movie challenge, march 27~31

A Movie That You Wish You Had Seen in Theaters

Office Space (1999). I'm old enough that I could have seen this one in theaters, but the premise probably didn't appeal to my 12-year-old self. However, I did see the movie shortly thereafter thanks to my mom and older brother and thus because it is so awesome, I now wish I had seen it in theaters. Ironically, I feel like Ron Livingston (who plays the main character) somewhat reprises his role in Office Space during his stint on 'Sex and The City' which, if you know how that ends, makes you kind of hate him. Just a quirky observation I had for anyone who appreciates it.









Favorite Movie from Your favorite Director
Truthfully, I like The Prestige (2006) from Christopher Nolan more than Inception (2010) but, I already used that movie for another challenge and thought I ought to credit this amazing movie as well. I was disappointed that it didn't win any of the big awards it was nominated for (instead it one some technical ones) including that of 'Best Director.' A movie by Christopher Nolan guarantees a great story, great actors, something unexpected and kind of a dark atmosphere. There are plenty of great directors out there, but originality is something I really value in a movie experience. That being the case, both of these movies and others he's directed exhibit that quality. [Update: The Batman Trilogy was quite amazing as well. Not as unique a storyline but definitely in the way he interprets it.]




 
Favorite Movie from Your Childhood

Since my childhood is not just a year long and because I couldn't pick just one, Homeward Bound (1993), Now and Then (1995), and The Fifth Element (1997) are some highlights I proudly owned on VHS back in the day. Homeward Bound always made me cry at the end, Now and Then always made me think of good times with friends from elementary school, and The Fifth Element was always the coolest movie ever. As a side note, I love how the posters for these films are just so 90s. I didn't include any animations from my childhood since I did that in last week's part of this challenge, but of course there are many memorable ones there too.

An Inspiring Movie
Dead Poets Society (1989)  is inspiring for the use and application of two words: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day). Teachers can be one of the most inspiring figures in your life. As a teacher, I'll admit that I'm not making any grand efforts to inspire my students. However, I do hope that by merely being here completely of out of my element for the sake of experiencing a different way of life, inspires one of them to do the same (especially in a culture like Japan where they can be extremely hesitant to be put so far out of their comfort zone). In the movie, Robin Williams challenges his students to think differently from the way they've always been told. He wants them to look to the past, to poets in particular, and not see boring stiffs, but realize that some of the most brilliant minds in history were trying to communicate something more about life. Such 'radical thinking' is frowned upon at the boarding school they're at and so trials ensue for both the teacher who is trying to teach something more and the students who listen. This is one I highly recommend.

Your Favorite Movie of All Time
Just like with my Nolan pick, I have already used my first choice for another part of this challenge so I'll give you second place: The Last Samurai (2003). Being a hopeless romantic at heart, What Dreams May Come (1998) is my favorite. However, The Last Samurai speaks to a different yet another core part of myself; my love of Japanese culture. Early on, my love of Japan was inextricably linked to my love of anime. As I grew older, that love expanded to the rest of the culture as well. Perhaps unusual for a youngen to be obsessed with such a foreign land, I would often get the question, "what do you like about Japanese culture?" It wasn't easy to put into words (sometimes it still isn't) but after watching this movie I felt like at least someone shares what I love about it. Tom Cruise's character is forced to live among his captors and finds that he greatly admires their way of life. So much so in fact that he willing joins their cause and adopts Japan as his new home. Since coming to Japan, I was able to visit one of the film's sets: Engyoji temple in Himeji. This is a very beautiful temple in the mountains where, in the movie, Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe have their "good conversations." I was in heaven being there. Definitely one of the surreal moments in life.

