My Cinematic Alphabet

Last month, one of my favorite movie blogs, "Rupert Pupkin Speaks", created his list of the best movies A-Z. I thought this sounded like a lot of fun and a challenge, but I had no idea how difficult it would be. How do I choose just one movie per letter? I can barely come up with a response to the question, "What's your favorite movie?" (I used to say "Paper Moon" just to be a bit of s snob, but truth be told it's probably "Vivre sa Vie" or "Heavy". See! I can't even pick one in my own blog and I still sound like a snob!). To make it easier, I picked the first movie that came to mind or grabbed my attention. It's interesting how many of them are somewhat personal to me; either in content or by association with a particular memory or person.

So, here goes:

A- All That Jazz

B- Bell, Book, and Candle

C- Cafe au Lait

D- Dr Zhivago

E- Edward Scissorhands

F- Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

G- Ginger Snaps

H- Heavy

I- Immortal Beloved

J- Jason and the Argonauts

K- Killer Klowns from Outer Space

L- Last Days of Disco

M- Mallrats

N- Night Watch

O- Orlando

P- Pulp Fiction

Q- Quartermass and the Pit

R- The Red Violin

S- The Salton Sea

T- Tank Girl

U- Uncertainty

V- Vivre sa Vie

W- What About Bob?

X- X: The Unheard Music

Y- Yojimbo

Z- Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession

82nd Academy Awards- Finally!!!!!

Well, this wasn’t my best showing at picking the winners but I didn’t do too badly either- 16 out of 24! I have to say, I think this was one of the best years show wise we’ve seen in a while. So many highlights! So much genuine laughter! Great speeches! I took note of it all and texted back and forth with several friend’s the whole time. I’m including the best messages I received where applicable below. Enjoy!

The whole thing starts on the red carpet and wardrobe watching. This year’s carpet was a cluster fuck (pardon the language) with people coming and going in all directions. No one seemed to know where they were going or who they were supposed to talk to. I will say Ryan Seacrest did a good job on E! but what the heck was happening on ABC? Why were Sherri Shepherd and Kathy Ireland there? {text: “Listening to her is painful. She needs to go work on her Kmart designs”} Why was Ireland standing like a cracked out Barbie doll? Shepherd did have the best line from the red carpet. While interviewing George Clooney she said, “Get the ones that don’t understand English!” in response to his girlfriend not understanding a question. Burn! It was so awkward! Now for what’s really important- Fashion!
[side note: Ladies, please stand up straight. I’m looking at you Miley Cyrus and Zoe Saldana! Come on, if Maggie Gyllenhall can learn to do you so can you.]

Best Dressed (Wow! Kristen Stewart actually bathed!) {text: “SJP looks like she has a hot cross bun on her head”}

Worst Dressed {text: “It’s canoe with his face mold!” That’s Keanu for the uninitiated}

On the Fence {text: “That dress bored me to tears” on Kate Winslet}

• What an opening! Neil Patrick Harris. Dancers. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin descending from Glenda the Good Witch’s bubble. Jokes that were actually funny. Thank god! Can we hire Adam Shankman for next year’s show now? Best line: Martin: “Oh look! Damn Helen Mirren” Baldwin: “That’s DAME Helen Mirren”. Runner up: “…plays a Nazi obsessed with finding Jews. Well Christophe!”

• When the nominations for supporting actor began I loved how this year they showed a montage of clips from the film and not just one small bit. I thought it really helped showcase the nominee’s talent and give more depth to why they were nominated.

• John Hughe’s special memoriam. I’d heard about this a few days ago and thought it was lovely, especially the shots of all the actor’s who had been in his films. Very classy and sweet.

• On a negative note, I’m tired of the way the “In Memoriam” segment is directed. I don’t give a frak about James Taylor. All I want to see is who died. Instead, we miss a few names staring at Taylor’s bald head and in wide shot of the stage. Every year! This is the one area I don’t want you to be artistic. Just show up the pictures. And, where was Farrah Fawcett? Was she one of the ones we missed while in close up of Taylor or was she simply forgotten? {text: “He is so cheesy. Wait, that’s insulting to cheese”- in reference to James Taylor}

• Maybe not a negative but certainly a “what the hell” moment: Acceptance speech for Documentary Short. Who was that wack-a-doo and why did she feel the need to shove her co-producer? {text: “She will never work in this town again! What is that guy wearing?”}

• I loved the banter between Tina Fey and Robert Downey Jr. while introducing the screenwriting award. I think that got a laugh from everyone in the audience (mostly for his real truth than it simply being funny).

• Another good quote, this one from Robin Williams: “The Governor’s Ball. Just one of the many balls being held all over Hollywood tonight”.

• I loved Sandy Powell’s dress! It’s so refreshing to see a Best Costume winner who looks like she has an idea what fashion is. They are usually such a disaster!

• TRIBUTE TO HORROR!!! I am officially submitting my petition for a Best Horror Movie category. They never get any love (not since “The Exorcist”!) However, couldn’t they have included a clip from one of Eli Roth’s movies? I mean, he was in the audience for pete’s sake and had a lot to do with revitalizing the genre.

