All I want for Christmas…

Are Awards season films!  Yet, this year, I feel horribly behind on my viewings.  I was just talking to a friend today and began to feel overwhelmed as I realized how many films I’ve yet to see.  Nebraska.  12 Years a Slave.  Inside Llewyn Davis.  Saving Mr. Banks.  August: Osage County.  Philomena.  Frozen (OK, not an Oscar-esque film, but I’m still looking forward to seeing it).  Oy!

For me, one of the highlights of this time of year is the plethora of quality films (note: some years may not be inundated with quality films, but there is at least the hope of such films being released).  Like some people get excited about football season, I likewise spend my year prepping for Oscar caliber films.  I do my research and keep my ear to the ground, listening for the buzz on each film.  One of my favorite pop culture sites, Vulture, has been doing a weekly recap of films that are contending for awards season and chronicling which films are going up and down in terms of nomination expectations.  It almost makes me giddy!

Last week the Golden Globe nominations were announced and I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the nominations – exclaiming at the unexpected nods (Julia Louis Dreyfus for Enough Said – excellent) and in shock by the snubs (James Gandolfini also from Enough Said – to be honest, I wouldn’t have nominated him myself, but Hollywood loves to award actors posthumously). 

Now, at times I step back and reflect on how silly this all is in a way.  I mean, there’s an existing system that says if you want recognition in award season, release your film at the end of the year.  There are intense strategies and marketing ploys that are concocted to garner attention for each respective film.  In a lot of ways, the winner is often determined by the company that spends the most money or arranges the most appearances by their actor/director.  It’s for that reason, that I appreciate directors who refuse to play that game.  One who comes to mind for me is Woody Allen.  I don’t see him “play the game” for awards.  His most recent film, Blue Jasmine, was released over summer – definitely not the location for quality films.  Yet, despite the film’s “poor placement” it has been receiving nods this awards season, especially for Cate Blanchet’s mesmerizing performance (side note: one of the welcomed surprises was seeing Sally Hawkins recognized for her supporting performance in the same film).  Allen has typically not attended any of the awards shows (even when he was heavily expected to win).  You get the sense that he doesn’t make films for the awards, but because he is an artist and is always creating.  I can respect that. 

Despite my frustrations with the system, I still find myself each year eagerly awaiting the films to be released.  And the deal has been sweetened again this year with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey returning to host the Golden Globes.  While the show itself cannot top the Oscars in terms of overall importance, I’m giddy squared to see my two favorite comediennes hosting.  It absolutely makes me want to do a little jig in excitement.  Basically, it will be the equivalent of a little girl getting a pony for Christmas – this is me having Amy and Tina host.  OK, maybe a slight exaggeration (slight). 

So, while I may be behind on my film screenings, I’m eager to catch up with my upcoming Christmas break.  To the theaters!

Christmastime is Here?

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I have opinions.  And I often like to voice said opinions. As we creep closer and closer to Christmas I begin to see my opinions on the celebration of this particular holiday whisper louder and louder in my ear. 

I think we can all agree that Christmas decorations showing up in September and October are ridiculous.  Now that we’ve entered November, we find ourselves in the Christmas zone gray area.  I tend to wait till after Thanksgiving before I officially step into the Christmas season, or when I was going to an Anglican church, Advent.  Lately, the easy listening station has taken to playing Christmas music.  Every time I catch a song, I sigh and quickly change the station.  Seriously?  Let’s not forget Thanksgiving people! 

However, I find that I am not a strict observer when it comes to the post-Thanksgiving day rule.  The last time I backed up my phone I clicked to have all of my Sufjan Stevens music included.  Of course, I forgot that a large chunk of my Sufjan collection comes from his wonderful Christmas albums.  So, I’m driving to work one day when a Sufjan Christmas song comes on.  And I’m conflicted.  True, it is not “Christmas” according to my calculations, but it’s Sufjan and it’s one of my favorite songs (The Friendly Beasts, in case you’re curious).  The song wins and I thoroughly enjoyed singing along. 

“This is it” I told myself.  “One Christmas song and then I’ll hold out for after Thanksgiving.”  That is until Spotify alerted me that they’ve posted an album from a group I really enjoy (The Brilliance).  And it’s titled Advent.  “Darn it!  Well, one listen won’t hurt, but then no more for real!”  

