Movies I need to buy:
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
I'm not really a fan of westerns, because most of the ones I've seen have bored me. (I've been told many times that I need to watch The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and I'm sure I will one of these days, but I'm not really in a hurry to.) But this movie is fantastic. It's sad at times, hilarious at others, and has some of the best one-liners in movie history. "Think you used enough dynamite there, Butch?" is a common phrase in my household. And the whole language barrier issue when they go to Bolivia is just classic comedy, because it's so easy to relate to...you know, except for the whole bank-robbing thing. Really, you can't go wrong with a Paul Newman/Robert Redford movie.
Amélie, a.k.a. Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain
I watched this again after I went to Montmartre. I'd forgotten how much I like it. It's quirky, fun, and just makes me smile.
And keeping with the French theme...
Les Choristes
Like the French version of Dead Poets Society, with music. Jean-Baptiste Maunier's voice is absolutely stunning. I want to kidnap him and make him sing to me all day.
Singin' in the Rain
I'm not entirely sure how I don't own this movie. It's one of my favorite movies ever, and definitely my favorite musical. In an interview Debbie Reynolds said that Gene Kelly made them practice the dances until their feet bled. You know what, Debbie? It was worth it.
Notorious
My favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie. It's got love, mystery, Nazis, and Ingrid Bergman's kickass wardrobe. And the wine cellar scene is one of the most suspensful scenes in cinematic history.
The Godfather
Who doesn't love a little mob drama? Al Pacino is awesome. Although the first time I tried to watch this movie, I couldn't finish it because it was too sad when his Italian wife died. I still don't like that part. But still, it should be a part of everyone's movie collection.
There are tons of other movies that I don't own but should, but I clearly can't fit them all here. My film collection isn't very big.
Showing posts with label random reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday, November 30, 2008
happy belated turkey day!
And so I return from the North; older, wiser, and a good 20 pounds fatter. Okay, so that part may not be true--my aunt claims that I actually lost weight, though I'm pretty sure that's not true either--but I did eat an exorbitant amount of food. Such as it should be on Thanksgiving, the happiest of food-filled holidays.
It was actually a rather small crowd this year; I think we only had about 20-25 people, so we set up three tables instead of the usual four.
I should have spent the week off working on my English essays, but in fact I ended up reading the books in the Twilight series--four books in three days, so I can affirm that they are every bit as addictive as everyone says they are. When we got to Connecticut I had every intention of taking a nice long nap (after a three-hours-of-sleep night and a seven hour car ride, I certainly could have used it) but I couldn't fall asleep. Then I saw Twilight sitting on the side table so I decided I might as well see what the fuss is all about. They're quite entertaining; no Shakespeare or Joyce or Fitzgerald, of course, but they never claimed to be--they're very good for what they are.
Anyways, enough about my forays into the teenage world of vampires and werewolves and star-crossed lovers. Here's a picture of my Thanksgiving plate before dinner:
And after dinner:
I think I was the only one at my table who cleaned their plate. I'm such a pig. We also had lots of pies:
Mmm, delicious.
It was actually a rather small crowd this year; I think we only had about 20-25 people, so we set up three tables instead of the usual four.
I should have spent the week off working on my English essays, but in fact I ended up reading the books in the Twilight series--four books in three days, so I can affirm that they are every bit as addictive as everyone says they are. When we got to Connecticut I had every intention of taking a nice long nap (after a three-hours-of-sleep night and a seven hour car ride, I certainly could have used it) but I couldn't fall asleep. Then I saw Twilight sitting on the side table so I decided I might as well see what the fuss is all about. They're quite entertaining; no Shakespeare or Joyce or Fitzgerald, of course, but they never claimed to be--they're very good for what they are.Anyways, enough about my forays into the teenage world of vampires and werewolves and star-crossed lovers. Here's a picture of my Thanksgiving plate before dinner:
And after dinner:
I think I was the only one at my table who cleaned their plate. I'm such a pig. We also had lots of pies:
Mmm, delicious.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ten thousand dancing girls kicking cans 'cross the sky
So today my iTunes has been all about The New Pornographers.
...
Don't worry, they're a band.
A folksy hippie indie Canadian band, to be exact. They're actually a supergroup, sort of along the lines of Broken Social Scene and The Arcade Fire. And don't let the name deter you, because they're not crude or pornographic in any way. At least not in the traditional sense; I guess you could call their music ear porn if you want, haha.
But if you haven't heard them, you serious need to. The first album I got was actually their third, 2005's Twin Cinema, and it is still one of my favorite albums ever. It's one of those that you have to listen to all the way through because it sort of tells a story. Not in the literal sense with characters and a plot, but each song on the album blends so well with the others that skipping around just defeats the purpose a bit. And every song is fabulous.
As is commonplace with the bands I love, the lyrics are very intelligent and poetic. Plus they've got both male and female vocalists, which I love. (If you're also a fan, also check out Bring it Back by Mates of State. Husband and wife duo, and the vocals are just stunning.) The other things that are great about the album are the unusual time signatures and the really strong drum beats. They just give the whole thing such a cool and unique sound.
