Movie review: ill keep it short...

PSYCHE!

 I'm not doing one of the best feature nominees this time. Instead I stumbled upon one of the best animated short noms. It is just lovely.

It was surprising, as it came from Disney and it WASN'T Pixar or heavy in the 3d animation. It's s bit of a throwback of 90's cartoons long before toy story and that lamp with the ball changed everything. The simple premise and charming love story pulls at the heart and takes you back to the simple stories of yonder, before they brought in ideas with video games and zombies with hearts of gold (even though I really want to see those movies or love those movies with my little cold heart)

It's a fun short with the romance of every little happenstance in life.  Take a look and let me know what you think!

-janeovision

Movie review: les miserables - musicals on film are hard!

Oh Les Miserables.

Let me put it out there that I was raised with musical theatre and I saw this show the first time when I was 7 years old, crying when Eponine died and muttering obscenities to Javert when he was being his usual dick-soldier self to Valjean. I was beaming like a little school girl when I found out it was being turned into a movie and cringing at the rumours of T-Swift being cast. I had a lot of emotional investment in this movie before it was even in post-production.

That being said, let's review this sucker!

Overall, this movie had a lot of issues. The vocals got worse as the film progressed, there was continuity issues with weather (this song talks mentions rain-QUICK! Cue the water!) and it seemed the casting was yet another Hollywood pull, casting the vocally inept Russell Crowe as Javert and little miss snow-white-wannabe Amanda Seyfried as Cosette. But they kept true to the story and the new concept of live singing throughout the entire film gave each song a new depth when they had close-ups and camera angles that are foreign to the theatre world. It was a smart choice for the director, as this musical is true to its name. EVERYTHING IS SUNG. there is no dialogue and then breaking into song and dance. It's not Moulin Rouge by any means. Having the live singing allowed for the actors connect with each song in a new way, and I fell in love with each song all over again.

... Unless it was Russell Crowe. seriously, dude. What the hell??

If you're a musical fan, I think you'll like this new take on it. You definitely have to overlook the bouts of bad singing, as well as Hugh Jackman's painful rendition of 'Bring Him Home' but the power was still there when you hear 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' as you get chills down your spine, and tears in your eyes in 'A Little Fall of Rain'. Plus the boy that played Gavroche was absolute perfection, bringing a little bit of the stage performance on the screen, creating a balance of film of theatre. You also have not keep in mind that this was created and meant for the stage. Putting any musical or play on film and making it work is a daunting task, regardless of the following or popularity. I've seen a lot of plays and musicals put into film, as well as the different variations, and all have pros and cons. You have to tread lightly.

I have to warn anyone that has never seen this play or has limited experiences watching musical theatre: this probably isn't your bag. I saw this movie twice, and both times I saw people walk out of the theatre halfway through. I cat inlay isn't for everyone, and you have to be prepared that people converse in song, think in song, yell, fight, and love in song. It's a musical. If you really want to see it but are novice to this little world, I suggest you check out this link and watch the entire anniversary special. If you can make it through that, you're set.

I must stop and comment on Anne Hathaway's performance. Ho-ley crap. Her rendition of Fantine's 'I Dreamed a Dream' blew me out of the water! In the scenes building up to this moment, she has lost her job, had her hair cut and her teeth pulled to make a little it of money to send to her ailing child, and she has hit that final blow where she stoops to prostitution to make money to keep her and her child alive.

This song is done in a single take. You see her entire thought process as she reaches that last haunting line of the song. Although she is a strong character, you see her break down and finally succumb to her fate. And you fall with her. Your heart bleeds for her when she whispers out, 'life has killed the dream I dreamed' and you both realize that she is never going to recover from this fall from grace. Her performance was heartfelt, painful, and so sincere to the many emotions the character was whirling around at the time. It broke my heart. And I loved it.

If you think she was just hamming it up, I think you really need to re-examine Fantine's character and what brought her to that moment. I've had many conversations about this performance and several people thinking that Hathaway took too many luxuries and drama-queened it up. I think you really don't know the character and the illusion of the theatre rendition has been so embedded in your mind, other portrayals seem like a betrayal of the character. Because it is filmed in such an intimate manner, the audience is able to see the rest of the emotions the stage limits. Musicals assume the song alone will out across the emotions. With film, there's a balance that needs to be found, and I think Anne Hathaway nailed it.

I could go on, but I won't. There's too much to be said and not enough attention span in the internet to bother trying.

-janeovision

Movie Review: Argo to the movies!

Ok, based on my last review and my abundance of rambling I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

I REALLY LIKED ARGO.

