Greetings,
We are nearing the end of National Poetry Month, and I've been sharing a lot of what I write with others in order to celebrate it. But I wondered what else I could do as we honor those who embrace the written word, so I thought I would tell you all about some things that have always been a big inspiration to me - movies about writers. There are a lot of good ones out there, and maybe you haven't heard of some of them. So, I'll be sharing a few with you all today. And I'm not just talking about films that have writers in them. I mean ones that are really about writers. You know the difference. Now I could have done a Top Ten list or something, but I don't think I could even rate all these movies that way. Therefore, I'm just going to randomly talk about some of them in a bit of a rapid fire way. I'll save the details for if I review them. Or if I've reviewed them already. However, if I was going to do a list, let's start with what I would put at Number One.
That's right. It's The Whole Wide World. I think this was the first review I ever did on this blog, which is good because it's one of my favorite movies of all time. It's D'Onofrio and Zelwegger at their best. And while on the subject of films about real life writers, I suggest Infamous, the Capote biopic that I personally think was better than Capote. Sorry. Though the latter may be a good one to watch as well. Sylvia was pretty good, albeit a bit depressing, and Saving Mr. Banks is a winner, if you don't mind disliking the protagonist. Yes, I consider P.L. Travers to be the protagonist. For something more fantastical, may I suggest an oldie but a goodie, Hans Christian Andersen. It's got music! And dancing! And Danny Kaye!
For some more modern takes on, not only writers and their process, but how it affects and can be affected by their relationships, may I suggest the Edward Burns penned, Purple Violets, a great family film starring Morgan Freeman called The Magic of Belle Isle or Starting Out in the Evening, which, I think, contains Frank Langella's best performance. Each of them shows how those who come in and out of our lives can have an incredible impact on our work as writers.
If you want a scare along with your inspiration, I suppose the best place to look is the movies that have spawned from Stephen King books. This is where Misery and The Dark Half come into the picture. I've said it before; I'll say it again. I can't believe he wrote a book giving people writing advice when his fiction seems to want to keep people far away from the profession.
Some critically acclaimed writer films that I like include Wonder Boys, which was shot near where I live, and I still like it despite a few of its flaws (Cough, cough...Robert Downey, Jr...cough, cough), The Squid and The Whale, which I like despite a few problems I have with it...like the younger son character. Just no. I also like Stranger Than Fiction, as it has a unique concept to which many writers can relate - the concept that our characters aren't just characters.
Unfortunately, not all the writer movies I like have been received so well by critics and audiences. Paper Man, Authors Anonymous, Stuck in Love, to name a few. Not everyone was crazy about these, but I like them. And that's all that matters. Because I am awesome.
I could go on and on when it comes to this subject, but that's all I'm going to tell you about today. Whilst I believe these movies can inspire writers, I don't want reading my blog to distract said writers from writing. But as I said, I did full-on reviews of quite a number of these before, as well as of ones I didn't mention here. Hopefully, you'll find some films you can enjoy, and if you are a writer, I hope these stories will inspire you.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, April 28, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Nancy Drew - Movie Review
Greetings,
So, I'm pretty smart, right? And I've always been that way. Even when I was a youngster. Also, I love mysteries. Whether it's Sherlock Holmes stories or the cases on my favorite show, Law & Order, I like figuring things out with clues. Good times, indeed. So, all things considered, I love Nancy Drew. Now I must admit, I've only read a handful of the books, but that was all it took for me to become a fan. And as it turns out there have been quite a few adaptations of the books, mostly on TV and by way of the PC games, which I love. (Side Note: Check out the YouTube channel of Arglefumph: The Nancy Drew Dude!) But when it comes to film, there were about four of them back in the 30's and then, many decades later came the adaptation I will be discussing today, 2007's Nancy Drew.
