One Day - on film

I read One Day last September and was so absorbed in the story but just never got around to making the trip to the theater to see the film. Bad reviews didn't help to push me in that direction, and I almost never go to the movies anyway, but I'm happy to say that my dear friend Jenni invited me over to watch it tonight.

Perhaps the nay-sayers didn't read the book, didn't identify with Emma or Dexter, or maybe just couldn't get passed the bad fashion and odd frame of Jim Sturgess, but I really enjoyed the movie. Just like the book, it brought up memories from my past - both happy and tragically sad - but being reminded of those times are what makes me the person I am so bring it on.

Anne Hathaway's English accent was quite charming and I've never seen Patricia Clarkson in a role I didn't like so those are two definite pluses. On the negative side I didn't find Jim Sturgess remotely likable, but I suppose that is fitting since I didn't really feel a great deal of empathy for Dexter's character when I read the book. He's really a cad to tell you the truth.

My most favorite parts of the book (the ones that made me laugh my ass off) were not presented well on film, but the story for the most part was very true to the novel. I'm now looking forward to seeing Like Crazy which I know will require some kleenex (One Day did not - at least for me).

Something I can't wait to see

I think I've watched both of the trailers for Like Crazy at least a dozen times each, if not more. I'd heard about the film before reading about it in my latest Entertainment Weekly, and all the buzz is just working me up into a frenzy.

Here's the plot in a nutshell, compliments of IMDB, "A British college student falls for an American student, only to be separated from him when she's banned from the U.S. after overstaying her visa."


I love what I've seen and read about so far. Like Crazy is a tiny budget film starring actors whose performances are so organic - so real - that one wonders how they haven't been starring on screens world-wide for months or years.

Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin improvised much of the script - they were given an outline to go on. She wore her own clothes and did her own make-up. Yes, she is a very beautiful girl, even more so because of how naturally she appears on the screen.

I found the way that they incorporated both Jacob's LA life with Anna's London life artistically dead-on, by depicting subtle backdrops of each in the poster of them on the beach. The United Kingdom meets Los Angeles - or not.

The story is so simple and so heartbreaking at the same time. First Love. It is so exciting, mind-blowing and life-changing. Sometimes those changes don't prove to be positive right away, but I think everyone deserves to fall in love at least once. And when it happens for the first time it is truly astounding - weak in the knees, tummy butterflies fluttering, AMAZING.

Life is the most spectacular show on earth

I saw Water for Elephants today with my favorite movie buff, Jen. We both loved the film. LOVED it. Having said that I'm quite confused by the film's low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and somewhat negative reception from IMDB users.


Sara Gruen's novel, on which the film is based, is by far one of my favorite books of all time; and I feel the script stayed quite true to the novel, at least the most important parts. My biggest surprise was in finding Pattinson's Jacob far more believable than Witherspoon's Marlena. Waltz's portrayal of August was spot on in my opinion, and I must say that as a whole I felt the film was cast well.



There is no question that the star of the movie is Rosie. She exudes charm and ultimately proves to be the most loyal and loving character in the film. I was near tears at least three times and got extreme chills during the film's climax.

The cinematography is impeccable - a true period film that is so well done that the viewer is easily transported back to 1931. The costumes, the language, the ever-looming depression - it is all portrayed in each and every scene.
I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this movie even if they haven't read Gruen's amazing book. Therefore, I find Rotten Tomatoes' ultimate review of the film truly rotten, and perhaps biased and shallow.

True Romance

True Romance is definitely one of my favorite movies ever - if not my #1.

Hidden treasures: Brad Pitt as the total pot head and Bronson Pinchot as the biggest douche ever.

My dear boyfriend at the time of my first viewing indulged my love for the movie and the music and bought me the soundtrack. That was so long ago that I don't even know if it was a cd or cassette tape (no 8 tracks here).

I've unfortunately lost the soundtrack he bought me, but I've never forgotten the music! (or the fun we had enjoying the silliness of it).

The death of Dennis Hopper could put a damper on the memories tied to this film, but I choose instead to remember and cherish the talent that he drove into every role he played.

My favorite tune - entirely instrumental and the cutest little ditty I've ever heard. It has always managed to be my "cheer me up" music.

The Town

I rented this from redbox on Monday night, but the disk wouldn't play after about 40 minutes so I ended up buying it on pay-per-view. Smart choice since Time Warner Cable offers the extended cut (unedited, 2 hrs 30 min) for the same price as the theatrical version.

