I am in Love!

I have found my new obsession on Netflix after I ran out of episodes of Say Yes to the Dress (don't judge me).

Drop Dead Diva is so addicting.  The plot is a little out there and silly, but the characters are all so lovable and their stories just draws you in.

Meet Deb an aspiring model/actress who is killed while driving recklessly.  Cue a mix up in heaven where Deb is sent back down to earth into the body of intelligent, overweight, "plain" Jane.
Brooke Elliot is wonderful as shallow, dumb blonde suddenly trying to learn the ins and outs of her new body and life.

Truly enjoyable and fun!

Miscast or Misunderstood?

I hate to say it, but my choice for today is Humphrey Bogart in Sabrina.
Dont get me wrong I love this movie; however, Bogart is WAY too old to be playing the love interest of Audrey Hepburn's character, who is supposed to be a girl in her late teens, early 20s.  To me he comes off as a creepy old man. But I still love him!

Actors Doning a Costume

So there are a few actors that are stepping into the shoes of famous comic book characters that I am very excited to see! (In no particular order)

Chris Evans as Captain America

Chris Hemsworth as Thor

Anne Hathaway as Catwoman

Hopefully she will be better...

Andrew Garfield as teenaged Spiderman

January Jones as Emma Frost

James McAvoy as Professor X

Tom Hiddleston as Loki

Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye

P.S. Angry Mollusk this is for you :)

Hesher

Oh yes!  Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman and Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight) all in the same movie?

I am so freaking excited!! Indie Gordon-Levitt is back, and I could be happier :)

Miscast or Misunderstood?

Demi Moore as Hester Prynn in a very (very) loose adaptation of The Scarlett Letter.  It seems as if the whole novel was lost on whoever made this horrible movie.

I really didn't think Demi Moore was that good of an actress to begin with, and this movie just proved me right.

There seems to be some what of a theme with these posts. Horrible acting + American actors failing miserably at British accents = train wreck

Introducing...

The new Wonder Woman!

Upcoming Films of 2011 part 2

The Hangover 2
Opens: May 26

Loved the first movie, but that does not mean that the sequel is going to be any good.  I have been jaded too many when it comes to sequels, so please do not let me down!

X-Men: First Class
Opens: June 3rd

This movie looks like it's going to be epic!  And after the epic fail of the Wolverine movie, I am ready for an X-Men comeback.  Plus you really can't go wrong when you put James McAvoy in your movie :)

Your Highness

Opens: April 8

This movie looks god-awful, but then why the hell is Natalie Portman in it (Also James Franco and Zooey Deschanel)? So not her thing...so that got me wanting to see it (just a little bit).

Scream 4
Opens: April 15th

I haven't seen any of the Scream movies, but I hear good things about the first one.  The fourth installment is also getting a lot of buzz, plus I have been wanting to see a good scary movie for a while now. Hopefully this one does not disappoint.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Opens: July 15th

Oh boy!! Even though I know how it all ends, this feels like the end of my childhood.  I read the books over 10 years ago, and now the movie series that I grew up watching is coming to an end.  I believe, part 2 is going to be better than part 1, because Snape will be more prevalent, and Alan Rickman is always a joy to watch :) PLUS Ron and Hermione finally kiss!

Not so sure...

While at the theaters a few weeks ago, I saw the trailer for The Adjustment Bureau. I really love Matt Damon as an actor, but something just doesn't seem right with this film.  It comes off as a drama/thriller, but I can't get over how hilarious these men in the "Adjustment Bureau" look. Yes, men's fashion of the 60s was cool, but these guys just look goofy, and it's ruining the feel of the movie for me.

Am I wrong?

As you might have noticed

I have changed the title of my blog and also the theme...sort of.  I will still focus on movies, actors etc. But I would also like to veer from that, from time to time.

I really enjoyed my first blog about going shampoo free, and so instead of posting on two blogs I am just going to marry both Reel World and Living Naturally (plus add other things).  I think this will make it easier for me to find things to write about, plus more fun!

Get excited!

Hmm...

It is a very scary feeling to be driving down the road and suddenly you realize you cant remember the passed few, what feels like minutes but is probably just, seconds.  Thankfully, I still managed not to veer off the road.

My Favorite Romantic Movies

In honor of one of the most controversial holidays (and for all the romantics out there) I give you my favorite Love Stories!

Pride & Prejudice
Favorite. Movie. Of. All. Time! Girl meets Guy, Girl and Guy hate one another, Guy comes around, Girl does not, but after a lot of back and forth Girl realizes that they are perfect for one another.  Sound familiar? Well you can blame Pride and Prejudice for that.

Love, Actually
One of the best romantic comedies I have ever seen.  This could have easily turned into a huge, uncoordinated mess, because of the many interwoven story lines (see Valentine's Day), but instead every story is equally as intriguing.  This movie has everything a good romantic movie needs: love, laughs, heartbreak, lust...I could go one, but I think you get the gist.   The acting is wonderful and at the end you have this warm fuzzy feeling...

Breakfast At Tiffany's
Only Audrey Hepburn can make prostitution look classy.

