For weeks, perhaps even months, I had been going on about how I hadn't seen any good action movies in a really long time... After seeing the latest Daniel Craig lead of Bond, SKYFALL, I can no longer say that.

Daniel Craig. Skyfall. Dir. Sam Mendez. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Columbia Pictures. 2012. Movie Poster.

Skyfall glazes over a series of various and often reoccurring themes. In the film, not only will the audience see a nearly 'falling hero' tragedy but also a background theme reflecting the notion that sometimes, it's nice to do things the old fashioned way. Another thing we see taking place is the relationship between M and 007, as well as a short look into both of their pasts.

With the explosive expansion of technology and technological advances in society, this is a common theme that has been addressed in several films recently. And Skyfall conveys the message by both embracing the technological advances while also exposing its darker side. The detrimental sides (for lack of better expression) of technology is depicted through a rogue agent, cleverly and brilliantly portrayed by the very versatile Javier Bardem. Soon after we meet Bardem's character, we see him bring up the Jason-Bourne-esque thought that reminds us of the famous "look at what they make you do" quote. Yet another theme that is not unlikely to see in such action films where a character is putting their life and everything they have on the line for their often self-sacrificing job.

Daniel Craig. Skyfall. Dir. Sam Mendez. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Columbia Pictures. 2012. Film Still.

SKYFALL is amazing. Within the first ten minutes, I'm sure audience members will find themselves saying something along lines of "I've never seen that in an action film before", a major issue audiences find with films, especially action. But with Skyfall, not only were the choreographic fight sequences fresh and engaging but the cinematography was also something new and symbolic. I don't recall ever seeing the artistic use of silhouette in an action film but the use of this now-cinematographic effect was beautiful as it relates to another underlying motif expressed within the film: "shadows." I will say the use of the term "Skyfall" reminds me of the proto-influential, Orson Wells' classic cult, Citizen Kane (1941) and the prominence of "Rosebud."

Moonrise Kingdom, a film gazing upon the young, insightful perspectives on life and adventure. Set in 1960's New England, this is a film you won't often see.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still/Poster.

"This is our land!" yell the two adventurous escapees as they proceed to dive into the waters from off a low cliff. One escapes ostracizing foster homes and scouts as the other rebels against seemingly absurd parental authority. It's any romantic's dream to run away from the places of distress with the one you love. Something of which these two adolescents put into action. Properly planned and scheduled, of course.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still.

This Wes Anderson creation is one that evokes a sixties feel and purge of interest through the music selection/score, dialogue, and overall cinematography. It's slightly comedic, a little dramatic, romantic and all- but mostly, it's a strange film (in the good way of course) in that these very articulate 12-year old characters act a lot like young adults. This is a cute, light, funny, little love story. It is a film I could, and have, watched over and over again.

The 1994 New Jersey located film that seems a little over-the-top "90s" but in the way to remind and evoke a feeling of the 90's-era nostalgia in its viewers - mostly those of us who, of course, were existing at some point in time during the 1990's. Clerks.

Kevin Smith. Clerks. Miramax Films. 1994. Hypbeast.com.

About a month ago I sort of had a Kevin Smith movie phase, watching most the films I haven't already seen including Chasing Amy and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, which all started with two movies: Mallrats and Clerks (both shown to me by a roommate). All humorous and/or dramatic in different ways and among different subject matters but still related through the actors and references to previous films within the Kevin Smith film series. Smith's reference-related films usually showcase similar actors, some of whom have become very well-known like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee. Even a young Matt Damon can be seen making short cameos in some of these films. But when most audiences think of Kevin Smith films, they're reminded of the one that started it all, Clerks (1994).

Photo: Clerks. Kevin Smith. Miramax Films. 1994. Gothamist.com

The famous Kevin Smith film follows a loosely-related series of off-beat, yet still very on-beat characters in and around the location of a New Jersey gas station (where the whole independent production took place). Between the quick, smart, and seemingly philosophical conversations that bounce back and forth off the characters to the odd sense and feeling that comes from watching a work-of-art film, Clerks is "where it's at."  Shown and filmed entirely in black and white, only manages to add to the distinction and, possibly, nostalgia that eludes from screen.


The background behind this film, and films after, is very interesting. In other words, a lot more could be said and added to topic, but I think I'm just going to try to leave it short.

Since it's Halloween, I'm going to take part in this no-days-off holiday Films and Veganism style.

When I was watching the 30 Rock series last year, I saw a funny little Halloween-dity from the episode "Jack Gets in the Game" and knew I'd have to say something about it next Halloween. Not to forget the hilarious Modern Family Halloween-themed episodes.




