1/3/09

At The Movies

I love going to the movies – always afternoon matinees. And, no matter if I've just eaten, I must have popcorn and a coke.

Here is my list of favorites for the year – because they were not only well-made and well-acted, but intelligent, and left me thinking about issues or ideas in new ways.

The Reader
This could be my favorite – wonderful and thought-provoking.
Possibly the saddest story of all.

Slumdog Millionaire
This should have been depressing, but turned out to be uplifting, mainly because the director didn't force or linger on the terrible events.

Doubt: How could such a superb movie leave me feeling jilted?

Rachel Getting Married
The best, most interesting wedding I've ever been to!
(Yes, that's a blue elephant wedding cake.)
Anne Hathaway is surprisingly terrific as a dark, tortured character,
and I also loved all the other actors. Hmmm, maybe this was my favorite movie.


Vicky Christina Barcelona
With direction by Woody Allen, you know a summer romp has to have some tangled relationships. The city of Barcelona and the architecture of Gaudi play fabulous supporting roles.


Happy Go Lucky
For about the first 15 minutes, I was ready to strangle Poppy – she was so annoying. I couldn't relate to her lifestyle or attitude (or sense of style). But that changed. Besides, I'm always impressed by anyone who can ride a bicycle in city traffic in a dress and high-heeled boots, AND stand up in the pedals!

Did I miss any? What were your favorites?
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20 comments:

alice said...

I'm so glad to hear a good review of some of these movies.. they have been on my list and now I will definitely have to see them!

I love independant movies too and just saw The Boy in the Striped Pajamas... it was incredibly intense and powerful. Not a light movie, but excellent none the less. I also loved The Diving Bell and the Butterfly- very inspirational story and and Julian Schnabel's artistry is amazing!

I'm off to the movies!

pve design said...

I resolve to see more movies! I loved Rachel getting married too - off to see the others, thanks for the review!

My friend loved the book, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I love intense movies.

Odd though, I cannot eat in a movie theatre.

Courtney said...

love this round-up!

Topsy Turvy said...

Alice & Patricia - I'm not sure if I just missed Boy in Striped Pajamas or it never came here, but I did want to see it. Unfortunately, we now have only 1 theater that shows indies here. I will look for it.

Alice - I actually had Diving Bell & Butterfly on my list until I realized it was released late in 2007. But now I'm not sure if I saw it in 2007 or 2008! You're right - it was a great one, and not depressing at all like I thought it would be!

-Lana

Topsy Turvy said...

Courtney - thanks!

–Lana

Maya said...

The Reader and anything with Meryl Streep in it..., I think I've seen all of her movies. But I do usually wait till the films come to my living room -on demand or HBO.

Cote de Texas said...

thanks for this - I'll keep it for the reviews - I am a video movie watcher - always three months behind the world! I can't wait to see the Reader!!! and the Woody Allen One and the Wedding one!!

Happy New Years!
Joni

ArchitectDesign said...

I loved these movies too! I would include Mamma Mia in the list -just because it's such a fun movie :-) But Doubt was undoubtedly my FAVORITE film of the year!

Topsy Turvy said...

Maya - I'm curious - what did you think of Meryl in Mamma Mia?

Joni - those are all great. Be prepared for lots of nakedness in The Reader. It all seems very natural though.

-Lana

Topsy Turvy said...

Stefan - I thought Mamma Mia was the most fun/awful movie I've seen! I loved it, and did think about putting it on the list ... but then there was Pierce Brosnan's singing. Ouch.

-Lana

vicki archer said...

Thank you for the movies - can't wait to see all of them, xv.

Topsy Turvy said...

Vicki - Hope you enjoy them.

-Lana

Velvet and Linen said...

Several of these are on my must see list already.
Like Joni, I am a video rental movie watcher.
Can't wait to see them!
Thank you for the list.

xo
Brooke

Visual Vamp said...

I love afternoons at the movies!
This is a great synopsis for sure, and very helpful since I like your taste and style.
I got a long way to go before I catch up with you!
Have a wonderful 2009!
xo xo

Topsy Turvy said...

Brooke - I seem to have a problem staying awake when watching movies at home. Guess I just get way too comfortable.

Valorie - Thank you! And Happy New Year to you too.

-Lana

annechovie said...

I wondered what "Slumdog" was like - it looked interesting. Happy New Year, Lana!

Topsy Turvy said...

Anne - Slumdog is great - it's a bit intense, but you should see it!

-Lana

Maya@Completely Coastal said...

Haven't watched it yet. I'm not a fan of musicals, but will give it a try once it's available..., for that one I wait until it's on HBO I think..., I have to admit though that I do like Abba...

Anonymous said...

I very much enjoyed Ghost Town; not Oscar-worthy but a very sweet romance of the 1940s genre.

Topsy Turvy said...

Anon - I missed that one. I'll have to look for it on Netflix - sounds good!

-Lana