I'm wearing two belts...

Oldman, Firth and Hardy oh my!

Summer!

Summer is here!!

Melbourne is alive with protestors, christmas decorations and royalty. The sun is staying around longer and trying to convince me to take up lawn bowls. Not only are the drinks cheap but it would be great for my nonexistent upper body strength and moon skin.

Although apparently it is going to rain for the rest of the week. Bummer

hey yumbo, yumbo italiano

So I am trying to stay away from chocolate as apparently in large doses it can lead to obesity. But this has become problematic after an evil friend introduced me to these babies...

They are M&Ms filled with peanut butter... I know incredible!

I don't normally enjoy peanut butter, as it tends to brings back childhood memories of health food shops and the weird machine that poos out peanut butter clag. But these things are AMAZING! Just the right amount of sweet and salty mixed with artificial colours.

and yes I am aware M&Ms are not Italian.

This is what I know

It appears that I have been away from the blogging world for one month now. I have no reason as to why,  I haven't really accomplished anything new.

What have I been doing?

I guess I've eaten a lot, had one too many cups of coffee...

But what I do know is I've spent a crap load of money at the movies!

In the last month I have seen :

Captain America


Friends With Benefits


Little White Lies


Sleeping Beauty


Beginners


Green Lantern


Love Crime


The Illusionist


Bad Teacher


Beautiful Lies


The Help

So all in all over the last month I have spent about 24 hours and $170* at the movies.

The best of this bunch was Little White Lies followed by Friends with Benefits.

The worst was Sleeping Beauty. This was so so bad.

I'm still hanging out to see Cowboys and Aliens, maybe that should be next.


*This does not include choc tops, factor that in and I spent thousands.

This must be the place.

This Must Be The Place is a new film starring the ever wonderful Sean Penn. It looks bizarre but I can't wait to see it!

The music is pretty great too!

so long dear friend

The boy who lived is gone.

We spent many years together. He took me on adventures and introduced me to his friends. I shall always remember the time we shared, whether it be the trips to Diagon Alley or the laughs we had over a hot butterbeer.

Ah the fun we had hiding from Filch and Mrs Noris during late night shenanigans, lucky we had that invisibility cloak and Marauder's Map sure helped too!

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows - Part Two was always going to be a tricky one. How do you say goodbye to a friend, one you have grown up with and invested so much in? Will anything live up to the standards of your imagination?

When I read the final book for the first time, I remember being satisfied yet ever so slightly disappointed and unfortunately I experienced a similar feeling with Part Two.  Don't get me wrong the film was great, as a potter nut it didn't disappoint, however there was just something... missing!

I can't put my finger on it...

Actually I can, it was that bloody epilogue.

Not only was it completely unnecessary for anyone with an imagination but I am now seriously concerned about what we will be wearing in 19 years time. It appears that the fashion world is about to be highly influenced by mid nineties fashion. Fantastic.

Errrr. I think I need to see it again before I make my final assessments.

I think Neville's beautiful face would be reason enough.

Oh yeah!!

You May Drive Me Anywhere!

After a well received stop at Cannes, Nicolas Winding Refn's new film Drive will soon be arriving in Melbourne. Starring the oh so handsome Ryan Gosling and sometimes infuriating Carey Mulligan I am hoping for great things.

Although it is not scheduled for general release until October, it will be closing the Melbourne International Film Festival on the 6th August! I can't wait!

If only the MIFF closing film tickets weren't so darn expensive...

Sydney, I love you?

Apparently it has been announced that they are putting together Sydney, I Love You. I say apparently because I sincerely hope this isn't true.

I loved Paris, Je t'aime, I watched New York, I love you but Sydney... really?

Paris worked so well because it was an original idea compiled in a uncomplicated way, New York did not work as they complicated the formula and added some of that 'hollywood' poison. I can only imagine that Sydney will be inundated with Erinsborough and Summer Bay residents, and well that speaks for itself.

John Polson announced that he will produce the film alongside Gary Hamilton. The film is slated for a early 2012 production.

This section of Paris je t'aime is the bees knees and all other films simply fall short...




This one makes me smile too...





With all that said, Sydney, I love you may very well be utterly enjoyable. Australia definitely has the talent and Sydney's ok I guess.

It's just I can't help but think, I love Melbourne more.

Beans

As I had a bit of time to spare this morning, I thought I might try a new cafe for my walk to work coffee.