Notting Hill
Hugh Grant is so adorably awkward in the movie, playing the lowely bookstore owner who falls in love with a movie star (played wonderfully by Julia Roberts)
Best line: "After all I am just a girl, standing infront of a boy, asking him to love her."
And below is the Best Montage Sequence in a movie...ever:

My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Such a funny movie. Also love that the lead actress is less attractive than the lead male, but that it does not matter because of the chemistry. I loved it as a kid, and I still love it now.

Titanic
Regardless of sexual preference, you had us at "I want you to draw me...wearing only this" Kate Winslet.  Gotta love self confidence.

Family/ Friends' Picks!
Atonement
Big Fish
Amelie

Sense and Sensibility

Dirty Dancing

The Notebook

What are yours?

"True Grits"

I am really loving this theme!

His Girl Whenever He Wants...?

I had the chance to see His Girl Friday yesterday. Starring one of my all time favorite actors, Cary Grant.

Grant plays a charismatic and conniving newspaper editor Walter Johnson, who uses almost every trick in his book to stop his ex-wife, Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell), from remarrying.  Of couse hilarity ensues.  Hildy tries to stick to her guns and quit the newspaper business so she can move to Albany and "restore her humanity"; but Walter cons her into staying to work on a death row case, while making sure that her fiancee (Ralph Bellamy) runs into trouble.

The story relies heavily on the dialogue, which is quick and witty.  It is often times hard to keep up with the non-stop dialogue and multiple conversations happening at once, but Grant and Russell play very well off one another.

My only complaint would be the subtle sexism and racism prevalent in this, and many older films

However, minus these elements, I started wishing, while watching this movie, that films coming out now would be more like this one (and others of the 40s and 50s). This movie was classy, funny and a little bit naughty.  Who knew there was blatant sexual innuendo in films back then?  I kept thinking how this movie would play out if it was remade now.  There would be more onscreen violence and perhaps a sex scene, or at least more outward sexuality.  People may think that movies without these elements are boring, but after watching His Girl I was glad that for once these elements were missing.

Annie remake?

I read today that an Annie remake is in the works, and the creator of the awesome TV show Glee, Ryan Murphy, is being asked to direct. Willow Smith has already been cast in the lead role as Annie...

I think this is awesome! Apparently, they are thinking about updating the movie to modern times, and possibly not having any of the same music. I am a little bummed about the music, but if Willow has the same acting chops as her brother and father, I believe this film has some real potential.  I am excited to see how this project unfolds!

Hilarious

I stumbled upon this today, while looking at trailers.  Had to share it!

A movie you should watch before you die!

I have been thinking about ongoing lists that I can do, like my "Miscast or Misunderstood" posts.

Anyway, for this week I would like to share with you the first movie that actually made me cry, Crash.  This movie was beautifully made, well acted and had a powerful story.  I love films were characters are real (a.k.a they are not one dimensional), and this movie is a perfect example of that.

Make sure to rent and watch this movie if you ever get the chance. If it doesn't change your life, it will at least stay with you for a few days!

Miscast or Misunderstood?

On this fine Tuesday, I have picked Keanu Reeves in Dracula.

I am a fan of the Matrix. Like an embarrassed parent, I like to pretend the others were never made. (surprisingly it was not supposed to turn in to a trilogy).  I am also a fan of Speed (don't judge me!).  Keanu Reeve's ridiculously stoic performances didn't ruin these two movies for me, but I cannot forgive him for his horrible British accent and pathetic acting in this adaptation of Dracula.

Yes, yes, there are many things wrong with this film, but Keanu Reeves is by far the worst.

Check out Reeves' laughable accent and even better acting skills below!

Upcoming Films of 2011 part 1

Here are a few upcoming movies that have caught my attention! (In order of which will be released first)

Rango

Opens: March 4

Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant and Bill Nighy
Director: Gore Verbinski

When I first watched the trailer I was instantly drawn into the vivid, almost real, landscape. I would like to think that because Johnny Depp is attached to this film it won't be terrible, but then again he's in another Pirates of the Caribbean film....so who really knows.

Red Riding Hood

Opens: March 11

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, and Gary Oldman
Director: Catherine Hardwicke

I know that this type of movie is not for everyone, because of the "goofiness factor", but this is right up my ally. It's dark, sexy and has an element of the fantastical. I am a huge fan of fairytales, myths and lores. Despite the whole Twilight debacle, I truly love Catherine Hardwicke (who should remove Twilight from her resume). She is known for her ability to properly portray teenage angst on screen; see Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown (both excellent films about what it's like to be a teen). Although Red Riding Hood seems to be following closer to Twilight, in theme and mood, hopefully it won't be so god awful (here's hoping Hardwicke has learned her lesson and not left Stephanie Meyer out of this one).

Jane Eyre

Opens: March 11

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, and Sally Hawkins

Director: Cary Fukunaga

While I may love fairytales, costumers are the one genre that I have a passion for. I can't even begin to describe how elated I am for this retelling of one of my favorite books! I believe the casting is wonderful in this film. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are wonderful actors, and this film seems to be more true to the novel. Please don't let me down!

