Beauty is in the Eye of the Ticket Holder

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Review

2012-01-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

A highly disturbing film. I feel badly criticizing the poor lead character, Lisbeth Salander in the movie because she has clearly had a very hard life, but yuck! She appears as though she would not smell very good at all and I was completely distracted throughout the film by her seemingly non-existent eyebrows. Not for me. However, she does have a gorgeous body.

The Bjurman character– yuck, gross, yuck.

The opening sequence was interesting to look at but unsettling. Knowing absolutely nothing about this movie before I went in, I was very pleased to see that Daniel Craig was the leading man. His eyes can improve any film and he looked terrific in his partially nude scenes. Very nice Daniel, very nice.

The first scene was magical with the beautiful snow falling in the countryside. The home of the character Martin Vanger is spectacular. I would love to live in that house. However, what he has downstairs would be a real buzz kill.

The Devil Inside Review

2012-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

What garbage! Okay, maybe not total garbage. There was a lovely leading lady – Fernanda Andrade (they should have put her on the movie poster; the current one is revolting). Also, there was some beautiful footage of Italy. However, there are plenty of movies which have lovely ladies and fabulous footage of Italy. DO NOT waste your money on this trash.

Real Steel Review

2012-01-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

My, my, my. It was fantastic to see Hugh Jackman in a movie again. A real movie. Not some sort of sill X-Men film where he has ridiculous facial hair. He is a dream. So, so, so gorgeous. I have to say that he looked like he would have been a bit smelly at times, however, I would take a sweaty Hugh Jackman over a squeaky-clean Mark Ruffalo any day. Hugh’s love interest Evangeline Lilly is smoking hot as well so there is great eye-candy in this film for everyone.

There are a couple of downsides to the film. Hugh Jackman’s character, Charlie Kenton, basically lives in a motor-home of sorts, which I’m assuming does not have proper grooming facilities – this is clearly an issue. Also, some of the robots are quite rusty and grubby looking. Also, the gym that Charlie goes to is quite run-down.

I would like to live in this movie just to be able to be with and look at Charlie Kenton everyday and I love boxing. I would just need to have him come to my place which would be clean and have a shower and a bathtub.

The Help Review

2012-01-08T19:29:00.001-08:00

A very inspiring movie and a great story of friendship and determination. However, I do not review based on such things.
Hated most of the dresses. Loved a couple of them. Emma Stone is absolutely gorgeous. Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee could have cast a more attractive love interest for her. I would not want to live in this movie – I do not have that much strength of character or fortitude.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

2011-07-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Is this going to be the movie in which he finally loses those glasses and gets contacts? Can't wait to find out...

Something Borrowed Review

2011-07-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

What a splendidly unrealistic film! The whole ambiance of the movie is sensual. Lovely restaurants, great lighting, gorgeous people. What more does a movie need?

I am a bit concerned that Ginnifer Goodwin is being type-cast as the girl with poor decorating taste. In He’s Just Not That Into You she had the frilly, little-girly type decorating style and I would have to say that in this movie her décor is only a smidgen better. Magnificent apartment with brick interior, nice kitchen (although the stove looked dated), pillars, lovely winding staircase with a nice roof-top area perfect for some sexy time. But sadly, too many florals and a criss-cross woven rocking chair? No thanks. I think a lawyer could afford nicer furnishings (or could hire a decorator at least). That apartment was a superb canvas left to be painted by an unskilled artist.

Now for the other goods. My, my, my Colin Egglesfield. What a fabulous specimen. I love the look of a man in a suit and even more, the slightly undone tie that gives rise to, “Come help me undo this tie and…” Okay, focus. I have not seen him in any other movies so far, but will be keeping my eyes open. Ginnifer Goodwin is cute and lovely in contrast to the sexy, vixen character Darcy played by Kate Hudson. John Krasinski is charming and funny, but does not measure up in the eye candy department.

This movie has much of what this blog feels is important for movie viewing. It gives me comfort to know that movies are still being made about girls who are supposedly the less-attractive type when really they are drop-dead gorgeous. Screw the realism of Indie films and long live the Hollywood beautiful people RomCom!

Okay, this photo has nothing to do with the film, but it's just so fine.

The Hangover 2

2011-05-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Dazzling Bradley Cooper with his breathtaking blue eyes makes this movie.There is a scene in which I would be searching for a prescription pad with great fervor! Gorgeous lovely fire-lit lanterns floating in the sky also add to the film. However, for the most part, the movie went waaaaay to far. Also, if this film was in smell-o-vision you would be disgusted.

