I've been out of school for like two weeks now and I got to say it's been nice. I still have another year left and I'm happy about that. The real world scares me. I've become increasingly indifferent about things, which isn't great for this job market or my future career path, but whatever. I've been reading a lot and writing a lot too. I've read three books in the past five days, but plan to do better next week. I have two more books to go, then I got to go acquire more. Over the past month or so I think I've read more than a lot of people have in their lifetime. I like to read, it helps me focus, it helps me channel my vivid and sometimes scary imagination. I find if I don't read, write, or do something I have terrible nightmares, sometimes they can be fun, but otherwise normally a drag.
I finally joined facebook, I wanted to be myspace's last hold out, but alas you can revive something that is long dead. I don't like facebook much, actually I quite hate it. I'll keep it though, just because I feel left out if I don't have one.
I guess in big news my script got nominated for a showcase and my short story will probably be getting published in the Northridge Review. This isn't really a big deal for anyone who isn't me or doesn't have a vested interest in my success, but I'll talk about it nonetheless because I'm egotistical, no proud, yes, proud is more the word. I wrote my script Killer Tofu for my screenwriting class thinking not much of it. I knew the skeleton of the work. I knew I wanted BFFs, zombies, college kids, and a whacked out southern meat packing CEO. I wanted it to be funny, but sometimes what's funny to me is just that, only funny to me. I wanted it to be brutal. So one day I just starting writing and Killer Tofu came out. It was hailed as genius, but I'm not so sure about that, I think my teacher was just trying to be nice. Nonetheless, he wanted to enter it into some showcase my school was having. It was a pretty big deal I guess, there was a committee and a black tie event for it and in order to get in you had to be nominated you couldn't submit it yourself. After a little hesitation I let my teach submit it, but there was one problem, it was technically a senior standing showcase, which meant mine had about zero chance of getting any recognition. Of course it didn't get into the showcase because of all the politics surrounding it, but the committee wrote me a personal letter rejecting me, but told me they'll save me a spot for next year.
For my final project in my Science Fiction class I opted to write a short story. Once again not thinking much of it and having no skeleton or direction for the work I just started writing and two hours later "Human on Human Crime after the Featherhead Landing" came out. Don't credit me with the title, that was Steve's idea, it's a great title though, I wish I had thought of it. Anyway it came off being this noir/sci-fi/detective story and it was also hailed as genius, so much, in fact my teacher urged me to submit it to the committee for the Northridge Review. I'm putting a few finishing touches before submitting it, but I still don't think it's that great. Whatever. The Northridge Review I guess is a pretty big deal too, it not only gets sold at the school, but at book stores and shops of that nature in all surrounding cities. If that story gets published, they really won't know what hit them. Everyone else in my class either wrote nerdcore sci-fi or Avatar like stories, yawn.
Although I am proud of my accomplishments, I'm not too terribly happy with either project. Sometimes I think there are too many thoughts in my head. It's too hard to intelligibly articulate them.
Other than reading and trying to write/perfect some things, I'm not really doing much this summer. I'll be going to the movies a lot like I always do. I might go and visit my sister in Atlanta, which is cool, but I'm not sure how long/when that will happen, I guess I could take up and leave any day I wanted, which is kind of exciting. I do have an obligation to my now booming dog business though. It's going better than expected actually, but like I said indifference just sort of settles over me, so I'm just like, whatever. So I'll probably post my short story on here at some point after I'm done fussing over it, so anyone who actually reads this can take a look. It's not really as crazy as the title might suggest and it probably won't be as good as I've built it up to be, but there's nothing like a good ol fashion ego beat down every once and a while and I figure I should probably just get that over with, now, while I'm indifferent.
I saw Exit Through the Gift Shop last night, which at first wasn't my top choice, I thought, oh god I hear about street art/how god like Banksy is everyday at school, do I really have to go watch a movie about it? To tell you the truth everyone I've ever encountered that worshiped Banksy and took those "look at me I'm so arty and cool because I took a picture of this urban decay and view it as art" has been a total jerk-off. I have to say though, when I saw the flick, I was very pleased. That was exactly the type of attitude that the film had. I always kind of liked what Shepard Fairey did and although I didn't hate him as a person, more the hype that surrounded him, I came to respect Banksy. I still think a lot of street art can be a total cop out though. I guess all art circles have those people. Anyway the film is super funny and I enjoyed it a lot. It reminded me of a lot of people I know (don't worry if you're reading this, you're probably not one of them) and if they're not painstakingly clueless, they'll totally feel like assholes when they watch this and realize the joke's on them. And with that my friends, I was temporarily knocked right out of my indifference and effectively cheered up.
-Katie
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Katie the teenage bitch
I'm so into Breaking Bad now, it's unreal. Fuck Skylar though, haaaaaate that bitch! For those of you who don't know the magic of Walter White, you need to get on that shit, sooo good! Anyway, my bod is becoming so hot now, it's also unreal. Furthermore, Degrassi is ripping out my heart and stopping it into the ground, how dare they. They just don't want anyone to be happy, any fans know exactly what I'm talking about. I should really set up a Degrassi fan support group, we really need each other in such turbulent times, no one should have to endure these episodes alone. And yes, I realize the only new, exciting things in my life are what happens to the fictional characters on television shows and no, I don't think that's sad, depressing, or socially awkward...
Well, I'm in the process of getting a facebook, yea I'm finally coming around to the young people's social recreation. I've been in the process for a couple of days now, though, because I'm resistant to technological change, so I might never finish. Hopefully by the time I'm done there isn't a new site I have to reluctantly join after being pushed out of the outdated one. I feel like such an old person, facebook confuses and scares me. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, I might just be romanticizing myspace in my head, but I'm convinced it was waaay less complicated. Ah it just angers me, it's like, I just want a page that tells everyone how awesome I am and I don't want to exert too much effort nor spend a lot of time doing it. Not that hard.
