Fun stuff
So, I've had the idea to review some of the stuff I've watched and read over the summer. This is purely for enjoyment (and lack of something better to do). So, here goes:
The Books
Memoirs of a Geisha-(Arthur Golden) If you like Japanese culture, you'll love this book. It obviously chronicles the life of geisha during the WWII era. It's beautifully written and totally engrossing as it reveals the intricacies and dispells the common misconceptions about geisha. And it isn't all that depressing, despite what Chrispy may say.
Angus, Thongs, and Full-frontal Snogging-(Louise Rennison) This is good for pre-teens and early teens, but it really begins to wear on older people. It's entertaining enough, but it's basically pre-Bridget Jones' diary without the wit. The whole thing involves the complaints and insecurities of a 13-year-old girl and though most of it is understandable and relatable, you get pretty freaking annoyed.
Heart of Darkness-(Joseph Conrad) To put it simply, this is a painful digression on the darkness of humanity as illuminated by the cruelty of the Imperial Era. The theme is impressive and starkly moving, but written with constipated style and rigid diction. It's a sad irony, like a movie with a good plot but bad actors. There's just something that makes it a terrible novel.
The Da Vinci Code-(Dan Brown) I generally don't go for mysteries or even thrillers, but this is so frigging good. It has an amazing plot, an interesting subject, and a twist at every corner. Bottom line: It begs reading.
Life of Pi-(Yann Martel) This is also an amazing novel. I can't believe it was a required book, because it's the sort of thing I would read just because. The AP list this year was full of contemporary literature, so that made reading a lot easier, but choosing what to read extremely difficult. This is the kind of story that really does strike an appreciation inside of you. It's difficult to describe exactly what makes this book wonderful, but it simply is.
Nectar in a Sieve-(Kamala Markandaya) The story of a poor Indian farmwoman who describes the tragedies and triumphs of her life and family astride the unpredictable earth. It's a beautifully simplistic tale of the harsh realities of farm-life in India and the hard times that press the spirit. It's depressing as hell, but still a story that deserves reading. It makes the petty problems we face seem all the more insignificant.
Oryx and Crake-(Margaret Atwood) Depressing as hell. The future of mankind takes on an even graver face than in other futuristic novels such as Anthem, Fahrenheit 451, and Brave New World. To tell you would destroy the whole plot, but let's just say that it's extremely scary because the society presented in it could potentially become our own.
The Movies
Saved-If you have ever gone to a Christian school or have been forced to partake in their ritualistic bullshit, this is the film for you. Utterly and totally hilarious.
Anchorman-This was actually remarkably funny and clever. Everyone in it was extremely good. My favorite part is the anchor fight. That was hilarious. (Hilarious is a grand word, no?)
Strictly Ballroom-Baz Luhrman's movie may be far-fetched, but you have to give him credit for how he tells his stories. This movie has finally beaten out Dirty Dancing as the best dance movie of all time; at least in my book. The lead actor can't act all that well, but Tara Morice makes up for it beautiful. She reminds me of Jen when she smiles.
Little Voice-Love love love love love love this movie. All the performances are amazing and Ewan McGregor is utterly adorable. A must-see for any of his fans, and just in general. It's a wonderful movie and it's the right combination of funny and depressing that it really isn't one of the other. I highly recommend it. Beware of Brenda Blethyn's monologue in the cafe.
The Village-For an M. Night movie, it's good. For a horror movie, it sucks. For a psychological thriller, it's really good.
The Quiet American-Michael Caine again, but as a British reporter in pre-American involvement Vietnam. It's an impressive look at how America slid into darker dealings with rebels and the freedom fighters that eventually become the enemy. Very good and remarkably interesting.
Whale Rider-Interesting enough and a rather feministic film. A common conflict between tradition and progression.
Princess Diaries 2-Sugar-job. Likeable, but a total sugar job. It's Disney.
Fahrenheit 9/11-Bottom line: Vote Kerry.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban-Bottom line: The best yet.
Spider-Man 2-Like Erin said, too many conflicts. And as for my opinion, there were way too many Toby McGuire close-ups.
Cold Mountain-Depressing. Cinematography is amazing and the characters believable. Take it or leave it.
Igby Goes Down-Keiran Culkin is amazing, as is everyone else. Surprisingly intriguing. Very very good. I recommend it strongly.
The Very Thought of You-An Indy film with a refreshing twist on love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Joseph Finnes is adorable in this and the story itself is highly innovative and interesting without being crude. It's going to be on the Independent Film Channel this Saturday at 9:30 Am and 3:00 PM. See it!
Bang Bang, You're Dead-This movie sucks you in without you even realizing it, and even with its R-rating, there isn't a great deal of R-rated staples such as blatant sex, violence, and drug use. The reason for it's rating may be some mild language, one or two scenes of extreme suspense, and the suggestive nature of the topic, but it's a very clean and intense movie that really should be a mandatory movie for all teens. Really really good.
The Barbarian Invasions-Don't do it.