The King’s Speech

DVD Release Date April 19, 2011 | Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min.
PG-13 for language

Synopsis: The true story of why no one should ever really want to be King. Ever. And also, Colin Firth is awesome.

When I saw this one in theaters, long before the Golden Globes were being whispered about, I knew I was watching a strong Oscar contender. And I really hoped it would put a little bald-headed golden man in the hands of my beloved* Mr. Darcy Firth. You could tell he’d just poured his heart, soul and every perceptible insecurity into his portrayal of King George IV, pre-and-post-coronation. I’m going to take a moment to give him yet another standing ovation. The Academy Awards totally got this one right. Here Here!

I wish Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush had received more accolades than just nominations. They rounded out a most outstanding cast. There wasn’t a weak performance among the whole lot. Directing was spot on. I can’t think of one negative. Not one. Bravo!

This is a drama but with wonderful bits of British humor smudged in, in just the right places. And some of it is very laugh out loud funny. There will be a point in the movie when you’ll realize OMG – that’s Queen Elizabeth before she’s Queen Elizabeth! Even though you know it going in, it’s still quite funny when your synapses finally make the connection.

I will note here that I would not recommend it to my parents. And did not, as a matter of fact, when they asked if they should see it. I know my parents. If Bruce Willis or Liam Neeson aren’t running around trying to find out who’s double-crossed them AGAIN, then they think it’s “boring and stupid”. That’s a direct quote, btw. They’re very mature like that.

So for those of you who don’t require espionage, car chases, explosions, and/or Matt Damon, then you’re going to LOVE IT!!

My overall review: Oscar Winner – DUH!

*Special Note: my love of Colin Firth does not in anyway undermine or diminish my complete and utter devotion to my true love, Brendan Fraser. Bren, you’ll always be my one and only!

Win Win

Opens today March 18, 2011 (Limited 3/18) | Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.
Rated R for language

Synopsis: Paul Giamatti plays a struggling lawyer in danger of losing his practic. He does something a bit unethical (lawyer = unethical, unheard of!) causing a series of unfortunate related incidents. And there’s a lot of high school wrestling.

First off: Paul Giamatti + Jeffrey Tambor = seriously can’t lose! I will see anything with either of them in it. Together, they are a thing of beauty and a joy to behold, comedically speaking. It makes sense if you think about it long enough.  Amy Ryan is a fierce lioness of a mother (in a good way) and does Jersey moms’ every where proud. Especially love the shout out to NJ native JBJ (that’s Jon Bon Jovi, baby!)

Excellent, excellent cast! Just so you know.

I’m not sure if this is supposed to be a comedy, drama or dramedy. Or just a moral tale on the consequences of lying. Since a lawyer is the main character, I’m going with that last one. Plus some laughs. And tears. Not happy tears, but oh man that totally sucks heart-touching tears. Fortunately not too many of the latter. I hate a sappy movie. Unless stuff blows up too. Or Brendan Fraser is in it.

I don’t think this is chick-flicky, but it has a lot of the same elements. I can’t really figure out who the target audience is. I know my parents would think it’s stupid and “not get it” – but they mostly prefer movies about espionage, amnesia, and Liam Neeson running around trying to figure out who f****d with his life… again. It’s definitely not aimed at anyone under the age of 30, because I just don’t think it’s really relatable to them. Maybe 35 year old housewives. Or anyone going through a mid-life crisis. That’s not exactly a glowing recommendation, is it?

My overall review: It really is a great movie! I enjoyed it very much. However, I’m guessing it won’t be most people’s cup of tea. Not a theater must-see, but definitely put it in your Netflix queue. You’ll be glad you did!

I was at the movies (shocker!) last night, watching Morning Glory (sneak preview, it doesn’t open for another week. Good one! Recommend!) and realized that I’ve lost my passion, my zest for life! (oh the irony of ending that sentence with an exclamation point.)

I don’t have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning other than, I really have no other choice. If I want to keep a roof over my head, that is. I wake up every morning basically counting the minutes until I can climb back into bed. I live to sleep. That sucks.

October started out strong and then quickly spiraled down into a festering suckhole of dispair. You’re jealous of me now, aren’t you.

And I’m just tired. Tired of being tired ALL THE FREAKIN’ TIME!

