Some Eye Candy For Your Table...

As the majority of my world knows by now: I am in love with Robert Redford (in every capacity). And Brad Pitt isn't so bad either. So, in an attempt to take my mind off of my daily dosage of cynicism, I thought I'd share a little comparison...

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Harry Potter Lets Loose

In the spirit of the week, here are two photos that I've recently found and love...

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5 Movies, 2 Days

Yup, that's right! In the past 2 days I have some how managed to watch 5 movies that I have never seen - another perk of unemployment: free time. Let's recap, shall we?

Beyond Borders: (2003) Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen. Those two alone make a movie that I want to watch. Throw in humanitarian efforts and a love story? I'll be putty in your hands. The main downer of the film (a girl criticism) was that I really couldn't stand looking at Jolie's hair. I'm not even joking. It was the one and only thing I was focusing on in every single scene. The stringy bangs, the overly dark black color, its lifeless limp body. As for the actual movie, I enjoyed it, but don't know if I'll watch it again. It does a really great job of bringing the problems of other countries into the limelight and shows that these issues are still going on today - but it wasn't the best thing out there. The end, however, redeemed it for me.

Love & Other Drugs: (2010) Not much to say. I didn't love it, but I enjoyed it. I don't think Anne Hathaway being naked every 5 seconds served any type of purpose, other than attracting both male and female viewers. I did, however, enjoy that it was a romantic movie with real adult problems. I think that too much lately any movie with a romantic premise draws about these weak female characters and their biggest problem is finding the perfect shade of lip stick. So, to the dramatic balance: kudos. But I sort of wanted more. I wanted something drastic to happen to her - maybe have her end up in the hospital after she drops a glass or something. I don't know. I just wanted the action to be more.

Monte Carlo: (2011) Don't judge. Just don't. I'm still a sucker for girlie movies (above review, aside) All that I will say is that - sadly - I enjoyed this a whole lot more than I enjoyed watching this next movie ...

Bad Teacher: (2011) Sure, I laughed. That's awesome. But I really didn't care about Cameron Diaz's character in the least. Ever. Not once. She didn't have a single ounce of humanity in her bones, and that is just exhausting to watch for 2 hours. She is just this horrible teacher who doesn't give a shit about her kids or the people around her. And that's great, for a while, but then it just becomes miserable. I did, however, enjoy Jason Segel. Because, let's face it, who doesn't like the man?

Nice Guy Johnny: (2010) This one just goes to show that a good movie can be made with a small budget. Hands down. Ed Burns' character Uncle Terry was a great combination of schmuck and lovable, and he just took the scene every time he was on screen. Also, just really honest dialog, which I thought was great.

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Movie Mash Ups!

Basically because I am in love with both non sequitur and ironic mash ups...







-E

Sean Penn At His Finest

I've just re-watched Clint Eastwood's Mystic River for about the hundredth time, and it only keeps getting better. The performances given by Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon are heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

Don't even get me started on the display of family dynamics: the blinded, dedicated wife vs. the shaken, "disloyal" one. The question of the cost of family, the ties the bind, and the choices that we make. Do you stay with your loved ones even though they committed wrongs, or do you follow the external world's moral codes and betray the people who need you the most?


Annabeth Markum: Celeste called looking for you. She was worried something might happen. She told me about Dave. Told me what she told you. What kind of wife says those things about her husband? And why'd she run to you? 
Jimmy Markum: Why didn't you call? 
Annabeth Markum: Because it's like I told the girls. Their daddy's a king. And a king knows what to do and *does* it. Even when it's hard. And their daddy will do whatever he has to for those he loves. And that's all that matters. Because everyone is weak, Jimmy. Everyone but us. We will never be weak. And you, you could rule this town. 


Here is just an example of the finest blend of acting and direction that I have ever seen. I will challenge anyone to show me something more evocative and compelling.



-E

A New Habit: Entertainment

Today, I am officially acknowledging one of the benefits of unemployment: entertainment.

I know, I can sense the jealousy in the air! I, Em, finally have the opportunity to explore all types of entertainment that I never had time to enjoy before. I seem to have found this new liberty in being able to explore my Netflix queue and the deep realms of the internet.

This all started to dawn on me when I found my self perched on my couch at 3:30am watching a 90's indie flick called Lovelife. It's an ensemble romantic drama about the tangled lives of 20-something graduate students and professors. It all ends up being a semi-love-line of desires that went a little something like this:

Token Guy<>Shy Girl<Hot Guy<>Hot British Chick<>Lit Prof<>Bartender>TV Writing Prof

< one sided love

<> relationship

<> affair

So, the focus fell on the Shy Girl's love for her Hot Guy best friend and all of the drama that plays out around unrequited love and what happens after you finally say those three words.  I went into the movie expecting to zone out in some lame chick flick and found myself throughly enjoying the writing and the semi-predictable plot. It was more mature than a rom-com, but it was all about love and the human dynamic. I was hooked.

