Monday, February 11, 2008

Odds and Ends

If you have a lazy weekend coming up, here are some movies I'd recommend -
  • The Kingdom: Okay, I refused to go see this in the theater with James because Jamie Foxx just gets on my nerves. Yes, he was phenomenal in Ray and Dreamgirls, but since then he's gotten so full of himself and just annoyed me in interviews, so I have sort of refused to see his movies. Well, James pitched a fit that we rent it this weekend since I ruined his life by not going to see it in the theater. And, I have to admit that it was really quite good. Rent it, you'll like it.
  • Feast of Love: I really wanted to see this when it came out, but it was too 'girly' for James. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it's sort of a indie/art house movie and there is a lot of nudity - full on T & A. Beyond that, it was a very good love story. It was full of redemption, hope and the intricacies of all relationships. I really enjoyed it - and your man will too when you tell him about all the booby scenes.
  • The Jane Austen Book Club: Jane Austen, 'nuff said. It's a great ensemble cast - Maria Bello & Emily Blunt to name a few - and it follows the lives of several characters as they proceed through all 6 of Jane Austen's novels. Plus, it has cutie Hugh Dancy (ella enchanted anyone? am i the only person over 25 with no kids that loves that movie?!). Definitely girly, so watch it without the boys - and then go right into Pride & Prejudice!
  • Deathproof: Again, evil me wouldn't go to the theaters to see this when it came out. It seemed so stupid. I'm not a 'hot rod' kind of person. James has been begging to rent it for months and I finally gave in. I love Tarantino - sure he's annoying as hell, but I always love his movies - and Deathproof was no let down. Full of gratuitous, over-the-top violence, cursing, strong women and good music - it's a total Tarantino. If you don't like violent movies, then avoid. If you're like me, enjoy!

So, can you tell what I did this weekend?

7 comments:

Breezy said...

Add to that "Across the Universe"...ah, all the Beatles songs were done beautifully! It was a pretty artsy musical (think Moulin Rouge)...Josh actually really enjoyed it as well. Also, if you haven't seen it (I'm waay behind the times with this one) "Last King of Scotland"...you have to be mentally prepared though for the torture done to the people...very powerful though. It's one of those movies that makes me wish I knew more about history (and I hate history!).

Stacy said...

Yes, we saw "Last King.." in the theaters after I read the book. Believe it or not, the book is even more shocking and evil.

I'm definitely looking forward to "Across the Universe" - I'll have to get that this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Hmm…I may add Feast of Love to the Netflix queue. Can't do the others, though. Especially not Deathproof—you know I hate everything Tarantino touches.

I've seen Last King of Scotland, but I haven't read the book. I enjoyed James McAvoy in the movie. I would like to see him in Atonement, but I'm not sure I can watch him bang Keira "I'm not anorexic, I'm just not hungry" Knightley.

Stacy said...

Truly, McAvoy is the only highlight in Atonement. Otherwise, I hated the whole movie - Keira especially.

Breezy said...

OH, and I think you've read the book "My sister's Keeper"...well, they are making a movie of it. Apparently Dakota Fanning was to play the sick sister and they wanted her to shave her head and she refused and opted out of the movie. Now, Abigail Breslin and some girl from TV show will play the sister and the "keeper". Cameron Diaz is set to play the mom...not sure how I feel about her playing that kind of role. I'll probably watch anyway b/c I LOVED that book!

Anonymous said...

Have you read the book Atonement? For awhile I couldn't decide how I felt about it. Now I'm beginning to realize that it was manipulative, and that pisses me off. If a story is going to be heartwrenching, I'd prefer it be so without narrative trickery. Like Les Mis or A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I feel like Atonement tricked me into feeling sad at the end. So I'm guessing I might not like the movie, either—James McAvoy notwithstanding.

Although, if they'd only cast someone besides Keira as Cecilia, I would love to see Mr. McAvoy in the library scene. ;)

Stacy said...

Well, Mr. McAvoy was the only thing worthwhile in Atonement. He is nothing short of breathtaking. Keira is all waifish and pouty throughout - but I think she was just really hungry. And no, I didn't read the book - if I had, I would not have seen the movie. It felt like a bad soap opera where the person wakes up and says "it was all just a dream." Of course the difference there is that when they wake up all is well and happy. In the movie, all turns into shit and you feel totally used. ARGH - Damn You Atonement!

PS - If you love some hot McAvoy, then rent Becoming Jane. About Jane's real life and McAvoy is yummy. However, it isn't a happy ending and really broke my heart for them. I literally couldn't sleep because I was so distraught about the reality of it all. So, be forewarned.