Goodbye

It seems appropriate that I wanted to write about goodbyes today. Not only am I leaving China, in fact I'm probably in the air as your read this. But I am also taking a little hiatus from Weekend Fat. Not long hopefully, just enough to get adjusted to being back in the States and a new schedule. So here are a few of my favorite, and most devastating movie goodbyes....prepare yourself for a little cheese.

I always forget about this age difference.

Fried Green Tomatoes
"Tell me a story Idgie..." And she does. Idgie knows her best friend Ruth is dying, and even though it seems ridiculous and trite in the moment, she complies and tells her a story. I'm sure she wanted to say important things, more substantial things, but honestly, when you're best friends with someone like Idgie and Ruth are, there's nothing you can say that the other person doesn't already know. By the time she's done with her story, Ruth is dead. From there she collapses beside the bed and cries. It rips my heart out every time.

Beaches
Sticking with the BFF theme, another one that kills me is this last scene. I love the way that C.C. uses her overpowering personality to get Hillary released from the hospital so she can take her to the beach, which is also where they became friends. At that point Bette Midler's anthem, Wind Beneath My Wings, begins and we see the two of them sitting in chairs during a beach sunset. C.C. glances over at Hillary and we can see in her eyes that Hillary is gone.

Titanic
Try to ignore the LIE that Rose tells about never letting go and try to pretend that's a metaphor, not literal. Just listen to what Jack says to Rose. He speaks survival into her future, and by doing so, he acknowledges that one of them, him, might not make it alive. The moment is the climax of a movie so well acted by Winslet and DiCaprio that you can't believe they'd make it through all they have only to end up have the frigid death separate them. This goodbye is so horrible that there are entire websites dedicated to theories of how these two could have kept Jack alive.

He's far enough gone to talk to a volleyball, but not far enough gone to chase one.

Cast Away
Admit it...when Wilson floats away, you cried. Tom Hanks' screams after his only friend in the world and even though it's a volleyball, the audience is so invested in the relationship that you can't help but feel for them as the ocean separates them. Even knowing that this probably means rescue for the cast away...it's hard to watch him go.

Father of the Bride
You think she's gone...that she's already moved on, but then the phone rings, and this moment between Kimberly Williams and Steve Martin is short, sweet, but totally touching after a movie full of hilarity and turmoil, giving us the full range of emotions that accompany the transition that is watching your daughter get married.

Say Anything
When Diane says goodbye to her father in prison, you expect it to be more emotional. But then...why should we? Diane is not the overly emotional girl in this movie..she's level headed. After her father's betrayal and lies, she confronts him and hands him a pen which is sentimental and not all at the same time.

This exact moment.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
You might argue that this is not a goodbye, but it certainly feels like one to me. Joel and Clementine spend this movie running away from what will be an inevitable goodbye...and when it finally comes in the form of a relived memory of their first day together, they express wishing they could change the way it went the first time. As a house and the memories crumble around them, Joel walks out the door, wishing he'd stay...Clementine tells him to stay this time and make a new ending. Before the last piece of the memory is gone, she whispers to him "Meet me in Montauk." Of course, he does...and they unknowingly begin the whole thing again.

The Sound of Music
The Von Trapp children make saying goodnight fun!

Honorable Mentions
ET-I will be...right here.
Casablanca-Here's looking at you kid.
The Empire Strikes Back-I love you. I know.
Gone With The Wind-After all...tomorrow is another day.
Truman Show-Good morning. And in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, & goodnight.

See ya!

Which goodbye brings you to tears every time? 

Which one is the most memorable for you?

27 movies in 4 days....ready...GO!

Here's a list of what I watched during my hibernation. Due to the amount of movies I have watched, I will keep my reviews to a few words. If you want more information, leave a comment here or on Facebook and we can discuss further. And thanks for your suggestions! I took some of them, but mainly I watched whatever I could get for free!

Day 1:

Bernie-Jack Black. Based on a true story. What more do you need to know? Seriously, this is dark comedy at its best and lands somewhere along the lines of Grey Gardens. Plus, Shirley MacLaine kind of reprises her role as Ouiser. Watch it!

Butter-I am calling this my favorite movie of the year because it’s hilarious but has a lot of heart. Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Hugh Jackman, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Olivia Wilde, and Rob Corddry among others. They are all great, but hearing Jennifer Garner in her Palin-esque personality say the F word so hatefully and frequently is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Do not miss this movie. 

