Friday, February 14, 2014

Movie Review: That Awkward Moment

So...if you know me, you know I'm in love with lots of actors.  This particular movie has three guys in it that I find to be extremely attractive as well as great at acting.  I've been looking forward to this coming out to theaters and decided it was time.

That Awkward Moment
Released: January 31st, 2014
Watched: February 10th, 2014
My Rating: 8/10 stars

Starring:
Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller

Director:
Tom Gormican


The only thing I knew going into this movie was that 1- I love the cast and 2- it is a comedy.  I got the chick flick vibe of this movie, even though the main stars are the very opposite of chicks.

The movie follows all three guys and their pact to stay single after Mikey's (Jordan) character is dumped (this happens in the beginning, so it's really not a spoiler). Of course, once this pact is made, the boys all find someone who peaks their interests.

The rest of the story focuses mainly on Jason (Efron) and Ellie (Imogen Poots) and their "don't want relationship attitudes". Hijinks ensue, and there are quite a lot of "awkward moments" throughout the movie. 

There's a bunch of laughs as well as a very lovely amount of naked men (you basically see it all but the main event). 

I thought this was a super fun movie.  If you are a fan of boys go see it, and boys, if you want to impress your significant other, take them to see it.

How could it be bad, look at these cuties :) I would be happy with a movie with just one of them...but all three?!?

Efron, Jordan, Teller
Have you seen it? Do you want to? Do you agree or disagree??

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Movie Review: Ender's Game

Sometime last summer, I started a book, knowing that it was highly rated and the fact that a movie was coming out.  I only made it 41% through the book (my kindle tells me the exact percentage), or Chapter 9.  This chapter was very slow for me, and I ended up moving on to something else.  I finally decided to watch the movie...

Ender's Game

Released: November 1st, 2013
Watched: February 10th, 2014
My Rating: 7/10 stars

Starring:
Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Abagail Breslin, Hailee Steinfeld and Sir Ben Kingsley

Director:
Gavin Hood

Ender's Game is a book written by Orson Scott Card.  You can find the Goodreads page here. There is a bit of controversy surrounding this book, and OSC is a Mormon, and therefore has stance on homosexuals and gay marriage that doesn't quite fit today's growing views.  BUT - a book is a book.  It doesn't mean you have to read it, but I don't think it should be blacklisted.  This book was ages before it's time - originally published in January of 1985 (older than me).  I'm also glad that I at least read the beginning of the book so that I would have a general concept as to what the movie was about.
book cover
The movie is set 50 years after humans defended Earth against and alien race known as the Formics. The humans are working on figuring out how to prevent another attack as well as all other future attacks. They do this by training children - rigorous schooling, training, and learning of battles.  Through these steps they are looking for the next "leader" of the human army. It takes a balance of compassion and ruthlessness in order to lead well, and Ender may just be the one they have been searching for.

The movie was fun...I was able to follow it and hope for things.  I'm almost glad I hadn't finished the book yet because the ending was a surprise.  The cast was absolutely amazing, and I thought it was well done.  The effects were amazing - and at points I wondered how they had filmed it.


One issue I did have, was in the book - there was a concentration on not only Ender, but also on his sister Valentine, and his brother Peter (I got stuck in Peter's never ending chapter....).  Though both were in the movie (Val, more so than Peter) I don't think they really got the point across that they were polar opposites and Ender was a brilliant combination of them.

Lastly, that Asa Butterfield is going to grow up to be a great actor, I've loved everything I've even seen him in...now if he could just get past the awkward teen years...


Has anyone seen or read it?  I may have to try to finish it eventually - there are three sequels after all...

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Movie Review: Carrie (2013)

I love scary movies. Good ones, bad ones...pretty much any type of scary movie.  (Human Caterpillar didn't count, that was a disgusting F'd up piece of crap. I won't even dignify it with a link) But other than that, I'm a big fan.  In fact, my 10th birthday party I had a sleepover, and we watched Nightmare on Elm Street, The Poltergiest (I may have slept during that one) and finally Carrie (1976).  When the remake of Carrie came out last year, I knew I was going to have to watch it eventually.

