Rebirth

Sometimes we meander through airports, dodging out-of-control children, running parents trying to catch up with their out-of-control children, trolleys, cleaners, late passengers, coffee-spills, body odors from those that take up residence there, and people who feel quite comfortable standing in the middle of a walkway to yap on their mobiles. And just like we may meander through airports, some of us also meander through life. Unsure, up and down, happy, sad, strong, weak, and just all over the place. We think we must go this way because Kim Kardashian says so, or the other because all our friends approve, or to your parents because you don’t like making hard decisions yourself, or simply brainwashed by the ‘cool’ and ‘awesome’ acceptable ways of our illustrious ‘TV-People’.

Everybody THINKS they know what’s best for you. But they don’t! And you shouldn’t continue meandering and being pulled to and fro’ any longer. There is something; someone greater than any blown-up reality star, fab suberbowl commercial or Grammy screaming artist can offer you. Who better to know your clear path in life than your creator; the supreme being that knew you before you knew yourself? If you put him first you won’t have to feel unsure or afraid. You won’t have to waste precious time worrying about people that don’t value you the same. Or spend time with those who only want to take instead of share. You will be able to see things much more clearly, and with gratefulness and joy when rubbish, clutter and the un-necessary is eliminated from your life.

When you develop this kind of trust, your senses are heightened and you’re given the noblest, truest, and purest, comfort, joy and peace. Only accepting calls and messages from a divine source. One that loves truly, respects and never lets you down. You gain the trust to walk in a straight line, sure of where you are needed to go. And the people that cross your path, are just that; someone crossing your path. For stars shine bright and fall, but the sun, the moon and the lake lasts forever…

Lent is not just about giving up things to give up things. Instead give up bad habits. Have some love and respect for yourself. Follow the lead of the one that knows you best. Trust in him and have rebirth in your journey through love. Changing your path to exactly where you’re needed to be! J

Only God

** Only God can make the sunshine and the rain; only he can make your seed grow. Never stop believing... :))

My Sassy Girl

Written by Ho-sik Kim and Jae-young Kwak and directed by Jae-young Kwak, this 2001 Dramatic- Romantic Comedy based on a true-story surprised me tremendously. It started off quite funny and the writers and director let us bond with our main characters, as we slowly and surely got to know their idiosyncrasies, likes and dislikes. The film was divided into 3 parts. The first 2 were entertaining and solidifying love for our main characters, Korean Tae-hyun Cha who played the silly and sweet Kyun-woo and also Korean Gianna Jun who played ‘the sassy girl’ Ji-hyun Jun. By the time they got to the 3^rd part it was all water-works and a climax nobody could ultimately expect.

As if playing one of my most beloved classical tunes wasn’t enough; Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel, the close bond both main characters developed and the ‘so-called’ coincidences that took place between them, was enough to make this film pivot into a close contender to my favourite foreign films. It was thoroughly heart-warming and beautiful in that it taught its audience that what is for you; no matter how far you stray, what you say, or where you go; you will get it. It tells us that sometimes it takes others longer to heal and others longer to realize the love that is right in front of them. If you truly love somebody and you believe they love you too; but they do not know how to accept it or reciprocate it; let them go in love. If they are meant for you, they will realize your kindness and love and they will come back. It will never be too late; because it always happens right on time. J

A silly, amusing, heart-wrenching true tale that will inspire even the expectantly romantic crowd; have your tissues nearby. I’ll leave you with one of the best quotes of the film which reminds us of not being afraid to take risks, which went:

“Its building a bridge of chance for your love.”

Beautiful Nail

** Speaking of a laugh - I LOVE Anjelah Johnson; check out her shows; she is SPOT-ON! :))

Who Slept With Her

I’ve been watching a number of Korean films lately; and having quite a laugh. Animated to the max with a mix of Bollywood dance numbers, fantasy dream-land sequences and some sexual connotations; make that a lot of sexual connotations. The Korean title is actually translated into ‘Hot For Teacher’ even though the English movie industry titled the film ‘Who Slept With Her’.

This fluffy, nonsensical, but entertaining film was written by Tae-won Jeong, Hyeon-hee Kim and directed by Yu-seong Kim and was released to audiences in 2006. It was VERY predictable with un-healthy teacher-student relationships, erections and sexual comedy. I can say though that there was tremendous camera work, with un-likely camera angles, techniques and some fun dance-numbers.

The actors were hilarious though; they had superb comic timing and great facial expressions. Sa-rang Kim, Seok-jin Ha and Seon-yeong Ahn kept its audience hooked with the usual but amusing covered giggle and bulgy-eyed moments.