Their other albums are: Mass Romantic (2000), Electric Version (2003), and Challengers (2007). But like I said, get Twin Cinema first. I seriously doubt you'll regret it. And if you do, I'm sorry.
Sorry that you have such bad taste in music, I mean.
...
Don't worry, they're a band.
A folksy hippie indie Canadian band, to be exact. They're actually a supergroup, sort of along the lines of Broken Social Scene and The Arcade Fire. And don't let the name deter you, because they're not crude or pornographic in any way. At least not in the traditional sense; I guess you could call their music ear porn if you want, haha.
But if you haven't heard them, you serious need to. The first album I got was actually their third, 2005's Twin Cinema, and it is still one of my favorite albums ever. It's one of those that you have to listen to all the way through because it sort of tells a story. Not in the literal sense with characters and a plot, but each song on the album blends so well with the others that skipping around just defeats the purpose a bit. And every song is fabulous.
As is commonplace with the bands I love, the lyrics are very intelligent and poetic. Plus they've got both male and female vocalists, which I love. (If you're also a fan, also check out Bring it Back by Mates of State. Husband and wife duo, and the vocals are just stunning.) The other things that are great about the album are the unusual time signatures and the really strong drum beats. They just give the whole thing such a cool and unique sound.
Their other albums are: Mass Romantic (2000), Electric Version (2003), and Challengers (2007). But like I said, get Twin Cinema first. I seriously doubt you'll regret it. And if you do, I'm sorry.
Sorry that you have such bad taste in music, I mean.
Monday, October 13, 2008
just call me rob fleming.
(the protagonist from High Fidelity of course, not the Canadian politician.)
Top Five Albums of All Time, selon l'opinion de Sarah (with youtube links so you can check the bands out yourself! Yay!):
5. The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground and Nico
When you mix 60s American experimental art-rock with a German vocalist and Andy Warhol, it's hard to go wrong. This album certainly proves that. It's very easy for me to see why it's become one of the most influential rock albums ever: this is sex, drugs, and rock & roll at its finest. May be slightly too weird for some; I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of grande dark roast coffee, but I love it and that's all that matters, because it's my list.
4. The Clash - London Calling
Greatest punk album of all time. No question. Also greatest album cover of all time. Not much else I can say, really.
3. Radiohead - The Bends
(the linked video is from the concert I went to in May...seriously the best performance I have ever seen)
It's so difficult to choose one Radiohead album that I like over the others because I love pretty much every single one of their songs (save for a few on Pablo Honey). I tend to get a lot of grief when I say this is my favorite Radiohead album, though. OK Computer is the most critically acclaimed of them all, and Kid A seems to be most die hard fans' favorite, but I'm partial to this one because it's what got me liking the band in the first place. I'm slightly ashamed to say I used to think they were boring. But several years ago a friend made me buy The Bends, and I was hooked. It may be more "commercial", and it certainly speaks to the mood of the 90s alternative music scene, but with bone-chillingly beautiful songs like "Fake Plastic Trees" and bitter and sarcastic nods to their own success a la "My Iron Lung", this CD is one that never leaves my player for very long.
2. Paul Simon - Graceland
Probably not as well known as the others on this list, but without a doubt just as good. I like Simon and Garfunkel well enough, but this solo effort by Simon is better by far in my opinion. It's like a musical journey all around the world (funnily enough, the title of the last song on the album), from Memphis to Africa to New Orleans to the Southwest, and it features Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, The Everly Brothers, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, to name just a few of the contributing artists. The lyrics are fabulous, the bass beat is catchy, and the video for "You Can Call Me Al" even features Chevy Chase. And who doesn't love Chevy Chase? My parents claim no good music was made in the 80s with the exception of this album; I say there are plenty of fabulous albums that came out of the 80s, but this is certainly one of the best.
1. The Beatles - Revolver
This album holds a special place in my heart, because I grew up listening to it. My mom sang me to sleep with "Here, There, and Everywhere", and I danced around the living room with my dad to "Doctor Robert". Even without the sentimental ties however, this would still be my favorite album of all time. I can't even put into words how amazing The Beatles are, so I'm just going to assume everyone agrees with me and those who don't have chemical imbalances in their right temporal lobes. The end.
Dude, that was way too hard. (That's what she said?) I'm gonna add some more to the list because I feel bad cutting them out.
Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order) go to: Cat Stevens - Teaser and the Firecat, Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures, The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema, Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon, The Smiths - The Queen is Dead, and Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (aka Come On, Feel the Illinoise!)
Top Five Albums of All Time, selon l'opinion de Sarah (with youtube links so you can check the bands out yourself! Yay!):
5. The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground and Nico
When you mix 60s American experimental art-rock with a German vocalist and Andy Warhol, it's hard to go wrong. This album certainly proves that. It's very easy for me to see why it's become one of the most influential rock albums ever: this is sex, drugs, and rock & roll at its finest. May be slightly too weird for some; I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of grande dark roast coffee, but I love it and that's all that matters, because it's my list.
