Flipped

This film brings back middle school memories, some find, but most horrible. However middle school was the time where some of the best book and movie combinations were introduced. For example: Hoot, Holes, and of course Flipped. If you were not made to read Flipped or watch the movie afterwards that is unfortunate because it is a great story. While it is set in the 1960's and segregation was still in place (horrible, boo, do not like) the film lacks diversity. Actuality it has none at all but that aside the story still has valuable lessons in life and in relationships.

The film follows two main characters, Bryce and Julianna, as well as their respective families and friends. The story is told through both of their perspectives so after the audience sees the situation from Bryce's perspective it will flip over to Juli's. It is a smooth transition in the film and extremely easy to follow along. Bryce and Julie first meet in second grade, off the bat the audience can tell that Bryce and his family are very different than Juli and her family. The first meeting sets in motion the crush Juli has on Bryce and Bryce trying to constantly avoid Juli. Bryce is shy, reserved, and closed minded. Also he's kind of a pinhead who can't stick up for himself. Julie is strong willed, kind, and very smart. Through the constant interactions  at school and Juli being obsessed with an old sycamore tree, Bryce's grandfather takes an interest and questions Bryce on their relationship. Eventually the grandfather and Juli become friends and she reminds him of his late wife, Bryce's grandmother with her spirit. The first important lesson the film shoes is to be kind to your family, Bryce barely talks with his grandfather but Juli opens up to him. Bryce's father is an "I peaked in high school" guy so he does not treat anyone with respect, including his own family. However Juli loves her parents. her brothers, and even starts building a relationship with her uncle who is mentally disabled. The pure love and respect Juli has for her family is what everyone should try to embody.

As the two grow up things start to change including how they view one another. Julie sees that Bryce is not really this fantastic person she pictured in her head. we see that physical beauty can't cancel out what is on the inside, everyone has been guilty of having superficial feelings but it is interesting to see in the film. While Bryce on the other hand sees how great Juli is. Through chickens, eggs, and a school fundraiser the two continue to grow as individuals and more feelings start to develop. Another important lesson the film shows is being greater than the sum of your parts. Going beyond expectations for who you are is exactly what you are supposed to do, surprise people, express your feelings, etc. Being one thing, having people expect you to only be interested in sports, or only talk about how great you are. Going beyond and finding your full self is so important and reaching higher than what is expected brings a new outlook on life.

While there are many many lessons thrown throughout this film it is a good one. There are everyday occurrences, some inspiring scenes, and a look into more than just girl likes boy or vice versa. It is a wonderful film to experience.

Can You Love a Beast?

From the title you all may think that I am switching to Disney princess movies and writing about Beauty and the Beast. Alas I am not but I am writing about a film inspired by the tale of Beauty and the Beast. A film talking about being unselfish, looking for substance rather than just what meets the eye; as well as accepting oneself. The film I am referring to is Beastly and I forgot how much I enjoy this movie until it popped up on a romance movies list. The film stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, and Mary-Kate Olson. The story is set in New York city with the stars in high school. However this isn't just any high school, it is state of the art and filled with a lot of wealthy kids. Obviously the cliche is the wealthy kids run the school and the rest of the student body is supposed to look up to them. Alex Pettyfer plays Kyle Kingston, the most popular guy in school, who actually runs the school like a mean girl would. Taunting others, believing he is inherently better than everyone else, but really has problems of his own. A mother who abandoned him and an uncaring father which makes him the person he is. On the flip side meet Vanessa Hudgens character, Lindy Taylor, smart, shy, and gorgeous. There worlds eventually meet after Mary-Kates character, Kendra the witch, puts a curse on Kyle turning him "beastly" (hahaha..I'm sorry I think I'm funny) and he must find someone to love him within the year.