Dark Knight Rises-I know, I was late to the game on this one. I liked the movie, it was well done, though kind of long in some parts, but then that’s just Christopher Nolan. Speaking of which, did anyone else feel like they were watching Inception part 2? I mean, he definitely has his favorite actors. My basic thoughts are: Predictable. Not enough banter. Anne Hathaway will never be as mean or as sexy as Michelle Pfeiffer was as Catwoman. Do we have to see a Robin movie or can we just imagine it? And I could use more of Tom Hardy’s beautiful face. I’m glad I saw it, but I’m also glad that trilogy is over.

People Like Us-Predictable but sweet family drama. I kind of love Elizabeth Banks. And the kid in it is adorable. Worth watching.

Day 2: 

Your Sister’s Sister-Complex relationship entanglement drama complete with frustrating cliffhanger. Rosemarie Dewitt is great in this, but I wanted more from Emily Blunt. It’s a decent watch.

Requiem For A Dream-Watching people spiral downward can only be more horrible if you feel like you’re spiraling with them. Well done Aronofsky. Depressing. As. Hell. Watch at your own risk.

Sinister-Dear all ladies who are in horror films...by the time you have actually moved into the new house, it’s too late to argue about moving into the new house. Does no one communicate in advance anymore? That argument should have taken place months before boxes were packed.  You know I like scary movies, if you do too, watch this one, but keep your expectations in check. 

Being Flynn-Based on the book, “Another Bullshit Night in Suck City” by Nick Flynn, this movie is legit. The story is about a distanced father and son who connect (or don’t) over their mutual love and talent for writing. The premise is good, but the movie was slow. DeNiro is wonderful, and I can never say no to Julianne Moore. Great soundtrack. Sidenote...I had no idea that Nick Flynn and Lili Taylor were married. Awesome.

Jeff Who Lives at Home-Best opening ever. Jason Segal is growing on me just because I’ve started watching HIMYM. The movie has very little direction...like Jeff, who lives at home. Susan Sarandon’s storyline is probably the most interesting of them all. I think I just hate seeing movies with potential, not reach it. It’s supposed to build up to the end, but the ending is so meaningful compared to the rest of the movie that it’s like if The Hangover had the ending of Shawshank Redemption or something. I wish you could slap a good ending on a movie and call it a good movie. At least it wasn’t the other way around. That’s the worst! Watch it for the last 20 minutes.

Hick-Chlöe Grace Moretz is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses. Everything she does, she does brilliantly. And she’s the best part of this movie, though Blake Lively does impress after her Gossip Girl history. This movie is just mediocre. It’s good enough, but nothing really that unique or great happens. And when something does happen, it seems like everyone is too young in the movie for it to be happening to them. Meh.

All Good Things-Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, who by the way have NO chemistry play a married couple in this movie. Kristen Wiig has like one line though that steals the movie. Because, even though it’s not a comedy at all, ANYTHING Kristen Wiig says is going to be hilarious. Seeing Ryan Gosling play an old person and a woman is more disturbing than the events that take place in this movie. It wants to be The Life of David Gale or Primal Fear, but instead it’s just...old Ryan Gosling! It’s based on a true story, which mostly just proves that Texas is weird.

Day 3: 

Midnight in Paris-I’ve seen this one before, but I needed something dialogue driven while I was packing some things, so I put it on. You can’t help but pick up on the Woody Allen in it, but I love the premise and literary references, so I would definitely recommend it.

Jesus Henry Christ-Toni Colette is usually enough to make me love a movie, but this one fell short for me. It had a few cute moments, but it’s like one of those movies that is trying to out-quirk other movies. It really doesn’t ever go anywhere either. It kills me that writers think they can try to put a small little full circle moment at the end of a movie and think we will all swoon and call it brilliant. This is kind of like that. 

In The Loop-Aside from the angry British cursing, this was a nice little mockumentary. But in all fairness and honesty, I fell asleep during it. It was drawn out and I wasn’t sure what or who I was supposed to care about. Sorry, I’m not perfect.

