Monday, May 15, 2006

And the Winner Is...

Neither.

After learning about Ephron's view of her own films and her view of the movies I realized that her and Crowe are making similar movies but are using different tactics.

Crowe
Crowe wants to focus more on an archetype - the flawed man, the successful man and how his life can be changed in an instant by someone or something - particularly a woman and or love. He really wants to capture real life and he does this through his camera techniques, his use of real music, and his writing.  I think Jerry Maguire was where I first started seeing Crowe's commentary on
society. I saw it resurface it a bit in Elizabethown.

Crowe is less concerned about making the "ideal romantic comedy" or sticking to the conventions. He wants to make something original, real, current and memorable. Crowe doesn't necessarily make better romantic comedies than Ephron, rather he tries to take the real aspects of life and incorporate or make a screenplay and a film around them.  For all you Crowe fans out there check out his sweet website: Cameron Crowe which has links to the articles he wrote for Rolling Stone and other cool stuff. Its still being tweaked a bit but while we're waiting for Crowe's new movie this can keep you occupied.

Ephron 
For romantic comedies Ephron wants to focus more on an idea, a belief - love. Specifically where our society's view of love originated, why, how and how movies themselves have played into that. She does this in a very witty and original way. Similar to Amy Heckerling, Ephron writes and directs a romantic comedy that appears to just be about two people or strangers who are trying to find love and perhaps find it with each other. But to our surprise there's more beneath the surface. There is commentary on society's belief and view about love, women, men and most of all how popular culture and movies have influenced us. How they have effected our view of love, what its suppose to do for us, that there's this special person out there for all of us, that love at first sight is possible, etc. The list could go on forever. 

I enjoy Ephron's choice of not making her commentary extremely obvious or forced. This allows people the option to either take the movie for what it is on the surface or to dig deeper. Ephron is quite aware that movies are mainly used and considered a source of entertainment, but she doesn't let that stop her from expressing or voicing her opinions. Which I must say as a woman, who is interested in working in the media industry or journalism this is quite refreshing to hear.

// posted by singleinthecity @ 3:51 AM 2 Comments

There's More than Meets the Eye

Sleepless in Seattle - It's Fantasy alright ... but wait there's more.

Okay so I found some elements of realism in the movie, but overall Ephron is depicting the fantasy world we all want when it comes to love and finding that "someone." And the irony is that she knows she's doing this! She knows that she is writing and directing a movie, where the characters and concept is completely unrealistic. On the special features (yes I'd watch them because really why else do we buy the DVD's if not for the special features) in a featurette she said, "A great deal of what we know about love has been shaped by movies."

Knowing that Ephron is aware of this factor and knowing the type of movies she makes, Do you think she's making commentary on the movies? Do you think she's deceiving the audience? She continues onto say that, "One of the thing I tell my actors is that it isn't a movie about love, its a movie about love in the movies." So Ephron isn't just making a cute movie about love. Rather she is commenting on society's view of love, what shapes it, how movies influence us. Do you feel Ephron is true? Has what we known about love been shaped by the movies? And if so can this be fixed or changed? Or is this subconsciously happening as we watch movies?
Maybe we haven't given Nora Ephron enough credit as a writer or a director. Perhaps we assume that because she is a woman and that most of her movies incorporate a lot of romantic conventions (cheesy music, melodrama, unrealistic concepts of falling in-love) and fantasies that she couldn't be making some social, cultural, gender or media commentary. Well, guess what ladies and gents - she is. You might not realize it on the surface and it might not be in the greater theme of the movie but there are hints and clues throughout. Ephron is mocking the same romantic conventions she is using. She is mocking films and how they effect us as people, how they shape our minds and views. (In You've Got Mail she was definitely mocking our society's dependency on technology).

So maybe we should keep all of this in mind when we view Ephron's next film. Look for the clues. Look for the commentary on movies, technology, popular culture and all of their effects on us as a society.

