Neighbors - the movie

RKZ and I have the incredible fortune of a summer (home-from-college) babysitter. She comes over most days so that I can run some errands and clean. Thursday nights, she's been coming over in the evenings and RKZ and I have been going on dates. Awesome. 

Last Thursday, we chose the movie Neighbors. We knew that it would be juvenile and most likely a tad raunchy. We actually talked about a drinking game (again, the theater serves beer) where we drink whenever the word penis is mentioned. I am, after all, Bourgeois. And so is my husband. 

But I actually feel as though this movie marked the end of an era - the era where I can stick with a ridiculously stupid comedy for the satisfactions of a few adolescent jokes. This movie was SERIOUSLY BAD. I mean, the couple next to us walked out 3/4 of the way through. I sincerely respected them for being able to lose hope that the ending would make up for the first hour and 1/2. All I could think was how sad it is that young men might like this movie. It made me depressed about our future. It made RKZ and I have a conversation that began, "How do we keep our boys from being total douchebags like ALL of the people in this movie." 

Basically, the plot goes: drugs, whining, partying, sex, sex, gratuitous butt shots of men, drugs, drugs, immature fighting, boys wasting expensive college educations, drugs, drugs, and useless shots of Zac Ephron without a shirt. I'm even irritated writing this post. 

Vince Vaughn couldn't have saved this movie. 

At one point I turned to RKZ and said, "Isn't there a movie of 2 kids dying of cancer next door?" 

The Grand Budapest

Here's a quick review of the movie RKZ and I went to see last Friday night. 

It will be short because we are INSANELY busy with life these days. 

A little background: there is a theater here (it's the Alamo Theater chain) that only allows people 18 and older after 6pm. There are little tables between the seats and there is table service for dinner WITH alcohol throughout each movie. The movies are the regular offerings of popular movies. If you are a movie lover and go on dates a lot to movies - these are the theaters for you. 

So, we chose our date-night based on the theater and NOT the movie. We chose the Hotel Budapest from a list of everything else that's out there because it seemed the most fun for a date movie. We had very nominal expectations. RKZ and I are both Bourge-ish in the way that we mainly just want to be entertained for 2 hours without being preached too or propagandized or given that sick feeling in our stomachs where we look at each other and say, "What?" Of course, we don't mind if we're going to the movie for one of those feelings/lessons but I can't remember the last time we sought any of those things out. 

Here was our overwhelming take: The movie was ridiculous and campy and strange and we liked it. It is a story within a story within a story movie which was meta-fictional enough to appeal to me. It was campy and slap-stick enough that RKZ found it funny. There are some silly vulgar scenes and some silly violent scenes, so don't see it if that would bother you. Nothing lasts too long and it's not a movie that will change your life. 

If you are familiar with Wes Anderson and liked any of these movies: 

then you will like the Hotel B. 

Was it worth the $25 we spent? I think so, honestly. In that great theater setting, it was a very escapist thing to watch so we enjoyed it. 

Delivery Man (2013) - Movie

I'm conscious of the fact that my family (a new readership by far) will not be very (read: at all) interested in my movie reviews, but that (as they know just by being in relationship with me) will not keep me from spouting my opinion all over the place ;) 

I watched Delivery Man on the plane as we began our Spring Break trip and I had to make a few comments because I really liked it (caveat: I don't mind 17 year old boy humor). 

First, I have a love affair with Vince Vaughn from way back. 

For some reason, this man can do no (or very little) wrong for me. I think he reminds me of someone I knew in college -- his humor is quite often vulgar and nominally stupid. None of the characters he plays in movies are "good" guys or witty or even endearing. And yet, I am endeared (can that be a verb)? 

I think it's because he always plays a Man. A guy. He is so "over the top" filled with testosterone and authenticity that I give him about 100 chances and always assume nothing but the best about him. Maybe I married him :) (jk, honey).

Of course, none of this has anything to do with the movie. Here's a synopsis that I stole from IMBd:

An affable underachiever finds out he's fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity.

I read this synopsis and ask myself, "Why would you even choose this movie?" My only answer can be the Vaughn classic, Couples Retreat, which was roundly panned by critics but loved by me. There is a poignant ending to Couples Retreat where Vaughn's character and his wife realize that the problems of love allow marriages to work because being together is what makes everything ok - not the lack of issues or problems. I figured that if Vaughn was heading up Delivery Man, there would be some redeeming lessons along the way if only to get me past the masturbation jokes (of which there are many).

Here is where my "Bourge-ness" kicks in. I watched the movie two weeks ago and don't remember Vaughn's character's name but I do remember the moments where his character was confronted with the fatherhood of the 533 children. These people just want to know where they came from and they ask very little from their biological father. It's Vaughn and the moments where he relates to the young adult "kids" that made the movie for me. Especially when one of his "kids" turns out to be a young man with very special needs. I loved the exploration of the idea of fatherhood. I loved the questions that the movie raises about the human need to know the man who helped create us. It is a movie almost entirely without mothers, which was interesting and different. I was only disappointed with the movie's take on Vaughn's father who escaped from Poland and made a fortune for his family. I was disappointed because his father wanted to pray Grace and his sons said, "Let's drink!" instead. Because drinking will help a person through moral dilemmas…she says with irony…see? Bourgeois. Proud of it.