The Five Year Engagement-I actually really loved the start of this movie. It feels more honest than a lot of Rom-Coms do. Emily Blunt and Jason Segal actually manage to have some chemistry in this, which is shocking if you think about it. I think it’s totally representative of what a lot of people in this generation go through with relationships, especially once you get into your career. I liked this a lot. It was painful at times, but good with a cute ending. Also Van Morrison songs play throughout the movie, so that’s a win.

Day 4:

Wanderlust-The hippies are the best part of this movie. I’m never that impressed with Jennifer Aniston, and I haven’t loved Paul Rudd since Clueless. This starts off pretty legit, but descends into the usual Paul Rudd movie madness and silliness. If you like old naked people and predictable endings, this one’s for you.

The Words-I love movies about writers. And there are a lot of them. Funny how hard it is to actually make a living as a writer, yet it’s Hollywood’s go to movie profession. This movie is kind of like Inception is that it’s a story within a story within a story. It’s well acted. It’s a solid premise that brings up a few ethical questions about how to live with the choices we make. The ending is rather abrupt and leaves something...anything...to be desired considering the build up.

Skyfall-Meh...James Bond movies are some of my mother’s favorites. And there is something fun about the formulaic, though each movie likes to act like it’s going to be different, it’s going to throw you off course. My favorites are Live and Let Die, Die Another Day, and A View to a Kill. This one is lacking something I love about the others. The bad guy didn’t really have a “lair.” And cyberterrorism is just not that fun or intense to watch on a movie. Not enough gadgets, the bad guy wasn’t bad enough, the Bond girl was really no where around for over half the movie, and honestly, I was a little bored. I liked when he took his jaw out...more of that please. I might have to give this one another shot when I’m in a James Bond mood.

Looper-Futuristic movie about time travel where everyone has a gun and drives like they live in China. BUT aside from Joseph Gordan Levitt’s exaggerated eyebrows, this movie is pretty good. The premise is slightly convoluted, but it’s not even that essential to the plot. That’s probably blasphemy in some Sci-Fi realm, but I’m just telling it like it is. The kid in it is creepy, and Emily Blunt with a backwoods accent is also a little strange. Still, worth watching.

Day 4:

End of Watch-Blair Witch style police movie. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are amazing, and I always think Anna Kendrick is adorable. But this movie has impending doom all throughout, so when it finally happens, it’s expected but still sad...and there’s a little surprise in there too that makes it even more tragic. This is a seriously good movie though. Worth watching.

Anonymous-The story explores the idea that maybe Shakespeare didn’t really write what he is believed to have written. It’s obvious that this movie was someone’s darling project that they edited and formed over time before finally being able to flesh it out. And the way it plays out is in broad strokes where it almost seems to BE a Shakespearian play. The thing is, I was hoping for something differently. I was hoping for a mystery surrounding whether or not Shakespeare wrote his plays. This is much more about royalty and romance and murder and betrayal. It’s not too bad, but it’s not what I’d hoped for either. If you like history, the Turdor period especially, then you’ll like it. But if you were hoping for more literature, sorry. Also, WHY do period pieces have to be extra long and have 800 characters in them? Just...focus people.

How To Steal A Million-Audrey Hepburn reading Hitchcock in the movie is perhaps one of my favorite moments in an old movie...almost meta, definitely clever. Peter O’Toole always looks like a woman to me. In short, the movie is about art forgery, an art heist, and romance. But don’t think Thomas Crown Affair. This is just a cute movie with a good plot and some good dialogue, though it goes a little long for the amount of stuff that actually happens. Still, it was a nice break from all the intense modern movies I’ve been watching!

The Kids Are All Right-I’ve been putting this one off for a while because someone gave me some spoilers, but I love Julianne Moore so I figured it’s time. I think what I love about it is that so often our culture sets apart heterosexual couples and homosexual couples, but this movie shows that people are people, relationships are relationships. We can hurt and betray and make mistakes no matter our sexuality...simply because we are human. I’m not gonna lie, this movie made me uncomfortable on several levels, mainly in the way it shows how easily people can be swayed. But I really loved the movie all the same. 

Day 5:

Liberal Arts-Ted from HIMYM is 35 and kind of falls for the younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, who is really into literature and that’s exciting for him. The story is a good one, but not a new one. Facing the questions...when is it time to grow up, what does that even mean? And is age just a number? My favorite line in this movie revolves around the idea that someone 16 years younger than you could motivate you to growth. People are so often closed minded about younger generations, but I love the idea that we all fit together like a puzzle, and our ages complement each other.

