I Just Watched: Safety Not Guaranteed

Safety Not Guaranteed was one of the best comedies I've seen in a while (right up there with last summer's Horrible Bosses). On top of coming from the same producers as Little Miss Sunshine, an indie comedic classic, SNG showcases two of my favorite TV actors: Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec, NBC) and Jake Johnson (New Girl, FOX). Of all the things to be based off of, this film is centered around a wanted ad that originally appeared in a newspaper in the 1990s (in real life, not in the script) that read: "WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid after we get back ... Safety not guaranteed." If you don't think that's the best premise ever, I'm not sure what you're looking for in a comedy. Needless to say, the flick only gets better from there. Not to mention, Safety Not Guaranteed has a lot of heart for a comedy, leading you to places you may not expect. My suggestion? Try this one out.

Titanic: 100 Years Ago Today...

"It's been 84 years, and I can still smell the fresh paint. The china had never been used. The sheets had never been slept in. Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams, and it was. It really was ..." 

Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the voyage of the RMS Titanic. To say the world's a little obsessed would be an understatement. After all, the award-winning film — originally released in 1997 — has been re-released in 3D so that we may all experience it again. Since I am just as interested in the ship's history, the time period during which it sailed and the film as anybody else, I wanted to pay a mini tribute here on my blog. Happy Tuesday!

"Fifteen-hundred people went into the sea, when Titanic sank from under us. There were twenty boats floating nearby... and only one came back. One. Six were saved from the water, myself included. Six... out of fifteen-hundred. Afterward, the seven-hundred people in the boats had nothing to do but wait... wait to die... wait to live... wait for an absolution... that would never come."   

The New Face of Movie Marketing

It's no big shocker to anyone that I love movies. I love that they can make you laugh, cry, dance around or even teach you something. I love the amount of thought and artwork that goes into each one. I especially love the millions of different combinations that, since the 1920s, have been used to tell great stories ... on camera. Most of all, I love the way(s) they're marketed — exciting trailers, gorgeous posters, press tours, premieres, etc.

Movie marketing is brilliant, glamorous and, at face level, seems so simple. Social media (another "love" of mine) is beginning to change the way this marketing is done. Films like Chronicle, The Muppets, The Vow, Paperboy (above right) and Five-Year Engagement are just a few examples of movie studios jumping on the bandwagon and getting social right. For those that have hit theaters, this has meant major Box Office pay-off.

I present to you a pre-release case study on Five-Year Engagement's social strategy, which I very much believe will result in significant success for the film (something I suppose we'll find the answer to come April 27):

Though not as intense as was the online promotion for actor Jason Segel's last film — The Muppets — the strategy behind Five-Year is impressive. While the movie does have the standard Facebook page and Twitter handle, it has still found a way to take social a major step further. Instead of adding to these "standards" by merely creating a site for the film, Five-Year has created a wedding blog for its engaged characters, Tom and Violet. Further, the film has opted to use its YouTube channel as a vlog for those same characters. Only time will tell what other shenanigans Segel and his crew will come up with so stay tuned (and check out the trailer for Five-Year Engagement below!) ...

I Just Watched: The Artist

I'm going to admit straightaway that I had not heard of The Artist until I watched this year's Golden Globes (and saw that it won three of the biggest awards of the night). Such praise led me to check out the trailer, at which point I discovered that it is a (mainly) silent film.

I. was. ecstatic.
 
The Artist is the perfect blend of comedy, romance and drama. Its relatively unknown cast — save for a few familiar faces like John Goodman — make it all the more special, helping it to truly have an olden feel. Jean Dujardin, who plays actor George Valentin, and Bérénice Bejo light up the screen like movie stars used to, akin to Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The film is charming as can be and a lovely homage to Hollywood in the 1920s and, similar to one of the best films of all time, follows the life of an actor who is forced to adjust to the implementation of talkies, a.k.a. talking pictures. There just aren't enough words to describe how wonderful the experience of seeing this film is, I guess you could say: I'm speechless.
Best on-screen moment: Peppy Miller (Bejo), alone in Valentin's dressing room, drapes herself in the "arms" of his hung jacket as if it were a lover.

