Three Imaginary Girls - three to see

Three Imaginary DVDs to See: Television Madness

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:53:59 +0000

Ironically, this week is officially “Turn off Your TV” week. But as much as I like that idea I’m still totally media-centric, and thus am thrilled that the following shows are out on DVD today.

30 Rock: Season 4: I feel like I “pull a Liz Lemon” every single day, which is probably why I love this show so much. Liz is what would happen if women turned off their filter and said and did everything that was on their mind, and Tina Fey does it so expertly you can barely tell she’s acting (mostly because you’re laughing so hard). Really, the entire cast is awesome and this show is more than worth your time.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: Documentary Fever

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:43:34 +0000

Blood into Wine: Here’s something I don’t know anything about: apparently the lead-singer of TOOL (yes, Tool), decided to quit being a hard rocker in the mid-90s in order to start his own WINERY (yes, winery). This doc follows Maynard James Keenan around his Verde Valley vineyard to see if he actually succeeds. Do I like Tool? No. But this thing looks too good to pass up.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: Bad Movie Edition

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:52:14 +0000

I’ve been finding myself skipping my “three to see” recs lately because there just hasn’t been ANYTHING worthwhile on the release lists – so I decided to change it up and recommend 3 horrible DVD choices, because who doesn’t love to kick back with some bad movies once in awhile?

Titanic II: You read that right – Titanic, the second. James Cameron is in no way involved (you can tell because it’s not in 3D), and the special effects look like they were created with a budget of $100 – but behold the glory of this straight-to-DVD release! Written, directed, and starring B-movie actor Shane Van Dyke (seriously?), this thing has got to be a total disaster (HA). I’m recommending at least a 6-pack of beer before viewing….and I can only hope they’ll somehow tie in Mega Shark and Giant Octopus.

Three DVDs to see: depressed Ben Stiller, a Gondry documentary, and a family in distress

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:18:28 +0000

Greenberg: This is the kind of film that’s definitely not for everyone, but I gotta say that Stiller does an excellent job at portraying someone who’s totally lost, and kind of an a-hole, but still somehow likeable – if you know what I mean. Roger Greenberg (Stiller) comes to LA amidst a mid-life crisis to house-sit for his wealthy brother, meets up with lots of peeps from his past who mostly hate him, and continually mangles his relationships with best friend Ivan, and his brother’s personal assistant, Florence.

Three Imaginary Films to see: Drive-By Truckers, my favorite Swedish heroine, and Heeeeere’s Johnny

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:47:48 +0000

The Secret to a Happy Ending at the Northwest Film Forum: Covering three years of touring and recording by Indie Southern Rock band Drive-By Truckers, this film gets up close and personal with band members as they struggle through life drama, breakup drama, and just plain drama-drama—all while playing some kick-ass shows. Given my weakness for heartfelt music documentaries (like I Am Trying to Break Your Heart! *sob*), and an admitted fondness for these guys, I feel like I can’t miss this one.

The Girl Who Played with Fire at the Harvard Exit: In a race to beat the American remakes, Swedish Director Daniel Alfredson filmed the second and third installments in the popular “Millennium” trilogy (based on the books by Stieg Larsson) back-to-back. Kick-ass hacker/action heroine/partly insane Lisbeth Salander returns, and this time she’s really pissed because a bunch of jerks framed her for murder. I was a big fan of the first (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and although this is a new Director, I’m confident I’ll love this as well. I’m just caught in my own race to finish the book before I see it.

Three Imaginary Films to see: SIFF Edition

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:39:08 +0000

This is kind of cheating, since there’s obviously more than 3 films I think you should see at the Film Festival this weekend – but I thought I’d hit you with these and then recommend some more via SIFF Takes for full-on movie madness!

Shorts Package: Pandemonium Boulevard: My favorite shorts collection this year, because it focuses on the spooky, creepy and just plain bizarre. The standouts: I was surprised and PLEASED to see Wil Wheaton in the twisted comedy In the Dark, about a man planning the perfect murder who forgets the most important part, and Off Season, about a burglar who steals from lake houses during the winter and stumbles upon a terrible secret in one of the cabins. SUPER creepy with a great haunting ending.

