust to the abrupt beginning as it continues to abruptly switch up on you. It is done cleverly enough, it makes you force your intelligence to meet the challenge of understanding the strange, yet simple complexity of the question: what is reality, but only a dream.
Who hasn't wondered that question: is all this real? What if life is just individual dreams we all have? Is what I believe to be real, really real, or is it just a dream...?
Have you ever wanted to fall asleep so bad, just so that you can escape to the memories in your dreams?......And you fall asleep at the most random times, and you dream of what was, what could have been...And you wake up and don't know where you are, because you thought that maybe, just maybe, falling asleep, you were really waking up to all the things you loved, that all the things that took you away from your happiness hadn't happened. That the dreams were real, and waking back up, you're really just waking back up to the actual dream.....?
That's what this movie made me think of. The truth is, that whatever your mind believes is real...That's reality. So, know your reality, and know your dreams, so that you know when you're waking up.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Despicable Me

It has been a minute since I have blogged last. I have abandoned you, my dear public, because of current personal matters I am coping with. I sincerely apologize for my short absence. It has been a beautiful past week, however, and today was no exception. With a brief heat wave, the cool afternoon was followed by light rain showers. Earlier in the heat, I decided to oust myself from the house and go out. I am not favorable to seeing movies by myself, but no one (myself included) can disagree with the argument that if you have no one to take with you, take yourself. Hence, I took myself. I like Adam Sandler and almost decided to see Grown Ups, but decided instead on the lighter animated Despicable Me.
Summarization: evil thief voiced by Steve Carelle, has to come up with and execute the heist of the century. Somehow along the way, he adopts three little orphan girls to help him carry out part of the heist. As the plot progresses, he becomes attached to the girls and has to decide what is more important: being known for pulling off the heist of the century, or being a father to the three girls.
I liked the movie's inventiveness, it kept the basic story line entertaining. It was fun, I enjoyed myself, and am pretty sure if you don't take yourself too seriously, you would enjoy it as well. It's still summer people, so get out and enjoy that tan and those summer flicks.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

The Proposal

It is yet again, another Saturday. I am watching the Proposal after shooting hoops. This movie makes me giggle. If only immigration proposals were really this exciting and kooky. O.k. Well, they sort of are, but actually more dangerous in comparison to this glamorous view of it portrayed in the movie. I really do love this movie though. Even though it is a far cry from reality, that's what movies are: the fairy tale version of real life. My favorite line from this movie though is at the end when Sandra Bullock's character tells Ryan Renold's character, that it is easier to be alone after years of becoming accustomed to it. He tells her that yes, it would be easier......And, I don't remember what he says to get them together, but I just remember that part. It's true though. After being alone for so long and trying to be in a relationship, is like trying to move back home after living on your own. You go from freedom and doing things your way to accommodating the needs and manners of an entirely other person. And love is supposed to make it easier, but usually just ends up complicating matters. Anyone that has loved and been jaded knows what I am talking about. Well, anyway.... I sit and watch this movie and imagine "what if...." The Proposal. Hmmmm.... Makes me giggle.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Trueblood Season Two

It is my second Saturday off from work. It has been a pleasure. I fell asleep watching the latest season of Trueblood available on DVD, and I woke up to put it back on. I have never spent my entire day in front of the television. It is awesome, but surprisingly exhausting. My eyes don't want to focus. Fresh air is calling me. If you haven't heard of the HBO series, it is about vampires. The title Trueblood is the brand name of mass produced bottles of blood to supply the vampires so they do not need to feed on humans. The vampires have become labeled another race among humans; some try to fit in with society while others do not try. The main character is Sookie Stackhouse, a telepath. Meaning she can hear people's thoughts. The first season she lives in Bon Temps, Louisiana with her grandmother and brother, Jason. It is a small town, and nothing exciting really happens. Sookie waitresses at a bar/restaurant, Merlotte's, and her boss you find out is a shape-shifter. A vampire ends up moving into town, Bill Compton, who ends up as Sookie's boyfriend. Sookie always has the problem of information overload, she can't figure out how to shut out everyone else's mind. Once she meets Bill, however, she realizes she can't hear vampire's thoughts. She finally has silence. And it isn't because vamp's are technically "dead," it's because they have natural walls around their minds because of their supernatural powers.

