See It or Skip It: Drive

    I was lucky enough to win tickets to an advance screening of Drive. First off, please know I am an avid Ryan Gosling fan… junkie…whatever you call it. So, I’ll try my best not to be too bias because I can seriously just watch him do absolutely nothing for hours and call it a masterpiece. I promise not to do that here.

    Drive opens with Gosling as Driver. A L.A. man awaiting the arrival of two criminals who are about to commit larceny. As a side job, Driver provides a clean getaway in 5 minutes. Besides being a full-time mechanic, he does dangerous car stunts for the movies. Here’s a quiet, reserved, and obviously a lonely man with no one in his life but his friend/boss. This all changes with the arrival of a young mother who moves into to his apartment floor. Driver finds a simple solace in this woman and her child. The return of her husband from jail quickly stops this from becoming “one-of-those” films. I don’t want to get too into the plot but the husband brings major conflict. Not only is his presence a threat to Driver’s relationship with this woman, fun old prison friends want payback and won't take no for an answer. The courses of action that follow will forever change their lives.

    Drive won the directors award at Cannes this year and I can easily see why. This action packed thriller is with several surprises. Be fair warned: VERY GRAPHIC VIOLENCE. I mean skull-crushing-shot-in-the-face-oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-believe-that-just-happened violence (which is slightly evident in the movie’s trailer). This is definitely NOT for the weak hearted. At times, it does feel a bit too stylized with the exaggerated slow movements pulsating to the hypnotic electronic beats with neon lights in the background. Yeah, like I said it has style. In that aspect, it feels very European. Yet, there are scenes where Gosling gazes into Mulligan’s eyes and it feels like you are intruding on a private moment. Mixing these elements was an interesting approach to this film. I did enjoy the film. Unlike most films opening today, it's a a slick and cool with loads of fun at the theater.

   Ryan Gosling provides (trying to be unbiased here) a solid performance. He fits well into the character. While some other more macho man actors can play this role, I don’t know if it would work well with anyone else. I cringe to think what type of film this could have been with Jason Statham or The Rock. It’s not my favorite film of his (nor is it remotely his best) but he sure works that screen. Bryan Cranston is great yet subtle as Driver’s ill-advised boss and confidant. Carey Mulligan is neither here nor there for me. I think she’s a wonderful actress! However, she’s just not right for this particular role. This role should have had an unknown actress because frankly it's just not a good part for any mainstream actress. Mulligan is too big a name to still be doing parts like this.

   Not everyone was blown away by this film at the screening. Some viewers thought it to be extremely campy and completely unrealistic. Well to them, I say: “IT’S A MOVIE, GET OVER IT.” I do agree Albert Brooks’ act was over the top but that may be because I’ve only seen him as a comedian. He’s a shady businessman who will cut your throat open. Literally!! Brooks completely 180’s himself and is like you’ve never seen him. However, I liked that fact that Ryan Gosling was going against the two old macho bad guys like Ron Pearlman and Brooks. It’s not your everyday scenario.

   Like I said before, this is a visually violent film. You will either be shocked or laugh uncontrollably at how outrageous this just got! By the end of the film, Gosling is drenched in blood stains. (Couldn’t he  find a new outfit besides the shiny bomber jacket?). I can't help but think it was just too gory at times. I mean I don't know if certain scenes were really necessary. Overall, Drive is an intense yet emotionally thrilling film. The film is far from perfect but the twists and turns keep you glued to your seat.

VERDICT: SEE IT

Coming Soon: The Skin I Live In

    Is there anything director Pedro Almodovar can't do? Seriously, he's created fantastic dramas, comedies, and continues with this psychological thriller coming next month. His last film, Broken Embraces, was along this manic obsession storyline. Antonio Banderas is like we've never seen him before playing a plastic surgeon recreating new skin with unethical experiments. Now, this is NOT the Human Centipede *shivers*. Almodovar has proven himself to be a master storyteller. The eerie music and the suspenseful cinematic shots make me very eager to see this film.  After seeing both clips below repeatedly, I expect a major mind trip. Here's hoping this will be one of the most original films of the year!