I'm sure this film is happily on Netflix or in a Redbox by now. It's not at all funny like Old School or even Wedding Crashers. I think Vaughn might be stuck in his growing up phase where he can't decide if he wants to make funny movies or movies with real messages. So, he'll make kind-of-funny movies with sort-of messages and I get that - it's how I live my life. I liked this movie. But I know why it got a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

It's like Mr. Miagi said in Karate Kid: "Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape." 

But I love you, Vince, and I'll pay my $3.99 on a plane to watch you anytime ;) 

The Hunger Games trilogy: Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Until a few days ago, it never occurred to me to add the Hunger Games trilogy to the blog because it's hard to believe that anyone who would be interested in this series hasn't already read it. I remember that my (now 19 year old) niece poured through the novels the moment they each came out. She convinced my very busy brother and sister-in-law to read the books (miracle!) and they all spent a summer visiting with us and convincing me that I had to dive into them.

I spent last night watching the second movie,  Catching Fire, and I knew that I would need to discuss the trilogy today.

I love these novels. Specifically, I love the first two books: Hunger Games and Catching Fire. In case you have been living under a rock or leading a life more interesting than the average person, a quick, completely limited recap of the plot:

The story revolves around the series' rebel heroine, Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, formerly known as North America. In Panem, the Hunger Games are an annual event in which young boys and girls fight to the death in a televised battle.

If you've read them, you know that this is a severely limited synopsis of the actual works. Specifically, Katniss is one of the best young heroines in YA (young adult) fiction today. Intelligent, resourceful and wounded by the early death of her father, she seems singularly motivated by love.  But her love is gruff and quiet and hidden under layers of need to protect herself and the people she loves. I especially appreciated Katniss' near rejection of any type of romantic connection due to the fact that her life and the lives of her family are constantly in peril. The relationships in these books are both the central motivators and quietly in the background against the realities of war (or lack of reality of war for those not participating but watching on TV).

Collins is an army brat and she was formed by her father's discussion of the reality of war and their family tours of battlegrounds (can I get an Amen from my brothers?). She says that her inspiration for the Hunger Game series came after watching both reality shows and how similarly the coverage of the Iraq war seemed to them. I think that Collins' own feelings are very clear in the third novel, Mockingjay. This was my least favorite of the books but mainly because I felt that two tightly written thrillers almost faded into a political treatise. To be fair, I read a lot of these series one after the other with little time in between. Authors necessarily need to repeat details in one novel to another so that new readers (or those who have waited a year or more) will be "up to speed." The detail didn't bother me as much as the overall feeling that Collins was bringing down a heavy-handed message (even if I totally agree with the message).

**Spoiler alert ** In the third novel there are no more Hunger Games, there is simply war and the very real consequences of war. **Double spoiler alert for Divergent not as many real consequences as in Allegiant.

Should you read the Hunger Games? Is anyone really asking that? Should your teen or pre-teen read them? (assuming they haven't). Well…there is very little sex. I don't think there is any really (if that matters). There is an unimaginable amount of teen violence in all three books. The third novel hasn't been a favorite of any of the teens or YAs I know. Similarly to the Divergent series (but to a lesser degree), there are emotional but realistic casualties in the series.

My guess is that most pre-teens will see the movies. The second was better than the first in my limited (but happy) opinion. The last novel will be split into two movies (out in Nov. 2014 and then 2015).

If your child does read the books, they would make a great jumping point for a discussion of war and the consequences of war. Also, the political make-up of the US (and North America in general). It's fun to try and figure out who lives where after the separation into Districts. I found the choices of who lives where a little racist while watching the movies and I would love to hear what other readers think.

Blue Jasmine

Sometimes, when RKZ and I get into a "small argument", I will storm out of the house and go see a movie by myself. Normally, I'll see a movie he has no interest in seeing as this seems like a giant act of rebellion on my part (also, even though I'm mad, I don't like to see something without him that I know he'd like -such is love, I guess). Earlier in the year, one such movie was Blue Jasmine. Honestly, I didn't really want to see the movie, but it was well-reviewed and the only thing playing in the time slot I'd given myself for an adult tantrum. 

What a revelation Cate Blanchet is. I mean, not a revelation, exactly, since everyone already knows she's a great actress…but she is very raw and tragic in her role and I was actually mesmerized by her. She is the movie, truth be told. The plot is that a very rich woman's husband is revealed to be a major schemer (Madoff-style) and he's put in prison. He kills himself (not a spoiler - it's in the first 10 minutes) and she is left to figure out her future. She basically unravels throughout the film. 

This was a great movie to see on my own in the midst of my own irritation at the one I love.  This is not a date movie. It's honestly not an anything movie. If you haven't seen it, I'd rent it on a day when you just want to revel in someone else's misery. Or the day you're mad that other people have more money than you. Or the day after a "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" Marathon. 