I Just Watched: The Help

I must first shamefully admit that I had not yet finished reading the sensational Kathryn Stockett novel of the same name when I went to see this movie. I don't wish to spoil anything about this fabulous story in my review, so all I can say is go see it. The acting is wonderful (hats off to both Emma Stone and Viola Davis for bringing their characters to life) and The Help is a flick that has everything going for it: There's courage, drama, joy, sadness, romance, hilarity and love woven in to all of its many great moments. I must also give props to the actress that gave life to one of my favorite characters in the novel, Jessica Chastain, who plays the sweet, clueless Celia Foote. The Help is a true testament to why so many of us love to see literature brought to the silver screen. (As a side note: If you are a To Kill a Mockingbird fan, you'll love this story, too.)
Best on-screen moment: When Minny (Octavia Spencer) reveals her terrible awful.

Harry Potter 'Obliviates' the Competition

I honestly was fully committed to not posting anything on Harry Potter again for a long while (well, at least until Pottermore launched) but, as it turns out, I've come back to gloat. ;)

The latest installment in the Potter franchise has already set the following records:

* Highest Midnight Gross - $43.5 million
* Highest Single-Day Gross - $92 million (Friday, 07/15/11)
* Highest Domestic Opening Weekend - $169.2 million (U.S.)
* Highest global opening weekend - $478.2 million.
* Highest IMAX opening weekend - $15.2 million (a $55,000/theater average)

There's more where that came from, however, because on Wednesday Potter became the highest grossing franchise ever with $2.223 billion in sales worldwide, just surpassing Star Wars (though the latter remains the most attended franchise).

More random HP stuff . . .

Check out this creepy Parseltongue Translator from Warner Bros.

Did you know? A Michigan effects company was employed to help make Deathly Hallows — Part 2 transform into 3D.

I Just Watched: Monte Carlo

To start out this review I have to be honest, I'm not all that proud to have seen this. For a movie of its premise, Monte Carlo was 30 minutes too long (way too long). Don't get me wrong, I love Selena Gomez — though I prefer her music tenfold to her acting — she's adorable, charming and has fabulous fashion sense. What's even more, Leighton Meester (TV's Gossip Girl) is totally on my list of girl crushes (come on, all us straight ladies have 'em). Moving past that, however, I could not get over the fact that this movie should not have been in theaters . . . it should have aired on the Disney Channel. When I was able to overlook the fact that this film is insanely similar to 2003's The Lizzie McGuire Movie, I managed to enjoy myself, basking in the glory of its light-hearted sillyness. All in all, this is definitely a great flick to take your children to (or the kids you babysit) but beyond that, it's been done.
Best on-screen moment: Grace's (Gomez) uptight stepsister Meg (Meester) impulsively decides to stay behind and climbs to the top of Machu Picchu . . . with her new man, of course.

I Just Watched: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2

This final Potter film is pure perfection. The attention to detail in the surroundings alone is marvelous (and includes the return of Devil's Snare and Cornish Pixies!). Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is brilliant and has truly shaped into a phenomenal actor. That said, just about every single person in these films is brilliant and I must give shout outs to my other personal favorite characters/performances: Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy). To have turned one of the most (if not the most) beloved book series into films this wonderful is a true accomplishment. The outstanding score, plot, action, special effects and set design of these movies is Oscar worthy in and of itself and I would be shocked to hear of one person who doesn't enjoy watching the conclusion of Harry Potter's story in all its glory, where once and for all good triumphs over evil. I must be sure to say, however, that you should not see this movie without having at least watched Deathly Hallows — Part 1 because it jumps right in (and if you haven't read the books or seen any of the movies please do me a favor and have a marathon of one of the two).
Best on-screen moment: Hermione takes polyjuice potion to become Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham-Carter) in order to break into Gringotts Bank and find a horcrux.

In Honor of Today . . .

