I Heart Coffee.

I may not be a devout or even practicing Catholic, but the Lenten tradition of giving up something between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday refuses to leave me alone. Each year I do my darndest to sacrifice a little something, so this year, I went back to giving up coffee and soda, two things which have proven to be my biggest vices -- although, I personally do not really think of coffee as a vice. Really, I don't see anything wrong with it -- unless it's just a horribly bad brew. I  mean, I guess the caffeine isn't "all that good" for me as some people have pointed out. And while I usually respond with, "Pfft," I did decide to cut out the hard stuff. Since February I haven't had any carbonated beverage or any coffee. I thought about cutting out caffeine completely, but hey, I'm not completely nuts-o (keep comments to yourselves), and therefore, have been keeping up my tea routine. Anyhow, this Sunday, April 4, is EASTER! FINALLY! Or as I like to refer to it: The Day the Madness Ends. I am beyond excited to brew that first cup of joe, then head up to a coffee shop or two and really reconnect with that little, magical cup of pure bliss: Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

Anyhow, the reason I write is because I came across an image that speaks to me and reminds me that the end is near. So very near.

And if anyone has any coffee stories they'd like to share with me, please refrain until Monday. I'll be fully caffeinated and functional by then ;)

Heartbreaking, Yet, Hopeful

So I have two new movies to share, but since both were dramas to the max, I think I'll break up the posts. 

First, Precious, the 2009 Academy Award winning film about a 16-year-old girl - named Precious - growing up in Harlem with an abusive and hateful mother and not one, but two children - her children conceived after she was raped - by her own father. Yes, heavy stuff. However, as horribly sad and angering the narrative may be, the film contains a lot of humor and joy - mainly through the imaginative nature of Precious (played wonderfully by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe) and the characters she meets outside of her cold, dark apartment. The film follows Precious on her journey to self-discovery and education, meeting a social worker (Mariah Carey looking way rough) and a teacher who fill in the void left by her uninterested mother. There are also her classmates who add much laughter to her life and allow her to see just who she is and will become. 

Similar to Tarantino, director Lee Daniels' passion for film shines throughout Precious. My most favorite scene occurs when Precious and her mom - played brilliantly by Mo'Nique who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the film - are watching Two Women - the Italian masterpiece directed by Vittorio De Sica and starring Sophia Loren - who won her Best Actress Oscar for that film. The Italian movie is about a mother and her 13-year-old daughter who are trying to survive in World War II Italy. The mother does everything to protect her daughter; yet, in a horrible turn of events, both are raped by soldiers in a church. The film is a true testament to the human spirit, as Precious strives to be. But what makes this scene in Precious so memorable is that while she watches the TV screen, Precious transplants herself and her mother into the movie, and we the audience watch Monique and Gabourey re-enact their own vision of the Italian scene - in black and white and with subtitles. It's so well done, and the fact that the American actresses speak in Italian truly enhances the power of Precious' imagination.

I have to say, I'm so glad I saw this movie. I had some trepidation after I heard the premise and thought to myself, "I just don't know if I can handle it." But honestly, the backstory is far  worse than what plays out on screen. I'll give you fair warning: There are a few tough moments, but I do not think they are enough to warrant staying away. I recommend this movie. Precious is a figure who has been through more than anyone, let alone a 16-year-old girl, should ever endure, yet, she manages to stay positive and hopeful. Also, I really hope to see more from Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe. Honestly, I want to be friends with Gabby - if you had the chance to see any interviews with her this last year, I'm sure you feel the same. She's just too adorable!

The other movie I recently saw is a new documentary called Prodigal Sons - also, not a light, breezy film - and a post that will come later this week. Stay tuned!
 

We All Make Mistakes.

