A Few of My Favourite Things – Page 2

My Favourite Character: Jocelyn

I’ve reviewed The Jane Austen Book Club, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I did write a short bio of the characters in my review. But I wanted to expand on my favourite character, Jocelyn.

Maria Bello plays Jocelyn.
Jocelyn has never fallen in love, but she says she’s happy with that:

“…alone is not the end of the world. For as many years as you’ve been married I’ve been quite happily unmarried… I mean, I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind falling in love, but it just all seems like fiction to me, anyway.

She’s a dog-breeder, and if you catch onto her mannerisms early enough, you’ll notice she treats men like dogs – she’s strict, short-tempered and dominant with them. Her use of language when speaking about people is similar to how she would talk about dogs.

“No one I’m interested in. He’s young, compliant, said he might enjoy being in a book club… Do you think Sylvia responded to him?”

Jocelyn is drawn to ‘Grigg’ because he’s “eager to please” and “tries hard”… Sort of like a dog.

Jocelyn is known as the ‘match-maker’, always on the look-out for who she can pair people up with. She partnered her best friend Sylvia up with a guy who is now Sylvia’s husband.

I think Jocelyn is super cool because she’s independent and lives by herself in the country doing exactly what she wants. She dresses quite casual (except for the final scene), in knitted shrugs, jeans, long skirts and turtle-necks.

a19bc551-7228-4b74-915a-b81733a21fe0_detail — Jocelyn and Grigg

In the movie, she hesitantly opens up to change. Starting by reading a book Grigg suggests, which Jocelyn is sure she won’t enjoy.
“I think at my age I should know what I like”
But the more she relaxes and allows him to be a friend – rather than a person to direct – the more she changes into a calmer and happier person.

I love Jocelyn. She’s so pretty (I want her hair), and confident in herself.

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Louise Sawyer

I recently reviewed Thelma and Louise, which is my favourite movie of all time.

Out of the two main characters, I connected with Louise more because I admire her more than Thelma (who is ditsy, and reminds me too much of myself!).

“Suspect: Louise Elizabeth Sawyer. Red hair, brown eyes, five-foot, seven inches tall, on hundred and twenty pounds…”

Louise is so sassy. In the bar scene at the beginning of their road trip, I love how she doesn’t even give Harlan (a guy at the bar who is hitting on them) the time of day.

At that point, Harlan seemed like just a confident gentleman who approached the pair. But she saw right through him.

Harlan: Hey! Now what are a couple of Kewpie dolls like you doin’ in a place like this?
Louise: Mindin’ our own business. Why don’t you try it.

Despite her straight-up-and-down character, she has a generous side. Like when she left the waitress “a huge tip” at a bar. Sawyer is a waitress by day, so I think she completely understood how far a bigger tip would go.

She drives a green/blue T-Bird convertible, wears well-fitted jackets and western-style boots.

Susan Sarandon does a spectacular job portraying her as a motherly, yet, fiercely independent woman. Louise seems like somebody who you could rely on.

Jodie.

There’s not a lot out there, so this trailer will have to do. However, this is the original 90s trailer which portrays the movie as a straight-laced comedy, which isn’t accurate at all.

Top 9: First Class Films About Travelling

I know I need to stop going on about it! But The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a fantastically inspiring film. It really did make me want to travel. Coincidently, Iceland is my dream location anyway. So that was just the cherry on top.

This got me thinking what other films make you want to quit your day job and get lost in the wilderness.

Into the Wild
A film that keeps coming up in conversation when I talk about travelling films. I have seen the first 40-odd minutes of it, but it didn’t quite grasp my imagination… Perhaps I should give it another shot though. Still shots taken from the film look extraordinary. (Finally reviewed it).

Midnight in Paris
It is a film I marvelled over. It’s a perfect marriage between the environment of a magical and unfamiliar city, plus a fantastical and romantic storyline. Can’t go wrong with a bit of time travel too! The mysterious and enchanting themes will make anyone want to book a flight to Paris.

Eat Pray Love
Now, I need to disclose that this was so disappointing! I thought it was going to be a deep and meaningful tale of self-discovery. However, it was pretty much a chick flick based in three different countries; Italy, Bali and India. But I have to say, I did buy into the dream. To take off for a year! What an experience.

