Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday's Two-Cent Reviews for September 9th, 2010
T
his last weekend I took a little mini-vacation to Wichita, Kansas and along the way I was able to finish both 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' as well as 'Mockingjay'. I love having the opportunity to take my mind off of everything and read, read, read.
So, here's my two cents on both:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Are star ratings only allowed for movies and Netflix? If not, then I'll give this one 3 stars out of 5. I enjoyed it. It was cute and the characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know all of them. Towards the end I was caught up in the story and was excited to see how it would all end - but only just a little bit. The style this book is written in - everything being letters back and forth between characters - kept me 'outside looking in'. I really think if they would have written it in a more standard fashion I could've been involved more and given it another star.
Mockingjay: Wow! After really enjoying book one, 'The Hunger Games', and only kinda liking book two, 'Catching Fire', my hope was that this would be a strong conclusion and a little bit better than book two. If Mockingjay accomplished this I would've been pleased. I'm happy to say that it exceeded my hopes and I think it may be the best book of the series! The main characters are no longer stuck inside an arena, but free to explore this entire world that Suzanne Collins has created here. And she proves that once that world is opened up she can populate it with more interesting characters, more intrigue, and even more adventure. Having said that, a lot of the world Collins explores is that of Katniss's mind, and even here the world is vibrantly created. A surprising ending - not the one I was hoping for - but satisfying. This isn't great literature - but it's one of the best adventures I've been on in a long time. What a wonderful series!
Ahh... It's time for Fall TV. During the summer months my TV doesn't get much love. We could probably leave it unplugged actually. Nothing is on but reruns and I'm so busy taking photos and enjoying my family that TV is simply irrelevant. But starting next week Fall TV kicks off, my season is finally beginning to wind down, and there are a couple things on the tube that I'm looking forward to.
Mockingjay: Wow! After really enjoying book one, 'The Hunger Games', and only kinda liking book two, 'Catching Fire', my hope was that this would be a strong conclusion and a little bit better than book two. If Mockingjay accomplished this I would've been pleased. I'm happy to say that it exceeded my hopes and I think it may be the best book of the series! The main characters are no longer stuck inside an arena, but free to explore this entire world that Suzanne Collins has created here. And she proves that once that world is opened up she can populate it with more interesting characters, more intrigue, and even more adventure. Having said that, a lot of the world Collins explores is that of Katniss's mind, and even here the world is vibrantly created. A surprising ending - not the one I was hoping for - but satisfying. This isn't great literature - but it's one of the best adventures I've been on in a long time. What a wonderful series!
Ahh... It's time for Fall TV. During the summer months my TV doesn't get much love. We could probably leave it unplugged actually. Nothing is on but reruns and I'm so busy taking photos and enjoying my family that TV is simply irrelevant. But starting next week Fall TV kicks off, my season is finally beginning to wind down, and there are a couple things on the tube that I'm looking forward to.
Parenthood starts season 2 next Tuesday and I'm hoping, after catching maybe three episodes of season 1, to keep up with it a bit. The family seems real - the situations they face, the family dynamics. It's nothing extraordinary, but something relatable - and it seems to resonate. I like this and I want to see more. Hopefully, next Tuesday, the premiere of season 2 will continue to show us something promising.
Survivor is back for Season 21: Nicaragua - Old VS Young. Of the previous 20 seasons, I've watched 19. I admit, I still enjoy it. And so do millions of other fans who won't let this show die. And in case you haven't heard, the ex-Cowboy coach, Jimmy Johnson, is on the 'old' team. I know I'm curious... This one starts next Wednesday, and without knowing anything I'm cheering for the old people.
And finally... Are you ready?!
And finally... Are you ready?!
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!? It all starts tonight and I'm just hoping the Broncos and the Seahawks can make the playoffs. To increase my enjoyment of the NFL I've been playing Fantasy Football for nearly 15 years. The best I've ever finished is losing the championship game. But I'm hoping this year is different - I really like my team. My draft was Sunday night, and I got:
QB: Joe Flacco
WR: Randy Moss
WR: Miles Austin
RB: Ryan Grant
RB: Knowshon Moreno
TE: Antonio Gates
W/R/T: Rashard Mendenhall
K: Garrett Hartley
Def: NY Jets
Bench: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Henne, Tim Tebow, Laurent Robinson, and Mike Williams
I like my chances.
