They get into crazy food fights that symbolize their connection, although part of the connection appears to be in danger. Image via toutlecine.com
Ils Se Marierent et Eurent Beaucoup D’Enfants
Happily Ever After (Ils Se Marierent et Eurent Beaucoup D’Enfants) is a movie about a couple and their thoughts and actions about love, marriage and affairs. The English title is actually a lame translation, but this happens often during translated movie titles. The French translation is roughly along the lines of “They Married and Had Many Children” which could be interpreted as their childish actions in regards to their relationship, love and commitment.
Image via wikimedia
The premise of the story is a married couple with a child who both have thoughts of infidelity. Stereotypically, the men in the film pine over women that are equally as desirable as their wives who they are annoyingly bored with. The men come off as weak, child-like creatures who want new, shiny toys to fuck up their lives with.
The female perspective on affairs and cheating is more contemplative. I don’t know if it’s because this is a true portrayal of a woman straying or if it’s kind of another stereotype in cheating. But then again, maybe the path to affairs is unique depending on gender. Dudes seem to go for it, without much thought, and women seem to really think about it before taking the leap.
The couple obviously loves each other, but for some reason there has been a disconnect somewhere don the line that has them both thinking of other lovers.
I really liked the movie though. It’s sometimes hard to watch infidelity in film, because it’s something I don’t understand. However, I’ve been watching a few films that deal with the subject to understand it more, like the film Last Night. Straying in a relationship or a marriage is a lot more complex than writing any individual off as a total jerkface. After all, we are all single human beings with a unique life and unique desires. Who are we to really judge someone else’s relationship and choices?
I love Charlotte Gainsbourg. She has this look in her eyes whenever she casts a sideways glance that would make you believe she is looking through different dimensions. Just amazing.
It’s in French with subtitles, and I definitely recommend it.
PS let’s learn French!!!! I’m a little bit of a francophile. They seem so fabulously salty and stylish. My fave combination.
Seriously, WATCH THIS SHOW. Zombie apocalypse, but done in a way classier and storyteller way than most gory and campy zombie movies. It’s amazing.
A sheriff wakes up from a coma to a world completely changed. The zombie apocalypse has happened. He goes on to find his family and other survivors as they deal with an entirely different society chock full of new undead enemies. Even if you’re not into zombies, this show takes it to a more realistic level in terms of story and character development.
As of now, the first season is just on Netflix. But, the second season JUST ended, and you can either surf a way to stream it or wait until those turd businessmen finalize a “deal” to get it to us through some paid network. (Seriously, you;d think they’d get this shit together by now. We’re either going to watch it on Netflix or Hulu, their website or stream it somewhere else. Get with the times, Hollywood. You’re embarrassing yourself more than usual.)
WATCH THIS SHOW NOW!!!! But not before bed, because you WILL have nightmares about zombies eating your skull.
I’ve seen Young Adulttwice now. Once in theaters with a friend and once with my brother. Both viewings held an equal amount of “Oh God” around every awkward, warped turn.
Charlize Theron plays Mavis Gray, a young adult novel ghost writer living in the “big city” of Minneapolis, MN. She goes home to try and take back her old high school/college boyfriend who, by the by, is married and just had an infant. Everything Mavis does you will find yourself exclaiming “What the fuck!” “Oh no” and “Oh My GOD.” It sounds outrageous, but believable at the same time. Depression, alcoholism and loneliness wrapped into husband stealing, hometown fun. Goody!
Don't be this person. Image via thegloss.com
Charlize Theron’s performance is amazing. She does these really subtle facial expressions that in one second give off entire rooms inside this character’s complex yet simple personality. Patton Oswalt is awesome, depending on if you like Patton Oswalt. I love him. He seems like the kind of guy you can have belly laughs with around a bon fire, and then go watch a John Hughes movie. And Patrick Wilson is great too, not to mention supa fine.
This movie is definitely worth your time. Yes there are awkward moments, and yes you cringe like every 5 minutes. But it’s a great character study and a flashing red warning of how NOT to act when you go back home, no matter what you think you had with someone a decade before.
And FYI, nobody beyond the age of 40 would ever refer to Minneapolis as the “Mini Apple.” I heard it once in middle school and it was just as lame then as it is now.
Michelle Williams rarely ever picks a bad movie. Every movie I’ve ever seen with MW has been amazing. Blue Valentine, Wendy and Lucy, Brokeback Mountain, etc. Gurlfriend knows how to pick a flick.
Me Without You is another one of those pesky Netflix movies that always shows up but never gets watched. I didn’t know it was from 2001, until I saw Michelle Williams pre-waif, pre-Heath and pre-huge fame.
