Just to clarify, I was not nominated for the award, but I liked Sarah's questions from the blog How to Watch a Movie so much that I wanted to answer them and she most kindly gave me permission.
1. Favorite movie genre, and why?
Right now, my favorite movie genre is magical realism. Like Harry Potter or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell or Inkheart. Stories with one foot in reality and the other in a world of magic. I'm the same way with books. Can I get three cheers for the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them!
2. Favorite movie that's an adaptation of a book you've read?
Hmmmmm, possibly The Outsiders from 1983 based off S.E. Hinton's novel of the same name. I love the book, absolutely love it, and to my delight the movie sticks close enough to the original story that it genuinely impressed me. Plus, it has Emilio Estevez in it and I LOVE Emilio Estevez. It's a terrific story about gang rivalry in the 1960s and how even if you're not truly a gang, you can be lumped into a stereotypical group simply because of your family or your appearance.
3. An actor or actress you're enjoying who you've only recently noticed?
That would be Steve McQueen. Was never, ever a fan until about 6 months ago. I happened to show my best friend The Magnificent Seven, a movie I've loved for years, and I genuinely noticed McQueen for the first time. How bizarre, right? So now I'm loving his movies and oh, boy is his western television show Wanted Dead or Alive so . . . much . . . fun!
4. A favorite "unexpected surprise" movie?
Probably Zootopia. I was amused by the trailer for sure, but had no idea I would love the story concept so very much, the idea of stereotypes and breaking stereotypes, etc. It's a great theme with a lot of truly relevant content. One of my top favorite animated movies of all time.
5. A movie that has a cast catered to you?
Okay, so I'm not 100% in love with the film adaptation of Inkheart, but the casting, oh the casting is sublime. Brendan Fraser as Mo had me over the moon, but I was in 7th heaven with Paul Bettany as Dustfinger (one of my absolute favorite literary characters!). And Helen Mirren as Elinor and Jim Broadbent as the author, Fenoglio! As if those 4 weren't enough, then I also have Andy Serkis as the villain, Capricorn. It's perfect casting. I wouldn't have changed a single, solitary person!
6. An obscure movie that you think is great and you wish more people knew about?
I love this little sci-fi flick from 2011 called In Time with Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. It's the story of a society where time is a commodity. You earn time instead of money, so it's your wage and you also pay with it. Imagine what would happen if someone suddenly had over 100 years of time. What would the repercussions be? It's a fascinating movie and shockingly proved that Justin Timberlake is a pretty terrific actor.
7. A movie that has a great soundtrack?
Okay, so I love the soundtrack for The Magnificent Seven. Elmer Bernstein knew exactly what he was doing to make such an incredibly western and American soundtrack. Loveit.
8. A movie that reminds you of summer?
Oh, possibly Three Coins in a Fountain, a movie I love and probably shouldn't. But Rossano Brazzi is just so gorgeously Italian!
9. A movie you loved as a kid and still love (not because of nostalgia)?
I grew up watching Newsies and it's still one of my favorite musicals. Brilliantly cast and choreographed and just has so many awesome songs. Love it.
10. Plot device pet peeve?
I'm tired of the villains chattering on about their evil plans. That's why it's so hilarious when a speech gets interrupted, like in Guardians of the Galaxy or The Avengers. Best moments ever!
11. Ending preference for movies, and why?
It depends on the genre. If I'm watching a romance, happy ending, please. Nothing ambiguous, just straight up happy. If it's a superhero flick, sure, let there be some ambiguity as to who's right and who's wrong. If it's drama, don't wrap everything up and present it to me in a neat little package. That's not real life. Don't get me wrong, I like happy endings, but I also like realism in my movies. But I definitely hate terrible endings of sadness for sadness' sake. That's just for shock value and loses my respect and interest quickly.
Those are great questions and I really enjoyed reading your answers! How cool that Steve McQueen has caught your attention. It is so interesting when that happens. Someone you've watched in something for years, yeah yeah, whatever, then all of a sudden, something changes. Wanted Dead or Alive is a great show!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how McQueen escaped my notice all these years! I guess I just wasn't ready for him, if you know what I mean. It needed to be the right time and now I'm cherishing this new discovery!
DeleteThese are good questions. I might nab and answer them too.
ReplyDelete1. Magical realism is FAB. Love it. JS&MN is awesome. I need to watch it again. I keep thinking about it (why not, it premiered a year ago!).
2. Emilio Estevez, huh? ;)
3. I DID NOT START THAT OBSESSION INTENTIONALLY. All I said was, “His eyes are striking.” :P
4. Oh, gosh, Zootopia is the best movie of the year. It’s not my “favorite” (PPZ edges it out by a hair) but it IS the best thus far. Terrific film. I can’t wait to watch it again.
5. Helen Mirren… *happy sigh*
6. THAT WAS SUCH AN EPIC MOVIE. I loved it too. Trading time, selling time, stealing time. Totally original and memorable film. It should be better known.
7. Western soundtracks are hard to come by, but some of them are indeed gorgeous.
8. Never seen it.
9. “Seize the day!” I still like the Brooklyn crowd, though. ;)
10. Never blather on in front of Hulk. The end.
11. I will never forgive the author of “Oscar & Lucinda” or “The Painted Veil.” NEVER.
See, McQueen is your fault!
DeleteI had no idea you'd seen In Time! It's one of Caitlin's fav movies!
And see, O&L and TPV are reasons why romances shouldn't have tragic endings. I stop TPV 20 minutes before the end EVERY TIME!
HIP HIP HIP! RAY RAY RAY!
ReplyDeleteThanks, even though I wasn't actually nominated. :)
DeleteI'm so glad you wanted to answer my questions! And I enjoyed reading all your answers!
ReplyDeleteGreat pick for genre. That has always been very appealing to me too. I should probably give Zootopia a shot considering how I don't have much expectation for it right now! Oh yes! Inkheart does have a great cast! Especially Paul Bettany and he was my favorite character too. In time -- I enjoyed that one. I thought it didn't quite live up to the potential that it's very interesting premise made, but I've seen it a couple times because Cillian Murphy is in it. :D great pick with Newsies and pet peeve too! And I totally agree with your ending preferences. The should definitely always be appropriate for the movie that they are ending!
I really love The Outsiders, book and movie. My brother and I, all through our teen years, would say, "Okay, now I'm the same age as XXX" every time we had a birthday. The day I turned a year older than Darry, I kind of cried.
ReplyDeleteSteve McQueen! Man, do I love him in The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and Wanted: Dead or Alive. So excellent. (And yes, Bernstein's score for Mag7 is pretty unmatchable.)
I remember trailers for In Time. It looked groovy! Maybe it will cross my path one day.
You say you weren't nominated? Well, now you are. And I hope you'll read my blog entry, even if you choose not to accept the award.
ReplyDeletehttp://midnitedrive-in.blogspot.com/2016/07/liebster-award.html
BTW I have never seen or even heard of "In Time" and probably would have avoided it because I don't at this point respect Justin Timberlake as a legitimate actor. But now I think the plot intrigues me enough to give it a shot. And who knows... I was dubious about Mark Wahlberg in the beginning, too.