Modern Family Halloweens

Photo: spoilersguide/ABC

I don't think any show on television does Halloween better than Modern Family (or Addams Family).  One of my very favorite episodes from the show is actually the first Halloween episode, and I'm not even big on the idea of Halloween nor do I participate but I do like comedic episodes that become a product during the Halloween season.  Even after seeing the episode multiple times, it never fails to make me laugh every time I see the skeleton scare Phil.

Adorable - Photo: buddytv/ABC

Last week, the latest Modern Family Halloween-themed episode aired and was of course, absolutely hilarious, while bordering adorable. Without spoiling anything, Claire attempts to prove that she can be scary, Lily wants to be a princess, and Gloria has a right to express her anger.

	Hilarious - Photo:Figment/ABC

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah: spooky-scary

So here's the catchy tune "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah", written by Donald Glover of Community, from the 30 Rock episode mentioned earlier, "Jack Gets in the Game" Season 2, episode 2.


Video: 30 Rock, NBC (2007)

This is very much a college student post from the days when I lived in a dorm somewhat far from home, and relied on pre-packaged vegan foods, hence the term 'college vegan'.



Ingredients

• - vegan taco mix
• - taco shell, chips or lettuce to substitute shell/chips
• - lettuce 
• - tomato
• - salsa
• - other fresh veggies

Step mix: Make the mix, whether it comes out of box like mine or with creativity from scratch.
Step outside: Taco shell or chips? Or lettuce shell/chips. Either way, still a taco creation.
Step toppings: Add as many fresh and raw vegetable toppings as you favor. I like massive amounts of veggie-related toppings, as seen in the photos.
Step salsa: Apply the salsa and dice some tomatoes





Whenever I look for salsa I get the urge to say, "where's the salsa?" like in that episode of Seinfeld...

Video: Seinfeld, NBC Universal. Season 4, Episode 3. Sept 1992.

I'm aware that the title is a "colossal single-serving" oxymoron right there, creativity-with-words. But anyway, here's a super easy though, slightly time-consuming recipe of homestyle potatoes, vegan version. 



Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• coconut oil, any non-hydrogenated oil
• onions are good addition
• any additional vegetables, not cooked in oil. 

Note: fried potatoes (really any fried foods) are not the healthiest option but nice to have on occasion or in small amounts. I think it's best to serve these accompanied by a hearty serving of freshly steamed vegetables, which is what I did. But the veggies are not pictured, were eaten separately.

Step oil, I mean one: I'm going with that actually made typographical error. So the step everyone probably already knows: heat the pan with oil and add the washed/sliced (or diced) potatoes.





Just add some vegetables and/or organic ketchup as pictured then enjoy.

Caution: Immensely sweet. Dining on this is like drowning in a sea of sweetness.

There are many different variations for this raw tart: frozen or not, basic one layer or multi-layer, and it only needs three ingredients, unless you want to add more to it.




Ingredients

• Cashews
• Dates
• Strawberry

Step 1: Bottom layer of crushed and blended raw cashews and dates



Step 2: Middle/Top layer: blender strawberries (I used strawberries left in the freezer for the frozen tart)
 and add onto the cashew-date crust.

So amazing.

Step 3 (additional layers): Top Layer add another layer of dates/cashews, then another layer of strawberries

Even though this is a very strange and unusual film that wasn't taken so well by critics and audiences, I actually like it and find it to be beautiful. And am probably drawn to it because of how different and lovely it really is.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still. Lorey Sebastian/Passion Play Productions.

 Passion Play is very much a fictional fantasy film which takes place in an almost dream-like and enigmatic setting with two main actors audiences wouldn't expect to see together, Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke.  Megan Fox plays the sheltered, naive, and unfortunately extremely objectified Lily who, somehow born with wings, just wants to be "like all the other girls." Rourke takes on the role as the fallen musician who takes Lily away from the dehumanizing circus-life, saving her from the oppressing sheltered box that confines her.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

Passion Play is what I consider a mixed-genre film with a strange storyline that has an almost definite embodiment of cult-classic film status, in that it is very much an acquired taste in regard to movies, especially looking at the obviously harsh reviews and opinions expressed, most were not in favor of the movie. Despite the fact that it may not be the best film according to a majority opinion, it is still a pretty nice film that isn't too easy to forget.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

One scene, my favored scene is where the romance aspect between the two characters begins as a very delightful moment of slow-dance takes place with jazz playing in the background. Not only is this a significant scene for the two protagonists, but it is also a scene that reminds viewers of a classic 1940s romance.  Passion Play is a strange and unusual film that remains romantic and beautiful with a strong message about loving and accepting yourself and others regardless of difference.

 Recently I've become what might be, dare I say, addicted with fascination to Lana Del Rey's music.  For a while it seemed as if audiences were either abrasively critical of her work or in complete contrast, obsessed by it. And I admit, I have become the latter.