Don’t get me started on Trader Joe’s.  I’ve already purchased my first box of pfeffernusse cookies and candy cane green tea.  I know I won’t be able to wait much longer for candy cane Joe Joe’s.  I’m only flesh and blood. 

The real test though, has been films.  The other night a friend on Facebook announced that he was, unashamedly, giving in and watching “White Christmas”.  I couldn’t help but sympathize with his position.  He was giving in, stepping into full Christmas mode (there’s no going back after “White Christmas”) and announcing it to the world (via Facebook).  Yet the responses back were more kind than judgmental.  People commented with their favorite lines or songs from the classic film.  A slight wave of joy swept over me as I thought back to the film. 

And I wanted to watch it right there and then. 

I decided to wait.  (Even though it is on Netflix instant this very moment).  I suppose I’ll let little things creep in, but the waiting is, in a strange way, part of the fun.  So, for now, Christmastime is not here. 

Yet. 

What Are You Trying To Say?

You know how in “The Matrix” Keanu Reeves couldn’t see the Matrix, but by the end of the film (spoiler

alert) he could see everyone in code?  I’m starting to feel that way with story structure.  The more I learn about and internalize narrative, the more I can’t help but seeing it everywhere I go.  Last week I wrote about a recent experience with a film that lost steam at the end.  Yesterday I went to the movies with my family and I was struck again by story structure issues.  The movie itself was good, but I found myself noticing how a certain aspect of the story was confusing.  Towards the end of the film, the story switched focus and picked up a new narrator briefly before returning to the original narrator and storyline.  It was an interesting part of the film, but felt out of place.  It was compelling, but it felt so separate from the main storyline and to be perfectly honest, really didn’t add to the message I think was trying to be told overall.

Yet, I think this “B” story* could have been integrated.  Instead of shifting narrators once at the end of the film, the director could have begun to follow this character’s story earlier on and brought in the second narrators voice throughout the film.  Or this part of the story could have kept the same narrator as before for continuity sake.  And there’s always the (horrifying) option of shortening the sequence.  Gasp!  Sometimes as a storyteller we have to be ready and willing to edit.  That has been some of the best writing advice I’ve ever received.  I tend to have lots of ideas when writing and am ready to approach a topic from a myriad of directions.  However, too many angels can take away from the main point.  Last spring when I wrote about modesty I ended up having to cut out close to 50% of the original piece.  The day before I posted it, I read it to a friend and she gave the honest feedback that the first half really didn’t connect with the second half.  Then she came back to me with the question: what are you trying to say? 

I think story tellers can forget the main narrative they are trying to communicate.  Sometimes we get so swept up into the details that we lose the plot.  Now, I’m all for complex storylines, but when the film fades to black, we the audience should be able to say what the story was about.  Unless the film is “Inception”, but let’s face it, most of us are not as skilled storytellers as Christopher Nolan.  Yet, we all still know what was motivating Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in that film, even if we disagree with the state in which he finds himself.  If we lose the story, whether it be in film, writing, or even the narrative of our lives, then we lose the message we are trying to communicate.    

So, what are you trying to say?

*“B” Story means a sub-plot to the main storyline.  A great example of this is found in “The Shawshank Redemption” when Andy teaches the young inmate how to read. 

End it Well

One of my biggest pet peeves with films the last few years is the inability for the filmmaker to end it well. Now, I don't mean tack on a happy ending. Rather, I mean, a good ending that fits with the film as a whole. I saw a movie yesterday with my family and was really enjoying it. That is until we got to the end. The writers had painted themselves into a corner and I suspect didn't know what to do with that. It was disappointing, especially since I really liked the first 75% of the movie. 

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon in films today? The director who so clearly represents this trend in my eyes is Tim Burton. I have a few Burton films that I really enjoy (Edward Scissor Hands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Big Fish), but I have seen way too many films that have started with really fun concepts, but fizzled out in the end. It's gotten so bad, that I almost as a rule will not see Burton films anymore, no matter how trippy and quirky it appears to be.

Is this trend a result of laziness on the part of Hollywood? Do they focus all their energy on the basic plot points, making them interesting enough to hook people into the theaters, and then just abandon the story's end? "Who cares how it ends - we have their money." This frustrates and angers me.  I think a story's ending is the most important aspect, because this is the ultimate point that a storyteller is trying to make. The hero's journey is ending at a significant moment and there should be something worth saying at that point in the story.

