Jennifer's Body and Shutter Island

"Hell is a teenage girl."
The film opens up with the camera slowly approaching a house giving a sense of voyeurism which adds to the eerie atmosphere. After the story unfolds through the eyes of Anita "Needy" Lesnicky, who we first meet in a mental institution. This film reminded me of Heathers is many ways. Needy is a bit like Veronica, in a sense that she is much more average than Jennifer, who is a bit like all three Heathers combined. To an outsider their friendship does not make much sense but they have a bond. Some other comparisons to Heathers is the over the top feeling of the film; it does not take itself too seriously, and neither should the audience. There is also a good amount of social commentary especially when tragedy strikes the small town of Devil's Kettle.
During the first scenes there are two instances of foreshadowing. One is when the camera focuses on a picture of a boy during Needy's voice over and the other is when she is expressing her hatred for the song that plays while she is in solitary confinement. A song you will probably get stuck in your head and come to hate as well.
One of my favorite scenes in the film illustrates a good use of cross-cutting. This is when Chip and Needy are seen about to make love and Jennifer is about to make Collin her next meal. We see the juxtaposition of these two encounters.
I also was amused seeing Adam Brody playing Nikolai since his most memorable performance is as dorky but lovable Seth Cohen on The O.C. Even though he is all dark and Satan-worshiping he still added a great deal of sarcasm to his role. Another great thing was the dialogue. There were some very funny moments
The thing I disliked the most was the completely unnecessary kiss between Needy and Jennifer since it did nothing to move the story forward. This was not in the original script I feel like it should not have been added.
All in all I think you either love it or you hate it, but I think it deserves far more credit than most people have given it.







Atmospherically this film is haunting. Scorsese really captured the feel of an asylum circa 1954. The film is about the investigation of an escaped mental patient who has gone missing. Leading the search is two U.S. Marshalls, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo). Upon arriving at Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital they meet Dr. Cawley (played by Ben Kingsley)whose revolutionary take on medical treatment is unprecedented in this era; he humanizes the prisoners.
     Throughout the film DiCaprio is haunted by visions and dreams of his deceased wife (played by Michelle Williams). Williams successfully escapes Dawson's Creek and shows how truly talented she is. DiCaprio and Ruffalo work so well together in this film. Kingsley with his pipe made me think of his portrayal of the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland however that did not get in the way of his role in this film which was done so well. All the actors executed their lines so well it was as if they were really from the 1950's.
  My only gripe was the sweeping score. Although it help add to the overall creepiness of the film I found it to get in the way at times. Actually this film may have benefited from the approach No Country for Old Men took and omitted the music all together.
     Overall this was a very good film that kept me intrigued throughout and even made me want to read the book. I personally feel one of the best Scorsese films is Raging Bull with the Departed as a close second

Travel light

Have you ever wanted to like a film but just couldn't? I recently watched The Go-Getter and there was nothing good about this film. It is boring from beginning to end. However, there is one highlight: Zooey Deschanel. Even she can't save this movie from being dull. 

This film is about a young 19-year old boy, played by Lou Taylor Pucci, named Mercer, who randomly steals a car to find his half-brother and tell him their mother has died. He receives a call from the cars owner, Deschanel, and they develop a weird relationship through out the course of his trip. Along the way Pucci picks up an old classmate, played by Jena Malone and the film seems like it is going to be interesting but don't be fooled. The characters are, with one exception, under developed. I found myself not caring whether or not Pucci ever found his elusive half-brother. Although I do adore Deschanel this was far from her best performance.

There are a couple of scenes where you think the film is going to show some promise. Such as when Malone and Pucci and hunting for clothes in what appears to be a thrift shop or when Pucci and Deschanel are in a dream sequence on the beach pretending to be outlaws. These moments are fleeting and the film regresses to being pointless.

If you want to watch a good road movie with interesting characters and scenery watch Into the Wild, Thelma and Louise or Sullivan's Travels.

 

New Coconut Records album

If your like mellow indie rock then be sure to check out Coconut Records. Jason Schwartzman, actor and former Phantom Planet front man showcases his talents in their new album Davy. Amazon offers a great price and you can preview the tracks on the bands myspace page. Their sound combines catchy hooks and dance beats with slow melodic rhythms. Their previous album Nighttiming features the song "West Coast," which was featured on The O.C. So if you were a fan of the show give this band a listen.