My Favorite Scary Movie *Bonus Round*
I don't like scary movies. I used to allow myself to be dragged to them, but that always ended badly for me, so I don't allow that anymore (although, I can be bribed). But long ago, there were a couple of films that scared/creeped me out while still having a good plot and a kind of 'redemption quality' which made me actually appreciate the move instead of trying to forget every scene. The Haunting (1999) not to be confused with House on Haunted Hill (1999) is another, 'the house is trying to kill you' scary movie. Turns out though there was more to it than that. The house was trying to communicate to one of the guests that the ghosts of tortured children were stuck in limbo there and she could set them free because she was the great, great granddaughter of the perp who did the torturing. Thrilling, entertaining, and redeeming all in one nice little package. What Lies Beneath (2000) was more of a thriller, but plenty of scenes in this one creeped me out too. A husband and wife move back to a house he used to live in and weird stuff starts happening to the wife. She thinks she's going crazy until she starts to see signs that this is not coincidence but a message for her to run. Harrison Ford officially became a bad guy forever for me after this movie when you find out he killed a girl in that house and covered it up. He wasn't going to kill his new wife until she started asking questions, but if I were her, I'd want to know my husband was a murderer sooner rather than later anyway, so yeah.

movie challenge, march 22~26

Favorite Documentary

I want to watch more documentaries, but of the few I have seen, Planet Earth (2006) was one that really impressed me. II've always loved animals and grew up watching Animal Planet, so the nerd in me loves nature programs. I also have a bad case of wanderlust, and seeing the amazing places that exist on our blue marble only appeals to that. But back to the documentary, hearing and seeing about new animals is something that genuinely interests me, especially deep ocean stuff. It's not a one-shot documentary though, so if you're interested, give yourself a couple of hours or a few days to watch it all!

Favorite Animation

This one asks too much. Animation, specifically anime (Japanese animation) has been a monumental force in my life. Some of my favorites are Sailor Moon, Dragonball, Rurouni Kenshin, Tenchi Muyo, Escaflowne, Magic Knight Rayearth, Card Captor Sakura, Full Metal Alchemist, Fruits Basket, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Inuyasha, Naruto, Code Geass, Golden Boy, Kite, X, Tsubasa, FLCL, Cowboy Bebop, Soul Eater, Deathnote, Ranma 1/2, The Girl Who Jumped Through Time, anything Ghibli and the list goes on. Then there are the animations that hold a special place in my heart that everyone my age grew up with: all the Disney classics, straight to VHS stuff from Universal, and the Pixar collection that started in the late 90's. I don't need to name titles, I know you all thought of a few anyways. 

That One Awesome Movie Idea That Still Hasn't Been Done Yet

Vampire Crossover Movies. That's right. Everyone says 'blah blah blah Blade would kill Edward in a second' and stuff like that. Well! I say, there should be a movie that crossovers vampires from popular vamp films, gives some sort of plot that pits them against each other, and watch the bloodbath! To make it even more interesting, the vampires should be allowed to retain whatever powers/special abilities that their original movies dictate. It's not going to be that easy to kill Edward if he can read other vamp's minds to predict their moves or just kill them while they sleep during the day. Ohohohohoho!!

The Most Hilarious Movie You've Ever Seen

Maybe it's not the funniest movie of all time, but in recent memory, I can't remember laughing harder or more often than I did while watching The Hangover (2009). I had just come back from Japan and only knew the premise when I walked in so everything was unexpected. Off the wall crazy, wtf moments all over this film. And when you see it with friends who appreciate the same kind of humor, the funnier it is. I saw the second one as well and although it was the same exact plot, it was still funny, but this time a little expected. 

A Movie That You Love But Everyone Else Hates

The Twilight Saga (2008-2012) Yup! If you know me at all, you'd know it was going to be in this list somewhere! I love the books AND the movies which is not something even all Twilight fans can agree on. Although some better acting would have been nice, I'm used to the actors themselves and can't picture anyone else playing their characters. I have no problem suspending belief and accepting stories as they're given to me, so that was not a factor like it was to many skeptics or die-hard vampire lore fans. Basically, I love the movies for what they are: the live-action version of my favorite sappy romance novel series. Problem?

movie challenge, march 17~21

A Movie That Disappointed You the Most

Such potential, such a good story line, amazing actors... and then it falls flat. The preview for Never Let Me Go (2010) had all the things that would excite me about a movie. A unique story, a love triangle, some of my favorite people to watch onscreen, a little bit of a period piece, from a Japanese source. But, since I wasn't able to watch it in theaters I built of even more anticipation for it. Once available, I watched it at home expecting to be blown away. And then I wasn't. It was interesting, then boring, then annoying, a little sad, and then over. *le sigh* I bet the book is better...

