Movie Review: ARGO

Living in this area is really interesting because it's actually flooded with highly accomplished people. For example, romance novelist Nora Roberts lives about 10 minutes outside of my hometown. Ideally, this part of Maryland is a great place for retirees because it's close to the D.C. metro area, but far enough away to not feel like you're being consumed by it. So, when I found out that the man Ben Affleck's most recent film is based on a man whom lives right outside my hometown, I wasn't entirely shocked.

ARGO is the story of CIA agent Tony Mendez plan to free 6 American diplomats that were being hunted down by the Iranian government in 1979 during the Iran Hostage Crisis. To be honest, I wasn't even alive in 1979, so my knowledge of the Iran Hostage Crisis essentially stems from whatever I can remember from my U.S. and World History classes in high school. However, the movie taught me everything I needed to know.

This was a really amazing movie for a few reasons:

1) It was politically neutral. It bugs me to no end when I see a movie that completely glorifies America when we were clearly in the wrong. Affleck did a wonderful job stating the facts at the beginning of the film that were (according to my middle-of-the-road history teacher husband) very accurate.

2) The intensity kept me on the edge of my seat. No, really. The EDGE. I could barely breath by the end of the film. The action was incredible, the pacing was perfect, and really, I just fell in love with the whole idea of one man saving so many lives.

3) This guy lives in my school district. His kids graduated from the same high school I did. Cory's students have turned in projects about "Jesse's Dad". This guy has essentially been my neighbor for the majority of my life and has had such a crucial role in American history, which is so amazing.

4) It's nice to see Ben Affleck in a serious role that isn't horrible. I can't remember the last time, or if I ever said, "Hey! That Ben Affleck sure is a great actor!" With all due respect, I know he's taken some time off to stay behind the camera, but in ARGO I was truly impressed. 

So, yeah. Movies can be expensive and we certainly only make it to the theaters a few times a year. ARGO was completely worth it. It is so nice to see such a quiet, but influential man be recognized for his dedication to the safety of Americans. Don't have plans this weekend? Well, now you do! :)

DISCLAIMER: The language in the movie is pretty filthy, but in a realistic sense. I don't live in a cave where I think our government officials speak in courtesies every day. Don't take teens with you unless you're comfortable with them hearing the f bomb a time or two. Other than that, the violence is limited, but when it does occur, it's pretty graphic.

Suggestions please!

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Lovely readers: help me! My tiptoes are facing a 3-day weekend where I plan to surround myself in yarn and books. I have one novel already in the works that needs to be finished ASAP (Freedom), but would like to add to my "to read" pile.

I'm also in need of new music. Bands that I typically enjoy: The Black Keys, TV on the Radio, Arcade Fire. I am open to any and all new varieties though!

Plus, any new Netflix finds? I watched Paperman earlier this week and loved it. Ok, I'm not going to lie--the story wasn't stellar, but the couch was AMAZING. lol. Whatever it takes, right?

Music! Books! Magazines! Blogs! Share with me (in the comments) what you're into or what you're listening to!

Thank you in advance :)

Liz

Movie Reviews: Moneyball & Bill Cunningham New York

This weekend has been full of movies around our house and to be honest, it's been kind of perfect.

I was desperate for a sushi and movie night, so after work on Friday Cory and I headed to one of the local sushi joints before heading out to see Moneyball. I know not all my readers are huge sports fans, but I was actually really excited to hear that Moneyball was being produced into a feature film as I read the book (written by Michael Lewis, the same guy who wrote The Blind Side) when it was first published while I was in college.

 Essentially, Billy Beane, a baseball hopeful in the early 90s, is the General Manager of the failing Oakland A's in the early 2000s. Long story short, desperate to make a change, Bean brings on a staffer to turn baseball into a mathematical science. Now, you definitely know I am not a math person--but this intrigued me so that I finished the full text in nearly 3 days. That's pretty fast for an English major enrolled in college full time (to put it mildly... we have a lot of reading for homework).

The film had been given rave reviews from the New York Times (that never seems to give any film rave reviews), so I was eager to see it! I thought Brad Pitt did an exceptional job as Billy Beane, but felt as if the screenwriter/producer didn't use Pitt's acting abilities to their fullest. Beane is/was a complex man when he was actively playing Major League Baseball and still today as part of the A's organization. While they did leave a lot of room for the audience to make their own conclusions, there was more Pitt could've done if given the appropriate agency. I truly believe most of my opinion is rooted in reading the book first. If you're even close to being a sports fan or if you have a mate who is, I would see the movie. It's charming and witty in all the right ways.

This evening Cory was reading his Sunday issue of the New York Times and instantly grabbed the Wii remote to click on Netflix. Without really understanding what he was doing, he immediately turned to a documentary that I had wanted to see a few months ago, but had completely forgotten about. (I love when that happens!)