I always visit the Brunswick East Project whenever I stay at Hotel Donaldo and was recently informed they had opened a new cafe on exploration lane in the city. The League of Honest Coffee and has a very similar feel to it's sibling with polished concrete floors, sparse furnishings and snazzy machines. But really it's all about the coffee!

And oh boy do they do it well!! Their Padre beans change with the seasons, but whatever bean they choose it's all good.

They also have some the same tasty baked goods as Brunswick, which are very hard to resist.


Only a 5 min walk from work, success!!

Mmmm

An hour long train ride can be rather tedious. I normally keep myself occupied by listening to music or other peoples conversations, today however I'm going go be one of those people who read.

My first start is the MX and I must say I'm particularly impressed. As today they put this on the front page





There was also an article about RRR's Community Cup but I was slightly distracted by Dan Sultan's beautiful face.

The MX also told me where to find Melbourne's best job. Here I could enjoy free beer and an xbox room! It sound alright I guess.

Luckily I now also know that if someone spits on you via twitter you have been spweeted! Who knew?!

Now onto my book!

Argh... Reading in movement is too hard. Glass family you will have to wait, the Glee soundtrack is calling me.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Brrr it's cold in here

Melbourne you are so beautiful

But so so cold.

Why do you force me to spend more money on coffee, clothes, movie tickets. Why...

Although, I am partial to a good woolen jumper so maybe I should just quit complaining and be more like these guys...




I think this look would be good for me. Let's try shall we

Oh my lordy...

This is amazing!
Two of my favourites banding together for a lovely camping trip.

Swoon




There are just too many jokes to make about pitching tents and heading to Brokeback Mountain Argh!!!! I love it!

Working working working

My question of the day is.... (drum roll please)

Is working really worth it?

Pretty deep I know! But as I sit here at work, playing on my phone instead of answering emails I can't help but think I could be doing something else. Anything else really..

I could be sleeping, traveling, cooking, learning to skateboard! But alas I am working.

Working working working. I'd better get back to it, I've only got another 40 years of it!!

Harry Harry Harry, HARRY!!!!!

Oh Harry, how I am beyond words devastated that this adventure is coming to an end. When you are gone what will send me running to midnight IMAX screenings dressed in my quidditch best.

It wont be Optimus Prime or Jack Sparrow and it sure as shit won't be those twats from Forks. Although the 3D reboot of Titanic might do it!

All that aside, my point is, Harry you will be missed...

You love them all over again

I don't know if I needed to know that David likes his ladies on a pedestal...

But Margaret you do make me laugh and David you neck beard is filling out nicely!!


oh and can you please review It Happened One Night as part of your Classics. Thank you

My Idiot Brother! Hey I have one of those....

My Idiot Brother is a new film staring Paul Rudd, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer and Steve Coogan about... you guessed it, an idiot brother.

The first preview made it look a little lame however preview number two is here and I think I like it!

Please see for yourself

I do love me some Coogan. Everyone should go out and rent Hamlet 2, it's classic!

and yes this looks good too.

Top 5 Cinematic Royals

Even though Royal Wedding fever has calmed down for the time being, after spending far too long job hunting I'm starting to think maybe a royal life is what I need.

There are many wonderful cinematic examples of the exciting and sometimes dangerous life of a royal. Disney love the royals, cartoon or live action they don't discriminate. History is packed with them too, but who is the greatest most powerful movie royal of all time!!!

So here we go, my favourite movie royals and why they are so very grand!

5: Philippe - The Man In The Iron Mask (1998) - Philippe was born the unlucky identical twin of King Louis XIV who spent many years imprisoned with nothing but an iron mask.

This is a hugely under appreciated film, not only does it have an amazing cast (Irons and Depardieu to name a few) but it also manages to combine humour, sex and suicide with the pretty boy looks of Dicaprio to make a late nineties masterpiece.

And for a little bit of trivia - This film won Leonardo DiCaprio a Razzie for worst screen couple. He played both parts of this couple... now that's a pretty good effort!

4: Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989) - This is my favourite Disney cartoon ever. She sings, she swims, she brushes her hair with a fork.

Whilst already being the daughter of King Triton she manages to bag herself a Prince, who happens to be the best looking cartoon Prince. Eric hubba hubba!!

3: Strider/ Aragorn/ King Elessar Telcontar - Lord of The Rings (2001) -
                                                          

Whatever you call him, it's all good!

2: Princess Ann - Roman Holiday (1953)

- Everyone at some stage has wanted to leave all their commitments behind and escape through Rome on a vespa with a handsome newspaper man.

Getting a haircut, eating ice cream and hanging with Gregory Peck all in the life of a run away Princess.