Anyway it's really late and I'm going to bed, but one more thing before I go, I saw Repo Men the other night and daaaaamn Jude Law is so fine. I'll tell you something about Jude though, he can really be off and on for me, sometimes he is too pretty boy for me, but when he plays the rugged man role, ah can't resist! Well, just had to get that off my chest.
-Katie
Well, I'm in the process of getting a facebook, yea I'm finally coming around to the young people's social recreation. I've been in the process for a couple of days now, though, because I'm resistant to technological change, so I might never finish. Hopefully by the time I'm done there isn't a new site I have to reluctantly join after being pushed out of the outdated one. I feel like such an old person, facebook confuses and scares me. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, I might just be romanticizing myspace in my head, but I'm convinced it was waaay less complicated. Ah it just angers me, it's like, I just want a page that tells everyone how awesome I am and I don't want to exert too much effort nor spend a lot of time doing it. Not that hard.
Anyway it's really late and I'm going to bed, but one more thing before I go, I saw Repo Men the other night and daaaaamn Jude Law is so fine. I'll tell you something about Jude though, he can really be off and on for me, sometimes he is too pretty boy for me, but when he plays the rugged man role, ah can't resist! Well, just had to get that off my chest.
-Katie
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cheers
Last night I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish Lethal Weapon 4, tonight I'm on my second episode of Cheers, I do want to go someplace where everybody knows my name and they're always glad I came. I'm actually watching Cheers by accident, I was watching back to back episodes of the Golden Girls then it just came on, damn I really need to get to sleep, you know you really shouldn't be up when you're inadvertently watching shows you're barely paying attention to. Anyway, as I said before my house was visited by Chac Mool last week, that mother fucker, now we're going to get doubly fucked, great, shouldn't have said anything. Anyway, my neighbor must have been the one who pissed the Mool off because it was his house that flooded and it leaked over here and they're really dragging their feet over (deep sigh) to take car of this, so I'll be crashing on the couch for longer than expected until the soaked downstairs gets put back together. In better news my teacher LOVES Killer Tofu, he says I've mastered the dark comedy and he thinks I'll just nail the finished project. I'm excited to continue writing now, but I hope I live up to his expectations :/ I'm off for Spring Break for the next two weeks now so I'll have plenty of time to work on it, but I also have my Science Fiction final in which I have to write a short story. I've already got a kick ass idea for that; a political urban western Escape From New York type, which now writing this seems a little overly ambitious, but I'm going to have fun with it, my biggest problem would be trying to not make it too heavy handed or cheesy. I hope I can pull these projects off, eh, I'm sure I can.
-Katie
P.S. I know those of you who were like, "Who is that Chac Mool, fool?" will be tempted to look it up, but let this be a warning to you, beware this venture is not for the feint of heart or for those who are light in the wallet...
-Katie
P.S. I know those of you who were like, "Who is that Chac Mool, fool?" will be tempted to look it up, but let this be a warning to you, beware this venture is not for the feint of heart or for those who are light in the wallet...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
All in the Family
Well I think a while has past since my last post. Just to catch everyone up to speed I'm living at home, commuting to Northridge everyday, which yes, fucking sucks. It takes me about an hour and forty minutes without traffic and with anywhere between 2-4 hours. With my old beast of a car it can get pretty scary. When I'm stuck in traffic I have to turn my heater up so the car doesn't overheat and crap out, which is whatever, it works I'm not complaining, but the shitty thing is that it makes me so sweaty I can just see the cars next to me like, "Why the fuck is that girl so sweaty? She's just fucking sitting there, what's she hiding?" I don't know why I'm so paranoid of this, but that's where your mind goes when your sitting in your 1989 Toyota with the heater running, tried from a long day at school, and still 4 hours of traffic ahead of you. I'm not so sure this much thinking is a good thing. In many ways it helps though, since I've started writing the much anticipated "Killer Tofu" (which is only "much anticipated" by myself, sorry I was just trying to make myself look important) anyway I've been talking about it for years and finally inks hitting the pad. I'm pretty happy with it so far. I'll post some monologues I've written and a short synopsis at the end, feel free to comment on it.
Anyway Hamlet is doing well, he's gotten to be so big now, but not quite as big as other full grown pugs, so I'm convinced he's a miniature, if there is such a thing as a miniature pug. He's like a fine wine he just gets better with age. He's almost near potty trained and he just gets cuter and cuter everyday. School is going well I'm taking a shit ton of literature classes, I'm averaging about four books a week, which I'm totally happy with, I love to read and so far it's all been great. I'm really enjoying my science fiction class, it's all the stuff you want to read but never get around to. So far I've read We, Canticle of Leibowitz, Solaris, and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Which have all been great I'm excited to read more. My contemporary literature class is pretty cool too I get to read Q&A which is what Slumdog Millionaire was based on, which should be a fun read and I get to read a lot of Vonnegut. My short stories class is way fun since I'm really into short stories right now. In the past month I've read one anthology of horror and one of living dead fiction which I've really enjoyed, there have been some great stuff in there! My screenwriting class is fun, I'm the only girl, which I'm quite surprised by. It can get sort of awkward sometimes when they describe their female characters in graphic physical detail or when I'm used as the meter for what's offense, but otherwise I'm glad to get back to writing.
I've been watching a lot of comedy specials thanks to Steve and I recently saw Patton Oswalt at the Irvine Improv which was awesome. It brings me back to my high school days in which I wanted to be a stand up comedian and I think I might try to get back out there and do some open mic nights. The only problem is I'm not very funny, but I'm a hell of a shit talker, and I'm good at telling strange, self deprecating stories. I hate awkward moments at my expense and if I do a lot of open mics there is bound to be a lot of awkward moments. So for now I'll just stick to being the shy writer, that seems to suite me well.
