Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

"There's only one very good life and that's the life you know you want and you make it yourself." - Diana Vreeland

Last month I saw an AMAZING documentary called "Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel" which chronicles the life of the fascinating Mrs. Vreeland better known as the "Empress of Fashion." She was a fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar (1936-1962), editor in chief of Vogue (1962-1971) and she single-handedly revolutionized the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute (1971-1989).

This women was the epitome of the word boss and this documentary gave me life. A MUST SEE!

Hidden Gem: WARRIOR (my Best Picture front runner)

I know I'm making a pretty bold statement this early in award season, but when I know....I know. And after seeing Gavin O'Connor's WARRIOR, I knew that this film right here was my "Best Picture" front runner. There...I said it.

I can't even begin to explain to you why this movie was so brilliant...but I will. For starters, I can recall not being interested in seeing this movie when it first came out. I was like, why is this movie trying to be like "The Fighter/Rocky?" So now imagine how surprised I was to find out that The Wrap was screening it last week as part of their "Award Series" I thought there must be a reason Lionsgate is pushing this movie...so I went. Now let me tell you, I'm a person that doesn't mind being proven wrong when it comes to movies. Going into it, I already had it in my mind that this movie was going to just be okay but boy was I wrong. This movie left me speechless...literally. 

Starring Tom Hardy (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) and Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom), the movie follows two brothers, both MMA fighters, on a path of finally confronting the forces that tore them apart, all in while wagging the most intense, winner-takes-all battle of their lives. Tom and Joel both give the performances of a lifetime! Physically and emotionally. Nick Nolte, who plays their recovered alcoholic father,  gives the most heartfelt and fearless performance of his career. 

This movie has real emotional resonance, vivid flawless performances and a story so powerful that I was blown away from its opening moments. I must say, that the true genius lies in the way Gavin O'Connor balances the violence of the fight scenes with tender moments of human weakness.

A MUST SEE!!!!!

Official website

PS. Mr. Hardy...thank you.

Sorry Adele...please forgive me for what I'm about to say

Look, everyone knows I worship ADELE...I live for her...she's my girl in a bag of pearls. And her album 21 is life...LIFE! She's without question walking away with "Song of the Year", "Record of the Year", and "Album of the Year" at the 2012 Grammys...done...DONE!

But...

and this is a really tiny but....but I hate to say this, I just might have a new #1 on my "Top Ten Albums of 2011" list. I know that sounds crazy and trust me I feel crazy saying it, but Mayer Hawthorne's new album "How Do You Do" is pure perfection! I can not praise this album enough. I always believed I was born in the wrong time era, but I know for a FACT that Mayer was. Every song has a classic soul vibe, very reminiscent of Motown yet he's manage to put a fresh spin on it. I wasn't sure if he was gonna be able to out do his last album "A Strange Arrangement" oh but he has!! Get on this A-SAP!!

Check out who made my Top 10 of 2010 album list!

Review Spotlight: DRIVE (plus my new favorite song)

My fall movie experience is off to a decent start. First on my list was DRIVE, starring the ever-so-talented Mr. Ryan Gosling, directed by Mr. Nicholas Winding Refn. In terms of story, I definitely would have liked to seen a little more development/back story from Ryan's character Driver....but I accepted it because it worked well with the whole mysterious vibe of the movie. I thought the first 10 mins were shot amazingly and had absolutely no dialogue...it definitely sets you up for the ride your about to take.

However, I must say what really made me appreciate this film was it's dark Euro-Noir 80's esque vibe...which I LOVED! Compliments to Refn for creating this ultra cool slick world surrounded by a sick ass soundtrack. Also, it was really refreshing to see a movie that takes place in LA actually shot in LA. I could point out just about ever location. Made my proud to be from the City of Angels!

"A Real Hero"

College feat. Electric Youth - A Real Hero (music from the motion picture DRIVE)

Destination Paris!

People are saying he's "back" well I'm saying he never left! Woody Allen has always and will always be my favorite storyteller. And with his recent hit "Midnight In Paris", I've fallen in love all over again!


"Midnight In Paris" was exquisite, lovely, delightful, charming, enchanting, inspiring and ALL of the above! I can't say enough about how sweet this movie was.


