So, I'm kind of a fan of movies. Not a fan of the $9 price tag, but unfortunately there's not a lot I can do about that.
Movies I've recently seen: Slumdog Millionaire, Role Models, and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Slumdog Millionaire- Awesome. My friend Clayton and I went to see "The Reader" but unfortunately due to technical errors were unable to. Fortunately, we scored two free movie passes and were allowed to see whichever movie we so desired that was playing.
Anyhoo, walking in, I had no idea what it was about let alone heard of it, thus I had low expectations. But oh was I wrong. It's a great story that follows a young, street urchin in India. He has advanced beyond expected in India's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and is accused of cheating. The movie reviews each question and shows how his unfortunate circumstances have led him to each answer.
Although there are a few laughs and many moments of triumph, it is heartbreaking to get a glimpse into someone else's reality. This isn't a "based on true events" story, but still, I'm sure there is a very close representation of the actual lives of Indian children.
To sum it up: funny, sweet, sad, triumphant, enraging, and satisfying.
Plus, the last scene may arguably be the best of any movie. Ever.
Role Models- Good chuckle. My friend Brandon and I braved the "Dollar" (actually $4 now) theater to see this bad boy. I'll describe this one as a "bro-comedy." #1 reason: It stars Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd. Of course these guys are buddies and of course Seann William Scott plays the loosey-goosey frat type while of course Paul Rudd plays the uptight guy and of course they work for a ridiculous energy drink company telling kids not to do drugs.
Well, of course they find themselves in legal trouble and in order to stay out of jail, they must complete some community service hours (150 I believe). The duo grudgingly are signed up for a mentor or "role model," if you will, program. And of course they are paired up with the two most difficult "lils" in the place.
Things get off to a rocky and quite humorous start and of course everyone is happy in the end.
To sum it up: funny, at times vulgar, bro-manish, and sweet.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- Fantastic. The way this movie was received by various people was interesting. I heard many mixed reviews from others, some ranging from not great to "the greatest film of the decade." But whatevs, I couldn't pass up seeing it. Hello, Brad Pitt riding on a motorcycle with aviators, aging backwards, riding on a motorcycle with aviators....
Back on track. So this film was originally a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and somehow ended up being a 2 hour and 48 minute film. Benjamin Button was born under "unusual circumstances" and appeared to be a man very advanced in his years. As his number of years increased, his physical appearance became more youthful. While Benjamin is a "child," he meets a young red-head named Daisy who changes his life forever. They become great friends, but the time comes for Benjamin to explore the world on his own. Through the years, Benjamin and Daisy stay in loose contact, but still think of one another.
Eventually, their paths aligned and the two fall deeply in love. (This happens interestingly enough after Daisy's dance career comes to a premature end... I won't tell you how for the sake of not giving away too much plot, I'd want someone to show me the same courtesy. But this is interesting because F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, at age 27 became obsessed with ballet. Perhaps was he trying to tell her something?)
They go on to live happily until Benjamin's condition will no longer allow it. The last 20 minutes of the movie was a big boo-hoo-fest for me.
To sum it up: funny, sweet, bitter-sweet, sad, romantic, original, and great.
Love the world, each other, and yourselves!