This venture into the realm of unseen movies had now led me on a long and curving road laced with comedies and dramas, teen movies and reality TV. I've endured everything from throw backs like Dude, Where's My Car and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (the movie) to countless episodes of Say Yes to the Dress and Mob Wives.

Currently, I'm telling myself that it is all research, that watching all of this will help better my writing. And maybe it will, one day. Maybe I will write a movie about the mob bust of 2011, who knows? All I do know is that, for now, I am loving every minute of it.

-E

50/50

I am very hit or miss with Seth Rogan, but I really freaking want to see this! I feel like it's going to be one of those "tear your heart out and then make you cry with joy" movies...



-E

Jane Austin + Tom LeFroy

I am a sucker for passion in movies, and these scenes from Becoming Jane have to be some of my absolute favorites. I think that this entire film is just a great example of how to show a love story without being trite or frilly.

Check 'em out!





-E

Big Apple or Golden Coast?

Lately it seems to feel like time is spinning on this rotating dial, constantly reminding me that my childhood is quickly dwindling into a thing of the past. I've just had my last midterm critique of my art school education and the calendar keeps reminding me that commencement is just around the corner. But what comes next? What is the logical course of action?

I have come to call New York my home, I've even vowed that I will never leave, and yet the more I look for jobs the more I am led towards LA. Is the move worth it? After applying to eight - yes eight - jobs at various production companies in Burbank and Santa Monica, the idea slowly began to grow on me. I began furiously checking Craig's List and the LA Times for real estate quotes and I did the math on how much gas would cost; I could rent a house for what I pay per month ... in Brooklyn.

It went without saying that the cost of living was lower out in La-La Land, but at what price? What about my life back home, where does it all go?

I then couldn't help but wonder, is the industry really only one sided? Is one side of the coin better than the other?

Best Monologues

As a film writer and film viewer, I am a sucker for great monologues. I've been looking for the "Greed is Good" speech from Wall Street, but in the mean time, here are some of my favorites. I'm pretty sure I can just watch/listen to them on repeat.

Alec Baldwin - Glengarry Glenross

Ed Norton - The 25th Hour


Marlon Brando - On The Waterfront


Robin Williams - Good Will Hunting



What are some others?
-E

Black Swan's Visual Effects

I had a lot of issues with Black Swan, that goes without saying. But I also hold a great appreciation for the film on a visual level. Story aside, it's really stunning, in my opinion. I was slightly confused as to why the film got completely side swiped by the Academy ... until I realized that all of the key images were graphically enhanced. Check it out:

It's been a long December...

You must have heard of the BLIZZARD that struck the east coast this past week. Well, I'm still down in good 'ole Virginia where we got a record snow fall -- a whopping 14.5 inches in the city of Virginia Beach. Apparently it was the 3rd largest snow fall in the history of the area. It also happened to be my first White Christmas. What do ya know - a week later and it's 60 degrees out. Go figure, Southland.

That being said, things have been insane. And by insane I mean movie-filled...

The Tourist: Entertaining. Very reminiscent of To Catch A Thief/old thriller movies. If nothing else, the clothes were fabulous.
Salt: Also entertaining. Full of twists and turns. Semi-predictable.
Inception: Seen it. Blogged about it earlier. Still enjoyable, but still not intelligent.
Knight and Day: I laughed. I like Tom Cruise, I'll be honest. And I've officially decided that the trailers for the movie really were horrible.
Adam's Rib: An oldie and a goodie. The dialog is just wonderful. I could die a happy watching a Spencer/Katharine movie.
Four Christmases: Now, I love Vince Vaughn and I love Reese Witherspoon, but it was just god awful.
I Hate Valentine's Day: The only thing worse than a bad chick-flick is a bad chick-flick that takes itself seriously.

On that note, here's to the new year. Welcome 2011. Here's to hoping you're better than the last.

-E

Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty

Because I was feeling nostalgic and in the need for some beautiful animation...



-E

SATC2 "Gay" Count.

So, I noticed this way back when, and the fact that Jezebel is covering it now only resparks my anger with the second Sex and the City movie: they say "gay" a bajillion times. And when they aren't saying "gay" they're saying "bitch" or some other equivalent. Don't even get me started on the wedding.