The stunning Bradley Cooper

The Lincoln Lawyer

2011-03-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so for starters, too little footage of Matthew McConaughey without a shirt on. Really? Why is he in movies unless he is going to have his shirt off. Fairly interesting movie, however, at one point near the end of the film, Matthew’s character Mick Haller goes to the bathroom and does not wash his hands! Yuck! Even without your shirt on Matthew, this is NOT okay.

Academy Awards Predicitons - Best Picture

2011-02-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Black Swan
I really liked the look of this movie. Great lighting, gorgeous dancers, handsome choreographer, beautiful dancing, fabulous dance studios. To an extent I would love to live in this movie. In another lifetime, I would love to be a ballet dancer.
Now for the down sides of this movie – yucky skin peeling scenes, crazy mother, a bedroom filled with stuffed animals. Any movie that has stuffed animals in a fully-grown woman’s room cannot win an Oscar.

The Fighter
Hot, sizzling Mark Wahlberg. He is fine enough to single-handedly inspire an Oscar win. However, the hideous homes, crack-house, stinky gym, creepy sisters and bad wardrobes all around. Sorry, no Oscar.

Inception
Great looking men in this movie (with the exception of the creeeeepy Cillian Murphy), however their haircuts were dreadful. No award.

The Kids Are All Right
I liked this movie, but I was very disappointed in the look of Julianne Moore and Annette Bening – too realistic. They did, however, have a gorgeous house and an immaculate bathroom. Mark Ruffalo is what tips the scale though. He is NOT an attractive man and destroys any chance of this movie being the winner.

127 Hours
I am a fan of James Franco. The movie was a true inspiration. I liked the scenery in the canyon. But, deserts are hot and dusty. I see nothing beautiful in cutting off your own arm, and I did not enjoy the urine-drinking scenes. Sorry, no Oscar.

Toy Story 3
The three-eyed aliens are cute. I have no desire to live in an animated world. No award.

True Grit
A western. I won’t see it. No prize.

The Social Network
I did enjoy the lighting in this movie. I would want to live in this movie as long as I could avoid all of the technology geeks. This, however, seems unavoidable so I have to say no trophy.

Winter’s Bone
This movie is surrounded with an aura of misery. It does not look remotely nice to look at and I know I would not want to live in it. I won’t see it any time soon. No thank you and no award.

The King’s Speech
I always love a gorgeous period piece. This movie was beautiful to look at in many senses. And, of course, the dashing Colin Firth. I would love to live in this movie and give some speech therapy to Colin using highly unconventional methods. This is my 2011 Academy Award prediction for Best Picture.

Follow me on Twitter

2011-02-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Follow me on Twitter beginning Oscar night 2011.

http://twitter.com/#!/FilmLooks

The Rite Review

2011-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Bella, bella Italia! Once again, Italy delivers on the spectacular filming locations. Cobblestone roads, marble pillars, and classic architecture. The lighting in this film is quite pleasant. I could have done without the mortuary scenes, not very pleasing to view, but I suppose essential for plot lines. Father Lucas’ (Anthony Hopkins) home does not look very appealing and looks like it would smell absolutely revolting. However, with much cleaning and some renovating could be a great place to live.

Much can be said for lead actor Colin O’Donoghue. His breath-taking blue eyes are offset by his dark locks. I have to say he looks really fine with his Roman collar as well. Must be something about that whole “unavailable” thing. All I can say is that if he were my priest, I would be at church every Sunday.

I have to say he is pretty much the only eye-candy in this movie. Anthony Hopkins-creeeeepy. And sorry boys - not really a lot of attractive ladies in this film. However, Alice Braga does have a sexy, sultry voice.

I would love an opportunity to live in Rome for two months to study exorcism. The demonic possession, however, no thank you. It is certainly not good for the soul and does terrible things to the skin and spine.

Mmm-mmm...

Forgive me, Father...but

you are HOT!

The Room Review

2011-01-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

This movie is absurd. The dialogue, the set and the soundtrack are laughable. The clown who directed and wrote this movie clearly did not intend for it to be a comedy, but it undoubtedly is. One thing that is not funny however, is how awful this movie is to look at. There is not one attractive person in the cast. Tommy Wiseau (writer, director, actor) has way too many sex scenes (more like one sex scene with the same stock footage being used to recreate a different sex scene, probably because his co-star couldn’t take one more second of looking at his albeit muscular body, which looks like mashed potatoes from a Royal Fork buffet). The female lead insists upon wearing some sort of sea-green eye shadow which is absolutely nauseating. The wardrobe of all of the characters is dreadful. Wiseau wearing ridiculous pants and another male character wearing a denim suit.

