Happy-Go-Lucky? Not So Much

Yesterday I finally got around to watching "Happy-Go--Lucky." I have to admit I was really excited to watch this movie. All of the reviews I read made it seem like such a fun, light-hearted movie. I felt like I could relate to the main character, Poppy, because she's 30 years old and a teacher. I was very disappointed. The movie had the weakest plot I've ever seen. Essentially, Poppy has her bike stolen and has to take driving lessons. On paper that sounds good, but it didn't translate well onto the screen.. In between scenes of her driving lessons (which are funny), are these rambley scenes of Poppy partying with friends, teaching, taking flamenco dancing lessons with a friend and meandering her way around London. I guess there was the sub-plot of her dealing with a student who is a bully. Even that didn't really add much. Then, there was the third act addition of love-interest. That didn't save the movie. The movie left me wanting the two hours back I spent watching it. I kept waiting for some huge plot development, but sadly, it never happened.

"Happy Go Lucky" really disappointed me. I had heard such good things about and it was nominated for so many awards. Sally Hawkins won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I just had too high of expectations going into watching it. I just don't understand all the hype.

This is My Confession...

Ok, ok. I've been hiding this secret for far too long. Granted, it's not as exciting as Usher's confession... but it has potential for causing people's jaws to drop. Here it goes: I am not a fan of "Sex and the City" and I don't get it. I know, I know. Everyone on the planet loves the show and has already seen the movie. It's probably a crime to not like it. I have only seen a couple of episodes and I really couldn't get into it. When the show premiered, I was in college and my cynicism and non conformist attitudes were through the roof (I've really mellowed in my old age). I was pretty much the Daria of my social group. I even wore a green army style shirt with my Doc Martens boots. I found SJP really, really, really annoying and I hated her little voice-overs. The cynic in me couldn't believe that she was really a writer. Now, ten years later with the release of the movie, I am finding it slightly embarrassing to not be able to partake in conversations with people about SATC. I am sort of wondering what I missed out on. It seems like everyone watched it. It's the universal show for women, young and old alike. And the fashions. If nothing else, that would've sucked me in. Although, ten years ago, I didn't really have a sophisticated sense of style myself, but I still appreciated crazy outlandish clothing. Heck, I still liked to wear overalls out in public ( I've stopped that and encourage others to do the same).

I feel like I am caving to peer pressure. I am super curious and might go see the movie. I never cave to peer pressure. I think it's a curiousity about the hype.

So, there's my confession. I feel better. Hopefully, Usher felt better, too with his confession. His was huge: he had a baby by another woman and she's keeping it. That is so major.

Shhh! Don't Scare Spring Away! (And Other Randomness)

I really hate to even mention this, but I think it's safe to say that Winter is over with! Yay! Today is such a beautiful day! After last week, I thought Winter would never leave. Especially after driving home last Thursday night in a real life slushie machine. Yuck. I am so excited to put my winter coats away and bring out my spring jackets. Not to mention spring clothes. I am tired of my winter clothes.

Happy "Juno" DVD release day! I already bought my copy. Yeah, I know, I am such a dork. My cousin even pre-ordered it from Best Buy and got it yesterday. I bought the special addition that come with the shooting script. I am so excited to read that. I am hoping it inspires my own writing. Plus, it comes with a digital copy for my iPod. I love special features like that.

Also, Happy Tax Day! Woo-hoo. My taxes went in the mail on Saturday. I can't wait for my refund. Actually, what I really can't wait for is the Economic Stimulus Refund. I heart free money.

Juno

I finally got around to seeing "Juno" today. Wow. It was fabulous. I was so amazed. It literally brought me to tears because it was such a well-done movie. When it was over, I was a bit sad. I seriously could've watched it again. It's well-written and well-acted. It is the best teen-pregnancy movie I've ever seen. It has such a fresh, new take on teenage pregnancy. And it wasn't just another teenage comedy, either. Good realistic teenage characters. It had such heart and really explained teenage life in suburbia. I was so impressed. Allison Janney had the perfect "mom" outfits; they really reminded me of my own Mom's wardrobe of comfy clothing. The casting was perfect. I loved Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner as the yuppie couple. Ellen Page is simply amazing.

