Diary of a Socialista

I went to see a screening of ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ the other night. It was a beautiful, beautiful movie.

It was honest and touching, while still being genuinely funny. I’m not sure what I expected, having not read the book first (something I regret), but I left feeling moved — as if any of the characters’ stories could be mine or my friend’s stories (and honestly, there were parts that hit way too close to home). 

I’ve read a few reviews that say it’s ‘The Breakfast Club’ of our generation, and while I think the two stand on their own, I understand where the comparisons are drawn from: both are semi-humorous but still gripping looks at the struggles of youth. 

I think ‘Perks’ strength lies in the performances. While Emma Watson’s accent was a little off at times (don’t shoot me — I still love her and girl is GORGEOUS), Logan Lerman’s performance as Charlie was the most moving. I wish we got more insight into the darker side of his issues, as uncomfortable as they made me. Ezra Miller also did an amazing job as Patrick, serving as both the comic relief and the grounding of the film.

Again, love it. Don’t see it just so you can fan-girl out. It’s a legitimately powerful movie that was beautifully made.

Trailer for ‘The Lone Ranger’ (summer 2013).

Much different than I was expecting, but I like it. But I mean, really… did you honestly expect me to say anything bad about a Depp movie?

‘Entourage’ Movie Screenplay is (Almost) Finished

LOOOOVE these boys so much. Ready for them to be on my screen again.

I have a weakness for movies that cause me to have a visceral, emotional reaction. I also have a weakness for “romantic comedies” that aren’t all that romantic — or comical. Instead, they’re simply realistic portrayals of every day relationships. Think ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (minus the sci-fi element of it all, obvi) or ‘(500) Days of Summer.’

That’s what ‘Celeste & Jesse Forever’ was, and that’s precisely why I adored it.

After waiting forever for this movie to get a wide release (big ups to you, Raleigh #sarcasm), I took my high expectations to see it. I’m already a huge fan of Rashida Jones (girl crush) and Andy Samberg (boy crush), and knowing that she wrote it, I just knew it would be good. Well, it was better. Maybe it’s the fact that it did all feel so real, but I could not stop thinking about it for the rest of the night.

Essentially, Celeste (Rashida) and Jesse (Samberg) are a divorced couple who have stayed close friends only to realize that they’re forced to come to an end — no matter how much they love each other or how familiar they are. Sure, there are raunchy laughs and crude jokes — c’mon, it’s Andy of ‘Jizz in My Pants’ fame — but the movie also has heart because it comes from the common, basic human experience of navigating relationships (in simplistic terms - yeah, I related… and I cried, haha). Rashida actually co-wrote the script with Will McCormack, who played Skillz in the movie and also happens to be her real-life ex.

There are parts of the movie that seem like regurgitations of a formula, but I think the cast is what sets it apart from any other “indie rom-com.” Andy was slighty awkward in his first semi-dramatic role, but it fit so well with his character that you hardly noticed because it was endearing. I actually look forward to seeing him take on more dramatic parts. Rashida, on the other hand, plays the hard-ass career woman who’s determined to always be right, and it ends up biting her in the ass because she was right about their relationship all along. She balances the humor and the raw emotion so well and the two of them have great chemistry, so it all just worked.

Not to mention this movie has a sick soundtrack. Must download immediately.

So, rant over. I loved it, blah blah blah. Kudos to you, Rashida.