Since "it all ends" tonight, I wanted to share two of my favorite Harry Potter-related videos and three that are equally great, so please enjoy "Harry Potter in One Word," "The Mysterious Ticking Noise," "American Talk 2" and Jimmy Fallon's "Pros and Cons: The Last Harry Potter."

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

I Just Watched: Horrible Bosses

I have been lucky enough to not yet have had a "horrible boss," especially to the extent of those in this film, but even if you know or have met "horrible people" this flick is a riot. The most obvious and fabulous thing in Horrible Bosses is Jennifer Aniston's stepping out of her "norm" and playing the sex-crazed, offensive boss Dr. Julia Harris, D.D.S. I also loved the use of type during the voice overs at the beginning and end, it truly added a nice effect (and made the judgments even funnier). All in all, Bosses may be the best disaster comedy I have ever seen (I feel like I've seen a lot of those), and the cast is unbelievable.
Best on-screen moment: Dale's (Charlie Day) wonderful telling off of his boss Julia at the film's end OR Dean 'MF' Jones' (Jamie Foxx) insight into why the three guys should not have paid him.

StyleWatch: Final 'Harry Potter' Premiere

I know you're probably thinking, "Enough with her Harry Potter love/obsession already." This next week is pretty much my last chance to truly flaunt it (at least until I can enjoy the new site, pottermore, privately), so please bear with me.

The following are my style picks from yesterday's London premiere for the final installment in the Harry Potter franchise. The event wasn't quite an award show but was incredibly star studded, especially when it comes to the cast, and was an emotional and exciting landmark for everyone involved, including JK Rowling and an entire generation of readers.

Ladies

It's pretty much a given that Emma Watson made the list. That aside, Watson's gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown fits the tone of the films perfectly through its whimsical, fairy-tale style. The neutral gray and beige tones look great with the actress' newly darker 'do as well.

Clemence Posey, who plays Fleur Delacour, went for a similar style to Emma's but with a much more summery feel (and some truly stand-out footwear). The dress is lovely and she really owns it.

Gents

Many of you may be thinking, what the heck is Glee's Darren Criss doing in this lineup? Well, I'll tell you. It just so happens that Criss rose to stardom not long after starring as the boy wizard himself in A Very Potter Musical at University of Michigan. So, naturally, the hunk has been on hand at a few of the premieres since and manages to look incredible (and crazy energetic) each time. I just love his patriotic (USA) attire in lieu of the recent festivities across the Atlantic (he's wearing head to toe Tommy Hilfiger).

Last but not least is Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy!) looking quite dapper in an amazing suit. His character is one of my faves and I can't wait to see some of his big scenes in the finale.

Why isn't it July 15th yet?! (Side note: Daniel Radcliffe and everyone else looked wonderful as well!)

I Just Watched: Bad Teacher

I definitely lost my surprise at the rating of this movie (R) soon after it began. Despite being absolutely hilarious, the flick was a tad dirty at points. Unlike just about every other movie in existence, the protagonist, Elizabeth Halsey, does not quite learn her lesson in life (though she does in love); however, she does cease teaching ... only to become the middle school guidance counselor. As in almost everything he does, Jason Segel (TV's How I Met Your Mother) is the real charmer in this flick, while Bad Teacher's breakout star is Phyllis Smith (TV's The Office) as the indecisive Lynn Davies. To address the hot topic surrounding the movie, former real-life flames Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake manage easy on-screen chemistry while making post-breakup friendship look like a cinch. Bad Teacher may not be the greatest movie of the season, but it was an enjoyable one (and I'm loving the female badasses in this summer's comedy romps).
Best on-screen moment: It's a tie between whenever Miss Halsey (Diaz) gives advice and whenever Miss Davies (Smith) tries to make a decision.

A Love Affair with Type

If you kept up with my blog at all about a year ago, you most likely already know that I am gaga for awesome typographic works. Though an incredibly simple example, the latest poster campaign for the upcoming comedy movie Horrible Bosses makes such wonderful use of a bold typeface, adding in pops of color that really make the design of each (and especially the message) stand out.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the images and as a side note, I really want to see this movie and can proudly say I have never had too horrible of an experience with a superior though now, in saying that, I feel karma may be rearing to kick my hind quarters in that department.



