Apr 25 2007
hey, guess what?
Chicken butt.
Hi. I’m 10.
I have a real post planned, but I am not going to get to it today because I have a million other things to do. But I thought that because I’m such a swell gal, I’d give you a topic for discussing, because you might as well discuss something, seeing as how you’re already here (well, unless you’re reading this in some feed reader or something, but let’s not get hung up on details). So here’s your topic:
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately?
I will start. Over the weekend, I saw two films, the first was Volver, which was good, but I don’t think it’s up there with my favorite Almodóvar film, which is Hable con ella (Talk to her), which I saw years ago but still think about from time to time. But even though I liked Volver and all, that’s not my answer.
Because apparently I was on a foreign film kick last weekend, the best movie I’ve seen lately is Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love, which I learned from the IMDB page is apparently the middle film in a trilogy (who knew?). I recommend not scrolling down too far on that IMDB page if you haven’t seen it because a couple of the message board post titles contain spoilers, which is kind of annoying. But anyway, it was just beautiful. Tightly controlled, confined, full of very carefully restrained desire. And the lighting and the cinematography… gorgeous frame after gorgeous frame after gorgeous frame. Just stunning, really. Has anybody here seen it? Because I really want to talk about the ending with someone, but I don’t know anyone who’s watched it. And if you haven’t seen it, go rent it or something and then we can talk about it, because seriously!
Anyway, your turn. You don’t have to be as wordy or irritating or pretentious as me.
Go.
Go! Whoosh!
Lately I’ve not seen as many movies as usual, in part because my monster-movie partner Jess has this, you know, boyfriend, which cuts down on the monster-movie fun. I’ve seen some movies of the “I know I was at the movies, what the hell did I see?” variety, which obviously don’t count toward this discussion.
What I did see that I completely loved and which left me gleeful and full of giggles was The Grindhouse. Which was, in brief, every bit as good as most critics have suggested, smart and clever and funny and lowbrow and gross and shocking and damn, it was good.
I’ve heard wonderful things about In the Mood for Love, but I’ve never seen it.
Believe it or not…Shrek.
(Because obviously I’ve been hiding in a cave since before 2002.)
Even though Cameron Diaz–disembodied voice or no–drives me to such rage that I might dismember or otherwise mortally wound a puppy or small child, I still thought the movie was really cute and funny and clever (in places).
And I’m such a sucker for John Lithgow’s drawling, malicious elocution–even coming out of an evil dwarf with an inferiority complex.
The title of the post, up till “I’m 10″ was enough of a post for me. You should have stopped it there. I would then have voted it “Best Blog Post Ever”.
And, BTW, the last movie I saw was TMNT. (guilty pleasure). I so have to go see another movie soon, so when I’m asked the question, “What movie did you last see?” I don’t have to answer, “TMNT”.
http://www.onehorseshy.com/lowbrow/guess_what_chicken_butt/
I think the last movie I saw in the theatre was Casino Royale. That’s because my parents were paying. The last time I paid myself was The Devil Wears Prada, last summer. I am SO CHEAP.
The last move that I saw and thought was hysterical was Hot Chick with Rob Schneider. You have to see it. It’s so funny!
To clarify–Shrek was not the last movie I saw in the theater. I watched it this weekend.
For it to have been the last film I saw in the theater, my life would have to be very sad. Sadder than it is already. Sniff.
As you know, I’m not a movie kind of gal… I think the last movie I saw in the theater was “Open Season” which would make that sometime last summer. Before that I think it was the 50 Cent movie… because I’m nothing if not versatile. Ahem.
I recently saw Volver as well, and I liked it.
I know it isn’t THAT recent, but the last movie I remember that left me stunned and speechless (quite a feat) was Pan’s Labyrinth.
And my roommate is on a Grey Gardens kick (the documentary, not the broadway play) so I’ve watched that more than once recently. It’s fascinating. And it makes me feel better about myself by virtue of criticising others, which is my favorite form of entertainment/free therapy.
AndNetflixrecentlygavemeseasononeoftheGoldenGirlswhichIloved.
If you haven’t alread - definitely make a point to see Millions and while I’m on the British Cinema kick - “In America” - both completely brilliant films. Bring kleenex, but be prepared to leave both films feeling incredible.
“chicken butt…
go around the corner and lick it up.” Hi, I’m also 10.
the last good movie i saw was the departed, about a year after everyone else in the world saw it.
i watched babel the other night and was thoroughly disappointed. it was just…insignificant.
i also saw half nelson, which i am still ruminating over. it was slightly significant, but it didn’t reach where it should have.
i am a tough critic. i look forward to seeing the namesake because that is a novel that didn’t disappoint me…well not really. it’s a rare novel that doesn’t let me down in the end somehow.
by the way. me today: kinda still drunk from last night. at work.
