Movie Review: 50/50

I definitely had some pretty high expectations going into this film.  It's been hyped for a really long time, and it is based on the real-life events of its screenwriter, Will Reiser.  And that is not to mention the fact that I already loved almost every person in this movie-- Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who gets better with each performance; Seth Rogen, who is always hilarious and sometimes (like in this film) incredibly genuine; Anna Kendrick, who seems like the perfect candidate for typecasting but somehow manages to bring something unique and fresh to each role she plays.  But enough gushing; you want to know how the movie itself is.

50/50 is truly the perfect blend of comedy and drama, delivering subtle laughs and emotional punches that are more potent than I was expecting.  Gordon-Levitt gives a fantastic performance as Adam, the cancer-stricken protagonist, taking us through each stage of the illness in a devastatingly human way.  He shows admirable strength throughout the film, but the few moments of weakness are what make the story stick with you, and what convince me that he deserves some kind of award for this role.  Seth Rogen plays his best friend, who yes, is kind of a trademark Rogen douche at first, but who proves himself genuinely supportive and compassionate, while still supplying steady laughs.

There is a romantic storyline between Gordon-Levitt and Kendrick's characters, which is initially worrisome, as it stands to become extremely problematic if not downright unethical.  However, it is handled beautifully and doesn't cross any of the lines I had feared it might.  It is just a genuine kinship that slowly evolves into something bigger, proving that you just can't help who you fall for.

There are very very few weak spots in this film, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be Rachael, Adam's girlfriend in the first half of the film.  I won't get into what goes down between them, but Rachael comes off as just plain irredeemable.  She is impossible to warm to, even when she's doing right by Adam, and it just seems implausible that someone as genuine as he seems to be would stay with her for so long.  Perhaps this is the result of sloppy writing, or maybe Reiser just has an ex he still hates (and if these particular events are true to life, she probably deserves to be dragged through the mud a bit).  Either way, it's something you can definitely push past to enjoy this film, and more importantly, allow it to resonate with you the way it is intended.

Book Review: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

So I finally read it.  I've had many a female friend/acquaintance spend considerable time gushing to me about this novel over the years, and I decided (primarily to get them to stop) that I'd put it on the ol' list and give it a chance.  Two things, ladies, for reference:  first, you were right that this book is absolutely beautiful in so many ways; second, telling me how much you cried over a book is not typically a ringing endorsement to me, so this would fall under the category of an exception.

First, I think it must be said that this book is pretty structurally amazing.  For me the ideal novel has a story that sprawls over space and time without feeling like I've picked up a tome I might still be reading on my deathbed (looking at you, Franzen).  Nicole Krauss, from whom I've read just one book in the past, has a voice that carries you smoothly through the many plot threads with ease and grace.  This was definitely a book where I found myself marking individual phrases and sentences solely for their independent beauty, and looking back on them later to be struck anew by Krauss' skill.

The story itself is in fact several stories, and in a way nearly everyone can find bits and pieces of their own stories in these pages.  I am always (and always will be) a sucker for stories with hidden/unrealized connections between characters who've never met (which, if it isn't a genre already, probably should be), and so of course this story delivered on many counts.  The titular History of Love is a text that has been miraculously passed down from its author, who is unaware it even still exists, to the man who translates it to suit his own needs and publishes it, to the parents who name their daughter after its primary character.  We then get to see this daughter's journey to find her namesake, which would be interesting enough on its own, but Krauss also gives us glimpses of the many other lives that have been affected by this piece of writing, and the love story by which it was inspired.

I realize that my description cannot and will not do justice to the richness and stylistic genius of this novel, so I'll say that it is definitely not as straightforward or cheesy as it may sound.  The History of Love has intrigue, tragedy, and even comedy right through the final pages, and you are left staring at the back jacket, wishing you could start the whole journey over again.  I definitely see myself re-reading this one at some point, and I can now firmly joined the ranks of its fervent endorsers (though I'll probably leave out the bit about the tears).