-Katie
Anyway Hamlet is doing well, he's gotten to be so big now, but not quite as big as other full grown pugs, so I'm convinced he's a miniature, if there is such a thing as a miniature pug. He's like a fine wine he just gets better with age. He's almost near potty trained and he just gets cuter and cuter everyday. School is going well I'm taking a shit ton of literature classes, I'm averaging about four books a week, which I'm totally happy with, I love to read and so far it's all been great. I'm really enjoying my science fiction class, it's all the stuff you want to read but never get around to. So far I've read We, Canticle of Leibowitz, Solaris, and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Which have all been great I'm excited to read more. My contemporary literature class is pretty cool too I get to read Q&A which is what Slumdog Millionaire was based on, which should be a fun read and I get to read a lot of Vonnegut. My short stories class is way fun since I'm really into short stories right now. In the past month I've read one anthology of horror and one of living dead fiction which I've really enjoyed, there have been some great stuff in there! My screenwriting class is fun, I'm the only girl, which I'm quite surprised by. It can get sort of awkward sometimes when they describe their female characters in graphic physical detail or when I'm used as the meter for what's offense, but otherwise I'm glad to get back to writing.
I've been watching a lot of comedy specials thanks to Steve and I recently saw Patton Oswalt at the Irvine Improv which was awesome. It brings me back to my high school days in which I wanted to be a stand up comedian and I think I might try to get back out there and do some open mic nights. The only problem is I'm not very funny, but I'm a hell of a shit talker, and I'm good at telling strange, self deprecating stories. I hate awkward moments at my expense and if I do a lot of open mics there is bound to be a lot of awkward moments. So for now I'll just stick to being the shy writer, that seems to suite me well.
-Katie
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Top 65 of the Decade (Prepare to have your mind blown)
65. Spiderman 2
Who doesn’t love spidey? Tobey Maguire just nails this character! The second one is when shit gets real, but it stays true to the character and never goes too deep or too cheesy. Alfred Molina was great as Doc Ock, but the number one reason I just love these movies is how cool it is to see Sam Raimi’s take on the superhero genre.
64. Cloverfield
I’m a sucker for the monster movies and the secrecy surrounding this flick just made it that much more fun. Sure, I had to pop some serious aspirin after catching it on the big screen, but the handheld added to the movies disarray. I thought the monster looked cool and the destruction was awesome. I wish I could see an “R” version of this, but hey it held up with “PG-13”.
63. Iron Man
My man RDJ, how could I resist? This was one of the superhero movies that helped bring critical validity to the genre, so of course I thank it for that. With movies like GI Joe, Ghost Rider, do I even need to go on? It just goes to show how wrong comic book movies can really go, so thank god for the ones like this. Can’t wait for Iron Man 2!
62. Every Michael Moore movie this decade
Okay I cheated on this one, but fuck it, who are you, Judge Judy? Anyway I couldn’t pick just one; I thought they were all great. Yea, people un-fairly hate on Michael Moore, but whatever, I think he makes some interesting and seriously fun documentaries.
61. High Tension
Like I’ve said a thousand times horror has been reawakened thanks to a few directors, this one included. The story is an awesome gore fest with an interesting twist. The movie starts out with some guy fucking a decapitated head, if that doesn’t convince you to watch the movie I don’t know what will.
60. Incident at Loch Ness
I just could not stop laughing at this movie. Werner Herzog is just one of those people you can’t help but just love. I love the way he talks and his accent adds to the joy he brings me. The movie is so artfully done, at times you can’t really tell what is actually happening and what parts are artistic license(of course I knew the nessie parts were fake, just thought I’d clear that up). If you want to watch a ridiculous, strange, and funny flick, catch this one on DVD.
59. Clerks II
I just love Kevin Smith and I think he can really do no wrong. When I heard he was making a Clerks II I was a little sketchy, but I could just punch my former self for thinking so. This movie was as funny as it was endearing; a great Kevin Smith picture.
58. Crank 2
I just love these movies. I remember waiting to watch the first one on DVD and afterwards I was so mad at myself that I missed it in theaters. I know people are going to crucify me for putting this one on the list, but suck it, this movie was great. The concepts no matter how outlandish are always creative and entertaining and I’ve certainly never seen a movie shot like this before. The camera is truly used as an artful, invisible tool to get the point across. Love it or hate it, the Cranks are ushering in the new wave of action.
57. Pineapple Express
People hate on this movie and I’m not sure why, to me it was great. It is one of the best stoner comedies and one of the better bff (f) movies. It’s not constricted or jammed into one genre, it is able to pass easily into action as it is into comedy; superb work.
56. Bourne Identity
I actually went to the theaters to see this not knowing what the fuck or who the fuck Bourne was. I was so glad I went after I popped a few aspirin. Definitely one of the pioneers of the new action flick.
55. X-Men 2
This was the best X-Men in my mind. I love how Bryan Singer can make a great “superhero” movie, but done so well its social/political allusions are endless. Everyone gives Iron Man the credit for ushering in the serious, deeper comic movies, but really I feel like the credit should be given to the first two X-Men, who started this trend back in 2000.
54. High Fidelity
Top five reasons I love this movie? 5) Yea sure it was dripping with hip, but I have to say it was in the best way possible. 4) The Evil Dead II conversation 3) Jack Black 2) John Cusack 1) Tim Robbins
53. Black Dynamite
The funniest movie of 2009 and so much fun! Finally a well made spoof movie! Donuts don’t wear alligator shoes.
52. House of the Devil
Such a fun movie! I’m so excited for horror; it looks like we have some good directors emerging to take the genre back from remakes and bullshit. *Side note for gore hounds* Don’t worry the beginning starts off tame, but wait until the end and you won’t be disappointed!
