the girly network

Julie & Julia

I realize that many of you have already seen "Julie & Julia"...but if you haven't seen this movie, go see it. I finally made it to the theater this evening and all I can say is that Meryl Streep is great in this flick. Does she ever get it wrong?  As an actress, I think she's in a category of her own...and I'm not exaggerating.  Streep has such a gift of embodying a character that she'll be sure to transport you on her journey.  This film is no exception.

I can't say I relate all that much to Julia Child.  I'm no master in the kitchen and I can't say I've even attempted to poach an egg on my own.  Ruds can attest to that.  I'm more of a girly who cooks because we have to nourish our bodies, although I LOVE eating.  I have mastered though...turkey burgers...but judging by the eye-roll they sometimes get from a hubby who'll eat just about anything, maybe I should switch up my menu a bit.  I'll have to study Julia Child's cookbook or take some notes from Giada (my kinda girl) to expand my skills in the kitchen.  I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

As far as Julie Powell, I have some things in common with her.  She's still a blogger (like Julie, I get very excited when I get new comments on my blog...so please feel free to share your 2 cents with me), a Queens girl (unlike her, I'm proud of that) who's married to a man who supports all her ventures (I'm sooo lucky in this arena!) and a thirtysomething writer trying to make sense of her circumstances.   The latter must be part of the ever-growing process...and I welcome it.

Can you relate to either Julie or Julia?

Sin Nombre, A Heart-stopping Movie

Director talks about the behind-the-scenes of Sin Nombre

I finally went to see Sin Nombre this evening and I think my heart is still beating fast.  I walked out of this movie feeling stressed out.  I'm not kidding.  My chest felt tight from all the suspense.  Without giving too much away, this is a breathtaking flick about a girl who will risk everything, including her life, to cross the border and a gang member on the run.  Warning: the gang scenes are pretty brutal.

The characters are well written and totally believable.  I was blown away by the main actors, Paulina Gaitan and Edgar Flores.  They are no-name actors but not for long. Gaitan and Flores will draw you in with their performances.  They'll make you really care about the characters and their struggles.  There's no novela acting here.  Also, kudos to the director, Cary Fukunaga.  I can't believe this is his directorial debut.  Overall, this is a must-watch movie...one of the best I've seen all year.

This trailer caught my eye

Sin Nombre looks like an interesting flick. Has anyone seen it? It's produced by buddies Diego Luna and cutie-pie Gael García Bernal. I'll have to check it out soon.

And the Oscar goes to...

As the winner of last year's Oscar pool (a whopping 50 bucks), my picks may not be that far off.  Here's who I'm rooting for...and hopefully the jackpot will be mine again.

Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger -The Dark Knight
Why?  This one needs no explanation.

Best Supporting Actress
Penélope Cruz -Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Why?  Cruz is under-rated in Hollywood...granted, she hasn't been able to show-off her skills the way she's done in Pedro Almodóvar's indie flicks.  I think Woody Allen gave her more visibility with this role and she was amazing playing a crazy woman.  I believed her!  I know she's not the favorite, but I will be holding my breath for her.

Best Actor
Sean Penn –Milk
Why? I was a little bit torn on this one because of all the hype around Mickey Rourke.  In a character driven movie like The Wrestler, Rourke was excellent.  And then…there’s the back story…of how this movie about a washed up wrestler mirrors the washed up actor that has already made a great comeback.   It’s all very fairytale-like…but I have to go with my gut instinct on this one.  When I walked out of Milk, I said to myself… “This is Sean Penn’s year” (and this was way before the nominations were announced).  He was great!  I think he had a bigger challenge in playing a real character…he had to be true to Mr. Milk…and I think he accomplished that.  Go Sean!

Best Actress
Kate Winslet –The Reader
Why?  Hands down…Kate Winslet deserves this Oscar for all the phenomenal work she’s done this year (Revolutionary Road included) and in years past.  When I think of her…I see an actress that will follow Meryl Streep’s footsteps (a super talented lady who will transport you to places you never thought you’d go).  I’m also rooting for her because she genuinely seems humble and surprised after earning all the accolades.

Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire
Why? The grand prize will go to the little movie that could…it’s my favorite…and I’m not alone.  You’ll see.  Also, in these gloomy times...I feel like it's the only movie that gives you some sort of hope.  There's light at the end of the tunnel.

UPDATE: I won the Oscar pool again!  I now have bragging rights... and I'm 150 bucks richer.

the girlies flex their muscles...

at the box office, driving "He's Just Not That Into You" to the #1 spot this weekend.  According to Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. domestic distribution chief, 80% of the audience was female...and that included...my girlfriends and I.  

Overall, I thought this was a cute movie.  I mean, it's not going to win any Oscar nominations, but it was certainly the type of flick you'll enjoy catching with your girlfriends.  It had funny moments.  Who can't relate to being a maniac, by repeatedly checking their phone every second of the day, when waiting for a boy's phone call?  We've all been guilty of that! It also had a sweet scene...I'm embarrassed to admit it, even to my fellow girlies...that made me tear up a little.  I'm a sucker for romantic moments, what can I say?