It’s the Paxil. Exhaustion is the side effect I am apparently experiencing. It’s not the cold (though that is still lingering. Yay me.)

I had upped the Paxil to 20 ml. That caused me to sleep 14-18 hours a day. Yes, basically every waking minute not spent at work, was spent in bed sound asleep. So I backed it off to 15 ml. Now I’m just tired and draggy, but able to be conscious for more than 6 hours at a time.

I have my next appt. with Dr. Drugs on Monday. I am seriously considering begging for a prescription for Speed. Or whatever the legal equivalent is. I can’t take the lack of energy. Especially since the brain is feeling much more positive and upbeat. The BRAIN wants to do things, like make holiday crafts with the kids and decorate the house. The BODY wants to lie in bed, watch reality television and generally make like a sloth. Sadly, the body usually wins what with having ultimate control over my gross motor skills.

However! The brain did gain temporary control yesterday, spent two hours bargain/clearance shopping at Target, came home and put up some Fall decorations. Yay BRAIN!! It even got a little cleaning done. Exceptional!! Brain is trying to convince Body that having a clean and decorated house is worth a little physical effort. Body is not completely convinced, but does love the new kitchen decor and is willing to concede… slightly.

Where am I going with this? I don’t know… looks like Brain has gone on hiatus!

Ah yes… Joy in life. I want some passion, some focus, some FUN! Something to want to get up for in the morning. Projects to WANT to accomplish. The holidays are the perfect time. I’m so happy FALL is finally here… well, that may be stretching things as it was back up in the 80′s this week! But you know what I mean, right?!

Autumn colors of gold, orange, browns and greens. Leaves and pumpkins, cinnamon and gingerbread. I’m feeling inspired!!

With all this talk about passion…

Ahhhhh, Mr. Fraser!
a little trivia for the kids: he is fluent in French

Picture is from Mr. Fraser’s own website.

It’s titled “Accidental Self-portrait”.

I believe it was snapped in his hotel room while filming “The Quiet American”.

I could be wrong.

I come from a long line of complainers, so I blame it on genetics. And my mother.

I didn’t used to think much of it. Doesn’t everyone complain. All the time.

Think about it: that annoying cashier, the guy who cut you off, bicyclists… aren’t we always complaining to family, friends and anyone who’ll listen about the stuff that annoys us.

But lately, everyone else’s complaining has started to get to me. And I found myself complaining about all the complainers… and I actually heard myself. And I didn’t like it. Not one little bit.

I sounded bitchy. And whiny. And ANNOYING! I had become what I said I hated most. (Isn’t that always the way.)

And so I am making a conscious decision to not complain. OMG. That is so hard. I find that sometimes I have nothing to talk about. How sad is that?!

I’ve also found a connection I didn’t expect. My road rage (and yes, it’s severe!) is almost completely gone! I guess all it really is, is complaining about all the idiots out there who aren’t as completely awesome at driving as I am. Once I quit complaining about all the morons on the road other drivers, I had very little to get all worked up and angry about.

It’s so nice to drive through town not looking like a flailing, incensed mime. Now I just look like a mime doing a Celine Dion impression (a mighty fine one!)

I’m hoping that over time, not complaining will take less effort.

On a completely unrelated note:

Could someone please tell Eric Brevig that directing Yogi Bear the Movie is not nearly as awesome as directing a Journey to the Center of the Earth sequel. Because if he does said sequel, then Brendan Fraser will sign back on. And all will be right with the world.

Not that I’m complaining…

2. Chaos makes a place feel like home, well MY home anyway .

3. Everything has its beauty it’s just harder to see in some things.

4. Doesn’t everyone love the taste of strawberries? Except those who are allergic, cause you know, that would suck and even though they’re delish they’re not worth a trip to the ER. Well, not usually.

5. Art makes me laugh, cry, think, feel and most importantly question.

6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to include Brendan Fraser in at least one answer.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to see Cop Out with Tad, tomorrow my plans include a birthday breakfast for Mom and Sunday, I want to stay in bed and read Stephen King’s Under the Dome. But I’ll probably end up doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom and grocery shopping. This whole motherhood gig is totally harshing my groove!