The set of the film is not at all visually appealing either. In fact, far from it. Everything looks like it is made from cardboard. If a child’s diorama of a house was blown into real-life size, this is what it would look like. The entire aura of the film screamed of cheap (or as a chicken says, “cheep, cheep, cheep…”) porn - and not in a good way. This would be porn with no payoff. And even worse than that, if it was your first exposure to movies, it would make you never want to see another. If it were your first exposure to watching on screen “romance,” you would swear off sex indefinitely.

I would NOT want to live in this film. And here’s a question…who makes a cocktail of whiskey mixed with vodka?

Check out this rap someone created on YouTube to summarize the movie plot:
*****WARNING - Spoiler Alert*****

The Fighter Review

2011-01-01T15:07:00.001-08:00

Although the story was inspiring and touching, I cannot recommend this movie as one that you would want to live in or one that is aesthetically pleasing. Far from it. Crack houses, crack whores, dismal circumstances and rundown gyms – not appealing. It created a sense that if you were involved in this life, everything would be very, very smelly. Body odour, cigarette smoke, crack-stench (whatever that smells like) and lots and lots of sweat. The clothing and hairstyles are not at all flattering – even though the film takes place in the mid-’90s, the people in this small town look like they will forever be stuck in the 1980s.

All the women look trashy and hideous. So do the men. Yuck! Even Amy Adams who I can see appealing to some people (she’s not my personal favorite) looked quite skanky. And Christian Bale – eek! Definitely not his most flattering appearance. However, the one saving grace for the eyes is the handsome Mark Wahlberg. Very nice, VERY nice. Luckily he has a lot of screen time and is often showcasing his best assets.

Thank you for bringing beauty to this movie, Marky Mark.

Orphan Review

2010-10-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

I had high expectations for not just the aesthetics of this movie, but also the plot line. The storyline was absurd, and yes, there definitely IS something wrong with Ester (and, not just with her appearance. Those teeth!).

Clearly the only reason this movie was made was to showcase lovely architecture. Pure unadulterated décor porn. The look of the movie surely did not disappoint. The house was absolutely gorgeous. Brick, high ceilings, walls of bookshelves, and gleaming hardwood floors. The property they live on is magnificent. Also, the movie is set during the magical winter season.

The movie also stars the gorgeous Vera Farmiga and the handsome Peter Sarsgaard.

If you are not concerned about watching a good movie, but love stunning houses, then this is the movie for you.

Black Sheep Review

2010-09-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

To be fair, I only saw 15-20 minutes of this movie, but I think it was enough to establish a more than fair review. Gross and ridiculous.

Eat, Pray, Love Review

2010-09-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

I loved this movie. I have already been to the theatre to see it four times. So attractive to look at and YES, YES, YES, I want to live in this movie. The breath-taking views in Italy and Bali are just magnificent. I could do without India though; not so nice to look at. I’m just glad the movie was not in smell-o-vision for the India portion.

One plot point that I disagreed with was when she moved out of her house beginning of the movie when she decided to leave her husband. Either stay in the unhappy marriage for that bathroom, or ask him to move out! Speaking of spectacular homes, her friend’s house was enough to give me goose bumps. The scene when she is having a party - glorious. Then later when she has Liz (Julia Roberts) and her new beau over to their home for dinner-stunning. I would do pretty much anything to live in a place like that. Her home in Bali - please send me there. The place she rents in Italy isn’t as nice, but really who cares - she is in Italy. She can walk out the door and be engulfed by beauty.

Not only is this movie filled beautiful surroundings, gorgeous people are everywhere. Julia Roberts is just lovely. Her friend Sofi (Tuva Novotny) - a knock-out. And, oh my goodness, Giovanni (Luca Argentero). Wow. And, of course, the handsome, testosterone-oozing Javier Bardem as Felipe. The ex-husband, Stephen (Billy Crudup), was fairly handsome as well.

After weeks of waiting for something spectacular to see on the big screen over the summer months, Eat, Pray, Love fulfilled my every desire.

Piranha Review

2010-08-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

Chewed up people, body parts and 3D vomit. Yuck!

Inception Review

2010-08-01T00:28:00.001-07:00

I am SOOOOOOOOO confused. Why did the hairstylists give gorgeous men like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy those greasy, slicked-back hairstyles?

Splice Review

2010-07-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Does it surprise anyone that this was not one of my favorite films? The mere premise of the movie as well the previews involving a human-something-else-hybrid that sprouts a tail already had me appalled.

Adrien Brody’s character has some very serious issues to work out. Funny, they seem to point the finger at his spouse for having a messed-up past. Really??? Once you see this you will wonder what the hell he was thinking as well as have the violent urge to vomit.

I do NOT want to live in this movie. I do NOT want to even live in a five mile radius of any store that rents out or sells this DVD or Blue Ray.

