Poppets. I know, I have been reticent of late. It has not been because I haven't had anything happening; rather, it has been for want of time. So, here I sit.
I have been immersed in revisiting old friends in the form of books (am re-reading the Harry Potter series), television (am watching Nikita and rewatching X-Files) and computer games (Marpesia has been questing post-Cata and is making decent progress). I've also been decluttering my little home, getting rid of unnecessary things and reorganising what's left. All of this coupled with catching up for the Oscars and pretty much most of my spare time is pretty much spoken for.
I've also started my new job, managing a team of which I was once a part (see? good grammar doesn't necessarily mean pretty grammar). It's been ... different. My first day: there was no one there, no one to welcome me or tell me where I should hang my coat or anything. What a change from the large sparkly sign that awaited me at Sheridan or the little coffee cup that sat on my desk in Children's. Anyway, I have since moved offices anyway, so it hardly matters. But that's the kind of team I have now.
This weekend, at least, I will have spent an evening with Jadek, socialised with some SociaLits, danced all night with some of my favourite people and enjoyed a meal with the family. Then, it's back to work. Long-term things I'm looking forward to: Cuba, Stratford, Route 66!
Thank you, poppets, for still visiting.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
DG's Oscar Roundup
This was the weekend to catch up on all those Oscar movies I missed. So, without further ado!
Toy Story 3
I actually watched the entire franchise in one go, since Jadek hadn't watched them yet. The third movie is miles better, and not just in terms of the technology (which is a given) but also in terms of a maturity in thematic storytelling. That scene with Andy and Bonnie? I wanted to go and hug all my toys! It was definitely a cute movie. I am still a little flabbergasted that this got an Oscar nod and something like Never Let Me Go was passed over, but it is the highest grossing animated movie of all time, so there's that. It was solid, but I would never have watched it were it not for the Oscars. 3.5 out 5 stars.
The Kids Are All Right
I was worried that this was one of those movie that was being given a lot of credit due to it being a "lesbian" movie. I'm happy to type that the whole lesbian thing is just a part of the story and doesn't seem to takeover the whole movie. In fact, this was just a really good story, full of complicated emotions, complex characters and a great script. I'm not sure if Annette Bening really needs to be in the Best Actress category (and I certainly don't think she should be winning) as I thought her portrayal was a bit weepy. Almost like she was trying to soften up Nic and could only do so through tears. 4 out of 5 stars.
Winter's Bone
Wow, now here is a seriously under-rated movie. I was on-edge (where the hell IS Jessup?) and had this knot in my stomach the entire time. And Jennifer Lawrence! Where did she come from? She's like young Renee Zellweger, but not annoying and can act! Also: John Hawkes. I had no idea he was in this movie, and I've loved him since Deadwood. He is his usual amazing self. He could give Christian Bale a run for his money. Seriously, great film: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
***
Bonus Content: Never Let Me Go
Why didn't this amazing movie get nominated for Best Picture? It was so well done, with great acting, pacing, directing and scripting. I blame the Oscars' inherent bias against Sci-Fi, though I would barely consider it as such. And while Inception made it in, I think it's mostly due to its box office gross earnings. Anyway: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Toy Story 3
I actually watched the entire franchise in one go, since Jadek hadn't watched them yet. The third movie is miles better, and not just in terms of the technology (which is a given) but also in terms of a maturity in thematic storytelling. That scene with Andy and Bonnie? I wanted to go and hug all my toys! It was definitely a cute movie. I am still a little flabbergasted that this got an Oscar nod and something like Never Let Me Go was passed over, but it is the highest grossing animated movie of all time, so there's that. It was solid, but I would never have watched it were it not for the Oscars. 3.5 out 5 stars.The Kids Are All RightI was worried that this was one of those movie that was being given a lot of credit due to it being a "lesbian" movie. I'm happy to type that the whole lesbian thing is just a part of the story and doesn't seem to takeover the whole movie. In fact, this was just a really good story, full of complicated emotions, complex characters and a great script. I'm not sure if Annette Bening really needs to be in the Best Actress category (and I certainly don't think she should be winning) as I thought her portrayal was a bit weepy. Almost like she was trying to soften up Nic and could only do so through tears. 4 out of 5 stars.
Winter's BoneWow, now here is a seriously under-rated movie. I was on-edge (where the hell IS Jessup?) and had this knot in my stomach the entire time. And Jennifer Lawrence! Where did she come from? She's like young Renee Zellweger, but not annoying and can act! Also: John Hawkes. I had no idea he was in this movie, and I've loved him since Deadwood. He is his usual amazing self. He could give Christian Bale a run for his money. Seriously, great film: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
***
Bonus Content: Never Let Me GoWhy didn't this amazing movie get nominated for Best Picture? It was so well done, with great acting, pacing, directing and scripting. I blame the Oscars' inherent bias against Sci-Fi, though I would barely consider it as such. And while Inception made it in, I think it's mostly due to its box office gross earnings. Anyway: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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