I've been fascinated by narrative this year (I may have mentioned that once or twice or multiple times on the blog). I attended a story workshop at a conference last April and fell even deeper into the rabbit's hole. I learned there that story structure is what gives clarity and structure to a story. It is what enables us to communicate a story so that others can receive it. At the end of the story there's supposed to be a payoff for our emotional investment. So, when an ending is done poorly, it is extremely frustrating (especially when the story was engaging enough to make you care about its main players).

The instructor at my workshop spoke about the dynamics that help create a good ending. One of the main devices used is a bait and switch, where circumstances seem either perfect or absolutely disastrous, but suddenly switch to the opposite. So, in a tragedy, it would seem as though the hero will succeed only to be struck at the last minute with utter loss and devastation (think Hamlet). In a comedy, it seems as though all hope is lost but then there is surprising success (think Return of the King).  It’s amazing how this aspect can add so much tension and shock to an ending.  (Note: I'm using the terms "tragedy" and "comedy" in the classical sense, meaning either a sad ending or a happy ending, a sad ending typically involving death and a happy ending typically involving a marriage).

Story structure can be seen as a formula, but I like to see it rather as scaffolding, which allows for a story to be clearly communicated. The scaffolding leaves plenty of space for creativity and uniqueness, but each part of the scaffolding is important. A film's ending is vital to good storytelling.  I mean, what’s the point if we sacrifice our ending?  

When Two Don’t Become One

Warning: The blog gives away plot points to the film “Roman Holiday” and “Once”.  I realize the former has been out for decades.  Still, if you don’t want to be spoiled, then don’t read this piece.

One of my favorite moments of the film!

Yesterday, I had the gift of a day off – my first full day off in two weeks.  I enjoyed my time, getting my hair cut, reading and watching a movie at home, before spending the evening with friends.  I was searching through Netflix, deciding what film to watch when I came across the classic, “Roman Holiday.”  I had seen the film a couple of times back when I first started college, and thought it would be fun to watch again. 

Of course, the film has such gorgeous settings and can’t help but stir up a desire to spend a warm, sunny day on vacation in Rome.  Mostly, I find myself coveting Audrey Hepburn’s amazing haircut.  I realize that it would not be a good look on me, but oh how I’d love that hairstyle.  Maybe in heaven. 

I first watched the film around the time that I went on choir tour to Italy.  Upon returning, my friends and I had a movie night and watched “Roman Holiday.”  When it came to the end, we were split on our responses to the film.  Half of us loved the film and the other half didn’t. And the dividing point came via the film’s ending.  While discovering their love for each other, Hepburn and Gregory Peck decide to go their separate ways.  I was one of the ones who appreciated the film and its ending. 

Now, I do appreciate a happy ending, but I also value an ending that is true.  The reality is, sometimes our stories do not turn out as we anticipate.  Sometimes the obstacles are too great.  Or the most loving response is to stay true to what we’ve been called to.  I similarly like the film “Once” for these same reasons.  The male and female had a special connection, but their purpose in meeting was to help each other get “un-stuck,” not to be each other’s life companions.

In early theater, plays tended to end with either a marriage or a death.  Although, our story endings take more twists and turns today, there still is a continuing tradition of ending with death or marriage scene.  Even as I look down my list of DVD’s, this becomes oddly apparent.  Marriage, marriage, marriage, death, marriage.  As a side note, I’m fascinated the stories that contain both marriage and death (Romeo and Juliet, Shadowlands, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Waking Ned Devine, etc).    

Sometimes I want a film that just is happy, but more often, I desire a film that tells a true, honest story.  There are times when the obstacles are too great, and no amount of hoping can take away that truth.  One cannot just wave a magic wand around and transform the situations that the characters find themselves in (unless this is Harry Potter, yet notice that Rowling does not tend to use magic as a quick fix in the narrative).  Ultimately, I have a greater degree of respect when a storyteller takes the necessary steps to end the story in an honest way (which could be joyful or sorrowful), rather than tacking on a “happy ending.”   

Sometimes the more interesting story is the one where two do not become one.  