You can play along too:

2. Since school is now out for the next week, all the kids are at home.
3. The snow is something I do NOT do! I did my time in Utah years ago. I’m DONE! I have now just guaranteed that I will eventually die in an igloo.

4. Brendan Fraser‘s upcoming family comedy Furry Vengeance is set in nature.

5. It’s 5:16 PM; that means that I’m counting down the minutes til I’m off work and heading to the movies to see Valentine’s Day.

6. A good soft gluten free bread is hard to find. (Most taste like cardboard.)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to the aforementioned movie, tomorrow my plans include working and spending some time with my sistah and Sunday, I want to get completely caught up on work so I can actually look forward to Monday!

You can play along too:

Dinner for Schmucks – “…This movie is Schmucking Funny!!”

The Kids Are All Right – “…One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Just seriously excellent…”

Salt – “Angelina Jolie kicks ass. End of review. What? You need to know more? Fine…”

Inception – “…yet another movie where Leonardo DiCaprio runs around looking confused and constipated…”

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – “…This is inspired by the Disney Mickey Mouse Classic Short of the same name. In fact, there’s even a recreation of the mop scene in the movie! Sweet!”

Despicable Me – “…Your kids won’t be the only ones wanting to watch it over and over (and over!) again!”

Alice in Wonderland – …”So, did it live up to the hype? In one word: YES!!…”

Shutter Island – …”one of the best thrillers I’ve seen in a long time. A great date movie, your guy will appreciate it after you tortured him with your Valentine’s Day pick!”

The Hurt Locker – …”Everyone should see this movie. We owe it to the men and women serving our country and protecting our freedoms. This pays them tribute well.”

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief – …”Welcome to Harry Potter, the Greek Gods edition.”

Valentine’s Day – …”Valentine’s Day is the perfect rom-com date night movie! Sure you can save it for Netflix, but then you won’t see it til summer. And that’s totally missing the point!”

Dear John – …”the ultimate chick-flick. Go with your girlfriends, that way you can openly drool over Channing Tatum’s abs without harshing your guy’s manhood.”

Tooth Fairy – “…This is light, kid-friendly fluff. But it’s GOOD FLUFF. This is my kinda fluff…”

The Lovely Bones – …”I don’t know how to recommend this one. It’s good, sure. A must see? I don’t think so. Uplifting and inspiring – definitely not. It will make you even more paranoid about keeping you’re kids literally tethered to you!”

Extraordinary Measures – …”heartwarming, solid acting and a well-told story. It’s a beautiful movie. I dare you not to love it!!”

The Spy Next Door – …”This movie SUCKED. And not in a good way. Sorry, Jackie!”

Sherlock Holmes – …”I can in all honestly say, this is not your mother’s Sherlock Holmes!!”

It’s Complicated – …”This is one of the best “adult” comedies I’ve seen in a very long time. It’s raucous and rowdy, brassy and bawdy, without being crass, sophomoric and, well, stupid…”

And so my house, after 5 kids have been home in it two going on two days, is trashed. TRASHED. Like a hair metal band hotel room trashed. Only minus the cigarette butts and empty beer bottles. And their drugs of choice are Children’s Tylenol and Triaminic (grape flavored, why didn’t they have that when I was a kid, instead of that crappy ORANGE. I HATE ORANGE. Probably because it is the flavor of medicine.)

And now, suddenly, the older kids are all feeling better. And Sean, he thinks he’s feeling better. He told me so, and demonstrated by running around, and then bending over in a coughing, wheezing fit. At which point, he requested his nebulizer treatment and said maybe he’d just lie down for a while and watch SpongeBob.

I, unfortuantely, do not work for a bank or government agency. So I am at work today. Which means the cleanliness status of my home is going into DECON level 5.

I think I need to go see a movie tonite. Men Who Stare At Goats. In honor of our Veterans. Cause I’m all patriotic like that! God Bless America. And also Brendan Fraser. He played a Vietnam vet in Now and Then, uncredited. And Sgt. Stone in GI Joe, also uncredited. Selflessly serving. Oh yeah, he’s a real American hero!

But seriously, THANK YOU to all our past and current service men and women. Your selfless sacrifices to protect our country, home, family and friends is appreciated more than words can say. You are true heros.