Here was another good old-fashioned Western for the countdown, and a Clint Eastwood movie to boot! This was the first role I'd ever seen Clint in, and as the dark, gritty antihero of the film, he made quite an impression.
Now, before I saw the film, my dad (big fan of this movie) called it "the greatest Western ever made." To his credit, I haven't seen many Westerns, but I still don't think I enjoyed it as much as he does. I'm not entirely sure why. The characters are compelling. You have Morgan Freeman as the likable sidekick and old friend, Ned, who was probably my favorite character in the movie. Then you have Jaimz Woolvett as the young, arrogant and slightly annoying punk with something to prove. Clint Eastwood steals the show as the conflicted ex-criminal on the verge of slipping into old ways again. For a change of pace, the sheriff is actually the bad guy, and he plays bad pretty well. Beyond the main characters, this movie has everything a good Western needs: guns, horses, a brothel, plenty of whiskey and a revenge plot.
Maybe the revenge plot was my issue: maybe the grounds for revenge didn't seem good or plausible enough for me. Maybe it was just the pacing of the movie that seemed to drag at times. Or maybe it was just that Westerns will never really be my thing. Because of this, I can't award the movie any higher than A- in good conscience, however I did still enjoy it and for any issues I may have with the film's pacing, the shoot-up scene at the very end is not to be missed. If you haven't seen it, do at least once (even us girls). And if you DO like Westerns, you could very well agree with my father and end up thinking it is the best Western ever.
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Top 100 Challenge #69: Tootsie
Now for a film in direct opposition to the previous one...
Long before such train wrecks (I can only assume, since I didn't even watch) as "Norbit" or "Jack and Jill," Dustin Hoffman starred in a movie in which he played both a man and a women. And before the crass versions of this premise in the last ten years or so, he did it in a comedy called "Tootsie" with much more class and style.
I had seen and enjoyed Tootsie before. It is the story of a struggling actor named Michael Dorsey who can't seem to find any work--until he tries out for a soap opera as Dorothy Michaels. Hilarity ensues as he tries to navigate both lives--and various romantic entanglements--while keeping his double-identity a secret. The movie is not only funny, but charming. We care about the characters, and for such an odd premise the film is really relate-able.
This one gets an "A" from me--if you're ever looking for a good comedy where a man plays a woman, steer clear of the newer stuff. Go for Tootsie instead!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Long before such train wrecks (I can only assume, since I didn't even watch) as "Norbit" or "Jack and Jill," Dustin Hoffman starred in a movie in which he played both a man and a women. And before the crass versions of this premise in the last ten years or so, he did it in a comedy called "Tootsie" with much more class and style.
I had seen and enjoyed Tootsie before. It is the story of a struggling actor named Michael Dorsey who can't seem to find any work--until he tries out for a soap opera as Dorothy Michaels. Hilarity ensues as he tries to navigate both lives--and various romantic entanglements--while keeping his double-identity a secret. The movie is not only funny, but charming. We care about the characters, and for such an odd premise the film is really relate-able.
This one gets an "A" from me--if you're ever looking for a good comedy where a man plays a woman, steer clear of the newer stuff. Go for Tootsie instead!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Top 100 Challenge #70: A Clockwork Orange
It's a little bit harder to say how I feel about this one, readers. Here is a movie from the top 100 list that I had heard of, but never seen before. However, it is pretty well-known, so maybe some of you have seen it, and will know what I mean.
After consideration--a lot of consideration--I think I would award this movie a grade of: B-.
The opening half hour or so of this movie is just what the blurb on the back of the sleeve promises: it depicts the main character Alex and his friends committing all kinds of crimes, ranging from petty ones all the way up to murder. I guess what I had underestimated was just how large of a role the casual use of images exploiting females would play in these opening scenes. There were some settings, actions, and dialogue in this portion of the film that bordered on obscene.
