Movie Page: St. Vincent

After weeks of good intentions (about four to be exact), I finally made it to see St. Vincent, starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, and newcomer Jaeden Lieberher. Up until now, Boyhood was my favorite movie of the year, but this film is a close second, maybe even a tie. I loved it. Sure, the acting was terrific—I'm not sure many can outdo Bill Murray, who is still one of the greats—but the story is what got me. The script is beautifully written, funny, raw, and real. Since I don't want to give anything away, all I can say is go see it. Now. You'll want to savor every minute.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Oh! And, after you see it, let me know what you think! ;)

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Movie Page: Guardians of the Galaxy

I've mentioned before that Matt and I tend to trade off on the movies we see. This time, it was his pick, so we saw Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel movies are hit or miss for me (unless of course they star Robert Downey Jr. Swoon.), but I loved this film. (I had an inkling I would like it after reading my friend Rachel's review.) Chris Pratt is an amazing superhero. The film is hilarious. I left feeling nostalgic for my mix tapes—and even downloaded the movie's soundtrack.

Seriously, it might be the summer's best blockbuster film. Have you seen it?

PS: Another summer flick I loved.

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Back to the Future

Matt's co-worker is involved with this awesome group called BBQ Films, and as a result, we got to travel back in time to attend the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, an epic part of the film Back to the Future. Honestly, it was enough just to have the chance to watch that movie on the big screen, but with a crowd dressed in their finest 1950s prom attire? So cool. The organization strives to create an immersive cinematic experience, which means that we got to live out the prom—with Marty and George McFly, Biff, Lorraine, the whole gang—in real time, along with the film. The best part: the money raised goes to a good cause (in this case, the Michael J. Fox Foundation was one of the beneficiaries).

Check out some behind-the-scenes snaps from the photobooth here (the bottom pic above is one we posed for at the party).

What movie would you want to re-live?

(Images via Rebel Mouse)

Oscar predictions

I don't know about you, but every year, I get so excited for the Oscars. I love the fashion, I love the speeches, I love the clips from the films—all of it. But this year, I can't decide which films should win, especially for the best actress and best supporting actress categories. The competition is steep! I'm going to go on the record and say that I think that Cate Blanchett should get Best Actress for Blue Jasmine (she basically played 5 different roles in one, with a different personality in every scene), but I also loved Amy Adams in American Hustle (The accent! The clothes!) and Sandra Bullock in Gravity (to basically be alone in a film for 90 minutes and be that captivating is beyond impressive). 

I'm feeling fairly certain that Jennifer Lawrence should get the Academy Award for American Hustle. I was blown away by her performance in that movie.

How about you? Who do you think should win?

There are still a couple of films I haven't seen (I'm hoping to squeeze them in this week), so please let me know if I'm leaving anyone remarkable out. Either way, I'd love to know your picks!

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12 Questions for Woody Allen

Have you seen this hilarious interview with Woody Allen? Filmmaker Robert Weide asks Allen 12 questions as part of a sneak peek at his documentary featuring Allen, available on iTunes and Amazon now. I'm amazed that if he had to choose between sporting events or movies for the rest of his life, Allen says sporting events, based on the current film selection alone. Lots more interesting stuff—watch the clip and let me know what you think!

More Woody Allen here, here, here and here.

(Image via Pinterest) 

I (still) love Steve Martin

Ask any of my friends and they'll tell you: one of my most major celebrity crushes has always been Steve Martin. Ever since I saw him in Father of the Bride, when I was in — wait for it — second grade, I just couldn't resist his comedic talent and charm. :)

Fast forward to now, and I'm much more up to speed on the full range of his work. I've read his books, listened to his music, and seen many, many more of his movies. But last night, I will admit, was a movie first: I finally saw Steve Martin in The Jerk. On the big screen. In Brooklyn. I loved it. 

What's your favorite Steve Martin flick? Do you have a comedy hero? Do tell!

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Date night at home

How do you choose to spend a date night in? For Matt and I, there's nothing we love more than renting a movie on demand (or in our case, through Vudu or the independent video store down the block). But there is a catch: we alternate movie picks. In our opinion, this allows us to see what we want to see, and in the process, expose the other person to movies they might not have otherwise watched. Well, it doesn't always go as planned.

Case in point: for my most recent pick, I chose Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway, a silly, romantic comedy I'd always wanted to see. Now, Matt's turn. He chose Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, a dialog-driven thriller he couldn't believe I'd never seen. The result? Expanded horizons for us both—and a realization that nothing (I repeat, nothing) could have prepared me for what happened after Mia and Vincent's dance. :)

Tell me—how do you choose to spend a date night at home?

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My Best Friends' Weddings

A short post about something I mentioned last week — this year, I am thrilled to be attending a total of seven weddings. It's a record high for me, but 'tis the season I guess! And truth be told, I'm looking forward to every single one. Almost all will serve as mini-vacations. The destinations range from Maine to Connecticut, Ireland to New York. The first wedding takes place this weekend — in Fort Lauderdale! My beach bags (and new bathing suit) are packed.

All these upcoming celebrations got me thinking — what is your favorite wedding movie of all time? Mine include Wedding Crashers, My Best Friend's Wedding, Father of the Bride, and Bridesmaids. I'd love to hear your picks!

And don't be surprised if you start to see more wedding-related content on my blog. A girl needs input about what to wear, gifts to bring, and destination advice, too. :) 

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DIY movie night

Is there anything better than a movie night in? Next time you plan one, take your cue from the big screen party above. The host (Camille Styles) didn't let a single detail go by. From the authentic popcorn containers to the vintage movie poster decor, this rooftop party was a success from the start. I especially love the idea to select which movie will be shown democratically by secret ballot. In this case, it was a themed selection in honor of Halloween. If you were hosting a movie night, what films would make your top five list to show? 

(Images via The Glitter Guide)

Just like Tim Gunn: The films that have shaped my life

Singin' in the Rain.

This month, Tim Gunn talked to New York magazine about the 17 films that have shaped his life. Narrowing it down to 17? That's no easy task. I'm choosing a smaller number, but the impact of each is great. What about you? What movies inspire you?

The Sound of Music.

Dick Tracy.

Annie Hall.

Father of the Bride.

Reality Bites.

As Good As It Gets.

The Devil Wears Prada.

My Best Friend's Wedding.

Good Will Hunting.

Anchorman.