It's a great telling of how Americans had to disguise themselves as Canadians to not be dragged into the streets of Iran and publicly murdered (based on current political issues). There are parts of the stories I am unaware of, Parts I'm sure they cut out, movie-glamorized, and underlying issues and stories that weren't told and I am not aware of. I have not researched anything on this story. There are some people I have spoken to about this film that are not going to see this film based on this. There's an untold story that is a lot more negative and controversial, and this film has possibly ignored it or glamorized it.

Because I know next to nothing about the true story, my review is biased and somewhat narrow. But I have chosen to review this one based on my current knowledge. You'll see that when I review les mis (TRUST ME). That being said, mr. Affleck did a great job creating this film, and the story was captivating enough to keep my attention from top to bottom. I'm certainly not a fan of historical films, but this one was intriguing, tense, gripping, and even exhilarating at times.

One to see for sure, as I'm pretty sure Affleck is looking pretty good with the oscars. If you're interested, definitely look into the true story and let me know your thoughts on the comparisons. I'd love to hear thoughts and opinions on the Hollywood-washing of this film.

Cheers!

-janeovision

Movie review: silver linings play book. Meh.

This is not the first Oscar nom I've seen this year, but it's definitely going to be the one I have to get out of the way first. Silver Linings Playbook.

I have to be missing something.  The acting was fine and the story was OK, but I'm not sure I understand why this movie was nominated for an Oscar. It's a rom-com. They are both broken birds and find solace in each other. They fall in love. There's a dance number. Wait, did I just watch she's all that?

It doesn't seem like anything special compared to all the other movies that came out or nominated this year. It's cute, but... Yea I don't know. I honestly can't think of anything to write about this besides...meh.  Maybe it's the mental health thing? I suppose, but I don't think the topic was touched on upon enough to really be an impactful movie.  One might suggest that less is more, but at times, even when it was touched on, it seemed more animated than real, more for entertainment than for getting a story across.

Jennifer Lawrence did fine, but it wasn't close to her work in Winters Bone (which she didn't win for, but black swan was her competition) and if anything her facial features were a littlefrozen and blank, hopefully not a regular thing,as her last few major roles seem to demonstrate.  Bradley Cooper had no real depth in his character, which may be the fault of the script itself, which only gave us shallow tidbits of his past, barely giving us a true look at his character. Then there's Chris Tucker. Why is he there? Is this his attempt at moving from his duo with Jackie Chan? Is this his comeback? You could've used the old spice guy and it would have had the same impact. Oh,  Mr. Tucker, you have grown into a much more attractive wiser actor andman. Please find roles that you can actually bite into, this one did nothing for you.  I think the only good thing was Robert DeNiro, who brought on an interesting portrayal (albeit limited) with his OCD and relationship with his son.

I think the only part that was Oscar worthy and that truly impressed me (besides the dance scene-those get me every time!) was the monologue Lawrence did defending Coopers actions and linking them with DeNiros OCD and the football game. It was clear, it was rough, and it was truly impressive how she put everyone in that room in their place. I might have clapped or vocalized a 'daaaaaamn!' From my couch. Maybe that's why she has the Oscar nomination.

Silver Linings Playbook was a good enough movie, and certainly a rom-com to put near the top of the usual suspect list of fluffy romantic movies that come out every year (Nicholas Sparks, please knock it off already!). Is it Oscar worthy? I'm going to have to say no. But good on Cooper for branching away from the A-team and Lawrence getting everyone to forget she's Katniss Everdeen for a little while. Maybe Lawrence was nominated based on the slim pickings this year? Wo knows. I like her, but I just don't know this time.

I'm going to try watching this one again.  its fun, and its definitely one I'll watch again, but it's just not doing it for me.  maybe it's Juno Syndrome.   I saw that movie 3 times before I started liking it. Maybe the publicity ruined it for me.  Perhaps criticism is best when safe from hype and over saturation from the media. Who knows.

 That's all for now. More reviews to come!

-janeovision

Young adults being open about sex? WHAT??

Ooh! New rant! And there's sex in it!

The university of Toronto Sexual Education Centre (SEC) has had a bit of chatter come up recently with their upcoming events for their Sexual Awareness Week. With their kick-off event Monday, they are hosting an event moving into the evening at Oasis Aqua Lounge, which offers a space for students to explore their sexuality in a safe space that evening. Oasis is a venue that offers a safe space as a 'sexual playground', with areas such as saunas, patios, 'dungeon' areas and role-playing rooms where swingers, couples, and on the occasion, single members can explore their sexuality either one-on-one or with other partners. This venue is known for offering an outlet for people to explore their sexuality in a clean, private, safe space, offering free condoms and lube, as well as a no pressure, no obligation policy for every member that comes through their doors. (Yes, besides this event, it is a members only club).