I am not about to try to explain the entire crazy show, because let's face it: sixteen hours of television is way too long to write about in a few paragraphs, so...yea, no. The script is always exciting and fresh to listen to. The characters really make the dialogues sing. From Sookie, to Tara, Lafayette, Sam, Bill, Erik, etc. The people really add the pizzaz to make it worthwhile. They are engaging, and the surprises still leave you with your imagination. This second season has more gruesome scenes than the first season had, but it is fitting somehow. I bet the producers wanted to test the water and see how audiences would react to blood and guts getting ripped and thrown around. I do not want to make it seem however that it is all gore, because it truly isn't. Bill struggles to maintain his reawakening humanity after centuries of being forced to think like a vampire. Sookie is finally learning to exist normally without being "overloaded" all the time, if you can call dealing with vampires, shape-shifters, and werewolves normal. Everyone has a complex that complicates someone else's complex, and so the saga continues. It is awesome. I really have no other words for it. Have you ever heard people talk about how they love The Godfather II and III, but they wouldn't have understood them without the Godfather I, not to mention they will never really live up to the first one. That is how I feel about Trueblood. I already love this second season, but I would not have understood it without having seen the first season. There are more shifters, and Satan...I'm sorry, I thought you were...someone else.. Uh-hum *cough, quote from another movie. But, yes, excellent again, this series has earned a place on my shelf. And I anxiously await the third season. Whoever thought sucking blood was cliche or old fashioned was seriously mistaken.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Practical Magic

Days pass, they all glide one into another, and before I know it, a week has passed: a month, eight months. Change is good, it breaks up the tediousness. Lately so many things are changing, I wish I had more surety, more stability. I want stability. I want family, I want a home. As always, there is a movie for this, and it always makes me feel better. Practical Magic.
This movie came out when I was.......(thought process:2010-1999=11 years...) Ten years old, going on eleven. I actually remember seeing the poster at the cheap theater inside the mall. I was smart enough to know my mom would never let me watch something with the word magic in the title of it, and sure enough, we didn't see it. I wouldn't end up seeing it until I was nineteen. I watched with two special friends of mine at the time. I had no idea at the time how much this one movie would affect my life. It is about two sisters raised by their crazy/magical aunts, because their father died and their mother died shortly after from a broken heart. The women in their family are cursed by a spell that kills any man that they love. The dark haired sister, Sally, is afraid of love, while the light red-haired sister, Jillian, goes through many guys (none of them going through her.) They grow up learning and practicing magic. Jillian's gift is less pronounced, while Sally's is more visible.
The parallels in this movie are fluent and beautiful. I have three sisters in my life. And this movie speaks to me about each one of them. I would die for each one of them. One of them is my blood, and the other two aren't, but sometimes family are the ones you choose, and you know they feel the same. Every time I watch Practical Magic, I'm reminded of the bond I have with these amazing women, and even though my entire life could be topsy turvy, I feel stable, because I know I have their love. In my journal, I write random things in the top right corner of every page. The page I arrived at today said, "an emotion stronger than love." I thought of a few things that reminded me and lead me to watch this movie today. I thought of family and fear. But I realized that family can be fickle. And fear can be overcome with love and strength. Thinking more on it, I also thought that while love can be many wonderful things, love can also hurt. Any good thing can be a bad thing as well. It only depends on how it is used. This story reflects that theme.
I cry and laugh with these characters, even when Jillian's psycho boyfriend gets murdered, I am reminded of all the times I step back and look at my life and wonder, "Did I Ever imagine that my life would look like this?" The answer is always, "no." I would never have imagined my life would look like it does now.....And you know what? It's o.k. Because I have the love of my sisters. I love each and every one of you, with your magical practicalities and all. God Bless.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