• Another great speech: Michael Giacchino for Best Score. You are “not a waste of time”! Here here! PS- what am amazing dance performance! I heart you League of Extraordinary Dancers!

• I also loved that the Best Actor categories where presented like last year with past co-stars sharing thoughts and anecdotes about the nominees. Michele Pfeiffer’s was one of the highlights as was Peter Sarsgaard.

• Can anyone explain to me what Sean Penn was talking about? Politics in nominees? Or politics in how to introduce nominees? Huh? Please, if you know please comment below. Now I didn’t pick Sandra Bullock, mostly because I haven’t seen that movie and it looked like one step from the Lifetime Movie Network. I guess now I’ll have to see it. However, she gave a great speech. Could this be the first time someone has made so many homosexual references in their speech for a movie not about homosexuality? “My lover Meryl Streep”- Loved it! I also loved her message about and to her mother. Schön!

• Finally, it’s happened. The barrier has been broken. A woman won best director. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. I always hoped this would happen in my lifetime and am so pleased it happened to Kathryn Bigelow, a director I’ve admired for years. If I’m being nitpicky, her speech could have been better. It was just so generic. You would never know how revolutionary her win was. Take a note from Halle Berry (hell, even Mo’nique) and make a statement, give a couple shout outs! Oh well, I really don’t care. Her startled expression when she also won Best Picture was priceless!

• I win the side pool on end time of the show with an 11:05 guess. Everyone owes me a dollar!

WWQTW? part three

This was a pretty sad week for Netflix... I can't seem to remember what I was doing instead of watching movies (especially considering I was under 12" of snow for much of it), but never the less...

Hex: Season 1- 4 stars- I've already made my feelings known about "Hex". I am a total geek for it. However, now that season 2 is not even available in the U.S.A., I'm at a bit of a loss. Don't make me threaten to write you a letter BBC!

Fingerprints- 2 stars- My sister recommended this movie to me. As much as I love her, I shoudl know better about taking her advice on horror movies. You see, she doesn't like them. All I have to do is mention "Nightmare on Elm Street" and she glares at me. For her sake, I will spare you the "Event Horizon" debacle of '97. Still, she really liked this and I kept promising to watch it. The main problem is it isn't scary, like at all. It also seemed as if I had seen this movie before, but I think it was just the predictable and unoriginal premise. Back in the 50's, there was a school bus vs. train accident, killing many of the towns children (see "The Sweet Hereafter"). Legend had it that if you parked on the tracks, the ghosts of the children would push you to safety (see any movie with ghost children ever made). Of course, nothing is as it seems and a damaged young girl (see "Sixth Sense", "Poltergeist") is the only one who can see the children. There's a twist ending you see coming a mile away, Lou Diamond Philips (the measure of quality. Whatever happend to him? I mean, he was La Bamba!) and a "Laguna Beach" star (who actually does alright acting). I actually started fast forwarding towards the end just to end the madness. So, not bad enough to stop watching, but so thankful for that fast forward button.

It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia- 4 stars- My friends have been on my case for a while for not watching this show. Truth is, it looked really stupid when it came out and I was not interested. After hearing about it for what seems like forever, and it's constant mention at parties; I finally gave in. I can see why my group likes this show. We are this show. Not since "Can't Hardly Wait" have I had so much fun matching the character to a real life person I knew. these guys are mental unstable, unintentionally racist, and not very nice people. Or are they? It seems like a peek into the male psyche that I've seen before while talking with my guy friends. The epsiodes are only 30 minutes, and each disc packs about 4 hours of shows; so it's perfect to zone out to. (The Nazi episode will stay with me forever- so bad!! i.e. so good!)

In conclusion, here is what has been suggested to add to my list of best and most influential movies. To follow our club, just look for the "WWQTW" title or post label.

Happy Watching!

Part Three: Fin (in no particular order)

Princess Bride
A River Runs Through It
Shawshank Redemption
Sleepless in Seattle
Lord Of The Rings
The Great Gatsby
Pride and Prejudice
American Psycho
The Count of Monte Cristo
It's A Wonderful Life
A Christmas Story
Forrest Gump
Dark Knight
Fight Club
American History X
To Kill a Mockingbird
Full Metal Jacket
The Green Mile
Cool Hand Luke
The Big Lebowski
Stand By Me
Goonies
Crash
An Affair to Remember
(500) days of Summer
Tootsie
Patton
The Notebook
Airpane!
Alice in Wonderland
Blazing Saddles
Spaceballs
Boogie Nights
The Breakfast Club
JFK
Die Hard
Driving Miss Daisy
Steel Magnolias
Fried Green Tomatoes
Edward Scissorhands
Mary Poppins
Romeo and Juliet
Million Dollar Baby
Annie
Noises Off
Clue
Full Metal Jacket
Requiem for a Dream
Hotel Rwanda
Gladiator
Heat
Donnie Darko
Children of Men
Rosemary's Baby
Dead Man
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Inglourious Basterds
Reality Bites
The Professional/Leon
Last Temptation of Christ
Rushmore

WWQTW? part deux

Here is the completion of the original 215 movies on my most influential list . The additional selections as voted by it's members will publish next Sunday. As always, feel free to leave your opinion.