Carrie (2013)
2013 remake poster

1976 original poster
Released: October 18th, 2013
Watched: February 7th, 2014
My Rating: 6/10 stars

Starring:
Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore and Gabrielle Wilde

Director:
Kimberly Peirce

For a remake (which I usually think stink!), this was actually not that bad.  It didn't quite have the creepy factor that Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie brought to the original, but Moretz and Moore did well enough for me. Moretz brought more of a human quality to the character than in the original, while Moore was almost just as whack-a-doo as the original.

There were a few changes made to make the movie switch from the 70's to the 10's but that is something you would expect without remaking an actual period piece.  And you almost hope for a different ending than in the first one due to the humanity Moretz brings to the role.

Moretz (left), Spacek (right)
Stephen King has an uncanny ability to make the seemingly unrealistic the very opposite.  I have yet to read this work by him, (or any of his work for that matter), but it's on my "One Day" list.


All in all, if you're a fan of horror movies, this one really isn't so bad.  But if you're looking for the creep-you-out-can't-sleep-alone type, I'd have to say the original is the way to go!

Has anyone seen the remake? Thoughts? Anyone read the book? Is this a good starting point for Stephen King?
















Monday, February 10, 2014

Movie Review: Capote

In the wake of the unexpected death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, I've decided to watch some of his more famous movies that I have not yet seen.  I've seen a bunch of his work, my personal favorite being Pirate Radio, but I thought it would be appropriate to watch the work that garnered him an Oscar. 

Capote

Released: February 3rd, 2006
Watched: February 6th, 2014
My Rating: 9/10 stars

Starring:

As most of us know, or at least have heard, PSH is one of the greatest actors ever. He had the ability to transform himself into his character no matter if they were a gay boom operator (a la Boogie Nights), a super hungry tornado chaser (a la Twister), or in this case - an extremely odd novelist by the name of Truman Capote.

Before I get into the movie, I would like to point out that the only knowledge of Truman that I had before watching this, was that he was the party thrower Lionel Twain in one of my favorite comedies Murder By Death which if you haven't seen - I highly recommend. 

So, this movie chronicles the time during which Truman Capote was investigating the story of a quadruple murder in the plains of Kansas.  A newspaper article had caught his eye, and he wanted to write an article about it, but the story engulfed him so much, it ended up becoming his best selling novel, In Cold Blood


PSH captured all of the strange characteristics of Truman Capote that made him such a unique man.  From the way he stood (stooped) so as to shorten his stature, to his very feminine like whisper of a voice.  At times, I forgot I was watching an actor portray a man.  


To watch the struggle of Capote, between right and wrong, friendship and personal interest, was quite fascinating.  Capote (assuming most of this movie is true) actually created a friendship and a bond with one of the two convicted murderers.  Watching him make the connections to their lives and upbringing was pretty intense to watch.  You could always tell what Capote (PSH) was thinking. 

I'd also like to mention, I had no idea Truman Capote was friends with Harper Lee (Keener), and that she helped him do the research for this book.  Also - a fun fact, the character Dill in To Kill a Mocking Bird was based on Capote.  TKaMB is one of my all time favorite books, so this fact made me smile a bit. 

If you have not seen this movie, do it. It's PSH at his best.  Convincing and wonderful.  It's no surprise to me that he won the Oscar for this portrayal. 

On a final note, In Cold Blood is definitely the next book I read (if I ever finish Divergent). If you are interested in ICB or any other Capote novels, you can check them out here!



Sunday, February 9, 2014

Recipe: Crab Cake Wontons

Something that I've been making for years and years is actually something I learned to make when I was about twelve years old.  My neighbors needed help "catering" a dinner - and hired me and a friend to help prepare appetizers and serve them.  Though that's when I learned how to make them, I have officially made them my own...system and all.  It's also extremely easy....

