*hey there, it's christa*

I Hope Lorelei Gilmore Likes Scary Movies

Lauren Graham was on Leno the other night talking about her new-ish TV show "Parenthood" and revealed some rather interesting casting news...turns out, she's going to be in Scream 4 with Courteney Cox, Neve Campbell (remember her) and the rest of the Scream regulars.

Now normally, I'm not a huge fan of horror movies. I just scare way too easily, even if they aren't even that realistic. But the Scream movies have always been a guilty pleasure of mine, and I've actually seen all three in the theater (yeah, I can't believe it either).

And now that my favorite "Gilmore Girl" will be playing a role (she's not even sure what it is yet), it'll just be that much more fun. Let's just hope that Loralei Gilmore likes scary movies...(yeah, I couldn't resist saying that...and I'm guessing neither could Loralei).

Welcome to Summer Movie Season! (Finally!)

I don't know about you, but don't you think movies have been a tad on the stinky side so far in 2010?

I mean, aside from Alice in Wonderland and How to Train Your Dragon and a couple of cute scenes from Valentine's Day (and a couple is really stretching it), I've pretty much seen one dud after another.

And while things generally get a bit dumb and action-y this time of year, I must say I'm really looking forward to this summer at the movies. It already got off to a great start last night with Iron Man 2.

Sure, there were a few too many things going on, but overall, I thought it was a satisfying sequel, thanks to Mickey Rourke as the requisite bad guy, the addition of Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow (her fight scene was awesome) and of course, Robert Downey Jr. in all his snarky glory.

Now with no further adieu, here's the rest of the flicks I'm looking forward to (in order of release date)...

Robin Hood: Yes, I know, I know...this movie has already been made a gazillion times. But that last version with Kevin Costner doesn't even count. After all, any movie with a Bryan Adams' song as its theme is automatically disqualified for sheer cheesiness. I'm guessing Russell Crowe would never let that happen. And I'm thinking that he and Cate Blanchett will be a class act together in this latest installment.

Knight and Day: Other than playing Ethan Hunt in the continuing adventures of Mission Impossible, we really haven't seen Tom Cruise in this sort of role for a while. And while it could possibly be really, really bad, Will and I will love spotting all the Tom Cruise-isms anyway. Ever notice how in every film there's always a sequence or two or ten where he's running? Or snacking on peanuts? Even better is when he tries to be all over-the-top dramatic, and it's so uncomfortable to watch. Yeah, that's what we love!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: This is actually my favorite of Stephanie Meyer's books, so I'm hoping the movie will rock, too! It's already good to know there will be more of Edward than in New Moon.

Inception: I'm intrigued by the sheer lack of information on this movie, but with Christopher Nolan behind the lens, I'm thinking it's going to be good. Plus, it'll be fun seeing Ellen Page not in snarky, Juno mode for a change.

Salt: I'm not a huge Angelina Jolie fan, but if forced to watch her, this is the genre I like seeing her in. Could be a fun popcorn flick...

Ramona and Beezus: Yeah, I know I'm way, way out of the target demo for this one. But as much as I loved Beverly Clearly's books growing up, I feel like I have to see it.

Anything that's missing from the list? Feel free to weigh in...

And the Winners Are...

Wow! I think I've finally figured out what motivates people to check out your blog—free movies!

Guess that means I'll have to host more giveaways!!!

Hurrah.

Speaking of winners, two lucky ladies will be receiving a copy of The Blind Side very, very soon. So congrats to Donna Falvo and Tina Sterner.

In the meantime, thanks to everyone else for their comments and enthusiasm...I love it!

Until next time, happy Easter everyone!

:) Christa

Who Wants a Free Movie?

To celebrate the DVD release of The Blind Side, I am giving away copies to two lucky movie fans (thanks to Warner Bros.) who leave a comment after this post.

Just to make sure we give everyone a fair shot, I will announce the winners on my blog on Thursday, April 1 (no, that's not an April Fool's joke), so good luck to all!!

File Under: Random Movie Musing

I don't know why, but every time I've seen this movie trailer (or even just the poster), I get a major case of the giggles. I mean, c'mon Hot Tub Time Machine? How dumb is that going to be?

But after watching him in some truly lame roles (see 2012, Martian Child, that scary hotel room movie with Samuel L. Jackson), maybe everybody's favorite everyman John Cusack will be in fine Better Off Dead form.

Here's hoping anyway...

File Under: Movie Randomness

As many of you already know, watching tons and tons of movies (good, bad and otherwise) is all in a day's work for yours truly.

So from time to time I can't help but notice a few random qualities my favorites all have in common (and no, it's not just Hugh Grant in a starring role).

Lately I've been noticing how every protagonist has a very specific place for his/her keys (usually a handy-dandy decorative bowl that serves no other purpose than, well, holding the keys).

