Defiance

Defiance, directed by Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond - which is also an excellent movie), is the story of the Bielski brothers and the community that they organized.

Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell), and Aron (George MacKay) Bielski escape being killed or rounded up by running into the forest. Aron quickly finds more fellow Jews who have managed to escape to the forest. Tuvia (the oldest brother) decides that they would have to try to make the best life they could in the forest, and that they would turn no one away from their village. Zus (the second oldest) decided to join the Soviet partisan group that was in the area, and he left the original Bielski camp.

The film mainly follows the Bielski partisans in their struggle to survive. The population grew as the partisans smuggled hundreds of Jews out of a nearby ghetto. As the population grew, so did the complexity of the group's organization. Everyone was forced to give up their possessions for the benefit of the community and everyone was expected to use their skills to benefit the good of the community. It was a struggle to survive, but the forest community was the only place that Jews could be free. It was the only place where they could keep their humanity. A scene that I found especially poignant was during Asael's wedding. As the happy couple was dancing and the whole community was celebrating and being 'normal' we see Zus setting up a bomb on a Nazi supply line. While the community was successful in maintaining their humanity, they were never very far from the war.

The movie ends with a bit of a battle scene and the final relocation of the community.

The true facts listed at the end of the movie tell us that the Bielski partisans lived in the forest for over two years. 1 200 people survived until they were able to leave the forest (most of them being women, children, and elderly). In the last place that the partisans settled in the forest, they were able to build a hospital, school, and nursery. Tuvia and Zus both ended up in the United States where they started a business together.

Defiance is a wonderful (based on true story) movie that depicts a little known story that deserves to be known by more people. It is a story about survival, about humanity, about brothers, and about community.

Defiance gets three kernels - a quality movie that is definitely worth seeing.

Doubt

John Patrick Shonley, writer (both screen and original play) and director, delivers an outstanding story about a priest accused of molesting a student at St. Nicholas school in 1964. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Father Flynn - the man at the centre of the accusation. Amy Adams stars as Sister James - the young nun who first believes something is going on between the Father and a student. Meryl Streep is Sister Aloysius - the Principal of the school and the one who is determined to remove Father Flynn.

Doubt opens with Father Flynn's sermon on doubt. Here we learn that, 'Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty. When you are lost, you are not alone.' Essentially, Sister James (Adams) is a new teacher at the school where Sister Aloysius (Streep) is the strict (strict would actually be an understatement) principal. Sister Aloysius has told Sister James to be on the lookout for anything unusual relating to Father Flynn. It would appear that Sister Aloysius does not trust him. After Sister James witnesses some suspicious behaviour the two nuns confront Father Flynn under the pretext of the upcoming Christmas concert. This scene not only tells us a great deal about Father Flynn as he tries to avoid the real subject at hand, but we also learn that Sister A. is extremely old fashioned and thinks Frosty the Snowman is downright heretical. Oh, and so are ballpoint pens...just so you know. After Father Flynn explains himself to the satisfaction of Sister James, Sister A. is left to get rid of him herself.

It is around this time that the mother of the child, Mrs. Miller (Viola Davis), is brought into the film. Approximately seven minutes later Mrs. Miller leaves the film. Viola Davis is nominated for an Oscar for this role. While I found her performance good, I don't think I would have ever guessed it was Oscar good.

With no support from the child's mother, Sister A. is forced to continue her crusade alone. She is determined to look after her students and will stop at nothing to make sure they are protected from Father Flynn. [In case you don't want to know the ending I will put it in white. Drag cursor over to read.] After Sister A. lies about phoning a former parish, Father Flynn agrees to request a transfer. She gets her way and seems happy, however, in the end she confesses to Sister James that she has serious doubts.

I must say that the cast in this movie is phenomenal. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Father Flynn very well. Because we are never 100% sure about his actions, he has to be both likable and despised. Meryl Streep is excellent as the 'stuck in the past' Sister Aloysius. She appears to be hard on her students and rather unreasonable about everything, however, we also see her caring and even protecting a fellow nun who is going blind. Amy Adams is also excellent in her role as Sister James. She effectively portrayed someone a little uneasy and yet also steadfast in her faith. My favourite Amy Adams/Sister James moment is when Father Flynn is loading up his tea with sugar, to the horror of both women, and when asked if she wants sugar she blurts out that she never has sugar...not that there is anything wrong with sugar...followed by an awkward smile.

Doubt gets three kernels - a good movie with excellent actors that is definitely worth a watch.

