Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

This weekend I saw the movie Midnight in Paris and I fell in love. This film, written and directed by Woody Allen, focuses on Gil, an aspiring novelist. This adorable and endearing screenwriter turned ‘real’ writer is played to perfection by Owen Wilson. While in Paris, Gil finds inspiration for his novel in the most unlikely way; he meets some very interesting and enlightening individuals. I will tell you no more, for my friends begrudge the fact that I give away key plot points, but I will restate the fact that I truly loved this film. It was sweet and hilarious, but most importantly, this movie was authentic to the point in which it left you with a sense of bittersweet knowingness. Ultimately, this film caused me to question who I would want to meet if I had the opportunity. So, let’s play the game ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’.

I think we should first set the scene. I’m thinking a really nice beach house on the Cape with a huge wrap-around porch and tons of space to entertain. And a library with built-in bookcases. No, I’m not inviting ‘The Beast’ from Beauty and the Beast, but seriously, who wouldn’t kill for that library?

We would have a lobster bake for dinner, with tons of booze, and a buffet of delicious desserts.

But the question remains, who’s coming to dinner?

1) Steven Speilberg – He seems really cool and he’s responsible for E.T.

2) Woody Allen – I just want to give him a hug. And discover all of his secrets.

3) Kevin Spacey - His impersonations would be reason enough. 

4) Adam Sandler – Yeah 603!!! Also, I would seat him between Aaron Sorkin and Martin Scorsese because I think that would be hilarious.

5) Tom Hanks – Big, Sleepless in Seattle, Splash, etc. And this.

6) Nora Ephron – I hear she’s not the nicest lady in the world so I’d give her a bottle of wine and sit her next to Tina.

7) Aaron Sorkin – Teach me how to put words on a page.

8) JJ Abrams – For so many reasons, but also because of this. 

9) Will Ferrell – I’d use him to convince everyone to go streaking. Not that I’d want to see that but it would be pretty awesome.

10) Tina Fey – Because I can.

It’s a bro-fest, I know, but so is the film indust … did JJ just put a lampshade on his head?! 

The Art of the Drive-In

If you’ve never been to a drive-in, take my advice, and use this summer as an opportunity to find a drive-in near you and go. The drive-in is something every movie-goer should experience. Before you jump into the car in search of adventure and greasy popcorn, however, let me first give you some advice on how to best optimize your drive-in experience.  Blankets, pillows, and extra sweatshirts are essential. You also need to sneak in a plethora of snacks and beverages. My own personal preference is equal parts salty snacks and sweat treats. I’m not going to promote smuggling in alcoholic beverages. But, if one were to do such a thing, I bet, I’m just guessing, but I bet a light, summer beer like Corona would be just wonderful. You should also bring bug spray and an electric bug zapper (if you have one). If not, get one, they are extremely entertaining. Finally, how you park your car is essential. Parking your car so it’s facing the screen = rookie mistake. Always park your car so that you can hang out in the trunk with the back popped open; it’s the only way to go.

There really is nothing like spending a New England summer evening at the drive-in. I think my favorite part might be the drive home. It’s usually around 1am so everyone is exhausted. Everyone is calm, quiet, contented, half-listening to the radio. I just love driving by fields, lakes, and through the woods, with clouds of mist billowing over the road. It’ll make you never want to leave New England; take my word for it. I’m sure I’ve convinced you to try a drive-in, but this is a movie-review blog, so you’re probably wondering about the movie part of the drive-in. Honestly? Not that important. As long as you have good friends who will make the obligatory Grease references, refreshing beverages, and disgustingly unhealthy food – the movies don’t really matter. I had a wonderful time last night, which is a testament to the drive-in experience because I saw two truly dreadful movies.