Image via reelingreviews.com
The movie centers around two neighbor best friends. They grow up through the 70s, 80s, 90s and end in 2001. I liked the movie, but that’s a whole lotta life and time to condense into 100 minutes. It doesn’t feel like it moves too fast, but it does feel like some individual character development gets lost in the story arc of the friendship. The friendship IS the movie, but it’s kind of like meeting a couple or “bestfriends*. You meet these weird, connected human beings and you never really get to know them individually besides some obvious characteristics.
It was definitely nice to watch a movie about two gal pals that wasn’t steeped in bullshit situations and lame dudes named shit like “Chip” or “Kevin” who are 25 and still talk about “the big game” because that was the peak of their life. The acting was solid, but what else do you expect from our girl Michelle?!
Yup. Been there. Image via cahiersducinemode.wordpress.com
If you’re feeling nostalgic about yesteryear, even if you weren’t alive in the 70s, watch it. There are some great girl moments including dressing up in trashbags in the forest, after leaving our parents homes of course, to look hip for a “cool party”. We’ve all donned some pretty crazy shit trying to look cool. If you’re not feeling good for a friendship drama that takes place mostly in the 70s/80s, skip it.
Nevertheless, the clothing is amazing. It’s crazy shit, but like the over the top kind of crazy that involves heroin and blow with a shot ton of tulle and fishnets. Stella McCartney for Chloé is to thank for the fashion in the film.
Sidenote: I’ve learned that Netflix has very weird copywriters who write the descriptions, because the descripts are always weird and not really that jiving with the film. I need to keep reminding myself that whoever is writing this shit ain’t workin too hard.
Javier Bardem plays Uxbal, a black marketer who can talk to spirits and was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. A through and through dramatic, sad yet honest and beautiful portrayal of a peripheral life in Spain. I’ve always enjoyed Spanish films, as they have this ability to show the uncomfortable truths about life that Hollywood can’t seem to cope with.
If you feel like weeping and want to watch a BRILLIANT and perfect performance of a dying man, watchBiutiful. Javier Bardem is more than phenomenal. Everything had me crying. The acting, the storylines, the people, everything. To watch a dying man tie up his affairs while dealing with every shitty thing that could possibly happen is an astounding look into the human character.
It also makes me want to hug every single person on the planet just because.
We all know how not having full time employment, or any employment at all, can allow for a whole lot of nothing to do. At one point in your life this probably seemed like an amazing concept: Sleep in until 11, watch What Not to Wearand then quickly change it before the dreadfulBaby Storycomes on, eat lunch, look at yourself in the mirror, watch Netflix, see your parents get home from work, consider working out but don’t, eat and then go to bed.
However, the humdrum routine of absolute freedom and having nowhere to be and nothing on your to-do list can have its downsides. Back aches from sitting around, a gut from eating all day and being a huge bum are only a few of the less glamorous sides of unemployment. While you’re hanging in employment limbo, try out some of these amazing activities to get you off the couch and doing… anything else.
Watch Netflix foreign language films
El hombre maravilloso, Gael Garcia Bernal, habla español. Así que tu deberías hablar español también!! Think of the cute babies you could have. Image via rubyssecrets.blogspot.com
Hopefully you went to a high school, college or university that required second language study. Netflix has a fair amount of films in foreign languages on instant and an even larger selection for their mail-home DVDs. Sometimes the instant movies are already dubbed over in English, which is a huge drag. But the DVDs should have subtitle and audio options.
You can even get into a telenovela on Telemundo or whatever Spanish channels are available around you. They are so ridiculous and awesomely bad. Just think: Once you master your foreign language, you could be talking to men who look like Gael Garcia Bernal. Yeah. Get on it.
That could be you: Meditating for peace and job interviews. Image via organicsoul.com
Work out
There is absolutely no excuse to not workout if you’re under or unemployed. Not only will it keep your body looking good, you’ll feel better mentally and physically, which can definitely help your job hunt. Plus, exercise will help your focus and give you more energy and confidence in applications and interviews.
My favorite free yoga podcast is Yogamazing with a nice yogi named Chaz. You can download or watch them for free here or find the yogamazing podcasts through iTunes.
Invent something for incredibly lazy people
Maybe this is the time to create that invention you thought of when you were stoned freshman year. I’m pretty sure the Snuggie was invented by huge stoners whose arms kept getting cold when they reached for snacks or the remote. If you make something to make lazy people’s lives easier, they will buy it. That is a fact.
