favorite films of 2014

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Guardians of the Galaxy

The Lego Movie

What If

Interstellar

Fury

Big Hero 6

The Edge of Tomorrow

The Fault in Our Stars

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Honorable Mentions:

The Boxtrolls

Begin Again

I love seeing movies. While many people don't consider movie-seeing a very social experience, I love discussing movies (perhaps to a fault) and breaking down my favorite/least favorite parts about the stories. I tend to think about movies for days afterward. Perhaps it's my rather obsessive personality, which reached its height in my early teen years during the days of battling boy bands, Harry Potter books and Lord of the Rings movies. That part of me comes out again when I'm confronted with a great, terrible, or fascinating film.

My list above is in no particular order, but I will confirm that my very favorite movie of 2014 was The Grand Budapest Hotel. (And second place would actually be Guardians of the Galaxy). The rest just fall into place after that. I'm sure there is plenty of opposition over my favorite movie choice, and I'm sure there are plenty of good arguments for other greatest films of 2014, but Budapest was by far my personal favorite of the year. It's brilliant. It gets me every time.

While I could talk about these movies for a long time, I will spare you and sum up my reasons for choosing each movie with one sentence:

The Grand Budapest Hotel because Wes Anderson outdid himself in quirkiness, emotion, and meaning. (Read more here). 
Guardians of the Galaxy because it took my favorite things from Star Wars and combined it with silliness, dancing, extra sarcasm and childlike wonder. (Read more here). 
The Lego Movie because it perfectly captured the childhood war between rule following and creative rule breaking, while also making me laugh, smile and remember.
What If because I believe there is still space in Hollywood for smart and charming romantic comedies, and this movie made me remember why I love them so much.
Interstellar because I was on the edge of my seat and never wanted it to end.
Fury because it broke my heart and opened my eyes.
Big Hero 6 because it was entirely unexpected, but was incredibly creative, visually stunning and endlessly heartfelt.
The Edge of Tomorrow because it was a surprisingly perfect combo of Sci-Fi action and comedy, with just a dash of romance.
The Fault in Our Stars because it is one of the greatest, most accurate book-to-movie adaptations I've ever seen (and it made me cry my eyes out).
Captain America: The Winter Soldier because it went a little deeper and carved out extra space for meaningful character development, while also maintaining Marvel's reputation for snarky humor and great action.

For my honorable mentions, I'll just say that The Boxtrolls, while dark and strange, really revived my shock and awe at stop-motion animation. It was brilliantly done and I enjoyed it immensely. Begin Again was another winner with good music, a sweet story and a reminder of why I like Mark Ruffalo so much.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this year's many movies! I know there are plenty of movies I didn't see (I have not seen Unbroken, The Imitation Game, Nightcrawler, Birdman or Boyhood), so perhaps my list would be different if I had. What are your favorites and must-sees?

Happy New Year!

grand budapest hotel

Oh, how I adore a good movie.

A good movie can mean many things. Heartbreaking, stunning, clever, fun, brutal, enlightening, deep, light, sweet, somber.
In the case of Grand Budapest Hotel, "good" encompasses a great many traits. Beauty and memory, creativity and nostalgia. Dark humor and endless quirkiness, the kind that only Wes Anderson can accomplish. A current of intrigue lined with friendship and loyalty. Intricate melancholy.

Overall there's a kind of sweet, creeping sadness to it that stays with you for days. Exactly where it comes from could be a fascinating discussion, I imagine. I tend to think it comes from a thought that's perfectly summarized in one of the very last lines in the film:

To be frank, I think his world had vanished long before he ever entered it. But, I will say, he certainly sustained the illusion with a marvelous grace. 

I must say, I find that girl utterly delightful. Flat as a board, enormous birthmark the shape of Mexico over half her face, sweating for hours on end in that sweltering kitchen, while Mendl, genius though he is, looms over her like a hulking gorilla. Yet without question, without fail, always and invariably, she's exceedingly lovely. 

There's a little knowledge tucked away in my mind that this movie is not for everyone, which makes me inexplicably sad. Of course I can't fault anyone for it not being their type. Everyone has a type, of course, a set of rules that decides whether or not they'll enjoy watching something. Perhaps that's part of what makes this movie so special to me, the acknowledgement that this secret treasure can only be shared with a certain type of person.

