Author: Emma

American desi near DC blogging re: movies, TV, & more.

Some Quick Film Reviews

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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)

Well, you really CAN’T go wrong w/ such a stellar cast!  (Dev Patel, just 21 y.o., said how BIG of an honor it was to work w/ all these legends, in a recent NPR interview.)   My fave characters were portrayed by Judy Dench, Bill Nighy (he surprised me w/ his skill), & Tom Wilkinson.  Some viewers commented that Patel’s acting was very one-note (& I mostly agree w/ that).  Perhaps he got bogged down in the Indian accent (he’s a British desi, after all); perhaps he just needs to learn more.  The complete change of heart from Maggie Smith’s characters didn’t ring QUITE true IMO.  There are some GREAT life lessons in this film, BUT it’s NOT schmaltzy or stereotypical. 

Empire Falls (2005)

Fans of Paul Newman will be surprised by his (antihero) role in this HBO miniseries!  There are some  fine performances, esp. from Ed Harris, Aidan Quinn, Robin Wright Penn, & a young Danielle Panabaker.  I thought it started out quite strong, BUT there is something disjointed about it.  It’s set around two VERY different families in a working-class town of Maine. 

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Three reasons to see this film (in order): 1) Russell Crowe 2) Kevin Spacey 3) Guy Pearce.  I’m pretty sure this film was a star-making turn for Crowe.  Also, this is one of the BEST edited films I recall seeing.  I was surprised that Kim Basinger was so capable- she didn’t annoy me in this film!   I think you need to see it twice to appreciate it- I don’t think I paid attention the first time.

The Horseman on the Roof (1995)

This historical French film is GORGEOUS (& not just b/c of the two leads)!  There’s a LOT of natural beauty- greenery, mountains, snow, etc.  Olivier Martinez, who you may recall from Unfaithful,  portrays a true “romantic” (a individual of high ideals).  Juliette Binoche is perfect (as usual), though there is NOT much dialogue.   Plus, you have to give props to a woman who’s not afraid to act w/ a man prettier than her- LOL!   La Binoche never disappoints.

Shoes for Summer

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Why NOT look cute while around the house/neighborhood?  These cheetah-inspired sandals were only $10 from Old Navy.

 

I got these from an Aerosoles in Astoria, Queens (while on my recent NYC trip).  They weren’t on sale (newer style), but I LOVE these shoes!!!  They’re incredibly comfy; you won’t  want to take them off!

 

These braided sandals (less than $20) are from a sale at NY & Co. about 2 months back.  I’ve received a few compliments on these, and they are comfy as well!

 

These sandals are from Payless, but they are quite comfy (I wore them twice).  I got them on a BOGO 1/2 off sale 3 weeks back.

 

I’ve had these sandals since last Fall, but haven’t worn them much.  I LOVE  this shade of blue!

 

These were $20 from The Loft (otherwise known as my weekly hangout- LOL)!  I bought them a few months ago.  I’ve worn them three times and gotten compliments.  They are comfy, too!

Get Dressed for Summer

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I bought this dress from Marshalls recently; this style suits my body type and I don’t have many clothes in shades of red.

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I got this dress in March during a clearance sale at New York & Company (which has a branch in downtown Silver Spring).  There is also a big store at Westfield Shopping Plaza (better known as Wheaton Mall).  Usually, the dresses at NY & Co. are better suited to taller women, but this fit me well (a pleasant surprise)! 

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Another find from NY & Co. during a more recent sale; this was the only one left.  This is my favorite color!  This style of dress will look good on a many different body types.

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This is an unusually cute shrug/sweater from Marshalls.  I love the designs!  I think this will look good over a tank (beige, white, etc.), skinny jeans, and sandals.

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Here is a pleated floral skirt from The Loft.  Yes, I refer to myself as a Loft junkie (for about one year now)- LOL!  There are SO many locations, sales, and quality products.   

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I got this casual shirt last fall from Zara (Spanish clothing store; Metro Center area) mainly because I loved the colors and floral pattern.   

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Another great skirt from The Loft- I’ve started to wear more skirts and dresses in the past year. 

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A cotton, casual (yet flattering) dress from NY & Co.  It’s longer on the sides; it’ll fit petite sizes (I’m only 5’2″).  You can wear it alone or with a shrug (like I do).  Be prepared for lots of compliments!     

 

The Taming of the Shrew (Folger Theater)

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Real life husband and wife Cody Nickell and Kate Eastwood Norris starred in the Folger’s recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.  As you can guess from pic above, the comedy was set in the Old West (director Aaron Posner was inspired by HBO’s Deadwood).  There was original music played onstage by the composer.  Also, two of the traditionlly male characters (Baptista and  Tranio) were turned into women.

At the start of the play, Kate is angry, bitter, and fights w/ her little sister, Bianca, and the suitors who constantly mill about her.  Of course, she is only masking her disappointment and loneliness. 

When he first arrives in town to see his old buddy Hortensio, Petruchio is a bold, brassy golddigger; he’ll marry ANY woman if she’s rich.  Bianca’s suitors (Gremio, Lucentio,  Hortensio) can’t believe their luck, b/c once Kate’s married off, they can court Bianca. 

There are a LOT of laughs in this production, BUT at the heart, it’s love story of two VERY strong-willed individuals.  If you know the text, you probably noticed that some lines were switched from Kate to Petruchio.  The final scene showed that the couple were on equal footing; the audience REALLY enjoyed the twist!