Sign me up please...


1: The Prince of Persia (2010) - Although not born of royal blood Prince Dastan proves he is more than capable of rising from the streets to take this crown. Not only is his gun show the hottest ticket in town but his parkour is so hardcore I can't take my eyes of him!!

Men Who Hate Women

Although I think David Fincher is a bit of a errrr.

I'm pretty excited for this one.

I should really try and read the books again.

Also can't wait for another round of Bond action! He's just so dreamy

Twitter you are dead to me.

DEAD

My Kind of Party In The USA

Jimmy and his musical escapades continue to entertain me.

Friday and then this... Brilliant!

The Trip

Last year there was a 6 part series on the BBC, following comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing fictional versions of themselves on a restaurant tour of England.

I think this looks great, although I should really just track down the tv show. yes that's what i'll do, amazon here i come!

Tintin takes a ride on the Polar Express

Is it live action or is it cartoon? Argh 3D again! I'm really not sold on this one.

 Stevie, Pete what else you got?

Twitt errrrr

A friend today was going on and on about how great twitter is and it got me thinking. I can be pretty hilarious and sometimes there is no one to share it with... sad right, well not if you're a twit!

So I signed up and i'm giving it a go.

Not really sure how it works but I figure it can't be that hard. Although I fear i'm going to encounter my main blogging issue which is tricking people into following me.

However two hours later and I have my first follower. Yes he doesn't appear to converse in english but he does have 15,921 followers so I count this as a win!!

5 Books To Never Read...

In the midst of a mid mid life crisis!

I am currently experiencing the joy of a mid mid life crisis. A time when you can reflect on what you have and what people expect you to have. This is definitely a time to steer clear of certain texts that will cause you to contemplate where your life is going.

Here are a my top five books to avoid whilst enjoying a mid mid life crisis:

1. Gone With The Wind: Yes Scarlett O'Hara was a conniving bitch, but she was married three times by the time she was thirty.

2. Revolutionary Road: Thinking you are/deserve better than the people around you, will lead to an early death.

3. Oxford English Dictionary (or any dictionary for that matter) : There are lots of words you don't know and will never know.

4. Little Women: One mistake can ruin your life. Josephine March you know what you did.

5. any Harry Potter: I am 24 and have no magical powers! Enough said.

This is the last one I promise...

I thought their performance at Eurovision was a-m-a-z-i-n-g until I saw this...

Best Video EVER!! Air piano in the snow... argh brain explosion!

This Week's To Do List!

I hope Hotel FM has an album, otherwise I will not only be cold and lost but sad too...

Something Gossiped

I love trashy rom-coms and to say I am a little excited to see Something Borrowed is a bit of an understatement, the only problem is finding someone to see it with. It has been getting some pretty terrible reviews and is not really hipster enough for my snobby north-of-the-river friends.

However I think I may have found a review to swing their votes...

"Something Borrowed is so fluffy that the film is more like an extra long episode of Gossip Girl than a realistic portrayal of love and friendship." popsugar.com

I realise this was meant to be an insult but actually, to those in the know, this is the ultimate compliment. If only Blan were in it too.

and yes I am quoting Popsugar!

i too thought eurovision was lame?

Oh but how quickly things change! Trumpet dancing... classic

Jersey Floor: Episode 2

This is an amazing show can't wait for the next episode!

By Far The Best Royal Wedding Photo

Look to the bottom left hand corner...

Ah bless.


**Vanity Fair now tell me she is Prince William's goddaughter, Grace Van Cutsem and she does not like loud noises**
  *meet grace van cutsem the tiny frowning bridesmaid who stole the show*

New Harry Potter Preview.. OMFG

They have just released the newest Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 preview and it is just kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic!!

It is so very new youtube don't have it but watch it Here on iTunes Movie Trailers..

Now it's up, amazing....

I hope they know what they are doing.

Since it was announced that the Chaser's Royal Wedding Commentary has been canned, Australia seems to be turning on the royals... at least on social media.

This one made me laugh!

The Chaser's War on the Queen...

Unfortunately the ABC have bowed to pressure from the BBC and cancelled the planned telecast of The Chaser's Royal Wedding Commentary.

This is a tragedy.

The telecast was cancelled due to restrictions imposed by the royal family, but I know the Chaser boys will have the last laugh. We will just have to wait and see...

Below is the Chaser's open letter to the Queen

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/27/3201822.htm

** People who are getting here from facebook, how did you find me?**

Harry and His Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part One is now out on dvd and I want it. I am so excited by it as it must mean that Part Two is just around the corner.

