I’m in love … with Begin Again

I will try to describe my love for this movie. Have you ever read a book, seen a movie or heard a song that found the right place in your heart? This is what this movie has been for me. I saw this movie recently on Blu-ray. I know what you might be asking, Melissa if this movie is so wonderful why are you just seeing it? Well most movies like this only play at one theater where I live for a limited time. And if you happen to be working the release weekend it will be a bit too late because it will have only shown once. Sorry for the side rant, where was I …

Begin Again is written and directed by James Carney, and stars Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, James Corden, Hailee Steinfeld, Adam Levine, Catherine Keener and CeeLo Green. When I first saw the preview I wanted to see it because I think Mark Ruffalo is a wonderful, authentic actor. And I also love James Corden who is a brilliant and funny actor. In all honesty, the entire cast is amazing. I could not see any one else playing these characters. Keira Knightley plays Gretta James a singer song writer who is discovered by Dan Mullihan (Mark Ruffalo).

PS: Knightley does her own signing in the movie. Speaking of singing, there is a song in the movie that I am in love with, Lost Stars written by Gregg Alexander, Daniel Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood. I love the Knightly and Levine version of this song. So I feel in love twice once with the movie and the second with this song. The lyrics are amazing. It’s like a poem. Just the beginning of the song fills a space in my heart, the space I was talking about earlier.

“Please, don’t see

Just a girl caught up in dream

And fantasies

Please, see me

Reaching out for someone

I can’t see”

Dan (Ruffalo) has sold most of his shares of his record label. So he has been forced out by his partner (Mos Def). So even though Dan is not able to sign anyone, Gretta decides she wants him to produce her album. One of the things I love about their decision is to record it all over New York. So no matter what happens, background noise mainly they will keep recording.

If you think the movie is going to have a cliché like Dan and Gretta ending up together, you are wrong. While they are making this album together they are helping each other. She helps him build a stronger relationship with his daughter (Steinfeld) which essentially helps him reunite with estranged wife (Catherine Keener).

So there is one small cliché (tiny, minor thing that does not ruin the movie at all) in the movie where Dave Kohl (Levine) who plays Gretta’s boyfriend meets someone else. She discovers this when he plays a song for her he write while in LA. Gretta knows him that well, that as soon as she hears the lyrics she knows he is singing about someone else. Dave tries to get Gretta back after she leaves a song for him on his voice mail. 

Yes, this movie is about how music can save you. But also about how two people can save each other and it does not have to be in a romantic setting. There are no words to describe how beautiful, wonderful, lovely this movie is. Okay those were some words but it truly is like one of books you read, or movies you see that you want to keep to yourself because it has filled you with so much joy you want to keep it to yourself and share it at the same time.

Random thoughts on things I’ve watched recently

Okay, so this is my second or so random thoughts blog. Today I thought I would share some stuff that has been on my mind. Just things that I’ve seen lately.

Did anyone see Book of Life? If you have not seen this, then you should. This animated movie was a breath of fresh air. When I first saw the previews I said aloud I have to see that. For one it is a Guillermo Del Toro production. And two it looks funny. Spoiler alert, it was funny. Whoever thought of using the song Just a Friend to help Joaquin serenade Maria was a genius. Well at least the people my age thought it was funny. All the song selections for Book of Life were great. I never thought I would hear Creep as a let me sing this song while no one is looking to express how I feel about us and my life song. Oh, third reason to see it the cast. Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, and Kate del Castillo.

Oh, another reason to see it is a brilliantly colorful story. Seriously when you look at the movie you have to view the screen from top from bottom because every scene is filled with beautiful art work. Oh, and the most important reason it shares the culture of Dia de los Muertos, and it does not talk down to the audience when it does. Anyone who loves learning about other cultures, or loves the creativity that goes into animated movies needs to see this movie.

There are a lot of great lines in the Book of Life. Like when the kids at the museum are listening to the story, and one of them says what are you doing to us we are just kids? Or when Candle Maker (Ice Cube) says today was a good day. I also like saying, Joaquin! whenever I’m about to do something awesome. Okay well more like I am about to read this book. Or, see a favorite movie, Joaquin!

Speaking of things you watch I have been binge watching Arrow Season 2 today. Can I say something if I can say something, when I saw Sara Lance I was like finally! Finally another girl who can kick butt. And is not like aw you have family problems, well let me make this moment about me girl. I say another girl, because the first being Felicity, who kicks IT butt. Although I don’t appreciate (and this is only my opinion) that brains does not equal beautiful thing or whatever I can’t be with someone who I might care about excuse. Then he says I love you in the season finale. That was confusing considering he has been with Sara the whole time. Don’t get me wrong, you’re my girl Sara, but if Oliver loves Felicity why not just not be with anyone? BUT then it turns out he was just doing that to trick Slade.

So my review of season 2: all this for a girl? Gee wiz. (And if you are wondering what girl, take your pick.) My apologies that sounded a bit snippy, but sometimes it’s all a little too much, I don’t know, brooding. Now that I think of it, I keep saying things like this happened and he did this. So I can’t I will not, not watch the show. What? This is a judge free zone. See that right there judge free. 

Hunger Games! Mockingjay Part I! Every preview that has come out I’ve been like don’t talk to me right now there’s a Hunger Games trailer on. There are a lot of moments in different previews where I have been gasping and saying that’s in the book! Well I yell that in my head because I am too excited about what I am seeing to verbalizing. I am looking forward to it because Catching Fire really captured the essence of the book and I think this movie will too. Speaking of the book I need to get started on my tradition of reading the book again before I see the movie. Two more weeks! Hunger Games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!