Joyful Noise Review

Well we went to see Joyful Noise last week and left early so we could catch New Girl and Parenthood on tv. That's really all their is to say, right?

Except, I will say this. I like cheesy movies that make you feel good, that critics tend to hate. I like re-purposed pop songs and I like Queen Latifah and I LOVE Dolly Parton. But I hate movies that put effort into designing a cute premise and securing a few stars and then stop there. We're left with a plot more ridiculous than anything that cost Schmidt a dollar in the jar.

And a script more awkward than Drew walking in on his mom and Mr. Cyr.

Joyful Noise, rated "PG," comedy/musical, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, "D"

Take Care of You

Once upon a time, my freshmen year of college, I lived across the hall from a girl named Tia. Tia introduced me to tanning beds (my forehead wrinkles thank you) and I used to sit in the chair by her window and eat her Cheeze-its (I gained the freshman 40) while we chatted. Despite this, Tia and I became really good friends. Sophomore year we moved to a new dorm but still lived across the hall from each other.

Junior and Senior year we lived in the same apartment building on campus. The summer after we graduated, I asked Tia if she wanted to interview for a job at my office and move into a room at the house I was renting with some friends. She did! Tia enrolled in a grad program and I followed the next year. Next we moved into an apartment together. Eventually this summer we moved across town into our own places . . . in the same building.

So, Tia has been my roommate, coworker, class-mate, and best friend. For the past 8 years we have gone on vacations

sang along at concerts

celebrated birthdays

partied for holidays

hung out with celebrities

and jumped for joy- together.

Eventually we got to that point in our friendship where saying goodbye on the phone took about 15 minutes. It went something like this “Ok well let me know how the staff meeting goes. . . good luck on your presentation . . .I’ll keep you updated on dinner plans . . . Oh, a package arrived for you today . . . Omg, did you see what she posted on Facebook? Wait, when are you getting home? Ok, I love you. Alright, I’ll talk to you soon. Oh wait a second, did I tell you about that email?” You get the point.

We decided that we needed a standard phone sign-off. And of course we drew inspiration from a movie. You know one of those meaningful friendships from a classic film.

Of course I’m talking about Vivian Ward and Kit De Luca from Pretty Woman. Two girls with similar jobs who share an apartment together- that’s us! A few minor differences. For about six months we would end conversations with “Take care of you”, just like Vivian and Kit. We agreed this summed up everything we wanted to say in a goodbye. Start watching at 2:10 for the last "take care of you" in the movie.

Since freshmen year, Tia has talked about going back to her hometown. Whether it was to see her family and boyfriend for a weekend, start a grad program for a few years, or take a new job, permanently. I have spent 8 years begging Tia to stay in town so I could drag her to a fraternity party (where all of the guys asked me who my hot blond friend was), or go the movies and buy candy at Target, or get takeout in our pajamas, or lay by the pool and share magazines, or work and live next to me every single day. In was a long hard battle but in the end I lost because Tia is moving this week. Of course, I could say that I won because look at all we’ve done!

And we finally got our hair under control- really a win-win overall.

T, I can’t even imagine trying to summarize all of the laughs, tears, late nights (for you) early mornings (for me), fights (just that one on the way to the office retreat!) and pure fun we’ve had. Nothing could sum up all I would want to say this goodbye. So, I’ll just say . . . take care of you.

Cinematic Reading

In case you think all I do is watch romantic comedies, take pictures of myself with my iphone and tweet people magazine, I wanted to share some great books I've read recently. After finishing one of them, I searched twitter for the author so I could tweet my compliments. (I'm nice like that.) He wasn't on twitter, but someone had tweeted that this book was the most "cinematic" book of the year. Well this made me happy because I find a lot of books, news stories, and everyday situations to be very cinematic. If I've learned anything from my grad program, it is to cite my sources. So thank you random person on twitter for giving me a word that is sure to become part of CFC vocabulary. Not only did I love these books, but they would all make wonderful movies.

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner wrote "In Her Shoes" which became a great movie. She also wrote plenty of other bestsellers including a short story collection which I love. And her live tweets during the bachelor are hilarious! However, Then Came You is my favorite book yet! Its about four different women and their connection to an unborn baby. I loved all of the characters, especially the descriptions of their thoughts and fears. I think women can be rather judgemental on each other and this book perfectly captured different opinions and the truth behind them. This book would make a wonderful movie with a stellar female ensemble cast.

Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland by Gerald Clarke

I'm going to be honest with y'all. It took me a while to get through this book. Not only is it gigantic but its a mesmerizing, tragic and very detailed account of Judy's (actually Frances Gumm) entire life. This book also serves as an insider timeline to Hollywood, especially MGM studios from the 30's-the 60's. I heard about it in the first place because it already is being made into a movie- starring Anne Hathaway! She signed on a few years ago and I haven't heard anything in awhile. I know Miss Hathaway is busy with wedding planning but I'd like to see this in theaters like, yesterday!

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Ok, wow. I loved this book so much I am thisclose to naming it my favorite book I read in 2011, but then I think about One Day and . . . it's probably a tie. Anyways, Rules of Civility is about Manhattan in the late 1930's. It's about the class system and wealth and fate and love and omg its just SO good! It's one of those stories that has enough juicy drama to keep you interested but also some moments of reflection that keep you thinking. I would love to see this on the silver screen and see who was cast as bright, witty Katey, enchanting Evey, and sweet and mysterious Tinker Grey. I also want to see the clothes! I wore this fur jacket to a party the other weekend and when I first styled my hair down, it sort of blended in the coat, which weirded me out. I liked it better in a side bun, and I feel like it took on a little bit of a 1930's feel with the fur and the hair and the cocktail ring, right?

Of course I was wearing it with jeggings and nothing says classic glamour like stretchy denim from Forever 21.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Well my love for Mindy Kaling is no secret, I've written about her here and here and religiously follow her twitter feed. This book is fun and clever and totally relatable. After each chapter I really wished I had Mindy's cell phone so I could text her "OMG me too!" I love that she is a very talented writer but will write a chapter of her book about how guys put on shoes. It gives me endless inspiration for this little blog.

You know what I would do if I was you? Make some delicious cookies and curl up with a great book! Happy Saturday!

Beauty and Bravery

After my gush fest over awards shows, of course I had to make an airport run on Sunday night and miss the red carpet and first part of the Golden Globes. All caught up by Monday morning thanks to my trusty DVR! So let's get to it! My best dressed of the night:

Kate Beckinsdale- We can't blame you Seth Rogen

Viola Davis- goddess with a thigh-high sit

Sofia Vergara- she can do no wrong!

Nicole Richie- Hey, I like metallic dresses and hair extensions too!

Reese Witherspoon- Sexy and she knows it

and my favorite . . .

Charlize Theron- It's like she's not even human, in the best way possible.

via

I really liked the sparkly headband trend! I went a little headband wild during Blair Waldor's heyday and now that I'm older and Blair's going to marry a royal (not really, but I'll play along) she's been wearing fascinators galore! I love them but have nothing to wear them to, so I'll settle for some sparkly headbands.

Two great lines from acceptance speeches:

Christopher Plummer

"And lastly, a fair lady called Elaine - my wife of 43 years - whose bravery and beauty haunts me still."

Swoon, Captain Von Trapp!

Octavia Spencer

"With regard to domestics in this country, now and then, I think Dr. King said it best: 'All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.' And I thank you for recognizing that with our film."
Eloquent, timely, and basically saying "screw you controversy, I got my award!"

As for Ricky . . . he was nicer than last year and his jokes were obviously given to the presenters beforehand so they could make witty comebacks if they wished. This was fine, but dont insult our intelligence. I mean, we can tell who is capable of making an off the cuff remark (Colin Firth) and who isn't (Madonna and her new face.)

I dont even know what to say about The Descendants winning. I stand behind my review! And in case you're wondering (like me) if I was the only person who didn't like this movie, here's proof that I'm not.

Time Magazine

Village Voice

I'm really excited to see what is nominated for best picture by the Academy and I hope to see as many of those films as possible. It always baffles me that awards show producers and broadcasting networks are so concerned with ratings when they are recognizing movies that many Americans never even had the chance to see!

On my movie to-do list? The Artist which is supposed to open here soon! I have already decided I will either love it or hate it, as there can be no middle ground with a silent film that is released in 2012!

Ferris and Paris

Here's two outfit posts and the movies behind them!