Lana Del Rey (formerly, Elizabeth W. Grant/Lizzy Grant) is both a somewhat controversial figure and almost infamous singer known for the provocative nature embedded within her songs and visually illustrated throughout her music videos. "You Can Be the Boss" was the first song of hers I heard and was one of which I instantaneously fell in love.

 But the I more listened to her music and the unique delivery wrapped up by an almost dangerous vulnerability and shaded morose feeling behind it, the more I grew accustom to it- and thus, could not stop listening.



In an interview, Del Rey explained her use of incorporating clips displaying certain themes that were meaningful to her in some way, in her own music videos in such as "Carmen", "Brite Lites", and the favored, "Video Games."



She is an artist that immerses much of herself, beyond what is comfortable, into her work. If you were to see any of her live performances to songs like "Carmen" or "Body Electric", you could easily observe that these songs are something very personal and close to her- not only as an artist, but as a writer as well. In Del Rey's music, various elements of youth-driven life, a spontaneously wild and fragmented living through intense or impulsive emotions, is suggested. For instance the popular quote from Ride, "Live fast. Die young. Be wild. Have fun." For some it may seem elusive as to what concrete situations and issues she alludes to; while for others, it's quite obvious. Listeners and Del Rey, herself, have made the claim that the female characters she sings about are actually herself, pieces reflecting her past.

Still from Video Games

Del Rey, with her unique music style, and overall vintage style, infused with her jazzy-reminiscent voice, is one that sonically carries through airways loud, almost erotically intoxicating, and evocative.


~



I get chills every time I hear Body Electric. Apparently there is a series of amazing unreleased songs all over the place. If you come across any, I highly recommend Cola, Gods & Monsters, and American. Last video for the post title= Put Me in a Movie.






Photos: Google Images

Photo: erandiadame at tumblr

I recently came across a "preview" story from the modern and innovative site by the name of Nowness- also the place where you can read all about the video itself. But this little video is one of which I have come to favor. With quite an artful cinematography and its leading beautiful song, Brindo, created by artist Devendra Banhart, depicts a very intimate portrait that when I first saw, before the ending and without reading anything about, wondered "what's up with the sunglasses?"




Despite the fact that it is an advertisement for Oliver Peoples Eyewear, it's still a pretty nice video with an aesthetic that embraces a relaxed feel.

First off: I love this movie and the love that is in this movie...

I ended up liking this nicely done, low-budget film a lot more than I initially thought. I see it as a film that reminds us it's not always just about the destination itself but also the crazy situations we may run into on our travels throughout life - from wherever we are (or were), to wherever we're going.

Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012. Movie Poster.

When girlfriend, Annie B. (Kristen Bell), receives an advancing career opportunity, the call for a road-trip comes into play, unexpectedly revealing hidden details of her boyfriend's unknown past along the way. And the result is a very sweet, fun-filled romance comedy-adventure with some very hilarious moments, created by partners Kirsten Bell and Dax Shepard. Originally, I didn't know what to expect from this movie nor how I would respond to it. But after the first ten minutes, I could tell I was going to love it.

It's not often you see Bradley Cooper with dreads. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012.

Kristen Bell. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Jeffery Reed, Open Road Films. 2012. Film Still.

Despite the many outlandish occurrences throughout the film, audiences are is still able to connect (similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s description of "theater 101" in Tropic Thunder) and relate. Of course there are a few.. well, many chaotic "weird sh*t" events that occur with some really kooky characters; some who are mean and vengeful, some lovable, but mostly, those who are just plain weird. 

The basis of the film is actually built on the establishment of a relationship, the trust of that relationship, and the outside interference and past that affects the relationship. That alone is something I'm sure everyone can relate to in some way or another. Sometimes when watching a film, audiences want to feel as if they can relate, or be nicely surprised that they actually did relate, to something that may seem beyond themselves.



This is one of what I would call, a feel-good, fun movie. Not only do you find yourself laughing when you least expect it, but there is also a really incredibly chill soundtrack music scheme filled with awesome lively beats. In my opinion, it's another aspect of the film, aside from the humor, that gives it a positive endorphin-heightening effect. It's also a good film for people who really like cars, fast cars, and chase scenes!

This is a movie I could watch, and have watched, over-and-over again.

2025 Update: I recently re-watched this movie and I still love it. It is one of my favorites. It's hilarious, has good lessons in it, and is so much fun to watch!

Lindsay Lohan. Mean Girls. Dir. Waters, Mark. Screen. Fey, Tina. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Movie Poster.

From an observatory stand point I, as most people, have noticed the almost scary, crazed-obsession some youngsters seem to have on a certain teen comedy: Mean Girls. The strangest thing about this phenomenon is how some girls seem to really love this movie, yet never seem to learn anything from it.  I'm not crazy about this movie and I don't necessarily like it, but I do appreciate the feminist effort satirically brought on by Tina Fey.