***SPOILER ALERT*** Woody, for the most part always incorporates a character in his movies that's very reminiscent of himself, and in this film that character is portrayed by Owen Wilson who does a FANTASTIC job! As a struggling Hollywood screenwriter on vacation in Paris with his fiance Inez (played by Rachel McAdams) Gil's obsession with the city quickly takes control. One day he takes a midnight stroll through the city that somehow transports him to the "Golden Age"of Paris! 1920s jazz music and all the legendary writers. But what's so brilliant about this movie, is there's no explanation...and there doesn't need to be! We follow him on this magical journey as he discovers his passion for writing with the help of his idols. An amazing supporting cast including Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen and the flawless Ms. Marion Cotillard.  A MUST SEE!!


To read more about my love for Mr. Allen, check out my first post back in December "The Man Behind the Dream" then go see the film :)

"This is Woody Allen's 41st film. He writes his films himself, and directs them with wit and grace. I consider him a treasure of the cinema. Some people take him for granted, although "Midnight in Paris" reportedly charmed even the jaded veterans of the Cannes press screenings. There is nothing to dislike about it. Either you connect with it or not. I'm wearying of movies that are for "everybody" — which means, nobody in particular. "Midnight in Paris" is for me, in particular, and that's just fine with moi."

 - Roger Ebert

Best Summer in years!

What I look forward to most about summer movies is the non stop action, over the top explosions, and "out of this world" graphics. But this summer, not only have I been impressed with all three, but the stories are legit and the performances have been f*cking phenomenal!

May I present to you TWO films this summer that have rocked my world...

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
Let me first say that out of all the superhero movies, the X-Men franchise is by far my favorite. So you can only image how excited I was to see this movie...and it definitely exceeded my expectations! Casting the underrated Mr. James McAvoy as Professor X was the best thing the studio could have done, then adding the delicious Mr. Michael Fassbender as Magneto, only made the movie that more enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between the two actors was flawless! Though some may argue that the timeline of events isn't "accurate" to the comic book but to those people I say, WHO CARES!?! The movie kicked ass!

SUPER 8

Like the movie INCEPTION last year, it was so refreshing to see a movie that wasn't a sequel, wasn't a prequel, wasn't a remake and wasn't in 3D. Just an original, creative story...and this summer, that movie for me is SUPER 8! Also like "Inception," I went into this movie having no idea what it was about and no idea whether I was going to like it or not. And I actually like it that way. Walking into a movie with no expectations and then leaving having your mind completely blown! And J.J. Abrams did exactly that! But I can't give him all the credit, it was those fresh faced little kids that really took this movie and ran with it. Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Ryan Lee, Riley Griffiths, Zach Mills and Gabriel Basso I applaud you! What I loved most about this movie was the nostalgic feeling I got from watching it. It reminded me of the movies I used to watch with my brother when we were little. If I wasn't already obsessed with becoming a filmmaker, after seeing this movie I would definitely want to pick up a camera. I don't want to give the story away by mentioning my favorite parts, so if you haven't seen it...SEE IT...then we can talk ;)  

PS. They say Mr. Abrams is the next "Spielberg" and frankly, I couldn't agree more! If Mr. Spielberg wants to pass the torch, I can't think of a another director more qualified :)

Hidden Gem: HANNA

I know "Fast Five" is the talk of the town these days, BUT if you're kinda over the franchise let me recommend an equally action packed film with a killer soundtrack that will blow your mind...HANNA

HANNA, starring Saoirse Ronan, is the story of a 16-year-old girl who is raised by her father, an ex CIA (played by the oh so attractive Eric Bana) in the wilds of Finland to be the perfect assassin....and let me tell you, this girl is BADASS! She's then dispatched on a mission across Europe, tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent (played by the amazing Cate Blanchett) who's out to kill her, that is of course if she can catch her. 

This film is not stop action from beginning to end and Saoirse's performance is one to be remembered. She's a beast! Don't want to give to much of the story away but I will say it ends with a bang! Director Mr. Joe Wright, who's mostly known for his epic period piece dramas ("Pride and Prejudice" and "Atonement") brings you his signature trademark, very long and complicated tracking shots, in one of the tightest fight scenes since JGL in Inception last year. A must see! 

Documentary Spotlight: Street Art

Today I had the pleasure of checking out one of the coolest exhibits "Art In The Streets" at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. I highly recommend everybody check it out before it leaves...you have all summer (until August 8th to be exact) "Art in the Streets" is the first major historical exhibition of graffiti and street art which documents the origins and history of the movement in the United States and traces its influence as it spread around the world. 

Seeing this amazing exhibit got me thinking of some of my favorite documentaries that follow some of the same street artist I saw today.


"Bomb It!" (2007) tells the story of contemporary graffiti, tracing it's roots in ancient rock paintings through Picasso to it's place in hip hop culture in 1970s New York City. Filmmaker Jon Reiss travels five continents to reveal graffiti's history, cultural impact and social relevance. To see the graffiti in places like Dublin and Madrid will blow your mind!

