Thy Will Be Done

The countdown to the end of the year is briskly approaching and like every year around this time we hope to make changes for the better. Some take it more seriously than others, and others, well; they just go with the flow. That’s what I want to speak to my readers about today; there is nothing wrong with going with the flow; the flow of the Universe; the flow of life; the flow of the river. It isn’t a ‘well whatever happens, happens’ kind of attitude with no excitement for the future, but simply surrendering and letting ‘Thy Will be Done’ with the flow of life.

Synchronicity means the meaningful, spiritual, and psychic coincidences that occur throughout life. Most of us think that it doesn’t represent very much and find it hard to explain, so they simply leave it at that and never think of it again. We must be aware of these heavenly messages, because they are our guides and angels whispering truth to us constantly and pointing us in the right directions. When we become aware of this synchronicity we are able to joyfully be in the flow and not doubt things that happen in our lives; because it will be for the greatest good in our lives.

Most times our awakenings happen during crisis because it is the only time we stop thinking of everything else. When our minds are empty for that moment, fragile and reiterating to ourselves our purpose here in life. My darlings, everything we experience has immense value. Life is unpredictable, but that’s the beauty, that’s the adventure! We didn’t write the story, but we are part of this movement; this flow and we need to just be willing and do what we can along the way. We are destined for greatness, each one of us; once we trust that and are open to guidance from above, then life will ‘flow’ much more smoothly.

For 2012, be aware. What lies behind us and lies before us are tiny matters, all that matters is what lies within us. We must stay in the present, aware of the now. Who are you? Where are you? Where do you want to go? Acceptance is key; now you must express who you truly are; who you are meant to be. It is time for you to manifest your dreams into life! Be open to answers and guidance…Thy will be Done! J

Babies on Planes

I promised a friend while ranting about the terribly busy Christmas flying traffic season that I’d write a blog entitled ‘Babies on Planes’. Certainly, if they could title a film ‘Snakes on Planes’, I knew that babies could be just as lethal or interesting, heavily because of their added ‘awww’ factor. Everyone says “Awww” until they realize they’re seated besides one of these diaper-doting-bundles on a 5 hour flight. That’s when the ‘Awww’s’ turn into ‘Awww…$hit!’. [hahah]

Whether it be the Christmas Season or not; we must remember that we ALL were once babies; I know it’s hard for some of you to believe, but you weren’t always the devilishly handsome intellectual you are today. Sure the season is busy and stressful enough as it is already and what fun would it be to topple a dose of baby vomit on your shoulder. It’s understandable to have these rising livid moments, but please, be mindful before you try to pick a fight with a screaming toddler. It just isn’t worth it; mother’s do have ‘protective instincts’ and you certainly can’t win when she is just as, or probably more tired and unhappy than you are!

Try different exercises in trying to keep your cool. If a child finds it necessary to kick the back of your seat for an entire flight; try closing your eyes and imagine you’re on a massage chair at one of those spas you love so much. Plug in your Bose headphones and sail away on some chill-out music that will indeed drown out any sounds of a babies cry. Slap the child across the face if all else fails; of course, of course, I kid, I kid. But try making the child laugh, most children/babies are fascinated with the world around them. So they may stop crying for a moment to figure out what you’re trying to show them. If you have a beard or mustache, you may not be so lucky; for children/toddlers don’t ever go for Santa-Claus; there seriously should be an age range for seeing the man in the red-suit.

It doesn’t take a lot to be nice. The mother’s or parents would appreciate it; and you’ll feel better for giving it a try. J

Stone

Released a year ago; this film didn’t make much in the headlines despite it being spiked with top-rated actors like Robert De Niro, Mila Jovovich and Edward Norton. Labeled as a dramatic thriller, I found the only thing thrilling were the end credits. Decent script one could say, but the audience became lost in the characters as opposed to wholly solidifying with the stories message. I loved the use of the title ‘Stone’ as there could be many comparisons made with it throughout the story. People’s hearts being like stones; the living-dead; unable to connect and truly live to their truest potential and joy.

