Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 9

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.
 

29/ 100: Ghostbusters (1984)
Three parapsychologists are kicked out of college. Fortunately, just then an epidemic of paranormal phenomena breaks out. The unemployed scientists start a company that solves such supernatural problems. It’s a very enjoyable comedy, thanks to the strong script, effective special effects and dryly comic acting, especially from Bill Murray. You can check my full review HERE
 

30/ 100: Brokeback Mountain (2005)
The movie, based on a story by Annie Proulx, is about a love against the odds. During a season in the open, where Ennis and Jack watch over hundreds of sheep for work, something beautiful develops between the men. When the season contracts ends, their paths separate. Both marry, both become fathers, both try with all their might to build an ordinary existence. In vain. “Brokeback Mountain” makes the unfathomable sadness of unfulfilled desire tangible. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal work well together and you can feel their pain, of not being able to be together, because of the time they live in. The film is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Check out the full review HERE
 

31/ 100: Midnight in Paris (2011)
Successful soap opera writer Gil is in Paris with his fiancée and her parents. He is not happy, not with his career and not with his relationship. One night, to his utter amazement, he is magically transported to 1920s Paris, where he meets people like Hemingway, Dalí, Picasso and Fitzgerald. It’s a romantic comedy, exactly the way I love them. Not cliché, original, lighthearted and funny. Made by Woody Allen, showing us Paris at its most beautiful. HERE you can read my full review.
 

32/ 100: The Guest (2014)
A very strong thriller, not to many people know about, about a young man who takes on the uninvited role of protector of a small family. The title guest is an American Afghanistan veteran David, who visits the family telling them he knew their son/ brother, who has died in action. At first, David is the perfect change the family needed. But soon strange things start to happen. “The Guest” is an intelligent film, an effective thriller story, told with momentum and tension and portrayed by a fine cast of actors without any big names. Read my full review HERE
 
Still to watch: 68

10s Movie Review - Midnight in Paris

Director: Woody Allen
Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Fantasy
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, Carla Bruni, Tom Hiddleston, Alison Pill, Léa Seydoux, Corey Stoll, Kurt Fuller, Gad Elmaleh, Mimi Kennedy

Description: While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, nostalgic screenwriter Gil (Owen Wilson) finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

Review: Gil Pender, from Pasadena, may be a successful scriptwriter in Hollywood, but he really wants to be an author of novels. His ambition is big and he wants to get inspiration. Together with his fiancée he travels to Paris.
Gil is a romantic. When clouds gather up above Paris, he takes the opportunity to wander the streets of Paris in the rain. While fiancée Inez and his mother in law open an umbrella. Owen Wilson is perfect for the role of Gil. There is something about that permanent nostalgic amazement of his, like he sees something we don’t see. Wilson drags us into that experience of his. He is also surrounded by an amazing cast, like Rachel McAdams as Inez and Marion Cotillard as Adriana. Two completely different women, who mess with Gil’s head. Or what about Michael Sheen as know it all Paul, who is really obnoxious. Kathy Bates does a wonderful job as Getrude Stein and Corey Stoll is fantastic as Ernest Hemmingway.
Director Woody Allen uses the power of the human desire for the past. “Midnight in Paris” shows the city of Paris at its best and it’s a magical story. I fell in love with this movie and it has become one of my all-time favorites.

Rating: 5/ 5 

Movie Favorites: Midnight in Paris

Synopsis: Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams) travel to Paris as a tag-along vacation on her parents' business trip. Gil is a successful Hollywood writer but is struggling on his first novel. He falls in love with the city and thinks they should move there after they get married, but Inez does not share his romantic notions of the city or the idea that the 1920s was the golden age. When Inez goes off dancing with her friends, Gil takes a walk at midnight and discovers what could be the ultimate source of inspiration for writing. Gil's daily walks at midnight in Paris could take him closer to the heart of the city but further from the woman he's about to marry.

Unique Selling Point: The movie is magical, I fell in love with it right away. It manages to show Paris in the most beautiful way possible. And the perfect leading man was chosen for the role of Gil Pender: Owen Wilson.