I really enjoyed this movie - even on an extended time frame. In fact, I found the extra scenes quite helpful in resolving the plot in my mind. I particularly enjoyed revisiting Ben Affleck's "BAHSTAN" accent from Good Will Hunting. I'm sure it's real and that he's just learned to speak differently since. I mean really - most talented actors are able to fake a realistic foreign accent - who's to know which one is real? (Must remove Penelope Cruz from consideration here).

While I have no problem watching 90+ minutes of Affleck on the screen, I feel he has a knack for directing, and it seems this role is where he plans to dig his heels in - at least for now. According to his cast from The Town he's quite good at both acting and directing, so in my opinion his future should be pretty bright.

Jeremy Renner and Blake Lively were fantastic - each depicted a Charlestown local to a tee - down to the accent and attitude. I'm not saying I've ever been to Charlestown, or that I even know anyone from there, but the information available to me confirms that the entire cast did a great job in bringing a genuine sense of the local atmosphere to the screen.

Small gripe: didn't love Rebecca Hall as Claire. I loved the character of Claire (her dedication to charity, tendency towards the lighter side of horrible situations and genuine concern for others in her personal stratosphere), but Hall came off as flat to me. I really wanted to like her, but I just didn't believe that she became Claire in the film. In the end I didn't care about her at all.

So as not to give away anything I'll just say that yes, HER CHARACTER made a gracious gift - but Rebecca Hall did nothing to make that act more powerful had it been given by a nameless Bart on anyone's street corner. I'm sure some might blame the director for that caveat, but her performance as a whole leads me to find fault on her shoulders.

Nevertheless, I found The Town to be a wonderful film - realistic, dramatic and powerful - and carried through by a very talented cast and director.

So bad, but so good

Most people close to me know that I am completely smitten with Kip Pardue. I even dragged my pregnant best friend to the midnight premiere of The Wizard of Gore in Los Angeles hoping to see him there. I was devastated by his absence and disgusted by Bijou Phillips' attendance.

Anyway, he's not in many movies (of course I've seen them all) so when I saw Stag Night available at redbox.com my heart skipped a beat. I reserved it immediately (completely unnecessary I'm sure). Expecting a complete bomb, I was pleasantly surprised, and I'm pretty sure genuine gore freaks would love it.



There's eye candy for guys, too, as Vinessa Shaw (3:10 to Yuma, The Hills Have Eyes) is a stunner. Seriously.

There are cannibals and dark tunnels and lots of severed body parts. If that's not your thing, don't rent this one. While gore isn't my fave, I found this movie delightfully entertaining - and it's only about 90 minutes long to boot. There is also a genuinely heart-tugging scene about half way through that I was NOT expecting at all.

Not necessarily for serious-minded movie goers, but definitely a delight for those of us who are willing to throw reality to the wind and enjoy a good yarn.

Blue Valentine for Valentine's Day

I saw Blue Valentine on Sunday with Jen and we both loved it - a lot.

One of Entertainment Weekly's "25 movies you need to see before Oscar night," Blue Valentine was only my third (I've also seen Black Swan and 127 Hours).

All great films. All have an aspect of deep sadness or regret, but Blue Valentine was the most affecting. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams perfectly played a husband and wife whose marriage is circling the drain. He appears to be oblivious to the core problems dragging them both down, and she is constantly attempting to put her feelings aside as if she prefers to feel nothing at all.

The film is laced with flash backs in which we see how they first met and fell in love. We also learn a bit about their respective upbringings and some past relationships that most likely nurtured their attraction to each other.

It's a very sad film, but not without its laughable highlights. One of my favorite lines is spoken by Gosling after they arrive in "the future room" at a hotel, "We're inside a robot's vagina."

On a side note, the little girl who plays their daughter Frankie (Faith Wladyka) is absolutely adorable and plays her part very well.

My vote for Blue Valentine is two thumbs up!

The original PA revisited

Somewhat like The Sixth Sense which I saw in the theater and hated, I've come to not hate the original Paranormal Activity as much as I did at first. I still can't stand the main characters: Katie's voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard and Micha is pretty much an ignorant asshole.

After loving PA 2 as much as I do, I felt it necessary to give the original a second chance so I set out to view it with a clean slate in mind.

