Alamo Drafthouse: The Grand Budapest Hotel

After our Jailbreak Run, Gerred and I drove out to Austin to visit the Alamo Drafthouse, a theater chain that has been dubbed the "Best Theater Ever" by Time Magazine and "#1 Theater in America" by Entertainment Weekly. Why? Because this theater has a bar and restaurant set into the cinema. It even caters to quote-a-longs and sing-a-longs and shows cult and classic films.

Gerred and I made the trek to see The Grand Budapest Hotel because both of us became big Wes Anderson films after seeing Moonrise Kingdom. We began to gobble up more of his work soon after like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Rushmore. Obviously, we still need to see Bottle Rocket. The Grand Budapest Hotel fits the Wes Anderson feel. This one is particularly hilarious and dark.

It was great to see the reoccuring Wes Anderson cast of Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton and Edward Norton. I love how it's a story within a story within a story. I also loved that the countries of Austria, Germany, and Budapest were combined into one "Lutz" during the 1930's where he combines both wars into "the war." He'd created his own history of one we all know.

Alamo Drafthouse provided us with the key cross club pins and we ordered Mendl's pastries from the movie and delightful movie-themed cocktails to have with the film. In the end we got to dress up like the characters Zero and Agatha.I would love to visit a theater like this again and definitely recommend the film to you all.

Regardons-le en Français

J'aime la langue française, though I'm a little rusty. For the past few events for Cultural Ambassadors (a club on campus headed by the Global Education Office), I've planned foreign movie nights of only French films: Romantics Anonymous and The Intouchables. The movies were such a big hit it got me thinking that there are a ton of great French movies out there that I love.

Romantics Anonymous (2011)

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Two people with intense anxiety + chocolate = a strangely cute love story
To sum it up even further its"Amelie meets Chocolat" Film Journal International,

Summary from Tribeca: Romantics Anonymous tells the story of Angélique (Isabelle Carré), a gifted chocolate-maker whose uncontrollable shyness prevents her from acknowledging her talents. Struggling chocolatier Jean-René (Benoît Poelvoorde), who also suffers from a similar case of awkward bashfulness that threatens to drown his company, hires Angelique as his new sales associate. Realizing she's attracted to her boss, Angelique decides to anonymously develop a new line of chocolates to save the company. With the future of the business hanging in the balance, Angelique and Jean-Rene must overcome their limitations and confess their sweet affections for one another in this delectable comedy.

The Intouchables (2012)

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Guy from the projects helps out handicapped millionaire = friendship 

Summary from Weinstein: An irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility, The Intouchables has broken box office records in its native France and across Europe. Based on a true story of friendship between a handicap millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

 

L'auberge Espagnole (2002)

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International students studying abroad in Spain live together in one apartment which is essentially my Senior Year at WAC in a nutshell.

Summary from Mark Deming, Rovi: A man eager to learn Spanish gets an education he wasn't expecting in this comedy drama. Xavier (Romain Duris) enrolls in a language program inBarcelona. Upon his arrival, Xavier moves into a large house shared by a large group of students from all over Europe. Xavier finds that his ideas and attitudes are challenged in a positive way by the diverse personalities of his housemates, and that his loyalty to Martine is tested by his attraction to Anne-Sophie (Judith Godrèche), a sweet but lonesome woman from France who has been away from her husband for too long.

Mesrine: Killer Instict (2007) and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2010)

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Bad ass guy + crime + prison time = More bad ass guy

Summary from Nathan Southern, Rovi: This tough and gritty French-language crime drama represents the premier installment in a two-part series of features on the life and doings of notorious Gallic hood Jacques Mesrine (1936-1979). Beginning in 1979, with Mesrine's uncommonly violent death, whereby he and a beautiful young woman are suddenly (and fatally) ambushed by Parisian police not far from Mesrine's place of birth. Richet then flashes back to the Franco-Algerian War of the late '50s and a brutal interrogation undergone by Mesrine. Following a military discharge, Mesrine returns to his parents' suburb of Clichy, where his dad has arranged a pathetic job for him in a lace-making factory. Never one to take humiliation lying down, Jacques perceives burglary, larceny, and racketeering as much-superior options and decides to pursue a life of crime via a "business partnership" with childhood buddy Paul (Gilles Lellouche), who works for mobster Guido (Gérard Depardieu). As the years pass, Jacques works his way up through the ranks of the underworld; via Paul, he also meets and falls hard for two women: Pigalle streetwalker Sarah (Florence Thomassin), and Sofia (Elena Anaya), a beautiful Spanish woman with whom he cohabitates after doing time in a French prison. Following a brief and unsuccessful attempt to "go straight," Jacques reconnects with Guido, then finds it necessary to escape from France to Canada with his new mistress, Jeanne (Cécile De France). Unfortunately, another prison sentence is waiting for him there, replete with brutal solitary confinement, but the possibility of a daring escape beckons.

Amelie (2001)

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Quirky girl does quirky things.