Why then am I even giving it a B-? Because the movie got better as it went. I ended the movie unsure of how to feel, but upon further reflection, I realize that was the point. Throughout the film, we get to see many different sides of our narrator, Alex. When he IS being himself, he is a felon and it is terrible. When he is not acting like himself, he is pathetic, and viewers feel sorry for him. After much thought, I realized that this is probably the point the director is trying to make: there really is no right way to feel about Alex.
It took a lot of work to understand what the director was trying to do here, however, which is why, although I found the movie okay, I'm not so sure this one deserves to be on the top 100 list. Even if it does, it certainly doesn't beat some of the others we have seen, like Shawshank, Modern Times, or 12 Angry Men. However, as it is still considered a landmark piece of cinema, and has some interesting moments despite its disturbing ones, it may still be one to put on your "to-see" list--at least if you ever have extra time.
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
After consideration--a lot of consideration--I think I would award this movie a grade of: B-.
The opening half hour or so of this movie is just what the blurb on the back of the sleeve promises: it depicts the main character Alex and his friends committing all kinds of crimes, ranging from petty ones all the way up to murder. I guess what I had underestimated was just how large of a role the casual use of images exploiting females would play in these opening scenes. There were some settings, actions, and dialogue in this portion of the film that bordered on obscene.
Why then am I even giving it a B-? Because the movie got better as it went. I ended the movie unsure of how to feel, but upon further reflection, I realize that was the point. Throughout the film, we get to see many different sides of our narrator, Alex. When he IS being himself, he is a felon and it is terrible. When he is not acting like himself, he is pathetic, and viewers feel sorry for him. After much thought, I realized that this is probably the point the director is trying to make: there really is no right way to feel about Alex.
It took a lot of work to understand what the director was trying to do here, however, which is why, although I found the movie okay, I'm not so sure this one deserves to be on the top 100 list. Even if it does, it certainly doesn't beat some of the others we have seen, like Shawshank, Modern Times, or 12 Angry Men. However, as it is still considered a landmark piece of cinema, and has some interesting moments despite its disturbing ones, it may still be one to put on your "to-see" list--at least if you ever have extra time.
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Top 100 Challenge #71: Saving Private Ryan
This is another one all of you will recognize.
I saw this movie for the first time probably about two years ago at the urging of my younger brother, who is absolutely crazy about this movie. I'm not as completely in love with it as he still is, but I would still give this movie a grade of: A.
This movie is good every time you see it, and has certain scenes that just always keep their power: the storming of the beach, the stories about falling asleep in the old church, the final battle at the bridge. The characters are dynamic and varied, interesting to watch. The dialogue seems true to life, and depicts life as a soldier as it (probably) truly felt.
If there is one issue I have with this movie, it may be (and pardon the absolute girliness of it) that it's just too bloody.
Okay, I know it is trying to depict the grittiness of war; I know war was no picnic, and I find the cinematic blood and guts believable. But still, some of it seems a little overdone. Like the guy who blows himself to bits towards the end of the movie with a "sticky" bomb? Poof, and he's gone in nothing more than a spray of fake blood. Stuff like that, is a little unnecessary. That one, to me, didn't even look real.
But, overly-bloodiness aside, this is still a great movie, and it's one you can watch again and again without really getting tired of it. This one has earned its place as #71 on this list. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
I saw this movie for the first time probably about two years ago at the urging of my younger brother, who is absolutely crazy about this movie. I'm not as completely in love with it as he still is, but I would still give this movie a grade of: A.
This movie is good every time you see it, and has certain scenes that just always keep their power: the storming of the beach, the stories about falling asleep in the old church, the final battle at the bridge. The characters are dynamic and varied, interesting to watch. The dialogue seems true to life, and depicts life as a soldier as it (probably) truly felt.
If there is one issue I have with this movie, it may be (and pardon the absolute girliness of it) that it's just too bloody.