I really liked the Midwestern suburbia touches of the movie. It is so dead-on. Juno's house has the homey cluttered quality. Her step-mom clearly shops at JCP and Sears. The family has a mini-van. Juno and her friends play pranks on each other. They drink slushies. Yeah, people probably do these things on the east coast, but there's this indescribable Midwestern quality about the movie that made me nostalgic for my own childhood in Midwestern suburbia.

It was nice to finally see the movie and be able to form my own opinions about the movie. I don't understand why people don't think the dialogue wasn't realistic for teens. Juno is a smart. sassy teenager, of course she's going to talk different than an average kid. People also took issue with the catch phrases. That's another part of teenage vernacular. And Diablo really deserved the Oscar. It is so well-written.

I left the theater so inspired to work on my own writing.

Sad

Yesterday I was shocked and saddened to find out that the Oak Street Cinema is more than likely closing its doors in May. I love that theater. I used to go there quite a bit in college. When I lived in T-Hall, it was practically in my backyard. They hosted the Minneapolis- Saint Paul International Film Fest and other cool events. I love old theaters with character. It makes watching movies a much better experience than at the 24 screen multi-plex.

I just hate it when old buildings like that get closed and torn down in order to build more housing. I wish that someone could save it and if they don't show movies there, they could turn it into a restaurant or a club (sorta of a la the Varsity Theater). I'll have to make sure that I make it there one last time before it closes.

Hooray for Diablo!

I am so excited for Diablo Cody for her Oscar nominations for "Juno." Especially the one for best original screenplay. That is such a huge accomplishment for a first time screenwriter. It really inspires me with my own writing.

I only wish that the Diablo haters would stop with their hatin'. So what if Diablo isn't really "from" Minneapolis. This is the city where she found her creative stride and really became a writer. How many of them wrote a screenplay in two months? It makes me wonder how many of the haters really are true Minnesotans. Probably not a lot. My guess is they're from the Dakotas or Iowa. I am not a true Minnesotan, either. I grew up in the 'burbs of Chicago and Milwaukee, but I do get excited when a resident of Minnesota does something cool. This is just further proof of the love that Minnesotans have for outsiders. Diablo rocks. She's a great example of a good old American success story. So haters, stop your hatin' and be happy for someone outside of your small social circle and show some love.

Ok. I am done ranting. Congrats Diablo!

Double Feature

Last night I was able to catch a Woody Allen double feature of "Manhattan" and "Annie Hall" at the Oak Street Cinema. It was great. I am a huge Woody Allen fan and "Annie Hall" is one of my favorite movies of all time, so it was cool to see old school Woody Allen on the big screen.

I hadn't see "Manhattan" in it's entirety before. It is wonderful. I really enjoyed how Allen makes Manhattan into a character in the movie. The cinematography is great. Great witty dialogue. Wonderful cast.

I never get tired of "Annie Hall." I think it is one of the few movies that I could watch on a daily basis. I love it that much. It's such a great story and I love Diane Keaton's outfits in the movie. And you can catch a young Christopher Walken playing the creepy guy. That is always a bonus. He does creepy so well.

I was thinking about why I enjoy Woody Allen movies so much. Here's the short list: his female roles are always good, meaty roles. For the most part, the women are smart. The dialogue is smart and witty. Plus, his endings always seem to be very realistic and true to life. There isn't a pretty little Hollywood ending. I always feel inspired after watching one of his movies to go work on my screenplay.

If you get a chance the movies are playing there until June 28th. It is definitely worth it.

Nancy Drew

Is it wrong that I'm really excited that the "Nancy Drew" movie comes out this Friday? I loved reading Nancy Drew books as a child. I am curious how they translate the books to the big screen. From the previews, it looks like this Nancy is a little truer to the original incarnation of Nancy. I recall this Nancy Drew/ Hardy Boys shows on the Disney Channel in the late 80's where Nancy was a bit of a hooch. She's too smart to be like that.

As a kid, I was all about being a spy myself. I secretly wished that there would be a big mystery in my neighborhood for me to solve. Alas, the suburbs are boring and that never happened. I tried to make up my own drama by creating stories about the neighbors involving UFO's and witches. Ahhh.... my poor, poor parents. I kept them on their toes. To this day, I love a good mystery a la Nancy Drew.