The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Midnight reviews – or, more accurately, 02:49am reviews – are rare and far between. Usually I wait until morning, having had time to process and digest. But I felt like this couldn’t wait. I honestly couldn’t tell you why – maybe because of life, maybe because of how hard it struck with me – but I am going to write about it now.

Okay, first things first. I would not call myself Ben Stiller’s number one fan. I don’t love him, or his sense of humour, or his acting (though his voice acting is alright). I don’t know, I just never liked him all that much. But after watching this, directed by and starring Ben Stiller in the title role, my respect for him has increased significantly. For me, the film was that good. It wasn’t my kind of film either – a comedy that wasn’t as funny as you expected it to be. But damn.

Let’s talk about the plot. Originally a short story by James Thurber, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty tells the story of Walter Mitty, an employee of LIFE magazine, in charge of printing off negatives for the magazine. He takes the term ‘daydreamer’ to a whole new level. His active imagination eventually leads him on an accidental adventure of sorts.

I don’t know, but I found Walter such a relatable character. His story struck such a chord with me. It wasn’t overly great, or riveting in anyway. It was about someone whose daydreams eventually became irrelevant because he had decided to start living. I’m sure it was a subconscious decision, but one was made, and changed his life for the better.

Why does this hit me so? Well, first of all, it’s like 3am, so everything the slightest bit emotional amplifies by like 99%. But the whole dreams to life transition is something that I’ve personally always struggled with. I see people around me, with their lives planned to a certain degree, and all I appear to do is dream. I dream loudly, yes. But I’m kind of afraid to take that initial step. I think that’s what my problem is.

Cinematography of this film was very well done. Scenery was stunning. There were parts which were questionable, but my god were they beautiful. I think I whispered ‘Someone take me to Iceland’ about 4 times. Should also point out that the soundtrack for the film was amazing as well.

I’m tired now so,

Until next time,

Rivanna

Random Thought #15

I don’t even know.

TV things and… things

You know, I spent about 5 to 10 minutes mulling over the title. I mean, should it be funny, should it be punny, should it just be informative, should it be random, so many things to consider.

In the end, I settled for derp. I hope you like it.

Anyway, so I still watch television as well as movies, and I thought, why not give y’all a run through of things I watch. Not that you wanted to know, but I literally have nothing better to do. Literally.

Starting off with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

Basically, season 2 of AoS follows Agent Coulson and his peeps as they try to single handedly rebuild S. H. I. E. L. D after Hydra (basically SHIELD’s evil twin) destroyed them in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. I am liking the second season. Not loving it, because I’m kinda of getting tired of the whole ‘SKYE IS SPECIAL’ storyline. I need more motherfreaking backstories! Hunter, what’s his deal? Where the hell did Mac come from? Where does Bobbi buy her hair dye? Also, I remember last season finishing off with May meeting up with her mother. WHAT HAPPENED? IS HER MOTHER A SPY TOO? DOES HER MOTHER KNOW HOW BADASS MAY IS? I just really really need to know.
Also a thing about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, if you’re new and you plan on watching it, the first half of season 1 is crap. The first couple of episodes are cute and Marvely, but it gets boring very quickly. But then, when S.H.I.E.L.D. falls, which is about half way through the series, shit starts going down. People start lying, killing, dying, betraying. It gets good. Like really good. If you are a fan of Marvel, then I would seriously recommend the watch.

Alright, next up: Gravity Falls.

This cartoon show is about the twins, Dipper and Mabel, visiting their great uncle (grunkle) Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. And let me tell you right here, right now, it is absolute gold. The right mix of comedy and mystery with the odd sprinkle of WTF – usually in the form of the loveable character Soos – means it is appealing to all ages, and to all kinds of humour. Definitely worth your time of day.

Next, Parks and Recreation:

Of course, I’m one of the late ones, so I only started when it ended. I’m powering through season 2 with no regrets. It’s actually really good. It borders on crude humour – of which I am not a fan – but is neatly balanced out with witty lines and beautiful acting from the likes of Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza (who is basically my spirit animal).

And finally, Psycho Pass

I’m not all that much into the anime department. It has been somewhat of a hit-and-miss for me in the past, and because various family members have made this a source of their obsession, I tended to avoid it. However, I made the decision to reconnect with the Japanese cartoons, and asked my anime encyclopedia (who goes by the name of Friend Milan) for recommendations for beginners in anime. Psycho Pass was one of them.

In regards to world building, it was excellent. It portays a world where mental stability is used to calculate the probability that someone is likely to commit a crime. Of course, every system has it’s flaws. The police force is responsible for fixing these flaws. The story follows Akane Tsunemori, Shinya Kogami, and others as they fight to keep their city safe.

The plot was good, too, following the basic structure of murder mysteries: multiple subplots adding up to a major plot point which the last few episodes will revolve around. For me, the writing was really good.

I enjoyed it. It was complex and rich in detail, as well as heart wrenching at the best of times. If you like anime, and you like conspiracy plots, then this should definitely be on your list.

I’ve also watched Poldark, a BBC series following a soldier from the Civil War in America, fighting on the English side, return to his hometown from battle after most of his family presumed him to be dead. The first episode was a little boring, but Aiden Turner, who is in the lead, is definitely worth my time.

Next time, I’ll review The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1, and some other films which I haven’t really decided upon yet. Recommendations are welcome!