Bride Wars

I should preface this review by saying that the night I went to this movie I had spent a good chunk of the day at a wedding expo (where I didn't even win any prizes...how unfair). I had seen the real life glimmer of Bridezilla in many eyes and I must say that Bride Wars takes the whole Bridezilla mentality to a new level.

Bride Wars stars Anne Hathaway (Emma) and Kate Hudson (Liv). Bryan Greenberg (Nate), Chris Pratt (Fletcher), and Steve Howey (Daniel) play the three leading guys.
The plot is fairly basic. Emma and Liv have been best friends for many many years (or BFFs as the kids might say), and they both get engaged around the same time. Naturally, they are each others maids of honour and when a scheduling conflict means that one of them has to give up the dream wedding at the plaza all 'wedding' gloves are off. They each get replacements and wage battle on each other. For the most part the plot is predictable and most of the funny lines in the movie were already repeatedly shown to us in the previews. I did however learn that formerly chubby girls are tough because they are made of steel and splenda.

Anne Hathaway plays a fairly likable teacher that has spent most of her life trying to make other people happy...until her wedding day when she finds out that she has a backbone after all. Kate Hudson, on the other hand, is the overbearing crazy lawyer who realizes she doesn't have to be perfect all of the time. After all, her fiance prefers to have a human wife because the other ones are too hard to blow up. Her character's over-the-topness provided the majority of chuckles. Just a brief aside, if you are familiar with young Goldie Hawn you may have noticed that Kate looks pretty much identical to her mother.

The men in the movie, much like grooms at a wedding, didn't really garner that much attention. You may however notice, as I did, that all of the men in the movies come from a tv background. Bryan Greenberg as the oh so lovable Jake from One Tree Hill, Chris Pratt from Everwood, and Steve Howey as Van from Reba. I would say that Steve Howey did the best job (though I think he probably also had the most lines).

I attended this movie (as I did the wedding expo) with my two bridesmaids. One thought it was a crime against womanhood and the other was not sure it was necessary. I fall somewhere in the middle. It was a fun movie and had enough chuckles to keep me entertained. I learned some valuable wedding lessons; like you don't alter Vera Wang to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera Wang. However, to be honest I expected a little bit more from the story.

Bride Wars gets one kernel - funny, but I could have waited for it to be on tv

81st Annual Academy Awards Nominations

The nominations are out. Closer to award night I will of course post my predictions, but for now go here http://oscars.com/nominees/?pn=nominees and check out who got nominated and who got left out.
Feel free to post thoughts for discussion.

Role Models

- Directed by David Wain, and featuring Paul Rudd (Danny) and Seann William Scott (Wheeler)

When I first say the commercials for Role Models I thought it looked funny, however, I also thought that all of the funny moments were probably in the commercials. This was not the case.

Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott) travel around to schools giving anti-drug speeches while peddling the energy drink Minotaur. After an incident involving a minotaur shaped truck and a horse statue, Danny and Wheeler are required to serve 150 hours community service at Sturdy Hands (a big brother/big sister kind of organization). Danny is paired with Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse, better known as McLovin), a kid who loves nothing more than to participate in LAIRE (Live Action Role-playing Explorers). Wheeler's kid, Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson), is a little more outspoken and outgoing. For me, the beginning part of the movie when we are introduced to the men and the boys was lacking a little bit. The only scene that stands out for me is when Danny decides to speak out against the almighty Starbucks when trying to order a large coffee.
Danny: "No venti is twenty. Large is large. In fact, tall is large and grande is Spanish for large. Venti is the only one that doesn't mean large. It's also the only one that's Italian. Congratulations, you're stupid in three languages."
This is also the scene where I learn, from Beth (Elizabeth Banks), that venti is large because a venti is 20 oz. It makes so much sense...though just calling it large makes sense too.

Anyway, after all of the characters are introduced and the guys start to connect with their kids (whether through LAIRE or KISS) the movie gets much funnier. What makes the movie more than just okay is that there is more to it than just the funny. I am not saying it is intellectual or even that deep, but the four main characters do grow and mature and it is really nice to watch. Without getting into the whole end of the movie, so as to not ruin the plot, I just want to say that the four have to enter their own country into the big LAIRE battle. They get all dressed up as Kiss (because Wheeler is obsessed) and their country's name is Kiss-My-Anthia. Hehe.

The supporting cast in the movie was a bit of a mix for me. Augie's parents were entertaining, but mostly they provided moments for Danny to be entertaining. Jane Lynch played Gayle, the founder of Sturdy Wings, and was at times a little much. You should also know that Gayle used to have cocaine for breakfast and lunch, and she is BS-proof so don't even try to BS her...cause she used to have cocaine for breakfast and she is BS-proof. Yeah.