Summary from Mark Deming, Rovi: One woman decides to change the world by changing the lives of the people she knows in this charming and romantic comic fantasy from director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Amelie (Audrey Tautou) is a young woman who had a decidedly unusual childhood; misdiagnosed with an unusual heart condition, Amelie didn't attend school with other children, but spent most of her time in her room, where she developed a keen imagination and an active fantasy life. Her mother Amandine (Lorella Cravotta) died in a freak accident when Amelie was eight, and her father Raphael (Rufus) had limited contact with her, since his presence seemed to throw her heart into high gear. Despite all this, Amelie has grown into a healthy and beautiful young woman who works in a cafe and has a whimsical, romantic nature. When Princess Diana dies in a car wreck in the summer of 1997, Amelie is reminded that life can be fleeting and she decides it's time for her to intervene in the lives of those around her, hoping to bring a bit of happiness to her neighbors and the regulars at the cafe. Amelie starts by bringing together two lonely people -- Georgette (Isabelle Nanty), a tobacconist with a severe case of hypochondria, and Joseph (Dominique Pinon), an especially ill-tempered customer. When Amelie finds a box of old toys in her apartment, she returns them to their former owner, Mr. Bretodeau (Maurice Benichou), sending him on a reverie of childhood. Amelie befriends Dufayel (Serge Merlin), an elderly artist living nearby whose bones are so brittle, thanks to a rare disease, that everything in his flat must be padded for his protection. And Amelie decides someone has to step into the life of Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz), a lonely adult video store clerk and part-time carnival spook-show ghost who collects pictures left behind at photo booths around Paris. Le Fabuleux Destin D'Amelie Poulain received unusually enthusiastic advance reviews prior to its French premiere in the spring of 2001, and was well received at a special free screening at that year's Cannes Film Festival.

Know any other great French films or any other foreign films worth the watch?

Harry Potter Studio London

The last part of the weekend trip to London ended perfectly with the trip to the Warner Brother Studios for a tour of The Making of Harry Potter. I was calm all the way there until we walked inside and I lost my cool and started jumping up and down in excitement because I was going to see where the Harry Potter movies were filmed and walk through them discovering all the movie magic!

When I walked through the doors of the great hall my jaw dropped. I got to see everything in the films up close and it all just seemed even more magical just being there. I walked by the uniforms, the fire place, the tables, the gargoyles, all the way up to the head table where the house points were along with Dumbledore's owl podium. I just felt like I was about to be sorted into my house right there.

After exiting the Great Hall, I came across the Boy's Dormitory and the Gryffindor Common Room. The deep red and golds, the tapestries. Such a beautiful set fit for the Gryffindor House. Did you know the portrait on the wall is supposed to be a young Minerva McGonagall.

Another great part of the tour was that not only did they show the sets but all the rest of that movie magic. I got to see the beautiful costumes of the Yule Ball, Snape's wig, Creature masks and animatronics, and architecture. Everything just seemed so alive. 

Dumbledore's Office. I was never fully aware of the architecture of the room before. It has three levels that extend into an observatory and a lower basement like area. There's books everywhere and astronomical devices. I loved seeing the pensive in there along with the sorting hat and the sword of Godric Gryffindor.

Then came the outdoor part where I got to see the flying car, Number 4 Privet Drive, drink a glass of Butterbeer, see the triple decker night bus, and Godric's Hollow.

And at the very end there was a ballroom sized room filled with a large model of Hogwarts. I walked around and the Harry Potter theme began to play as the lights changed from day to night. Little yellow lights went on inside the castle and everything was magical. I really almost cried because a childhood dream came true.

This was an amazing trip to England and The Making of Harry Potter made it so. I advise anyone traveling around England to pay it a visit especially if you're a Potter Head like me.

Shannon

Moonrise Kingdom

I decided to see Moonrise Kingdom without checking into it too much. I did not watch a trailer. I did not read into it. I just decided to go. I'm glad I did because Moonrise Kindgom is now one of my favorites and I definitely need to share its greatness here.

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This whimsical and quirky film by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola tells the story of two very troubled tweens (12-year olds to be exact) who run off together on an adventure across a small island in New England. While the police officer (Bruce Willis,) Scout Leader (Edward Norton) and the girls parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) search for the children a storm is ready to hit the island in three days time.

This Romeo and Juliet like movie is done spectacularly with stunning cinematography, dialogue, structure, and even fashion. Moonrise Kingdom captures a feel that is disturbingly magical that will definitely make you smile and laugh a lot.

I hope you go see it!

Shannon

The Hunger Games Music

Friday night, I went with Gerred's squad to see the Hunger Games again. I'm normally not a twice in theaters kind of girl, but it really is such a good movie. The feel is just so perfect that I want to keep it for awhile longer, thus I've been listening to all sorts of Hunger Games music.

There's some really great songs on the soundtrack including great artists from Taylor Swift, Kid Cudi, The Civil Wars, to The Decemberists. My favorite song on there is Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars. All the music is honestly mind blowing. Seriously though I could listen to this soundtrack on a loop while studying or driving and be perfectly in my zone.

The Hanging Tree (Hunger Games Arrangement)

Aside from the official score and soundtrack of the film, there are some beautiful fan made songs out there. Like this version of the hanging tree from Mockingjay that is absolutely chilling.