Until next time,

Rivanna

Weekend Movie Recommendation

The Book of Life. Such a beautiful funny movie. And the animation is gorgeous. I have no idea why this wasn’t nominated for an Oscar.

Random Thought #14

Okay, just finished Agent Carter and let’s just say I will be very very upset if there isn’t a season two.

Very, very upset.

Random Thought #13

YES BIG HERO SIX WON AN OSCAR AND I AM SO PROUD OF YOU

JOHN LEGEND AND COMMON, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU TOO

AND GRAND BUDAPEST FOR WINNING 4 OSCARS

I’M PROUD OF ALL OF Y’ALL

Kill Your Darlings, Whiplash and Big Hero 6

Three films that completely changed the way I see the world.

I’ll start with Kill Your Darlings.

This film, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan and Michael C. Hall from Dexter fame, shows three literary geniuses, attempting to path their way to greatness, until they become involved in a murder.

I feel like this film reads a lot like a poem – some parts are clear, some parts are metaphors or similes and all is open to your own interpretation. Of course, those with little patience to the art of poetry or literature will find this movie wishy-washy plot wise, but I feel like if you watch this, you should watch it for Dane Dehaan. After seeing him in Chronicle, I saw how good he really was. He is a brilliant actor, and while my initial instinct was to assume that Daniel Radcliffe would be the star of this film, Dane Dehaan was really the one who stole the show. Radcliffe was good, don’t get me wrong, but he was slightly overshadowed by Dehaan. He was absolutely fantastic.

Also, dat kiss tho.

Okay, on to the next one. Whiplash.

Ladies and gentlemen, if there is a movie you should watch this year, it is Whiplash. I’ll tell you why:

1. Miles Teller – You might have seen him in Divergent or the Spectacular Now, but this is the film where his talent is really brought out to light. He is a terrific drummer, and has clearly pushed his own boundaries for the making of this film. He’s also a pretty calm good actor, and I see a bright future for this guy.

2. Jazz – As a person who loves her fair share of jazz, this film really did fill all the needs one would have.

3. J. K. Simmons – Has won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar for his performance. He is as incredible as they say. Scary as fuck too.

4. New Found Appreciation For Drumming and Drummers – I mean, holy fudge. The crap they go through simply to provide the beat to the music is amazing. I hereby would like to raise my metaphorical glass to all the drummers out there, small or big, and may your drumsticks stay forever strong and in one piece.

Watch Whiplash, people.

Another film that comes highly recommended is Big Hero 6.

There were raving reviews about this film, and while I was just as excited as the next man about a Marvel/ Disney collaboration, I was sure that some of the reviews had to be exaggerated. No film can be that good.

It’s that good. In fact, it is better. Completely soaring over Disney’s usual standard of film, it is just the perfect combination of action, comedy, and heartbreak. I may have teared up more than once. Not my fault.

Despite it being slightly predictable, it is still a very good movie, and this is the kind of film the Disney should work on more.

The characters are really well done, surprisingly well done considering the film was a Disney length film. My personal favourite is Wasabi, big burly black guy who completely destroys every stereotype concerning big burly black guys. He’s the kinda guy to, say, obey traffic laws when in a car chase or scream the highest when scary things happen. It is wonderful.

Also, there is a special place in my heart for Honey Lemon, who –

Do you know what? Just watch the film. You’ll see what I mean.

Until next time,

Rivanna

Random Thought #12

Why hasn’t Meryl Streep been cast as God yet?

Not so Random Thought #11

WATCH BIG HERO 6 WATCH IT WATCH IT NOW SERIOUSLY DVD VERSION IS UP AN RUNNING GO WATCH IT IT IS EVEN OUT IN THE CINEMA PLEASE IT IS WORTH EVERY SINGLE BEAUTIFUL SECOND AND I REFUSE TO CALM DOWN UNTIL YOU DO

Come on, Agent Carter.

I’m going to be blatantly honest here, I am slowly getting more and more annoyed at Agent Carter. The show, not the character. She’s still hella awesome.
However, let’s keep in mind that this show is set in the late 1940s New York. They’ve got everything else on point: the fashion, the language, the music. One small tiny little detail missing though. Black people.
So far I’ve seen a grand total of two black people, one who was introduced and killed within 10 minutes and the other being an honorary member of the Howling Commandoes. He didn’t die, thank the stars. Black people still existed back then, you know. Marvel, I know representation isn’t your strongest suit but come on.
Here’s what’s bugs me the most. All that having more black people would do – even as background characters – is make the show more authentic, more realistic. I can literally see no additional problems with having black people. If you are going to deal with sexism on such a raw and brutal level, then you can’t completely ignore the racism of that time as well.
Also, if The Musketeers – which, may I point out, is set in the 1600s during a time which slavery was still very much a thing – can have black people and deal with racism on a reasonable level – I.e. the story doesn’t revolve around it but it is still dealt with (which cannot be an easy feat) – then really, Marvel has got nothing to complain about. They got Stan Lee to do a bloody cameo in it, it should be slightly easier to get a couple of black people involved. And that concludes my rant.

Please don’t think that due to the lack of racial diversity it is all of a sudden an awful show. This is just one detail that annoys me, it is still very much worth watching. Like I said, everything else is pretty much on point.