Or you could just snack on some popcorn and enjoy the movie for what it is - pure entertainment.

// posted by singleinthecity @ 3:19 AM 0 Comments

Sunday, May 14, 2006

What is it about Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks?


Sleepless in Seattle: Complete fantasy or a touch of reality

Now I'm pre-warned you all about You've Got Mail. So I decided to do it again for Sleepless in Seattle. Granted its not as high on my list as You've Got Mail but its still up there. For the sake of this assignment I'm going to try and forget about my pre-conceived notions on how the entire concept behind this movie is a fantasy and look for elements of realism. Now although I have these notions it does not mean I don't enjoy watching this movie. For a single gal like myself this movie gives me hope and enjoyment (you may roll your eyes now). But enough about me onto the last movie - Sleepless in Seattle.

Pre- You've Got Mail, but post the sad Joe Versus the Volcano (we shall remain silent about that movie). Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks team up again in this romantic comedy. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) is an engaged Baltimore woman who falls in love with Seattle widower, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) despite only hearing his sad story on a coast-to-coast radio call-in show. I know it seems like a complete stretch but lets give Ephron the benefit of the doubt. If she can make two people fall for each other via e-mail, who says this can't be possible?

// posted by singleinthecity @ 11:08 PM 0 Comments

My Final Thoughts on Cameron Crowe


"I'm proudest of the fact that I've been able to make a few movies in the studio system that are slightly unorthodox and personal. But it's never quite as easy as you dream that it could be." - Cameron Crowe

In his earlier movies like Say Anything, & Singles, Crowe is more or less showing us a story about love, relationships, average everyday men, women, life and the complications, chaos and greatness of it all. As time went on though he became more interested it seems in looking at the flawed man, the "successful" man who believes he has everything, the "corporate man," and how love or the Ms. Right can make or change that man. We see this in such movies as Jerry Maguire, (not so much in Almost Famous, because I saw that more as Crowe's take on his world as a journalist for Rolling Stone), Vanilla Sky and Elizabethtown.

Now while I do enjoy seeing how love and a female can redeem a man. I wonder how fair is Crowe being. Aren't we all flawed? And can't someone or something change or help us to be a better person? I think so. So I guess what I'm saying is I'd like it if Crowe had two flawed characters, male and female and show how they changed each other. I feel like Crowe did this quite well in Say Anything and was attempting to do it again in Elizabethtown. I think doing this would help Crowe capture his style of realism much better.

I really do enjoy Crowe's movies, especially now that I'm getting older. The dialogue that he supplies with his characters is one I wish I had said or were saying or one that I'd hear walking down the street or in a bar. I love that he goes against romantic conventions by using real songs instead of silly classical over dramatic music. Could you really imagine the boombox scene from Say Anything with classical music? I don't think so.

Crowe in my opinion does a great job at capturing real life - the drama of it all, the romance, the comedic moments, the crappy ones, the great ones - everything. So, in that sense that I think he does excel in romantic comedies but he also breaks the mold by incorporating some drama. My only hope is that Crowe doesn't allow the pressure of Hollywood, movie studios or money get in the way or make him forget why he decided to make movies in the first place.

// posted by singleinthecity @ 7:17 PM 0 Comments

Love is a game. Easy to start. Hard to finish.

Singles: What real relationships are all about...

Singles, is Cameron Crowe's take on six young people in there 20s, who all live in the same apartment complex and their attempts to find love during Seattle's early grunge rock stage.

A unique technique Crowe used in Singles was having the characters talk to the camera, as if they were talking to you. It made you feel apart of their world, like you were one of their friends. Although Crowe focused more on Steve Dunne (Campbell Scott) and Linda Powell's (Kyra Sedgwick) relationship you also learned about the other character's love lives as well. It was nice and refreshing. The use of music in this movie worked a lot better than Elizabethtown too. Perhaps it was because of the setting and time.