And that's my Two-Cents!
QB: Joe Flacco
WR: Randy Moss
WR: Miles Austin
RB: Ryan Grant
RB: Knowshon Moreno
TE: Antonio Gates
W/R/T: Rashard Mendenhall
K: Garrett Hartley
Def: NY Jets
Bench: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Henne, Tim Tebow, Laurent Robinson, and Mike Williams
I like my chances.
And that's my Two-Cents!
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday's Two-Cent Reviews for September 2nd, 2010
Q
uickly now, my two-cent reviews on a few items... Every Thursday I'm trying to let you know what I think about different forms of art and entertainment out there. You're totally free to agree and/or disagree and I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment here, on Facebook, or Tweet it on over to me! And the reason for sentence number 1? I'm still diggin' my new site and thought it would be cool to see a big 'Q'. Oh, the things I do to entertain myself. Like reading books...
Mockingjay was just delivered to my doorstep by Amazon. I'm leaving today for Kansas for a few days (Kansas!) and hopefully I'll be able to finish it while I'm on my mini-vacation. While I was waiting for it to arrive though, I downloaded the kindle-app edition of 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' which was a high recommendation from Melissa Jill (an awesome wedding photographer in Phoenix). I didn't know much about it at all but it's written in epistolary style (letters), it's set during world war 2, there's a love story, there's humor, there's tragedy. Sounds pretty epic and right up my alley. Makes me think of the movie (and book) 'Atonement'. I'm about halfway through it and next Thursday I'll let you know what I think of both. Maybe.
Speaking of movies, I got a chance to see 'The Apartment' this last week. Fantastic! It's on all of the lists for one of the top films and/or comedies ever made and it didn't disappoint. More than that, I really enjoyed it. It won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1960 and was the last movie filmed entirely in Black and White to do so (Schindler's List had some color...). I had never seen Jack Lemmon or Shirley MacLaine young before and they are both terrific. Lemmon's performance has been called one of the greatest comedic performances ever and I can see why. For someone who grew up watching Jim Carrey, this was a real treat to see Lemmon's performance which kept reminding me of Carrey for some reason (Film buffs, please forgive me for mentioning them in the same sentence.) 'The Apartment' deals a lot with infidelity. There is no swearing or nudity or anything that might show up in a similar film today. And while it's classified a comedy, it's pretty tragic to see how people throw away their lives. On the other hand, it's fun to champion Jack Lemmon's character, C.C. Baxter, as he's a great man who truly loves Shirley MacLaine's 'Fran' (though he does play a key role in facilitating these infidelities). You just want Fran to open her eyes... and, well, if you haven't seen it - it's definitely worth your time!
One movie coming soon on my 'Most Anticipated' list is 'Never Let Me Go' based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by Mark Romanek. A Best Picture Science Fiction candidate totally opposite 'Avatar' and 'District 13'? We'll see.
Reviews are coming out now for last week's mention 'The American'. Seems everyone is really divided! Ebert loved it though, and I agree with him most of the time, so that's a good sign.
One movie coming soon on my 'Most Anticipated' list is 'Never Let Me Go' based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by Mark Romanek. A Best Picture Science Fiction candidate totally opposite 'Avatar' and 'District 13'? We'll see.
Reviews are coming out now for last week's mention 'The American'. Seems everyone is really divided! Ebert loved it though, and I agree with him most of the time, so that's a good sign.
And that's my Two-Cents! :)
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday's Two-Cent Reviews for August 26, 2010
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hat used to be a regular feature here at 'Jared Wilson Photography' is BACK! Recently I actually had someone tell me that they enjoyed it when, on my site, I reviewed movies and such. To be honest, I wasn't sure anyone cared. But at least one person does - so, Chris, this is for you! And if any of of the rest of you enjoy it - let me know. I'd especially love to hear if you agree or disagree with my thoughts on such things.