Up In The Air
I know, I know, you pretty much only see airports in this film. But my imagination was harnessed by this movie! Turning up to an airport, picking a place, and going. No strings attached, no worries, just leaving everything behind.

Water For Elephants
Have you ever fantasised about joining a travelling circus? Perhaps it’s not a common dream now days, but I can definitely relate to it. Living rough, never being in the same place twice or staying in one location for too long. The people around you, mesmerised and spellbound by the circus performances.

Cemetery Junction
It’s all about escaping the ordinary life. After being inspired by Julie, a young aspiring photographer, Freddie realises he doesn’t want to live in a sleepy town either. He wants to go on an epic adventure. The film is about him building up the courage to leave; to ditch a town of no potential, to go around the world. It’s a grand idea to ponder.

Chocolat
About a mother and daughter who wander from place to place, finding towns to warm up with chocolate treats. They’re always on the road, floating from town to town, until they finally settle. It is more about the people than the places to be honest, but it’s a magical film with beautiful locations nevertheless.

Brooklyn
One of my favourite films about a young Irish girl who goes to Brooklyn to work, but she’s torn between her life in Ireland and her life in Brooklyn. Should she follow her heart and stay in America? Or should she stay in Ireland with her vulnerable mother and the life that’s expected of her?

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Miranda

I. Love. Miranda.

Not only do we share the same last name and similar place of origin, but we share the awkward and embarrassing everyday situations. The only difference being, the actress who plays the character of the same name, has made her life into a comedic series… While I simply digest my cringe-worthy days on my 40 minute bus journeys home…

Bear with… Bear with…

Miranda is the slightly more casual and relatable version of Bridget Jones. She makes my everyday situations become not an “embarrassing moment” but a “Miranda moment”. Which simply means my life is television-worthy. In my mind.

Miranda Hart has the ability to find sexual innuendos in most conversations, yet the inability of saying certain words.

I also give myself freely to others… I don’t mean ‘s-x-ally’.

A great series, a fantastically comical actress and an awesome character!

Such fun!

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: The Perks of Being A Wallflower

I love this scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower! The song is Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners.

It is such a contagious song and has that sound that makes you want to get up and dance. Or at least put a smile on your face.

I love Emma Watson’s dancing in this too. Friggin’ awesomely hilarious.

I don’t mean to brag, but I have mastered her choreography for this song…

Jodie.

Looking Forward to: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

— Here is my review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower —

I am so, so excited to watch this movie. I had never heard of the books before, but recently stumbled across the trailer.

The script seems awesome with hilarious lines. With the popularity that the books have gotten, I hope that the movie will live up to the hype.

I guess I am looking forward to this film because it explores a very relatable subject of fitting in… Or not… In a free spirited and fresh way.

“I am below average!”

According to flicks.co.nz, The Perks of Being a Wallflower will reach New Zealand cinemas by April 2013. But having checked both chains of New Zealand cinemas, TPoBaW is not on the “coming soon” list… Suspicious much…

Hopefully I will be put out of my misery soon because I feel like I am getting a little overexcited and hyping up the movie a teenie bit too much, increasing the likelihood of being disappointed if it turns out to be below my now very high standards.

The music is awesome – I have looked up some of the tracks already. Very cool indeed.

Let me know if you have seen it and what you reckon. I have read very good reviews so far.

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Maggie Jacobs

The ditsy character in the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant TV series, Extras, is Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen).

Would you rather be you, with your face and your legs, and the brain of a chimpanzee...Andy Millman: Brilliant.Maggie Jacobs: ...or would you rather be a chimpanzee, but with your brain? — “Would you rather be you, with your face and your legs, and the brain of a chimpanzee, or would you rather be a chimpanzee, but with your brain?”

I like her because she is so innocent and naive. It makes a huge change for one of the leading characters to be so honest and unaffected by mainstream beliefs. She is fresh-faced but average, similar to Bridget Jones but even easier to relate to.

I guess because she’s in a dead-end job, single and struggling as a extra on television shows, rubbing shoulders with fame and fortune yet never coming close to it, like how much of society feels as they slave away at work. But Maggie never strives for any of that. She just plods along.