I really enjoyed Bridget Fonda in her role as Janet Livermore. She was cute and granted annoying when she used to follow Cliff (Matt Dillion) around like a lost puppy. But once she realized she didn't need him anymore and kicked him to the curb, Janet was rejuvenated for me. Looking back I feel like Crowe's use of Kirstin Dunst in Elizabethtown was his attempt to capture someone like Fonda.

I think Singles is a complete upgrade from Say Anything. It captured the first meeting between strangers and the realistic relationship Elizabethtown was so desperately attempting at. Throughout his movies Crowe is trying to capture what realistic relationships look and sound like. I think he does an excellent job achieving that in Singles.

// posted by singleinthecity @ 6:25 PM 0 Comments

Saturday, May 13, 2006

A Little Taste Of What's Next.... What is it about Seattle?

So here's a little a little taste of what's next: Think grunge rock, early 1990s, single life, Seattle and love.
'

Mix that all up and you've got Crowe's movie SINGLES.



// posted by singleinthecity @ 2:35 PM 0 Comments

Friday, May 12, 2006

Any Chance I Can Get Some Magical Powers?

Bewitched - And the Results Are...

I feel Ephron is using the similar styles she used in You've Got Mail specifically with having a male and female protagonist. Isabel's character is qute naive, innocent and clueless. Often when she says or does something that is unintentionally funny she gets laughed at. So are the women in Bewitched being laughed at or telling the jokes? We also see the pattern of older adults trying to find love and happiness in their life. The overall message is sweet and sappy (my guilty pleasure movies): Wanting someone to love you in spite of your flaws and good aspects. Regarding the  male/female fantasy, I feel Ephron is definitely playing off of and incorporating more of the female fantasy. Wanting some guy to be completely smitten (yes I used the word smitten) with you, change, become a better man because of you, love you for all of you, to have a man need you. I mean Isabel is basically saying her life isn't complete because she hasn't experienced love or doesn't have a man.

At the same time though we have to take into consideration that Ephron was updating a popular TV show, which had its original plot and storyline that most people were quite familiar with.

It seems as if in Cameron Crowe movie's the men change, gains insight, appreciates life or becomes a better man and person because of the women in their life.

Why is it that Ephron tries to have both characters, male and female change because of each other?  Does that mean she's more realistic in terms of portraying relationships than Crowe?


// posted by singleinthecity @ 2:41 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Life Is Pretty Grand When You're a Witch


Bewitched - Out of this realm.

Okay, so I know my generation isn't always aware of the original singers of that sample, or the original actors of that movie ... but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate them.

Why? Why do movie studios insist on remakes or altering good things?

There's a reason for calling them classics.

Nora Ephron's Bewitched, is an adapatation and upgrade you might say of the popular 1960s television show Bewitched (starred Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Dick Sargent). Set in the year 2005 and in California's San Fernando Valley we are first introduced to Isabel (Nicole Kidman), who just happens to be a witch. But hopefully not for much longer. She is tired of not leading a normal life. Her main want is to experience love, to "have a guy who is a complete, mess need her." So in order to do so, Isabel has decided to give up her supernatural problems. Kidman plays Isabel with a naive, innocent, sweetness to her and without the ditiziness. It is refreshing to see Kidman in a role that requires a range of facial expressions, a colorful wardrobe and a lighthearted attitude.

Jack Wyatt, (Will Ferrell) is a struggling TV actor who is trying to not only get his life but his career back on the "Hot & Popular" track. Starring as Darin in an updated version of the TV show "Bewitched" is the first step for Jack. But he must first find his Samantha. After discovering Isabel's "twitching" nose and falling for it and her, Jack declares she should play the witch, Samantha on the TV show. Little does he and everyone else know how similar Isabel and Samantha really are. Things get even more complicated when Isabel starts to fall for Jack.

Will the two of them be lucky in love...together? Or will Isabel's being a witch get in the way?