So, first up is my 'two-cents' on books. A couple of weeks ago I was looking for something to read on my iPad and I was perusing the 'Bestseller' feature, both from the iBook store and the NY Times. Daniel Silva's book was #1 on both. I had never heard of him or this series of his (the current bestseller is like the 11th book in this Characters' series) and so I did a little digging and found out that book one is called 'The Kill Artist'. It's a story where the main character, Gabriel Allon, is a spy and does spy things but he's also an Art Restorer (at the beginning and end anyway). It was enjoyable enough that I moved onto book two, 'The English Assassin', and I enjoyed it as well. Though book two wasn't as good for me as book one, because at least the first book had a little bit of romance... (Whoa, I just reread this sentence and that sounds weird. I'm not into romance novels or anything. It's just that the first book had a bit more character 'arc' and 'emotion' than book two. Yikes! Forget Daniel Silva. Next I'll be reading Danielle Steel!) I realize I'm not giving you much here and even though it was an enjoyable and quick read, I didn't get much from it myself. I don't think spy novels are really my thing.
Mostly I'm just waiting for my copy of 'Mockingjay' to arrive at the door! I decided to order the hardback version instead of reading it on the iPad via the Kindle app because I have the first two books in this 'Hunger Games' series in hardback and thought it would be nice to have the entire set. I loved 'The Hunger Games' and enjoyed book two 'Catching Fire' even though it seemed a bit like a rehash of the first. This one doesn't sound like a rehash at all and I've heard it's very 'introspective'. I'll let you know what I think when I finish it!
Now onto a couple of random items. I downloaded Sufjan Stevens latest EP on iTunes on Monday and, wow, it's interesting! I don't think I'll be jamming to this at home or in the car too much, but I'm certainly thrilled to hear it all live when he comes to Denver in November. I've already got tickets for me and Emily - maybe I'll see you there? Here's the Sufjan MySpace page if you want to check out a few tracks.
My latest app download is 'Tichu' for the iPad. If you don't know, I'm somewhat of a board game fanatic and if we can count 'Tichu' (it's a card game) then I might say 'Tichu' is my favorite! To learn more about the card game you can visit 'Board Game Geek' (yes, I'm one of them). And if you want to download the app which lets you play alone or with friends and includes some helpful tutorials to teach you how to play, then you can visit this iTunes link.
My latest app download is 'Tichu' for the iPad. If you don't know, I'm somewhat of a board game fanatic and if we can count 'Tichu' (it's a card game) then I might say 'Tichu' is my favorite! To learn more about the card game you can visit 'Board Game Geek' (yes, I'm one of them). And if you want to download the app which lets you play alone or with friends and includes some helpful tutorials to teach you how to play, then you can visit this iTunes link.
Finally, Chris, if you've made it this far - my 'Two-Cents' on a few films.
I recently caught up with 'The White Ribbon' which, if you don't remember, was the favorite to win the Oscar this last year for 'Best Foreign Film'. It didn't win. Instead 'The Secret in Their Eyes' took the prize and I probably would've voted for it as well. I didn't enjoy 'The White Ribbon' very much. The story was just... strange. However, I did give it 3 stars (liked it) on Netflix for the Black and White photography alone. There were some truly brilliant shots in here - which is why it was also nominated for 'Best Cinematography' (and lost to Avatar). Wonderful use of light and shadow...
I also watched 'Funny People' recently. Didn't like it. Didn't like the people. Didn't like the funny. Should've turned it off. And that's enough of that one.
Finally, the next movie on my 'Most Anticipated' list is 'The American' directed by Anton Corbijn and starring George Clooney. Who directed it is very important to me as a film fan and looking at Corbijn's profile on IMDB I don't see much there - so that's disappointing. But when I googled his name and came across his website I got excited again. He's a photographer! AND, he's THE photographer who photographed U2 for their Joshua Tree shoot (you've probably seen the photos). Anyway, I've read in a few places that this movie has a good chance of being one of the 10 nominees this year for 'Best Picture'. It comes out on September 1st. I'll go see it and let you know if it really does have a chance. Because, you know, my 'Two-Cents' matters!
I recently caught up with 'The White Ribbon' which, if you don't remember, was the favorite to win the Oscar this last year for 'Best Foreign Film'. It didn't win. Instead 'The Secret in Their Eyes' took the prize and I probably would've voted for it as well. I didn't enjoy 'The White Ribbon' very much. The story was just... strange. However, I did give it 3 stars (liked it) on Netflix for the Black and White photography alone. There were some truly brilliant shots in here - which is why it was also nominated for 'Best Cinematography' (and lost to Avatar). Wonderful use of light and shadow...
