30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #30

Day 30. Last Movie You Watched

I’m so sad to say that this is the last day of my movie challenge. I’ve enjoyed doing this challenge so much…maybe I’ll find another challenge to do in a few months or so. Let me know if you have any suggestions. My thoughts are maybe a tv or photo challenge. Anyway here’s the last day of the movie challenge!

• Butter (2012)–In small-town Iowa, an adopted girl discovers her talent for butter carving and finds herself pitted against an ambitious local woman in their town’s annual contest. Starring Jennifer Garner, Olivia Wilde, Hugh Jackman, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Ty Burrell, Rob Corddry and Yara Shahidi. Yes this movie is all about butter sculpting but I loved it! There is such an emphasis on the characters and their relationships that make this story so touching. They are crazy yet so endearing. The cast is wonderful! Definitely recommending this movie!

• Now and Then (1995)–Four 12-year-old girls grow up together during an eventful small-town summer in 1970. Starring Christina Ricci, Rosie O’Donnell, Gaby Hoffmann, Demi Moore, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Ashleigh Aston Moore and Rita Wilson. This is one of my all-time favorites and it didn’t really fit into any of the other categories so I figured I would watch it and mention it here. It’s a great coming of age story with all the fun and weirdness of being a kid/preteen.

• Gone Baby Gone (2007)–Two Boston area detectives investigate a little girl’s kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personality. Based on the Dennis Lehane novel. Written and directed by Ben Affleck. Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and Amy Ryan. I’ve seen this movie a handful of times but it was the 99 cent rental on iTunes so i figured I would watch it again. I really love Ben Affleck behind the camera! He did a wonderful job with this film as well as The Town. I’ve also heard great things about Argo. I can’t wait to see it.

• Save the Date (2012)–Sarah begins to confront her shortcomings after she rejects her boyfriend’s hasty proposal and soon finds herself in a rebound romance. Meanwhile, her sister Beth is immersed in the details of her wedding. Starring Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, Mark Webber and Geoffrey Arend. My girl crush right now is Lizzy Caplan and I just love everything that she does. This movie moves slowly but it’s an interesting look into a woman’s resistance to relationships.

• Riding in Cars With Boys (2001)–A single mother, with dreams of becoming a writer, has a son at the age of 15 in 1965, and goes through a failed marriage with the drug-addicted father. Starring Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Brittany Murphy, James Wood and Lorraine Bracco. This is another favorite of mine that I sometimes forget about because it is pretty sad. I love Drew Barrymore and I think this is one the best roles she’s ever played.

What was the last movie you watched??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #29

Day 29. First Movie You Ever Remember Watching

I’ve seen so many movies that it is really tough for me to remember seeing a lot of them. These are a few movies that have been memorable viewing experiences.

• The Jungle Book (1967)–Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilization. My dad told me that this was the first movie I saw in the movie theater. They were playing it somewhere in Miami when I was a few months old and my dad took me. I obviously don’t remember this but I figure it’s a big deal.

• Vacancy (2007)–A young married couple becomes stranded at an isolated motel and finds hidden video cameras in their room. They realize that unless they escape, they’ll be the next victims of a snuff film. Starring Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson. This was the first rated R movie that I saw in the movie theater without an adult. I just remember that my friend was really nervous because she didn’t have her license yet so she brought a bunch of other things with her birthday on them. It was really funny. The movie wasn’t great but we came up with a whole list of things to do/not do so we would never end up in a horror movie.

• Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain (1995)–A city girl teams up with a tomboy to solve the mystery of Bear Moutian, Molly Morgan and the buried treasure as well as learn about true friendships. Starring Christina Ricci and Anna Chlumsky. This was the movie that I always rented every time we went to Blockbuster. There was just something about it that I was in love with.

• Lilo & Stitch (2002)–A Hawaiian girl adopts an unusual pet who is actually a notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive from the law. This is probably my most memorable movie theater experience. I saw this movie in Massachusetts when we were visiting family. The theater was packed and I just remember my cousins, my brother and I had a hard time finding seats…I think my brother even sat on the floor?! It was one of those memories that I’ve always remembered. I miss those times that I used to spend with my cousins…everyone’s all grown up now!!

• Legally Blonde (2001)–When a blonde sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to follow him to law school to get him back and, once there, learns she has more legal savvy than she ever imagined. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson and Selma Blair. I don’t necessarily remember the first time I saw this movie but I do remember that this was the first movie on DVD that I ever bought/owned. I’ve seen this movie so many times and it’s always amazing!!