Warner Bros. have released some new pictures and they are quite ok. I can't wait!

Oh Neville nice cardy!!

Jackpot!!

There were three in the bed and the little one said...

Murundak: Songs of Freedom

Murundak: songs of freedom is a new Australian documentary following the Black Arm Band and their songs and stories of resistance and freedom.

The Black Arm Band is bursting with Australia's finest musicians including Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Bart Willoughby, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan and the late Ruby Hunter. Their songs, full of passion and strength, tell of the past and present with a melodic grace. Murundak is not a concert film rather it uses the music to recall history, these artists sing of their stories and those of the Aboriginal people.

I was lucky enough to attend a screening where we were gifted with a Q&A by filmmakers Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham, as well as an intimate performance from one of the stars Dan Sultan.

The ever so talented
(and super handsome) Dan Sultan
Go buy his amazing album
"Get out while you can"

Murundak is an important film, Filmmakers Gadd and Graham spoke of their wish for this film to get people talking. It was a labour of love to get this Murundak made, and it was surely worth it. We should know these stories, however shameful some may be, and Murundak is a perfect way to start.

This film is fantastic, moving and funny, Murundak stays with you.

Go see it.

It's deadly!

Fight For Your Right - Revisited

Stand ready to be served...

This is a tad bizarre but I love it! I'm pretty sure it is a preview for the new Beastie Boys album, and I'm positive it's amazing.

Gus Van Sant is Restless

Recently there has been a lull in the pretentious art house film genre. I didn't even get around to seeing Sophia Coppola's Somewhere, however I think I will fill that void with Restless.

I love pretentious film making, and I am sincerely excited about this movie. Henry Hopper (Son of the late Dennis Hopper) and Mia Wasikowska star in the latest film from Gus Van Sant.

Having just re watched the preview I think i'm really just excited about Henry Hopper. I hope he's legal... I should check that.

The Adjustment Bureau

Don't you hate it when you are told it is going to be a beautiful day, so you wear a t-shirt, but then the heavens open and you are left cold and disappointed. The Adjustment Bureau is a little like the Bureau of Meteorology.

The Adjustment Bureau was billed as 'Bourne meets Inception' full of action, suspense and intelligence, but really it's a predictable hollywood love story.  

On the eve of his greatest loss, up and coming politician David Norris (Matt Damon) encounters a beautiful and elusive woman. She consoles him and tells him to be honest and he will recover, they kiss and then she leaves. Later he is catching the bus to work and who should he run into but this very woman, this time they exchange names and numbers. But because of this everything changes... As this meeting was never meant to happen. Norris has gone off plan. Norris is quickly visited by the adjustment bureau, a group of hat wearing men who control the paths of all mankind, and he is informed he must stay away from Elise (Emily Blunt) or risk a lobotomy.

Now, the cast was top notch including the ever dashing Roger Stirling and the ideas behind The Adjustment Bureau were really quite interesting, fate vs will, love vs success. If this film had been made in Europe I think it would have been amazing. Maybe I should commission a darker German version? Daniel Bruhl or Michael Fassbender could star...

But anyway,

Even with the beautiful cast and snazzy ideas, The Adjustment Bureau left me cold and disappointed. 

Lars Von Trier is Melancholia

Melancholia is the latest film from Lars Von Trier, the man behind Dogville, Dancer in the Dark and Antichrist. Over recent days the Internet has been abuzz with theories behind this preview and the film itself.

Melancholia has been billed as 'a beautiful movie about the end of the world' however when it comes to Von Trier first impressions aren't always correct. Von Trier likes to keep his audience guessing so I guess we will have to wait till the Cannes Film Festival next month, where it is expected to screen, to discover what Melancholia is really about.

Snowtown

Australia has always made great independent films, although they don't tend to bring in the masses. That is until recently.

After the success of Animal Kingdom and Samson and Delilah people are starting to take note. More risks are being taken and the public are thanking them with bums in seats.

The latest Australian film to grap my attention is Snowtown. Based on the horrific South Australian murders, the look and feel of the film is reminiscent of Chopper and Animal Kingdom.

“Snowtown is a sophisticated character drama with an engaging yet horrific twist. In this chilling and compelling true story, we go behind the headlines and experience one of the darkest chapters in Australia’s modern history, a gruesome series of murders known as ‘the bodies in the barrels’. Australian filmmakers have a rich history of creating socially relevant cinema based on true-life crimes, as in The Boys, or larger-than-life criminals, as in Chopper, and Snowtown continues in this vein,” said Ruth Harley, Chief Executive of Screen Australia.