Written by Angus MacLachman and directed by John Curran in 2010, the film had loads of potential and certainly a good message in that who are we to judge, when all of us are sinners. And despite our past, once we are aware of our sin and faults we can forgive ourselves and live a life more mindful and self-aware.

Edward Norton who played Gerald ‘Stone’ Creeson, without a doubt stole the show! His acting was impeccable and believable in every sense of the word, without him, they may as well have had any other no-named actors. I felt as though there could have been more script development with what happened between Mabry family in the past, which would explain why De Niro who plays Jack Mabry acted the way he did. I thought it could have been a better movie without the strong sexuality and foul language, but an ‘okay’ attempt.

Ben Breedlove

** Enjoy life ~ Live like there's no tomorrow, give thanks, laugh, love and be merry! :)) This 18 year old died on Christmas Day 2011...

You got Me

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It's a Wonderful Life

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings!” I’d heard that phrase so many times before but never knew where it came from. And now, voila! There it’s said in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, a 1946 Frank Capra film, by none other but, Clarence the guardian angel. I was lucky enough to receive this lovely film as a Christmas gift from one of the most gentle and kind people I’ve been so lucky to meet here in a land so far from home; a gift that couldn’t be sweeter with its extraordinary message.

That message being that:

“Each man’s life touches another man’s life…” and “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends…”

This black and white film was divine in every way, and I’m proud to say that it most certainly has made it onto the list of ‘Jair’s Favourite Films’. Being alone for Christmas yet another year, sacrificing for something I believe in, this film couldn’t come at more a significant time. It was heart-warming to say the least and expertly orchestrated from beginning to end with scores of encouraging lessons.

It is films like these that relinquish any thoughts of giving up on one’s dreams and steer one back on the path he/she needs to be. I noticed the small but brilliant quote hung in George Bailey played by James Stewart’s office which read:

“All you can take with you, is that which you’ve given away.”

And how very true it is! It is only what we share of ourselves and give to one another that is the most meaningful in life. Everything else is secondary. Your presence will always be more splendid than any present and this is what so many of us forget time and time again. It reminded me a bit of ‘The Alchemist’ in that sometimes what you’re searching for, is right in front of you, you have nowhere to go but just be.

Keep the tissues nearby as it is sure to bring on the water-works; the audience quickly falls in love with its main character George Bailey and throughout the film we are captivated with his sincere relationship with his nature and all those who grow to meet him. It is a marvelous story of what faith is and what it can do if you believe and never give up. Keep doing good things and good things will follow you. ‘Good things come to those who wait’ and ‘Dreams really do come true’. You’re never forgotten in life, therefore we only need to keep striving and pushing forward knowing that we all have our days in the sun.

My favourite line in the film was: “What’d’ya want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it!” For many men promise girls the moon and stars, but what if you were in love with the moon itself…what if a girl could really have that moon…How happy it’d make her as it did Mary Hatch played by Donna Reed, whose only wish was to be with the one she loved. J

A film I’d recommend for anyone who feels they’re a failure, anyone who runs away from the truth, anyone who is ready to truly live their life with meaning and light. It was drama, fantasy and inspirational and a film for the whole family.

Here’s to a Happy Christmas, to the true meaning of friends and family and most of all LOVE! J

Love is Mushy

Yes it sure is; and the Mushiness makes me smile. Why? Because it’s mushy feelings like these that remind us that we truly are alive. The opportunities we’re given each day to treat others as we’d treat ourselves are endless, and when one person decides to do it, a wonderful domino effect follows; a domino of mush-dom, if you will! J

It occurred to me the other night while sweating from my mountain hike, and scurrying around in the cold to finish errands before I could relax at home; just what gift-giving is really all about. It’s down-right gloomy without family during the holidays; it’s kind of like Valentine’s Day on full-blast, because it’s not just couples that are skipping about and in love, but entire families. Getting together, making, creating and purchasing gifts to share with each other, to share with their loved ones and relatives; pretty beautiful if you ask me; but what about the other people? All the lonely people, all the ones without the mush?

There was a woman playing a violin outside one of the shops I visited that night, and she looked ever so forlorn and disheveled but her music was pure magic. I stooped down with a smile and dropped a dollar in coins inside her violin case. But as I waited in line for the cashier I could see her peering inside with hungry eyes. I thought, perhaps I could do something a bit more? I meekly returned to her corner and asked if she was hungry or needed anything.

