The Real Housewives of Abu Dhabi

Sex and the City 2

God, this movie. I saw the first one, hated it, and vowed to skip the second one. But wanting to spend time with friends brought me to this sequel. If I'd skipped it, I honestly would be wondering about it. That said, I'd tell anyone to skip it.

The plot picks up two years after the first one. Charlotte and Harry are raising their two daughters with the help of a nanny who's a bra less beauty. Miranda and Steve are together, and Miranda is being treated horribly at her job, which she promptly quits. Carrie and Big are in the "in between phase of marriage, between wild sex and a baby," (Carrie's words not mine). Samantha is still loves sex, still kinda of slutty.

I found this sequel to be narratively more tolerable than the first for the sole reason that there was less whining. That tells me that the whining and bitching in the first movie had to be beyond abysmal, because there was almost nothing narratively stimulating about Sex and the City 2.

This movie is one giant magazine ad, as my friend Claire astutely stated. There are beautiful, bright, splashy clothes that will catch a viewers eye. The interior decorating is also beautiful, bright and splashy; there were some beautiful pieces of furniture and great paint jobs. The locales are gorgeous. The Abu Dhabi resort and beach was lovely. But between these pages of clothes, locales, and furniture is a whole lot of nothing...two and a half hours of nothing. The subplots for each woman is barely a plot. Then they vacation in Abu Dhabi. Carrie runs into Aiden...minor drama that could've been averted. Then they go home because Samantha disrespects Middle Eastern culture. A whole lot of nothing? Yep.

This sequel is far shallow and materialistic than the first. There's lots of stuff and a focus on the stuff. Each woman gets their own car and butler in Abu Dhabi. Charlotte freaks out when her child gets paint on her white vintage designer pants (Why are you wearing white vintage designer pants when baking with two young children?) . Furthermore, Charlotte, sobbing to Miranda, seemingly asks the Gods how it's even possible for women without nannies to raise children? Being a mother, with a nanny, is so unbelievably hard. Infuriating? Yes. Charlotte, the world's smallest violin is playing for you in your Upper East Side multi-million dollar apartment.

Not only is their behavior at home annoying, but the women's behavior in Abu Dhabi is downright insulting. Yes the culture is patriarchal and oppressive towards women and conservative in their thinking of sex. But it's not our place, as an audience in a Hollywood comedy no less, to make insulting statements and judgements. Samantha, cover up! Don't wave condoms in the marketplace! The scene with the Abu Dhabi women in the backroom...I have no words.

One needs to keep the movies and the show separate. They cannot be grouped together. The show was intelligent, funny and sometimes insightful. The movies are cheesy, boring, and entirely too long.

Hayden Christensen in Shattered Glass

One of two good Christensen roles. Christensen brings a desperation, smarmy-ness and vulnerability to the role. He even gains audience sympathy as a deceitful journalist while simultaneously being creepy. While Peter Sarsgaard was leaps and bounds better, Christensen really holds his own. This movie proves that Christensen has some talent, he just needs the right story and director to bring it out of him.


Netflix

Top Gun-Never seen it. I dunno if I'll like it.
The Object of My Affection-I don't know why I've always wanted to see this romantic comedy.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?-Netflix Instant. Classic

Moving On

The End

Well, it's over. Last night was the series finale of one of the most complicated and compelling TV shows in history. The finale got about 13 million viewers, a bit underwhelming, but I think it's because a lot fans watched Lost in groups. Some movie theaters even showed the finale. The whole "live together, die alone" idea of the show really came into play. Below are my thoughts. Hopefully I won't drench my computer with tears, because even thinking about the show being over and everything that went down last night makes me cry. Just looking at the above screen cap, the last image of Lost, is blurring my vision. Needless to say, spoilers. But if you're a fan of Lost, I'd be shocked if you hadn't watched the finale yet.

