Pleasure Notes » movies

Downtown And Chinatown

emmajames — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:15:22 +0000

Orpheum Theatre, ceiling detail, lobby

I revisited the golden era of Los Angeles this weekend; the Los Angeles Conservancy sponsored an event at one of the famous movie palaces in downtown L.A. – the Orpheum. At this sumptuous example of bygone glamour, they held a screening of Chinatown, one of my all-time favorite films.

Written by Robert Towne. Directed by Roman Polanski.

I’d never seen the movie before on the large screen. The impact of its themes – water rights, land issues, racism, misogyny and incest – is that much more powerful when the imagery is projected three stories high. The beauty of the venue made me yearn nostalgically for the days of white gloves and men’s fedoras.

Opened in 1926.

Is there some bit of architecture from a bygone era that is evocative for you?

Date Morning

emmajames — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:44:49 +0000

There are very few things that would compel me to wake up on a Saturday morning in time to be any place by 9 a.m. However, The Kid is one of those things. He celebrated a birthday this week and his parents are taking him to his very first in-theatre movie. There’s no way in hell I’m going to miss that!

So, I’m going to drag my ass out of bed tomorrow at the virtual CRACK OF DAWN to go watch Cars 2 with this non-blood-related boy who has stolen my heart.

"popcorn" by Homemade Polaroid

Side Note: Have you checked out Homemade Polaroid on Tumblr? If not, don’t even read the last sentence of this post – GO!

I guess this all means I’ll have to refrain from my latest midnight addiction – Instagram.

Le Grande Sigh…

Getting To Know Thor

emmajames — Sun, 08 May 2011 14:00:53 +0000

I saw Thor last night.

"Thor" still via Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures

It was good. There was a story. And actual acting. One can assume neither when going to see a tentpole, after all. But, honestly, I wouldn’t have given a flying fig if the film had been devoid of both. Give me that Chris Hemsworth kid and I’ll buy whatever you’re selling. I’d even name my first child Thor, if he had anything to do with it. I’m just saying…

Chris Hemsworth as Thor via Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures

Yum.

Girl Crushes, Flicks and Fantasies

emmajames — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:20:56 +0000

via Daniel Semper and Aeromental / flickr

I just saw Salt. My girl crush on Angelina Jolie continues unabated and unrequited. And I’ve just spent the last hour fantasizing about taking a kick-boxing class and jumping on top of moving vehicles… Once I can comfortably touch my nose to my knees, that is. Which will happen right after I dump George Clooney for not taking our relationship seriously.

In addition to Salt, here’s a list of movies I recommend that may be at a theatre near you:

Inception. Not nearly as confusing as some people claim, a great conversation piece and much better than Memento.
I Am Love. Cinema as art.
The Kids Are All Right. Capturing all the best aspects of indie film-making – emotion, integrity, simplicity, honesty and joy. Plus, Ruffalo is hot.

Now that you know my top movie picks of the moment, my work here is done. I will now go consider what evasive moves I must master as I sleep, on the off chance a Russian spy intercepts me on my way to work in the morning.

This post may or may not self-destruct in the next five seconds…