If you like "A Streetcar Named Desire", this is the movie for you. If you teach "ASND", you could have your students watch this film and then write a compare/contrast essay. It might honestly make for good reading. 

The movie is OK. Woody Allen directed (I saw it before his daughter wrote her letter or I wouldn't have gone) and Cate Blanchet is phenomenal even as a broken soul. 

Happy Saturday! 

American Hustle (2013)

So, RKZ and I don't get to the movies very often, but when we do, we often have to compromise a little as to who gets to choose the film. When we first saw the ads for this movie, we knew we'd found one that we both wanted to see. Who doesn't love a 70's period piece staring Jennifer Lawrence? And the trailers looked funny. So, a few weeks ago we shelled out a small fortune for a sitter and went to see American Hustle.

Quick recap of the movie: A con-man meets his romantic and "professional" match in a con-woman and they begin the happy life of running scams (with some twists). An over-eager FBI agent then busts them so that they become part of his crazy scheme of bringing down dishonest government employees. It's honestly not a very complicated plot but made for some good situations along the way. 

Why is this movie getting Oscar nominations? The acting was awesome. Honestly, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper were amazing. I tend to rate actors by how much I forget who they are as private people and fall into the character they are playing. It might have been the hair, but it would have been hard to imaging Christian Bale or Cooper as anyone other than their characters while watching the movie. And I was very struck by Amy Adams' character and how subtly Adams played her. 

But no lie, Adams' breasts could have been nominated for best supporting actress because her character wore nothing but plunging necklines: 

Still, the movie was rated-R, so whatever, but I don't think I've ever noticed costume choices that much. 

The only bummer with the movie for me was that the first 1/2 of the movie was so fun - engaging, clever and just what I'd hoped for. But, I guess I wanted the second 1/2 to be a bit more of a Robin Hood story where everything worked out well for our heroes. I won't spoil it, but RKZ and I both found it a bit anticlimactic and were hoping for a "bigger" ending. 

I would probably rent this movie in a year or two from now but I don't think I'd go see it again. But I will continue to love Adams - and Lawrence - who I'm not totally sure isn't just playing her own wacky self over and over again in all of these films (but that's a personal opinion and she's still a cutey). 

The Lego Movie

While there are some "boy oriented" movies I have been excited to see, the Lego movie wasn't one of them.

I think this is why. 

My life is consumed by Lego.  I have an entire dining room covered with a layer or two of little plastic bricks.  My 2 year old carries at least 1 mini figure around at all times. I spend nearly 2 hours a day connecting weapons to square mini people with circular hands. The boys fight constantly about what belongs to whom (do you see the picture above? Who can tell?).  I can explain Ninjago, Chima, Monster (Hunters), Harry Potter and Star Wars sets in detail. My 8 year old woke up today crying that a brother had destroyed his "Mixil". I don't even know what that is but I know it's Lego. 

So, when my boys began clamoring to see the new movie centered around Lego, I was more than hesitant - I was adamant that their father go with them alone. But, as any guilt-ridden mother of young boys would be, I was torn because I didn't want them to see or hear anything I could not immediately explain in detail (it's a sickness). The movie is PG and I wasn't sure how much parental guidance might be needed. So, I went to see the movie too, armed with a purse full of snacks, juice boxes and alcohol (joking on that last bit. I had 2 beers before we left). 

Here is my review: The movie was fine. It was funny at points. It wasn't as sarcastic or ironic as I expected it to be (some Lego shows are really negative humor-wise). The main character is a little construction guy named Emmet. 

Emmet is funny and a conformist and probably a lot like myself and a lot of the people I know. So, I liked him. I won't continue too much with the plot because I figure, if you're going to go see it then you already have plans to go see it (or you already did) and if you aren't interested, you won't go. If you aren't interested, definitely DON'T GO.  I don't think this movie rewards curiosity with value for the money. It's not exactly a "sleeper hit." 

On that note, my boys really liked it. They have been quoting the movie for a week. I did really like that a big message of the movie is that "master builders create from their own minds and not instructions." I loved that message because my boys have taken it and run with it. The movie celebrated actually playing with Lego in their own ways. This helps since we have about 25 un-constructed sets which never got around to being the "right" shapes. 

The only thing I really didn't like about the movie is that it *tiny spoiler alert* became live action in the final act. This lost my boys in general, seemed a bit "mostly for the parents" and wasn't really necessary. It would rewrite the movie in a big way but I found myself wishing it had been just a Lego movie and not a meta-fiction trying to connect itself to reality. The last 15 years seems to have a lot of movies trying to be cute using the irony of connecting their mythology to "real life." I get enough real life, thank you, that's not why I go to a comedy, action or kids' movie. Save it for the Oscar contenders, I say. 

So that's my Bourg take. I'm sure it won't affect whether anyone actually goes or not. :) 

(Canadian note - they plurarlize Lego as "Lego", not "Legos"- and because this is where my intro to Lego came, it's what I do - it's a cultural thing).