51. Saw
I was so shocked when I saw Saw. I had put it off thinking it was just some new age horror crap, but I actually really enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun following the plot and trying to figure out the twists.
50. Trick r Treat
Falling in line with Creepshow this has got to be one of the best compilation, story within a story type movies ever made. With its creative plots, its super fun for horror fans and the general audience alike.
49. Cabin Fever
Once again, such a relief to have another great movie to save horror fans from the awful early 00’s. A funny, campy, haunting, and creative film that has horror fans everywhere, or at least myself, rejoicing.
48. Mystic River
A loaded cast, based on a great book, and it’s about child molestin, a winning combo for a great film. I would like to add one of the most haunting scenes in cinema would have to be when little Tim Robbins is trapped at that place with the molesters, my heart sinks every time.
47. Oceans 11
This movie has such a great cast I couldn’t resist! It turned out to be a super cool, laid-back heist movie; of course I didn’t expect any less of Soderbergh.
46. Little Miss Sunshine
Who could resist this one? Such a sweet movie about functional dysfunction. Let’s admit it everyone can see their family in this film. No? Only me?
45. Revolutionary Road
I was not expecting to enjoy this movie at all, sure I was looking forward to the Kate/Leo team- up just like anyone else, but I thought it was going to be extremely cheesy, heavy handed, film student porn, but I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was super good. It turned out to be so much more than exposing the underbelly of suburban living. A real unexpected gem, this one.
44. Revenge of the Sith
The last of the prequels and I have to say it’s the best. I did enjoy the others, so whatever, hate if you want, but Revenge of the Sith is really the one I felt was great.
43. Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
I really enjoyed this one; brought a lot to think about in a colorful and exciting new way. Even halting production and adding three new faces to play the same guy couldn’t stop this picture. Out of tragedy we still got something Heath could have been proud of; I honestly couldn’t imagine the story told any other way. Although this film comes with a bittersweet ending; this is all we have left of a truly amazing, legendary, young actor.
42. Children of Men
I’m really not sure what to say about this one besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it. A real, true work of art.
41. Moon
Such an underappreciated movie in my eyes. It’s cool to see new movies being added to the sci fi genre, especially in what seems like a drought. I’m excited to see more by Duncan Jones.
40. Sin City
Fuck yea and fuck you if you don’t like it.
39. Memento
Such an interesting story structure. I remember my 12 year old mind was blown when I saw this.
38. The Departed
Loaded cast. Directed by Scorsese. Enough said.
37. Watchmen
I first had mixed feelings about this film, several viewings later; I realized I liked it…a lot. For something that was supposed to be unfilmable Zack Snyder did a pretty damn good job.
36. 28 days later…
To get a well made horror movie in the early 00’s was like asking Jesus himself to make a movie. I was so pleasantly surprised to see such a gem come from such an awful time for horror.
35. The Host
Like I said before I love monster movies, but I’ve realized how underexploited they are. It was refreshing to see that some directors understand the greatness and versatility of the genre.
34. The Hangover
Who doesn’t love this movie? Hilarious and such a great crew-buddy comedy.
33. Audition
Piano wire scene. That’s all I have to say.
32. A Serious Man
Typical Co bros picture and I of course ate it up. Darkly funny, intensely frustrating, and depressing, what could be a better combination?
31. Zodiac
I have done my research on the Zodiac murderer and before stepping into the theater I thought he was the least scary of all serial killers, however as I walked out I was sort of freaked. This movie was so artfully suspenseful; it even got someone like me nervous. David Fincher never fails to impress.
30. A.I.
Remember a time when Haley Joel Osment wasn’t an alcoholic? Unfortunately this new generation probably doesn’t even recognize the name, and what a shame, when we look back at such roles as this. This movie was beautiful and nicely executed. Spielberg truly has a monopoly on the family friendly yet dark sci fi pictures and rightfully so.
29. Fantastic Mr. Fox
The fantastic Mr. Anderson! Super cute flick, but with that quirk and wit that Wes Anderson never fails to deliver.
28. Hotel Rwanda
I love the Cheads, but I also have to make a shout out to my man Keir, who wrote the script and who is also the best professor at Saddleback! I will probably never watch this movie again because of how sad and horrifying it is, and that is a testament to how great it is.
27. 40 year old virgin
One of the funniest movies ever made. I remember just watching it and laughing and laughing. There’s just nothing like an Apatow film.
26. Grindhouse
Fuck I enjoyed these movies so much. I just gave them another watch and realized how underappreciated these are! Grindhouse is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in a theater. The trailers were hilarious, Planet Terror was so much fun and Death Proof had some of the coolest characters and next to memento the most interesting story structure.
25. Adaptation
I consider this to be the most Kaufman-esque of all his films (besides Synecdoche of course) and it is my favorite. The characters were great, the inner dialogue/ the dialogue in general, was super funny. And there were two Nick Cages, need I say more?
24. An Education
A movie that was not on the top of my list to see this year, but I’m sure glad I went. The charming, sexy, bad-boy, older man character has to be really well done for me to fall for it. Because honestly I get really hung up on things like borderline child molestation, but in the end I fell right into his honey pot like all the rest of the characters. Speaking of the characters, they were just great in this, right down to the mother and father. It also spoke extra volumes to me, since, this was one of those experience in which you’re kind of going through the same thing at the same time as the main character. *I related to her struggle with school and her education, not the older man part, just wanted to clarify that.*
23. Spirited Away
I don’t like Anime, but I will make exceptions for Miazaki films. Spirited Away was actually the first of his films I saw and was really amazed. The Spirited Away world is so awesome I watched this one on tape (showing my age) everyday for like a week when I first got it and couldn’t get enough.
22. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
PJams! Next to Quentin my favorite director. Although this trilogy, to me, is only his second best work, it still deserves a spot on this list. I was not a fan of the books at all and wasn’t really excited for these movies, nonetheless, I went to see Fellowship opening weekend and was hooked. These movies are epic, but still have PJ’s signature stamp on them. Just terrific work.
21. Up
As hard as it is to pick a favorite Pixar movie I’ve done it! This one of course had the talking dogs, which I just adored! But I just thought the plot to this one was head and shoulders above any other animation out there. Taking a mean spirited, old man, a terribly annoying kid, and an outlandish concept and making it not only heartwarming and believable, but sympathetic, is just applause worthy. I’ll never know how Pixar can take the most ludicrous things and make them fantastically loveable, but they’ve wowed me every time.
20. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Although I see this one as less of a Charlie Kaufman movie and more of the director’s own work, than his others, I can still see his influence seeping in. Such an interesting plot and the visuals are so cool. I always thought about how cool it would be to project dreams/thoughts and this surprisingly surpassed even my imagination.
19. Pan’s Labyrinth
I saw this before it got its wide release and no one knew what the fuck it was. I immediately told all my pals to check it out and about a month later it was everywhere, does that up my hip cred? In all seriousness though, this film was magical, well darkly so, but magical none the less. Guillermo’s true masterpiece.
18. No Country for Old Men
One of the Co bros best movies, and I don’t think anyone’s arguing me there, so do I really need to say more?
17. Avatar
I will repeat it over again Avatar is a true auteur’s work. The 3D is off the fucking chain and the plot is a lot better than people seem to think. People who don’t like it are just ignorant and probably not very film literate. If you can’t see how revolutionary both the story and special effects are, you’re deliberately not looking.
16. Bad Lieutenant Port of Call: New Orleans
I had an idea how crazy this movie might be going into it, but I was actually surprised at how good it was. Nick Cage gives one of his best performances here, as one crazy motherfucker; I couldn’t tell Nick Cage from a real crack addict and that’s a compliment.
15. Hot Fuzz
I adore Mr. Wright. This movie never gets old, I could watch it over and over, as I so have. A great comedy, but also one of the coolest buddy cop/action movies ever made, I’ll actually go as far as to say one of the most perfect movies ever made, to me anyway.
14. Drag me to Hell
It is probably no surprise I’m a Raimi fan and I feel like this is his second best picture. I remember feeling so high after I watched this in theaters. I actually just watched it again the other day and the feeling didn’t fade. Such a great gift not only for Raimi fans, but to the horror genre.
13. There will be Blood
Such a fantastic movie, a true masterpiece. D-Day is of course great and PTA is, as always, on his game. I realized when I read Oil! how creative the plot was, as the script is really only loosely based on similar characters and plot points in the book. If possible I gain more respect for this film every time I watch it.
12. Up in the Air
Boy I love that Cloons! In this he really shines. This film is just really superb and the characters are just so well written/developed. Being as great as it is, only furthers my point that movies in general, specifically Jason Reitman’s flicks, are so much better without Diablo Cody.
11. American Psycho
I absolutely love this movie. There is nothing better than a pop culture loving, lecture giving serial killer. One of the best horror movies ever made.
10. 25th hour
One of my greatest fears is going to prison, and I often think about what your life would be like right after sentencing, but before your prison term starts. This movie thoroughly explores this, while also delving more into post 9/11 politics. Just a terrific film
9. Kill Bill vol. 1&2
Fucking awesome. I’m a sucker for revenge, especially brutal revenge. The bride empowers women everywhere, well me at least.
8. Royal Tenenbaums
Wes Anderson’s masterpiece. I don’t know what else to say.
7. Lars and the Real Girl
Proof that indie movies don’t have to be depressing and disheartening to be good. Not only is this a creative idea, but they turned such a creepy concept into something sweet and heartwarming. Seriously after watching this I decided if this town existed, I would drop everything, pack up my shit, and move. I normally don’t like movies so warm and fuzzy, but even the blackest of hearts can’t help, but fall in love with this flick. *Side note* Can’t help but love Ryan Gosling! Even when he plays a repressed, slightly creepy, nutty nerd, I still want to do him.
6. Let the Right One In
It took the fucking sweds to make a great vampire movie and reclaim this subgenre for real horror fans. With ambiguous morals, gore, and sweet coming of age tenderness this is truly one of my favorite horror movies of all time.
5. The Wrestler
What can I say about this film? Well, it’s a true masterpiece. I didn’t want to even see it at first and I am so glad I did. One of the best movies of all time; I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so emotional during a movie before, but the end when he throws the curtain back and walks out to Sweet Child o Mine I just can’t help but get shaky in the knees; the ring is where the Ram belongs!
4. Shaun of the Dead
Like I’ve said before I adore Edgar Wright. Not only a great zombie movie, but funny as fuck. The characters are amazing and I credit this crew with shining new light on the horror/comedy.
3. Wedding Crashers
Alright let the hate fly, but this movie is perfect as far as I’m concerned. I’m a sucker for bromances, but this movie delivers far more than a few jokes (although this movie is hysterical). The script and execution is impeccable, the story is creative, and the characters are more fun and lovable than any I’ve ever seen committed on screen. It’s foolproof. The chemistry between these two cannot be topped and they’re delivery and wit cannot be matched. Will Ferrell’s cameo at the end is not only the funniest, but up there with the best in a move ever; I’ve never been so pleasantly surprised by any cameo before in my life. I’m jealous of my 2005 self for getting the joy of seeing it for the first time. I could go on for hours about this one and I am prepared to
2. The Dark Knight
No explanation needed on this one. Far and away the best “superhero” movie and up there with some of the great crime movies of all time.
