Sometimes I get that not-so-fresh feeling

The cure for boredom is film, at least that's what did it for me. (while my guitar gently weeps) No sense in moping. I downloaded all the films I've been meaning to watch for quite sometime now. And here goes:

Another Year - This one is controversial. My verdict is on the positive side. I love this film because it juxtaposes the happy and the depressed. The story revolves around a middle-class, English couple named Tom and Gerri who are happily married; and their depressed, messed-up friends who are either desperately looking for a partner or alcoholic. I have always loved films that unfold like short stories - conversation-driven, slice of life, and poignant - without being trite. As the credits rolled, I realized I did not want to end up like Tom and Gerri's friends. I want to choose contentment and taking responsibility for my actions, whatever that means.

Wet Hot American Summer - Hmmm, let's just say this film is not my cup of tea. Scary Movies franchise plus White Chicks, lighter more profound version. I don't hate it that much because I love parodies. I just did not get some of the pop culture references. It was supposed to be a campy take on summer camp movies (pun intended). The saving grace of this film for me was Paul Rudd. He reminded me of a dick friend who just loves being a dickhead. Well, that's funny for me.

Just Go With It - This is the worst movie I've seen thus far. I couldn't imagine giving No Strings Attached a run for their money. Talk about Hollywood trash at its finest. Don't get me wrong. I've learned to love Hollywood films because, let's face it, they are entertaining. Well, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston's tandem does not even have a plausible story, not entertaining, and certainly not funny. The only hysterical moment was Nicole Kidman's cameo, reminiscent of Friends' Monica Geller. It was painful to watch their love blossom. Please, Jen, as much as I love you, you got to pick better roles, or better stories. Even Hawaii did not save this film.

Babette's Feast - This is a foodie film with a religious streak. That didn't sound right. It reminded me of Chocolat, old lady version. I was half asleep already during the first part of the movie. It's a Danish film set in a conservative, cult-like neighborhood in rural Denmark. If you love food and film, this is definitely worth watching. The final act will give you a culinary boner. I just regarded the first half of the film as an initiation. I wanted good foodie film, and I got it.

Drag Me To Hell - Oh boy! Where do I start? I didn't know it's supposed to be funny. I loved every minute of this Sam Raimi creation. I haven't watched the Evil Dead series, but I'm seriously contemplating about it after enjoying Drag Me To Hell. It was a satisfying horror film with just the right thrills, scares, and gore... and well more gore. I suddenly became curious about watching really bad gore movies, the type where it's so bad, it's good.  (spoiler) The ending was my favorite because I just love a final destination tribute. And one more thing, I was more invested in the love angle of this film more than any of the romantic comedies I've watched in the past couple of months. 

V for Vendetta - I had high expectations for this movie. This is the kind of film where everyone says you have got to watch it and I still haven't. Well, not anymore. (Fight Club is next on the list haha) Natalie Portman never ceases to impress me. Jennifer Aniston can learn a thing or two from Natalie Portman. It reminded me of my idealism in direct relation to politics. I've learned to shy away from these types of films. However, V for Vendetta stood for many things: injustice and justice, corruption and people power, truth and media, terrorism, anarchy, and freedom. Big words right? Don't worry, it's not a lecture. This film focuses on inducing cathartic feelings towards these ideals. I felt pensive, in a good way, after watching this. 

Paranormal Activity 2 - Again, I set my expectations way too high for this film only to be disappointed. Maybe because I watched it on my laptop instead of a theater with a room full of people. I did my best with the lights out and 3am set-up. Unfortunately, I was just laughing, not with the scenes but with the cynicism. I sympathized way too much with the character's cynicism, and I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief. No shocks, no climax, nothing spectacular like the first installment. Good thing I didn't watch it in the theater. I had a better time with Insidious.

Reality Bites - This is a really great Gen-X, 90s, pop-culture film. Love it. Almost all the scenes resonated with me. Friends in their 20s, struggling in finding their careers, juggling the bills, keeping friendships, finding meaningful relationships; it can't get any better than that right? Reality Bites centers on the selfish (or perhaps not-so-selfish) pre-occupations of people in their twenties. The eternal questions of life after college: "So what do I do now?", "Who am I?", "Will I be alone forever?", and a whole slew of quarter life meanderings. It's good because it leaves a feeling of action. Sometimes young people just need to grow-up, pay their dues, have ingenuity, cultivate work ethics, and realize the world does not owe you anything.

More to come: Norwegian Wood, Red Eye, Lost in Translation, The First Day of the Rest of Your Life, Adam, Fight Club, The Midnight Meat Train, Orphan, The Edge of Love, Rules of Attraction, and Garden State.

New Releases I'm Looking Forward To: Midnight in Paris, The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Crazy Stupid Love, Harry Potter 7, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 50/50, Our Idiot Brother, Larry Crowne, A Dangerous Method, and The Great Gatsby.

I know I've rambled on and on. Maybe you have other suggestions? I'm into films I-should-have-watched-a-long-time-ago. Stress busted! =D