The New Girl-Joan Finch

     So I have this friend, this very quirky giggly bundle of nerdiness friend, from college whose superhero alter-ego I call Fangirl Squee. She's a great mix of hilarity, personality and goofiness which makes her a great companion for everyday adventures. And if they made a sitcom about her I don't think they could get a better likeness than of the character of Jess in New Girl.

     Itunes is offering a free (let me repeat FREE) download of the pilot episode which I've already watched twice and absolutely recommend. The premise is pretty typical rom-com or sitcom stock. Recently dumped Jess answers a craigslist ad for a new roommate and moves in with three single guys. Hilarity ensues as is usual but don't go disregarding this show before giving a fair shake. Truthfully it is funny. Jess is played by Zooey Deschanel believably with heart and a kind of carefree whimsy I haven't seen in television since they wrongfully canceled my beloved Pushing Daisies. Her three new roommates Schmit, Nick and Coach are great complementary personalities to create the shows awkward, inappropriate but sweet comedic chemistry. I know at least one other person who's going to enjoy this show besides me. 

Of course I'm going to watch this show! Spending thirty minutes a week with someone that entertaining is a must. Nothing makes you feel as good as some adorkable-ness does. 

New Girl is on Tuesdays @ 8 pm on Fox. Premieres next week.

Where Have All The Chick Flicks Gone?-Veda Rains

I was recently strolling the movie aisle in the local “ahem” super center, half-hoping to come across an awesome find (a cheap movie to watch for my night off!). As I grazed each row, I became more and more convinced there was nothing I desired. Three or four years ago, this would not have been the case. I admit, I’m a lover of “chick flick” movies, and around that time I was buying every single chick flick movie under the sun. Now the films weren’t Oscar-worthy (who am I kidding, it’s pure popcorn fare), but they were enjoyable, entertaining, and sometimes heart-warming. I would buy and watch (and rewatch) these every other month (or, in some cases, week). They were a great way to escape from reality and I’ve recently gained that yearning for them once again.

So I have to ask, where have all of the chick flicks gone? I look back at this year’s film releases. Nothing stands out…not even…well, maybe Something Borrowed, but while it was cute and dreamy (and downright backstabbing), it just didn’t feed my chick flick fix (where were the sympathetic characters-save for Ethan?). You Again was a pleasant surprise but wait, that was released in 2010! So here are some (just a few, mind you) of my personal favorite chick flicks to fill the void, until something magnificent (nay, just plain good) comes along (Yes, I know a lot of these go under “romantic comedy” as well):

When Harry Met Sally

This is the ultimate romantic comedy! If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly suggest you do so. The chemistry, the story, everything just does it for me!

Bridget Jones’s Diary

One of my screenwriting instructors gave his students a list of devices NOT TO USE when writing a screenplay. However, he threw out his own rules when he admitted that this film is one of his favorite films of all time! When chick flicks can cross the gender line, you know you have something special! And it doesn't hurt that Colin Firth is easy on the eyes for the ladies.

A League of Their Own

I watched the VHS of this so much as a child, it broke in my uncle’s VCR. Somehow he was able to put it back together. It’s got a lot of heart and strong women!

The Women

The ultimate chick flick (Hello! The only people you will see in this film are WOMEN) has biting wit and charm-not to mention, Norma Shearer & Joan Crawford. No wonder numerous attempts at remaking the film have faltered.

And a Few More:

Romancing the Stone

Dirty Dancing

Titanic (it took me a few years-maybe 8? Before I came to enjoy this film)

Steel Magnolias

Fried Green Tomatoes

Definitely, Maybe

What are some of your favorite chick flicks?

News from the Toronto Film Fest

Its Day 4 of the Film Fest up there in Ol'Canada and maybe I didn't bring it up because I'm envious of the people who can afford to go but it was wrong of me and I'm sorry.

Hit the link to go to a blog hosted by IMDB about the Fest.  Theres also a photo gallery of all the celebs and semi-celebs who are making an appearance.  http://www.imdb.com/features/toronto/2011/blog/

Some of the films mentioned are

Ghostbusters 3 NEWS

Not that this is a democratic Hollywood we're dealing with but if there was a vote I'd be Pro-Gubler all the way.  So here's me lobbying for that very possibility!

Check this out guys. http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=81518

Team Ghostbuster. Team Gubler.

Crazy Stupid Love (2011) - Joan Finch

     Beyond the obvious reasons to go see this film, like the impeccable casting, I'll give you another...its absolute in its goodness.  They never drop the ball on any aspect of the storytelling.  It is continually funny, charming, surprising, and human.  It's that kind of satisfying movie-going experience that makes you happy there's such a thing as a mega-plex. Its well worth the ticket price. And yes its a romantic comedy but its a truly great ride.

      And if you don't trust my opinion (which is just silly) there is a point B to my pro-Crazy Stupid Love argument that even you may agree with.  

Point B: Ryan Gosling shirtless, Ryan Gosling in a suit, Ryan Gosling smiling.

Letters To Juliet (2010) - Joan Finch

Those who are very easily influenced by suggestion, like me, would remember the previews for this romance flick from last year.  Beautiful scenery and an embarrassing abuse of a pop song made this a better music video than trailer.  I might not be so hard on this film had they not broken the cardinal rule(in my opinion) about trailers: Don't show the whole film in the trailer.

Yet still, in spite of your gut feeling that this is going to be no more that another in a long line of uninspired so-called “chick flicks”, you find yourself in line for popcorn with the ticket in your hand and a very excited “chick” saving you a seat. 

They wasted Gael Garcia Bernal and Vanessa Redgrave completely. I would much rather have watched a film focusing on Mrs. Redgraves storyline than what Letters To Juliet ended up being. This film is the result of a half-hearted attempt and I can't in anyway recommend it. 

Ceremony movie review

It's a rarity when a romantic comedy is smart, funny, and human. Ceremony, the feature debut of talented up-and-coming director/writer Max Winkler(son of Henry) is just that. The characters are all flawed, sure, but that's what makes them so brilliant.

On the surface, Ceremony is another romantic comedy, but it's as much a story of friendship as it is of love. Sam Davis(Michael Angarano) is a self-centered, pretentious children's book author who drags his shy, traumatized former best friend Marshall(Reece Thompson) out for a weekend getaway. It's been a year since the two friends have seen each other, and almost a year since Marshall has even been out of his house. Marshall believes that this is going to be a nice, relaxing weekend with his friend, but Sam has ulterior motives. Sam has been having an affair with Zoe(Uma Thurman), a smart, beautiful woman who announces that she is getting married to her longtime fiance, Whit(Lee Pace). What ensues is funny and heartbreaking. In the hands of a less talented cast or a broader script, this movie could have veered into either slapstick chaos or wrenching melodrama, but lucky for the audience, the movie doesn't hit a single false note.