 



A Movie That You Wish More People Would've Seen
Like another movie I mentioned, The Prestige (2006) was not a movie I knew anything about, but was just the choice feature of the group outing that particular weekend. Magicians trying to one-up each other is the most basic way to explain this movie, but the way each character is forced to make sacrifice after sacrifice to improve his art made it much more interesting. Wives, lovers, and friends are forced to play a role in their twisted game (and if you remember my reasons for not liking Scarlett Johansson, yes, she is a home-wrecker in this one as well). The movie also has twists and turns all throughout that keep you guessing where the story will go. I say I wish more people would've have seen this, but I honestly don't even know how popular it was back when it came out. I just know I rarely hear people talk about this movie in any related conversations.

Favorite Movie Based On A Book/Comic/Etc.

I feel it's most accurate for me to choose the Harry Potter (2001-2011) series as movies I loved based on the books because I watched the first five movies before I started reading the books. Of course I heard about the books and movies as they were coming out, but at the time I didn't care about anything other than anime series (otaku alert). Anyways, the movies really brought the books to life which, in a series as fantastical as this, was amazing. Only after I read the books did I realize how much was left out, especially in the later movies. This upset many die-hard fans, but I wasn't upset so much about how scenes were executed, but about things left unexplained or that were confusing for the viewers who weren't readers (which was my experience watching the sixth one). The last two movies though were phenomenally adapted from page to screen in my humble opinion (HP fans, don't start with me!). Also, 8-disc blu-ray box set? Yes, please. [Update: the HP Wizards Collection, please and thanks.]

Favorite Movie From Your Favorite Actor/Actress

I love Emily Blunt. I think she is stunningly gorgeous, elegant, and really captivating in her performances. When I saw the preview for The Young Victoria (2009) I thought, Emily Blunt in a period film? (my favorite genre) Sign me up! I have one friend in particular that I drag with me to see movies I get overly excited about from the preview. Usually we're shaking our heads by the end of it, but this time we were holding each other screaming, "Noooo!!!" then "Awwww!!!!" and then "Noooo!!!" again. I think you have to be into period films to like this movie since it requires a bit of interest in history, the patience to comprehend and digest lots of dialogue. Not to mention an appreciation for some old fashioned romance. If this sounds like you, then you're in for a treat. 

 

Favorite Action Movie

I love the Fast and Furious (2001-2011) films (even if Tokyo Drift [2006] was meh). I'll freely admit that it's mostly because I've loved Vin Diesel ever since I saw him in Pitch Black (2000) (yes, in theaters). The other part is because there is an ongoing story between the characters and I just have to know what happens. These are both bonuses considering that they are great action films too. Fast cars, fist fights, hot make-out scenes, and explosions. What more can you ask for? If you haven't seen them, catch up! They're fun movies. On a side note, I found this photo of a box set, but will reserve buying such a set until I can confirm that there won't be a sixth one. And based on the end of the last movie, there had better be a sixth one. Who's with me? [Update: The sixth one is more than just happening; there's a release date! Omg, Letty!!!]

movie challenge, march 12~16

A Movie That You Hate

Picking one was just not enough; I felt the need to elaborate on all three of these movies that I hate. He's Just Not That Into You (2009) is probably when I started to dislike seeing or hearing about Scarlett Johansen. Her characters always seems to be that girl who gets in the middle of relationships because she can (and has no conscious about it either). It's not a likable quality and horribly condoning of that behavior (b-tches and hoes category). I was rolling my eyes throughout most of the movie. So from what I remember, the other character's acted sappy in their portrayal of being 'in love.' Children of Men (2006) was so absolutely pointless. It was another the-world-has-gone-to-hell movie and some schmuck is assigned the most important task ever; He must save the pregnant lady in this case. You watch them go through explosions, battles, blah blah so that the movie can end with him dying and her getting away on a boat to nowhere. I couldn't even finish Closer (2004) because I was so uncomfortable with the manipulation of Natalie Portman's character by Jude Law's character while he's trying to get into someone else's pants. 

