The Edge of Seventeen // Indie Movie Night

Hello! I hope that you all had a great weekend! Ours was pretty productive and relaxed!

It's been a while since I have posted a movie review... as in ... like once per year... maybe... (?) but here we go!

Have you seen previews for Edge of Seventeen?



It's been compared to Clueless and Mean Girls (possibly The Breakfast Club... for those of us who remember that one ... which I say being a child of the '90's...) Well, I thought it looked kind of funny... and we felt like going to a movie... and it apparently had/s a 94%  on Rotten Tomatoes. Wow. That's pretty good.

Anyhow, we bought tickets, and I am really glad that we went! The movie has a lot of heart, it seems "real" enough without being too depressing, or being over-the-top... and it's funny! I was really pleased with it actually!

The movie follows Darlene, a 17 year old girl with exactly one friend, a mom who loves her brother most, and her brother is Mr. Popular. When her best friend starts dating her brother... her world is turned upside down. (This doesn't sound earth shattering... ) Along the way she learns a lot about herself, she grows a lot, and makes at least one new friend.

Ok, this still doesn't sound earth shattering... but I promise, it's really good!

If you're in the mood for a coming of age movie, and want something that's rated R without being overly raunchy or violent (but still seems real)... this could be the movie for you.

Woody Harrelson plays one of Darlene's teachers, and he is just hilarious and sarcastic. I loved her interactions with him.

I also really loved Erwin, this extremely socially awkward character. He was so funny! I read an article about the actor and how he was excited to have a bigger part as a male lead being Asian. That doesn't happen a lot in the entertainment industry, so that was pretty cool! Not something I think about a ton, but I should! I always like diversity in actors and characters, and I support efforts to see bigger roles filled by minority actors of all kinds! His was such an enjoyable character in this movie, and he played the part really well. I hope to see him in more films in the future!

I would say as far as teen indie movies go... this one is a more accurate picture of what it's like. It's not rose colored, it's not TEEN PARTY MOVIE, it's just what it is. I found that pretty refreshing and real. Again, I didn't feel like I was watching a movie for teens. I also loved that the characters were so quirky! :)

Has anyone else seen this? Or is anyone else thinking about seeing this?

Other movies we've seen recently(ish)... that I did not post about....:

Bridget Jones's Baby - HILARIOUS!!
Magnificent Seven - Chris Pratt... though... he's not the most convincing cowboy (not cowboy movie connoisseur...)
Edward Scissorhands (on the big screen) - *sobs* so good!
Dr. Strange - was worried (American accent... mustache....) ... but kind of loved it!! (not usually a super hero movie person!)
Saved (on the big screen) - just as relevant/hilarious as ever (if not more)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - GO SEE IT NOW! SO SO SO SO GOOD!!
Moana - Lovely animation! Cute! :)

Other Indie Movie Night Posts: About Time, Wish I Was Here, and What If (< a KC fave).

Have you seen any good movies lately?

XO,

Alexandra

10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies / #alltheChristmasmovies Week

It's #alltheChristmasmovies week here at Simply Alexandra. (it seemed like the thing to do...)! I've got at least four Christmas Movie posts planned to help you get into the holiday spirit. From my personal favorites to non-traditional picks... here we go!

Today I am featuring those off beat Christmas movies, or ones that take place during the holidays. They still get you feeling festive... but they aren't the obvious picks! :)

10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies

The Holiday

This is the happiest, feel good-iest, most adorable holiday romcom. Just watch it. :)

Synopsis: Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) are tired of their lives. Amanda is a workaholic who just ended a bad long term relationship, and Iris is a writer who is in a toxic unrequited relationship with her ex. The two women are desperate for a change and exchange homes for the holiday season through a website. Amanda ends up in the English countryside, where there are "no men" until she runs into Iris's brother Graham (Jude Law). Iris ends up in L.A. she has the time of her life in Amanda's fancy home, and a blast meeting Amanda's friends and neighbors. Most notably Arthur, Amanda's elderly neighbor, an authentic old Hollywood director, and Miles (Jack Black), a composer who worked with Amanda's boyfriend. Life changing stuff y'all.