What’s the first movie you remember watching??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #28

Day 28. Movie With Your Favorite Hero

I’ve used some of my favorite heroes for other categories but here are some others that I really do love.

• Gru in Despicable Me (2010)–When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better. Starring the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove. Besides just loving everything about this movie, Gru is one of my all-time favorite movie characters! He tries so hard to be a bad guy but he just has too big of a heart.

• Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality (2000)–An FBI agent must go undercover in the Miss United States beauty pageant to prevent a group from bombing the event. Starring Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine and Benjamin Bratt. This movie is too freaking funny! Gracie Hart is a badass chick but in a really fun way. She’s just adorable!

• Slim in Enough (2002)–On the run from an abusive husband, a young mother begins to train herself to fight back. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Billy Campbell, Juliette Lewis and Noah Wyle. Here is a woman that doesn’t take any crap from anyone. She is so strong and really stands up for herself and her daughter.

• Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump (1994)–Forrest Gump, while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny eludes him. Starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise and Sally Field. Even though he doesn’t always do things by thinking them through, Forrest has a great heart and always does things for others. He is an all around good guy.

• Erin Brockovich in Erin Brockovich (2000)–An unemployed single mother becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply. Directed for Steven Soderbergh. Starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney and David Brisbin. The epitome of tough woman. She doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. She stands for what is right even when no one else will.

What’s a movie with your favorite hero??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #27

Day 27. Movie With Your Favorite Villain

• Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988)–John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save wife Holly Dennaro and several others, taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and Bonnie Bedelia. There is something about Alan Rickman that makes an awesome bad guy. He’s freaky and so badass! LOVE HIM!

• Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians (1996)–A woman kidnaps puppies to kill them for their fur, but various animals then gang up against her and get their revenge in slapstick fashion. Starring Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels and Joely Richardson. I think that Cruella De Vil is one of the best Disney villains! I was even her for Halloween one year. Glenn Close does a great job bringing this animated character to life that she is forever known in my mind as Cruella.

• Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991)–A young FBI cadet must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer who skins his victims. Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. I think this is self explanatory. I mean he eats people. He’s so good at being so freaking creepy!

• The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008)–When Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent launch an assault on the mob, they let the clown out of the box, the Joker, bent on turning Gotham on itself and bringing any heroes down to his level. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman. Health brought it all to this character. The creepiest part of this character was all the little ticks and mannerisms.

• Hilly Holbrook in The Help (2011)–An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids’ point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain. She isn’t as evil as the rest but there is a more real-life evil to her. She totally got what was coming to her!

Who’s your favorite movie villain??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #26

Day 26. Movie You’re Most Embarrassed to Say You Like

I’m not really embarrassed to say that I like movies. I know there are a lot of bad movies that I enjoy. They’re entertaining. I get the difference between a good and a bad movie but sometimes I just don’t care!

• Surviving Christmas (2004)–A lonely, obnoxious young millionaire pays a family to spend Christmas with him. Starring Ben Affleck, Christina Applegate, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Jennifer Morrison. It’s completely nuts and crazy but I laugh through the whole thing! It’s charming and entertaining! Oh and I’ve seen/met most of the main characters in this movie!!

• The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)–Lizzie McGuire has graduated from middle school and takes a trip to Rome, Italy with her class. And what was supposed to be only a normal trip, becomes a teenager’s dream come true. Starring Hilary Duff, Adam Lamberg and Yani Gellman. I was a huge fan of the show so of course I would love the movie! It’s every girl’s dream to meet a cute Italian boy and become a popstar! And I know I’m not the only one that loves this movie…I think we all know the correct response to “HEY NOW HEY NOW!”

• Life-Size (2000)–A widower’s daughter accidentally brings her doll to life while trying to cast a spell to resurrect her mother. Starring Lindsay Lohan, Jere Burns and Tyra Banks. Look it’s cute little Lindsay! It shines bright and far! Hahaha! That song gets stuck in my head so often!!

• Glitter (2001)–Similar to Mariah’s life story. Mariah plays the role of a younger singer who is eager to become a big star. She dates a DJ who helps her get into the music business. Starring Mariah Carey, Max Beesley and Terrence Howard. I know, I know! Everyone hates this movie but when it first came out I think I was going through a Mariah Carey phase. I love her voice and still listen to some of the songs. And I really have a love for Terrence Howard too!