Bonus: Check out an amazing kinetic typography piece (to "Help!" by The Beatles) from an ad agency below.

Obsession: Audrey Hepburn (and old movies!)

It's no secret that I adore Audrey Hepburn (though I may not have revealed that here until now). I also often fantasize about what it must have been like to live during Hollywood's glory days (what I like to call "Old Hollywood") a la Midnight in Paris. For no reason other than that — and the fact that I find summer the best time to catch up on film classics — I am providing the blogosphere with a list of unmissable Hepburn films. Please see them, I beg of you.

1. Charade
Honestly I find it difficult putting into words how wonderful this film is and am surprised that it doesn't seem to receive praise more often as one of Hepburn's — and Cary Grant's — career greats. There was even a remake in 2002 starring Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton (re: The Truth About Charlie). Check out the original trailer below.

2. How to Steal a Million
This lovely 1960s romp pairs Hepburn with Peter O'Toole and is set in Paris (like so many of her flicks) as they hilariously try to steal back a fake statue.

3. Funny Face
What do you get when you pair Audrey Hepburn with Fred Astaire? Movie magic; pure movie magic. (Let's not forget the equally wonderful Kay Thompson either.) If I'm not swaying you, maybe this Gap commercial, featuring a remixed scene from the movie, will.

4. Wait Until Dark
In this riveting thriller, Hepburn plays a blind woman whose home is invaded by three thugs in search of a heroin-stuffed doll they believe is somewhere inside. She is fantastic, but I'm sure you're sensing by now that I may be a little biased.

5. Roman Holiday
Last but not least, I've included this gem on the list because it earned Hepburn her Academy Award for Best Actress. Not too shabby.

I Just Watched: Midnight in Paris

The first reason I was reeling to see Woody Allen's latest love affair with one of the greatest cities in the world? The Van Gogh imagery on the movie poster (re: "Starry Starry Night"). It is pure gorgeousness (yes, I just said that) and happens to be mimicking one of my all-time favorite works of art, no matter how cliché that may sound. That said, Woody Allen movies have often been hit or miss when it comes to my taste and this one was definitely a hit. Owen Wilson was incredibly charming as the film's hero and his nightly rendezvous of Parisian streets opened up the most delightful, hilariously accurate portrayals of some of the most famous artists in history, including Hemmingway, Picasso and Dalí (as well as Kathy Bates' lovely Gertrude Stein). Not to mention, I loved the intimate look at how an author receives and acts on inspiration for his/her novel.
Best on-screen moment: Gil's (Wilson) hilarious discussion with Dalí (Adrian Brody) and other surrealists about time travel.

PR Word of the Day: One-Sheet

One-Sheet (n.): A single document that summarizes a product for publicity and/or sales. Used most often in the entertainment industry.

What spurred my sudden interest in one-sheets might you ask? Well, Harry Potter of course (because let's face it, I'm such a nerd that if there's a Harry Potter article floating around the Internet, I will read it). To the right is the just-released official one-sheet for the final installment of the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2. Chilling, no?

For other Deathly Hallows promotional posters click HERE.

I Just Watched: Super 8

Three cheers for J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg for bringing us a wonderfully well made and well written summer movie that is easy to sit through. (Honestly, apart from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2, I wasn't sure we had one in store this season.) Super 8 was all around brilliant with a great cast and excellent behind-the-scenes folk, especially when it came to the score and special effects. The plot was a mix between The Goonies and E.T. in an amazing way, creating a whole new terrestrial experience where children are the ones saving the world and discovering the government's deep, dark secrets. Trust me, you won't regret purchasing a ticket to see this flick. (Side note: The movie's title comes from the old-fashioned camera the characters are using to make their movie-within-a-movie.)
Best on-screen moment: When the four friends are running through their now "war zone"-esque hometown and shouting, "What is happening?!"

Notebook Parody