Flick Pick/Get Lit: Sharp Objects

I finally read Gillian Flynn's intriguing debut thriller, Sharp Objects, a few years ago. I couldn't put it down. When I learned that HBO was developing a limited series around the material, I was all in. The casting hits the spot and Jean-Marc Vallee (Big Little Lies) is directing. Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses; her range and ability to portray so many different types of characters is not credited highly enough. If you're a fan of dark thrillers with a female lead, I imagine you might be a fan of this project. I recommend checking out the book before the miniseries premieres on July 8th. It's a quick read and does not disappoint. If you enjoyed The Sinner, you will probably like this one as well.

















Now Playing: "Believe" by Amen Dunes

Flick Pick: Manhattan Night

It's not often that I pay much attention to current movies that are being released. I prefer to find them a bit more organically. I must have totally missed any marketing or promos that was done for Manhattan Night. Recently, I randomly caught the trailer but quickly discovered that the film was out earlier this year. It can now be viewed online in its entirety.



Adapted from the 1996 crime novel Manhattan Nocturne by Colin Harrison, the story promises many thrilling twists and turns. Several reviews are rather abysmal but I rarely agree with critics. I have yet to check this one out for myself but it looks exciting and is on my watchlist. I will update this post with my thoughts after I view the film.

UPDATE: I'm not sure how I feel about this movie. There was several elements that I really admired but overall, I think it will be forgettable. The acting was superb. I thought Adrien Brody and Yvonne Stahovski had immense chemistry. The cinematography was beautiful. The score was nice. And the noir vibe that director Brian DeCubellis created was one of the strongest aspects of this film. I simply found the story itself to be lacking with certain arcs borderline ridiculous. This genre of film is out of the norm for me. I enjoyed spending a couple hours with it but would I recommend it to someone else? Perhaps, but it definitely caters to a specific audience. It had an old-world vibe that some movie buffs could either love or hate. If you enjoy dark mystery and erotic romance, you might find something here. 7/10.









Now Playing: "ILYSB" by LANY

Flick Pick: There Is a New World Somewhere

When I was in upstate New York last month, I went to a small theater to see a JFK Jr. documentary (loved him). During the previews, there was the trailer for this film. I immediately sent myself a text so I wouldn't forget the title. It's a good thing that I did because it might have been impossible to come across this film again. And nothing drives me crazier than not being able to source a song or movie that is escaping my memory.



I haven't seen it just yet but the script and cinematography does look promising. I enjoy deeper movies that are centered around travel & romance so I have a feeling I might like this one.

To read more about There Is a New World Somewhere or to find out if it is showing in an area near you, click here.


UPDATE: I'd rate this movie a 7/10. Kept my interest. I watched on Amazon Video since my iTunes rental didn't play.

SEMI-SPOILER: As a hopeless romantic, I hope the director, Li Lu, pulls a Linklater and films a sequel to this with the same characters 9-10 years from now. There Is a New World Somewhere shared similar elements with Before Sunrise. And any movie that can even closely be compared to my favorite of all time is worthy of a recommendation.







Now Playing: "The Trip" by Still Corners

29 Things About Me: Movies I LOVE

1. Clueless
2. Titanic
3. The Great Gatsby
4. The Notebook
5. Goodfellas
6. A Bronx Tale
7. The Princess Bride
8. Steel Magnolias
9. A Christmas Story
10. The Wizard of Oz
11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12. My Girl
13. Sixteen Candles
14. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
15. Hocus Pocus
16. Before Sunrise
17. Ever After
18. Independence Day
19. The Family Stone
20. The Parent Trap
21. Silver Linings Playbook
22. Eyes Wide Shut
23. The Silence of the Lambs
24. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
25. Now and Then
26. Meet the Parents
27. Gone with the Wind
28. The Next Three Days
29. Mean Girls










Now Playing: "Help Me Lose My Mind" by Disclosure ft. London Grammar

Flick Pick: Feast Of Friends (The Doors Documentary)

For the past decade or so, I've really been drawn to Jim Morrison. While I've been a fan of The Doors for much longer, I find their personal lives to be very fascinating. Inside glimpses into this era aren't always easy to come by. I was delighted when I heard about the release of this groundbreaking documentary by way of Coast to Coast AM.

via The film's producers:

Feast Of Friends, filmed in 1968, was the first and only film produced about The Doors by The Doors. It offers a cinematic look at The Doors on the road during their summer ’68 tour. Whilst never truly completed, the film provides a stylistic approach in true sixties cinéma vérité style. Concert performances are intercut with fly-on-the-wall footage of the group in their natural habitat, sometimes playful, sensitive, chaotic and touching. Other than a few appearances in film festivals in 1968, an official release would never be seen until now. Completely restored from the original negative, as supervised by Jim Morrison, the film has been colour corrected and cleaned in high definition with the soundtrack totally remixed and remastered by long-time Doors’ collaborator Bruce Botnick.

