Monday Night Movie Night

This Is It

2009-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

We have some BIG MNMN news. We're now officially Regal Crown Club members. Hello $1 popcorn. Why did we wait so long to do this? We already have so many points!

We saw This Is It last night. I thought it was great, but I'm also 100% a Michael Jackson fan. The movie basically covered the rehearsals of his This Is It tour -- it was straightforward with some basic editing.

Reasons to watch:
-you get a glimpse at what MJ really was -- kind, a hard worker, an entertainer ("I want to play it the way the fans expect to hear it - the way they want it"), someone who says "God Bless" quite often
-you see MJ dance, sing and be amazing - he seemed perfectly healthy
-his clothes are crazy! and they're not costumes!
-you see the makings of a gigantic pop tour
-you hear all the old classic songs
-there are crazy videos and extras added to this tour and you see all of them

There was a little kid watching this movie next to us, and though it was slightly annoying that he talked the whole time, he was also a huge fan and danced for every song, which was kind of awesome.

Michael Jackson was an amazing performer - the movie is worth just seeing him do what he's best at.

Sad & Wild

2009-10-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Before seeing Where the Wild Things Are someone told us "I loved it, but it was so sad". I'll admit, I was hesitant (like everyone, right?) about this movie. I may not have been as attached to the book as some, but it is always a little bit scary when people take your childhood and expose it without the rose-colored lens of memory. This is the same reason an old roommate would never let me watch the old Alvin & the Chipmunks movie. It could be ruined as an adult. Where the Wild Things Are seemed even more tricky - with it's extended story, indie soundtrack and Urban Outfitters tie-in. Sitting in the theatre and taking a look around, I definitely thought "is this the ultimate hipster movie?"

And, I'll admit, I think I was the target audience member. I liked how it looked, how it was filmed, the music, how it made me feel. There were times when it was a bit slow or long. There were moments where the monster's problems and hang-ups were just a little too much. There was a point when I thought "ok, I get it". But then there were the moments of slight awe or loneliness, that when paired with the right music, you just understood. And you liked it.

Max Records (great name) did a fantastic job as Max. He really did seem like how a kid should be and they did an excellent job portraying the problems of a kid and how he does or doesn't understand them. That sometimes you feel too wild and you don't know what to do. I think every kid understands that at some point. The Monsters were good - maybe some better then others. The times when they howled is when they seemed the most monstery.

There was no Arcade Fire in the actual movie... but the trailer made me listen to them all last week.

No, it's not Juno 2.

2009-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

So someone around here totally blanked on reviewing Whip It. To summarize, it's really enjoyable. Go see it and relish being a badass chick. Even though Drew Barrymore is quite possibly, in the words of J.La "too old to act like that." That Ellen Page is just downright adorable, I can't help it.

In other news, despite having the squeakiest seats ever, I'm pretty convinced that the UA Arden Fair 6 might be the best non-indie theater within a 10-minute drive. The crowd is always sparse and mellow (i.e. No thugs with three kids coming in halfway through the flick to run around the theater like Natomas, and the threat of being stabbed seems minimal unlike downtown). And Madewell thinks the surly old guy with the Amish beard selling tickets is her new BFF even though he's always grumpy. It's our new fave.

Please don't call it a remake.

2009-09-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I knew there was no way in hell anyone could successfully remake Fame. The original is one of my all-time-favorite movies that I've probably seen 100 times. I watched the original on VHS so many times the box is completely worn and faded and I've kept it despite retiring the old VCR ages ago.
Fame09, while admittedly was not as tortuous as I expected, did a really good job at losing the original's soul. There was so much missing - character backstory, smoking, emphasis on the tough teachers, love letter to a gritty and real NYC, Freddy Prinze references, abortion, tragedy, boobs - that I'm not quite sure how they were able to fill all 107 minutes. I suppose there was that CarnEVIL Halloween dance sequence, but I guess I prefer seeing Rocky Horror Picture Show stoned to a sad Baz Luhrmann rip-off.
As slick and sexy as it was, I just couldn't help but think "is this what our culture has come to"? I know it makes me sound terribly old-fashioned, but it disappointed me to see supposedly teenaged girls in thigh-high stockings and not much else gyrating face down on the floor, rather than doing grand jeté drills in pink tights and toe shoes. Granted I have been listening to Black and Gold all day.
Fortunately, I hadn't done much research on Fame09 before seeing it. I wouldn't have been able to pony up full price admission if I knew 22-year-old Kevin Tancharoen's, the director!, resume consists of pretty much only Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. You got me again, Century Theaters!
Instead of making my mistake, watch the original this weekend in your slippers. Then tell me your favorite line. Here's mine: "Elton John's mama's got six mink coats!"
In the meantime, a little taste:

Taking Woodstock or Demetri Martin is cute

2009-09-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

First, I'd like to share an experience about getting a call-in to Natomas. Now, I understand that call-ins are a privilege and I shouldn't complain. I do appreciate them. A lot. Especially since I work at the Crest like once every two months. Last night I called the Crest and got a call-in (plus 2 even!) for Taking Woodstock in Natomas. When I showed up at the theatre, they didn't have a record of it and they made me call my manager and have him call it in again. Now, I usually love Natomas because they have so many seats that they don't care if you're getting in for free. But this guy seemed to be on some sort of power trip. I mean, if I was willing to call right then and there, wouldn't that be a sign that I'm not lying? Or why couldn't he call them instead of having us all play phone tag? Or why was he just not friendly at all? Anyway, we were let in after we played phone tree and then we found out we were the ONLY people in the auditorium. Sweet. No whispering.

Things I took away from Taking Woodstock:
I still think Demetri Martin is cute, even if he's playing a gay man in bad clothing.
I still think Emile Hirsche is cute, even if he's playing a crazy ex-soldier
Lots of naked hippies.

I read the New Yorker review of this movie awhile back and I have to agree with their notion that it's a good idea to not portray the musical performances. You often hear music in the background, but you never see someone pretending to be Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin. However, for a movie that's about a significant music festival, they don't mention the music all that often. I doubt it has much of a soundtrack.

