Crazy, Stupid, Lovely Blog Post

Crazy, how I feel about studying at all hours of the night for my exams. Stupid, how I feel after taking said exams. Love, what I may feel if they went well so we shall see. Enough of my small tangents and moving on to the important things. The movie Crazy, Stupid, Love filmed with an all star cast and a fantastic plot. It has comedy, drama, romance, and everything in between (even a pretty good fight scene). It also has real life depictions of love and the inner workings of relationships. Not everything is perfect nor should it be.

Some of the notable cast members are Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, and many more notable actors. The film is written in a way where multiple story lines are introduced but end up connecting in one way or another, think of the movie Valentine's Day; only this is way better.  The story follows the relationship of a divorcing husband and wife, their kids, the babysitter who has a crush on the father, and the friend who helps divorced father pick up women. All confusing yes but the movie explains in greater detail than I will go into. 

The lessons, both positive and negative, are everywhere in the film. The first giving an inside look into divorce. Divorce is a scary thing, nobody wants to go through it, its sad, exhausting, but sometimes necessary. My parents went through a divorce when I was in sixth grade, while I did not understand at the time, it was for the best and our lives have vastly improved. This movie does not show the kids perspective on the divorce, it shows the parents. The wife wants a divorce because the relationship has grown stale, they stopped showing love for one another, got into a routine, and were just stuck. Throughout the film the husband goes through the stages of depression, to getting back out in the dating world, but all the while continuing to love his wife. The wife had an affair but in a certain scene shows how much she truly loves her husband. The scene is in the backyard of the family home where the wife and kids live, the husband has snuck into the backyard to take care of the plants and groundskeeping. The audience sees the wife call  the husband from a window in the house, she says she needs help fixing the water heater which she obviously does not. He sees all of this from the backyard, her pretending to be in basement following directions, but in reality she is calling because she misses him. They still share a love between each other which is crucial to show, no matter what you go through with someone you can still always love them. It is sad, heartbreaking, but at the same time incredibly moving. 

A negative part of the film is the portrayal of men. The images given to the audience are men always want to sleep around, that they are players, and do not need relationships. While some men do act in this way a lot don't, the male characters in the movie shift back and forth but still have the negative connotation of being sex driven. While this does not last the entirety of the movie it is still a large factor and something that seems to happen in a majority of movies. The other negative aspect of the movie is the need for the "grand gesture". Honestly the grand gesture is overdone and obnoxious. In real relationships communicating, truly apologizing, and showing the other person you love them can all be done without doing something big and public. The classic romantic comedy gran gesture was put into the film to be a feel good part of the movie, nothing more.

The best thing about this film is the fact that the ending is not wrapped up in a neat little bow. Not everything worked out for everyone, some people were heartbroken, friendships were ruined, love was found, and some relationships were still "iffy". That is exactly how life is as well, if everything were so simple it would be exactly like the movies. Crazy, Stupid, Love does a fantastic job in showing how everything has a way of working out, while it may not be in the way we imagined it, there is still an ending. The ending which can also lead to a new beginning. (I'm sorry Im cheesy I had to do it)

 

How to Poorly Represent Women In More than 10 Ways

Rain pouring violently from the sky releases two moods in me, cuddly, warm, and fuzzy. The other mood is cranky and annoyed. Unfortunately today the rain has brought out the second mood so I apologize in advance for my somewhat depressing rant. The rant does stem from what is portrayed on television that I, as well as all other people on the planet see. That is "what women do wrong in relationships" and directly after this phrase is uttered there is usually some tips on how not to be "that girl". A movie that perfectly depicts this is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. While my love for both Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey is strong, this film tries to show what women do wrong in relationships and it is just not fair.

