It Takes Two

Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don’t even try. –Grandpa, Little Miss Sunshine

Morning, rays of sunshine! No two film festival favorites capture the mantra above quite like Little Miss Sunshine and Billy Elliot. Like a number of indie motion pictures, this cinematic duo requires their viewers to blow out nearly a dozen and a half birthday candles prior to watching (…if you get my drift. Ages 17+). If you pass that requirement, terrific! Watch away… Haha.

Little Miss Sunshine captured my heart several years ago with its undeniable sincerity and inspiring determination. For one reason or another, I hope it captures your heart too.

Despite all of the social and socio-economic adversity against him, Billy Elliot follows his dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, making this film simply heart-warming. Now, I must warn you, this movie is definitely a tear-jerker towards the end but definitely worthwhile. I guarantee it.

So, the question is: What’s your favorite indie film(s)?

Happy, happy Saturday!

Be you (= amazing),

Dani

A Whimsical Wonderland

"Alice in Wonderland"-inspired scene was auctioned at Bonhams from the Fortnum & Mason store in London, England. Very whimsical. (Photo: Sebastian Meyer/Getty Images)

Good evening, honey bees! I hope that your week went incredibly well and that your weekend is going to go even better! Movie reviews on television are putting me in the mood for some cinema sighting. While I do have several motion pictures in mind for the holiday season, I am super ecstatic to watch Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland next spring.

I have a thing for film adaptations of literature. A definite impetus for enrolling in my nineteenth century British Literature class next year is the reading list, including Alice Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.  From dolls to dressmaking, with such a tremendous influence in pop culture, this literary classic must be  worth reading at least once (although I haven’t read it… yet. Haha.).

One of my favorite Alice-inspired creations is Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?” (Love her!) Not only is it fantastically fun, but the music video is also light and chic, bursting at the seams with pastel ruffles and Vivienne Westwood-esque heels. Speaking of fashion, Vogue published an absolutely fabulous spread on Wonderland wear several years ago. I think you’d like it.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was great, so I cannot wait to see Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (especially in 3-D). Haha.

What is your favorite film adaptation? Do tell!

Again, have a wonderful weekend!

Good night,

Dani

BTW: If you have any post requests, please let me know with a comment. Don’t be shy, I would love to hear from you!

Three’s Company

With the semester coming to a close, a number of impending deadlines are fast approaching whether it be a final Calculus exam or ten-page Human Rights research paper. Consequently, many students are beginning to stress out about not only the completion of their assignments but their grades as well. No need to fear! I have got you covered.

When you feel like you are about to stress out to the point of oblivion, consider watching a teen flick. I know it may sound silly, but they have the magical ability to make all of your worries vanish for two hours with a splash of comedy and oftentimes a romantic twist as well. Without further adieu, I present to you three of my much-loved teen flicks. 

13 Going 30

13 Going On 30 is one of my all-time favorite movies. Not only is it brimming sparkly glitter and 80s neon clothing, but the motion picture also stars Jennifer Garner, playing an entertainingly vivacious thirteen year old girl trapped in a thirty year old woman’s body in the NYC. You know what that means: Lisa Frank stationary and MJ Thriller choreography! Yay! Haha.

Clueless

Who can say no to palm trees and platforms? When it comes to movies, Clueless is a classic 90s staple. This timeless comedy has a neverending assortment of Val Gal slang and gags, making it amusing from start to finish.

She’s The Man 

When I first watched She’s The Man last year, I could not help from laughing hysterically (…and then playing it over and over again).  This movie embodies the best of both worlds: clean comedy with a dash of teen romance. STM is more than worthy of a HUGE thumbs up!

Happy viewing,

Dani