Crab Cake Wontons
Ingredients:
2 Crab Cakes - pre-made, with jumbo lumps (none of that breaded crap!)
1 package wontons - you can usually find in the soy/asian section (refrigerated)
1/4 cup butter - melted
small bowl of water

1.
Start by putting a crab cake in a bowl. Using a fork - stir until a unified texture is created

2.
Next, on a clean surface, lay out approximately half of the wonton wrappers.

3.
Then, using a fork (or your hands, or a spoon...) place a bit of the crab cake mixture on the wonton
4.
Then you will fold the wonton over - forming a triangle


5.
Next, dip the edges of the folded wontons into the small bowl of water, pressing down, creating a closed seal.  Once completed, place on baking tray (parchment paper works well for easier clean up)



6.
Repeat these steps for the second half of the wontons and the second crab cake. I do this so the wontons don't get too dried out and crack when attempting to fold.

7.
Once both trays are filled with your wontons, brush the melted butter (I used light butter) on the tops of the wontons.

8.
Place in a 425° oven for about 10 minutes.  Bake until your desired wonton color is created (I personally like them very well done, these were made for a party so not as "burnty"


Once completely cooled you can store however you want, I tend to use a large Zip-lock bag, but you can also use a Tupperware container (or just eat them all)





As of now, I haven't figured out what dipping sauce is needed for these.  I've tried dijon, and it's pretty tasty, but I personally do not think they need sauce.

Do you have any go to quick appetizers you've made? Share a link to the recipe! I'm always looking for new tasty treats.






Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Movie Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Everyone has been talking about the new Scorsese film.  I was also excited due to the nominations it received as well as the cast of the movie itself.  Not to mention in order to complete my goal of watching all of the best pic noms I would have to watch this...


The Wolf of Wall Street

Released: December 25th, 2013
Watched: February 4th, 2014
My Rating: 7/10 stars

Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie and a slew of other people

Director:
Martin Scorsese

Before I watched this movie, the only thing I knew about it was that it was about a rich dude on wall street who seemed a bit narcissistic (what I got from the trailers). I didn't read a synopsis. I didn't know it was based on a true story. But I did know it was a three-hour long saga.

The movie basically follows the life (post-college grad) of Jordan Belfort. His goal in life is to become a stockbroker and make more money than he knows what to do with.  He is married (to the mother from HIMYM) and they are happy, with dreams and ambitions.

Let's just say that the "happy" part of this story was extremely short lived.  Jordan got his first job with a company where he met Matthew McConaughey's character.  This guy takes Jordan out for lunch and basically says he needs to learn how to bullshit and do drugs to become like him. 

In an unfortunate turn of events, his first day as a licensed stock broker happened to be in October of 1987 - the worst day in stocks since the great depression.  The company then folded, leaving Jordan jobless and losing money rapidly. 

He ends up taking a job at a penny stock company, and shows them what he had learned in the big leagues.  One thing led to another - and he starts pulling in serious money.  Then in walks Hill's character, who is amazed by Belfort and his car (jaguar) and pay stub (75k in one month) and immediately quits his job to help Belfort start a company.

Fast forward a bit - Belfort starts cheating on his wife with Naomi (Robbie).  He ends up splitting with his wife, and marrying Naomi. 

this still shows a lot about the movie

The rest of the movie (which I shall not ruin for those who want to see it) basically follows Jordan and his rise in the stock world, and the obstacles he has to over come to survive the way he wants to.  The FBI was extremely interested in him, and looked for anyway to catch him.

This movie had a ridiculous amount of sex, drugs, naked things and copious amounts of overindulgence.  I'm personally not sure why it is up for best picture, or even best actor (sorry Leo), though Jonah Hill did a fantastical job!  I've been told the reason it's nominated is that it's a Scorsese picture - and people think he's some sort of film making god or something...

the real Belfort, far less attractive than Leo
This movie is however based on the true story of Jordan Belfort who has written two novels about his Wall Street life. You can view his Goodreads page here.

It's possible that this post seemed uninspired.  But to be honest, I was expecting a whole lot more out of this movie than what I got.  I know some disagree with me and others concur, but I really didn't care for this.