The majority of this post has been dedicated to promoting the drive-in, because I really have no words for the movies that I saw. My friends and I ended up seeing Green Lantern and The Hangover Part II. I can say, without a doubt, that Green Lantern is one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my entire life. The Hangover Part II wasn’t much better, but that really only suffered from a lack of originality; it at least had a story, even if it was a story we’ve all seen before. Green Lantern on the other hand, Green Lantern lacked everything; good writing, acting, and a story. Having seen the movie, I’m still confused about a) the plot, b) his superpowers, and c) who or what he was fighting. Also, I’m going to try to not give anything away, even though I don’t think anyone with a brain should see this movie, but the ending suggests that the makers of the film believe there is potential for a sequel. REALLY??!!! REALLY??!!! Dear writers, all 4 of you, if I were you I would be ashamed, not trying to promote a sequel. Go back to your day job. Or go to the drive-in. I don’t really care, just please, don’t write a Green Lantern 2: The Revenge of the Yellow Stuff.*

*I sincerely doubt you could come up with a better title given your dialogue, backstory, and plot development – yeah I hated the movie that much.  

Zombies, Aliens, and Heart ... Oh My!

So in my Summer Blockbuster Preview I conjectured that Super 8 was going to be a cross between E.T. and Stand by Me. I wasn’t that far off, but after mulling it over for the past couple of days, I’m going to have to say that it was more of a cross between Independence Day, Free Willy, and The Goonies. The alien was more sinister, while simultaneously being more victimized, than I ever expected; also, there was a hilarious fat kid. I kept expecting there to be a ‘truffle shuffle’. Spoiler Alert: There’s no ‘truffle shuffle’. But I digress, like always.

Super 8 isn’t a movie about aliens; Super 8 is a heartfelt exploration of the pain of growing up, dealing with grief, guilt, and a whole host of human emotions. Most poignant is the examination of the angst and uncertainty of first love. Elle Fanning as Alice Dainard is hauntingly stunning. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind as to why Joe Lamb, played by Joel Courtney, and Charles, played by Riley Griffiths are vying for her attention. All three of these child stars make this movie. The close ups on Joe’s face will stay with you long after the credits role.

Speaking of the credits rolling, who else melted with joy when they showed the zombie movie the kids had been working on? If I were a judge for that film festival, I would vote for Charles and Co. hands down. I might even give Alice Dainard an Oscar, let’s be honest. I am honestly very excited to see what these kids do in the future.

So what did this movie have? Amazing explosions? Check. A great story with interweaving subplots and heart wrenching insight into the human experience? Check. Suspense and intrigue? Check. Several points that made me jump? Definite check. An adorable love story? Yep, that too. So what was this summer blockbuster missing? Not much. Super 8 is an homage to a time, not that long ago, when blockbusters had a heart, when blockbusters had a soul. So to all of you cineophiles out there, who grew up on Steven Spielberg and George Lucas; you will definitely appreciate this film. 

Rain, Rain, Come My Way

It’s supposed to be 98°F tomorrow. It’s officially summer. That means weekend trips to the lakes of New Hampshire and Maine, days at the beach on the Cape, and delicious barbeques. It also means daily voyages to CVS to restock on bug spray, sunscreen, and aloe (when the sunscreen doesn’t work). There is one more important aspect of summer that I am personally very excited about: blockbusters. I know that somewhere out there, there are cinephiles like myself, who secretly hope for a rainy summer*. Blasphemous, I know, but a rainy summer means you can see all the blockbusters your heart desires. It also means your athletic, outdoorsy, or too-cool-for-school friends will begrudgingly agree to go see these movies with you, because they have nothing better to do. Life can’t get back much better than that. So, for those of you who can relate, here is my quick-and-dirty review of the upcoming 2011 Summer Blockbuster Season.

Movies I’m Excited For:

Super 8 – JJ Abrams + Steven Spielberg = DREAM TEAM. This coming-of-age, sci-fi looks like an instant classic. I’m thinking ET meets Stand by Me. So far the reviews have been stellar and I can’t wait to find out for myself. Anyone who knows me, knows I think Spielberg is invincible, and I dare a certain unnamed professor to try to refute that ever again.

Horrible Bosses – Any ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ fans out there? If so, than you’re like me, and dying to see Charlie Day team up with this all-star cast of Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, and Jamie Foxx. Also, the trailer is just hysterical. AMAZING use of music. I’ve seen this trailer way too many times and every time I get ‘Takin’ Care of Business’ stuck in my head.