My Fair Lady

It has only been a little over a week, and yet it seems as if I haven't been on Blogger in a long while. I recently was relaxing at home after getting out my art canvases and decided to watch My Fair Lady. A friend of mine had suggested I watch it two years ago. About time to watch it, I'd say. I am not very educated about Audrey Hepburn's films. The opening scenes are reminiscent of Mary Poppins character, or rather the appearance, not the character. These older films all seem to have a soft warm glow to them. My generation is used to such fast paced films that we are often times bored with the "classic" movies such as the one I am watching. They were and still are intelligent, but we lack the simplicity to enjoy them.
My Fair Lady is also a musical. I wasn't aware of that when I first put it on. The first song of the movie, the main actor expresses his frustration over why the English can't learn to speak proper English. It is a clever song about grammar and accent, I honestly must admit, only a nerd at heart could enjoy it. His song is followed up by Audrey Hepburn singing about what she wishes she had. I had no idea she could sing as well as act. A nice luverly surprise. This whole movie felt like a candy: from the songs, to the Victorian outfits, to the script. I couldn't watch this every day, or even every month. However, it is a nice respite from the rush of modern films.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Iron Man II: Part Two

Thank god, it is officially the weekend. And it is done. I actually took off my rosary today at work. On normal days it reminds me of sacrifice and commitment, love, prayer, and mortality (among other things.) Today, however, I didn't want to be reminded of anything. I felt lucky to feel the wonderful sunshine. I just wanted to be invisible without standing out. I want to talk about Iron Man II, the onscreen struggle is more interesting. The Tony Stark character seems so unabashed about everything. He is quick on the uptake, a genius, and a womanizer. In the first Iron Man film Pepper Potts almost quits because she is afraid of Tony killing himself. Tony opens up a softer side for just a second to make a point to her that he finally knows in "his heart" this is what he is supposed to do; he rhetorically wonders why she stayed all the former years of his aimless wandering, and now that he has purpose she is going to leave him. (Of course she ends up staying, please! It's Robert Downey Jr. for god's sake.) Tony's character definitely still harbors all his old traits, but with a little something extra. His persona has matured, and it suites him well. There is a scene where he suddenly realizes the solution and he remarks that after discovering genius, he is still taken back to school. I was actually quite pleased that they didn't allow Tony's character to sleep with Scarlette Johanson's character. It was satisfying to feel the friction between the three points of the triangle, but it wasn't sullied by casual sex. How refreshing, for a change.
It makes me wonder, when I feel like there is nothing more to know, there really is, I just haven't looked for it. I was surprised to find out that all the Marvel comics are connected in some way. I was fascinated by this discovery and am going to look into researching it. It isn't only in theme and plot they are connected, but they also overlap somehow. I haven't done my research yet, though, so I will only take a look at the plot and theme. Compared to Spider Man, Iron Man is the same theme, just a slightly varied plot. Peter Parker is genius, as is Tony Stark. However, Peter is born poor and has to work his way into destiny, whereas Tony is more born into it. I'm not sure how I feel about superheroes, yet. There are some that look up to them, obsess about them, are jealous of them, connect with them, etc. I run away from my life, so on some levels, I connect. My own shoes seem too much to handle; I don't step up to the plate. I feel like Peter Parker, I just want to be normal: have a regular job, marry, etc. I feel like Tony Stark because I put up a front to hide the few fears I harbor inside, and when they finally surface, I am a total mess. And once the mess is cleaned up, I am back. Until then I will swallow the knot in my throat, and keep hoping there are more movies like Iron Man II to come and fill the space between.