I've been a combination of two types of a Lost viewer in the six years I've invested in the show. I've watched for the compelling characters and the plot twists, turns, and mythologies. Yes, I've been anxiously awaiting to find out why Walt was special, why Claire needed to raise Aaron herself, what MIB's name was (seriously, what is his name?), did Jughead work, etc. I think season 6 did skip out on answering a lot of questions but we did get some worked out, like what the island is for and what the four-toed statue means/why women on the island can't get pregnant (these answers were given subtly, but they were given). But the producers, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, did say that all of our questions wouldn't be answered; if the characters didn't care about the answers anymore, then we weren't going to find out. That makes sense. Lost isn't a world where everything gets answered and wrapped up nicely. That's not the reality of this world. And that's okay.

This show is about emotion and these characters, characters who we really really really care about. The writers were great at making us care. And because of that, I really cared that they have some kind of satisfying end. They have been through hell, don't they deserve some kind of happy ending, even if it's in a purgatory-esque setting? The flash sideways did end up being purgatory, a place where everyone was waiting for each other to die and reconnect. The reunions were truly the emotional core of the finale. You had your sweet ones (Daniel and Charlotte, Sayid and Shannon), your powerful, life-affirming ones (Ben and John, Jack & his Dad's coffin where Jack flashed on everyone. Plus he finally worked out his Daddy issues) and the truly heartwarming ones that made me cry like a baby (Jack and the coffin again, Sawyer and Juliet, Kate, Claire and Charlie). We got to have our annual visit from Rose, Bernard, and Vincent. Kate made her choice (the right one), and Ben and Hurley had the start of a beautiful friendship. We saw some fantastic acting from everyone; no one was slacking. And I'm a sucker for reunions, so it was cool to see almost everybody back together.

I do have my qualms about the finale. Seriously, how is Shannon Sayid's true love? Yes, they had an amazing connection cut short, but I think she'll always be second best to Nadya, but whatever. The whole light and the plug thing was a little foggy, but whatever. I really could've done with more of an explanation about where the island came from and its mystical and healing properties. Why weren't Miles, Lapidus, Richard and Walt in the church? But whatever. I'm willing to let a lot of things go.

The final scene was unbelievably powerful and emotional. Jack making the ultimate sacrifice and going back to where it all started. The writers used the never fail plan of using a dog. Vincent returned to where we met him the first time and lay down next to Jack so he wouldn't die alone. Jack clinging to life and seeing his friends fly away to safety. Beautiful.

I honestly have no idea how this show could've ended differently. Had they just done a checklist of answering questions, I would've felt jipped. It would've felt unnatural, like Benjamin Button. The point was, these characters' time on the island was the single most important thing that happened to them, not only because crashing on a desert island makes a big impact on a person, but this experience helped each character to redeem themselves, another core theme of the show. For them all to be together again, happy and redeemed is just fine with me. I'm glad everyone found each other.

I couldn't help but imagine spin-offs of Lost as the episode was winding down. One could be a spin-off of Hurley and Ben on the island. The second (and my favorite), Richard in the City. Richard did get on the plane, he's now a mortal, he's been living for years on the island. Throw him in a city and hilarity will ensue.

Overall, I'd give the episode a solid B. I do wish some things had been resolved and explained, but these poor people finally got some peace of mind. I really cannot imagine my TV future without this show and I'm really sad to see it go. All these powerful moments with Michael Giacchino's haunting score in the background really pulled at the heartstrings. Thank you Darlton, all writers, directors, producers, crew and actors for creating one of the best television shows of all time.

Here, put this bandit hat on.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

One of my favorite movies of 2009, Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of the most adorable and pleasant films I've ever seen. Reactions while watching this cartoon will not be internal; facial expressions will be expressive and their will be audible amusement. I was really nervous about this film before I saw it, because director Wes Anderson's previous film, The Darjeeling Limited, was abysmal. Furthermore, the stop-motion animation was not how I pictured Fantastic Mr. Fox to look. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. Fantastic Mr. Fox is so cussing good!