Have you seen it? Do you want to? What did you think?

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Superb Owl - 2014

So this was quite the disappointing year for the SuperBowl.  The game was pretty boring (and very upsetting if you were rooting for who I was rooting for).  Not only was the game a letdown - but the commercials were horrible!  For as long as I can remember, the commercials have been my favorite part of the night.  I mean, come on, I studied advertising....I remember how I'd try to shoosh my dad and his friends when it was my "game time".

For this particular game - I cooked up a whole bunch of food, and headed on down to the city to watch with some of my favorite friends from college.  As the game was about to start, I got out my notebook and pen ready to scribble down thoughts and synopsis' in order to write this post. (again - totally a nerd, I was excited to share my thoughts and took notes!!)  My Tim friend decided he wanted to be a part of this, and decided he would provide me with #hashtags for each commercial.  [Tim is an actual writer - gets paid and everything! He writes for the Bleacher Report, and you can read his stuff here!!]  I should also preface this with the fact that I was the only female there by the time the game began.  Also - for any commercials I didn't post, AdAge has them all posted here!

Tim and Jacobs - and this is just a portion of the food

quite a rowdy group of guys...Jacobs, Tim, Zach and Cade


So....
Originally I was going to go over every ad, in order.  But 1) they sucked for the most part, and 2) I left at halftime due to a nasty headache.  (Lala recorded the rest for me).  So I only have #whatTIMsays for a few of them.

I do want to touch on a few non-commercial related things.

America the Beautiful by Queen Latifiah was pretty awesome.  That lady can seriously belt it out - and she sings it the way it should be - no over emotion.

National Anthem was done by Renee Fleming.  She is an Opera singer and I had never heard of her, but her version was spot on. Sung the way it should be - with a little bit of an operatic flare...


And Joe Namath's Coat....form your own opinion.  But he also tucked up the coin toss. (you should really have someone call it before you toss it, it's kind of the general principal)
thanks for the great photo New York Post

Now - to the (used to be) good stuff.

The first ad was a Ford ad, which is very typical.  This spot was for the Ford Fusion Hybrid and had Rob Riggle and James Franco in it.  This was actually a series of ads (cost of three spots) and in my opinion - stoopid!   #BOO!
 

The next ad was the hidden camera Bud Light ad. This was also a two parter (total of 2 minutes which equals 4 spots!).  This had Reggie Watts, Don Cheadle, Arnold Schwarzenegger and One Republic.  (Also a llama and a bunch of twins).  I didn't really get it.  I feel it was way to over the top.  #WhyReggieWattsWhy? (part one) #HouseOfLiesSucks (part two)

Mazerati advertised for the 2014 Ghibli.  Everyone was surprised as to why they were advertising during the Superbowl.  Are they struggling?  It was an interesting and dark ad, but the saving grace was Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) as their spokesperson.  Tim said it best: #ThatLittleGirlIsBadAss

Finally there was a commercial that made me laugh!  Doritos Time Machine.  This was funny and well done.  Doritos did not disappoint (at least me) this year.  #CoolerRanchIsBetter

Then there was one of the most awkward commercials I have ever seen.  We all thought the man was in love with the bull or vice-a-verse.  The word beastiality was discussed, but Tim's advice was simple: #SteerClearOfThisCommercial

While the next commercial was playing, we had no idea what it could possibly be for.  We did know that John C. Reilly was the voice over though. Then the end pops up and we were all extremely confused.  #ShakeNBake

Hyundai - Genesis was a pretty good ad all around.  It was family friendly, told a background and brought it to the future.  I didn't have much of a chance to pay attention during the game as everyone was discussing the previous ad (U2 RED Bank of America) and I myself loathe the band so I was not ready to accept a happy commercial.  Tim's wise words: #VeryGoodCommercial


Then we got to see what everyone had been talking about for a week or two.  The Cheerios ad featuring the bi-racial family.  It was simple, adorable and I loved it.  It's 2014 everyone - this shouldn't be an issue.  But damn if that little girl isn't precocious. #GoodForYouCheerios