I often felt like the film was a bit disjointed and even slow at times. It felt very much like "staring at hippies". There was a bit of breaking the screen into parts a la the era (I'm not a filmmaker and I don't know the term) which was interesting and also distracting. I think the feeling of the 60s was there, but the story wasn't completely compelling. I didn't feel like the main character had much of a transformation or an experience really. And he was at Woodstock!

I think the movie could be compared to Almost Famous - nerdy boy with outrageous people learns about life. But this one seemed to be a little lacking.

No need for J&J snobbery

2009-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

OK, so SWPL's recent post about "Where the Wild Things Are" hit pretty close to home. Though I really can't stand Dave Eggers, I can't wait to see this flick. And that has pretty much everything to do with loving "WTWTA," the book, for as long as I can remember.
I borrowed "Julie & Julia," the book, from a friend a couple of months ago, and promptly packed it in a box and forgot all about it until Madewell threatened to steal it from me so she could study up for the impending movie. So, I did what any really good friend would do: Didn't respond to her request and read it myself over the weekend the movie came out, finally ponying it up in the parking lot after the credits had rolled. I know that brought me some very bad karma, but whatevs.
Anyway, I now spend a lot of time reading food blogs for my job, and there has been a lot of percolating hatred for one Julie Powell, author of "Julie & Julia," the book. (Funny enough, most of these people have no beef with Nora Ephron, who really made all of the questionable decisions in turning the book into a movie.) I heard lots of bitchy reviews about how they should have cut all the terrible Powell parts and just made a Julia Child biopic, for better or worse.
I have to say, I have read many, many worse books. And some really, really terrible memoirs (cough*"Eat.Pray.Love."*cough) that should never even be considered for the big screen. (Julia Roberts, how could you?!) But I thought "J&J," the book, was decent.
The movie was solid. Good even. Someone in our viewing party cried a little at the end, if that tells you anything. But she is pretty sentimental for Julia Child and turning 30.
Yes, the Julia Child parts are way better. However, I think Ephron and Amy Adams tag-teamed to do Powell a little bit of a disservice. They turned her from a sarcastic, funny underachiever with awesome friends and a pretty rad husband into a weepy, feeble doormat with a slightly better job and terrible friends. They did keep the cute, lovely hubbie, though. Not sure how these changes added to the movie's plot or anything -- and if you haven't read the book you probably couldn't care less.
Long review short: Go see it. And pick up some Parisian-style macarons at Ginger Elizabeth on the way to the theater like we did. It makes it that much sweeter.

Why Matthew Walked Out on (500) Days of Summer

2009-08-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

I chatted with Matthew (thank you facebook, you bring families together) today about 500 days of Summer. To save time and energy (you'll waste enough of that trying to understand Matthew's psyche) I'll just recreate our chat here. I've deleted the parts where we talk about Mom's upcoming 63rd birthday.

Me:
why did you walk out on 500 days of summer?
and what part did you walk out on?

Matthew:
the first 30 min
it was really bad

Madeline:
why?
what did it in?

Matthew:
they were more focused on being hip than having a movie
they referenced a band or a song like every 5 min

Madeline:
I didn't think it was THAT bad

Matthew:
it was kind of gross

I might watch it tonight
give it a second chance

Madeline:
I think you should watch it all the way through

Matthew:
yeah
I know
It just bothered me

the Smith's
Pixies
Bruce Springsteen
Sid and Nancy
there's more too I'm just forgetting

Madeline:
a little too Gilmore Girls for you?
(ed. note: I don't think he got this reference)

Matthew:
well that's 4 in 30 min
?
a little too much like, trying super hard to just appeal to a certain audience than write a movie
too much cashing in

Matthew:
I understand that you want to connect to your audience and relate to them

(ed. note: I deleted a part here where I didn't listen to him and repeated a question, because it makes me sound stupid)

Matthew:
it was trying too hard to connect with an audience through pop culture than through a story
a love story
an easily relatable love story
and zooey deschawhatever was fucking stupid
and so was 3rd rock

Madeline:
well, to be fair, you only watched 30 minutes so they could've only set up the problem to the story in that time
why did you think they were stupid?

Matthew:
they were annoying
yeah, that's fair - I only watched 30 minutes

Madeline:
let me know what you think when you watch the whole thing

Matthew:
ok

So, there you have it, folks. But I think he does bring up a interesting point - is using pop culture reference to identify with your audience "cashing in"?

(500) Days of Slightly Annoying Quirkiness

2009-08-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

We have been slacking off on MNMN because, well, life got in the way. And there's not much you can do about that. But Tuesday, we pulled it together and trudged on over to Tower for (500) Days of Summer. Thanks to Cody for letting us in for free.

Also, Dear Tower: it was fucking hot in there. I'd appreciate it if you would turn on the air during really crowded movies. What was more clautrophobic? An airless theatre or a doomed indie romance?

Anyway, the movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, both of whom I love. I've had a long-standing crush on JGL for quite some time (love Brick, love Mysterious Skin, can pass on 3rd Rock from the Sun). And who doesn't like Zooey Deschanel? One time I sold her a movie ticket and she was quite pleasant. I'm also a She & Him fan.

The movie itself was... cute. Maybe a little tooooo cute. It's like that time the guy at the Crest wanted his money back because the movie was "too real". Anyway, the outfits, the little montages, the Ikea scenes, the make-up-in-the-rain segment was a little too much. And he's so tortured! I know that the story is about heartbreak and there were definitely parts that I identified with, but at some point you just want to tell him to buck up. Also, was I supposed to hate her? I'm not sure. She was really flightly and kind of a jerk, in my opinion. And totally selfish.

Additionally, the soundtrack was like listening to my "folksysmolksy" pandora station.

All-in-all, I enjoyed the movie, even though it was a little much. Is this movie supposed to be like the new Garden State?

Note: we did go see the Proposal, but it was so awful it was not blog-worthy and we discredited it from being a movie.

Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts!

2009-05-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

Last night, amp & I braved the downtown plaza to see Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past. The most horrifying part of it all? We really enjoyed ourselves. Seriously, this movie was so quirky and weird it was good. Matthew McConaughey was kind of "eh" and he kept his shirt on the whole time! Jennifer Garner was good. I like her. Just sometimes she makes really poor decisions.

The whole thing centered around a wedding in winter time and how McConaughey was a screwup and how he heart Garner and etc etc. He gets three ghosts and all that. The flashbacks were clearly entertaining. There were a lot of good one-liners. My favorite was "hey sometimes when the music stops you gotta just put on your pants and go home". Michael Douglas played the swinger uncle which was totally weird!

Bottom-line: for mindless entertainment in a RoCo, this is totally perfect! I even laughed outloud at points -- watch this and just let yourself enjoy it.

Pre-Chavez party night

2009-04-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Was anyone else out Monday night? It was bananas. Not only were there block-long lines outside of the J Street clubs, the Crest also had entire rows full of people. Sí, se puede, indeed.
We've been total slackers on the movie front, but "Sunshine Cleaners" was inspiring. Not only does it feature two strong female leads, but it also is the complete package type of movie: It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you think about how sad Albuquerque looks as the backdrop of a movie. My only complaint was that Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are far too beautiful to actually have any of the problems their characters have. But their performances were flawless, so I can't really say much. Also, Alan Arkin and Steve Zahn kill me. Also, Jason Spevak, the kid who plays Oscar, is hearwrenchingly cute.
Go see this one.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-03-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

I don't have a whole lot to say about this movie, which is probably a good thing. For a film based on chick lit, leaving the theatre just kind of "yeah, cool" is the best case scenario. The movie isn't really about shopping, though, but it did play a nice underlay. And the slap-stick ridiculousness wasn't too outrageous. It's doubtful that the movie would've been entertaining at all if it weren't for the cast. Isla Fischer = good. Love interest = exceptionally cute. And for crying out loud, can you go wrong when the parents are Joan Cusack and John Goodman?

So, a feel-good time, if you're willing to risk your life at the Downtown Plaza. (Did anyone else hear about the two girls who were robbed IN an auditorium?) I don't think I'd read the book though.

Benny Button

2009-02-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

We spent Monday afternoon (holiday weekend!) at the Domes watching Benjamin Button. First, I'd like to say that the Domes are an f'n amusement park. Geeze. It took me like three years to figure out how to buy popcorn. And we were totally late and had to sit in the front row. The theatre was packed -why don't they add a couple more show times? Are that many people really going to see Friday the 13th or the Jonas Brothers concert. Don't answer that.

Anyway, I had pretty low expectations for the first half of the movie, mostly because everyone says it was a total snooze fest. I actually didn't feel too bored and enjoyed it all the way through. I think I really liked the look and the clothes and the movin' through the ages bit.

I'll admit though, I wasn't invested in the story or the characters at all. You want to see how they'll resolve the whole aging dilemma, but I kind of thought that Benjamin Button was a really boring person. And Cate Blanchett was annoying.

And when it came down to it, the most interesting part of the film was the old man-baby.

How Long Has It Been?

2009-02-09T20:37:00.001-08:00

I haven't been to the movies in 3 weeks. THREE WEEKS. Unacceptable.

Also, should we see He's Just Not Into You or not? Is it anti-feminist to see this movie?

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on Slumdog:
See Post Below....

[New Delhi, January 21. Image via Jezebel via AP.]

A case for the happy ending.

2009-01-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

I've kind of been on a tirade about this for the past few days since seeing Slumdog Millionaire, so forgive me if you've heard this before.

I'm just going to put it out there and say I really liked the film a lot. It's one of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. I mean, I didn't weep with pleasure when it ended, but maybe I just got all my crying taken care of last week.

But Slumdog's a solid piece of movie magic. It's entertaining, kind of has you on the edge of your seat -- without being too stressful -- and it all works out in the end.

Now, I'm the first to admit that I am a huge sucker for a happy ending. Sports movies are a huge weakness for me. Or any movie that ends in thunderous, applause really. But it's not very often that a movie like that comes to an "indie" theater (Yes, I realize Tower isn't all that indie, but still).

But back to Slumdog. There are those who say it doesn't deserve to be in the Best Picture category, nevertheless win. But I don't buy it.

I think naysayers might be mostly film snobs who have become so cynical and desensitized by the number of so-called "intelligent" movies that end in a flurry of confusion or circumstances so depressing that you want to leave the theater, crawl into bed and stay there for three days. Maybe this sort of thing has tainted the kind of movie that typically wins or is nominated for Best Picture awards. They're either totally depressing or have casts and/or budgets bloated by excess so much so that the movies aren't even remotely good, but have excellent PR (cough, Crash, cough).

Sure, Slumdog is by no means realistic -- I think it's more Dickens than documentary. But why can't we have it all? Compelling tale, stellar acting, appealing cinematography, two-hours-or-less running time and, of course, an ending that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. At least Slumdog comes pretty close.

Crying in the dark

2009-01-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Marley and Me made me bawl like a baby. Multiple times. I can't say that happens all that often, but waiting around outside the bathrooms afterward and seeing all the bloodshot, puffy eyes trickling out of the theater made me feel a little better about it.
I'd recommend it to anyone needing a little bit of an emotional purge, or if you enjoy comtemplating your mortality while chuckling at witty quips delivered by Owen Wilson. Who doesn't, really?

Let The Right One In

2008-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

I saw Let the Right One In at the Crest Saturday night.

The movie is very cold and the theatre felt colder (almost ironic because on Sunday several people complained that the heat was too high in that auditorium). It wasn't too traditional of a vampire movie - no crosses or cloves of garlic. Set in Sweden, the setting is dark and snowy. Blood looks really good against the snow and there's plenty of blood in the movie.