Happy Watching!

Part Two: The Turn (in no particular order)

Lost Horizon
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Rebecca
Henry V
Breathless
The 400 Blows
The Exorcist
Dog Day Afternoon
The Turning Point
Ordinary People
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Terms of Endearment
The Big Chill
Amadeus
The Grifters
Mississippi Burning
The Crying Game
Fargo
L.A. Confidential
Good Will Hunting
Elizabeth
Traffic
The Hours
Chicago
Mystic River
The Departed
Lost in Translation
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck
No Country for Old Men
Michael Clayton
The Naked City
Carrie
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Baby Doll
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
Quadrophenia
Last Year at Marienbad
Jules et Jim
Zulu
Das Boot
Wings of Desire
Rashomon
Au Revoir les Enfants
The Commitments
Delicatessen
Amelie
Trainspotting
All About My Mother
Belle du Jour
Run Lola Run
Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels
American Beauty
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Malena
Life is Beautiful
Amores Perros
Monsoon Wedding
Y tu Mama Tambien
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Shaun of the Dead
Pan's Labyrinth
Persepolis
Suspiria
The Thing
An American Werewolf in London
Battleship Potemkin
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Clerks
Gilda
Them!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Fahrenheit 451
Midnight Cowboy
Jason and the Argonauts
El Mariachi
Some Like it Hot
Plan 9 From Outer Space
Boondock Saints
eXistenZe
Hard Eight
The Sweet Hereafter
Nowhere

WWQTW?

As I mentioned earlier, I've been asked to head/host/create a monthly movie night for a bunch of my girlfriends based on the best and most influential movies of all time. The movies that you can quote and a reasonable person should get what you're saying. The movies referenced on "The Simpsons". The movies that win awards and spawn other great filmmakers. The movies that take you from a good to a great "Jeopardy" contestant.

Not a small task. However, I sprang to action! Anything that involves movies, list making, and educating my friends I'm all over.

I made my selections from AFI, the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and my Netflix. Then I slimmed the list even more by removing movies that were unavailable to rent, that were dated (in a bad way); as well as a few other gems just to see if anyone would catch them. Tricky, I know. Finally, I forced myself to stop when I hit 215 movies. This list was sent to those participating in the club (as well as my folks) who were asked to mark each as "Seen it", "Want to see it", "Don't care", or "Own it". There was also space for them to include whatever movies they felt deserved to be on the list.

When you hear a number like 215, it seems daunting. I mean, at one movie a month, that's 18 years worth of movie watching not even counting the add on's. Certainly, we are not going to watch every single movie on the list. The goal, as I see it, is to watch a select few then offer further viewing selections.

Several people have asked to see the list, so I will blog it here for your entertainment over the next two Sunday's. I will also blog about our meetings, discoveries, and thoughts. If you think I've left something off, please let me know. The list of additional titles will publish in three weeks. Happy Watching!

Part One: Epilogue (in no particular order)

Citizen Kane
The Godfather
Casablanca
Raging Bull
Singing in the Rain
Gone with the Wind
Lawrence of Arabia
Dr Zhivago
Schindler's List
Vertigo
Wizard of Oz
City Lights
Star Wars
Psycho
2001: A Space Oddyssey
The Graduate
On the Waterfront
Chinatown
ET
High Noon
All About Eve
Apocalypse Now
The Maltese Falcon
3 Days of the Condor
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Annie Hall
King Kong
Bonnie and Clyde
The Philadelphia Story
A Streetcar Named Desire
West Side Story
Taxi Driver
The Deer Hunter
M*A*S*H
Jaws
Rocky
American Graffiti
Nashville
Gosford Park
Cabaret
Network
Unforgiven
A Clockwork Orange
Saving Private Ryan
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Silence of the Lambs
In the Heat of the Night
The Wild Bunch
The Apartment
Reds
Spartacus
Titanic
Easy Rider
Platoon
12 Angry Men
The Sixth Sense
Pulp Fiction
Sophie's Choice
Goodfellas
The French Connection
The Last Picture Show
Do The Right Thing
Blade Runner
Toy Story
Ben-Hur
Miracle on 34th Street
Hoosiers
Norma Rae
Philadelphia
Glory
The Sound of Music
The Color Purple
Dead Poet's Society
Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind
Braveheart
Rain Man
Silkwood
Thelma & Louise
Serpico
Harold and Maude
Fame
The Way We Were
Wuthering Heights
When Harry Met Sally…
Ninotchka
A Star is Born
Last Tango in Paris
The English Patient
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sense and Sensibility
Looking for Mr Goodbar
Dirty Dancing
Grease
Alien
Bambi
Groundhog Day
Scarface
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Back to the Future
The Searchers
Caddyshack
The Usual Suspects
Seven
Kramer Vs Kramer
In Cold Blood
Judgment at Nuremberg
Little Women
Brick
Dazed and Confused
Night of the Living Dead
Lonesome Dove (TV Movie)
Casino
Cleopatra
The Thin Man
Mutany on the Bounty

Can It Still Be A Guilty Pleasure If I Share It With All Of You??

