Marley & Me

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**I didn't cry, but it was heartwarming. :)

The movie opens with John (Owen Wilson's character) narrating, and speaking about the joys of raising his first puppy. John and Jennifer are a newlywed couple, both journalists and deeply in love. They make a decision to adopt a puppy to keep them on their toes and in step with "the plan." Marley's a troublesome dog who gives them a run for their money.

Their puppy grows with them, as their love for each other grows, and so does their family. You see this movie really isn't about a dog it's about family, and the trials that John and Jenny go through. From struggling and trying to have a family, and going through the tiresome struggles of being a young family, to moving to Philidelphia, to finally discovering and becoming the family they were meant to be, Marley was present. Although the ending isn't adequate, the movie is capturing and entertaining just like John's columns.It highlights the story of the everyday family, something we can truly relate to.

7.5/10
Screen :)

Peppermint Patty

**I realize this isn't my best picture or angle, but the outfit is worth it. :)

This is a really summery outfit that I wore recently. I liked the peppermint halter, which is actually a hand me down, and I paired it with a khaki a-line skirt. Although it doesn't seem like an obvious color pairing red and khaki, or red and tan go together really well. I've learned that pretty much any neutral, can go with anything. Another thing is that everyone should have a white cotton shirt. I swear you'll need one in this life time, whether it be for a picnic, a job interview, or something to throw over a bathingsuit or tanktop. This peppermint striped halter could actually be paired with red pants, or any belted jeans for a 1950s pinup look. (I'll try it sometime when the weather gets warm.) I really liked how I could bring back my hand-me-down halter, and it's a simple no sweat summer outfit, throwing a white cotton shirt over a halter or tankini shirt.

Spot On

Just have to say, it's been a crazy week! I've either been up late doing too much work or having too much fun. I happen to know if you're in university right now you're feeling the same way, and high schoolers are probably feeling the pain too. This is a great outfit for such days, and not as tricky as it may seem. All black can be a great look for most people. Black tights also compliment most outfits, and are ideal for the spring weather. (It's been hot in Canada, but next week you'll need these tights.) Try popping or accentuating one element amongst all the black, like the leopard shirt in the picture. If black washes you out try doing the same with navy, grey or another neutral. I'm challenging all of you to try a mad print this season, and just wear it with something simple like jeans. If you do have any patterns in your closet now is the time to pull them out, because spring has officially arrived! (Despite the weather)  <3

Lavender Lily

One of my new favorite colors is lavender. I didn't realize how pretty it was until I saw other people wearing it, and that's when I really started to appreciate my pretty lavender lily sweater. Although this is a patterned skirt, it's still easy to pair with almost anything because it is black and white. My advice is that if you are new to patterns choose a smaller more detailed pattern that will accentuate you in a positive way, and if you can find it in a color that will be easier to pair with other colors. Black and white patterns can be paired with most things. For other colors match it with a color that's contained in the pattern. For example, if I have a shirt with red, yellow, and blue flower I could actually pair it with red pants, or a complimenting color such as black or navy. This comes with practice, even for me. Chances are if you buy a pattern you will naturally find something to pair it with in your own closet. :) 



Proper British Tea Girl

This is a lady's outfit. I really like the properness of the puffed shoulder and a-line skirt. It's a bit of a modern take on the proper British day dress, puffed shoulders and a-line skirt. It's interesting when you get to a stage when you're young, but still an adult. You always have the choice of dressing up or down. Don't dress too old. It's better to dress young if you are young, but it's okay to be sophisticated once in a while. I think Dakota Fanning, one of my favorite actresses does a good job of maintaining the balance between youth and sophistication.

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Try wearing an a-line skirt. It suits almost every body type. An a-line starts narrow at the top and flows out towards the bottom. It can flatter or add curves, and basically creates the shape of the letter A. That's why we call it a-line. Once you have an a-line skirt you can pair it with a patterned shirt or a simple sweater. For most students it's probably practical and logical to have a casual level of dressing for school, especially at high school. Spring however has sprung, and I know most of us have major spring fever and are hoping to break out our summer clothes. So this is a good way to be just slightly more dressed up at school for those warm days where you can actually appreciate it.  