I imagine that the effort is to try to teach or encourage young women to stop and discontinue the internalized misogyny they inflict upon one another. Mean Girls is a movie that tries to convey this message with the use of satire through the weird-school chaos and overall silly comedy as a method of making fun of and addressing the messed up ways in which young girls AND even women, inflict and perpetuate this patriarchal, misogynist hate onto one another.

Tina Fey. Mean Girls. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Film Still.

 I just can't get over the fact that no matter how many times girls watch this movie, many still fail to understand and actually gain something from the whole meaning of the movie, which is my motivation for creating this post. I am aware that this is a movie, it's satirical, it's entertainment to bring about laughter- yes. But at the same time, it doesn't mean there isn't an important message to be learned. It also doesn't mean that issues facing girls and young women in schools is getting any better either.

Rachel R. White even writes about this girl versus girl hate in her article asking "Why Do Girls Slut Shame Each Other?" 

I also came across another great article that relates to this very issue, addresses the double standards, and how harmful its effects can be:

Girls are shamed for being sexual, and shamed for not being sexual—they’re insulted regardless of what they do or what they don’t do. Meanwhile, a boy who professes to have had many sexual encounters is called a player. This is praise (or, at the very least, not insulting in the same way words like slut and prude are meant to be). There is an obvious double standard. My age group assumes that calling a young girl a slut or prude is OK; but it is not OK. It is shaming and demeaning.

We are smashing the confidence of young girls each and every time we stand by and let them be called sluts. 

There is a scene in the movie in which, writer and actress, Tina Fey tells all the girls that they shouldn't call each other these vile and offensive names, because it just gives boys a reason to think it's okay to call them such things. And that's true. Some guys who mistreat others in schools are too ignorant and unaware to realize what harassment and violence against women (and anyone) really is. These terms young women use to hurt one another are not okay nor excusable for anyone to use against as a verbal weapon. The way people treat and talk to each other today in society is not acceptable, it's completely disrespectful and ignorant. It is also not something that anyone should just have to deal with, but something we need to actively change. When we see someone exhibit disrespectful and violent (which can take place in both verbal and physical form) behaviors and/or attitudes, we need to say something or do something about it. We need not accept and excuse, thus, perpetuate that kind of behavior. Instead, we should do something, explain why it is not okay, and show alternative ways of dealing with any underlying conflicts. It is important that we take these actions to create positive change, educate others, and create a compassionate society.

~

This blog post was written during my last year of high school so keep in mind that this was created during 2012 when I was observing this behavior happen right before my eyes as well as in the media.

 

 

A really easy to make, sweetly delectable, healthy dessert are these Strawberry Date Turtles, made with.... strawberries and dates!

• Blend the dates
• Blend the strawberries 
• Form the dates into flat circles and add the strawberries to the top

When done, these should be refreshing and sweet.

I call this "September Sunrise" because what I'm about to discuss is just hilariously uplifting.

I'm talking about a classic, NBC comedy sitcom from the 1970s, Sanford and Son. The show follows father and son duo, the scheming and often ridiculous Fred Sanford, melodramatically played by Redd Foxx, and his son, Lamont, often called "dummy", portrayed by Demond Wilson. The duo have their own buy-and-sell junk/second-hand antique shop. I grew up, as many I'm sure, watching and laughing to this show. Lately, I've been catching up on a lot of the old episodes and laughing non-stop as a result.


As I watched this episode yesterday, and today, I seriously could not stop laughing. 
It's "Superflyer" Season 3, Episode 8.


So if you're really young, don't know or haven't heard or seen Sanford and Son, where have you been? You should watch a few episodes for a great laugh. If you're older, or just watch a lot of television, and know what I'm talking about, revive the laughter and joyfulness that will fill your dopamine sensors.

Red Foxx. Desmond Wilson. Sanford & Son. NBC Universal. 1972-1977.

Sanford and Son is one of the best sitcoms ever, excluding the dumb, traditionalist/misogynistic Grady character.  TV One replays Sanford and Son episodes along with other great 1970's sitcoms such as What's Happening!!, Gimme a Break, and The Jeffersons. Sanford and Son can also be seen on the Antenna TV channel.

Vegan candy that is super easy to make it only takes two ingredients.





Ingredients

• Peanut Butter
• Vegan chocolate

Step 1: Melt vegan chocolate and pour layer onto wax/parchment paper.



Step 2: Melt or slightly heat nut butter, and spread onto first layer of melted chocolate. Might be best to let chocolate harden a bit (by setting out, in refrigerator, or freezer) before adding the nut butter.




Step 3: Add another layer of melted vegan chocolate to the top of nut butter. Best to let nut butter set before adding chocolate.



Step 4: Put mixture into refrigerator or freezer for 30 mins to an hour and let whole bar harden.