Film Review: Lars and the Real Girl

Am I entertained by the cliché films that Hollywood is rolling out like a manufacturing factory stamping out the perfect recipe for a film? Yes. But I am getting bored of it and need something more. I am on the quest for movies that are not off the assembly line. Big disaster hits, nerdy guy saves girl, girl sees guy for what he really is inside and falls in love. I WANT MORE and something different. More films by Wes Anderson and Tim Burton more films like Lars and the Real Girl.

My eyes were the size of watermelons when I first saw the trailer. I could not wait to get it. I was disappointed that it was a limited release. Although disappointed, inside I was relieved. It is not your mainstream movie; it is something I might actually enjoy. From a new director Craig Gillespie comes a romantic (maybe), feel good (I guess) “ask yourself a lot of questions” type movie. Each scene was well crafted and made its point in a subtle way. Gillespie directs his cast so well that nothing is over-acted, in fact almost under-acted and looks and feels so real. You believe that this is really how people would react.
Ryan Gosling is no longer just a pretty face but is destined to be one of the top male actors in the next 5 years. I loved this film; its unique and risky take on an individuals healing process from boy to man. There is a scene in the movie where Ryan’s character, Lars, ask his older brother how he knew it when he became a man. His brother Gus played by another amazing actor Paul Schneider has such a simple response that makes you want to become a better person. Three cheers for the writer and his simple yet profound words. The wife Karin played by Emily Mortimer and “a town girl” (my way of not giving the story away) Margo played by Kelli Garner fascinated us with the ever so powerful technique that most actors and actresses lack, less is more. I left the movie wanting more. I would say to myself, what other movies are these people in? Two simple and unique thumbs up.

2nd Annual Halloween Movie

This is the second year I did this. Last year I set up the movie Monster House, this year was Nightmare Before Christmas. I set up chairs for them to sit and watch. I set up a projector onto a screen against the house. I also serve free hot dogs and chili. This year I gave out 50 hot dogs in the first hour and a huge chili pot 30 minutes later. I give it to the adults and with their permission to the kids as well. Next year, I will have to double my stock, I had to turn alot of people away.

Halloween Costumes

Robin, Dragon and Halloween Fairy

Minney Mouse

Avlee

Avlee and her icey

This smile can get you anything you want.

They think messes like this are funny.

Our three blessings

Halloween Costume-Dirty Movie

At work I won a prize for most creative.

Movie Review: 2001: A Space Odyssey

You know those movies that you have seen on the stand at Blockbuster video and you always wondered about it. You have heard the movie spoken about in other movies and you have heard it is a “classic” and a must see. I have been eye balling this film for the past several years. Released in 1968 and written and directed by Stanley Kubrick, this film has been said to be a classic by several critics. In fact a poll of critics in 2002 ranked it among the top ten films of all time and was nominated for four Academy Awards. And received one four visual effects. In 1991, it was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in their National Film Registry. With all this said about it who wouldn’t rent it.

After viewing this film I was emotionally paralyzed and was not exactly sure what to think. In fact, my opinion of the film has changed several times, or rather has evolved. My first impression of the film was that it was extremely boring and each scene took way to long. I got the point after the first 30 seconds but the film insisted I watch the same scene for 10-15 more minutes. This 141 minute film could have easily been told in a 45 minute short. I still have those same opinions but they are now shared with lasting impressions. I have thought about this movie every day, throughout the day and have told others about it. Some scenes in that movie were so well directed, so well paced and the imagery was not only phenomenal but for that year (1968) an incredible achievement. I do recommend everyone seeing it. WARNING: Do not watch it when you are sleepy.

Things you may notice in the movie:

-Two very popular musical pieces used in several movies to date.

-A scene from this movie was in the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is the scene where the candy bar was put in the movie, but instead of the black monolith, it is a giant Wanka Bar surrounded by apes.

-The phrase “I am sorry Dave, but I am afraid I can’t do that”.

-You can tell that several Sci-Fi movies have taken bits of this movie and made it their own. The movie Contact I will bet was largely influenced this film.

-The movie was made in 1968 with some of their impressions of the year 2001. It is amazing some of the things are spot on.

I look forward to your feedback if you have seen it or rather after you do see it. And if you won’t go see it then I will except the phrase, “I am sorry Dave, but I am afraid I can’t do that”.