Queen Nancy Meyers

Movie going these days can be a gamble but there are two directors that are always a sure bet. First, whenever I want a smart sci-fi drama or thriller, I look to Christopher Nolan. When I want to laugh or see a good romantic comedy, I can never go wrong with the fabulous Nancy Meyers. From Father of the Bride and What Women Want to the lovely Something’s Gotta Give & romantic The Holiday, Nancy never fails. When I saw It’s Complicated (my favorite film of hers), I realized she was something special and immediately put her at the top of my list. Her characters are real, her sets are vivid, her scripts are wonderful, the music is perfect, everything about a Nancy Meyers picture is top notch. So I marked my calendar based on her track record, every three years we get a new movie. After 2009’s It’s Complicated, I waited until December 2012 believing I’d get a film but instead I got nothing. I heard about this movie she was attached to called The Intern but hadn’t heard anything else about it. I remember seeing an article on THR talking about it and Tina Fey who was attached to star, but nothing further. Finally, I heard the film was coming out this year and I couldn’t be more excited. My initial 3 year wait turned into 6 years and I was beyond hungry for a new project from her. Luckily last Wednesday, I scored tickets to see her film and I immediately changed my plans to see it. And I must say, once again Nancy knocks it out of the park!

While I still think her last three were my favorites, The Intern was fantastic! It was a little different as it wasn’t necessarily a romantic comedy but more of a friendship comedy as she’s described it. Just comparing the trailers  of her other movies and this will tell you it’s a new tone.  The film is also her first one (that I remember) to take place fully on the East coast, which I loved. The second half does fall back into classic Nancy Meyers tone. The change actually made the movie work for me as I didn’t know it would bring up real issues. The film brings to light the new working woman as well as how careers have evolved. There’s also this great contrast between Ben (Robert De Niro) and the other younger interns that points out (like the trailer says) how men have changed. It’s all really great. While not as funny as It’s Complicated, there were still great humorous moments. The acting is fantastic but we shouldn’t have expected otherwise from this caliber of talent. As usual with Nancy, the music, sets, script, fashion and story are all stellar. I think that’s one of the reason’s I love her, she only works with the best and it truly shows. I loved The Intern and I definitely recommend it! Nancy gives us another hit, I just hope its not another 6 years until her next one.

 

 

My Favorite Nancy Meyers Movies (Ranked)

1. It’s Complicated
2. The Holiday
3. Something’s Gotta Give
4. The Intern
5. What Women Want
6. The Parent Trap

 

Randomly Inundated: Lena & Issa, Jurassic World, Tamia, Florence and OITNB

Randomly Inundated

I’ve been so busy lately but I’m gonna wrap it all up in one post that I’m calling “Randomly Inundated”. In this post, I’m gonna briefly share my thoughts on Issa Rae’s new book Awkward Black Girl and my confusion with the universal interest of Lena Dunham. Also, I travelled back to my 90s childhood this weekend and saw the amazing Jurassic World! Meanwhile, Tamia surprised us with one of my favorite albums this year and I’m still being slayed by the new Florence + The Machine album. Finally, its OITNB weekend!

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Awkward Black Girl vs Not That Kind Of Girl 