What I Learned From: Coming To America

Queens Is The Ideal Place For Love

"But where in New York can one find a woman with grace, elegance, taste and culture? A woman suitable for a king." ... "Queens!"

    Where else can you meet women who quip these gems? “I'm not interested in a man unless he drives a BMW,” “Hey, baby, I'm almost single. My husband's on death row,” or my personal favorite: “I was Joan of Arc in my former life. (lights hand on fire.)”



Forget The Bar, Church Is The Place To Meet Potential Mates

   
    This is where Akeem meets Lisa McDowell, his dream girl. Church also includes great live bands like Randy Watson and Sexual Chocolate.


The Most Accurate History Is From The Barbershop

    Apparently, Joe Louis was 137 when he fought Rocky Marciano. I also didn’t know Martin Luther King Jr. and Frank Sinatra hung out in this barbershop.



"Will you just taste the soup?", "All right, I'll taste the soup. Where's the spoon?", "Ah-ha!"

 Walking On Rose Petals Is The Only Way To Travel

    If King Jaffe Joffer ruler of Zamunda can do it? Why can’t we?



Destination Wedding to Africa Is A Great Idea

    You'll get a expert Wedding Singer with choreographed dancers!

She's your Queen-to-be. A Queen-to-be forever. A Queen who'll do whatever his highness desires. She's your Queen-to-be. A vision of perfection. An object of affection to quench your royal fire. Completely free from infection. To be used at your discretion. Waiting only for your direction. Your Queen-to-be.

Forget Mickie D’s and Head Over To McDowell's

    "I'm McDowell's. They got the Golden Arches, mine is the Golden Arcs. They got the Big Mac, I got the Big Mick. We both got two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions, but their buns have sesame seeds. My buns have no seeds."



"Is It Just Me, Or Does Every Woman in New York Have A Severe Emotional Problem?"

   

    I resent this quote but it's kind of true! Remember the ladies at the bar? And just look at the rep at the telegraph spot!

"As long as you're asking, why not go for a cool million?" "You do not think that would be too much?"  "Naah."

Renouncing Your Throne or Having Arguments On The Train May Not Be The Best Idea

    People are mad noisy in New York. Please try not to air out your business on public transportation.

"Man: So what do you think? [talking to woman] Woman: Go on, honey. Take a chance!"



Who Cares if Your Prince is a Goat Herder

    The boy has got his own money, I mean the boy has got his own MONEY!



Finally, Use Soul Glo To Maintain Those Juicy Locks

    Just let it shine through...



Eww. Get's me every time!



Coming Soon: The Artist

    I may not be the biggest fan of silent films but I know come Oscar season, the critics will go bonkers for this SILENT film. Yes, it's silent and filmed completely in Black & White. Obviously, it's will pay homage to Classic Hollywood and the Golden Era. *Yay, screams movie buffs like me*This film was the big buzz at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The movie is about the rise and fall of a French silent movie star (blame the Talkies). I can't help but oogle at the 20's set up with the gorgeous costumes and lavish scenes. Just listen to the musical score. I feel like I'm in a movie theatre during the Great Depression! I expect to see The Artist on like ALL "Best Movies" list.

The Artist is set to be released on November 23rd.

Coming Soon: My Week With Marilyn

    Marilyn Monroe is someone I hold dear to my heart. I feel like her sex symbol status completely overshadowed her talent as an actress. Her performance in Some Like It Hot was ridiculously good and one of my favorites ever. It was funny, sexy, and aloof. She had the ability to be a great dramatic actress as well - shown in her 50s films Niagara and Don't Bother To Knock. So when I heard her life story was going to be made a movie again, I was very hesitant.

  

    My Week With Marilyn offers a brief time period in her life when she was filming the 1957 film The Prince and The Showgirl. This film was a commerical failure and is known for it's issues off-screen. Michelle Williams will be playing the icon. Big shoes to fill! She doesn't really look like Monroe but I do have faith in Williams after seeing most of her work. She is a very capable actress. Kenneth Branagh will be playing Laurence Olivier (WTF?). Branagh is known as a Shakespearean actor and director (Thor). He's a great actor but he looks NOTHING like Olivier. The supporting cast brings extra appeal with Dame Judi Dench, Emma Watson, Dominic Cooper, and Julia Ormond. I'll definitely watch this film but I will be very critical of the actors and their portrayals. Take a look a the poster and some images of Williams as Monroe.

