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

Go Deep: 20th Anniversary of The Phoenix Lights

Those who know me well understand that I have a fascination with all things paranormal or unexplained. The story of the Phoenix lights is particularly interesting to me. On this, the 20th anniversary of the mass UFO sighting, I share with you a well-executed documentary that has always stuck with me.














Now Playing: "Senior Living" by Röyksopp

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

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

ever thine ever mine ever ours

Good morning, on July 7 

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. 

ever thine 

ever mine 

ever ours

-Ludwig van Beethoven, Third Letter, Immortal Beloved










Now Playing: "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven

Countdown to Gatsby

The soundtrack of this film appears to be crafted from my own music collection. I love it all! I wish more directors paid closer attention to detail when it comes to their movie's soundtrack. Music truly is a character in and of itself. The right song or musical score has has the power to transform a scene and set the tone for the entire film.

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:

Flick Pick: Carrie (2013)

I normally roll my eyes at the mere idea of a film remake. Why mess with perfection? Remakes have that uncanny ability to ruin a good thing while wasting time recreating trash. But this trailer looks promising. Julianne Moore is one of my favorite actresses and I trust her ability to choose a good script. What I've seen from Chloe Moretz I can also get behind.

The original Carrie is one of my favorite horror movies so I'm particularly protective of its integrity. This isn't the first time someone's tried to mess with the pig's blood since '76 but it may be the only version that actually worked. I might see this one in the theater in October but I'll definitely view it when it hits Netflix.













Now Playing: "Lullabies" by Yuna

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