After this was released as news to the public, minds went directly to the idea of orgies and a sultry sex house supported by the University of Toronto. Much of the public was surprised and (at least those that I've seen interviewed) were visibly upset about the notion of school having affiliation with sexual acts and exploration. People were uncomfortable with students having sex, having a space provided for sex, and offering a space for the students to try sex, sex options, fetishes, openness, and other taboo topics that some of the public still have a hard enough time discussing in 'civilized' society. There were two releases sent out both by the university and the SEC

FOUND FROM A REDDIT FEED VIA the star.com
Hi everyone,
"I'm the event coordinator. [...] I wanted to clear some things up about the event to take away some of the fears and or misconceptions some of you may have.
It's not necessarily an orgy. In fact, at last year's event there wasn't a ton of sex in the open as there are secluded places within the club to go to. we also have a no sex on the first floor rule so people can avoid the it if they please.
We will have a number of marked volunteers assisting the regular staff to ensure that everyone is having a good experience and is respecting all the other attendees.
We will be providing a myriad of safer sex supplies including condoms (both latex and poly-isoprene), nitrile gloves, dental dams, and lube so that everyone can be as safe as possible.
This event is 100% legal. If you have any in depth questions you can contact the club or read their FAQ.
If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to post them here or email me at utsec.ex.ed@gmail.com"

The university of Toronto emailed this statement to the Toronto Star:
“The University will not attempt to censor, control or interfere with any group on the basis of its philosophy, beliefs, interests or opinions expressed, unless and until these lead to activities which are illegal or which infringe the rights and freedoms.”

Regardless of these statements, either through social media or news outlets, there has been negative press for this event. The notion of young adults expressing their sexuality or having a safe space to explore their sexuality is 'inappropriate' in a school environment. I know that I'm not the only 20-something that took some time (or is still taking their time) exploring and understanding their sexuality. I wouldn't say that I was raised in a conservative or prudish family, but I certainly wasn't a girl developing in a sexually liberated house. I learned about my period from my parents, I read that silly "Fully Alive" sex-Ed book that was required in my Catholics school religion class, and if I wasn't so nervous or shy about king questions, I'm sure my parents would have tried to help or answer my queries... To a point. They're only so educated about this and, (like me) only so comfortable having these conversations with their child. I also had recess snickering and adventures when teachers found a porn magazine in someone's desk, and had access to the blossoming interwebs in the mid-90's. it wasn't terrible, but there were definitely holes in my sexual education.

When I grew older, however, and eventually started in my own sexual experiences, I was sort of ignorant to what was going on or what was working. It was awkward. It was weird. I was sure I had no one to talk to because any questions I had, I was sure that no one else was thinking the same things or had the same concerns or questions I did. When I moved off to university, the awkwardness didn't stop. I had bizarre encounters, I started learning about types of relationships or sexual experiences that I had never hear of before. Sometimes, when I heard about these things, it was told to me in a negative light, or with limited information. My university did have a Sexual Education Centre, and it did have information and meetings, events and parties of sorts, as well as connections to the PrideCentre and other centres within the school, but when it came to events related to the centre, it was more mix and mingles, mini education events, and sometimes so minimal that they were easily overlooked compared to the many other events happening on campus. Much of my SEC blended into the wall of the rest of the things happening on campus and it ended up that parts of my education of my sexuality ended up being trial and error and self education. It wasn't their fault, it just ended up being same old events combined with my own fears of ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT SEX that held me back from exploring this resource in my post-secondary career.

Now let me be clear. There are more events happening at the many SEC at campuses all over this country than I could count or that I never knew of. If you're still in school, please check them out (or get involved) Not taking advantage of the services they provided was my own fault. At the same time, it's not a part of school that was necessarily highlighted in my post-secondary career. It happened, and I had to figure out sex in my own way.

So what's the problem with UofT having this event? In my opinion, absolutely nothing!