Now that we got that out of the way, I'd liked to give you a rundown on the classics (TV and Movies included)I hope Movie Companies never touch: 

  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Casablanca
  • Pretty in Pink
  • Breakfast Club
  • It's a Wonderful Life
  • Happy Days
  • Dick Van Dyke Show
  • Mary Tyler Moore Show
  • The Cosby Show
  • The Wonder Years
  • Seinfeld

// posted by singleinthecity @ 11:45 PM 2 Comments

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

"I gave her my heart, she gave me pen."


Say Anything: Cameron Crowe gets it (Men, women, family, relationships, life, young love, romance, comedy, drama) right on his first take.

I want current directors of Romantic Comedies, movie producers, film critics, kids of the 21st century and especially Cameron Crowe to watch Say Anything. To me, Crowe's first film is one of his best (some might argue for Jerry Maguire). Perhaps its because Crowe was young and brand new to the movie industry. Not jaded yet or pressured by top notch studios or judged by film critics; Crowe was still innocent and passionate.

It was all about making films that meant something.

I think now a days directors forget why they wanted to be directors in the first place. Sometimes it doesn't always have to be about that great shot, or getting the hot celebrity in the starring role, great action sequence, tear jerker scene or making a blockubster. Sometimes ... less is more. Sometimes it is the simple story lines that are complex, enganging and more realistic.

Say Anything, is that movie.

It's a simple story: goofy, quirky, odd guy wants brainy, beautiful girl. Well, guess what? He gets her. Why?

Because he made her laugh, because he's straightforward, dependable - honest. Because on their first night out when walking from 7 Eleven he said, "Watch out for that glass," and moved it out of her way. In a world where everyone saw Diane only for her brains and beauty Llloyd saw more.

Now some might say Crowe is depicting the male fantasy because its about the underdog guy getting the "out of his league" girl. And others might say Crowe is depicting the female fantasy because the girl meets the perfect guy: he's funny, sweet, romantic, trustworthy, charming and absolutely head over heels in love with her. I say, why can't it be both? Why can't a romantic comedy show both fantasies? And in my opinion that's exactly what Crowe does in Say Anything. But he also shows the realness of relationships, the good, the bad, and the in-between And Crowe shows us this not just in Lloyd and Diane's relationship but also in Diane's relationship with her father.

Despite its retro soundtrack I feel Say Anything is timeless. I mean who doesn't want to have someone in their life that they could say anything with. Crowe's continuous attempts of capturing love between the two most unlikely people start's here.

Say Anything is about the unexpected parts of life, the things you can't plan, the people who surprise you ... in a good and bad way. It could have been anyone's love story; instead it became everyone's.

Here is a trailer of Say Anything:

A refresher for those who have seen Crowe's directorial debut and a preview for those who want to see what good romantic comedies look like. 



// posted by singleinthecity @ 4:13 PM 1 Comments

Monday, May 08, 2006

In Your Eyes...

Say Anything: You know you all love you some John Cusack

Before there was Elizabethtown, Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous and Jerry Maguire, there was Say Anything. Before there was Orlando Boom and Jerry Maguire, there was John Cusack.

I'll admit it I'm coming to this movie with a bias. I've seen Say Anything and I really enjoy it. Now its not just because Lloyd (John Cusack) stands outside of Diane's (Ione Skye) window holding a boombox in the air (Yes, a boombox they did exist at one point. I think even now I'd find that cute and adoring, No offense fellas but the iPod w/speakers doesn't have the same effect) blasting a cassette tape of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes!" wearing a trench coat.

But how many of you fellas will admit that you're actually a fan or get tear eyed thinking of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes?" Any takers? ... Anyone?

Every time I hear "In Your Eyes" I think of that scene and I immediately get weak in the knees and sappy.

But its not just Peter Gabriel who makes the movie. John Cusack is pretty damn good too. Portraying one of the best roles of his early career (High Fidelity, Grosse Point Blank, The Runaway Jury and one of my personal faves - Serendipity, come much later. Granted my enjoyment of Serendipity could have a lot to do with his personal sidekick, real life friend and scene stealer Jeremy Piven, but that's for another post).

