Movie Monday: The Social Network

"If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."

Okay so many of you regular readers might remember me mentioning my excitement over The Social Network back in August. And, lo and behold, I did happen to go see it about a day or two after it was released earlier this month. Happy to report that I was absolutely not disappointed! Granted, it had received practically impeccable reviews and even some Oscar buzz -- nonetheless, I was hoping it would live up to the hype and it did. Not only did I find the entire story of Mark Zuckerberg interesting to begin with (it's insane to think Facebook -- now being used literally all around the world -- was created by a 20 something Harvard student in his dorm room one night), I loved the way the film captured it all. Viewers get tangled into the whole mess that comes with such great success and large sums of money at such a young age, and at times the story is heartbreaking and intense. I will definitley refrain from including spoilers, but I will say I loved the quick pace, wit, and the way in which the story was told (through flashbacks and the like). So get yourself out to the movies and see this one if you haven't already, because it will no doubt continue to be highly talked about! And those of you out there who HAVE seen it, I'd love to hear your take on it as well!

image via weheartit.com

Movie Monday: (500) Days of Summer

"I love how she makes me feel like anything is possible, or like life is worth it."

This week's Movie Monday is about a film I'm sure many, many of you out there have seen already, but it's one that is just too cute to overlook: (500) Days of Summer! This quirky and fun film is completely different than what you think of when you think of the whole Romantic Comedy genre. Tom, a young greeting-card writer, falls hard for Summer, the pretty girl he meets at the office, quickly developing a full blown infatuation with her. Full of good music, wit, and too much cuteness.. this film is both sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. Rather than going on and on like I usually do, all I will say is: 

1. Who could really resist Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

2. I adore Zooey Deschanel and her entire wardrobe, always.

3. They make the sweetest couple of all time.

4. Did I mention the soundtrack to this is really, really good?

Thoughts? xo

image via weheartit.com

Movie Monday: An Education

 "If you never do anything, you never become anyone."

So for today's Movie Monday I decided to go with a newer release. Admittedly I didn't see this one until it came out on DVD, but it came highly recommended and I have to say I loved it! In the film, the sweet Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a teenager living in London in the early 1960s. While her parents pressure her to focus on her studies so as to end up at Oxford upon graduation, Jenny herself begins questioning the real value of education and schoolwork when she meets David, a suave sweet talker who is twice her age. Things start picking up rapidly as the two begin their grown-up relationship and Jenny goes from the dull life she once knew to an exciting, if not très risqué, whirlwind of concerts, parties and weekend getaways. And while she doesn't accept the importance of an academic education, what she ends up with is a far more real education in life and in love, the hard way. Equal parts indulgent and poignant, this film is definitely worth a watch. While one can't help but feel sorry for Jenny in her naivete, it's also easy to understand her desire for rebellion and her challenging of higher education, particularly at a time when women were given far less opportunities in the work force and were largely seen as housewives. Speaking of the 1960s, as you can imagine, the film is also a feast for the eyes when it comes to the fashion. Love it! Perfect casting (couldn't think of anyone better than Carey and Peter Sarsgaard in the lead roles), flawless performances.. I can't recommend this film enough!

Has anyone out there already seen this one? What were your thoughts? ♥

image via imdb.com

Movie Monday: Match Point

 "There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck, it goes forward, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose."

The film I decided to feature today is a bit older, but it's one I've seen several times and is up there on my list of favorites. First, I should say it was completely coincidental, two Movie Monday films in a row being Woody Allen/Scarlett Johansson collaborations... I just had to mention this one because of how much I love it. In Match Point, a charming Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays Chris, a tennis instructor who uses his quick wit to slip into London's wealthy crowd. It doesn't take long for him to woo Chloe, a wealthy yet slightly uninteresting girl. Suddenly, Chris has this picture perfect life full of extravagance set up for him thanks to his new wife-to-be and her family. The only problem is, he also finds it to be a dull life... until he meets Nola (played by ScarJo), an American actress who also happens to be the girlfriend of Tom, Chloe's brother. And of course, it doesn't take long for Chris to woo her, either. Fast forward to Chris marrying Chloe, all the while finding Nola irresistible, and I think it goes without saying that the plot really picks up here as they begin their steamy affair. I absolutely do not want to give any spoilers away though, because one of the aspects I love most about this film is that it's unpredictable and full of suspense with unexpected twists in all the right places. I will say that the movie revolves around one central theme: luck. It really gets you thinking... how much of our lives is determined by pure chance? Great performances, great casting. This film is artistically made and will most likely stick with you for a while after you've watched it.

Be sure to let me know what you think once you do see it! And also those of you who already have, tell me your thoughts in comments below.

Don't forget to follow me on TWITTER! ♥

image via imdb.com

Movie Monday: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

"Maria Elena used to say that only unfulfilled love can be romantic."

For my first Movie Monday, I wanted to cover one of my favorite films ever: Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I'm sure a lot of you have already seen it but for those who haven't -- it's an absolute must. Equal parts witty, dramatic, and enticing, you will not want to turn away for a second once you start watching this beautifully made Woody Allen flick. The film chronicles two best friends, Vicky and Cristina, as they spend a summer in beautiful Barcelona, Spain. Things take an interesting turn when the duo meets Juan Antonio, a suave and smooth-talking local artist. The story unravels as the girls get to know Juan Antonio, and later, his fiery ex-wife, Maria Elena. I'll stop there because I don't want to accidentally reveal any spoilers, but I have to say this movie will more or less leave you wanting to have your own rendezvous with a mysterious stranger in Europe. And I have to say, the casting in this film was so perfect. A lot of times, when watching a movie, I think about which actors or actresses would have fit the roles better than those who had been cast; with this particular film, I found that no one would have played the parts better. Javier Bardem is the perfect Juan Antonio and Scarlett Johanssen is the perfect Cristina. But above all else, Penélope Cruz gives the most impeccable performance as the emotionally unstable yet wildly passionate artist, Maria Elena. The subtly funny narration tops the whole thing off -- so great in timing and tone, I found the narrator to be that perfect finishing touch.

So, you already know what you should be renting for your next movie night, dolls! Let me know what you think!

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter & Bloglovin! xo

image via zimbio.com