This film is absolutely charming and delightful. I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. It is a feast for the eyes. The colors are bold and beautiful, very autumn-like. The landscape is vast and far reaching, the individual hairs on the characters blow in the wind naturally. The film is utterly delicious and hypnotic to look at. The animators use cotton for smoke, cellophane paper for water, the clothes are hand sewn, I could go on and on. As a viewer, I really appreciated the time, effort, and energy that went into making Fantastic Mr. Fox look just right. No detail is left unconsidered, Anderson and his team thought about everything. While I love Pixar and computer-animated films as much as the next audience member, it's great to look at something different.

Wes Anderson is a modern day auteur, and his expected touches are present in Fantastic Mr. Fox. The music is carefully selected and original score is fitting. Anderson took the original book as a spring board and added his typical witty, sharp, deep, and meaningful dialogue. He creates realistic characters out of puppets. Anderson clearly worked closely with animators and added his touch to every element. Anderson creates unique and memorable characters who march the beat of their own drum in all his films, and Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception.

Anderson keeps the voices all in his family. George Clooney and Meryl Streep are the only two big name newcomers. Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Michael Gambon are all Anderson alum. Adrian Brody and Mario Batali even make cameos. I heard that Anderson had all the actors record in the same room together, as opposed to doing each voice on their own. This definitely created a comradery that is felt when watching the film. George Clooney IS Mr. Fox; sly, charming and fun. Jason Schwartzman IS Ash; whiny, desperately trying to be something he isn't.

This is supposed to be a kid's movie, but it's pretty adult. There's smoking, implied cursing (anytime the characters would use a curse word, the word is replaced by "cuss"), and language and humor only an adult would understand. But the visuals are so stunning and colorful and there is physical humor that kids will love.

I really liked Up, it was a great film, animated or otherwise. I understand why it won Best Animated Film but I really think Fantastic Mr. Fox should've won. The story cleaver and the dialogue witty, a film both kids and adults would like. Furthermore, the animation took an attention to detail and a vision that a Pixar animated film doesn't need. I love love love Fantastic Mr. Fox.

F. Murray Abraham in Amadeus

This movie is a masterpiece with amazing performances, F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri being one of them. He really creates a memorable character. His performance is completely believable. His uptight mannerisms and sneering convey his jealousy and disdain while eyes convey how angry he is at himself that he isn't as talented as Mozart. He even delivers his line in an emotionless way, which speaks volumes to his character. I saw this movie when I was young and I've never forgotten it. Abraham's performance was spellbinding and deservedly won the Oscar,



Netflix

Amistad-I've always wanted to see this. I have no idea why.
Sweet Home Alabama-Someone told me I should see this. I love a romantic comedy as much as the next girl.
My Left Foot-Netflix Instant. DDL won his first Oscar for this. I love DDL.

See you in another life, brotha.

This Sunday, one of television's most powerful and inventive shows (and one of my all time personal favorites) is coming to an end. After six seasons, Lost is ending. While parts of me desperately wish the show would continue, because I can't imagine my television life without it, choosing an end date for the show three years ago was the best decision the producers made. They didn't have to drag their heels telling a story, they could map it out perfectly and reveal everything they wanted in the time they wanted. I'm dedicating this blog post to Lost, a piece of entertainment as important to me as many films.

Lost is a million different things. It's thought provoking, entertaining, heartbreaking, I don't have enough verbs. Above all, it's about characters. The survivors of Oceanic Flight 816 were broken and have been put back together only to be broken again throughout the series. But they were always compelling and they have soul but they are lost. While I like some more than others, and change my mind about some with second viewings or amazing character development, each has been vital to the island's fascinating story. These characters will live on in the minds and hearts of viewers. I've certainly shed a fair amount of tears for many of them. Below, my top five favorites.

