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.