Jacqueline Koenig

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Manhattan, New York, United States
Meet the Cynic: Jacqueline (BA in English Literature) is a Model, Musician and Actress/Comedian. Jacqueline has lived in New Jersey, Florida, New York City, and Hollywood, CA. She resides in Manhattan and is currently doing musical performances all over New York City. She enjoys all things vintage, performing, reading, writing, traveling, politics, the law, technology and films. FYI: Jacqueline's mind combined with her knowledge of film, equals at the very least, a doctorate in Film Studies. Jacqueline believes she could probably operate, if need be. For more info.: http://www.vimeo.com/jackierose

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Broken Embraces: Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (With Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo)

Jacqueline:

I am completely bias when it comes to Pedro Almodovar. He is one of my favorite directors. He brings me back to film class with his color choices (the use of red), locations and a wonderfully thought-out script. The language used to describe some disturbing events romanticize even the most horrid occurrence. Some may not be intrigued by Almodovar's (dare I say) outlandish ideas (or ideals), but as for myself, its breathtaking. This story, much like the reoccurring plots of Woody Allen, is a story already told but the way in which it is expressed…is captivating. Although lengthy, the drawn-out scenes and performances from a glorious cast makes "Broken Embraces" a great watch. This film is no "Volver" but it is a talented movie nonetheless. I could go on and on about this love story, but I will leave you with my 4 out of 5 stars.

Theater - Apt. Hollywood, CA

Monday, July 26, 2010

I Am Comic

Jacqueline:

This comedy show is pretty informative. As a wanna-be professional comedian, I love hearing everyone's ideas and experiences relating to jokes, traveling and 'ethnic' night. Pretty hilarious. As a multi-racial, yet white-looking woman, this is definitely an area that I struggle with and need some information on. Its like, how do you play the race card in a joke while not sounding racist (or if you are, being funny)? So right now, there’s this white guy telling a joke in front of a bunch of African Americans and he is getting no laughs. Although, I have to mention that he is not confident...clearly nervous, pretty sure he ends his skit early. Anyway, without giving too much away, this show definitely documented the skills and hardwork it takes to be a comedian, whether you make it or not. The camera work though (and Raia can attest) was done poorly, not sure if they were trying to show the 'documentary style' or what? Whatever the reason, it didn't work. Funny at times, but mostly informative. I give it a 2 out of 5 (sadly because I want to love all things comedy, but I couldn't love this).

Theater - Apt. Hollywood, CA

Inception

Jacqueline:

I LOVE LEO. Since the day I saw him on that TV show in the ummm...90's (?), I was hooked. He is adorable looking and he can ACTUALLY act. Hell, in this film he ACTS HIS ARSE off. I was stunned by how convinced I was that 'inception' not only can happen, but now I need to go out and get me some sleep (preferably with some of the hard stuff)! Aside from Leo, the film has the guy from "500 Days of Summer", one of my favorite films (again, I'm a romantic, kill me). He is cute but of course, not as mesmerizing as Leo...oh, Leo. Thick, long plot...draped over sleep enhancing drugs and good looking men. Oh, and um, that chick from "Juno" is oddly in it too. She looks like a 5 year old, and they dress her in jeans (my least favorite article of clothing) the entire film. But hey, ya the girl (?) can act. This film, while similar to Leo's previous, "Shutter Island" is a solid movie. My reactions were strong, although I don't believe I cried or screamed (tend to do one or the other). Don't run to theaters (especially if you have seen the brother film, Shutter) but give it a go. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

PS.
Saw it at the "Archlight" in Hollywood. Great for films, food and celeb-watching.

Theater - ArcLight Cinemas, LA

Shrek Forever After

Jacqueline:

Funny...I am not a fan of Cartoon movies (i.e. Kid flicks) but this was SO CUTE. Call me a romantic (you're a romantic) but it was really well explained, nice and simple. In the beginning, I wasn't sure what I was dragged into, but trusting my friends judgment, I allowed this seemingly very long film, drag me in. The lovable and unforgettable Shrek and his very large but confident wife, make a great couple. I think its great for kids to see a story with a happy ending and of course, for the cynical parents as well. We saw this at 'Grumman's Theater' in LA, so it was packed (and of course in 3D - Which I SWEAR makes me cross-eyed) with kiddies. My thoughts, rent it with the kids or a fun night with your guy (or gal), but the theaters...are packed with annoying kids (and their parents calming them down). Cute flick, but I could have went for some sushi at the corner of Highland and Franklin inside (sorry). I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

PS.
Sometimes I remember the film much more romantically than my opinion actually is. TRICKED you.

Theater - Grauman's Chinese Theatre, LA

SALT

Jacqueline:

Although beautiful to look at, I have to say that I doubt a 90 pound, thirty-five (complimenting her) year old, could do half the jumps, flips and punches that "Salt" supposedly can. NOT THAT REALISTIC. I don't know...something about the fakeness in that girly run and fake accent that just didn't do it for me. I'm not a fan of her acting so Angelina needed something else to grab my attention in this film...a plot? Oh, I don't know, acting? I will say that the beginning of the film was stronger than the ending...it opens by showing viewers a nice blonde lady, working for the CIA...oops, she was captured and we feel so bad for her - but her hair is totally fake blonde, obviously something will happen with the hair issue...and she's 'in love' with a bug doctor who looks like he would be a bug doctor...and its 'Angelina' - so talk about obvious...I say, see it in the theaters for fun, but its all about the action, no acting here. I give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

PS.
Saw this at the Westfield Plaza in Cenutry City at the AMC. One of my fave places in LA to see a flick ;)


Theater - ArcLight Cinemas, LA