Back to the Future-I mean, I’ve seen it hundreds of times, but it’s been a while. The trilogy was cheap on iTunes and I couldn’t resist. I cannot believe how much this movie has held up over the years. It is just so good at every turn. I watched this today to give my brain a break from all the other deep movies I’ve been watching, and so I could also watch the snow outside of my window and not miss anything major in a movie I haven’t seen. Classic.

Cosmopolis-The premise of this movie is that a rich guy wants a haircut from his preferred barber across town, but with the president and a warning of an assassination attempt on his life, it’s going to take all day for him to get there in his limo. He insists, and we get to watch him as he interacts in his limo with everything from advisors to women to his doctor. The movie seems to have been made to show the ridiculousness of the 1%. But Robert Pattinson is too young to pull off what they were attempting here. His face and mannerisms are refined enough, but it’s hard to imagine that someone that young would navigate the world in that way, even if they are a billionaire. Maybe I’m naive. I hung in there, and parts were fascinating, but overall, this movie was too proud of itself or something. Plus, another non-ending ending makes me frustrated.

Taken 2-I was cynical about this one going in, thinking...really...like his daughter could get taken AGAIN? So I was pleased to find out that the premise was slightly different than the first movie. It was a good old action movie. 

Beasts of the Southern Wild-Morgan Freeman might have some competition for narration gigs after this movie. I could listen to this little girl talk all day. And every line she says sounds like the greatest piece of wisdom you’ve ever heard. The movie itself is eye candy, aesthetically pleasing even as it depicts some of the poorest people in the country. This movie will rip your heart out, I’m just warning you. 

So listen...I could go on about movies I’ve got on my list, but I pretty much plan on watching more stuff right up to the end of my time here in China (which is just over 24 hours), and this has to publish at some point. If you were on the fence about watching one of these, I hope my “short” reviews helped you make a decision!

Anne Hathaway Is Growing On Me

This might upset my friend Romelle, but lately, I find that Anne Hathaway is slightly more  bearable than she was a few months ago. Of course by bearable I mean that instead of hating everything that comes out of her mouth, I only hate every other thing that she says.

I am a serious actress.

Annaway...can we call her that? Anyway...Annaway apparently lost a lot of weight, like near death ratios on her already thin frame for Les Mis. Now, no one asked her to do this. In fact, Tom Hooper, the director kept telling her to knock it off. But she kept pushing herself. About this decision to lose weight, Annaway says, “No one liked what I was doing. By the end, people were hugging me, and they would get emotional because I felt so frail.” Sigh...oh dear. See, this is the thing that she said that I don’t like. Describing yourself as frail is kind of a no. And implying that other people were emotional because of your frailty is also a no. Now if other people call you frail and express emotion over it, that’s fine. So Annaway says this kind of thing and I can’t help but roll my eyes. Especially because she's being billed as the star of Les Mis when she's not even in it that long and the reviews of her singing is subpar...and NO ONE EVEN ASKED HER TO ALMOST DIE. Geez. Based on the news surrounding the movie, you'd think the movie was about her weight loss.

But then she goes on to say that she lost the weight and pushed herself to improve her career. Now Annaway has been on screen for a while, but she hasn’t done a lot that could make her be considered a serious actress. So after the frail comment she says this, "I see the sort of work that people like Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet can do, and I want to do that level of work so badly...I don't believe I'm as gifted as them. So the only thing I can control is how hard I work at it — how much do I commit to it? How far will I take it?"

Does this make me look cute?

Okay...you guys...I kind of love her for this. I love that she compliments and recognizes these actresses as better than herself. It shows humility, self-awareness. She’s not as cute as Gwyneth so she can’t afford to be blissfully ignorant. But self-awareness can always earn my respect and understanding.

This is not all that Annaway has done lately. She had an awkward moment recently at the New York premier of where someone got a shot of her during a “wardrobe malfunction” (ie. she "forgot" her panties!) Come on. COME ON ANNE! It's the biggest premier/most serious acting job you've had in years...either wear panties or practice getting out of the car for your friends a thousand times to make sure you've got this. Lord.