Nancy Drew stars Emma Roberts as the titular character, and I happen to think that she was a good choice. She had a certain charm and precociousness about her that fit the character well. The plot of the film follows Nancy, as she and her father, Carson, played by very well cast Tate Donovan, leave their hometown of River Heights and head for L.A. where he has a temporary job. Okay, Problem #1. I have no idea why they took her out of River Heights for this, her first film in about 70 years. I mean, we barely get to see Bess and George, or Hannah. What's up with that? We do get quite a bit of Ned, though, who is played by Max Thieriot. Problem #2. I wasn't necessarily a fan of this choice in casting of such an important character. Believe it or not, I think he looked too young, and I don't think he ever clicked properly. Just my opinion. Oh, and Problem #3, it's set in modern times. At least, it is when they get to L.A., even though everyone in River Heights is acting like it's 1953.
Anyway, when they get out to California, Nancy and her father settle into a house that is the center of a mystery, and she chose it specifically for that reason. Problem #4. I don't recall Nancy ever deliberately going after mysteries. I thought she always just fell into them whilst living her life. Though I could be wrong. The mystery is actually about the disappearance and subsequent death of a famous actress from years earlier. To be fair, that aspect of the film isn't bad at all. It is a decent story which moves the plot along nicely.
But in between trying to solve the mystery, Nancy has to go to school, where she's not at all liked and is picked on by the "cool girls". Although, she does find herself a little sidekick...for the entire duration of the film. Problem # ... whatever. These side characters are kind of annoying. Not knocking the kid actors here. I'm sure they're very nice and talented in real life, but I just don't know about the people they were portraying. They just seem to get in the way. I feel like Nancy would have done much better on her own. Or with Bess and George!! Okay, I have to move on from that.
Look, I know I've been listing my issues with this film, to and fro, but I do think it has some very redeeming qualities, besides the ones I already mentioned. Rachel Leigh Cook, Marshall Bell and Barry Bostwick show up in this and I think they all did a fantastic job. And from a clearly aesthetic perspective, I thought the set design was wonderful, particularly the mystery house. And I loved the wardrobe that they gave Nancy. It was very throwback to a nostalgic time. Like maybe the time in which this film should have been set. No, stop it. We're concentrating on the good things. Of which they are quite a few.
Bottom line is this. I may have some problems with Nancy Drew, but overall, it's not that bad. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but it sure as heck is not the worst. It is what it is, and what it is, in fact, is a pretty cute film. And sometimes, that's all we need. So, if it seems like something you might enjoy, give it a watch.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
So, I'm pretty smart, right? And I've always been that way. Even when I was a youngster. Also, I love mysteries. Whether it's Sherlock Holmes stories or the cases on my favorite show, Law & Order, I like figuring things out with clues. Good times, indeed. So, all things considered, I love Nancy Drew. Now I must admit, I've only read a handful of the books, but that was all it took for me to become a fan. And as it turns out there have been quite a few adaptations of the books, mostly on TV and by way of the PC games, which I love. (Side Note: Check out the YouTube channel of Arglefumph: The Nancy Drew Dude!) But when it comes to film, there were about four of them back in the 30's and then, many decades later came the adaptation I will be discussing today, 2007's Nancy Drew.
Nancy Drew stars Emma Roberts as the titular character, and I happen to think that she was a good choice. She had a certain charm and precociousness about her that fit the character well. The plot of the film follows Nancy, as she and her father, Carson, played by very well cast Tate Donovan, leave their hometown of River Heights and head for L.A. where he has a temporary job. Okay, Problem #1. I have no idea why they took her out of River Heights for this, her first film in about 70 years. I mean, we barely get to see Bess and George, or Hannah. What's up with that? We do get quite a bit of Ned, though, who is played by Max Thieriot. Problem #2. I wasn't necessarily a fan of this choice in casting of such an important character. Believe it or not, I think he looked too young, and I don't think he ever clicked properly. Just my opinion. Oh, and Problem #3, it's set in modern times. At least, it is when they get to L.A., even though everyone in River Heights is acting like it's 1953.