If you want a movie that gives a “no” feeling see this movie.

Get Him to the Greek Review

2010-07-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Dirty, smelly-looking men. Vomit. Urine. Nothing nice to see here.

Letters to Juliet Review

2010-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

I love, love, loved this movie. The preview did not disappoint. I expected to see beautiful breathtaking Italy and I did. Attractive actors, picturesque landscape, quaint Italian villas, and restaurants that you could sit in for hours…
There is so much to rave about in this film. I want to live, eat, die, sleep and breathe in this movie. When I purchase it on DVD (on the exact day it is released), it will sit right next to my copy of Under a Tuscan Sun so that I have two choices when I want to escape into the land of Italy and escape from my real life.

Vanessa Redgrave is an absolutely lovely older female actor (unlike the jarring Sophia Lauren). Amanda Seyfried is so beautiful and hello Christopher Egan…

Drag Me to Hell Review

2010-05-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

Silly, gross and ridiculous! This movie has mediocre-looking actors, no beautiful things, and lots of disgusting bugs, flies and phlegm. Definitely not a movie you want to escape into to feel like you are living another, better life.

The lead character, Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) is a loan officer who lives in a cute character home - at least from the outside. The house itself has a great structure with gorgeous dark wood door frames. However, this loan officer clearly has no taste or cleaning abilities. Her home looks like a dump! The most evil demon in this movie is this messy, disorganized, and poorly decorated home. The most frightening thing is the “Baby, Hang On” kitten poster on her bedroom wall. Please, if you are over the age of 13, do not hang pictures of kittens on your walls. This type of thing is seriously disturbing. Don’t even get me started on adults with huge stuffed animal collections.

There are a couple of nice points in this movie. Christine has a great view from her bedroom window and her boyfriend has a great career as a professor of psychology, which I would love. Unfortunately, this is not enough to make me want to live in this movie.

Just a little warning…eating while watching this movie is not a wise choice.

Chloe Review

2010-04-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

This movie was hot, hot, hot! The stunning footage of restaurants and cafes in Toronto are enough to get you in the mood. The lovely recital halls, gorgeous actors, breath-taking greenhouse, and great clothing get you to plateau. And… then…the house…oh, yes, the house…that Catherine Stewart (Julianne Moore) and David Stewart (Liam Neeson) inhabit…talk about a climax! See it. It takes my breath away just thinking about it again. I will definitely be buying the DVD when it comes out for those lonely nights…

Gorgeous ladies; sexy lounge.

Nights in Rodanthe Review

2010-03-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had such high hopes for this movie when I saw the trailer two years ago. It looked like a movie filled with gorgeous people (Richard Gere and Diane Lane) and breath-taking surroundings. A house on the beach - who could ask for anything more? Also, the theme of getting divorced - what married person, happy or not, doesn’t fantasize about getting divorced and being carefree? At least for a weekend. Especially when you get to have a fling with Richard Gere or Diane Lane for that matter (she makes 40 look like the new 25, now if only she could change her character from movie to movie).

For the most part it did not disappoint. Richard Gere was as handsome in his tortured way (he is the EMO of the over-forty crowd minus the black clothing). Diane Lane was beautiful, though her clothing could have been improved upon. However, the wallpaper in Richard Gere’s house - oh my goodness! Revolting is too mild a word for that debacle. No wonder the guy left. Also, the beach house was a little too cluttered for me - however, the artist studio was absolutely magnificent. It would inspire anyone to create masterpieces.

Breathtaking

Titanic Review

2010-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of the first films that began my love with the aesthetics of movies.

Blah, blah, blah - the discovery of the ship. The first 20 or 25 minutes could have been cut. The good stuff comes into play when they are on the ship. That’s when the gorgeous people, costumes, décor, lighting and a great musical score (which always adds that extra element of beauty to any movie) come in. Even if I had to go down with the ship, I would want to live in this movie.

Kate Winslet is the most beautiful she has ever been in this movie. From her full, wavy red hair to her meticulously applied make-up, she is spectacular. If I got a chance to wear any of the dresses that Rose (Kate Winslet) wears in this movie, I would die a happy woman. My personal favorite is the one she is wearing at the top of the stairs when Jack (Leonardo DeCaprio) is waiting for her at the bottom. The night that Jack convinces Rose not to jump off the side of the ship, his reasoning should have included the fact that she would be destroying a stunning dress! For this reason, this is the most tension-filled moment in Titanic. Also, the blue velvet dress from the “king of the world” scene is very lovely.

The men in this movie in their tuxedos…heaven! There is the handsome Cal (Billy Zane) with his dark mysterious eyes (pity he is such an abusive jerk), and the dashing Thomas (Victor Garber)…and really all the men because they look so spiffy in tuxedos.

