50 First Dates (2004)

Adam Sandler has came out with so many movies that everyone has their own favorite Sandler movies. Out of all his wonky movies, my favorite is the most romantic of them all.

I am not a huge Sandler fan. Most often I roll my eyes even while snickering occasionally. To love a Sandler movie is to have an acquired humor.Sandler humor is a blend of silly potty humor and slapstick comedy. This might be dismissed by most audience since there have been so many crappy comedy movies. It's actually pretty surprising that Sandler has been so successful in his movies. Sandler is just good at coming up with entertaining stories. They are far fetched and often times ridiculous but entertaining nonetheless.

"50 First Dates" is one of Sandlers most romantic and far fetched of them all. Most people would favor "The Wedding Singer" as their own romantic favorite but it didn't affect me in any way. "The Wedding Singer" came off as too cheesy and bland. I do enjoy watching it occasionally because I love Billy Idol's appearance but it's not my favorite.

Before I summarize the movie, just remember that this story line is very, very,far fetched and not to be taken too seriously.

The movie centers around Lucy (played by Drew Barrymore), a lovely girl who lives in Hawaii. Sandler plays Henrik, a zoo vet (thumbs up from me!) who meets Lucy in a restaurant close to where his car had broken down. They seem to hit off and Henrik is happy. When he returns to the restaurant, Lucy is alarmed when he recognizes her and Henry is astounded.

A family friend of Lucy's family Sue (played the awesome Amy Hill) informs Henry that Lucy suffers from a special case of amnesia dues to a car accident she had years ago. Lucy can remember events leading up to the accident but not the accident itself. Every day is the same day for her over and over. For years, her family and friends have kept her thinking it was the same day by providing her the same newspapers and such. When Lucy does remember she freaks out and they all have to console her.

Despite warnings from family and friends, Henrik still seeks to see Lucy. Every day, he comes up with new and interesting ways to meet her. Every day is a first date.

That is a very, very, very improbably and far fetched plot line. Yet it is entertaining and sweet as hell. That is just so freaking romantic that I'm wiggling and squealing as I think about it. The idea of a guy who is so in love with you that he would put this much effort to it. In a time, where most guys can't be bothered to drive or even open doors for (most not all), it is surprising that this idea comes from Sandler. This also adds to my idea that Sandler is just a goofy but romantic guy. Once again, my kind of guy.

It's pointless to analyze the plot. Once again, it is a Sandler movie and it is far fetched. Enough said.

The casting is typical of a Sandler movie. Like Smith he tends to use the same cast members. My favorite is Drew Barrymore. She plays such a sweet amnesiac character. Well not all the time. I always crack up when she went after Rob Schneider with a baseball bat.

Plus Dan Akyroyd makes a cameo (double thumbs up!)

My absolute draw to the movie is the sondtrack. It is one of my favorite movie soundtracks (Rocky Horror tops my list). The song helped lend a sweet and romantic tone to the movie. Its soft, whimsical and very odd for a Sandler movie.

What's even odder is how many sweet moments are sprinkled throughout the movie. The walrus and penguins steal their scenes. The date setups are sweet. The bonfire serenade. All of it the adds to the sincerity of Henry's devotion to Lucy.

Simply put, this is one of my favorite atypical Adam Sandler movie.

Whip It (2009)

It's been so long since I wrote in my little blog about movies. Why was I so amiss? Well school is a major factor but mainly I had decided to take part in National Writing Month (a.k.a NaNo Wrimo) this past month. The goal is write a story of of 50,000 words in one month. It was HARD. For a new writer it was the ultimate purging out the first draft that had been stewing in my mind for years. And I did! Thanks to all my friends , coworkers, and very supportive boyfriend. They were all supportive in giving me as much time and opportunity to write. I achieved a personal achievement.

Which brings me to my inspiration for this blog entry. It is a movie that echoes personal achievement and fighting your own personal obstacles. Everyone has their own scapegoat they want to point to when they can't achieve their goals. Oh it's lack of time, my boss is keeping me down, I'm too old, I'm too different, I have obligations to fill, blah blah blah. No one is keeping you from achieving your goals except for yourself. You are your own worst enemy.Partipating in Nanowrimo echoed that, an inspiring ranch hand echoed this, and this movie really shows this.

This is a movie that really speaks to all the females out there in the world. It;s also a movie for the males who just want to see females beat the crap out of each other.

"Whip It" is a movie directed by Drew Barrymore (oh yeah, Drew Barrymore! Whoo!). It centers around a young female named Bliss Cavender(played by Ellen Paige) who is just breezing listlessly through life. She only puts up a mild rebellion with her mothers overbearing forcing her into pageants and working her dull life in a diner. She has no known goal or desires.

