In the Dark – Inglorious Basterds

Genre: drama, satire, war film (?)

Tagline: Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France

Ebert gave it: 4 stars

Taratino is back at it again, and like his earlier masterpieces, this one entertains. Set in a Nazi occupied France (yeah, I know…see above?), Inglorious Basterds tells the story of World War II the way it could have gone down had a Nazi fell in love with a Jewish girl on the run, and a Lt. from Nashville went huntin’ for Nazis. After a Nazi war hero turn movie star (his story was turned into a film you see), he falls in love with a theatre owner. The theatre owner happens to be hiding from said Nazi’s boss after a little mishap on a farm. Meanwhile Lt. Aldo Raine is scalping all these Nazi’s hoping to get to 100. One film premier brings them all together, plus a few more characters – including Hitler – at the cinema. Everyone has one thought on the brain, kill…someone. Each has an intended target, however no Taratino character is flawless, nimble, or predictable, leading to a surprising end to World War II.

Trailer Trash – Lemonade

Here is a documentary that hits so close to home for me. I am in advertising, well, I am almost in advertising…I guess you’re considered ‘in’ when you get your first real job…or even more ‘in’ when you get laid off. Erik Proulx was a laid off copywriter. He picked himself up and started a blog about getting the pink slip (www.pleasefeedtheanimals.com) I jumped on the blogwagon early in the game and have seen it evolve and now he has turned his energy towards this movie. If any lesson can be learned I think it is this: We do a job, we are not only our job. Do what you love, whether it be full time, part time, or over time – just do it (ha). I’m a copywriter by trade, but I really love writing – it’s why I’m on Twitter, it’s why I blog, why I write shitty little short stories with no ending at night when I can’t sleep.

I can’t wait for this movie to come out and I can only hope it is released somewhere nearby so I can see it on the big screen. The recession has initially brought out a lot of anger and negativity, but when you push past that it brings out feelings of hope and passion and creativity.

Trailer Trash – Avatar

I have been looking at this banner on apple.com for some time now and finally clicked through to see the special sneak peak at the trailer. I had no idea what to expect, especially when I read it was by the director of Titanic. But the opening shot of the trailer is so James Cameron it wasn’t even funny! This movie looks like it is going to be so cool – lots of special effects, a totally unique plot – it’s like part Blade Runner, part something else! I’m excited to see more. But, what’s with this avatar dude looking like the guy from Pan’s Labyrinth? Something about the eyes…check it

Trailer Trash – Paper Heart

Michael Cera, Please. Be my friend. I know this kid really only plays the awkward cutie, but alongside another awkward cutie we may have a hit. What’s with all of these filmmakers capturing finding love? What’s with me wanting to see all of these movies about love? I guess if the timing is right, I’ll fall for it. Just like in real life. snap. Watch it

In the Dark – 500 Days of Summer

Genre: Comedy

Tagline: It’s not a love story. It’s a story about love.

Ebert gave it: 4 stars. He thought it was almost perfect…

A boy falls in love at first sight with a girl, they start dating for 500 long days (which is over  a year if you couldn’t do the math). However, girl doesn’t fall for boy right away…or really ever. Tom works as a greeting card writer (kick ass job…that he doesn’t even appreciate – wants to be an architect. lame). Summer is his boss’ new assistant. Enter love music and birds chirping. Summer isn’t sure about love and over drunken karaoke they agree to disagree. However, their dating history begins and Tom falls more while Summer just kinda goes along with. The love grows and grows and herein lies the story.

Usually, it’s the guys who have this problem with commitment. Now, I know I have this fear, just call me Summer. 500 Days of Summer is the first time I’ve seen this plot set up as a romantic comedy. Also, the chronological order is also a bit unique. We follow the story of Summer and Tom the way Tom remembers it, not the way it happens. The audience skips along throughout the good and bad moments of the relationship. So many times throughout the movie you aren’t sure how they will ever bounce back into the happiness, but you know something good has to happen because it’s only day 377.