She was surprised, and shook her head. I asked again, but more sure this time, “It’s alright, maybe I can help you, are you hungry, do you need anything?” I smiled this time and she did too. She replied, “Well…maybe some peanut-butter?” I thought how peculiar, but nodded and raced back inside. I knew what she needed, some ‘Peanut-butter Reese’s’, but she needed something healthy too, I snagged a box of health bars as well. It wasn’t a lot. No warm three-course meal, or candles, complete with gentlemanly stare, but I figured it would hold her a bit longer and at least for the night.

Before leaving she asked where I was from (Yes, even vagrants ask me), she thanked me and I bid her all the best for the New Year. I feel it is like moments like these that we are called to be of service to our fellow-man. We need to give gifts of meaning to each other. Gifts of care, gifts of kindness, and gifts of love; yes the mushy kind. That is what Christmas is really about. Not a ‘gift-card’ but a gift of love; something free, something small, something real and true. Something we all have the capacity to do; yes, to be mushy like that! J

Merry Christmas! – The season of gift-giving, the gift-of-life, the gift-of-true-love! J

Grey Gardens

I’d been introduced to ‘Grey Gardens’ by a lovely flight-mate of mine, on one seemingly never-ending transcontinental red-eye. Somehow we got to speaking about the film ‘Grey Gardens’ and what it was about; I was immediately in awe and fascinated beyond questionable doubt. It was filmed in 1975 and directed by brothers, Albert and David Maysles; there were mixed reviews, but I knewI’d have a review of my own! My flight mate shared some clips with me and I couldn’t stop thinking about Edith and little Edie Beale living alone in that decaying house in the East Hamptons. Even though it was tremendously unusual, I wanted to see more. My next days off, I made it my duty to pay a visit to my library and get access to both the 1975 documentary as well as the 2009 Hollywood version starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore, adapted by Michael Sucsy.

The documentary I found quite bizarre in many ways, finding it terribly unbelievable that women from such affluent and enamored lifestyles could fall so far beneath the radar. Where did all their friends go? And whatever happened to their beautiful minds? Cousins of Jackie Onassis and educated at the finest schools, it was astonishing to see them decomposing along with their house, bickering amongst each other and sharing ice-cream and cat food while raccoons and cats scuttled about them. It was a joke! It must be! And although it was jarring and mind-boggling, I found myself captivated from beginning till end.

The Maysles brothers were ahead of their time. They brought to the world the first bit of ‘reality television’ in film format. And this was truly reality; it wasn’t botox lips, breasts, bums and brains like what’s brought to you by the Kardashians. It wasn’t people jumping out of planes or racing around the world to win money. No! ‘Grey Gardens’ had heart, and mystery, and disparaging love all in one. Of mother and daughter who had it all, and lost it all, and with that, losing their minds as well, because once what was so beautiful and bright turned into a dungeon of despair and solitude. And peeking through were glimpses of splendor, of expressions eloquent and whizzing in nostalgia as did the autumn leaves and unruly ferns flying about them.

And then there was the Hollywood version. Well. I must say; I haven’t had a cry quite as warm as I had as this one, in some time now. How charming it was, how cruel the world seemed to Little Edie, and how much sense it made to its audience. Sure they were eccentric and diminished their money, but there was a reason why it all happened. There’s always a reason, isn’t there? What happens to people who don’t get to fulfill their dreams? What happens to someone who is afraid to live their dreams? And constantly make excuses because they don’t think they’re good enough? It’s an entrapment that engages, where one is never able to evolve and soar as they’re meant to be.

The mother-daughter relationship was a tender one, as they were the ones that stayed together and although they were clearly losing their shine, they stood by each other through thick and thin. It was a bond and love that bring other love-stories to shame. What love indeed! One you don’t see too often, I’d say. And as they say, ‘true glamour never fades’, so holds also ‘true love’. 