5. Juliet Burke
A fertility specialist recruited to the Island and the Others. For a long time no one was sure whether she was good or evil, but she revealed herself to be on the side of light. She proved herself to be a strong female character and quickly became a favorite of mine. Her death was one of the hardest on me, especially after she developed a romance with Sawyer.

4. Sayid Jarrah
A former torturer with the Iraqi Republican Guard, Sayid has been one of the show's more tragic characters. A man who cannot escape violence but so desperately wanted to. A man constantly looking for ways to redeem himself. He's someone who I was always rooting for to have a happy ending and in a way he did. Though he died during the submarine explosion, he was able to save some of his friends.

3. (tie) James "Sawyer" Ford and Daniel Faraday
Sawyer, the show's resident hunk and one of the main comic reliefs. Lost would not be the same without him. A reliable source of entertainment, even in the most serious of moments. Though when he's upset, you bet us viewers are too. Sawyer can pack an emotional punch. He does have one of the most devastating back stories.

I'm not sure why I love Daniel Faraday so much. Maybe his brains, his breathy voice, his tragic death. No idea. But I love him dearly.

2. Ben Linus
One of Lost's most complex characters. Is he good, is he evil, just how evil, can he change, etc. Michael Emerson is just phenomenal. He has superb line delivery and rises above his shrimpy size reduce his presence. He is really one of the greatest TV characters, ever.

1. Desmond Hume (duh)
I've always loved Desmond, even after he'd appeared on one or two episodes and we had no idea who he was. He is noble, intelligent, and gets the job done. Every Desmond episode is a good episode.

*Honorable Mentions*

Hugo "Hurley" Reyes
The title of one of season six's episodes was "Everybody Loves Hugo." Enough said.

Mr. Eko
The Lost writers and producers really wanted to do more with this character, but the actor hated working on the show, so he was given a premature exit. I wish he could've been developed more. What a fascinating guy.

When the writing on Lost is good, it's amazing. There have been some strong plot lines and powerful episodes. Below are my favorites. However, it's really hard to choose, as there have been an abundance of great episodes. But these five really stuck out.

5. "Walkabout" Season 1
John Locke is in a wheelchair? How can this be, he walks on the island?! Great utilization of the show's flashback structure. Plus one of the show's most memorable lines came from this episode. "Don't tell me what I can't do."

4. (tie) "Greatest Hits" and "Through the Looking Glass" Season 3
These three episodes were part of Lost's quality turning point, when the show finally got good again. "Greatest Hits" was Charlie's farewell episode. He made the list of the top five moments of his life, number one meeting Claire. And then he leaves his Drive Shaft ring in Aaron's crib. So much crying.

"Through the Looking Glass" was the season 3 finale that came right after "Greatest Hits." Here we had one of Lost's saddest deaths (Charlie) and some fantastic cliff hangers, including "Not Penny's Boat," the introduction of the flash forward and viewers not knowing how to handle Bearded Jack's request that "We have to go back." This episode changed the game.

3. "The Constant" Season 4

This show was essential to Lost mythology, and really got the time travel storyline going. This episode established Desmond as one of the most important people in the series, but the best part was the Desmond/Penny love story. It seemed that these two would never find each other, until Desmond called Penny on Christmas Eve. Lots of heavy emotion, including love, and affirming Lost as a sci-fi show made "The Constant" one of the best.

2. (tie) "The Man Behind the Curtain" Season 3 and "Ab Aeterno" Season 6

Finally, Ben's back story! Getting insight into his character helped us understand why Ben Linus was Ben Linus. We learned what happened to the Dharma Initiative and what Ben was capable of. This episode helped him become one of the most mesmerizing characters on Lost. This episode cemented his role in the series.

I didn't like "Ab Aeterno" the first time I watched it, but after a second viewing, I realized just how important it was. Finally getting a back story on Richard and learning what exactly the island was was a major reveal.