Okay, I know it is trying to depict the grittiness of war; I know war was no picnic, and I find the cinematic blood and guts believable. But still, some of it seems a little overdone. Like the guy who blows himself to bits towards the end of the movie with a "sticky" bomb? Poof, and he's gone in nothing more than a spray of fake blood. Stuff like that, is a little unnecessary. That one, to me, didn't even look real.
But, overly-bloodiness aside, this is still a great movie, and it's one you can watch again and again without really getting tired of it. This one has earned its place as #71 on this list. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Top 100 Challenge #72: The Shawshank Redemption
Now here is a movie on the top 100 that most people have probably heard of and already seen. And if you have, then I probably don't even have to tell you: it's obvious why this movie belongs on the top 100 list.
First of all, the movie has Morgan Freeman as one of the main characters. And his character is responsible for most of the movie's narration. That voice alone is enough to make the movie deserving of top 100 status.
Next, the movie's protagonist is one of my favorite kinds of hero: one who makes his way purely by his own intelligence and craftiness. In my personal opinion, these kinds of heroes are usually much more interesting than those who work by brute force or pure luck.
Third, the famous scene with the music in the courtyard. Again, that by itself could merit a spot on the top 100 list.
Finally and most importantly, this is a movie whose plot centers around the lives of prison inmates. Logically, they should be villains, and in most movies they would be. But this movie manages to make us care about them, want the best for them, and sympathize with them! That takes great writing and great acting, and is also the reason I would give this movie a grade of: A+.
Maybe I'm still too soft of a movie critic; we'll see as we continue to work our way up the list. However, for now, I believe this movie deserves to rank even higher than it does, and for anyone who hasn't seen it, you definitely should as soon as you get the change. You won't regret it!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
First of all, the movie has Morgan Freeman as one of the main characters. And his character is responsible for most of the movie's narration. That voice alone is enough to make the movie deserving of top 100 status.
Next, the movie's protagonist is one of my favorite kinds of hero: one who makes his way purely by his own intelligence and craftiness. In my personal opinion, these kinds of heroes are usually much more interesting than those who work by brute force or pure luck.
Third, the famous scene with the music in the courtyard. Again, that by itself could merit a spot on the top 100 list.
Finally and most importantly, this is a movie whose plot centers around the lives of prison inmates. Logically, they should be villains, and in most movies they would be. But this movie manages to make us care about them, want the best for them, and sympathize with them! That takes great writing and great acting, and is also the reason I would give this movie a grade of: A+.
Maybe I'm still too soft of a movie critic; we'll see as we continue to work our way up the list. However, for now, I believe this movie deserves to rank even higher than it does, and for anyone who hasn't seen it, you definitely should as soon as you get the change. You won't regret it!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Fun in the Sun: A Ravinia Review
One of the great things about living in the Chicagoland area, as I'm sure some of my readers can attest, is living close enough to the city to take advantage of all of their cool stuff! One such example is the locally-famous Ravinia Park, located in Highland Park (for those who aren't from the area), which I had heard about for years but never visited.
This past Tuesday, I finally got my chance. One Republic was in town, and I headed out with friends to see them perform. They were actually pretty good live, which is more than some bands can say, and the lead singer had a good sense of humor. It was a double-first for me: first time in Ravinia and first time at anything resembling a concert. And obviously, as I am writing about it now, it was lots of fun!
For those of you who haven't been to Ravinia, I would really recommend it. It isn't a concert or even a music festival in the traditional sense... Only about 5% of the people there that night were actually seated in the pavilion where you could see the band perform. For the rest of us (those not willing to spend $100 or more for seats), there were speakers scattered throughout the park grounds, and the experience was more like some kind of lawn party than a concert.
Now, if you haven't been and ever do go to Ravinia, you really do need to bring snacks. They let you bring food in (but don't try alcohol! They check bags at the door), and eating with friends while listening to music is really the whole point. However, you do not have to go as heavy-duty as some of the people we saw. Wooden tables and real glassware were popular accessories for this event, but only for the kind of people who take themselves too seriously. All you really need are some blankets and a few good snacks, and you've got yourself a summer night. That's why, if you're ever looking for a different way to spend a summer evening, and whether you've been before or never in your life, Ravinia makes a great choice for summer fun.