TV Review: 2 Broke Girls 1.04-- "...And the Rich People Problems"

This episode just might be my favorite yet.  We got more insight into Caroline's character, increased participation on the parts of the supporting players (Han is probably my favorite TV boss right now), and even a glimmer of compassion from Max.

Caroline needs to go to the dentist.  This is the simple premise that allows the rest of the episode to unfold.  As a person who also obsesses over dental hygiene, I was impressed that she could tell her teeth were shifting by studying her bite in an apple (I will learn to do this, mark my words).  But that's not the point.  The point is, as she is currently nursing a zero balance in her bank account, Caroline must face the horror (and it was pretty horrible) of a subway station dentist's office, which has bullet proof glass and definitely looks like the scene of a murder, be it past or future.  Fortunately, Max manages to talk her out of it, and they wind up breaking into Caroline's former home to get her Bite Guard.

I really really enjoyed their tour of Caroline's digs.  Max's reactions were hilarious, and I really did like their little heart to heart about how Caroline was raised; it developed her without seeming too dropped in or insincere.  It definitely made her more sympathetic, and I think the fact that Max thought so too was a good step forward for their friendship.

Also, we're definitely going to need a full karaoke number from Han in the future.  Just sayin'.

TV Review: How I Met Your Mother 7.05-- "Field Trip"

I didn't get a chance to review last week's episode (due to an inexplicable and absurdly severe allergy attack), but that's okay, because it really does go hand in hand with this week's installment, about which I have a lot more thoughts. 

In "Field Trip", the main line is theoretically about Ted taking his Intro to Architecture class on a field trip (in an attempt to "Stand and Deliver" them, according to Barney), but as with some of this show's best episodes, the supporting plots take center stage and provided much more hilarity and interest.  We get to see Marshall in action at his new job, taking the first steps toward saving the planet (embarking on a war that narrator-Ted solemnly informs us they will win).  We also see Barney have a crisis involving Norah, who announces that she hates the Ewoks of Star Wars.  Barney decides to keep her around anyway, but that doesn't mean things don't get dicey for a little while. 

By far the most interesting story belongs to Robin, who has embarked on the beginnings of a relationship with her therapist (who, don't worry, drops her as a patient), played by the always wonderful Kal Penn.  And yes, as Ted and company point out, this sounds like a pretty bad plan on Robin's part, but I am interested to see where it goes.  Robin hasn't had a serious relationship since Don in season five, and on top of that there are many avenues to be explored when it comes to her character.  The producers have said that this will be in many ways a "Robin season", and they weren't kidding. 

Overall, this is a strong episode for its momentum, edging the plot forward slowly but surely, and setting Robin's character in particular on a clear path for the season (or at least the duration of this arc).  There are also some really great moments with the gang, which sometimes feel phoned-in when competing with individual stories.

Also, points for continuity.  It really looks like Barney's going to be wearing that duck tie all season long.

TV Review: Parks and Recreation 4.03-- Born and Raised

I knew going into this episode that it would be difficult to top last week's Tammys extravaganza.  And yet, Parks managed to outstrip even my high expectations, again.  Every single person in this episode had something funny to do, and it was outrageous and topical while also moving the larger plot line forward in a much-needed way.  "Born and Raised" is my favorite episode of this season so far, and we're only three weeks in-- that can only bode well for the future.  Here are the soundbites I loved most:

"We removed most of my poems, emotional ramblings, and pictures of unicorns."  --Leslie, on how her book was edited to be more campaign-friendly

"The Time Traveler's Optometrist"  --pronounced by Leslie to be "unreadable," and I absolutely believe that

Ben:  "Wow, you guys are really cute together."
Tom:  "I'm cute together with everyone."

Leslie Knope:  Author, Immigrant

"There's only one man for the job... Burt Macklin,FBI."  --Andy

"I will get my one minute of small talk, dammit!  It will be casual, and it will be amicable!"  --Ann

"That's a...powerful metaphor."  --Ben

"Quick, start talking about nerd stuff!"  --Tom to Ben, trying to ward off Joan's advances

"Let's just say the message boards are going nuts."  --Ben, world's most lovable nerd

"Pawnee Hospital was overrun with raccoons at the time."  --Marlene Griggs-Knope, on why she had to birth Leslie in Eagleton

"I wonder who else was born in Eagleton...Voldemort, probably."  --Leslie

Aaaand let's just leave it at that.  Fantastic episode was fantastic.

