Happy New Month: Films of October 2012

A while back, I read a book about a woman who thought that most of the time, less is more. Last month, I applied Coco Chanel's mantra to my movie watching habit.

I already wrote about the things I thought about last month, and my blogging plans for the future, so if you haven't read that yet, please do so. Also, happy birthday to the Large Association of Movie Blogs.

Here's a great tune to listen to while you read about the films I watched last month: 

The Thieving Magpie Abridged.

WATCHED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

Creep (2004) Christopher Smith - United Kingdom/ Germany

Every year in October, I swear I'm going to watch a lot of horror movies, but it's never worked out yet. This was the only one I saw this year, and that before going to London, which was kind of creepy. I liked Franka Potente, but the movie wasn't that scary.

Rating: 4.0

Disclosure (1994) Barry Levinson - USA

It wasn't as bad as many people think it is. Admittedly, it's very 90s and I really don't understand how people find Michael Douglas attractive (especially Demi Moore's character), but otherwise the theme of sexual harassment to men is interesting and still a tabu.

Rating: 6.5

Harsh Times  (2005) David Ayer - USA

I agree that it would have been half as good without Christian Bale, but that man can turn any movie into something better than average. However, it really was harsh and I find movies like that hard to sit through.

Rating: 7.2

Liberal Arts (2012) Josh Radnor - USA

Josh Radnor reminds me of Woody Allen a lot, if I can say that after his only two movies. His movies are set or at least slightly centered around New York City, he plays a neurotic, unsuccessful writer in them and they're light and fun at the first sight, and then turn out to be extremely profound in the end. Personally, I think he has matured since his first film as Liberal Arts is filled with even more intelligent thoughts than Happythankyoumoreplease. And what's more, it manages to be a sad movie and a happy movie at the same time.

Rating: 9.0

The Sweetest Thing (2002) Roger Kumble - USA

This is my little sister's current favourite movie - she watches it all the time. I actually genuinely liked it. It's a little... American-pie-esque, but in a good way. 

Rating: 7.3

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Stephen Chbosky - USA

It has been a long time since I saw a coming-of-age film as outstanding as this one. In fact, I love it so much, I don't know how to express myself. What can I say... I cried for the last half hour of it, I think. It's so perfect! The only reason I don't rate it higher is that I'm unsure about my reaction when I re-watch it... which is what I said about Drive too, so...

Rating: 9.0

Whispers (1990) Douglas Jackson - USA

So boring I don't want to talk about it. 

Rating: 4.0

RE-WATCHED WITH THE PURPOSE OF INTENSE EXAMINATION

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Chris Columbus - UK/ USA/ Germany

So sweet, and so much scarier than I had remembered. Ah, it's so nice to finally re-watch Harry Potter!

Rating: 8.5

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Alfonso Cuarón - UK/ USA

I guess this is still my favourite.

Rating: 9.4

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Mike Newell - UK/ USA

Harry's haircut was really bad in this one. And it was weird seeing Robert Pattinson, knowing now who he is.

Rating: 8.5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) David Yates - UK/ USA

Much more interesting on a second view. Harry's haircut is much better.

Rating: 8.5

Joined rating: 10.0

Stand by Me (1986) Rob Reiner - USA

This movie is so sad. And so good.

Rating: 9.6

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) David Fincher - USA

This movie is so sad! And so good!

Rating: 9.6

The Tree of Life (2011) Terrence Malick - USA

Ahem... this movie is... just as close to perfection as I had hoped but not dared saying after my first view. 

Rating: 9.6

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Amount of feature films watched this month: 14 (September -19)

Average rating: 8.1  (September -0.2)

Worst film of the month: Whispers

Best film of the month: The Tree of Life/ Stand by Me/ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

SERIES

True Blood, Season 2 (2009) Allan Ball, USA 

I really don't think the series get's worse (yet) - the second season was suspenseful, smart (and a little stupid) - and sexy, of course.

Verdict: Still addicted

BOOKS

Cuentos Mexicanos (= Mexican Stories) - Santillana

Interesting and good for Spanish practicing.

*** out of 5

Geim - de la Motte, Anders

A very captivating read that made it hard to take my eyes off the pages. Like most readers, I found the main character hard to bear, but in the end it felt like I started to understand him partly. 

Perfect when you need something not-so high brow.

***

Introducing Logic - Cryan, Dan

I absolutely LOVE these series!

****

Jigs & Reels: Stories - Harris, Joanne

I think the best word to describe this is: cute. Which doesn't mean it's not profound.

****

Norwegian Wood - Murakami, Haruki

Ahhhhh... Murakami. I knew it was only a matter of time until I'd stumble upon an author as great as you. It's been a while.

About your book: I ABSOLUTELY liked it. Not loved... or not really. Well, I really, really liked it. I just know that you can do even better. By the way, I thought the film (watched last month) was almost just as good as the book. 

****

The Elephant Vanishes - Murakami, Haruki

My first Murakami book was the perfect start for a hopefully exciting love affair with his work. I'll be looking forward to more of this.

*****

The Namesake - Lahiri, Jhumpa

A superb novel written surprisingly beautifully. Not better, but definitely just as great as the film.

*****