Iron Man II: Part One

Today is my Friday, thank god. I am truly grateful it is the last day of my work week, because I am tired, depressed and wondering why I venture out of my shell into the great unknown every day. I am really starting to wonder if it is worth it all. On a happier note, Hi, how are all of you? I hope you all are enjoying your work week.
A few days ago, I went with a friend of mine to see the latest blockbuster, Iron Man II. It was definitely worth braving the packed Saturday crowds to see it. It was even worth sitting so close to the big screen I got a kink in my neck. Robert Downey Jr.'s character is engaging to watch as is the chemistry of everything in this hit movie. I am only on my lunch at work and have to head back, but I want to talk in detail about this movie later. Take care everyone.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

The New World

It is Mother's Day weekend and I am at a loss for words and what to do. So, I am here yet again to talk about a movie of mine I watched a few weeks ago; The New World. I didn't even stay awake to see the end of it. I remember how it ends. It is not a new movie, and the last time I had watched it was a few years ago. I had just moved into my own apartment by myself, and I watched it falling asleep next to the first love of my life. I was woken up in the middle of the night by him leaving and I didn't even turn the movie off before going back to sleep. I woke up again in the morning, alone, to see the DVD menu replaying itself over, and over again. I got out of bed and pushed "play" on the DVD player and listened to it again as I showered and got ready to leave for work. I would leave it in to only put it on to play again when I got home from work to fall asleep to it again, to remember him. It was the last time I got to be next to him. I wonder sometimes when things happen if we realize it is for the last time the occurrence is happening. I didn't realize it would be the last time, and I never asked myself what I would've done if I had known. It is pointless to dwell on the question "what if" once it is all said and done. I think if I had watched a different movie at the time, I wouldn't have been as affected by it. But it seems that at times of stress in my life, music and movies pop up in my life that reflect my situation, and the characters of The New World reflected me at the time.

The New World is yet another film adaptation of Pocahontas and the love story inbetween her and John Smith. I actually have a personal interest in reading about the history of the Indians, and anything about them in general. I particularly am fascinated by the accounts of white people that were taken captive by the indians. I steer clear of all the "hollywood-ized" versions of Pocahontas, but I remember at the time I had seen numerous sneak-peaks of this film and decided to give it a try. Collin Ferrel is casted as John Smith, and a few other main stream actors are included in the credits. Christian Bale, as well, appears as the man later to marry Pocahontas. The girl casted to play the Indian princess is captivating and interesting to watch as a new actress.

The first thing I noticed is that the film photography is incredible. Hands down, I have never seen another film with such beautiful imagery. The soundtrack complements it gently without underplaying itself. The dialogue is kept to a minimum, and truly, every frame is worth a thousand words. Everything is so expressive, from the expressions on the actor's face, to the sound of river water and the hum of insects thriving in/around the banks. It is a fine piece of work to be proud of. I was impressed with the fact that the film did not get lost in the history of the story, but that it took the risk of exploring the actual people's characters emotional make-up. It is usually risky to portray historical people's emotional battles, because it will be criticized not only by movie-going peers, but also by historical fact. Usually the actors pen themselves in with the script not wanting to overstep boundaries, and yet the actors here stooped below the boundaries and found original feeling for these characters within the story. The script really does emphasize points that history does not highlight very much. For example that John Smith actually was treated as a traitor for having made mutinous remarks on numerous occasions on the expedition and almost got hanged upon arrival to the new world. Watching the whole movie unfold, I began to not see the same old story told over by history, but an actual story. I didn't feel like I was watching the worn out story of Pocahontas and John Smith. I was seeing the end of innocence, and the finding of goodness after losing it. I had always seen it portrayed in a god-like sense. I had never looked beyond the surface of the legend because it all seemed so fairy-tale and untouchable, however upon witnessing this, I saw the legend in a new light. I saw that they were people just like me. I was awed by the talent of the actors and the weaving of the script and theme, and directing, etc. As a whole, this movie enveloped me. It took something I thought I knew, and showed me, I hadn't even seen below the surface. It is incredible to see Pocahontas evolve from naive girl, to budding woman. Even though it is over two hours long and could become tedious, it is easy to get lost in.