1. "Pilot" Season 1

One of the best (and most expensive) pilots of any show, ever. Setting up a million different stories and introducing us to fascinating characters, the pilot made an unprecedented impact. There were comparisons to Lord of the Flies, a dog, some kind of monster, viewers were hooked and asked the exact same question as Charlie. "Guys, where are we?"

I don't know if I'm ready for Lost to end. I just hope the ending is satisfactory. I want closure. I've become so incredibly attached to these characters the last six years, I just don't want some BS, over-too-quickly ending. I love this show and I'll miss these characters like crazy.

Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is that not why you are here?

Gladiator

I first saw Gladiator when I was eleven and I didn't like it. I was way too young to handle the violence or understand and appreciate the subject matter. Plus I had a distractingly awful stomach ache, which was worsened by the violence. Ten years later I decided to give Gladiator another chance, seeing how almost everyone who's seen it sing its praises. Well, I understand. It's an extraordinary piece of filmmaking and acting.

I first must say that the idea of gladiators is appalling. People cheering on men while they fight for their lives, this doesn't scream entertainment to me. Killing animals, killing each other, you Romans should be ashamed of yourself. There's better things you could've put on in the Colosseum.

My friends and I have an unnatural and hard to explain love for Russell Crowe, so I felt like I was betraying him by not seeing this movie again. What an outstanding performance. Crowe plays his roles with such ferocious intensity, he is truly one of our generation's finer actors. His intense physical and emotional commitment to his rules is admirable. You love him as much as his soldiers and the people of Rome. Crowe's intensity translates into Maximus's determination, confidence, and resilience.

Gladiator also produced a phenomenal performance with Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, the temper tantrum throwing emperor with daddy issues and loose morals when it comes to his feelings towards his sister. Phoenix shows great range with this character, giving his Commodus's vulnerable and fragile side along with his mental instability. Phoenix's eyes are piercing and strongly convey Commodus's madness. He speaks his lines slowly and moves like a serpent, emphasizing how he could explode at any moment. Thank God Phoenix's crazy antics where a stunt, let's hope he returns to film very soon.

Rounding out the cast are great performances by Djimon Hounsou as Juba, a fellow gladiator and Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Commodus's sister and an ex-flame of Maximus. Hounsou is great in all his roles; it's a given. He has great chemistry with Crowe and provides great backbone. Nielsen holds her own with the boys, much like her character is forced to do. Nielsen infuses Lucilla with a strength and patience a woman in her situation needed, especially when your mentally unstable brother wants to sleep with you and then kill you and your child.

There are some truly memorable scenes in Gladiator. The opening battle sequence is photographed beautifully; hell hath no fury like the Roman Empire gone a' conquering. All the fight scenes were well choreographed and looked very natural. Cinematographer John Mathieson also created some stunning images. Maximus's body floating towards his home and his hands brushing the grass are all moving. Furthermore, the gladiators, senators, and soldiers carrying his body, honoring him as a soldier while Commodus's body lays alone is powerful. Mathieson and director Ridley Scott really know how to turn up the intensity, tension, and emotion.

The script apparently went through several re-writes, even as it was being filmed, but one can't tell. The film flows at a good pace and tells a powerful, moving story. Gladiator has several memorable and quotable lines; picking one for the title of this post was tough. But even when I didn't like Gladiator, I really liked that line. Plus the scene where Lucilla finally releases Maxmius really tugs the heart strings.

The film's 100 million dollar plus budget was put to good use. The sets and art direction are realistic, the acting superb, the music and writing all top notch. So glad I gave Gladiator another chance. I was really missing out.

Jonathan Groff in Taking Woodstock
The ensemble in Taking Woodstock was so strong; nobody strongly stood out as weaker than the rest. But this was Jonathan Groff's first big film role and he nailed it. He gave a sweet and sensible performance as Woodstock organizer Michael Lang. Groff had an incredibly calming presence, relaxing everyone around him in a chaotic environment. It's like he exhales marijuana, chilling everyone out. He knocked it out of the park and I hope he appears in more and more films as the years go on. The boy's got talent.