Anyway, when they get out to California, Nancy and her father settle into a house that is the center of a mystery, and she chose it specifically for that reason. Problem #4. I don't recall Nancy ever deliberately going after mysteries. I thought she always just fell into them whilst living her life. Though I could be wrong. The mystery is actually about the disappearance and subsequent death of a famous actress from years earlier. To be fair, that aspect of the film isn't bad at all. It is a decent story which moves the plot along nicely.
But in between trying to solve the mystery, Nancy has to go to school, where she's not at all liked and is picked on by the "cool girls". Although, she does find herself a little sidekick...for the entire duration of the film. Problem # ... whatever. These side characters are kind of annoying. Not knocking the kid actors here. I'm sure they're very nice and talented in real life, but I just don't know about the people they were portraying. They just seem to get in the way. I feel like Nancy would have done much better on her own. Or with Bess and George!! Okay, I have to move on from that.
Look, I know I've been listing my issues with this film, to and fro, but I do think it has some very redeeming qualities, besides the ones I already mentioned. Rachel Leigh Cook, Marshall Bell and Barry Bostwick show up in this and I think they all did a fantastic job. And from a clearly aesthetic perspective, I thought the set design was wonderful, particularly the mystery house. And I loved the wardrobe that they gave Nancy. It was very throwback to a nostalgic time. Like maybe the time in which this film should have been set. No, stop it. We're concentrating on the good things. Of which they are quite a few.
Bottom line is this. I may have some problems with Nancy Drew, but overall, it's not that bad. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but it sure as heck is not the worst. It is what it is, and what it is, in fact, is a pretty cute film. And sometimes, that's all we need. So, if it seems like something you might enjoy, give it a watch.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Monday, April 17, 2017
Thoughts on Stayin' Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee Gees
Greetings,
So, last night, CBS aired a big old tribute to my beloved Bee Gees. Good timing, I'd say, since 50 years ago, they hit it big in the U.S., 40 years ago, they recorded the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and most importantly, 20 years ago, they released Still Waters, my favorite of their albums. Yes, that last one is most important.
Now, anytime a tribute...anything is done, I think that those who admire whomever is being tributed are a bit wary of how it all might turn out. I certainly was when I saw the line up for this. Some of the artists I trust to give a good performance, some of them I never heard of and some of them...yeah, no. But I was pleasantly surprised for the most part. So, let me do some rapid fire reviews of all the singin'.
The whole thing started with a medley, led by Demi Lovato, for some reason. Yeah, I am SO not a fan of hers. She sang "Stayin' Alive" as part of said medley, but then they let her sing again! "If I Can't Have You", the second time. WHY! Anywho, someone named Andra Day, who I've never heard of sang "Night Fever", and later she sang "Love So Right". Tori Kelly sang "Tragedy", and then they had her sing again, but the same song. Okay, then. And Little Big Town sang "How Deep Is Your Love?" Again, once as part of the medley and then once more later. What? Why are there repeats? The Bee Gees' catalog is huge. Anyway, I didn't mind those last three singing again, because I actually like how they sing. Moving on.
Ed Sheeran sang "Massachusetts", and whilst it started a little strange for me, he ended up doing a good job. Two Jonas brothers sang, Joe and his band DNCE performed "Night Fever" (again with the repeats!) and Nick did a tribute to Andy Gibb by singing "I Just Want To Be Your Everything". I will say, they hit the high notes extraordinarily well.
As I mentioned, I was not crazy about Demi Lovato, nor was I about the appearances of John Legend and Jason Derulo. Again, not a fan of either, but lucky for them, they were paired up with much better artists, Stevie Wonder and Tavares, respectively. Sorry, I don't mean to be mean, but I have to be honest. Now back to the good news.
Pentatonix did great with "Too Much Heaven" and Panic At the Disco, a band I had heard of but never really listened to, were amazing with "Lonely Days". Might have to look into them. They gave the country hit "Islands In the Stream" to Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini, more singers I've never listened to. But again, I was impressed.