And, is there anything sexier than having your nude portrait sketched by a gorgeous man? The answer here is no. This is by far one of the most erotic scenes in any movie to date.

The off-putting thing, however, is that Leonardo DeCaprio looks like he is 16 and Kate Winslet looks like she is at least 20. The scene in the car where she is lying in his arms is particularly unsettling. At one point in the movie Jack says, “I’ve been on my own since I was 15.” Was that a year ago?

Stunning Dress, Spiffy Tuxedo

EW!!

Shutter Island Review

2010-03-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

This movie was beautiful to look at except, of course, for the creepy patients and their sad accommodations. The landscape and scenery was breath-taking. If I need to go to an institution to get that kind of view then lock me up! I also love all of the rain. Who wants sunshine when you can have clouds and rain – divine.

Of course, as I have mentioned in previous reviews, I would love to be a psychiatrist and if I could live in the place that Ben Kingsley’s character lives in this movie that is an added bonus. I want to have cigars and drinks in that gorgeous house. And the bookshelves in this movie…To. Die. For.

One of the central appeals of the film – the handsome Leonardo DeCaprio. To me, there has always been something off-putting about Mark Ruffalo , however, he does look better with a fedora. Every time I look at him though, I can’t help thinking that he’d have bad breath. Love those 1950’s suits, but those hideous ties! Hideous. To my surprise, the awfulness of the tie is addressed in the movie.

Mr. Scorsese does a good job of making tragedy look pretty.

Crazy Heart Review

2010-02-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

This movie has a compelling storyline, however, I do not review movies based on story. Maggie Gyllenhaal is gorgeous. The rest of the movie…let me just say this. The opening scene has a washed-up country star emptying a bottle of urine in a parking lot. I think that says enough.

Avatar Review

2010-01-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

The 3-D version of this movie is quite striking when you first see it on the big screen. The waterfalls and foliage were just breath-taking. However, the ooo-ahhh factor wears off after about 20 minutes. I am all for escapism, but I do like a movie to be based in the real world so I can dream of living in it one day. The genre of fantasy is not for me unless that fantasy includes built-in bookshelves and a handsome non-blue, non-tail-bearing man who wears nice clothes.

The bodies on the Avatars were mouth-wateringly yummy. However, their faces are not nice to look at and the fact that they are blue and sport TAILS - yuck! Tails on any sort of human-like figure are off-putting. I am definitely not a fan of the half-animal/half-human at all. Centaurs and “Goat Boy” from the old Saturday Night Live sketches make me want to become physically ill. They are VILE!

I do like the idea of having an opportunity to experience life through an artificial body, however, I would not sport a tail.

Nine Review

2010-01-12T17:14:00.001-08:00

The preview of this movie is gorgeous and the movie itself is equally as attractive (I hate it when you are tricked by lovely trailers for hideous-looking movies). I loved the dazzling costumes, spiffy cars, exquisite architecture and dimly-lit places. Being a fan of musicals, I appreciated the dancing and choreography which make a movie look absolutely stunning.

Daniel Day Lewis was quite handsome, and there were many pretty ladies in this film as well. I have heard talk that Nicole Kidman was very botox-enhanced in this movie, but I felt she looked quite lovely. Everyone just looked so clean. In reality, of course, this would not have been the case (given all the cigarette smoke and body odor that was probably associated with Felini’s life). However, this was why I enjoyed this movie – it left reality aside and focused on making things look phenomenal.

WARNING: The jarring images of Sophia Loren, were a frightening distraction. I believe that her very appearance should classify this movie as a horror flick.

Sophia Loren in Nine; Linda Blair in The Exorcist-Can you see a difference?

Article from the Winnipeg Free Press

2010-01-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

Check out this article from Saturday's Winnipeg Free Press:

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

I love my life, but oh, you kitchen
By: Alison Gillmor

9/01/2010 1:00 AM

It's Complicated, the latest rom-com from Nancy Meyers, might seem like a grown-up film. After all, it has grown-ups in it -- including women over the age of 45, a rare sight in today's Hollywood -- and it deals with real-world things like family and friendship.
But make no mistake, this SoCal fantasy is for 50-something women what Transformers 2 is for teenage boys or the Twilight saga is for teenage girls. It's pure escapism, and while romance plays some part in this, the purest form of wish fulfilment in Meyers' work is of the house-and-garden variety. Love is swell, Meyers seems to say, but marble countertops will never let you down.
The film's opening shots linger on the terra cotta roof of a 1920s Spanish-style bungalow in Santa Barbara. Meyer's almost erotic interest in tiles makes sense when you consider her oeuvre, which includes decor-porn classics like Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday. Meyers' characters and dialogue sparkle while the film is rolling but tend to evaporate like champagne bubbles soon after. Her sets, on the other hand, with their linen slipcovers, cashmere throws and tufted velvet ottomans, have amazing sticking power. People are still walking into designers' offices and asking for the Something's Gotta Give kitchen.
In that 2003 movie, Diane Keaton juggles dreamboat Keanu Reeves and serial womanizer Jack Nicholson. Never mind these kooky romantic problems, though. The real love object is Keaton's Hamptons beach house -- and by "beach house," we mean huge $10-million mansion -- an exquisite arrangement of shifting shades of ivory, sand and marine blue that was featured in Architectural Digest.
The Holiday (2006) is memorable mostly for its decor double act. Cameron Diaz lives in a Golden Age L.A. mansion designed by Wallace Neff, while Kate Winslet is holed up in a historic cottage in Surrey. To get over their respective broken hearts, the two women swap houses sight-unseen in what has to be the most successful international home-exchange ever devised. I think Jude Law and Jack Black are also involved, but I was too busy clocking the seagrass rugs and Colefax & Fowler draperies to notice.
In It's Complicated, Meryl Streep's character Jane Adler is a divorcee -- her husband dumped her for a younger woman -- with three grown children and a seemingly recession-proof bakery business. Jane's ex (Alec Baldwin) is now deeply unhappy with his skinny trophy wife and her monstrous toddler and wants Jane back. (I'm sure the fact that Meyers' 68-year-old former husband is remarried with three-year-old twins is just a coincidence.)
Diverting as this storyline is -- in a First Wives' Club revenge-fantasy sort of way -- it keeps intruding on the really important stuff, like Jane's reclaimed oak refectory table and her rambling vegetable garden. (Meyers' attention to detail is so exquisite that she used special effects to eliminate "spiky plants" in Jane's yard.)
Jane's kitchen, which snagged a layout in Traditional Home, features an eight-burner stove and a double oven flanked by open shelving -- something that never works in real life but in a Meyers film is an artful array of cream-coloured French crockery and porcelain cake stands. As fabulous as it all looks, in Meyers' terms this is just a makeshift room: One of the subplots is set in motion when Jane commissions "a real kitchen" from architect Steve Martin.
According to Meyers, all this fabulous decor is the medium that helps "soften the message" of her films. Unfortunately, the filmmaker's unerring eye for expensive stuff means that the medium has become the message. Whatever Meyers wants to say about older women's strength and sexiness and independence is overwhelmed by the fever dream of consumerist desire. Her women are what they own.

alison.gillmor@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 9, 2010 F3

Daybreakers Review

2010-01-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Gross! Gross! Ick! There is nothing nice to look at in this movie. If there is, it is eventually covered in blood or exploding vampires. And Willem Dafoe…come on!
Not recommended.

Up in the Air Review

2010-01-03T15:59:00.001-08:00

Who can complain about looking at the handsome George Clooney for almost 2 hours? Certainly not me or any other female with a pulse. And what is more gorgeous than a man in a suit? THIS lovely man in a suit. He even sports a classic three-quarter length winter coat in some scenes. Breath-taking. On the downside, the clothes Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) wears during his casual time are not very exciting. I would have loved to see him in some jeans on occasion and in some shirts that weren’t such drab colors. However, when you see him tucked under the sheets with his chest exposed, you forget about any desire to see nice clothing.

Jason Bateman, who is also a great-looking guy, is in this movie as well. However, I hate to inform you that he is quite scruffy with a mild beard of sorts. Disappointing.

Vera Farmiga is just gorgeous in this movie – especially when she is out of the business attire. I must say women’s business is very dull on the big screen. Poor Vera and co-star Anna Kendrick look like flight attendants throughout most of the film.

Most of the hotel rooms that Ryan Bingham visits in this movie are quite lovely. However, the one in the town where his sister is getting married is somewhat revolting.

Ryan’s apartment will absolutely make you want to kill yourself. The first time we see it he pushes aside an accordion wall. Is there anything more sad than an accordion wall in your home? No wonder he never wants to be there.

There are some definite upsides to the life that Ryan leads (aside from his apartment choice) and therefore I can see wanting to live his life. Money, travel, a possible book deal, motivational speaking and, of course, looking so fine. The HUGE downside to me would be the constant fear of beg bugs. That would be too worrisome to be able to sustain his lifestyle.

One thing that left me curious was how Ryan and his sisters, especially the older one, were from the same gene pool. See it and you’ll know what I mean.