I think that this event is great, and the press it's been getting is even better! I wish that my school had the balls to do something so different and outside the box of the usual SEC events. It's is offering a space where not only people can explore, but also understand the different types of sexual exploration out there. I think that this publicity is a huge success for the SEC because they are finally are getting noticed! With this kind of press, those that wouldn't usually look twice at this resource are becoming interested because the SEC is showing off that they are not your guidance councillor or that stupid sex book from religion class. These people just might know what their talking about!!!! The student body is being introduced to a new type of sexual awakening and doing it through their peers, which means, people won't become confused or jaded by the illusions of the porn industry. Peers can discuss their sexuality and they are being shown that there is such a thing as a safe space outside of the the Internet or drinks out with the gang at 1am. Sex can be discussed in a smart, honest, real way, and you will not be punished or judged for your questions! You just might figure out sex!!!

Trust me, it's not always that sexy. It's not always that perfect. It's awkward, it might be funny, it might be uncomfortable and weird. Plus, sometimes you slip, fall, punch someone in the eye or fall of the bed. Porn has ruined the concept of sex for the inexperienced and many come out disappointed and in need of a shower and some quiet time. The awesome thing about resources like your schools SEC is that you can talk to someone and maybe be a little more prepared for what you're diving into, head first and pants off.

I think having an option like this introduces options to students who are willing to try something new or are curious to what else is out there in the 'sexual universe'. On top of that, what's wrong with post-secondary students exploring their sexuality? Beyond education, books, and beer, isn't that what we're supposed to be doing? Figuring out who we are if we haven't already? I learned through awkward encounters and suspect-at-best advice from friends and various sources. Yes, is event is calling up a lot of controversy and press for the SEC, but at the same time, it's demonstrating that they are a place where they are knowledgable of different types of sex and that students should be able to explore themselves, while still being safe and smart about it.

The fact that people are judging and getting upset about this is the exact reason people like myself had hard time figuring out sex and sexuality. This topic is still taboo. There's still that idea that what happens behind closed doors is no one else's business. But what if you have no idea what to do once you're behind that door? What if you hurt yourself, or end up doing something you don't really want to to do because you didn't know any better? Along with this, what if you never try something that you could potentially LOVE because the public voice says that what that thing is is wrong or dirty or bad?

I say kudos to the UofT SEC. You are stepping out of the comfort zone and offering an outlet to your students to do the same in a safe environment. Let the public squirm. Let them judge. W can't help that. What we can help is our confidence in what we want to know and know that when we are educated, we can not be ashamed of our knowledge.

Sex(y) rant ended.

-janeovision

Awards season!!!

It has come, one of my favourite times of the year.

OSCAR SEASON!!!

I love this time of year, because when the Oscar nominees come out every year, I create the challenge to myself to watch all of the films in the best picture category. This challenge, however, has become a bit more difficult when they doubled the amount of nominees from 5 to 10. Even though they have recently dropped the number to 9, that's still a lot of movies to watch! (Particularly when you still have a life going on.)

I'm still going to try to achieve this goal. The art of balancing school, work, life, sleep, and movies can and WILL be done! I've achieved this goal once before (and when it was 10 movies) and I will do it again! While I do it, I'm going to include mini-reviews. A while back, I used to review movies I saw with a note on a piece of paper. Just a few thoughts written down with a couple jabs at the current crappy movies floating around.

**cough**Twilight**cough**

So for the next little bit, along with the other posts, I'll be doing wee movie reviews of the best picture nominees.

K, that's it. I got movies to watch!

-janeovision

Wait, BEER MIGHT NOT BE VEGETARIAN???

The month moves on, I'm back in school, I'm getting my life schedule back in order, or in some fashion, and I'm looking towards more of my future monthly goals. I've been looking into caffeine-free options, contacts, music and other adventures.  I've also began my research for veg-uary. I'm looking into ingredients, starting to stock my fridge with my upcoming options, and generally researching what I can and can't eat.

Holy crap.

Did you know there are beers, wines and some foods you'd think are veg-friendly, but totally aren't?? Guinness uses a fish product called isinglass in the production process of the stout.  They essentially can't guarantee particles won't make it's way to the final product.  The same for Magners.  Magners uses an animal product (Cochineal) for colouring.  I also have to look into items that use gelatin or pectin, which is in surprising items such as sour cream (huh!).

I have done research for half a day. And all I have to say is this:

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?????

I have to watch not only what I eat, but what I DRINK too?  When did I have to start worrying about that shit too??? Stuff with dyes, surprise pectin or gelatin, or even animal products tossed in or used in the production.  Aren't there other effective ways to separate product in the production process, or use other items for colouring, or even just having NATURAL colours for the product?

I've been talking to other friends who are vegetarians and vegans and they say the scariest thing about  doing this is the research.  Along with that, the more research you do, the less you want to eat the nasty-ass food that is put out there.

One step at a time. One bite at a time, lots of reading, and even more eating.