Much Ado about Much Ado

At some point in my life I made a life altering choice.  I decided that Much Ado About Nothing was my favorite play.  Not just my favorite Shakespeare play mind you, but my favorite play.  Ever.  Now, it’s hard for me to make such a stark statement as that.  I tend not to have one absolute favorite anything.  It feels confining.  What if I change my mind?  What if it only speaks to me in a particular season of life?  I mean, I was obsessed about Titanic during high school and am embarrassed about that fact today.  And while I did study the history of the sinking of the ship, I also was often found loudly singing My Heart Will Go On many a times in my car (with the window open, as my car was without air conditioning).  I also may or may not have known all the quotes from the film that were played in the re-mix edition of the song. 

So clearly there is some history with claiming any art work, film, book, or play as my favorite.  Despite all of this drama, Much Ado made the cut.  I never had to read the play in school, but I think my first exposure to the play was in high school.  I was camping out at the local movie theater for Star Wars: Episode I (yes, I was that girl) and one of the guys in our group had brought his sister along.  She was very much not into the whole Star Wars thing, so had brought a tv/vcr (mind you, this was before DVD days) and was watching the Kenneth Branagh version of Much Ado.  It caught my interest and I believe I watched the entire film not too long after.  It’s a great version to cut one’s teeth on.  Branagh stayed true to the story, making only slight modifications to the text, and corralled a spectacular cast (with the exception of Keanu Reeves, who is horrible). 

I loved the witty language, the fun bantering, and the utterly ridiculous Dogberry.  But mostly, I loved seeing a positive portrayal of a strong woman.  Beatrice, while not without fault, is able to toe the line of being independent yet remains likable (in stark contrast to Katherine in Taming of the Shrew).  And her moments of rage when her cousin is wronged are beautifully vulnerable:

 Oh, that I were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take hands and then, with public accusation, uncovered slander, unmitigated rancor—O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the marketplace….. I cannot be a man with wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

(Act IV, Scene I)

This scene never ceases to amaze me.  Suddenly, this witty comedy turns seeming tragedy and a simple profession of love leads to an impassioned cry for justice.  Actually, this is my favorite scene of the play.  Wow, here I am, picking another favorite.  Wonders never cease.

I’ve seen the play performed live.  Time for another favorite.  My favorite experience at the theater.  I saw Much Ado performed by the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon.  I went alone, sat in a tiny theatre, a few rows back, and loved every moment.  The play was staged in pre-revolutionary Cuba and at one point a character lights a (Cuban) cigar, adding another sensation into the theatrical mix – smell.  While I don’t like the smell of cigars, the act brought me even more into the experience.  Not surprising, I was treated to spectacular performances, which even out shined Kenneth Branagh’s version. 

Back in early 2010, a little band from the UK, Mumford and Sons, was starting to gain popularity.  At my church.  The lead singer’s parents’ had stayed at my church decades ago (and were still acquainted with many from th church) and so all of these church ladies were attending their concerts in little clubs down in Hollywood.  I thought it was ridiculous.  I assumed this band was only liked because of the connection and refused to listen to them.  I expressed this to a friend, who agreed with my sentiment, but also expressed that regardless, they were a really good band.  He played the album for me and the song that made me change my tune (pun intended) for them was their opening Sigh No More.  Why you ask?  Because the song heavily quotes….Can you guess?  Much Ado About Nothing.  It was my gateway into appreciating the band.

Most recently, the play has again been on my mind with the release of Joss Whedon’s version.  I must admit, I was excited for this film and kept hoping that it wouldn’t suck.  I knew it was risky.  I’ve been disappointed by films before, but I couldn’t help but expect something magical.  I’d meant to drive up to LA to watch it, as it’s in limited release, but was having a hard time finding the time.  Then, one not so special day, it appeared at the little art house theater by me.  Hooray!  I went alone (company or no, it’s still a treat to hear these fun words) and thoroughly enjoyed Whedon’s unique vision.  Set in modern day, but retaining the original language, I was impressed with his ability to stay true to the story, but having some fun with inflection, staging, and cinematography.  I was amazed to hear that it was filmed in 11 days.  When watching the performances, it sure doesn’t seem like these actors were “winging it”.  Especially those of Amy Acker and Nathan Fillion.  Acker, who played Beatrice, had an easiness to her delivery, giving these old words new life.  She brought a tenderness to the role that I’ve not often seen.  Fillion played Dogberry, the buffoonish constable.  While his performance was comedic as hoped, he also brought an empathetic quality that added some extra layers to his character. 