The Hangover

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The movie opens to a well-manicured woman making frantic and desperate calls to her fiancee. Bradley Cooper answers and we are mid-story with Doug's buddies stuck in the middle of the desert 5 hours before the wedding with no sign of Doug. This can only be a promising and accurate opening to the most sucessful bromance comedy of the year.

Eseential to the core of the movie is the cliche, yet necessary characters that add to the hilarity of the comic relief. Doug is the cliche tall, dark, handsome man engaged to his beautiful fiancee. He picks up his three best buddies to accompany him on his bachelor party. Phil, the token playboy and the male version of Cameron Diaz in Bad Teacher, Stu a typical, Mr. Boring university grad who is a successful dentist; and Alan, Doug's brother in law a hilarious, socially inept weirdo.

These three ordinary men engage in the party of their lives, and the hangover scene is hilariously unfathomable. Similar to a crime scene location, there are strange, funny, and ridiculous clues of what might have happened the night before, but no story and no Doug. And hence the actual story of the Hangover begins...

The Hangover is a comedic action movie, and true  entertainment with a capital E. Think of Clue on heroin, (or rufi's). Just in case any of the scenes seem too ridiculous to be true, the movie is based on a true story. A friend of the producer was a groom who went to Vegas for his bachelor party, blacked out and ended up with a huge stripper bill. Although the film was paraded as the official "guy/bromance" movie of the year, I say that is hilarious, believable and can entertaining for a wide audience. I place it in the Best Comedy Category.


8/10
Best Comedy - :)
  

Maitre'D Au Couture

This outfit reminds me of a fashionable twist on a maitre'd 's uniform au couture. The bowtie also reminds me of a ringmaster in a big top at the circus. Fashion can be fun, and I like how it can trigger our imagination sometimes. This outfit was actually an exercise in color pairing for me, not everything can go with red pants. The bowtie is officially my new fun signature. Don't be intimidated by an outfit like this. You can do it your way.

Around campus I see a lot of girls wearing the bow in their hair vs. around their neck. This is also a very fun way to add a girlish, fashionable, youthful element to an outfit. Although I'll admit not everyone can pull of a bow headband. If not, try looping a ribbon through the belt loop of your pants or jeans, and tying it into a bow. You can also pin a bow onto a plain t-shirt. I notice rainbow pants haven't yet transcended skinny jeans, but I think they could. Buy a colored jean in your favorite color. You may think you'll stand out, but you can't go wrong. Try pairing it with something other than a plain t-shirt, which is pretty predictable. I can't emphasize enough that color coordination is so important, and really the basis for good style. So color your world! :)

Butterfly Fly Away

The title is inspired by the beautiful statement butterfly necklace I paired with the outfit in this picture. It was actually a gift. It's good to have a jewelry hoarder as a friend. Sometimes simple outfits make the best statement. That's something I'm learning. Oh, be fashionable, bold, and risk-taking in your fashion, but a simpler taste doesn't make you any worse off. When I think of simple, elegant style I always think of Kate Moss, as I've previously mentioned. There's many examples of women with sleek, elegant styles, but I love the Parisian taste and relaxed comfort of her clothes. These are grey dress pants from H&M. The sweater is from there too, but the shirt is from Winners.

I think girls are always under the misinterpretation that fashion can't be comfortable. Other pants can go up against your comfortable sweatpants. These dress pants are actually pretty comfortable because they're a little big on me. Although normally dress pants are made and should be tailored to fit. The sweater is also pretty loose and relaxed, and the shirt is flowy and light. I think the butterfly necklace picked up colors in the outfit, and pulled the whole thing together. Other than that it was quite simple, believe me. Go shopping and find clothes that are comfortable, and look comfortable in a store that has a good sense of style. Then you know you can't go wrong. Once you do that fashion can be something you do. People notice when you make a change, and you'll enjoy looking like you tried so hard when you didn't sweat the small stuff at all.

