my sundance festivities

One of the wonderful wonderful benefits of living in Utah (that I am going to miss greatly should I be somewhere else next year) is the Sundance film festival. This was my third year going (didn't get to go my Sophomore year because I was on my study abroad in Paris--which is a pretty fair trade off I suppose). Hil and I have made a tradition of going up together and staying at her sisters house. It's perfect that we both love weird indie films and that we don't mind waiting in cold lines to see them.

First of all, I just love the atmosphere at the Sundance film festival. There are so many different and interesting people there, tons of stuff going on, and it's really just a fun environment (interesting, stuff, and fun....I'm really making you feel like your there aren't I...). When we first got there we parked in the free lot, of course. We heard that it was going to take a long time for the bus, so we just figured we would walk because I mean, how far could it be? Well it could be 2 miles. Woops. But, we had fun walking even if it was much much further than expected.

As a fantastic bonus, it actually wasn't that cold this year. It got a little chillier at night, and I was grateful for all my layers, but it was nothing compared to standing outside in below freezing and snow. This was especially nice when we were waiting in lines, which oddly is one of my favorite parts about the Sundance Film Festival. You always wind up chatting with the people in line, and they are usually pretty interesting people that you would never of struck up a conversation with if you had not been forced to patiently wait next to them to see if you were going to be let into the theater. 

You used to have to stand in line for several hours to get on the wait list which was annoying, but if you were dedicated you got to see the movies you wanted to see. Now, they have changed to an e-wait list system. It's great because you don't have to stand in the cold. It's awful because you just have to hope that you click the button faster than anyone else. After several very frustrating attempts when we didn't even make it on wait lists, and one failed attempt at being number 80 in line, we finally got spots number 23 and 24. We actually jumped up and down and cheered in the middle of the road.

The movie that we ended up seeing was God Help the Girl. We knew pretty much nothing about it going in, but were pleasantly surprised. It was a dramady with some musical aspects laced into it (yeah that's the best description I can give you). It was directed by the lead singer of Belle and Sebastian and starred Emily Browning. Since it was the premier of the film, afterwards the director and cast came out and did a Q&A, cool cool cool.

People always ask, did you see any celebrities? Here are my thoughts on celebs. I guess it's cool when you run into them, but I would probably never go out of my way or wait in some sort of incredible crowd to meet one because honestly they are just people. But, there are many directors and actors that I truly admire the work of. I know he's not a huge name, but I was rocking down the street and all the sudden realized I just passed Mark Duplass just standing on the side of the road chatting with some of his friends. So, I really awkwardly stopped, introduced myself to him, and asked him if we could snap a pic together. I loved his films Your Sisters Sister and Safety Not Guaranteed and after our pic chatted with him for a minute about some of his work. He was a super chill guy, especially given that I totally just butt into his conversation with his buddies, woops.

I can't believe this could be the last time I go to Sundance. I really hope it's not!! But, should this be my last time, it was at least a perfect visit. I only made it into one movie, but I have made notes of a bunch more that I suppose I will have to wait for to come out in theaters, or redbox, or download, or something like that. 

peace. love. and film.

my Oscar Sunday

      When I found out that we got a TV and cable in our apartment a few weeks ago thanks to the generosity of a friend the first words out of my mouth were "oh my gosh I get to watch the Oscars." I am probably one of the few people that still gets so excited about awards show season, but I absolutely love it. As much as I like the dresses, the celebs, and whatnot, it really is all about the films. I have always been into looking up new films, watching movies from the indie circuit, reading reviews, and in the past few years I have started listening to film podcasts also (my personal favorite is Filmspotting). I think few people realize just how much I love movies (**good moves**). Plus I have a weird knack for remembering films (that I have or haven't seen), actors, actresses  directors, and things of the like. I always do what I can to see the front runner films for awards season, but due to lack of time, lack of funds, or content issues, all I can do is my best.

Here's what I thought of some of 2012s best picture nominees (I can't promise I have anything particularly clever to say about them)...

Watched:

Argo- The Winner, and I felt a well deserved one. I thought that this was a great film and probably the most        anxious I have felt when watching a movie in a long time. I had no complaints after seeing this film and thought that it well adapted an exciting and enticing story that was ready to be told.

Life of Pi- Read the book first. Please read the book first! The book is incredible. The movie is really good. maybe I just have India nostalgia anytime I see something that takes place there, but every frame of this film was beautiful. Kudos to Ang Lee on his best director award.

Lincoln- Don't tell me I didn't like this movie because I don't like history. Of course I like history, I"M AN ENGLISH MAJOR, half my classes are history based. You can't understand literature unless you understand history (sorry for this mini rant). But, I will not deny that this film was beautifully directed, acted, and that it had some scenes that were truly incredible. Though, overall it failed to be engaging. I was never grabbed by this movie and never felt as though I could grapple with the characters and there issues. Maybe I am the one who likes history cause I just couldn't be put on the edge of my seat wondering if the 13th Amendment passed (spoiler alert: it does).

Les Miserable- I have been thrilled about this movie ever since I heard of its conception several years ago. I have been singing songs from this musical since I could speak and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. For those reasons, I can't imagine me not loving every second of it.

Want to Watch:

Beasts of the Southern Wild- I can't wait to see this movie. You can bet I will be getting it from Redbox very soon. I have wanted to see it for a while (it was a hit at last years Sundance Film Festival), and haven't had the chance to see it yet. Maybe I'll report back once I make it to this one.

Silver Linings Playbook- (only maybe want to watch) I'm not gunna lie, this movie has not seemed that appealing to me, but after all this hype maybe I will give it a chance. Maybe...I have weirdly bitter feelings towards Jennifer Lawrence. I know everyone loves her, but I just don't. Not at all. I think this is because I 1. thought she was so whinny in X-Men, 2. Was annoyed by the presence of her character in Like Crazy, and 3. I hate Katniss Everdeen (sorry, but I do. If you feel personally offended by this and want to hear my case against the Hunger Games give me a shout and we can discuss).

Probably Won't Ever Watch:

Amour- Two old people about to die...ahhhhhh.

Django Unchained- me and Quentin Tarantino??...nope.

Those are just my opinions. I retain the greatest respect for anyone who disagrees with me (unless you didn't like Les Mis...). Hope at least some of you enjoyed the Oscars as much as I did. I'm sure my mom and I will chat soon about our favorite dresses (cause there were some great ones this year).


peace. love. and the Oscars

my twenty seconds of insane courage

With all the time that I have been home for the winter holiday I have gotten to see several movies currently in theaters: Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Hugo, and We Bought a Zoo (and that doesn't account for all the movies that I watched at home and all the movies that I still really want to see). But, most recently out of these I saw We Bought a Zoo which was absolutely adorable; I laughed, cried (several times...seriously I can't help it), and I smiled the entire time.

There was one recurring theme in the movie that I absolutely loved. The main character, Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon (<3) had a theory of allowing yourself just twenty seconds of courage...

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."

So now pause for exactly twenty seconds...when counting it out, it may feel a little longer, but it really is a tiny amount of time. Though many moments in my life if I had just sucked it up for twenty seconds I can only imagine some of the things I could have gotten myself to do or allowed myself to say. 

Since I am about to start a series of really big adventures this is something that I will keep in mind. Hopefully you and I will both be able to find moments when we can have insane courage for just twenty seconds, and maybe something great will come of it. 

If ya haven't really heard much about the movie...or if you just like to admire Matt Damon, here is the We Bought a Zoo trailer.

peace. love. and insane courage.