Daily DVD

American Beauty. One of my favorite films of all time. I was lucky enough to work at the theater when this came out, and watched the trailer an unhealthy amount of times. I was surprised to read about the hipster backlash against this movie, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's been just the right amount of time since it came out for people who were younger when they watched it to be nice and cynical about it. I think it holds up, though - I will never get tired of watching it. I remember thinking it was the screenplay I always wanted to write and was very envious of how twisted and sharp it was. Just writing about it now makes me want to watch it again! Love it.

Daily DVD

I love Amadeus so much that I look forward to watching it repeatedly, and I do watch it at least once a year. One of my favorite moments (and there are several) is the oboe solo during the Serenade for Thirteen Wind Instruments, when Mozart is trying to get it on with Constanze and they start his music without him. Perhaps it's because I used to play the oboe, or perhaps it's just because it's such a great scene and sets up the rest of the film so well, I don't know, but it's just such a haunting piece - juxtaposed with the bawdiness of their exchange - I just adore it.

We've already gone over my love for period pieces in the Age of Innocence post. I don't love a film just because it is a period piece, but I am a strong supporter of very good ones. An ex-boyfriend once said I have impeccable taste when it comes to those types of movies, and I still take that as a compliment. Amadeus is much more than a p.p., obviously. It's much more than a historical biography or classical music showpiece. It truly is a gorgeous piece of art, and anyone who has never had the pleasure of watching this film needs to go out and purchase the dvd immediately. I guarantee it's worth a purchase, not just a rental. And make sure your surround sound is ready to go - it will need to be on 11.

(500) Days of Summer

(500)Days of Summer - Summer is a bitch, but I can't say I don't understand her.

Up In the Air

Up In the Air looks amazing. George Clooney looks impeccable, as usual, and the whole movie is just gorgeously shot. I'm not a big fan of Vera Farmiga, but I actually enjoyed her character here, even though I saw the ending coming from about a million frequent flyer miles away. Even Anna Kendrick, who is unbearable in the Twilight franchise, is charming here. This was a rental, but it is so slick and fun to watch that it will be a purchase in the near future.

Daily DVD

Almost Famous: Oh, Cameron Crowe. Oh, Kate Hudson, before you were A-Rodded. Oh, thee of the Golden God. This movie is completely awesome and still holds up, though it's not one I look forward to watching repeatedly, for some reason. I do know that I used to find poor Frances McDormand so annoying and intrusive, but now that I've had a little Rolling Stone of my own, I can kinda see where she's coming from. She was a bit too protective, though - I should really watch this once a year to make sure I don't become 'that mom'.

It's Complicated

It's Complicated, (or 'It's Beige', as it is known in some circles) is another bland effort by Nancy Meyers, the queen of entitled 'rich white ladies' problems' movies. Although I enjoyed 'Something's Gotta Give' (for some reason that one works for me, although it clearly has its problems), and I find the principle actors (Streep, Baldwin and Martin) beyond charming and adorable, it never really took off for me. There were some really good moments, and Krasinski is adorable and funny in one very memorable scene, but overall it fell flat. No matter - it's Netflix. Just send it off and on to the next!