Lantana

I could start this off with what has become my normal introduction (i.e., been busy, haven't blogged, but I promise...yada yada). Of course, it is all true. But it's been a fun few months...at least somewhat. Besides my constant job searching, I spent a lot of February/March putting together an unbelievable excursion out to Coachella and the past few months planning what I hope will be an incredible wedding. In addition, I do have a lot of stuff that I've been meaning to put down - Coachella, Philly Film Festival, and a grip of the normal stuff (bad ass bands and films). So, yes, the same sort of beginning - I couldn't help myself.

I just finished watching this flick, Lantana. I don't remember how I heard of it, which happens frequently with my DVR. Basically, I wake up in the morning with a new movie or two. A few months later, I'll actually watch one of them and have no idea how I found it.

Anyway, it is a fantastic movie. I would say it falls somewhere between cop/crime flick and ensemble drama. I believe its Aussie, but stars the incredible Anthony LaPaglia. I've never really noticed LaPaglia's skills before, but he really impressed me in this one.

The movie, from 2001, starts out as an intriguing character study, but seamlessly blends into a mystery surrounding a missing woman and the cop (LaPaglia) who is trying to solve the case. While it is certainly moody (which can sometimes slow a flick down) this film has enough twists to keep you interested. What makes Lantana stand out above your average movie is that the plot twists are realistic yet completely unpredictable. At the same time, the twists are subtle and not those huge bombshells that are so often laced throughout these films.

By the way, I have no idea where the title comes from...maybe I missed something. Anyone out there seen this one and/or has a clue?

Pan's Labyrinth

Talk about a reason to post...this movie is GOOD! It was directed by Guillermo del Toro (Blade II, Devil's Backbone, Hellboy <-- enough reason there to see it right there). I'm not sure how to best describe this film without giving anything away. It is reminiscent of Labyrinth, Return to Oz, Mirrormask or any other dark, fantasy movie that you can think of, yet a bit darker and sadder. Like some of these other films, this is a story surrounding a child dealing with conflict and escaping to a supernatural world. She is trapped in a life that blurs fantasy with reality, creating a surreal existence.

Check out the website: http://www.panslabyrinth.com/

Risa's Survey

I was in the middle of writing my next entry, but I was just catching up on my big sis' blog and saw this survey jammer that I thought fit well here. So, without further adoooooo, here are my answers:

1. The last movie you saw in a theatre, and current-release movie you still want to see: I just saw The Departed. It was very good, but I thought maybe a bit overhyped. I highly recommend it. However, I like the original Hong Kong flick on which it is based, Infernal Affairs. I thought the Americanized remake was extremely entertaining and the acting was on point. I also really enjoyed the scenes that were completely copied from the original. I will never understand the current fascination that American studios are having with Asian cinema. Granted, the movies are outstanding, but I have no doubt that thousands of American originals are being passed up for remakes.

I also recently saw The Illusionist. So good!

The next two movies that I want to see are actually not out yet. Nightmare Before Christmas is being rereleased in 3D. I hate to admit it, but I've never seen this Tim Burton classic. I'm also excited for Borat...what can I say?

2. The last movie you rented/purchased for home viewing: Millions. Believe it or not, I've actually stopped buying DVDs. After seeing half of this family film (directed by Danny Boyle) on cable, I had to go out and get the DVD to finish it. Good movie.

3. A movie that made you laugh out loud: A movie? Ugh! There are too many to name, so I'll go with Tommy Boy, the first one that came to mind.

4. A movie that made you cry: A Beautiful Mind - although its more complicated than it sounds...and a story for another time.

5. A movie that was a darling of the critics, but you didn't think lived up to the hype: Training Day has got to be the most overrated movie of our time. Its not bad, but its not all that good either. There is no way that Denzel Washington deserved to win his first oscar for his part in this flick. If anyone should have won, look to his co-star, Ethan Hawke.

6. A movie that you thought was better than the critics: Super Troopers. Man, nobody would go see this in the theater with me and now its a huge cult hit...go figure.

7. Favorite animated movie: The Incredibles.

8. Favorite Disney Villain: Jiminy Cricket was a mean one.

9. Favorite movie musical: This is a tough one. I'd have to say that right now, I'm still loving Labyrinth. Not only is the story amazing, but its so surreal and fun to watch asthetically. Plus, you get to watch David Bowie kick around muppets, while he sings! Can you get any better?

10. Favorite movies of all-time (up to five).In no particular order
1. fight club
2. army of darkness
3. clerks
4. goonies
5. a christmas story

Cape Town

Di and I are chillin at our hotel's business center in Cape Town. It is a bit after midnight and we just got back from a fun night out with Becks. We spent today seeing the city and we had to cram a lot in because it was our only full day here.

We hit Table Mountain this morning, which was a pretty cool experience - and I mean COOL. It was so cold at the top of the mountain - about 40 degrees. Afterwards, we picked up Becks on the way to the hotel and then walked to the biggest market in town. Everything else in town is closed on Sundays so we didn't have much choice. This was kind of a blessing in disguise, as we bought a whole bunch of really cool things. My favorite two purchases are this really, funky painting and a table that flips into a chess board. I"ll have pictures of both of these up as soon as I get back.

We bounced over to Becks' spot at the University of Captetown (UCT), where Di and I took a nice nap in her bed. Then we went to Obs (a suburb, better known as Observatory) and had dinner at a nice Italian place. After we finished dessert, we went out to a pool hall and had a couple of beers. For the record, Di and I went 2-1 against Becks and her two friends. Good times.

I have a lot to say about the racial situation down here, but I don't want to take the time now to rant...hopefully, I'll get to it in due time.

The flight over could have been better - if I slept. Besides that, it was great. Our seats had personal TVs with on demand movies. I saw a couple of great flicks: "Tsotsi" and "Brokeback Mountain." "Tsotsi" is a really cool South African joint about this thug kid who inadvertantly adopts a kid and how his life changed. I highly recommend it - so do some other people, as it won the Acadamy Award for Best Foreign Film. My first purchase in Africa was the soundtrack...so me, huh...

"Brokeback" was also a great flick, although I'm not sure I agree with Best Film of the Year title or whatever its called. Jake G. was awesome - really great acting. I'm a huge Heath Ledger fan and he was also great. I was expecting a bit more from Michelle Williams. She wasn't bad or anything, but I just didn't see where the hype was coming from. I thought Ang Lee did an incredible job, especially considering that it was just a bit different than "The Hulk." Overall, the film was really good and I'm glad so many people gave it such good reviews, as I think that says a lot about today's society. However, I also think the Academy is constantly attempting to make a point or give the awards to whom it thinks would have the largest impact or is the most politically correct (see Denzel Washington in "Training Day").

Anyway - I have no idea why I just went off on that tangent. We're off to Kruger National Park tomorrow for the first leg of the safari. I can't wait to see our first animal...I hope its a cheetah, but I'd have no qualms if it was an elephant, leapord, giraffe, rhino, lion...or really anything else. This is going to be extremely cool...

Nate Torrence

I finally found him! Di and I have been admiring this guy for some time now. He's most known for his work in the Capital One ads with David Spade, but my personal favorite is the VW commercial in which he screams like he's possessed. A true classic! I'm officially registered as a member of his unofficial fan site...Di and I have discussed starting a fan club - I'm not sure if an unofficial fan site would qualify as a fan club. Any opinions? Regardless, I'm absolutely ecstatic that he is appearing in the new Adam Sandler movie that is coming out this summer. I can't wait!