I won’t start a Korean comedy film collection; but it’s always nice to have a good laugh! J

The Tree of Life

I was uber excited when I had the opportunity to see this film; I can’t remember what the previews looked like, or why I had such enthusiasm to see it; but it was far from what I expected. I saw Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain (Ron Howard’s daughter) starring; I thought, well this ought to be good. Well...perhaps it was good for some people. This must be one of the SLOWEST films I have seen to date; especially for an American film. It reminded of the AMOS television channel they play in hotel rooms, with beautiful landscape and things and music in the background; so in other words glorified music videos of the sky, planets, molecules, jellyfish and dinosaurs…Yes, you heard me correctly…Dinosaurs!

There were some loving and beautiful intimate quotes whispered throughout the film; but if your volume isn’t all the way up, you’re likely to miss them. Some of them include:

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

“Life by life…I search for you…my hope…my child…”

“The only way to be happy is to love. Unless you love, your whole life will flash by.”

“I give him to you. I give you my son.”

I must say there was brilliant cinematography, and lovely close-shots of this film’s characters, but because most of it was a mystery and there was very little dialogue, the audience had to create their own assumptions, and it left us very disconnected with all of the characters.

Written and directed by Terrence Malik, with a larger-than-life cast; I cannot say that there was a good story-line, acting, or film-friendly production. Visually appealing yes, but unfortunately uninspiring, no definitive message; to me it seemed like a glorified Gregorian chant music video. L

Heaven = Love = Heaven

** :)) Don't just speak - do - and if you don't - then be prepared to settle; OR simply make the right choice!

200 Pounds Beauty

“The wind knocks on the window, over the room, as small as me. Twinkling stars so beautiful. Filling the room with love. Don’t be hurt. Caressing my wound gently, embracing me to sleep. Too hurt for my legs to walk. Eyes so blurry with tears. Before love, never meant for me. I will keep on smiling, like those stars embroidered in my eyes. I will love you forever.”

This 2006 Korean Romantic Comedy was a real treat. Although there were several silly moments within, its true subject stemmed with issues of the heart. How does society view you? What is acceptable? What is attractive? How should one behave? These serious questions were asked over and over again; but more importantly how far would you go to change yourself so that the one you love would notice you, would love you?

Written by Hye-yeong No and Yong-hwa Kim and directed by Yong-hwa Kim, they were able to acutely zone into the audience heartstrings by making it easier for us to identify with the main character Ah-jung Kim who played Kang Han-na. It's not just the weight we can identify with; but also there are times when we struggle with our self-esteem and worth based on how others treat us. We went on the journey of her life before and after her transformation and because of dialogue, close-shots and timing, we had enough time to sit with her loneliness and wishes for love. We felt pain when she did based on how others treated her and used her, only in their time of need and because of this strategy, this film was an enormous success!

A very common story, told in an extra-ordinary way; superb dramatic pauses, timing and a healthy dose of comedy made this film a Korean classic. I absolutely adored the script with its many nuances and references, but what I loved the most was that they said the truth. There weren’t any hidden messages or riddles, but simply put which made it identifiable for everyone. My favourite lines being:

“…do you know what it’s like to love someone from afar?”

“You broke my heart! Tissue won’t fix it!”

“I’m dead – I died yesterday – you can let me die, or help me to live…”

Beautiful film – a lovely treat from one of my charming girlfriends; those that remind you that words and actions are different; talk is talk; but you know the truth when people’s words match their actions – thanks for the truth! J

Calm & Loving

** ♥ ♥ ♥

Winter's Bone

“Bread n butter…ah told you.”

Recommended by a darling friend during our ‘income-tax party’; she expressed her enthusiasm for the film’s jolting grittiness and mystery. And sensationally dark it was; but rich in authenticity and life it had. I absolutely loved the simplicity of it all; and the depth and trueness its characters held.

Starring, Jennifer Lawrence who played Ree, was beautiful even in the dirtiest, lack-of-lighting and common circumstances; her performance shone brightly from start to finish. You may recognize her from ‘X-Men First Class’ and ‘Like Crazy’ and you’ll also see her in 2012’s ‘Hunger Games’; discovered at only 14 in New York City; this girl brings her character’s believability to life; talent like Charlize Theron in ‘Monster’ and heart like Jeff Bridges in ‘Crazy Heart’; I believe this young actress has sustainability if she continues to play her cards right.