The highlights for me, personally, were Katherine McPhee singing "Emotion" (better than Destiny's Child, FYI) and Keith Urban covering "To Love Somebody". And of course, Celine Dion had to make me cry whilst performing "Immortality", the song she recorded with the Bee Gees about 20 years ago. It was a bit of an 'In Memorium' moment for Robin, Maurice and Andy, as well as her brother and husband. Yes, a lot of tears with that one.
As far as non-singing appearances go, John Travolta participated a lot, telling some great stories about the Saturday Night Fever experience. And Olivia Newton-John spoke some lovely words about Andy, who she was great friends with. I'm so glad that he was talked about so much during this special. He deserves it.
But, of course, the best part was getting to hear Barry sing and talk about all the people who were a part of the success of the Bee Gees. And he acknowledged that some of their offspring were in attendance, though none of them performed. Why, I don't know, because I do know, for a fact, that some of their kids are insanely talented musicians. Oh, well. But we did get to hear him sing "Jive Talkin'" and "You Should Be Dancing" as well as "Stayin' Alive" with all the performers. Yeah, he's still pretty dynamic, even at the age of 70. Amazing.
All in all, the whole thing was pretty entertaining. It had some stumbles, like not performing anything from my favorite album and no mention of the sequel to Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive. What's up with that? But most of the artists did a decent job. Honestly, considering how many songs the Bee Gees recorded, we might need to do this on a monthly basis. It could be a good tradition. I sure do a lot of wishful thinking, don't I?
Point is, I love the music that those three incredible men created. They have been one of the biggest inspirations to me as a writer and as a person. They gave us all so many gifts through those songs and how they achieved so much. I am eternally grateful to them.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
So, last night, CBS aired a big old tribute to my beloved Bee Gees. Good timing, I'd say, since 50 years ago, they hit it big in the U.S., 40 years ago, they recorded the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and most importantly, 20 years ago, they released Still Waters, my favorite of their albums. Yes, that last one is most important.
Now, anytime a tribute...anything is done, I think that those who admire whomever is being tributed are a bit wary of how it all might turn out. I certainly was when I saw the line up for this. Some of the artists I trust to give a good performance, some of them I never heard of and some of them...yeah, no. But I was pleasantly surprised for the most part. So, let me do some rapid fire reviews of all the singin'.
The whole thing started with a medley, led by Demi Lovato, for some reason. Yeah, I am SO not a fan of hers. She sang "Stayin' Alive" as part of said medley, but then they let her sing again! "If I Can't Have You", the second time. WHY! Anywho, someone named Andra Day, who I've never heard of sang "Night Fever", and later she sang "Love So Right". Tori Kelly sang "Tragedy", and then they had her sing again, but the same song. Okay, then. And Little Big Town sang "How Deep Is Your Love?" Again, once as part of the medley and then once more later. What? Why are there repeats? The Bee Gees' catalog is huge. Anyway, I didn't mind those last three singing again, because I actually like how they sing. Moving on.
Ed Sheeran sang "Massachusetts", and whilst it started a little strange for me, he ended up doing a good job. Two Jonas brothers sang, Joe and his band DNCE performed "Night Fever" (again with the repeats!) and Nick did a tribute to Andy Gibb by singing "I Just Want To Be Your Everything". I will say, they hit the high notes extraordinarily well.
As I mentioned, I was not crazy about Demi Lovato, nor was I about the appearances of John Legend and Jason Derulo. Again, not a fan of either, but lucky for them, they were paired up with much better artists, Stevie Wonder and Tavares, respectively. Sorry, I don't mean to be mean, but I have to be honest. Now back to the good news.
Pentatonix did great with "Too Much Heaven" and Panic At the Disco, a band I had heard of but never really listened to, were amazing with "Lonely Days". Might have to look into them. They gave the country hit "Islands In the Stream" to Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini, more singers I've never listened to. But again, I was impressed.
