…the almost right word

Into the Wild – directed by: Sean Penn – I have yet to read the book, but this movie certainly inspired me to put it on my ‘library list.’ Plus, I think Emile Hirsch is quite wonderful. Don’t forget Catherine Keener, Jena Malone, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart (where did this girl come from, by the way? I  first saw her in ‘In the Land of Women.’ I think she’s cute. ::blush:: Do you blame me? Fun fact, she’s from L.A.! Apparently she was in that seemingly-terrible movie ‘Panic Room‘ with Jodie Foster (directed by David Fincher who also did ‘Zodiac‘ and ‘Fight Club‘). Okay, enough rambling. Eddie Veder did the music for ‘Into the Wild’ and it accompanies the film really well.

I am Legend – directed by: Francis Lawrence – This didn’t get much attention, and, to be honest, I didn’t even hear about it until it wound up on our doorstep through the queue. I was very impressed. Yes, it is awfully similar to 28 Days Later. However, ‘I am Legend’ is based on a book by the same name written in 1954 (!!) by Richard Matheson. A side note, the director, Francis Lawrence II, has directed a few music videos for jLo and Britney!

The Darjeeling Limited – directed by: Wes Anderson –  First of all, I love anything Adrien Brody does (except for that one time). I would definitely recommend giving this movie a chance. It was written by Wes Andersen and Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola’s brother. He has worked repeatedly with both Wes Andersen and Sofia Coppola. The story takes place on a trip to India. The three main characters are brothers who look nothing alike and haven’t spoken in over a year. Owen Wilson does a great job, as does Angelica Houston. Natalie Portman has an extremely brief appearance, despite the fact that her name is proudly displayed in the credits. The colors were beautiful…as was Adrien Brody.

Lost and Delirious – directed by: Lea Pool –  My mom recommended this. I was surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. Mischa Barton, of O.C. fame, with Piper Perabo (for those who have seen ‘Coyote Ugly‘ as many times as I have). On first appearance, the film seems to portray a pair of young, boarding school girls who are discovering their lesbianism/bisexuality. Unexpectedly dark and strange. Filmed in canada, I believe. Beautiful greenery. The story also has a lot to do with the role of their mothers, more specifically, the role of their absent mothers.

Pollock – directed by: Ed Harris – I think I was afraid to see this movie. Someone once told me that it was too long and generally depressing. I actually loved ‘Pollock.’ Ed Harris does an awesome job portraying such a troubled, alcoholic soul. And I knew very little about the artist prior to the film. I’ve always respected his work, but had no idea that he began with such a Picasso-like style. Marcia Gay Harden is the other main lead and she is, of course, wonderful. Val Kilmer playing Willem DeKooning? ick.

Beowulf – dir: Robert Zemeckis –  Yes, Beowulf. I didn’t hear anything about this movie. And I was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  Did you know that it’s animated!??? They filmed it first, and then animated it with a computer (the concept is similar to ‘Waking Life‘). It’s a typical hero-adventure-king-queen-castle-story, but very well done. Added bonus: animated and naked Angelina Jolie. Now I know you’re not going to pass that up!

Tonight, we will watch:
The Virgin Suicides – directed by: Sofia Coppola – I love this movie.  I watch it once a year on average, and R_ has only seen it once and doesn’t really remember it! Sofia Coppola did an amazing job. The colors, music…it all creates a real atmosphere for the story. The book was written by Jeffrey Eugenides, who is a really unusual author (check out Middlesex).

Tomorrow night, we will watch:
No Country for Old Men – directed by: the Coen Brothers –  Finally! FYI: movie filmed in New Mexico. In fact, I waited on the Coen Brothers, William H. Macy, Frances McDormand & Kelly Macdonald during the filming the of the movie (Yes, that’s me bragging). The Coen Brothers seemed to really like our Pumpkin Ravioli. And we’ve been following Javier Bardem’s career for some time now, beginning with Before Night Falls (amazing). And well, as for the Coen Brothers, do we really need to go into their career?