I don’t quite know how to end this post.  It’s my favorite play, I’ve experienced it in different formats.  I haven’t learned any lessons, but am remembering that I just plain like writing about this play.  I’m close to 1,000 words and realize how trivial this all may be.  Perhaps I am engaged in my own, much ado.  About nothing?  

The Impossible Task: Winning an Oscar?

I finally was able to view “The Impossible,” a film that tells the story of a family who found themselves caught in the middle of the tsunami in Thailand back in 2005.  While there have been mixed thoughts on the film, due largely to ignoring the impact of the tsunami on the Thai people and changes to the original story, it was the acting that garnered this film its recognition.  Its lead actress, Naomi Watts, was nominated for numerous awards last season, and rightly so.  Her performance was layered and in moments, beautifully vulnerable.  Watch this clip for proof.

Apparently scarves are for serious actors

So, going into this film, I had high expectations for her performance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the acting of both the young man who played her son (Tom Holland) and Ewan McGregor.  And it got me thinking of how many times Ewan has been overlooked as an actor.  As I consider his film career, he has continued to do interesting films and give solid performances.  It frustrates me that some actors can give continually good performances, but for some odd reason, never become award material (whatever that means).  Sadly, I wonder if it is impossible for Ewan to be nominated. 

I decided to take a little jaunt down memory lane (thanks to one of my favorite sites ever, internet movie database – imdb.com) and recollect some of my favorite performances of his:

Trainspotting: I have to begin by stating that I have never seen this film, but it feels like a crime to not mention it.  Truly, this is the film that started Ewan’s career. 

Emma, Little Voice & Brassed Off: I group these films together, because his performances weren’t award material necessarily, but solidly acted in delightful little stories.  He hasn’t always picked the best films, but he has tended towards more independent ones, and I respect that. 

Star Wars, Episodes I-III: Now let me begin by stating how frustrating these films were for me.  I have a tender place in my heart for Star Wars, growing up watching the original trilogy.  I was incredibly excited for the prequels and waited in multitudes of lines on opening nights.  Ugh.  I feel pretty safe in not having to explain my disappointment in these films, but for me the glimmer of hope was Obi Wan. I’m convinced that George Lucas is a better producer than director.  There’s a long running joke about Lucas’ direction style, revolving around the phrase,“faster and with more intensity.”  Basically, that is the only direction he provides his actors.  Empire Strikes Back, commonly seen as the best of the films, was directed by Irvin Kershner.  So, the fact that Ewan did even a decent job in this film, to me, speaks to his skills as an actor.  I mean yeesh, even Natalie Portman has gone on to get an Oscar and she was very plastic and flat in the prequels (of which I blame Lucas more than her). 

Moulin Rouge –I realize Nicole Kidman was in the midst of a divorce when this film came out, but I always thought that Ewan’s vocal performance was much stronger and perhaps not quite as "produced".  Apparently, Baz Luhrmann has a thing for typewriters (see “The Great Gatsby”).

Big Fish – I’d forgotten about this film and it took my glance through Ewan’s imdb page to remember.  Him and Albert Finney seamlessly portray the enigmatical, yet extremely likable main character.

Beginners: Upon viewing this film, I was extremely disappointed that Ewan’s performance was not recognized.  All of the acting glory went to Christopher Plummer, who was quite good, but it was Ewan’s performance that really resonated with me. His deep sadness is evident, even without him saying a word.

The Impossible: I admired Ewan’s ability to waver between falling apart and keeping it together.  This scene perfectly exemplifies this skill.  He didn’t over emote, but his instability feels felt incredibly relatable.  I didn’t wonder why he was feeling what he felt, but felt joined with him in his trauma.

I suppose musings like this make me wonder how many wonderful performances are missed due to the business that is the film industry.  It’s a shame, but it is a special moment when you come across these overlooked actors.  I know I feel some sort of obligation when I find an interesting performance, story, director.  I have to let others know, lest they miss out.  So, here’s to finding the unseen performances!

……….

Question for you, who are your favorite overlooked actors?