May the songs be ever in your favor.

Shannon

Hunger Games

 

I saw the Hunger Games midnight premiere and it was a complete adrenaline rush. I was on the edge of my seat with each action in the arena and had goosebumps the whole time.

What really kept me connected with the story were the quick shots that followed Katniss's sight of crowds and the competition. I felt like I was there with her and it definitely got my heart beating with nervousness for her. The slow breathing archery shots really did it too.

The Districts, the Capital, and all the characters were artistic and definitely similar to what I had pictured in my head, but even better. I was blown away by the uses of wild color in the people of the capital, juxtaposed with the people of the districts.

Though like any book made into a movie, I have my own projections of what should have happened. I believe that Peeta's real love for Katniss should have been more evident since it came off as if he were just acting for the camera and that was it. And likewise, Katniss should have fought his love and the Capital a tad bit more. 

And of course, I would have loved to have seen more brutality. I will say though, the blood bath at the beginning of the games was blood thirsty fighting at its finest.

All in all, the movie certainly held up to my high expectations.

Shannon

A Day in Annapolis

I had a wonderful day back home in Annapolis. It was simply beautiful out, the streets were flooded per usual, shops, movies, and people were seen and it was in all around great day.

After picking up Gerred from the Academy, I went to The Pink Crab and tried on this cute Amberly Dress that I think would be perfect for the St. Johns/Navy Croquet Match or Easter Sunday.

I then checked out the Grand Opening of Refuel in Annapolis. It's run by my old manager from American Eagle and I will definitely be stopping by before I run any races this year. She had a promotional push up contest for 50% off. I set the record for 21 in the morning, but someone may have taken my spot by the end of the day.

We then headed over to Nano's for a sushi lunch. I had the Kamikaze roll. Afterwards, I even picked up a few postcards to send for postcrossing.

I then saw the Navy Seals movie, Act of Valor, with Gerred at the mall. It was so real since they used actual seals and it definitely got the appropriate applause from the audience of both midshipman and civillians alike. And can I just say if this movie doesn't make you appreciate the United States Navy than I don't know what will. 

We then headed over to Cadillac Ranch for Andrea's 23rd Birthday and there was a bull riding contest. Gerred has a really great stance there.

From left to right we have Winters (Phoenix's sister,) Andrea, Katie, and me. My pose is a little strange, but whatever.

Best friend and me. She's wearing heels, but even then she's like an inch or two taller. Tomorrow we're having a pre-bachelorette t-shirt decorating party at my house for Katie with Caroline and Andrea. As well as Aileen's 20th Birthday tomorrow in downtown Annapolis.

Weekend back home = Yes!

Shannon

New Years Date

This New Years, Gerred and I went out for a New Years Date. After last New Years 2011 dinner at Osteria followed by fireworks in Ego Alley we had to go all out again.

Here's a weird picture of us making silly faces. We were catching up with Katie and Phoenix before the fireworks for some hot chocolate. This time for 2012 we did dinner and a movie with style.

We saw Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at this theater with leather seats that lean back. Those seats made going to the movie theater so comfortable. It was a nice mysterious drama and even though I have not read the books yet (I was too busy with English courses) I enjoyed it. I mean, there was one scene that was a little too violent, but I would still highly recommend it to everyone. Great storyline and that magic "movie" feel that makes me feel all snug in the dark. Anyways, I'll have to watch the Swedish ones since they've been downstairs for a year.

After the movie, we headed to Downtown Albuquerque for our reservations at Tuccanos Brazilian Grill. I'd never been to a Brazilian grill before, it's apparently like Fogo De Chao in Baltimore.

 Basically you have this marker that when you flip it to green they bring you meat, vegetables, and pineapple on skewers. When you flip it back to red they stop. There was so much food, but it was absolutely fun to see something different like that. I think trying new things is certainly the way to go with restaurants and all parts of life.

What a wonderful night to bring in the New Year!

Shannon

Sarah's Key

 On a whim with my family I saw Sarah's Key. I was just blown away with the whole story. Starting in modern day Paris, where journalist, Julia Jarmond, investigates the French Round Up (the French version of the Holocaust.) Jarmond focuses in particular on the story of a young jewish girl, Sarah, who lived in the house her family now owns. 

The movie then moves from Jarmond's investigation to Sarah's life in 1942 where she desperately tries to return to her home in Paris to save her brother who is locked away in the hidden door of their home.

Even better yet, for my French nerds out there, is that the movie is in both French and English. It switches simultaneously and the flow is really nice between both languages. There's subtitles too, so don't get weirded out if you don't know French. Just go see it.

Here's the trailer.

Shannon

The Descendants

I recently saw the new George Clooney movie, The Descendants. It's about a father of two girls trying to deal with his wife's affair while she falls into a coma as well as figuring out whether he should sell the land he inherited.

This is definitely worth a few nods for the Academy Awards. Why? Because it's all set in Hawaii. I say that because all the grief that all the characters feel as the wife dies is juxtaposed with the sunny setting and cheerful colors of Hawaii. I'd just like to hop on a plane and head to Hawaii now.