A Movie That Is a Guilty Pleasure

The Parent Trap (1998) with a young Lindsey Lohan. I remember the Olsen twins had done pretty much the same movie a few years earlier (It Takes Two [1995]), so for the longest time, I thought the girls in the movie were twins also (who didn't think that, right?). Then Lilo became more popular in other things and I was like, 'oh, it was just her.' I've always thought the film to be a fun, light hearted, and entertaining movie so it's become another one of those that I will tune in to whenever it's rerun on T.V. Now that I think of it, twins separated at birth and finding each other later in life was a popular story line back in the day, huh? So why is this a guilty pleasure? For me, guilty pleasures tend to be things that I enjoy from people I can't stand. Lindsey Lohan is a huge tool now so there you go.


A Movie That No One Would Expect You To Love

Friday (1995). I find this movie hilarious and even after years of watching it, it still makes me laugh out loud. I love Chris Tucker and am sad that he doesn't make more movies. I didn't completely understand this movie when I first saw it (I had a pretty sheltered childhood), so I kept finding it funnier each time I saw it and actually understood the jokes. The first sequel was ok, and I don't even think I saw the sequel after that. I figured that maybe no one would expect me to love this movie because I can't relate to many aspects of it, but what can I say? It's probably why my friends have been like, 'whaaat?' whenever I bust out the whole rap to Gangsta's Paradise in karaoke. haha! Now, "it's Friday, you ain't got no job, and ain't go shit to do!" so go watch it!





A Character That You Can Relate To The Most

This was when I became a fan of Hilary Duff. Her character in The Perfect Man (2005) is just your average girl until you look a little closer. She doesn't worry about being popular and into her own things but attracts people to her anyway (even the cute love interest in the first picture on the right). She's sassy, fun, cerebral, and a little selfish and emotional. These are things that I noticed about the character, but can also relate to the points the plot doesn't emphasize. For example, her compassionate nature as she worries about her mother's happiness or if her well-meaning actions are misinterpreted. So basically, we'd be friends if we met in real life since, you know, I'm awesome.






A Movie That You Used To Love But Now Hate
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). I don't hate the movie as much as I hate the idea central to the plot. In the movie the technology to erase people from your memory exists. I thought this was a great idea when I first saw the movie but have now come to realize that although it would be extremely convenient, it's more important to learn from every interaction you have, good or bad. Your experiences have helped shape who you are and more likely than not, that means they involved other people. If you choose not recall memories and experiences with certain people, that's fine, but you can't literally erase the fact that they were there and thus the impact they had on the experience. Tangent: If you really were able to erase the memory of a person, would you then lose all the personal growth and life's lesson you might have taken from your experiences with them? This is getting off topic from the challenge but lI wonder..

Movie Buff: When Harry Met Sally (1989)
I'll use the phrase my bf used after we finished watching this movie: It's a gem. Even in 2012, I found that I could relate to much of what Sally was feeling all throughout the movie and had had many of the same conversations about the opposite sex that she was having with Harry. Harry's quick wit was hilarious despite how dated some of the jokes were. The film is the quintessential romantic comedy and its situational humor is so cliche but acceptable due to the time it was made, giving it that gem status. This is a perfect movie that describes that person in your life who was just someone at one point but then they became something more. You become a little frustrated in the middle of the story since they seem to refuse to consider that the other could be their perfect match and instead keep dating other people. However, in true love-story fashion, there is a melodrama that turns into an epiphany, and then a happily ever after.

