Persepolis

On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, I went to see the movie Persepolis. This was an animated movie aimed at at least adolescents, most likely adults, about the story of a young girl who grew up in Iran during the late 70s and 80s. It follows her story through her childhood and her teenage years, and her struggles as an Iranian in other parts of the world.

This was a French film, and I saw it with English subtitles. There were some voice over work by some well known French actors. The most famous, Catherine Deneuve. She did voice work for the main character's mother - Marjane's mother.

Marjane is an outspoken young girl, who is intelligent, and questions the hold of religion and the role of it in Iran. There is also a lot of adult humour in the film, and this is not necessarily related to Islam or politics.

This was a fun movie, a different genre of animation (because the style is pretty unique). I believe that the animation was well done, but I haven't seen that many animated films this year. I might consider getting this film on DVD when it comes out.

Boy, don't I feel attractive

So, I found out last Saturday that the dude whom I was interested in for two months, and whom I spent two months chasing after, and would leave two messages every week on his voicemail, to try and keep the lines of communication open, was apparently, seeing someone else and dating someone else all this time!

I feel super attractive right about now. I had thought I met a guy with substance, who was very much like me, who was also attractive and intelligent. I was once again Plan B, and was strung along. And then I find out after this, that he is not even interested in dating me. He said that he liked me because I am intelligent, honest, forthright, and when we met, he said that I was cute, but words are cheap. However, he wanted to be friends with privileges... So, I'm not attractive enough to date, but I'm tolerable enough for when he's not seeing anyone, and he's horny. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.

And then this dude tried to invite me over to his place for dinner. And then when I jokingly asked, "What's for dinner?", he got all huffy and angry and lectured me about how when someone invites you over for dinner, you say yes or no. And then he left me hanging.

I've cracked out my angry girl music already. * Sigh *

Hollywood Tragedy

I found out that Heath Ledger died today from a suspected overdose of drugs. That's really sad, he's such a talented actor. I especially respected him after his rendition of Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain.

The world will be a sadder place with you gone from films.

Juno

On Tuesday, January 22, 2008, I went to see the film Juno. This film is about a teenage girl, Juno, played by Ellen Page, (16 years of age) who has her first sexual experience, but didn't take precautions, and now is pregnant with a child.

She lives in a relatively conservative town, and for a bit, she was considering on having an abortion. But then she changed her mind, and decided to give her baby up for adoption, to a couple who really deserved the baby. Thus, she found a couple in the suburbs who were looking to adopt a baby.

The parents to be, Vanessa and Mark Loring (played by Jennifer Gardner and Jason Bateman), are the adoptive couple. Juno thought that they were perfect, loving, etc., and the perfect couple for her baby. However, during the film, you realize that Mark Loring has some fears about the baby.

I'm not going to go into that much detail, but this movie was funny. It's not haha funny, but intelligent funny. And it's also a bit dramatic. It's not a great film, but it's an all right film. Not one I will be rushing to get on DVD, nor one that I will pick up immediately from the used DVD bin. But I'm glad I saw it.

If Juno were a real sixteen year old pregnant teen, I would congratulate her on taking her situation into her own hands.

P.S. - I Love You

On Tuesday, January 15, 2008, I went to see the film P.S. - I Love You, featuring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. I didn't know this, but James Marsters (Spike in the Buffy and the Vampire Slayer series), was also in this movie, even though he wasn't one of the major characters.

The story is about Hilary Swank's character, Holly Kennedy, who unexpected loses her partner - Gerry Kennedy due to a brain tumour, played by Gerard Butler.

Before Gerry passes away, he writes a series of letters, addressed to Holly, so that they would be sent to her at relatively regular intervals. These letters are supposed to help her transition into a new life, and possibly into a new love. And it also gives the viewers and idea of how those two met. The storyline was somewhat plausible, but not realistic. Of course, this is a chick flicks, so for that genre of movie, the storyline was very realistic. It was also filled with sappy moments, and moments that gave you a good chuckle. It's a nice sweet movie, and it would be a good date movie, or a romantic movie - one that would make a good "night out" fun. I enjoyed it, even though I'm single. There were parts of the movie that also made me tear up and shed a few tears.

Not a weak movie, but not the strongest one either.

The Great Debaters

On Saturday, January 12, 2008, I went to see the movie The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington. This is the movie that was directed by him, and produced by Oprah Winfrey. (It was a dead giveaway when it's a Harpo Films production - Harpo being Oprah spelled backwards).