Netflix

Gone Baby Gone-Loved this!
The Wild Bunch-Classic.
Paper Moon-Really liked this the first time I saw it.

Did I ask you to be his psychiatrist? No. I asked you to fucking kill him.

In Bruges

I am absolutely ashamed to admit I did not like In Bruges the first time I saw it. The trailers marketed it as a laugh out loud action comedy from acclaimed Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. In Bruges has a soul I rediscover and learn more about after each viewing. The story of two hit men, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) has become one of my favorite movies.

One must actively watch this film; you can't multi-task with In Bruges. McDonagh, who also wrote the screenplay, brilliantly intermixes humor with action and heart. The emotions are powerful and the humor is priceless. There's the European, understated wit and even blatant, more American-style jokes, like when Ray, speaking honestly, offends a couple of overweight American tourists. The first half especially utilizes hilarious dialogue, jokes and charm. The character of Jimmy is an absolute riot. I can't believe I didn't find In Bruges funny upon first viewing. I'll forever kick myself.

The second half of the film is much darker, but In Bruges never loses the heartfelt and intelligent dialogue or the heart the first half has. There is a sadness sprinkled throughout the entire film, because of what Ray did to get him and Ken sent to Bruges by crime boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). The last ten minutes are especially heartbreaking, and despite In Bruges having many hilarious moments, the film is one of the saddest I think I've ever seen. I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't seen it, but I don't think Ray gets what he wants in the end. Both half contrast and play off each other well.

The acting in In Bruges is top top top. Colin Farrell turns in one of his better performances, balancing the smug and whiny with the grieving and conflicted. Farrell really shows his range. He has great comedic timing! Brendon Gleeson is great as usual. He, again, is very understated and thoughtful in his choices, creating a father figure in Ken. Ralph Fiennes steals the show in his scenes. His dialogue and delivery is hysterical.

This film makes me want to travel. Ray complains about Bruges the entire time but I'm on Ken's side: Bruges looks like a fairytale; the city has charm, romance, and history. The film is shot beautifully and really accentuates Bruges' enchanting architecture. I would really like to stop here on a future excursion. Setting In Bruges at Christmastime and using lots of lights and Christmas decorations only adds to Bruges' allure.

The music is one of the film's best elements. Carter Burwell composed yet another beautiful and haunting score. The songs really fit the theme of atonement, the charming yet sad characters and the delightful city of Bruges. Burwell never disappoints in his scores.

I cannot speak higher of this film. It's a great debut for McDonagh, a crowning achievement for Farrell and an all around brilliant piece of work. In Bruges isn't missing anything.

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde

Reese Witherspoon at her cutest and honestly one of her strongest roles. She embodies the character of Elle Woods and infuses her with a strong spirit. She connects with her audience and gets you to cheer with her when she succeeds and hold her hand when she fails. Witherspoon plays ditsy, not dumb Elle with an intelligence and grace few current young actresses can pull off. She's strong, independent, and ambitious. Witherspoon turns Elle Woods into a good role model for young women.


Netflix

Children of Men-Brilliant film.
Crazy Heart-I'm really not interested in seeing this, but I feel like I need to see why Jeff Bridges beat Colin Firth
Wall-e-Netflix Instant. My favorite Pixar film. Must see again.

War is a drug.

The Hurt Locker

I got really into watching Castle, I hadn't seen any movies I felt like writing about, and I got busy with school work. Sorry. I finally had the time to watch a movie I wanted to pay attention to, The Hurt Locker. This 2009 Best Picture winner is a powerful look at an elite Army EOD team in Iraq. The Hurt Locker is actually the lowest grossing Best Picture winner.