I continue to find the 2nd film far superior to the 1st. I don't understand the critics that disagree. I want to muzzle Katie and bitch slap Micah. If the writers would've taken out at least half of the ridiculous bickering I might not still somewhat hate the original movie.

I admit that after paying extremely precise attention to many of the scenes I was genuinely skeeved. Creepy factor good. Still hate the people.

I know it's not fair to snap-judge things, but the original Paranormal Activity remains in my mind, pretty much a dud.

Scared silly

As you might recall, I absolutely hated Paranormal Activity (2009). I thought it was one of the most boring, annoying, stupid films I've ever wasted my time watching.

Regardless, and against my better judgement, I rented Paranormal Activity 2 at redbox last night. Holy crow, I can't believe how much better PA2 was than the first.

Now I'm stuck waiting until I can buy the dvd for myself because the rental versions don't contain any special features and I'm dying to see the unrated director's cut. Or at least I think I am. I honestly think I'll be sleeping with the lights on for the next few nights!

I blame Katie Featherston for much of my dislike of the first film. She irritated the sh!t out of me. As anyone who looks up the movie on IMDB or any similar site, you'll know that she is in the second film, too, but her role is not a prominent one.

The actors playing the starring husband, wife and daughter did a fantastic job. They really made me feel like I was watching actual video footage of their home and lives rather than a directed movie. I particularly thought Sprague Grayden (House MD, Six Feet Under, 24) was impressive. I wasn't necessarily a fan before, but she played a new mom living anxiously in a "haunted house" quite well.

If you liked Paranormal Activity, I don't see how you wouldn't like Paranormal Activity 2; but even if you hated the first film (like me) I highly recommend giving the second one a chance. And just a quick tip: If you can, watch it more than once. There are several subtle creepy instances that could easily be missed on the first viewing.

Hot man in a box

How bad could this movie be? Seriously. It's Ryan Reynolds in a pine box, and only Ryan Reynolds for 95 minutes. Whew.

In all seriousness and lust aside, I enjoyed Buried. Throughout the film I found myself identifying with the strangest things. For example, I'm a bit of a rager - meaning that when I get really frustrated or angry I completely lose it. Screaming, kicking, punching...all which never brings relief. Paul (Ryan Reynolds) does the same thing, yet when he finally gathers his cool he is able to make me laugh. For example, when someone asks him "if they don't get the 5 million what will happen?" He calmly replies, "They'll take me to Sea World...What do you think?"

One would think that watching a guy (even a HOT guy) tool around a pine coffin for 95 minutes might prove to be extremely boring, but I was fascinated.

The way the film was shot lent a great deal to expressing the urgency and desperation felt by the main (only) character. There were conversations where each point made my Paul was pronounced by a tighter view from the camera - until you're finally right on top of his face, realizing along with him how dire his situation is.

The tag lines are very appropriate: 170,000 square miles of desert. 90 minutes of Oxygen. No way out.

Paul Conroy Isn't Ready To Die.

If you hate Ryan Reynolds, maybe skip it (who does?!) - but honestly I found it to be a very well-made film. Taut, suspenseful and artfully directed.

127 Hours

I remember hearing about Aron Ralston’s entrapment in Blue John Canyon after his appearance on the Today Show in 2003. I was immediately drawn to Aron’s ordeal, and also the circumstances that lead up to it. My thoughts went to Pete – the son of my parents’ dearest and oldest friends – an avid mountaineer who often climbed on his own.

Shortly after seeing Aron’s segment on the air I sent Pete a message, asking him to never climb alone again – or at least that he not climb alone without someone knowing his whereabouts. I know it had nothing to do with my request, but I’m happy to report that shortly afterwards Pete married a lovely woman – a non-climber – who has kept him safe and made him the father of three.

What happened to Aron could’ve happened to anybody. Yet to this day, even after seeing the story adapted to film, I wonder if I could’ve saved my own life in the same manner. Most of us have thought, “you never know what you’re capable of until the situation is upon you,” but if given that situation, I’m pretty sure I couldn't muster up the courage to cut off my own arm.

127 Hours was an excellent film, and beautifully shot – something not unexpected from one of my favorite directors. It was very Danny Boyle – very Trainspotting and 28 Days Later - multiple frames exposing intricate angles at once, and hand-held camera work that brings us all closer to the character at hand.