Written and Directed by Debra Granik in 2010, this film honed loads of drama and un-certainty. Tough storyline and even tougher cast, it showed a very ‘un-hollywood’ life in the most un-pleasant and deprived living situations. Taking us on a journey of a girl’s determination and endurance to keep her family together by seeking answers through very harsh social settings. She stops at nothing; and risks everything to make sure her family is safe. Dale Dickey who played Megan, I found to be the most interesting character in this film because she was all about getting things done and showed little remorse no matter how dark an issue was.

2 million dollar budget may be surprising, but I did see that a lot of care was taken in making the sets true to life, right down to the clutter within the houses. There were also loads of livestock filmed as well as odd bits and pieces to add to the immense believability of each scene. Slow and steady but a good ride; this film has some serious talent, many of which haven’t even acted before, but brought on set for filming in Forsyth Missouri.

Heart-breaking and fascinating…a dose of another kind of reality!

The Resident

I like Hilary Swank. She might not be the most beautiful, but she’s got heart, and talent. Every film I see with her she becomes for me, more and more beautiful with each character she magnificently personifies.

2011’s The Resident, wasn’t a far-fetched script, idea or mystery, but it was excellently executed. It was thrilling and the camera angles were to die-for! It shows it’s audience that you never truly know someone until you know them. Looks are deceiving; and dimples and a bright smile doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got it altogether! [hahah] I felt that Jeffery Dean Morgan who played Max certainly showed his acting range with this disturbing and obsessive character.

Written by Finnish Antti Jokinen and Robert Orr and directed by Antti Jokinen, I felt that they successfully told the story and gave us just enough information about the main characters to give its viewers some kind of emotional attachment during the film’s peak moments.

Nothing completely thought-provoking; but certainly takes us on an entertaining ride. A good movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats! J

No More

** I hear and I forget…I see and I remember…I do and I understand…Ask yourself – what do you want? What do you need? What do you deserve? Respect the passion – respect the truth – respect YOU! No more must you bury those feelings; if it slips away, let it…far away…because it’s not ready! No More! Now, you must DO. To understand, and suffer no more my beautiful darling…

Sometimes we think we are stronger by holding on…but in reality…we are stronger by letting go…

The Artist

What an extraordinary film! And what an even more powerful soundtrack! J Steeped in love, passion and the highs and woes of film-making; this 2011 Black & White, Silent film had heart to the max; how ironic that the subject would literally be about ‘sound’. If the music didn’t get you, then certainly it would be the tremendous acting displayed by Frenchman Jean Dujardin who played George Valentine and bright-smiled and “peppy” Argentine, Berenice Bejo who played the darling Peppy Miller.

Written and directed by esteemed French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, this romantic, thrilling and comedic film was charming in all it’s classic splendor. Its message one of empowerment; one of never giving up, even when things seem their worst; remembering that we work better together and we should never let pride get the best of us, because sometimes it’s simply that someone wants to help you…wants to love you.

I found the doggie Uggie, who you may also remember from ‘Water for Elephants’; to be sensationally charismatic. This film was perfect for him to co-star in; because sound wasn’t used; and the dog was just as animated, if not more so, than the humans in most scenes. Other great actors showcased in this film, that you may know, are John Goodman and James Cromwell.

How I laughed, and how I cried. How much we all can relate to the ups and downs in life, in love un-requited…and how we all hope for the delightful happy-endings. What a "beautiful 'Peppy' Kinda Love".‘The Artist’ has got my vote at the Academies!

La France longtemps de phase! J

Quarantine 2

Now I’d seen Quarantine when it first came out and for me it was mighty scary; I’d recommended it to my old roommate, as we both enjoyed a good thrill and he liked it so much he bought the video-game. I was skimming through movie titles, and saw that they’d made a 2^nd one and although I dislike when they keep making more and more movies (I think they should make a good one, and end it well); I thought I’d give it a whirl; and boy am I glad I did!

I’m still shaking and wide-eyed; I needed to pour myself a little drink to calm my nerves after seeing that one. I think it appealed to me that much more; due to the fact that it’s main characters were flight attendants and it took place within an airport and plane. I felt that writer and director John Pogue did his essential research in making the flight experience and what airline employee’s deal with, true-to-life. Sure we don’t have to restrain large men who suddenly are infected with an unknown virus. But the fact that we need to remain calm, be in charge, and never give up on protecting the lives on-board, now that’s a close 2^nd.

This 2011, horror, mystery, sci-fi had my heart racing from beginning till end. What are the odds of something like this happening on an air-craft? Very likely; that’s why we’re trained frequently to handle such severe situations. Mercedes Masohn, Bre Blair, Noree Victoria and the rest of the cast did an exceptional job at being true to their characters in such hostile conditions. Entertaining and jaw-dropping; a thrilling experience I’d recommend! J

Ricky

It is good to know that no animals or flying babies were harmed in the making of this film! That would be sensationally awful – really – and I can see that is why film-maker Francois Ozon made sure to put that in the credits of his film. [hahah] This 2009 film set in blue-collar France, follows a chemical factory worker’s initial bathroom affair with a hairy stranger to the development of a very odd family circle; newest family member, Ricky; flying away.

