film reviews {5}

Watching films is one of my favorite hobbies. I know it might sound like a lazy hobby compared to those of you who love doing pilates, dance, or rock the triathlon scene, but I can't help but love a good movie. Well to feed this passion I decided to take a film class here at BYU to better understand all the elements of film and perhaps have some sort of credibility when I make all sorts of claims and opinions about a movie I've watched. So I've decided to post a few reviews of movies I have recently watched in my film class. A quick disclaimer though, many of these films are not your typical blockbuster so if Transformers or any of the Nicolas Sparks movies are your thing, than these films may not be for you..

CITIZEN KANE (1941):


A classic. This film has been ranked as the number one film in countless lists. It was quite a big deal during its time and very progressive filmmaking. The story line is very interesting. For the time, lighting and sound was very artistic and innovative. Either way, if you are into film than you should probably see the one that is at the top of the list.

TO LIVE (1994):


This is a chinese film (english subtitles) during the time of communism and Mao Zedong. Initially I wasn't sure about the film but by the end I really enjoyed it. A sort of sad story but really gives an interesting perspective of the political movement and culture in China during that time period (1940-1970's) so if you are interested in that culture or communism for that matter, than this is your film.

SPEED RACER (2008):


A more recent film and a fun one for sure. The style of the film is very unique, especially the design- really bright colors and just a very interesting, unique design. A little Alice in Wonderland-ish slash japanese style. I felt it was a fresh depiction of a cartoon/comic type film. (Speed Racer was once a cartoon) The design may not be for everyone but I thought it was unlike anything I have ever seen and was a fun film to watch.

AN EDUCATION (2009):


This film wasn't one from my film class but another one I watched recently. The film is about an independent girl in high school prepping to go to Oxford, however plans start to change we she meets a much older man who shows her a different world of clubs, shows, and beautiful things. An interesting story of growing up and trying to figure out what is important. The ending was a little abrupt but the film was good no less.

COCO BEFORE CHANEL (2009):


Great movie. A very good insight to the world of high fashion. It really made me appreciate fashion more and how it is much more than expensive taste but an art form. Chanel's story is very interesting and the French actor, Audrey Tautou (also starred in Amelie which is AMAZING) does a really good job. Just an overall great film and truly worth watching, whether you are into fashion or not.


These are just a few of the movies I have watched recently. I found each of them worth watching, however for different reasons. I don't claim to be some sort of know-it-all film critic, just someone who loves movies and wants to share. Enjoy watching!

water: the elixir of life

Do you love helping little children? Do you love a good competition? Do you love drinking water? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions than I have got the best new way to be charitable for YOU. I present to you the TAPDUEL. Basically, it's a part of Unicef's tap project- the project that brings clean water to thirsty kids all over the world. The tapduel is simple. You challenge a facebook friend, and you each bet back and forth money on how much you are going to donate. the person who ends up donating the most wins the title of most charitable. not only will you get bragging rights but you'll know you helped little children out too. win-win situation. So go to tapduel.com and start dueling! Let the search for the most charitable begin!! (oh and did I mention that this tapduel idea was created by none other than some of my peers in the adlab. way to go mates.)

here's a little video that explains the tap project. It really is a great movement and there are many ways to get involved! visit tapproject.org for more details.



here's to life.

n is for narwhal

Ok so is everyone aware that narwhal's exist? Weird, dolphin-like animals with giant unicornish horns sticking out of their heads. They look like this:


all for one, one for all.

So I mean I guess I've heard of them before and figured they were real but seeing a picture of them makes me feel like they are an animal that should be studied in a Care of Magical Creatures class (Harry Potter reference for the uncultured). By the looks of it, it must be hard to get around without poking something, including a fellow narwhal. According to wikipedia those long pokey things are actually a tooth! That's the last time any of us should worry about having pointy k-9's. Anyways I stumbled across these little guys and thought they were quite humorous and interesting. I'm hoping that maybe Planet Earth will do an episode on them..

p.s. remember when I said I'd post pictures from st. george trip at the gma's 80th? well here's one I got with the precious baby ava and I. It's just one pic but baby steps people...

cutest niece ever.

Madison Avenue, I'm coming.