Art is so personal, and this particular embodiment of it really moved me. It unfolds like a pop-up book, colorful and strange, almost cartoonish in its storytelling. It makes me love Wes Anderson even more, because he's so brave and inventive with his style. From the moment I saw Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes and I have been kindred spirits.

Grand Budapest is silly and dark and occasionally crude, completely absurd at times and overwhelmingly delightful at others. It's brilliantly acted. Ralph Fiennes is a superjoy, a word I made up especially for him. The dialogue is quick and poetic and fascinating, the whole film full of wonderful little hints and trinkets at the corner of each artistic shot that will take you many viewings to find. I adore it, in all its absurdities.

I will recommend it to you with cautionary enthusiasm. Be ready to love it, or else you'll be baffled by it. If you hate it, our friendship may suffer, but only for a second. I'll forgive you, if only because I know that for every person that rejects it my love for it grows that much more.

See all movie reviews. 

guardians of the galaxy

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I think for the most part it has been properly established on this blog that I am somewhat, maybe, a little bit a nerd. I take this title proudly because most of the people I love most in the world are somehow nerdy in their own right.
Being a nerd has many definitions. Actually it has mainly two, one of which is being a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious...but I'm gonna cross this one out and claim definition number two, which is a single-minded expert in a particular field. Vis–à–vis, a computer nerd.
Well maybe I'm a book nerd. A sci-fi nerd. A harry potter nerd. A cat nerd. I dunno, maybe I'm just a lot of nerds, which means I'm an expert in a lot of things.
But now, most certainly, I am a Guardians of the Galaxy nerd.

This movie is special, guys. Maybe I'm the only one who was tearing up with childlike wonder the entire time I was plopped in that cushy theater seat, but I have a feeling it was the result of an airborne spark of community and innovation. The contagious joy and understanding of true spirit.

I have an inkling that a lot of this special quality comes from Chris Pratt, who has quickly become my favorite leading man. I'm going to be honest and say that I have loved him since Everwood, and sometimes I still try to convince my husband that Bright would be a great name for our first son.
It makes me so happy to see Pratt working so much, obviously as lovable Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation for the last 5+ years and now as our favorite big screen heroes in movies like The Lego Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy and 2015's Jurassic World. 
It's like he has a monopoly on starring in movies that will be my favorites of all time.

And truly, it's for good reason. He is an absolute delight to watch. There's something about him that is magnetic and endearing, and he manages to bring the best out of everyone he shares the screen with. The ensemble is brilliant, too, establishing a solid sense of humor and rapport that is completely unique to them.

Peter Quill, a.k.a Star Lord, is flanked by a team of unlikely comrades. There's Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the alienated adopted daughter of the super-villain Thanos. Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), a heartbroken and violent hulk of a man with a dangerous vendetta. Then there's Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a man-like Raccoon, who is the result of many experiments and technological advances (he has some unresolved issues as well). His sentient tree friend and bodyguard Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) is one of the best and most charming parts of this film.
The filmmakers don't put any of them to waste, either -- they utilize each of their individual personalities to create hysterical dialogue, incredible action and heartfelt revelations. They're all perfect, and the casting served these characters brilliantly.

I don't want to ruin much of this movie, but the opening is scene is rather somber. It's a little glimpse into Peter Quill's younger days, his "normal" existence before he is plunged into a life of galactic swashbuckling. The first scene of grown-up Quill is epic. It sets the tone for the rest of the film in a most extraordinary fashion, via classic rock and dancing across a desolate planet-scape, hip sways and all. The scene is so captivating and entertaining, he just dances right into our hearts (is that a cliche? I'm using it anyway).
Dancing is absolutely the 7th hero of this film, behind the main five, and Groot again, because I count him twice.

The nuances that Pratt brings to this role really create an immediate connection between the audience and Peter Quill, the self-entitled Star Lord. I think this movie is a perfect illustration of why movies like this work so well on screen. It continues the legacy of films like Star Wars, which opened our minds to a whole new landscape of adventure and imagination. This movie had me drunk with visions of colorful space vistas and so many intricate details that I couldn't possibly manage to capture them all in one glance.

Thus, the need to own and rewatch this movie over and over again.

Everyone involved in the making of this movie should be incredibly proud. They have accomplished something wonderful, that I am thrilled to be a part of as well, even if it's just from the theater seat. 