What? His most recent movie? Something with dogs? I've blocked that from my memory, eagerly awaiting a refund.

As Lloyd, an optimistic, witty Kickboxing champ Cusack is hilarious. You can't help but root for him as he tries to win the heart of Diane and her father's (John Mahoney - Fraiser Krane's Pop) approval. Yes, he's the underdog and could appear to be a bit on the odd side. But you can't help but be in his corner egging him on as he fights for the winning battle - Diane.

Now that Lloyd and Diane are graduating will she finally notice him? Will he finally work up the courage to ask her out? Will Lloyd wins Diane heart and get her father's approval? 

Guess you'll have to find out for your own.... or you can wait till my next entry.


// posted by singleinthecity @ 11:24 PM 0 Comments

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Elizabeth...what?


Elizabethtown

I'd like to start by saying could everyone cut Cameron Crowe some slack. You can't always make a great and fantastic movie every time. Look at Spielberg - Always (feat Holly Hunter, John Candy) now that was definitely not his best. Stick to the action and CG Spielberg. Every time Crowe makes a new movie it is compared to Jerry Maguire. Yes, Jerry Maguire is a witty, romantic, emotional, comedy touching upon love, life, success, corporate business world, sports, money etc. Yes, it features some memorable quotes: "Show me the money!" "Did you know the human head weighs 8 pounds?" And of course - "You complete me." But in case you don't realize taking risks is a key theme of Crowe's movies ... as well as in his life and career.

So what is Elizabethtown really about?
It's about life, family, love, taking risks, failing, surviving, death, home, connecting, accepting who you are, accepting change, uncertanity, the unexpected. It's about living and everything else in between.

If you really want to know...
Ever had a horrible day? A day where it seems karma is just not in your favor. Meet Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom), a man who seemed to have everything. Great job, great girlfriend, great life. But within moments he looses everything. His shoe design is not a hit thus causing the company to loose $ 1 billion dollars. He's fired, his girlfriend dumps him - he's a failure. On the cusp of suicide Drew is given another chance to redeem himself, to find out who he can become. His father has died while in Kentucky and he must take care of everything. On the flight to Kentucky, Drew meets Claire (Kristen Dunst), a quick-witted optimistic flight attendant, who helps him navigate through this journey called life. Crowe, a romantic at heart is trying to remind us that amazing things happen when you least expect them.

// posted by singleinthecity @ 6:18 PM 0 Comments

Elizabeth...what? Part II

So what's with all the music?

In case you don't know Crowe has a tendency to incorporate songs into his movies. They are not just lyrics or melodies they are dialogue, characters to him. All of this comes from Crowe's deep rooted relationship and love for music. (He was a journalist for Rolling Stone, now how many people can say they've had that gig. Check out his other movie Almost Famous for a semi autobiographical-esque view of the Rock world in the 70's. ) But sometimes the music can get in the way, be a distraction. There were moments when I felt cheated in Elizabethtown because Crowe played music instead of letting me hear the dialogue (Ie: Amazing phone conversation scene between Drew & Claire. When Drew is driving back with his Dad and he's telling him everything that has happened). I almost felt like I was watching MTV or some music video. It wasn't Crowe's best use of balance but there were some great songs. Elton John's "Father's Gun," Ulrich Schnauss "Passing By," Helen Stellar "iO (This Time Around), Patty Griffin "Long Ride Home". Check out the 3 soundtracks at iTunes.

So is it a drama or a comedy?
It's a bit of both. Crowe blurs comedy, drama, romance all together. There were definite moments where I laughed out loud, like when Drew is trying to kill himself and his cell phone keeps ringing ("I could turn a grey sky blue" - line from The Temptations' song "I Can't Get Next to You" his ring tone) or when he's telling his sister (played by the fabulous and underrated Judy Greer) "I'll call you right back." And she says, "Okay no problem. Just dial Hell and I'll answer." For Crowe, less and the subtle things is more...and funnier I must say.