This post was supposed to be another depressive ramble about regret and decisions and the like, but while writing it I just couldn't take it anymore so I'm bumping up Sundays list because this is my blog and I can break the "rules" if I want to. Not to worry, sad musings on the state of my life will certainly rear their ugly heads in future.

While I understand "guilty pleasures" are by definition secret, who would I be if I didn't put your mind at ease that there is someone equally disturbed, if not more so, than yourself? As #6 will attest, I love lists. This being the end of the year, we are inundated with them and for that I am thankful.

2009's Guiltiest Pleasures (as told by me to you)

1. Young Adult Literature: This year I found myself reading more and more books designed with the "tween" population in mind. Part of the reason was I was sick of some of my favorite adult books becoming too "adult" and losing track of the story that was supposed to accompany the romance (I'm looking at you Laurell K Hamilton). Also, these books are a quick and easy read and sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for. I've always been a quick reader- I was always proud to display the results of my reading levels to my folks as they were well above my educational level- and as such, I missed out on a lot of the books young people are supposed to read. Sure, I had my fair share of R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike books, but no where near the volume of more mature fare I was consuming. This year, I seemed to be destined to correct this error. My favorite new series are "The House of Night" book's written by mother/daughter team P.C. and Kristen Cast. It takes place in a world where vampirism is a genetic curse that raises it's ugly head around puberty (symbolism anyone?). The main character, Zoey, is "marked" one day at school with the half-moon tattoo that denotes fledgling vampires and carted off to a boarding school to learn the ways of her new life. Chaos ensues and fun is to be had by all. There are about 6 or 7 books so far, and I'm really enjoying the afternoon of easy fun they afford me.

2. Bravo TV- Damn you Bravo for your marathon's of crap television that I am compelled to watch when I'm home from work. Sure, you give us gems like "Top Chef" (which is not embarrassing at all), but what about "Million Dollar Listing", "The Millionaire Matchmaker", and "Tabitha's Salon Takeover"? This is not to mention "My Life on the D-List" (which shouldn't count because I actually record these and heart Kathy Griffin), "Flippin' Out", "The Rachel Zoe Project", and "NYC Prep". I hate you and I hate that I MUST watch these marathon's when they come on. I can't help myself. I feel dirty afterward, and I lie about what I'm watching when friend's call. You are the black hole of TV and I love/hate you for it. If I can just keep myself from being sucked into your numerous "Real Housewives" marathon's I may just keep my sanity and a bit of my dignity.

3. Lady Gaga- I don't care, I'm a bit obsessed right now. I think she is so fascinating. What helped was reading an article with her in Interview that helped shed some light on what's going on in her bizarrely coiffed head. She is in on the joke people- though I think the Kermit outfit was still a bit weird. She has a great voice, it translates well to live tv, and great stage show. I can't help bopping along to her songs when they come on the radio and now, through my sister, I have "The Fame Monster Deluxe" and can coo anytime all day long. Is it only me who tears up a bit to "Paparazzi"?
"I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me...Promise I'll be kind, But I won't stop until that boy is mine...Chase you down until you love me, Papa-Paparazzi"

4. Lovelylistings.com- Okay, so maybe this isn't so guilty as I've told anyone with a love for crazy photo blogs, but it is certainly my internet find of the year. Disastrous realtor listings featuring everything from porcelain dolls galore, gross bathrooms, and the funniest thing I've seen all year: Modesty Chair . It will eat up an afternoon and you won't even notice. Enjoy!

5. Farkle- I don't know where you came from Farkle for Facebook! You used to be an innocent dice game I played with my friend Head Mess Mistress at Spider House in Austin; now you've taken over my Facebook time as well. Damn you for being so addictive and so much more difficult to cheat at!

6. Best of Lists- Surprising, I'm sure, but I can't turn away a good list. /Flim seems to post all of them, from John Waters to Tarrantino to AFI, and I eat them up. I'm sure this has something to do with how much I like to create lists.... Which segue perfectly into...

7. Award Season- I haven't missed an Academy Awards telecast since I was born, and I'm not going to start now! All year the anticipation builds- Who will be nominated? Who will be drunk at the Golden Globes? What stupid and only slightly hilarious premise will they unveil at the Spirit Awards? One of the best presents I got was a coffee table book featuring all the nominees and winners of the Oscar since it's inception in 1929 through 2002. Since then, I have carefully torn the ballot in Entertainment Weekly, marked the winners, and stowed it away for safe keeping inside the book jacket. I should really take bets... I'm usually about 85-95% accurate with the winners. Oscar night is always spent with the folks, but recently I've started a tradition of a Golden Globes party. Nibbley-bits, champagne, hilarity, is always a great recipe for a good time with friends.
[side note: Dallasites- if you too love watching the drunken antics of the Globes while getting a bit drunken yourself, let me know. I've gotta lock down a location for this years fete as people have moved-boo!]

8. Daydreaming- Specifically, intricate daydreams involving attractive famous men and the relationship we have in my head. It's kinda sad. We go to dinner, visit each others family, hang out with friends. Pathetic. This years recipients of the "It's-Only-Creepy-If-We-Ever-Meet-Or-You-Somehow-See-This" award go to:

and my current favorite:

Best Of 09

It's that time of year again when every magazine, website, and Stephen King post their Best of 2009 lists. Why should I be any different?

