3D movies, a tired trend

Whether its desperation for large box-office draws, or just a newly re-discovered facet of cinematography, a series of movies have been produced in 3-D. Between Disney, Pixar, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and all major production companies, several movies are currently, or were recently playing, in 3D and IMAX theaters internationally. Personally, 3D may make money but it doesn’t increase the quality of a movie. Watching
“Alice in Wonderland” and “Up” without the feature was just as visually entertaining, if not better, due to its less distracting nature. Personally I believe that the trend reflects Americans desire for a distraction from the current tumultuous economic and political situation. Just as movies like “Up in the Air” and “The Hurt Locker” reflect current issues, oppositely the public wants distractions from day-to-day stress. This trend happened during the Great Depression, and no doubt is happening in our current one.
In theaters now include “Clash of the Titans” (Warner Bros.), “How to train your Dragon” (Paramount), and “Alice in Wonderland” (Disney). Recent Oscar winners include “Up” (Disney-Pixar) and "Avatar" (Fox). Movies to wait for include “Shrek Forever After”, opening in May, and yet another “Step-Up” movie to be filmed in 3D and released in August. Well all I can say is this trend just seems to be getting started, though I’m not entirely a fan. Don’t be disillusioned by CGI and special effects. Hopefully some movies made this year will have a deeper meaning other than profits.

Remember Me, Poignant Perfection

Beginning, not as a love story but a relationship story, “Remember Me”, starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin, explores the tragedies and aftermaths of two NYU students, Tyler Hawkins and Ally Craig. Each ravaged by grief, as Tyler’s brother committed suicide and Ally’s mother was murdered on a subway platform, the two bond and keep each other balanced. But as Tyler approaches his 22nd birthday, he feels a deeper loss for his brother, who died at the same age. He feels a deeper sense of anger toward his father (Pierce Brosnan), who fails to treat his children, especially young daughter Caroline (Ruby Jerins), with love and support. And moreover, Tyler struggles to find his own life’s purpose. Through his relationship with Ally, his unconditional love for his sister, and wearing patience with his father, “Remember Me” reveals an emotional, sincere story that audiences everywhere can relate to.
The film takes on an artsy perspective appropriate for its SoHo locale, while evoking the stories of real people and personalities. The acting in its entirety was interesting, but especially from two fresher faces. Emilie de Ravin’s charming performance made the movie honest and realistic. Playing an intelligent and witty college student, de Ravin filled Ally’s character with life. The screenplay writer Will Fetters deserves credit for illustrating such a believable relationship between Tyler and Ally, though the actor’s chemistry together is enough to make “Twilight” fans brush off Pattinson’s character’s bond with Bella as just a fling. But holding her own in this film was Ruby Jerins, playing Tyler’s sister Caroline. Delving into the role of a sensitive young artist who yearns for acknowledgement from her all-business father, Jerins shines in every scene, emerging as a sweet, but wise sister who cares deeply for her older brother. While the movie is admittedly a tearjerker, more so at the end, it is a story of life and the passing of time that all viewers can appreciate.

To be completely honest, I was speechless for hours after seeing this movie. I highly suggest watching it because, not only is the acting humorous and moving, the story is relatable and pure. There is no plot to this movie. It’s about life and its repercussions.

Whip It

In Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It”, an eclectic cast and flat screenplay fail to live up to the potential of the unique plot. I finally got the opportunity to see this movie, and while I was interested in seeing how Ellen Page emerged in this role, I can’t help but see Bliss Cavendar as a less bloated extension of Juno. Bliss joins a roller derby team, the Hurl Scouts, which quickly develops into a quirky life lesson for the high school senior. However, complications arise around her age, and around her weakly described relationship with musician Oliver (Landon Pigg) who she met at the derby. The movie was ultimately a flop as it combined underutilized stars, with irrelevant newcomers. SNL front woman Kristen Wiig emerged more so as a mother figure to Page’s character, rather than as her goofy, humorous self. Barrymore limited her own performance to that of a tough but spacey skater named Smashley Simpson. And then you almost wonder why Marcia Gay Harden took the role, playing Bliss’ beauty pageant mother in this coming-of-age story. Though her performance was the most believable out of the bunch. The best acting came from Jimmy Fallon, who showed off his humor the way that Wiig should have, playing derby announcer 'Hot Tub' Johnny Rocket. Alia Shawkat, playing Bliss’ friend Pash, Carlo Alban, as Bliss’ young boss named Birdman, and Landon Pigg’s portrayal of Oliver, were all unnecessary distractions from the story. Also completely unbelievable was the rookie’s ability to skate amongst ‘professionals’ in the league. Overall the movie was uninteresting and a misstep for Barrymore. Better luck next time.