I, of course, am biased towards The New World. I honestly believe though that it is a profound portrayal whether it were to have sentimental value to me or not. I didn't have the courage to watch this movie till now, not wanting to remind myself of past hurts. I finally summed up the gumption though realizing that past hurts shouldn't stop me from enjoying good things. The New World really is a good thing to be enjoyed.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Revisiting Legally Blonde

It is a late Thursday night. I stayed up to revisit a movie that used to make me feel less serious. I've always been too serious about everything. A pen-pal of mine (yes, I have a pen-pal, from almost ten years ago,) used to enjoy it as well. She is a more relaxed and fashionable person than I am, but I digress.
This movie is ridiculous. It is pink overload with blonde highlights and a pinch of brains. It is, in short, intelligence with lip-gloss. How fruity is that? Fruitier than ambrosia salad, and sweeter, I say. I love watching Elle Woods evolve from fashion major to law student graduate and still maintain her roots, pun totally intended. While the plot isn't a new one, the theme reminds me clearly of the old adage that says to remember your past, but not to let it control who you are; just because everyone sees you as a "dumb blonde" doesn't make you one: only you decide who you are.
I liked the daring idea that a ditzy girl would go to such great lengths to win back a guy she loves. And I liked even more the fact, that she sticks to her conviction, with some encouragement, and in the end realizes she is the better person and deserving of someone better. Ah, snap! Well, technically bend, and then snap, but you know what I mean. Or maybe you don't know what I mean because you haven't seen the movie. And if you haven't it's o.k. The "bend and snap" has an 83% chance of the guy asking the girl out to dinner. But that you just have to see to believe. I didn't believe this was a good movie till I watched it. Pink, glitter, and all, I admit, it is still a comfort standby when you need to see life a little less seriously. Now I am off to sleep. Goodnight everyone.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Waiting.....My best friend's girl....You'll Never Know




Movies are so varied.
Movies are all similar.
they are like books
they remind you of the times
spent watching them
the time around watching
them, more than watching them.
I remember a first date
I was so tired and sitting
cold in the theater
standing up my knees almost buckle
he offers to cargarme (carry me)
No I decline with a roll
of the eyes...
sinking chair cushions,
old material, musty cozy smell,
empty living room occupied by an x-box
dvd's and games....
pacing between kitchen
living room, basement, room, kitchen,
piling pizza on a plate:
homemade, broccoli, mushrooms,
turkey pepporoni,
Salsa.
Futon, loft, hanging screen projector,
cuddling and tickling,
if you're hungry, there's food...no, it's o.k
I really didn't want you to reply
(and this I say to make it easier
to run away...I only wish you had
known, I really had wanted you
to reply: you had
to stay:you tried
to love..didn't get the chance...)
I'm sorry...

dark room lit by tv light
old Steve Martin flick,
falling asleep, waking up
you behind me, just holding me
breathing softly,
brushing my arm with your fingertips.....

ah movies. What they do to us.

ah memories. Why are they like photographs?....

Ice Age.
The New World.
10,000 B.C.
The Corpse Bride.
American Beauty.
Simpsons
Family Guy
I"ll keep you all on my shelf.
I'll never stop dusting you off
and
you'll never stop feeling my care.

I can't forget you all.
And you'll never know me.

How far I've come.
From then till
now.......

from waiting to
My best friends girl
from serendipity to
500 Days of Summer....
I can't forget you all.
And you'll never know me.

You'll never know I cared.
You'll never know
I keep you on my shelf still
I rememeber all those little moments.

You'll never know. Me.