"Beautiful Losers" (2008) explores the world of a group of underground artists who began influencing areas from fashion and film to music and pop culture in the early 1990s. Great interviews from some of the movements most notable players including Shepard Fairey. 

"Exit Through the Gift Shop" (2010) the inside story of Street Art. It follows an eccentric shop-keeper turned amatuer film-maker as he attempts to capture many of the world's most infamous vandals on camera, only to have British stencil artist Banksy turn the camcorder back on its owner. Nominated for Best Documentary at the 2011 Academy Awards.

NETFLIX THEM!!! & for more info on "Art in the Streets" check out the MOCA website

Javier Bardem is Biutiful

As you know, the Oscars are right around the corner! February 27th to be exact. And one thing I always like to do is see all the films/performances nominated in the main categories before the big night...how else would I be able to base my opinions?

Lastly on my list was Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film Biutiful starring Javier Bardem; nominated for two awards, Best Lead Actor for Javier Bardem and Best Foreign Language Film. Now if you're familiar with Alejandro's films (Babel, Amores Perros, 21 Grams) then you will know that the guy does not hold back in the "depressing" department and the same goes for this film. Biutiful is the story of "a cancer-ridden father who struggles to reconcile fatherhood, love, spirituality, crime, guilt and mortality amidst the dangerous underworld of modern Barcelona -- all before his time is up." Heavy, right? This film grabs you from the beginning of his journey and never lets you go. There's an element of realism that Alejandro brings to his films which makes you feel for the characters as if they were real people.

It's unfortunate that this year is pretty much a for sure win for Colin Firth because Javier's performance was amazing. Him being nominated really came out of nowhere, but after seeing this film I definitely understand the fight for getting him nominated.  It's a must see movie but please just keep in mind, you might wanna see a Disney film afterward to clear your mind a bit.

Social Network = Perfection

If you thought I couldn't be any more obsessed with The Social Network than I am right now, then you thought wrong. Not only has this movie climbed its way onto my list of all time faves (which is saying A LOT) but the behind the scenes footage on the Special Features DVD only solidifies the fact that this movie is truly...genius. To watch David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin create this masterpiece from every aspect is magical. We get to follow them on the long journey it took to make this film. From the steps it took to make The Winklevoss twins actually look like twins, to camera set ups, to scene breakdowns even to wardrobe selections...we see it all! I can not praise this film enough!





To watch more conversation clips and even download the script, check out The Social Network Official Site

Somewhere...?

Sofia Coppola made history back in 2004 becoming the 3rd woman to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for Lost In Translation. (Isn't that sucky that in 2004 only 3 woman had ever been nominated for this category) but we no longer have to count now thanks to Ms. Kathryn Bigelow's win last year...

Anyways, Coppola's latest film SOMEWHERE probably won't be getting any Oscar love this time. Sorry. Somewhere, starring Stephen Dorff and the adorable Elle Fanning, is the story of Johnny Marco, a Hollywood superstar, living in a hotel and numbly going through the motions until his 11-year-old daughter Cleo comes into the picture, causing him to rethink his so called life.  Though the movie showcases some of the best views of LA, the story felt flat and boring. I kept waiting for the payoff but there wasn't one. It almost felt like watching a documentary on someone you don't care about.  I get Sofia was trying to be a little "metaphoric" with this film, for instance the opening scene has Dorff's character driving around in a circle in the desert for what feels like almost 15 mins. Just one shot...one. I think we're suppose to get that he's "going in circles." And that's just one of many awkward long scenes. I'm sorry Ms. Coppola, but not even your father got it right every time.

For classic Sofia, check out her directorial debut
THE VIRGIN SUICIDES (1999)

Game Changer

I knew this would happen. It never fails. Just when I think I've got all my favorites picked out for award season, at the last minute I see a movie that completely makes me rethink my choices. Last year it was Colin Firth with A SINGLE MAN. I was originally rooting for Jeremy Renner for THE HURT LOCKER, but after seeing Mr. Firth's stellar performance, he won me over. And now this year it's happened again. James Franco has been my #1 choice this year for Best Actor for 127 HOURS (just thinking about his performance in that "scene" makes me scream) until now...

Team Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine

Ryan was remarkable! The movie was remarkable. The soundtrack was remarkable (compliments to Grizzly Bear) Obviously, I hated the move, right? But seriously, I think it told a sweet love story gone wrong, shot beautifully and performed flawlessly by two of our generations best actors...period.