Until she finds a flier for a roller derby exhibition match.If your not familar with roller derby, then you should be! It's an amazing all contact female sport. ALL CONTACT!lemme reiterate, these are girls that will punch you, kick you, trip you, bruise you , all on roller skates! You should check out the LA Derby Dolls if your curious to know more.

Bliss attends and is completely dazzled by the whole world. Hell I want to be an LA Derby Doll. Only two things stands in my way : 1. my glasses, 2. my teeth (my mom spent a helluva alot of money to fix my teeth, I ain't wrecking it!).

Here are Bliss's problem: 1. she is underage (it's 18+ to join) 2. her mother would not permit her to engage in such an activity ( no surprise- what mother would?) 3. she hasn't skated since she was very very young.

So what's a young slightly rebellious teen to do? Lie to the Derbys and her mom in order to participate. She goes through carefully crafted lies, alot of bruising and training to get what she wants.

The story flows pretty much as anticipated. She becomes great, inspires jealousy, gets found, overcomes more adversity. The story isn't original but it's the content of the story that makes this movie so much fun.

Paige pretty much plays a role that doesn't seem to deviate so far from her other movie roles. She almost reminds me of a female form of Michael Cera. Only difference is that she established as a pretty good actress in "Inception".

Like I mentioned before, Drew Barrymore directed this movie. So there's a great rock vibe throughout the movie. It's more an indie-rock vibe with all the music and characters. I don't have a problem with that since I pretty enjoy indie-rock music. Some people may find fault with this since I've been noticing a backlash against indie-rock music and hipsters. I just shrug at all the negative response. If I'm going to enjoy the music, then I'm going to enjoy the music regardless of whatever stigma is attached.

I'm also a fan of Drew Barrymore. She may not make the greatest movies but she's a great role model overall. She does her own thing, she is who she is. She made alot of mistakes in her past but she is her own time line of overcoming personal obstacles. Hoorah!

The ultimate enjoyment for this movie is what attracts both males and females to this movie. The roller derby parts are just AWESOME! I watched this in the theater with some girlfriends and we ran out of that theater just pumped with energy. We were just going crazy running around, trying to make up our own Derby names.

It's a simple movie for anyone who is looking for a pick me up. It's motivational in it's own way It's funny, charming, and just awesome.

Till next time, toodles!

Ever After (1998)

Brace yourself for another reimagined story.

This inspiration came close on the heels of a debate that my storytelling class had on fairy tales. When you mention fairy tales, Disney is going to pop in the conversation sooner or later. I am getting pretty tired of everyone harping on Disney. Yes they are not perfect and they have shit bricked alot of crap. But classic Disney was literally where the magic was at. Where the company took elaborate pains to take a fairy story and myth and make it like by little kids practically universally.

Before you take up arms with the complaint that they're tainting the public minds: THERE ARE OTHER FRICKIN' VERSIONS OUT THERE. Fairy tales and myths are constantly recycled and reimagined given the handlers culture, time, and interest. Some people can view fairy tales as precious and timeless archives that should be preserved. Other see fairy tales as in sorely need of updating. There are groups that understand that fairy tales were remodeled in order to make the warning in the story approriate. I am of the of the group where I like to ask the "What If?" in the fairy tales.

And you've seen this happen.
Gregory Mcguire asked, " What if the wicked witch wasn't wicked?" when he wrote "Wicked".
Bill Willingham asked, "What if fable characters existed in our world?" when he created "Fables".
Frank Beddor asked , " What if Alice in Wonderland was really a princess named Alyss"? in the "Looking Glass Wars".

"Ever After" pretty much asks "What if Cinderella was a real human being?"
Damn do I love this movie. It is a beautiful reimagination of Cinderella and romance movie.

In the movie, Danielle (played by Drew Barrymore) is a girl forced to be a servant by her abusive stepmother (played by Anjelica Huston). The stepmother is concerned with having her daughter, Margarite, gain the attention of the Prince (who is absolutely scrumptious....). Danielle couldn't care less as long as her home and servant family stay together.

Through sheer accidence, Daniellle is blessed with money to free one of her servants who is being shipped off. Danielle pretends to be a lady and fights for the servants rights. During the tussle, the prince intervenes and is immediately impressed by Danielles beauty and intelligence.

So begins the love story between Danielle and the Prince. The story is really fun(especially with the gypsys). I love Danielles character. So beautiful, unique and strong. When she is standing in the white costume facing the royal court, wow! Plus she loves books!

The story also adds the involvement of Leonardo Di Vinci whose role is to be the fairy godmother. Da Vinci's role in the movie is sweet and endearing. Almost like that uncle that would tell you an interesting story while pulling a magic trick.

It's a love story and girls swoon over it. If your looking for historical accuracies, look away. It's funny, sweet, and romantic. A great movie to watch after a long day.


(once again, i chose to wrote this blog really late and i'm tired. so i apologize for any glaring grammar mistakes and such!)