The story is of a 12 year old boy, Oskar, who is bullied a lot, goes back and forth between parents and is a bit of an outsider. He befriends a 12 year old vampire, who he asks to be his girlfriend. He comes to understand that she is a vampire, but it doesn't seem to matter. He saves her from her killer and in return, she saves him from his tormenters.

There was a lot of discussion after the movie and a lot of looking up things online. Is her older companion a pedophile or is he just another 12 year old all grown up? Was she castrated? Was his dad gay?

Most of the Time, I Wish I Was Home Alone.

2008-12-24T09:47:00.001-08:00

Last night, to get into the Christmas Spirit Heckamax and I watched Home Alone while wrapping presents. Matthew and two of his stooges joined us for the last half hour or so, spreading their joy with a 12 pack of PBR Light.

Home Alone is clearly one of the best holiday films of our generation. I'm about the age of Macaulay Culkin and the movie really takes me back to being a kid. First of all, the siblings are dead on. "Kevin, you're such a disease" and "I wouldn't let you sleep in my room if you were growing on my ass" are such great lines! Second, the thing is full proof. There is no possible way he could not have ended up home alone. Third, the movie banks on facial expressions. Not only Macaulay Culkin, but Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern do great work.

Home Alone take a lot of different story lines (Kevin being alone, the mom trying to get to him, the attempted burglaries, the scary old man who actually just misses his son) and blends it with enough humor (both verbal and slapstick) and sentiment to make it work.

Holiday Classic!

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

Amp took off for Germany, leaving me to celebrate Christmas on my own, or you know, with my family. However, she DID leave me with several Lifetime original Christmas movies. And that, really, is the gift that keeps on giving.

Last night I watched a little gem called "Noel". It has an "all-star cast" including Robin Williams, Penelope Cruz & Susan Sarandon. It's one of those lots of stories, entertwined type films. Characters meet by chance, etc etc. It really put me in the holiday spirit.

Susan Sarandon was a lonely single woman over the age of 40. Let me tell you, most Lifetime movies have a lonely single woman over the age of 40. Speaking to your audience, perhaps? Anyway, she's taking care of her mom who has Alzheimer's and is in the hospital. Robin Williams is visiting the patient across the hall who has no one. He's a priest. Later him and Susie spend the eve together and then he says her mom wants her to let go and she talked to him and Susie gets upset. Later, you find out that his character is actually THE PATIENT who is dying! Whoa! The Penelope Cruz storyline has to do with her finace being all jealous and her thinking she's preggers. There's this whole weird thing with this old man who thinks her finance is his reincarnated wife! At the end she comes to give her finance his Christmas gift and he says "where is it?" and she sayd "here" and puts her hand on her stomach. Now, THAT's drama!

Obviously, watching this movie was the best hour and 45 min I spent yesterday.

MILK made me cry

2008-12-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

We braved the crowds yesterday to see MILK at Tower. Even though we had to sit too close to the front for comfort, I was mesmerized by the film.

It's really good. The parallels between then and now are staggering. Prop 6. Prop 8. It all feels the same sometimes. It's all infuriating.

I cried at the end. I really feel like I can't write too much about this film, except that I recommend it. Maybe I can find the words for it soon.

Oh, but I think that James Franco is doing his best for the gay cause, turning the straight men into homosexuals one viewer at a time!

Keanu Dig It?

2008-12-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you've heard, but I happen to be a Keanu Reeves fan. It's a bond I share with my younger brother. It goes as far back as my dad making a big deal of Bill & Ted whenever we drove through San Dimas.

Although I shouldn't have to make this argument, I'll state that Keanu Reeves is the greatest comedic actor of all time. Have you ever seen a Keanu film and not laughed? Yeah, that's what I'm saying.

So, if you happen to not live in the world and weren't aware, today The Day The Earth Stood Still opens, starring the one and only Keanu Reeves, as an alien! In honor of the occassion, Esquire put out the Tao of Keanu, or all of lives lessons to be learned from Keanu Reeves films.

I suggest you check it out.

Modeling Solo

2008-12-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

I went to the movies alone tonight. Going to the movies alone is always something that a magazine or an internet guide tells you to do. It's good for you or something. Like, why do you need company when you're sitting in the dark? Oh, we're supposed to eat dinner by ourselves no problem too. Just bring a book!

I used to go to the movies by myself all the time when I lived in New York. Part of it was my schedule, but mostly it was because I never had to pay. Most of the time I saw movies at the Sunshine, which just felt like watching a home anyway.

So, tonight I ventured to Natomas to see Role Models. I'd been wanting to see Role Models for awhile, but there was always something else to see. Turns out we should've seen Role Models all along. Mike C wasn't full of crap! The movie was pretty good!

With Role Models you pretty much get what you expect. It's totally funny. There's a lot of bad humor (by that I mean gross-out humor) but it's subtle. It's a lot of puns and euphemisms, which I appreciate. Not as much slap-stick or physical comedy. All-in-all, a pretty good time.

I actually enjoyed the solo moving-going experience, but mostly because I enjoyed the movie. I actually got involved in watching the film. If I hadn't liked it, I'm sure I would have become insecure about being there alone and annoyed that there was no one to give looks to whenever a scene was particularly painful. The worst part about doing things alone is that you think for a second that the other people around you might actually notice you and care and see that you're alone. And then you realize that no one cares and that's worse. But hey, if they movie is good and you're into it, you can totally tell yourself you're independent and call it a great night.

Four Christmases Could've Taken Place on Easter

2008-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Four Christmases is NOT about Christmas. I repeat, NOT about Christmas. It's just one of those movies that lures you in, thinking you're going to get some holiday cheer, only to crush you with a bad plot, no moral and a few stale jokes.

The movie is about a couple who is forced to see both of their divorced parents (on both sides) in one day, because there's bad fog in San Fran and they can't go to Fuiji. Sidenote: how often to flights get cancelled because of fog? I mean, SF is pretty foggy all the time, right? Aren't they used to it by now? Anyway, these stupid people haven't seen their families on Christmas in three years, which is coincidentally, the same amount of time they've been together. If this was my family there would so be some shit-talking about the significant other who is stealing our brother/sister away. BTW, to my brothers: if you ever purposely missed Christmas, you wouldn't make it to the new year!