Most Valuable Player: Director Woody Allen. His unique way of telling a story, and showing the beauty of a beloved city, worked really well.

Best Moment: At the end, when Gil sees Gabrielle again. He tells her that he’s going to stay in Paris and Gil invites her for a cup of coffee. It starts to rain. Gabrielle tells Gil she doesn’t mind getting wet and that Paris is at its best when it’s raining.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2011

This was an incredibly good movie year, at least for me. It gave me some of my favorites, that I also own on DVD and I can watch over and over again.

5. Warrior
Only saw it once, but it left a big impression on me. Such a good film, that was overlooked if you ask me. And the music in the last scene was just perfect.

4. The Help
A total guarantee to make me cry every time. The book is great and the director captured it very well. A movie carried by women.

3. Drive
It’s really hard to explain this movie to people who haven’t seen it. It’s just such an amazing movie experience.

2. 50/ 50
The difficult theme is brought to us with such wit and heart without it ever being a sob story. Fantastic acting by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

1. Midnight in Paris
I’m in love with Paris, but also with this film. Woody Allen did such a great job and Owen Wilson was the perfect guy to play Gil Pender.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Jane Eyre, Bridesmaids, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, My Week with Marilyn, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Muppets

Best & Worst: Owen Wilson

I came up with a new item. I pick the best and the worst of someone/ something. It’ll be about movies and tv most of the time, but maybe I can come up with some other themes.

For me Owen Wilson always had this certain charm I couldn’t go around. I love this dude! I like the calmness in his voice, his subtle and smart humor and how he can win over the audience. Here is my choice for best & worst Owen Wilson movie.

I have stated my love for this movie many times already. Owen Wilson is capable of portraying the likeable and witty daydreamer Gil Pender. This is actually one of the nicest male movie characters. Not everybody likes Woody Allen’s work, but this is simply fantastic!
Honorable mentions: “Marley & Me”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “Shanghai Noon”

I really don’t like this one. I hated it the first time I saw it and swore to myself never to watch it again. I know it’s a movie not to be taken too seriously, but still. It’s awefull!
Dishonorable mentions: “Anaconda”

Quotables: "Midnight in Paris"

I stated my love for this movie many times already. I’m actually in love with this movie, as much as I’m in love with Paris. It’s just a brilliant concept, with a loveable leading man played by Owen Wilson. And full of memorable quotes, that I am going to share with you today in this item.



Inez: You're in love with a fantasy.
Gil: I'm in love with you.

Inez: You always take the side of the help. That's why Daddy says you're a communist.

Ernest Hemingway: No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure.

Gil: They are your friends and I have to admit I'm not quite as taken with them as you are.

Gil: I would like you to read my novel and get your opinion.
Ernest Hemingway: I hate it.
Gil: You haven't even read it yet.
Ernest Hemingway: If it's bad, I'll hate it. If it's good, then I'll be envious and hate it even more. You don't want the opinion of another writer.

Ernest Hemingway: Picasso only thinks that women are to sleep with, or to paint.

Gil: You know how I think better in the shower, get all those positive ions flowing.

Gil: That's what the present is. It's a little unsatisfying because life is unsatisfying.

Gertrude Stein: The artist's job is not to succumb to despair but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.

Ernest Hemingway: I believe that love that is true and real, creates a respite from death. All cowardice comes from not loving or not loving well, which is the same thing. And then the man who is brave and true looks death squarely in the face, like some rhino-hunters I know or Belmonte, who is truly brave... It is because they make love with sufficient passion, to push death out of their minds... until it returns, as it does, to all men... and then you must make really good love again.

Helen: We saw a wonderfully funny American film last night.
Inez: Who was in it?
Helen: Oh, I don't know. I forget the name.
Gil: Wonderful but forgettable. It sounds like a film I've seen. I probably wrote it.

Top 5 Thursday: Rachel McAdams Movies

Rachel McAdams is one of my favorites and I saw her for the first time in “Wedding Crashers”. I decided to watch more movies of her and she totally stole my heart, every single time. So here are my five favorite movies of her (still have to see “To the Wonder”).