The following ad received lots of credit and was actually ranked as the best ad of the bowl.  Everyone I was watching with wasn't so impressed, but I thought the concept was neat and really got their point across.  #LastDitchEffort

Chevrolet - World Cancer Day.  We all thought this was a sad and dark commercial. Then the end happens and realized what it was advertising.  #_________

GoDaddy apparently has a new spokesperson: John Turturro.  This ad left us confused and speechless. We weren't really sure what we had just watched.  Though, once I had the chance to check out: www.puppetsbygwen.com it made more sense.  Still, Tim is correct: #creepy

Bud Light then advertised for their new re-closeable bottle top.  Not sure why they felt the need to do this, but I found it annoying. And after about ten seconds of research - this ad was released in December, so a waste of money if you ask me.  #DidYouReallyJustMarketATwistTop?

Ahh - the beauty that is Tim Tebow.  T-Mobile is really using the fact that Tebow is not signed to their advantage.  T-Mobile had a whopping three ads during the game, and to be honest I thought they were all decent.  Here are both Tebow ads combined into one. And let me just say: Sigh... #WhatWouldTimTebowDo?

Another funny ad (at least I giggled) was the Volkswagen Wings commercial.  I thought it was cute, and the ending was pretty funny.  It got the point of long lasting vehicles across too.  Tim only had this to say: #GoingToTheBathroom

One of my personal favorites.  H&M with David Beckham.  He didn't speak, which made it that much better (have you ever heard his voice?).  #Don'tObjectifyMenRachel

Coca-Cola had two ads air.  One stirred up quite the bit of controversy.  I remember thinking to myself how awesome the ad was but knowing the backlash it was going to create.  The other was a cute kid one - the safe "Classic" (wink, wink) approach. 

The last ad I watched before half-time (and proceeded to head home) was for the Toyota Highlander, starring Terry Crewes and The Muppets.  This ad is adorable and funny.  I agree 100% with Time #ILoveTheMuppetsMan

So for the rest of the post, I'm just going to post the ones that I liked or loved. Enough with the terrible....

The Budweiser Clydesdale ads get me every year.  They have outdone themselves this year.  BRAVO!

 

Budweiser also had a beautiful tribute to American Heroes.  Wonderful and heartwarming.   Budweiser (not Bud Lite) ads tend to be extremely American and I thought both of these were great ads, that may or may not have left my face a bit wet.

Audi created an Ad for the A3- about hybrids.  The ad is called Doberhuahua.  I think it may have been Lala's favorite, and at first I thought it was super creepy, then I obviously wanted my own (dog, not car). 
Another highly anticipated ad was for Oikos - which was going to reunite our favorite men from Full House.  This was a bit more raunchy than I anticipated, but I thought it was pretty funny.  And boy does Uncle Jesse look good...

There are still a few I haven't posted, but in my mind, they weren't worth my effort ;)  All of these videos were posted from YouTube. Did I miss any of your favorites?  Did you like ones that I didn't?  I still have yet to watch the halftime show - but I'm expecting it to be a hell of a lot better than the games and ads.  Let me know what you thought of the "Big Game" this year...




Sunday, February 2, 2014

Movie Review: Dallas Buyers Club

Well on my way to accomplishing my goal of watching all of the Oscar nominated best pictures.  I was very interested in seeing this particular film because the performances were supposedly spectacular....Again, this is a synopsis of the film, the end was not ruined...

Dallas Buyers Club

Released: November 22nd, 2013
Watched: February 1st, 2014
My Rating: 8/10 stars

Starring:
Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner

Director:
Jean Marc Vallée


The movie is set in 1985. Ron Woodruff (McConaughey) has been diagnosed with HIV.  During this time period, the stigma that went with HIV/AIDS was that it was something that homosexual men got.  Woodruff, however, is a homophobic man and at first denies that it's possible.  After some research, he realizes that a hooker he had sex with (without protection - oh 1985 how unsafe you were) had track marks from drugs (bing bing bing - not just butt sex!)

