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