I also watched 'Funny People' recently. Didn't like it. Didn't like the people. Didn't like the funny. Should've turned it off. And that's enough of that one.
Finally, the next movie on my 'Most Anticipated' list is 'The American' directed by Anton Corbijn and starring George Clooney. Who directed it is very important to me as a film fan and looking at Corbijn's profile on IMDB I don't see much there - so that's disappointing. But when I googled his name and came across his website I got excited again. He's a photographer! AND, he's THE photographer who photographed U2 for their Joshua Tree shoot (you've probably seen the photos). Anyway, I've read in a few places that this movie has a good chance of being one of the 10 nominees this year for 'Best Picture'. It comes out on September 1st. I'll go see it and let you know if it really does have a chance. Because, you know, my 'Two-Cents' matters!
Here's the trailer for 'The American'.
'Til next time, that's my 'Two-Cents'!
'Til next time, that's my 'Two-Cents'!
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday's Two-Cent Reviews (Oscars 2010)
O
k. I know it's been 10 months since I last shared my 'two-cents' - but, hey, it's the Oscars on Sunday and I've got to give my opinion on this year's films and the upcoming awards. I love movies. I tend to love 'chick-flicks' more than movies filled with explosions. And I still love the Oscars despite how political it has become (I mean these studios campaign at a Presidential level!)
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Last year I gave my Oscar rundown here - and I'll just go ahead and follow the same format this year.
First, my predictions on who WILL win, and then, who I would vote for:
Best Foreign Film
I really love foreign films and can't believe I haven't seen ANY of them this year! So disappointing! I think 'The White Ribbon' is going to win it. Looking forward to catching up with it someday...
If I had a vote? Well, I haven't seen any of them yet - so I'd have to do that before I cast my ballot.
Best Documentary
My wife and I really enjoy watching Documentaries together - I think it's her favorite type of film. We've watched 'The Cove' and 'Food, Inc.' and I think 'The Cove' is going to win it. It's like a spy movie and pretty entertaining in that regard. It's also pretty horrible watching dolphins being slaughtered...
If I had a vote? 'The Cove'.
Animated Feature
I've seen 'Up' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'. I think 'Up' is going to win. Has Pixar ever lost? Hmmm, interesting trivia question!
If I had a vote? 'Up'. The film suffers in the same way 'Wall-E' does in that the first half is far better than the second. But the first half of 'Up' is SO good.
Cinematography
I've seen 3 of the 5 and I think 'Avatar' is going to win. I'm no expert in judging this (even though I'm a photographer) but considering all of the new technology they created just to film this movie and then to think about how they blended it all together and made 'Pandora' so real - it's a great achievement...
If I had a vote? Hmmm.... tough one. I might go with 'Inglorious Basterds' though.
Best Supporting Actor
This is one of the biggest 'locks' of the night - Christoph Waltz is going to win. He kinda owned that movie!
If I had a vote? Yeah, I'd vote for him too.
Best Supporting Actress
Sounds like this one is a lock too - Mo'Nique. I haven't seen 'Precious' though. But I have seen 'Up in the Air' and 'Crazy Heart' and so...
If I had a vote? Vera Farmiga.
Best Actor
It's going to be Jeff Bridges or George Clooney. I think Jeff Bridges is going to take home the statue.
If I had a vote? I'd vote for Jeff Bridges. Great performance AND he sings and plays guitar. I'm a sucker for a good singer/songwriter story.
Best Actress
Shockingly it sounds like Sandra Bullock is going to win! She was good - but not THAT good! I really enjoyed Meryl Streep and I heard, early last year, that Carey Mulligan was incredible but - probably because of her campaign peaking to early - she's faded off the radar.
If I had a vote? Can I vote for someone when I haven't seen their performance? It's my list, so I say 'yes'! :) Carey Mulligan. I just heard so many good things...
Best Picture
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air
Really - it's a two-movie race even though they upped the nominees to 10 this year. 'Avatar' the highest grossing film ever, or 'Hurt Locker' which would be the lowest grossing winner ever, were it to win. However, I've heard some quiet rumblings that due to the change in voting this year a potential 'upset' could happen! Voters had to rank the films 1 through 10 this year instead of just picking a winner. So, if voters split on the #1 film but there's a 2nd film that gets tons of 2nd or third place votes - it could be possible to see 'Inglorious Basterds' or 'Up in the Air' sneak in there!!