movie challenge, march 7~11

The Most Surprising Plot Twist or Ending
My top choices for this one were: The Others (2001), Se7en (1995), Minority Report (2002), The Prestige (2006), Remember Me (2010), and Atonement (2007). Sometimes with a plot twist, you re-watch the movie and can see the signs you missed that would have tipped you off to an unexpected betrayal or revelation. Most of these fit that description, but Atonement does something else to you.
*Spoiler Alert* The story is about how one decision can change your whole life and the lives of those around you. When a lie tears two young lovers apart, the liar spends the rest of her life trying to atone for her actions. In the end, she is never truly forgiven but at least the hardships that occurred as a result of her lie do not keep the lovers apart.... TWIST! That was the happy ending she wrote in a book about their lives. In reality, the two lovers died horrible deaths apart from each other and were never able to be together. Like I said, she tried to atone. The best atonement she could give was the happy ending in a book she wrote since she stole their happy ending in real life. This twist allowed you to feel happy for couple, less angry at the liar, hopeful that sometimes in life you can set right those wrongs you did when you were young and naive. After you're secure in those feeling, it pulls you back and reminds you that this is life and you fairy tale endings stay in fairy tales. It sounds depressing because I've oversimplified the plot but it is indeed a good story. Plus I think it's enough to watch Keira Knightly and James McAvoy lock lips whenever they're on screen. Squee!

A Movie That You've Seen Countless Times

I chose Oceans 11 (2001) because I will be scrolling through my TV guide and every time I see it, I can't help but watch it through. The cast selection and the balance of screen time between all of the well-known actors was great. Plus the art of storytelling was done in a sophisticated and humorous way. My 10th grade speech teacher explained the scenes she saw in this way. The way no words were needed between George Clooney and Brad Pitt in some scenes. The way every one turned to look at the demolition except George Clooney who kept staring at Julia Roberts. Everything compliments everything in this movie. Hopefully you feel the same way about it so all that makes sense.

A Movie With the Best Soundtrack
Now, to be clear, I separate movie soundtracks and scores. If you don't see the need to, well, then we disagree. It was a toss up between Tron (2010) and Drive (2011). I chose the latter because when I thought about it, everything Daft Punk does is awesome so it was expected, but when I watched Drive, I found myself digging the music without even noticing. Even more shocking was that I was jamming to 80's style music which is not my thing at all. I also thought that the music provided the words unsaid in many scenes for the perfect level of angst between the main two characters. Music with a purpose, oh yeah.
Oh, and I'm not a fan of musicals, so there was no way a musical's soundtrack would be my favorite, yet a more obvious choice.

Favorite Classic Movie
What is a classic movie? Is is a black and white film? Does it have to belong to some collection of movies? Is it one that is unofficially a classic but everyone has seen it and expects you to get the references? I'm not sure, so I'm going with the 'being-part-of-a-collection' option and choosing The Breakfast Club (1985) from the Brat Pack Collection. I'm a big fan of coming-of-age films as they're always relatable in some way. I also love how a movie like this one that could only have been made in that time period when everything was so stereotypical yet accepted without question. I feel like nowadays everything is trying so hard NOT to be stereotypical that they fall into that category anyway.
And who can forget the last scene with the triumphant fist in the air as Don't You (Forget About Me) starts playing. That's
classic.

A Movie That Changed Your Opinion About Something

500 Days of Summer (2009) changed my opinion about something in a subtle way. I hated this movie because of the ending. Namely because Zooey Deschanel's character pulls this b-tch move and reveals that after resisting her relationship with Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character for more than a year she is suddenly engaged only a couple months later. It's what I hated but also what changed my opinion (subtly). People change for reasons we can't understand and it just has to be accepted in order for life to move on. My former opinion was not that this was impossible, but that it was unacceptable. After a few more of life's wonderful experiences (sarcasm alert), I've seen how sometimes it really does just happen. I say subtly because she led him on and then pulled this move. I know the movie even makes it a point to rewind and show all the times she said she didn't want a boyfriend/relationship but c'mon, girl, that's not the kind of attention you show a boy you just want to be friends with. So basically, I can understand that people change but I wouldn't appreciate misleading information or hurtful treatment in the process. It's part of life, but we all have people in that 'I miss the person you used to be' category, huh?