Kyle rescues Lindy after her drug-addicted father gets into a spat with his drug dealers. Lindy stays with Kyle for her protection and as you can guess they being to spend time together and his heart changes. There is mushy romance, flowers, poetry; the works but it is done in a way that makes me say "aww".  The movie does do the big romantic gesture that I usually dislike but for some reason this romantic gesture makes my heart flutter. What I believe is positive about the film is how it shows someone trying to change and the actual emotions a person deals with. Kyle is frustrated because he doesn't understand that wealth and good looks does not mean everything to people. He tries to dig deeper into himself to understand the girl he is falling in love with, he does a grand romantic gesture that makes sense because he did this by himself to show how much he cares. The audience can see the transition of being self-centered to caring and feeling empathy for others and their sacrifices. The film also does a good job at depicting falling in love, mind you it is at an accelerated pace because a movie can't be five hours. However there is still the angst of being unsure how the other person feels, being scared to open up, and feeling vulnerable. While this movie goes in a pace that I didn't particularly like I truly enjoy this movie and what it does for love.

La La Land

While the Oscars may not have gone in the way you wanted too, it made you want to watch the films Moonlight, La La Land, etc. La La Land won many, many awards and for different aspects within the film. It is a fantastic movie, a modern day romance with a nod to Broadway. The film is set in Los Angeles and stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling (throwback to Crazy, Stupid, Love). The chemistry is unreal onscreen even if they aren't together in real life. The two characters are what you would normally think of when you hear L.A., an aspiring actress and a struggling musician. Both characters have strong personalities and challenges that provide them with different outlooks on life. The film does a great job at introducing the characters and their stories even before they meet. A scene on a bridge stuck in traffic, Emma Stone is reading a script and distracted, a car honks behind her and pulls around her. The honking car turns out to be Ryan Gosling and chance encounters follow the two until they meet. Gosling has an obsession with jazz that he shares with Stone who learns to love it as well. Stone has ideas and dreams that Gosling sees as inspiring and is her biggest fan when it comes to her acting.

The couple is strong, wants each other to succeed, and works hard to make their dreams come true. Gosling begins to succeed when he joins a successful band that introduces a new form of jazz. His eventual goal is to open up a jazz club. Stone writes a one woman show that she thought would be a hit, but barely anyone shows up; including Gosling. The film follows the couple as their relationship starts to crumble and they go off in their separate ways. Both characters are not happy without each other but still try and move on. They are brought together again when a call is made to Gosling looking for Stone's character about an audition. He basically drags her to the audition and they end up talking about their relationship. Both move on with their lives and while I won't spoil the ending, it is both beautiful and sad at the same time.

The movie contains realistic issues in relationships such as distance and communication. When someone travels for a large amount in their field communication needs to be kept as well as an understand for their partners feelings. The lack of communication, lack of understanding, and just a lack of planning left the relationship in turmoil. The beauty of relationships was also represented well, both people wanting the other to succeed. Constantly pushing one another and admiring each others talents. Emma got into jazz, began dancing to it and enjoying it because of Ryan. Ryan appreciated acting and Emma's hard work. Something the film lacked was showing two people unable to be with each other when both of them are successful. I find that to not be true at all and I know both people in a relationship can be successful.

All in all the film was witty, charming, and had fantastic musical numbers. Showing more in depth emotions in a relationship as well as deep seeded passion for different aspects of life was refreshing as well as entertaining.

It's a Good Year to Leap into Love

Finding love overseas, in a country filled with romantic castles, gorgeous sights as well as accents, and some of the most sarcastic but loving people. This place would be Ireland, where a majority of my family are from. The rolling hills, beautiful coastlines, and ancient ruins are just some of the fabulous features of the country. Ireland is said to be a place like no other and it is the perfect setting for the movie Leap Year which stars Amy Adams and Matthew William Goode. Adams is the perfect redhead for the role and her costar is the gorgeous Irishman I have been looking for. The story follows the seemingly all together woman played by Amy Adams, she is successful, smart, in a relationship with a doctor, applying to live in one of the best apartment complexes in Boston; basically she is awesome. She wants her boyfriend to propose and after mistakingly thinking he bought her an engagement ring (he actually got her earrings) she decides to set off to the homeland to perform a great Irish tradition, the woman proposes to the man on leap day. 