1. Inglourious Basterds
Far and away my favorite movie of the decade. I know I’m going to get killed for picking this, as not only number one in general, but picking it as my favorite Tarantino movie of the decade. I really feel like this one oozes Quentin, though. It’s cool, witty, and fun. This movie cannot have a cooler subject and the characters and dialogue just couldn’t get any better. Fuck the haters. *Side note* Ladies I know I don’t need to explain this one to you, but seriously was this movie not rainin men! Fuck Nine, this movie was the hottest movie of the year/ever, shit I was totally wishing I was a stranded woman in France that “accidently” stumbled upon this crew.
Once again, don't like it? Fuck you
P.S. For anyone who has actually read all this, thanks!
-Katie
Who doesn’t love spidey? Tobey Maguire just nails this character! The second one is when shit gets real, but it stays true to the character and never goes too deep or too cheesy. Alfred Molina was great as Doc Ock, but the number one reason I just love these movies is how cool it is to see Sam Raimi’s take on the superhero genre.
64. Cloverfield
I’m a sucker for the monster movies and the secrecy surrounding this flick just made it that much more fun. Sure, I had to pop some serious aspirin after catching it on the big screen, but the handheld added to the movies disarray. I thought the monster looked cool and the destruction was awesome. I wish I could see an “R” version of this, but hey it held up with “PG-13”.
63. Iron Man
My man RDJ, how could I resist? This was one of the superhero movies that helped bring critical validity to the genre, so of course I thank it for that. With movies like GI Joe, Ghost Rider, do I even need to go on? It just goes to show how wrong comic book movies can really go, so thank god for the ones like this. Can’t wait for Iron Man 2!
62. Every Michael Moore movie this decade
Okay I cheated on this one, but fuck it, who are you, Judge Judy? Anyway I couldn’t pick just one; I thought they were all great. Yea, people un-fairly hate on Michael Moore, but whatever, I think he makes some interesting and seriously fun documentaries.
61. High Tension
Like I’ve said a thousand times horror has been reawakened thanks to a few directors, this one included. The story is an awesome gore fest with an interesting twist. The movie starts out with some guy fucking a decapitated head, if that doesn’t convince you to watch the movie I don’t know what will.
60. Incident at Loch Ness
I just could not stop laughing at this movie. Werner Herzog is just one of those people you can’t help but just love. I love the way he talks and his accent adds to the joy he brings me. The movie is so artfully done, at times you can’t really tell what is actually happening and what parts are artistic license(of course I knew the nessie parts were fake, just thought I’d clear that up). If you want to watch a ridiculous, strange, and funny flick, catch this one on DVD.
59. Clerks II
I just love Kevin Smith and I think he can really do no wrong. When I heard he was making a Clerks II I was a little sketchy, but I could just punch my former self for thinking so. This movie was as funny as it was endearing; a great Kevin Smith picture.
58. Crank 2
I just love these movies. I remember waiting to watch the first one on DVD and afterwards I was so mad at myself that I missed it in theaters. I know people are going to crucify me for putting this one on the list, but suck it, this movie was great. The concepts no matter how outlandish are always creative and entertaining and I’ve certainly never seen a movie shot like this before. The camera is truly used as an artful, invisible tool to get the point across. Love it or hate it, the Cranks are ushering in the new wave of action.
57. Pineapple Express
People hate on this movie and I’m not sure why, to me it was great. It is one of the best stoner comedies and one of the better bff (f) movies. It’s not constricted or jammed into one genre, it is able to pass easily into action as it is into comedy; superb work.
56. Bourne Identity
I actually went to the theaters to see this not knowing what the fuck or who the fuck Bourne was. I was so glad I went after I popped a few aspirin. Definitely one of the pioneers of the new action flick.
55. X-Men 2
This was the best X-Men in my mind. I love how Bryan Singer can make a great “superhero” movie, but done so well its social/political allusions are endless. Everyone gives Iron Man the credit for ushering in the serious, deeper comic movies, but really I feel like the credit should be given to the first two X-Men, who started this trend back in 2000.
54. High Fidelity
Top five reasons I love this movie? 5) Yea sure it was dripping with hip, but I have to say it was in the best way possible. 4) The Evil Dead II conversation 3) Jack Black 2) John Cusack 1) Tim Robbins
53. Black Dynamite
The funniest movie of 2009 and so much fun! Finally a well made spoof movie! Donuts don’t wear alligator shoes.
52. House of the Devil
Such a fun movie! I’m so excited for horror; it looks like we have some good directors emerging to take the genre back from remakes and bullshit. *Side note for gore hounds* Don’t worry the beginning starts off tame, but wait until the end and you won’t be disappointed!
51. Saw
I was so shocked when I saw Saw. I had put it off thinking it was just some new age horror crap, but I actually really enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun following the plot and trying to figure out the twists.
50. Trick r Treat
Falling in line with Creepshow this has got to be one of the best compilation, story within a story type movies ever made. With its creative plots, its super fun for horror fans and the general audience alike.
49. Cabin Fever
Once again, such a relief to have another great movie to save horror fans from the awful early 00’s. A funny, campy, haunting, and creative film that has horror fans everywhere, or at least myself, rejoicing.
48. Mystic River
A loaded cast, based on a great book, and it’s about child molestin, a winning combo for a great film. I would like to add one of the most haunting scenes in cinema would have to be when little Tim Robbins is trapped at that place with the molesters, my heart sinks every time.
47. Oceans 11
This movie has such a great cast I couldn’t resist! It turned out to be a super cool, laid-back heist movie; of course I didn’t expect any less of Soderbergh.
46. Little Miss Sunshine
Who could resist this one? Such a sweet movie about functional dysfunction. Let’s admit it everyone can see their family in this film. No? Only me?
45. Revolutionary Road
I was not expecting to enjoy this movie at all, sure I was looking forward to the Kate/Leo team- up just like anyone else, but I thought it was going to be extremely cheesy, heavy handed, film student porn, but I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was super good. It turned out to be so much more than exposing the underbelly of suburban living. A real unexpected gem, this one.
