What Part of Forever

2010 sucked. Sorry to start off on a negative comment but it really did. But not the kind of “sucked” that had no redeeming qualities. There are plenty of things that made the year worthwhile – let’s just say there’s a new, solid foundation. I dove deep into the delicious misery and the comforting melancholy, rummaging through the darkness of the void but emerging out into the sunlight. Okay, enough pretentiousness.

I can imagine that I soon will be accepting the fact that my life on earth will change. My life is cyclical – always changing, perhaps going somewhere, but still going in a circle. It’s time to break out of that. So it’s a good thing I am fully prepared to expect any challenge that will come my way – good or bad. And I apologize for sounding like a self-help book. But in the end, that’s what I’m trying to do, to help myself. In doing so, I also have to accept the fact that this year did, in fact, blow – however, it’s soon coming to an end and I can now embrace a new chapter in my life. New decade, new rules-type of philosophy.

Lying in bed at night, thinking about everything and everyone, knowing who’s in my life, who’s not, and who were, it’s hard to keep everyone in line. My writings have caused friction between friends and I before, never damaging but definitely noticing the remnants of past friendships. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t too late, but I can’t turn back time, nor make it go forward. Things happen. But what’s the point of holding onto the past? People make mistakes, but sometimes the mistake can end up being an eye opener thus making us learn. I guess I just made “learning from your mistakes” sound philosophical, in a sense. Not really, but you get the gist.

These past few years have flown – the post-high school years. One minute you’re complaining about the heat then one minute you notice snow falling from the sky. Sometimes, you forget where you are in life. At least, I do. But, thankfully, there are those people that remind you who you are and what your purpose is. Close friends, to me, are the true backbone in keeping someone’s mindset clearer and functioning. Now, I’m not saying I’m helpless and need people to do things for me – that’s not what this is about. We all fall from the horse sometime, if you can get up with some help that’s great, but if you can get up on your own – that’s even better. But knowing that you had some help in the first place to get you back up, now that is something. Who wants to go at this alone? Bring on 2011.

Ordinary People

Have you ever had that one family member who was evasive and somewhat cold? That one family member you didn't know was like that until you sat down and thought about it? Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind closed doors? This movie explores that question exquisitely and tragically.

Ordinary People was released in 1980 and is still relevant in family themes and the dichotomy and breakdown of the family unit. However, this isn't just one of those sappy, Lifetime-esque movies - this movie is like being stabbed in the gut with a frigid blade. You take this wealthy family, add in the death of a child, the suicidal sibling, a mother who cannot love her "other son", and a father trying to keep this all together.

The movie stars Donald Sutherland (Hello! You better know this guy) , Mary Tyler Moore (sweet, little Moore from The Dick Van Dyke Show and, ahem, The Mary Tyler Moore Show from the 60's), Judd Hirsch (from that old 70's show Taxi), and Timothy Hutton (in his first movie in which he won an Oscar for!) who are all AMAZING in their roles - true, solid acting. But for those reading and going "who the hell are they?" - rest assure, you will be blown away. Sutherland plays the overly-caring father, Moore slides into this against-type role extraordinarily as the cold mother, Hirsch playing the kind-hearted but stern therapist, and Hutton playing the depressed son who you just seriously want to hug.

Sutherland, Moore, and Hutton play this quiet family who are grieving over the death of the oldest brother who drowned, while being accompanied by his brother, Conrad (Hutton). Conrad blames himself for his brother's death and suffers from depression and even attempted suicide. Moore plays Beth - the elitist mother who neglects Conrad (which is heartbreaking to see) but dammit, she plays it so well. I rarely call movies "perfect" but this movie is damn near close.

Keep in mind, this movie is from '80 and is definitely not in the mindset of the Facebook age of today - so get out there and WATCH THIS MOVIE. It's eloquently intense but never being melodramatic. The classics should never be overlooked. Definitely a new entry in my favorite films of all time.