The story continues and follows Adams as she tries to get to Dublin where her boyfriend is at for a medical conference. Many difficulties meet her on the way including horrible weather to say the least. She encounters a small town where she meets the dashing Irishman Declan played by Goode. Both characters have a back and forth banter but it turns playful as they begin to realize their attraction for one another. Eventually all the dramatics come out where there is a big fight about who she should be with, what kind of life she wants, etc. The ending is happy naturally and includes Irish slang as well which adds to the charm of the movie.

One of my issues with the movie is that two people who are very successful are portrayed to not be able to have a good relationship. One is always too busy, schedules don't match up, and I understand that there were underlying issues within the couple but a lot of movies have portrayed an "unfit" relationship like this. Two people who are very successful and have demanding jobs can still make time for each other, have passion, and have a good relationship. 

However I do like the fact that a woman is taking the initiative and proposing to the man. Not many romantic movies have the female go and try to make the grand romantic gesture. The best thing is that Adams not only makes the gesture once but twice. Also the two characters bring out different characteristics in each other. She makes him more sensitive and he opens up. He makes her stronger but at the same time allows her to lean on someone else other than herself. All in all this movie does have positive messages about love and relationships. As well as gorgeous scenery and a stunning country. 

Sex, The City, And Penn State

If you haven't guessed from my previous blog posts my mother and I are extremely close. Naturally she is the main influencer of the kinds of television shows and movies I would watch. Since I was little my mom would be watching Sex and the City, the television show, and it seemed so amazing with the gorgeous clothes, a glamorous look at New York City, and of course the group of women who are the ultimate best friends. I wanted to watch it so I could learn lessons on fashion, friendship, and most importantly love. Once I was old enough I started to watch Sex and the City with my mom and it has been a solid bonding experience. Once I finished the TV series it was onto the film, which is still what I watch when I want a pick me up.

The film follows the television series and is supposed to wrap up the lives of the four best friends who the audience has watched grow, fall in and out of love as well as wear amazing outfits. The four best friends are Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. All interesting women with different personalities that make up an unstoppable group. It has been popular for fans to identify with one friend so I will say mine, Charlotte the hopeless romantic. She is sweet, honest, and is looking for true love (I can honestly say this is me just look at how many quizzes I've taken to confirm this). Miranda is the not afraid to speak her mind, tends to be a pessimist, but is so loyal to all of her friends. Samantha is bold, brave, and well outgoing especially when it comes to sex. Carrie is free spirited, knows who she is as a person, and is trying to find someone who won't change her but compliment her. These women go through trials and tribulations in the TV show and by the moive most of them have found "the one". Carrie is getting married, Miranda has a son and is getting married, Charlotte is married and has a daughter, and Samantha has a reliable boyfriend.


Throughout the film as well as the TV show everyone seemed to constantly be looking for "the one" besides Samantha. Yes they all had career goals and other things going on in their life but honestly it was kind of obnoxious how everything seemed to be centered around "landing your perfect man". As much as I love the show and movie that is just not an acceptable message to portay to women. No one has to be constantly looking for love becuase that is exhausting and your not focusing on other important aspects of life. Instead of contantly searching, take a step back and try and let love find you.


While the women were looking for love a lot they were extremley hard workers. Miranda is an attorney who is tough and works her butt off especially to support her son. Her husband is a bar tender so she actually makes more money than he does. The show did branch out to show that there relationship remained normal and her husband had no problem of this which I appreciated. Charlotte works in an art gallery and has a keen eye for discovering new talent which is extremley impressive. Samantha is a successful PR pro for some of the most famous actors in Hollywood including her boyfriend. Carrie began as a columnist and then became a book author. All these women worked extremley hard to be successful which is truly inspiring. This makes the charatcers even more relatable because all of their careers require different skill sets.


All in all this show and movie has been with me throughout high school and has taught me some very important lessons. While there are some dissapointments there are plenty of good and sound advice given throughout the series. I highly recommend watching both the series and the film.

