Oscars: Bridesmaids

The Academy Awards announced  the 2012 Oscars nominations last Monday. I wait for the announcements every year, hoping to recognize some of the nominees. This year, I’m quite happy to say that a comedy written and dominated by women made it to the list of nominees.

It was directed by Paul Feig. This film received a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 90 percent, and an audience rating of 76 percent.

This film will always bring good memories to me because I was fortunate enough to see it with my friends during my last year of college. Bridesmaids was the last movie we watched together before going our different ways.

Although it’s considered a little raunchy, this film had sentimental value for me. I was able to sympathize with the protagonist enough to bypass the vomiting scene. It’s also quite funny, my favorite scene is when Annie tries to get Officer Nathan Rhodes’s attention. She breaks a handful of  laws trying to get his attention, until finally he snaps.

The characters are uniquely corky, including the main character, Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig). She has a distinctive trait about her and a well formulated back story. The officer who captures her heart is quite lovable and funny. I thought they made a nice couple. He supports her dreams and encourages her to do the things she loves.

This film is definitely a change from all the things we saw in 2011. I’m happy to see it nominated, especially since the Academy rarely nominates comedies. Therefore, this film has made an impression and I can’t wait to see outcome.

Bridesmaids is not just a comedy, but a movie about friendship and loyalty. It’s the relationship between the characters and their personalities that make this film Oscar nominee (original movie) worthy for me.

At 125 minutes, ‘Bridesmaids’ is long for a comedy, but it earns its running time by fully developing its characters and their relationships. ~ Greg Maki (Star-Democrat)

Kisses & Hershey’s
Steph

The Descendants

(NO SPOILERS)

Alright, let’s get straight to the point. The Oscars nominations will be announced next week.

I have been in a rush to get ready for Oscar night. Therefore, I studied the Golden Globes winners’ list for a clue of possible Oscar nominees.

The Descendants has become a favorite. Alexander Payne directed this film, known for his satire and dark humor.  The Descendants made 1, 190, 096 dollars on its opening weekend. It rates at 89 percent at the Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience rating of 82 percent.

If nominated, Alexander Payne would be in the run for best screenplay and best picture. This film touches the hearts of the audience, with its authentic presentation of heartache, love, and relationships. The film revolves around a family tragedy. It’s about a family coming together  for support and learning about each other.

This film falls under the categories of comedy and drama. However, I found myself in tears by the end of it. These characters are dealing with real emotions and concerns. Overall, I would recommend this films to those who like serious films and dark humor.

Heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking story about love, death, duty and responsibility ~ Andrew L Urban (Urban Cinefile)

Kisses & Hersheys,

Steph

Oscar Update: Nominated for best picture, director, best actor, and editing… 

Les Aventures de Tintin

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Tintin Adventures came back to the big screen during the holidays. One of the most awaited films of the year 2011, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, made 24,107, 000 on its opening weekend in the United States. The film was given a percentage of 75 percent at Rotten Tomatoes, while 80 percent of the audience liked it.

Georges Remi wrote The Adventures of Tintin under the pen name Hergé. The first comic was released in 1929, and success was almost immediate. The series is known for its clever presentation of the world, showcasing topics such as politics, religion, crime, and humanity.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that many people around the world waited impatiently for the opening… or not.

The translation from comic/book to film usually leaves people unsatisfied. My limited knowledge of Tintin comes from a former French professor, who’s truly a fan of the series. I enjoyed the movie as a non-reader of the comics. Thus, I loved it and I was excited to see it. I’m also Doctor Who fan. I couldn’t leave the opportunity to see something written or co-written by Steven Moffat. My sister is ten years old and she loved it too. We came home and she insisted on putting Tintin’s picture as a computer background. I just rolled my eyes and smiled. She has a crush.

The Adventures of Tintin comes at you in a whoosh, like a volcano full of creative ideas in full eruption… It hits home for the kid in all of us who wants to bust out and run free. ~ Peter Travers (Rolling Stone)

Due to his success, it’s  hard to say anything bad about Speilberg. He is a cinematic genius. Nonetheless, hard-core fans might find this film lacking in authenticity and that which makes Tintin so lovable.

The action grows wearisome as it grinds on, and the film becomes a succession of dazzling set pieces devoid of simple feelings. ~ Joe Morgenstern (Wall Street Journal) 

Ultimately, if you want to feel deeply moved by this film, then it might not be the right film for you. This is definitely an adventure movie, filled with great action scenes. It’s fun and worth watching… at least once.

Best,

Steph

Update: Oscars nominated for best music. 

Body & Soul

Thanks to the girls who shared their experience with body issues and their perspectives on the media. I hope you guys like it and that it might help anyone going through similar situations. I had the pleasure to edit, direct, and co-write this short film at Maine Media Workshops (2008).

In The Island… Where are the Butterflies?

Dominican Republic's Santiago Airport 2011

A few weeks ago, I traveled to the island. The picture on the blog post was taken at the airport.

It always feels like I’m traveling to another world. Actually, that’s exactly the feeling.

Junot Diaz might be right after all. He approached immigration on his book, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, using science fiction themes and references. Yes, I had travel to another world, with a different temperature, people, a nation living in a different time to those of its counterparts.

I was born in the island, but I’ve adopted another nation. I even adopted its language. I love them both, for they both have their good and their bad.

However, I’m never prepared for the sudden change of setting.

Once there, I learned quickly about the “no violence against women” movement. The radio kept reporting on how the government failed to come to the aid of Dominican women and their civil rights. Hundreds of women are found dead every month, too much for such tiny island.

The promotional commercials on television encourage men not to hit women.