Friends with Benefits – I’m a girl who grew up with *NSYNC and ‘That 70s Show’. Sue me.

Bad Teacher – Clearly there’s a Justin thing going on here, I will own up to that, but more important is the fact that this movie legitimately looks like it has potential.  Jason Segel can do no wrong. Except for maybe ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, but I think most of us are choosing to pretend that didn’t happen. Also, judging from the trailer, I think I am going to relate to this movie on a personal level for two reasons. 1) I’m kind of a teacher now and 2) I had a whole host of horrible teachers as I made my way through the New Hampshire public school system. My 8^th grade English teacher would buy clothes from the American Eagle website during class. She would ask my fellow classmates for input. Enough said.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – I don’t want it to end.

30 Minutes or Less – The guy who invented Facebook robbing a bank? That’s too ironic to pass up.

Movies I’m on the fence about:

One Day – Too sappy. But we’ll see.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes – I’m only going to see this if someone can promise me that the Apes win in the end and take over the world.

Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon – Too intense. But we’ll see. Also, where’s Megan Fox?

The Green Hornet – I just, I really just don’t know. But we’ll see.

Movies in which the trailers made me lose faith in cinema (don’t watch the trailers, they’re painful, just trust me):

Abduction

The Change – Up

Spy Kids 4

Go forth, enjoy, and do a rain dance for me!

*Pale people, lifeguards, and lazy people also root for rainy summers. I am all of these things. 

X-Men: my First Class on the bay of pigs

The education system in New Hampshire isn't great. At most public high schools in the Granite State, mine included, if you don't take an AP history course, you don't learn history. 

I didn't take any AP history courses.

So, my knowledge of the Cuban Missile Crisis is somewhat lacking. That being said, I do have a general idea of what went down. Therefore, I was surprised to learn that World War III was narrowly avoided thanks to a group of misfit mutants.

This prequel / origins movie attempts to introduce the X-Men, explain the antagonism between Professor X and Magneto, and tie it all together with historical events. That's a lot to accomplish in 132 minutes. Consequently, at times, the film feels rushed, especially during a rapid series of short scenes that disconcertingly jump between locations all over the world . In turn, the film sometimes seems contrived, but that, I believe, is the fault of the screenwriters, not Mathew Vaughn, the director. Despite my issues with the pacing of the story, I thought the dialogue was fast-paced and witty and the comedic breaks were extremely well received. This includes a hilarious cameo from Hugh Jackman as the Wolverine.  

As for the film itself, I thought the stylization was perfect; the coloring and the texture were beautifully retro. 

As for the acting? Honestly, it was a battle between scene stealers. 

I'm not going to lie, I had high hopes for James McAvoy, but for some reason he fell flat. I'm not sure what it was, but something about his portrayal of Charles Xavier was lacking. On the other hand, Michael Fassbender, as Erik Lehnsherr aka Magneto, was just epic. He pulled off the troubled mutant being torn between good and evil perfectly. You learn to love him, and I don't know about everyone else, but he pulled me in so much I couldn't wait to see him truly become evil. When he put on the helmet, marking his final transformation into evil, I swooned. Dear Magneto, if you're out there, my elbows have been a little dry lately and I'd love to have you tell me about how I shouldn't hide my true self. Call me. 

As for the kids, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult were amazing, but I don't think anyone's really that surprised. I am intrigued by one of the other actors, Caleb Jones, who plays the Banshee. An odd looking kid in a sea of attractive people, it would have been easy for him to have gotten lost, but instead his charisma and comedic energy leave him in the forefront of my mind. I am very interested to see what he, and Michael Fassbender, do in the future. 

Finally, Kevin Bacon as an evil super villain? Brilliant. 

X-Men: First Class was an ambitious movie, and due to it's all-star cast, solid directing, and beautiful cinematography, I'm going to have to say I think it succeeded. The summer blockbuster season has started off with a bang. Go see it. Even if you're not a huge comic book person, go see it.