Naturally the female lead is shown in a job that she is not appreciated in, working for a magazine similar to Cosmopolitan writing "How to" articles instead of things like politics. While it is frustrating to not feel fully appreciated for your intelligence that doesn't mean a movie has to bash a female magazine. Not everyone working at female magazines are superficial, somewhat of an "airhead", and concerned about unimportant things. The female lead Andy, played by Kate Hudson, is supposed to be a relatable down to earth girl but is just another character without much depth. While Andy is at work her friend had just gotten dumped, again, for doing ridiculous things that a majority of people would not do in a relationship. The editor thinks it would be a wonderful idea to use the poor woman's relationship issues as an article. Andy takes charge to shield her friend and comes up with the concept to write about everything that women do wrong in relationships and how that drives men away.

The examples of what women do wrong are calling frequently, not understanding personal boundaries, moving to quickly, accusing their significant other of certain things such as flirting with other women, etc. All of these are done by both genders in relationships, some of the examples are more extravagant than others but it is not only women who make these choices. The film lacks showing both sides of the story, instead it is only Andy is who forced to extremes when she has to "lose a guy in 10 days" for her article. That being said the man she chose is very handsome but had his own flaws as a character as well, Ben, played by Matthew McConaughey. Ben uses his relationship with Andy for his own personal gains as well but does not run screaming for the hills either when Andy becomes "crazy". Andy being crazy is in fact crazy, going to the extreme in the situation from moving some of her stuff into his apartment, making friends with his mother, and creating a baby book. All over the top gestures that normal people just do not do.

The film continues into the blossoming relationship of Ben and Andy all the while each continue to use each other until the trust is revealed. A large fight happens and eventually there is reconciliation and all is right with the world. Honestly though the depiction of what women do wrong in a relationship is seen all throughout the film, occasionally touching on what men do wrong as well but the whole scenario is unhealthy. Lying, scamming, and being over the top are thrown in as building blocks to a relationship. While it is true that a relationship can stem from nothing it should not be built on negative attributes and unhealthy behavior. The film, while seemingly entertaining, is actually insulting when looking at the deeper picture. It lost a fan in less that 10 hours after seeing it.

 

The Dread Pirate Roberts In Love

Another day, another dollar. Or in this case another Friday, another blog post. I have watched a good amount of romantic movies this week because the Penn State plague has kept me in a constant state of sick (shoutout to you East Halls). But nonetheless I stumbled upon one of the classic romantic comedies, The Princess Bride. This movie was shown to me when I was very young by my mother, she loved it, so naturally I loved it as well. As I travel back to the great state of Maryland tomorrow I was promised a night of Indian food and watching the Princess Bride while obnoxiously saying the lines at the same time as the characters.

For those of you that have not seen this movie, please take the time this weekend to culture yourselves I am begging you. Great quotes, great characters, and a fantastic story. The story starts off with a grandpa reading to his sick grandson a story that has been passed down in their family. The fairytale is then put on the screen, depicting a time of kings, knights, pirates, and kingdoms. The two lovers are Buttercup and Westley, torn apart by the need for money as well as stability. After he leaves the audience is subjected to the torturous events of Buttercup seemingly "moving on" and the agony of waiting for the lovers to reunite. There are fantastic battles, hilarious encounters, and a great love story that ends with passion and romance.

The film teaches a very important lesson about love which is that there is not love without pain. Pain being the trials in a relationship, the sacrifices needed to be made while in said relationship. There is always going to be compromise and occasionally someone will need to break a habit for the one they love. These sacrifices range in a multitude of ways such as giving up smoking, seeking counseling, or eating healthier. In the Princess Bride, Westley continually sacrifices his livelihood for Buttercup, as well as another character who dedicates his life to finding his fathers killer. Mind you this is extreme conditions but understandable as well.

Another lesson taught is that there are many different ways to show your love. There is a simple phrase, "As you wish", that is used over and over by Westley to show his love. It is sweet, endearing, and still provides all the emotions that come with another three letter phrase. There are also different ways to show ones love through cleaning up around the house without being nagged, after a date texting the person asking if they got home safely, or simply showing some sort of appreciation of your significant partner. Saying "I love you" cane done in so many ways, each way that continues to strengthen and build the relationship was well.