First, here is AFI (that's American Film Institute, not the band) official selections for 2009. What do you think?

Here are my choices for Top Movies of 2009:

[side note: Have you seen the Golden Globe nominees? Should be a very exciting, and drunk, evening. I'm already thinking about the watching party I'm going to have]

My Top Films of '09:

- (500) Days of Summer

- Away We Go

- Inglourious Basterds

- Star Trek

- Zombieland

- Watchmen

- Trick 'r Treat

- District 9

- The Hangover

- Julie & Julia

- Easy Virtue

- The Edge of Love

- An Education

In all fairness, there is still some time left this year so the list could change. I haven't seen "Up in the Air" yet (calm down, I'm going Monday), but from what I'm told it will make the list. There's still "Sherlock Holmes" and "Nine" and a plethora of other films I haven't gotten to yet.

Why do "best of's" always come out before the year is out?

And now, the worst:

- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

- Friday the 13th (please stop remaking these movies!)

- Angels & Demons

- Saw VI

- My Bloody Valentine 3D (3D is not a magic fix all, in fact, it only makes things worse)

- Drag Me to Hell

- Push

- Donkey Punch

- New In Town

(I see a bit of a pattern here... Why is it so hard to make a good scary movie? I don't even mind if it's a bit dumb, really, that's kind of a turn on. However, these are just so ridiculous I could have cried).

To make the list, movies had to have been released in the US in 2009 and I had to have seen them. I could make a whole other list of movies that just looked awful, therefore I didn't see/rent them.

What was the best and worst you saw this year??

Another Sunday, another list

So last Sunday I completed my masterwork: Best movies you've probably never seen. Now that it's over, I was at a loss as to how to continue my love of list making with my equal love of educating/torturing my readers. I've decided to take a page from Stephen King's book and continue with a list of my favorite reads.

In July, I waxed nostalgic about Goodreads.com and my need to catalog all my books. I gave a couple suggestions, but they were just that: uninspired suggestions and what's currently cluttering my coffee table. I started thinking about this last night, and have decided to tackle the subject of books the same way I did movies. Only the top, five star, favorite books would be included.

I also decided last night, that reading is a must for all future relationships. My "must list" has dwindled over time to include only two items: He must be my height or taller and he must be my age or older. I am now including that he must be a reader. Everyone I have dated hated reading and that has become a problem for me. I will not judge the quality of the reading material, simple that you put your nose in a book from time to time.

So, without further pomp and circumstance, I present:

THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ AND YOU SHOULD TOO!

(The A-F Edition)

"American Skin" by Don de Grazia- I discovered this book one day while shelving the fiction and literature section at the book store I worked at. The cover caught my eye immediately: punk rocker kneeling down to lace up his stompers. "What the hell is this," I thought? Skimming the title, the summary on the back cover, I was intrigued. "American Skin" follows the story of Alex after he runs away from home to Chicago. There, he is befriended by a group of trad skins.

[side note: There are 3 types of skinheads: Trads, Neo-nazi, and SHARPS. Trads (short for Traditional) follow the original skin from England- basically a soccer hooligan with no care for race or creed as long as your a "working man". The don't like the nazi or SHARP skins. Neo-Nazi's need no explanation as they are who we usually picture when the word "skinhead" is uttered. They don't like the trads or SHAPRS. SHARPS stands for Skinheads Against Racial Prejudices and they hate the nazi's and dislike the trads for not caring more]

Anyway, he learns a lot about himself, the world we live in, and of course, love. This was the 1st book I made all my friends read and they loved it too.

"Are You Loathsome Tonight?" by Poppy Z. Brite- I met Ms. Brite when I worked at said book store and she signed all my copies of her books! It was so exciting, and she was lovely. I think people expect authors of horror, or in her case, Splattercore, to be odd and scary people. She certainly plays into that, but is a nice and considerate person. This book is a collection of short stories, which I prefer to her novels. Her style is more disturbing than horrific (hence "splattercore"- think the Eli Roth and Rob Zombie's of the literary world). Many of her works feature themes of homosexuality and serial killers- not mutually exclusive. Is she for everyone? No. However, if you enjoy those types of films, this may be the type of book to get you into reading. EXPLICIT WARNING!!

"Black Coffee Blues" by Henry Rollins- Perhaps best known as the singer for Black Flag and The Rollins Band, Henry Rollins has parlayed his stage performance into a career as an author and spoken word artist. He owns 2.13.61 which publishes his as well as other well know singers and artists works. I have read all of his books, and the ones about travelling, about life and the things he has seen and lived, work better than when he verges on the artistic. The other positive is you don't have to know or be a fan of Rollins to appreciate his work. Start with this one or, if you can find it, "Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag" to get an idea.

"Bloodchild and Other Stories" by Octavia Butler- This book was recommended to me by Head Mess Mistress and have passed it on ever since. Ms. Butler has won many awards which is impressive considering that she writes Science Fiction. Her stories weave a delicate balance between sci-fi and literature, in many cases that line becomes invisible. This book is for looking for a quick yet satisfying and smart read.

"Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction" by Luke Davies- This is another one I discovered while working at the book store. It follows two Australian twenty-somethings as they fall in love with each other and with candy, i.e. heroin. I like to say this is the easy "Trainspotting" (meaning it's easier to read. You ever look at "Trainspotting" the book? It's written in Scottish colloquialisms. Good luck!). They also made this into a movie starring Heath Ledger that I have yet to see (it's in my massive queue) but am told it's okay. So, stick to the book. What I love about this book, are the descriptions of the characters while they're loaded. The care they still show for each other, the way they know how each other will handle their high- it's lovely.

"The Children's Hour" by Lillian Hellman- That's right- a play! I read this after falling in love with the movie starring Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn. It is about two teachers at a girl's boarding school who are accused of impropriety (read: being lesbians). Who is correct and who is lying? Why would the student's make up such a tale? What are the repercussions? I've read several plays (not counting in school), but they're not my favorite. I think mostly because they are not meant to be read, but to be acted and watched. That being said, the best ones work equally on the page as the screen and this is one of them. Try a double feature. Read the play, then watch the movie. How similar was it to what you imagined?

"From the Corner of His Eye" by Dean Koontz- This book was sent to me by my parents in a care package while I lived in Austin. I'm not sure what prompted it's purchase, as I was not a Koontz fan before, but it made me one after! It also sparked my interest in quantum mechanics and theory. The book follows several stories and people that may or may not be interconnected. There's Bartholomew Lampion who brings change to everyone around him when he is born. In another city, a man learns his fate and destruction lye in the hands of someone named Barhtolomew, though he knows no one by that name. Finally, a deaf girl who may play a part in the lives of both men. It's really good and a longer read then would be expected from the reigning king of publishing (Koontz has published over 80 books and sold more than 400,000,000 copies). Clearly something is working.

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Wow, we've finally come to the end of my Netflix list (otherwise known as U-Z Edition):

Vertigo (1958)- It is my belief that this is one of several movies people say they have seen, but in actuality, they have only seen the poster. Also on this list are several other Hitchcock movies (Rear Window being most popular), the Bond movies (with the exception of Daniel Craig), and Sherlock Holmes. Please, do yourself a favor and watch this. If you have seen it, it's probably been a while, so watch it again. It is genius. All I need to say is: Kim Novak (I want to be her when I grow up) and James Stewart. Enough said.

The Wackness (2008)- This movie made a splash on the festival scene (though I suspect it had as much to do with the star being a current Disney commodity playing against type as a drug dealer as much as it did the brilliance of the movie). That being said, its great. Ben Kinglsey is of course brilliant and the backdrop of 80's New York is priceless. It's like watching the birth of "wigger" culture without having to sit through a Jamie Kennedy movie.

What We Do is Secret (2007)- This movie is a labor of love for star Shane West (and yes, I know what you're thinking: What they hell does ex-Mandy Moore movie love interest/"er" stud have to tell ME about punk). The answer is: a lot. Based on the life of Germs front man Darby Crash, the movie takes us through the birth of modern punk- from high school to "fame" to death. It is spliced with interviews of Crash (as played by West) that were lifted from actual interviews. The music is raw and the approach to his sexuality is casual yet front and center. The bonus features on the disc make for good watching as well. Whether you are a fan or not of punk music, this true story of decline will have you hooked.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)- I realize that this movie may not be for most, but I cannot get enough of the Irish struggle for independence. I suspect it has something to do with my families own involvement, but this movie by British wunderkind Ken Loach starring Cillian Murphy, shows us a side of the conflict that we never see: What happened outside the cities, in the towns and villages across Ireland. The struggle for Irish freedom was famously fought in Dublin, but the heart of the war raged on in the fields. I loved it- it's quietness, the cinematography, everything.

Wristcutters (a love story) (2006)- This movie has become the new marker for how cool you are. If you've seen it: you are. If you haven't: well, get thee to a Blockbuster! The story is simple: boy commits suicide after he hears his girlfriend is dead, and travels to purgatory to find her. One the way, he picks up a crazy Russian and an even crazier girl. All the music is by Gogol Bordello (and from what I can figure, it is not on either of their 2 albums. I am mucho bummed by this). It's hilarious, it's about love and life and death. Seriously, it's funny too.

So, that ends my list. What have I left off? What movies do you love that feel like no one else has seen them, that are your little secret? I am always looking for suggestions. I'm not sure how I will follow this up. I like the idea of Sunday's being for list making...

On a final note, the worst movie I have ever seen (as told to me by my Netflix ratings) is:
Wow, I should have looked at how many 1 star movies I had. Perhaps that list is for another time.

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Well, my weekend has been hectic, hence I didn't even realize I forgot to post randomness yesterday! Oh well, I'll include a couple of things at the end. Now, on to what Sunday is all about:

Q- T Edition

Reds (1981)- Warren Beatty directed and stars in this film about real-life writer John Reed and his involvement with the Bolshevik Rebellion. Epic film about what it means to be American, the struggle for rights, and the rise of the Socialist party in Russia. Also starring Diane Keaton. Won Beatty a Best Director Oscar.