The transformation of the houses and women, held true to the original and the soundtrack and added back-story added wonderful depth and meaning to the cult documentary, that has inspired fashion designers, film-makers since it first hit the silver screen.Truly a work of art, the spirit of these late women, Edith Bouvier Beale and ‘Little Edie’, and their real struggles as well as the spot-on interpretation of true events by Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore whom most certainly deserved their 20 film nominations and 18 wins. 

SHIVER

** Ay-yaye! How Soca sweet so oui! Beautiful, groovy Caribbean music! :))

Trinbago sweet for so! :D

Betty Blue

Nothing could prepare me for the very first scene of the movie, or the many other scenes like the opening scene for that matter. Let’s just say keep all children, nannies, pets and imaginary friends out of the room! Sensual to say the least, this film dripped of what teenage-boy’s dream of. Set in the 80’s and quite ahead of its time, despite its serious subject matter, director Jean-Jacques Beineix skillfully managed to insert comedy in all the right places.

Written by Philippe Dijian and Jean-Jacques Beineix I could see how and why it was Oscar nominated and also winner of several film awards. Cross between ‘Girl Interrupted’ and perhaps ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, the story left its audience thoroughly invested and disturbed by the exceptional acting of Beatrice Dalle who played Betty. Her character was beautiful, carefree and volatile but we grew to love her because even though she was clearly insane, her love for Zorg played by Jean-Hugues Anglade was a love that was dedicated and true.

The cinematography was first-rate and the chemistry between Dalle and Anglade were undeniable; they were 100% committed to their characters and the erratic journey they would take. Till Death Do Us Path; now that’s love! A little disturbing if you ask me; but a film about romance, passion, reality and acting that supersedes your higher expectations.

Hugo

Yes! I had the pleasure of seeing this 2011 Martin Scorsese film in 3D; what a wonderful surprise that a fantastic new friend would scoop me out of my lonely apartment and treat me to such a lovely film! Rêve! A dream indeed, in every sense of the way! Certainly I’d say, in the forerunning of the nominated films for the Academies next year; a confident prediction for even a novice film buff.

Set in the 1930’s in arguably one of the most romantic and beautiful cities and birthplace of Film, Paris; it is the journey of young Hugo. Filled with enchantment, history, mystery, and splendid secrets sprinkled and carefully revealed throughout. It was a film not only for entertainment and awe, but fascination and education, just the same.

Asa Butterfield, the brilliant blue-eyed main character you may remember from Nanny McPhee, or The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, took us on the exciting and unbelievable adventure of Hugo. Captivating at every angle, he brought the main character’s wants and dreams to life. Gifted Chloe Grace Moretz co-starred as Isabelle and both she and Asa not only had the pleasure of learning and working with a grand director like Scorsese but also along with other greats like Sir Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer and Helen McCrory.

Executed in the most ideal way, Scorsese adapted John Logan and Brian Selznick’s story to grandeur heights. It’s a story about the birth of film, of disappointment, of orphans, of fathers and sons and of happy endings that don’t only happen in the movies. Had I watched it alone, I could very well shed a few tears, but I held it together quite well, instead enjoying how the film melted my heart with marvelous metaphors of the moon which I love so much. If you know nothing about Georges Méliès, born in Paris 1861, writer, director and producer of ‘A Trip To The Moon’ among scores of other films; and you say you want to work in the film business, well then, you ought to see this movie!

It’s an exciting voyage explaining simply how things work, though intricate and sometimes convoluted, enormously necessary and purposeful right down to the very core! Encore! La France longtemps de phase!

Twelve

Written by Jordan Melamed and Nick McDonell and directed by Joel Shumacher, this 2010 film starring Chace Crawford and Emma Roberts was quite a pleasant surprise indeed. Great message, story line, smooth transitions and many interesting camera techniques and lighting used for dream-like sequences. Probably targeted towards a younger audience (teenage/high-schoolers) yet real-life necessary issues were brought forward, allowing the audience to really connect and pose questions by the film’s grittiness and what happens many times behind closed doors when no-one is looking because they’re too busy with their own problems.