Snowtown looks terrifying, if advertised well, this film will do very well and undoubtably propel the actors careers.

I wouldn't be surprised if Cinema Nova have a Meet the Filmmaker Q&A for this one!!

Coincidence?

Please do me a favour and watch the three previews below.

There is something about them that has been bugging me.

The Fighter: Paramount/Relativity Media/Mandeville Films - 2010

The Adjustment Bureau: Universal/MRC - 2010

Mildred Pierce: HBO - 2011

I am a lover of movie previews, I can spend hours engrossed in them. I was intrigued to discover that the same piece of music had been used in three prominent releases over a span of 10 months. These three films all received large amounts of publicity and where expected to have successful releases, so why choose the same music?

I have a few theories.

1. It is a great piece of music.

This piece of music, which remains nameless due to the internet being difficult, is perfect for previews.  Not only is it dramatic, but the rhythm pulls you in the story and somehow made me feel like something unjust was taking place. It may just be me, as I am a sucker for string instruments, but I wanted to care about this characters.

2. It makes things familiar, so it's easier to connect.

Unlike a popular song this piece of music is not instantly recognised. The preview for The Adjustment Bureau was released first in May 2010 and it instantly stood out to me, by the time The Fighter preview came along in September, I couldn't automatically connect the two. However I do remember watching it repeatedly and feeling a sense of familiarity, I put it down to The Fighter being a great film but now i'm not too sure. I think they wanted me to think that.

After the success of The Fighter at the box office and during awards season, I think the people behind Mildred Pierce decided to stick with a good think. By using the same music it gives the impression that their film is of the same class, a winner!

It is a risk, as you don't want to associate your film with a stinker, however it is possible that instrumental music it is subtle enough to go unnoticed by the majority of viewers.

3. It was purely accidental.

This speaks for itself. It is possible that all the parties involved stumbled across the music and simply thought it was nice. Maybe they don't like watching other companies previews and didn't notice the repetition.


I like to think it was all part of a plan for Mildred Pierce and The Fighter. And I guess The Adjustment Bureau got in on the game accidentally due to the film being released last. So everybody wins!!

Crazy, Stupid, Love Love Love Love

Ryan Gosling what can I say...

So amazing!

This movie looks wonderful, great cast and great abs. I will even overlook the recycled joke from Knocked Up and gush about it for months. 

This Makes Friday Look So Good!

This is so fantastic. However I think it will most likely be taken down by the powerful multicoloured  peacock..
We will just have to wait and see

Meet the Filmmakers

Another month another Cinema Nova Meet the Filmmaker, this month (being April) will see the hubba hubba Dan Sultan grace us with his presence. Cinema Nova will host an advanced screening of Murundak: Songs of Freedom followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham, Dan Sultan will also play a live acoustic set. This event has the potential to be fabulous. 

Murundak: Songs of Freedom invites us into the heart of Aboriginal protest music following The Black Arm Band, as they take to the road with their songs of resistance and freedom. The Black Arm Band was formed by some of Australia's finest musicians including Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Dan Sultan and the late Ruby Hunter. 

A while ago I blogged about two upcoming Meet the Filmmaker events, one for 127 Hours and the other The Way Back. Although I did attend, I never managed to blog about them. Oops!

So here they are, my opinions.

In February I headed to my local cinema for an advanced screening of Danny Boyles new film 127 Hours, followed by a Q&A with adventurer Aron Ralston.

The film follows the true story of adventurer Ralston and the events that led him to amputate his own arm in order to survive. James Franco stars as Ralston and gives a surprisingly powerful performance.

I found Ralston to be very funny, personable and a wonderful storyteller. He spoke of how this experience has changed his life for the better and if he had his time again he wouldn't change a thing. I was interested to learn that Ralston had had a large part in the production of 127 Hours, he originally declined Boyle's request to make this film, as he wanted to create a documentary similar to Touching the Void, he reconsidered once Boyle explained his vision.

Ralston was not afraid to share the painful elements of the story, he wanted the film to capture the days he endured with as much realism as possible. Ralston even allowed the personal and emotional footage, he had shot for his family during the fateful days, to be viewed by Boyle and Franco.

Ralston stated how he had maintained contact with the danish family who had found him walking the canyon after amputating his arm. And as fate would have it, the now 18 year old boy who had witnessed a man clinging to life in the Utah canyon was now picking fruit outside melbourne and was sitting in the audience. Very cool!