I was particularly “Trainspotted” during the opening scenes when Aron (James Franco) is driving through the typical American road trip scenery – sign upon sign, advertising fast food and cheap gas. It’s all a blur of a mostly ugly landscape – until you get to where Aron was headed – the great and open outdoors.

I’ve read ¾ of Ralston’s memoire, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place", and from what I’ve read the movie is very faithful to Ralston’s harrowing tale.

Aron hallucinated significantly during his entrapment and the film managed to portray this in a way that allows a bit of light humor, but having read most of the book I couldn’t really share in the laughter. I saw a young man breeching the edge of reality and struggling to hold it together in order to survive.

Knowing the end of a movie can really affect one’s reaction, and I was slightly surprised at mine. The end of the film is extremely intense, emotional and heightened by some very overpowering music that nearly brought me to tears – perhaps in a happy way.

I don’t think I’ve given anything away since it’s obvious that Aron is still among the living – a daddy in fact!

Go see 127 hours. It’s inspiring, raw and intensely visceral. I kept at least one eye opened for the entire film, but I won’t try to say that was easy. It is graphically realistic and hard to watch – but it is also, in turn, hard to look away from.

Everybody's Fine

I watched this movie on Thanksgiving day. I was just looking for something to bide my time. I thought I'd heard a bit about it in passing but couldn't really remember for sure. I saw Robert De Niro, Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale on the first-billed list and thought, "how bad could it be?"

I'm so glad I spent the time to watch it. In a role far removed from most anything he's ever done, De Niro is wonderful as a widower (Frank Goode) reaching out to his children.

After his wife's death, he realizes that she was his only connection to the rest of his family and despite his ailing health he embarks on a cross-country trip to visit his kids.

None of his surprise visits turn out as planned. The viewer can figure out what's going on in the meantime given the behind-the-scenes phone conversations between three of Frank's children.

There's something amiss, as there has always been because Frank's children always told their mother everything, and their father nothing.

But by the end, Frank gets his happy ending, and so do we.

The 3rd time is the charm

Or at least it was for me.

Jen and I went to see Eclipse yesterday, and while I really enjoyed it, she definitely did not. Her first comment when the credits started rolling was, "I'm not going to see the last two movies unless you pay for it."

I find myself in the minority. Eclipse currently has a 4.5 out of 10 rating on IMDB with nearly 14,000 votes. Nevertheless, just as Eclipse is my favorite Twilight Saga book, the movie is by far my favorite of the three released.

I guess I should admit that the first time I viewed New Moon (also with Jen) I thought it was absolutely awful, but when a friend asked me to watch it with her (she hadn't seen it) I hated it much less than the first time.

Jen admitted that MAYBE her lack of love for the Twilight Saga is due to the fact that she hasn't read any of the books, but who really knows. I found it interesting that we both laughed at the same parts that weren't meant to be funny (but were ridiculous or just bad acting instead), but Eclipse was the first Twilight film that left me feeling satisfied.

I reread Eclipse a few months ago, and I'm glad I did because it helped me to appreciate what a great job David Slade did in keeping the film true to Stephenie Meyer's book. Only a couple of scenes were added to the film in order to introduce and develop a key character (Riley) since Eclipse (the book) is told completely from Bella's perspective. Therefore she wasn't present to witness Riley's transformation, the forming of the newborn army or Riley and Victoria's interactions (scenes added to the film).

The make-up - especially Robert Pattinson's - was so much better than it was in the first two films. Everything was far more subtle and realistic (aside from the ridiculous sparkling, which I still find utterly moronic).

Many reviewers have bashed both Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart's acting. I found Taylor's Jacob in Eclipse far more believable than in New Moon; and I thought Kristen Stewart finally let herself go a little bit in Eclipse and was therefore able to bring a live Bella to the screen.

Jen still criticized her for the limited range of her facial expressions, etc., but for the first time I believed Kristen's acting.

In Eclipse Bella really is conflicted for almost the entire book. She is upset with herself, worried for those she loves and completely unsure how she should feel about her future. Despite her resolve in the decisions she's made, she is constantly reminded that her loved ones will be forever affected - and not in a good way - by her choices. Hence the pained expressions, furrowed brows and mostly unhappy face she sports for the larger part of the movie. I wouldn't have expected to see Bella any other way in the film-adaptation of Eclipse.