The Salton Sea (2002)- Val Kilmer is a meth head in LA with a scheme only other meth heads would love: Steal some famous shit. Hilarious movie with great performances by Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Adam Goldberg especially.

Session 9 (2001)- One of my all time favorite movies!!! "Session 9" follows a demolition crew clearing out an abandoned asylum before it is torn down. Needless to say, creepy stuff happens! What's brilliant about this movie, is the very low-fi approach the director takes as well as the fine writing and acting. It will scary the bejesus out of you!

Sliding Doors (1998)- say what you will about Gwyneth Paltrow, but she has made some lovely small films. This one stars her as a London woman who's life splits apart after an accident- literally. We follow both threads to see what would have happened and are left wondering and hoping to discover what has happened. I really like this movie, and her accent doesn't bother me as much as I would have expected. A great light-hearted romp when your in the mood for a romantic comedy but don't want to feel stupider after watching.

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)- I love Atom Egoyan! You cannot go wrong with any of his films, but this, arguably one of his better known, is a great introduction to this brilliant Armenian-Canadian director. This story is simple: a bus full of students skids of the road one icy day. Who's at fault? The answer isn't so simple. Ian Holm is a genius and this movie introduced the world to Sarah Polley. A downer for sure, but well worth the trip.

The Thing Called Love (1993)- Samantha Mathis (where has she been?) and River Phoenix star in this dramady about life, dreams, and country music- but not in the way you might be thinking. In the hands of director Peter Bogdanovich, it is smart, funny, and easy to watch. I love a young Sandra Bullock as Linda Lou- the lost soul and daft friend of Mathis. Phoenix is of course riveting and the performance is saddened by his death shortly after. It's almost as if you can sense it in his eyes. Love!

Now for the Randomness:

I'll keep it in the same vein as Sunday posts are supposed to be and talk about the 2 films I saw this week: "District 9" and "Inglourious Basterds". I loved both movies and suggest you run, don't walk, to them as soon as possible. I won't get into them too much, there are plenty of stories and info out on them. "District 9" shows what creativity and ingenuity can do that no money in the world can (I'm looking at you James Cameron!)- entertain the masses and prove that sometimes (I'd hazard to guess most times) simple FX are the most effective.

As for "Inglourious Basterds"- if you don't like Tarantino films, you may like this one although I doubt it. It is a film he could never have made 10 years ago when he first started talking about it. He needed the experience of "Jackie Brown" and "Kill Bill I & II" to get his storytelling to the level it needed to be. I love everyone in it and anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong. I'm sorry, but you will never convince me otherwise. I can't wait to own it and see it again!

PS- Catchphrase is the greatest game ever invented. There is nothing better than sitting around outside, drinking Mojito's and yelling at the top of your lungs.

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

J-P Edition

Jules et Jim (1962)- My favorite French film by Truffaut tells the story of a love triangle between Jules and Jim over Catherine (Jeanne Moreau). It is the definition of New Wave complete with ludicrous situations and camera angles. A must, especially now that it is available on Criterion.

The Limey (1999)- Terrance Stamp stars as a former thief tracking down his daughters’ killer. There is something magic about Terrance Stamp and Steven Soderbergh brings out the best of his actors. The flashbacks to a younger Mr. Stamp are from one of his first films, “Poor Cow”, and are further evidence of the director’s genius. Not a feel good movie, so open a bottle of wine and hunker down.

London (2005)- It took me a while to get around to watching this movie (it stars Jessica Biel after all) but boy was I glad I did. It’s a twisted love story about the one that got away and takes place all in one night in one apartment. Great acting and writing from all involved.

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994)- I love Dorothy Parker. Look her up. Her sardonic wit was legendary as was the company she kept. This bio of her mid life stars Jennifer Jason Leigh (of course) and is wonderful. Very Altman-esque with a who’s who of actors. Look for Jon Favreau in a small role.

Nightwatch (2005)/Daywatch- greatest Russian movie of all time (and the 2 highest grossing). The Nightwatch patrols Moscow and regulates all the “dark ones”- vampires, werewolves, witches; while the Daywatch patrols the “light others”- shapeshifters, magicians, etc. Some of the best effects and action sequences I’ve ever seen. The dubbed version is pretty good (the director did it himself), but the subtitles are sublime, weaving in and out of the frame keeping your eye on the action.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)- stars a very young Maggie Smith in her Oscar nominated role. She is a teacher at an all girls school and the mayhem continues from there. Jealousy, young love, and anger all play roles in this delicious film.

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

The E-I Edition

Eddie Izzard (Dressed to Kill)- A comic genius, “active transvestite” Eddie Izzard makes smart comedy for everyday people. I have seen all of his stand up, so I suggest you begin with his HBO special “Dressed to Kill”. He covers History with everything from Stonehenge to Hitler, sometimes en Francais!

