Working my way through the Oscar Films....

Based on various lists published by Entertainment Weekly, my friend, Mike's, movie review site, and others, I have been trying to see as many Oscar-worthy movies as possible.

So, most recently, I've seen (500) Days of Summer; Star Trek; District 9; The Hangover, and, Inglourious Basterds. All four were just as amazing as everyone said.

(500) Days of Summer totally broke my heart while totally uplifting my spirit. The movie, which covers, in non-chronological order, the 500 days of a relationship between the two main characters, is an emotional roller coaster.... but not in a bad way. I was in physical distress towards the end of the movie, but also ready to go out and fall in love.

As a pretty big fan of the various incarnations of "Star Trek," I really loved the new Star Trek movie. The action was exciting, the nods to the original series and its beloved cliches were adorable, and the ending was moving. Loved it!

District 9 was... gosh, how to even put it? So creative, so ground-breaking, so surprising. A profound statement about racism, apartheid, and bigotry, all in the guise of a sci-fi alien flick. Brilliant all around.

The Hangover was absolutely hilarious, and was all the more fun because I left for Las Vegas a few days later! Great writing, terrific acting, and mind-bending plot points.

Inglourious Basterds, a perfect addition to Quentin Tarantino's oeuvre, has been described as a "revenge fantasy." It made me want to scream out in victory as the Jewish characters slaughtered the nazis, but also made me want to cry over the fact that it was all mere fiction. Boy, did I wish this one was a documentary!

Did you see these? What did you think?

Equus on Broadway! Or, How I Fell in Love with Daniel Radcliffe

On the spur of the moment, Lindsay and I went to the TKTS booth in Times Square on Saturday night to see if we could get cheap Broadway tix. I got there first, checked the boards, and noticed that EQUUS was available for 50% off tix! Linds and I had really wanted to see this show, but, due to price and schedules, we had both resigned ourselves to the fact that we weren't going to see it.

Nonetheless - there we were - we got tickets!! We were able to get seats in the fourth row of the Mezzanine, and we knew we were in for a roller coaster of a show. As the website states,

About Equus

For the first time in over 30 years, a new production of EQUUS will be seen on Broadway after a sold-out run in London’s West End.

Alan Strang (Daniel Radcliffe) seems a normal, obedient 17-year old with a passion for horses. Then one night he blinds six horses with a hoof pick. What drove him to it? His life seems routine, his family loving, his pursuits harmless and yet he has been placed under psychiatric surveillance - an unresponsive patient who is woken each night by terrible nightmares. Only psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Richard Griffiths) seems able to grasp the answer to this psychological puzzle.

Richard Griffiths, whose incredible stage and screen career spans two decades and who won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of The History Boys, stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe, best known for playing Harry Potter in all five of the feature films based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling books.

This production of Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play, directed by Thea Sharrock and designed by John Napier, demonstrates that this ground-breaking play is as relevant and shocking as it was when it was first performed over 30 years ago.

It was brilliant, horrifying, moving, and engaging. Since both of us are big fans of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, we loved the way that Freudian and Jungian ideas flowed throughout the show.

After the show, we decided to stick around at the stage door and try to get Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe's autographs. We were able to get very close to the barricade set up by security, and we waited in the 20 degree weather.

Then, Richard Griffiths came out (Linds snapped these pics with her cellphone).....

Everyone screamed in excitement (I wonder if Mr. Griffiths has ever felt this much like a rockstar?!?!). Lindsay insisted on engaging him in conversation: "Mr. Griffiths? Mr. Griffiths? Your hat looks very warm!" Griffiths: "It better be." Lindsay: "Is it from Alaska?" Griffiths: "No, it is from Moscow." Lindsay: "Mr. Griffiths, we are of Russian Descent!")

But, that was nothing compared to the excitement of getting Daniel Radcliffe's autograph (Mr. Harry Potter, himself!!!!!!!!!!!). He came over to our area first, and he SIGNED MY PLAYBILL FIRST!!! I got the first autograph of the night. I said, "Daniel, you are wonderful!" (I know, so eloquent....). He looked up into my eyes, with his electric blue eyes, and said in his delicious accent, "Thank you."