{Pandemonium Boulevard screens only once at SIFF Cinema, 5/22, 9:30pm}

Three Imaginary Films to see: Ad Man Cary Grant, Crowe dons "the" Hood, and a French documentary

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:22:26 +0000

Putting aside SIFF madness for the moment (don’t worry; the TIG team will have plenty to say about the festival in the coming weeks) – this weekend offers a lot of new releases that I think are worthy of your theater time.

North by Northwest @Central Cinema: Of course I’m going to recommend that you head up to the hill this weekend to see the impeccable Cary Grant play Roger O. Thornhill in Alfred Hithcock’s North by Northwest. Thornhill’s mistaken for a government agent and gets pulled into a web of intrigue, spies, and of course – a beautiful woman (Eva Marie Saint). This one’s best known for its climax atop Mount Rushmore, but I love every second of it.

Three Imaginary Films to See: SIFF Preview Edition

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:53:06 +0000

Alright you guys. Just in case you didn’t know: the 2010 Seattle International Film Festival Box Office is NOW OPEN! And while there are more films I want to see than are (probably) humanly possible for 1 girl to do in 4 weeks, I thought I’d give you a jumping off point by recommending 3 I’m excited about.

Life During Wartime: Directed by Todd Solondz – I know his films aren’t for everybody, but I honestly think the guy is kinda brilliant. This one is a sequel to Happiness, continuing the stories of the same characters, but with different actors. While I’ll miss Jane Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman, I’m excited to see Paul Reubens and Alison Janney this time around.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: a dramatic adaptation, royal British romance, and a Best Actor winner

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:42:28 +0000

The Lovely Bones: I lamely never made it out to the theater to see this, even though I AM DYING TO. 14-year-old Susie Salmon is murdered and now exists in a dream world where she watches her still-living family fall apart – and her killer (Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci) starting to pick out his next victim. One of my favorite books, I’m imagining Peter Jackson channeled his mastery of female teenage angst a la Heavenly Creatures and turned out something the author and fans of the story can be proud of.

Three Imaginary Films to see: a Swedish thriller, Herzog’s latest, and blood gushing out of elevators

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:02:41 +0000

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Man som hatar kvinnor) @The Egyptian: Before they whip the American version of this out, you should see this one – because I’m 100% positive it will be superior in every way. I’m not usually into mysteries, but the story of hardcore journalist Mikael Blomkvist and punk-rock computer hacker Lisbeth Salander investigating a murder with several surprising (and creepy) turns is way too awesome not to appreciate. I’m speaking only from having read Stieg Larsson's book, but I intend to get myself out to the theater this weekend to see the film.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: 60s eye candy, kick-ass shootouts, and time-wasting goodness

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:56:32 +0000

An Education: Set in London during the 60s, Carey Mulligan is beautiful and perfect as vulnerable 16-year-old Jenny, who falls for the charms of Peter Sarsgaard’s (HELLO NURSE) very suave and charming – and much older - David. The story plays out pretty typically, so there’s not much surprise here, and I found myself wishing they’d spent more time in Paris, but I still enjoyed watching it (especially all the clothes, cars, and sets) and intend to give it another run through to see if it I like it better the second time around. Bonus: Alfred “throw me the idol, I throw you the whip” Molina as Jenny’s over-protective but easily duped father.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: a political statement/zombie mash-up, the creepiest documentary ever, and Don Draper goodness

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:03:18 +0000

Zombies of Mass Destruction: This one surprised me at SIFF last year. Mixing elements of Raimi-esque gore with clever political humor, this ain’t your typical Zombie movie. It still has all the stuff you love about zombies, plus the added horror of small town/small-minded America. It’s really great you guys, and I can’t wait to add it to my collection.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: Ferris get serious, Krasinski directs, and a Twilight movie that is NOT New Moon