Basically, rather than throwing them on the counter or the first place that feels convenient at the time like most people do, (yes, something that's a huge time-waster once you're forced to search for them) part of establishing the character's home life (those few precious moments not spent at the office or meeting cute) in so many scripts is the simple act of having said character put the keys in that designated spot. Pretty random, huh?

For anyone reading who now thinks I'm a bit bonkers, I double dare you...watch a Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron rom-com (or even something critically hideous but somewhat personally endearing like The Wedding Planner), and you'll see. Apparently, a specific place for your keys is pretty important...a window to the soul or whatever.

As for me, life is just a bit more fun or hectic (take your pick) when I have to hunt for them.

My Favorite Movies of 2009

Once the end of the year rolls around, there's practically a best-of list for everything—the best restaurants, the best tech gear, the best songs, the best blogs...and yes, even the best movies, too.

As I've told many of my readers (and fellow movie-going friends) this year, it hasn't exactly been a stellar year at the cineplex. As a critic for Crosswalk.com, I've truly seen the good, the bad and the ugly...70 flicks (of varying levels of quality) in all. Truth be told, there's practically been 10 bad movies for every good one.

But there have been a handful I've truly enjoyed, so with no further adieu, I'm taking off my critic's hat and revealing my 10 (personal) favorites of the year (in no particular order).

(500) Days of Summer—Who knew that a cheesy Hall & Oats pop song could be the perfect scene-setter? Yes, that's just one of the many revelations in (500) Days of Summer. In what's been a particularly horrible year for rom-coms (see The Ugly Truth, Confessions of a Shopaholic, He's Just Not That Into You), (500) Days of Summer was a proverbial breath of fresh air, thanks to engaging leading performances from Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, an offbeat script and a sheer lack of predictability, a rarity in the romantic comedy universe.

Star Trek—I'm definitely not a Trekkie, but I absolutely loved, loved, loved J.J. Abrams' inventive reboot of the S.S. Enterprise. It was the perfect summer movie with a little something for everyone.

The Soloist—I still don't know why this didn't do better at the box office...maybe it's because the trailer looked a little shaw-shanky. Thankfully, the movie delivered in every possible way with Robert Downey Jr. really shining as the selfish newspaperman who is forced to examine what it really means to help someone in need.

Public Enemies—Michael Mann serves up a shoot 'em up picture with real style. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Johnny Depp's pretty terrific in the John Dillinger leading role, too.

Julie & Julia—I'm a sucker for Nora Ephron movies, and Julie & Julia is no exception. In a rare case where a film far surpasses the quality of the books its based on, Meryl Streep is pitch perfect as Julia Child, the larger-than-life woman who helped Americans learn how to cook French cuisine with aplomb.

Up—Proving you don't always need words to make a real emotional connection (cue the scene detailing the ups and downs of Carl and his late wife's life together), Up succeeds on a variety of levels as a lonely, old curmudgeon learns how thrilling life really can be once you actually leave the ground.

Whip It—A total guilty pleasure with a great soundtrack and plenty of girl power, the world of roller derby gets a new heroine when alterna-girl Bliss (Ellen Page) signs up for the fun. 

Up in the Air—In a year where corporate downsizing was reality for so many Americans, writer/director Jason Reitman certainly has his finger on the pulse of the culture with a heart-warming, funny story that finally gave me a newfound respect for George Clooney as an actor.

New Moon—Yes, I realize I'm hardly in the demographic, but I thoroughly enjoyed the next chapter in Bella, Edward and Jacob's story. Not only did it capture teenage heartbreak so well, but it was a thrill to watch from start to finish. And in case you're curious, yes, I'm still Team Edward.

It's Complicated—Meryl Streep sparkles yet again in a comedy/drama that had me laughing all the way through. Like most of Nancy Meyers' stories, it's 100% female wish fulfillment, but it's still a joy to watch (especially when she whips up those chocolate croissants in that gorgeous Santa Barbara kitchen of hers).

Honorable Mention: The Fantastic Mr. Fox, An Education, Food, Inc., Coraline, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Proposal, The Princess and the Frog

Ooooh, "Gilmore Girls" Movie, There's Still Hope

I read this most spectacular article in Entertainment Weekly this week that suggests that a "Gilmore Girls" movie isn't completely out of the realm of possibility...now that would be fun, wouldn't it?

As a fan of all things Lorelai and Rory, I also couldn't help but wonder how the show would've ended if G.G. creator Amy Sherman-Palladino had written it instead. My guess is that Rory wouldn't have been working as a stringer for Barack Obama...but hey, now that he's our president, at least there would be plenty for her to write about, right?

But of course what everyone is really wondering is would she still be with Logan? Seriously, the mind reels...

(Incidentally, I'm going with "no," I never really liked the guy...way too smug).