Wow.

Can you tell that we had a great time? We risked frostbite for them, but it was so worth it. Hooray for Broadway!!

What celebrities have you met? Have any fun stories???

One of my favorite movies.....

Oh my - have you seen this movie?!?!

Every now and then, I like to share some of my favorite pop culture interests (music, movies, books, etc.). One of the movies that I grew up with, and still really LOVE, is Labyrinth.

Made in 1986, it is a wonderful Jim Henson film that combined puppets with human actors. The story is timeless, and the film is so good that it is still enjoyable over twenty years later.

The plot is magical: Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, is forced to babysit her little brother (she would rather be playing with her dolls and acting out dramas about the fantastical goblin king). When her brother, Toby, won't stop crying, she wishes that the goblins would come and take Toby away - at that very moment, the room goes silent, and she realizes that her wish has come true.

Sarah then embarks on a journey through a labyrinth, the center of which contains the goblin king's (David Bowie) castle, and her brother. She is given 13 hours to complete the task.

We see so much of what it is like to be a teenager - the angst, the drama, the growing adult feelings, the compassion, and the playfulness. Plus, the soundtrack, featuring many songs written and performed by David Bowie, is superb.

If you have never watched this movie, take some time out to enter a fantasy-land, hear some fun music, and enjoy a wonderful story.

Best Movies with "Twist Endings"

22 "You Got Swerved" Movies - from Entertainment Weekly -

a great interactive article that shares the 22 best "twist" endings in film.

What do you think?

Peer Pressure at its Best

So, I gave in to all of the encouraging peer pressure, and got myself a DVR. I mean, it will only be another $10 a month on my cable bill, yet the benefits are, dare I say, priceless. Why have I waited so long to join the 21st century?


The show I am most interested in recording? LOST!! For the past few seasons, I have purchased the "Season's Pass" on iTunes so that all of the episodes would automatically download to my computer. The price? Almost $40!! The DVR is much cheaper, and will record so many other shows in the process.

Especially since I am still spending so much time in bed, I am catching up on movies and shows I have always wanted to see. The latest viewings:

• The Last Kiss (I sure love me some Zach Braff - though I found this a rough, moving, and particularly challenging movie to watch as I approach my thirtieth birthday)
  
• The Wedding Banquet (great Ang Lee film about a gay couple, one of whom must get married when his traditional parents pressure him - hilarity ensues)
  
• My favorite Scrubs episode, "My Overkill," which features my most favorite musician, Colin Hay!!
  
• Classic Pop-Up Video episodes on VH-1 Classic (Metal Mania! Rock and Roll Heaven!)
  
• The Celluloid Closet, a fascinating documentary about the depictions of homosexuality throughout the history of film.
  

Thanks for the good advice, everybody! You never steer me wrong :)

Almost there...

Well, friends, we are now entering the home stretch, the final leg, the final countdown (cue hair band) - my surgery is tomorrow. I have been on a liquid diet for today, and, surprisingly, it wasn't bad at all. Those Ensure drinks sure are tasty!

Oh, wait - Precious just climbed in my lap.... okay, there we go.

Anyway, my operation is scheduled for 1:30 pm tomorrow (isn't that a little late, considering I have to FAST??!?!). My mom arrived safely today, and now she and my sister are napping. I am up, unable to really relax, and am watching tv (just finished Best in Show, one of my favorites, and 10 Things I Hate About You is on now). I am almost done packing my bag for the hospital, including the super-cute new pajamas I bought: four mix-and-match pieces - tank top, long-sleeved shirt, comfy pants, and robe. Figured that they will be a good bet for the hospital and for once I get home. Speaking of which, I hope to be home by the end of the week - they have pretty much told me to expect about 3 days in the hospital.

I will definitely try to post remotely, even just to clear my head, feel a sense of normalcy, and reach out to all of you. I feel so loved, supported, and encouraged by all of the incredible souls around me (including all of my blog-friends). The image that comes to mind is a nice, soft cushion, filled with all the prayers and hope of my friends and family. This pillow is supporting me, comforting me, and sustaining me.

Well, that's all for now. I will probably feel the need to blog again later tonight, out of sheer anxiety, but, if not - wish me luck!