I admit that I own Twilight on dvd (solely for the commentary version). I would never buy New Moon, but I'm pretty sure I'll add Eclipse to my dvd collection eventually. I really did like it, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Peter Jackson's non-documentary

District 9

I had no idea what this film was about and had never cared to investigate it for potential viewing until a friend of mine told me she thought it was pretty good.

What starts out as some sort of horrible joke of a film about an alien race forced to exist in a man-made slum in South Africa quickly becomes an intense, emotionally-charged depiction of many conflicted countries/races/religions today.

I found the plot to be a little like Independence Day meets 28 Days Later meets Resident Evil: Apocalypse with a touch of Transformers. Nevertheless, by the end I was affected.

I put my hand over my mouth in a gesture of awe more than once.

I truly feel the movie benefited from a cast of unknowns. Sharlto Copley played the protagonist so well. I don't think anyone else could've done it justice.

So as not to ruin/spoil the story, I'll leave it to any interested readers to investigate/rent themselves.

I began viewing this movie with a great deal of negativity and ended it with a huge helping of humble pie. Haters hate if you will, but I really liked this movie.

Paranormal stupidity

Paranormal Activity is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I am beside myself that Rotten Tomatoes gave it a "fresh rating" of 82%. I'm even more beside myself that PA 2 is in the works.

In an effort to be nice, I'll concede that my attention deficit disorder could've been to blame, but I was BORED. I was never scared and I hated the characters.

For some reason the name Micah (pronounced Mee-ka) annoyed me to no end. Micah (Mike-ah) is fine, but the aforementioned pronunciation really rubbed me the wrong way. Of course I wouldn't hate a movie based on the name of one of the characters, but it wasn't hard for me to hate this movie anyway.

What I really don't understand is the comparison of PA to The Blair Witch Project. No way. For those who can relatively tolerate a "shaky camera film", TBWP is (IMO) by far the most genuinely creepy, spine-tingling movie out there.

PA's tag line is "don't see it alone." I agree, because you'll need someone there to help you pay attention. Disagree with me if you will, but I think this movie stunk it up, bigtime. The alternate ending (DVD extra) is minimally less stupid than the theatrical one. To sum up, nothing could save this film.

In fact, for whatever reason, the woman next to me at the redbox Monday night asked me what I rented as I was walking away. When I told her she said, "It sucked!" I concur. Thank heaven it was a free redbox rental, as I don't think viewing it is worth $1.

I'll be back...

I watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day yesterday and found myself in awe of the special effects almost 20 years after its release. I still think Robert Patrick ruled that film in all his melty-metal body glory. I saw it in the theater when I was 17 and I remember my boyfriend's disgust when I cried at the end of the film. Perhaps those tears were on advance for the way the Terminator series began to stink afterwards.

Anyway, I remember watching the original film, The Terminator some time after its theatrical release on video. When the futuristic date 2029 flashed on the screen at the beginning, I vividly recall thinking, "I'll be so dead by then. People will be orbing and beaming up everywhere." I've recently surprised myself by realizing that in 2029 I'll only be 55-years-old. I guess in 1984, at the age of 10, I couldn't imagine a long-term future in terms of a date that seemed so far away.

Similarly, I caught part of Titanic last night as well. I saw it for the first time on December 22, 1997. I celebrated my 24th birthday less than a month before. But every time I see any part of that film, I recall exactly how I felt that first time in the theater. My friend Mark kept trying to console me by saying, "it's just a movie. That didn't really happen." I vehemently countered with, "I don't care about those Jack and Rose characters - that DID really happen. All of those people died for no reason - largely as a result of a ridiculous class division and snobbery."

But I do admire James Cameron's dedication to the truth of the story. There are many subtle details that were taken from historical accounts. For example, when Jack and Rose break through the wall and the crew member chases them claiming they'll be responsible for paying for it, they both turn around and scream, "Shut up!" That really happened, but of course the people weren't named Jack and Rose.

To put the misinterpretation exclamation point on my love of Titanic, my boyfriend at the time bought me a ridiculous, limited edition print of Jack and Rose, framed, with this special little battery-powered light-up section at the bottom. I wanted to laugh when he gave it to me but I knew that would crush him. I dutifully kept it for quite a while, but eventually sold it at a yard sale. You see, I know Jack and Rose as characters made the movie more marketable, but I've personally never lost sight of the fact that more than 1500 people lost their lives on that February night in 1912. That loss has always been the root of the Titanic tragedy.

