Up In The Air

I’ve been meaning to watch Up In The Air since its trailer was out but I’ve only managed to watch it recently. Thanks to Pitch Perfect as the trigger. Yeah, it’s actually Anna Kendrick.

I find this movie refreshing. First, there was nothing much to consider as a heavy conflict in this film. Secondly, it’s good to have something western on my list of entries in this blog. I haven’t forgotten the West, of course. However, the latter part of this film has reminded me a lot of what’s common in Japanese dramas and movies, the uncertainty that is. Or, better call it the twist of events.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is the kind of person whom I thought had a twisted philosophy but it was understandable. Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga) thought Ryan was right and wrong about Ryan. Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) was idealistic, which was good because she’s only 23 years old. But I love them being together, especially that “crashing” part.

There was no surprise with how Ryan and Alex’ relationship, whatever it may be, had become. I was actually amused with how Ryan took what Natalie said to heart. For someone like Ryan to reckon the words of a 23-year old was something. I find it admirable. Speaking of which, I also admire how he’s able to pack that light, but it should be given.

Up In The Air made me miss travelling, especially by plane. I wonder when will be my next trip. I’d love to travel again this year.

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Originally posted on: 20 February 2013
Reposted on: 2 August 2013

Pitch Perfect

First heard of Pitch Perfect from Ate Faye. She was having an LSS of “I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes. I saw the sign…”

When I watched it, I was hoping for a feel-good effect. I’m glad I wasn’t failed. I liked it. What I liked more was the discovery of Anna Kendrick’s talent. She’s amazing. I hope she get to have more roles that showcase her talent. Actually, I was thankful for Twilight. It’s where she had a break, I believe.

So what’s the story about? Beca Mitchell, a Barden freshman, has no desire to go to college, but is forced to attend by her father, a professor at the university. Wishing to instead move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music making, she takes up an internship at the school radio station, where she meets fellow freshman Jesse Swanson who intends to start to have a not-so-secret crush on Beca. When Beca’s father finds out that Beca has not been attending classes, he offers to let Beca go to Los Angeles (which he will help pay for) if she joins a club and proves that she wants to be involved for the rest of the year. After some persuasion from Aubrey Posen, the group leader, and Chloe Beale, she joins the Bellas (an all girl acapella group), along with a group of other women who do not fit the Bellas’ typical mold. [Wikipedia]

It was a fun movie to watch because I kind of followed the flow of music, even though I wouldn’t normally listen to the songs they’ve chosen to cover. So I guess that’s a proof of its goodness. Perhaps I’m just not used to watching musical movies, or it’s just been a while
– Les Miserables not counted, so there’s a refreshing effect on me. I haven’t thought that acapella could be that awesome given that the characters, the members of the Barden Bellas, had nothing in common but music.

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Originally posted on: 20 February 2013
Reposted on: 2 August 2013