Volunteer
PUPPIES!!!!!! Image via hercampus.com
Volunteering can help your job hunt mucho. It gives you something to pour some energy into every week as well as being a great, philanthropic addition to your resume. Try to pick a volunteer position that you’re interested in. There are volunteer dog walkers in many cities at dog shelters, volunteer English language positions at many community centers, homework help for kids and teens, etc. You’ll have somewhere to go each week with the added bonus of building a network and good references.
Learn how to cook
If you’re living back at home with good ol’ ma and pa, this is the best time ever to learn how to cook. Tell them you’ll do all the grocery shopping and cooking (on their dime of course). This way you’re picking up a major part of running the household, groceries and cooking, as well as cooking what you want to learn with a little parental guidance nearby. Pick up a bottle of wine to sip on while cooking and get your iPod out; it makes cooking WAY more fun!
You could be in an attractive study group like this one. Image via film.com
Take a class
If you’re like me and studied something liberal artsy and then watched the economy collapse, leaving you no where to turn except free internship work, then it’s probably a good idea to take a class. You could go the take-something-you-like route, like medieval basket weaving, or something that will actually get you a job, like web development. Check out your local community college for offered classes, so you can take a class on the cheap AND pretend you’re a character in Community. Win-win.
Library
Remember all those books you wanted to read when you got older? That time is definitely now. And if you haven’t read The Hunger Games or Harry Potter yet, you are an alien and probably can’t get a library card without an address on Earth. But for real, reading is a great thing to do during un or underemployment. Plus it’s free at the library, which sadly some people probably don’t even know.
PS doesn’t it sadden you to no end when you hear people say they hate reading? It’s equal to saying they hate puppies.
Laundry
Yeah, laundry sounds lame. Until you get to the dryer part. Putting on warm pants is probably the best thing ever.
The main thing to do while sitting un or underemployed is to STAY BUSY. Especially in an economy like this, where the employer has their pick of the educated litter, it’s best to keep adding substantial things to your brain and/or resume. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your future boss in a yoga class. Better yet, you’ll have a genius, million-dollar idea while trying on pants straight from the dryer. You never know! Just keep moving.
What a beautiful classic. Image via misstoptenimage.blogspot.com
Ahhhh, Netflix instant. Many a nightcap and rainy day spent in front of the computer or Xbox watching Netflix.
One of the best parts of being an underemployed 20 something gal is delving into the arts. And yes, Netflix counts as delving into the arts. Call them films, if that makes you feel artier, or cinéma if you’re pretty annoying.
It can sometimes prove daunting and a huge waste of time to click your way through most of the crap that gets put on Netflix. So in order to indulge your lazy butt, I’ve compiled my favorite Netflix selections for your ease and enjoyment.
Favorite Movies
LOVE this movie so much. Image via iwannawatch.net
2 Days in Paris is one of my favorite movies. A lovebird vacation gone awry, but not in a lame, slapstick predictable way. Written, directed and starred in by the amazing Julie Delpy. Adam Goldberg plays her boyfriend, an American interior decorator dealing with meeting his foreign girlfriend’s parents. Goldberg’s character keeps learning new things about Delpy, especially her past sex life and her extreme closeness with her parents.
Breakfast at Tiffany’sis one of those classic movies that you always hear about but may have never seen. Watch it. It’s a great glimpse into not really wanting to work or have a real job, but in the 60s with great clothes, no cell phones and lots of cigarettes.
Louis C.K. Chewed Upis hilarious. Great stand up comedian who I have a crush on in a ginger, balding, 40something comedian sort of way.
Eagle vs. Sharkis an awkward and weird love story from New Zealand. Think Napoleon Dynamite meets 20 something nerdy love.
Howl’s Moving Castleis an instant, instant favorite the second you watch it. It’s a Hayao Miyazaki anime film with a beautiful and creative storyline. Based on a Japanese fantasy novel, it includes witches, flying castles and a oddly sweet love story. A wondrous fairy-tale for everyone.
Favorite TV
Downton AbbeyDuh! A PBS mini series chronicling the upperclass elite, yet oddly kindhearted Crawley family and their servants. Both upstairs and downstairs have an equal amount of drama that ranges from the Titanic’s sinking in 1912 through World War I up to 1920 when season two finishes. Season one is all that’s available on Netflix now, but you can still catch some season 2 episodes at PBS.com! Lucky you.
Don't you just love those manipulating, schemy little faces?! Image via backseatcuddler.com
Arrested DevelopmentOh God. So many memorable quotes and episodes from the Bluth family. Once in a while I’ll meet a person who hasn’t seenArrested Development yet. If that is you, you’re welcome and start watching NOW!
