Random thoughts about ….

I’m not sure. I have not written anything in a while so I thought I would just write. So I don’t know what this will be about. Maybe about nothing. I am just going to think of it like a vlog … you know without the video part. And the YouTube part.

So the other day I was watching one of my favorite movies. I can’t say it’s in my top 5. I tried to do that with music once, make a top 5. Turned into a top 100+. But it does not take away from it being a favorite.

Sorry for the side rant…oh the movie. Begin Again. I wrote a blog about it once. It is one of the best movies. Two words John Carney. Two more words, Mark Ruffalo. This movie has heart. So if you have not seen it, warning this may be a spoiler.

There is part in the movie where Gretta (Keira Knightley) goes to see her ex-boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) play at a concert. After they of course have broken up. Gretta is hesitant to go see Dave play not just because of the break up but because she wrote a song for him called Lost Stars (psst it’s on the YouTube) and Dave has let the studio take over the song and make it very pop.

Anyways I always have this argument in my head. Gretta goes back stage and sees Dave singing. I away think she is crying because it’s over but yesterday when I was watching it I was thinking is it because Dave singing it as a ballad, then when he started feeding off the crowd he started singing it all pop like and that’s when she is crying. So I think Gretta is crying because Dave has turned into a rock star and in the end that is what he cares about. Then I said stop analyzing Melissa and just enjoy this bittersweet scene as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Speaking of bittersweet, or just a moment. I have been watching Doctor Who backwards starting from Series 8 and then going back. This time I decided to follow the Ponds story. So here I am enjoying the Christmas Carol episode and my husband tells me that Doctor Who will not be back until 2017. Okay yes I saw the recent article about Steven Moffatt, but I guess just like most things I refuse to believe it. Sometimes I just like being in denial I guess. Perhaps in some cases ignorance is bliss? But we mustn’t dwell on bad things. Doctor Who will come back.

Speaking of Doctor Who I changed my ring tone last year. On occasion I like to change it to something new. The last time I changed it to I Am the Doctor. And I don’t think I want to change it back. Because confession when I hear it ring it makes me feel like I should be running around wearing a fez. I wish I has a TARDIS. One thing I would definitely do is make all my vacation last forever.

And another Doctor Who thingy. I saw Legends of Tomorrow. Who am I kidding, they had me at Arthur Darvill. I like seeing him travel through time again. I know, I know it’s not the same show. But he had a space ship that travels through time! And space! And his name is Rip Hunter! Rip Hunter, time traveler. Hmmm… I suddenly feel like making business cards.

Since this blog really does not have a story or anything, I will just end it here. See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya. Remember when people used to say that? Man, we had some cheesy sayings when I was growing up. And how come no one says wizard anymore?



End of line.

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.