Note: These movies don’t have to be the last ones you saw at the theater. Rentals are also eligible. Just the last good movie you saw. I didn’t see either of the ones I mentioned at the theater… I’m sneaking around with Netflix again. Anyway…
Linus — I’m looking forward to Grindhouse, in the way people who live in small Midwestern towns look forward to movies, which is in an “I’m sure I’ll see that someday” sort of way.
Lesley — Yeah, Cameron Diaz is the devil, or something, but I loved Shrek. I think I actually loved Shrek 2 more, possibly only because of the addition of Jennifer Saunders to the cast, though probably not because it was cute and clever like the first one. But I really do love Jennifer Saunders. Absolutely Fabulous indeed.
Patrick — I know, I know. I debated about it, but I never can leave well enough alone. I haven’t seen TMNT, though I have probably seen the original movie that came out in 1989 or so like 35 times.
srah — Dude, I have been wanting that t-shirt for a long time. It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.
nprosario — Every time I see Rob Schneider, I can’t stop thinking about when he was that character on SNL who annoyed everyone who had to make copies… I sometimes try to do this to people in my own office who are making copies but they never get it. Sigh.
Lesley — Yeah, there’s no “in the theater” rule.
Caryn — Wow. That is a diverse selection of films. Which is just one of the reasons why you are the awesome.
Meg — I’m looking forward to Pan’s Labyrinth. A lot. I think with the way my Netflix queue is going right now, I’m going to have a Mexican cinema festival some weekend. Also, I also love The Golden Girls. Blanche Devereaux — what a scamp.
Lucy — You know, I rented Millions and for some reason never got around to it, which bums me out because I really do want to see it. In America — that’s the one with Emily Watson and Djimon Hounsou?
Fraulein — Hee. Being 10 is awesome.
wifey — Yeah, I saw The Departed in March, I think, because I am hip and with the times. I think I was ultimately disappointed with Babel because I felt like it was manipulating (or trying too hard to manipulate) some sense of guilt I was apparently supposed to have. I felt like 21 Grams was trying to manipulate me, too. I have problems with films trying to manipulate me. I’m going to watch Amores perros before I make a judgment on Iñárritu, however. You should watch Children of Men, because I loved that. (And yes, me loving things should be the basis of you watching them.) Also, Clive Owen doesn’t know this, but someday I am marrying him. But don’t be jealous, because you will always be my #1 spouse. Oh, and I loved Half Nelson, mainly for Ryan Gosling’s performance, which I thought was stellar. He’s sneaking up on Edward Norton territory for me. Oh and being drunk at work in the morning? Awesome. Except for when the hangover kicks in at noon.
I really loved The Departed, so even though I’ve seen movies since, I always act like it’s the last movie I saw.
But I did love the Prestige, which I saw on DVD for the first time, and it was yummy. I mean good. Yummy and good.
Half Nelson and In The Mood for love are now atop my Netflix queue, thank you very much!
the hangover kicked in. with a vengeance.
i agree with you on gosling’s half nelson performance. awesome. i thought the little girl was stellar as well.
last king of scotland is next on my list, and then i will check out children of men. because you think it’s awesome, and i think you’re awesome.
Tiff — Yeah, The Prestige. Was its yumminess in any way predicated by the presence of Christian Bale? Enjoy both of the movies. Neither were a rollicking good time, but I am really glad I watched both of them.
Wifey — Sorry about the hangover. I heard once that Gatorade and Little Debbie snack cakes are a good cure. My own personal hangover remedy is lots of water. Oh, and complaining.
I saw on (movie review blog) Pajiba that they were doing this, but since the internets are about idea-stealing, I feel totally okay with asking:” what are the top 10 movies in your Netflix queue? (They only asked for the top 5 movies so I’m actually being original…) Here’s my list:
1. The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour (apparently a very long wait, but I will hold out forever for Arab comedians)
2. The Queen
3. Notes on a Scandal
4. The Last King of Scotland
5. Igby Goes Down
6. Dead Man
7. Big Night (I’ve seen this before, but I love it)
8. Amores Perros
9. Notorious
10. Brick
I’m all about Series:
1. For Your Consideration
2. Half Nelson
3-6. The Office Season 2
7-9. How I Met Your Mother Season 1
10. In the Mood for Love (new addition!)
Hey look my list is a top 10/5 hybrid! What do I win?
and yes, the Yumminess of The Prestige was in direct relation to the amount of time Christian Bale appeared on the screen. I believe a graph would demonstrate that perfectly
De-lurking to say…Just watched Children of Men and am conflicted. Cannot criticise the artfulness though. Was on holiday in New Zealand this month and saw a great schlock film called “Black Sheep”. Excellent special effects (MUTANT SHEEP PEOPLE) and silly Kiwi accents (I can say this cause I am Australian).