Lovers and Lollipops

Yes, there's actually a movie called Lovers and Lollipops. I happened to catch it on TCM this weekend and I was intrigued.

The cover for the DVD sort of makes it looks like it's a horror film, and honestly, there were times I thought it was going to turn into one. Mostly because nothing actually happens in the movie and Hollywood has trained me to expect a shocking horror scene after scenes of nothingness. But this one surprised me in a non-shock/horror way.

I came in a few minutes after it started to find the two main characters, Ann and Larry, on what was obviously (given the level of awkwardness) a first date. Then I went to blow dry my hair. When I came back, they were making out in the living room and a little girl was peeking out and watching them from another room. I knew at that moment I wouldn't be able to stop watching.

Next thing we know, Ann and Larry begin a "romantic" relationship. There was, however, almost no romance involved expect for the occasional kissing. Definitely not the typical movie romance. They just went out and did stuff. Then came home. Basically nothing happened. At one point, I thought something was going to happen when Ann and Larry took her daughter, Peggy, to the beach and Larry lost her in the parking lot. But then they found her. Nothing. Happened. He didn't even get nervous that he lost her. He just stood there waiting for her to come back.

Then something sort of happened when Larry and Ann decide to get married and Peggy is not too keen on the idea. Larry tries to buy her love, but she's not interested. But then she changes her mind and everything's fine. The End.

It's filmed like a documentary in some parts—giving a feeling that you're spying on these people's boring lives. But really, it's just projecting how mundane and boring our actual lives are, especially compared to the usual big Hollywood films. It's by far the most realistic film I've ever seen. So if you're looking for a really strange black & white, painfully mundane and true to life, unromantic romantic film, I highly recommend it.

The Rat Pack on American Idol: The Results

No, not the actual results, just my results.

I was pleased that most of the contestants did not ruin these classic songs. I thought Kris fit the part the most in terms of voice and look. I liked Matt and his fedora, but I really hate that "My Funny Valentine" song. Adam sang like a girl and was slightly disturbing, as usual. Yes, he's a good entertainer, but it's a little too over the top for me, especially last night. And he sings like a girl. Watching him last night, he actually reminded me a little of Judy Garland, and the last thing I want is for some dude on American Idol to remind me of Judy. Shudder!

I wish Frank Sinatra could have been a guest judge. He'd set those kids straight!

The Rat Pack on American Idol

So the American Idol kids are singing Rat Pack songs tonight. It could either be great or a huge disaster. Either way, I'm excited that they're doing some songs that I'll actually know well! I'm hoping they'll be respectful of the old standards. I'm guessing that Adam kid is going to butcher an old classic by singing it like a woman. He better be careful!

Facebook Says I'm Bette Davis

Yep, I took this quiz on Facebook and it says I'm Bette Davis. I'm not sure if I should be insulted by this, but honestly my first reaction was: Awesome! Who doesn't want to be Bette Davis?? But really, I think it's only about 50% right. Though I'm sure there are people who think I'm a bitch, in which case it's maybe 75% right.

The Ten (hour) Commandments

We watched The Ten Commandments at old movie night last night which was a bit risky given its ridiculously long run time. But we did it, and most of us made it through. A couple people left before it ended which is really unfortunate for them since they'll never have the sense of accomplishment the rest of us do.

Anyway, what can I saw about this movie? It goes on forever. The special effects are ... interesting. Charleton Heston is surprisingly handsome as the young, shirtless Moses. Yul Brenner just kept making me want to watch The King and I. Vincent Price is in it and is creepy as usual, but not in his usual way. Overall, a great experience if you have the time to sit through it.

It follows the Bible story pretty well, but there are quite a few liberties taken. Luckily, the overall focus of the film remains on God and his purpose for Moses. I guess they were still allowed to talk about God in movies in the 50's.

Judy Miracle

A couple weeks ago, my friend Emily went on a trip to California and knowing she was visiting Hollywood, I told her to be sure to take pictures of some Judy Garland stuff for me. Being the good friend that she is, she took a couple with Judy's feet and hand prints at Grauman's Chinese Theater. While looking through the pictures, she noticed something a little weird going on:




That's right, what's with all the red shoes?? These are the only 2 pictures she took of Judy's space and they both happen to contain red shoes. Coincidence??

Classic Films in Grant Park!

If you're in the Chicago area, don't miss the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park. Yes, watching movies inside is ok, but watching them outside, on a big screen with thousands of other people is amazing.

This year's lineup is pretty good. I'm very excited that they're showing Sunset Blvd., especially since this is the year I realized how truly amazing it is! I'm also looking forward to Psycho, of course.

Here's the entire 2009 lineup:

Sunset Boulevard (1950)
8:58 p.m. July 14

Duck Soup (1933)
8:52 p.m. July 21

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
8:45 p.m. July 28

Born Yesterday (1950)
8:37 p.m. Aug. 4

Psycho (1960)
8:27 p.m. Aug. 11

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
8:27 p.m. Aug. 18

Tootsie (1982)
8:05 p.m. Aug. 25