 My Week With Marilyn is coming to theatres on November 4th.

See It or Skip It: One Day

I spoke previously of a great book to movie adaptations with The Help. One Day is not one of them. Ugh, I really wanted to LOVE this movie. It’s one of my favorite books. The story of Emma and Dexter is a love not to be missed. It’s funny, annoying, sad, romantic, and brutally realistic in many aspects. Why couldn’t get this one right? Why!!

    One Day is based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls (who also wrote the screenplay). The book follows the lives of two friends over the period over 20 years. Every July 15th, we read about this one day in their lives. The successes, failures, affairs, tragedies, and overall missed opportunities life has to offer us. Boy, did this have the potential to be the next great love story film.

 

    Let’s start off with Anne Hathaway. I love this woman. I was blown away by her live performance 2 years ago in Shakespeare in The Park. She is such a greatly funny and talented actress. Should she have been casted as a British dorky, funny and insecure Emma? No, she shouldn’t have. Yes, everyone is up in arms about the whole fake accent but it doesn’t bother me. She had a British accent before in Becoming Jane and it was tolerable. However, I can see how this is a factor that stopped a lot of moviegoers. The film is not doing well in the box office. Emma Morley is someone who blooms slowly and the whole process is something I loved about the novel. It just wasn't working for me. Hathaway tries her best but doesn't succeed in this role.

    Dexter looks so tired. The character is suppose to be a jerk and a mess but I just didn’t buy it. He’s still Dexter – the charming jerk. Jim Sturgess attempts to bring this complex character on screen but his lack of chemistry with Hathaway ruins the entire film for me. Watching these two in interviews is a bit painful as well. While he did bring emotion to my eyes, I know he's a good actor -so I really can't blame it on him either.

    I could have seen Romola Garai as Emma instead of Dexter’s girl, Sylvia. Her performance in Jane Austen's Emma showed me she had the talent but I guess she wasn't a match to big named superstar Hathaway. She is grossly underused in this film. Another American in the movie is the fabulous Patricia Clarkson. Since she's Dexter's mother, she's an important character but once again they dropped the ball on this too. You should get the whole story on most of these background players. How do they expect the audience to invest in these characters if we aren't getting enough?  There was a point when I just didn't care.

    Director Lone Scherfig did a phenomenal job with Carey Mulligan in An Education. I expected no less with this film but something feels off. The cinematography and shots are lovely. I know it wasn't the director's fault. Maybe it was editing issues?

    Now, the film follows the novel directly. I wasn't surprised by any elements. It may anger some moviegoers knowing this is not a typical romantic. Just look at the set up! You're in for a ride. I kind wish they changed the ending. No spoilers here! Studios changed the end of book adaptions in The Notebook, Dear John and My Sister's Keeper. Numerous fans actually prefer those movie to the books because of this!

    What went wrong? Could it be the writing? But it's the same author!! Did I cry like I was punched in the face? Oh, yeah. I cried and cried at the book, so it was going to waterworks at the theater. I can't pinpoint where problem lies but it seriously breaks my heart that I couldn't love this movie.

     Non-readers will probably like this movie but being a devoted book follower – I just can’t.

VERDICT: SKIP IT (read the novel instead)
*Okay, go ahead and Netflix it*

Coming Soon: The Rum Diary

    Johnny Depp is on his Hunter S. Thompson kick again with the adaption of the author's novel, The Rum Diary. Depp stars as a 1950s journalist new to the island. He meets a lovely lady who is engaged to a shady businessman, Aaron Eckhart. Don't be fooled by that description, this is not a love story! It involves corruption and lots o' lots of rum.