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:54:59 +0000

Wonderful World: This one played at SIFF last year, and I totally missed it. Matthew Broderick plays pessimist Ben Singer; divorced, jobless, and completely hopeless. When his roommate gets sick, hot sister Khadi arrives and shakes up Ben’s world. Sounds pretty formulaic, I know, but I’m interested.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: 2 Best Picture nominees and a documentary about the bros who created Warner Brothers

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:19:08 +0000

Up in the Air: The ever-adorable Clooney seems tailor-made for the role of Ryan Bingham – a charming, smart-ass loner in fear of losing the job he LIVES for. An expertly clever take on a story told many times over, Reitman elevates this to perfection, with the two female leads (Anna Kendrick & Vera Farmiga) rockin’ it to the extreme. I’m definitely adding this one to my collection.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: wild rumpuses, Miyazaki cuteness, and 24-hour surveillance

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:31:35 +0000

Where the Wild Things Are: Love it or Hate it, you have to give a movie props for causing so much debate. I’m personally in the LOVE category, totally in awe of the special F/X, and the way in which it made me remember my childhood struggles with emotional fondness. If you’re at all curious, give it a watch and see how it affects you.

Three Imaginary Films to see: a small town gone loco, Polanski’s latest, and Jack & Meg in Canada

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:10:25 +0000

The Crazies @the Metro and Meridian: Normally I wouldn’t recommend anything with Timothy Olyphant, but since I’ve had a years-long crush on Radha Mitchell, I’m hoping she’ll balance it out. Also, I’m partial to a film called The Crazies – because it just puts it out there. No mystery. It just is. Let’s see: small town, sudden insanity, murder, and possible buckets of splatter? I say yes (Amazingly I have never seen the original 1973 Romero film – need to remedy that before I see this one!).

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: fashion mag reality, French romance, and conspiracy theory TV

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:22:59 +0000

The September Issue: I’ve been dying to see this (although I totally hate that they're selling it as "the REAL Devil Wears Prada"), since I missed its short run in Seattle last year. A chance to see the mysterious and iconic longtime editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour, putting together the biggest issue of the year? Yes, yes and yes. I have a serious love/hate relationship with the fashion & beauty industry, so I’m curious as to which way this will sway me….even if I think I already know the answer.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: an IRA hunger strike, Audrey Tatou as Coco Chanel, and a nominee for Best Foreign Film

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:33:12 +0000

Hunger: I hesitate to use the word "buzz" – but Michael Fassbender (from Inglourious Basterds) is getting all kinds of acclaim for his role as an IRA volunteer Bobby Sands, who organizes a hunger strike in 1981 as a protest to improve Britain’s Prison conditions. Sounds depressing, but I’ll give it a try because Fassbender intrigues me:

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: an Oscar nominee, Adrienne Shelly’s last script, and the BBC does Emma

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:15:09 +0000

A Serious Man: The Coen Brothers really wowed me with this Best Picture-nominated black comedy about the disintegrating life of Larry Gopnik in 1967. Michael Stuhlbarg is PERFECT as a good guy suffering through a tidal wave of bad luck: his wife is leaving, his kids don’t respect him, his brother is suicidal, and he’s being blackmailed by a student for a passing grade. Turning to his faith for answers, Larry visits (or tries to, anyway) 3 Rabbis for advice, with each result being more hilarious than the last. I really, really love this film you guys.

Three Imaginary DVDs to see: Zombie comedy, a soulless Paul Giamatti, and love, NY style

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:15:25 +0000

Putting aside Oscar mania for a day - here's some good stuff that just came out on DVD!

Zombieland: Hard to believe, but true: I haven’t seen this yet. Mainly because I’m not a Woody Harrelson fan, so I’ve been wary that I’ll like it. However, I did adore Jesse Eisenberg in Adventureland, and we all know how much I heart Zombies, so I’ll give it a whirl now that it’s on DVD (although I am sick of hearing: "Time to nut up or shut up!", but they get extra points for playing Van Halen in the preview):