I guess my point of this post is that movies really can take you back. Both memories of the movies and memories of viewing them have stuck with me for more than 25 years in some cases.

Ahhh. The power of a good movie!

Far more memorable than critics would have you believe

I'm really glad that tasteless spoilers (thanks a heap Perez Hilton) and negative reviews didn't keep me from going to see "Remember Me" in the theater on Sunday. Both Jen and I really loved the film.

We found it no where near boring or trite and we didn't feel offended at the end either. As another reviewer put it online, "What some will see as a sucker punch, I found more of a footnote, for what ultimately matters in 'Remember Me' is all that comes before."

The tag line, "Live in the Moments," really is perfect.

Even though the ending was spoiled, Jen and I were both pleasantly surprised with the way the film ended. While I sincerely believe it to be impossible for the end to surprise anyone now, I won't add to the spoilfest here. Instead, I will give a very brief synopsis and recount some of my favorite scenes.

The story: troubled college student Tyler (Robert Pattinson) meets larger than life college student Ally (Emilie de Ravin) by a somewhat random twist of fate. Neither planned to fall in love with the other, but it happens anyway. Ally helps Tyler to see that there's more to life than bitterness, regret and brooding. Truths withheld tear them apart. Love conquers, but tragedy prevails. Through tragedy, two families heal and learn how to go on.

Like many reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Tyler and his younger sister Caroline (Ruby Jerins). One of my favorites was when Caroline asks Tyler if he's going to come to her art show. Tyler says, "Hmmm. I'll have to check my book (pause for dramatic effect). Absofreakinlutely! I'll be there the day before. I'm camping out!" I'm sure we'd all love to have a brother adore us as much as Tyler adores Caroline.

I also loved the dinner scene with Tyler, Ally and Tyler's dad (Pierce Brosnan). Of course Tyler would prefer Ally not like his father, but she proves to be just as charming as ever and the two connect on a certain level - as much as Mr. Hawkins can connect with anyone anyway. It is during this scene that one can begin to understand how/why Tyler would fall for Ally - because she is good for making the best of an uncomfortable situation, and she's willing to put herself aside to be there for someone else in need.

I adore Lena Olin - in all her gorgeous glory - and although her part was fairly minor, I thought she played it extremely well. I also really liked Mr. Hawkins' secretary, Janine (Kate Burton). Her role on the surface had minimal impact, but under the family dynamic she was, in a way, the glue that held Tyler and his father together.

Another big difference between Jen/Tracey and the reviewers was that we didn't absolutely hate Tate Ellington (Aidan, Tyler's roommate). Yes, he had an obnoxious quality about him, but he wasn't without his charms. If nothing else, he played a drunk pretty well in a couple of scenes.

As a few other reviewers stated, New York really was a character in the film for me, too. I've only been there twice, but I really felt like I was there on the streets, in the heart of New York throughout the film.

Like I said, I really liked this movie. If you don't want to gamble on the price of a theater ticket, I highly recommend renting the DVD when it comes out. I'm sure Redbox will carry it and it's definitely worth $1.

My biggest disappointment in the spoilers was that I would've liked to have known if I could've figured out the end on my own. Should anyone out there manage to see the movie without having been informed on the ending beforehand, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Loving The Lovely Bones

I saw The Lovely Bones last night with Jen-AY and my initial reaction is WOW - very well-done. Beautiful cinematography; skillfully executed CGI; excellent set design and many more thumbs up. As a child born in the 70s, I was a bit overwhelmed with nostalgia throughout the entire film. The furniture, the wardrobe, the slang - everything perfectly depicted the period of the story - early 70s in America.

I was particularly impressed with Peter Jackson's dedication to Alice Sebold's novel. Although I found myself questioning certain scenes throughout the film, once it was over I remembered almost everything from my reading of the book in 2002. In fact, Jen re-read most of the book before we went to the theater, and she agreed there were very few differences between the film and the book. From her description - and my recollection - those differences were extremely minor.

I unexpectedly loved Saoirse Ronan as Susie, as well as Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon. Stanley Tucci was born to play George Harvey, since he gave me a serious case of the "skeevies." Seriously, if "Chester the Molester" was listed in Webster's dictionary, a photo of Stanley Tucci as George Harvey would certainly be included in that listing.