One of the stranger films I’ve seen lately; and attracted to it because it was a French dramatic fantasy, and lovely idea to tell a story about. But I didn't find it exactly funny, insightful or uplifting; in that a single mother is struggling to make ends meet in a tiny apartment and has nothing else going on in her life besides getting knocked-up by a stranger in the bathroom; and she is so tired from twisting bottle caps that she forgets her child’s helmet when she shuttles around on a sketchy motor-cycle.

If anything can be said about this film; is that there were some wonderful cinematography moments and pristine special effects with the child Arthur Peyret’s (Ricky) wings. I liked also the believability within the scenes; with blood on pillows, the young daughter’s pain captured in the close-up’s of her eyes, and the gritty/dirty places that can be found in any country. It was also one of the first French films that I’ve seen that ‘did-not’ show the Eiffel Tower.

I love magical, inspirational films and I thought that Ozon would take time to show the audience more of the shock, turmoil and alarming moments within the family, if something like this indeed happened. Doing more research on how something like this may actually happen, would be necessary I feel so that we could connect more with the main characters and wonder if it indeed could happen again. I disliked that the film ended abruptly; leaving its viewers in a state of terrible limbo; and in turn making the mother played by Alexandra Lamy seemingly psychotic.

Good Will Hunting

So I finally got to see ‘Good Will Hunting’; the 1997 classic referred to endlessly in the media, and the pivotal push to stardom for the young and talented Matt Damon. This Drama written by Matt Damon and Ben Afflek, and directed by Gus Van Sant shows that with a good story, no matter if the picture quality, and simplicity of it; if it’s a good story, it ultimately will be a success! Having Robin Williams and Minnie Driver, and a $10,000,000 budget, I’m sure helped a bit too!

Unquestionably a wonderful movie and message and one of the first to inspire many others to follow in this ‘troubled-student-made-for-greatness’ typed stories. The audience is able to identify with Will Hunting’s (Damon) struggles because of the clear back-story and passionate acting. I loved the dynamic also, in that, Will is able to solve any Mathematical problem, yet he finds it difficult to solve problems/issues in his own personal life. It shows the complexity of not only the human brain, but in what the human mind holds onto and in turn causing many people in society to live as though they were dead; stifled in fear and unable to pursue their fullest potential.

Solid from beginning till end; simple story despite the difficult Mathematic equations, it shows plenty of heart and reminds us as a race that despite what we think are differences, in the end, we’re really all the same. To love and be loved; it doesn’t take algebra to know that! Winner of 2 Oscars; well deserved! J

Too Long

** Believing in your eyes too long ... Lovely song ~ Lovely riddim ... Love you Trinidad & Tobago!

No Strings Attached

As much as you promise yourself you wouldn’t watch it; you scan by many selections and settle for one like this; and the worst part about it, is that it actually makes you laugh and cry. I call these kind of movies, ‘Cookie-Cutter’ movies; they manufacture the same kind of these over and over again, and it’s those that always keep the masses’ coming back for more at the box-office. Not my ‘usual’ choice of film; but it was entertaining nonetheless.

This light and fluffy romantic comedy ‘surprisingly not starring Jennifer Aniston’ was written by Elizabeth Meriwether and Michael Samonek, and directed by Ivan Reitman. Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman team along with Kevin Kline, Lake Bell, Ludacris, Mindy Kaling and Jake M. Johnson among others that bring the funny at all the right timings. We followed the lovely sweet-hearts from high school to University and then to adult-hood where their attraction heightens to it’s peak. Portman who plays Emma is afraid of feeling emotions that come with love and Kutcher who plays Adam is just the opposite where all he wants to do is love. A curious dynamic because of the switching of roles in gender outlooks.

Some say that friendship has its benefits and others say it cannot be done. Unless you are a heartless alien to the human-race then it may work; otherwise it’s inevitable that the mind starts finding the other irresistible. The moral of this simple story is, when you find the one that makes your heart skip a beat, don’t be afraid, and don’t let them get away. Sure you may feel stupid, vulnerable and you may think it’s too late, but it’s never too late to the person that loves you too; it works in the movies…it just might work for you too! J

After.Life

I’ve always found death fascinating; not in a morbid sense, but simply that it is something that we all have touch our lives at some point and also all have to experience at some time. Death is certainly a part of life. There are various books, theories, and beliefs on what happens after we die; and so watching this film was just another way to gain insight on how Polish Writer and director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo’s thoughts on the subject might be.