The highlights for me, personally, were Katherine McPhee singing "Emotion" (better than Destiny's Child, FYI) and Keith Urban covering "To Love Somebody". And of course, Celine Dion had to make me cry whilst performing "Immortality", the song she recorded with the Bee Gees about 20 years ago. It was a bit of an 'In Memorium' moment for Robin, Maurice and Andy, as well as her brother and husband. Yes, a lot of tears with that one.
As far as non-singing appearances go, John Travolta participated a lot, telling some great stories about the Saturday Night Fever experience. And Olivia Newton-John spoke some lovely words about Andy, who she was great friends with. I'm so glad that he was talked about so much during this special. He deserves it.
But, of course, the best part was getting to hear Barry sing and talk about all the people who were a part of the success of the Bee Gees. And he acknowledged that some of their offspring were in attendance, though none of them performed. Why, I don't know, because I do know, for a fact, that some of their kids are insanely talented musicians. Oh, well. But we did get to hear him sing "Jive Talkin'" and "You Should Be Dancing" as well as "Stayin' Alive" with all the performers. Yeah, he's still pretty dynamic, even at the age of 70. Amazing.
All in all, the whole thing was pretty entertaining. It had some stumbles, like not performing anything from my favorite album and no mention of the sequel to Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive. What's up with that? But most of the artists did a decent job. Honestly, considering how many songs the Bee Gees recorded, we might need to do this on a monthly basis. It could be a good tradition. I sure do a lot of wishful thinking, don't I?
Point is, I love the music that those three incredible men created. They have been one of the biggest inspirations to me as a writer and as a person. They gave us all so many gifts through those songs and how they achieved so much. I am eternally grateful to them.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, April 14, 2017
Detachment - Movie Review
Greetings,
I'm not certain, but I'd probably place bets on the idea that "Teacher Films" is an official genre. I have seen quite a few movies that deal with teachers and students and schools, some funny, some uplifting, some depressing, some...all of those things. And that might make you venture to think that we have enough of them. Well, I've seen some that make me think we do, but then, I find a really good one that makes me want even more. Such is the case with the film, Detachment.
Detachment is a 2011 movie directed by Tony Kaye and starring Adrien Brody as Henry Barthes, a substitute teacher at a very flawed school. Oh, which ones aren't these days? Anyway, can I say that I love Adrien Brody. He is just a delight, and frankly, I think this is his best performance ever. Yes, even more than that other one that got him some award. You know to what I am referring? But, I don't know, I guess I just have a thing for teachers who try to reach their students, no matter how difficult it is. And in this film, it very much is. Still, that is not the only thing with which he is struggling to do. During the time frame of the film, which I believe is about a month, there is so much happening to him and around him that it is practically overwhelming.
In regards to Henry's life, he has a connection of sorts at school with a fellow teacher, played by Christina Hendricks, as well as with a student, played by Betty Kaye, who happens to be the director's daughter. Relax, though. Whether or not nepotism had anything to do with that casting, she did a great job, so who cares? In the meantime, he's coping with his ailing grandfather, his memories of a tragic childhood and a young prostitute, played by Sami Gayle, who he tries to take care of by way of becoming a kind of surrogate father figure. So, to say that he's dealing with quite a few things would be a understatement, but watching his journey through all of it is fascinating and heartbreaking.
Actually, though Brody's Henry is the central character, there are many others with many other stories, and thankfully, they've got a pretty decent cast to carry it all out. We've got the likes of William Peterson, Blythe Danner, James Caan...Oh, speaking of him, there is one scene where he shows a young girl a picture of something and it's a bit...off-putting, to say the least. So, heads up on that one. And for me to be giving that kind of warning in a movie that deals with some seriously harsh issues, you know I'm being serious. Moving on. We also have Marcia Gay Harden portraying the principal, who is realizing that things are beginning to fall apart for her, and Lucy Liu, as the school counselor, who is struggling with trying to get through to the students, which is inching her closer to her personal edge. Both of these women are phenomenal in these highly emotional, yet believable roles.