So I really have no way to tie this in, but I just want to share another line from the movie that amused me. Wheeler is rocking out to some Kiss, when Danny changes some of the lyrics a bit.
Danny: "No, I like to rock 'n' roll all night and part of every day. I usually have errands...I can only rock from like 1-3."

Oh, and if someone says something about your whispering eye you might want to watch Role Models to find out what they are talking about.

Role Models gets two kernels - funny movie and probably worth a second viewing.

Synecdoche, New York

Here we are. My first movie of 2009. Maybe I should not have picked Synecdoche, New York to start out the year. It is kind of a hard movie to explain, or even just talk about, without getting a little confusing. I will just start with the basics. Synecdoche, New York is Charlie Kaufman's latest movie, staring Philip Seymour Hoffman (Caden Cotard - a director), Catherine Keener (Adele - the wife), Michelle Williams (Claire - the actress), and Samantha Morton (Hazel - the box office girl).

Now I guess it is time to explain the plot. This is the very tricky part. You may or may not know that Charlie Kaufman is also the man behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. If you have seen this movie you may understand why I am clearly stalling to get to the plot description. I really just want to tell you to go watch it yourself and end this post right now, but I guess I should say a little bit more.

Basically, Caden Cotard (Hoffman) is a director who is married to an artist, Adele (Keener), and they have a daughter. Adele has a show of her tiny tiny paintings opening in Berlin and she decides to take their daughter, Olive, with her and leave Caden behind. Caden then wins a grant that allows him to finally do his own work, and he chooses to create a large theatre piece that develops throughout the rest of the movie. Caden starts rehearsals for his show and casts Claire (Williams) as one of his many actors. From here life goes on and rehearsals continue and the piece develops. Essentially Caden is recreating his life through theatre. He keeps casting people, including an actor to play himself, to act out scenes from his life. These include his marriage to Claire, the deaths of his parents, and cleaning his ex-wife's apartment. As the piece progresses more characters and more layers are added. Eventually it becomes a challenge to distinguish Caden's fictional world from his real world. Of course being a Kaufman film, there are a few, and by a few I actually mean many, peculiarities along the way. For instance, a house that is constantly burning and an actual rose pedal falling off of a tattoo.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was wonderful playing the, sometimes, endearingly neurotic director. However, I would also like to mention the excellent job that Michelle Williams did playing the slightly ditzy and kind of adorable Claire. Samantha Morton, as Hazel the box office girl and one of Caden's love interests, was equally as wonderful. Her character stood out to me as quirky, which is saying something in this movie, and generally cute. While watching the movie I couldn't quite place her, but I now see that she played Harriet in Emma and Jane in Jane Eyre.

Synecdoche, New York gets two kernels - quality movie and worth the money.

66th Annual Golden Globes

Instead of starting the year with a movie review (because I have yet to see one in 2009), I will start this blog off with a look at the Golden Globe Awards.

Let us start with a look at the red carpet.

- Miley Cyrus gets caught doing the 'strapless dress tug' that is oh so common at all award shows. Her speaking voice really irritates me, and I am not sure she is the classiest girl.
- America Ferrera is chatting away and I thought I liked her dress until I saw the ugly mess that the bottom part is.
- Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!...the ! is part of the title, I don't love the movie that much) is great. Pretty, and obviously nervous. Too bad they made her talk about Meryl Streep.
- Blake Lively (LOVE) with her dad. Her dress looks a little small, me thinks. Also...her real life dad looks awefully similar to her Sisterhood dad. I bet it is him. *checks sources* I am right. Her real dad is also her movie dad.
- There is much talk of Heath Ledger.
- Drew Barrymore looks kind of odd...or maybe strange is the right word. I like her dress though.
- Jeremy Piven appears to still be alive despite the mercury poisoning...I am sure Entourage fans are pleased.
- Will Arnet. I miss Arrested Development.
- Kate and Leo!!! I am very excited to see Revolutionary Road. They say they wish to see each other win. Aww, they are cute.
- I am going to go out on a rather short limb and say black and grey/silver are this year's colours. J. Lo., in her gaudy backless gold, missed the memo.
- Nancy O'Dell just dropped the boat when she insisted Sting was nominated when he is only presenting. Way to keep on top of all things entertainment.
- Pierce Brosnan was just asked if singing in Mamma Mia! was difficutl and replied it was easy. I am guessing he never actually watched his singing performance. Pierce + singing = Bad.

Now that actual awards begin.