I Just Want to Be Friends...With Benefits

The classic relationship I tend to notice in college is the great friends with benefits title. The meaning of friends with benefits are two friends who are physically involved but not emotionally involved. It seems like the perfect solution if you don't want to commit...but it isn't entirely. A lot of times one person develops feelings for the other and then everything turns into a mess. As seen in the movie Friends With Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. The movie takes place in New York and Kunis' character is a headhunter who hires Timberlake as an art director for GQ magazine. They are both attracted to each other but do not want a relationship. One night they start talking about sex and relationships; they both agree that sex should not have to come with so many emotional attachments. They begin casually sleeping with each other but remain friends. Things start to get complicated when Timberlake's character starts developing feelings for Kunis' character.


Throughout the film the audience sees a push and pull of the two characters in their feelings towards eachother and the kind of relationship they are looking for. The first lesson the film provides is that every opportunity is once in a lifetime. Timberlake's character was an art director of a small website in Los Angeles when he got the call to interview for a job at GQ in New York. Meeting Mila Kunis' character was also a once in a lifetime situation becuase who stays friends with the headhunter from the company that hired you. All of these once in a lifetime chances should be noticed and you should do something about it. Take the leap into a better job, ask out the person who intrigues you, and live life to the fullest.

Another lesson provided by the film is that being "emotionally damaged/ unavailable" is an excuse not to date and hate on relationships. Everyone comes with emotional damage, has been hurt by other people; honestly it is not a good enough excuse to not believe in relationships. Both characters tend to talk about their respective emotional damage and while the audience is supposed to relate/ feel symptahy is tends to get a bit difficult. Finding a good relationship with someone who just fits with you is amazing and should not be taken for granted.

All in all the film is entertaining and has its sweet moments. It also shows the fairly common outcome of a friends with benefits relationship. However the grand romanctic gesture and then entering into a relatioinship is on the other end of the "common" spectrum. Either way taking opportunities that are presented, living life to the fullest, and appreciating relationships are all important lessons to take away from the film.

Clueless About Love

A crush, like, love; are all confusing in the teenager years leading up to adulthood. Trying to distinguish between all three is incredibly difficult and honestly exhausting. All of the questions like "Am I cute enough?, Did they actually look at me?, Will we be together forever?". Some teenagers do think these exact questions, others think of questions that are similar. The key to help figuring it all out is a core friend group of course. Well sort of since they are in the same boat as everyone else. But figuring it all out is a part of discovering oneself and growing up.

The classic movie Clueless starring Brittany Murphy, Alicia Silverstone, and Paul Rudd. (Not going to mention another somewhat famous actress because I generally don't agree with her opinions at all. You know who). A timeless classic about a rich, privileged girl feeling the need to "help"everyone around her. Whether it be a makeover or being a match maker Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is always trying to help others. Cher is hopelessly clueless when it comes to understanding love and generally the world around her. She does have redeeming qualities and a huge heart. Her huge heart can be seen in the way that she loves and cares for her friends. The first lesson Clueless gives is that your inner friendship circle is something to cherish. Having those people to tell every secret, share every heartbreak, and people you can just sit around and laugh with. These are going to be some of the most important people in your life.

Another great lesson that Clueless provides is that you may find love where you least expect it. It can pop out of anywhere and keeping an open mind is super important. Finding that person that challenges you, accepts your personality, and makes you happy to be around is possibly the right person for you. Allowing yourself to look past your ideal "perfect person" and allow yourself to just fall makes you realize how closed off you've really been. While I'm not saying that you should be scouting out your ex-stepbrother, keeping an open mind to people and to the world will lead to such greater things. 

All in all Clueless is a pretty great movie. It's funny, has lovable characters, and everyone ends up routing for love. Yes it has its flaws like all romantic comedies do but this one really does have a sweet portrayal of romance. Remember to always stop for stop signs, be confident in your fashion choices, and keep an open mind for love.