Me Without You (2001)

This was an interesting story about two girls, Holly (Michele Williams) and Marina (Anna Friel), who are the best of friends from childhood. The story starts in London in the 1970s where the girls are next door neighbors and inseparable and continues through adolescence, college and adulthood. While the girls differences are celebrate and embraced when they are young, the differences become what tries to tear the girls apart. Although I can definitely sympathize with both characters, as Marina gets older she definitely gets less likable. While I think a majority of her issues stem from her family life, selfish mother, on again/off again father, there become a point where you need to rise against the hand you were dealt. Holly's character plays more of the victim in the story which is more relate-able but at the same time you just want her to DO something about it. It seems that Holly is too afraid to take any risks, and if she isn't careful she will end of losing something substantial. I don't think this was the greatest movie but it was definitely entertaining. I think this story illustrates how people grow apart but if you let it you can learn to love the differences in people again.

Gattaca

I know this movie came out in 1997 and it is ridiculous that I am just now getting around to watching it because it was a great movie! As far as science fiction goes, I thought this was a very realistic story. The main theme throughout this movie was how unpredicatable the human spirit is. Even in situations where you have genetically altered a human being's body and mind to be as perfect as it can possible be, fate and will power still need to be taken into consideration. Another amazing aspect of the human spirit is determination. Just because an individual has every disadvantage not to succeed does not mean that you should automatically discount them. This movie tells the story about a man who is so determined to accomplish something even though the odds are stacked against him and he still manages to succeed. I could see how a society such as the one in this story where you have genetically perfect people could eventually make people very lazy. You would have the individuals who weren't perfect or the Invalids that would just give up because they thought it was impossible to make anything of themselves. And then you would have the genetically perfect individuals or the Valids who would never have to challenge themselves because there is no guessing or striving to accomplish anything because it was always possible for them. Also, just because someone is created genetically perfect does not automatically guarantee a happy ending. I thought this movie told the story in great detail and with significant human emotion. Definitely loved it!

A River Runs Through It

This review is dedicated to Jake Hiller! Interestingly enough I just got around to recently watching this movie. If you like Legends of the Fall, I definitely think you would enjoy this movie as well. First of all the scenery throughout this movie is incredible. It definitely made me want to go camping or fishing very soon! This movie follows the story of two brothers growing up together in rural Montana where people consider fly-fishing a religion. Brad Pitt and and Craig Sheffer play the brothers and are both constantly trying to discover who they are and what they should be while trying to live up to their father's, a Baptist minister played by Tom Skerritt, expectations. Brad Pitt plays the younger brother who has always been on a more daring and confident path than his older brother. Brad Pitt does a wonderful job of making the character endearing and full of life. The older brother is much more concerned with how he should live, what his father wants him to do then doing exactly what he wants to do. The movie exemplifies the significant differences between siblings but also how those differences can make those bonds stronger. The older brother definitely disagrees with a lot of the decisions that the younger brother makes but because they are brothers the older brother bails the younger brother out of some situations. This movie is a great movie that shows the love between family and also reminds you of those people you have met that have touched your life. It reminds you that those special people that have touched your life by just being themselves are rare and you should treasure them for as long as you have with them.

Sorry for the lapse in reviews...

I am sorry I haven't been updating this page. I wasn't sure if anyone was reading it or not... I have definitely been watching lots of movies so I have plenty to put on here! Thanks for all the comments!!

Stay

This was a great movie. I just stumbled upon it because of Ryan Gosling, who I think it absolutely adorable but also an immensely talented actor. This movie a psychological thriller that starts out leading the viewer to believe and think one way but as the movie progresses that reality is slowly unraveled. The character that Ewan McGregor plays is a psychologist that is trying to help Ryan Gosling's character. This is pretty black and white but as the movie continues the lines blur and everything just starts turning gray. You start to doubt McGregor's character's sanity and all the while trying to figure out what the heck is going on. The cinematography is very choppy and disjointed much like Mulholland Dr. The choppiness definitely aids in the overall tone and feel of the movie which is utter confusion of reality and fantasy. I definitely recommend this movie.

Mansfield Park

This is a movie based off of the Jane Austen novel which is supposedly the most autobiographical of all of her novels. I thought this was an excellent movie adaptation. The story centers around what all of Austen's novels center around which is poverty and marriage. The main character Fanny Price (Frances O'Conner) is sent to live with her aunt for an education and a better life. Also, probably because her parents couldn't afford her anymore. One of the main points of this story is about marrying someone that you truly love and not just because there is an offer. The story also touches on truly knowing a person and loving everything about them. This movie inspired me to watch Becoming Jane again.

2 Days in Paris

This was such a great movie especially if you are an American that has had the opportunity to travel to Europe. At first I wasn't sure because the movie started out very blurry but the picture was much clearer as the film progressed. Jack (Adam Goldberg) does such a good job of the American traveler abroad. He wasn't the typical annoying tourist or anything but his American roots definitely show through. For example, when him and his girlfriend Marion (Julie Delpy) are waiting in line for a cab when they arrive in Paris, Jack does not want to wait in line, and he doesn't want take public transit. He is fearful of terrorist attacks but in a humorous way. My favorite scene of the entire movie is when Jack goes to a fast food restaurant by himself. The lady behind the counter does not speak English so he is having a hard time ordering from her. I do find it odd that no one behind him in line tried to help him out. Anyways, even after it is clearly established that the lady behind the counter does not speak English whatsoever, Jack continues to joke with her in English. I have had similar experiences with individuals I have traveled with. It is hard for them to grasp that these people really don't understand them. Anyways, this movies is hilarious and definitely shows the differences between the French and American cultures.