-J. Lo. in the previously mentioned dress announces the first award. Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture goes to Kate Winslet (The Reader). She looks very pretty this evening...even though she is extremely flustered at the moment.
- Sting looks kind of...how should I put this? Let go. He is telling us Bruce Springsteen (The Wrestler) won for Best Original Song-Motion Picture. During the nominee shots Miley Cyrus stuck her tongue out at the camera. She is SO NOT CLASSY enough to be at the GG Awards.
- This year's second generation performer helping hand out awards is Rumor Willis (Demi and Bruce's daughter).
- Tom Wilkinson (John Adams) for Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini Series, or TV Movie.
- Laura Dern (Recount) for Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini Series, or TV Movie. She was sitting far back but really booted it up to the front, much appreciated Laura Dern.
- Don Cheadle has no hair. He is also introducing the clip for Burn After Reading. Love that movie.
- Anna Paquin (who I hardly recognized b/c she is a little older and much more blonde) wins Actress in TV Series-Drama (True Blood, a show I've barely heard of and never seen).
- Confessions of a Shopaholic commercial was just on. Very exciting. I recommend that you read the books by Sophie Kinsella and then go watch the movie when it comes out.
- Best Animated Feature Film is Wall-E.
- Sally Hawkins wins for Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy for Happy-Go-Lucky. I've never heard of her or this movie...and the voice has nothing to say about her as she walks up. I care not to google her at the moment.
- All of the actors tend to say the GG Awards are their favourite b/c there is food and wine and they are short. The problem with this is people sit at their tables and talk and make noise and don't seem to be able to quiet themselves quickly when onair. Also, the camera pans the crowd and people are often not looking photogenic or they are furiously texting someone. Then again...maybe that isn't a problem.
- Jake Gyllenhaal introduces the clip for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and I will tell you your not so interesting-interesting fact of the day: the girl who played the young Daisy (Blanchett) in Benjamin Button also played the daughter of Pitt and Blanchett's characters in the movie Babel.
- Best Mini Series or TV Movie goes to John Adams.
- Demi Moore tells her daughter not to hunch and then announces the winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Director Chris Nolan accepts Heath Ledger's (The Dark Knight) award in front of a standing audience. As well as a few words, they play a clip from the movie.
- Best Foreign Language Film goes to Waltz with Bashir (Israel).
- Best Actress in a Mini Series or TV Movie goes to Laura Linney for John Adams.
- Screenplay Motion Picture winner is Somon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire.
- Amy Poehler (who is apparently getting her own show) and Patrick Dempsey announce that Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) wins for Best Actor in TV Series-Comedy or Musical. During my efforts to find out about Amy Poehler's show I found out that they are making a second Hoodwinked movie. This pleases me.
- Paul Giamatti (John Adams) wins Best Actor in a Mini Series or Made for TV Movie.
- Best TV Series-Musical or Comedy winner is 30 Rock. Tracey Morgan is accepting the award b/c apparently he had a deal with Tina Fey that if Obama won then Tracey would be the new spokesperson for the show.
- Another little not all that interesting-interesting point that I've recently heard is that Mamma Mia! has passed Titanic as the highest grossing movie in the UK. I was suprrised too, but I guess they really like ABBA.
- Best Original Score-Motion Picture winner is A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire).
- Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical, or Comedy goes to Tina Fey for 30 Rock. Hehe, Tina tells us that she is a huge fan of the Hollywood Foreign Press and that she had all of their action figures when she was growing up. She then addresses some people on the internet who do not like her...by telling them ot suck it. I love Tina.
- Martin Scorsese presents Steven Spielberg with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for outstanding contribution to the entertainment field. They play a montage of basically all awesome films. Spielberg talks about being inspired to make his first movie and about the importance of being a mentor.
- Winner of Director-Motion Picture is Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire).
- Best Actor in Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy goes to Colin Farrell (In Bruges).
- Sacha Baron Cohen talks about the financial crisis and how it is hurting the celebrities: Victoria Beckham hasn't eated in three weeks, Charlie Sheen was forced to have sex with women without paying, and Madonna had to get rid of one of her personal assistants (so sorry Guy). The Madonna/Guy joke produced some displeased murmurs.
- Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy winner is Vicky Christina Barcelona.
- Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road) wins Best Actress in Motion Picture-Drama. Yay. I am very excited for her. She is so freaking flustered and I love her.
- Mad Men wins the Best Television Series-Drama.
- Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama goes to Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). This win is greated by many many applause. Rourke thanks a lot of people for helping him get back in the biz. He also thanks his dogs for always being there for him (awww).
- Best Motion Picture-Drama (nominees are: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, and Slumdog Millionaire). Slumdog Millionaire wins.