The Way Back is the new film from Australian filmmaker extraordinaire Peter Weir. About a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian Gulag during World War II and walk the 4000 miles to freedom in India, the film stars Ed Harris and Jim Sturgess.

It is a mesmerising film with an incredible attention to detail. The film was shot in Bulgaria, Morocco and India and the cinematography takes advantage of the impressive surroundings, bringing the viewer into the journey. This is a very powerful film, exploring human strength and kindness.

I was very excited to hear from Peter Weir, I've seen The Truman Show a few too many times and studied Picnic at Hanging Rock last year at uni. The Way Back is his first film since 2003.

The Way Back is based on true events, however Weir commented on how there had been controversy over the accuracy and ownership of the walk. It is now known that the walk and similar walks took place, however the people involved are debated. Weir decided to create fictional characters and concentrate on the events and the spirit of the journey, similar to his film Gallipoli. He simply wanted to capture a moral truth.

A number of detainees and survivors from the Siberian Gulags were present in the audience. They all spoke of their gratitude to Weir for shedding light on a little known element of WWII and with such grace and compassion.

Mr Weir

Thank you for The Way Back, however please don't leave us waiting another 8 years for your next film.

Your sincerely,

LaDash

Bridesmaids

Currently I am obsessed with weddings, I love them and therefore am trying to encourage all my friends to get married. These friends were very happy to hear that Judd Apatow (of Freaks and Geeks and Knocked Up fame) is producing a new film entitled Bridesmaids which should hold my attention for sometime.

Bridesmaids tells the tale of Annie, who is trying to plan her best friends wedding as well as put her life together. It has a very promising cast, starring SNL's Kristen Wigg and Maya Rudolph. As well as Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy and the oh-so handsome Jon Hamm.

I may or may not have seen an early edition of Bridesmaids, and although I am not permitted to divulge any information, I am very excited for its June 30 release. Until then I may just watch the previews again.

Kristen Wigg I want to be just like you. Please.

Still Mediocre

I have once again become very lazy with blogging. Now that I'm no longer travelling my daily activities are not exactly exciting. Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy spending my days going for coffee and watching Toddlers and Tiaras, however I am probably capable of more.


So from now on I will welcome you into my riveting yet ever so slightly mediocre existence. Full of unemployment and living with parents... I promise I will be interesting! 


To start I will re-watch my Amanda Bynes collection, get some ideas.


I even used blue text, gives it a little extra don't you think!!

Which Floor?

Another parody of another amazing show. I would definitely take a ride to the Jersey Floor.

Jimmy Fallon I think we should be friends. You, me and Jimmy Kimmel, we are the three best friends that anyone could have..

Tantrums and Tiaras

Jimmy Kimmel Live is fast becoming my favourite late night talk show. First he dazzles me with his short shorts and now he references one of my favourite guilty pleasures.

Toddlers and Tiaras has to be one of the most enjoyable and disturbing shows, where American stage mums often outshine their fame hungry children. Pageantry is a very strange world and Kimmel and Hanks have captured it perfectly.

This also gives me the urge to watch Little Miss Sunshine again, or maybe Big!

The Oscars

The Oscars have been and gone and I must say it wasn't a very exciting year.

I did giggle a few times, and Kirk Douglas was pretty fantastic. However, the hosts were average, James Franco looked like he didn't really want to be there and Anne Hathaway was very over the top. I doubt this was really their fault, rather the material they were given was very weak.

I think comedians are needed to engage an audience for oscars many many hours. But then again, Huge was great 2 years ago. That might just be because he is so darn pretty.

So, overall what I am saying is they need funny/dreamy people to host from now on.

I did enjoy Ron's song to Hermione too.

The lack of award upsets also made the whole event a little dull, I was wanting an underdog to prevail the whole night. If even I can pick the winners then something is off.

Humpilates? Anyone?

Jimmy Kimmel is known to be a bit of a dag. After a feud with Matt Damon and a love affair with Ben Affleck, Kimmel is now concentrating on improving women's health.

He does have lovely legs...

Nova, You've Done It Again

Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, Denis Vileneuve's adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad's play is a cross-generational mystery spanning never-ending wars between ideologies. Upon the death of their mother adult twins Jeanne (Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) are informed that their father is not dead and they have a brother they never knew. Charged with the responsibility of delivering each of these strangers a letter, Jeanne travels to the Middle East where she discovers that while her mother was disgraced in her childhood village, she was a legend for others during times of war.