Van Duesen Preserve: The Beauty of the Adirondacks

Brightly colored leaves create a carpet on the trails at the Van Duesen Preserve located off West Mountain Road in Queensbury, New York. According to Queensbury Land Conservancy's website these trails were donated in December 2003 by Richard Van Duesen and were made open to the public; the only requirement is that you sign in prior to entering. The parking lot is kept in good condition, as are the trails all of which are well marked. Upon arriving you can read the bulletin board and learn more about history of the trail before embarking. As stated by the QLC’s website the summit of these mountain trails offer a view of both Queensbury and Glens Falls.
The trails offer a wide array of terrain from steep hills to basic flat trails. As stated on the board the trees are eighty five years old, ". . .[giving] a sense of how grand the original forest must have been." They are open from sunrise to sunset giving adventures plenty of time to explore the picturesque surroundings. As if from a fairytale tree branches intertwine to form benches and landmarks along the way. The most notable ones are the old stone walls that appear to the sides of the trails. They look like small dens. Historically they mark the origins of the trails. Once the upland section of the preserve was used for farming. One of the other landmarks is a tree that has formed a step with an overhang. Be sure to duck when approaching!
Strength and comfort come to mind when visiting the trails. The trees act as a green blanket providing shade from the garish sun. As a hiker you have two options you may either take the steeper path which leads to the top or the flatter trail. Stop and appreciate the chirping birds and take a deep breath. Peacefulness encompasses you as you march through.
Residents and tourists alike can appreciate this untouched gem during the week and weekends. Pets are also welcome. The trails are even open during the winter. Nan Kopels, a Queensbury resident, first discovered this hidden gem from her husband, who is an avid hiker. As a frequent visitor when asked what her favorite aspect of the preserve was she responded, “Just being in the woods, close to nature and close to my home. [These trails are] great for hiking and not very time consuming. Also we see beautiful foliage in the fall and the snowfalls are a magnificent sight.” Wild life in the midst of community. Another resident, Lee Schurga, comments, “A walk in the wild in the middle of my community.”

Reviews

Dear John

The picturesque scenery of Charleston is one of the best things about this film. It starts of as the classic boy meets girl and they start to fall in love but it is not as simple as the trailer makes it seem. John Tyree, played by Channing Tatum (Step Up), first encounters Savannah Curtis, played by Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) while on leave from the army. He heroically saves her bag after it falls into the ocean so to thank him Savannah invites him to her beach house for a barbecue. During the next two weeks their romance blossoms.
Tatum and Seyfried while both pretty decent actors seemed to lack chemistry to make their relationship seem believable. Even though this film is different than The Notebook I still felt that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling had more passion. Also I felt as if we knew so little about these characters to really feel any connection toward them. Despite that they shared some good onscreen moments such as when John makes his promise to Savannah on the beach. Tatum played his role well and he seemed like a regular guy. I was disappointed with Seyfried, she seemed to lack something for me.
The best character and the most lovable was Mr. Tyree, played by Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers). He was truly the best thing about this film. His scenes were so well acted and heart warming.
All in all this movie was touching and sad at times but it was just okay. I would rate this film a 6 out of 10.

Book of Eli

This film was about a traveler who possesses the book of salvation. The film takes place after the apocalypse and it is now up to one man to help Earth rebuild. Along the way he meets a young woman who will assist him in his task. My favorite part was how the film was shot - lots of shadows and gray scale. The mise-en-scene echoed of western as well as a road film. Also the lack of dialogue in the opening was well executed, due to the cast being chosen so well.
In many ways this film reminded me of Stage Coach but with a modern take on the western genre. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Denzel Washington (Training Day). Especially in the scene where she tries to seduce him, because instead they gain mutual respect for one another. I admired Kunis' character's respect for her mother; she was very protective of her. The scene by the distressed wall helped illustrate the turmoil her character had been through.
The grayness and the muted colors that brightened up towards the end gave the film grit and a sense of realism.
"Stay on you path. . .this is none of your concern." Washington however felt compelled to save Kunis because she had an inner goodness.
The script was well written and so was the camera work. As well as the editing techniques used. For example the fighting scenes were nicely choreographed.
Gary Oldman's villian was cruel and I really hated him. Which shows that his personification of evil was a success. I would rate this film a 7 out of 10.

Chicago Black Socks Scandal

Eight Men Out

The 1988 film Eight Men Out retells the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919 and features some well-known actors such as John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Charlie Sheen. I thought the film was very good and it kept my interest throughout. It was very well acted and I can see why they decided to make this into a movie since it was an unusual event. There were some funny moments too such as when Ring Lardner, played by the director John Sayles, is singing a parody of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” I also enjoyed the interaction between the players and the media as well as Buck Weaver’s interaction with the little kids. Out of all the sports films I have seen this one was definitely one of the best and it is clear why it was critically acclaimed.
In 1919 baseball was very different from today and one of the major differences was the salary of the players because back then they did not make the astronomical salaries like they do today. Also they were paid by how well they played and how many games they won so injuries were more of a big deal then they are now. For example Eddie was hurt those two games and it affected him getting paid since he need to win 30 games. Today players get paid whether they win or lose and they also get paid through sponsorships such as Derek Jeter and Gilette. Baseball back then was all about the game and the players were celebrities but no where near to the extent that they are today.
In my opinion I do not think a scandal like this would happen in baseball today because the players are no longer being underpaid like the White Sox were. I feel the genre of sports films is still popular today since most sports films are about an underdog team who overcomes an obstacle such as in Remember the Titans. I also think that since sports are such a big part of our culture these films are popular.

Inspired by Georgia O'Keefe

Here are my latest sketches. I am also working on an article about a hiking trail that I frequently visit with my mom and my puppy. That will be completed soon.

Next month I am going to try to start watercolors and oil pastels. Also I am going to be posting my reviews and other pieces I have written as well as any new artwork.