I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I look up to her, but I do draw inspiration from her because she is so honest to people. Plus, she always does something to embarrass herself but lets it go – she never dwells on bad experiences or holds grudges.

She’s funny, loyal and doesn’t lie to anyone… Which gets her into trouble sometimes. Her Scottish accent is amazing, too!

Jodie.

Classic naive Maggie:

My Favourite Scene: Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan (1998) “…and I find that marvellous.”

I had first heard of Edith Piaf when I saw Inception (Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien). She is a famous French singer from the twenties through to the sixties, and I adore her music.

Since learning about her songs, this scene in Saving Private Ryan jumped out at me. It is a bonding scene between the soldiers that begins with a conversation about Piaf’s song (Tu es Partout), like most of my other favourite scenes, it’s slower paced and one of the quieter moments of the movie.

I just really enjoy one of the more sensitive soldiers translating the song to the others.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Yes Man

Yes Man (2008): I got blisters on ma fingers!

This scene jumps out from the otherwise somewhat average comedy as Jim Carrey’s character, Carl, talks down a reluctant suicidal jumper via sing-song. A song called, rather appropriately, “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind (jump to the start of the song at 1.17 in you’d like).

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine (2006): “Life is just one big beauty contest after another”
Just a fascinating moment of reflection by a character who is longing to become a pilot despite being colour blind, and a writer who attempted suicide.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Up in the Air

Up In The Air (2009): “I stereotype, it’s quicker”
A story about the lives of people who have been made redundant during an economic crisis, told by the man who is hired to fire them on behalf of their bosses. A very comedic look by Ryan (George Clooney) regarding people in airports:

“Everybody needs a co-pilot”
A heavier scene about the point of life, with quite an insightful answer by Ryan.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman (1992): “An amputated spirit, there’s no prosthetic for that!”
Al Pacino plays a blind Colonel who stands up to the system. I love this scene because he is shaking this deep rooted college by the shoulders, waking them up! It gives you chills! He says that schools need to teach the practicality and values that are important in real life and for your soul, not necessarily reputation or how much money one has. That won’t always help you in life.

“If you get all tangled up, you just tango on!”
This scene is incredible! I put this scene on repeat after I first saw it. It’s a metaphor for life, to just try things! Donna is a beautiful and elegant woman who I think is such an awesome character, even though she does not appear in it for very long. A beautiful piece of music too.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight (2008): “What doesn’t kill you, simply makes you stranger”

I love the Heath Ledger joker. The best there ever was. Here is one of his best scenes. Perhaps not the one that sticks out for you, but I’m sure we can all agree that it is certainly a scene that shocks you and makes you hold your breath. By the end of this seen you have exhaled a sigh of relief and the total coolness and amazment of what this scene entails hits you. So well written, shot and performed.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Quotes from “Bartlett’s”

This scene always jumps out at me. I tend to forget about it until I find myself getting sucked into it when I watch the film. It’s a quiet moment away from all of the chasing going on in the background. It’s a time to reflect and gives you a breath after all of the panic going on.

Unfortunately I can’t find the scene on YouTube anymore, but here’s part of the dialogue:

Mary (Kirsten Dunst): Anyway, the quote goes “How happy is the blameless Vestal’s lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot: Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each prayer accepted, and each wish resign’d”.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Made In Dagenham

Made In Dagenham (2010): The beauty of doing something unexpected of you

Okay, I can’t believe it took me so long to write about this movie! This is based in the sixties (which obviously gives it an instant thumbs up from me) about women getting equal rights in the workplace. These are two of many clips that I could have chosen that really inspires me in this film.

In the first one, I love how Lisa (Rosamund Pike) is such a beautifully elegant woman who is socially acceptable in this era, until her opinion is asked of her. Instead of smiling and nodding, she blurts out exactly what she means even though it is totally unacceptable for her to do so. It is true, knowledge really is power. I just love the reaction of somebody doing something unexpected, it’s a fantastic way of demanding respect and getting attention from others. Lisa uses her knowledge as if she’s giving society the middle finger. She’s such a heroine!