Break-out, phenomenal performances I’d say by Rory Culkin (cute as a button) and Emily Meade who shows mature acting far beyond her short years on earth. For me, she unquestionably stole the show from beginning till end. 50 Cent also gave a good performance but I felt they should have ‘dirtied’ him up a bit more as they did ‘White Mike’ played by Chace Crawford.

Emma Roberts played the ‘good-girl’, haven’t seen her play otherwise and wonders if she’ll follow in the footsteps of her aunt Julia Roberts, forever stuck in that ‘Pretty Woman’ who does no wrong with the unforgettable smile and jolting laugh? Zoe Kravitz also had a small part in the film, but to me, she had a more exciting character that could show more range of what her acting abilities can be.

One day you can have it all; the next day due to tragedy, you can become buried with doubts and worry and put yourself permanently in a dark place. Twelve shows how one boy is able to dig himself out before it’s too late.

Morning Glory

Rachel McAdams at 33 years old and ranked number 27 of the scale of top actors is plenty of reason enough to admire her acting skill, charm and expertise within the film business. I fell in love with her after watching ‘The Notebook’ and since then I’ve followed her career fervently and with ease, as she tends to be in the block-buster annual hits. Viewing however, her most recent films like, ‘Midnight in Paris’ by Woody Allen and the first installment of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ I’ve been recognizing that her characters seem to stay the same; with absurd, frantic, and babble-like energy! Don’t get me wrong perhaps this is what her character calls for, however after watching 2010’s ‘Morning Glory’, I’ve had it up to here with her animated-cutesy oomph. J

Written by Aline Brosh McKenna and directed by Roger Michell, this film’s saving grace were certainly it’s list of big names like Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum and the ever-delicious star from ‘Little Children’ Virginia-born Patrick Wilson. Although there were smooth transitions and a decent story-line I grew tired of Becky Fuller’s (McAdams) constant cheer-leader act as even though it’s wonderful to keep positive and hopeful, she came across the majority of the times over-the-top. The music in the film was the worst I’ve heard in a while for a feature film; let alone a modern one; as it was filled with not very catchy melodies except for ‘Strip Me’ by Natasha Bedingfield, which was the most relatable.

The film drags on quite predictably, with McAdams pleading and running around frazzled and falling asleep behind her computer, yet she still manages to snag the ‘hottest’ guy in the building and bring television ratings up, thanks to her excellent balance of two handbags, teary-anime-eyes and racing in heels behind her boss (Goldblum). There was a spot of hope during the middle of the film, when they tortured fellow weather-news anchor Steve Park by making him do illogical things to bring up their ratings like, riding roller-coasters, getting tattoos on his arse, and jumping out of planes. Each time his expression was comically timeless! J

I still think highly of Rachel McAdams, but I find her choice of films lately to be un-flattering of her true range of proficiency and I can only hope she doesn’t keep hitting one note on the piano as some actress’ do for the rest of their careers. This film doesn’t go down in my list of must-see movies, but instead is proof of massive magnitude that films like these, are still made and funded even if they don’t contribute positively to society at all.

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Limitless

Another 2011 film under my belt! Yee-haw! Just need to snag a few more this month before the Academy Awards. Limitless written by Leslie Dixon and Alan Glynn was expertly directed by Neil Burger with marvelous cinematography by Jo Willems. Despite the nostalgic-crush-eye-candy Bradley brought to my screen, his performance both up and down were phenomenal. Robert De Niro with his quirky-cute facial expressions and the thrill and excitement of the visually appealing chase was more than I could ask for! The Relativity Music Group with Paul Leonard Morgan portrayed hip, haunting, and trippy tracks that kept the happy and suspense on full blast.

I enjoyed this film just a little too much!

The concept of this film was brilliant and although the audience thought they knew how things would end; there was an uncertain twist that kept us all wondering how Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) kept up with it. But alas, the mind is a powerful thing, and focusing on the right things indeed could offer a solution to any ‘life situation’; for in life there aren’t any problems, unless we make them ourselves right!?

I loved the sharpness, the languages, the pristine crispness of every splash, the power, the action, the ultimate experiment gone successful! Certainly enhanced my thirst for working in the film industry! Job well done Virgin Produced, Rouge and Relativity Media – found a recipe for success!

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Truth is

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