Ta ta for now :)

Good Old 80's Fun

I have got to tell you, I found the perfect distraction for today - one of my favorite movies: Earth Girls are Easy. Have you ever seen this one? It is a cult-classic, cheesy musical, starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, Julie Brown (of "Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun" fame), Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans. Of course, when it came out, the latter two were "unknowns," and Jim Carrey was listed as "James."

When the movie first came out in 1988, I was ten and my sister was 8. We were just starting to venture out into our neighborhood on our own. So, on one of our weekend jaunts, we got a little bit of money from our parents, and walked to the local mall/movie theater. We thought we were such big girls!

We decided to have lunch at a little lunch place in Marshall Fields, and then took a chance by seeing this movie. Well, we FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. So much so, we had to go back the following weekend and see it again. We even got a movie poster as soon as we could, and it hung on our bedroom wall until we moved out of that house 7 years later.

So, if you haven't seen it before, give it a chance - you'll giggle, you'll groan, and you'll love it.

Thanksgiving Movie Marathons...

I don't know about you, but I have had so much fun catching up on movie watching over the past few days. My sister had one of her wisdom teeth pulled, so we had a quiet Thanksgiving weekend. I watched plenty of old favorites, and I also had a chance to view some newer movies. What I should really do is go to the movie theater.... but, thanks to good-old cable tv, I have had plenty of choices at home. Such as:

• Mystic River (never saw this one before - how intense!!)
• Happy Feet (can't get enough)
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch (one of my most favorites)
• Legally Blonde (probably know this one by heart)
• 10 Things I Hate About You (so cute!)
• Big Daddy (Adam Sandler cracks me up)
  
• March of the Penguins (wonderful, heartbreaking, breathtaking)
• Pursuit of Happyness (hadn't seen it, a little disappointed)
• Big Fish (wow - how moving)
  

As I flip through the Movies on Demand, here are some movies that I hope to watch soon - I have heard such good things about them. Anybody seen these?

• Volver
• The Queen
• Blood Diamonds
• The Libertine

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you had a chance to celebrate the blessings in your lives. I am off to do something Thanksgiving weekend shopping. Have a great day!

Why are these movies on all the time??

Have you ever noticed how there are a few movies that are ALWAYS on television? I mean, whenever you flip through the channels, you are guaranteed to find at least one of these at all times? What is the deal? Are they cheaper to show? Do these basic cable channels have unlimited access to these particular films? Granted, I am not saying that they are bad, just that they are OVERDOING IT!! Seriously, this is verging on abuse...



1) The Fifth Element
2) Dirty Dancing
3) The Wedding Singer
4) She's All That
5) Grease (and Grease 2)
6) The Mummy
7) Some American Pie movie
8) One of the Godfather series
9) A John Grisham or Michael Crichton movie
10) Sleepless in Seattle

What is the deal? Have you noticed this??????

Movie Quotes Answers!

Wow, I am so impressed with all of you! It seems like a bunch of you knew all five answers. Kudos to Lindsay, Jessica and Sarene, who came in with the best scores, from what I can tell. However, you all get points for playing - thanks!

And the answers are...


1) "And in the morning? I'm making waffles!"

This one is from SHREK - a movie that never stops making me laugh :)

2) "I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."

Ah, SAY ANYTHING. What would Junior High and High School have been like if I hadn't always been on the lookout for my very own Lloyd Dobler? In fact, I think I am still looking...

3) "The Pit of Despair- don't even think of trying to escape."

Teehee - a quote from THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Another standard among my friends and me as we grew up. I probably quote this movie in some way at least once a day.

4) "I felt like destroying something beautiful."

A movie that totally blew my mind while in my early 20's - FIGHT CLUB. It had a raw quality, and a deep sorrow, that resonated with me at a particular time in my life. Never mind the fact that I have a huge crush on Edward Norton!

5) "Every time I try to talk to someone, it's always 'Sorry this' and 'Forgive me that' and 'I'm not worthy'..."

What would comedy be like without MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL? Another one that I quote often, this film gets funnier every time I watch it. Seeing SPAMALOT on Broadway just took the genius to a whole new level.