Romantic Conventions: Does he or doesn't he?
Crowe is still using them but he's adapting and altering them.

In Elizabethtown, Crowe is showing the love between two young people as well as with family, home and America.

My blurb of thoughts

Kirsten Dunst: She surprised me in this film. Normally I find her annoying throughout the entire film. But here, here she only got on my nerves when she kept bothering Drew on the plane (which thankfully was not that long). On another note I would have preferred her to stick to one accent. Either you're Southern or you're not.

Judy Greer! Crowe, one of the reasons I enjoy your films is because of your ability to pick a well rounded supporting cast. Bonnie Hunt, Cuba Gooding Jr. Regina King, even that little kid, Jeremy Piven (pre Entourage), Joan Cusak, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Zooey Deschanel, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee, Paul Schneider, and Judy Greer. She tends to shine in whatever role she is casted in. Whether it's the back stabbing "friend" in 13 Going 30 (Yes, I saw it.) or the cute supportive friend in The Wedding Planner (Yes, I saw that too.) or as the sister in The Village, and dare I even mention her hilarious sketch on Arrested Development as George Bluth's secretary, who is secretly in love with him. I would have liked to seen how she was dealing with her mother's changes or her interaction with all the relatives.

Ruckus: They completely kicked ass in their cover of Lynard Skynard's "Freebird." Nothing was going to stop their long awaited moment to shine. Not even a paper mache bird on fire and sprinklers. I must of watched that scene over and over. Not just for the comedy but to see cousin Jesse and the rest of the band rock hard ike it was Woodstock and not a memorial.

Road trip scenes: The cinematography when Drew is driving home from Kentucky are beautiful. Utilizing POV's, long and wide shots Crowe made me feel like I was the one driving the car, looking out on the open road, experiencing and seeing the necessary moments in American history - living life. If nothing else, Crowe succeeds in this part of the film.

Moments where I would have ended the movie: 
  1. Second time Claire and Drew say goodbye. After talking on the phone for like 10 hours and meeting again, each are now in their own car ready to drive off in two separate directions. I wouldn't have minded it if Crowe had made this last scene between Drew and Claire, thus making the focus of the movie be about Drew and his family.
  2. Driving back home to Oregon with his father's urn in the passenger seat, Drew finally starts to grieve. Crying while "Father's Gun" by Elton John plays he starts laughing, talking and remembering memories. Holding a handful of his father's ashes he sticks his hand out the window letting his father become one with the wind and the world. "Father's Gun" would continue playing and then a fade out.

Crowe had good intentions with Elizabethtown I just think he had too much. It took two viewings for me to really appreciate and understand its entirety. He had two story lines, 1. Guy's relationship with his family, father, life and himself. 2. Two complete strangers meeting and connecting. Crowe wanted both to be part of the movie. The problem was that it didn't intertwine very neatly or nicely at all. Overall, though I feel Crowe explored a lot of broad important ideas in Elizabethtown: life, love, happiness, death, family etc. And he did it all with humor, realism and sweet tunes.

I don't know about you but I think there's some success in that.


// posted by singleinthecity @ 5:06 PM 3 Comments

Saturday, April 15, 2006

And the Results Are...


You've Got Mail - Not Just a Love Story

On the cover of the DVD is a quote from a reviewer and it says, "The best romantic comedy of the year!" - Maria Salas, CBS-TV. Now, don't get me wrong I really enjoy You've Got Mail but no way would I say it was one of the best romantic comedies of 1998. It does not compare to Something About Mary, The Wedding Singer, Can't Hardly Wait, or Out of Sight (all which were released in '98 as well).