I felt overwhelmed with information. It definitely didn’t help that I didn’t like some of the comments and suggestions coming from some men in the media. It’s not on purpose, but some of these comments come out plain sexist.

Femicide has increased dramatically over the years. It  took a few political moves and complains from enraged women for the government and the media to respond.

It makes me sad and angry. This situation shows me that the Dominican Republic needs to change its attitude towards women. Not just the island, but about whole world.

In the Dominican Republic femicide has reached extremely high levels. Of course, since the government cares more about campaigning than improving education. Women and children in the country become the most vulnerable.

Weekend Thoughts

This weekend I spent it watching romantic comedies. Mainly,  I pondered about my future and my unhappy state of mind. I watched Pretty Woman, Friends with Benefits, and 50 First Dates denying my loveless love life. Although, I find myself enjoying the stories of the people on the screen, dreaming that maybe one day I could get to experience something similar.

The magic of film is to take us away from our problems even if it’s temporarily. I retreat into film world when life is too overwhelming, which is often. Life after college ain’t easy. It means an entry-level job (which you’re likely overqualified for), school loans (for many), and trying to figure out what to do with your life. If you’re a medical or business student, these questions might be easier for you to respond. However, I took the chance at liberal arts. Thus, even though I learned plenty, the cruel reality is that it makes life difficult in our current economic period.

I reached  for the DVD shelf searching rescue.

The Puss In Boots (Boots)

Rating: Fun!

Type: Movie

“These boots are made for walking….” Sorry, I couldn’t help it. This song comes to me every time I think about Boots. He’s such an adorable cat, voiced by Antonio Banderas, and directed by Chris Miller. This movie made 34 million dollars during its opening weekend last week. It got  a 81 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

There were a few scenes that made me take a deep breath. These had  to do with my dislike of stereotypical presentation of Mexicans. (I dislike stereotypes, especially when these are hurtful). You would have to watch the movie and judge.

“Steph, it’s a movie, you can’t take it too seriously.” Yes, my friend, I understand. I find that Puss’s persona, though a little stereotypical, is extremely hilarious.

As part of my film major requirements, I spent at lot time analyzing (sometimes over-analyzing) films/movies at a small liberal arts college. Therefore, I’m a firm believer that art has a tremendous influence in our culture. The reality is that there’s nothing better than Hollywood to re-enforce racial and ethnic stereotypes. Although, I don’t generalize. There are plenty of pictures that do not fall on this category.

Fortunately, these awkward scenes are  few. The jokes are hilarious, Boots was adorable, and Kitty Softpads (Salma Hayet) was a badass. Boots’s story stood on its own. In other words, Boots worked well without his Shrek’s companions. I really love this movie and I’d watch it again.

This overconfident Casanova wanna be made me laugh, sigh, and go “awwe.” The whole Latin lover persona works well for him. This is not entirely profound, but it’s fun. It has plenty of witty moments to enjoy.

Best,

Steph

Oscars Update: Nominated for best animated film

 

Summer Picks! Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

Hello!!

I’m back! Summer has started, so it’s time for me to read. The summer pick of this week is a little older than usual. I recently finished reading this book for school. I loved it! Surely, most ambit readers have already stumbled upon this book. Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson, published in 1980.

Now, I don’t like writing long reviews. Therefore, I’ll keep this simple. Although, it will not do it justice.

I enjoyed this book for two reasons. It’s a book about womanhood and about what it actually means to “keep” or “create” a home. There are some wonderful characters in this book. It was enjoyable to read. If you choose to read it, I hope you will enjoy it.

You could take a look inside @ Amazon.com: Housekeeping

Reorganizing-News

Hello!

I’m in the process of reorganizing my blog. I don’t blog very often (due to school). I’m not even a great blogger, but I like to pretend. I’m going to move some of my entries to my new blog, The Galaxy Extra. I will post fanfiction and movie making related post on this new section. I will also eventually post a few videos projects of my own.

The Galaxy will remain the same. The purpose of this blog is to inform and discuss. Well, something like that. Thanks for following with my post and dealing with my diction and syntax.

Best, Galaxy

Back to College, Books, and Money

Bates College’s Pettengill Hall

Alright, this is my last year of college. I’m excited and nervous about what this year might bring. I want to finish all my credits on time, spend time with my friends, and do well. I have two thesis to write, a very happy and hopeful mother, and a job to land (somehow). I’m the first to graduate from college in my nuclear family. The first to graduate from college in the United States in my extended family (yeah, this family thing is complicated).

Today, I made a list of things I need for my classes. If my calculations are right, I would be expending more than 600 dollars in books and utilities this semester. Now, this is not much money for some, but I’m just a broke college student. Science majors, I feel your pain. Science books are the most expensive of the them all. I’m not a science person, but I get no help from my family when it comes to school.  Actually, they expect me to vindicate their status some day, not  pressure. If they could help, they would help me without thinking it twice.

The reality is that books are expensive. The prices are not going down, and the tuition is going up. In New York City, the government is cutting out on many of the programs that help students go to school. I don’t know if this is nationwide, but this is definitely a concern for me. The reality is that many student feel discouraged to keep attending college or university if they feel overwhelmed with bills and when their families lack the means necessary to send their sons and daughters to school. I wish this issue wasn’t so complicated, but it is very mind troubling. I wish his budget cuts could be rethink and that my books weren’t so expensive. I could go back home for the first school break if they were just a few bucks less. Yes, I’m venting. It doesn’t mean this isn’t a real issue.

If this is your first year at college, these sites might be informational. Thanks for reading.

Best of the best.

http://www.collegescholarships.org/student-living/save-money.htm

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/30/27-money-tips-for-college-students/

Also, check out College Candy once in a while. They have great tips on fashion and saving for women.