50/50 (2011)

I have been taking too many cabs. On my way to work and back, I watch on the little mini cab television as that old guy announces his name repeatedly, along with his views on various major motion picture releases. Days leading up to my viewing of this film, I was listening as this old (annoying) guy told me more times then it's worth mentioning that this is "the film of the year!!!" Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is definitely not the film of the year (and if it is...we have bigger issues in the U.S. than I already thought we did). This film is sarcastically funny due to Seth Rogen's character (I met him…by the way i.e. very cute). I dig (his) sarcasm even if he plays the same character in all of his movies. The plot is seemingly "what is life like as a 27 yr old nerdy male that is newly diagnosed with (possible terminal) cancer?" Since I am (unfortunately) 27 yrs old as well, and for anyone living in the country - we are all still dating in large cities across this great (example of sarcasm) country! The lifestyle of a late twenty-something single person seems to entail dealing with family, work, dating (or trying to date), friends and taking care of your (almost old) self. I recognized the main character in "50/50" from watching the hit, '500 Days of Summer'. Like most of the ladies that saw this romantic comedy, the thought of seeing another film with the same sexy guy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), just seemed like a sure thing. Ultimately, this film was a bit dull, with starlets appearing here and there (Angelica Houston), while the entertainment aspect of this film was sort've 'Hollywood' for me - if that makes sense. I'm not sure that I felt connected to any of the characters (except for maybe...trying to think up a plan in order to go back time to ask Seth Rogen out). Anyway, if there isn't anything else to see at the theater it's not THAT big of a waste of $13. Seeing as how I am currently trying to think of a plan to go back in time, I would have rather watched 'The Wire' and had some diner chicken fingers with french fries. Yum! Who's hungry?! 3 out of 5 Stars.

Theater: Clearview Cinemas, UES, NYC (with a cancer survivor).

50/50 (2011)

COMING SOON...

I will mention that this film hits home for me. I am looking forward to it.

View the trailer here:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3408305177/

The Tree of Life (2011)

I wanted to see this movie because I was going through a crisis. I felt that life needed explaining. Moving back across the country leaves much to be figured out. How does one not panic when you need a new job, a new boy-friend and a new apartment (not in this order) - all independently?! Anyways, you panic. I decided that starting over at 26 yrs old, wouldn't be as bad as starting over at 30 yrs old. Turns out, its hard no matter what. So, back to the blog at hand, I went to go see Brad Pitt. This film directed by Terrence Malick was raved about by my intellectual friends (so of course, I had to see it). It was a blurred reminiscing about hard times, love and family. The family structure in the 1950's is much like what I imagine to be the 'All American Family' i.e. the children are scared of Dad - and Mom is the example of love. I was truly moved. Did I cry? Yes. But, I always cry. Overall, this is a film that is trying to capture the meaning of life. Not an easy topic. I think that this film comes close to understanding what is unable to be captured visually in this answer that is seemingly unknown - what IS this meaning that we are all in search of...in this adventure that we call life...and what is life, exactly? My recommendation is to be in a reflective mood when going to see this film and if you can, go without your father - and be ready for an experience similar to that of a discovery channel film. 4 out of 5 stars.

Theater: Clearview Cinemas (my "company" fell asleep), UES, NYC