Kate Mae J

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Invention Of Lying

I am actually quite tired after a short work day. I spent the rainy afternoon at the bookstore relaxing and drinking a cup of mint tea with a wonderful friend and colleague of mine. (Just had to throw that word colleague in there, it sounded so professional and awesome.) After getting home, I sat down and eyed the columns of DVDs I have stacked in my living room around the already full shelf of more DVDs. I honestly have no idea why I have so many except I enjoy having them and being able to watch them whenever I want to. I have so many that I still haven't watched, so I kept glancing at those and decided on The Invention of Lying. I had had an acquaintance tell me the summary of it last year, and it made me curious. The plot is based around the idea of what if society had not evolved with the ability to lie. In the script, one man obtains the ability to lie. It sounded quite ingenious, and so I purchased it. Deciding it being a cloudy afternoon, I deemed it a good enough day to curl up and watch a "supposed" to be dry-humor film. The co-creator of the TV show The Office co-wrote, co-directed and starred in The Invention of Lying.
It does not start with the finesse and fine touches of a large budget Hollywood blockbuster, but instead has the quiet sense of an Indie film. The only two really famous actors are Jennifer Garner and Edward Norten. The plainness of the it gives the setting a nice sense of reality, without the glamour of a large Hollywood studio. I had been warned that the script was very crude, but I still hadn't prepared myself for the opening line to include the open confession of a woman masturbating. So, not only has society not developed the ability to lie, but neither has it developed the ability to discern what to say and what not to say. The whole movie continues this way. People are brutally honest about everything, down to a secretary correcting a misquotation about her boss, that, no she didn't call him gay, but a fat fatty fag. How charming, not to mention she makes this correction in front of her boss, and doesn't get in trouble for it! Can you imagine? Once past the initial shock however, the plot rolls out smoothly, about this loser, who is short, chubby, with a snub nose. He loses his job, and is about to become homeless, when suddenly he gains the ability to lie. He goes to the bank to withdraw the last of his money, $300. His months rent however, is $800. When at the bank, the teller asks how much he wants to withdraw, and in the space of a second, he tells her $800, instead of the $300 he really has. The teller of course has no way of knowing that this isn't true, because of course, no one is capable of telling a lie. So, she assumes it is a glitch in the computer system saying he only has $300 available in his account and gives him the requested $800. The movie continues this way, until finally he tells a lie so big, that the whole world ends up hearing about it.
So many films now try to be epic in every way, in that they are fast paced and keep the audience drawn in to a final climax. Every once in a while though, I come across quiet films like this that stays under the blockbuster radar and while it isn't epic, it is peppered with small touching gem-like moments to be cherished. One such moment is when the main antagonist finally convinces the beautiful woman to go on another date with him, and in the middle of the date, he gets a phone call that his mother is dying. He races to the hospital and while sitting with his mother, she tells him she is afraid. She begins to cry and tell him that after dying it's just an eternity of nothingness and she didn't even get to do everything she wanted to. He is so effected by seeing his mother slip away sadly, that he makes up a lie so that she dies happy and hopefully. He tells her that death isn't empty and that you go to a place of eternal happiness and everyone has a mansion. He even tells her all her loved ones will be there, and only love is there, no pain, ever again. I was surprised how sweet and gentle this moment came across in the middle of an excruciatingly honest script. It feels like the saving hug after years of enduring abuse. There are similar moments strung throughout the remainder of the movie.
I was impressed with the cleverness and the tied together themes worked into the plot. It may not have been a huge climatic story, but it had enough little climatic elements to make it worth watching. It was a fun and interesting idea about an non-evolved society of adulthood. I would recommend it for a more serious, thought provoking evening. And that is the honest truth.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Ponyo

Today is 4/20, a day that makes me wish I smoked marijuana, but alas, I do not. Oh, well. I kept to myself today. Drove for a few hours (just to drive, it's a hobby of mine), took a nap in the sunshine and fresh breeze, woke up to a growling stomach (I forgot to eat all day, again), ordered cashew chicken, brought it home, and put a movie on to watch. Which movie? Ponyo, of course. I can't even wait till the end of the animated film to talk about it. It is based off of Hans Christian Anderson's original story The Little Mermaid. With that title, you can already grasp an idea of how the movie flows, (no pun intended.) I couldn't believe how many elements the movie possessed. From the voice casting, the mixing of Japanese drawing styles, the script, and the tiered leveled themes. I am dually impressed, and it hasn't even finished yet.