TV Review: Community 3.03-- Competitive Ecology

This episode was so wonderfully wacky plot-wise that I can hardly articulate my love for it.  The last two weeks have been a warm up to this, which is the type of hilarious and forward-moving episode this show is absolutely capable of producing.  Because there were so many wonderful moments, I've decided to simply include my favorite quotations of the night in this post.


"Now before you all put Todd last, remember:  he comes with a turtle.  You're halfway done."  --Jeff

"Arizona backwards is still Arizona!"  --Chang, (not) solving an anagram

"Who are you always texting?  Everyone you know is here!"  --Annie to Jeff

"You're a creationist!"  --Annie to Shirley, explaining they can't be partners because Shirley doesn't believe in science.

"Pierce, wake up, Jeff is gonna heal us!"  --Troy, anticipating one of Jeff's speeches

"Your love is weird and toxic and it destroys everything it touches!"  --Poor, poor Todd, who suffered the madness of the group and almost lost his turtle in the process

"We have a name for people like you in prison...we called you the mean clique."  --Biology teacher (Google won't help me discover his name!), admonishing the study group

Can't figure out what happened in the episode from these gems?  Guess you'd better watch it yourself.  C'mon people, I can't do all the work for you.

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

I just finished this novel, and I have to say, it is one of the more endearing ones I've read recently.  I am usually a fan of dysfunction in the books I read, of characters who have a darker side and may even be entirely unlikeable, so this was an interesting change of pace.  Fun fact about where the recommendation for this one came from:  a magazine I was reading (I think it was US Weekly) informed me that one Kate Middleton was seen toting this book on her fancy publicity tour.  And because I am not above wanting to be as well-read as the Duchess of Cambridge, I added it to my list.  Let it thus be known that Kate may have her flaws (like being young and interesting and glamorous), but her taste in books is pretty darn good.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (apart from having a mouthful of a title), is composed entirely of letters between fictional author Juliet Ashton, who is looking for her next project, and the men and women of the titular Society, about whom she will eventually decide to write.  This is not only a story of a writer looking for a story to tell, though; it's a study of charming and quirky characters, set against the grim backdrop of WW2's immediate aftermath in England.  Guernsey has only recently been liberated from German occupation, and the impact on its citizens has been enormous.  The Literary Society itself began as a ruse to disguise an illicit meeting of friends from the soldiers, and yet it managed to become a source of entertainment and unwavering support during an impossibly difficult time.

Juliet becomes so enamored of these people and their stories that she travels to Guernsey herself to meet and befriend them.  She immediately takes to the town and its inhabitants, particularly the orphaned daughter of the Society's founder, as well as the man whose initial correspondence revealed to her the existence of the Society and the potential for a story to be found.  By novel's end, Juliet can scarcely imagine returning to the dull bustle of London after experiencing such a wonderful and warm community, and neither can the reader.

I have not read a lot of books about England during this period in history (the most recent being Ian McEwan's Atonement), but I have to say I may look for more in the future.  My studies of WW2 in my history classes have largely focused on America's role, as well as the tragedies of the Holocaust, which I think has left me with less appreciation for the struggles of those living in war-torn Europe during the fighting, just struggling to maintain any sense of normalcy.  The people of Guernsey could easily exist today, could be me or you or anyone, and the story of their experiences and their collective strength is inspiring.  It also doesn't hurt that the idea behind the Society, that books are capable of bringing people together in a unique and profound way, is something that I will always, always advocate. 

This is a genuinely enchanting story and a fairly fast read, as most of the letters are brief and to the point, letting the events speak for themselves without an excess of editorializing.  I recommend it to anyone interested in this period of history, or simply in a tale of people emerging from the ashes of the past to embrace a surprisingly happy ending.