5. The Time Traveler’s Wife
I love the book more, but this movie really is amazing. And Rachel does a fantastic job as Clare.

4. Sherlock Holmes
I loved this movie the first time I saw it. I liked the second one too, but this a little better. I’m a fan of Sherlock Holmes, the character and the books, so I’m critical. This turned out fine and I love it.

3. Red Eye
Such a scary movie, on the edge of you seat exciting! And every time I watch it it’s just as thrilling.

2. The Notebook
Definitely one of the most romantic stories ever told. What a wonderful film. Such perfect chemistry Rachel and Ryan have.

1. Midnight in Paris
This has become one of my favorite films over the years. I’m actually in love with this movie. Not so much Rachel’s character, because Inez is a horrible person, but this movie is just fantastic. People who’ve seen it know what I mean.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Wedding Crashers, Morning Glory, The Lucky Ones, State of Play

Movie Moments: "Midnight in Paris"

I love the city of Paris and I'm madly in love with this Woody Allen movie. Love everything about it. Here are my favorite moments from "Midnight in Paris".

Moment # 1: Opening
We see all the beautiful places in Paris, by day and by night, with sunshine and rain.

Moment # 2: In love with a fantasy
Gil tells Inez how much he loves Paris, how he would want to live here someday. He loves Paris especially in the twenties and when it’s raining. Inez doesn’t understand why Gil loves Paris so much and tells him he’s in love with a fantasy. Gil tells Inez he’s in love with her.

Moment # 3: Arguing with the guide
Gil, Inez, Paul and Carol are listening to a guide who’s telling a story about Rodin.’Inez is fascinated about how much Paul knows. Paul thinks he knows more about Rodin, but the guide correct him. Paul doesn’t agree with the guide and starts arguing with her. Gil backs the guide up and tells Paul she’s right. When he does, Inez isn’t paying attention anymore.

Moment # 4: Gill gets lost
Gil decides to stroll Paris by night, all by himself, but gets lost. All of a sudden a car passes by and the passengers want him to come with them.

Moment # 5: The Fitzgeralds
Gil meets Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The actual Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Gil realizes that he's now in 1920’s Paris.

Momemt # 6: Ernest Hemmingway
Gil meets writer Ernest Hemmingway, one of his idols. He asks Hemmingway if he wants to read his novel, but he won’t. He does want Gil to meet Gertrude Stein.

Moment # 7: Adriana
Gil meets Adriana, Picasso’s mistress. He’s speechless when he first sees her and Adriana loves Gil’s writing. They immediately hit it of and start a conversation.

Moment # 8: Gil’s view on Picasso
Inez and Gil are attending an art exhibit with Paul and Carol. Again Paul is showing of his knowledge and starts talking about a Picasso painting. Gil saw that exact painting the night before, when he met Picasso and tells them the real story behind it. It shuts them all up.

Moment # 9: Salvador Dali
Gil meets painter Salvador Dali. He starts talking about a rhinoceros and how he could paint Gil with a melting lip. Gil starts telling him about Inez, that he’s not sure if he loves her or not. And about Adriana, how fantastic she is.

Moment # 10: Gil kisses Adriana
While taking a walk at night, Gil kisses Adriana. He gives her earrings, which she loves and then they take a carriage ride.

Moment # 11: Inez cheated on Gil
Hemmingway read Gil’s novel and he doesn’t understand why the leading character doesn’t see that his fiancées is cheating on him. This makes Gil think about Inez and Paul. He ask Inez and she denies it. Later she admits to have spend a couple of nights with Paul, but Gil just has to get over it. Gil doesn’t want to go back to America with her and decides to stay in Paris.

Moment # 12: Paris in the rain
Gil encounters the girl he met before, when he was listening to a Cole Porter record. He tells the girl, who is named Gabrielle, that he has decided to stay in Paris. When he wants to take her out for a cup of coffee, it starts raining. Gabrielle tells Gil she doesn’t mind getting wet and that Paris is at its best when it’s raining.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 12: Paris in the rain

In the Picture: The Characters from "Midnight in Paris"

“Midnight in Paris” is a piece of artwork itself. What a beautifully made movie and with such wit and class. I had to select some characters for this item, because we don’t get to know all of them equally as much. Here are some characters from “Midnight in Paris”.