    This film has been in production in Puerto Rico since 2007. I have not idea why it took over 3 years to make this movie unless there's an CGI avatar popping up in the end?? Already, many fans are unhappy with Depp bringing their beloved book to the screen. I agree some books shouldn't be transitioned but I am eager to see this. I have faith that this will become a worthy thriler (ignoring The Tourist).

The Rum Diary will hit screens October 28th.

See It or Skip It: The Help

    I loved reading the critically acclaimed bestselling novel earlier this year. As a skeptical movie buff, I know there are numerous adaptations of books to movies that have been TERRIBLE. For once, I was glad to see I wasn’t going to be disappointed.

    The Help is set in 1960s Mississippi on the brink of the Civil Rights Movement. The story is focused on three women: Aibileen, Minny, and Skeetor. As a recent college graduate, Skeetor wants to write a book on the real life story of African American maids. A book about how these maids feel, how they are treated, and how it affects everyday life in Jackson, Mississippi. Of course, none of the women are interested in helping a white woman who is friends with most of their bosses.

    Viola Davis is the heart and soul of this film as Aibileen, a maid with a quiet yet strong willed demeanor. I was impressed with Viola in her supporting Oscar nominated performance in Doubt but this was something else. I can actually say she is what makes this a great film. There’s a scene where she opens up and describes a horrible incident from her past. Ms. Davis does this with such pose, elegance, and a delicate patience. There wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre!

    Octavia Spencer was born to play Minny, the sassy cook with an infectious personality. Octavia effortlessly delivers comedic lines like a pro. Yet, she also brings force to the screen. The epic scene with Minny and Hilly is one that will be remember for years to come. It’s interesting to know she is friends with the author and was inspiration for the character. So yes, she was born to play her!

    Emma Stone is generally known as comedienne but I am happy to say – the girl can act. Skeetor is an important character; so, readers were skeptic in the beginning. However, let it be known that Emma Stone is a great fit. A pivotal scene with her and her mother’s character was the first time I’ve ever seen her show her acting abilities. It was a very poignant moment in her career.

    I hated to love and loved to hate Bryce Dallas Howard as the movie’s villainess, Hilly Holbrook. Howard excels with her evil yet charmingly perilous words. Her delivery of “There are some real racists out there!” was hysterical. You hate this character but you can’t help but pity her ignorance. Bryce Dallas Howard created a memorable role and is finally a real actress. We can all ignore her terrible Twilight: Eclipse scene (which granted isn't her fault).

    Jessica Chastain was sweet as apple pie as the outcast Celia Foote whose genuine heart melts the tough Minny. She is done up as a Marilyn Monroe doppelganger. Unfortunately, none of the housewives are willing to overlook her bombshell looks and invite her in their inner circle. This could have EASILY become a campy performance but the physical and emotional struggle for Celia Foote is proof that Jessica Chastain is on her way to becoming the next Cate Blanchet.

    Veteran actresses Sissy Spacek, Cicely Tyson, Allison Janney also add a splash of AH-MAZING to this film. Sissy Spacek is delightful as Hilly’s mother, Mrs. Walters. She definitely brings some laughs to the screen. I only wish there was more of her. Cicely Tyson plays the maid (and second mother) that raised Skeetor, Constantine. Cicely Tyson’s power to convey a spirited yet fragile woman reminded me of her in the 1970s classic Sounder. She’s the grandmother we all wished for. Allison Janney played by wonderfully funny and politically incorrect mother to Skeetor. Janney has some real intimate scenes with Emma Stone's character. Their mother/daughter scenes are dear to my heart.

    There are several scenes where I gasped. A powerhouse of emotion flooded me including the shocking ordeal with Hilly’s maid, Yule May; as well as, the heartbreaking scene with Constantine and Skeetor’s mom. It’s despicable to think there really was a “separate but equal” in our government. This movie seriously brought horrible sobbing tears to my face but I loved every minute.

    The Help is a emotional film lead by a stellar cast. When I say stellar – I mean remarkable. This film was a very accurate adaption of the book which is not always the case in Hollywood (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix, cough - cough). Director Tate Taylor and cast perfectly created the same vision I had of the lives of these characters but made it even greater than what I had imagined.

VERDICT: SEE IT