• On the Line (2001)–A shy advertising employee meets his dream girl on the El train, but doesn’t remember to get her phone number, resulting in an all-out search for the mystery girl. Starring Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Emmanuelle Chriqui. Who wouldn’t see a movie with multiple members of ‘NSYNC?!? Lance Bass was always my favorite but I love them all and one of my favorite parts is actually during the credits with Justin Timberlake! But now JT needs to start making more music!!

Are there any movies that you like that you’re too embarrassed to say??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #25

Day 25. Movie With the Most Beautiful Scenery

Sometimes, the main reason to see a film is all about how it looks. Some films are able to create these whole other worlds that are completely beautiful. Whether it’s from the locations or CGI or the cinematography, if a film looks beautiful, it’s going to be worth watching at least once. That’s the whole point of film–they tell stories in a visual way.

• Avatar (2009)–A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home. Written and directed by James Cameron. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver. I couldn’t find any pictures that truly give this movie justice. I think it’s just beautiful. Too bad there is so much destruction throughout the movie.

• Marie Antoinette (2006)–The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 15 to her reign as queen at 19 to the end of her reign as queen and ultimately the fall of Versailles. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman and Rip Torn. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this movie…I don’t think I cared too much for the story but the cinematography is amazing. The lavishness of the culture is exquisit. The costumes and decorations are the reason to see this movie!

• Inception (2010)–In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Marion Cotillard. I just love the weirdness and craziness to how this movie was shot. This scene below is one of the best shot scenes–it’s just so cool! I also loved seeing these dream worlds being built and destroyed.

• Edward Scissorhands (1990)–An uncommonly gentle young man, who happens to have scissors for hands, falls in love with a beautiful teenage girl. Written and directed by Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest. Seeing the dark and twisted juxtaposed with the pastel colored suburbia is a cool mixture. There is an eery beauty to the film. I just love things like this.

•  Shutter Island (2010)–Drama set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding nearby. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Michelle Williams. The mysterious nature of this movie leads to some really creepy and ominous scenes.

What movie do you think has the most beautiful scenery??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #24

Day 24. Movie With Your Favorite Soundtrack

I’m a person who will like a movie a million times better just by what the soundtrack is like. If there are bad songs that don’t really fit the movie, it takes me out of the story and I just find it distracting. I also just want to point out that I’ve been listening to Skyfall by Adele since it came out. That song alone makes me think that the new Bond film will have an excellent soundtrack.

• Pitch Perfect (2012)–Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school’s all-girl singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition. Starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp and Rebel Wilson. The soundtrack is full of popular songs of right now mashed up with other songs…all sung without music. Some of the songs that make an appearance are “Since U Been Gone,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Just a Dream,” “Party in the U.S.A.,” “Magic,” and “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. The songs are fun and it’s always entertaining to hear songs in new arrangements! It’s the college version of Glee basically.

• What A Girl Wants (2003)–An American teenager learns that her father is a wealthy politician running for office. Although she is eager to find him, she realizes it could cause a scandal and cost him the election. Starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth and Kelly Preston. I’m not really sure why I love the music so much but I listen to it all the time. I feel like the songs really worked for the story. Plus Oliver James singing is so adorable!

• Hanna (2011)–A 16-year-old who was raised by her father to be the perfect assassin is dispatched on a mission across Europe, tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent and her operatives. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana. This soundtrack isn’t really songs, it’s a score by The Chemical Brothers. But it’s still one of the best soundtracks! The combination of action and childlike innocence. It’s eerily beautiful. Plus, “The Devil is in the Beats” is my running song…I like to pretend I’m a teenage assassin.

• 8 Mile (2002)–A young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make the most of what could be his final opportunity but his problems give him doubts. Starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger and Mekhi Phifer. I always have been and always will be obsessed with “Lose Yourself”…my brother and I used to walk around the mall rapping this song. I’m a fan of Eminem’s other songs but this is by far his best one!

• The Fighting Temptations (2003)–A New York advertising executive travels to a small Southern town to collect an inheritance but finds he must create a gospel choir and lead it to success before he can collect. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Beyonce Knowles and Mike Epps. Even though I’m not really religious, I have a huge love for gospel music. It’s fresh and fun and they even rap a little! And come on, who doesn’t want to hear Beyonce sing “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”?

What’s your favorite movie soundtrack??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #23

Day 23. Movie That Inspires You

OMG so many movies to choose from in this category! I find that most movies have some sort of inspiration to them so it really just depends on the mood you’re in.

• Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)–The sisters come back to Delores’s show to get her back as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of students in their parochial school which is doomed for closure. One of the girls, who is the most talented of the bunch, is forbidden to sing by her mother, although the choir has made it to the state championship. A group of stereotypical incompetent monks tries to stop them. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Maggie Smith and Lauryn Hill. It’s a great story that teaches kids to follow their dreams and that it only takes one person to inspire many. I absolutely love this movie!! Especially all the songs. They have wonderful voices!

• Mulan (1998)–To save her father from death in the army, a Chinese maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroes in the process. Starring the voice of Eddie Murphy as Mushu. Way to go Disney for bringing in the girl power. Mulan finally breaks the barrier for princesses. She doesn’t need a prince in shinning armor to come save her. She’s gonna be doing all the saving herself. LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.

• Pay It Forward (2000)–A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance. Starring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment and Helen Hunt. I have a love/hate relationship with this movie. It’s just too damn sad. But the idea that if you reach out to three people and that chain continues, is an inspiring one. The world really can be a better place.

• Remember the Titans (2000)–The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst. It’s a great story about young people putting aside their differences and realizing their similarities. It’s moving to know that things like this really did happen and that people do truly stand up for what they believe in.

• Soul Surfer (2011)–A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack. Starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Carrie Underwood. The real story of Bethany Hamilton is a truly moving one that plays out so well in this movie. I figure if a girl who lost her arm is able to do so much and help so many people, I could do great things too.

What movie inspires you??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #22

Day 22. Movie You Wish You Could Live In

This category was hard because I’ve already used a lot of movies that I would want to live in in other categories. Here are a few others that I would find interesting to live in.

• The Wizard of Oz (1939)–Dorothy Gale is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. Starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley. With all the magic and wonderful characters who wouldn’t want to live in the Land of Oz?? Plus I want to live in a world where randomly breaking out into song is a normal occurrence!

• Accepted (2006)–A high school slacker who’s rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece os property near his hometown. Starring Justin Long, Jonah Hill and Blake Lively. This just seems like the most fun college ever!

• Monte Carlo (2011)–Three young women vacationing in Paris find themselves whisked away to Monte Carlo after one of the girls is mistaken for a British heiress. Starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy and Cory Monteith. Who wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a princess and get to play dress up in some fabulous clothes…and shoes!!

• Star Trek (2009)–The brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father’s legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful, time-traveling Romulan creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time. Directed by J.J. Abrams. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Karl Urban and Zoe Saldana. I want to hang out in space with these two beautiful guys.

• National Treasure (2004)–A treasure hunter is in hot pursuit of a mythical treasure that has been passed down for centuries, while his employer turned enemy is onto the same path that he’s on. Starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha and Jon Voight. I love scavenger hunts! Living a real one could be really awesome!!

What movie do you wish you could live in??

30 Day Movie Challenge: Day #21

Day 21. Movie With Your Favorite Actor

I am totally and completely obsessed with Robert Downey Jr.!! He is by far my favorite actor! All my friends make fun of how much I love him. I don’t think I could ever really articulate how I feel…even when I wrote a paper on him for a final for one of my college courses! Haha.

• Iron Man (2008)/Iron Man 2 (2010)–When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil. Directed and starring Jon Favreau along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke. I remember going to see this movie and it was when I first fell in love with RDJ. Iron Man is my favorite superhero…I even have my own plastic arc reactor!!

• Sherlock Holmes (2009)–Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Directed by Guy Ritchie. Starring Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. I’m a fan of the Sherlock Holmes books and I think this movie did it justice! Plus Jude Law as Watson made me really like him two. They are quit the pair!

• Tropic Thunder (2008)–Throughout a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying. Written, directed and starring Ben Stiller. Also starring Jack Black and a star-studded cast. It’s all sorts of wrong but in the best way. Just plain stupid fun.

• Heart and Souls (1993)–A businessman is reunited with the four lost souls who were his guardian angels during childhood, all with a particular purpose to joining the afterlife. Starring Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgwick and Tom Sizemore. It’s cute and adorable.

• Chances Are (1989)–Louie Jeffries is happily married to Corinne. On their first anniversary, Louie is killed crossing the road. Louie is reincarnated as Alex Finch, and twenty years later, fate brings Alex and Louie’s daughter, Miranda, together. It’s not until Alex is invited to Louie’s home that he begins to remember his former life, wife and best friend. Of course, there’s also the problem that he’s attracted to Louie’s/his own daughter. Starring Cybill Shepherd, Ryan O’Neal and Mary Stuart Masterson. It’s a silly story but RDJ pulls it off.

What’s a movie with your favorite actor??