Five Movies That Defined Me

We all have our favorite movies - and it's extremely hard to rank them. So, I'm simply just going to list five movies, in no particular order, that define me, inspired me, and shed light to my inner creativity and soul.

1. Halloween (1978)
It's not the dark itself that scares me, it's what's in the dark that terrifies me. Halloween is one of those movie that is iconic in it's own right but holds a special place in my heart. This movie made me love the adrenaline of being scared - horror movies really get you to react. You don't watch a comedy and yell at the screen "DO SOMETHING FUNNY!!"...you tell the stupid bitch lurking around in the dark to get the hell out of there! Michael Myers is a menacing villain who isn't funny like Freddy or gargantuan like Jason - he's a human being which is more terrifying than any Hollywood monster.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Every high school has their cliques. The jock, the princess, the basketcase, the geek, and the criminal. Which one did you fall into? John Hughes is the master of teen movies and without him, we wouldn't have the teen films we have today. This movie helped define me because I was just a wallflower in high school. I didn't really fit in anywhere, sure I had friends and all that, but in an ironic way - The Breakfast Club defined me to be undefined. Not having a clique to fall back on, to just be my own person, but have fun at the same time. In other words, I was the kid in the back row making fun of everyone while they were making fun of others. I was kind of a reverse bully, if you will.

3. Almost Famous (2000)
A lighthearted movie that changed my outlook on life. Without this movie, I wouldn't have the music taste I have today or the self-awareness I have today. The lesson learned from that movie is to not befriend people who are going to use you so that they can move forward. And while the movie is packed with awesome music, GREAT performances, and an epic plot - the lesson of that movie was far more stronger and that helped me know who I am and what kind of people I should avoid. And the rest is history :)

4. Walk the Line (2005)
Johnny Cash was a great man who made great music - and his story helped me define my life. I really wanted to change my life once high school let out and this movie made my path clear. His life was hard but he knew how to make his life worthwhile and go after the things you desire and love. It showed me what I really need to aim for and not dwell on the past or hold grudges - just move forward and you'll be okay :)

5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Fast cars, a bad attitude, and breaking the rules aren't exactly the first things you think of when you think of me - but this movie is so much deeper than what it's initially known for. The movie has tremendous heart and a charm that has lasted more than fifty years. And while this is a new addition to my favorite movies, it helped me shed new light on my life. And while some people may think that my James Dean obsession will be short-lived, I beg to differ. Sure it's new, I will admit that, but I haven't felt more rejuvenated and refreshed in my life since reading about his life and discovering his movies. He was one of those people who lived life to the fullest and didn't let stupid things get to him. And I'm thinking, I let stupid things get to me and I really don't live my life to the fullest. So I thank you Mr. James Dean for being my inspiration on changing my life for the good. :)

Rebel Without a Cause

So, before I get started I wanted to apologize for being a LAME BLOGGER. I truly apologize to those who are out there reading this somewhere - but I promise, I will start getting back to movie reviews which I was I am writing about today :)

So lately, I have been getting tired of the modern media. Everyone is just copying each other and I feel that films today (not all, but some) are taking a step backward rather than forward. But in some cases you do have to take a step backward to reach something that is ahead of you - and that is what I did. Going back to a time where soda shops were the place to be and not wearing a leather jacket made you beyond uncool.

Rebel Without a Cause is not only a great film from the 50's, it's reached iconic status. Thanks to the late, but great James Dean. I am in absolute love with this guy and he's been dead for over fifty years. I thought this was just going to be a little kick I would be on but it's become somewhat of an obsession. Not a bad one though at that. He's one of those few actors that you can't pry your eyes from - male or female. And once you sit down to watch this movie, you're in for a good treat. However, modern audiences may find this movie a little odd (and I did, too at first) but you get sucked right in. They don't make movies like they used to. And this film is a good example on why you need to go back and rediscover the classics.