Bill Cunningham New York is a fabulous documentary that follows photographer extrordinaire Bill Cunningham. If you're a Sunday reader of the Times, Cunnhingham compiles a collection of recent photographs of various trends and statements he sees flooding the New York streets. He often notices trends and styles much before the Anna Wintours of the world are aware. I mean, that's incredible!

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For all you fashion bloggers, fashion lovers, or New York enthusiasts, go forward to thee Netflix account and instantly stream this film. It's perfect, quirky, and absolutely wonderful. As I was watching this adorable gentleman photograph lovely fashions it made me excited to get dressed in the morning! Wonderful inspiration for the season to come, that's for sure!

What have you been watching? :)

xo, Liz

Best Summer Movie: Wet Hot American Sumer

My all time favorite summer movie, without a doubt in my mind, is Wet Hot American Summer. It is a quentessential portrayal of every stereotype known to the American man about summer camp and the hope that the last day of camp evokes in campers and camp counselors alike. This film is sarcastic, inappropriate, and filled with hilarious actors like Amy Poehler, Janeane Garofalo, and Paul Rudd.

I found my favorite scene snapshots to give you a little tease if you haven't seen this 2001 masterpiece ;).

And if that weren't enough, here's the trailer:

What is your favorite summer movie? Hmm?

xo,

Liz

Movie Review: "9 to 5"

Over the weekend I was in need of some background noise while I sat and worked on new crochet patterns for my new collection this autumn. I know, right? Already planning for fall when it's not even the middle of June!?

Anyhow, I needed a classic diddy that would get me through a few hours, so after looking around for a while on Netflix, I settled on 9 to 5.

What a great film for a girl's night in!

Featuring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, this film follows the life of three women who work for a sexist boss. He refuses to promote Lily Tomlin's character,Violet Newstead, because it's a "man's job." When they have had enough, the women band together, and dream of the day they could have their revenge.

 

All goes crazy when Violet acceidentally poisons the boss, Mr. Hart, and the women start to plan for the worse, even if it means stealing a body from the morgue!

I really enjoyed this film and would encourage you to watch it if you need some light hearted viewing (plus, it's on Netflix streaming!)

Here's the original movie trailer to whet your whistle :)

If you watch "9 to 5" please let me know what you think of it!

Films that are catching my eye...

Is it just me or do good films come out in spurts? For example, I get crazy obsessed with going to see new movies and films about once a year, when I feel like quality films are in abundance. It's typically in May or in September. I don't know why or how it always works out that way, but it does.

When Cory and I first started dating in May of 2008, he introduced me to the most incredible independent movie theatre in Charles Village in Baltimore: The Charles. It is part tapas restaurant, part movie theatre. They have an incredible selection all year round, and I have seen some of my favorite films in that charming theatre.

Some of my favorites that I have seen at the Charles are:

 

(I just realized these movie ads are covered in red... coincidence?)

In fact, "Young @ Heart" was the first film I ever saw at the Charles, probably on our fourth or fifth date.

Anywho, there are a mess of films coming out that I am beyond excited about.

They are:

 

 

Have you seen a ny films or movies that you're drooling over?

Please leave suggestions in the comments!

1960/70s Crush

Good morning!

I have a pretty standard Sunday routine:

coffee, breakfast, Meet the Press on NBC, errands/house cleaning, crocheting, dinner, movie, crocheting, bed.

I decided to watch a movie after Meet the Press this morning: All the President's Men. It should be noted that this movie, from 1974, is an adaptation of a book by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein written about President Nixon's Watergate scandal. Long story short---I have been ridiculously obsessed with this movie since college. I love that it's filmed in the 70s, takes place in Washignton, D.C., centers around young, fierce journalists, and most importantly, features Robert Redford.

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I just can't get enough of this guy. So today's post is a shout out to you, Mr. Redford, for being my biggest 1960/70s crush. Enjoy!

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Happy Sunday

xo,

Liz

What We Did... The King's Speech

After a pretty late night last night, Cory and I sat around most of today and were complete sloths. We ordered pizza in (I chewed in itty bitty bites), watched football, and most of season 1 of Heroes. I'm not a big fan of Heroes, but I am a big fan of my husband, so I figured I would make do by sitting on the couch next to him with some yarn and a crochet hook.

Long story short--I had MAJOR cabin fever by mid-afternoon. We pulled ourselves out of the rut we had made on the couch and made our way to the movie theater and saw The King's Speech.

I highly recommend this movie. It's probably one of the best movies I have seen in YEARS. So good! Plus, the styling is amazing and dialogue is great (quite a few witty lines thrown in that are really charming). It's touching in all the right ways; the perfect movie for winter. So, so good.

Here are some of my favorite shots from the film:

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I have always loved Colin Firth, but this role only secured my admiration for him as an actor. It is such a beautiful story and I would love to hear what you think of it... so go see it!

In the Theater

Has anyone else seen this movie?

I just saw this week.

I want to talk about it!