Nautical Hipster

I guess it's a matter of perspective on whether or not this outfit is hipster, but it's chic. For the weather in Canada, it's a good compromise. It's a way to wear something kind of summery, without being impractical. (That's why I added the tights.) This is my tweaked version of the black on white on black look, adding the denim skort (skirt short) gives it a slight twist. There's somethings that are fashionable, but are still very typical and expected. Although this outfit isn't a glamour girl ensemble, I still think it's something most people wouldn't have thought of when they picked up a nautical striped t-shirt. So do something unexpected with your wardrobe. It doesn't have to be hard as shown here. Just wear an item that your friend might have in a way she wouldn't wear it, or pair items together that you normally wouldn't. Wear something that you feel comfortable in, and that's uniquely you.

Rent

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The film opens with a rendition of my favorite song from this musical, "Seasons of Love." The film begins with the cast members angrily inquiring in a belting rock ensemble how they are going to pay last year's rent. The film is set in December of 1989 in the East Village of New York. The film proudly highlights New York's 1989 recession as well declines in mortality in rich and poor neighborhoods, and inequalities.

Mark is a filmmaker, who was recently dumped by Maureen and Roger's roommate. Maureen is a bisexual performance artist, and is currently dating Joanne. Joanne is a lawyer from Harvard. While Roger is a rock musician who has contracted HIV. He also has a romantic interest for Mimi. Mimi is an exotic dancer with the HIV virus who has an interest in Roger. Tom is a gay philosophy professor and an AIDS victim. He previously lived with Maureen, Roger, Mark, and Benny. Angel is a gay cross dresser and street musician who is in love with Tom. Angel also has the AIDS virus, and Benny is the apartment landlord.

Certain parts are harder to interpret without context; but the plot lies in the lyrics. The rich, rock ensembles empower the film as it explores problems of love, rejection, learning, bohemian culture and the effect of the HIV/AIDS virus. Unlike most musicals it sings the stories of the oppressed, and highlights a difficult time within New York City. The original musical is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner celebrated by countercultures, subcultures, and artists

7.3/10
Screen :)

Silk

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The film opens to a scene of a misty, fog covered lake. Admist the fog a woman is bathing, and a man is narrating in a very soft voice. Our story opens in 19th century France. Herve, (played by Michael Pitt) is a military officer in love with his sweetheart Helene-- (played by Keira Knightley)--, but unhappy with his current position. He is given the opportunity to hunt down silkworm eggs in Africa, and he decides to take it shortly after marrying Helene. His first journey is unsuccessful and he returns home to Helene. However he is soon sent to Asia hoping he will find healthy silkworms. Upon his return to Asia, he encounters a Chinese concubine. He has an ongoing affair with her, physically and emotionally. He makes several expeditions to Asia always returning home to his wife Helene, who loves him unconditionally. Unfortunately it takes Herve most of his life to realize that, and he forever regrets taking his wife's love for granted. The film is pretty boring and historical for the most part. The end is actually more interesting and very touching, but that's only in the last half hour. Unfortunately the movie overall and the plot was terribly tedious.

4/10
Skip :(

For Tavi



This particular outfit was inspired by Tavi Gevinson. In a Teen Vogue shoot she was wearing a leopard print dress with purple tights, so I stole the idea. Although I think that we are all inspired by our fashion greats from time to time. I really like this outfit, it's so fun. It's something I would wear clubbing as well without the sweater, perhaps something more cropped with glitter. I don't have many mini dresses, but I think they're a fun look to rock. Try wearing colored tights or leggings. Bright colored tights, like red or purple is a big trend I've seen even on campus. Incorporate them into your outfit and add some flair to your fashion. :)

Bows in Black

**Note I cropped the picture because every girl has a bad hair day once in a while. LOL

I love the girlish details of this sweater. (It's from H&M.) The tiny bows sewn on the sides are so playful, and  whenever I look down at them I feel like a china doll. Bows and polkadots are my momentary, frequent guilty pleasure. Sweaters also don't have buttons like these anymore for some reason. They're these tiny lacqured shiny buttons. I think these buttons  add feminine flair to the outfit, because they remind me of buttons on the back of a wedding dress or old 1950s doll like dresses. This is a pretty simple outfit, but the beauty lies in the details.