Limitless

Opens: March 18

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro,

Director: Niel Burger

Very cool idea. This could either be very bad or awesome! I really don't feel as if there is an in between.

Sucker Punch

Opens: March 25

Cast: Emily Browning, Abby Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn

Director: Zack Synder

I haven't really seen much of Emily Browning since her role in A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I am diggin' the blonde hair. This movie looks like the dialogue is going to be terrible, but the over all look, special effects, and action will make up for that (like 300). In other words, I will not be going to this film to think, I will be going to be entertained!

The Green Lantern

Opens: June 17th

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Skargard and Mark Strong

Director: Martin Campbell

Ryan Reynolds in spandex? Yes, please!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Opens: December 21

Cast: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgård and Christopher Plummer

Director: David Fincher

David Fincher recently stated that the ending to this movie has been completely altered from that of the book (and the 2009 movie adaptation). I am not quite sure how I feel about this, or how exactly they could change the ending drastically without destroying the story, but I am still intrigued. I loved the 2009 version with Noomi Rapace, and I am afraid that, because this Hollywood adaptation is targeting an American audience, it will not be as racy and envelope pushing as it needs to be.
They have definitely revamped the cast to be more attractive than the Swedish one, but I don't want that to be a cover-up for a lousy script/direction.
None of this doubt, however, will stop me from seeing this movie!

Are there any movies that you are excited for?

Miscast or Misunderstood?

Every week I have decided to do a "Miscast or Misunderstood" post.  This post will list a movie where I believe an actor (or actors) has(ve) been miscast.  Meaning he/she does not fit the character he/she is portraying.

This week I give you Jack Black in The Holiday.


Who ever thought that it was a good idea to cast Jack Black as the love interest of Kate Winslet (or in any movie for that matter), should rethink their career. Jack Black has as much sex appeal as an onion. I will give make up and wardrobe some credit; they truly did the best they could with what they had. But swanky clothes and tamed hair does not a good ladies man make. I love you Jack Black, but hunk is not your forte.

And the Academy Award goes to...

I thought I would start off this blog with the Academy Awards.  I think this is only fitting, because this blog is going to be an outlet for my obsession with movies!

Here are some of the nominations, plus thoughts:
(bolded = most likely to win)

Best motion picture of the year

• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech
• 127 Hours
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter’s Bone

My Pick: The King's Speech

These two movies seem to be the top picks this year. I really was not a fan of The Social Network, so I really hope it doesn't win.  I may be a little biased, however, because Collin Firth happened to play my literary hero perfectly in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

• Javier Bardem in Biutiful
• Jeff Bridges in True Grit
• Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network
• Colin Firth in The King's Speech
• James Franco in 127 Hours

My Pick: Colin Firth 

Have not seen Biutiful or 127 Hours.  

I feel as if Jesse Eisenberg plays the same person in every film he's in (a.k.a. an awkward borderline asocial nerd or in other words himself) except this time he added a little bit of douche (not oscar worthy in my opinion). 

You already know how I feel about Colin, but he completely transformed for this roll, developed a stutter, and I feel like it's finally time for him to receive his due.

I also LOVE Jeff Bridges, but he's won, what, 4 times already!  Let's not be greedy.

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right
• Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole
• Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone
• Natalie Portman in Black Swan
• Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

My Pick: Natalie Portman

Love her!

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Christian Bale in The Fighter
• John Hawkes in Winter’s Bone
• Jeremy Renner in The Town
• Mark Ruffalo in The Kids Are All Right
• Geoffrey Rush in The King’s Speech

My Pick: undecided

First off I would like to say that I am so happy that Christian Bale has finally received recognition for his talents.  Yes, he may be an ass*@&#, but you cannot deny that man has some serious skill (*see American Psycho).  And Jeffrey Rush's comedic timing was awesome as always.

As to who I would like to win I really don't care.  

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Amy Adams in The Fighter
• Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech
• Melissa Leo in The Fighter
• Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit
• Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom

My Pick: Hailee Steinfeld

Leo and Bonham Carter seem to be the top contenders this year, but Hailee Steinfeld was amazing as the quick witted Mattie Ross in the Cohen Brothers adaptation of True Grit.  I was very impressed by her acting chops.  It's certainly cannot be easy to outshine acting veterans Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges, but Hailee certainly did. 

Achievement in directing

• Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky
• The Fighter - David O. Russell
• The King’s Speech - Tom Hooper
• The Social Network - David Fincher
• True Grit - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

All I want to know is why was Christopher Nolan snubbed, again?! 

Best animated feature film of the year

• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Toy Story 3

My Pick: Toy Story 3

I only saw Toy Story 3 out of the nominees, but it was incredible!  I feel like the Toy Story trilogy is the only animated movie series that makes sequels that can actually compete with the first.

According to sources, it would take an act of God to stop Toy Story 3!

All in all, I am excited to watch the Academy Awards this year. Personally, I love the red carpet before the ceremony because of the dresses!!

I look forward to this blog.  I have many ideas for posts etc., and I am excited to get started!