The above is from the Cinema Nova website, I think maybe they put the wrong picture up? It's a similar name, I guess?!

Made me giggle...

Because I have too much homework to do, I have been going through my holiday photos. This may just be my favourite!

Shall We Dance James?

I really don't understand James Franco. He has been a friend and foe to Spiderman, appeared on a daytime soap, published a book, attended university, romanced Kimiko-tan and rode the pineapple express.

He is also hosting this years Oscars with Anne Hathaway which, judging from this video he posted online recently, should be a hoot.

I can't help but love him!

 Anne still makes me angry...

Don't Make Me Whip My Hair Back And Forth!

People are saying another Annie remake is in the works, directed by Ryan Murphy and starring Willow Smith.

Sounds like a train wreck to me.

Please, Please don't do it.

PLEASE

How Do You Know?

How Do You Know tells the story of Lisa, (Reese Witherspoon) who after being dropped from the USA softball team is forced to reevaluate her life. She quickly becomes involved in a quirky love triangle with a baseball star (Owen Wilson) and a down on his luck businessman (Paul Rudd).

This film was very enjoyable, nothing extraordinary, but enjoyable none the less. It follows a common rom-com pattern, however the very likeable and talented cast make up for the predictable storyline.

The film also goes a little bit deeper than the everyday rom-com. Handling the ideas of failure and starting over in a more mature and realistic way.

If you can overlook the predictability of current hollywood films, and are after a few laughs I know you will enjoy this film.

Welcome to Summer!

I'm back in Melbourne and raining. Its raining and muggy and I want to go back to Europe.

I shouldn't complain, otherwise next week will be boiling and then I will be whining again. 

Meet the Filmmaker

Cinema Nova has two rather exciting events in the near future, the first is an advanced screening of Danny Boyle's academy award nominated film 127 Hours. The film follows Aron Ralston, who was forced to amputate his right arm after becoming trapped whilst hiking alone in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. The advanced screening will be followed by a Q&A with Aron Ralston, which will be an amazing opportunity to understand the courage and determination he needed to survive.




The second is another Q&A this time with legendary Australian writer/director Peter Weir, who is in town to promote his latest film The Way Back.  The Way Back recalls the escape of prisoners from a Serbian gulag in 1940.

I'm a big fan of Weir and his back catalogue of work, which includes films such as Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show, Gallipoli and Picnic at Hanging Rock. This should be a great event!

However, Nova please complete your renovations and upgrade the toilets, they are not a pleasant experience. Also please rethink your choc top flavours. thank you!

Vanity Fair - The Hollywood Issue

The 2011 Hollywood Issue cover. Photographed by Norman Jean Roy

The time has come for 2011 Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue, this year they chose to highlight the most exciting actors/actresses of the moment. Anne Hathaway takes main stage alongside her costar Jake Gyllenhaal, Oscars co-host James Franco and one Mr Ryan Reynolds. The others highlighted include Jennifer Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Jessie Eisenberg, Mila Kunis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Garfield, Rashida Jones, Garrett Hedlund, Noomi Rapace and Robert Duvall.

This years selection of actors/actresses is far greater than 2010, probably because they have returned to highlighting those who have longevity in their careers rather than just the flavour of the month. Or maybe it's just because of the lack of vampires...

I'm really loving Joseph Gordon-Levitt, he looks so dapper! I also hear he is set to join the caped crusader on his final Nolan adventure, which unfortunately Hathaway is also attached.

une autre boulangerie

I spent the last 2 weeks relaxing in Montmartre and I think I found the greatest bakery in Paris. Le Grenier a Pain Abbesses is located on 38 Rue Abbesses and has a amazing selection of bread, cakes and pastries. On most days there is a line of at least 15 people waiting for a selection of there favourites, but it is well worth the wait.

My favourites are the basics, traditional baguette and the trusty pain au chocolate. Amazing!! If you are in the Paris area I would definitely pay this place a visit.

Lock and Key

Whilst out walking I needed to cross the seine so stummbled across the Pont des Art. At first you think, yes it's another bridge so what? but then you look closer...

Pont des Art

Maybe a little closer..

It turns out this is the place to go to publicly declare ones love for another, by placing a lock on the bridge. There were hundreds perhaps thousands of locks lining the bridge, although it is a bit of an eyesore, I guess it's romantic. Apparently it is a bit of a trend at the moment and similar bridges can be found across Europe.


 

The Tourist

Played tourist today and revisited some important Paris monuments, here are my photos..