Palm Beach Polo

I spent Valentines afternoon glimpsing into the seemingly exclusive lifestyle of Palm Beach’s International Polo Club. The hierarchy is readily apparent and somewhat archaic, but in the most charming way possible. Stepping onto the grass-gilded front row, I witnessed my first Polo match, and while it validated every stereotype I could have imagined, I had a great time. For those whose expertise in the rules of Polo (the terrestrial kind, not Marco...) is limited, well so is my knowledge of the game so if you are curious, http://www.internationalpoloclub.com/polo/polo-101/ gives an accurate description. But even if you are ignorant of the rules, the experience is worthwhile. The affair begins with a brief trolley-car ride to the less extravagant side of the field. After sitting through three chukkers (one polo match consists of six chukkers), and the boisterous antics of a seemingly tipsy announcer, half time ensues, during which champagne and ice cream are served to adults and children respectively. And, as per tradition, spectators scatter across the field stomping on portions of the grass uprooted by horse hoofs to ‘reset’ the lawn- in high-heeled boots and all. Obviously a “Pretty Woman” reference or two slipped as the task was completed. But as the ‘Palm-Beachers’, clad in over-sized sunglasses and neon-green bow-ties, returned to their seats, the match resumed, and then ended in an overall victory for the team Lucchese, earning the Ylvisaker Cup. Eagerly I anticipate returning in April at the end of the winter season, but until then I plan on brushing up on the rules of the game.

John Mayer's Battle Studies tour 2.4.10

John Mayer delivered an outstanding performance last night, which featured a combination of hits off of “Battle Studies” as well as favorites from his previous albums. Emerging from behind a curtain-screen surrounding the stage, on which red and black images of Mayer’s silhouette were projected, the concert began with “Heartbreak Warfare”.
Mayer’s concerts exude charisma, as the singer is able to connect with his audience, even in a crowded arena. During “Vultures”, Mayer stepped aside from the mic and allowed the audience to chant the chorus. Prior to playing “Perfectly Lonely” he asks, “Any single people here...Any happily single people? Few in number, strong in voice.” And before playing “Edge of Desire”: “From 10 o’clock to about 2 o’clock. It’s a crazy time and this song was born of that time.”
But it was after “Half of my Heart” that the singer revealed his quirky personality by playing a portion of “Dreams” by Stevie Nicks. “I imagine this would be the response to this song”, Mayer claimed.
He ended the set with “Gravity”, which featured an incredible guitar riff, and rapped up the evening with two encores, “Who Says” and “Friends, Lovers, or Nothing”. The first encore made the biggest impression. The curtain-screen was redrawn and the song’s music video was projected dramatically on three angles around the stage. My only complaint was waiting impatiently for his performance to begin. While opening band Michael Franti and Spearhead finished their set at 9, Mayer did not begin until about 9:45. Though his performance and quality set-list made up for the delay, the suspense was widely felt throughout the arena. But overall, Mayer’s performance proves that he is extremely talented and is truly ‘bigger than his body’.

Twitter

The way Facebook replaced Myspace in social media, Twitter has quickly risen in popularity among celebrities, businesses, and people all over the world. But 2009 was filled with ‘tweets’ that even further violated the privacy of celebrities, and 2010 looks just as bleak. Sure, they tweet voluntarily, but does E! news need to broadcast their every thought? And do we really need to know what the world thinks of Mariah Carey’s dress on the Golden Globes red carpet? The exploitation of Twitter by Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and various other entertainment news sources eliminates any initiative to find stories. Just ‘follow’ every A, B, and C class celebrity and you’re bound to find something interesting. Throw in a comment, or “no-comment” from that person’s rep and you’ve got yourself a two-minute ‘breaking news’ segment. The fast paced, instant gratification of Twitter serves as another step toward the destruction of journalism. Just this once I will praise Miley Cyrus for deleting her account. While Facebook and Myspace facilitate friendships and networking, Twitter simply serves as a celebrity GPS for TMZ and an easy-way-out for entertainment reporters.

Award Show Season's Slow Start

It’s January, and that means it’s award show season! The People’s Choice, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards inaugurated the series of star-studded events. This year, however, there has been little variation among nominees and winners in all categories. Actors like Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Michael C. Hall, Mo’Nique, Christoph Waltz, Julianna Margulies, Drew Barrymore, Kevin Bacon and Alec Baldwin won both the Golden Globe and SAG award in their categories, as well as the cast of Glee and Mad Men. The shows basically parallel each other with few exceptions (mainly because the Globes awarded more categories- director, screenplay, etc.)
Bullock also received a People’s Choice for her work in The Blind Side, while Inglorious Basterds and Glee won best movie and TV comedy for the People’s Choice and the SAGs, respectively. While the winners are all deserving of these awards, the other talented nominees deserve some recognition. Otherwise, why have so many awards shows if they do not offer a diverse list of honorees?
But we can be sure that the Grammy’s (January 31st) will offer new nominees, and optimistically, I look forward to the Academy Awards (March 7th) for a little variation.