Well it's official folks: I am going to Y & R ad agency for my internship this summer! It's located on Madison Ave. which for those of you who don't know is a popular street in the advertising biz. (If you've ever seen the show Mad Men it's located there) Oh and did I mention I pass a beautiful big J Crew on my way to work everyday, not that I'll be able to actually spend any money there but window shopping is almost as good. Y & R is a great agency with great clients and offices all over over the world (including london ;)). I am real excited to go and leave April 26th. Can't wait for a summer in the big city with my great advertising buddies, and favorite candy shoppers. I feel so lucky to be apart of such an awesome program with great professors and classmates.

Now the only thing that would really make this summer in nyc perfect would be to transport the candy shoppe and its inhabitants to new york with me. sorry i-house but nothing beats the candy shoppe (except maybe 27 palace court). sigh.

2 months can't come soon enough. Madison Ave., I'm coming.

I can finish books when I have time.

Grandma turned 80 on Valentine's day so the whole fam travelled to st george to celebrate it with her. My other relatives on that side also flew in from all over so it was a really great experience since it doesn't happen very often. It was surprise and she had no idea we were coming. She cried. She was overwhelmed with happiness to have her family close to her. At the end of the day it doesn't get better than being surrounded by family does it? Not only was the company great but the weather was a nice sunny 60 degrees. I had almost forgotten what it was like to stand outside (without a jacket) and let the sun warm your face. Needless to say I loved it. Really ready for Spring. Well in addition to playing some fun games, playing with my niece and nephews, and great conversation, I actually had time to read/finish my book. I really do love reading but sometimes school bombards me with so many other books and assignments that reading takes the back burner. But when I do get the time I enjoy a good book.


The book I finished over the weekend was The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Beautiful, beautiful book. The storyline is simple but what you read it for is the writing. Her writing was incredible and every word was artfully placed. She has such a distinct tone and voice that lead the story. There were certain passages that I read and re read a few times just because I loved the writing. It's a really simple, easy read that wont take you long to read at all.

A favorite passage: "Four Skinny Trees"
"They are the only ones who understand me. I am the only one who understands them. Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine. Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city. From our room we can hear them, but Nenny just sleeps and doesn't appreciate these things.

Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep.

Let one forget his reason for being, they'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other. Keep, keep, kepp, trees say when I sleep. They teach.

When I am too sad and too skinny to keep keeping, when I am a tiny thing against so many bricks, then it is I look at trees. When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew to despise concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be."

lovely.

Now I am working on Mere Christianity. Smart guy, that CS Lewis.

birthday fun and portfolio done!

Well I think my post title sums up what I've been doing and why I haven't been around on the ol' blogosphere. Birthday was great. 22. Feels good, feels adult-like. Perhaps that's because Mandi and I brought in our birthday by having a quinceanera, we may not of turned 15 but we most certainly came of age and entered into womanhood. (pictures to come.. wait don't I always say that and never post pictures? sorry..) Again, feels really good. Maybe 2010 is really my year, cuz we all know we had such high hopes for 2009 and it really let us down.. So I am really banking on the twenty-ten. Looking promising so far between the coming of age quinceanera and summer in new york to look forward to...

which bring me to my next point,

I just turned in my portfolio for nyc. My professor will be taking it to a variety of agencies and soon I will know where I am going. wild. a summer working in new york with two fellow candy shoppers and bfs, her and her. 2010 you really are looking good.

Well after all the craziness that was last weekend and the legitimate all-nighter that I pulled sunday night/monday morning, I was so thrilled to have my portfolio done. I think I felt like Christopher Walken in this music video. Thought I'd share since it's pretty funny stuff. enjoy:



anyways, welcome back bloggers. It feels good to be here.

sundance film festival {2010}

The other night me and a few friends went up to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival. I'd like to say we ran into a ton of famous people, took pictures with them, and even got invited to their after parties, but alas no such thing happened. We did however get to see a film called "Fix Me." It was a documentary about a Palestinian director and him dealing with his really bad headaches and life in Palestine. Although it was a bit slow in some parts (kind of expected in a documentary)it was an insightful film which I enjoyed. It was cool to see the Palestine landscape and get a small glimpse of everyday life over there. The film brought about great conversation for the drive home.. which ended up being a very foggy, slow drive home.

On a side note, I heard snoop dogg was playing at Harry-O's last night.. turns out we picked the wrong show to go to....

the things you can do in a kangaroo suit..

This is just too funny. I had to share. (thanks mair for showing me this)



I love the havoc this guy can cause because he is hopping aroudn in a kangaroo suit..

I now know what I am being for Halloween this year. 9 months and counting.