Love Actually

You've probably seen this one by now... but it's another favorite. It's movie made up of multiple plots that slightly intersect. It's the inspiration behind "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve", but MUCH better.... :) While this is a romcom... it's definitely got some drama. And is much more realistic than The Holiday. It's not all happy endings, but it's a really good movie. :)

Synopsis: Various love stories during the holidays. All taking place (mostly) in London. From the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) and his secretary, to the single guy flying to Milwaukee to meet "girls gone wild" ladies, the little boy in love with a school mate to a writer on holiday (Colin Firth) ... there are a lot of laughs and a few tears. Every story is different, each one making the movie a great one to watch.

Bridget Jones's Diary

I had not seen this until last year, but it is heart warming, hilarious, and relateable. We've all had a Bridget Jones type day.

Synopsis: Bridget Jones is 32 years old, and her life is a mess. She wants to make big changes in the new year, so she decides to keep a journal and document changing her life. This movie spans a year, and includes two Christmases, so I think it works for this post! It's really hilariously delightful. I recommend checking it out! Rated R.

While You Were Sleeping

This is one I tend to forget about, but really really love. It's sweet and you can't go wrong with my girl Sandy B.

Synopsis: Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a train toll operator and is secretly in love with a regular passenger. When he falls onto the tracks one day she saves his life. She follows him to the hospital, where he is in a coma, and his family assumes she is his girlfriend. They take her in for the holidays, and complications arise as she falls for his brother.

The Family Stone

This is my mom's favorite Christmas movie. I kind of love it too, it's a little bit sad, but I love those movies that have big family gatherings in them. :)

Synopsis: When Sibyl's (Diane Keaton) oldest son announces he is bringing a woman home for Christmas she is worried. When her son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) arrives with his girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) the whole family is instantly against her, and they don't try to hide it. Sibling shenanigans occur until she is forced to her breaking point. One family member is nice though, Everett's brother Ben (Luke Wilson). When Meredith's adventurous younger sister (Claire Danes) comes to join them, everything is turned upside down. There are also tons of well known actors in this one! This is one where you will laugh, cry, and wish you had a lot of siblings. :)

Little Women

I grew up watching this one. I love the story, it's so sweet an timeless. Though this movie spans years and therefore many seasons, I always want to watch it at Christmastime.

Synopsis: While her husband is away at war Marmie (Susan Sarandon) is left to raise her four daughters Meg, Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst) and manage her home on her own. The story tells the tale of girls growing up together. They play, fight, grow up, etc. It's very relateable despite the setting. Let's not forget Laurie (Christian Bale), who steals the heart of at least one of the sisters. In the end it's a heartwarming story.

Mean Girls

I haven't seen this in years... but it was a favorite when it came out. While not really a Christmas movie, who can forget this scene... ?

You know this one... :)

Bad Santa

I have never seen this. It always looked kinda silly... but it's on a lot of lists... so I guess I should watch it at some point. Plus, Lauren Graham. Duh. (not quite Lorelai... haha)

Synopsis: Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner pose as Santa and an Elf every year to pull off a Christmas con. Willie is depressed and turning to alcohol, Willie thinks it's too late for him. His behanvior tips off mall security (Bernie Mac). When Willie is befriended by a kid, he realizes maybe it isn't too late for him after all. - We'll see you guys...

Edward Scissorhands

This is not a Christmas movie... but part of it does take place during Christmas. It was one of my all-time favorite movies in high school. :) If you haven't seen this before, it's a little strange, but a really good movie. Johnny Depp knocks it out of the park as usual. :)

Synopsis: When an inventor creates an animated man, but dies before completing him, Edward (Johnny Depp) is left with scissors for hands. Discovered by an Avon lady he is brought home to live with her. While there he falls in love with her daughter (Winona Ryder). Conflict ensues, as it is hard to be accepted when you have scissors for hands. It's all about acceptance and being different. We can all relate to that right?

Dan in Real Life

I love this movie, and while I usually watch it in the fall, some friends have said that they like to watch it at Christmastime. I love that idea, such a great big family movie, but a little less sad than The Family Stone. :) If you haven't seen it I highly recommend.

