Penelope

Penelope, a film directed by Mark Palansky, has what I like to call the ultimate "cutesie factor" -- in my opinion, perhaps even more so than the infamously "cutesie" movie Juno. Aside from the content of the storyline and the dialogue of the screenplay, this "cutesie factor" stems from the movie's cinematography. There is an obvious color scheme throughout the film, which can also be seen in the image above. Dark but warm is the theme set for this movie about a girl cursed to live with a pig's snout for a nose until she finds a Blue Blood as her one true love to break it. Sounds cheesy and somewhat like something that's been done before, but don't be judgmental just yet. There is a feel of originality nonetheless, especially the way James McAvoy and Christina Ricci play their roles. I love to watch this movie around the holidays, but I'm sure it's cute enough for all year round. And with classic "Hoppipolla" by Sigur Ros, among other songs, it's got a "cutesie" soundtrack to match.

You complete me,

Amanda

Love Actually

Directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually actually touches your heart more than any other holiday movie. I'm always in the mood to watch this movie, any time of year, though it does make me wish for Christmas that much more when it's sweltering hot in July and I want to cuddle with somebody. Full of a wide array of actors, this movie offers a variety of humor, romance, sadness, and, yes, disgust. So many storylines in a movie means so many more audiences are pleased. My favorite kind of movie is one about love, the cheesy kind, with the happy ending. This movie provides that, with top music to boot. Watch it, and keep in mind what I'm about to say: I love the Love Actually boy who runs through the Airport. The sound editing is top notch, and that kid's face is just too cute.

Love, peace, and soul (train),

Amanda

The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme, is as old as I am; but despite its being released the year I was born, I consider myself well-acquainted with this dark drama. I say "drama," although the rest of the world throws words around like "horror," "thriller," and "mystery-action," because honestly, I never once jumped in my seat. My jaw dropped, yes, but I define "scary" as something that actually makes me afraid/gives me nightmares. This film has more to do with the human psyche than anything else; the acting is so brilliant, you somehow find yourself rooting for the bad guy (Anthony Hopkins a.k.a. Hannibal Lecter). I will criticize it for its length, and for its occasional "dragging on" moments. However, the humor in the Buffalo Bill Scenes (yes, it's macabre, but still a little funny) and awesome scene editing keep you interested. Not to mention the outburst of a Tom Petty song in a semi-random scene and, of course, the outburst of Hannibal Lecter in a not-so-random, sickening scene that involves removing human skin. All that considered, you'd be crazy not to watch this movie ;)

Did I do that?

Amanda

The Goonies

First you gotta do the truffle shuffle! If you've seen The Goonies, a fantastic film directed by Richard Donner, you probably immediately LOL'd when you read that. Chunk is indeed one of the funniest characters in this movie, though really, the whole group of them is priceless. A hilarious movie, this film was another one that defined my childhood. I first saw it at a young age, and I have to say, I had a huge crush on Josh Brolin (the way he was back then -- now, uh, not so much..) and Sean Astin (again, the way he was back then -- now, uh, not so much..). I never laugh harder than I do when I watch these kids interact with each other on their way to finding the lost treasure of One-Eyed Willy. After even one viewing, I guarantee you'll remember quips that you'll want to spit out randomly from time to time. "ANDY! You goonie!" and "No firmen!" as dear old Rosalita says at the end of the movie, are two I could never forget. I always wished I could be a goonie, but I take comfort in the message of the film, which very meaningfully states that everyone is a goonie in his or her own way ;)

Okay I'll talk!!

Amanda

Babel

Babel, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, is one of those movies where the sum of its parts is far greater than the whole. Like any anthology movie -- again, this comes up, especially because anthologies are my favorites -- Babel speaks to a varied audience. For that reason alone this film merits praise and recommendation. But to get my vote of confidence, a movie has to excel at more than just one feature, which Babel, needless to say, does. The movie begins slow-ish, I'll admit, but all that does for me is build up the mystery and unpredictability of the plot. When a movie appears to have no direction in the beginning, it's always a good idea to stick around to see where it's headed. The development of the plot becomes that much more exciting, and when you put two and two together, there's nothing more satisfying. Babel doesn't have obvious connections, if you watch from the beginning. I knew there were several storylines, and that they were to intertwine at some point, but I never anticipated how. But when it does, and when Brad Pitt actually gives a stellar performance (though does not pair well with Cate Blanchett), as well as Gael Garcia Bernal and Rinko Kikuchi, you can't do anything but exclaim loudly. It all comes together, and you feel so smart when you get it. As well as sad, I guess, since it is indeed a sad movie. The original score, which won an Academy Award by the way, helps with that. It's a good cry, though, so if you fear emotion, don't run away! Watch it!

You guys up for a toga party? Toga! Toga!

Amanda ;)

Stealing Beauty

Stealing Beauty, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is one of those movies that you start watching without having any idea what it's going to be about. I remember randomly finding it on television on a rainy day, and after recognizing Liv Tyler, I thought there must be something worthy about this movie. Turns out I was right! It was a journey, though, because there's no clear path. Predictable movie it is not -- all throughout, you're wondering just who it is Lucy (Liv Tyler's character) is going to lose her virginity to. Besides that little mystery, the acting, originality of the script (written by the director, an Academy-Award winner!), and, of course, the gorgeous setting of Tuscany make this a beautiful movie to watch. It's rare finding a movie with an element of surprise and originality, but this one hits the nail on the head. By the end of it, you're likely to leave with something gained or learned ;)

"This is the universe. Big, isn't it?"
Amanda

True Romance

Directed by Tony Scott, and written by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance is really kinda romantic! It's actually more cutesies than romantic, but same diff ;) Watching this movie for the first time may come as a surprise to many of you; lots of today's well-known actors were in this movie, though none of them had the starring role. Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, and Samuel L. Jackson are just a few of them! Granted, this movie is an enigma, because it's about crime in the dirtiest sense as well as love in the dirtiest sense. Christian Slater's character elopes with a hooker, played by Patricia Arquette. It seems frivolous, I know, but when you watch it, I guarantee your heart will be warm and fuzzy inside. The script is magnificent -- of course it is, Tarantino! -- and actually has meaning. On top of that, the soundtrack is done by one of my all-time favorite film composers, Hans Zimmer -- though I do admit it doesn't sound like much of his other work. Even so, if it's at all possible to feel sad and happy at the same time, the Zimmer man will do that for you in this movie. It's a typical feel-good movie, but somehow by the end of it, you feel more than good -- you feel grrrreat ;)

Fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride,
Amanda