The Edge of Love (2008)- Really lovely movie about Dylan Thomas starring Keira Knightly (I know, I can’t believe I recommend this one as well) and Sienna Miller (truly a gifted and talented actor). The film centers around the love quadrangle between Thomas, his wife, his first love, and her new husband during WWII. Beautifully shot. PS- Keira does all her own singing and it’s magnificent.

Equilibrium (2002)- Christian Bale and Taye Diggs star in this Brave New World/Catch-22 homage to a world without emotion, and heavily monitored by the government. Awesome fight scenes (what’s up samurai swords) and twists you will not see coming. A must for Sci-Fi nerds like myself.

EXistenZe (1999)- Have I mentioned yet that David Cronenberg is a genius? No? Well he is. Take this brilliant film starring Jennifer Jason Leigh (most gifted and underused actress in Hollywood. PS- did you see her on “Weeds”? Awesome) and Jude Law. Leigh is a game designer who has come up with the latest in virtual reality. The lines between real and fantasy blur (as they are wont to do in these types of movies) but the end will keep you guessing. Great dialog as well. One of my FAVORITE movies of all time!!

The Fall (2006)- Remember “Pushing Daisies”? That quirky little show on Fox and it’s dreamy star Lee Pace? Get your fix with this stunning film by Tarsem. What’s the movie about? Um…. I’m going to say storytelling, not really sure. However, this movie is one of the most beautifully shot and composed films I’ve ever seen. Colour just POPS out at you and you are lost in this fantasy world. The real reason this movie makes my list are the special features. I love them (special features that is). The film took forever to make, falling in and out of financing, in and out of actor availability, but the dedication of the filmmaker, the cast (Lee Pace the 1st choice and long time advocate for the movie), and everyone involved is really inspiring.

Ginger Snaps (2000)- Werewolves? Check. Adolescent teen angst? Check. Honest portraits of young women and sisterhood? You betcha. This movie is hilarious and awesome. Sometimes it’s best not to trust a movie by it’s cover. I thought this looked dumb until my father made me watch it. Thank you thank you thank you! Two sequels follow (one better than the other), but two “hips” for Canada!

Hard Eight (1996)- is the first film by critics darling Paul Thomas Anderson (of Magnolia and Boogie Nights fame). It stars John C. Reilly (the first time I remember really seeing him in a film) as a sad sack indebted to card shark Philip Baker Hall (genius. Seriously, put his movies on your Netflix). Gwenyth Paltrow also stars as a hooker who attracts Reilly’s attention but can barely take care of herself. This is not a happy fun movie. It is a bottle of wine dark room movie. That being said, it is one of the best first films I’ve ever seen.

The Hunger (1983)- two words: Susan Sarandon- Catherine Denueve kiss. Oh, and David Bowie’s in it as well. One of my favorite Vampire movies of all time.

Immortal Beloved (1994)- I love Beethoven. Seriously. Love him. So how could I not love a movie based on his life and many loves starring Gary Oldman (divine)!

Innocent Blood (1992)- John Landis used to make brilliantly funny horror movies. This one stars French beauty Anne Parillaud (of Le Femme Nikita fame) as a vampire being stalked by Anthony LaPaglia (poor dear, I can only think of “So I Married an Axe Murderer” whenever I see him). Anne is hungry for Italian and angers the mob. Hilarious w/great FX.
Have you noticed the number of horror/sci-fi movies that begin with E, F, G, H, and I? Weird.

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Okay, so I was pretty bored at work today and was inspired by one of the blogs I was browsing. Since Saturday is now random, Sunday will be lists. Feel free to add your own or argue with me about me choices.

In honor of my Netflix account being reinstated, I present:

THE BEST FILMS YOU MAY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF BUT THAT YOU MUST RENT/QUEUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
The A-D Edition
(in no particular order)

“After Life” (1999)- awesome Japanese film about the way station to the afterlife where the dead must cull through their memories and find their defining moment. Well shot and acted, it was not as depressing as it sounds.

“Agnes of God” (1985)- Meg Tilly shines as a nun who may or may not have murdered her baby and Jane Fonda is great as the psychologist sent to investigate. It’s a very calm, faded movie. Look for the dynamic Anne Bancroft as mother superior.

“Bell, Book, and Candle” (1958)- I don’t want any letters on how this is not obscure. A recent poll of my friends would disagree with you. The best movie staring Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon. It’s about a witch who bespells her upstairs neighbor to fall in love with her. You’ll want a Siamese named Pyewacket so badly afterward!

“Boondock Saints” (1999)- A couple of Irish misfit brothers take to a life of crime in this hilarious movie with “lot’s of fucking rope” and a lesion in “nameiology”. PS- They’ve made a sequel to be released soon.

“Cold Comfort Farm” (1995)- Kate Beckensale before you had any idea she existed. My Dad conned me into watching it saying it was a horror movie. (“I saw something nasty in the woodshed). I was bummed to find out it wasn’t but still loved the movie about a posh girl from London going to live with her downtrodden family in the country.

“Croupier” (1998)- along the same theme, this one featuring a young Clive Owen as a gambler and wanna be writer down on his luck. Alex Kingston (of “er” fame) also appears.
“Dog Soldiers” (2002)- All you need to know: Kevin McKidd, Scotland, werewolves, awesome!!!