Film Fridays

Last year my sister and I made sure that every weekend we had a movie night. This usually meant we watched a tried and true favorite, so by the end of the year we had seen one film about 28 times. 

Now that the weather is officially cold (Yikes, it's already November!), my goal is to see at least one new (new to me) movie a week. This is a lofty goal, because I'm not great at sitting through movies. So I'm in need of suggestions! Here are some films I've seen and love. 

My English class recently watched Double Indemnity, so perhaps I'll have a Film Noir phase. 

P.S . . . Would you go to the movies by yourself?  Have a great weekend!

Photo via 

LOL

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Last night I had a great girls' night with Abby and Becca. We sampled different pastas, ice creams, and even had a taste tested, researched debate over two different cookies. The results were inconclusive. Wednesdays are one of my favorite days to meet up with friends, because it seriously does split up the week perfectly. Once you get over that hump, you're golden. After lots of craziness these past few days, we lightened the mood with Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Here are some of my all time favorite, laugh out loud, pee your pants films...

Vacation

Dumb and Dumber

Meet the Parents

The Hangover

Photos via 1/2/3/4/5

{Weekend Update}...Unwinding

Tubing! If you're curious, this is my all time favorite bathing suit.

After a long vacation, it always feels great to come home. I love nothing more than sliding into my bed with fresh linens, windows open, the familiar neighborhood noises trickling in, and drifting off to sleep. Finally unpacked and acclimated to normal life again (I worked tons!) I took the weekend to unwind at home. I drove with friends to Red Cedar River near Menomonie for some lazy day floating; enjoying the sun, water & nature was a great time! I finally took off my pedi, which was looking pretty shabby & lacquered my toes a hot lime! Movie night and live music at Acoustic Café also made their ways into my weekend. I hope you relaxed a bit! Didn't last week fly by? Did your weekend as well? It sure doesn't feel like Monday to me!

OPI Addicted

Popcorn + Dark Shadows at the Budget Theater

Iced chai, double chocolate cookie, live music, and Nick.

Top photo of Red Cedar River via

All other photos via Instagram

First Position

Speaking of performing and dance, I am dying to see this new ballet documentary. First Position follows the lives of six ballet dancers, documenting their training, sacrifices, commitment leading up to one of the most prestigious youth ballet competitions in the world. Released in May, I sadly haven't gotten to see it yet. But I will soon!

The Five-Year Engagement

I'm a fan of the following: weddings, comedy, Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), the movie Bridesmaids, British accents, films featuring the Midwest. Needless to say, "The Five-Year Engagement looks great! It comes out in theaters today! I'm pretty busy this weekend with a choir concert, so I might not get to see it right away.

Will you see this movie over the weekend? What are your plans? Saturday and Sunday look to be cloudy/rainy in the Cities so perhaps a movie would be perfect! Happy Friday!

Friday the 13th

Perhaps the best horror movie ever made, I think I'll be enjoying a little Psycho this Friday the 13th. Have a great (and scary) Friday, everyone! 

p.s. Have you seen this great re-creation of the iconic photo?

Photos 1 / 2

Disney for Minimalists

I'm loving these minimalist movie posters for Disney films! Although I was never a huge fan of Disney (too frilly and such), I really loved "The Lion King". Obviously, I find it to be the best poster. I also really like the Bambi one. Very cool. I'd totally put these in a children's room for a little artistic inspiration. 

What's your favorite Disney movie? Your favorite poster?

An Office Afternoon

One of my favorite shows, The Office, has now found inspiration in one of my favorite painting, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Seurat. This is one of the most genius imitations I've seen in a long time. Now, let me gush about The Office. I worried that the show would take a sever hit in ratings after Steve Carell as Michael Scott left. However, the writer & actors have really stepped up their performance. Every episode I've seen this season has been top notch in wit, humor & occasional raunch. Well, done, NBC. If you're feeling inspired by this beautiful piece of art, check out Abby's blog for her column of Artistic Inspiration! 

Painting via

14 Actors Acting

14 Actors Acting is one of my favorite works of all time. It came out a while ago, but I find myself going back to it over and over. All the short clips feature only action & music, no narrative or dialogue. It is absolutely brilliant. You will have a new appreciation for every one of these actors. It is phenomenal.

Featuring: Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Tilda Swinton, James Franco, Rober DeNiro and more.

Watch it here. 

Scared of Shadows

Happy Groundhogs Day! So, what is the consensus in your neck of the woods? Six more weeks of winter or are you going to have an early spring? Also, remember to watch the movie today!

Photo via; Melissa Farlow

Parenthood

Parenthood is already on its third season on NBC, proving that I'm a little behind the times. I've been wanting to watch it, but I can't seem to find the time. I've always very much liked Lauren Graham. She was absolutely endearing in Gilmore Girls. Over break, I discovered that Parenthood is on Netflix! It's been a never-ending marathon of it ever since! I'm already completely engrossed in the lives of the Braverman family. The acting is great (Lauren Graham & Peter Krause); the parents are weird, protective & sometimes completely unprepared. The kids (Max Burkholder & Savannah Paige Rae) are utterly adorable. This may be one of my new favorite shows. 

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander (via)

     I saw the American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo recently & was very much impressed by it. Before my actual review, here are some things I thought were great.

Christopher Plummer (Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music) is in it!

Via

Rooney Mara had no piercings prior to filming this role. 

L via; R via

Character Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) wears his glasses in a funny(hanging on one ear) yet chic & attractive way. 

Via

     Horrifyingly graphic & intellectually engaging. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a raw thriller both cerebral & violent. I must admit, I have a weak stomach. However, I find that unnerving bluntness is completely necessary. Without giving away too much: viewers would find it difficult to empathize with such a bizarre character if not exposed to her traumatizing experiences. At points, we as onlookers feel simultaneously violated & responsible as Lisbeth is assaulted. Visually terrifying, scenes are extremely real & therefore much more frightening. Unlike sic-fi, many of these incidents are far too frequent in reality. Her blossoming relationship with the curious journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) adds a sensitively (but not overtly) romantic element that creates a beautiful whole of emotions. 

     The mysterious plot that is the backbone of the entire story is fascinating. Hardly predictable, the turns & surprises may give you whiplash. It picks up quickly with a pace that's exciting, but allows sense of ease. We are emerged in the complex story; not thrown. The plot thickens as mysteries unravel nowhere until finally we sit shocked. By the end of the lengthy film (it doesn't feel long) we are fulfilled. The mystery is solved. Yet there it's bittersweet. With the task completed, characters face different situations. Some of happiness & love, others of embarrassment & heartache.

    I was skeptical to begin with. I was disturbed during it. Afterwards, I was amazed. Great film, great adaptation. The soundtrack is an exemplary supplement to the visual aspect. All in all, a must see.