The story is about a debate team, and their triumphs over other teams... And it also deals with racism, as most of the topics that the debate team deals with are racism issues (segregation, etc.) It also tackles racism experiences through the life experiences of the members of the debate team, or of family related to the members of the debate team. It also tackles a bit of sexism as well, as there was one female student who tried out to be on the debate team, and I felt that she had to work extra hard to prove that she was just as good, if not better than any other student who tried out to be on the debate team.

A heart-felt story with very good acting from Denzel Washington. It is also a very emotional story, and some parts of the film will probably get you to tear up a bit.

I saw this movie with my neighbours, the gay couple whom you know as Raoul and Rupert, and according to Rupert, this movie will win an Oscar. I like movies, but I don't know enough about films to be able to fathom a guess.

Alvin and The Chipmunks

On Tuesday, January 8, 2008, I went to see the movie Alvin and The Chipmunks. This is a movie based on the characters Alvin, Simon and Theodore, the singing chipmunks.

A children's movie that involved some modern day music and laughs. There were also characters from the cartoon that were present, like their manager - Dave Seville.

The premise of the movie is that the three chipmunks lived in a tree that was cut down for a Christmas tree by a company. And they eventually found themselves from the tree, to Dave's house. After some initial mayhem, (i.e. Dave finally coming to terms that he has some singing chipmunks on his hands), the film starts to get rolling.

And then this leads into the storyline of Dave trying to teach his chipmunks (or children, if you will) about the value of life, and not to let fame and fortune to get to their heads... However, the owner of the record company - Jett Records, decides to exploit them. Puts them on tours, won't give them rest, and creates a whole bunch of merchandise. In fact, the chipmunks are so exhausted that they cannot perform live, and have to lip sync their concerts.

You also have the classic mischievous chipmunks who make a mess in the house, etc.

A modern twist on an old classic. Enjoyable. The only thing was, we had a kid in the theatre who wouldn't keep his mouth shut... But I guess that's to be expected in a family film. Although, I think the parent(s) of the kid should have been able to control their child.

Stood up... (Ugh, men)

Last night, January 6, 2008, I was stood up. Let me explain. (This post is just to get my negative feelings out, but feel free to comment if you want to)

I returned to Montreal on January 2, 2008. Before I left for my holidays, I gave the romantic love interest a ring on his cell phone. I got voicemail (which seems to happen almost all the time). I left him a message wishing him a good holiday and that we could connect in the new year. So, on the 3rd of January, I gave him a call. He picked up the phone, so I chatted with him for a bit. This was just before when I had to replace someone for a muscle toning class, so I couldn't chat for long. The romantic love interest suggested that I call him on Saturday morning, the 5th, I called him at 9:30 a.m., and we chatted for a bit... I tried to set up a get together, but he told me that his Saturday was pretty full. He was going to work out, and do some stuff at his house, and was going to see a movie with his friend and also have dinner. So, he suggested that I call him in the afternoon of Sunday, January 6, 2008. And I did just that. I called him at 3:10 p.m., but I got voicemail. So, I told him that I was at a cafe, and that I would be leaving in about a half hour, so I would try to get in touch before I left.

At 3:50 p.m., before I left, I attempted to call. I got voicemail again. Thus, I left another message, saying that I will attempt to call when I got home, as I was still interested in getting together. I got home at about 4:10 p.m., and I called at 4:20 p.m.. The phone rang about four times (or five times), and I just hung up. The boy has a cell phone, so he will know that I called. And he didn't attempt to call me at all last evening to try to get together.

Two words: STOOD UP. I understand that something could have come up, that was urgent and last minute, but I just feel that he got my hopes up, and then they came crashing down. A friend suggested that I lay my cards on the table, and then if I don't get a satisfactory response, I walk away. This won't be happening in th next couple of days, because I'm still a bit cheesed. So, I may call Wednesday or Thursday evening. If he's smart, he would have called me by then to apologize and try to cheer me up, and promise to make it up to me. Granted of course, words are cheap, and actions speak volumes. I guess as the days continue, I'll figure out what to do. For some odd reason, I don't feel that he'll call though.

I did take the time to enjoy the rest of my evening though. I went out with two friends who are about to celebrate their six month anniversary, so we went to All you can eat sushi last night, and we had a blast. I enjoyed myself.

Happy Belated 2008!

I did not get a chance to put up a post with salutations for the new Western new year, so I thought I'd do it now.

Happy New Year (English new year)! May all your wishes come true and positive results on your project(s).

I didn't fall off the face of the Earth, it's just challenging to post when I didn't have a regular connection to the internet.