It's Complicated

2010-01-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

I cannot say enough about how gorgeous the houses are in this movie. Great bookshelves, furniture and home accessories abound! A definite must see for the lover of beautiful architecture and design. From the houses, to the bakery Meryl Streep’s character owns, to the hotel rooms to the gardens – wow, wow, wow. Plenty of mini-lights at parties, gracing outdoor patios.

One downside, not much eye-candy for the under 50 crowd, but with all those gorgeous homes, who cares? As for nice clothing, there is also not much for the under 50 crowd either.

I would love to live in any of the homes in this movie. I would love Meryl Streep’s character’s life since she owns her own bakery (I would love my own business). I would also love Steve Martin’s character’s life as I would love to be an architect.

See it. You won’t be disappointed.

Mini-lights-Partay time!

The Box Review

2009-11-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

I was duped by the trailer. I didn’t know this movie was set in the ’70s. The trailer made it look like it would be a beautiful, esthetically-pleasing movie. Seventies décor ruins any good film.

The opening scenes were of a dark bedroom, so you couldn’t quite see the décor and then there was a scene of a gorgeous banister decorated with evergreen garland for Christmas. Lovely Christmas decorations always add to a movie’s quality.

The outdoor scenes are gorgeous. There are colorful fall leaves on the trees with snow falling in the early scenes. Later in the film there are gorgeous scenes of homes with crisp Christmassy backgrounds. The outside view of the house is absolutely inviting. The inside of the house with the seventies wallpaper—revolting.

Movies filmed in Massachusetts, USA always look nice. Why didn’t they just set the movie in 2000 or later?

Revolting wallpaper

A Serious Man Review

2009-11-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Going to see A Serious Man was a serious mistake. There is nothing nice to look at in this movie. Well, I shouldn’t say nothing – there is beautiful snow quietly falling in the opening scene. Other than that, P-U! The lead character has a sibling who is constantly suctioning some sort of cyst on the back of his neck. Disgusting. Why, why, why put this in a movie? Bringing your audience to the verge of vomiting is not good form.

If the lead character would lose his glasses and wear longer pants, he could be quite attractive.

I would not want to live in this movie. If you did want to live in this movie, you would have to have some reason for hating yourself. REALLY hating yourself. This movie will make you profoundly sad if you put yourself in the lead character’s shoes. No thank you.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

2009-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

This movie made me rethink my previous statement that the plot of the movie doesn’t matter as long as it looks good. At times, this movie looks good. Very good. It looks like it has been lit by 1,000,000 candles, which creates a beautiful ambiance. The enormous stately home that belonged to the deceased Uncle Wayne (Michael Douglas) is absolutely fabulous. Matthew McConaughey’s character is a photographer – great job! Even with all of this and exquisite bookshelves, this is a terrible movie.

Matthew McConaughey – gorgeous body (face, enh!). Jennifer Garner – always lovely. Michael Douglas – thank goodness he wears sunglasses much of the time (without them…frightful!).

Now here is something that absolutely destroys the look of any movie – urination. There is a scene where Matthew McConaughey is in this beautiful bathroom washing his face when his deceased Uncle Wayne appears…urinating. No one needs to see the reality of people urinating – especially in movies. Yuck!

Yikes!

Gorgeous lighting!

What Lies Beneath Review

2009-10-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

Another of my absolute favourites…What Lies Beneath. Claire Spencer (Michelle Pfeiffer) and husband Norman (Harrison Ford) live in an absolutely gorgeous house on the lake. Who could ask for anything more? Every part of this house is stunning. The home office is filled with dark wood bookshelves and a solid wooden desk that would make anyone feel smart if they sat at it. Not to mention the view of the lake that can be seen from this room.

The bathroom is decorated all in white and makes you feel clean just looking at it. Really, I would never leave this room if I lived there and I would NEVER allow dirty guests use it.

The bedroom, don’t even get me started…window seats (not just any window seats—you need to rent this movie to believe these window seats), so much space, great choice of wall color, and the bed is large enough to make any marriage successful. My only criticism of the bedroom is that the lamps are floral…I’m not a fan of most floral prints.

The view of the house next door is not as nice as their house—kind of grey and weathered looking—a big disappointment. If I were Claire and Norman, I would be getting lawyers involved to get that eye-sore torn down. The scene shot on the dock with the house overlooking the dock is absolutely divine. Please, let me spend at least one night in a house like this. I read on IMDb that the house was torn down after filming because it didn’t meet building codes or something—this, my friends, is a tragedy.

Michelle Pfeiffer—gorgeous. Really, is she ever not? Harrison Ford—handsome. So he ends up being a murderer, but at least he looks good while he does it.

Another awesome aspect of this movie is that their neighbor is the head of a psychology department—I would love to be the head of a psychology department. Also, Claire is a cellist, that is really cool—I would love to be a cellist.