Screenwriting at it's worst.

The lovely ladies over at Jezebel have put together a clip of the total "Gay Count" - I believe it hits just below 20 times. Check it out: Count How Many Times They Say 'Gay' In SATC2

An Insult To ... Everything: a Sex and the City 2 review.

-E

My Mind Is Blown: The Von Trapp's Are REAL?!

I don't know if I'm just slow on the uptake or something, but my lovely roommate has just informed me that the ever so lovely and charming Von Trapp family - aka those Sound of Music kids - is real! Well, at least, they are the inspiration for the film. How did this happen, you might ask? Well, let's recap, shall we?

So, being my ever outstpoken self, I happened to mention that I am not the biggest fan of The Sound of Music (said conversation came out of notification that the entire cast is going to be on Oprah tomorrow) and my roommate was highly taken aback.

"What? The Sound of Music was very important to my childhood. It's like my White Christmas," he said. He obviously knows my movie preferences.

In my usual fashion, I made some smarky comment on how I was dissatisfied with the kid being a Nazi and them simply running off into the hills at the end (hope I didn't give anything away there). I just don't happen to find that ending very satisfying. "I think it's overrated," I said.

"But that's what happened, they were real," he said.

And I was shocked. Literally. I sat with my mouth open, catching flies, for quite a long period of time. How can that be true? A European Patridge Family can't possibly exist! Nuns don't go singing on mountains! They even spoof it in Moulin Rouge, for crying out loud!

Alas, he (my roommate) even went to the trouble to find the proof for me, and I'm a sucker for facts ...

Check out some links that will make you question your childhood movie-watching forever:
1. http://www.trappfamily.com/story
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_von_Trapp
3. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E3713M

Here's a glimpse at the REAL Maria Von Trapp ...

I guess Julie got the scenery somewhat right ...

And, alas, in reality they did not run off to the hills and escape. Instead, the Von Trapp's just boarded the next train for Italy and were on their merry way ... it's not AS exciting, come to think of it, but still sort of touching, in a way.

My mind will continue to be blown for the remainder of the evening.

-E

Harry Potter Goes "Mean Girls"

My roommate found these on some blog, and they make me the happiest person right now! It's a mash up two of my favorite things! Give 'em a looksee ...

Check out the full post here!

-E

Pardon my girlyness...

I have embraced the joy of hot rollers, and I am loving them. Can we say, "awesome hair day?" That's what I thought! If it helps bring up my nerd factor: I am sitting in Virginia watching Star Trek WHILE reveling at my new hot rollers. I think I've peaked.

-E

"Inception" isn't all too insightful afterall

I saw the new talk of the town -- Inception -- last night at the Union Square Regal, and honestly, I was no where near as impressed as I was told I would have been. I spent the two-plus hours waiting for my mind to be "blown" and for my realm of logic to be so screwed that I wouldn't know which way was up, but instead I found myself being lead through on a leash.

The plot isn't all that original, if you think about it. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a "thief" who goes in to people's dreams to steal top secret information from higher-ups. The movie centers around his final mission, to plant an idea into a man's brain, something people claim is impossible (the actual act of "Inception"). He formulates a team and then the mission happens. As simple as that. Standard. Cliche in structure, almost.

Let me get down to what I found bothersome, though: Christopher Nolan needs to stay behind the camera. If he is going to try and get away with writing a blockbuster film, he needs to first learn how to actually write a proper story. The heart of any story, any script, lies within the presence of it's characters, and if the audience can hardly recall the characters' names, let alone their motives, there is obviously a lot of work that needs to be done.

Why were they there? What was their motive? Who were they? How did they get involved? What was in it for them? All of these questions are left completely unanswered throughout the film, primarily because they weren't addressed from the beginning. DiCaprio's character is the only one driven by something greater than himself and he is the only one with any level of measurable dimension. All of the other character are merely props in Nolan's CG-fueled film.

That being said, Nolan also needs to take a class or three about how to successfully write dialog. If you're going to give an audience flat, uninteresting characters, at least give them something compelling and witty to say rather than just have them read from an instruction manual.

Rule Number One: Show, don't tell. This is something that writer's are trained from the beginning. Show the story, don't just explain it through dialog. That, is called a cop-out. Yes, the effects were brilliant and as an audience, we were shown this marvelous dream world, but the exposition took away from that every time a character spoke. It was as if the characters were telling us the rules to a game we were already watching.

Rule Number Two: Trust your audience. Going with the above, exposition isn't needed because the average movie-goer is smarter than you may think, they just aren't given the chance. For all of those people who say that Inception is confusing or insightful, they simply weren't watching or listening closely, because Nolan practically beats us over the head with the rules of his world.