Anyway, at some point they think they don't know each other, but then somehow they realize that they want to be together forever and they DO want marriage and a family and blah blah blah. However, this realization seems to come from nowhere. Not from realizing their families are actually good and mean well (nope, come the next year they're still ignoring them). Not from the sentimentality attached to Christmas or even wanting to be together on Christmas. No, it's like Vince Vaughn doesn't want to be like his dad or something. Or maybe Reese Witherspoon realizes that families can pull it together? Or something like that? See, the problem here, is that the movie doesn't make this very clear. You keep waiting for a line or two to clue you in, but instead you're forced to create them in your head, filling in the blanks.

Vince Vaughn has some good laughs and he pretty much carries the damn thing. And next to Reese Witherspoon you realize (once again) that he's so tall! He kind of does this thing that reminds me of Billy Crystal, where he talks really fast, on-and-on, about nonsense and you're supposed to find it endearing. It works for a minute, but then I'd just rather watch When Harry Met Sally.

In the end, the movie has nothing to do with Christmas, with the exception that Christmas is the reason they have to go to all these places anyway. But it could've been Thanksgiving or Easter or any other family-centric holiday. You know it's not really a Christmas movie when they only Christmas song plays during the credits.

If A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words...

2008-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

The French Don't Like Christmas

2008-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Last night the MNMN selection was A Christmas Tale, which we saw at the Crest. It was a pretty full movie, with a large number of older patrons.

The movie was, in a word, French. Everything about it, in all its 2 1/2 hour glory, reminded me that it was a French movie. I don't even know what that means, except that this movie had virtually nothing to do with Christmas and lacked any sense of Christmas cheer. I knew that from reading the reviews things were not going to get better just because Christmas dinner was being served. But for a moment there, I forgot that the film even took place over the holidays.

(unrelated sidenote: a Jay Baker look-a-like just walked past my office window, looking quite dapper in a full suit!)

The film was similar to Rachel Getting Married, in that it was about a screwed up family. Unfortunately, I'm still not quite sure where all the disfunction comes from. Much like a real family, the plot lines are confusing and messy. Maybe I don't relate, because my family is perfect. In the end, the French know that Christmas is just one day, but messed up families are forever. The crazies are still related to you, even if it's not a holiday.

It's no Elf, but the characters were complex, real, and charming. You're not sure exactly where the conflict lies and who is to blame. Everyone is a little messed up, no one is perfect and Grandpa is inexplicably sweet.

Best Day of My Life

2008-12-01T14:28:00.001-08:00

Black Friday was celebrated by waking up on amp's couch because certain people (cough my roommates cough) decided to have a 2am Alice In Chains listening party while I was asleep.

I decided to spend the rest of the day on that couch, in borrowed sweatpants, repeatedly eating Thanksgiving dinner and watching quality (or was it quantity?) movies. A review:

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. The best part of this movie is watching the guy who plays Max on GREEK (not that I watch that show or anything) try to talk with a Greek accent. Heh. That's funny. He plays a Greek and is on Greek! A solid chick flick.

The Christmas List on ABC Family. This is probably the worst movie I've ever seen. The acting is terrible, there are major holes in the plot and the whole premise is stupid. Most enjoyable movie we watched that day.

Elf. Elf is a new holiday classic. I like it. It's funny. My favorite line is "bye Buddy, I hope you find your dad" and I don't know why.

The Santa Clause. I actually saw this movie in the theatre when it came out. For someone's birthday party. I think it may have even been a sleepover. This movie prompted the question "what would you do if your boyfriend/husband had to become Santa Claus? Would you still be with him?" Feel free to answer that question for yourself.

Tonight we might keep with the Christmas tradition and watch A Christmas Tale. Or Role Models. Heh.

Oh and here's a Christmas gift to you: Anonymous comments are now welcome.

Put On Your Fat Jeans and Watch a Movie!

2008-11-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

This is the first Thanksgiving in YEARS that I haven't had to work! No way in hell I'm stepping in a theatre on blessed Turkey Day unless it's to be one of the masses attempting to escape my family!

This year I plan to spend Black Friday not at the mall, but rather, on my best friend's couch, eating leftovers and watching the worst of the worst girl movies and holiday films. The line-up includes: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Baby Mama, Made of Honor and maybe the Family Stone to get us into the Christmas spirit. If motivated, we may head out to see Role Models, but hell, we've been saying that for weeks now!

Now, just because I can, I'm gonna list my top 5 Thanksgivings in no particular order.
1. Thanksgiving 2003, Spokane, WA. 4 pies, 4 people. Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Paul McCartney's Back in the USA.
2. Thanksgiving 2004, Brockton, MA. After feeding the homeless, singing BOYZ II MEN on the top of the car, during a windstorm at Old Silver Beach on Cape Cod.
3. Thanksgiving, 2000, Spokane, WA. An introduction to hockey. Lifetime movies with candied yams reheated with extra marshmallows.
4. Thanksgiving 2007, New York, NY. After staying up all night, going to the Macy's Day Parade still drunk.
5. Thanksgiving 2002, London, England. Singing in the American Choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral, eating some version of the American meal at a British restaurant, while skipping school!

Getting Giggly at Twilight

2008-11-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, let's get this out of the way. I'm 30 years old and married. Basically, that means I'm old and out of touch. And yet I totally got all addicted to those damn "Twilight" books (well, at least the first 3 - the fourth and final one has been sitting on my nightstand for three months and I'm only 3 chapters in .... somehow it lost all its fire once I realized they were making a movie out of it. Angie and Madeline also had something to do with that once they started picking apart every paragraph in every book. I swear girls, logic doesn't belong in a vampire romance, okay, but bad writing does. Get over it, already.) and we finally saw the movie last night. What can I say? It was pretty good. In a somewhat campy, romantic way. The acting was awesome, but the writing ... well, maybe those girls were right to pick apart the book because the writing was pretty terrible. And it was straight outta the book. "I know what you are." "Say it. Say it out loud" "You're a vampire" "Are you scared." "No, I just met you, but I trust you." "Your blood is like my own personal heroin." "You're so beautiful" "I'll do anything to protect you." blah, blah, blah.

