Wild is, hands down, for me, the best movie of 2014. It’s profound, filled with complex, interesting female characters, and two incredible performances that got well-deserved Academy Award nominations. Everyone knows that its true that I have no heart and no soul, and I was crying so much at the end of the movie I didn’t really want to leave the theater until I had more control over myself. (Reaction to that news from Ppyajunebug … Continue reading Movie review: Wild →
I saw Selma on opening night, and the theater was packed. It was an incredibly well done, amazing performances, and the fact that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences snubbed it like whoa is BULLSHIT. Ana DuVernay absolutely deserved a nod for Best Director. David Oyelowo absolutely deserved a nod for Best Actor. But here we are with the whitest Oscars since 1998. Selma is about the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches that … Continue reading Selma →
Into the Woods is the film version of the iconic Broadway musical written by Stephen Sondheim. The film adaptation has flawless casting. It’s delightful to have a modern film musical with actors who can actually sing at a professional level. The music and lyrics are impeccable. The story has been pretty watered down for film, though, and the result is a little more bland than I would have liked. In the story, an assortment of … Continue reading Into the Woods →
Top Five is a romantic comedy that succeeds more as a comedy (with a lot of drama) than as a romance. Viewers should know that this is a very, very “R” rated comedy that tackles subjects of race, sexuality, addiction, and creative identity in powerful and profane ways. They should also know that the movie is freaking hysterical. Top Five has a “one crazy night” structure (actually it’s one crazy night and one crazy day). … Continue reading Top Five →
I loved the trailer for the Annie remake, and I was poised to love the movie itself, but I found myself with a huge case of what TV Tropes calls “They Changed It, Now It Sucks.” I loved Quvenzhané Wallis. I think she should be in everything from now on, as long as it doesn’t interfere with her physical and emotional health. If there is a film with a role for a child, cast her. … Continue reading Annie (2014) →
I received a truly squee-ful email from Lucylegs, who saw Pride, a movie that’s been in limited release in many countries. She wanted to encourage more people to see it, and so here is her guest review. Welcome, Lucylegs! YOU MUST GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!! I AM FLAILY AND HAVE ALL OF THE FEELS!!!! That was pretty much what I emailed to Sarah, and she, no doubt stroking her bald cat, said ‘how interesting, care to write … Continue reading Guest Review: Pride →
My daughter and I saw Big Hero 6 and we loved it so much that it’s almost ridiculous. It’s a great family movie, and it’s a great comic book movie. It’s very loosely inspired by a Marvel comic, which makes it technically a Marvel movie, which is why you want to stay until the end of the credits. It’s one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time, and it’s deeply moving, and … Continue reading Movie Review: Big Hero 6 →
Welcome to “Death Comes to Pemberley, Part 2.” We open with Lizzy looking sad, which sets the tone for the rest of the ninety minutes. Lizzy is worried that Darcy regrets marrying her because Lizzie is Lydia’s sister, and Lydia brought Wickham back into Darcy’s life. Jane gives Lizzy a pep talk and then leaves. Bye, Jane. That was quick. Remember Louisa Birdwell, who was “taking care of her sister’s baby?” Louisa is carving initials … Continue reading Death Comes To Pemberley, Episode 2: Recap and Review →
Carrie: Summary ahoy! And you can watch preview material and some episodes online at PBS.org! Two maids meet a ghost in woods at Pemberley. This does not bode well. Darcy and Lizzie are incredibly happy together and have an adorable and conveniently nannied son who they never have to deal with unless he’s being adorable. They are preparing to host a ball. Yay! Lizzie takes a break from coordinating the party to bring a book to a … Continue reading Death Comes to Pemberley, Episode 1: Recap and Review →
A few weeks back, Sue emailed me to ask if I'd discovered a wonderful anime called Emma: A Victorian Romance. I hadn't seen it before, so Sue was kind enough to write a guest review of what she loved about it, and what she found troublesome. Sue's examination includes some plot points from the series as a whole, and examines elements of the story that might bug the hell out of you, but also discusses why she … Continue reading Emma: A Victorian Romance – A Guest Review by Sue →
The Sapphires is an Australian movie that's recently been released in the US. Before I left for Australia, my cable provider was promoting it was an On Demand choice for movie night. Elizabeth contacted me about the movie, and about the controversy regarding the US movie poster (at left). I asked her to write a review, and she did. I hope it makes you curious to see the movie. Here is Elizabeth's review: Sarah invited … Continue reading The Sapphires: A Guest Movie Review by Elizabeth →