The movie proceeds to follow Woodruff on his quest to not die.  He was originally given 30 days to live, and he was determined to find a cure.
still from movie, as Woodruff

during movie promotion
Since HIV/AIDS was relatively new, there were no real successful treatments.  The FDA has a hard grip on things, and new treamtents have to go through many rounds of testing before it's made readily available to the general population.  Had he signed up for a trial of a new drug, AZT, he wasn't guarenteed to receive the drug, since half the trial participants received a placebo.

Ron uses his connections to find AZT, which ends up making him extremely ill.  Cut to a visit down in Mexico (where regulations are not as strict) and he meets a doctor (from America originally) who provides him with a regiment that makes him feel better.

The rest of the movie follows Ron and his creation of the Dallas Buyers Club.  This club is basically a loophole. A member pays a membership fee each month, and each member receives treatments for their disease.  They aren't doctors, they aren't charging for these drugs.  They are a group of people taking vitamins. Pretty nifty idea if I do say so myself.  Of course, with this nifty idea, comes red tape.  The rest of the movie follows Ron's battles with the FDA and basically just trying to live.

Along the way, Ron meets two people who help him.  His doctor, Eve (Garner), becomes a friend and confidant.  She wishes she wasn't so caught up in the red tape and that she could help.  She just ends up becoming his friend, even though Ron was completely in love with her.

Lastly, and (in my mind) most importantly, Rayon (Leto).  Rayon is a cross-dressing homosexual, who at first makes Ron completely uncomfortable.  Ron wanted nothing to do with him.  After a while though, they ended up working together to fight for treatments.  They became great friends, they supported each other, and worked together. It was a beautiful friendship. 
as Rayon
during movie promotion
McConaughey and Leto both gave outstanding performances.  I understand completely why they were both nominated.  I still have a few more performances to watch, but if Leto does not win, I will be shocked.  Both of these men transformed their bodies to become these characters.  Everything about their performances was believable. 

Finally, this story was based on the true story of Ron Woodruff. You can read about it here if you want to.
McConaughey and the real Ron Woodruff

Have you seen it? Do you want to? How great were their performances?? 

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Recipe: Mama Linda's Banana Bread

So my mother is a fantastical cook.  I know that everyone (or almost everyone) says this about their mom's cooking - but my mom knows how to cook some awesome things.  I also love to cook.  Sometimes my aunt and I will watch Chopped and instantly want to create something - or act like we are on it by creating things from the fridge and cabinets.

I was looking around the kitchen, and saw some pretty ripe (like almost furry) bananas.  Usually when this happens we make a recipe Lala has for UJ (Uncle Joe) using splenda and walnuts (yuck!). Because UJ has been on a bit of a carb-free kick lately, I was able to make them into my kind of banana bread. I asked my mom to send me her recipe (which I do frequently) and away I went.

[I decided to start documenting when I had already begun]

Mama Linda's Banana Bread




Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (very ripe)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter*
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chips or nuts** (optional)

*I used light butter which is a mixture of real butter and margarine
**I only use 1/4 cup of chips


Directions:
1)  Set oven to 350°. If using a dark pan, 325°

2)  Grease bread pan
I use butter and I make sure I get the corners (helps with cleanup!)
3)  In large bowl, combine: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt

4) Make a well in the center of flour mixture and set aside. 
5)  In another medium bowl combine: egg, bananas, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla
mashed bananas

melted butter

before mixing
6)  Add egg mixture, all at once, to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened, batter should be lumpy
left: egg mixture. right: flour mixture

both mixtures
lumpy mixture

7)  Optionally, stir in chips or nuts.  (my favorite are butterscotch chips, but I was out)
milk chocolate chips
8)  Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes, or, if dark pan, bake at 325° and check after an hour

baking in a fancy advantium!

Final Results!!
passed the toothpick test!

on a cooling rack

right out of the oven, with a touch of butter




Delicious and super easy!! Do you have a favorite banana bread recipe?  What's your favorite optional addition??