But let's be honest, I could barely contain the squealing teenage girl inside as we anxiously awaited the start of the movie surrounded by pre-teens, their moms and a few sad, sorry souls - men, dragged in, kicking and screaming, by their significant others. Ha ha, suckers. (Pardon the pun) Got me some serious bonus points by leaving the hubby at home. I got to swoon over vampires without him constantly telling me how pointless it is for teenage vampires to go to high school and he had the whole night to himself to play "Call of Duty 4" (ok, so hubby set me straight, it was actually "Call of Duty World at War," not "Call of Duty 4." my bad. so sorry. don't really care.)

So all those pre-teens. Yeah, they're a bunch of gigglers. All of them. And that was pretty great because there was so much to giggle at! Bella locking eyes with Edward across the cafeteria. Giggle, giggle. Edward holding his nose when Bella sits down next to him. Giggle, giggle. Edward running through the forest super fast, oooh, he's blurry now. Giggle, giggle. Oh, look, now he's exposing himself to the sun and whoa, what's that, he's kinda out of focus but I think he's supposed to be sparkling. What a stud!!! Giggle, giggle. Now look, they're up in a tree, way, way up, getting to know each other in yet another gooey relationship montage. (cue guy sitting behind us, obviously unable to sustain disbelief any longer, "no FUCKING way!") Flat-out laughter meets squeals and giggling. "Are you scared?" Heavy breathing and quivering lips. "I'm never scared of you." Quivering back. "Oh, you shouldn't have said that." Heavy breathing, quivering lips and sinister smile. "Better hold on little spider monkey" Cue running through trees in super-fast blur motion. Giggle, giggle (and yeah, that is a direct quote. honest, you can't make this crap up - well, ok, obviously you can, if you're a bored mormon housewife.)

But ... with all that said, it was pretty entertaining and they did manage to cut a 500-plus page book into two hours and it didn't feel like anything was missing (what does that say about the book? or my taste in books? I suppose I'd prefer not to think about that right now) And as both Ang and Mad said as we left the theater, at least it had a decent prom scene. No choreographed group dance-offs. No 30-year-old extras dressed like 15-year-old hussies. No pumping house music and flashing lights. Just Iron & Wine playing in the background and strands of white twinkling lights. Sure beat the hell out of my prom which took place in ... da da dum ... the food court of the Yuba-Sutter mall! Maybe being a teenage vampire isn't so bad after all.

Update!

2008-11-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you who wanted to see Synecdoche New York ... it's not playing at Tower any more, but it is playing at the Crest! Why have a lot of movies been starting at Tower and then moving to the Crest? Does that always happen?

You know what's sad? When I look for movie times on my computer and it automatically gives me NYC times. Boo on that!

Twilight Night!

2008-11-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the night! We're seeing Twilight! Whooooo! Word from the middle schools (well, Heckamax's classes) is that the movie ain't that good. But don't worry Robert Ebert liked it!

Last night to say farewell to Steinhoff (who left the Crest and Sac for sunny LA today) we let him choose a movie to play on the big screen. Steinhoff chose the Goonies. It was pretty great to see it in the theatre and it was actually the first movie that I've seen in the main theatre of the Crest (with the exception of student shorts).

The Goonies is awesome. First of all, that movie is sooo dirty! The Pirate's name is One-Eyed Willy! My favorite scene was always when they find that they're at the bottom of the wishing well. They want to take all the money, but then Martha Plimpton says that those are people's wishes and Corey Feldman says he's taking his wish back. It still gets me.

Everyone was talking about how the Goonies was one of the first indie films! Look at the cast! Josh Brolin, Martha Plimpton, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green.

Well, We're Not A Society ....

2008-11-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like we didn't make it through the month going completely under the radar... we have been spotted by the E Street Film Society. This is what Cody's shameless promotion of Orange Peel Mouth gets you. Seeing that we're mostly about the theatre-going experience (and only sometimes, the movies we see!) rather then straight-up films, I'm restraining myself from feeling threatened by a possible blog rivalry. Though, I believe Cody is prepared for it, should it occur.

The E Street Film Society's current selection is Wages of Fear. I've actually seen this movie. I won't comment on it here, because that's what the Society is for. But I do recommend watching it with someone who is willing to yell out "INTENSE!" with you every time there is an intense scene.

DB of ESFS was also the mastermind behind Movie City USA. I was a fan, even though I didn't get all those Madame Tutley Putley jokes because the required reading the whole post. However, this is my favorite bit from Movie City USA, reposted without permission.

top 5 "cavemen-building-the-pyramids-with-woolly-mammoth movies":
5) 10,000 B.C.
4) Stargate (pretty sure there were some cavemen and mammoths in there somewhere)
3) Barton Fink
2) Meet Me in St. Louis
and at 1) Citizen Kane, still the Citizen Kane of cavemen-building-the-pyramids-with-woolly-mammoth movies.

Still makes me laugh.

Movie Mayhem!

2008-11-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the last night of Synecdoche, New York at the Tower. This also means it is your last opportunity to make the Synec-douche joke at Tower. They'll appreciate it, trust me. Also ask the staff why there is no "e" at the end of the word on their auditorium mylars.

Who has Twilight fever?! I'll admit that I have read all the Twilight books (I was unemployed this summer, if I need a defense). Who doesn't love young adult fiction, though? I'm pretty pumped to see the movie with my friends, though we're not going to make it to the midnight showing (I don't think we're superfans by any means). I'm pretty excited to see Bella on the big screen, however, considering I pretty much hate her character.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

2008-11-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Last night's MNMN selection was Happy-Go-Lucky. The idea of the movie is that this woman is so optimistic it is unnerving. Or something like that. The film itself has no real plot. It's like looking at a random couple of weeks of her life or a few clips of things that happen to her. The idea is that nothing ever gets her down. Her bike gets stolen and she laughs. Her family is a downer and she laughs. Etc, Etc. At first she's just an internal optimist and one could dare say, a bit annoying. But then a few serious things happen and she's not just laughing, but examining life from an absolute positive perspective.