It seemed like last Fall I saw Lena Dunham on every late night couch and news outlet promoting her new memoir. Before her book was even written, there was conversation about it. I think she’s a great writer and I think she worked hard for where she is but there’s just something about her that reads “privileged try hard”. Issa Rae has been someone I always loved, she’s really funny and she’s carved her own way. Back in February, I saw her on an Instagram post with Kid Fury & Crissle talking about a book. I thought it was something with beginning to brainstorm but after research, I learned her book had been out for almost a month. What? Where was she promoting this book? I definitely would’ve been out to support her. Why wasn’t she afforded the same promotional outlets as Lena? So recently I got around to reading both books and I’ll start with Lena’s Not That Kind Of Girl. I’m sure it was interesting to someone, but honestly it was just like someone typed a 300 page transcript of a Lena Dunham interview. I had a little interest in the chapter about her life after college but other than that, it was an undirected mess. I know I sound biased but I just expected so much more with the acclaim that Lena gets with everything. I finished Issa Rae’s Awkward Black Girl book this week and I loved it! Maybe its because I relate to Issa a lot more. I think she was able to capture the ups & downs of her life and see the humor in it. There were moments I actually laughed out loud at this book and that never happens. I’m not gonna just rip Lena Dunham apart, as I believe her story should be told too, I just hope that Issa’s story gets the same shine in the future. Bottom line, Awkward Black Girl is a great read and I definitely recommend. I loved it!

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JURASSIC WORLD!

 

OMG! So I saw this in IMAX on Saturday and I LOVED it! It was so fun and it took me back to my childhood. Chris Pratt & Bryce Dallas Howard were fantastic in their roles and I can’t wait to see a sequel. Job well done!

Jurassic World: 8.5/10

Side note: Does anyone else think about the lawsuits & jail time that would actually happen after everything?

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Florence + The Machine and Tamia 

 

2015 was looking like a very boring music year. Honestly, I hadn’t been interested in anyone’s album since Jazmine Sullivan and Kendrick Lamar. Then June came around now I think I’ll definitely be getting the life that I’ve been needing from my iTunes. First, I am a STAN for Florence + The Machine! Their music is so cinematic and it takes me into a heavenly state, I’ve loved them since 2010. Their third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful , is arguably their best yet. I love the production of their first two albums (Lungs and Ceremonials). The songwriting and the instruments are just flawless. This outing, it seems the band is a lot more reserved, but it works perfectly because its resulted in a more soulful project. Florence has an amazing voice and it finally gets the chance to shine on this project. I predict this being one of the best albums of the year. Tamia, on the other hand, released one of most refreshing R&B albums I’ve heard lately. Love Life is filled with mature and sultry R&B. Tamia has always  been a favorite of mine. I love her voice and she’s always presented herself as classy. She’s the perfect example of how you don’t have to scream to give a great vocal performance, she has such crisp vocals. I knew it would be a good album but I must say I was blown away and I think it will also be in my top albums of the year. I give both of these albums an A- .

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Orange Is The New Black

 

 

OITNB binge weekend is finally here! Although, I’ve been a little slower watching this season, I think I’m in for a treat.  What I’ve seen so far makes me think it will be the best season yet.  I know there has been some criticism about the more somber tone this season but I’m loving it! I like this tone a lot more than the outrageous (and great) tone from last season. I feel the writing is amazing this year and its really touching on the emotional side of things. This show definitely has the best writers room in media. The ability to tell these diverse stories takes work and I continue to be blown away each season. So far, I give it an A!

In A Nutshell | Entourage

Entourage (The Movie)

 

 

In a nutshell, Entourage is a fantastic gift to all of those who loved Vince & the gang. The film is a fun ride with so many moments that took you right back to all your favorite episodes. Vince is still the guy with the lifestyle we dream of having. Ari is still the hilarious fire that energized the series. The boys are still the perfect support we wish we had. The movie wraps up the series better than the television ending and gives fans a nice treat. I loved the show and really enjoyed this movie and anyone who was a fan should feel the same. This movie really hugs everything out with the fans. There’s also many great cameos!

 

In A Nutshell | Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road

When I saw the Comic-Con footage for Mad Max: Fury Road last summer, I put it on the top of my list of films to see in 2015. It looked vivid, action packed and it also starred the amazing Charlize Theron & Tom Hardy. I wasn’t that familiar with the original films but it still had my attention.  Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited by Warner Brothers to an exclusive pre-screening. Since seeing it, I haven’t been able to stop thinking and raving about it. Believe the hype, its great!