Gil Pender
Played by: Owen Wilson
Gil is a successful Hollywood screenwriter, but he’s also distracted by so many things. He’s struggling to finish his first novel, set in an antique shop. While he and his fiancée Inez are vacationing in Paris, Gil mentions he would want to live in Paris someday. When Gil is walking the streets of Paris by night, he gets lost and than enters the world op Paris in the 1920’s, his favorite era.

Inez
Played by: Rachel McAdams
Inez is engaged to Gil and thought it would be fun to travel along with her wealthy parents. She thinks Gil’s ambition of writing a novel is just a romantic daydream and Inez also doesn’t see the true beauty of Paris. In other words, Gil and Inez have almost nothing in common.

Adriana
Played by: Marion Cotillard
While visiting Pablo Picasso, Gil meets his mistress Adriana. He’s instantly attracted to her. Adriana is a very passionate woman and can find all the beautiful spots in Paris and shows them to Gil.

Paul Bates
Played by: Michael Sheen
Paul is a friend of Inez’ and a real know it all. He has a lot of specialties and Inez is fascinated by him. Off course Gil can’t stand him, because Paul is a very annoying man who brags about his knowledge. He later finds out Inez slept with Paul a couple of times and she thinks Gil shouldn’t make a big deal out of it.

Gertrude Stein
Played by: Kathy Bates
Gertrude agrees on reading Gil’s novel and sees a great story in it. She isn’t only an expert in literature, also in art.

Zelda Fitzgerald
Played by: Alison Pill
Zelda is Scott Fitzgerald’s wife. She isn’t the domestic kind, because she likes a good party and is extremely chaotic. Zelda can overdramatize when something happens, especially when it comes to her husband.

Ernest Hemmingway
Played by: Corey Stoll
Ernest is a very skeptical but genius writer. Gil asks him to read his book, but Ernest declines. He tells him that a writer should never let another writer read his work. Eventually Gertrude tells Gil that Ernest did read his book and loved it.

Salvador Dali
Played by: Adrien Brody
Salvador is as weird as his paintings. He sees art in the strangest places, objects and shapes. Salvador is very interested in Gil though, he would make a great painting.

Favorite Character: Gil Pender

Emma, Rachel, Owen, James and George

I made five new wallpapers featuring some of my favorite people. I'm feeling super inspired lately so you can expect more wallpapers from me. The first two are of Emma Stone. I just love her, she is so talented and I'm going to see "The Help" soon. It opens in theaters this thursday here in The Netherlands.

Next is James Franco. This wallpaper is actually on my desktop right now. For the holidays. And by the way, I asked Santa to bring me James but it didn't happen.... Well I still got a lot of pictures and movies.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams where already a great couple in "Wedding Crashers" and I really want to see them in "Midnight in Paris". I haven't seen it yet, but I hope I will soon.

And last, George Eads. Or actually his "CSI" character Nick Stokes. It's a picture from the episode "Targets of Obsession" from season 11, where he shot Justin Bieber (which was awesome).

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Posters 2011

So many movies come out every year, but it all starts with their trailers and posters. I picked out my five favorite movie posters and I haven’t seen any of the movies…. Yet.

5. The Tree of Life
Although most people love the other poster, with the collage of pictures, I prefer this one. The cute little baby feet in the hands of an adult. It looks so pretty.

4. Another Earth
Great layout. There’s something going on in the background and in the front, without it being too crowded. Perfect balance and it looks beautiful.

3. We Bought a Zoo
This is so my style. This poster is beautiful because of its simplicity. I like the paw prints in the tree, like they are leafs.

2. Tyrannosaur
It’s sober because of the colors, but yet so beautiful. It’s just right, everything about it.

1. Midnight in Paris
The way the air looks like it was painted by Monet. And eventhough part is drawn and part is photographed, it doesn’t look cheap or fake (if you know what I mean). I just love everything about this movie poster.

They almost made the top 5: "Captain America: First Avenger", "The Ides of March" and "Dream House".