To begin, it starts very slow. Painfully, and even quietly so. I was getting the sinking feeling (again, no pun intended) it was going to be one of those movies, with barely any dialogue. However, within a few minutes, the beginning credits finish and the movie speeds up in a building crescendo of a span of ten to fifteen minutes. Ponyo is one of the many fish-children of a man that lives in the ocean on a boat. She manages to run away, or rather swim away, on the back of a jellyfish. She ends up on the coast where a little boy finds her trapped in a mason jar and saves her. He claims she is a goldfish and puts her in his sand bucket with water and takes her home with him. He lives with his mom in a house on a top of a hill, and his dad is always away at sea. Meanwhile, her ocean father, voiced by Liam Neeson ventures onto dry land to find her. I must comment how ironic it is that Liam Neeson has fallen once again into the "father finding his daughter" character, especially since he recently finished starring in the acclaimed Taken.
The scripting was inventive, the characters engaging, and even if bordering cheesy, is enjoyable. It isn't too long of a movie, but definitely running on the longer side. It is chock full of touching moments that in the simplicity of it, you realize how profound the parallels are. There is a scene where the boy loses Ponyo, as he calls his goldfish, and he's extremely sad. His mom tries to console him with the fact his father will be home that night. He does cheer up, but then his dad calls to say he can't make it because he has to go finish one more catch of fish. The mom gets upset, and the boy trying to console his mom tells her, don't worry, I know Dad breaks his promises a lot, but he loves us, and will come home. He then wonders out loud to himself, I hope Ponyo is o.k. I hope she doesn't think I've abandoned her; I love her and will find her. The mom sits up and looks at her son and hugs him and tells him how smart he is; and that, Ponyo will be ok, and of course she knows he loves her. The fact that the two characters in love are children makes up for the fact that at times it becomes cheesy. It captures the honesty and innocence we have as children, and that most of us lose on the way to adulthood. I will watch it again, when I'm in the mood for something light and sweet to watch.

Monday, April 19, 2010

I Should Be Polite

It is the same day and here I am blogging again, and it isn't even about Ponyo still. I suppose I should introduce myself. I am a twenty-one year old female going on twenty-two. I am at a loss what to do with myself at this point in my life. It's strange, because there's either two ways to approach this point in one's life: live life like a party, or be studious and plan ahead. I'm actually neither. If I were to describe my life-style, it would sound more like a middle-aged person already settled down, even though I am not settled down. Far from being settled, I live on a couch. It has been an exciting couch. I wonder where I will end up next. I have settled into limbo due to the fact I don't know how to have my cake and eat it too. I keep holding out till I can figure out how to. And in the meantime, I just live my life. I work full-time at Wal-Mart, and go out to eat. I cook at home, I read (a lot,) and I watch movies. I know how to live alone and I have lived alone, but I don't like to. I do like to write and talk about movies. Being a theater student on hold (perhaps permanently) I like experiencing most things on stage or on screen. And also since I am working towards being bilingualy fluent, foreign films interest me as well.
So, here I am in limbo, older than twenty-one, but not quite twenty-two, starting a blog about one of my passions. It isn't even that I am passionate about the movie itself, but the enjoyment I get from watching them. Here's to Peace, Love, and Popcorn grease...(because usually all those things have occurred alongside the few decades of films tucked away in my mind.)

Hi, Nice to Meet You, What Do You Want?

Hello, fellow bloggers and readers. I am fresh blood to the blogging scene. While I never have posted anything for the main public to see, I am going to post now. A good friend of mine was talking with me on the phone the other day and I was telling him about a movie I was watching at the time: American Beauty. He gave me the idea that I should start a blog on the movies I see: a movie review blog if you will. So, here it is. I am about to watch one of the latest, (if not the newest,) film from the Studio Ghibli called Ponyo. Presented by Disney it is an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's original story The Little Mermaid. Should be engaging. Let's take a look see.