While there are many lessons the film gives, some being more comical than others (always watch out for R.O.U.S), there is such a heartwarming feeling within the whole film. Love conquers all, as it should, and the pure of heart ride off into the sunset, or the sunrise depending on the time of vanquishing evil.

But first....let me get down on one knee and pour my heart out.

"Marriage, marriage is what brings us together today", a great quote from the movie The Princess Bride (which I will probably post about later). Marriage seems to be the ultimate goal for a majority of people, it is supposed to be a wonderful time in a persons life. Planning the wedding, the ceremony, the honey moon, but what gets the ball rolling is the proposal. And that is the film of this post, starring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. The Proposal is another one of my all time favorite movies, first of all it has a great cast. It also has a funny story line, Sandra Bullock who is just overall goals, and the love of my life Ryan Reynolds (Blake Lively you are a very lucky woman).

The Proposal is filled with great actors, one of the greats being THE Betty White. While she is a character the two main roles, Bullock and Reynolds, are coworkers at a book publishing company in New York. Well actually Bullock is a successful editor and Reynolds is sort of her "secretary". Bullock decides to propose to Reynolds so she can stay in the country because she was going to deported back to Canada with an expired visa. While this sounds crazy Bullocks character is a take charge woman, always wants to be in control, and cares about her career more than people. Reynolds is a family man, a caring person, and loves his work, ultimately wanting to be an editor.

While deciding to go along with the rouse Reynolds takes Bullock to meet his family in Alaska and while surrounded by the brisk Alaskan air, they begin to fall in love. While falling for each other, the audience starts to learn secrets of the two characters and how it affects their relationship with others. One secret is Reynolds' rocky relationship with his father, which is the first lesson taught, that supporting the people you love is what helps those relationships. Talking to the person, understanding their points of views, and supporting them in their life decisions is crucial in maintaining a healthy functioning relationship.

The other lesson taught is that love comes from all around us, it happens at the most random of times and can just not make sense. The way to deal with that is accept love, accept the love that is right in front of your eyes because love is vital to humans. We need love from friends, family, and a significant other. It is just the way we function and that is perfectly fine. Sure it makes us crazy, like why does my mom always fuss over whatever I do, well because she loves you. Or why do my friends lecture me about eating and not skipping meals, because they love you and want you healthy. Accepting the love that is surrounding you will lead to a happier life and a better outlook of the world.

Will Smith Got Hitch(ed)

There have always been unwritten rules in the attempt to win the love of another. Sometimes you have to do something bold to get yourself noticed, other times it may involve stalking their Instagram to see what you could possibly have in common. Either way, there are a multitude of methods to peak a persons interest.

The movie Hitch, starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes, is a movie that in my opinion appeals to both the female and the male audience members. Will Smith plays a man who is known for helping other men find love. He gives advice, creates scenarios that shine a positive light on the man looking for love, and ultimately gets paid for being a "matchmaker" of sorts. He is very successful in helping other men find love but did not find love himself. Of course at this point the gorgeous Eva Mendes enters as the obvious love interest (because it is a romantic comedy after all).

Throughout the course of the movie Will Smith grows to be good friends with one of his clients and begins to realize he has feeling for the Eva Mendes character as well. While the audience watches the cringe worthy attempts of Will Smith to gain affection from Eva Mendes, Smith starts to realize his tricks/plans aren't full proof. A person doesn't have to change who they are, pretend to be interested in a certain topic, but just be themselves. That is one of the most important lessons in the movie, being yourself should be good enough for any person. I think that this isn't just a lesson in live but a lesson in life as well, accepting who you are as a person is so important to just being happy. Nobody's perfect and that is ok.

The other lesson taught in the movie is that we’re just human. We need to love and to be loved. each and every one of us. Even when it seems like we don’t want to. Any form of love, from your family, from your friends, and from your significant other. No one wants to be completely alone and if it seems like they do, love them anyway. There is a difference between wanting attention and wanting to be loved. Attention is great but in the end, love is what is ultimately important. The film Hitch does a great job in portraying both lessons while adding comedic relief and a great love story to top it all off.