However, her response to Matt Lauer, who never misses an opportunity to look like an ass, was fabulous. “It was obviously an unfortunate incident and it kind of made me sad that we live in an age when someone takes a pic of you in a vulnerable moment and sells it rather than deletes it. I'm sorry that we live in a culture that commodifies unwilling participants. It makes me think about the character I play in Les Mis actually. She is someone who is forced to sell sex to benefit her child, so let's get back to Les Mis.”

I am totally pulling this off.

Nicely done Annaway! You adequately shamed the person taking the photo, society, AND Matt Lauer, WHILE promoting your movie, which is why you are there to begin with! The score is evened again.

But then I found out that she cried ridiculously when she cut her hair and saw herself after the cut. Inconsolable cries. Did she think she’d look like Carey Mulligan with a cute little pixie? No way. Annaway has ears and pointy elfish features. What did she expect? But tears? This makes her out to be such a princess, so concerned with appearance...and every woman knows that not EVERY woman can pull off a pixie cut! Who does she think she is? Downward she goes again...

See, it's a love/hate thing. And maybe that's ultimately good. She's a real person. She does stupid shit and says stupid things. She also allows herself some self-awareness and humility when appropriate. She isn't perfect and isn't really trying to come off like she is, but she is striving to be better where she can. I can respect that. I'm not sure where her career will go from here, but I hope for her sake she gets a chance to attempt one of those Streep/Winslet roles, and that she rises to the occasion.

What's your favorite Anne Hathaway movie? 

Love her? Hate her? Verdict pending?

The Best of 2012

These are in no way REALLY the "best" of the year, but here are a few of my best things from 2012.

This. Kid.

Best Reality Show-Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
Don't talk to me about Duck Dynasty. This is the real deal.

Best New Show-Nashville
I love it. It makes me want to revisit the city, it makes me want to listen to country music. The drama is great, the acting is great, the music is great, and I get swept up in it each week.

Best Drama-Parenthood
This should win for consistency if nothing else. Each and every episode delivers, which is rare. Usually there are hits and misses, but this one is on the money from week to week.

Best Comedy-30 Rock
Two Broke Girls, Modern Family, Raising Hope...I love them, but Tina Fey and this darling show will have my loyalty for the little time it has left on the air.

Best Song-We Are Young by Fun
It's a feel good song, it's upbeat, the lyrics are good, and it's smart. I could listen to this all day, and there have been days that I have.

Best Album-Babel by Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons is my go to music for the Fall and Winter. This new album by them is as good as their last, if not better. I can't wait to see what they do next!

Best Movie-Life of Pi
I watched A LOT of movies this year, but if I had to choose the best one FROM this year, I'd say it was this one. It was a creative and solid story as well as, suspenseful, action packed, funny, sentimental, and even carried a little twist ending.

Best "Breakout" Star-Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde is in no way new to stardom, but she is new to movies, and this year she did a lot of them. The Words, Butter, People Like Us, and more. She played drastically different roles in each of them and did a great job. I am not sure she will ever hold down a leading lady spot, but I would love to see her try.

Everyone will know her name.

Best Underage Star-Chloe Grace Moretz
She's not new, but the more I watch her, the more I am super impressed. I can't wait to see her in Carrie coming in 2013!

Best "I Changed My Mind About Her" Star-Carey Mulligan
I wrote a blog earlier in the year about Mulligan and my doubt about her being cast as Daisy on Gatsby. While we are still waiting to see how she does in this movie, I have seen so much of her this year that I have changed my mind about her. She's beautiful, brilliant, vulnerable but strong, and when she's on screen I can't help but be enthralled by her. I admit, I judged her too quickly.

Best Celebrity Moment-Any Rebel Wilson interview
Best Celebrity Moment 2-Any Emma Stone interview
Best Celebrity Moment 3-Any Kristen Bell interview
These three are always perfectly adorable and hilarious during their interviews, unlike weirdos Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman, and Melanie Griffin. Watching those three on live TV is horrifying.

Well played.

Best Politician Moment-Obama playing Spiderman with a kid.
Adorable. Take note politicians, we live in an internet age. If you want to win an election, you MUST be likable on the internet.

This friendship is one of my favorite.

Best Politician Moment 2-Texts with Hillary Memes
She's just the coolest.