Who do I think is going to win?
First, my predictions on who WILL win, and then, who I would vote for:
Best Foreign Film
I really love foreign films and can't believe I haven't seen ANY of them this year! So disappointing! I think 'The White Ribbon' is going to win it. Looking forward to catching up with it someday...
If I had a vote? Well, I haven't seen any of them yet - so I'd have to do that before I cast my ballot.
Best Documentary
My wife and I really enjoy watching Documentaries together - I think it's her favorite type of film. We've watched 'The Cove' and 'Food, Inc.' and I think 'The Cove' is going to win it. It's like a spy movie and pretty entertaining in that regard. It's also pretty horrible watching dolphins being slaughtered...
If I had a vote? 'The Cove'.
Animated Feature
I've seen 'Up' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'. I think 'Up' is going to win. Has Pixar ever lost? Hmmm, interesting trivia question!
If I had a vote? 'Up'. The film suffers in the same way 'Wall-E' does in that the first half is far better than the second. But the first half of 'Up' is SO good.
Cinematography
I've seen 3 of the 5 and I think 'Avatar' is going to win. I'm no expert in judging this (even though I'm a photographer) but considering all of the new technology they created just to film this movie and then to think about how they blended it all together and made 'Pandora' so real - it's a great achievement...
If I had a vote? Hmmm.... tough one. I might go with 'Inglorious Basterds' though.
Best Supporting Actor
This is one of the biggest 'locks' of the night - Christoph Waltz is going to win. He kinda owned that movie!
If I had a vote? Yeah, I'd vote for him too.
Best Supporting Actress
Sounds like this one is a lock too - Mo'Nique. I haven't seen 'Precious' though. But I have seen 'Up in the Air' and 'Crazy Heart' and so...
If I had a vote? Vera Farmiga.
Best Actor
It's going to be Jeff Bridges or George Clooney. I think Jeff Bridges is going to take home the statue.
If I had a vote? I'd vote for Jeff Bridges. Great performance AND he sings and plays guitar. I'm a sucker for a good singer/songwriter story.
Best Actress
Shockingly it sounds like Sandra Bullock is going to win! She was good - but not THAT good! I really enjoyed Meryl Streep and I heard, early last year, that Carey Mulligan was incredible but - probably because of her campaign peaking to early - she's faded off the radar.
If I had a vote? Can I vote for someone when I haven't seen their performance? It's my list, so I say 'yes'! :) Carey Mulligan. I just heard so many good things...
Best Picture
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air
Really - it's a two-movie race even though they upped the nominees to 10 this year. 'Avatar' the highest grossing film ever, or 'Hurt Locker' which would be the lowest grossing winner ever, were it to win. However, I've heard some quiet rumblings that due to the change in voting this year a potential 'upset' could happen! Voters had to rank the films 1 through 10 this year instead of just picking a winner. So, if voters split on the #1 film but there's a 2nd film that gets tons of 2nd or third place votes - it could be possible to see 'Inglorious Basterds' or 'Up in the Air' sneak in there!!
Who do I think is going to win?
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The 'audience favorite' won last year, and I have a feeling it won't happen two years in a row. 'The Hurt Locker' is a powerful war film. Certainly worthy of this award in my opinion.
If I had a vote? Well, I haven't seen 'A Serious Man' and I'm very curious about it. I've heard some say that it's the Coen Brothers best film to date, which says a lot! I actually think I would vote for 'Inglorious Basterds' given these 10 choices. I really think that in 20 years, people will still be talking about 'Avatar' for its visual achievements and they'll be talking about Quentin Tarantino's film as a near 'masterpiece'. QT is a bit divisive it seems and so many people don't give him the credit he is due because he just bugs them. And this film is very divisive as well! Rewriting the holocaust!? But there is no denying that QT is a master filmmaker and I have a feeling that given some time for reflection, this film will eventually be regarded as one of his very best.
MOVIE CITY NEWS
If you really want to know what the best of the best are - Movie City News collects the top 10 lists of critics from all over the country. This year they collected 225 top tens. Each first place vote gets 10 points, 2nd gets 9... 10th place gets one point. And then they add it up. I really love them for doing this. So, here it is, the Politic-free and Marketing-free TRUE Best Picture rankings of 2009 (or at least as accurate a list as you're likely to find).