I have to say, I'm not too sure about this film in terms of plot (since it lacked one) or story or any of those things by which you judge movies. I left the theatre thinking "that was kind of weird and British". And now I realize that I have been thinking about that movie since it ended. In a time where "positive thinking" and "the law of attraction" are seen on Oprah and the Secret, it makes you wonder... how positive am I? Is my glass half-full? Is the point of the movie a reflection on what it means to be happy? Does optimism equal happiness? You have to wonder if she is just positive or if she is actually happy.

There were two key points in the movie, for me. The first was her interaction with a homeless man. I'm unsure of the point of this vignette, except to show her character's tendency for compassion and willingness to bring happiness to other people's lives (this is also demonstrated with her interactions with a student and with her driving instructor, showing the effects a person can have on other's lives). The most interesting part of this particular interaction was the portrayl of the homeless man, who was clearly unstable. I have worked with the homeless for a number of years and the portrayl really struck me. He went from being clearly incognitant to being completely aware of what was happening and his surroundings and then back again. I have definitely had the same experience with similar people. They are barking at an empty corner one minute and having a clear, controlled conversation with you the next.

The second point is a bit more light-hearted. That is, her love-interest is totally cute! I actually would have preferred the movie to have spent more time on the love-interest aspect, but maybe that would have deterred from it. The actor is Samuel Roukin and he's totally my type (well, one of my types, I suppose).

We almost saw the movie Role Models, but didn't feel like going to Natomas. Mike C says Role Models was surprisingly good! Although, Mike C says that Beverly Hills Chihuahua is his favorite movie of 2008, thus far. So, grain of salt.

Orange Peel Mouth

2008-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Because Cody doesn't have enough to do or enough to blog about, he started a LOST blog. Look forward to that once LOST starts... January 21, 2009, 9/8c.

MNMN tonight. It's either Role Models or Happy-Go-Lucky. It's a toss up. I do love Paul Rudd, but we may need to go to the Tower, due to new changes at the Tower that will be in effect in the next couple of weeks.

After eating a lot of it this week, I can assure you that stale popcorn is chewier, but still tastes great.

Spoiler Alert: the Final Destination movies aren't very good.

2008-11-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why I agreed to watch all three Final Destination movies in one day. It might have been my love of horror movies. It could've been the allure of spending a huge chunk of my weekend watching movies and eating pizza with some good friends. It might have been a subconscious desire to punish myself for the sins I've committed in my lifetime, as well as those committed my by forefathers. Whatever the reason behind my masochistic decision was, I must say it wasn't as terrible as I thought it would have been. Don't get me wrong, these movies are terrible. But the death scenes make it all worthwhile. Luckily for the viewer, each movie is written with enough expendable characters, that you rarely have to wait longer than 15 minutes for a blood and guts payoff. But why even subject yourself to that? Here's a video round up of pretty much everything worth seeing (other than Devon Sawa's awesome haircut.)

(Warning: If you have any interest in seeing these movies in whole, this will totally spoil what little enjoyment you might get. Also, if you don't like seeing blood and guts, you probably won't be too into this.)

Final Destination
Stiffler
Final Destiantion 2
elevator
2 in 1
pidgeon
Final Destination 3
weights
nailed

Docs

2008-11-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

The lack of posts have been due to my recent trip for work. Apologies to my two readers/fellow contributors.

I did however see a short 23 minute documentary about a homeless youth while I was in L.A. You can check it out here. It's pretty interesting.

I have a relatively low tolerance for docs, but an otherwise high tolerance for indie films. I don't know if it's that I am not into the subject of most of them or what. I mean, if you think about it, what are you really interested in? Probably not that much that you want to watch something about it for nearly 2 hours.

Also, docs are usually best for a one-time viewing. And I think people generally don't want to spend time watching movies about sad subjects, especially if they are real. Usually when you sit down to watch a film, you want to forget about reality. But maybe I'm wrong. I barely read the newspaper.

Zach and Miri Make An OK Movie

2008-11-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

We saw Zach and Miri Make A Porno last night for MNMN. It was about time we had some laughs after seeing such downers as The Secret Life of Bees and Rachel Getting Married. It also gave us a chance to go to Natomas, which in my head I pronounce as Nat-a-mas. For the first time in a long time, it was a Natomas trip without a stop at In 'N Out.

Zach and Miri was ok. It started out strong, but once they got into the whole "make a porno" and "falling in love with each other" part, it started to lag and the jokes weren't as funny.

Once again, I questioned my abilities to stay focused during a movie. This one entertained me for a lot longer the last few though.

Confessions of a holiday movie lover.

2008-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

November and December typically bring out moviegoers in droves. The combination of dreary weather, Oscar-buzziness and holiday-themed fare create a sort of perfect movie-watching environment that I wait for all year.

Maybe it's something about all those happy families filling a void in my own personal history? Or years of waiting for the romantic possibilities that always seem to arise in movies that take place during the most wonderful time of the year? I can't quite fully explain it.

You'll see in the list of potential MNMN selections several Christmasy options -- a couple of smart, indie comedies, a couple of less-smart but still loveable mainstream comedies and one potential bomb featuring jokes about Hispanics.

When it comes to modern holiday movies, I'll be the first to admit they rank among my guiltiest of guilty pleasures. I mean, I recognize the difference between watching "Christmas Vacation" annually and paying full ticket price to see "This Christmas" (hello, holiday season 2007) or tuning into "The Family Stone" every time it's on HBO. Year-round.