This past Tuesday, I finally got my chance. One Republic was in town, and I headed out with friends to see them perform. They were actually pretty good live, which is more than some bands can say, and the lead singer had a good sense of humor. It was a double-first for me: first time in Ravinia and first time at anything resembling a concert. And obviously, as I am writing about it now, it was lots of fun!
For those of you who haven't been to Ravinia, I would really recommend it. It isn't a concert or even a music festival in the traditional sense... Only about 5% of the people there that night were actually seated in the pavilion where you could see the band perform. For the rest of us (those not willing to spend $100 or more for seats), there were speakers scattered throughout the park grounds, and the experience was more like some kind of lawn party than a concert.
Now, if you haven't been and ever do go to Ravinia, you really do need to bring snacks. They let you bring food in (but don't try alcohol! They check bags at the door), and eating with friends while listening to music is really the whole point. However, you do not have to go as heavy-duty as some of the people we saw. Wooden tables and real glassware were popular accessories for this event, but only for the kind of people who take themselves too seriously. All you really need are some blankets and a few good snacks, and you've got yourself a summer night. That's why, if you're ever looking for a different way to spend a summer evening, and whether you've been before or never in your life, Ravinia makes a great choice for summer fun.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
The Top 100 Challenge: Summary So Far
Hello again, readers. This one is for the movie-lovers!
So, here is something else you can expect to be seeing a lot of posts about in the coming weeks: The American Film Institute's top 100 movies. My family and I have been going through each of these movies in ascending order. Our goal is to watch all 100--these should be, after all, the best movies of all time, so it should be lots of fun. There are a lot of classics here, too, and some I hadn't even heard of until we started this list last summer. That's right; last summer. If you think about it, these movies should average out to somewhere around 2.5 hours in duration. By the end of this, that would be about 250 hours of movies!
You've joined us already in progress on this list. Right now we're at #72, The Shawshank Redemption. We're planning to view this tomorrow night. If you'd like to see a full list of the top 100, click here:
http://www.afi.com/100years/movies10.aspx
We have been using the updated 10th anniversary edition--we figure there may have been some movies made after the original list was published that could be worth viewing. If you're interested, here is my general review of the movies we've seen so far:
1. Movies everyone knows and loves--definitely deserve to be on here:
Toy Story
Pulp Fiction
Titanic
Forrest Gump
2. Movies I hadn't heard of, but was surprised by and loved:
Swing Time
12 Angry Men
The Apartment
Modern Times
In the Heat of the Night
Though some of those are quite a bit older, you should be sure to check them out sometime!
Finally, the most interesting movies of the bunch...
3. Movies that make you wonder how they made the list:
Bladerunner
The Last Picture Show
Bringing Up Baby
Easy Rider
The Wild Bunch
And that's how the list is coming along so far! And you'll be able to find movie reviews of all the rest of the top 100 on this blog, so if you're ever looking for an interesting movie, be sure to check out any "Top 100 Challenge" posts for some unique ideas. Happy viewing!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
So, here is something else you can expect to be seeing a lot of posts about in the coming weeks: The American Film Institute's top 100 movies. My family and I have been going through each of these movies in ascending order. Our goal is to watch all 100--these should be, after all, the best movies of all time, so it should be lots of fun. There are a lot of classics here, too, and some I hadn't even heard of until we started this list last summer. That's right; last summer. If you think about it, these movies should average out to somewhere around 2.5 hours in duration. By the end of this, that would be about 250 hours of movies!