Notre Dame

Arc de Triomphe

Sacre Coeur

Crepe Shop

It was a wonderful day, and have to say the crepe shop was the real highlight. Mainly due to crazy french Jonathan Rhys Meyer crepe maker man!

Brrrr.. It's cold in here

Today it was cold, ice cold...

Cafe de Flore

I decided it was about time I went to a lonely planet approved cafe. My choice was the 1880's cafe, Cafe de Flore where "Sartre and de Beauvoir essentially set up office, writing in its warmth during the Nazi occupation" (thanks guide book).


Cafe de Flore!

I was warned the prices were "lofty", however I was pleasantly suprised. For 5.50 euro I received a cup with a jug of coffee and a jug of hot milk which turned into at least 2 cafe cremes! Success...




My Cafe Creme


Cafe de Flore also receives extra points because of the helpful staff. When I ordered with my terrible french the waiter didn't immediately answer in english, instead responded with slow and clear french leaving me feeling a little less like a tourist. However when the man sitting next to me tried to have a conversation, this feeling passed pretty quickly...

That Time of Year Again.

Although some people think I have problems, movie awards seasons is my favourite time of year. I have been pretty excited over the last few months and now the oscars are within sight, I feel it's about time I write down some predictions.

Best Actor - Colin Firth

Best Actress - Natalie Portman

Best Supporting Actor - Batman

Best Supporting Actress - Amy Adams

Best Director - David Fincher

Best Film - The King's Speech

Best Supporting Actress will be the only surprise of the night, it is without a doubt the tightest race. The favourite is Melissa Leo but i'm going for her co star Amy Adams. Although I really hope it goes to Jacki Weaver..

PS. last year i was completely wrong..

Also there are lots of awards i wont predict, it would take too long!

Can You Believe It?

I went to the movies again...

 The Kings Speech

I should start by saying I love Colin Firth and in my eyes he can do no wrong. I was obsessed with A Single Man, loved Love Actually and do we really need to mention Pride and Prejudice… so maybe this will be a little biased but I’ll try not to be.

By now I would say most people with slight interest in cinema have heard about his film, the awards have been piling up and I’m sure there will be more to come. The film takes place from 1925 up until 1939 and centers around King George VI and the man who helped him overcome his stammer.

All performances deserve praise, Colin Firth is perfect as the vulnerable King and Helena Bonham Carter is wonderful as his caring other half. Geoffrey Rush is once again terrific as speech therapist Lionel Logue, and proves he is one of the greatest character actors around. However, I mustn't overlook Guy Pearce who reminds us of the brilliance that is his acting ability (remember Memento??).

The acting aside this film is flawless. The music, set design and costumes work together perfectly to bring the audience into the story. I left the theatre feeling completely satisfied and uplifted, and I didn’t even have a choc top.

People take note, come Oscar night I have no doubt Colin Firth will deliver a stammer less acceptance speech.

Black Swan

OK… I really think there should be some sort of warning about this film.

It really freaked me out. Scared the bajeez out of me, and i'm not sure what else to say…

Black Swan follows Nina and her quest to be the perfect ballerina. Nina has worked very hard to please her overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey) and her demanding company director (Vincent Cassel) , and things just go downhill when she is chosen as the lead for a new production of Swan Lake.

Darren Aronofsky's last film was The Wrestler which received lots of acclaim left me with mixed feelings, and this is exactly how I also feel about Black Swan.

Natalie Portman is terrific as the tortured Nina. The film is also very sharp, creating an unnerving amount of tension and anticipation. However I'm not sure what, but something was missing, possibly the supporting casts character developments but then again i'm not sure if that would have been necessary?! So really the more I think about it, this film was a very intriguing exploration of the human mind and the idea of passion vs madness.

It is definitely worth a look, but be warned it is not a happy two hours and is not particularly enjoyable in the traditional sense.

Also, I think Natalie Portman will win the Oscar this year.. and I will continue to have nightmares.

Notes

Notes: Music & Coffee

Whilst trying to stay out of the rain, I found a great cafe in St Martin's Lane, just near Leicester square. I say great as it was just like one of my much loved melbourne cafes, good music playing, friendly staff, simple yet tastily food and most importantly strong coffee!

I made two trips here over my four days in London and was equally impressed both times. They had a variety of coffee and coffee preparation methods and small meals including focaccia and croissants. The cafe also includes a music/book/dvd shop, which mainly seemed to concentrate on classical and independent releases.

 



Tattooed barista, where have you been hiding??



My coffee and focaccia... yum yum