4. The Clash - London Calling
Greatest punk album of all time. No question. Also greatest album cover of all time. Not much else I can say, really.
3. Radiohead - The Bends
(the linked video is from the concert I went to in May...seriously the best performance I have ever seen)
It's so difficult to choose one Radiohead album that I like over the others because I love pretty much every single one of their songs (save for a few on Pablo Honey). I tend to get a lot of grief when I say this is my favorite Radiohead album, though. OK Computer is the most critically acclaimed of them all, and Kid A seems to be most die hard fans' favorite, but I'm partial to this one because it's what got me liking the band in the first place. I'm slightly ashamed to say I used to think they were boring. But several years ago a friend made me buy The Bends, and I was hooked. It may be more "commercial", and it certainly speaks to the mood of the 90s alternative music scene, but with bone-chillingly beautiful songs like "Fake Plastic Trees" and bitter and sarcastic nods to their own success a la "My Iron Lung", this CD is one that never leaves my player for very long.
2. Paul Simon - Graceland
Probably not as well known as the others on this list, but without a doubt just as good. I like Simon and Garfunkel well enough, but this solo effort by Simon is better by far in my opinion. It's like a musical journey all around the world (funnily enough, the title of the last song on the album), from Memphis to Africa to New Orleans to the Southwest, and it features Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, The Everly Brothers, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, to name just a few of the contributing artists. The lyrics are fabulous, the bass beat is catchy, and the video for "You Can Call Me Al" even features Chevy Chase. And who doesn't love Chevy Chase? My parents claim no good music was made in the 80s with the exception of this album; I say there are plenty of fabulous albums that came out of the 80s, but this is certainly one of the best.
1. The Beatles - Revolver
This album holds a special place in my heart, because I grew up listening to it. My mom sang me to sleep with "Here, There, and Everywhere", and I danced around the living room with my dad to "Doctor Robert". Even without the sentimental ties however, this would still be my favorite album of all time. I can't even put into words how amazing The Beatles are, so I'm just going to assume everyone agrees with me and those who don't have chemical imbalances in their right temporal lobes. The end.
Dude, that was way too hard. (That's what she said?) I'm gonna add some more to the list because I feel bad cutting them out.
Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order) go to: Cat Stevens - Teaser and the Firecat, Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures, The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema, Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon, The Smiths - The Queen is Dead, and Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (aka Come On, Feel the Illinoise!)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
i wrote my feelings down in a rush, i didn't even check the spelling
I've been listening to Maxïmo Park a lot lately.
When Our Earthly Pleasures came out in early 2007, I actually didn't like it as much as their debut. A Certain Trigger was rough, a little odd, and incredibly catchy, and their sophomore album seemed a bit reserved in comparison. It was certainly not as frantic or unhinged. But the more I listened, the more I realized how good the CD--and the band--actually is.
They're generally lumped in with a whole slew of British indie bands that have gotten famous over the past few years, but in my mind they stand out. The poetic eloquence of the lyrics mixed with that hyper britpop music makes them both irresistably singable and danceable. They are one of the few bands that I really don't get tired of listening to.
I think the lyrics really do make all the difference. They're intelligent, witty, often nostalgic and bittersweet and yes, maybe even sometimes a little verbose. No Doubt said "don't speak", and Maxïmo Park say "conceal those thoughts that linger on your breath." They could almost sound pretentious in this way, but Paul Smith's thick northern accent (really not something that screams pretentiousness, on the whole) brings the sound back down to earth. My sister once said I liked "smart music"; I guess this is what she meant.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. But I challenge you to listen to "Our Velocity" and not jump around your room like a maniac at the love is a lie, which means I've been lied to, love is a lie, which means I've been lying too line. I swear, it can't be done.
When Our Earthly Pleasures came out in early 2007, I actually didn't like it as much as their debut. A Certain Trigger was rough, a little odd, and incredibly catchy, and their sophomore album seemed a bit reserved in comparison. It was certainly not as frantic or unhinged. But the more I listened, the more I realized how good the CD--and the band--actually is.
They're generally lumped in with a whole slew of British indie bands that have gotten famous over the past few years, but in my mind they stand out. The poetic eloquence of the lyrics mixed with that hyper britpop music makes them both irresistably singable and danceable. They are one of the few bands that I really don't get tired of listening to.
I think the lyrics really do make all the difference. They're intelligent, witty, often nostalgic and bittersweet and yes, maybe even sometimes a little verbose. No Doubt said "don't speak", and Maxïmo Park say "conceal those thoughts that linger on your breath." They could almost sound pretentious in this way, but Paul Smith's thick northern accent (really not something that screams pretentiousness, on the whole) brings the sound back down to earth. My sister once said I liked "smart music"; I guess this is what she meant.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. But I challenge you to listen to "Our Velocity" and not jump around your room like a maniac at the love is a lie, which means I've been lied to, love is a lie, which means I've been lying too line. I swear, it can't be done.
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