In a nutshell, Mad Max: Fury Road was a FREAKING MASTERPIECE! This was one of the most fun, thrilling and visually stunning rides I’ve ever been on cinematically. It started with a bang and never lost its thrill. Hats off to George Miller, it took him 30 years to make this and it was worth the time & effort. I definitely recommend it and I’ll be checking it out again this weekend in IMAX. Loved it, one of the best movies I’ve seen this decade!

 

 

In A Nutshell: Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2

 

I’m starting a new section of my blog called “In A Nutshell”. Basically, its going to be a one (to few) sentence review of something I’m listening to, reading or watching/saw. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an advanced screening of the musical comedy sequel Pitch Perfect 2 and I thought it would be perfect to start with. 

 

In a nutshell, Pitch Perfect 2 was a fun followup that made me laugh and want to sing along. If you liked the first one, you should really enjoy this one. I wasn’t the hugest fan of the original (liked it) but this one was great and I’d recommend it for viewing.

 

And there you have it, Pitch Perfect 2 in a nutshell.

Favorite New TV of 2014

As you may have heard, television is growing again in creative innovation. This year saw some great new additions to my TV watching schedule. Here’s what were my favs this year.

6. Broad City

5. Silicon Valley

4. How To Get Away With Murder

3. Gotham

2. Survivors Remorse

1. Black-ish

 

 

Favorite Movies of 2014

10. Guardians of the Galaxy

9. Belle

8. Interstellar

7. Edge of Tomorrow

6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

5. Dear White People

4. About Last Night

3. Begin Again

2. Chef

 

Overall, I would say 2014 was a fairly decent year for film. However, it what I liked was very surprising because I wasn’t aware of the films prior. I had no idea who Guardians of the Galaxy were in the MCU but went in and ended up having a fun ride. I never knew about the history surrounding Belle and then I saw the movie and learned so much while placing Gugu Mbatha-Raw as one of my favorite new actresses. Edge of Tomorrow and Interstellar both played with my mind and had me thinking afterwards. Up until now, Captain America was probably my least favorite Avenger but after the Winter Soldier, he became the most intriguing. I think after the Avengers, this was the most action packed Marvel movie ever. Dear White People was funny and very thought provoking, I loved it. About Last Night, Begin Again and Chef were very heartwarming stories that kept me engaged. Chef in particular had so many layers and pulled everything off well. I loved the themes and visuals and became attached to the story. But out of everything I saw, the one film that packed the most punch was…

 

 

1. Gone Girl

 

WOW! This movie not only blew me away but took me on so many twists and turns on such a dark ride. I absolutely loved it. I read the book a while ago and loved it too, its probably one of my favorite books. With that being said, this was one of the best adaptations of a book I’ve ever seen. I was engaged like I didn’t know what happened.  Hats off to David, Ben and Rosamund. So GOOD!

Favorite Albums of 2014

10. Maroon 5 – V

9. Chris Brown – X

8. J. Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive

7. Sia – 1000 Forms of Fear

6. Mariah Carey – Me. I Am Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse

5. Azealia Banks – Broke With Expensive Taste

4. D’Angelo & The Vanguard – Black Messiah

3. Mary J. Blige – The London Sessions

2. Rochelle Jordan – 1021

 

Being dead honest this was a really weak year in music. However, there were still some gems scattered throughout. Maroon 5 gave us some great pop/rock gems putting us in a California chill mode. While many disagreed, I felt Chris Brown gave one of the strongest albums of his career with very catchy songs. Sia successfully launched from songwriter to her own successful singing career, while delivering a very emotional yet mainstream effort. Azealia Banks gave us one of the most refreshing hip hop albums I’ve heard in a long time and Mary J. Blige branched out to a new sound that I enjoy on her. D’Angelo and J. Cole gave us a surprises year end releases that were sonic & lyrical delights, adding flavor to a bland year. Mariah Carey also released what I feel is her best album since Emancipation. I also want to highlight one of my favorite underground artists, Rochelle Jordan. I’ve been trying to keep everyone in the know about her since her 2012 “Pressure” mixtape, which I LOVED. It seems like every single song she makes is perfect and her debut studio album didn’t disappoint. While these were all great (and you should check them out) the best album of 2014 has to go to………..