The film is a very non bias look at men in the Iraq War. It doesn't say the Iraq War is good or bad or we should or should not be there. Everyone is entitled to there opinion, but we don't always need movies shoving their opinions down our throats, and hinting that people who don't agree with the filmmakers are wrong. The film just shows men doing their jobs and how that job affects them.

Jeremy Renner gives a strong performance as Sergeant William James, a cowboy-esque bomb diffuser. He mildly reminds me of Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now. His actions can be infuriating, like when he removes his earpiece and his team can't communicate with him or leading his team on a mission that risks their lives for no apparent reason. But he redeems himself by giving a heartfelt reassurance talk to one of his men. Renner does add depth to the character, he's not just some headstrong soldier. His brief scene with his baby boy shows just how addicted he is, and one of the film's most depressing scenes is when James stands in a grocery store debating what cereal to buy. Renner has been around for a while, picking up minor roles and always doing a good job. Nice to see him as a lead and this will hopefully open some doors for him.

Anthony Mackie also gave a strong performance as Sanborn, one of the men working with James. I've seen Mackie in a lot of stuff and he is consistently strong. He's one of those actors where one says, "Oh I know I've seen him before, and he was really good! But what's his name?" I think after The Hurt Locker people won't forget his name. His final scene where he breaks down and wishes for a son is haunting. He was robbed of a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

There are some really amazing shots in The Hurt Locker. The opening scene, where a bomb diffuser walks between two long rails towards a bomb, is well done. The straight and confining rails point the way to his fate. A second haunting scene is after James has led his men on an idiotic mission and one man was wounded. James enters a shower and turns on the water, still in uniform. Blood and sand wash off him and he seems to struggle to breathe, the water running strong and fast over his face. This scene represents how James' actions, decisions and experiences in the army have been and always will be with him. He can try to forget and wash some of his sins away like dirt, but they will always been a part of him; his time in the army defines him. The sound was another strong aspect of The Hurt Locker.

I did have a few problems with The Hurt Locker. The film is a little over two hours, and it drags. Several scenes feel way longer than they need to be. This could have been an artistic choice, maybe representing how long this war has dragged out. But in a film where there isn't a more specific plot, length can be a problem. Furthermore, there are a couple of scenes that just make absolutely no sense. They are out of character for Sgt. James and distract from the film. Now, again, this could have been an artistic choice. One of the film's themes is war is a drug and drug addicts act erratically and out of character. So, maybe that's why there were two scenes that just confused me rather than furthered the storyline.

I read that a lot of people were bothered by the plot, saying that there was no real plot, which affected character development and moving the story along, answering the question of so what? Well the story was about these men, their scary job, and their day to day happenings and how it affects them. There wasn't some epic plot that involved them hunting one man who kept setting off bombs, that would've been silly. I think these soldiers' stories are interesting and important enough.

2009 was a fairly weak film year; The Hurt Locker is certainly not one of the greatest movies I've ever seen. But it tells a compelling story and has wonderfully filmed action scenes. I wonder if The Hurt Locker's success could be recreated in some way, this time with female soldiers the focus. I imagine women have drastically different experiences in war then men do, and the Iraq War has more female soldiers than an other war we've been in. There has to be some story there.

Liam Neeson in Taken

Liam Neeson, action star? I never thought I'd see the day. But he's actually convincing as a former spy still capable of kicking ass. He performs his stunts well and believable shows a father's unstoppable instinct to protect their child. He balances the intimidating action with strong acting, particularly when he tells his daughter she will be taken. He hears her pleas for mercy over he phone and a wave of emotions subtly wash over his face, from fear and panic to his realization to what he must do. I really love Liam Neeson in every thing he does, I'd like to see him do action again.

Netflix

The Lovely Bones-Heard this wasn't too good, but I want to see it anyway.
Fantastic Mr. Fox-Would love to see my favorite animated film of 2009 again.
Summer Hours-Netflix Instant. Netflix recommended this French film to me.