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/29/commercial-free-channel-runs-a-commercial-and-apologizes/

Last night, Sunday, March 28, 2010, became the first (and hopefully LAST) time TCM ran a commercial. As explained in Stuart Elliott's blog post (click above link), the coding for the Toyota spot was similar to the coding for one of our promos. With the size of our Broadcast center and the number of networks which air out of the building (TNT, TBS, CN, Peachtree TV, TruTv), I gotta say, that's a pretty good track record --- in 16 years of the network, only one commercial has ever aired. Fortunately, there are no plans for TCM to continue this trend, and this matter will hopefully be a one time event. I just wanted to reassure all of you die-hard TCM fans.

And I know what you're ALL thinking, but no. I had no role in this mis-hap. I was on vacation. But now I'm back and keeping tabs.

And hey, WATCH TCM!

A Happy, Little Monkey!

For anyone who knows me, it is quite clear that I have a soft spot for Curious George. Well, last week, the Jewish museum in New York opened an exhibit: Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey. What many people don't know is that Curious George grew out of the darkness of World War II France, where Margret and H.A. Rey lived and eventually fled because, well, they were German Jews. While the couple was seeking refuge at an old chateau in southern France, the authorities raided the place, suspecting the Reys of hiding explosive devices. Instead, the authorities found the illustrations of a monkey and let the Reys be. In 1940 the couple embarked on a life-saving journey which brought them to New York where they continued to illustrate, write, and publish the many adventures of Curious George. 

Because of that genesis of Curious George, the title of the exhibit is perfectly apt; had it not been for those drawings, who knows what could have happened to the Reys. But what's striking is that while reading their many tales, you'd never suspect that Curious George was born out of such a dark and dangerous time. Never do his misadventures allude to war or persecution, and I find it absolutely remarkable that Margret and H.A. Rey were able to create such a happy and adorable character during such a horrible period. 

For me Curious George has always been a constant source of happiness and joyfulness. I own many of the books, as well as the 2006 film, Curious George, which is actually pretty enjoyable - unless you really don't like Jack Johnson - as well as a number of stuffed Georges  - one of which rides in my car with me. Also, my most favorite store is a bookstore on Harvard Square called "Curious George Goes to Wordsworth." It's a fantastic bookshop that caters to children's books - not just The Adventures of Curious George - but ALL the stories my generation grew up with - from Amelia Bedelia to Eric Carle to Where the Wild Things Are to the Bernstein Bears - I mean EVERYTHING. It's a fantastic shop where you can relive your childhood memories and recall the stories you loved once upon a time.

I really hope to make it to NYC this summer to see this exhibit. It seems very educational, and I love that they have so many of the original illustrations that the Reys sketched in the 1940s and beyond. If you happen to find yourself at the Jewish museum, please let me know what you think of the exhibit! Until then, I'll be a Curious Courtney!

Food Fun for Me!

Okay, I have to share that I just ordered 2 new cookbooks from Amazon, and I'm super stoked! I promise, this blog will not turn into a Julie & Julia (or Courtney & Martha) blog. It will remain true to its cinephilia, but if I happen to pair a meal with a movie, please do not hate me for mentioning or elaborating upon what I prepare. Perhaps I'll start movie nights based around a dish - or vice-versa. I mean, it would be very easy to pair food and wine with, say, The Godfather, as I've done before. Hmmmm...I wonder what I could come up with for, say, 2001: A Space Odyssey - this could be a fun project! Anyhow, we'll see how successful I am with the recipes sans films. I really do hope I'm able to make Nana proud! 

Oh - and from Netflix today I received Precious and Days of Heaven. I'm really looking forward to both! I'll write more once I've watched.

Birthday Greetings All Around!

Today, March 23, is a very special day - all around! First, it's my mom Gail's birthday - Happy Birthday Mom! Also, it's Rachael Berube's 30th birthday - Happy Birthday Rachael! And it would have been the 100th birthday of master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, born on this day in 1910 in Tokyo. 