You've joined us already in progress on this list. Right now we're at #72, The Shawshank Redemption. We're planning to view this tomorrow night. If you'd like to see a full list of the top 100, click here:
http://www.afi.com/100years/movies10.aspx
We have been using the updated 10th anniversary edition--we figure there may have been some movies made after the original list was published that could be worth viewing. If you're interested, here is my general review of the movies we've seen so far:
1. Movies everyone knows and loves--definitely deserve to be on here:
Toy Story
Pulp Fiction
Titanic
Forrest Gump
2. Movies I hadn't heard of, but was surprised by and loved:
Swing Time
12 Angry Men
The Apartment
Modern Times
In the Heat of the Night
Though some of those are quite a bit older, you should be sure to check them out sometime!
Finally, the most interesting movies of the bunch...
3. Movies that make you wonder how they made the list:
Bladerunner
The Last Picture Show
Bringing Up Baby
Easy Rider
The Wild Bunch
And that's how the list is coming along so far! And you'll be able to find movie reviews of all the rest of the top 100 on this blog, so if you're ever looking for an interesting movie, be sure to check out any "Top 100 Challenge" posts for some unique ideas. Happy viewing!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Some Cool Cupcakes
Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope everyone out there is having a great weekend. As for myself, it's time for this blog's first recipe review!
Searching on the internet last night for something to bake today, my mom and I came across this recipe:
http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/02/chocolate-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-frosting/
After spending the better part of an afternoon making these delicious chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes, I have to recommend you follow this link. The recipe details how to make the chocolate cupcakes and frosting all from scratch, and the results are great! The cupcakes turned out really rich and chocolatey, and the frosting is delicious.
The frosting doesn't have as much caramel taste as you would think based on how much caramel sauce you're supposed to put in, but that's why the recipe calls for more caramel sauce on top! Now, you the recipe says you have to make the caramel sauce from scratch as well. You really don't. We used caramel sauce from a jar, and it worked out perfectly!
In short, making these cupcakes was fun and relatively easy--it would require too much equipment for me to do myself at school, but if you have access to a stand mixer, electric hand mixer and a couple of muffin tins, these are delicious and different. Just have a look at our results:
Searching on the internet last night for something to bake today, my mom and I came across this recipe:
http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/02/chocolate-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-frosting/
After spending the better part of an afternoon making these delicious chocolate and salted caramel cupcakes, I have to recommend you follow this link. The recipe details how to make the chocolate cupcakes and frosting all from scratch, and the results are great! The cupcakes turned out really rich and chocolatey, and the frosting is delicious.
The frosting doesn't have as much caramel taste as you would think based on how much caramel sauce you're supposed to put in, but that's why the recipe calls for more caramel sauce on top! Now, you the recipe says you have to make the caramel sauce from scratch as well. You really don't. We used caramel sauce from a jar, and it worked out perfectly!
In short, making these cupcakes was fun and relatively easy--it would require too much equipment for me to do myself at school, but if you have access to a stand mixer, electric hand mixer and a couple of muffin tins, these are delicious and different. Just have a look at our results:
I'd give these cupcakes an A for taste, and a 3 out of 5 for difficulty (just due to how many little things go into decorating the cupcake). And, if you should decide to go make them, happy baking to all of you!
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Hi, Internet...
...and welcome to Braggin' Writes! I'm happy to have you here!
Here on this blog, my only real "mission statement" is to share things with all of you that I myself find interesting. Cool stories, awesome movies, and recipe reviews. This blog promises to be funny (at least as funny as I can manage), interesting and rarely, if ever, soap-boxy. I have always loved writing; now I want to use my writing to share all the things I like! I hope you'll all enjoy them, too!
Without further ado, please enjoy my blog.
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Here on this blog, my only real "mission statement" is to share things with all of you that I myself find interesting. Cool stories, awesome movies, and recipe reviews. This blog promises to be funny (at least as funny as I can manage), interesting and rarely, if ever, soap-boxy. I have always loved writing; now I want to use my writing to share all the things I like! I hope you'll all enjoy them, too!
Without further ado, please enjoy my blog.
Sincerely,
Sarah :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)