You can purchase the film here.

Official 














Now Playing: "The End" by The Doors
*Obviously

Flick Pick: Nightcrawler

Here we have a film that perfectly exemplifies one of the reasons why I no longer watch or work in television news. I studied broadcasting in college and worked in the field after graduation. "If it bleeds it leads" is certainly the name of the game. We live in a twisted society. Looking forward to seeing this one. Also, Jake Gyllenhaal is a friend to Pittsburgh. So there's that. Brilliant actor. And a resounding "HELL YES!" to the Kendrick Lamar song used in the shorter trailers running on television.











Now Playing: "Backseat Freestyle" by Kendrick Lamar
*Obviously!

Flick Pick: Charlie Countryman

The other day, I was in a bit of a somber mood and willing to watch something moving on Netflix. The service recommended Charlie Countryman. The title threw me off but the face on the poster drew me in. I've mentioned in the past my alarming interest in Shia LaBeouf. He just does something for me. Where other girls are repulsed, I am intrigued and dare I say, turned on.

The same can be said for reviews. When a film generally receives negative feedback from both audiences and critics alike, I'm more than willing to give it a shot if it looks good to me. This film is a perfect example as to why I'm happy to think for myself; I rather enjoyed it. The acting was superb, the cinematography gorgeous, the message endearing.



Evan Rachel Wood, another one of my favorite actors, paired very well against LaBeouf. As I had recently returned from traveling abroad, I was eager to take in the scenery that the Romanian backdrop provided. While the piece certainly wasn't perfect, the ending more than made up for any misgivings. The soundtrack (The xx, M83, Moby) also did a fantastic job of adding to the overall vibe of the film.

If you're a fan of romance, American films with a foreign feel or you're just a bit of a weirdo like me, check this one out. You won't be disappointed.












Now Playing: "Soul to Squeeze" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Pinterest Monthly: December 2013

Love this piece of furniture and the way the design suits the gogeous lamp!

A burgundy coat and light denim. Adore this look!

Why yes, yes it is!

Hourglass Ambient Highlighters. Need to get this into my collection. I don't own anything from the brand.

Want this little number!

Need to get organized and this shot is my inspiration! When you have beautiful things, you've gotta keep 'em that way.

Her. Can't wait to see this! I've had a thing for Joaquin Phoenix for the past few years. This film looks perfect.

Now Playing: Some of my favorite albums of 2013! (The list is to follow- finally!)

Countdown to Gatsby

I've always been captivated by the Jazz Age. The lifestyles, fashion, decor, literature, automobiles, music... it must have been a very interesting time to be young and alive. The roaring twenties of this century are quickly approaching. Hopefully, our generation will have something as inspiring and grandeur to remember it by.













Now Playing: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" by Bessie Smith
*Quintessential Jazz Age

Countdown to Gatsby

With great anticipation for its theatrical release, I thought I'd share some Gatsby-esque blog posts. Enjoy this behind the scenes peek at the jewelry and costume designs associated with the film:

Quoteworthy: Roger Ebert

"What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: curious and teachable."
-Roger Ebert 1942-2013










Now Playing: "That's What's Up" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Music Monday: Short Film Edition

"Roshambo" Produced by Free People, featuring Lord Huron's "The Ghost on the Shore"


"The Ghost on the Shore" by Lord Huron

Free People is an American fashion retailer. Shop Free People here.

Lord Huron is a project by Ben Schneider who originally hails from Michigan but now resides in Los Angeles. His debut album Lonesome Dreams can be purchased here.

Lord Huron on Facebook & on Twitter.

Screenshots: Something's Gotta Give

Last night, I was curled up in bed with three of my greatest loves: my dog, Ireland, my cat, Sasha, and my laptop. I was in the mood for a lighthearted romantic comedy. On Netflix, I selected Nancy Meyers' Something's Gotta Give. It had been years since my last viewing but I remembered how much I loved the decor of the sets. And who could ever resist Diane Keaton? She's one of my all-time favorite leading ladies!

In the directing world, Meyers is known for her meticulous attention to detail; filming as many takes and angles as it requires to get the look she's going for. In Something's Gotta Give, her diligence paid off. Here are some screenshots of her beautifully shot film.

Now Playing: "La Temps de l'Amour" ("The Time for Love") by Francoise Hardy