“Please, keep going! Don’t give up.”
In this second clip, I love how Lisa is Rita’s (Sally Hawkins) beam of light reminding her that although she is personally very low, she is actually making history! Lisa, clearly my favourite character in this movie, tells Rita who she really is, which once again shocks another character. She is so empowered and is able to empower others.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: The Boat That Rocked

The Boat That Rocked (2009): The meaning of life = Rock n Roll!

You know that feeling of just wanting to get up and dance? A song where you just can’t sit still listening to? This is a scene about that feeling.

This is actually a deleted scene from the incredible film, The Boat That Rocked which shows the deeper meaning of the effects of music. Rock and roll just makes sense to people.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Stranger Than Fiction

Stranger Than Fiction (2006): You miscreant!

I love Ana Pascal’s (Maggie Gyllenhaal) vocabulary and anarchist values expressed rather articulately. This entire movie was filled with many scenes that are fantastically written and performed. But I have to say, this first encounter with Ana was uplifting and inspiring. A character I certainly adore, and this scene is her best one.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! (2001): Roxanne dance

Roxanne! This is the clash of all negative emotions performed through the incredibly perfect song Roxanne by The Police. A theatrical version that parallels the heartbreak and betrayal that is occurring.

It is an absolutely incredible scene. The best song on the soundtrack, the best dance in the movie, the best performance, the best lighting. Amazing.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Sherlock Homes A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011): Running through the forest

This is where the characters are running in slow motion while being shot at. It captures every tiny detail and the sheer panic. Throw in some Inception music and you got the most epic scene in the whole shebang.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1 (2010): Hermione & Harry dancing

In this scene, Hermione and Harry dance to a very emotive song called O’ Children by Nick Cave and the Black Seeds as they mourn Ron’s absence and the bitter situation that they have found themselves in during the war and the search for Voldemort’s horcruxes. It seems to be the quiet time before the storm, but after much destruction, loss and heartache.

Jodie.

My Favourite Scene: The Pianist

The Pianist (2002): Playing piano for a soldier

In this scene, a German Soldier, Captain Wilm Hosenfeld (Thomas Kretschmann), discovers Władysław Szpilman’s (Adrian Brody) hiding place. Instead of killing him, he helps him survive.

But before leaving after their first encounter, the German Soldier asks what he will do after the war is over. “Play the piano again” he answers. “Show me” the German soldier replies.

After two years of not being able to do the one thing he loves, Władysław does so, happily. He looks like he is healing himself after the battle to survive the war, which is slowly coming to an end.

I think this scene intrigues me because I believe the soldier just wanted the hurt of the war to end. After watching the whole film showing the destruction German Soldiers brought, he makes us remember that they are only human too. He seems to be thinking about the actions of his soldiers, what is right or wrong, perhaps his loss of faith in fighting… Music can provoke many feelings.

Wilm Hosenfeld did in fact make a habit of helping Jewish people survive in labour camps, before dying in a POW camp himself, possibly after being tortured.

I think, in this scene, both parties are united by music; healing together and making peace.

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Bridget Jones

What do you think of when somebody mentions Bridget Jones?

“A verbally-incontinent tragic spinster who smokes like a chimney and drinks like a fish?”

Yes, although a somewhat blunt description of the Bridget Jones’ character, I do feel like that she is also a role model. She represents a group of women in their thirties with a career but no partner, with bad habits and frequent input in their love life from “vulgar mothers”.

Suddenly I realised that I was going to live a life where my major relationship was with a bottle of wine…

Sure, I can’t really relate to Bridget’s generation or situation… Yet. But like many young women, struggling to succeed in life, Bridget Jones acts as a role model. Particularly when making the right decisions in relationships, in Bridget’s case, between tempting (Daniel Cleaver) and sensible (Mark Darcy) choices.

“[I like you] just as you are”? Not thinner? Not cleverer? Not with slightly bigger breasts or a slightly smalls nose?
-Bridget’s friends discussing Mark Darcy’s comment.

If anything, watching/reading Bridget Jones’ Diary makes you feel better about making a total arse of yourself in public. It’s sort of comforting in a weird way knowing that a lovable and fun character also does stupid things and everything still tends to work out fine her anyway.

…you seem to go out of your way to try to make me feel like a complete idiot… and you really needn’t bother. I already feel like an idiot most of the time anyway.