This 2009 film, the film-maker’s first feature length film, seems to be well executed, funded and backed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars acting in it, names like: Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci and Justin Long. And although remarkable story content, and big names in the business, for some reason it still missed something. A person/body waking up on a slab of stone in the funeral director’s home asking, “What am I doing here? I’m not dead!” is undoubtedly a wonderful start, but I felt that there sadly wasn’t enough research done or depth of characters to make its audience believe in what was taking place or feel for the characters. Don’t get me wrong – the actors did their job, and remarkably so, but if there isn’t enough back-story, or research to add to film’s believability then the viewer’s are held in limbo and in turn lose interest fast.

There was just enough mystery to keep the film terrifying and easily dramatic, but because of those aspects missing from it, it sadly was unable to reach higher expectations. Instead of the great idea, blossoming and becoming mesmerizing it left its viewers disappointed in the end.

Life is funny in that, each project, each instance, each moment, should be have in gratitude and in humility otherwise if you are missing these core values, you can easily slip from greatness. Agnieszka Wojtowica-Vosloo graduated Alma Mater from Tisch School of the Arts.

Her first short film, Pate was an award-winning success in Sun-Dance Film Festival, World Fest Houston International Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, New York Magazine Award of Excellence and New York Universities Wasserman Award, and indeed she has the tools, brain and work ethic to be successful, however it goes to show that even with a BIG budget, and BIG stars, if the team isn’t passionate as you are, a great idea can fall flat on it’s face.

Star Trek

I usually don’t care for re-makes; because if you do something good the first time; then there should be no need to re-invent it once more. Do it right the first time is my motto! But me-oh-my! This re-make was indeed phenomenal! It proved to be just as thrilling as the first, but with new faces and better graphics. Faces like: Winona Ryder, Chris Pine, Eric Bana, Leonard Nimoy, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, John Cho, and adorable Anton Yelchin. What an exciting set and scenes to play in for this bunch! J

This 2009 version of Star Trek was Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Gene Roddenberry, and directed by J.J. Abrams. A cross between Star-Wars and Jurassic Park; this film was wonderful as always with the ‘yoda-like’ dialogue and exceptional rousing soundtrack. And although this action-adventure sci-fi film is mostly make-believe, the cast made it credible every step of the way with their dramatic and sincere devotion to their character’s tribulations.

I enjoyed that this new version of the classic wasn’t just that but that it incorporated past and future characters to add to the heightening of certain scenes. Certainly a ride from beginning to end! I’ll leave you with some wise words uttered from Spock, Spock Prime and Spock’s father which went:

“I am conflicted as I was as a child…”

“You will always be a child of both worlds…”

“An act of faith…you must put aside logic and do what feels right…”

J

Talk is Cheap

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** Make your actions reflect your words...

Special

Written and Directed by Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore, this 2006 film was in precedence of the 2011 hit film ‘Limitless’; quite a similar idea, but very different effects, in that results of digesting pills doesn’t give one tremendous abilities, but instead psychotic reactions. This drama/fantasy was a peculiar one, and although in the beginning there were many comedic parts, it progressively became dark and melancholic. It is one man’s journey in trying to be different from the billions of others on earth; a man wanting to make a change for the better; wanting to feel good about himself, and when he realizes he isn’t ‘special’, he doesn’t give up the fight in survival.

Michael Rapaport kept us engaged from beginning till end left the audience feeling sympathetic towards his character Les, when things take a turn for the worst. Paul Blackthorne and Josh Peck also gave worthy performances but I especially enjoyed Alexandra Holden’s scenes; she played Maggie, the cashier in the convenience store, whom even though she had little lines, still left a lasting impression.

A slow yet thought-provoking film that inspires society to recognize that we shouldn’t wait for people to label us something to be that something; that we are already whatever we want to be. Our gifts, our power, our efforts are all within, and we don’t need people’s affirmations or pills to bring us to that place. Drugs can alter your thinking and even make you crazy, but once you believe in yourself and your abilities, then you aren’t like everybody else; you’re ‘special’, one of the few that believes differently.

This film took about 1 million to make and only made $3000 on opening weekend and $6000 overall. What I think they could have done differently would be to do the obvious in allowing the main character to truly gain super powers after ingesting the drug, as was done in ‘Limitless’. I understand the message they were bringing to the masses, but unfortunately the masses’ prefer quick fixes, big explosions, and instant gratification.