Movie Comment: "Amelia"

Considering  that I'm already at the movies several times a month for work (and loving every minute of it...even if I'm watching sometime truly horrible like Couples Retreat because bad movies are still really, really fun to review), many people automatically assume that I don't like seeing movies for fun, too.

But that's definitely not true. Need proof? Just check out my ever-growing Netflix queue, not to mention my matinee-viewing habits, and you'll see. I love, love, love seeing movies...and if they're great, well, that's a huge bonus!

Sadly, I haven't seen a really great flick for a while, but I definitely had high hopes for Amelia, given the compelling subject matter, a talented director and an equally impressive cast with Hilary Swank (who is always far better at Boys Don't Cry-esque drama than P.S. I Love You comedy in my humble opinion), Ewan McGregor and Richard Gere.

While not a total dud, thanks to gorgeous cinematography and a killer score, Amelia still didn't exactly live up to my expectations. After all the time I spent with Amelia Earhart, I still don't feel like I really know her at all. Not only did the screenwriters skip most of the "why" for why Amelia had to fly (the flimsy "for the fun of it" line just wasn't doing it for me), but the storytelling just felt a little too clinical. I felt like I was getting the Wikipedia version of the story—all dates and facts, but little of the "heart of the story," which is what every movie needs to truly succeed. Ultimately, there's just not enough of that in Amelia to stick with you for the long haul, a shame considering what it could've been.

Rating: ** 1/2 out of **** stars

The 10 Best Things About Fall

I know, I know...when Fall arrives in Minnesota, well, it's officially one step closer to six months of winter which for the record, is no fun at all. Not one little bit.

Even with that ominous event always lurking in the back of my mind, it's impossible not to love this amazing season that's way, way too short in my humble opinion.

Simply put, it's spectacular for a number of reasons—reasons I'll explain in "Letterman Top-10 list" style right here, right now.

Coming in at #10: No more shorts or capri pants. Given that I have ghostly white legs that don't tan, and I'm not a tanning salon kind of girl, I'm don't exactly love wearing shorts or capri pants. But when it gets hot—really hot— in the summer months, what choice do you have in the matter? 

You just gotta own it like Anne Hathaway does. Or give it your best shot, anyway.

Sadly, my legs hate the sun so much that I still have "redneck socks" (a.k.a. seemingly permanent tan lines) from a bad sunburn I got two years ago while sitting by the Four Seasons' pool in L.A. for 20 minutes. Yeah, 20 minutes and unsightly tan lines to show for it two years later. Goodness knows how bad it would've been if I'd stayed out any longer...

#9: Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils. Sure, roses are a great gesture of romantic devotion, but I always loved it when Tom Hanks' character tells Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail (via e-mail, of course) that he'd send her a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if he knew her name and address.

I must confess that line gets me every time. Yeah, I'm a dork who loves school supplies...and I haven't set foot in a classroom (other than as a guest speaker) for years now.

Every fall when kids are getting their new backpacks, glue sticks and Jonas Brothers' notebooks, it's my tradition to pick up a few new school supplies (for the office, of course), too. There's just nothing like a bunch of new pens, cute notebooks, paper clips and post-its to make working at home feel more tolerable, lemme tell ya.

#8: Soup, Soup and More Soup. On a chilly day, there's nothing more delicious with crackers or a crusty piece of bread in my opinion. Whether it's butternut squash, a hearty bowl of chili or simple tomato basil, count me in. And making it myself? Well, that just makes the experience more fun.

#7: Better Movies, Actual Must-See TV. After reviewing dud after dud at the box office this summer,   fall movies couldn't arrive fast enough. And I'm thrilled to pieces for new episodes of "The Office," and "Castle," too, which beats re-runs any day of the week.

#6: Are You Ready for Some Football? We Banisters have been for months now. And thanks to Favre signing with the Vikes (yes, I'm finally getting used to it), we have three teams (the Packers, Vikings and Cowboys) to root for. Fun, fun, fun.

#5: Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. I adore scarves, but I've never figured out a way to wear them in the summer without looking ridiculous. But in the fall? No problem at all. I'm already excited about sporting all my favorites, Burberry and otherwise.

#4: Two words: Halloween candy. Do I really need to explain this?

#3: Beautiful Scenery: Anyone who knows me well knows that nature and I don't always get along, but ultimately, who can deny the  beauty of fall? I absolutely love the changing leaves, the crisp feeling in the air and taking long walks with Will with such a gorgeous backdrop.

#2: Pumpkin spice lattes. Yeah, I still love my caramel macchiatos, but once these babies arrive in stores, I simply can't get enough. So delicious.

#1: Special occasions. But what takes the proverbial cake when it comes to fall is all that I get to celebrate...Will and I's anniversary (October 8). Will's birthday (October 13). My mom's birthday (October 21). My pal Krista's birthday (October 23).There's certainly no shortage of fun (or cake) in the Fall months, that's for sure...