It's also apparent throughout the movie that Nolan did do his research -- a little too apparent. The entire time it was as if he was trying to tell his audience, "look, I'm more than action and CG." But he's not. The clever moments are so in-your-face that it's border-line patronizing. The Architect's name is Ariadne? Oh, you know, as in the woman from the Odyssey who helps Odyseus through the labyrinth? And what is her first task? To build a labyrinth. And Mal? Her name is a direct translation to bad in both French and Spanish. And what is she? Bad. That's not clever; that's cheap.

Luckily enough for Nolan, Inception does have some redeeming qualities: the effects, the art, the cinematography. There is no denying that Inception is aesthetically pleasing and exciting to experience. In my opinion, the art and CGI behind this movie easily blow Avatar out of the water. But effects don't make a movie, and Nolan should know better.

This leads me to Rule Number Three: Never fully make a movie alone. As soon as you write, direct, and produce a movie, you officially become blinded by the project. There is no outside person, no other perspective to point out flaws or different takes. It becomes just you, the writer, stuck with the same story, with no room for evolution and growth.

As far as the acting goes, DiCaprio (Cobb), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Arthur), Cillian Murphy (Fischer), and Marion Cotillard (Mal) all  gave perfectly fine performances, but  unfortunately for Ellen Page (Ariadne), this is only the second performance of her's that I've seen, and I am still not impressed. She has a lot to learn about acting before I will ever be able to take her seriously. Michael Cain was wonderful -- as always -- despite the fact that he had less than 10 minutes of screen time in total.

Inception is an entertaining movie, hands down. But it is also an overly stimulating, visual representation of a first draft script with an A-B list cast. If you pay attention and watch what you're given, Inception won't surprise you or make you think, because it doesn't give you a lot to think about.

Is that so much to ask for? A movie to make me think? I guess so, because I'm still waiting.

-E

Would I watch Inception again? Absolutely. It was entertaining and pretty too look at.

Would I nominated it for Best Picture? Not on your best day.

Updates, updates, updates galore!

I've been updating my website like a madwoman lately, so check it out!

www.emventker.com

More writing samples, etc. should be posted by the end of the week. Until then, I've posted a sneak peak at a TV pilot that I've been working on. Let me know what you think!

-E

An Insult To ... Everything.

The only thing worse than this poster is the actual movie.

I will opening admit that I loved the series. I own the DVDs; I remember watching the series finale when I should have been studying for an exam. I've been rooting for it from the get-go. I even stood by and repeatedly watched the first movie and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it (Charlotte shitting her pants, aside). So, I went with 3 of my girlfriends after work and caught the Court Street 4:20 today, hoping for -- at the very least -- some high fashion.

Unfortunately, I didn't even get that.

First off, let me start by saying that I was offended and embarrassed as a women and as an woman. The constant repitition of "gay wedding" was completely unnecessary, uncalled for, and out of character. Awesome, two men are getting married. This shouldn't be a huge shock for them. The level of offense only continued to rise and then explode throughout the entire UAE section. On the whole, the 4 characters played completely into the trashy American stereotype imaginable, but Samantha was by far the worst. I can usually forgive her character, but this took thinks too far. Her actions were inexcusable under any circumstance. 

Where did the smart writing go? Their once quippy, smart dialog was downgraded to poorly placed puns that happened about once ever 20 frames (Lawrence of my Labia ... seriously, MKP? seriously?). And EVERYTHING was a cliche. I mean everything. The only moment that held any essence of the original series was when Charlotte and Miranda were mulling over the plight of motherhood. Until it was ruined with a line about those poor unfortunate mothers who get by without their, "help." 

These 4 women used to be strong, independent, relatable! And now? Maybe it's just me, but as a struggling student, writer, and New Yorker I couldn't feel anything but abhorrence towards them and their "oh look at me, I'm rich but still have problems," attitudes. Give me a break!

Finally, on a more superficial level, the clothes were either boring or atrocious. I was expecting to be wowed with a moving Vogue ad, but instead I was left with monotonous cliches or blinding gaudiness.

The only 3 things that brought me joy:

1.) The Danish man's body.

2.) Carrie's Butler's personality.

3.) Miranda's happiness.

The top 3 things that brought me pain:

1. The Arab women changing their clothes.

2. Samantha's purse dropping sequence.

3. Carrie leaving her passport (seriously?!).

I'll usually see any movie twice. Sex and the City 2? Not unless forced.

-E