If you are apart of the original AOL generation, in your 20-30's, a Nora Ephron or a Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks fan than You've Got Mail is right up your alley. The essence of this movie is that sometimes you can find love where and with whom you least expect. (Teenagers though might find this dated and a bit cheesy since they live in a world filled with instant responses and text messages). The only appeal to them might be Dave Chappelle.

Speaking of Dave Chappelle, every time he is on screen he steals the scene right under Tom Hanks nose. In a supporting role, he plays Kevin Jackson, Joe Fox's right hand man in work and life. Dave delivers his lines as if he was performing stand up. While discussing the new Fox Books Superstore Joe mentions how that they "should announce ourselves to the neighborhood. Just let them know, here we come." In his classic comedic tone, Kevin responds by saying, " Oh, no, this is the Upper West Side, man. We might as well tell 'em we're opening up  a crack house. They're gonna hate us..." HIL-AR-IOUS!! Unfortuantely though he's not in the special features. Most of it is devoted to Nora Ephron, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I say bring on the bloopers, give us Dave Chappelle commentary, have him interview Tom & Meg! But... I digress.

So how does You've Got Mail fit into the romantic comedy genre? Is Ephron going against the conventions or using them? I say Ephron does a bit of both. Yes, there are the over the top scenes with the dramatic music score (ie: When Kathleen is saying there isn't anyone in particular in her life but the dream of someone. Or after the store is closed and empty she sees herself as a little girl twirling with her mother in the store). Those were a little too much even for you, Ephron. There is the love/hate storyline between Kathleen and Joe, which interestingly enough parallels Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's realtionship in the book Pride and Prejudice, (a book featured in this movie). And who can forget the numerous conflict scenes, which cause us to wonder: Will they or won't they? Are they ever going to meet? Will business get in the way of love? 

But when Ephron isn't incorporating the romantic comedy conventions she does give us something fresh and witty. Two protaganists (male and female): Hanks, Ryan, and a supporting cast that get opportunities to tell the jokes. This is extremely refreshing particularly for the female actresses who are often the joke itself. As mentioned earlier Ephron doesn't just tell a love story, rather she comments on society, technology, pop culture, business world, money, corporate greed, NYC lifestyle, love, etc. And last but not least the beautiful scenery of NYC's Upper West Side as the backdrop. For me that's what added to the element of realism in the movie. A good amount of the scenes were either shot outside or if inside with a view of NYC in the background.

You've Got Mail, gives all us single people some hope and insight. Perhaps the person you hate, or the person sitting next to on the train, or bumped into on the street could be your next friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wive. Yes, I know that sounds completely cheesy, cliche and unrealistic but isn't that one of the reasons people go to the movies?For entertainment value, to escape their life even if it is for a brief two hours. I mean no one said movies had to be 100% accurate and real all the time.

Ephron, you brought it on and did quite well. So now it's Crowe's turn. Bring it on. Bring- it- on.

Stay tuned...


// posted by singleinthecity @ 9:07 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

It's Confession Time...


You've Got Mail

I have a confession to make...You've Got Mail is on my list of guilty pleasure movies. For me its always been a movie of comfort. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, I'd curl up in bed, with a nice cup of hot tea and transport myself back to NYC in the fall. I know... its not an Oscar contender, or a cinematic masterpiece but to me its nice and sweet.

It seems now a days that everyone is meeting online, from Match.com, myspace, yahoo personals, the list goes on and on. Thus I believe You've Got Mail isn't so dated. Nora Ephron, the director also touches upon some present day issues: Corporate world (How corporate companies come in and buy the smaller business out) money, technology(Our dependecy upon it, relationship to it),trends, business, etc.

But Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) & Joe' Fox's (Tom Hanks) commuincation in the movie might seem a bit old school since it's set during a time of pre wireless, ethernet, cable, broadband, Internet explorer, AIM, yahoo messanger. Its a world of AOL and yes dare I say it - dial up. 

Cliff notes of You've Got Mail


// posted by singleinthecity @ 3:13 PM 2 Comments

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]