It seems like Chris Pratt realizes that, and you should, too. 

Thank you all for your support. Simply put, we love you. Love, the #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) July 30, 2014

This review made me weepy. Because I believe it's true. It's a good read. Please. He's right. This one is so special. http://t.co/K40W5vhmMz
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) July 30, 2014

If you've seen it, comment below! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie.

If you haven't, now you know why you should. I can't wait to hear your reviews when you do. 

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my love for ever after

Confession: I am a romantic. 

It's debatable when this became true, although I'm fairly certain it officially began in a theater in Phoenix, Arizona in 1998.
I was nine years old. I have an inkling there were signs of my Jane-Austen-loving soul long before then, but this movie-going experience is the first one I can think of that has hefty significance.

Ever After was, and is, the perfect movie.

I've often dreamed out-loud to my husband about how I would absolutely die of happiness if I could plan an Ever After themed trip, where we would travel to France and visit all of the filming locations of this delightful movie. There are many reasons why I love it so, but on this blessed Friday I have chosen to highlight a few to let you all in on why it is so very dear to my heart.

1. It Makes Me Cry

One of my very favorite scenes.

...of happiness. 
Don't get me wrong, I cry ugly sad tears in this movie as well. But for the perfect movie, tears are a must.

2. Books

Oh, the love of books! 
Most of it stems from the treasured influence of Danielle's father, who was a great teacher and loved to share his insights on science and philosophy with his young daughter. When he died, the last book he brought home to her, Utopia, became quite arguably her most prized possession. In fact, her application of its principals is one of the initial reasons she catches the attention of Prince Henry. He realizes this strength in her and later takes her to an astonishing library, hoping to woo her. She is, of course, completely woo'd. Because books! 
When he asks her to pick one, she says with wonder, I could no sooner choose a star in the heavens!
Her passion stuns him, because he is just a rich lost boy looking for his place in this world. Danielle is able to guide him with her sharp tongue and wise words, all of which she owes to her father and his gift of books. 

3. The Soundtrack

Try listening to "Utopia" or "The Homecoming" or even just the main "Ever After" theme without wanting to bawl your eyes out, travel the world, renew your hope in humanity or just fly away on your newfound wings.
This soundtrack is a piece of art, and is one of the biggest reasons why this movie gets me every time.
George Fenton, you angel, you. 

4. It Looks Like Rain

The fact that Leonardo da Vinci is in this movie at all is fantastic, but it's even better that he plays such a delightfully important character. 
His creative spirit inspires Prince Henry, and his solid advice and sweet (albeit sarcastic at times) personality play a big role in the central love story. 
The above sequence, in which he spouts "It looks like rain!" may be one of my favorite moments in cinematic history. 

5. The Gypsy Kiss

After their trip to the wooing library, Danielle is forced to save the prince's life from gypsies. They turn out to be good-hearted gypsies, thank the heavens, but it starts out pretty rough. 
Talk about a quirky side story that we all love. 
The best part? She saves him by picking him up when the gypsy leader announces that he will let her leave with "anything she can carry". So cheeky.
The gypsies erupt in laughter, and they go on as friends. In the heart of the gypsy camp near a warm cozy fire, Danielle and Prince Henry share wine, secrets, and eventually their magical first kiss.
It was the kiss to measure all other kisses by. 
Well, at least... according to my 9-year-old self, it was.
(Let's be honest, according to my 24-year old self, too.)

6. Justice

I still get the goosebumps of justice when Marguerite finally gets that punch in the face she's been begging for the entire film. 
Even though the result of this altercation leads to some of the ugly sad crying I mentioned earlier, (namely when Marguerite oozes pure evil and burns Danielle's beloved copy of Utopia), I still agree with the other not-so-evil step sister, Jacqueline: 

I shall never forget the way Marguerite's feet went up over her head like that. 

7. Glitter

For a girl of the 90's, this was the ultimate kicker. Cinderella with rhinestones. 
I don't know about you, but I bought an abhorrent amount of roll-on glitter sticks and tubes of glitter lotions and body sprays as an adolescent. This movie may be to blame.
If I could steal and perfectly replicate any look for Halloween (or just any ol' Friday night), it would be this one.

What are your favorite Ever After moments? What would you add to this list?
I would so love to know.

Happy Friday friends.