Before Juno, Mean Girls, and the John Hughes movies, RWaC was the definitive teen film. For the first time, teen elements were brought into cinema and left an indelible mark on society. The story is rather simple - Jim Stark (Dean) is new in town. He's rebellious, insecure, and adorable and just looking for the right group of friends. Sounds rather cliche and even boring - but this was groundbreaking in 1955. It even introduced one of the first sympathetic gay characters which was unheard of during this time.

Whether you like him or not (and I want to meet this person who doesn't) James Dean is an icon. He only made three movies before he died and he is still referenced to this day. I would say that's pretty remarkable. It makes me sad that he died so young, but he will always be 24 - forever young. If you come across one of those nights where you are in dire need of a classic movie to break away from the mainstream, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!

Summertime Blues

So, the summer is coming to a much needed end. There were high points of course, but this isn't summer for the record books. But like every summer, I did compile a short (but sweet) list of songs that not only made the summer, but presented itself as a crucial life lesson for each aspect of the summer. Some good, some bad, but most importantly, life-enticing.

"Sins of My Youth" - Neon Trees {Lost Innocence}
We're all guilty of it. Some of us aren't innocent as we seem. This summer amplified this aspect of "innocence lost". Sure, this summer wasn't exactly "party-filled" but definitely an eye opening one in a sense of being a smoking gun. Though I didn't necessarily travel anywhere, I did have fun just sitting around having a good time. What's wrong with that? Not a damn thing.

"Ours" - The Bravery {Fear of the Future}
Have you ever just wanted to be frozen in a moment you don't want to escape? How one night can be so unbelievably awesome that you want to stop the clocks from turning? The time from summer to fall is an emotional time. Whether you're sad to see friends go or happy that you're actually doing something with your life. There were nights I didn't want to end - just to be in that moment forever. But, we can't stop time and must come to accept that things move on with every breath we take. However, the memory remains fresh in my mind - this time is ours.

"I Was a Teenage Anarchist" - Against Me! {Being Young}
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? I had the privilege of becoming friends with a group of people who preserved my youthful persona. While being a few years younger than me, that wasn't an issue at all. I'm getting older and it's getting harder to play with that little kid still buried inside - but having friends that rightfully so held that youthfulness inside, made it easier to breathe.

"Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry {Summer Romance}
I, myself, wasn't involved in a summer romance this year but had a chance to witness a few blossom over the summer months. Having that one person give you butterflies just by thinking of them is an exhilarating feeling and having someone there is a relief. Sadly, that disappears over time. Summer, on the surface, seems like the perfect time to start a relationship, and while some flourish passed August, most of the time, the butterfly wings dissipate. I picture it this way - summer romances are a, ahem, *teenage dream*...however, we must awake from that dream and come to face reality.

"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + the Machine {Autumn Approaches}
As August winds down and school begins to start, we must come to conclusion that summer is over. A happy feeling? Yes. A sad feeling? Of course. No one really wants summer to end...deep inside. As for me, I'm relatively optimistic and want to see what Autumn has in store. This summer may have been lackluster, sure, but it definitely taught me a few things - that its okay to just have fun, that you can stay preserved in a memory long after it happened, that remaining young at heart isn't a bad thing, that summer romances are great for in the moment and not so great once September rolls around, and that with each new season, we're always prepared.

What's Your Favorite Scary Movie?

I was eight years old when I watched my first slasher movie. This was a time where the slasher genre was dead and nearly buried. But take a smart screenwriter and a legendary horror director, add some comedy, and a fresh cast and you have Scream. I remember it was almost night time when my mom, my sister, and I popped this good old tape into the VCR (ah, nostalgia) and was uncertain about what kind of movie we would be watching. Keep in mind I was eight and my sister was FIVE. I don't know what my mom was thinking but it may have been the smartest thing she's done - with us, anyway ;). As we all know, the opening sequence with Drew Barrymore is classic and hasn't been touched as far as slasher movies go. I was left on the edge of my seat - not particularly scared, but enthralled. This movie rocked my world and was ready to see what other horror movies were out there. I recently watched this movie, now being able to recite the dialog, and it still has the same effect on me.