movie challenge, march 2~6

I feel that I owe my readers an explanation for what was suppose to be a day-by-day challenge. Apparently I underestimated my 'lack of social-life' on a daily basis living in countryside Japan and overestimated my capacity of 'time willing to be spent sitting on a couch' every night (I enjoy reading more these days). I have had my answers ready for the movie challenge but have not had the time to sit down and watch a new movie every night. I hate to go back on what I stated for this challenge but it's been lagging the whole process behind. Instead, I will now try to watch new movies during this time, but it won't be everyday. 

So, now that that little self-imposed stress is gone, let's continue!

The Most Underrated Movie
The most underrated movie is also my favorite movie: What Dreams May Come (1998). Nowadays, I'm sure a popular heart throb would play the leading role of an ultra-romantic hero, but Robin Williams's naturally endearing nature and sincerity make his role completely believable. This isn't a simple love story. This movie makes you think about life and death, the kind of parent you are or want to be, the effort needed to understand those closest to you even after many years, and of course, the lengths you'll go for love. Besides the metaphysical aspects, this movie was visually stunning in a time before anything digital, HD, or 3D. To this day I'm left in awe by some of the scenes throughout the movie. I'm not only talking about the representations of heaven and hell, I'm even talking about the artistry and details in places like their home, the hospital mural, and the mental institution. This movie was ahead of its time and most people I know just write it off, if they've even heard of it at all.
But you should go watch it. Now. I'll wait here and we can discuss it afterwards.


A Movie That Makes You Really Happy
The Wedding Date (2005) is a movie that was chosen by the members of the group outing I was a part of, so I had absolutely no expectations for it. It is a movie that I like to call a 'grade A, B movie.' I never watched 'Will and Grace,' but I can see how Debra Messing's charm is infectious as she bumbled around humorous and embarrassing situations in this movie. The viewer really feels for her character too as the story unravels and each layer reveals new and lower blows stuck to our innocent heroine. Also, I was really engaged (no pun intended) in all of the pre-wedding and wedding events. I found myself planning such fun and sophisticated events for my eventual wedding. I even sighed in typical girl-fashion at the stunning teal bridesmaids dresses at the end of the movie.
Since seeing it at the theaters, I always find myself watching it whenever I catch it on T.V. 



A Movie That Makes You Sad
I had to think about this one for a bit. Not one movie stuck out in my mind as having inflicted a lasting sadness on me nor do I consider sad moments enough to qualify it as sad movie. Finally I thought of The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). I'll warn you that my summary sucks since I mostly remember feeling sad for the characters the whole time. Will Smith is a down and out single father who is on welfare, working dead-end jobs that rely on the kindness of others (which is not in big supply) and battles homelessness. I think there was some kind of redemption at the end and he was going to make it after all, but ugh, it was such a downer for most of the film that it was too late for 'happyness' at the end. Never watching this will be more in line with an actual pursuit of happiness..


Favorite Love Story in a Movie

So many potential answers for this one! Too many! I mean, I LOVE a good love story and actually feel a sense of relief if the lovers live happily ever after. So the first one that came to mind was Water for Elephants (2011). It is not my choice because of Robert Pattinson (he was just the icing on the cake), but because the love story that develops between him and Reese Witherspoon (not to be confused for Reese Without-her-spoon) is sweet but tortured by the character that was played superbly by Christoph Waltz. **Spoiler Alert** What set me bawling at the end of the movie was the home-video style shot footage of their eventual life together in blissful love as Rob's character fulfills every promise he made to her throughout the movie. From the beginning of the movie you know that Reese's character has died before him so it makes this footage all the more touching and tear-inducing. It was really a great story overall with great acting and anyone who didn't go see it just because 'Edward Cullen' is in it, is an idiot and shouldn't talk to me.