Best Bad Story Turned Good-The Bullied Bus Driver
I could mention Christian Bale's visit to the families of the dead and injured who were show in the theater during The Dark Knight Rises, but the bus driver story really stuck with me. When I read about the horrible things that this woman had to endure driving a bus of brats to and from school daily, I felt sick. To make things worse, she went home to a somewhat sad life each night. When America got wind of the video on the bus, people reached out to this woman with money, gifts, kind words, and more. She has since retired from driving on her over $600 grand worth of donations, some of which she gave to charity. I love when the good in humanity sees the bad and works to make up for it.

How does he look so scary!

Best Bad Guy Hair-Javier Bardem. Always.

He looks weird with clothes on.

Best Sports Moment-I didn't pay attention since Auburn was so bad. But probably something to do with Michael Phelp's abs.

Best Book-We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
This is one of the most haunting and well written books I have ever read. It's not from this year, but I did read it this year, so that's something.

Best App for iPhone-Pocket
I love this app cause I can just move everything I want to read and put it into one place. So when I'm sitting in a waiting room or wherever (I'll just say it, the bathroom), I can catch up on blogs, articles, and more! I'm a dork, I know, but this has been a really great thing to have this year in China!

What is on your BEST of 2012 list?

Weekend Fat Year End Review

There is no way that I could begin to summarize all of the pop-culture happenings of this year. Mainly because if you know me at all you know, I don't do well with the whole summarizing thing.

So here are just a few highlights and lowlights of the year. Please feel free to add your own in the comments.

Women and Sex
Whether it was 50 Shades of Grey, Magic Mike, or political discussions of birth control and "legitimate" rape, women and their sexuality was probably one of the most talked about subjects of the year.

You can't deny she's having a good year.

Anne Hathaway
Even though she's not in my list of favorites, it's undeniable that she made her mark this year. Even her Catwoman performance received rave reviews. Now with her near death experience in Les Mis, I'm sure there will be talk of an oscar. I'm not sure I'm convinced that she's all that great, but more on that later this week.

Memes
Memes are in full effect now. Meme generators are available and easy to use...even for those who are not so tech savvy. All they are waiting on is some unassuming politician, unaware celebrity, or some other oblivious figure to say something stupid.

Channing Tatum
He was named the sexiest man of the year, though my vote will probably always go to Ryan Reynolds. Aside from that he made A LOT of movies this year. Magic Mike, The Vow, 21 Jump Street, Haywire, and many more coming up soon.

Celebrity Deaths
It's probably that the older you get, the more aware you are of the people who are dying, so it's not actually more people dying, it's just that the names mean something to you now. This year was a year like that for me. Beginning with Whitney Houston and including Zig Ziglar, Ravi Shankar, David Oliver Relin, Larry Hagman, Andy Williams, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Armstrong, Phyllis Diller, Sally Ride, Robin Gibb, Dick Clark, Andy Griffith, Adam Yauch, Davy Jones, Donna Summer, and a lot more. The world seems a little stranger, slightly scarier with some of these people no longer in it.

Who do you want by your side when the zombies come?

The Walking Dead
People love zombies. This show started out with a loyal and small fan base, but blew up into the mainstream this year. Everyone I know is watching it and loving it. Zombies remain the most interesting apocalyptic theory around. Do you have your plan in place?

Downton Abbey
When we aren't busy living vicariously through the Walking Dead cast, we are fantasizing over Downton Abbey. This show picked up a ton of watchers this year. I only hope it can keep up the momentum in light of upcoming tragic events. Ugh...I promise I won't give spoilers...but...sigh...

Socialism
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you can't deny that the term "socialism" came up a lot in 2012. Fortunately, this was the most Googled/looked up/researched word on the internet in 2012. Kudos to people for not just throwing it around, but actually taking the time to figure out what it means. Let's take that mentality and run with it people...keep learning.

Best release from captivity break-up ever.

Babies, Break-Ups, and Break Downs
This isn't the entire list, but all you really need to know is that Beyonce and Adele had babies. Katie and Tom broke up. As Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. And Amanda Bynes joined the ranks of Lindsay Lohan, who is still spiraling downward.

Guns and Freedom
Who is to blame, the shooter or the gun? The debate resurfaces each time we experience something tragic. The arguments get tangled up as we speak of freedoms we stand for and freedoms we want to take from others. Unfortunately, no matter where you fall, most of these arguments just points out our contradictions, hypocrisies, and double standards more than it does convince, inspire, or move anyone to change.