First, I wore this out in Winter Park, Fl for dinner with my lovely friends

It was actually styled by my mom (thanks Suze!) but after putting it on, it reminded me a lot of Sloane Peterson from Ferris Bueller's day off.

Something about the blazer, shorts, and boots, right? (All from Kohl's!) I remember after seeing this movie in 8th grade (when it was already hip to watch "old" 80's movies), thinking Sloane was the coolest girl in the world. When E started dating way above himself on Entourage, I was pretty sure she was named in honor of another gorgeous laid back brunette.

Also, I finally watched Midnight in Paris and I would totally recommend it. Besides a charming Owen Wilson, and luminous Marion Cotillard, this movies features the city of lights and 1920's glamour. Here's a Parisian outfit for a dinner downtown-

I've never been to Paris, but for some reason black and white stripes seems appropriate? Probably because of Carrie?

Also, feather headband (from GAP) 100% inspired by Marion's darling headpieces.

If you're looking for a movie to rent this weekend- rent Midnight in Paris!

MTAD X 2

If someone were to ask me "what kind of movie would you love to see in theaters?" I would say:

A romantic comedy starring half of the cast of Bridesmaids, plus cute Ben from Parks and Recreation, and written and directed by a woman? ( Jon Hamm's lady!)

OR!

A musical set in the 80's, filmed in Florida, and starring 3 of my celebrity crushes- Julianne, Alec, and, yes, I have the hots for Russell Brand and I am not ashamed! Also, that cute guy who dated Spencer on Pretty Little Liars?

If someone were to tell me "those movies have been made! They'll be released in a few months!" I would say:

I've already watched the trailers 467 times.

Guess what time it is?

The Golden Globes are on Sunday! Do you know what that means? It's awards season people!!!

For me, awards season is the equivalent of the super bowl, the final four, the NBA playoffs, the. . . hockey. . . games? Sorry, my big moments in sports knowledge ends there. Oh! The world series! Just remembered. I only know that because I believe Fever Pitch is one of the most underrated romantic comedies of the past 10 years.

Okay so awards season. Awards shows are a triple threat. First, the red carpet which I might argue is the best part. It's like watching a beauty pageant but starring all of your favorite celebrities. I'm one of those people who really loved every cliche high school experience, especially prom. Walking the Oscars red carpet has to be the culmination of every amazing prom daydream you ever had plus television cameras AND George Clooney. And minus the awful dance moves that haunt you 10 years later. I like to sit on my couch and watch all of the red carpet coverage while texting my mom, searching people.com for the latest picture updates, and yelling out "Hi Sandra!" "Oh she looks great!" "Omg no Helena Bonham Carter. No!" "Awww Ryan Gosling brought his moooommm!" It. is. awesome.

Next, the awards shows productions which are always a bit. . . odd, no? Obviously the organization of such a huge telecast has to be a daunting task but it always seems like things are a bad joke or faulty teleprompter away from falling apart. Considering these shows are built around awarding forms of entertainment, it seems like they should be able to "get it together." Side note: every since watching the original "Shit Girls Say" about a month ago, I have become glaringly aware of how often in conversation I demand that a third party "gets it together." Anyways, if awkward moments aren't your cup of tea, there's always a couple of cheap laughs, usually from presenters who are witty/charming enough to go off script. (I'm looking at you Tom Hanks.)

And of course, the awards! I think awards (especially for films) can be polarizing because they rarely recognize the movies that were box office hits. I think many times people find themselves tuning into the Oscars only to say " I've never even HEARD of that movie!!!" As a lover of all things pop culture, and a writer of a blog devoted to romantic comedies, I certainly understand this. However, I like to think that I have a basic knowledge of what films are worth awarding, and worth paying for a ticket at the movie theater. And we'll talk about that later. I suppose the most riveting, emotional part of the evening (besides the non-existent Jen and Angelina showdown that In Touch has reported for the past 7 years) is seeing a genuinely grateful actor (sometimes director, I'm not looking at you James Cameron) accept an award with grace, eloquent words, and a few tears. It seems to be everyone's dream to win an acting award (maybe just me?) and I wish we had more acceptance speeches in our lives. I would gladly accept an award for returning emails in timely manner or a posting an amusing facebook status with all of the self deprecating humor and adorable british expressions of Kate Winslet.

What is your favorite part of awards season?