Well, thanks to all of you for playing. I hope this was fun for you. Should I do it again? Maybe once every other week or so? I might even vary the topic - movie quotes, song lyrics, television characters, showtunes... Ah, the possibilities are endless.

Movie Quotes Quiz!!!

Welcome, one and all, to the first Movie Quote Quiz here at Myriad Musings. I will give you a number of movie quotes (thanks to IMDB for help), and you can feel free to guess in the comments section. Some will be more mainstream than others. I'm going to start off pretty easy with this one :)

I will announce a winner in the next post, as well as the correct answers. Have Fun!

Myriad Movies of Marci Quiz

1) "And in the morning? I'm making waffles!"

2) "I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."

3) "The Pit of Despair- don't even think of trying to escape."

4) "I felt like destroying something beautiful."

5) "Every time I try to talk to someone, it's always 'Sorry this' and 'Forgive me that' and 'I'm not worthy'..."


Okay, folks -- what are your answers?

Anchorman and Ron Corning: A MYSTERY!!

Okay, okay, okay - there is this totally crazy thing going over and over in my head, and I need to share with all of you:

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy is one of my most favorite movies. I have watched it, well, let's say, at least two dozen times.

I just started watching Fox 5 News in the mornings, because it gives NY area local news (as opposed to all the other national programs in the AM). So, in an effort to familiarize myself with the anchors, I notice that they are named JODI APPLEGATE and RON CORNING. Jodi Applegate, if you don't know, is Christina's sister. And, oh my goodness, they look so much alike.

Christina Applegate, the one in ANCHORMAN.
And what is her character's name? VerRONica CORNINGstone.

Coincidence????? What do you think?

Nobody puts Baby in the Corner!

It's been a "Dirty Dancing" couple of days here in Marci-land. I watched the last twenty minutes of the movie yesterday (actually turned it on right before Johnny Castle says, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner.") So, here's a movie that I've watched at least a hundred times since it came out, and I was still moved by the final dance scene. I nearly cried - it is just SO ROMANTIC!! And, yes, the cheese-factor is quite high, but doesn't that just make it that much better????

And then, today, one of my co-workers showed me this video of a couple dancing at their wedding. You've gotta see this!

Freedom (2007)

You know, I never knew how nice it felt to be free and independent. That may sound like a silly thing to say, but I have recently taken a quantum leap in my life and I am seeing the world in a new way. So often, growth and learning takes place so slowly that one barely notices it taking place, and other times, it happens all of the sudden. To what am I referring?

Since my recent break-up (a four-year serious relationship ended in December), I have been truly enjoying being on my own. I have almost always been in a relationship, and I forget (or perhaps never really understood) how nice it is to spend time with oneself.

Lately, my biggest discovery has been seeing movies by myself. The idea of this used to FREAK ME OUT. And now, it is, like, the coolest thing ever. I can see WHATEVER I WANT, WHENEVER I WANT, and I can just enjoy sitting there. Such a simple pleasure, and also completely profound. I even bought a ticket to see "Spamalot" on Broadway next week, and I am going all by myself. How glorious!

So, those are my musings on this topic for now. I am sure that it will come up again, but, in the meantime, let me know what you think. Take care and Shabbat Shalom!

Top Ten Movies of All Time (Well...)

I have given much thought to this upcoming post. And if you know me, you know how true this is. I had lots of time on my hands over the past week (plenty of free time due to Passover). In fact, I was watching hours and hours of tv on Sunday, and the movies that were on astonished me. Why is it that sometimes, if I may paraphrase Bruce Springsteen, there are 800 channels and nothing on? And then other times, like, 5 of your favorite movies are all on at the same time, and choosing is virtually impossible???!?!?

Inspired by this dilemma, I decided to begin a harrowing project - my own list of my favorite movies of all time. This is highly personal, and yet I would love feedback. Let's begin:

10. Dream a Little Dream
9. Grease
8. The Lion King
7. Wet Hot American Summer
6. The Mighty Wind
5. Shrek (both 1 and 2)
4. Labyrinth
3. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy
2. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

and...

1. Notting Hill

Phew - this has been so difficult, I can't even comment on my choices, but I feel like my work here is done :)