As I mentioned above, these are only a few that stood out to me this year? What would you add as being the big news of 2012?

Amber and Max: TV Names

Maybe it’s just the shows I watch, but I’ve noticed an abnormal amount of characters named Max and Amber on TV lately. I thought it’d be fun to talk about them...maybe rank them. I realize this is not at all inclusive list of every Max or Amber that’s ever been on TV, but it’s current. It just so happens that some of them exist on the same shows.

Amber

Remember her from Hope Floats? One Fine Day? When a Man Loves a Woman?

Parenthood-Amber has had her ups and downs, but in the last season or so has really emerged as one of the more stable and consistently likable characters. One of my most recent favorite scenes with her in it was when Adam confided in her first about Christina’s Breast Cancer. It was this sweet and vulnerable moment that he chose to share with his niece of all people.
Likability: 9

Introducing...Clara Mamet

The Neighbors-Such an interesting casting choice, and yet I’m pleased overall with her presence on the show. She plays a perfectly cynical teenager, smarter than her parents on most things, and less than thrilled to be living among Aliens. She is very plain looking, not frilly or perfectly skinny, but from time to time she gives this smile that is warm and melting.
Likability:7

Max

I tried to pick a cute picture to make you like him more.

Parenthood-Now that Asperger’s has been taken out of the medical dictionary, I am interested to see how Parenthood handles Max and his behavior. It has definitely taken a back seat in recent episodes. As much as everyone I know is in love with this show, they want to kill Max. But I would suggest that maybe it’s not Max that they should be mad at. Maybe it’s Christina and Adam! The show is called PARENTHOOD...let’s get some going over there man. I get that it might be difficult, especially with a child who is not like other children, but COME ON.
Likability: 2 (on a good day)

Adorable.

The Neighbors-Max is seriously one of the cutest kids on TV. His facial expressions are adorable. He is cool, but still enough of a kid to pull off cute. He is an annoying brother, but also (as this week showed) a scared little kid at times. I’m not sure they’ve said what age he is, but I would put him at about 9. If you’re not watching this show, I’m telling you, you’re missing out, and Max is part of what you are missing.
Likability: 7

She wins.

Two Broke Girls-Aside from Kat Dennings being just gorgeous, her character is hilarious. She gets to say all the dirty jokes. She’s in control, cusses like a sailor, is independent, and hard in all the right ways. But she’s also all woman. She’s curvy, gets excited about candy, bakes cupcakes, and squeals with her best friend. Basically, I want to be her.
Likability: 10

An Evil Job Well Done--By Carmen

As previously established here on Weekend Fat, some actors nail it and others just do not.  In my viewing experience there are some actors who did such a great job with an evil character that I now can’t see past it.  These people will forever be these characters and as you will see, that’s not necessarily a good thing.

Meryl Streep- Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

That's all.

In a previous post I state that I don’t really like Meryl, and this is why. She was the horrible to Anne Hathaway in this movie.  I know it was just a movie but I felt sorry for all the people in it.  I understand that this movie was maybe a little bit based on Anna Wintour. And so I’m thinking, do people really have to be that nasty in real life, or do they do it for fun?  Since I don’t know Anna, Meryl took the hit.

Philip Seymour Hoffman- Reverend Veasey in Cold Mountain

Philip was never my favorite guy.  I saw him as Sandy Lyle in Along Came Polly and he was just gross.  So when he showed up in Cold Mountain as a (still) gross, adulterous, murderer, there was just no going back. 

I'm glad they shaved his hair off.

And as Sandy Lyle for good measure.

Edward Norton-Aaron in Primal Fear

It’s been a long time since I last saw this one.  But (as is the point of the movie) you spend the whole movie feeling sorry for this kid, and then BAM!  It’s really Ed’s face and laugh that sell it.  

There never was an Aaron either...

Anjelica Huston-Rodmilla in Ever After

I was an impressionable 18 year old when this movie came out. I don’t remember being familiar with any of Angelica’s work before this. Her proper hatred and demure arrogance as Danielle’s stepmother was hard to watch.  And that jet black hair helped to sell the package.  She is now the voice of the wise Queen Clarion in the Disney Tinker Bell franchise.  I think her voice is perfectly sweet for Queen Clarion, and then I remember who it is……

These two cannot be the same person. They just can't be.