Favorite Made for TV Movie
So I didn't grow up watching Disney Channel or Teen Nick original movies (Ya, I don't know what's wrong with me either), instead I was over on Lifetime watching all the stuff that I shouldn't be. One such movie was Human Trafficking (2005). It's not my favorite in the way you might initially think of favorites. All of the other Lifetime Network movies were about love and loss, murders and family drama, but this one left an actual impact on me. I knew next to nothing about this major world problem before I saw this movie and it really brought to light what a scary situation it is. I've only seen the movie once when it aired quite some time ago, (but I could probably find it online these days), so my synopsis is mostly likely leaving out major parts of the plot. The story follows three different girls, a teenager from America, a pre-teen British girl who was on vacation with her parents in Southeast Asia, and a Russian teen. It was an intriguing way to pace the movie as you are given a break from the torture of one girl to check up on another one and at times their stories are even linked (same holding house or detective looking for them, etc). One of the fathers of the girls completely immerses himself in this grotesque culture just to be able to have a better chance at finding his daughter which is heart wrenching for him. Some of girls make it, others don't. It was very graphic which I felt gave a more accurate portrayal of the hell people in this situation go through.
It was a powerful movie and effective in it's message to raise awareness. I recommend it to anyone 17 and older.


Movie Buff: Leap Year (2010)

After a conversation that came about due to it being a leap year, my friend and I watched Leap Year (2010). This is another grade A, B movie that I actually saw a chunk of as an in-flight movie but since I didn't catch the bookends, I filled in the rest of the plot (which wasn't much). Cute overall and I am a fan of Adam Scott from his work on 'Party Down' so I was glad to see him. Amy Adams and Matthew Goode have a smidgen of chemistry but they made it work. I don't think anyone would have actually cared if I had seen this movie or not but it furthered my resolve to go to Ireland one day and made for a great girls' night.

movie challenge, march 1

The Best Movie You Saw During the Last Year
In order to not trap myself in a decision between Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, I'm interpreting this choice to be within this calendar year (and crisis averted). My bf and I try to stay current with what's going on in America, so we watched Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) (six months late). I loved this movie. It had a little bit of everything - romance, comedy, drama, and even a twist! The actors had great chemistry and the all-star cast alone meant we were in for some good performances. I was also surprised and happy to see a former ANTM contestant, Analeigh Tipton as one of the main characters, looking like a complete natural.

The message goes perfectly with the title. Love will have you doing crazy, stupid things but in the end it conquers all. This is such a perfect date night movie that I wished I had seen in theaters; instead I watched it snuggled up to my boytoy on the couch, so just as good not too far off.

Movie Buff +1: Labyrinth
It's already been tough to keep up with watching a new movie every day, so I'm having already having to pull out one that I've seen since the New Year. Labyrinth (1986) with David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connelly. Yes, yes, gasp in horror that I hadn't seen this movie. It will happen a lot over this month, but I finally have now. Though it probably is a shame that I didn't see this when I was younger because at my age, it wasn't easy to take seriously and get lost in the fantasy. The cult classic aspect must be all about the wonder that is David Bowie and the greatness that is Jim Hensen together in a film. I enjoyed the story and most of the music (I'm not a big fan of musicals), but something about it reminded me of The Neverending Story; a movie I can't stand. . All in all I would say it was a charming movie. The girl saves the day against the big bad tyrant and has changed for the better. Yay!! At least now I get the references. .and have the image of David Bowie's in tight leather pants seared into my memory.

coming soon to a blog near you...

MARCH MOVIE MADNESS MONTH

And because I never make it too easy, I am also challenging myself to WATCH a new movie every day for the month as well. My bf has just been itching for this chance to show me every movie he's ever said, "You've never seen _____?!?" haha!

I'll admit right now that in case I absolutely can't watch a new movie that day, I will at least post and review a new movie that I have seen in 2012 (still very recent).

As with my other challenges, I'd love it if you joined me to add to the fun and/or gave me feedback on what you think of the challenge choices. 

hope you're amused