44. Revenge of the Sith
The last of the prequels and I have to say it’s the best. I did enjoy the others, so whatever, hate if you want, but Revenge of the Sith is really the one I felt was great.
43. Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
I really enjoyed this one; brought a lot to think about in a colorful and exciting new way. Even halting production and adding three new faces to play the same guy couldn’t stop this picture. Out of tragedy we still got something Heath could have been proud of; I honestly couldn’t imagine the story told any other way. Although this film comes with a bittersweet ending; this is all we have left of a truly amazing, legendary, young actor.
42. Children of Men
I’m really not sure what to say about this one besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it. A real, true work of art.
41. Moon
Such an underappreciated movie in my eyes. It’s cool to see new movies being added to the sci fi genre, especially in what seems like a drought. I’m excited to see more by Duncan Jones.
40. Sin City
Fuck yea and fuck you if you don’t like it.
39. Memento
Such an interesting story structure. I remember my 12 year old mind was blown when I saw this.
38. The Departed
Loaded cast. Directed by Scorsese. Enough said.
37. Watchmen
I first had mixed feelings about this film, several viewings later; I realized I liked it…a lot. For something that was supposed to be unfilmable Zack Snyder did a pretty damn good job.
36. 28 days later…
To get a well made horror movie in the early 00’s was like asking Jesus himself to make a movie. I was so pleasantly surprised to see such a gem come from such an awful time for horror.
35. The Host
Like I said before I love monster movies, but I’ve realized how underexploited they are. It was refreshing to see that some directors understand the greatness and versatility of the genre.
34. The Hangover
Who doesn’t love this movie? Hilarious and such a great crew-buddy comedy.
33. Audition
Piano wire scene. That’s all I have to say.
32. A Serious Man
Typical Co bros picture and I of course ate it up. Darkly funny, intensely frustrating, and depressing, what could be a better combination?
31. Zodiac
I have done my research on the Zodiac murderer and before stepping into the theater I thought he was the least scary of all serial killers, however as I walked out I was sort of freaked. This movie was so artfully suspenseful; it even got someone like me nervous. David Fincher never fails to impress.
30. A.I.
Remember a time when Haley Joel Osment wasn’t an alcoholic? Unfortunately this new generation probably doesn’t even recognize the name, and what a shame, when we look back at such roles as this. This movie was beautiful and nicely executed. Spielberg truly has a monopoly on the family friendly yet dark sci fi pictures and rightfully so.
29. Fantastic Mr. Fox
The fantastic Mr. Anderson! Super cute flick, but with that quirk and wit that Wes Anderson never fails to deliver.
28. Hotel Rwanda
I love the Cheads, but I also have to make a shout out to my man Keir, who wrote the script and who is also the best professor at Saddleback! I will probably never watch this movie again because of how sad and horrifying it is, and that is a testament to how great it is.
27. 40 year old virgin
One of the funniest movies ever made. I remember just watching it and laughing and laughing. There’s just nothing like an Apatow film.
26. Grindhouse
Fuck I enjoyed these movies so much. I just gave them another watch and realized how underappreciated these are! Grindhouse is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in a theater. The trailers were hilarious, Planet Terror was so much fun and Death Proof had some of the coolest characters and next to memento the most interesting story structure.
25. Adaptation
I consider this to be the most Kaufman-esque of all his films (besides Synecdoche of course) and it is my favorite. The characters were great, the inner dialogue/ the dialogue in general, was super funny. And there were two Nick Cages, need I say more?
24. An Education
A movie that was not on the top of my list to see this year, but I’m sure glad I went. The charming, sexy, bad-boy, older man character has to be really well done for me to fall for it. Because honestly I get really hung up on things like borderline child molestation, but in the end I fell right into his honey pot like all the rest of the characters. Speaking of the characters, they were just great in this, right down to the mother and father. It also spoke extra volumes to me, since, this was one of those experience in which you’re kind of going through the same thing at the same time as the main character. *I related to her struggle with school and her education, not the older man part, just wanted to clarify that.*
23. Spirited Away
I don’t like Anime, but I will make exceptions for Miazaki films. Spirited Away was actually the first of his films I saw and was really amazed. The Spirited Away world is so awesome I watched this one on tape (showing my age) everyday for like a week when I first got it and couldn’t get enough.
22. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
PJams! Next to Quentin my favorite director. Although this trilogy, to me, is only his second best work, it still deserves a spot on this list. I was not a fan of the books at all and wasn’t really excited for these movies, nonetheless, I went to see Fellowship opening weekend and was hooked. These movies are epic, but still have PJ’s signature stamp on them. Just terrific work.
21. Up
As hard as it is to pick a favorite Pixar movie I’ve done it! This one of course had the talking dogs, which I just adored! But I just thought the plot to this one was head and shoulders above any other animation out there. Taking a mean spirited, old man, a terribly annoying kid, and an outlandish concept and making it not only heartwarming and believable, but sympathetic, is just applause worthy. I’ll never know how Pixar can take the most ludicrous things and make them fantastically loveable, but they’ve wowed me every time.
20. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Although I see this one as less of a Charlie Kaufman movie and more of the director’s own work, than his others, I can still see his influence seeping in. Such an interesting plot and the visuals are so cool. I always thought about how cool it would be to project dreams/thoughts and this surprisingly surpassed even my imagination.
19. Pan’s Labyrinth
I saw this before it got its wide release and no one knew what the fuck it was. I immediately told all my pals to check it out and about a month later it was everywhere, does that up my hip cred? In all seriousness though, this film was magical, well darkly so, but magical none the less. Guillermo’s true masterpiece.
18. No Country for Old Men
One of the Co bros best movies, and I don’t think anyone’s arguing me there, so do I really need to say more?