And I am  on the fence on this last one. 

  

Kevin Bacon-Sean Nokes in Sleepers

I've seen a picture more wrinkled than this, I swear.

Kevin has done so much (hence the game 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon) but this character stuck with me.  Kevin has one of those faces that seems too wrinkled and worldly to be good. I remember a scene where the boys he abused encounter him in a bar and he is all boozed up and lonely. Creeptastic.

Is there an evil character that stayed with you?

Breaking Dawn Part 2 and An Education: Movie Reviews

I haven’t been on my movie watching kick quite as much lately, but this weekend I decided to spend some time catching up.

Finally, a Bella I can appreciate.

I watched Breaking Dawn Part 2. And even though the perception is that I am not a fan of the Twilight books/movies, I was pleasantly surprised. For the record, I do not at all mind the Twilight movies and books. I read them all, and rather quickly. Couldn’t put them down. They were fun. Even though I take issue with some of the themes of the book, especially in regards to Bella, honestly, she is no different than some female characters in books we consider to be literature, the difference being that those books are written with more sophisticated language...and well, there are no vampires. The movies are blockbusters, and like with any blockbuster, I will watch them and enjoy them, but they don’t generally make my list of favorites.

Breaking Dawn was very entertaining. I got re-invested rather quickly to the characters and the story. I thought it was the right amount of funny, not nearly enough of shirtless Jacob, great music as always, and good build to the climax of the series. And the “twist” that everyone has talked about, was legit. I enjoyed it and even gasped a little. It was fun to watch, and I’m glad I did.

Getting schooled.

I also watched An Education this weekend. Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a 16 year old student who is dreaming of Oxford when she meets Peter Saarsgard, David, an older man, who is cultured and a “student of life.” He takes interest in her and wants to expose her to his way of living. At first it’s thrilling for her.

Mulligan is amazing in it of course. She can play innocent so well. In fact she plays it so well that at times I was uncomfortable with her relationship with David. He just seemed too good to be true. Her life is on track, and while his presence does open her up to new and wonderfully rich experiences, it also throws her off her intended course. Not only does he throw her off, but his interest in her causes everyone around her to seem to change their expectations of her. Oxford gets put aside for marriage and everyone seems fine with it give or take a few members of her school. The movie also brings up the question of what education really is. With David she can travel to Rome and Paris and listen to jazz, with school, she will study hard in a classroom. Jenny says at one point to the headmaster of her school, “It’s not enough just to educate us anymore, you’ve got to tell us why you’re doing it.”

The movie really fit with some things I’m coming to terms with at the moment. Finding out that my years of education are all but rendered useless in their being a means to an end. Of course I appreciate the things I’ve learned, but if I had to choose again, I’m not sure I would choose all of that when there is an entire world to see. Fortunately for me, it seems I get to do both.

In the end, I think the lesson of the movie, if there is one, is that you must know yourself and what you want, and even your reasons for wanting it, or someone can throw you off course. Changing your mind is one thing, changing it for someone else is another that could have disastrous results.

Christmas Memes!

Merry Christmas Weekend Fatties!

My Grown Up Christmas List

Goregous.

I want to look like Kat Dennings or Kate Winslet. Either one will suffice.

Funniest person ever.

I want the confidence of Rebel Williams. She is a total honey badger, and I love her for it.

I can hold that for you?

I want Tina Fey to read my blog and think I’m clever and decide to hire and mentor me.

Oh Gwyneth...you're adorably ridiculous.

I want to be rich enough to nourish my inner aspect...ie...buy the stuff I see on goop.

Walk in the park...

I want to be married to John Krasinzki by day...

Candlelight dinner....

And Jesse Williams by night.

Is that seat for me?!

I want to be a Braverman....I don’t care how. I will be a distant cousin, or even just a twice removed something...just get me into that family!

I love her style!

I want the wardrobe of Mary from Downton Abbey...

I love this too though.

Maybe Kate Hudson on my Hippie days.

From now on when I sing, I'm making this face...just in case it all comes together at once.

I want to sing like Adele.

Talk about Magical Thinking...Joan Didion.

I want to write something that has the subtlety of Susan Orlean, the popularity of Harry Potter, the suspense of Stephen King, the inspiration of Brene Brown, the heart of Joan Didion, and the humor of David Sedaris.

What's on your Christmas List this year?