See? I told you!

Yesterday I read about this on the local news website. Then, I received the actual text, forwarded to me by a good friend (who also happens to teach middle school in one of the poorest, most gang-ridden schools in Tulsa, so I understand her concern). I proceeded to tell her about it’s falsehood. Now, Jezebel is blogging about it…please, don’t let it ruin the Twilight party!

Texting Hoax May Scare Off Women Attending Twilight Parties [Things That Suck]

from Jezebel by Margaret

A text message circulating in 16 states warns that women are being killed by gangs outside Walmarts. Fortunately it’s a hoax, but it may ruin the Twilight DVD release parties planned at 2,400 stores.

The hoax appears to be based on an urban myth circulated by e-mail since 2005. Police departments around the country have been getting calls about the texts, which are tailored to each local area and claim gangs are killing women at Walmart as part of their initiation rites. The texts are making the rounds in at least 16 states, including Maryland, Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Hawaii. It’s a particularly inopportune time for Walmart, since many stores are holding Twilight parties at midnight on Saturday, but it’s not clear if this is a coincidence or a coordinated effort to sabotage the event. [Advertising Age]

Goodbye, Natasha Richardson

This article from Jezebel is the best summary I’ve seen so far. Natasha Richardson, you will be missed. The theater, and humanity, has lost a shining star.

Natasha Richardson: Actress, Mother, Wife, Force Of Nature… Dead At 45 [R.i.p.]

from Jezebel by Sadie

Acclaimed actress Natasha Richardson died today of head injuries sustained in a skiing accident. She was 45.

Richardson was, famously, part of an acting dynasty: the daughter of the late director and producer Tony Richardson and actress Vanessa Redgrave, granddaughter of actors Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, niece of actress Lynn Redgrave and actor Corin Redgrave, and sister of Joely Richardson. Married to Liam Neeson since 1994, the pair has two sons: Micheál, 13, and Daniel, 12.

Richardson’s career was varied, encompassing stage and screen roles. Her film roles were as wide-ranging as The Handmaid’s Tale, Nell, The Parent Trap and The White Countess. On stage, she won acclaim for her interpretation of Chekhov and Williams and a Tony for her starring turn in the revival of Cabaret. She appeared several times with her mother, Vanessa Redgrave, most recently in Evening.

Richardson’s death is shocking and saddening, and as a sensitive screen and stage presence – and a public figure of unusual grace and elegance – she’ll be very much missed. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to her family and two young sons, and for our part we’ll be having a screening of some of our favorite of her films tonight, starting with the lovely A Month in the Country in memoriam.

Latest from the Netflix Queue:

Burn After Reading. At only 97 minutes long, this is the Coen brothers’ attempt at comedy. While not my favorite and as a movie that didn’t have me rolling on the floor laughing, it was pretty funny and entertaining.

The Hubband and I watched this movie Saturday night (yes, Valentine’s) after ordering Chinese food and spending the day on the couch watching college basketball. I hadn’t heard much so my expectations were pretty low, which was probably a good thing. I forget that this was the Coen brothers, not the Farrelly brothers, delving into comedy.

Brad Pitt and George Clooney shone in this movie. John Malkovich made me remember how much I enjoy his off-beat acting. And Frances McDormand just made me keep thinking about her role in The Beverly Hillbillies movie. Oh and Tilda Swinton just made me try to remember that her latest movie before this was an action film, and it reminded me that comedy is not her forte (which is why she plays a frigid bitch in this movie).

You should see it to see it, but don’t expect a knee-slapper. Also, in true Coen style, it will end before all your questions are answered.

As the Oscars approach…

I realize that I had not yet seen one of the “great” movies that was nominated last year for an Academy Award. I had heard mixed reviews over the past year of There Will Be Blood, so I added it to our Netflix queue and we watched it last night (we’ve had it for about a week, but we’re busy people!).

It was amazing. Based on Upton Sinclair’s novel, Oil!, it tells the story of an up-a-coming oil baron at the turn of the century. It pits faith against ambition, as the tagline suggests, and Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor for it last year. And he definitely deserved it. I hadn’t read this novel, but I have read several short stories and excerpts of books written by Sinclair, and he always knows how to subtly, yet shockingly, reveal the essence of humanity and the battle between good and evil at the heart of the American Dream. What especially stood out for me was how little dialogue there was in the movie. Very much of the movie was conveyed through action and music. It was one of those movies where almost more is said in the silence than in the speaking. I loved it, and definitely recommend that you see it. Oh and, if you laugh at the ending, please let me know, so I’ll know that I’m not the only sardonic one out there.

For a more intense plot summary and review, go HERE.

If you liked 'The Royal Tenenbaums'…

Then you’ll love The Darjeeling Limited. Yet another intellectual dramatic comedy masterpiece by Wed Anderson, this is the story of three brothers who have not seen each other since their father’s funeral a year earlier. It follows them on a train ride through India while they attempt to rekindle their relationship and embark on a spiritual journey. 

I was pretty cautious when I added this to my Netflix queue, because it did not receive very much hype and I don’t remember it being in theaters for very long. Released in October 2007, I remember seeing a few trailers but don’t recall even talking to anyone who went to go see it.

Right off the bat, you will recognize Wes Anderson’s signature cinematography. He loves to capture emotions and is famous for long pauses and conveying action/thoughts without words. He also loves to stick with the same actors, which is why Bill Murray has a miniscule and seemingly unrelated role in the movie. Anyway, the point is, if you liked The Royal Tenenbaums, then The Darjeeling Limited is something that may have been too easily looked over, and you should go rent it. Now.

For a complete plot synopsis, cast list, and reviews, go here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0838221/