Because of Kurosawa, the world has been blessed with some of the most beautifully shot films of the 20th century. These include Rashomon, Seven Samurai (later remade as The Magnificent Seven), Yojimbo (later remade as A Fistful of Dollars), Red Beard, Kagemusha, and Ran - just to name a few. Kurosawa was a huge fan of American Cinema - especially the Westerns of Ford and Mann - and the influence that this country's filmmakers had on the Japanese writer/director/movie genius is easily noticed. It also comes as no surprise that his films made for fantastic Western remakes - even by Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone. Kurosawa is a filmmaker who should be watched and studied in order to gain an appreciation of what the filmic medium is able to accomplish. Happy Birthday and Thank You, Akira Kurosawa. You left an incredible filmography, and the world is better because of it.

Ratatata-BAM!

Happy Monday all! Today starts my week-long vacay of cleaning, organizing, and attempting to write a final paper. On this first day, however, the weather is horribly dismal, and my motivation has quickly vanished. I mean, as of Saturday, it's Spring! Friday and Saturday were in the 70s! But today is in the 40s with rain, rain, rain (and some snow)! Sigh. Well, at least while I'm not checking off the to-do list, I thought I'd squeeze in a quick post.

Sadly, I have not watched anything new in the last week, well, other than television shows. I caught the season premiere of South Park (taking advantage of the Tiger Woods debacle), watched some new The Office (with some green screen like whoa), and was introduced to Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - which, I must say, made me a tad scared about restaurants' kitchens. Perhaps that is why a lot of the weekend was spent making meals instead of ordering in or eating out, something at which I am making a concerted effort to do both for my wallet and health. 

Well, in order to get into the culinary spirit as well as incorporate some movie watching, while dinner and dessert - by me! - were being prepared, Pixar's Ratatouille played on screen. I really, really, really enjoy this film. No, this was not my first viewing (I did see it when it was in theaters), but I always learn something new about wine or cooking each time I watch. The whole premise is pretty strange but awfully entertaining and adorable. I mean, how many movies are able to pull off a rat being cute and sweet and able to make you want to dine on his culinary creations instead of being completely repulsed by the site of him? Answer: None, other than this one. I feel that this is a Pixar film that really speaks to the adult audience more than the tiny tots. For anyone who enjoys food, you must see this film. It is so well told and beautifully animated, and probably one of the only Pixars that'll make you wish you had a glass of wine in hand while viewing. It'll also make you want to go to Paris or at least get out your Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and trying your hand at a recipe or two.

And while I did not venture to Paris or break out the ole' French Cooking book, I did enjoy some delicious meals this weekend. My sole contribution were my homemade cookies paired with some Moosetracks ice cream. I initially planned on baking my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies, but alas, it is not the season for pumpkin. So, I quickly re-imagined the dish and went with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. It was fun playing with the recipe and not going by a book - I think Remy would've been proud. Plus, my taste testers were 100% satisfied. So BAM!
 

Erin Go Bragh!

Happy St. Patrick's Day my lads and lasses! I hope this March 17 finds you happy, healthy, safe, and in green! The weather here in Atlanta is rather dismal, but I feel that the excitement for the day will make it cheery. For TCM's Daytime Programming today you'll be able to find a number of Irish-American classics. For instance, at this very moment, I'm watching The Irish in Us - a great Jimmy Cagney, Pat O'Brien (REPRESENT!), Lloyd Bacon collaboration. The stereotypes are abundant (police officer, firefighter, boxer, momma's boys), but the film is still extremely enjoyable - and how could it not be - it's got Jimmy Cagney!

In addition to the shamrocks and leprechauns racking my brain, I did see a couple movies last weekend. First, Tim Burton-Johnny Depp's Alice in Wonderland. Sadly, I must report, the movie was not good. Disappointment cannot even begin to explain my feelings on the film. I was SO excited for this one, and alas, Tim and Johhny did not deliver. It was sloppy, awkward, and just plain strange. There were scenes that did not make sense and dialogue which was indecipherable. So sad. Many younger audience members liked it - they were clapping at the end - so I suppose that says something since some folks enjoyed this version of Alice. But not I. Sigh.