So, yes, there is quite a lot going on here, but that's the thing about this film. Technically, it is about teachers and students and school, but if you look deeper, it's about so many of these people being lost in their own individual way and trying to figure out what is happening within themselves and in the world in which they are made to live. They're either looking for a way out or looking for a way to fix things or even both. Frankly, I think if you look passed this being "just another high school movie", which it is not, you can see the stories that are truly being told. And how difficult it is to hear them.
In the end, I would recommend Detachment. Obviously, I think it's worth a watch just for the performances, especially Adrien Brody. And while it is hard to watch at times, as I mentioned, it is certainly a film that can affect you in a very profound way. I'd say that, in this time where movies rarely do that anymore, or even try to do that, what you can get out of this movie is extremely welcome.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
I'm not certain, but I'd probably place bets on the idea that "Teacher Films" is an official genre. I have seen quite a few movies that deal with teachers and students and schools, some funny, some uplifting, some depressing, some...all of those things. And that might make you venture to think that we have enough of them. Well, I've seen some that make me think we do, but then, I find a really good one that makes me want even more. Such is the case with the film, Detachment.
Detachment is a 2011 movie directed by Tony Kaye and starring Adrien Brody as Henry Barthes, a substitute teacher at a very flawed school. Oh, which ones aren't these days? Anyway, can I say that I love Adrien Brody. He is just a delight, and frankly, I think this is his best performance ever. Yes, even more than that other one that got him some award. You know to what I am referring? But, I don't know, I guess I just have a thing for teachers who try to reach their students, no matter how difficult it is. And in this film, it very much is. Still, that is not the only thing with which he is struggling to do. During the time frame of the film, which I believe is about a month, there is so much happening to him and around him that it is practically overwhelming.
In regards to Henry's life, he has a connection of sorts at school with a fellow teacher, played by Christina Hendricks, as well as with a student, played by Betty Kaye, who happens to be the director's daughter. Relax, though. Whether or not nepotism had anything to do with that casting, she did a great job, so who cares? In the meantime, he's coping with his ailing grandfather, his memories of a tragic childhood and a young prostitute, played by Sami Gayle, who he tries to take care of by way of becoming a kind of surrogate father figure. So, to say that he's dealing with quite a few things would be a understatement, but watching his journey through all of it is fascinating and heartbreaking.
Actually, though Brody's Henry is the central character, there are many others with many other stories, and thankfully, they've got a pretty decent cast to carry it all out. We've got the likes of William Peterson, Blythe Danner, James Caan...Oh, speaking of him, there is one scene where he shows a young girl a picture of something and it's a bit...off-putting, to say the least. So, heads up on that one. And for me to be giving that kind of warning in a movie that deals with some seriously harsh issues, you know I'm being serious. Moving on. We also have Marcia Gay Harden portraying the principal, who is realizing that things are beginning to fall apart for her, and Lucy Liu, as the school counselor, who is struggling with trying to get through to the students, which is inching her closer to her personal edge. Both of these women are phenomenal in these highly emotional, yet believable roles.
So, yes, there is quite a lot going on here, but that's the thing about this film. Technically, it is about teachers and students and school, but if you look deeper, it's about so many of these people being lost in their own individual way and trying to figure out what is happening within themselves and in the world in which they are made to live. They're either looking for a way out or looking for a way to fix things or even both. Frankly, I think if you look passed this being "just another high school movie", which it is not, you can see the stories that are truly being told. And how difficult it is to hear them.
In the end, I would recommend Detachment. Obviously, I think it's worth a watch just for the performances, especially Adrien Brody. And while it is hard to watch at times, as I mentioned, it is certainly a film that can affect you in a very profound way. I'd say that, in this time where movies rarely do that anymore, or even try to do that, what you can get out of this movie is extremely welcome.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
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