The film adaptations were convincingly played by American Renee Zellweger whose English accent was flawless. The dreamy Colin Firth played Mark Darcy, and quite appropriately, the stuck-up and smug Daniel Cleaver was effortlessly portrayed by Hugh Grant.

A down to earth, bog standard, nothing-special woman who makes every painfully average woman feel a little better about themselves. It’s okay to be ordinary, clumsy, chubby and single, thanks to Bridget.

Jodie.

My Favourite Character: Juno

Not only do I adore this movie and Ellen Page, but I think the character is the bee’s knees.

Juno is a typical bored suburban teenager who gets into a spot of bother with her best friend, Bleeker, a stringy-looking track runner who gets Juno pregnant… Or how she says “I’m for shizz up the spout”

Despite the tragic circumstances of the sixteen year old, she is so up beat and totally hilarious with her choice of language.

“Quiet, Banana. Hey, shut your gob, okay” (to the barking dog)
“Silencio old man! I just drank my weight in Sunny D. and I have to go, pronto.”
“I’m already pregnant, what other shenanigans could I get into?”
“I thought I might, you know, nip it in the bud before it gets worse. Because I heard in health class that pregnancy often results in an infant.”

And many more genus lines – obviously thanks to the brains behind this character, Diablo Cody.

I love Juno because of her confidence, her boyish style and sense of humour in everything, even when “dealing with stuff way beyond [her] maturity level”. It is literally impossible not to respond to people without Juno’s sarcasm after watching this movie.

She is inspirational because makes every bad thing seem like it’s no big deal.

And if anybody knows where to get brown tartan Chucks, let me know. They look wicked.

Jodie.

My Idol: Erin Brockovich

Erin was a single mother of three, with barely enough money to feed her family, let alone pay the bills. Desperate for a job, she begged her lawyer, Edward Masry, (who was defending her in a car collision lawsuit at the time) to give her a job at his independent firm. It was here that she stumbled across a lawsuit dealing with over 1200 plaintiffs regarding major chromium contamination by a company named PG&E in Hinkley. Confused as to why health records were mixed with the real estate records, she looked into it further, eventually finding that the entire community were being poisoned without their knowledge.

Erin Brockovich had no background in law, only basic morals for the health and well being of the community. With the help of Ed Masry, they were able to bring down the multi-billion dollar corporation cover up that included doctors being hired and paid by PG&E to give the community a clean bill of health, saying that the water was not only safe, but that the chromium traces in their tap water would be beneficial for their health. This contamination was eventually proved to be the cause for many serious illnesses and deaths in the area.

“The case was settled in 1996 for US$333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct action lawsuit in US history. Brockovich’s law firm received 133.6 million dollars of this settlement, and Brockovich herself received a two million dollar bonus from the action.”

Erin and her employer and close friend, Edward Masry

Erin Brockovich is an absolute heroine. She could certainly be rude and provoking with a no nonsense approach, yet her morals were in the right place. She was essentially a nobody who was able to know all of the plaintiffs personally, knowing their backgrounds and family trees enabling her to get the most up to date information to support their case.

I look up to this woman because against all odds she did something that was totally unexpected. She was able to bring down a multi-billion dollar company who’s only concern was how much profit they were making. Erin reminded everyone that people and the environment are so much more important than money, and that’s coming from somebody who had very little in the way of money.

The movie based on Brockovich's and Masry's success. Portrayed by Julia Roberts and Albert Finney. — The movie based on Brockovich’s and Masry’s success. Portrayed by Julia Roberts and Albert Finney.

I also think Erin Brockovich is a particularly perfect figure to talk about on this blog because a fantastically portrayed movie of her triumphs was released in 2000 with the amazing Julia Roberts playing Erin. It is a fantastic movie, very well made. In a world that is still ruled by billion-dollar companies, it’s still relevant. It was such a breath of fresh air to have my faith in humanity restored when an ordinary woman took the reins and did something.

She has so much integrity and is so inspirational.

Jodie.

My Favourite Advert: Greenpeace’s Sealord Parody

So in case you haven’t seen the latest advert of the New Zealand fishing company, you will find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6XU3j9uu6A

However, I feel there will be more information about the company in this spoof advert:

Food for thought.
Jodie.