If I had a vote? Well, I haven't seen 'A Serious Man' and I'm very curious about it. I've heard some say that it's the Coen Brothers best film to date, which says a lot! I actually think I would vote for 'Inglorious Basterds' given these 10 choices. I really think that in 20 years, people will still be talking about 'Avatar' for its visual achievements and they'll be talking about Quentin Tarantino's film as a near 'masterpiece'. QT is a bit divisive it seems and so many people don't give him the credit he is due because he just bugs them. And this film is very divisive as well! Rewriting the holocaust!? But there is no denying that QT is a master filmmaker and I have a feeling that given some time for reflection, this film will eventually be regarded as one of his very best.
MOVIE CITY NEWS
If you really want to know what the best of the best are - Movie City News collects the top 10 lists of critics from all over the country. This year they collected 225 top tens. Each first place vote gets 10 points, 2nd gets 9... 10th place gets one point. And then they add it up. I really love them for doing this. So, here it is, the Politic-free and Marketing-free TRUE Best Picture rankings of 2009 (or at least as accurate a list as you're likely to find).
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Finally - my favorites. Just to give you some idea of where I'm coming from, here are my favorite films from the last few years:
2004
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Born Into Brothels
2005
Junebug
2006
United 93
Pan's Labyrinth
2007
Once
The Lives of Others
2008
Wall-E (I know, I know. I had it #2 last year. Time changes things...)
So this year, if Movie City News wanted to hear my two cents, here it is...
Jared's Favorite Films of 2009
10. Up - An opening montage that leaves me in tears.
9. Avatar - Of the 3 Sci-Fi films in my top 10, it's third. Enjoyable. Revolutionary. Terrible script.
8. Inglorious Basterds - There are a few scenes of pure genius. But the language and gore drops it down in my book.
7. Hurt Locker - Instead of focusing on the entire scope of war, it focuses on 3 soldiers. Very, very good stuff.
6. Moon - Art house indie sci-fi. Loved it!
5. Star Trek - My favorite sci-fi of the year. So entertaining and refreshing. Star Trek's going to be around a little longer now...
4. Up in the Air - I laughed more during this movie than probably all the rest I saw all year - put together. That's an achievement.
3. Crazy Heart
Great performances. Great music. Great story. Like I said before, I'm a sucker for a movie like this and it didn't disappoint. Kinda over the alchohol/drugs being the downfall plot though. Oh, well - there's enough good stuff to make up for it.
2. (500) Days of Summer
Was not prepared for how good this movie is! Some of my most favorite movies are non-linear (see: Magnolia, Eternal Sunshine) and this one pulls it off uniquely and creatively. It's also a love story and very funny.
And #1.... Where the Wild Things Are
2004
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Born Into Brothels
2005
Junebug
2006
United 93
Pan's Labyrinth
2007
Once
The Lives of Others
2008
Wall-E (I know, I know. I had it #2 last year. Time changes things...)
So this year, if Movie City News wanted to hear my two cents, here it is...
Jared's Favorite Films of 2009
10. Up - An opening montage that leaves me in tears.
9. Avatar - Of the 3 Sci-Fi films in my top 10, it's third. Enjoyable. Revolutionary. Terrible script.
8. Inglorious Basterds - There are a few scenes of pure genius. But the language and gore drops it down in my book.
7. Hurt Locker - Instead of focusing on the entire scope of war, it focuses on 3 soldiers. Very, very good stuff.
6. Moon - Art house indie sci-fi. Loved it!
5. Star Trek - My favorite sci-fi of the year. So entertaining and refreshing. Star Trek's going to be around a little longer now...
4. Up in the Air - I laughed more during this movie than probably all the rest I saw all year - put together. That's an achievement.
3. Crazy Heart
Great performances. Great music. Great story. Like I said before, I'm a sucker for a movie like this and it didn't disappoint. Kinda over the alchohol/drugs being the downfall plot though. Oh, well - there's enough good stuff to make up for it.
2. (500) Days of Summer
Was not prepared for how good this movie is! Some of my most favorite movies are non-linear (see: Magnolia, Eternal Sunshine) and this one pulls it off uniquely and creatively. It's also a love story and very funny.