17. Avatar
I will repeat it over again Avatar is a true auteur’s work. The 3D is off the fucking chain and the plot is a lot better than people seem to think. People who don’t like it are just ignorant and probably not very film literate. If you can’t see how revolutionary both the story and special effects are, you’re deliberately not looking.
16. Bad Lieutenant Port of Call: New Orleans
I had an idea how crazy this movie might be going into it, but I was actually surprised at how good it was. Nick Cage gives one of his best performances here, as one crazy motherfucker; I couldn’t tell Nick Cage from a real crack addict and that’s a compliment.
15. Hot Fuzz
I adore Mr. Wright. This movie never gets old, I could watch it over and over, as I so have. A great comedy, but also one of the coolest buddy cop/action movies ever made, I’ll actually go as far as to say one of the most perfect movies ever made, to me anyway.
14. Drag me to Hell
It is probably no surprise I’m a Raimi fan and I feel like this is his second best picture. I remember feeling so high after I watched this in theaters. I actually just watched it again the other day and the feeling didn’t fade. Such a great gift not only for Raimi fans, but to the horror genre.
13. There will be Blood
Such a fantastic movie, a true masterpiece. D-Day is of course great and PTA is, as always, on his game. I realized when I read Oil! how creative the plot was, as the script is really only loosely based on similar characters and plot points in the book. If possible I gain more respect for this film every time I watch it.
12. Up in the Air
Boy I love that Cloons! In this he really shines. This film is just really superb and the characters are just so well written/developed. Being as great as it is, only furthers my point that movies in general, specifically Jason Reitman’s flicks, are so much better without Diablo Cody.
11. American Psycho
I absolutely love this movie. There is nothing better than a pop culture loving, lecture giving serial killer. One of the best horror movies ever made.
10. 25th hour
One of my greatest fears is going to prison, and I often think about what your life would be like right after sentencing, but before your prison term starts. This movie thoroughly explores this, while also delving more into post 9/11 politics. Just a terrific film
9. Kill Bill vol. 1&2
Fucking awesome. I’m a sucker for revenge, especially brutal revenge. The bride empowers women everywhere, well me at least.
8. Royal Tenenbaums
Wes Anderson’s masterpiece. I don’t know what else to say.
7. Lars and the Real Girl
Proof that indie movies don’t have to be depressing and disheartening to be good. Not only is this a creative idea, but they turned such a creepy concept into something sweet and heartwarming. Seriously after watching this I decided if this town existed, I would drop everything, pack up my shit, and move. I normally don’t like movies so warm and fuzzy, but even the blackest of hearts can’t help, but fall in love with this flick. *Side note* Can’t help but love Ryan Gosling! Even when he plays a repressed, slightly creepy, nutty nerd, I still want to do him.
6. Let the Right One In
It took the fucking sweds to make a great vampire movie and reclaim this subgenre for real horror fans. With ambiguous morals, gore, and sweet coming of age tenderness this is truly one of my favorite horror movies of all time.
5. The Wrestler
What can I say about this film? Well, it’s a true masterpiece. I didn’t want to even see it at first and I am so glad I did. One of the best movies of all time; I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so emotional during a movie before, but the end when he throws the curtain back and walks out to Sweet Child o Mine I just can’t help but get shaky in the knees; the ring is where the Ram belongs!
4. Shaun of the Dead
Like I’ve said before I adore Edgar Wright. Not only a great zombie movie, but funny as fuck. The characters are amazing and I credit this crew with shining new light on the horror/comedy.
3. Wedding Crashers
Alright let the hate fly, but this movie is perfect as far as I’m concerned. I’m a sucker for bromances, but this movie delivers far more than a few jokes (although this movie is hysterical). The script and execution is impeccable, the story is creative, and the characters are more fun and lovable than any I’ve ever seen committed on screen. It’s foolproof. The chemistry between these two cannot be topped and they’re delivery and wit cannot be matched. Will Ferrell’s cameo at the end is not only the funniest, but up there with the best in a move ever; I’ve never been so pleasantly surprised by any cameo before in my life. I’m jealous of my 2005 self for getting the joy of seeing it for the first time. I could go on for hours about this one and I am prepared to
2. The Dark Knight
No explanation needed on this one. Far and away the best “superhero” movie and up there with some of the great crime movies of all time.
1. Inglourious Basterds
Far and away my favorite movie of the decade. I know I’m going to get killed for picking this, as not only number one in general, but picking it as my favorite Tarantino movie of the decade. I really feel like this one oozes Quentin, though. It’s cool, witty, and fun. This movie cannot have a cooler subject and the characters and dialogue just couldn’t get any better. Fuck the haters. *Side note* Ladies I know I don’t need to explain this one to you, but seriously was this movie not rainin men! Fuck Nine, this movie was the hottest movie of the year/ever, shit I was totally wishing I was a stranded woman in France that “accidently” stumbled upon this crew.
Once again, don't like it? Fuck you
P.S. For anyone who has actually read all this, thanks!
-Katie
Monday, January 4, 2010
Top films of 09
21.Capitalism a Love Story
20.Me and Orson Welles
19. House of the Devil
18. The Lovely Bones
17. Observe and Report
16. Fantastic Mr. Fox
15. Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
14. An Education
13. Crank 2
12. Black Dynamite
11. Watchmen
10. Moon
9. The Hangover
8. A Serious Man
7. Trick r Treat
6. Up
5. Avatar
4. Bad Lieutenant Port of Call: New Orleans
3. Drag Me to Hell
2. Up in the Air
1. Inglourious Basterds
I would like to make some honorable mentions: A Single Man, Zombieland, Extract, Antichrist, Big Fan, Star Trek, Sunshine Cleaning, and the Hurt Locker (I would put it on my list, but it's getting so much love already I didn't feel the need)
If you don't like it go fuck yourself
-Katie
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