I also watched a documentary called No Impact Man - though really, it should have been No Impact Family. The doc poses the question: To what extremes would you go in order to live and have no impact on the earth for a year? Well, New York City family Colin Beaven, his wife Michelle, and their 2-year old daughter Isabella take (some drastic) measures over the course of 12 months to figure out what can feasibly be done to answer that question. They only eat food grown within 250-miles of their home (so bye bye coffee and meat); they do not take elevators, trains, cabs, planes, etc (so hello stairs, bikes and scooters!); and they go without electricity (in their home) for 6 months - that was probably the craziest part of the project. Overall, the film brought up some interesting talking points and made me wonder what - if any - of those measures I could take. As of right now, I'm going coffee-free (and it sucks), and I rarely take elevators. But I do live in Atlanta, so I'm a slave to the automobile. Perhaps if I ever live in a more urban, pedestrian, walking friendly city I'll be a little less impact lady.

Happy St. Patrick's day once more! Enjoy your pint(s) and be nice to your Irish brethren!

I Am Woman...ROAR!

Hello all! It's been a couple weeks. Lots has happened! I turned a year older and created a title sequence, the Academy hosted its 82nd Oscar ceremony, and a woman won the Best Director Oscar - FINALLY!

First off: Thank you for all the birthday wishes - they were much appreciated. The day was very lovely and low-key. Drove around, listened to podcasts, stopped off at Ormsby's for a beer. One thing Glenn and I learned that day - check which counties in Georgia are dry on Sundays - because you will not be able to enjoy a pint otherwise. Oy.

Second: My title sequence turned out really well. I got an A in the class - yay! I don't know if I exactly channeled David Lynch, but I like the finished project. A couple shout-outs: To the Grimwoods for letting me use your home as my setting - it was perfect! And you saved my sequence. And to Glenn, for being my "Johnny Depp" and allowing me to film your adorable face. Your performance was fantastic! I'll also honor your wishes and not post the video here, but folks, if you'd like to see, let me know - just don't tell Glenn!

Third: This past Sunday was the 82nd annual Academy Awards. Of the 10 nominees, I saw 8 of the films, finally watching Inglourious Basterds the night before. I really enjoyed the movie, though, I did cover my eyes at a handful of parts, and relied on my movie companion to jolt me awake at times - it was a little long, plus we started watching it after midnight, and I was tired! But it was a very interesting film. Tarantino is such a cinephile, and it shows! He has a very distinct style and way of telling stories, and in this case, re-writing history. Brad Pitt should stick to comedic roles only - he was great! And Christoph Waltz who took home this year's Oscar for Best Supporting Actor was phenomenal, really excellent as a maniacal Nazi. Anyhow, the 2 films I have to see from the list of nominees: Precious and A Serious Man

For the Oscars themselves: I didn't think there were that many surprises. I suppose some people were expecting -- from what I hear, both are very good. Avatar to take home more than it did, but I was very happy with the number that The Hurt Locker racked up. Of the nominees, that was by far my favorite. Interestingly, it is the Best Picture Winner with the lowest box office receipts - $14 million. I have a feeling that'll change soon. It probably won't reach Avatar money earnings, but it'll still add to its own pocketbook. The highlight of the Awards for me was by far the prize for Best Director. This was the first time in the 82 years of the Oscars that a WOMAN has won the Best Directing honor - long, long, long overdue, and completely well deserved. Kathryn Bigelow also seemed so shocked and beside herself and very humbled. For the other women winners: I was very happy to see Sandra Bullock win - even if I don't think her performance was the best of the year - I still think she's adorable. Also, Mo'Nique's acceptance speech was fantastic. She was so well composed and articulate. I really really like her - and, she shoots in the studio next to TCM! I'm hoping to meet her very soon!

Looking at the current state of films: I'm interested to see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Shutter Island, but I've heard not so good things about either. I don't know. I hope something worth my $10 comes out soon. I'm itching for a good movie outing!