About a year or so later, USA was broadcasting Halloween. And I was lucky enough to watch that around Halloween time - come to think of it, it may have been trick or treating night - making it more appropriate. However, unlike Scream, Halloween scared the beejeezus out of me. The presence of Michael Myers made me uneasy and felt he was lurking in the shadows outside of my own house. What a great feeling! Halloween has been a staple in my top favorite movies of all time and I don't see it falling out of that list - it's not just a movie, it's an institution. For me, anyway. Many sequels have followed but none have captured the essence of the first film. But I am a huge nerd when it comes to the franchise, knowing even the tiniest of details and family lineage of the Myers' family. What can I say? We all have our little obsessions, don't we?

The 90's faded away giving us slasher films like Scream 2, Halloween: H20, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Urban Legend. All movies I adore in different ways. Scream 2 and IKWYDLS remind me of my obsession with Sarah Michelle Gellar (also, IKWYDLS captures the summertime as a kid), Urban Legend came around the time when slasher movies were being made just because Scream made it popular again as well as H20. These films have a special place in my heart and horror movies today just don't capture that feeling. I guess that's why they call it nostalgia.

As far as horror films go today, I'm somewhat disappointed. They're either torture porn or remakes. I applaud the original Saw for reinventing horror films but come on, they're planning a seventh Saw? I guess it has to do with audiences today. If they're not exciting for one second, the movies don't sell. And as far as these remakes go nowadays - is no original horror film sacred? They're something to see however to see what they do with them. The only remakes I thoroughly enjoyed was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Ring.

Anyways, this blog was just a trip back to a time where the VCR was sacred in my room and when slasher movies were fun popcorn flicks you could watch with friends. Friday nights were epic when I was around twelve years old watching either a new release or a movie that needed dusted off in the video store. Boy, those were the days.

The House of the Devil

Some horror movies play by the rules. Some horror movies don't. And some horror movies do both. An obedient deviant. The House of the Devil is that kind of movie. This movie taps into our psyche, taking itself seriously, but then throwing that idea right out the door.

Samantha (a stellar Jocelin Donahue) is a broke college student who just got her first apartment. She finds a Babysitter Wanted ad on her school bulletin board and has high hopes for some quick cash. The voice on the other end of the phone is chilling, but nonthreatening. She accepts the job and thusly has her friend Megan (PJ Soles-esque Greta Gerwig) drive her out to the house in the middle of nowhere. Sounds rather cliche, and it is, but what happens in the next hour is complete unease. Elements of a slasher movie are present as are religious horror and the old Hammer movies of the 70's. Movies based on things that go bump in the night don't necessarily sell out audiences anymore. This movie may be the exception and may reinvent the genre.

When I first watched this, I was shocked this was made two years ago. The movie is set during the early 80's and the director does an amazing job at capturing that era. This film seems like a lost 80's classic that fell behind the shelf at the video store for years and later rediscovered. The production design is that good. I'm a sucker for atmosphere, suspense, and appropriate music so this film was like a 90 minute orgasm for me.

I call this film the "Anti-Saw" because this movie has little to no in-your-face horror relying solely on suspense and atmosphere. My kind of movie :) I was raised on movies like Halloween which had little blood and excess suspense. However, this movie isn't for everyone. The ADD audience of today will definitely grow bored and will not appreciate the early 80's throwbacks. I guess that's why they call this film a new cult classic which is greatly deserves.

Also, it was a breath of fresh air to not see the characters in peril rely on technology. No cell phones. No internet. No Facebook. Nothing except a rotary telephone with a fifty foot cord. *Sigh* Back in the day if you were shit out of luck, you really WERE shit out of luck. Kind of nice isn't it? :) One of the best horror movies in recent years and needs more appreciation than it already gets.

5 stars out of 5