Parks and Recreation/30 RockI decided to put these two shows together because they are THAT GOOD. Both SNL alums Amy Poehler and Tina Fey shine in their respective NBC shows. Poehler plays Leslie Knope, a parks and rec lady who loves her town and parks more than anything. And Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon is the weirdo single gal/guy living inside us all who hates working out and loves philly cheese steaks. Perfection in both shows with amazing casts and even more amazing writing.
CheersIt’s impossible for me to even think about Cheers without hearing the theme song. “Where everybody knows your na-a-ame (bum bum bum!)” Friends, love and life at the neighborhood bar. And a young Ted Danson. Need I say more?
CouplingThe pilot episode is one of the best written pilots I’ve ever seen in my life. Think a raunchier Friends with way more sex, swearing and yes, coupling.
So many bad decisions. Yet so much fun! Image via netflix.com
The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd MargaretThis show is absolutely hilarious. Todd Margaret is a deprecated, sad, pathetic American man who moves to England to try and sell toxic energy drinks. Todd Margaret- you guessed it!- makes increasingly poor decisions. The title sets up the show perfectly. Sometimes I feel so bad for characters with bad luck that I can’t watch the shows. But when it’s laid out so wonderfully in the title, you can sit back with ease and watch the beautiful shit storm happen.
Also, check out Lost (best show ever!), Workaholics, Party Down, United States of Tara, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Anthony Bourdain No Reservations, Never Been Kissed, Shutter Island
Guilty Pleasures
Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Hoarders, Intervention, Gossip Girl, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, The City
We've all been there. Fortunately, it doesn't have to ruin your night! Photo via blog.compete.com
Let’s call it the Netflix Nightcap.
We’ve all been there: Sitting at a party where the conversation isn’t really your cup of tea, you are single and everyone there is in a deadend relationship (that they sadly haven’t realized yet) or worse- you’re surrounded by young republicans with a self-righteous penchant for red meat and Tucker Carlson.
Netflix: Where everybody knows your na-a-ame (and viewing preferences). Photo via Netflix.com
Sometimes, you just have to chalk it up, say your polite farewells and do what will make your night 10 times better: Netflix, baby. Can you remember a time before Netflix? When, God forbid, you were forced to rewatch actual DVDs instead of streaming them (30 Rock or anything with Leslie Knope)? I shudder at the mere thought.
Instead of cringing your way through conversations with people who wear too much plaid for their own good, imagine: It’s just you, at home, N-flix, and a warm blanket peppered with snacks and diet soda. You get to pick whatever you want, whether it be a delightfully shitty rom-com (anything with Katherine Heigl), action (Terminator), period piece (Downton Abbey ftw), documentary (the origami one) or Cheers (Ted Danson rocks).
This could be you. Image via cheezburger.com
So the next time you find yourself smack dab in the middle of a tired and pointless conversation with acquaintances you hope to God don’t add you on Facebook (there should really be a three hangout minimum), just remember that Netflix instant is waiting for you at home, with a barrel of laughs, tears, or just a simple warm hug of personalized entertainment.
It’s being reported that movie tickets are going up in price AGAIN– rising from a country-wide average of $7.89 to $7.93. 8 bucks for a movie, plus if you buy snacks at the theater (instead of sneaking them in because they are INSANELY overpriced) you will most definitely be paying upwards of $20 to $25 dollars on going to a movie.
You know, this is one reason a lot of people don’t go to the movies and choose to illegally download, stream or stick to Netflix.
The movie industry is definitely a delicate eco-system. And it’s absolutely true that Hollywood has all but dried up creatively, hence all the shitty, terrible remakes and the obvious money cash cow 3D “re-releases” that are more expensive, slightly more dimensional versions of our favorite classics THAT WE HAD ON VHS.
I can't even remember the last time the popcorn at the movies was good. It sucks. What is this world coming to?! Photo via diabetesmine.com
I mean, seriously Hollywood? You seriously have no good, new story lines to work with? “Let’s just re-release everything that made over 500 million in 3D. Then we can all have purple yachts exclusively for our Tuesday excrements!”
It just doesn’t make sense that the movie industry would raise prices, no matter how minüte, in a time where people would rather sit at home to stream or download that same movie for free, and without paying $10 for a box of Raisinettes and a small Diet Coke. Seems rather counter-productive, no?
This is the feeling I get from big industries like the movie biz and the music biz: They are tirelessly stuck in their old ways and obviously not accepting that the ALREADY has changed. This isn’t 1996. People don’t HAVE to buy things, especially not your shitty, non-creative albums or movies. 3D really isn’t that big of a draw anyways. I haven’t seen a 3D movie that I just LOVED. It’s more like an “oh, neat. Dammit I have to pee again,” type deal.
This is also why I think their weak SOPA attempt is just plain being lazy. BE INNOVATIVE. What a fucking idea, right?!
2PF 