It's strange how the smallest tweaks can perfect a character. For example, in reality Stanley Tucci's eyes are very dark brown, but as George Harvey he wore contacts of a very clear, blue-green color. They made his creepy eyes the absolute creepiest. : CHILLS :

My least favorite character in the film was Susie's younger sister Lindsey, played by Rose McIver. I can't pinpoint my exact reasoning, but my lack of love was pronounced because Lindsey in the book was one of my favorite characters.

Susan Sarandon - who is gorgeous by the way - was fabulous as Grandma Lynn. She provided a very subtle breath of comic relief; while Rachel Weisz - who I adore - fell a little flat as Susie's mother, but her performance didn't detract from my enjoyment of the movie.

While Jen shed her first tear very early on, I managed to keep my eyes dry, but that doesn't mean there weren't several lumpy-throated moments. I won't list any so as not to spoil the film and/or book for anyone, but trust me, your heartstrings will be tugged upon.

***Side Golden Globe note: Happy to see Up in the Air won for Best Screenplay. Saw it on Christmas day and really liked it. Would love to see Anna Kendrick get out from under her role as Jessica in Twilight.

Hard Candy

If you only know Ellen Page as Juno, her turn as Hayley in Hard Candy will show you that tiny girls can be amongst the fiercest. Hayley possesses a lot of the same quick wit and humor as Juno, but Hayley’s is deeply rooted in darkness and anger.

Horrifically realistic, Hard Candy makes me want to lock my niece away from all the predators out there, or at least keep her off of the Internet.

Hayley (screen name Thonggrrrl14) and Jeff Kohlver (Lensaman319) strike up a relationship via a chat room and decide to meet in person. Despite the wide gap between their ages (she's 14, he's 32), they appear to hit it off and after a brief initial meeting retreat to Jeff’s apartment. Once there, Hayley mixes drinks for them, which she also drugs, leaving Jeff temporarily unconscious.

When Jeff awakes he is tied up and left to deal with Hayley, who believes he is a pedophile and is determined to make him pay for it.

At a full foot shorter and easily 90+ pounds lighter, Hayley is believably the one in control for the duration of the film. As I stated earlier, she’s quick-witted like Juno, but far more sinister as Hayley.

Hard Candy was directed by David Slade, and while I know there are haters out there I am not embarrassed to say that 30 Days of Night is one of my favorite films. Barring a huge stinking Eclipse bomb, like the previous Twilight installment, I’ll remain a faithful Slade fan.

Jeff Kohlver is played by Patrick Wilson, and for some unknown reason Sandra Oh is listed on the main credits. She’s in the film for about 2 minutes – 3 minutes tops - delivering freakin' Girl Scout cookies for those 180 seconds max.

Bottom line: Whether dark, witty, thoughtful, or vengeful, I think it would be supremely cool to be friends with Ellen Page. Leaning towards reality, I’ll settle for being one of her biggest fans.

Veronica Guerin

I saw Veronica Guerin in the theater several years ago, and hadn’t seen it again until a few nights ago. It aired on the USA network so it was edited and such, but having a DVR makes the omissions and compressed time a little more tolerable.

Guerin is a publicly martyred Irish hero – perhaps one of the bravest female journalists in history.

In fact, it has been said that much like Americans recall the moment they heard about John F. Kennedy’s assassination, all those in Ireland know exactly where they were when they learned of Guerin’s murder on June 26, 1996. She was just shy of 38-years-old.

While writing for the Sunday Independent, Guerin fearlessly exposed those responsible for fueling a drug-riddled Ireland.

At the time, those injecting heroine on a daily basis reached epidemic proportions, with the youngest at age 14.

Guerin was threatened, beaten and shot at several times, and in one instance shot in the leg in her own home, but her drive to expose the drug-pushers and suppliers never wavered.

Cate Blanchett was excellent as Guerin. I’ve always loved Blanchett as an actress, and she is so believable in this role as a crusader, mother, wife, journalist and a hero.

This film made me very angry - while not at the film (if that makes sense) - but at the criminals who so callously spat on everyone around them. It's not the first time I've watched a film and found myself hysterically screaming at the television. My hysteria doesn't make the movie a bad one - in fact, I think a lot more of films that are able to incite such ire. In other words, I'm not much of a romantic comedy girl!

I loved this film. However, such as films like A Perfect Storm or Into the Wild, history has revealed the ending, and it's not a happy one.