Synopsis: Dan is an advice columnist for a newspaper as well as a single dad. He is raising his three girls as best he can, but he's not happy. When the four of them take a trip to visit the whole family, Dan finds what he has been missing. This movie is a little sad, hopeful, honest, and really pretty funny. I love it!

There you have it! 10 non-traditional holiday movies to get you in the spirit.

Other Xmas Movie Posts: 10 Classic Christmas Movies, KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies, our Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015.

Have you seen any of these?

Are your favorites as well?

XO,

Alexandra

Wish I Was Here // At the Movies // DVD Release

Seattle pictures... are being edited... but holy cow do I over photograph... so here's something else I've been thinking about. :)

Over the summer KC and I saw a LOT of movies.... at a LOT of different theaters in Kansas City. One of my favorite movies we saw was Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here.'

I have been a Zach Braff fan since Garden State, so I knew that I would want to see this movie too.

The movie is about a man who's life is more-or-less falling apart. His marriage is lack luster, his career is stagnant, his brother is a bum, and his father's cancer has returned (which consequently leaves his kids unable to continue attendance at their private school). -Sounds like a bummer right?

Luckily this plot also contains a lot of humor and triumph. As the story develops the theme quickly turns to hope. The main character does his best to take care of his family and repair his crumbling life. In turn he helps himself in the process. They realize and achieve dreams that they didn't know they had.

More than anything I like that this movie makes you think about how you live your life. It had KC and I talking the whole way home about how we spend our days, and how we shouldn't waste it. It isn't every day that you think about your 'dreams'. -We should do this more often!

If you are looking for an offbeat and thought provoking movie this is for you. (though this movie is pretty mature, not for younger viewers!)

'Wish I Was Here' is now on DVD, Netflix, and iTunes in the US.

Have you seen this movie? Did it get you thinking about how you want to be living your life?

I should mention that before the movie we had dinner at Blanc Burger (delicious!).

And after we had ice cream and glace!

Thank you for reading!

Alexandra

What If We See A Movie on the Way Home From Iowa?

See what i did there?

...probably not as good as 'About Time We Had a Date Night...' (here)...but I'm going with it....

Last weekend we went to a wedding for my elementary school BFF (more on this later!). It was in Iowa, the city was just a little over 4 hours from us. We drove up early in the morning and then drove back after the wedding. That put us near Kansas City close to dinner time, so we thought, why not see a movie...?

When we saw 'Wish I Was Here' a few weeks ago (more on this later too whoops!), we saw several previews for movies that looked good. One of them being 'What If' a semi - indie romcom starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan. (trailer here.)

The plot follows Wallace (Radcliffe) who is in a life rut, until he meets Chantry (Kazan). The only trick is, she has a boyfriend. He agrees to be friends with her (knowing the situation up front), and throughout the movie both hilarious and dramatic situations arise.

I really appreciated the silly banter and quirky conversation topics, they reminded me of the bits on Gilmore Girls, though this movie's dialogue had more of a focus on poop than GG... Regardless, I liked hearing the dialogue between the different characters. It covers a range from nerdy & expectant to know-it-all fun facts. It was a little dirtier than I had imagined it would be, but I think overall it comes across in a really silly sarcastic way. Either way, I appreciated seeing a depiction of young adults that wasn't so typical, and felt considerably more real.

I found it refreshing to watch the characters have supremely awkward conversations and interactions. From Radcliffe's spazzy club dancing to ill fated conversations about cool whip, the characters will keep you laughing and cringing . I felt like I could really relate to them, and not just because I'm a pretty spazzy dancer myself.

I also appreciated that it didn't take the typical depiction of the 'you can't live your life if you're in a serious relationship' theme that is currently so prevalent in shows and movies related to young adults. I know a lot of this feeling is simply because KC and I have been in a long term relationship for part of our teens and all of our twenties.... but that also means that I know it's true. You can be a happy, adventurous, successful person while you are in a relationship. These things are not exclusively reserved for the single and career-only-minded. (hopping off soapbox now..)