And #1.... Where the Wild Things Are
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What can I say? This one just hit 'home' more than any other film I saw all year. It totally spoke to me - well, the 12-year old boy that I used to be anyway. And if Avatar must be discussed as a great achievement in visual stunnery (yes, I made that word up friends) then this movie has to be right there in the conversation too. I love an emotional movie - and this movie pulls off something incredible by making each creature a reflection of one of the boys various emotions. I mean - the emotions are there walking around, destroying houses, cuddling, throwing birds, building forts, and having a wild rumpus together. Doesn't get any more creative - or beautiful - than that for 2009!
PLEASE TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE(S) OF 2009 AND WHY. I'D LOVE TO HEAR IT!
PLEASE TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE(S) OF 2009 AND WHY. I'D LOVE TO HEAR IT!
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Did you see my photo galleries?
M
aybe it's been awhile since you checked out my Photo Galleries? That's fine. But today I invite you to take another look!
I've added and/or updated 5 wedding galleries, 3 Engagement galleries, as well as Portraits: Baby, Portraits: Family, and Grads: Class of 2010.
Enjoy some of my favorite images from the weddings of:
Elena and AJ (Wedding in El Careyes, Mexico)
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Alissa and Matt (Wedding in Denver, Colorado)
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Reagan and Chris (Wedding at Four Seasons, Mexico)
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Alexis and Sean (Wedding in Winter Park, Colorado)
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Katherine and Adam (Wedding in Chicago, Illinois)
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And revisit the Engagement Sessions of:
Adrienne and Ryan (Engagement Session in Littleton, Colorado)
Adrienne and Ryan (Engagement Session in Littleton, Colorado)
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Jennifer and Tim (Engagement Session in Denver, Colorado)
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Sarah and Brett (Engagement Session in Boulder, Colorado)
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Plus lots of great Senior Pictures, Family Pictures, and Baby Pictures.
Don't let the boss catch you looking at all of these while you're supposed to be working!
Don't let the boss catch you looking at all of these while you're supposed to be working!
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Bridalize Denver
A
couple of years ago I had the great fortune to meet Jessica and Jeremy for the very first time. They were planning their wedding and looking for a photographer and so, over a hot Starbucks Latte, we discussed their wedding day, what they had in mind, and what they were looking for from their photographer. Happily, they hired me!
We met up again in June of last year for their Denver engagement session - and the photos we captured that evening are still some of my favorite engagement photos I've taken.
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Then in August of last year I photographed their wonderful Colorado Wedding.
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In the midst of all the planning for her wedding day, an idea popped into Jessica's head...
"Wouldn't it be great if there was a resource for Brides in the Denver area where they could go and find information and vendors all in one place?"
And from that idea, Bridalize Denver was born. From their site:
A bride's dream come true...
Visit this unique planning boutique where you can research an exclusive collection of Colorado’s top wedding vendors. Every premier vendor you’ll meet through BRIDALIZE has been prescreened and personally invited to be a member of our store.
At Bridalize, you can enjoy planning your wedding in comfort, convenience and confidence knowing our chosen vendors are the best in the industry. We are truly a one-stop-shop for the wedding of your dreams, and best of all it is a complimentary service to you.
See the latest trends, explore the freshest ideas, and cherish this incredible time in your life.
What sounds great in words is even more amazing in execution. TODAY Bridalize Denver opens in Greenwood Village, and you must see it for yourself. What they are bringing to the Denver area is an incredible resource we've never had here in the area until now. And they're doing it with beautiful style, and friendly smiles.
I recently met up with Jessica again, as well as her business partner, Shauna, for a few photographs of the dynamic duo. Together these women are bringing Denver Bride's what they've always wanted - a place to plan the perfect day.
"Wouldn't it be great if there was a resource for Brides in the Denver area where they could go and find information and vendors all in one place?"
And from that idea, Bridalize Denver was born. From their site:
A bride's dream come true...
Visit this unique planning boutique where you can research an exclusive collection of Colorado’s top wedding vendors. Every premier vendor you’ll meet through BRIDALIZE has been prescreened and personally invited to be a member of our store.
At Bridalize, you can enjoy planning your wedding in comfort, convenience and confidence knowing our chosen vendors are the best in the industry. We are truly a one-stop-shop for the wedding of your dreams, and best of all it is a complimentary service to you.