Seance scene in the bathroom (be careful,
you wouldn't want to invite demons
in to destroy that beautiful house).

Why so glum, Claire? Look at that gorgeous
bathroom you're in.

Q: Why does Claire look so frightened?
A: The grey eye-sore next door.

Zombieland Review

2009-10-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me say that I went to this movie to be nice to my husband. There is nothing about zombies that is esthetically pleasing, unless you are deeply disturbed.

That being said, there were a couple of things in this movie that were nice to look at. The actor who has a cameo in this movie has a gorgeous home complete with a private movie theatre. A little too much gold at times, but I wouldn’t refuse the chance to board there. Secondly, there is a segment that takes place at an amusement park which is ever-so-beautifully lit at night and it takes you back to a happy time of teenage romance at the fair.

However, because zombies are always getting their blood and guts all over everything, this ruins the ambiance. And zombies always get blood all over the furniture and blood stains are impossible to get out. They also smash beautiful things up, because they don’t care about how things look; their only concern is to find brains or human flesh to eat.

I have to say that Woody Harrelson looks pretty good in the first few scenes, but then the snakeskin comes out and it is game-over.

Snakeskin-No thank you.

Black leather-Yes, please.

You've Got Mail Review

2009-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

One of THE best esthetically-pleasing movies. Plot? Whatever! I myself, turn off the movie when Meg Ryan’s character closes her family store. It is the end of the store footage and other things I like to look at in this movie, so then it is time to end a good thing.

Meg Ryan is absolutely cute, as she is pre-mega lips. Her hair and wardrobe—absolutely fabulous. Now Tom Hanks as the romantic lead…enh! Not who I would have cast, but he is likeable in a cute sort of way and also well-dressed. Greg Kinnear is Meg’s live-in boyfriend. Greg Kinnear is always a good choice in a romantic comedy. I could look at him for hours…

The setting—fall in New York—just breath-taking. Kathleen Kelly’s (Meg Ryan) apartment—gorgeous built-in bookshelves, great desk and very inviting dining area. The bedspread—a few too many flowers for my taste but who can complain with those bookshelves. The outside of the brownstone is also lovely. (Who wouldn’t want to look out their window at that place everyday? And maybe even look inside when their blinds are open and the lights are on at night.)

The party that Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) both attend where Kathleen realizes that Joe is Joe Fox of Fox Books, is held in a warehouse-type apartment with more great bookshelves and “to die for” brick walls. (Is there anything more fabulous than brick walls?) One day I will have a place with brick walls…

Now the finest part of this whole movie is definitely Kathleen Kelly’s store—The Shop Around the Corner. Beautiful wood bookshelves, wood counter-top, flowers by the cash register, wood door frame, well-painted, brick on the outer walls, and framed posters. Everything placed so exact, creating a warm feeling with not much clutter. And it looks so clean. Oh yeah! At Christmas they decorate and she hangs mini-lights—just lovely. I would work there every day…WITHOUT pay!

See it and be taken away to a life you would rather be living with beautiful things surrounding you.

Apparently this movie is a remake of some black and white movie called The Shop Around the Corner. I won’t see it.

Cute Meg with cute haircut in lovely shop with twinkle lights.

Is this Blog for You?

2009-10-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

For some people, their favourite film is Casablanca; for others it is Gone with the Wind or Citizen Kane…maybe 2001: A Space Odyssey. Mine may just be You’ve Got Mail…or maybe What Lies Beneath.

I love movies, and many of my favourites I’ll watch time and time again…but usually not for the story, acting or directing. For me it’s all about the look—not necessarily the cinematography, but the locations, furniture, architecture, interior design and how…well…good looking the actors are (and well dressed with good hairstyles – very important!).

Basically I watch movies for superficial reasons. If a movie doesn’t look good–and the people in it aren’t attractive—why watch it?

If you are looking for thoughtful, analytical reviews of art-house films—this site is NOT for you. But if you want to know if Meg Ryan’s character lives in a nice apartment and has a good hairstyle, then read on!

I have no background in film or film studies…no real experience reviewing movies…but I do watch a lot of movies , sometimes three to four a week (of course, it’s often the same one…because it has nice bookshelves).

I also don’t usually read reviews. Why should I? They never talk about the important things. Who cares about the themes? I want to know if I want to live in it.

So, for people like me, I will review movies here based on criteria that other reviewers may not write about—hairstyles, apartments, houses, nice locations, furniture, good looking people and lighting (not technically…just if it looks nice).

If a certain actor has let himself go, I will warn you! If the main character lives in an apartment that would make you want to commit suicide, I will warn you! If it looks too realistic in any way, I will warn you! (Who wants to go to a movie to see their own life ?)