Things this movie will make you want to do:

Move to Canada (or any big city): I'm not sure how often it comes up in my posts, but I am a self-appointed Canadiophile. And, I'm pretty sure I made up the term... but I am a little obsessed with all things Canadian. It seems rare for a movie in mainstream US theaters to take place in Canada. This one was filmed mostly in Toronto.... and I can promise it will have you jones-ing for the quirky, boldly lit, & eclectic city life.

Raid Chantry's wardrobe: She has sort of a artsy/indie look going on, with lots of classics thrown in there. You'll be swooning over her quirky eye wear, effortless layering skills, bright coats, vintage inspired blouses and pretty party dresses. Just be prepared, you may really want to shop afterward.... or experiment with your full closet..

Be more spontaneous: Not only do these characters do things that are um, well, spontaneous.... (think skinny dipping & jetting off on a whim), they also happen to do quirky things throughout the movie (like shopping in Chinatown, knitting with the girls, and ping pong dates), it will make you want to go out and try something new or maybe do something just a little reckless.

Be in love: duh. :) In love with life, love, & friends.

Overall I really loved this movie. It left me feeling happy and refreshed. Really craving travel, fun, & new experiences. I think it can be so easy to get into routines that we forget what it's like to do something a little crazy. Even if that's just trying a new ice cream flavor.

We saw this movie at the 'Cinetopia' in OP, mostly for the showtime. The prairie fire area was really neat, and the natural history museum was awesome, so gorgeous from the outside! The theatre itself didn't live up to the hype or price. While the seats were comfy.... the popcorn (that KC waited 20 minutes!! in line for) was sub par, no one took my ticket, and the bathrooms were severely lacking toilet paper after our show. Plus it took the people next to us 40 + minutes to get their wine (that they ordered before the movie) brought to them. It could have been a fluke, but it was quite constant throughout our time there. It seems unlikely that we will go back with much intention, unless we are wanting to see a major blockbuster on the IMAX sized screens.

Have you seen 'What if'? What did you think?

Have you been to the OP 'Cinetopia'? How was your experience?

XO,

Alexandra

All movie images via Google. Toronto image via Pinterest.

About Time We Had A Date Night....

Kyle surprised me on Friday by suggesting that we go out on a date, despite our only-one-more-week-until-we-get-paid balance in our bank account. But we had groceries and no upcoming occasions... so we went for it!

We got a pizza and cheese sticks at Rudy's using our $9 in loyalty points it ended up being a very budget-friendly date dinner... with tons of leftovers!

After that we drove out to the Legends to see About Time. We thought the movie looked cute and very fun for the pre-holiday season based on the TV spots... but upon reading the movie times realized that it also involved time travel - what? So we were excited to see what it would actually be like. 

The movie itself was not what we had expected, though we liked it quite a bit. It wasn't as comedic as we had thought it would be, but it did have that sort of subtle, quirky British humor in it, which I love. The characters were very cute and kind of awkward, which made them easy to root for. By the middle of the movie you don't feel like you are watching some guy try to date Rachel McAdams.... I knew he had to be a Weasly! :)

The time travel element is a lot more of the plot that I expected, and definitely more than the non-indication in the TV spots... but it was kind of nice. It wasn't one of those stressful, The Butterfly Effect kind of situations.

One thing that I loved was some of McAdams' clothing in the movie. She worked for a book publisher and had such a quirky but feminine style. I find myself wanting to re-watch it just for some new outfit ideas!

Can we just take a minute to appreciate this gorgeous red wedding dress? Be still my heart!

I am super curious as to how the movie got that R-rating... The cussing was pretty mild and there really wasn't any nudity. Only a bit of sex. I guess when the last movie you saw was Don Jon anything seems tame in comparison... (the post on which never got published.. :/ !)

Overall the movie got me to thinking about savoring our days and appreciating the small things in life. We might then find, that what we thought was a bad day, was actually a good one. And I think that is a pretty incredible thing. So well done Richard Curtis, Cast & Crew!

It leads nicely into thinking about gratitude, which I always try to do, but is specifically appropriate considering the season.

Have you seen About Time? What did you think?

How do you keep focused on the good things during your days?

All for now & Thanks for Reading,

Alexandra 

Anybody else want to move to Britain? ;)