Mona Lisa Smile

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The movie opens with Betty (played by Kirsten Dunst) narrating the story that's about to begin on a typewriter. Katherine Ann Watson, a graduate Art History student takes a teaching job at the conservative Wellesley College. We meet our main characters, Betty Warren, Joan Brandwyn, Giselle Levy, and Connie Baker.Played by Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin in order. These sweethearts, are however a tough crowd. For Katherine Watson it's hard to fit in when your motto is to stand out,  but in the end her message is heard.The film highlights some of the sexual and political viewpoints of the time period pertaining to women. It also captures the senior year of four very diffferent women.

Kirsten Dunst's performance is comendable, as well as Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin's. However for the star of the film, Julia Roberts performance could've been better. She was outshined by actresses with half her experience. The film has wonderful period costumes and set design, but was a good romantic drama instead of an excellent one. The beautiful set location makes viewing this film easy on the eyes, but I'm not sure that it saved the day.

6.7/10
Skip it :(

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

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Meet Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) an obnoxious playboy who demeans women like nobody else. His hit list of long ex-girlfriends runs longer than anyone you probably know. Jenny (Jennifer Garner) is a smart, pretty, and intelligent girl who unfortunately has been a victim of Connor Mead. Regardless she has a good head on her shoulders. The "Christmas Carol" theme becomes interesting when Connor meets Allison (played by Emma Stone), his "spirit ghost." Emma Stone's performance is quite good, and even in this minor role her talent and funnybone are obvious from the beginning.

Allison leads Connor through the story of his life, and how he was moulded into the perfect little playboy by his Uncle Wayne. After watching his love story with Jenny Perotti unfold, Connor also encounters a room full of approximately 50 ex girlfriends from his past. Meanwhile in the present, Connor manages to single-handedly ruin his brother's wedding with his unmatched attitude. I have to admit this movie has the same amount of excess draining drama that any teen show has these days, (Gossip Girl included). Romantic comedies usually are highly unrealistic, but the fairytale that's magically created out of the last 10 minutes of this movie is just a farce. The moral of the story, don't have too many girlfriends/boyfriends, a lot more goes down at weddings then I knew, and love is all you need; haven't we all heard that before. :)

P.S. the bride, (played by Lacey Chabert) is also Gretchen Wieners from Mean Girls. ;)

6.7/10
Skip it :(

Guess Who

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Synopsis

When Theresa (played by Zoe Saldana) brings home her white boyfriend to her black Jersey family things are never quite the same.

Review

Guess Who is a fairly entertaining comedy.While it explores the challenges of interracial marriage in a comedic way, it lacks cinematographic, artistic, and dramatic elements. Bernie Mac is the star and main man, as well as being efficiently funny as an experienced stand-up comedian. His aura gives the film the few points it earned. The saving grace is probably the talented cast, including Zoe Saldana and Ashton Kutcher. Zoe Saldana was nominated for an Image Award for Ourstanding Actress, as well as Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Performance. Her acting in this comedy was believable, and Guess Who was another stepping stone to her successful career. There's also no denying that Ashton Kutcher is a funny man. Overall, however the plot is straightforward and the film lacks dynamic characters. It also lacks a thorough analysis of interracial relationships unlike the original "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" starring Katherine Hepburn and Sidney Portier. The original was also Academy Award nominated multiple times, so skip the spinoff and screen the original.

5.7/10
Skip it :(