I can't even really try to claim be exceptionally well-versed in beloved holiday fare like "White Christmas" or the original "Miracle on 34th Street." Yes, I've seen them, but I still would choose the 1994 version of the latter with Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott. Although "It's a Wonderful Life" does always make me teary.

Another confession: The only movie I've ever seen in the theater alone is "Deck the Halls," circa 2006. And I know better than to be particularly proud of that one.

As cynical as I am, it takes a lot to admit these things. But I do feel much better now.

P.S. Even as a big Christmas-cheer-in-film-enthusiast, there is no excuse for "Thomas Kinkade's Home for Christmas." I have to draw the line somewhere.

I'll Have Once Twice Please

2008-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had more thoughts on popcorn this saturday as I was making a TON of it at work. That is my least favorite thing to do because it makes me smell like popcorn and I get hot. At the Sunshine it wasn't as bad because the popper was in the stand and not in a back room. Anyway, I think that popcorn straight from the popper is the best, but probably because it's really hot. Also, I think butter on popcorn is gross. And it makes your hands all greasy.

There's a few choices for MNMN. I think it's going to be either Role Models or Zach and Miri Make A Porno. We need some situation comedy in our lives.

I know this is straight up lazy, but here's an IM convo, that I didn't feel like just stealing the jokes from.

me: haor how everyone somehow came to see ONCE
Cody: hahah.
me: but they all said "I'll have ONCE twice"and you were like "yeah, I read that joke in the New York Times too dude""thanks for being the 50th person to say it to me this half hour"
Cody: heh.i love the repetitive jokes.well, i actually hate them.
me: a love-hate relationship, possibly?
Cody: yup."two young at hearts for young at heart"
me: ugh!I haven't worked the box office at the crest, so I'm rusty
Cody: ah.
me: you should've heard the way people screwed over "Volver"
Cody: haha, oh i did.vullver.
me: what was another one... we had another foreign film at the same time. Cache?
Cody: it's also funny to hear white folks overpornounce other language.
Cody: two for KEEN-see-a-nyer-A
Cody: it was also real good when we had "where in the world is osama bin ladin"
me: oh yes
Cody: cause everyone just said Obama.
me: how many obama's did you get
Cody: tons.

From When I Was Famous

2008-11-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

I was once featured in Overheard New York.

I was "woman behind the counter".

Things Cody Will Regret Saying

2008-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen any movies this week since Monday, but that doesn't mean I haven't been to a theatre!

I stopped by the Crest last night for some popcorn. What I don't get is when people talk about popcorn being "fresh". I mean, I can definitely understand the allure of hot popcorn straight out of the kettle. And I totally get it when people don't want popcorn that comes from a bag at the theatre. Theatres should have poppers and pop their corn on the premises.

However, I don't notice a difference in TASTE between popcorn that was made today and popcorn that was made last night. Most of the time, theatres seem to go through popcorn pretty quickly and it doesn't last a long time. It's not like it's several DAYS old. I don't think that picky customers realize either.

Cody's new blog is all about regrets. Matthew's old blog is all about not posting regularly. Something Cody might regret: trying to pit two members of the same family against each other. Something Matthew might regret: telling me that I should call my blog "Monday Night Snore Fest". At least I blog, dude. (your turn to paint now, dude -- that one's for HeckaMax) I think he harshed my mellow.

Are You Showing Becoming Jane? Is that the Sequel to Transamerica?

2008-11-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about working in a theatre is when you get to prank call other theatres. Namely, the one your brother works at.

Another great thing about old/local/independent theatres is all the people who love them so much. And Cinematreasures. http://www.cinematreasures.org/

I LOVE cinema treasures.

I was going to go into a whole thing about a prank that may or may not have involved cinema treasures, but I think I would just implicate myself. and others.

is Ben something wicked?

2008-11-05T11:53:00.001-08:00

Half the reason I wanted to start this blog was to post about the movie Something Wicked This Way Comes.

It's a Disney movie, based on the Ray Bradbury novel. Perfect to watch a week before Halloween, while yelling "creeeepy" until Vince tells you to shut up.

Here's the imdb page (has it become apparent how obsessed I am with IMDB???)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086336/

Now what I ask you, gentle reader, is: does Mr. Dark look like someone named Ben that we all know and love?

The Secret Life of Tower Employees

2008-11-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to the Secret Life of Bees at the Tower for MNMN. The reasons for this choice was:

Two of the three participants had read the book, most likely stolen off my mom's bookshelf.

It was at Tower, thus allowing us to visit Tower employees, making the experience whole.

I had to bring a particular Tower manager/younger brother his dinner.

I was pretty much expecting this movie to be like the book. I can barely remember the book and I hope for the same from the movie. It was a run-of-the-mill feel-good type stuff. My initial thoughts are:

with all those singers "acting" why didn't they ever get to sing a song?

how freakin' old IS Dakota Fanning? (she's 14 according to wikipedia)

didn't the mom look like Elizabeth Shue?

I'd like to do a photo comparison, but will just give the links to their imdb pages. The actress who played the mom is Hilarie Burton.

Hilarie: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3401946880/nm1122026

Elizabeth: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1249155840/nm0000223

Obvs, I don't know how to blog yet.

There were a few other notes about MNMN. One being that I got to go into that space behind Tower's office, below the actual tower, on those rickety stairs to the projection booth of the main theatre. Man that room/loft/space is so creepy! I love it!

Also, I started questioning my attention span. I was bored with that movie within the first 30 minutes or so. I don't know if it was because I had read the book and knew the story (kind of), it was just a bad movie, or I can't pay attention to anything due to constant stimulation (the internet is to blame). I was so looking forward to MNMN and yet during the actual movie, I was kind of waiting for it to be over. This isn't the first time...

Needless to say, my favorite part of Monday night was watching How I Met Your Mother and eating brownies with my friends.

To the Present

2008-11-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

A Non-Comprehensive List of Movies seen on MNMN:

Rachel Getting Married
Religilous
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Ghost Town
Pineapple Express
Sex And the City: the Movie
Burn After Reading
Mama Mia
American Teen