Summer Movies

I love movies.  I grew up in a household that highly values film.  For about as long as I can remember, my family waited anxiously for The Academy Awards.  Forget the Superbowl, we had an Oscar pool, where the competition was fierce as we fought for the ultimate prize of the winner’s choice of restaurant for a future dinner.  In fall and winter I am especially excited as all the good Oscar contender films are released.  Back in the day, I used to be equally excited for the summer movie season.  However, disappointment after disappointment has taught me to be cautious and to realize that I typically desire more from my films.  This summer is no different.  Yet, there are some films I am looking forward to seeing, whether at the big theater, the dollar theater, or from Redbox.

So, in no particular order, here goes:

Iron Man 3 – Like many, I thoroughly enjoyed the first Iron Man.  Robert Downey Jr. seems born to play this hot head super hero and the movie had an engaging story.  Not Oscar worthy, but definitely an enjoyable experience.  Sadly, the second installment of this film could not live up to the hype.  Even Downey Jr. couldn’t help this exhausting film.  I am, however, looking forward to seeing the third Iron Man.  I’m not expecting it to surpass the first film, but I have read some favorable reviews. 

Before Midnight – I was a late comer to this series, only watching it for the first time a few years ago.  That being said, I’m not jumping out of my seat in excitement for this one, but am interested.  I appreciate the honest dialogue and am curious to see where these characters have ended up. 

Frances Ha – I first saw Greta Gertwig in last spring’s “Damsels in Distress.”  Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated with this actress.  This film is described as following a young woman who is a dancer, but not really a dancer, struggling to make her life work.  Bonus street cred for it being filmed in black and white. 

Fast and Furious 6 – Just kidding!

The Way, Way Back – I stumbled across this film recently.  It’s co-directed by the wonderful Jim Rash (the hilarious dean in “Community”, Oscar winning writer from “The Descendants”, and Angelina Jolie leg impersonator) and has a spectacular cast.  From watching the preview, it has a similar vibe to “Little Miss Sunshine” – a comedy that doesn’t shy away from the heart breaking moments found in real life. 

Blue Jasmine – Woody Allen has another film coming out.  While his films tend to be hit or miss, I still enjoy the director’s work.  This one will be at the very least a Redbox rental. 

Stories We Tell – I can’t remember how I first heard about this documentary, directed by Sarah Polley, but it sounds like an interesting exploration of family and story.  Polley interviews her own family as she tries to discover the truth in her family history. 

Mud – To be honest, I don’t know much about this film, but in the last week I’ve had two people mention it to me.  While Matthew McConaughey is not my favorite actor, as of late he has seemed to be picking more interesting films (at the very least, films that don’t revolve around him taking off his shirt). 

The World’s End – Being a big fan of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”, I can’t help but get excited for the next Edgar Wright offering with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.  The basic plot involves a group of men who reconvene after years apart to attempt a pub crawl they had participated in while younger.  Of course, in true Wright fashion, the town is not all it seems.  Besides Pegg and Frost, Wright has brought together an amazing cast, including Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, and Eddie Marsan. 

Man of Steel – I never was a huge Superman fan, but it does seem as though this film is taking a hint from Chris Nolan’s revamp of Batman (Nolan is a producer of the film).   Should be interesting. 

Now You See Me – To be honest, I have mixed thoughts on this film.  Every time I see the preview I think: This could either be really fun or really awful.  It looks like a great cast, but sadly, a great cast does not equal and great film.  I’ll definitely be waiting to read reviews on this one before I head to the theater. 

Much Ado About Nothing – I am full out excited for this movie!  I hope, hope, hope it doesn’t disappoint.  Much Ado is my favorite a) Shakespeare play, and b) play period.  I read the play about once a year and even got to see it performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.  My secret dream is to play Beatrice one day.  Wouldn’t that be glorious?  I digress. 

I was intrigued when I heard that Joss Whedon was directing this film.  Perhaps a little confused even.  Whedon is great, but his film and TV work take place in the sci-fi adventure arena.  I wondered what he would do with this classic Shakespearean comedy.  So far, all I’ve been reading is positive and the trailer peaks my interest.  And it comes out just in time for my birthday.  Please don’t be awful!

Finally, it’s not a movie, but we’re less than a week out from the new season of Arrested Development.  Eeek!  Pull out your cut-offs and start preparing your chicken impersonation. 

Still never fails to crack me up. 

Note: So far I’ve seen The Great Gatsby (better than I thought although quite vomited on with glitter) and Star Trek (fun, but nothing spectacular).