See the latest trends, explore the freshest ideas, and cherish this incredible time in your life.
What sounds great in words is even more amazing in execution. TODAY Bridalize Denver opens in Greenwood Village, and you must see it for yourself. What they are bringing to the Denver area is an incredible resource we've never had here in the area until now. And they're doing it with beautiful style, and friendly smiles.
I recently met up with Jessica again, as well as her business partner, Shauna, for a few photographs of the dynamic duo. Together these women are bringing Denver Bride's what they've always wanted - a place to plan the perfect day.
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But that's not all...
While meeting with them I also had the chance to meet Jessica and Jeremy's baby girl!
While meeting with them I also had the chance to meet Jessica and Jeremy's baby girl!
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Isn't she gorgeous!!
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Congrats Jessica, Jeremy, and Shauna on your new venture. And on behalf of, well, everyone having anything to do with creating weddings or getting married, THANK YOU!
I believe Bridalize Denver will be a rock in the Denver Wedding Planning arena for many, many years to come!
If you have any time to spare this Holiday season, give them a visit at The Village Shops at The Landmark, 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village.
I believe Bridalize Denver will be a rock in the Denver Wedding Planning arena for many, many years to come!
If you have any time to spare this Holiday season, give them a visit at The Village Shops at The Landmark, 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
Two weeks in the life of a Denver Wedding Photographer
I
love the busy wedding season! Recently I had nearly half of my 2009 weddings (11 of 25 to be exact) fall within 8 weeks of each other! The first of the 11 was just a few days after my wife and I returned from Ethiopia with our son - so, it was an adventure indeed!
But all of that is over now and what is a Denver Wedding Photographer who loves keeping busy supposed to do with himself? Turns out, there's plenty out there to occupy the time.
Like a good old fashioned Colorado snow storm. (I think I may put this image in my fine art gallery!)
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A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon at the all new Della Terra Mountain Chateau event center in Estes Park. It looks awesome and if you're searching for a venue for your mountain wedding - make sure to check this place out! Me? I'm thrilled to be shooting a wedding there next February.
While there I had the chance to meet (finally!) wedding consultant extraordinaire, Debbie Orwat, of 'Save the Date Events' and the forthcoming StudioWed Denver. I haven't worked with her, yet, but I hear very good things - so if you're looking for a wedding consultant, give Debbie a call! One thing I do know - she's super friendly! Just the right kind of person you want to have in charge of your wedding day.
While there I had the chance to meet (finally!) wedding consultant extraordinaire, Debbie Orwat, of 'Save the Date Events' and the forthcoming StudioWed Denver. I haven't worked with her, yet, but I hear very good things - so if you're looking for a wedding consultant, give Debbie a call! One thing I do know - she's super friendly! Just the right kind of person you want to have in charge of your wedding day.
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After snapping a few photos of her, she turned the tables on me and took my camera! I'm completely uncomfortable on this side of the camera and so I began to act like a goofball...
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Last week I had the chance to do something completely out of the ordinary, and photograph a corporate event downtown. Pete Coors was the keynote speaker on opening night. Listening to him and others talk business was so enlightening! He also took a few cracks at 'those brewers in St. Louis' and it was kinda funny...
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Afterward there was a little schmoozer with drinks and hours 'devours. I watched Mr. Coors head over to the bar and I got this funny vision of him ordering up a Fat Tire or something... But as you can see, that wasn't the case.
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The next night our esteemed Mayor, John Hickenlooper, was the speaker. He comes from the business world and it was fun hearing him speak. According to him, Denver has better Lamb than New Zealand! I LOVE rack of lamb, so I'm now feeling the need to track down a place that's serves Denver Rack!
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Also presenting was Elise Wiggins, chef at Panzano. I've never been there, but after hearing her speak and after the taste exploration she took us on - eating at Panzano is now on my 'must do' list!
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Of course, it was Halloween recently. Look at our cute little lion!
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And this past weekend our church had a fun little outing at Sunflower Farm. It was Philip's first time being old enough (or, brave enough?) to go on the zip line. He was loving it!
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And Rose was having fun with her little brother.
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She is the BEST big sister to our little one!
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So, there you go - random insight into the last two weeks of my life. I hope your days and weeks have been as filled with fun as mine!
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