-janeovision

P.s. I tried veggie ground beef last night. I'm pretty sure I like it better than real ground beef, but I've never been a fan of the smell of ground beef cooking anyways.  BRING IT ON.

Vacation dread

The Friday before you head back to school or work after the holidays is probably the worst day of the year so far... Which I guess is a good thing, since you're only a few days in to the new year.

You lie in bed, staring at your clock, resenting every second that is passing because it's getting closer and closer to the time when you'll eventually have to get up at a REASONABLE hour and do productive things in your day besides shower and reheat leftovers. Soon enough, you're going to have to out on your face, smile, fake pleasantries and try not to deck fellow commuters on the subway during rush hour.

Vacations are dangerous like that! They lure you in with this utopia of food and festivities and friends, the pretty lights and the music and that perfect moment where the entire years stress melts off your shoulders like the foam on your overpriced latte and you can finally have some fun!! But once you are having fun, footloose and fancy free, you have to go back to reality. You have to go back to WORK. you have to do adult things and keep up with those adult responsibilities, and restrain yourself at evening events because you have an adult thing to do early in the morning. It tricks you into forgetting the bullshit of life! How evil!!

I just want to stay in my wonderful cocoon. Stay in this bliss of hanging with my friends that I otherwise never get to see, drink, and dance, and have adventures!

But all good things must come to an end. I have to go back to school and work and the world outside my blanket fort. Once I get back in that groove, I'm sure ill be hunky dory again, I'll have a happy little routine and ill find time for the fun and the adventures I'm having now. It will all work and it will all be awesome once I get back into it.

But today, today I'm in my cocoon. I'm eating tomato soup and grilled cheese and watching bridesmaids. Later on ill have some beer and dance my face off probably.

It's cool, I've got til Monday to enjoy my vacation bliss.

-janeovision

A resolution of sorts

A new year is upon us, and, if you're reading this, you've survived. GOOD JOB!! Gold stars and all that jazz! Now we move to the next year!

The usual tradition of the beginning of the year is to create a resolution, something you are aiming for for the upcoming 364 days ahead of you. I'm not one to make such big goals. Not because I can't do it, but because I'm far too realistic for my own good.

I was thinking of this tradition, and I thought, why not make this a bit more attainable? This year, I've created a month to month goal. I will have one goal each month to attain, and if I so choose, I will continue with that habit, if not, I will at least be able to say (hopefully) that I completed each task and can move on to the next.

Here's my plan:

January - at least 2 blog posts a week. Nothing intense or deep all the time, but something tangible linked to my current events, rants, opinions, or foodie-ing I may be doing in my life

February - this one I call VEG-uary. For one month (and yes, the shortest one!) I will not eat meat. No bacon, no chicken, no broth, no Caesars, just fruits, veggies, dairy, and eggs. I'll need help with this one.

March - get at least 2 play ideas written out with plot points and at least 2 scene breakdowns each. Bonus points if I don't just write monologues

April- develop my business contacts. Whether within my crafting, event management, or theatre, I would like to have 5 contacts towards my future. *note* friends don't count! This could be done earlier, but this is my deadline.

May - go to at least 2 new restaurants a week. This could be fine dining, a diner, a bar, but I want to try new place I haven't been to yet in this grand city of mine

June - explore new music artists out there. With NXNE happening, I want to go to shows that are more off the grid and challenge my music tastes

July - Take my friends to fringe shows. I love the fringe festival, and a lot off my friends have no idea about this festival, as many are wrapped up in music. This month, with every show I go see, I want to have at least one non-theatre friend with me to enjoy and discuss it after the fact. This should be interesting.

August - This month I want to be outside as much as possible. My goal is to watch a max of 30 minutes of tv a day (limited to news only) and watch movies only after 8pm, (with exception to rainy day matinees) and bike at least once a day. I will also spend at least 2 days in the park and 1 day a week on a beach of some kind. I want to grab hold of summer!!

September - caffeine free. Crap.

October - Start my Christmas sewing. This includes presents, toys to sell, and create 2 new patterns for an item.

November - one new recipe a week. Try something I've never made, never cooked, never tried, and make it. I'll also post about it.

December - relax. This is usually a stressful month, so I want to take 5 minutes every day to relax. Whether it's posting something goofy, watching a stupid show, or grabbing a drink with friends, I want this month to be about enjoying life and what I have around me.

So there you have it. My 12-month goal. So far, so good.

Happy New Years everyone, best of luck in your own resolutions and here's to another year of whatever life may bring us! Whatever gets thrown, make the best of it and make it work for you.

-janeovision