Reason for the title: in case the cookies didn't turn out... they would end up as almost cookies. Thus, the name "or something like it" and the discussion of the movie Life or Something Like It.


Life or Something Like It

Angelina Jolie. Life or Something Like It. 20th Century Fox. 2002. Film Still.

I love seeing Angelina Jolie kicking ass in action films and conquering roles of mass drama as well. But I'm going to save that for another day. Instead, let's talk about Life-- or Something Like It.

Angelina Jolie. Life or Something Like It. 20th Century Fox. 2002. Film Still.

Although we don't see Angelina acting up an amazingly dramatic storm or kicking in the shins of some bad guy, we see her in a different, and dare I say, dainty feminine light. Jolie still plays a headstrong, leading woman who kicks ass but does so through her success as a news anchor. In short, the career-driven character audiences see is one that takes pride in how "perfect" her life appears and believes, which soon changes in worry after a short interview with street-psychic (Tony Shalhoub). Not to forget the question of happiness brought to attention by cameraman (Edward Burns), a co-worker of whom she had a history.

Angelina Jolie. Life or Something Like It. 20th Century Fox. 2002. Film Still.

Angelina Jolie. Life or Something Like It. 20th Century Fox. 2002. Film Still.

The major, most important theme of the film is about life and how we live it. The film sort of reflects a philosophical theory that we shouldn't only concentrate and work for the future since the present could easily be missed out on and instead, should take time to enjoy the present while being in the moment.  Though, it is still important to plan for the future, it just as important not be consumed by it. A lesson well-learned in the film. It's not the best movie, but it's the kind to watch on a weekend.





Vegan Oat-Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't really like the idea of baking, but I do like the idea of eating vegan cookies.

The original recipe can be found here, at vegangela.
I only slightly altered a few things when making mine for whatever different reasons and ended up making another type of cookie (white chocolate chip) for someone else using the same recipe --- they both turned out nice.

Also, you're going to have to excuse my bad-picture quality of photos. Again, I do not have a good camera.
Reason for not posting cookie photo on a plate, since the lighting was not good and the quality was also pretty bad. But the cookies were good- and that's what really matters.









 Another nice thing about vegan cookies, you can eat the dough.

This is probably one of my favorite characters bitingly depicted by Cameron Diaz. The "bad teacher" Elizabeth character is the complete opposite to those common typecast super sweet and nice, seen earlier in Diaz's career. Instead, she portrays an outrageous, self-serving, callus teacher with a sailor tongue-- and she does it well.

Cameron Diaz. Bad Teacher (2012). Movie Poster.

Although Diaz's character is labelled "bad," she's actually one of the most authentic characters in this movie (not including the foil characters). Sure, there's a whole list of inappropriate and raunchy and politically incorrect mannerisms from which the Elizabeth character does not refrain, but what's even more offsetting about other characters, specifically the antagonists: rival teacher Squirrel (Amy Punch) and Elizabeth's short-time interest played by Justin Timberlake, are even more problematic and politically incorrect.. Only these characters try to hide their "badness" with false personas that portray a false niceness and attempt to conceal their truly conniving selves. The characters who hide behind too nice, goody faces are the ones whose true colors are actually the worst, and whose scenes I didn't like nor find amusing (referring back to the political incorrectness). At least the Elizabeth character isn't always hiding behind a false persona.

Jason Segal. Cameron Diaz. Phylis Smith. Bad Teacher (2012).

Other characters include the hilarious Jason Segal and The Office's Phyllis Smith who both play the role of more "normal" characters that humorously counter Elizabeth's radical antics and biting comments. Their characters are also the most likable and well-received characters in the movie. In my opinion, Segal and Smith's characters should have had more screen-time, seeing from the fact that they are both more realistic, less crazy-weird, not offensive, and they are funnier. 

Cameron Diaz. Bad Teacher (2012). GIF.

Welcome to the Rileys (2010) is an independent drama with a deep, captivating cast and a storyline that uncomfortably unravels its characters in an intricate and obvious manner. It has a way of reflecting the reality that everyone has their own personal problems and own way of trying to cope with whatever those problems may be.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Rileys. 2010. Film Still.

I have to say out of any of the Kristen Stewart films I have seen, this is the one that [in my opinion] proves Stewart's ability to conquer roles outside of those seemingly typecast to her personality and vary beyond a "comfort zone." Stewart embodies a character that is completely different from what most audiences might expect. Through observing the way this character was portrayed, the almost over-played, typecast-awkward persona dissolves. In this independent drama, Stewart portrays a misunderstood,too-often mistreated, rebellious, and quite vulgar runaway teenager of who dances to make ends meet.


Stewart is not the only actor seen in a different light, James Gandolfini also portrays a character that audiences would not expect. A character dealing with a severe loss, but of course does not openly express it. The wife, more dramatic on the other hand, subtly displayed by Melissa Leo, depicts a mother who becomes agoraphobic as a result of this loss. Leo and Gandolfini later begin to play the role of almost substitutional parental figures for Stewart but whether things remain that way, are a question.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Riley. 2010. Film Still.

The story in and of itself helps to reveal the way in which people's problems or issues can quickly become noticed. When the collision of these three main characters comes into effect, the truth emerges along with it. Once emerged, the process of actually being able to solve and move on with life can begin, as opposed to denying and avoiding the problems and personal struggles that often occur in life. 

Another underlining theme in the film is the complex intersection of relationships and how new relationships can easily be affected by one's own personal and private past. This is something I'm sure audiences can relate to, which allows for it to be a leading factor that makes this film feel both slightly real and somehow familiar.


Photos/Images: Welcome to the Rileys. Samuel Goldwyn Films/Destination Films. 2010. Film.

For a while, I've been re-thinking and re-evaluating my diet; wanting to alter it by adding more fruits and vegetables, while taking in less prepackaged and processed foods. So I figure the in-between is always a good idea: less processed foods and more raw, real, whole, clean foods. And that's what I've been doing.



So the first makeshift recipe to reflect the slight change is a "sub" wrap.

Ingredients I like to use for assembling

• - Romaine lettuce
• - Spinach leaves
• - Tomato
• - Avocado
• - Sprouts (forgot)
• - Hummus
• - Spinach or tomato wrap/flatbread/pita bread/lettuce 
• (I use a variety of either depending on what I have at the time)

This mixture assemblage of hummus, avocado, lettuce, and tomato just makes the wrap taste more like a clean, veggie-filled sub sandwich. By the end of it, I always want another one but I always end up feeling way too full to eat another.  That's the power of vegetables and substantial, whole foods.

I highly recommend trying this if you have not already.  It's super easy, don't have to cook anything, and after putting a few vegetables together, it's ready to eat.


Took a lot of snapshots and couldn't decide which ones I liked better, so that's why there's so many photos.









My recent favorite food-related catch phrase:  Snack it. Wrap it. Dip it. Eat it!
'Eat it' is the one I say all the time.

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.