Make Me a Tree

I figure instead of writing about something substantial, I’ll just tell you about all the pop culture I consume through film and books and television. Sound like a plan? Cool. Cause this is my blog and I DO WHAT I WANT.

Recently (eh, semi-recently?) I have watched the following movies:

Life of Pi

I had been looking forward to this movie for a long time. I read the book several years ago, at the suggestion of my friend Melissa. It is fantastically written, in my opinion, and translated wonderfully to the screen, again, in my opinion.

I don’t care whether you prefer the story where the animals are real or the story where they are symbols for people. and I don’t want to hear rants about how the tiger would have eaten him the first day. Quit your bitchin’ and enjoy the damn story. Also, Richard Parker is obviously the best name for a tiger ever.

This movie was GORGEOUSLY done. I absolutely loved it. I didn’t care about how much of it was CGI and how much was real. Whatever. BEAUTIFUL, my friends.

Both the boy and the man that they had playing Pi were perfect. I adored both of them.

The Hobbit

Now, many of my friends are well aware of how I feel about The Lord of the Rings as a whole. I maintain that Mr. Tolkien, while a lovely writer and brilliant creator of characters and worlds, is far too long-winded. I hate his endlessly long descriptions of the landscape. I don’t even remember for sure if I actually finished reading Return of the King. I’m pretty sure I didn’t… And the movies, while very well-done and enjoyable, were difficult for me to trudge through as well.

The Hobbit is somehow completely different while being exactly the same, both in film and novel.

I’m kind of aggravated that they’re making it into three movies, but after having seen the first one, I understand the motivation a little more. It was still long, and I almost didn’t make it through; I was exhausted. But I loved many parts of it, the riddle section in particular, which I felt – and have discussed with others – to be just spot-on. I also enjoyed the Brown Wizard, and the entire dinner party scene. and similarly to my friend Lauren, though probably not as strongly, I did find a couple of the dwarves rather attractive.

Also, Galadriel is just gorgeous (per the usual) and I hate her and I want her dress. So there’s that.

I’M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!

Moonrise Kingdom

So I love Wes Anderson. It’s my sister’s fault. She gave me The Royal Tenenbaums on DVD a long time ago and then I watched Rushmore and I was just hooked. I was excited about Moonrise Kingdom from the moment I saw the first preview.

These characters were just as delighting as those in his other movies. The style in which his movies are filmed still draw me in, in such unusual ways. and I mean, Bill Murray. AND Edward Norton. God, I loved Edward Norton in this role. Just so much.

and I mean, young, weird love. What’s not to like there?

Pitch Perfect

was awesome. Of course it was. Fat Amy alone guarantees that. I really, REALLY enjoyed this movie. I didn’t care at all that it was formulaic. I do tend to like when the girl messes up instead of the guy, as far as the whole “we’re almost getting together but then one of them ruins it” thing.

I liked the songs, the mash-ups. I was reasonably impressed with Alice that girl from 50/50 Anna Kendrick, as well as Brittany Snow, though we’ve already heard her sing in other movies. She was definitely more likeable in this one. Anna Camp as Aubrey… I wanted to punch her in the face every time she said “Aca-scuse me?” but I’d be lying if I said she wasn’t an effective character.

Also, is it this new thing for kind of “girl movies” to include gross bodily functions? The whole “blowing chunks” deal… very reminiscent of Bridesmaids, and not in a good way. Not my thing.

The romantic interest was adorable without being stereotypically hot, like Channing Tatum or something. I’m a big fan of that sort of thing.

The front guy for the guys’ group…is entertaining, but really annoying at the same time. Kind of a regular thing in this movie, actually.

…So, I guess Beca stays in school?

Side note: who watches Downton Abbey? I MEAN GOSH REDUCING ME TO PUDDLES OF TEARS.

EDIT

OH MY GOD

THANK YOU JOHANNA

She reminded me that I somehow left off Les Mis. HOW DID I DO THAT.

Les Mis is beautiful. Please watch it. Just do it. Everything that everyone said about Anne Hathway being amazing? Truth. Russell Crowe singing? Hilarious but still tolerable. Young Cosette is obviously one of the most gorgeous children ever. The young boy whose name has escaped me… I want to put him in my pocket.

Also tears. Lots of tears.

SO well done. SO good.