 

1. Pharrell – Girl

Pharrell is one of my all time favorite artists and producers. Like Rochelle, everything he does, I love. This album finally showed the real Pharrell and this is what I feel a true body of work is. It told a story and had a lot of fun while taking you on musical journey. “Girl” is not only my favorite album of 2014 but quickly rising in one of my all time favorites. And there you have it!

 

Honorable Mention:

Jhene Aiko – Souled Out

Eric Bellinger – The Rebirth

Sebastian Mikael – Speechless

Trey Songz – Trigga

Kelis – Food

I’m Back Tomorrow Stay Tuned

Oscar Predictions 2014

Hi guys, its been a long time. As you know, tonight is my favorite night of award season. The OSCARS! The O in EGOT (which by the way we could possibly have a new member of this society tonight). With careful thought I’ve strategized about who could be taking home those coveted golden statues tonight. My predictions are below.

 

Best Picture: 12 Years A Slave

Of all the films nominated, this one got critical acclaim all across the board. Its also my favorite of the nominated films. It was so powerful. For that emotion alone, it deserves this award and it will more than likely take it.

Best Actor: Matthew McConughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Matthew is a great actor and I’m very impressed with the films that he’s choosing to do these days. While he’s not who I would prefer to win (I want Leo or Chiwetel), I’m nearly positive he will take this. His transformation was unreal.

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Blue Jasmine may not have been the best film but in terms of performance. Cate nailed it. The movie made me realize how great of an actress she is, I was familiar with her work but this proved to me why she’s good. She played a great self centered character and the last scene alone sealed could garner her the award.

Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto

I may feel a different way about Matthew for this same film but not with Jared. He deserves this award. He went through a transformation that made him unrecognizable but he also backed it up with a strong performance. This award is his.

Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o 

This is Lupita’s year. She’s starring in the #1 film right now and she’s looked at as a beauty/style icon. Her performance as Patsy in “12 Years A Slave” broke my heart and I knew she was gonna be a force this season. She’s got the hype but also the talent. Lupita without a doubt will go home with a golden statue tonight!

Best Animated Feature: Frozen

This movie just crossed the BILLION dollar mark and has all the hype (and overhype) in the world. Enough said.

Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)

Alfonso had a challenge with Gravity and he ended up delivering a great product. This is his.

Best Original Score: Steven Price (Gravity)

I choose the score of this film because after I saw the movie, I actually loved the score so much that I worked out to it a few times (ha). But it was really good and definitely the best of the nominees. It was tense and matched the emotion of the film quite well.

Sidenote: I’m still shocked that Hans Zimmer wasn’t nominated.

Best Original Song: “Let It Go” (Frozen)

Again, for the film being hyped. The same goes for this song. However its exciting that the composer, Robert Lopez, could become the next EGOT if he wins tonight. You know I’m all for that accomplishment! I’d love for Pharrell to win for “Happy” but with him getting more and more calls to score movies, his day will come soon.

Best Visual Effects: Gravity

I seriously thought I was in space watching Gravity. It has to take it.

Best Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years A Slave

John Ridley will win an Oscar tonight.

Best Original Screenplay: Her

This was probably the most creative script this year and I believe the Academy will recognize that.

Best Cinematography: Gravity

Once again, I thought I was in space while watching this movie.

Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby

While I enjoyed the film, critics didn’t feel the same. However, in this category, I don’t think there’s any competition. The fashion and style of the film were dazzling and head on.

Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby

I think TGG will take this because of the lavish sets. They probably had the most work to do creating that world which was so layered and beautiful on screen. This award is theirs.